Hi guys, look who didn't fall off the face of the earth.

I am really truly sorry it took me so long to update, really I am and all of you have been so so sweet with your reviews, but I've just been really busy. (And Lucinda crashed yet again... ops..)

Honestly I've had a really rough past few months with school and spending every second trying to get ready for my AP exam and just as all that was over I was hit with another really rough spot.

Um, the reason I haven't updated recently is because a little over a month ago one of my best friends was killed in a car accident and it just really shook me. I was an emotional wreck for weeks.

But there's something I'd like to share with you guys. I don't know if any of you are familiar with John Green or his books but I recently finished The Fault In Our Stars which is an excellent read by the way. Well, I had known my friend Laurie had quoted part of this book while giving Daileen's Eulogy at her funeral, but I hadn't know which part and as I came across it in the book I was once again an emotion wreck. I recently discovered (spoiler if you haven't read) that she actually used part of the eulogy Gus wrote for Hazel, which as I said made me an emotion wreck as I came to that part, but I just feel like Laurie did such an amazing job with her speech and I'd really like to do something in memory of Daileen so the next part of this author's note is a clip of Daileen's eulogy, you do not by any means have to read it, but I'd mean a lot to me.

We're as likely to hurt the universe as we are to help it, and we're not likely to do either, but Daileen did. She helped it. She gave me and many others the motivation to pursue all of our aspirations. She was outgoing and outspoken and did whatever made her happy. She wouldn't settle for anything less than perfect, and didn't allow herself to take anything for granted. She took every opportunity to make her future everything she wanted it to be. "Almost everyone is obsessed with leaving a mark upon the world. Bequeathing a legacy. Outlasting death. We all want to be remembered. But the marks humans leave are too often scars." Daileen didn't leave a scar though. I think she accomplished what she always seemed to have wanted to accomplish - what almost everyone wants to accomplish. She left her mark. As unimportant and insignificant as it is, I think she did. I am lucky to have been able to call her a friend.

Thank you everyone for being so amazing. XOXOXOX

This chapter is dedicated in loving memory of Daileen Alfonso. RIP baby girl.

(Also because I was working until 2 a.m. on this trying to get it done for you all, I did not edit, so there will be mistakes, fair warning... I will edit later.)

Disclamer: Don't own MR or the song Blame It On the Rain.

CH 26.

Max's POV

After I stormed out of school on Friday, news of our break up and my fall out with Lissa spread like wildfire. I have to say, these kids certainly earned their creativity points when it came to the stories they made up to explain why I gave Lissa that pretty little broken nose of hers.

I have to say by far, my favorite of the rumors would have to be the one that Lissa finally got that nose job she so desperately needed, one I may or may not have started- I'm not at liberty to say.

I managed to get through the day without too many stares or questions about my break up with Sam, although I didn't miss the knowing stares and whispers that followed me through the halls.

But none of that even mattered to me; I had things to set right. I wandered the halls searching for Fang, but I couldn't find him anywhere. It seemed like every time I would get close to him he would purposely dodge me. I knew I had messed things up, but this time, I wasn't so sure I'd be able to fix it.

As the final bell of the day rang through the halls, a discontent sigh left my lips as I packed up quietly. I headed to my locker to grab my bag and keys to head home and rethink my plans. My breath caught in my throat as I felt a body lingering close to mine as I secretly hoped it was Fang.

I tried my best to hide my disappointment as a very female voice spoke next to me.

"Hi Max!" Nudge chirped cheerily but her face fell slightly as she noticed my defeated manner.

"Why so glum sugar plum? I know you're bummed about the whole Sam thing- which we still need to discuss missy, I want details- and you should be, but seriously girl, there are millions of other fish in the sea. I mean come on, look how hot you are and-" I cut her off before she could finishing her rambling, I just wasn't in the mood.

"Nudge, I'm really not in the mood okay? Um, just do me a favor, okay?" I ask her as I close my locker reaching into my pack pocket.

"Ya, sure anything."

I pulled out three tickets to the show and handed them to her, "Promise you and Iggy will be there tomorrow night? And Gazzy too? I need you guys."

A small smile broke out on her face as she took the tickets and in gulfed me in a hug, "We wouldn't miss it for the world."

