I haven't updated this story in a while, I've been experiencing awful writers block on this story. Before I start I'd like to thank all of you awesome reviewers. I love you guys!

Disclaimer: I do not own Maximum Ride

Bitter Sweet

Chapter 11.

Iggy POV

I woke early the next morning, ready to take off for home. I missed the flock terribly and I wasn't sure how I had expected to stay away from them for so long. It had only been a few days and my heart ached for my winged family.

Fang was still asleep and I pulled myself from his sleeping figure and stretched. My limbs popped in response and I grumbled at the dull pain in my back. Sleeping on the ground never was something I had enjoyed.

I considered eating something but changed my mind seeing as how energy bars were my only real option. Following the trees I led myself over to the lake that was near by. I pulled off my worn sneakers and placed my feet in the cool water. I sighed and splashed the water around pointlessly. I was was eager to get home but I was also terrified of what would happen between Fang and I when we returned.

I hated making him choose. It ate me up inside to know I was hurting him. He had told me he was going to tell Max about us but I still had the same fear growing in the pit of my stomach. What if he decided to stay with Max? What if he couldn't bring himself to tell her about us? What would I do then?

I let my face fall into my hands. "I don't know," I muttered to myself.

I was tired of worrying so much. Life was supposed to be looking up for me. Itex was gone and Fang was mine. Well kind of mine.

I kicked the water harshly and growled when I got my jeans wet. I heard a light chuckle behind me. I glared over my shoulder as I heard Fang approach and sit next to me.

"Ready to get home?"

"Like you would not believe," I told him. I pushed away my recent thoughts and smiled so he wouldn't notice my troubled thoughts.

"Then what are we waiting for?" He placed my backpack in my lap.

I pulled my dripping feet from the water and slipped them back into my socks and shoes before throwing on the pack. He gave my hand a tight squeeze before we took to the air.

I became lost in the rhythm of my flapping wings. My mind was kept clear and I let myself enjoy the flight. It wasn't long before I was breathing familiar air. I heard Fang go down and I smiled happily. We were home. I would get to hear the flock again.

It seemed that as soon as we landed the door was flung open and I felt Ella throw herself into my arms in a tight hug.

"Iggy!" She cried.

I laughed and lifted her off her feet to spin her around. Soon the rest of the flock filed out of the house to receive their hugs. I sank into the arms of my family in bliss. I had missed them so much.

"Ohmigosh, Iggy I'm so happy you're back! Where were you? Why did you leave? Are you hurt? How did Fang find you?" Nudge asked, her questions streaming out in one long jumble.

I laughed realizing I had even missed Nudge's motor mouth. "One question at a time Nudge."

She giggled and hugged me tighter.

Max pulled away from me and punched me in the arm. Hard. "What the heck were you thinking?"

I rubbed my now bruising arm and chuckled lightly. I hadn't really planned what I was going to say yet. I couldn't exactly tell them I ran off because of Fang could I?

"I just needed some fresh air," I replied lamely.

"I'm scowling Iggy."

I shrugged. "I figured you would be."

Gazzy kicked my shin playfully. "You could have taken me with you."

"Yeah I know I'm sorry," I reassured him.

Max retreated from me and I heard the rustle of Fang taking her into his arms. The sounds of his lips against hers. My heart shattered in my chest. Those lips, those arms, that voice of his, I had fallen in love with all of it. I didn't blame Max for loving him. How could I? He was so perfect. I wanted him all to myself. I wanted him to call me his and let me call him mine.

I guess Ella saw the pieces of my heart fluttering away because she grasped my hand tightly in hers. I smiled at her thankfully. She understood me so well it frightened me.

"I'm getting details later," She whispered into my ear.

I nodded, silently promising her that I would spill everything. Soon we were all settled around the couch joking around like nothing had happened. Of course I was having a hard time ignoring Max who was currently curled in Fangs arms. I almost wanted to pull her away and crawl into Fangs lap and kiss him flat on the mouth. Almost.

"Iggy come here I need help carrying this basket," Ella called from upstairs.

I rolled my eyes knowing she didn't need help. She just wanted to know what had happened between Fang and I. I jumped from the couch and strode up the stairs taking two at a time. I was walking down the hall when small hands grabbed my shoulders and tugged me into Ella's room. She pushed me into her desk chair and flopped down on her bed across from me.

"I want to know everything," She demanded.

I sighed loudly before telling her every last detail from beginning to end. She held all her questions in until I finished but I knew she wanted to ask them while I was still speaking. The way she squirmed about was a give away. Once I was finished she silent. She let the words sink in and I fell a little squeamish as I relived my moments with Fang. I was still nervous about when and If he was going to tell Max about us.

Before she spoke she wrapped her arms around me in a tight hug. I returned the gesture placing my hand on the back of her head and pulling her closer. I released her and she placed her hands on both of my shoulders.

"I'm not sure what to say," She whispered.

The only reply I gave her was a light chuckle.

Finally I got Chapter 11 up. I'm happy with the way it turned out. I love getting to write about Iggy and Ella's friendship. My updates are probably going to be late for a while because tomorrow I have band camp all week from 7am to 8pm... I'm going to die in this heat carrying around my tuba haha xD Then right after band camp I'm going on vacation to Dolly wood. I'll try to update when I can. As always review.