Hey! Hiroko Hana here! I'm afraid this isn't a real update, and it's sad to say the real chapter update is taking a bit of time. But I did recently have a discussion with one of my readers, and he was saying how fond he was with how I portray Fang, you know, kind of dramatic. And that he'd love to see much more of it. Well, I was listening to some "Male Version" songs and just got ridiculously inspired to do this dramatic-but-sweet-oneshot for you guys, you know, while you wait for the real update? Hehehe... But enjoy! And please tell me what you think (Hell, even complain if you want)!

TIS DISCLAIMED
ENJOY

I'm With You

The bridge was completely vacant, a heavy rain making the route seemingly unsuitable. Fang sighed despondently, trying to force back his tears, the rain already creating the façade of crying as the droplets streamed down his red cheeks. Fang's feet dangled over the water some forty feet below as he sat on the edge of the bridge, his wings hanging out of his damp shirt, every black feather was soaked, looking purple under the streetlight.

Goosebumps rose on Fang's skin as a sharp wind blew through his wet clothes, making him shudder. But he didn't care, not with the ache in his heart. He felt as if the pumping organ was trying to burst out of his ribcage so it could go somewhere else to die. So he didn't have to swallow the sorrow.

Fang had to get away from his Flock; he couldn't let them see him like this—not like this. He even left Prince behind. Though, Fang half-expected Prince to follow, although he ran to get away from pain, he wanted someone to try to find him; he wanted someone to comfort him. But no, Fang couldn't hear the sounds of footsteps, or wing beats, or even anyone calling his name. It was just him and the cold rain.

Fang felt so alone, shivering here and literally on the edge, his knuckles white from tightly gripping the guardrail that he was perched on. Fang watched as the choppy waters below fought with the pylons holding up the small bridge, noting that that was the exact same thing his stomach was doing, the fluids inside of him were fighting with him, making Fang feel nauseas from sadness. He sniffled, not only were his stubborn tears making his nose run, but this horrid cold was too. It had to be forty degrees out. Maybe even less.

Fang looked up at the stormy sky, feeling a sensation of tearing in his chest as his mind reeled back on the past memories of the past few weeks. The frustration was too much and real tears began to stream as heavily as the rain, pouring out of his eyes like waterfalls as he whimpered, throwing his hands up to cover his face, clinging to the guardrail with his long legs that were intertwined with the bars. He wept into his already wet hands that shook violently, weeping shamelessly—something he'd never be comfortable enough to do in front of anybody.

Life just seemed to love to kick Fang in the ass, it loved to pull the rug out from under him and leave him in a confused stupor. The Flock was just too much, Ace was too much, and even Prince was becoming more overwhelming than usual. Fang just can't handle the stress. He can only hold it in for so long before he breaks; he's not an indestructible stone like everyone might think. Under enough pressure, even a diamond will crack, and Fang is no diamond. Not like Prince is, that is. Prince can handle everything; rejection, fear, frustration, ridicule, etc. With just a little sex, Prince is just fine. Fang can't manage his emotions like that. He just can't work with emotions at all. It was risky enough coming on to Max what seemed liked years ago, but with Prince… it seemed like Fang was risking having his wings torn off and him being pushed off a cliff. He's not fearless; he can't handle things like rejection or ridicule.

As Fang wept he could see car lights in his peripherals. Reflex kicked in and he leaped over the side, his drowned wings flapping frantically to hold him over the water. The quick beat of his wings throwing droplets in every direction, like how Total shakes after a bath.

Fang drifted down to the riverfront beach where a yachting Marina dock sat in the darkness of late hours. Fang landed and pulled his wings in close, shivering intensely, the feeling of drifting through the cold wind rolling down his spine. Fang immediately took off into a slow walk, shoving his pale hands in his front pockets, his head hanging and his wet hair veiling his face as he walked. Fang sighed a breath of white air and sniffled, tears of frustration still pouring.

Fang glanced up at the dark Marina. Not a single face was around; everyone would be home with their loved ones by now, leaving their boats to be beaten by the angry water. Fang had a strong urge to just jump into one of those yachts and just take off, ride the river into the sea and just drift for days. He didn't want to have to deal with anymore drama, he hated it; he just couldn't process emotional problems like he can physical. It's easier to knock someone's lights out then it is to confess love or sadness. Way easier.

