For Bittersweet, because I didn't, I promise!

'He's dying, Max.' You step out of the shadows. She whirls to fight, and sees it's you. I see it's you. Finally. And then I watch your face fall as Max turns back to Iggy. It's not because she hates you, Fang. It's because she can't let herself believe you're real.

'It's okay, Ig. You're going to be fine. I promise.' She whispers to him.

'The cake's a lie, Max.' Oh, Ig.

Ange and Gaz don't know who to look at. Dylan's glaring at you, as if this is all your fault. Ella has eyes only for Iggy, something I can't bring myself to blame her for. But you, Fang, you're looking at Jeb.

'Do something.' I've never seen you like this before. Angry, threatening. Frightening. 'Help him. You owe him your life, Jeb!'

'Actually, Fang, he owe me his. You all owe me your lives.'

Iggy cries out, and we all turn to look at him. When we look back up, Jeb is against the wall, your hand at his throat.

'He saved you, Jeb. You can't let him die. I know you can help him.'

'I wouldn't, Fang. Even if I could. It has to be this way. It's too late to stop everything now.'

Angel interjects, and proves to me, once and for all, that I can trust her.

'Has to happen? That's not true, Jeb. You can help him.'

'Angel...You of all people should be able to understand...'

'If you can't change anything, Jeb, then why is Fang still alive?' He glares at her, his eyes flashing, but I see the doubt flit across his face. All of us are watching him now, even Iggy and Ella. He meets each of our eyes, and it seems like he's arguing with himself. Then, finally, one more word:

'Fine.'

Throughout all this, Max has been silent. She doesn't look up when Jeb – her father- addresses her. I'm not sure she has even heard him. Her hand is clutched tight around Iggy's. Jeb says her name, again, and once more. She still doesn't respond. Dylan and Fang both step towards her, but Ange shakes her head at both of them. She moves forwards, and lays her hand on Max's shoulder. I can almost hear the thought-conversation between them.

Time passes – maybe seconds, maybe minutes, I don't know. Then finally Max seems to give in. She bends forwards to kiss Ig's forehead, and whispers something to him, too quiet for the rest of us to hear.

Ah, but now, on the other hand...

Look how long it is! Ahem. Yeah, I got my precious notebook back today. Thanks, Daniel!

(If you spot the epic fail hidden here... Don't mention it. Or do, and I'll give you pretend cookies to shut you up... XD)

~ Em x