Okay, so this is my first fanfic thingy. Hopefully it doesn't completely suck.

i don't own any of these characters, JP does. so hopefully enjoy, read, review, whatever.

Max POV

Things had been quiet for a very long time. Too long if you ask me. I was anxious. I mean, it wasn't like Mr. Chu had just disappeared off the face of the earth. He'd be back, they always come back. The last time it had been too close. Would we be able to handle him this time? What if was Brigid working against us now? She knew so much about us, especially Fang-- it might go in their favor the next time.

"Yo," his voice startled me. I was vaguely aware of the fact that the rest of the flock was surrounding me, watching me.

"Yeah?" i answered, turning my gaze in Fang's direction.

"You alright?" there was a hint of concern in his mostly impassive eyes. So much seemed to have changed between Fang and I, but some things would always be the same.

When i didn't immediately answer, he angled his wings so there was only a foot or so of distance between us. Our wings moved together, long, swift, synchronized strokes.

"Let's go ahead," he nodded his head to the empty sky ahead and took my hand, "hold back a little, guys." he said to the rest of the flock.

Angel nodded, a tiny, concerned smile on her precious face. "Everything will be alright, Max."

"Thanks, Ange." I said, and with that Fang and I took off.

Flying with Fang was better than the peaceful flights i so often enjoyed by myself. There was still the comfort of silence, but it was nice to be with someone i loved so deeply. His fingers laced between mine, his enormous black wings brushing against my own, it was my own personal heaven. It was easy to forget my worries when we were alone like this.

"Let's land," he suggested. There was a field below, probably private property, but it wasn't like we were outstanding citizens.

We hit the grassy land, stutter stepping to gain balance. The grass hit me about knee level, someone needed to mow...

"What's on your mind?" I was so used to him being the quiet one, he was being downright chatty today.

"Worrying about everything. As usual," I laughed. It was forced, my attempt at sounding casual.

"Nothing here though, right?" he moved his free hand back and forth between us. "We're good?

"We're better than good," i squeezed his hand and leaned into his shoulder.

He kissed the top of my head, "Then everything else will work out, eventually."

"Mr. Chu isn't just going to give up," i reminded him. "We're still in a war, there just haven't been any battles lately."

"We can get through whatever comes at us, we always do."

"It just seems like it's coming from all directions this time. What if Brigid is working for Mr. Chu? He took my mom last time, who's next? He knows how to really get to me, taking those that are important to me, what if he kidnaps someone from the flock?" what if it was Fang?

He stopped walking and turned me so i was facing him, "Max, we've all got each other. Even if they had a chance to take one of us away, we've all got each other. There'll always be someone to the rescue."

"What if they took you?" the way this came out was practically a whimper.

He cocked his head to the side, his left eyebrow arching dramatically. "Are you saying no one would come and get me?"

"I wouldn't know where to start without you."

"I think you'd figure it out, Max." his long, calloused fingers cupped my chin.

"I think I'll just have to make sure they stay away from you."

He bent down, pressing his forehead to mine. Our faces just centimeters apart.

"Max," he said breathlessly. "I--"

"Well," a very unpleasantly familiar voice chimed. "Isn't this just precious?"

so... good? bad? let me know! i'll probably submit another chapter soon.