This is set right after SOF. Like, as in the split second it ends, this fic begins. It's in Fang's POV. As usual, pure Fax fluff. But it seems a lot of people like that stuff. So here it is!

Disclaimer: I don't own Max or Fang. Oh yeah, I don't own the copyright to Coke either. (DR. PEPPER IS BETTER!)

Warning: My friend Ashley calls me Mrs. Fluffikins. You have been forewarned.

Dedicated to:

Lessien-Elessar, who encouraged me

to write more one-shots

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We laughed and said nothing for the longest time. Finally, gasping for breath, we subsided, wiping away tears.

It wasn't like what I said was that funny. Mostly we laughed to ease the stress in our minds. We were able to open up our pressure valve and let off steam. Laughter does wonders for the human soul. And the avian hybrid one, too.

As I was thinking these profound thoughts, Max looked up at me and said simply, "That felt good."

Maybe that says it better.

"Go ahead," I urged her. "Go get some rest."

She shook her head and took a sip of Coke, some of the tenseness returning. "No. I really, honestly don't think I'll be able to sleep until I drop from exhaustion."

I glanced at her. Were those worry lines on her face? Sheesh, she's only fourteen. How many other fourteen-year-old girls have the lives of five others on their hands while constantly worried about Erasers?

And while most people don't have time to develop a romantic interest while running for their lives, somehow that was put in my schedule.

One guess for who it is.

Max sighed gloomily and sat back against the tree behind us. Without thinking, I reached down and took her hand in mine. She looked toward me in shock, and I quickly let her hand drop.

I think my entire face went fuchsia. What did I just do? Hey, alert the media! Fang likes Max! I am so incredibly stupid.

Max turned away again and took another sip of Coke. I tried to do the same nonchalantly, almost choked, and spilled half the can onto my pants and shirt. Max was shaking beside me with suppressed giggling.

When she calmed down, she looked at me again. "What was that about?"

"Spilling the Coke?"

She grinned. "No, holding my hand."

"Um..." I tried to disappear into the tree. Didn't work. "On impulse, I guess."

Max was silent.

"Sorry, I mean... I just..."

She shook her head. "No, that's okay. I like impulses." Her fingers slipped through mine.

I almost went through the roof. Well, canopy. Of branches above us. Figuratively speaking, of course. Max held my hand of her own accord? Wow...

Slowly, carefully, checking up at my face to gauge my reaction, she laid her head on my shoulder. I didn't let anything show, but on the inside I was cheering her actions.

With my un-occupied hand, I stroked her hair gently, and she relaxed. Inwardly, my thoughts raced chaotically. What did this mean for the flock? For us? Was there now an us? Did it mean anything? I was debating the possibilities when something changed about her breathing.

Anxiously, I immediately checked her face. Her lips were curled into a slight smile, the lines between her eyebrows were almost gone, she wore a peaceful expression...

Her eyes were shut.

Max had finally fallen asleep.

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Aww! Yay for Fax. What did you think of my lame attempts at humor? Flame me if you want, people. Just press that little purple button. You know you want to... #uses mind powers on you# You... want... to press... that... button!