DISCLAIMER: I don't own anything.

FANG POV –

The second I closed my eyes, it was like I could feel the nanoscopic bots raging through my body. My blood felt like it was on fire as it pulsed through my veins. I could no longer hear what was going on around me and for a few seconds, I didn't care either. I was paying close attention to what was going on inside my body.

I could feel the nanobots getting faster and faster and absently noticed I was feeling hotter and hotter. What was happening? The burning in my blood quickly began to spread and I felt it attack my liver, kidney and other vital organs. It wasn't long before the burning began to consume my frantically beating heart.

The burning was agony and I wanted to scream but I couldn't open my mouth and sound refused to reach my throat. Every muscle in my body was tense as they tried to react naturally but I knew they weren't moving even an inch.

My heart was speeding up and I could feel the burning intensify in my organs. The pain grew more acute and I had never been more aware of every muscle, tendon and vein in my entire life. Then when I thought I was about to go insane from the agony, a blissful darkness overcame me and I slipped into it without a care.

***

When I awoke there was no pain. I lay there for a few moments, trying to figure out what had happened. All I could remember was the agony as the nanobots went crazy in my bloodstream, the feeling of my organs being viciously attacked and my heart beat getting progressively faster.

After ensuring that everything was all right within my body, I opened my mind to the outside world. I opened my eyes and saw a bright white ceiling and a blinding florescent light. Okay, so I was still at the School. Not a good thing but at least I knew where I was.

Gradually I began to hear voices around me. I managed to discern that there were two speakers, one who sounded defensive and pleading while the other was talking in a low, threatening way. I recognised that second voice immediately.

I turned my head towards Max's voice and saw her back. She was leaning over someone who was trying to fight back feebly. I frowned. As much as attacking people were normal Max behaviour, I sensed something was different about her.

Slowly I stood, surprised that my muscles weren't sore or aching. All that pain and no memory of it? I couldn't feel the nanobots anymore so I was a little unsure as to whether that pain had done something to make them go away or if they'd just gone dormant or just waiting for the perfect moment to attack me again.

I stumbled silently over to Max and stopped behind her.

"...He was a better person than you'll ever be and would never kill anyone for any reason! That's why you're stupid programming didn't work. He couldn't kill someone!" Max was hissing at the Whitecoat.

I didn't need to be a mind reader to know that she was referring to me although I was a little confused as to why she had used past tense. But her hand was tightening around Anton's throat and I noticed he was struggling to breathe.

I placed my hand gently over Max's, a small smile touching my lips as I felt her soft skin. She was right – I wouldn't kill anyone (unless they were an immediate threat to Max's life) but I knew what Max was capable of. I didn't want her to kill a defenceless man, even if I didn't know the reason behind her actions. So running off what I'd just heard her say I spoke softly into her ear.

"Especially not someone I loved."

I felt Max tense instantly. She seemed frozen. I gently pulled her hand away from the Whitecoats' throat. It took a little bit of persuasion but I managed in the end. Max turned slowly, her eyes wide, something akin to disbelief flickering hesitantly within.

Suddenly a tear slid down her cheek. It was so unexpected and un-Max-like that it took me by surprise. What had happened while I was unconscious?

I pushed the thought away and smiled at Max's vulnerability. It didn't happen often but when it did, when everything real came out in a gush, she was even more beautiful and perfect than ever. But knowing that something cataclysmic had to have happened for Max to reveal herself like this did not settle well in me.

I gently wiped away the tear, my fingers tingling as I touched her skin.

"Please don't cry," I whispered.

Max still looked to be in a state of shock but I couldn't linger on the details. Her chocolate eyes were staring fixedly on my eyes and she had not once blinked. I could see they were still watery but she wasn't letting the tears fall. An irrepressible surge of love flooded me as I looked into her soulful eyes.

Oh how I wanted her so badly at that moment. My whole body was reacting to her closeness and I was indescribably happy that all those bad intentions towards Max were no longer there. Maybe the nanobots had been destroyed when they tried to heal the pain?

Slowly I bent over and gently rested my forehead against hers, revelling in this long-awaited freedom of being able to be near to Max again. I couldn't bring myself to look away from her beautiful eyes for fear the moment would be ruined.

God help me, I thought.

Seized by a sudden recklessness, I pressed my lips lightly against Max's, unsure of how she would react. As we parted seconds later, I watched her carefully. She still hadn't blinked and that surprised look had only deepened. Maybe she just needed a little more encouragement?

I smiled brightly as my body filled with elation. I would love nothing more than kissing her again.

So without hesitation, I kissed her again. It wasn't long before I finally got a response from Max. She pressed her lips more desperately against mine and I felt her hands slide around my waist. I wrapped my arms around her back, one hand sliding up to the nape of her neck and pressing her closer to me.

The kiss deepened as I tentatively ran the tip of my tongue along her bottom lip. She moaned with pleasure, opening her mouth slightly so I could gain access. She tasted as wonderful as she looked.

Suddenly there was a cough from behind me and I felt eyes on me. Slowly I disengaged myself from Max, smiling at her flushed cheeks. Unwilling to lose contact with her so completely, I kept my arm around her waist. I was going to make up for over three months of absence.

When I looked up, I saw the rest of the Flock staring at me in equal shock and amusement. Their faces were tearstained and I noticed the slightly red and puffy look to their eyes. Frowning in confusion, I glanced at Max. She had returned to staring at my face as though trying to memorise it. I turned back to the Flock.

"What?" I asked, thoroughly confused. "Have I got something on my face?"

Answers will come next chapter! Which will also probably also be the last chapter... depends on how I can work it. Haha