I know you were all hoping for a quick fix to this situation but I'm afraid that just isn't going to happen. I wrote this whole chapter and half of the next one today when I was supposed to be studying for my Geography exam in CSK but I decided to write for you guys instead because I knew you would be unhappy about Adrian and want to know what happens so here you go. There is a Fax moment in here for your fax-starved brains but the problem has no been fixed, sorry.

But enjoy anyway (starts putting on armour in preparation for unhappy readers)

It was the next Monday before Fang and I spoke again (I'd left the table in a huff when he'd brought Adrian to come and sit with us last Friday, stupid jerk). Ella had been worried over the weekend when Iggy had told her that Fang and I weren't talking but I told her to relax, that everything would be okay. Granted we hadn't been angry at each other for this long before though.

"Max."

I turned around, shifting my bag on my shoulder. We were standing at the entrance of the gym. Fang hadn't spoken to me in homeroom, hadn't look at me, so I figured he was still pissed.

"Yeah?" I replied, my voice cool.

"So… are we just going to keep ignoring each other or are we going to talk like friends are meant to?" Fang asked. I frowned at him.

"You're the one who was ignoring me."

"Max, please, don't start another argument."

I sighed. He was right. As usual. "Fine, sorry," I replied. "But I kind of need to get changed. So do you."

"Are we just going to leave it like this?" Fang demanded. His eyes flashed slightly.

"You bet we are!" I snapped and turned on me heel and stalked into the gym. Fang was fuming as he walked in behind me and then we split to the different change rooms. I knew now that Adrian was in our PE class. I glowered at her as I walked into the change rooms and her chestnut eyes turned steely and she put a hand on her hip and eyed me off.

I changed in silence. Brigid was frowning at me worriedly.

"Max, you seem really angry," she murmured. Brigid and I can't stand each other so it was proof to how much I didn't like Adrian that I preferred Brigid's company right now.

"Do I?" I replied. I turned and shot a dark look at Adrian and exited the change rooms. We were going to be playing basket ball. Everyone came up and we were divided into teams. Fang and I got put on the same team and we stared darkly at each other as we moved into our half.

"Hey Fang, on jump," Marcus said. Fang nodded stiffly and went to the circle. He was up against Adrian and they smiled at each other. A hot, acidy feeling entered my gut. That smile was reserved for Flock members. She wasn't a part of the Flock and I didn't ever want her to be.

Coach threw the ball up and Fang jumped up and tapped it backwards, right at me. I caught it and dribbled down the court when I got stuck my eyes automatically found Fang and I tossed him to ball and he caught it smoothly. Marcus was up the court and Fang threw to him and then Marcus threw to me. I spun, threw to Fang and he slam dunked perfectly.

How's that for team work?

"Oh yeah, man!" Marcus said and he and Fang slapped high fives and Marcus smiled at me. Fang and I stared at each other however. I was daring him to try and high five me. I'd high five his face really hard if he came near me.

"Great job!" Jason called.

"You're good," Adrian said, skipping over to Fang and standing by him. Fang stepped in front of her and she stepped in front of him. They did it for a while as Adrian's team mate threw the ball to someone. They were both laughing.

I clenched my teeth and walked over and grabbed the ball as Brigid threw it at Adrian. I stepped back and- I swear it was an accident… maybe- slammed into Adrian. Totally accident. I swear it. I actually mean that, it was an accident. I may be petty but I try not to be violent… most of the time.

"Max!" Fang shouted, catching her and righting her.

"What?" I shouted back. "It was a bloody accident!"

"It wasn't and you know it!"

I threw the ball at the ground and it bounced back up and away from us as I glared at Fang. I stepped over to him and we weren't very far apart. Adrian was stared at us in shock. So was everyone else actually.

"So, because I was upset once, everything I do is on purpose now?" I demanded.

"Well this is Maximum Martinez that we're talking about!" Fang snarled. "You do a lot of things when you're angry."

"You are such a jerk!" I was so hurt. Not only because I was telling the truth but because Fang didn't believe me. Me, his best friend. Instead he was taking the side of some girl he'd met three days ago. I hated this.

