Blood – Chapter 5
By MyNameIsCAL
-Max's POV-
Fang hadn't really been up to going out after the incident at the burger place. He had put on a little weight though, exercising at the gym in our apartment. Usually he went early in the morning to avoid people.
Christmas was coming in the next week. We had done some shopping together, and then he went out once with Iggy to buy what I was assuming a gift for me. To our surprise, he had agreed to go to Mom's house for Christmas to see everyone. I think he missed them though.
He was talking more too. At least to Iggy and me. I hoped it was a good sign of things to come.
It was late now and I was attempting to give Fang a haircut. He insisted the way I cut it was fine, but I guess I always had my doubts about my abilities.
"It l-looks fine, M-Max." He ran his hand through his hair, staring at himself in the mirror. I watched his gaze fall onto the scars that ran down his face.
"Hey…" I put my hand on his shoulder and he turned to face me.
"I'm-I'm s-sorry."
I put my hand to his face and he rested his hand around my wrist.
"Don't be," I whispered.
And I pulled him down into a kiss. He gave in, slipping his arms around me. I could feel his hand resting right between my wings. When we broke apart, he was actually smiling.
I was hoping Fang would sleep on the way to Mom's, but he didn't. He sat fidgeting in the passenger seat for the whole ride.
"Hey, relax. It's just the flock."
He nodded, but his eyes still said he was scared.
The door burst open before I could ring the bell. Angel, Nudge, and Gazzy came rushing out. They hugged Fang first, even Gazzy.
"We missed you," Gazzy told Fang. "Welcome home."
Fang managed a nervous smile and followed them in to see Mom. That was when all the crying started. Well, the whole moment might have lasted longer if Ella's boyfriend didn't show up wearing a red shirt.
Take Fang out for a minute. Everyone already knows about the red. Angel's voice entered my head.
"Fang, c'mon for a minute." I tugged him by the arm and he followed me.
We went out the backdoor and I forced him to sit in one of the patio chairs.
"Fang, it's just a shirt." I forced him to meet my eyes. "You just gotta get through tonight. And we're going to do it together. I'm sure Ella's boyfriend is a nice guy."
He blinked at me.
"Look at yourself, Fang. You look great. And everyone's here for you. No one's judging you."
"I-I…" He shut his mouth.
"It's going to be okay, Fang."
"I h-haven't even s-s-said anything t-to th-them." He turned away from me.
"That doesn't matter." I took his hand. "Please, Fang."
He turned back towards me. "O-okay, M-Max."
"I know seeing everyone is a lot," I added. "Just, if you need to step out, then let me know. I'll take you back home if you want too."
He nodded. Then I gave him hug and we went back inside.
Dinner would have went by smoothly if it weren't for Ella's boyfriend, Mark. He was a real jerk. I swear Iggy would have gotten up and socked him in the face if he weren't so focused on telling Fang about the food and whatever else he could think of talking about. Fang seemed to realize this and was going along with it, nodding even though Iggy couldn't see him.
After dinner and dessert, we headed to the family room. We took a group shot of us in front of the Christmas tree and then sat around to exchange gifts. It was mostly gift cards and trinkets we gave each other. Nudge had made Fang this awesome jacket with wing holes and everything. Fang probably had the most stuff. He managed a couple of thank yous and then sat quietly, looking around at all of it.
"M-M-Max?"
I scooted closer to Fang on the couch we were sitting on. "What's wrong?"
Iggy cleared his throat. "Okay, Fang has an announcement to make."
Fang loosened his tie and the reached his hand into his pocket. He got down on one knee and produced a black velvet box.
His eyes met mine. "M-Max, w-will y-y-you m-marry m-m-me?"
I'm sure anyone who has ever been proposed to by the man they love has thought the ring they saw was the most beautiful ring ever, but I really think Fang nailed it. It wasn't anything fancy. Just a simple diamond.
I felt myself tearing up. "Yes, Fang!"
He smiled, and with a shaking hand, put the ring on my finger.
"Wait a second! I object!"
It was Mark.
"Object? Are you kidding me?" Iggy began to laugh. "How could you possibly object, Mark? What could you possibly know about us that would give you any substantial reason to object?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Mark took a step towards Iggy. "He can't take care of himself so he has to secure a way to make sure someone will."
"You think you could have lasted one day in Fang's shoes and the hell he went through? You know, Fang has risked his life for all of us in this room. We'll all vouch for him." Iggy took a step towards Mark. It was scary what he could still do even though he couldn't see. "And no one else loves Max as much as he does. So you get out of this house right now."
"Excuse me?" Mark sneered.
"I said get out!"
"Look man, I know you still got feelings for Ella. But she left you for the same reason your buddy and your friend ain't going to work out." Mark pushed Iggy back. "So back off!"
Iggy lost it then. They started to throw punches at each other and went crashing into the Christmas tree.
"Iggy!" Gazzy made the first move toward them.
He pulled Mark off.
"GET OFF!"
Gazzy punched Mark in the face and he crumpled to the floor.
"Iggy, are you alright?" Gazzy asked.
Iggy was clutching his hand. There was a shard of glass through his hand. And it was oozing blood.
"Shit call an ambulance," Gazzy bent down next to him.
That was when Fang bolted.
"Fang!"
"Go after him. I got Iggy," Gazzy said. "Go, Max!"
Fang didn't get far. He was standing at the edge of the property, his wings out. He tucked them back in as I approached him.
"Fang, don't let anything Mark said get to you." I took his hand.
"You d-deserve b-b-better than th-this." He let go of my hand.
"Fang…"
Sirens blared in the distance.
He turned and went back into the house. I took a minute to collect myself and then went back after him.
Fang refused to speak a single word to me.