Hola, random readers! I come to you with another update! And I don't think I've mentioned it yet, but Max, Nudge, Iggy, Fang, Angel, and Gazzy are all fifteen. Just to let you know. Sorry for the long A/N! On with the story! Disclaimer: I don't own Maximum Ride.

I woke up the next morning feeling energized. I grabbed a few bottles of water, and I stuffed it in my back pack for my upcoming band practice. I am extremely excited! I've never been in a band. Should I be nervous? No, I guess not. But am I? Yes, no doubt about it.

I walked into homeroom and locked glances with Fang. The intensity of his look made me stop in the doorway. I literally got lost in his eyes. They were beautiful.

"Move it, Blondie!" I turned to see who had called me that, and it was that red head that glared at me for no reason yesterday.

"No. I'd rather just stand here to irritate you," I said with faked perkiness. She groaned and pushed me through the door. I glared at her and went to Fang. He gave me a cocky grin. I gave him a questioning look and he shrugged.

The worst and best part about homeroom: I stared at Fang the whole time. Stupid hormones. The bell rang, and Nudge, Fang, and I went to music class. This is, by far, my favorite class. I can share my originals and get input on them.

"Today, class, we're going to do something different. We will be partnered up, and that partnership must make an original song, perform it, and get constructive criticism on that song. You will be partnered by whom you're sitting by. You have two class periods. Good luck!"

Fang and I turned to each other at the same time and gave each other high fives. We would totally dominate!

"I already have an idea! I've been working on an original. You could help me finish it, and we could present it. Of course, I'd have to make some adjustments to the harmony, but-" I felt a hand press against my lips. He smelled so good! Okay, I think it's official. I have a crush on him.

"Okay, Nudge. Calm down. That sounds fine. We can have free time right now. Later, after the band is done practicing we can work on it." I nodded because his hand was still on my mouth. He released me, and I couldn't help but feel upset. Huh. Again, stupid hormones.

I walked out of my class for the day. Finally! I had to meet everyone outside the entrance of the school, so that we could all go to Fang's. I walked down the hallway and made to the entrance just in time. Everyone else was showing up as well. When everyone was there, we began the walk to Fang's, which wasn't more than a block away.

His house was two stories tall with a picket fence in front. We walked through the gate, and went through the house, up to his bedroom. Not disappointing me from my expectations, His room was all black except for his walls. Stupid Emo children. We all set down our things on his bed, and we walked to the soundproofed room, instruments in hand.

As we began to set up the amps and microphones, Fang walked up to me. "Hey. So, I was thinking, after we finish our song, you want to grab some dinner?"

"As in us and the Flock or…?"

"Just us."

"Oh, is Fangy-Poo asking me on a date? That's so sweet!"

He scowled and walked away. Gosh, so many complicated emotions! I should've taken that seriously. I probably hurt his feelings. I should talk to him. I walked up to him. "Sorry. I'm just not that good in awkward situations. I'd love it if I went on a date with you."

He mumbled an answer.

"Huh?"

"It's not a date, Max. I'm just hungry," he said blandly. I tried to cover up my hurt by walking away, and I help set up the rest of the instruments. I can't believe he did that. Led me to believe… whatever. I didn't care anyway.

We started to practice. The rest of the band told me I had to duets with Fang, mostly. I didn't mind, though. When you're singing, it's like all emotions just pour out, and you don't have to feel anger or hatred. That's the beauty of music. You get to let it all go.

Practice came to an end. Fang and I said our good byes to the rest of the Flock and worked on the song. It was exhilarating, but we finished it. After we were done, Fang led me down the stairs of his home. We walked about a block or two in silence to the nearest diner. He kept glancing at me, I could feel it. But why? So I asked.

"I haven't had very much time alone with you while you're… unguarded. You seem different. More beautiful, if that's possible."

I blushed hard. Sam had never called me beautiful. He never even bothered complimenting me. I tried to consider why I had even dated him when we walked into the diner. The hostess took us to a secluded table, which was probably for dates. I tried to object, but Fang stopped me.

"Don't worry about it. I know I said this wasn't a date, but it's okay. I kind of like it," Fang said. Since when was he being so open about his feelings? We sat down and stared at the menu. So many choices!

"What are you getting?" I asked Fang.

"Hamburger wrapped in bacon and cheese. You?"

"Same," I said. Ugh! I'm so boring! Think of something to talk about, like…

"Your music is really beautiful, Max. How do you come up with that stuff. I could sit there all day and not come up with a single verse."

"I'm not sure. Personal experience, I guess. People messed up and I have to pay the price with insecurities. But nobody's perfect. I mean, we're only human. True, I haven't had the best of lives. Sometimes I feel like I can't trust anyone. Sometimes I feel like I'm not pretty enough. I then realize not everyone is like my dad. And that beauty isn't based on what other people think. It's based on what you, yourself think. I put those thoughts into my music." What a mouthful. I haven't revealed that much about myself to anyone. And I had a feeling I was going to continue pouring out emotions.

"What happened with your dad?" Fang asked. Boy, was he getting deep.

"My dad was an alcoholic. He used to beat my mom. I would cry and cry, beg him to stop. Eventually, I guess he felt I was old enough to take it. I endured that for ten years before my mom, sister, and I moved to Colorado. He was truly a horrible man. I don't know what my mother was thinking. But I'm past that now. I'm ready to forgive and forget."

He explained that his family life was perfect. No big problems like mine, but a normal family. It's nice to know that everyone else didn't have to endure what I did.

Eventually, we finished eating and walked back to his house. I grabbed my bags and went into the kitchen to tell Fang good bye.

"Bye Fang I-" I was cut off with lips on mine. I then realized it was Fang's. WTH? Not that I didn't mind. He pulled back and apologized.

"It's okay. But maybe we shouldn't…" He nodded in agreement. How could he have done that? I wasn't positive about my feelings. I should have stopped it sooner, should've ran out. But it's too late now. Our friendship is ruined.

OH! Finally a bit of drama, and you got to know a bit about Max's past. Conflicted emotions there, huh? I'll update soon!