I smiled as she pulled away from me, a bright smile spread across her lips before her eyebrows furled in confusion.

"Um, what about Fang," she asked almost shyly.

I dropped my gaze to the floor, ashamed as I murmured an answer, "Um, I don't think Fang is exactly happy with me right now. I think it's going to take more than just asking him to go. I'm going to have to make it up to him."

Her lips formed into a sad, almost knowing smile as she nodded slightly, "Don't worry babe, he'll come around. You guys have been best friends since as long as I remember, you'll work it out, you guys always do. And if you don't I'm going to lock you both in a room with no water or food until you resolve your issues," She teased as she was rewarded with a small smile from me.

"Thanks Nudge. I'll see you tomorrow." I gave her a small hug before heading towards the door. Halfway down the hall her voice stopped me.

"Max, it will work out. I know it. And of he's being his stubborn jackass self, I'll kick his ass alright?" She stated in all seriousness.

I scoffed as I shook my head, "Bye Nudge."

~Break- do not kill me for making you wait so long for this chapter~

I took another deep breath as a vain attempt to calm myself down as I lingered by the front door of the house filled with my childhood memories.

A sad smile broke across my face as a familiar patch of concrete caught my eye. I set my bag aside as I bent down to a closer level to get a better look. Tears welled in my eyes as my fingers ghosted over the writing of our former selves, engraved into the concrete. A single tear fell from my eye and ran down my cheek as it landed on the imprint of a hand of a small child, not more than five years old.

Beside the hand was a near identical impression, only slightly smaller, with two names written side by side.

The inseparable duo

Max 'n Fang

Summer of '99

I felt a smile spread across my face as I traced the small hands of our younger selves. Oh what I would give to get those days back, to go back to the days when things weren't so complicated.

With a sad smile, I stood up and retrieved my bag, and proceeded to the front door to do what I had originally come for.

I pulled out my supplies and spent the next twenty minutes carefully arranging and rearranging the items on the front porch until it was perfect- yes I was being anal, do not judge me.

After deciding it was as good as it was going to get, I stood up, brushed off my knees and packed up my belongings.

Before I could lose my nerve, I rang the door bell and did the most logical thing I could think of, I ran. Yes, I did just pull a ding-dong-ditch in hopes of winning my best friend back- what did I say before? This is a judgment free zone, take you judgment elsewhere. Not my smartest idea, but hey, I was scared. I didn't want to face that kind of rejection, it would have crushed me.

It was better for me not to know his reaction, I'd find out tomorrow anyways, why work myself up?

I made it to my car just in time to hear the door swing open and a deep baritone voice stop short.

"Hello-"

I swallowed hard as I turned away, climbing in my car and driving away.

The ball's in his court now.

~Daw cute little reminiscence part. :P~

Fang's POV

I was lounging around on the couch, with a pillow covering my face, just relaxing when a loud bell rang through the house.

I groaned as I waited for someone to answer the door, unwilling to move from my comfortable position on the couch. I waited for a few moments as no one made a move to answer the door, before Nudge's voice boomed through the house.

"Fang! Get your lazy ass off the couch and answer the goddamn door!"

A growl of frustration rumbled in my chest as I reluctantly stood from the couch, moving towards the door as I mumbled a slew of profanities under my breath.

Sighing, I grasped the door handle and yanked it up.

"Hello-" I stopped short as I realized there was no one standing in front of me. I narrowed my eyes as I stepped out farther to look around as I suspected it was one of the Gunther- Haden children playing a game of ding-dong-ditch.

"Damn kids," I muttered under my breath as I moved to head back inside. Just as I turned to close the door something caught my eye.

"What the-" I mumbled as I bent down to pick up what caught my eye. My eyebrows furled in confusion as I picked up a letter with my name scrawled across the front in familiar bold handwriting- handwriting I'd know anywhere- Max.

I felt my heart clench as I gazed at her familiar writing, finally realizing just how much I really felt for her and missed her in my life.

After a moment of debating, I leaned against the doorframe and began to read the letter.

Fang,

Eleven years- eleven years we've known each other and have been best friends and I'm still fucking things up. Normally I wouldn't even have to give it a second though when I messed up, I just knew everything would be okay- that we'd be okay- but now I'm not so sure.

