Set when they were seven. Pretend they're at the E house already. And that Max doesn't know Fang yet. Max's POV

Standing atop a hill, I gaze over the grassy plain, loving the feeling of the wind rushing through my hair. I close my eyes and inhale deeply, my wings unfolding a bit. I want to spread them and take off into the air.

I can fly, but not much. I need more practice.

At the bottom of the hill, the boy is there. His dark hair reaches down to his neck, and the wind ruffles them a bit.

I made my way down, careful not to fall.

"Hi," I say, taking a seat next to him.

He stared straight ahead.

"What's your name?" I ask. I know there's Iggy, Nudge, the Gasman or Gazzy, and Angel. This boy didn't tell me his name yet.

He does not answer.

I clasp my hands together in my lap in an awkward fashion.

"I'm Max," I say, trying to make small talk.

"Fang," is his reply. At least I know his name.

I turn to him curiously. "That's a cool name."

Once more, he is silent.

I study him. His dark bangs cover most of his eyes, his mouth a line. I can tell he doesn't smile much.

"Can I see your wings?" I ask politely.

Fang shakes his head the tiniest bit.

"Please?" I add.

I think I heard him sigh as he retracts his wings. They are about the same size as mine, maybe two or three inches wider. The feathers are a midnight black, and they contrast against the bright green grass.

I show him my wings. "Look," I say to him, "Mine has brown freckly spots."

He does not turn to me, or do anything to acknowledge me at all.

I purse my lips. This was a tough shell to crack.

"Can you fly yet?" I persist.

Fang remains still, although I catch a small movement of his shoulders.

"I can try," I tell him proudly, "Watch."

I jump up a little and spread my wings. I start to flap and soon, I am suspended in the air.

"I can't move yet," I admit. "But I'll learn soon."

"Stop," Fang says softly, "You'll hurt yourself."

I am surprised that he cares. But I descend onto the grass anyway.

I return to my seat next to Fang. I stare at him. Soon, he turns his head to look at me. Our eyes meet, and soon, I was lost in those obsidian orbs...

"Max! Where are you?" Jeb's call brings me back to reality.

I shake my head a little. "Let's go back. It's getting a little windy."

Fang shrugs.

"You'll freeze," I say.

Fang looks up at me. I hold out my hand and he takes it and I pull him up to his feet. I think I saw a hint of a smile on his face. Maybe not a full-blown one, but still.

As I start to follow him back to our house, I think, I'll get a smile out from you, Fang. Someday.