Against All Odds

Chapter 7

Note: Before reading, I just wanted to let you know that words inside quotation marks ("sample") mean they are being said verbally. While italicized words inside quotation marks ("sample") are being said in their minds or thoughts. This will apply to the entirety of the book. Happy reading!

Maximillian Perceval Blaise

He stared out the window and thought about Astrid. They were still in the same room but he couldn't look at her, so his back was facing her instead. It had been over a month since they kissed, but he still couldn't forget about it. How can he anyway? He likes her.

His mind was consumed by the thoughts and feelings he had for his best friend. When, in fact, he should be thinking about their current situation. He wanted to solve every puzzle that completed the mystery of the letter given to Astrid. But he just could not stop his mind from thinking about how, even after sharing a kiss, they were still best friends. That thought hurt him, but he was always willing to endure anything for her.

"Max? Can you sit beside me, please?" He was startled by that request. Sometimes he still gets anxious if she can read his mind. He approached her and sat. They both stared at each other before Astrid broke eye contact.

"So, do you need anything? What's up? You hungry?" He asked, still looking at her.

"Nothing, Max. I just... something is just bothering me. It has been days now actually, but I have no one else to talk to about it." Now he looked at her worriedly. "What is it? You can tell me anything, you know?" He asked.

"Yeah, I know that. But you're kind of the reason why." Surprised by her statement, he sat closer to her.

"What do you mean? Is there a problem? Did I do something?" He asked as countless thoughts ran through his mind. Their situation was already messing up his mind. Now he had other things to think about.

"Hey, no. I swear it is not bad. I was just thinking about the evening of my birthday. The kiss." It felt like cold air brushed through his entire body as goosebumps started to arise from his skin.

"Yeah, about that, why exactly is it bothering you?" As much as he wanted to say all the words he'd been keeping from her. He wanted her to lead the conversation. He couldn't risk anything. He got up and poured some whiskey in a glass, and sat beside Astrid again.

"I don't know to be honest. I tried to brush it off, but then I still catch myself thinking about it. And I also don't know what to feel about what I said after the kiss. I know I initiated it, and I understand if you think I'm a bitch." Her voice cracked, but he laughed. He took another sip of his whiskey, heck even downed the whiskey all in one go.

- Flashback -

"Why are you so lost in your thoughts Max? You alright?" She asked.

"Nothing Astrid. I'm fine." He answered.

"Hey Max? Thank you for being here for me all the time. I just want to let you know how great of a best friend you are to me. You are the best best friend I could ever ask for."

- End of Flashback -

"Hey, I know... I am a confusing person sometimes, because I am even confused about myself right now. I always catch myself thinking about it. I can't figure out why. I don't know if I am in a state of denial." She added.

"Astrid? I also think about that kiss often. Sometimes I wonder why you did that." He spoke seriously, looking down at his fidgeting fingers.

When he looked up, Astrid was already sitting down and facing him. She reached out to take his hand. Their fingers now intertwined, a tangible link between them that spoke volumes without uttering a word. A rush of emotions surged through both of them. A mix of nervousness and anticipation danced in the air as she leaned in, their faces drawing closer, breaths mingling. Time seemed to slow down as their lips met, hesitantly at first, then with a growing hunger for the connection they had been denying.

A soft, lingering kiss sealed their unspoken feelings. It was a kiss that held years of friendship, trust, and the promise of something deeper. The world around them faded into insignificance as they lost themselves in the moment, savoring the taste of the possibility of having feelings for each other all this time.

When they finally pulled away, their eyes met, and a shared understanding passed between them. This wasn't just a fleeting moment; it was something they had been thinking about for a long time. They were cluseless that they shared the same thoughts about the kiss.

With a mix of excitement and trepidation, Max wanted more. He leaned in this time and led the kiss. He made sure not to let her hand go while he made the kiss deeper. He cupped his face and started to let his hands wander around her body. He pulled a little to make sure Astrid was still okay. He needed assurance, and when he got it, he leaned in again. Both wanted this kiss more than ever.

Before they knew it, they fell asleep with their fingers intertwined.

The sun's gentle rays began to filter through the curtains, casting a soft glow across the room. As the world outside stirred to life, so did Astrid and Maximillian, who found themselves waking up together.

Astrid woke up first and blinked with her eyes open, feeling the warmth of the morning sun against her skin. The softness of the sheets reminded her that she was not alone. She turned her head to the side, finding Maximillian's messy hair and peaceful face. The memory of their previous night's conversation flooded back into her mind; especially the kiss.

A faint blush warmed her cheeks as she recalled the bittersweet mix of fear and excitement that had coursed through her veins. It had been a turning point, a pivotal moment that had brought them closer than ever before. With a newfound awareness, she had realized that her affection for him had evolved into something more she couldn't ignore anymore.

Max stirred, his eyes slowly fluttering open to meet her eyes. A tender smile spread across his face, mirroring the emotions that swirled within him. There was an unspoken understanding between them, a connection that defied explanation.

"Good morning, Diana. How was your sleep? Hmm?" Maximillian whispered, his voice filled with warmth and affection.

"Morning, Max. I slept well. " She replied softly, her voice carrying a mixture of anticipation and uncertainty.

As they lay there, inches apart, the air seemed charged with an unspoken longing. The morning sun bathed them in a golden hue, as if nature itself recognized the significance of the moment.

Astrid mustered the courage to speak, her voice barely above a whisper. "Max? about last night..."

Her eyes widened slightly, a mix of surprise and joy washing over her face as he reached out, gently cupping her cheek, his touch sending a shiver down her spine. She closed her eyes for a moment, savoring the touch of his hand against her skin. The electricity between them was undeniable, and it seemed as though the world outside had faded away, leaving only the two of them in that intimate space.

With a gentle motion, Maximillian leaned in, closing the gap between them again. Their lips met in a soft, lingering kiss—a sweet affirmation of the emotions they had shared.

When they finally pulled away, their eyes met again, silently conveying a newfound understanding. As they lay there, basking in the warmth of the sun on their skin, they knew that this isn't just how best friends act. Astrid and Maximilian had always been inseparable. They had weathered the storms of childhood together, sharing laughter, tears, and countless adventures. Their friendship was a sanctuary, a place where they could always find solace and understanding. But lately, a subtle shift had taken place, leaving them both feeling a little confused about their feelings. Especially after sharing a kiss, one after another.

Amelia sat on the edge of her bed, her mind a jumble of thoughts and emotions. She couldn't help but replay moments from their recent interactions over and over again. There was a warmth in his smile, a lingering touch that made her heart skip a beat whenever she looked at him. She found herself wanting to be around him more often, cherishing the time they spent together even more.

Maximillian, on the other hand, found himself grappling with a similar whirlwind of emotions. He couldn't deny the butterflies that fluttered in his stomach, especially after their recent kisses. His feelings for her are growing deeper, hoping she finally feels the same.