Disclaimer: I do not own Maximum Ride,

Bitter Sweet

Chapter 9.

Iggy POV

Thud, thud, thud. The steady beats of Fang's heart created a lullaby in my head and I sighed. Fang had fallen asleep with me wrapped tightly in his grasp. The position was a bit uncomfortable on my side but I ignored it knowing that I wouldn't want to be anywhere else in the world. I was here with Fang, the boy I had been so in love with for so long. Finally I figured out exactly where I belonged and that was here in Fang's arms.

Now if all these stupid paranoid thoughts would leave my head this moment would be truly perfect. I couldn't help but think of Max and think of how wrong this was. Fang is in love with her after all but here he is holding me. How would Max feel if she found out? I wouldn't be able to stand hurting her.

Jealousy rose in my gut. Surely Fang wasn't hoping to just go on with both of us? I wanted to reassure myself and say he would tell her about us but I couldn't. Fang would be even more hesitant than me to hurt Max. The way he looked at her just shows how much he absolutely loves her. Or that's what Nudge had told me at least. What if he decided he didn't want me? Would I always be his second best?

I clenched my fists tightly at my sides. I couldn't believe myself. Fang had came looking for me, kissed me, told me he was sorry and yet I still was doubting him? I growled at myself and tried to concentrate on Fang's heartbeat once again. But this time as I listened the beats seemed distorted in my mind. They screamed evil thoughts telling me the one I loved had another waiting for him to come home.

Unable to listen anymore I ripped my head from his chest and scooted to the other side of the cave. Leaning into the cold stone wall I cursed myself for being such an idiotic jealous fool. I ran my hands through my hair several times and I heard Fang waking up. I groaned.

Fang noticed my absence from his arms. "Iggy? Is something wrong?"

I wanted to tell him why I was upset but I refrained from doing so. I knew I was being and ungrateful bastard but he didn't need to know that. "Nothing I just had a head ache," I lied.

I heard him approach and felt his hand rest on my forehead. "Well you don't have a fever."

"Yeah I'm fine you can go back to sleep," I told him turning away.

"You should get some rest to you will heal quicker."

I nodded and joined him once again on our make shift bed of nothing but backpacks to support our heads. He pulled me close and his hand ran through my hair gently. Thoughts of all the times I had heard the rustle of Fang's hands in Max's hair fluttered in my head before I fell asleep.

I awoke to the sound of Fang rustling around and managed to sit up. I stretched and let out a roaring yawn.

"Morning sleeping beauty," Fang chuckled.

"Shut up," I muttered.

I heard a object fly through the air and I lifted my hand to catch it. Upon feeling around it I realized it was another energy bar and I let my distaste show on my face. "These things are freaking gross man."

Fang sighed. "Someone has been pampered to long."

I bit into the bar and sneered. "So your saying you actually like these things?"

"No but I keep my complaints to myself."

I frowned. Fang laughed and I soaked up the noise. It was a rare occasion to get a real laugh out of Fang. "Are you feeling up to flying today? I thought we could start heading home."

Home. I smiled at the the thought. I missed the flock a lot and was excited to see them again. My ankle had already healed up but my side was still a bit sore. I climbed to my feet and slowly outstretched my wings. I sighed in bliss at the feel of my my stretched feathers. I had been feeling quite cramped with them concealed against my back while I healed.

"I guess I'll give it a try," I said approaching the opening of the cave. I jumped from the ledge and flapped my wings. My side whispered a few protests but the pain was bearable. I flew in small circles enjoying the wind in my face. I returned to the cave where Fang was waiting.

"I'm still a little sore but I think I will be okay," I told him.

"Alright we will take it slow I don't want you to push yourself."

I rolled my eyes. "I'm fine Fang."

Fangs arms encircled my waist from behind and he kissed my neck. A blush colored my cheeks and I cursed my embarrassment. I needed to stop being such a girl around him. I turned over in his arms and brushed my lips ever so lightly across his. He leaned forward trying to capture my mouth but I pulled back so he never made full contact. I escaped his arms and walked over to my backpack.

"Damn tease," Fang muttered from behind me.

I laughed and pulled the pack on. "Well lets get going then. Maybe you can treat me to a real breakfast?"

I heard Fang grabbing his own bag and we took off into the air. I followed the familiar sound of flapping wings and forgot the thoughts I had last night. At the moment Fang was all mine and that's all that mattered.

This was a short chapter. Not the most eventful one in the world either but I felt like putting some of Iggy's feelings in here. I was also craving some cute figgy so hey why not? I can't believe this will be 9 chapters! Don't I feel accomplished? Yes quite... Anyway whats in store for our new love birds? Love birds haha you see what I did there? Birds? You know Fang and Iggy?

Iggy: *face palm *

Me: Don't judge me!

Anywayyyy Review!