I turned on my heel and stalked towards the exit of the gym.

"Max!" the teacher called. "Come back!"

I ignored him and went to the door, ripped it open and went out, slamming the door behind me. I winced at the sound, feeling angry, hurt and confused. I hated it when Fang and I fought, especially over something as stupid as this.

I went over and sat down on one of the benches away from all the doors and windows of the hall. I dropped my head into my hands and my eyes felt all itchy and tears stung them but I refused to cry. I wasn't going to cry. How come Fang could make me want to cry so easily? It wasn't fair!

"Hey Max…"

I flinched at the gentleness of his voice. Oh crap, tears were running down from my eyes.

"Max…" Fang's hand was on my shoulder as he sat down beside me. "Max, please don't cry." I ignored him and sniffed sadly. Fang put his arms around me and pulled me into him, pressing my face into his shoulder. I cuddled up to his side and closed my eyes, crying silently on Fang. I hated him seeing me like this but right now his arms were such a comfort. I took a deep breath, filling my senses with Fang's scent. Woodsy and like fresh air for some reason. It was really nice.

"I'm sorry," I whispered. "But it really was an accident."

"I know," Fang replied, stroking my hair. "I was just angry. I'm so sorry for what I said. I know you're not that petty and don't do stupid things like that."

"Nice to know," I replied, slightly sarcastic. Fang stiffened, awaiting a torrent of smart-aleck and hostile remarks but I didn't make any. I just wanted him to comfort me and reassure me that I was being stupid and I was still his best friend.

"Max, I am so sorry for upsetting you," Fang murmured. "But you were being so stupid about this, you know that right?"

I nodded into his shirt, fresh tears running from my eyes and Fang held me tighter.

"Max, you're my very best friend and nobody will ever take your place, you should know that you silly goose." I giggled. "That's better. Just relax. I made a new friend, it isn't a crime. I'm a teensy bit interested in her but it doesn't mean that she's going to take your place. Nobody ever could. There isn't another person in the world who drives me crazy like you do. You're giving me grey hairs and I'm sixteen years old. Nobody else can do that so rest assured that your place in my heart is secured."

I smiled against Fang and wiped my eyes on my hand before looking up at him.

"Thanks," I whispered. "I'm sorry for being so petty and stupid." I had a little bit of a tight feeling in my gut from Fang saying that he was interested in Adrian but he was holding me right now so I was still number one… for now. I had the get the part in Les Mis. "But… did you really mean you'd rather sing with her in the play?"

Fang hesitated. "I don't know Max."

Ouch. The sting must have shown in my eyes because Fang gave me a gentle squeeze and leant his forehead down on mine.

"But that doesn't matter right? I mean, you don't even like musicals," Fang told me softly. "So, you'll be okay if I act with Adrian instead."

Fang looked really hopeful and I hated to be the one to make that little light in his eyes go away so I sighed and smiled.

"Yeah, I don't mind," I replied as truthfully as I could- which was not much but it sounded like a good lie to me. Fang's expression faltered but he put it together and ignored my lie and hugged me tightly. I felt warm inside. Fang's hugs were special.

"Thanks Max."

We sat there for a few more moments and then I stood up and Fang and I walked back into the Gym wordlessly just in time to see the Coach sending everyone off to get changed. Fang and I smiled gently at each other and went our separate ways but he was waiting outside the change room for me when I came out.

"I figured we should eat lunch together today," Fang said.

"Why?" I asked teasingly.

"Iggy missed me."

We laughed briefly and I hesitated. Fang frowned.

"Don't you want to wait for Adrian?" I offered, my voice reluctant. Fang gave a soft smile.

"If you're okay with it…" He looked at me searchingly and I nodded but stepped a little closer to him. Adrian came out a few moments later, tucking her shoes into her bag and she stopped and glared at me.

"Come on," Fang said. "We have to go and find Iggy." Adrian gave him a questioning look which Fang- to my absolute pleasure- ignored and walked off, me right by his side and Adrian trailing after us gloomily.

