The Runaways – Chapter 35

By MyNameIsCAL

-Max's POV-

"You're cutting the pieces too big."

I glanced up at Iggy and Fang who were sitting on the other side of the table preparing Christmas Eve dinner. The past few days had been hectic. We had spent most of the week trying to get all of our decorations up.

"Sorry," Fang muttered.

Iggy let out a sigh. "I know you want to help, Fang, but I think I can manage by myself."

Fang nodded, not saying anything else to Iggy. The past few days also put Fang in a bad mood. He wanted to help, but his leg seemed to be giving him more trouble now that he was walking, and Mom insisted that he rest.

"Fang, I'm sor—"

"It's fine, Ig." Fang stood and left us.

"I…I shouldn't have said that." Iggy shook his head. "The way he was cutting it would have been fine, I just…I wasn't thinking, Max."

"It's okay, Ig. I'll go talk to him." I pushed myself away from the table and went down the hall, finding Fang sitting on the bed in his room, rubbing his leg.

Even when I sat on the bed, he kept his eyes fixed on the floor. I settled my arms around him, and he finally gave in, arm resting around my shoulders, my head now resting against his chest as he kissed my forehead.

"I'm too hard on myself." He closed his eyes. "I just…I feel so useless like this."

"No one's expecting you to do anything, Fang." I put my arms around his neck. "You saved our lives. The only thing we want from you is to get back on your feet, for you to be okay."

"I know, Max."

I leaned forward and kissed him. When we pulled away, I could tell he was trying not smile.

-Iggy's POV-

Fang seemed to be in a relatively better mood during dinner. Although I never doubted Max's ability to bring Fang around. It was nice to have the entire kitchen table filled. As much as I thought I was going to resent Christmas because my parents were gone, perhaps this could be a new tradition I was going to warm too.

"Iggy, this food is amazing," Nudge commented. "Did I ever tell you how I used to eat TV dinners every night? And then…"

"You ran into Fang that one time," I finished for her. "Yes, you told me, Nudge."

She leaned her head against my arm for a moment, laughing. I grinned, telling her that someday she was going to run out of things to talk about.

"Never," she told me. "Even if I just have to repeat myself over and over."

I humored her and laughed. "Well, then I guess I better hope that doesn't happen, or I'll be wishing I was deaf too."

"Don't joke about that."

I was surprised to hear Fang say that.

"Ah, sorry, man," I let the grin wipe from my face.

"Just…sorry, I know you didn't mean it." The table had gone quiet, and he sounded uncomfortable now.

"Fang…"

"It's alright, Ig." I heard him scrape the bottom of his plate. "You know, you gotta teach us all how to cook, I think."

I gave him a smile now. "What do you gotta know how to cook for, Fang? I think I owe you at least to cook for you whenever you're hungry."

He seemed amused now. "Of course, Ig."

And thankfully, dinner continued on.

PAGE BREAK!

-Max's POV-

Fang had gone off to bed before we had even got to unwrapping presents. Mom had offered to put it off until the morning, but Fang insisted we go on without him. I had his pile of presents now, heading to bring them to his bedroom.

"Hey, Max."

I turned, trying not to drop any of them. "Yes?"

"There's one more gift for you."

Angel held out a little wrapped box. I balanced the pile for a second and took it.

"It's from Fang." She yawned, heading down the hall. "Anyway, goodnight, Max. Merry Christmas!"

"Merry Christmas." I stood there for a while, wondering when Fang had even found the time to get a present.

I pushed the door open and placed his presents on the floor near his side of the bed. He was snoring lightly, and I fixed the blankets, pulling them over him. Then I went to the other side of the bed and sat down, turning on the old and dim lamp. Slowly, I pulled off the wrapping paper, trying not to make too much noise.

It was a small black and velvet box. Jewelry, no doubt. I pushed it open, revealing a necklace with a winged charm. It was beautiful, and I smiled, taking it out of the box and fastening it around my neck. And then I noticed a piece of paper folded up inside of it. I took it out, Fang's handwriting all over it.

Max,

We've been through a hell of a lot these past few months, and I know you all think you're in debt to me because I saved all of your lives, but the truth is, you saved all of us. If you hadn't come up to me in the mall that day, I'd probably be dead. So I owe you my life too.

Anyway, I know I said I wasn't going to get you anything, but I ordered this online and had Angel pick it up at the store in the mall when we went Christmas shopping. And I guess I should explain the wings. Being with you is like flying. It can be exhilarating, but it's also peaceful. I can only imagine that if we could fly, we could see the world for miles, and you've opened up my eyes to everything I've been missing over the years.

So I hope this'll remind you of me from time to time, wherever the future leads us. Although, I'm quite sure we'll be seeing each other in the future from the way we can spend all night up and talking.

I love you, always,

Fang