Notice: I do not own Maximum Ride, or the series content, or anything like that.
A/N: Chyeah! Update!
The only noise in the hallway was the soft, rapid music of our individual heartbeats. Time seemed to slow down and drag on, just to make our lives even worse. I couldn't believe this was happening. I mean, what a happy reunion, you know? I see him for the first time in years, he ignores me, he rants about hating the world and everything in it, he has a stroke, gets stuck in a hospital, and comes out with undying love and a fever. Wonderful. Perfectly wonderful. Notice the sarcasm, my friends.
Iggy kept tapping his foot on the far wall, in a slow, steady rhythm. Probably trying to block out the heck we were going through. I couldn't blame him. Angel and Nudge, bless them, were doing their best to not break out in tears. Gazzy had his head in his hands. I was just sitting there, numb. It was unfortunate that, with our avian-enhanced hearing, we could hear each and every one of Fang's cries. I glanced over at Angel. The poor girl was quivering with violent tremors. Tremors of fear for what may happen to Fang.
Eventually the door opened, and my mom's head appeared, her hands grasping the edge of the door. Her cheeks were lined with tears.
"Max, honey, can you come in?"
I looked at the others and they silently nodded. I got up, and followed my mother back into the room.
"So…what is it?" I asked, amazed at how calm I was able to keep my voice. Even though inside I felt like someone had stuck a tornado in my heart.
"Well…I'm not entirely sure. You see….he doesn't seem to have any human disease or condition. It's more avian-based. Or caused by the joining of avian and human DNA. It could even be an effect from his blood transfusions that's finally reached the surface. Whatever it is, he should be okay. He'll hurt for awhile, and maybe never make a complete recovery, but he should live." My mother's voice was carefully controlled, though I could tell she was hardly sure of any of what she just said.
My heart sank. If Fang was in ANY amount of pain, he was not 'okay' in my book. I walked quietly to the side of the bed and gazed down at his fever-stricken face. His breaths were rough and far apart, but I could tell he was in no immediate danger.
"Max. I brought some medicine that might help. If I leave it with you, can you follow the directions and give it to him? I'm so sorry….but I have an operation and a meeting I have to attend." My mother's eyes searched mine apologetically.
I knew she couldn't help it. She had others to save as well. And she had brought medicine for Fang. If this was the only way to help everyone, so be it.
"Go ahead mom. And thanks for coming." I glanced wearily at Fang. " He'd thank you too if he could. Could I call you later?"
"Of course, honey." My mom embraced me before heading out the door and saying farewells to the others.
I looked at the bottle she had given me. The bottle that supposedly contained medicine that could help Fang. I called out to the others. It seemed I didn't need to, as they were already heading in the door.
"Max, can we do anything for Fang?" Gazzy asked, looking with concern at their troubled friend.
"Actually….yes. Could you all go out and get some cold washcloths, water, and lighter sheets?" I half-ordered.
"Okay!" Angel cried, her eyes gleaming with a kind of happiness.
Iggy nodded, and the others quickly agreed. They spread out to find the items while I stayed with Fang, who seemed to be sleeping restlessly. Every once in awhile he would mutter a short phrase.
"Max?"
It had been two hours since the others had brought me back the items. I had told them to go rest some more; that I'd call them if I needed them. My attention snapped back to Fang as his voice carried across the room, stronger and clearer than before. I wondered if he was really awake this time.
"Yeah, Fang?" I asked, checking his temperature with the back of my hand. To my relief, the heat had diminished drastically, though not entirely.
"Max, what happened?" his eyes were focused on me.
With a surge of pity I noticed how confused he seemed.
"Fang, hon, you have a fever." My tone was soft and gentle. I couldn't bear to see another flash of pain enter his eyes. I just couldn't.
"Oh….sorry if I worried you all." For some unfathomable reason he seemed unsure of whether we cared about what happened to him. I mentally shrugged and gave the credit to his fever.
"Of course you worried us all! But it's okay, you know? Cause you'll get better."
For a second a deeper confusion crossed his face and I was alarmed. Was he still delusional? Or did something else occur to him?
"Fang…Fang, what's wrong?!" I barely hid the horror in my voice.
"Max….my ears feel weird….like, I can't hear properly…." I noticed that Fang's voice was too loud.
"What happened?" I whispered.
"What did you say?"
"I said 'what happened?'" I repeated.
"Max….I-I can't hear!" Fang's voice escalated.
I just stared at him with wide eyes. My angel would never hear my voice again.