Together

Together – Maximum Ride


Fang stepped out of the plane, and my breath nearly got caught in my throat. His dark hair fell neatly against his darker eyes, and he casually popped the collar of his black leather jacket. His shoulders were bigger and wider, his arms thick and muscular. His face was longer and a bit more squared. His eyes searched the crowd as he stepped onto the pavement, squinting from the sun.

I couldn't resist. I pulled my hand from Nudge's. "Fang!" I cried, dodging through the crowd at full speed, which was pretty fast for a bird-kid. He turned around as I leapt into his arms, wrapping my legs around his waist and holding his face inbetween my hands, rubbing his cheeks gently with my thumbs. The crowd was silent, all jaws dropped, including the Flock members'.  

"Max," Fang's eyes were wide with surprise. "Oh, hey. I, um..." He swallowed, his cheeks tainted pink. "Hey."

"I'm so happy you're okay," I whispered, smiling. Our faces were inches from each other, and I could feel Fang's warm breath on my neck. "I was worried about you." The voices started chattering again and the shutters of the cameras taking pictures broke the silence.

"Max, are... are you crying?" He asked, his face still a bit pink. I didn't even think Fang COULD blush.

"I guess I am," I croaked, my voice cracking. I was so overcome with emotion I hadn't realized tears were welling in my eyes and spilling down my cheeks. This was a big deal. The Invincible Max cried? Hell, yeah! She just didn't usually cry in front of people. And I usually didn't jump in to Fang's arms, but, you know. Things change.

"I have to tell you something," Fang whispered.

"Okay." I nodded, biting my lip to keep from sobbing out of joy.

"I missed you so much," He said quietly, not meeting my eyes.

"I missed you, too." I finally let the tears stream down my cheeks as I leaned forwards and kissed him, and the crowd around us cheered. He stretched his neck forward, kissing me more hungrily. I pulled away after a minute, putting a finger to his lips.

"Later," I whispered, beaming. I layed my head on his shoulder and hugged him.

"I'll wait." He gently put me down on the ground, unfolding his wings and flapping them. I knew how they probably felt after being folded up for a while on the plane. Flashes of the cameras lit up his face, and he put a hand up in front of his eyes, folding his wings back suddenly. He was scared of the paparazzi. I had been too, but I just learned to ignore them.

"Fang..." I soothed, taking his hand and giving it a reassuring squeeze. He wasn't really a people-person and totally hated crowds. I couldn't blame him.

He smiled at me gratefully, cautiously unfolding his wings again. The cameras flashed, but he didn't flinch, though he nearly crushed my hand.

"Fang!" Angel called, racing up and hugging him, the impact nearly knocking him over. Angel was followed by the rest of the Flock, who tackled him in a big group hug.

"Hey, guys." Fang laughed, ruffling Gazzy's hair and bending backwards from the weight of Nudge hanging on his neck. Izzy patted him on the back while Angel held on desperately to his legs.

"Hey, Fang," My mom greeted him, shaking his hand. He gave her a little Fang-like smile, then only nodded to Jeb, who stood awkwardly next to Dr. Martinez. I was so proud of Fang. I'd taught him well.

"Are you guys hungry?" Jeb asked, rubbing his hands together. "We could go out to dinner to celebrate."

Of course we were hungry. We're avain-human hybrids. We love food, and need it for constant energy. As I ordered my three cheeseburgers, a milkshake, fries, two ice cream sundaes, and a coke, I couldn't help but imagine with a pounding heart what would happen 'later'.