Me no owny Maximum Ride.

~* O *~

"Max. If you are not going to pay attention in my class, at least pretend to look like you care." The voice roused me from my sleep and I shifted my head, trying to get comfortable again.

"Mhmmm… five more minutes, please."

A sudden pound on my desk jolted me wide-awake and I looked up to see my math teacher looking down at me with a ruler in his hand. "Welcome back to the realm of the living, Miss Ride; specifically, my class. Please save your urge to sleep for another class and at least try to pay attention in mine." With that he turned on his heel and walked back to the board, continuing the lesson of whatever we were learning. I could care less, really. I resorted to just staring at the wall.

"Oh, and I would like to see you after class, Miss Ride." The class erupted into 'oohing' and even whistling. I rolled my eyes and cracked my knuckles. Great. I already wasted a majority of my time at this dump; like I needed to waste any more.

The rest of class continued with my teacher's voice droning on and on about God-knows what. I suddenly felt something hit the back of my neck and I turned around to glare at who I already know did that. Fang, obviously. He smirked at me nodded his head at the ground, where I saw a crumpled piece of paper. I glared at him once more before bending down and picking it up. Facing the board, I slowly unraveled the paper as to not make noise and saw something messily written down. I sighed dramatically and read over the message, which said:

So, Maxie, you and Mr. Wood? I hate to break it to you but I think he's a little too old for you. And definitely out of your league.

I crumpled up the note and turned around to throw it right at Fang's face. He glared back at me and picked the note from off his desk to throw it at my face. I picked the note up to throw it at Fang's face again, only to hear – "Miss Ride, your attention, please." I sighed and turned around, wanting to pummel Fang's face to a pulp.

Out of all the people I had ever known, Fang infuriated me the most. Starting at the beginning of freshman year, Fang had 'accidentally' slammed a door on my face, and in return I kicked it where the sun doesn't shine. Our rivalry has been brewing ever since, always trying to get on the other's nerves and see who could break first. Of course, I would never admit defeat. I would not let him get to me and show any weakness; that would fuel his stupid ego even more.

It was junior year now, and I had the glorious benefit of having Fang sit right behind me in my pre-calculus class. My dream come true. Note sarcasm.

After the bell rang, I took my time getting up and putting on my backpack as everyone all but fled the classroom. Fang, though, took his sweet time too getting up and out of the room, smirking knowingly at me as he passed through the door. Did he know some super secret or something…?

I slowly made my way to my teacher and stopped right in front of his desk, crossing my arms over my chest.

Mr. Wood crossed his hands on his desk like all those teachers do and looked up at me. "Max…. I really think you should get some help for this class."

I widened my eyes and uncrossed my arms. "I – what? I don't need help! I'm passing, aren't I?"

"You're hovering between a D and an F, so I suggest you to pull it together. And I know you're not going to my request seriously, so I hired you a tutor. In your case, meeting three times a week should help." Mr. Wood glanced back down at his desk and started grading papers.

I was honestly flabbergasted. I didn't need a stupid tutor! I could maybe do better by myself if I actually tried! I started to utter excuses but Mr. Wood interrupted me by saying, "Oh, and you're tutor is Fang Westly. You should talk to him soon to set up when and where you will be tutored. Have a nice day."

Being clearly dismissed, I inaudibly muttered curses and dragged my feet across the room and out the door, making sure to slam the door on the way out. Why is life so cruel and playing this joke on me? Fang, of all people! Like it could get any worse.

I unlocked my stupid locker, stuffed the stupid books in, and closed the stupid locker door, only to see stupid Fang leaning against the stupid locker right next to mine.

"Creep," I muttered, starting to walk away. Fang quickly caught up and was now walking next to me. "So you knew about this all along, didn't you?"

Fang smirked that horribly annoying and cute smirk at me and – wait, cute? Fang is anything but cute. Moving on. "Of course I did, Maxie. Since I'm the top student in our class, I was honorably chosen to take on your services," Fang said haughtily and full of sarcasm.

"Whatever. I don't need your help, but our idiotic teacher thinks I do. So, we meet at my house, whatever days I'm feeling like that week, at 7. Got it?"

"Actually, no. We meet at my house, whatever days I'm feeling, at 8. Got it?" God, Fang was so infuriating. I could just strangle that pretty face…. cough. Pretends to look of innocently in the opposite direction.

