Books, Secrets, and Mayhem (ota, gentle tag to Max)

[has_flashes]

Liz was already in the library to look up things to help with an assignment. It might only be the second full week of school, but she had some homework and her advance placement courses required her to be on the ball. She also felt at home with the books. None of them were there to judge her. They were there to give her advice and to teach her. Liz

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[trappedalien]

Max hadn't been avoiding Liz per se, it was that he just hadn't gone out of his way to see her happy with Roman. He should have known that he'd see her here and maybe subconsciously he did and that's why he'd come to the library. When he saw her reach for the book and the resulting fall, he quickly reached her side to try to deflect them from her.

[has_flashes]

Perhaps it was partially instinct, but the moment Max was close t her, Liz stepped closer which would make it easier for him to deflect the books, which it did. Even in that short moment, Liz was aware of the heat Max seemed to give off. It was familiar and warm and she had to mentally force herself to take a step back.

"Thanks..." She offered him a somewhat awkward, but appreciative smile.

[trappedalien]

Max was well aware of the closeness of her body as soon as the books were deflected and took an awkward step back to force himself not to step closer.

"Your welcome." His smile was just as awkward. "Here let me." He bent down to pick up the books, mainly to give himself something to do so he didn't stare at her.

[has_flashes]

"No, it's okay." She bent down, too, to gather up the books for much the same reason as Max did. Though Liz ended up reaching for the same book at Max and she touched the back of his hand. He was warm and his touch familiar, but what Liz didn't know was she had inadvertently sent a flashing image of an older Max in her bathroom and a strong sense of gut wrenching sadness.

Liz picked up the book with an apologetic smile and stood up to try and deposit the extra books back on the shelf.