Not Alone – Chapter 25

By MyNameIsCAL

-Max's POV-

Fang's mood seemed to have its highs and lows now that he was totally off his medication. The pain didn't help either, sending him into a state of frustration because of being unable to walk without aid. But at least when the end of the day came to settle down in bed, the Christmas tree dimly lighting up my bedroom, he managed to loosen up a little, and I was thankful for that.

"Christmas is tomorrow," I said, trying to make conversation. "Iggy said he might come around to escape Nudge's family."

"They're not really her family." Fang pulled the blankets over us.

"Her adopted family," I corrected.

"Nudge fits in well with them." Fang let out a yawn. "Iggy always feels out of place because he can't see."

"Wouldn't you?"

He answered with silence.

"Well, goodnight, Fang."

Grunting in response, he rolled on his side, facing me, putting his arm around me.

"I got you a present," he murmured into my ear.

"A present?"

"Yeah, I'll give it to you tomorrow." He kissed me softly. "Goodnight, Max."

Smiling, I closed my eyes and settled my fingers between his.

As perfect as that had all seemed, I knew Fang hadn't been sleeping well again. So the next morning when I woke, it worried me that I rolled over and found his side of the bed empty. The Christmas tree caught my attention as it usual did, and I spotted a small box with a bow under the tree. I got out of bed and went over to it, finding a note.

Merry Christmas Max!

Nudge helped me pick this out. I was thinking you couldn't have a tree without a present. Well, I hope you like it.

-Fang

Before I could start to open the box, Fang entered the room. He set his crutches up against the bed and took a seat next to me, wincing.

"I'm sorry I didn't get you anything," I said.

He motioned to the box. "Open it."

I undid the bow and pulled the lid off of the box, revealing a jewelry box. Jewelry wasn't really my thing, but when I opened the velvet covered box, I felt myself smile.

"Fang, they're beautiful."

He gave me a small smile. "I didn't really think you'd go for hearts or anything. Besides, it's not really my thing either."

I laughed and his smile grew as he took the necklace with his name on it and fastened it around my neck. Then he took the one with my name, draping it around his own. His was on a longer chain than mine.

"Shall we go eat breakfast with the others now?" Fang held out his hand. "Gazzy and Angel have been waiting for you to wake."

"Thank you, Fang."

He nodded and I took his hand.

Fang mellowed out a little as Christmas went by. I knew he was doing it to try to make me happy, and I hoped he wasn't letting whatever frustration he felt build up inside. I had went out and rented a bunch of movies for Gazzy and Angel to watch since there was nothing but Christmas specials on.

Then Iggy arrived, bearing groceries, some things to occupy the younger ones, and a backpack.

"I think I might sleep here for a day or two if you don't mind," Iggy had said as soon as he walked in the door, barely waving goodbye to Nudge. "I'll cook all your meals. I brought some food."

Believe it or not, but Iggy seemed to be in a worse mood than Fang. He was content with being alone in the kitchen and baking cookies by himself, snapping at Angel who had asked to help.

"I'll talk to him," Fang said quietly as we sat with Gazzy and Angel, watching a movie. "Let him have his peace first."

And when Iggy had finished, he did bring a plate full of cookies over, offering them to us. Angel seemed to have forgiven him already though, snatching up one and devouring it quickly. He took a seat on Fang's other side, closing his eyes.

"Nudge's family, well besides her Mom, treats me like I'm a five year old," said Iggy. "I mean, I practically cooked half the entire meal and they just laughed and complimented me with insincerity."

"I'm sorry, Ig." Fang frowned.

"It's not your fault. I mean, you don't treat me that way."

Fang regarded him with a look of concern.

"I don't think I can go back to school, Fang, and have people treat me like that all the time. And it's impossible for me to lead a normal life, but somehow I'm still stuck wanting that instead of being content with the fact that I'm here alive and well."

"No one wants to be treated that way." Fang's responses to Iggy were shorter than the comforting words that he would give me, but I guess Iggy was used to it, and he seemed to appreciate what Fang was trying to point out to him.

"If I don't go back, I'm going to disappoint Nudge. Maybe I feel like I'm disappointing myself," he said after a while. "It's just…This has all been so hard. It's like whatever I try to do to prove that I'm capable of anything isn't enough for people to see that I'm no less than they are. It makes me feel useless! They say one person can change the world, and yet I can't seem to make a single change in my life, or any of the ones around me."

Fang leaned forward and took a cookie from the plate set on the coffee table. "I sheltered myself from the world. I was angry at it. Maybe I still am. If it weren't for you, Iggy, I probably would be someplace far worse than where I am right now. If Nudge hadn't come along and lifted your spirits, I might have given up on finding happiness. I may have gotten you back on your feet, Iggy, but if it was you who came along and showed me that I shouldn't give up on hope, and on finding someone who would understand me. So don't you dare tell me that you're useless! Don't you dare tell me that you're not capable of making change for the better. You saved me, whether you believe it or not, and I wouldn't have reached Max if you didn't come along. I wouldn't be here today without you."

Iggy blinked a few times. He looked like he might cry.

"I think that's the most you've ever said to me, Fang." Iggy's voice quavered, a shaky smile growing. "Thank you…"

Thanks for reading! I'm working on a lot of stuff. School gets in the way unfortunately. But I'll get an update out ASAP.