You know when I left, it really hurt me. I felt like I had lost everything that was important to me, most importantly, I thought I had lost you. Not that I'd actually admit it, but I was really hurt.

A part of me hated you for not calling or keeping in touch and breaking your promise to me that you'd always be there for me no matter what. And I guess a part of me still resents you for that, but I'm not the same person you knew two years ago.

I've changed.

But we both have. I guess time and distance does that to people.

I was so excited when my parents told me we were moving back, I thought maybe it was a second chance, and that we could go back to how things used to be, but things didn't exactly go as planned.

It seems like the universe finds humor in fucking us over. Lucky us huh?

But, I guess what I'm asking is for a second chance- for us to start over.

I know we haven't exactly been there for each other lately, and for that I am truly sorry.

I hope we can start over and I'd really appreciate it if you came tomorrow night.

I just want my best friend back.

-Max

P.S. I figured since we were staring over, we'd need to do this right. Enjoy the pudding.

I smirked as I looked down to find a pack of chocolate pudding sitting on my doorstep.

Sighing, I eyed the letter and ticket again, torn between what I should do. But then I realized there was no choice.

It's her, it's always been her, and nothing she could do would ever change that.

She's my best friend. She has been and always will be.

Forever and always.

Max's POV

The talent show came faster than I was ever ready for. The acts scheduled to perform before me were already setting up and getting ready and to be honest, I wasn't sure if I could do this anymore.

I wasn't even sure if Fang was going to show up.

To put it simply, I was a nervous wreck.

I was about to bolt when Nudge came strolling in with her industrial sized makeup kit.

"I have arrived my lovelies! Time to make you all beautiful!"

I rolled my eyes as she quickly got to work on the other performers' makeup. I started to chew my lip nervously as I desperately searched for something to distract me.

It was going to be a long night.

Fang's POV

It's time. Tonight is the night. I'm tired of messing things up going around in endless circles.

I arrived at school a little later than I had originally planned; I had to make a couple stops, two of which were "emergencies" that Nudge needed right away. Honestly, I fail to see how six tubes of waterproof mascara and about a shit ton of glitter was necessary, but I've learned not to question my sister's logic; it never seems to end well for me. Upon check out I noticed a case full of flowers and I decided to pick out a bouquet for Max, sort of as a "I'm sorry for being a dick , can we be best friends again" offering. After looking them all over I settled on a dozen white roses; Max's favorite.

Balancing Max's flowers in one hand and Nudge's supplies in another I hurriedly locked my car and swiftly walked across the parking lot into the Auditorium lobby in search of my sister.

After searching for Nudge in the massive sea of people with no avail, I caught a glimpse of Iggy and quickly maneuvered through the crowd over to him.

"Iggy, bro, wait up," I called after him as he spun around after hearing his name.

"Hey bro, what's with the makeup? We having a sleep over party you forgot to tell me about? God damn it Fang, you know I like to be warned before a sleep over! I haven't even had time to fluff my pillow for our pillow fight! God Fang, you never think of anyone but yourself!" Iggy burst our dramatically as he huffed and threw his hands up exasperatedly and I rolled my eyes at him.

"Bro, I love you and all, but you're getting a bit too homo for me. I'm not sure it's safe for us to be sleeping in the same room anymore. I might get raped."

He cackled as went in for a not so manly bro hug, to which I awkwardly returned since my hands were a little full.

"Never gets old man," He started as a grin broke out on his face, "But seriously, what's with the make up?"

"Nudge said she needed more makeup; I just do as I'm told. So where's Nudge?" I asked looking around as the crowd had started to diminish since the doors had been opened and everyone began to file into auditorium.

"Um, she's back stage. She volunteered to be on Make-up crew; I'm guessing that's why she needed more. I'll take it back for you if you want, and you can go save us all seats." He suggested and I happily obliged.

"Kay bro, see you in there."

He gave me an affirming nod before stalking off in search on Nudge. I turned and walked through the now nearly empty lobby headed to find some seats when I ran into Mr. Wiener himself- literally I ran into him nearly knocking him over.

"Watch where you're going dickweed," he spat as he shot me a very sissy glare; I mean seriously Angel could have shot me a more intimidating glare than he just had.

