Authors note: This is possibly one of the best Maximum ride stories ever!

The Way You Make Me Feel

Angel was bugging me.

Pestering was a better word. She was stuck to my butt like super-glue.

"Just leave her be," Fang said, flying swiftly up by me. Taking my hand, my heart stuttered to a complete stop, before starting up again in a jagged rhythm,

"She's just-"I didn't quite finish that sentence.

"FANG!!!" Angel's shrill voice came behind us. Fang flinched.

"Yes Ang?" Fang had begun calling her Ang sometime after we flew over Minnesota. Total had been complaining, the entire time.

Minnesota:

"MAX?" Nudge flew beside me.

"Yeah?"

"Can we please, please, please, go to the Mall of America?" Nudge smiled her perfect smile, her eyes so big and round.

"Uh, Nudge, if six half avian-half human people and there small talking dog go into the Mall of America, well it would be like, like people in swimsuits in Canada."

Nudge's face fell; a small pang of guilt ran through me.

You're doing the right thing. I thought to myself. You're saving the flock.

You are doing the right thing Maximum. For now just make it to Australia, follow the plan, you promised them serenity.

What if I can't voice? What then? Hmmm, ever think about that? I'm not superman.

Oh, but you are Maximum. You have to save the world.

Yeah, and other extreme sports I got it! Now I was irritated. It's not that simple.

Are you sure about that Maximum?

Positive, voice.

Then follow your instincts. They trust you. Angel especially.

Whatever, go away.

As you wish, oh and Maximum?

WHAT?

Fang trusts you too, I hope you know. You guys are so cute together, I wish I had a camera!

You don't even have arms, just shut up!

Maybe I do have arms, or if I don't, maybe I have yours.

GO AWAY!

Furiously, I shut off his voice the best I could.

"Max? You okay?" Fang's voice was full of concern.

"Yeah, uh fine." I stroked Nudge's hair. "Everything's gonna be okay." They didn't fight me on it.

"Fang, are you and Max gonna get married?" Angel asked for the millionth time.

Fang smirked at me. We'd given up on trying getting through her tough head that we were to young. "Soon Angel." Whoa! Wait, hold up! That was not the answer we'd planned! Did he get kicked in the head to much? Or did I just have to kick some sense into him??

Fang squeezed my hand.

"Um, guys, it's getting dark, lets land in those trees over there. I think that's a small clearing in the center."

"Okay. Gazzy, you're with Iggy." Fang answered.

I swung away from them and flew straight down towards the ground. Sure enough, a perfect clearing that lay next to a small creek.

Did I want to merry Fang? I guess I've never really thought about it, I mean we're so young, but eventually be older.

A small thump of the others landing behind me took me out of my thoughts.

Angel unpacked the small backpack Iggy was carrying full of food.

"I think the backpacks empty, or will be after this meal." She stood up, coming over next to me. "Max, are you okay? Do you need a hug?"

I smiled, "I'm fine Angel. Can I save that hug?"

"Of course! Anytime for MAX!!!"

I laughed, "I'm just gonna fly, clear my thoughts."

"Okay,"

I ran off to the other side of the clearing, spreading my wings, and soaring. Just as I herd Fang ask Angel where I was going.

I heard another set of wings behind me. I pushed myself faster, faster, faster. But I was too tired; not sleeping in a week wasn't helping. I sighed, tucking my wings in, and spiraling down to the edge of the pines.

He landed swiftly behind me, a beautiful delicate crow. Holy CRAP! Don't tell him I said that, in fact, erase it please.

"So this is upstate New York," he chuckled. "Kind of a let down after New York City."

I didn't answer. He came up behind me. "Max, love, what's wrong?"

A tear ran down my cheek. "Love?" he asked again. My heart was breaking through my ribs. Tears streamed down my face. I shivered. Looking down at my shoes. Ruffling of fabric moved next to me, something draped over my shoulders. I sniffed; the sweet smell of Fang entered my senses. It was his jacket.

"Fang?" I sniffled. He put his hand over my shoulders, and led me towards a small bolder. I sat down slowly.

"Yes?"

"Fang, I love you."