I stared at the fire as it died down trying to relax now that everything was behind us. The pressure was gone and without it I felt a little lost, we had almost always had something hanging over our head and I had hated every minute of it but now here I was complaining the second it was over.

Attempting to focus on something else I got up and made an abrupt announcement. "It's time for bed, and I'm going to go fly for a little while. Fang's in charge." Everyone looked surprised but no one spoke or objected, simply getting ready laying down finding the most comfortable position they could considering where they had to sleep. I was getting ready to take off when somebody touched my arm causing me to jump. I was still nervous and instantly mad at myself for overreacting when I spun around to find it was only Fang. His face seemed impassive, but he was tense, and I instantly wanted to comfort him then felt odd for the strange impulse.

"Are you okay?" he asked quietly, so the others who were all already peacefully asleep or so I thought, couldn't hear. His concern was obvious, something that was rare for him to show, but it was finally time for him to be happy and unwind after all he and the rest of us had been through; I didn't want to ruin that for him with my ridiculous problems, so I just nodded and even though I could tell he didn't buy it he let it go, let me go, as I hurled myself into the air to be alone.

You should tell him, let him in, you have to open up to someone eventually …why not the person you trust most? I groaned at the sudden outburst and decided to just ignore him hoping he would get the hint and leave, but my "helpful" daddy was as persistent as ever. It's not that hard to get rid of this, but you need to let someone to help you.

I gave up my ignoring tactic and went for an infuriated eruption speaking out loud since nobody was there to give me weird looks for talking to myself. "I'm fine, Jeb and I don't need this heart to heart father-daughter bonding thing you're trying to start here." I didn't know why his comment bothered me so much, but I didn't have to pay attention to what he said, so I tried not to, but I knew it was still seeping in despite my attempts to resist.

It bothers you because you know how much Fang means to you, you want to open up to him, and it scares you. I didn't need this; I was strong and could handle my own issues. I sizzled in anger a few minutes before wearing myself down.

"Jeb?" I asked quietly feeling idiotic for wanting to turn to him after all he had done though it would undoubtedly give him overwhelming pleasure.

Yes, sweetheart? he replied, and I released a small sigh, relieved he answered me pausing a moment before continuing.

"What do we do now?" I questioned for once willing to listen to what he had to say. I heard a sigh but then nothing, and I knew I was alone without an answer.

I flew for only a few more minutes before returning to the flock. I landed and immediately saw Fang waiting leaned against a tree; I went over to him and sat down. "What are you doing up?" I asked in a disapproving tone though I was secretly happy he was still awake.

"I thought I'd take watch and wait for you to get back. What'd you do?" It was a long sentence for him, and I thought about how to answer. He had been somewhat solemn the last few days since we left Mom's house and I now saw it had been because he was worrying about me even before I knew something was wrong myself.

"I had some time to think, and… can I talk to you about something?" I asked in a whisper, not believing I was going to actually to follow Jeb's advice.

"Always," he replied staring right at me. I met his gaze and for a moment didn't say anything but then suddenly had the urge to just tell him everything and not be by myself anymore… allowing that part of me to take over, I did.

"I've been stressed out lately," I started. "It's supposed to be over; Itex is allegedly gone, but I can't help wonder if there's something we're missing, and I have no idea what were supposed to do now, but I'm should have all the answers so the flock can rely on me but it's becoming so hard and I don't want to do it anymore, Fang. I don't know if I can. I think I need help." I took a long breath after I was done, that last sentence was hard; I hoped he didn't think I was weak and scoff at my stupidity. Instead he pushed some of my fallen hair away and appeared to ponder something intently.

"It's okay, Max. I'm here; I'll help you, you've never had to do this alone. They are gone, and even if a hundred flyboys fell from the sky right now it would still be all right. We would get through it just like we always have, but we don't have to worry about that because we did it. You did it. You saved the world just like you were meant to and everything can be normal" He grinned slightly. "As normal as it can be for mutant freaks like us anyway." He put an arm around me and pulled me close. "I promise, it's fine. We can finally just live." I looked up at him and nodded.

"Thank you," I told him. He had always had that comforting affect on me and I wondered if I hadn't come to him sooner because of the reason Jeb had mentioned. I still couldn't believe Jeb was right and with that small but difficult burden lifted off of me I felt exhausted. This was, of course, noticed, and I hated how perceptive he was.

"Go to bed," he ordered but I only scowled at him, so he scowled back.

"You're right, they're all gone," I told him "Which means no one needs to take watch anymore. Come with me. We both need sleep." I stood, brushing myself off and then held my hand out to him. I thought he would argue but he didn't standing next to me clasping my outstretched hand which shocked me even more. I had offered it but never expected him to take it.

He brought me close and kissed my forehead "Goodnight, Max," he said with a yawn and then smiled, automatically making me happy anytime he got rid of his dark composure even for a moment. I was started to question whether I really was in love with maybe that was why I had always kept my distance from him even though he was always who I had been closest to. Maybe I had always known and tried to force it away. That idea sounded frighteningly realistic.

"Max," the soft voice pulled me from these thoughts as I realized Fang was searching my face for signs of what I was feeling. I relaxed my expression and pulled him to where the rest of the flock was sleeping. I would save these emotions for tomorrow when things were more clear, and I could be more open minded to what had always been there. As I started to fall asleep I thought I heard him whisper something but I'm not really sure... it sounded like he said... nah never mind.