I shouldn't be thinking these thoughts about him… well, the violent thoughts are necessary, but not the… other ones. Mr. 'hot-shot, I'm too freaking cool'. Never having a girl toy for more than a month, you could call him a player. All the girls in our grade flirted with him, and he with as much as a blink could make them fall in love with him. I, however, was never prone to his 'charm', whatever charm that was. Sure, he was hot; the hottest guy in the grade. But looks couldn't make up for what was on the inside, and in Fang, there was probably nothing worth-while. That's why I hated him even more.

"No way! My house, or I'll –"

"What? Fire me? You can't really do that. So, my house or you're failing. Here's my address." He handed me a sheet of paper. "See you at eight, babe." With that, he winked at me and walked off in the other direction. I stopped walking and glared after him.

"Don't ever call me babe, asshole!"

~* O *~

With my book in hand, I pounded my finger on the doorbell again and again, hoping to annoy him. Heheh this is fun, -

Fang opened the door with nothing on but dark jeans and black converse. Where – was – his – freaking – shirt? I averted my eyes, careful to avoid his chest and eyes, but I saw him smirk, yet again. That seemed to be the only facial expression he knew how to portray.

"Like what you see? Go ahead, you can touch it if you want to feel how hard it is," Fang arrogantly said. My face heated the tiniest bit and I looked up to meet his dark eyes.

"Honestly, I don't see anything to look at. And move; it's freaking cold outside." With that I bumped into him to get inside of his house. I heard him close the door behind me as I found the living room. I lay back on the couch and propped my feet up on the table.

Fang rolled his eyes but didn't comment. "You do know you're forty-five minutes late, right?" He tugged on a black shirt that was lying on one of the chairs. Thanks God; I wouldn't want to be that close to him like that… would I?

"I am aware, yes. See, there are these things called clocks that can tell the time. If they're too difficult to read, you can try getting a digital clock."

"Meeting later at night seems more intimate, so I can see your thought process there. I'm flattered, really. Tell me when you want to take it back to my room if it gets too intense."

"Not even in your dreams. Now start teaching me this stupid stuff so I can go home."

Fang sat down just a little close to me and opened up my book. Our knees were touching and I had to regulate my breathing. Why is he making me feel this way? I ducked my head to look down at the book and not at him.

"You wanna go home so soon? But this is where the party's at, babe; I can give you a good time." He wiggled his eyebrows slightly and smirked. How many times has he done that today, let alone this week? Definitely too many to count. My cheeks burned again a little and I glared up at him.

"God, you're such a man-whore. No wonder you can't keep a girlfriend for any significant amount of time."

"Why, do you want to be my girlfriend? Is this why you pretend to hate me? Maxie, you should have just said so earlier. I can be available whenever you want me to be."

"I know you're really desperate, but I'm just not interested. Sorry." Ha! I smirked right back at him. Fang's jaw barely clenched, but then he smoothed his expression and put the smirk back on. He began with the lesson and I tried so hard to pay attention. Not really. I was just staring at the wall the whole time. Such a pretty shade of blue….

"Max, are you even listening to what I'm saying?" His voice carried me out my thoughts and I looked back at him.

"Hm? Oh yeah, sure."

"Then what did I just say?"

"Max, are you even listening to what I'm saying?" I imitated him from earlier.

Fang rolled his eyes and looked up at the ceiling. "At least I get paid to do this."

I looked at the clock and saw it was already ten. "Shit, it's ten! I gotta go home." I picked up my book and got up from the couch. Fang got up too and walked toward the door, me following after him.

As he was unlocking the door, I said, "Well, thanks for doing my homework for me! I would also say thanks for teaching me, but I didn't actually learn anything." I opened the door and was about to step out when Fang grabbed my arm.

"Max, seriously. At least try pay attention so I don't feel like I'm teaching my dog." Fang actually had a serious look on his face; that's a first.

I yanked my hand out of his grasp, though I secretly in a way liked it there. "I'll only pay attention if you give me something, like cookies."

Fang blinked. "You want me to treat you… to cookies?"

"No, to dog crap. Yes, cookies! You better have it ready before the lesson or I'm not gonna pay attention."

"Uh…. fine. But be here tomorrow on time and actually pay attention. Got that?"

"Yeah yeah, whatever. Just don't forget the cookies. See you later, asshole."

I started walking to my car when I heard a "Adios, babe!" I rolled my eyes and opened the door to my car. Revving the engine, I pulled away from Fang's house and drove towards what I have now considered my 'second home'.

