A/N: well, this is the shortest chappie I've done, but well, I like it. Even if it is kind of sad. Way overdue. Finally. But is it over? You can bet it isn't. Next chapter? Action!

Talking-

Properly this time, with a little bit of something else

Oh my oh my.

In terms of language use, it wasn't the most inventive choice of words, but I think oh my covered it quite well.

What was he doing?

Well, I knew perfectly well what he was doing, I was painfully aware that he was kissing me. The question was, why? Hadn't I distinctly told him no?

Apparently not. And apparently, I was not in a position to negotiate, much as that was a ridiculous notion.

Fangs hands were wrapped around my waist, our bodies close together. My arms were flattened against the wall, but they were itching slightly, as if they wanted to be thrown around his neck.

Gentleman indeed! He had clearly been lulling me into a false sense of security, leading me on all this time. I ought to hit him. As a matter of fact, I was already planning the best way to do it. When he stopped, I was going to push him to the opposite wall and whack him so hard the very bricks would shatter under him.

When he stopped, that was. When. Soon. In a minute. I mean, I wasn't going to stop him mid-kiss, was I? That would be mean. Too mean. I wouldn't want to hurt his feelings or whatever. And it couldn't hurt to go on a bit longer. Could it?

I don't know how long it went on for, but it seemed like an age before Fang and I finally broke away, and even then it was only out of necessity; even genetically engineered hybrids need to breathe occasionally.

"Whoa," said Fang.

I didn't hit him. I couldn't bring myself to. I settled for glaring. "I told you no!" I hissed, pouring all my strength into that single, menacingly glare.

"Actually, you dodged the question entirely." Said Fang, clearly not put out. "I wasn't really sure what to think."

"Well, I'll tell you: don't."

"Don't… think?"

"Don't do that again! Don't kiss me!"

Fang tilted his head. Even I couldn't read this expression. "You kissed back."

"I didn't want to offend you."

"Oh, lay off Max! Like you'd care about that. You liked it. Admit it."

I scowled, then suddenly found it too hard to look him in the eyes, and ducked away. "I did," I said quietly, "But that doesn't matter."

Fang put his hand on my cheek, tried to force me to look at him.

"I think it matters," he said. "An awful lot, really."

"Fang, please…" I felt tears spark in my eyes. Tears, right now? I dug my nails into my palms, tried to will them away. I would not cry. "I can't do this."

"Why ever not?" He sounded angry.

"You want the truth?"

"Of course!"

"Because we're kids, really, if we think about it. Because we have responsibilities. Because what happens if we do try this out, and it doesn't work? We could tear the flock apart. We could also tear ourselves apart. I don't know about you, but that's not high on my list of agendas."

Fang gripped my arms tightly. I could feel his eyes searching for mine. I refused to look up. It would only hurt more. "I'm not leaving again, Max. I promised I'd stay, and I will, whatever happens."

"You say that now, but you might feel different when –if- things don't work-"

Fang's lips silenced mine mid-sentence, bringing his mouth crushing down on mine. "How can there be an 'when' Max?" he asked bitterly. "How can there even be an if? This isn't exactly high-school crush. This is you and me! No one knows you like I do. Even Angel, and she can see into your mind. Do you honestly think there's even a chance it wouldn't work?"

"Yes!" I shrieked, sounding more and more like a little boy with every word. "Yes, I do. A good chance. And I don't want to risk it, Fang! You're my best friend-"

"We could still be friends-"

"No we couldn't-"

"You're being ridiculous-"

"And you're being stubborn!" I was shouting now, face flaming with anger. Was he just not listening? "Can you not take no for an answer? I don't want that, Fang! I mean, please, we're fourteen. We barely no ourselves-"

"Liar," he growled, eyes narrowed. "That is such a normal girl's response. What are you, like, a cheerleader? 'Know ourselves' indeed." He took my face in his hands. "I know you better than anyone," he said.

He wasn't lying. And I knew him better than anyone. Which is why there was no other girl in the world that was right for him, that was good enough for him.

It still didn't change anything.

"Get off me," my words were cold as stone.

Fang etched back. It was then I noticed something stirring in the shadows. They saw me look, and jumped away, but not before I saw their face.

It was one of the guys from the game. I was sure of it.

Not long after that we heard the screaming.

.o0o.

A/N: No Max! How could you?! You're so horrible! Yeah, don't blame me folks, I'm just the messenger. I don't control what she does AT ALL. I mean, this is Max- she's pretty uncontrolable.

But hopefully she'll come to her senses.

Cliffhanger... what happens next??