Fang walked until the Marina was behind him, until he was strolling down sleeping neighborhoods lit with dim streetlights. Fang looked around himself, not knowing where he was going. He just wanted to find a place, somewhere safe that wouldn't hurt or confuse him. And at the same time, he was looking for a familiar face to take him home. He didn't see either.

Fang kept walking until the little area neighbored by the Marina was also behind him. On either side of the street he walked down were assorted buildings, townhouses, shops, restaurants, etc. It was so quiet and dark though. Although there were people here, no one noticed him; even with his wings not being well hidden he was only a shadow passing by. Fang shivered as he passed the glaring light of a convenience store, the counter lady double-taking but Fang was already gone before she could realize anything really off about him.

Once again Fang found himself sighing through blinding tears. He couldn't see passed the salty waters anymore, and the rain scarcely helped with washing away the tears. The overflow of emotions just pouring out of him was more than he could control.

It seemed like forever until Fang found himself back where he started: at the bridge. At some point he started going in a circle and he hadn't noticed at all. He was all alone, despairing over Life as it laughed in his face, wanting the reassuring attention of someone he knew is probably not looking for him. No one was looking for him, no one was worried, he was sure they all just thought he needed some air, but he wanted comfort, not space. Even though he wouldn't admit it out loud, all he wanted was to be held.

Fang was back to the center of the bridge where he had perched much earlier, leaning over the guardrail again to peer at the choppy water. His hands clasping each other for self-comfort as tears just numbly dripped from his face, he couldn't feel himself cry anymore, everything was just happening on its own now and he couldn't stop it even if he wanted to.

"There you are," Fang threw his head up to see where the mysteriously familiar voice came from. In the shadows on the other side of the bridge stood a tall, tall figure with a well-muscled outline and large, large wings that were folding in as he turned to look. Fang sniffled, half-heartedly wiping his face on his wet sleeve, "P-Prince?"

"I've been looking everywhere for you, you gave me quite the panic, running off like that," Prince said, approaching Fang with a solemn but kind smile. "Why would you be panicked?" Fang mumbled resentfully, looking back over the edge of the bridge. He felt Prince's hand slip into his own, squeezing his palm tightly. "Why wouldn't I be? You just left without a word, I thought I had upset you, and by the looks of you, I feel I really did," Prince said, his face falling into remorse. Fang sniffled and wiped his face again. "I'm not upset with you… I mean, you didn't do anything…" he mumbled, not making eye contact, unsure as to what he was really saying.

Prince wrapped his arms around him, pulling the soaked, younger birdkid into his almost equally soaked embrace. "I'd hate to upset you… it'd break my heart," Prince whispered into Fang's hair, "whatever it is that is bugging you, you don't have to tell me… but please stop crying, please smile for me." Fang only frowned a little deeper as Prince held him tighter, Prince's fingers playing with Fang's wet feathers.

For a moment, they just stood there, and then Fang found himself throwing his arms around Prince and weeping all of his mixed emotions into the taller boy's chest. Prince said nothing—did nothing; he just held Fang firmly and ran a hand through Fang's wet locks as he waited for the smaller boy to calm. After a long time, Fang made no more noise; he only shook under the heavy rain. But Fang felt warmer, being so close to Prince's form, it was as if he wasn't consciously aware of the cold temperature making his skin pale and his nose red. After another moment Prince disengaged himself and stepped back, unfurling his snow-white and gray wings and offering a hand.

"Shall I take you home?"

"I… I don't want to go back just yet… I look like a wreck…"

"I insist you at least let me take you someplace warm where I can dry those clothes," Prince suggested and Fang pursed his lips and stared down at Prince's steady hand, "Are you with me, Fang?" Prince asked, leaning forward at the waist, a glimmer of nervousness in his eyes, as if he were actually worried about Fang rejecting the offer. Fang only smiled weakly, "I'm with you."

Hiroko: Oh yeah, I forgot to mention, but Sora's on "vacation" and will have no way to insult this, so I was told to read off of some flashcards. *scans through cards* *scowls* You know what? She can live without her opinions being known, just this once. ^-^
R&R PLEASE!