Disclaimer: I do not own Maximum Ride or iPods or 'Only Love' by Trademark or oak trees…I should stop now…

Fang POV

The Flock was snoring softly, sound asleep. Rain was falling from the dark, starless night, but the boughs of the ancient oak that we were sleeping in sheltered us.

I was on first watch, but it was boring just sitting there. Finally, after a while trying to stay awake, I pulled out the iPod that Max had bought for the Flock to share.

It was pink- blame Angel and the Bambi eyes- but at least it had lots of songs in it. Enough to keep me awake for the rest of my watch.

I stuck the earbuds into my ears and turned the iPod on. Searching through the huge list of songs, I randomly chose one. 'Only Love'. Sounds kind of interesting…

2 a.m. and the rain is falling

What was this? Some fortune-telling song? I listened harder.

Here we are, at the crossroads once again.

You're telling me you're so confused

You can't make up your mind.

Is it meant to be? You're asking me.

It was a fortune-telling song.

I sighed quietly, thinking about this morning.

-flashback-

Max and I had just flown out of the house. It was night, so Iggy and the younger children were sleeping. We lighted onto a ledge, overlooking the vast ocean.

Sitting there, with our legs hanging over the edge, we talked about this and that. But I felt perfect, content, just being with Max. Then, unthinkingly, I kissed her.

So I was surprised when she kissed me back. Usually, she would push me away, but today, she pulled me in closer.

Suddenly, she pulled away; looking embarrassed, and flew away, as if we had been boiling live puppies.

I was left, staring at her receding figure, as confused as ever.

-end flashback-

But only love can stay,

Try again or walk away.

But I believe for you and me

The sun will shine one day.

I hoped it would, hoped with all my heart.

So I just play my part

Pray you'll have a change of heart.

But I can't make you see it through,

That's something only love can do.

I keep kissing Max, hoping that she'll show her love back. But maybe it's time for something different.

In your arms as dawn is breaking,

Face to face but a thousand miles apart.

Max and I have been even more distant lately. Whether it's from my kissing expertise, or something else, I don't know.

I've tried my best to make you see

There's hope beyond the pain.

Ari's death has touched us all, but it had hurt Max the most.

I have tried to help, but frankly, I have no idea what to do. It's not my thing.

But only love can stay

Try again or walk away.

But I believe for you and me

The sun would shine one day.

So I just play my part

Pray you'll have a change of heart.

But I can't make you see it through

That's something only love can do.

I know if I could find the words

To touch you deep inside,

You'll give my dreams just one more chance

Let this be our last goodbye.

I wish I could find those words…I wish…

But only love can stay

Try again or walk away.

But I believe for you and me

The sun would shine one day.

So I just play my part

Pray you'll have a change of heart.

But I can't make you see it through

That's something only love can do.

That's something only love can do.

As the song ended, I sighed again. I wished that Max really did love me. So many wishes, I'm beginning to worry myself.

I looked at Max, sprawled on the tree branch beside me. She looked so young when she sleeps; she has much more on her shoulders than any of us.

I brushed a strand of hair out of her face. I loved her- couldn't she see that? Max suddenly grabbed my hand, pulling it under her chin and snuggling against it.

I gave a small smile. Maybe there was hope after all.

Yeah, it's cheesy. Oh well.

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