Disclaimer: Max isn't mine… Duh.

Okay, so I finally made it to the dance, but I really don't feel like writing it for some odd reason. I don't think its writers block though, because my tenth chapter of a different, longer story, was easy to finish three minutes ago. Well, thank you every one who supported me. This is for you. But you knew that.

Max POV

I was hyper aware as we stood outside of the school gym. The next hour was going to be filled with claustrophobia and other high stress, bird kid issues.

I felt Fang's sweaty palm in mine and I gave it a squeeze. He responded by gracing me with a rare smile. Is it me or is his smile becoming less rare than when we were on the run? It's too bad we'll be returning soon, but I don't think I could take much more of this serenity.

Fang murmured, "I think we actually have to go inside."

"Thank you, captain obvious."

"You're welcome, commander sarcastic."

"Come on!" Ella cried, "I'm so excited! This is my first high school dance and it's yours' too!"

We all followed Ella in.

The dance was in the gym, but the room was hardly recognizable, especially to those of us who've only been in the school for a week. It was decorated with balloons, but we could hardly see the decorations because it was so dark. There was a DJ blasting music and there was a concession stand to escape to in the back. Fang and I made a bee-line for the concession stand.

We remained there for the better part of an hour, talking to each other and to the occasional person who would join us. Unfortunately it wasn't particularly easy to hear anyone over the music.

I was talking to Maria when Fang interrupted. I couldn't hear what he had said, even with my raptor hearing. He just doesn't like to talk loudly. Especially in an environment where you are definitely going to be overheard.

I asked loudly, "WHAT?"

He scowled and repeated himself, "Do you want to dance?"

"Not particularly. Why?"

"It might be fun and we never have before."

I sighed and told him, "If I make a fool of myself you are under strict orders not to repeat anything about it. And that is an order as your leader, not your girlfriend." There, I said it. Wow, that is so weird.

Fang gave me a tiny smile, about the size of a miniscule sapling trying to grow in the shade of an oak tree. He held my hand and lead me onto the side of the dance floor, still eager not to be noticed. We could see Iggy and Ella doing the same. I bet Iggy was having a hard time with the level of noise.

We moved to the music and after a song or two I was able to relax. I didn't even mind how close Fang was dancing to me. Better him than some creep.

I lost track of time, but it may have been about five songs in when Aaron approached us. He yelled over the music, "Mind if I dance with you for a little while, Max?"

Fang broke his previous routine and answered for me, "No. She's never going to dance with anyone else. Now get away or I'll punch your face in. Teacher chaperones don't scare me."

I smiled as Aaron stalked away. Fang had his usual impassive face on. That didn't mean anything and I knew it because I know him better than anyone else.

Suddenly a slow song came on. I went to get off the dance floor, but Fang grabbed my wrist. He said, "One more song?"

I sighed. I guess it couldn't hurt. Fang's a gentle-man, I know he won't try anything. Besides, it's a good excuse to spend time with him, but be able to worm my way out of it.

A few more chapies left. The dance might not be over, but I got bored. Sorry it took so long to post. You all know that I have a lot of excuses. I'm a swimmer-writer-flutist, what else can I say?