I gladly returned his glare with one of my own making him shrink back a bit, what a pansy.

"I'd watch yourself ass wipe, you're already on thin ice with me. I can't believe you'd seriously cheat on Max. You know you're not going to get anyone better." I spat in disbelief; my words like acid.

He chuckled bitterly as he smirked at me, " Well it was a little hard when I had someone else fighting for her," he answered as he have me a pointed look.

He had me for a moment, but I didn't let it show as I firmly shook my head, "I can't even imagine the spineless person who would knowingly cheat with you."

He chuckled darkly as he shook his head, "Maybe you should ask your girlfriend that," he answered with a knowing smirk; one I wanted to smack right off of his fucking face.

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" I demanded as he continued to chuckle.

"Nothing," He answered offhandedly, " I'm simply suggesting you reexamine your relationship with the Redheaded Wonder. She may not be as faithful as you once thought, plus it's not really fair to be stringing her along like that, don't you agree? Not when you know your heart belongs to someone else. You gave it away years ago." He stated with bitterness laced throughout his voice and I couldn't help but slightly feel guilty.

" I think it's time to grow up and face the music Fang, because one day she's not going to keep waiting and you're going to lose her forever. Time waits for no one; it's best to remember that," he finished as he turned and walked out without another word.

I stood there for a moment speechless, not that I have much to say normally, but what he said really got to me.

I shook my head as I fished in my pocket for my phone, opening a new message and beginning to type a message that should have been sent months ago.

To: Lissa

From: Fang

Lissa, I think it's time we ended things. We both know our hearts aren't really in this anymore and it's really not fair to string each other along. I'm sorry.

-Fang

I slipped my phone into my pocket and quickly slipped into the auditorium in search of seats. After scanning the room I found Max's family sitting in the middle of the room with a row of seats saved. Quickly I made my way over to them and sat down just as my phone buzzed again.

To: Fang

From: Lissa

UR BREAKING UP WIT ME? OVER A TXT? Is this about the Sam thing? Cuz it didn't mean anything to me. Hes just so HOT n U were ignoring me. I waz sexually frustrated. Bby come on we can fix this. I luv u.

I gaped at my phone for a moment before responding.

To:Lissa

From;Fang

You CHEATED on me? Hell no Lissa. We are done. I hope you have a happy life with Sam. Get over yourself.

I quickly turned off my phone before she could reply and shoved it deep into my pocket. Just as the lights dimmed and the stage curtains began to open Iggy and Gazzy came shuffling over, quickly taking their seats beside me. I quietly turned and looked around in search of Nudge who was nowhere in sight.

I leaned over slightly and whispered to Iggy, "Where's Nudge?"

"Backstage. She had some last minute makeup to fix. Don't worry, she'll be out in a bit." He answered just as Max's music teacher quickly took the stage and strolled over to the podium as a spot light followed his every move. He stepped up to the microphone and began to welcome us, his voice echoing through the room.

"Good evening Ladies and gentlemen and welcome to Westfall High school's seventeenth annual talent show. You're all in for a treat tonight for backstage the room is bursting with talent. So sit back, relax and enjoy the show," Mr. Howel finished walking backstage as the room broke out in applause and the first act took the stage.

~Break…. Yes, yes I did just have Fang break up with Lissa over a text. Don't judge me, Fax comes with a price. Beggars can't be choosers. :P~

Max's POV

I stared at my reflection, my complexion a ghostly shade of white, as Nudge finished touching up my makeup. I have to admit, I was a lot more nervous than I had originally though I'd be. It's not exactly encouraging.

I took a deep, calming breath as Nudge stepped back to admire her work.

"Oh Max," she cooed, " you look beautiful. You're going to do great!"

I opened my mouth to disagree when Mr. Howel appeared, which could only mean one thing, the time has come, can I was completely and totally fucked.

"Max, you're on next. I'm going to go on to speak again right before you and then it's all you. Be ready in five." He ordered as he gave me a somewhat reassuring wink before jogging off, his dress shoes clicking all the way down the hall.

"Oh my God," I wheezed under my breath as I started to hyperventilate, "I can't do this."

"That's nonsense Max. Sure you can, you have preformed millions of times. You'll do great," she beamed as she gave me a reassuring smile, but I wasn't having any of that.

