Hey, long time no see. I better get reviews. I haven't updated anything for forever because of a lack of reviews.

Okay, I wrote that ^ I don't know how long ago. I've been trying to get this beta'd for FOREVER and then I just kind went into an 'eff it' mood because of school and bitterness for how many reviews friends of mine on here were getting and what not.

But then I realized: There's a lack of reviews because you took a needed break, M. Maybe you'll get some if you actually return. And, so, hopefully to set this off, I will post this chapter only halfway beta'd (which I usually don't use a beta anyway) and if I don't get any reviews I'm probably going to pull my hair out and not return for another year…

Seriously, I get bitter and stubborn and even before I took a break, the lack of reviews made this feel like an incredible waste of time. Why not keep my ideas to myself if no one's going to read them?

Be Careful What You Wish For

Chapter Thirteen

Max's POV

This lamp was fancier, older styled, and felt very homey. We had appeared where a front door would be in a regular house. Instead, there was what looked like a lead to the spout of a lamp up in the ceiling. Fang stopped me before we could head farther in, putting a hand on my shoulder and giving me a quick kiss. "Let's wait and let them meet you before we bring up our relationship, okay?"

"Why not just tell them first instead of hiding it?" I asked, suddenly getting nervous. Why? Did he think they wouldn't like me?

"It's… hard to explain. My mom gets a little protective. Anyway, Lio should already be here with Gaz."

Iggy scoffed at his name, still not happy with him. Lupo just raised an eyebrow at him, but was cut down by his unhappy glare. We could feel the tension building, Fang and I sharing a look and deciding it was time to take them into a room full of more witnesses.

As soon as we walked into the living area, Fang was tackled into a hug. The woman looked like an older version of Lio. Her arms were tight around his torso and she was talking as fast as she could, "It's been so long. We've missed you so much. You and Lio and Lupo, all three of you. I'm so glad you asked to have this get together. Come, then. I'll introduce."

She let go of him and turned to Iggy and I, talking slower than her recent babbling, "I'm Nancy, Fang's mother. This is Acanthus, Fang's father. You've already met Artiglio. This is Jeremiah, Lupo's father, but you can call him Jerry. And that is Lobo, Lupo's fraternal twin brother, and Loup, his partner in the lamp and wife."

I smiled, "I'm Max and this is Iggy." Fang's looks came from his father, face and all, he looked like his younger clone. Same with Lobo to Jerry. Maybe it was a genie thing. Loup was bleach blond with ever-changing eyes and a French look to her.

But my observations were cut mute by Acanthus calling everyone to take a seat and talk for a while. "So, Max, Iggy, how'd you get the lamp?"

"Their last master gave me the lamp," Iggy huffed, sitting with Fang and me between him and Lupo.

"He's usually much happier to talk about it," I commented.

"Jesse gave up the lamp?" Nancy asked, a glass of wine appearing in her hand.

"He still visits," Lupo replied, getting comfortable on the large couch. "Often, actually."

"What wishes have been made?" Lobo asked, playing with Loup's fingers.

"I've made three," I answered. "To be able to fly, for Artiglio to come help with a dress to a school dance, and to come meet you all."

"I wished for Gazzy to disappear," Iggy huffed quietly.

"Yeah, that's how I got here," Gazzy grinned cheekily.

"Why?" Loup asked.

"I don't want to talk about it," Iggy huffed for the six hundredth time tonight.

But I zoned out of anything that was said next, spying Lio lean over to give Gazzy a peck on the lips. Not as sneakily as she hoped, apparently.

Acanthus cleared his throat, "And what do we have here?"

Lio's eyes widened, she panicked. Then she pointed a finger at Fang, "Him and Max are together!"

"Thanks, Lio," Fang grumbled.

"Oh, really?" Nancy turned to us.

"Yeah," Fang said, slipping his fingers between mine.

"Maxi likes the genie!" Lupo spoke in a sing-song voice.

And I don't think Nancy liked the way she said that.

*An Hour Later*

Nancy and Loup had gone off to make dinner, the rest of us staying in the living area. The ice had been broken for most and a nice conversation had emerged, a few breaking off to go various places. I excused myself to get something from the kitchen, heading that way only to stop at the door.

"-just in it for the wishes. I can't believe Fang would get in this, I mean it's obvious she's using him-"

I stood there in utter shock, wondering how his mother could make sure a quick assumption about me. How could she think that? Of course I loved Fang, and not for the wishes or else I wouldn't have wasted one so he could come see his mom! Not wanting to hear anymore, I turned around calmly and made my way back over to Fang, trying to compose my anger. I tapped him on the shoulder, asking if we could talk in private.

He stood looking a little confused, excusing himself, and we walked to one of the hallways. "Well, I just heard something interesting," I started, crossing my arms.

"You don't look happy." He acknowledged bluntly.

"Turns out that mother of your thinks I'm with you 'for the wishes'." I growled, unable to keep my anger at bay any longer.

"Maybe you heard her wrong?" Of course he would defend his mother...

"I doubt it." I grunted. Why did this always happen? Bridgette, Lissa, my teachers. "I'm sick of random bitches judging me!"

Fang's eyes widened and I just realized what I had implied. "Did you just call my mother a bitch, Miss thinks-she's-a-hard-ass? You're not so good at not judging either. And I told you she was protective!" Fang insisted, as if it was suddenly my fault she thought I was some wish-stealer or something.

"I don't stick so hard in my judgments that I go blabbing to the next gossip-girl I can get alone; and you said protective, not stupid!" Mouth closed, Maximum! Stop insulting his family! You're not helping!

"Max. Shut. Up." Fang growled, sounding just about on edge as I was when I heard his mom accuse me of being a gold digger basically.

"Oh, I'm sorry that there are some people who can share their thoughts and feelings instead of corking it all up inside until they're acting like they got a stick up their butt." I snarled.

"Oh, you know you're over exaggerating."

"Yes, and I'll admit it, unlike some people who always have to be right."

"I don't always have to be right."

"Please, you can't stand to lose! Argument, race, you'd take off your own foot if it'd prove you're better than everyone!"

I was steaming now. I opened my mouth to retort, but a loud noise interrupted us.

The crash came from the hall closet, as if someone had knocked over a vacuum cleaner or something just as big. Everyone had heard it, coming into the hallway where Fang and I were staring at the closet door.

Jerry made his way to the door, reaching for the doorknob and throwing it open. And there were the two we were missing.

One of her hands was in his hair while the other was in the process of unbuttoning his shirt, a leg hooked up on his waste. His arm was wrapped around her waist, his other hand hidden up her shirt. Lupo and Iggy pulled their faces away, both turning red that they just got caught with their tongues down each other's throats.

Short, but eventful, yes? Review or else I won't update for another HOLY SHIZA! IT'S BEEN A YEAR?! Why? Why did you guys let me go this long without updating?!

^ Cause you took a break, M… Yeah, really sorry about that. I was having an 'existential crisis' as Danisnotonfire calls it. But even my lack of updates back when I wasn't were, again, because of the feeling as if I was just wasting my time with these. And I really like most my stories. So, please, review, and let me know if you like them too. I need it. I even take constructive criticism… cause I know I need that as well.

Love and luck,

Forever your author,

MPHknows