Parking in the almost-empty parking lot, I got out walked to the entrance of the hospital. After saying hi to the lady at the front desk, I walked down the hall to the hospital room that I knew by heart. I opened the door and saw him sitting up on the bed, watching tv with wires all around him.

Ari turned his head to see who came in and when he saw me a big smile lit his face. "Max!"

I smiled and moved across the room to sit on the edge of his bed. "Hey, kiddo. How's it going?"

Ari started talking about his favorite show, Adventure Time, and what had happened in the episodes he had previously seen. I was so proud of him; he was always so happy no matter the circumstances or situation. He was my little angel.

Ari was my seven-year-old brother and only sibling; he was diagnosed with leukemia two years ago and I have visited him in the hospital every day since. Our mom was never around because she was always at work or fooling around with her new boyfriend of the week. Our father had died a few years ago in a car accident.

"Ari, you feeling tired at all? It's already 10:30."

Ari shook his blond little head. "I took a super long nap a little while ago; I'm okay now!" But then Ari tried to cover a big yawn.

"Mhmm, of course you are, you little soldier. But if you go to bed now, I promise I'll bring you a treat tomorrow!"

Ari's eyes widened and he gasped. "Really, Max? What kind of treat?" He was almost jumping in his spot.

I laughed. "It's a surprise. But I know you'll like it. Now, try to go to sleep and I'll bring it tomorrow."

Instantly Ari dropped his head to his pillow and closed his eyes, pretending to snore. I ruffled his hair and stood up. "Good night, Ari."

~* O *~

The next day at school was a bore, as usual. Same old classes, same old people. In math I attempted to pay attention to the lesson for five minutes, which was a big accomplishment for me. Surprisingly, Fang didn't try to bother me or anything that period. I was relieved, of course. The bell rang and I hopped out of my seat, eager to escape. I was glad to have pre-cal at the end of the day because I always felt brain-dead afterwards.

"Hey, Max." I turned to the voice and saw Fang coming up after me. "Could come over around five instead of later today? I have plans tonight." It was Friday; of course Mr. Hotstuff would be busy. But then I remembered I had my afterschool job, and was slightly disappointed. Wait, why would I be disappointed if I couldn't meet with Fang today?

"I can't, I have…. stuff to do." I saw a look of disappointment flash on Fang's face but then it was masked. Had I imagined it? "How about in thirty minutes?"

"….. Fine. But don't be late this time, babe." He smirked at me and walked past me out the door.

I grumbled to myself and called out, "I told you never to call me 'babe'! And remember to bring those cookies!"

I got quite a few stares from the other students in the hallway.

~* O *~

"You brought the cookies, right?" I sat back on the same couch and propped my feet up on the table in the same manner as yesterday. Fang sat down next to me with a bag of cookies in his hand and handed the bag to me.

"Anything for you, sweetums."

I coughed. "Gross. That's even worse than babe."

"Sorry, babe."

"Still don't call me that!"

"Of course, babe."

"Argh! Just teach already!"

Fang went through the lesson and I listened to him somewhat. Turns out, Fang actually knew what he was doing. I thought his big ego was a cover-up for his stupidity. Kidding, but still….

After the lesson, I got up and put my textbook into my bag, trying to find room inside of it. My apron that I had to wear at the café was in it since I had to drive straight there. Some of the 'poof' from the apron was sticking out my bag.

"Hey, what do you have in your bag? A dress or something?" Fang attempted to see what was in my bag. The jerk. I quickly snatched it out if his prying hands.

"None of your business. I have to go now, so bye." I hastily went to the door only to figure out it was locked. My tapped my foot impatiently as I waited for Fang to come over and unlock the door. Gah, I'm gonna be late! Hurry the heck up!

Fang unlocked the door with his key and opened the door, but stood in front of the doorway with his arms crossed.

"What's the rush? That desperate to get away from me, huh?"

"I – ugh – I need to go somewhere, alright? And I'm going to be late if you don't freaking get out of the way." I was sort of acting like a bitch, but I didn't care. It's not like Fang would actually feel hurt by it. This was Fang we're talking about here.

Fang put his hands up in an 'I surrender' motion and moved out of the way. I hastily passed him and walked out the door.

"You know, you didn't even eat the cookies…." Fang mumbled, but I had heard him.

"I was just…. saving them for later. Thanks anyway!"

Wow. I actually told Fang Westly 'thanks'. I thought the world wasn't supposed to end for another few months….?

