To the song of Don't Cry, by Guns 'n' Roses.

Key: bold= Fang's thoughts

italics= song

Disclaimer: (would help if i did these more often) Last I heard of, James Patterson owns the copyright

I had a… foreboding, if you would, that Max was either hurt, scared, or some other deep emotion relating to sadness.

"Am I allowed?" I asked the door to Max's room, or whoever was in the room. "No. Just… no." Her voice had a strange quality, with an almost wavering sound to it. I frowned slightly, and opened the door. I knew that I could, and probably wouldhave to pay for it.

Max was sitting with her legs up, hiding her face in her arms and shuddering slightly.

If we could see tomorrow, what of your plans

No-one can live in sorrow, ask all your friends

Times that you took in stride, they're back in demand

And I was the one who's washing, blood of your hands.

I walked over to Max, and sat down beside her, and then put an arm around her, showing support through body language. She then did what I didn't expect: she leaned into it. She was that emotionally distraught that she let all of her guards down.

"What happened?" I asked her after a couple of minutes of that.

She drew in a breath, not without shuddering it a little.

"Angel told me that… she wanted to live in a safe house, and not be hunted down every second minute of our lives. Then I guess… I lost it. I ran out of the living room and in here.

"I wish life was simpler, like it was when we weren't caught up in all this political crap." She spoke the word like it was literally a piece of crap. I smiled a bit on the inside: there was a bit of Max still in between the tears.

"Life is so much more confusing now. I just wish we could be… normal sometimes" She paused; as if she was reflecting on the impact those words could have if they were true.

"There's no such thing as normal, Max. There are different people around the world; we've just got slightly more variety." I interrupted.

And don't you cry tonight; I still love you baby.

And don't you cry tonight.

Don't you cry tonight; there's a heaven above you baby.

And don't you cry tonight.

"But for now there's no reason to cry." I continued, "Tears are wasted on so much worthless situations. You can change that situation. Make it so that the world's a safer place. You're the one who's got to save the world, after all. Just don't cry."

I know the things you wanted; they're not what you have.

With all the people talking; it's driving you mad.

And if I was standing by you; then how would you feel:

Knowing your love's decided, and all love is real?

She smiled tremulously. "I thank you for those words of wisdom, o tall and mysterious one. Thank you." That was all that really needed to be said, yet something inside me was telling me to postpone her departure.

And don't you cry tonight

An' don't you cry tonight

Don't you cry tonight; there's a heaven above you, baby.

And don't you cry tonight.