"No," I started as I shook my head rapidly back and forth, "Not like this I haven't."

"Max," she started as she gave me a confused look, "what do you mean?"

"Nudge, I lied to you," I blurted out as my throat began to go dry.

"Lied to me about what?"She asked eyeing me suspiciously.

I sighed as I wiped my eyes frustratedly before looking up to meet her slightly confused and hurt gaze, "Do you remember when I came up to you at school and told you about guy I was crushing on earlier this year?" I asked as she nodded.

"Ya of course, how could I forget, that was like a big moment in history. Like seriously I marked it on my calendar and everything. You should have-" I cut her off before she could go full rant, knowing I had a limited time to spit this out.

"Well, I wasn't talking about Sam like you probably assumed. You see, no matter how hard I tried to like Sam, I just couldn't. My heart already belonged to someone else."

"What! Really? Who! Max tell me!" she demanded, her eyes nearly as wide as her smile.

I opened my mouth to answer, but as always, I have terrible timing.

"MAX! STAGE LEFT NOW! YOU'RE ON!" Boomed a voice from someone behind the curtain (which sort of reminded me of the Wizard of Oz).

"That's my cue," I answered as I ran off to the side of the stage, Nudge chasing after me.

"Max wait!" she called after me," WHO!"

I turned to face her as a smile spread across my face, "Nudge, who do you think?" I asked as I gave her a knowing glance.

It took her a second before my look registered, but as it did her eyes lit up like a Christmas tree and a wide smile found its way on her face.

"No way!" She squealed as she waited for me to confirm it.

I gave her a small smile and nodded, "It's always been him."

She gaped at me before squealing like a twelve year old girl sitting front row at a One Direction concert.

"OHMYGODOHMYGODOHMYGODOHMYGOD," She chanted without stopping to take a breath, "YOU TOTALLY LOVE MY BROTHER! WE'RE GUNNA BE SISTER!"

My lip twitched upward as I felt my cheeks began to turn hot, looking to the floor.

I was about to tell her to shove it when I was interrupted yet again, " Max! You're on."

I guess it was now or never.

~Break…. Are you guys squealing like I am? Yes? Okay good then onward~

Fang

It was getting late and the show had nearly come to an end, but Max still hadn't preformed yet. I have to admit I was getting a bit antsy sitting there performance after performance, waiting for her to come out and see I had come to support her- that we were okay and I still wanted her in my life.

Finally after yet another failed magic show, Mr. Howel returned to the stage and took his spot at the podium.

"Thank you Ladies and Gentlemen for being such an amazing audience tonight, we've seen a lot of talent here tonight and I am so proud of these kids. Let's give them one more round of applause shall we?" His voice was lost as the room began to echo with wolf whistles, cheers, and booming applause.

After the noise had died down a bit he started to speak again, "But the night is not over; I hate to play favorites but you know how it goes, we've saved the best for last and I think you all might just agree. You see, about a month ago, my music theory students were given an assignment to finish out the year with. Their assignment was to speak something through their music that they wouldn't or couldn't say or reflect in real life; something they wouldn't have the nerve or guts to ever do. And let me tell you, I got a variety of responses to this topic, you'd be shocked as to where teenagers' minds wander to." He paused as the parents' chuckles and agreements filled the room.

"But, I had one student who just hit the nail on the head with this assignment. She took something real in her life and made it completely and totally relatable. She didn't just write words on a page hoping she's get some sort of passing grade but instead she made beautiful music and caused you to feel all of the emotions she did, and that's what an amazing artist like herself does. So, without further ado, may I present to you the lovely and talented, Miss Maximum Ride." His voice echoed through the auditorium as the audience clapped and watched as Max took the stage.

God she was beautiful.

She gracefully took a seat on the stool set up for her and adjusted her microphone just as Nudge came running to her seat, beaming like a little kid waiting to see Santa as she kept stealing glances over at me.

Seriously, what was her problem?

I was about to ask her this much but was stopped as Max's voice filled the room.

"Um, hi," She started bashfully as she avoided eye contact with the crowd, "I'm Max and this song is called Blame it on the Rain. I hope you enjoy it."

Gracefully, she pulled up her guitar and began to strum a familiar tune; the song she wrote for Sam.

