Max POV

I decided to start right there and then. I would stop hurting him, or at least I'd try not to. I slowly picked myself up from my bed and walked down the hallway to Fang's bedroom, careful not to wake the kids. If Angel was awake... I didn't want to think about it.

Focus, Max, said the Voice.

I am focused.

I opened Fang's bedroom door silently and slipped inside, closing it just as quietly. He didn't notice me yet. I decided to have a bit of fun and knelt down behind him. He was sitting on the floor staring out the window. I quickly covered his eyes up with my hands and began to say something, but I was cut off by him picking me up by the waist and sitting me on his lap as he sat down on his bed. Then he put his arm around me in a headlock. He was playing too; that meant he couldn't be that mad.

"Maximum Ride, if you ever sneak up on me like that again, I'll..."

"You'll what?" I asked. "Why would you want to hurt me?" I gave him Bambi eyes. He looked surprised at me being so, I don't know, sweet and playful? I was just trying to be... Friendly? But he seemed to be okay with it and chuckled. I smiled. He gave me a smirk. I guess you can't have it all. He looked down at me and seemed surprised to notice he still had his arm around my neck and quickly released me. He leaned back to let me off his lap, but I didn't move. I waited for him sit back up, and when he didn't, I pulled him up to me. I paused for a moment, wondering if I really wanted to say all of this to him.

Get on with it, said the Voice.

Shut up, I thought.

"I'm sorry. For everything," I whispered.

His face remained impassive, but I saw him frown, ever so slightly.

"You are always there for me and I'm always so horrible to you- and.." I wanted to say more, but I was cut off by Fang pulling my face to his. He didn't kiss me, but we were less than an inch apart.

"You never hurt me unless you wanted to. I'm the one who should be apologizing. You haven't done anything, Max. I'm sorry."

I felt my eyes widen. That was one of the most emotional things I'd ever heard him say.

Then I felt him stroke my cheek. He kissed me. It was slow and shy and sweet and perfect. I kissed him back and as we broke apart, I tried to hold him as closely to me as I could. I wouldn't lose him. I couldn't.

He kissed the top of my head lightly and held me close.

"I love you," I whispered.

"I know. I love you too. Now sleep. Shh. Close your eyes."

His voice was so gentle and kind.

"But-" I started.

"Just for a moment. I'll still be here when you wake up. You need the rest."

"The Flock doesn't have to know about this, right?"

"Of course not. Not if you don't want them to."

He stroked my face and I closed my eyes, willing the moment to last forever.