Well hah to her, it'll teach her not to try and steal my best friend away from me. Fang glanced at me as though knowing what was going through my head and he rolled his eyes and gave me a completely pointed look. I rolled my eyes back but stopped thinking mean thoughts about his new friend.

We reached the cafeteria and Iggy was waiting for me where he said he would be. He raised his eyes but said nothing as Fang, Adrian and I reached him.

"Hiya, man," Iggy said casually. "Nice to have you back."

Fang smiled slightly and we went in, got lunch and found a table. Fang looked at me apologetically and sat down opposite me, beside Adrian. I tried not to let it bother me but I couldn't get rid of the churning in my gut. Iggy's leg brushed against mine in a small gesture of understanding. I never imagined I'd have to count on Iggy to comfort me because I was jealous that Fang had found a new friend. I mean I know I'm his best friend but still…

"So, Adrian, where did you move from?" Iggy asked conversationally when the awkward silence stretched on.

"New York," she replied.

"Wow, big move."

"Yeah but I prefer it out here. The air is cleaner."

"Definitely," Fang agreed poking his pasta, a slight uncomfortable look in his eyes. I didn't smirk and didn't look smug. I gave him an apologetic nudge with the toe of my shoe and left it at that.

"Max came from LA," Iggy continued on.

"Oh really?" Adrian asked, giving me a dark look.

"Yeah, right near the Hollywood Hills," I replied, fake cheery tone the only thing they could hear in my voice. Fang could read through it though but he didn't give me any dark looks. He just left it. Good because I wasn't going to be nicer than this. "My Dad is a scientist, he's really rich so he bought my Mum, Ella and me a huge house over near his so he could still see me sometimes."

"Wow, a rich LA snob, how lovely. Excuse me." Adrian stood, taking her tray with her and dumping it before leaving the cafeteria.

"Max!" Fang sighed in exasperation.

"I didn't do anything!" I protested, slightly angry that he was blaming me again. Fang took a deep breath.

"You're right, sorry." He looked after Adrian slightly and I groaned and sank down in my seat.

"Go on, follow her," I muttered sadly. Fang looked at me and didn't move. "Fang, seriously, you can go."

"Max-"

"Just go." That time my voice was filled with steel and Fang knew I was slightly irritated at him. Not wanting to escalate the disagreement he stood up leaving me and Iggy and our trays of food at the table. I didn't want to eat though.

"Sorry," Iggy said.

"Not your fault," I assured him. "So are you still going to help me get the part?"

"Sure. Nudge is looking for a Les Mis costume on her account for the costume shop and she's going to get you one so that you can audition in it."

"Audition in costume?"

"If you show your dedication for the play then they'll consider you more. And Max they're looking for the girl who sings better with Fang, who had more chemistry with him."

"Chemistry?" I sat up and looked at Iggy. "Fang and I don't have chemistry."

"Shows how much you know," Iggy replied. "But even if you don't think so, up on the stage you two are on fire together. You made Romeo and Juliet's love look wimpy compared to what you two did with it last year. And now, you're going to make Marius and Cosette's love so much stronger than it usually is. Trust me, you're going to set fire to that stage."

"How though?" I asked. "Adrian is always so… flirty with Fang. They-"

"They have nothing on what you and Fang do. Trust me, I've seen the two of you together." Iggy smiled. "Adrian cannot make Fang as happy as you do. Adrian cannot sing as well as you can. Adrian does not have the stage presence that you do. And when Adrian and Fang were singing in drama on Friday it was just like any pair of actors who have to force chemistry but when you and Fang are singing… wow, you two make the lines like magic. You make them mean something to everyone who doesn't get them."

I felt like crying again. Hearing Iggy say that made me feel so good after having that stupid fight with Fang and ordering him away from the table just then.

"You three all have fifth and sixth off today to rehearse," Iggy reminded me. "Show Miss Alike that you and Fang are better together than Fang and Adrian." I laughed slightly.

"Um… okay." I gave a tentative half smile and bolted down some lunch before I headed off to the auditorium to meet Miss Alike and Mr Callahan.

--

"Adrian, wait!" Fang called. She stopped and turned, letting him catch up with her and they started walking together. It was quiet and Fang frowned. It wasn't a silence like with Max, it was an awkward silence as though Adrian wanted to say something. Fang decided to wait.