I'd be lying if I said my heart didn't break a little when I realized the song she was going to play; knowing I wasn't the one she wanted to be with and realizing she'd never love me the way I loved her, but I continued to do what I do best and masked all my hurt feelings as I watch the girl I love sing for someone else.

Her beautiful voice began to fill the room as she began to sing.

"You, got me caught in all this mess, I guess, we can blame it on the rain.

My pain is knowing I can't have you, I can't have you." She sang, her voice somewhat broken as her gaze never left the stage floor. That is, until she began to sing the chorus.

"Tell me does she look at you the way I do, try to understand the words you say and they way you move?" She sang out, her voice stronger as her gaze lifted from the floor and landed directly on me, her eyes boring into mine as she continued to sing…. To me.

"Does she get the same big rush when you go in for a hug and your cheeks brush?

Tell me am I crazy, or is this more than a crush?" I felt chills run through my body as her gaze never left mine, feeling all of her emotions she had kept bottled up inside, suddenly reminded of the night we spent together dancing in the rain.

"I catch my breath, the one you took the moment you entered the room.

My heart it breaks, at the thought of her holding you.

Does she look at you the way I do, try to understand the words you say and the way you move?

Does she get the same big rush when you do in for a hug and your cheeks brush?

Tell me am I crazy, or is this more than a crush? (Is it more than a crush?" Max continued to sing out, her angelic voice vibrating throughout the room as everyone sat quietly, intently listening to the words she sang. Feeling a bit overwhelmed, I stole a glance over towards my sister and Iggy and in return realized they had been watching me the whole time, smiling like idiots. Quickly, I returned my gaze back to Max, who you could tell was lost in the music as she swayed back and forth, eyes closed shut before she turned her gaze back to me, belting out the next verse, her voice filled with passion sending chills down my spine.

"Maybe I'm alone in this, but I find peace in solitude knowing, if I had but just one kiss this whole room would be glowing, We'd be glowing, we'd be glowing.

Does she, tell me, does she look at you the way I do, try to understand the words you say and the way you move?

Does she get the same big rush when you do in for a hug and your cheeks brush?

Tell me am I crazy, or is this more than a crush? (Is it more than a crush?)

Does she look at you the way I do, try to understand the words you say and the way you move?

Does she get the same big rush when you do in for a hug and your cheeks brush?

Tell me am I crazy, or is this more than a crush?" Finally I realized, she wasn't just singing a question in her song, she was asking it and she was asking me if what we had between us was more than a friendship.

"Tell me does she look at you the way I do, try to understand the words you say and the way you move?

Does she get the same big rush when you go in for a hug and your cheeks brush?

Tell me am I crazy, or is this more than a crush?... more than a crush?" She finished, her voice fading throughout the room followed by a dead silence right before the awestruck crowd busted out in cheers and applause causing Max she shrink back and blush as she stood there like a deer in the headlights before Mr. Howel came out to save her.

"Wasn't she wonderful? A great big round of applause goes out to every single one of the students who participated tonight. Congratulations everyone! And that concludes our show. Good night everyone." Mr. Howel smiled as he left the stage dismissing everyone.

Max however continued standing on the stage looking somewhat like a lost puppy. I began to stand to walk over to her just as her gaze met mine. But of course, just as I started to walk towards her, she did the most stereotypical Max move I've ever seen- she ran.

Max

Ohmygodohmygodohmygod.

I can't believe I just did that. What was I thinking? Way to make things totally awkward between us now. Good going Max, really.

"Did you see the completely and totally terrified look on his face when you started singing to him Max?" a little voice in my head taunted as I threw myself into my bed and buried my face into my pillow.

Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.

I let out a throaty miserable groan as I hear my mother knock softly on my door.

"Max, honey, are you alright?" She asked in her concerned motherly voice as she peaked her head in and walked over to sit beside me on my bed.

"Just wonderful, thanks," I answered in very teenage attitude voice.

She sighed as she began smoothing down my hair, "You were wonderful tonight sweetie. Everyone loved you. What's got you so down?"

"Nothing mom, I'm just tired. Thank you for coming out to see me. It meant a lot to me." I offered up to her, feeling slightly guilty for being such a moody teenager towards her when really it wasn't her fault. I ought to be grateful to have such a caring mother like her.

