Any tension from before was forgotten. "What?!" I cried. "Seriously? What do you think it is?"

Fang grinned at me, making my heart jump. "The power of healing. I think I just healed my ankle by touching it."

I raised my eyebrows dubiously. "Then why did it hurt so much?"

"I think that's part of the healing process," Fang concluded, after pondering my question.

I thought for a moment, then said, "Try it on me."

"Max…"Fang studied me. "What if doesn't work?"

I lifted my chin stubbornly. " Come on, don't be such a chicken, Fang."

He glared at me.

Great. Looks like I'll have to resort to begging.

"Pleeeease, Fang? I feel like an arthritic old woman! I'm 14, for God's sake!"

He smirked at my efforts, then sighed. "Fine."

I grinned and stuck my knee out. Fang closed his eyes and concentrated, while rubbing soothing circles around my knee. At first, I felt nothing but Fang's warm hand circling my kneecap. But then, all of a sudden, a spark of pain shot up my leg. I bit my lip to keep from crying out. Fang looked at me like I told you so. I gritted my teeth together and closed my eyes. That really hurt, but I wouldn't show it. Another starburst of fire exploded in my knee. I sucked my breath in, and I felt Fang take my hand in one of his.

"Max," I heard him whisper. "Just hold on. You're almost there…" More pain. "-Almost there-" Maybe this wasn't worth it. Fang squeezed my hand reassuringly. "And…we're done."

I opened my eyes to find him looking at me intently. "Feel any better?"

I took a deep breath and nodded. "Yeah, I'm okay. Thanks, Fang."

He nodded, then stood up, letting go of my hand. "So what do you think? Pretty cool, huh?"

I just looked at him.

"It's not fair!" I cried. "You just got invisibility!"

He smiled again (I hope he makes a habit of this. I could get use to seeing it more often). "Nana nana boo boo."

I rolled my eyes and grinned at him. "I'm so glad you've finally passed through that immature stage, Fang."

We told Mom and the rest of the flock, and after the initial shock wore down, we headed back home.

While she was getting the rest of the flock inside, I stepped into the house, and started down the branch of the hallway that led to the kitchen. Mmmmm. Just like I remembered it. Warm, with an cozy amount of light, the scent of cookies filling the air…

"MAX!" All of a sudden, I was tackled from behind by a slim, strong figure.

"Hey, Ella," I laughed and hugged her back. Ella grinned at me, then something behind me caught her eye. "Hi Fang!" She said, still smiling. Then, as if sensing something between us, she released my from her death grip and said, "Well. I'll just be in the kitchen. There's cookies if you want any." She winked at me, then skipped off towards the Inner Sanctum of Yumminess (a.k.a. the kitchen).

I couldn't bring myself to look him in the eye. What I had said before had been stupid, I knew that. Darn it. I'd have to say I was sorry. So get your cameras out, folks, because Maximum Ride hardly ever apologizes. Oh, boy. I knew what I needed to do, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. Gahh. I am so bad at apologies. Not that I'm going to start practicing any time soon. Not if I can help it. Oh, well. Here goes nothing. "Fang, look, I'm sorry, I-"

"You're sorry? The great Maximum Ride is apologizing? You aren't going to make a habit out of this, are you?" Fang's eyes widened in mock-shock.

I narrowed mine. "Well, if you're just going to act like that…"

Fang grinned, lighting up the little alcove we were in. "Just kidding. Thanks, Max." Then he looked at me slyly. "Anything else you wanted to say?"

I swallowed. "Well-"

"Max! Fang! Guess what? Ella and Dr. M found this amazing new recipe for a new type of cookie! And it's sooo good you absolutely have to try it!" Thank you, Nudge. Thank you for saving me from myself. Memo to self: give Nudge whatever she wants next time she asks for something.