Just one thing I wanted to say about my view on Max as a character: I picture her as a person who makes witty quips by way of cliches and puns. My joke in the last chapter about 'denial', well, I know its corny and stupid but I love it. You can probably expect more cliches and puns in future chapters.

Disclaimer: I don't own MR.

Chapter 36

Mom and I weren't talking. Things were extremely awkward when I got home that night. Mom had been waiting up for me to get home but I ignored her, went to wish Angel a final happy birthday, and locked myself in my room for the rest of the night.

I ignored her the next day too and was all too glad for Monday to come around. School may be hell but at least I didn't care about their opinions as much as I cared about Moms.

I also tried to make up to Nudge, again.

I left the shirt that Fang had found along with a long apology note in her locker. I knew it probably wouldn't make a difference but I had to try. I was hoping my numerous apologies would rack up brownie points in my favor.

But that pattern pretty much set the trend for the week. Everything was static. Never changing. Routine. I'd go to school, leave a note in Nudge's locker, ignore the copious stares of my fellow classmates, go home and ignore my mother.

The only thing that deviated from the routine was that the next Friday I called for a gang meeting behind the school. It wasn't the best place but since it was sort of neutral grounds I figured it was the best place to bring the Shadows and Night Hawks together.

Because that's what was happening. Fang was bringing the Shadows too. We were going to make the alliance tonight.

…

My gang gathered on the edges of the forest, waiting for me to get on with the meeting. Instead I gathered everyone's attention and motioned for them to follow me into the woods. The complied silently.

We walked through the dying sunlight, avoiding tree roots and new spring foliage as we walked. I was nervous; I'd be stupid if I wasn't. The last time these two gangs had met we'd had an all-out war. Well, war implies guns and knives; our only weapons were our fists and skills. Guns and knives were cheating.

As we got closer I could hear the faint murmur of talking ahead. I knew it would be Fang and his gang. The only people in my gang who knew what was coming were Iggy and Jared. They were both on board with the alliance.

I saw the break in the trees ahead of me and hurried my footsteps. Maybe it was nerves, maybe it was excitement, but either way I just wanted to get this over with.

I broke through the edge of the clearing the same time Fang did. I have to say, to anyone looking in, this would be one dramatic scene: Two rival gangs spilling out of the forest on opposite sides of a clearing to meet in the middle. Because that's exactly what happened.

Behind me my gang made noises of disbelief as the Shadows kept walking towards us. Fang and I stopped about a yard away from each other. I smiled at him and nodded towards my gang then his, giving him a look that said: They don't seem too happy.

He smirked and his eyes spoke paragraphs. Not yet. But they'll have to deal with it.

I nodded and turned around to face my gang.

"You all are going to listen carefully and not interrupt. You are also going to stay where you are. No attacking."

Fang relayed a similar message to his gang. Jared handed me a collapsible stool he'd been thoughtful enough to bring and I set it up within view of everyone in the clearing. Fang and I climbed up it, standing tall as we looked out at our gangs.

He nodded for me to start.

"Well, I guess we never thought we'd be here." I motioned around to show that I was referring to our company not our location. "A lot has changed these past few days." I turned to the Shadows. "I know you all hate us Night Hawks."

"And I know you all hate us Shadows." Fang nodded towards my gang.

"But that has to stop." I continued. "And that's why we're here tonight. Fang and I have been talking and we've decided enough is enough. This war between our gangs has to end."

I motioned to Fang and he picked up the speech. He turned to the Shadows. "Grey has been in charge of this gang for the past two years. He's self-centered, drastic, and acts with no forethought. Those aren't qualities that keep a gang running. Within his two years of leadership we've had more arrests, injuries, and fights than there have been since the gangs inception. Now that he's gone I plan to change that. We've had no reason to fight the Night Hawks other than greed. Greed for recognition, reputation, and territory. We have all the territory we need and we've been hurting ourselves as much as the Night Hawks as we tried to gain more. It stops today."

"So we propose an alliance." My voice rang through the silent clearing, determined and unmovable. "The stalking will stop. The fight for territory will stop. The threats and prejudice will stop. We will coexist." I stressed. "The best way to do that is with an alliance. A promise. We won't attack one another, we will be civil towards each other, and if anyone threatens the other we will help out. It's what's best. For all of us."

"Does anyone have a problem with this?" Fang asked in a dangerously quiet voice.

Nobody spoke. Maybe they were scared of what we'd do. Maybe they were shocked into silence by the whole thing. Maybe they agreed. Or maybe they were all in awe of hearing Fang talk so much. I know I was.

Any which way nobody opposed.

The alliance was made.

….

My gang follows the law. I take care of legalities, even contracts. Me, Fang, and our second in commands got together at my house the next day and wrote the whole alliance down. We even went as far as signing it. I wanted this thing permanent. I wanted it passed down through the years so future members of our gangs would have concrete proof that two gangs can get along and do what is best for its members. That we teenage gang members weren't trigger-happy, soulless people. That we really were here to create a family and support group for those who need it.

I know this chapter sucked. I am fully aware of it but I couldn't think of any other way to put it and I want to move on with the story. Still doesn't hurt to review! And to make it up to you I posted the next chapter already! Continue reading!

Peace!