"It was our pleasure sweetie. I'll leave you alone to rest, but honestly sweetie, you were wonderful." I offered her a half smile as she leaned down and kissed the top of my head.

"Thanks mom. I love you."

She turned just as she went to leave the room, "Love you too sweetie."

After my door was securely shut, I threw myself into the bed and groaned, fully intending on moping around.

"Stupid," I muttered under my breath.

Just as I began to drift off, then damn doorbell rang.

I huffed out a heavy sigh as I waited for someone other than myself to make a move to answer the door, but as always I have to do everything myself.

I mumbled a slew of profanities as I stomped off towards the door, muttering something about being the only goddamned person in this entire house who was capable of answering the damn door.

Frustrated, I swung open the door, ready to unleash mother of all bitches on the person who just rang the doorbell, but, to much of my surprise, there was no one there to unleash my wrath upon.

"Um, hello?" I asked as I looked around the porch, still seeing none.

Right as I went to close the door and curse whoever was playing dingdong ditch on me, I noticed a single white rose painted red and black to resemble a Pokéball with a small note attached to it.

As I picked up the rose, I read the scribbled, messy handwriting inscribed on the note.

A single phrase, "I choose you."

I stared at the rose for a while, continuously rereading that simple phrase over and over again as if it would reveal some massive secret I was missing.

Just as I turned to leave, a deep, ruff, familiar voice stopped me in my tracks, leaving me frozen to my spot.

"You know Max, I'd like to say I blame it on the rain, but then I'd be lying, because the rain had nothing to do with it. I've been in love with you for as long as I can remember, and I'm tired of denying and ignoring my feelings," He spoke, his voice laced with such passion and emotion he so desperately tried to hide from everyone, every day as he took a step closer to me, my mouth still hanging open gaping at him.

He took a deep breath before looking me directly in the eyes and whispering, " I can't hide and deny it anymore Max. It's you, it's always been you."

He looked at me expectantly as I let his words sink in, tears welling in my eyes as I finally formed a response.

"Damn it Fang!" I yelled frustrated as tears made their way down my face. He looked down at me worriedly, as if he'd done something wrong, "What took you so fucking long?" I asked as a smiled spread across my face.

Slowly a bright smile made its way across Fang's face as he smiled down at me.

Before he could say anything else I flung myself into his arms and reached up to grab his face, pulling it down to meet my own in, finally, a passionate kiss.

Our lips moved together in perfect harmony as his arms wrapped around me, pulling closer to him. Our kisses became more frantic, probably making up for lost time as we grew desperate to hold each other and be as close as humanly possible, tugging at each other's clothes.

Just as my hand began to slip up his loosely fitted black tee shirt, a high pitched "YES!",to much my humiliation, sounded a lot like my mother's voice, broke us apart.

Embarrassedly, I turned slowly in Fang's grasp to see not only my mother watching us doing some sort of what appeared to be a victory dance, but also my little sisters cooing at us and my father with a defeated expression on his face as he reached for his wallet muttering something under his breath I didn't quite catch.

"That's right buddy! Cough it up. Hand momma the moolah! We wo-on we wo-on," my mother sang as she continued her victory dance and my father handed over a twenty dollar bill as I stood gaping at them.

"Damn it you two! You really couldn't wait one more year? Really?" My dad asked exasperatedly as he shook his head, "You totally cost us men the bet."

"I have to call Anne and tell her we won!" My mother exclaimed as she ran to find a phone and Fang and I continued to gape at them.

"YOU MADE A BET ON US?" I screamed exasperatedly as my parents grinned sheepishly.

"Possibly," my father answered bashfully, like a child who had just been scolded.

"Oh come on honey, we knew you two would end up together eventually, we just had different opinions as to when it would happen, so, we kinda had a pool on it." She replied sheepishly as she tried to calm me down.

Ella and Angel took this opportunity to giggle and mock us as they sang, "Max and Fang, sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G."

"Oh. My. God." I breathed out as I turned to face Fang, "Our parents had a bet on us." I stated in disbelief.

"Our parents had a bet on us," he repeated to affirm it. We stared at each other for a moment before laughing out of embarrassment and disbelief.