"I don't like your friend," she murmured darkly.

"Yeah, I picked up on that," Fang replied. He realised his tone sounded protective and Adrian threw him a glare.

"She's a bitch, simple as that," Adrian snapped. Fang stopped and Adrian walked a few more steps before she realised Fang wasn't with her and looked back at him.

"Max, is not…" Fang trailed off.

"See you can't even say she isn't without stopping. You know I'm right." Adrian walked over to Fang. "I only met you last Friday, I know, but while it's only been a few days I feel like I've known you for a lot longer." Adrian smiled and Fang's heart jumped uncomfortably.

"How do you mean?" he asked.

Adrian blushed slightly. "I want to get this part Fang because I want to spend a lot more time with you. I want to get to know you because well… I think I'm starting to like you. As in, like, like you."

Fang shifted uncomfortably. Yeah he kind of liked Adrian that way too but not a lot.

"Look, like I said, I want to get to know you," Adrian added quickly, slightly embarrassed. "That way I can be sure whether I like you really or just because you're so nice and funny and smart. Don't you think the same?" She seemed shy and hopeful and the slight smile on her face was kind of cute, Fang had to admit.

"Um… yeah I do," Fang replied slowly. Adrian blushed crimson and reached out and took Fang's hand, winding her fingers through his. "But-"

"It's okay," Adrian said. "I won't make you do anything you don't want to." She giggled. "You're supposed to be saying that not me. But still, I want this to go somewhere. I've never fallen for someone so quickly before."

Fang smiled slightly and they walked off together, her face still slightly pink and Fang wondering why her hand didn't feel right in his like he thought it should.

--

I walked into the auditorium slightly late but Miss Alike and Mr Callahan smiled and waved me over to the stage. Fang and Adrian were sitting on the edge and my eyes zeroed in on their hands.

They were holding hands!

He was holding her freaking hand! Jerk! Cretin! Wait, why did I care? Oh yeah because Fang told me he didn't ever like girls, that's why! And to tell you the truth I was still worried that him getting a girlfriend was displace me. If I were a guy it wouldn't but I'm not so it does.

"Hi Max," Miss Alike said. "Are you ready for rehearsal?"

"Yup," I replied. "Bring on the sing-song lines."

"You and Fang can go first," Mr Callahan said. I dropped my bag on a seat and hoisted myself onto the stage. I was shaky, I felt like I was going to be sick and I was so, so mad at Fang… again.

"Are you alright?" Fang asked as we took our places on stage.

"Just peachy," I responded. Fang raised his eyebrows but Miss Alike wanted us to sing so we went through the same song we sang at our audition, with Adrian singing Eponine's parts from her place on the edge of the stage and shooting me dirties to boot.

When we were done Fang stayed where he was and I went and sat down on the edge of the stage, swinging my leg down and watching as Adrian and Fang sang, both of them staring at each other with 'goo-goo eyes'. I felt like punching through a brick, that's how mad I was.

They finished and Miss Alike and Mr Callahan talked us through some things and had us sing different scenes and then gave Adrian and I solos. My voice sounded like a rusty gate compared to her beautiful soprano voice. I wanted to rip her voice box out of her throat.

At the end of the sixth the bell went and I was first to the door but Fang was right behind me. He caught my arm and I looked at him.

"Hey, are you still staying at my place on Friday and Saturday?" he asked.

"I don't really have a choice, Mum's going to be out of town all weekend, isn't she?" I replied snappily. Fang's eyes flashed hurt.

"So, you're only doing it because you have no choice?" He was hurt and I felt so guilty.

"No, Fang," I murmured. "I-"

"Fang, come on!" Adrian called. "Please!" Fang looked back and then at me hopefully. What did he want me to do? Tell him not to go with Adrian? I wasn't going to do that. He'd shout at me again.

"I have to go because Angel will be upset if I don't," I hissed and then left the auditorium, Fang staring after me with a bewildered and slightly hurt expression on his face. You know, generally I would have felt really bad but right now I didn't give a damn.