~* O *~

I had to work Monday through Friday at this diner in order to help raise money for my family and to help support Ari. It wasn't my ideal job, but it paid a decent amount. It was sort of embarrassing, though, so I always hoped every day that none of my classmates would see me there. At least it was Friday, so I had the whole weekend in front of me.

With a smile plastered onto my face, I laid the drinks on some customer's table and ignored their prowling eyes. One of the guys at the table winked at me, and I quickly turned around to walk away. The smile instantly dropped from my face. Creeps.

I hated this stupid apron, and I hated this stupid job, but I had to do it for Ari. He needed this.

It was 6 and my shift ended at 7, so I only had an hour left. Just one more hour. I could do this. I had gotten the food from the counter to bring to a table when I heard the chime from the door. Turning to look, I saw a few cocky teenagers come in. Oh, and they were in my grade! What a delight. This couldn't get any worse.

But it did.

Fang was with the group. Yay me! I turned my head as I set the food down at a table and quickly walked to the back of the café. Psh, of course I wasn't hiding. I was just…. making sure the temperature back here was okay…. it was. Oh, what to do now….

"Max, you are going to go help those new customers, right?" The owner of the café, Mr. Douglas, gave me a knowing look.

"Umm… can't one of the other waitresses serve them? I have… other tables to attend to."

"Max, don't keep those customers waiting any longer. Now go. And please try to act civilized."

I grumbled to myself and cracked my knuckles, wanting to go punch a wall. Or more specifically, Fang. Why did they have to come here? Here, of all places?

I made my way over to their table and once again plastered on a smile. This was for Ari. I could do this. "Hi, welcome to Frying Nemo, how may I help you?"

All of them looked up, disbelief etching their faces as they recognized me. "Max?" Fang asked, clearly taken aback by my outfit. "You… work here?"

I sighed. "No, I like to come here dressed as a waitress and pretending to serve people for fun. Now what do you want to order?"

One of the guys wolf-whistled and another muttered, "That's definitely Max." The two girls with them looked me up and down (not like that) with disgust written on their faces. Eh, whatever, bitches.

One of the guys looked me up and down and haughtily asked, "Are you a parking ticket? Cause you look fine." He smirked at me – it wasn't as good as Fang's smirk though. Wait, what?

I leaned down and dragged my finger down his shirt. "You know, I really want you…" The guy leaned in closer, still smiling. "…. to stop checking me out." I leaned back and smirked. The guy's smile turned to a frown.

"Ew, pathetic. How could you be checking her out, Ethan? She's nothing but a whore. Right, Fangy?" The red-haired girl wrapped her arms around Fang's arm and leaned into him. A whore, really? Who did this bitch think she was? And I knew Fang could be a douche, but he wouldn't sink that low, would he?

Fang wouldn't meet my eyes and mumbled a soft 'mhmm'. I guess he would sink that low. I shouldn't have expected anything from him, anyway. What a dick.

"Learn the definition of a 'whore' before you go calling people one. Fuck off." Gah, these people are definitely ticking me off. "Freaking order something already, or leave."

They finally ordered different seafood and I finally got to leave their table. As I was walking away, I heard Lissa say to Fang, "Oh my God, what a bitch. What's her freaking problem? And why didn't you stand up for me, Fangy?" And Fang murmured, "Sorry, babe." Babe? That's what he called me! She didn't deserve to be called 'babe' by Fang! Why was he with her, anyway? That freaking dick. I hated him.

I brought the food out and luckily no one said anything to me. Though, I heard one of the guys cough 'whore' behind my back. I would not punch them, I would not punch them.

They finished their food, I gave them the check, and finally they were about to leave. Thank God. And it was about the end of my shift, too.

I went to go clean their table and as they were walking out the door, Fang turned to look back at me. I had always disliked Fang, but never too seriously. After seeing him with those people, I despised him even more than I already had.

I gave him the finger and turned my back on him.

~* O *~

"Hey, Max!"

I smiled and lay down next to Ari on the opposite side of the bed. He always seemed to cheer me up, even with just a smile.

"You brought the treat, right? I went to bed last night just like you asked!"

"Of course I did, kiddo. Now close your eyes and no peeking." I dug through my bed, hoping the cookies weren't crumbled up. Luckily, they weren't. "Hold out your hands." Ari complied and held out his hands. I put the cookies in his hands and said, "Now you can open your eyes."

