A/N: Ok, here's the first chapter. This is a FAX chapter, but don't worry, the whole story wont be like this; this is just an important conversation for later in the story. Hope you enjoy! Review!

It was nighttime and the flock lay sleeping, I could hear their steady breathing behind me, soothing me to know they were all safe. It was my turn on watch and I was sitting on a log next to the fire, soaking up the warmth and staring at the stars. We've been in the Everglades for about two days now, swapping war stories and scars, and basking in our reunited happiness; but I was getting restless, we all were, and we all knew it. As if on cue I heard Fang step beside me.

"Hey Max?"

"Hey Fang, I thought you were asleep."

"Nah, I couldn't sleep and wanted to talk to you anyway" he said, taking a seat beside me on the log. Wow, Fang wanted to talk? This must be important.

"Shoot" I replied, knowing what was coming.

"I'm sure you've noticed the flock's getting restless, and I was wondering what are next move was?" he asked, looking me in the eyes.

I thought for a minute, and really didn't have any idea. We'd just blown the shit out of Itex, and until we knew their next plan, we really weren't running from anything at the moment. I hadn't heard anything from the voice in my head in days, and was beginning to think maybe I wouldn't ever hear anything form it again – I'd only be so lucky. This was strange though. The flock and I usually always hadn't something on our "To do" list, ranging form kill to be killed. But now…there was nothing.

"I don't really know Fang." I said. Shock registered on his face before he quickly wiped it off, replacing it with the usual emotionally devoid expression. Wow, I can't believe I just said that to Fang.

"You don't know? Well that's a first. The great Maximum Ride doesn't know what to do next. Wow." He replied, while managing to suppress a laugh at the same time. I, meanwhile was wondering what put Fang in such a talkative mood.

"Seeing as you find this just so funny, what do you suggest oh wise one?" I snapped back, with my arms now crossed over my chest and my eyes glaring.

"Well," he said, "I don't think our choices are many. We could try and settle somewhere for the time being, and take it easy. Or we could try looking for the flock's families again. Or…we could go back to Anne's."

"What?! There is no way we're going within a hundred miles of Anne's!" I practically yelled at Fang, my face going red. What was he thinking, going back to Anne's?

"Max! Calm down or you'll wake the flock. It was just a suggestion, believe me, I don't want to go back there either." He replied in a rushed whisper. Anything concerning Anne was always a touchy subject.

"Sorry." I thought for another minute and than continued. "I don't think taking it easy would be a good idea, you know how restless we all get…so that leaves searching for our families." This topic was even touchier, and suggesting that was tough for me to say. Just the thought alone, of the flock splitting up was enough to make me sick. But I knew that it was only right for our, well actually - their families to know the truth; we hadn't really discovered anything about me. I think that's my greatest fear, being left alone – abandoned by my flock. But I would do what I had to for them; they were always my first priority.

As if reading my mind Fang put his arm around my shoulders and with his other hand tilted my chin up so I was looking in his eyes. This was surprise number one of the very many to follow in the next twenty-four hours.

"Hey - I know what you're thinking," of course he does, "and don't you ever think that. I would never abandon you; you should know this by now, Max. No parents I've never even met before are worth leaving you and the flock for." Wow. Surprise number two. He said this sincerely, I knew it was sincere because Fang never said more than two words if it wasn't completely necessary.

"Fang, your parents have the right to get to know the son they've never met; and you have the right to get to know the parents you've never met." I whispered, afraid that if I spoke any louder I might begin to cry. Separating from the flock would be one of the most difficult things I could ever do.

"Max, who's to say that my parents won't turn out to be total jerks like Iggy's?" he asked. Oh, so that's what this is about…

"Don't think like that, who knows they could be really great people, and if we do find them, you should give them a chance." Seeing the set look on his face, I decided to continue. "Listen Fang, there's no way that because of me or any other member of the flock that you will be kept from getting to know your parents, and you deserve the opportunity. Just because some stupid computer claims that I was an immaculate conception and am lacking a father, and even a mother," that brought quick and timid smile to his face, "doesn't give me the right to keep you form yours. If we find your parents you're staying with them and that's final." I demanded, praying for an end to this entirely depressing conversation.

"Fine"

"What?" I never expected him to agree to that so quickly, and almost felt hurt at his willingness.

"Fine," he said again in reply, "you'll just stay with me," he added with a mischievous grin, and once again he took me by surprise. (What are we, up to three now? Or is four?)

"What? No. I –" I was at a complete loss of words, when he quickly interjected.

"Look, Max, why don't we just talk about this when the time comes?" he said, taking his arm off of my shoulders and standing up. I immediately missed the warmth, but would never reveal that to him. "For now lets just be at peace with the fact that we know what our next move is okay?" I chose not to answer him and instead nodded my head.

Upon seeing the nod he turned around and headed back to where the rest of the flock was sleeping, but not before adding a quick, "Sleep well Max".

As I sat facing at the fire, I smiled at myself. Fang's unwillingness to leave me and the flock made me feel strangely pleased. I knew I should feel angry with him, for denying what was the right decision, but my more selfish side was happy that he was willing to sacrifice a life of attempted normality to stay with me.