"Oh my God, they are so embarrassing," I mumbled into his neck as I buried my face deeper into him, his arms wrapping tightly around me as he placed a gentle and loving kiss on my pulse point.

"Yeah, but we love them," he whispered, his lips never leaving my neck as his breath tickled me.

"Sure we do," I mumbled back as he hugged me tighter.

Just as I moved to steal another kiss my dad's voice stopped me dead in my tracks.

"You two do know this means no more sleep overs, correct? And Fang, just because I like you son doesn't mean you don't have strict rules to follow while with my daughter. She's my baby and if you hurt her I hurt you. Got it son?" He asked in all seriousness that I do believe even scared Fang a little as he nodded rapidly.

"Yes sir, I wouldn't have it any other way," he assured my father, as he put a little distance between the two of us.

Oh God.

"Good then, I'll leave you two alone, but just remember, I've got eyes everywhere," he assured us of this as he walked into the house and straight to the window staring us down in a highly conspicuous way.

Only after my mother demanded he get away from the windows did we finally return to our original stance, myself in his arms and his lips on mine.

After hours of what seemed like endless kissing we finally broke apart for some much needed air but he never let me go from his embrace.

"So," he started looking down at me in a very loving way, "I was wondering if you were going with anyone to prom." He started as a smile broke out on his face.

"Well, I was going with my boyfriend, but he cheated on me with my best friend's slutty ass girlfriend, so since we both are pathetically dateless and cheated on, I should probably stay with him."I suggested, unable to hide the giant smile that spread across my face.

'Well that's just too damn bad for him, because you're going to prom with me," He stated very sure of himself as he pulled me closer to him.

"Oh ya?" I asked as I chuckled at his cuteness, "You sound pretty sure of yourself, whys that?"

"Because," he stated simply as he pulled me closer so my lips were centimeters from his, "It's tradition to take one's girlfriend to these things and I'm not one to break tradition."

A full out smile broke out on my face as I resisted the urge to squeal, "Really? I'm your girlfriend? We're making this official?"

"It would bring me not greater joy than to call the great Maximum Ride, my girlfriend, if you'll have me of course," he whispered right before I pulled his face down to meet mine, our lips crashing together.

"Yes, yes, yes ,yes" I whispered between stolen kisses as our kisses once again became more and more passionate.

Mid kiss, I felt Fang's tongue slip out and slowly trace the outside of my lips, secretly asking for entrance, to which I gladly granted him access to. Our tongues dance together causing a fire to burn in the pit of my stomach. My whole body felt like it was on fire and just at the high of our kiss, it began to pour.

As we broke apart Fang began to chuckle as he grasped my hand and kissed my finger tips.

"Do you still blame it on the rain?" He asked me coyly to which I gladly replied, "The rain had nothing to do with it, I love you, I've always loved you. Forever and always."

Hope that was worth the wait. Although it may seem like that was the end, it is not (although it may be..idk I had another idea for one more chapter but it may end here)

Most likely this is not the end though, for I have more plans for this couple to whom the Universe seems to hate. C:

So, wanna hear a funny story, I actually forgot how to upload chapters here for a minute. I had to like look though all the buttons lol. Ops.

OH! And I'm also a licensed driver now.. although I hate driving.

Thanks again everyone, you are so amazing.

Also to all the reviews to whom I can not respond to because you don't have account, oh my god I love you all. So many of you just brighten my day and I wish I would send you a message back, but sadly I can't. :C But thank you all so much. But I also don't understand how you know I updated or not, seems you can't get alerts.. do you just check all the time? lol

As you can see, I'm not really on here very much anymore, so if you'd like to remind me to update, as me a question, talk or etc, I'd suggest you shoot me a message on Tumblr. I have a link on my profile but it's .com :)

Also to though who read my other story.. please don't expect an update any time soon, for I completely forget what the next chapter was supposed to be about.. and well.. I have summer assignments I really need to do, so sorry :( you can also remind me or shoot me ideas.. no promises though.

I have no request for reviews because I am a terrible person for making you all wait so very long and honestly I am happy with any and all reviews. Thank you again for being such amazing people. xoxoxoxoxoxo

For the first time in months, Kenzi is over and out. C:

xoxoxox

Hope you all enjoyed and feel free just to talk to me.