Ari opened his eyes and grinned. "COOKIES! I love cookies! Thanks so much, Max! You're the best!" He gave me a big hug with the cookies still in his hands. You would think that he had never had cookies before, but it was just we rarely bought. Why spend money on cookies when we needed it for Ari?

I watched Ari eat his cookies and thought sadly that he didn't deserve this. Of course I thought this every day, but why did such a sweet kid like Ari have to be stuck in a crappy place with a crappy condition like this? It wasn't fair.

~* O *~

Monday during pre-cal I felt a tap on my shoulder. I looked back and saw that Fang had a note for me in his hand. I took it, still mad at him but curious as to what the note would say. It read:

Sorry about Friday. I know my friends can be douches.

Can be douches? And he wasn't one? I crumpled it up and tossed it behind my back, hoping it would hit him.

I felt another tap on my shoulder and turned around to see Fang with another note. I took the note, crumpled it up, and threw it at his face. He didn't bother me the rest of the period.

~* O *~

I grudgingly came to Fang's house that night. He gave me a cookie, which I took and put into my bag. He went on with the lesson; I didn't say a word the whole time.

After the lesson, I got up to go, but Fang grabbed my hand. I instantly felt my hand heat up and I tried to wrench it out of his grasp, but he didn't let go.

"What, Fang?" was the first thing I had said all night.

He stood up and looked down at me. Darn his tallness. "Why are you acting like this?"

"Acting like what?" I asked innocently.

He narrowed his eyes. "You know what." And his hand was still holding mine.

"Well, how do you expect me to act? We aren't friends. We don't like each other. Nothing has changed that."

Fang's eyes darkened and he let go of my hand. "You're right. You can leave now."

Bipolar, much? Sort of rude, but I should have expected it from Fang. "See you tomorrow, Fangy." Fang's hand curled into a fist. Smiling mockingly, I left his house and walked to my car. Well, now we were back to our previous terms of trying to get on the other's nerves….. why am I feeling a pang of disappointment?

~* O *~

A month flew by since then. Well, I wouldn't say 'flew by' because it actually didn't. You know how they say 'time flies when you're having fun'? Well, I for sure wasn't really having fun. School was a bore as always. I hated my job but luckily didn't see any other people coming in during my shift. I did my homework, and then went to Fang's house. He would still give me a cookie at the beginning, but we wouldn't really talk to each other unless we were jeering at the other. He would teach, I would somewhat pay attention. Then the best part of my day came when I got to visit Ari. He was a happy camper, as always, but had no drastic improvements. What was the point of having him in the hospital if he wasn't going to get better? I would be able to see Ari more and we could be saving a lot of money. Fun month for me, huh?

My math grade had gone up since the day Mr. Wood suggested I get a tutor. It was now a B-, which I considered a huge accomplishment.

Fang never bothered me during school anymore. Rather, it was if I weren't even there. The only time we talked was when I was at his house, and even then we didn't really converse much. Not that I would admit it, but I sort of missed his teasing and cockiness. Now, he wouldn't even look at me. I didn't know what his problem was, but maybe he was just tired of the banter. Or how I would look at it, I 'won'. Yeah, that's a way to look at it.

I felt even lonelier than I usually did. Not one to easily make friends, I actually didn't have any 'real friends' at school. Think of me a loser all you like, but I didn't really care. School to me was a dungeon; not a social network. Besides, I disliked most of my grade anyway.

Thursday night, I came to Ari's room like I always did, but something wasn't right. Opening the door, I saw four frantic nurses surrounding an unconscious nurse. I panicked and ran up to the bed.

"What happened? What's the matter with him?" I was desperate; I didn't wont anything to happen to my little soldier.

One of the nurses looked sadly at me. "He has anemia now, meaning a lack of blood. Since he needs the blood to travel through his body to his brain and lungs, he has passes out from lack of oxygen."

"Well, do something then! He can't die! Please, do something!" Not Ari, please save him.

"What he'll need now is a blood transfusion. It's risky and expensive, but it's the only way."

Blood transfusion? Shit. Shitshitshitshitshitshit. I knew would could happen from a blood transfusion; I also knew how expensive it could be. And I knew we definitely didn't have that money lying around.

"How long do you think he'll live before having the blood transfusion?"

"We've set up an oxygen tank now, but it won't help him forever. I would say about a few days; a week at most."

A few days? A few freaking days? And why was she acting so calm and indifferent about this? That was my baby brother lying unconscious over there!

"After the blood infusion, how much time after would I have to be able to pay the bill?" Please be months and months away. With my mom's job and my pathetic job, of course it would take a while to collect all the money needed.

"Actually, with this type of procedure, we would need the money before the operation. And even with the payment, we might not even find a suitable donor whose blood could match with Ari's." What the hell? What hospital did this? Well, obviously this one, but still. Before the freaking operation? No way in hell! But I needed a solution; I only had a few days. I needed this to work. No way was I losing Ari.

I went over to Ari and kissed the top of his head. "I'm going to make you better, Ari. I promise."

My idea: Think of how to raise so much money in such a short period of time.

My plan: No idea.

~* O *~

School was miserable the next day. I had no clue what to do about Ari. Of course our mom wouldn't do anything about it; she hardly even acknowledges our existence. The only kind thing she does for us is giving me money from her salary once a month to help pay the hospital bills. If Ari were gone, she wouldn't have to 'waste any more money'. I tried my best not to punch her repeatedly.

"Max, please keep your head up during class. I know it's Friday, but just suck up your misery for another twenty minutes," Mr. Wood called out to me. I felt like he only picks on me during class; what did I do?

Of course I couldn't suck up my misery; my brother's life was on the freaking line here! But of course I wouldn't tell my teacher that. I didn't want anyone to know anything about my personal life, such as my dad's death, my sucky job, or my brother's condition. It was none of their business and I didn't need their pity. But knowing the people in my school, I wouldn't get any pity from them anyway. They were all stuck-up asses.

I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned around to see Fang handing me a note. I took it, curious as to what he wrote this time. He hasn't given me any notes since a month ago.

What's wrong?

I furrowed my eyebrows; why would he care? Fang and caring in the same sentence? That definitely didn't sound right. But here was legible proof. I wrote back:

Why would you think anything's wrong? I'm dandy.

I passed the note back to him and a few seconds later got it back.

You're obviously not 'dandy'. So what happened?

A month of practically the silent treatment and now he's acting like he actually cares about my well-being?

Why do you care?

I gave the note back to Fang, but he didn't have time to reply because the bell had rung. I jumped out of my seat and put my books into my bag, eager to get out and away, but Fang stepped in front of me.

"Look, Fang, I gotta go…"

"Just wait a second. Tell me what's wrong."

I paused and looked up at him. He was looking down at me, no hint of arrogance or teasing in his expression. He actually looked serious. "Why do I need to tell you? We're not friends; we're not anything. Study-buddies? Sure, if you want to call it that. But why are you really asking me? Why do you care?"

I noticed everyone else had already left the room. Even the teacher had gone somewhere, leaving Fang and me alone in the room. Perfect. Note sarcasm.

Fang ran a hand through his hair. "Look, I know we're not friends or anything, and we never have been, but I don't dislike you. I'm genuinely curious as to why you're upset." Fang looked a little uncomfortable and was avoiding my eyes.

So, just curious? Nothing more? That was sort of bland, if you had asked me. But I figured, why not? What was he gonna do about it?

So I told him everything. How my dad had died a few years ago, how I never see my mom anymore, how Ari's been doing, visiting him every day since his diagnosis, and how he was now. I just let it flow; let it all go out. It felt great, actually. Like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. But of course I still felt the underlying pain.

I didn't realize I had been crying until I felt Fang's hand rubbing circles on my back and his other hand wiping my cheek of tears. Oh God. How embarrassing. Crying in front of Fang Westly. I was the Max Ride. I wasn't a pansy, and I certainly didn't cry. But here I was now. He was probably thinking how pathetic I was.

I finished my story and tried to choke back a sob. I needed to get away; I didn't want Fang to see me like this. A muttered a 'bye' and turned to leave when I felt Fang's arms go around me and pull me to his chest. I froze, not knowing what to do.

This was Fang, and he was hugging me? I never would have dreamt of this in a million years. This was the guy I have 'hated' since freshman year, the guy who always had something snarky to say to my face, who always tried to act like he was better than I was. I just couldn't believe it.

All to soon, he unwound his arms around me and stepped back. I just gaped at him, not knowing what to say.

Fang looked down at me, determination but pity in his eyes. "It'll all work out, Max. You'll see."

"How?" I hated the sound of my voice; it was all shaky and cracking. "How is it going to get better? I don't even have half of the money needed for the operation, and they expect all of it in just a few days. And what if there isn't a matching donor? I don't know what to do." I hated how vulnerable I was sounding, but damn it, my brother was about to die. I just didn't care anymore.

"Just wait, Max. I bet they'll find a matching donor. And the money? Don't worry about it." Before I could reply, Fang strode quickly out the door. I sat down at one of the desks and put my head in my hands.

Of he course he was being optimistic; this situation wasn't happening to him. He wouldn't know what it felt like. Why did life have to be such a bitch?

~* O *~

After my job, I quickly headed over to the hospital. I was anxious to see Ari. To see if he were all right; if he were still breathing. I raced out of my car and into the hospital. Giving a quick smile to the receptionist, which turned out as a grimace, I all but ran to Ari's room. Stopping before the door, I took a deep breath and opened the door.

Only to find that it was empty. My chest rose rapidly and my heart leaped. I raced out of the room and to the receptionist. She knew me by now since I had come here every day for the past two years.

"Hi, do you know where they took my brother? He wasn't in his room." My voice came out all breathy and quick.

"Hi, Max. They took him to the operating room. I think they were going to give him a blood transfusion, but that was a few hours ago. Go to room E112 and see if he's in there."

With a quick 'thanks' I speed walked to the operating room, afraid of what I might see. But I was so confused. Why were they going to give him a blood transfusion? I obviously didn't have the money yet, and I guess they found a compliant donor? But why?

I knocked on the door and rocked back and forth on my heels. A nurse answered the door. "Hi, how may I help you?"

"Well, I'm Max Ride, and I heard that my brother was taken in here for a blood transfusion…?"

"Oh yes, he was three hours ago. The operation ran smoothly and now we're waiting for any adverse or side effects. Ari is just sleeping in the bed over there."

The nurse backed up to let me in and I went over to my brother. He looked like an angel with his blond hair and angelic face. And he looked alive. That was what I was worried about. But then, who would do this? And why?

I sat down at the edge of Ari's bed like I always did, and patted his head. My strong little soldier. I was so proud of him.

"Hey, Max."

I snapped my head up towards the voice I knew all too well.

"Fang? What are you doing here?"

"You know, just chilling in the hospital. It's where all the kids hang these days." Fang smirked at me, putting his hands in his pockets.

"Ha-ha. Hilarious. But seriously, why are you here?"

Fang sighed and came closer to me. He was looking down at the ground. "I paid for the blood transfusion." I opened my mouth to protest, but he interrupted me before I could say anything. "It wasn't my money obviously, but my parents'. They're loaded and don't really take notice of their money, since they're always God-knows-where in the world. That's why you never saw my parents at my house. But don't worry about it, they won't care."

I looked at Fang, mouth wide open. "But – but why did you do it? You never even knew I had a brother until I told you about him today. And where did you find a donor?"

Fang rested the back of his hand against my cheek and brushed it softly. "I care about you, okay? Seeing you upset about your brother, there was no way I wouldn't help. And I had my blood tested today. It matched with Ari's so I was able to be his donor."

"Max? Is that you?" I turned to Ari and saw him looking at me from his lying position.

"Ari!" I tackled him in a hug, careful not to hurt him or mess with all the electronic stuff surrounding him. "Oh my God, I'm so glad you're okay. You're really brave, you know that, kiddo?"

Ari beamed up at me; I had never seen him look so happy.

~* O *~

Fang and I walked out of Ari's room together. Ari had to stay the night to make sure there weren't any bad side affects. We went outside and sat down together on a wooden bench overlooking the parking lot.

Fang had said he cared about me. Fang Westly? Caring about me? If you had told me this a month, two months ago, I would have just laughed in your face. But now, I'm not so sure.

I didn't know what to say to him, so I just sat there. I didn't know how to react. Was I indifferent? Embarrassed? Glad? My emotions were so confused. I went from practically hating him to this, and I didn't even know what this was, exactly. What were we to do now? Pretend this whole thing didn't happen and go back to throwing insults at each other?

"Max, what are you thinking?" Fang asked. No arrogance in his voice, no smirk on his face. It was as if he had been replaced with someone who actually had feelings.

"I don't know what I'm thinking, actually. About you, about me, about us. What's going to happen now?"

Fang ran a hand through his hair and sighed. "Honestly, I don't know. But I do know that I don't want things to go back to the way they were before."

My heart rate sped up a little. So he didn't want to go back to being Mr. Hotshot, I'm so cool? "So how do you want things now?"

He looked at me. "To be honest, Max, I like you. I have liked you. I acted like a jerk all the time because I didn't want you to know. I was afraid you were automatically gonna turn me down, since I thought you hated me so much. I was secretly glad when I was chosen to tutor you for pre-cal. That meant I got to be closer to you. But for now, how things will go all depends on what you want." (Hoorah for cheesy speeches :p)

I was speechless, but in that moment, I knew what I wanted. Hesitantly but surely, I wrapped my arms around his neck. I leaned towards him and softly place my lips on his.

In a second, Fang had his arms around my waist and was kissing me back. We both pulled back about ten seconds later. Nothing too intense, but it felt amazing. His lips were so soft.

Fang stood up and held out his hand. Grinning, I grabbed it and hauled myself off of the bench. "Any place you wanna go tonight?" Fang asked, not letting go of my hand.

I thought for a second. "Let's go to your house."

Fang looked at me with disbelief. "Out of all the places to go, you want to go to my house?"

I smirked. "You know, if we're at your house, there's a lot more opportunity for being close to each other and even kissing."

Fang's face lit up in a way his face could. "I'm all for it, babe. Let's go."

~* O *~

Ari was able to finally come home yesterday, being declared in remission. He was able to enter second grade and make new friends.

Fang continued to tutor me at his house during the week, although the lessons got a little more intimate than planned. Finals were coming up, though, so I would need to study for those.

Fang dumped his girlfriend Lissa, who was the bitch at the café that day. He also ditched his friends, though I told him he didn't really have to. He always apologized for how Lissa and his friends treated me, and I always said I didn't care and that it was fine.

~* O *~

"Faaaang, I don't wanna study. One cookie isn't gonna make me want to pay attention."

"Fine. How about I give you three cookies, and you pay attention to me for three hours straight? "

"How about you give me seven cookies and a kiss, then I'll pay attention for an hour and a half."

"Don't you even want to pass this final?"

"I want to make out with you more."

Silence…

"Fine, three hours. But you give me the cookies and kiss now."

After studying for three agonizing long hours, we were finally done and were ready for the final, Fang more than me.

Ari was at a friend's house for a sleepover, so I didn't need to worry about him for the moment. I was so happy for him. He was finally able to live the life a seven-year-old boy should. He was my little soldier.

The next day at school, I took the stupid exam and waited outside while I waited for Mr. Wood to grade my final. I was the last one done, of course. Fang was next to me and holding my hand, rubbing his fingers over my knuckles.

"How are you not nervous? We just took the freaking pre-calculus final! That's forty percent of our grade!" Fang gave me a look, and I rolled my eyes. "Right, you're Fang Westly, math genius extraordinaire. You don't need to worry about anything."

"Just relax, Max. I'm sure you did fine. Not as well as I did, of course, but fine."

I slapped him on the arm and smirked when I saw him slightly wince. Just then the door to the room opened and Mr. Wood looked over at us. "Well, I graded your finals. Fang, 98. Wouldn't have expected any less. And Max…. you got an 89. A drastic improvement, I would say. A job well done." He went back inside and closed the door behind him.

I threw myself at Fang. "Did you hear that, Fang? I got an 89! That means I get a B for my average!"

Fang smirked at me. "Of course you did. I tutored you, after all."

I rolled my eyes and smiled at him. "Now, where's that kiss you promised me?"

~* O *~

Ah, what a painfully cheesy ending. I almost gagged writing it.

So sorry for the late update! I've been out of time, then school started again and they gave all this homework on the first day back. The freaking first day back! So yeah, those were my excuses…

I apologize if any of the language had offended you at all. Also, my medical facts probably aren't too accurate, so I apologize for anything that is wrong and doesn't make sense, just correct me!

Yup, I felt like this chapter sort of sucked. I felt the whole ending was awkward and rushed, so sorry for that! I also haven't read over it fully, so I probably made lots of mistakes. Tell me what you thought!

If you hadn't noticed, this chapter is super duper long! Longer than my other chapters! I did that just for you! :D And it freaking took me FOREVER to write. It's 5:51 am here. I should probably go to sleep soon. You're welcome. Anyway, please review as a thank you for the long chapter? With cherries on top?

Thanks so much for all the reviews from last chapter! You guys are AMAZING! I was mind-blown. I tried to reply to every review, and if I didn't, I'm really sorry.

~aalaal