Disclaimer: I disclaim any of the characters.

I shivered, closing my wings around me for more warmth. The rest of the Flock were all snuggled up together inside the cave for the night, but I couldn't sleep. The snow was falling gently outside the mouth of the cave, the promise of a white Christmas tomorrow. But it wouldn't be for us.

I was still reeling from the last attack from the Erasers a day ago, when Fang had nearly been killed trying to protect me. If he had been…I'd never be able to forgive myself. Even so, it was still tormenting me. Fang was the strength of the Flock, and usually the only one who could keep me from completely falling apart. I needed him.

I glanced back inside the cave to the five sleeping forms. Or…Four, as it actually was. I pointed with my finger, silently counting. Yep, four. Nudge, Iggy, the Gasman, and Angel. Where was Fang?

"Looking for me?" Said a quiet voice in my ear. I jumped a foot in the air and nearly screamed. I bit my tongue just in time and whirled around.

"Fang!" I hissed quietly. "Don't do that!"

He just grinned at me and came to stand beside me. I quieted down.

"How are you feeling?" I asked anxiously. I was still very aware of the bruises on his cheekbones and the scratches that were hidden by the sleeves of his shirt. I bit my bottom lip guiltily.

Fang didn't notice. He just shrugged. "Fine. You shouldn't worry so much."

I opened my mouth to protest, before realizing he was right. I sank down to the rocky floor.

"I don't know, Fang. It's rough. Everything's riding on my shoulders, and it's my fault you were hurt at all."

Fang shrugged, sliding down to sit next to me. "Better than you getting hurt."

Tears sprang up in my eyes. "Don't say that! I refuse to imagine what I would do if something happened to you!"

Fang frowned, but didn't look at me. "You'd do what you always do. You'd take care of the Flock."

I roughly grabbed the front of his shirt, forcing him to meet my eyes. "No," I said ferociously. "I couldn't. I will die without you, Fang…!"

Abruptly realizing what I'd said, I let go of him and slapped my hand to my mouth in embarrassment. I turned away from him and closed my eyes. What had I done?

Fang turned away from me and didn't reply. I squeezed my eyes shut in horror, knowing I'd just permanently ruined my relationship with him. Why didn't I just admit I was in love with him and be done with it? Get the inevitable pain over nice and quick.

"When the Erasers came," Fang began quietly, "I saw they were going for you. And in that moment, I couldn't think of anything else but getting to you and stopping you from being hurt. That was it. The only thing I could think about was you. It's always been you."

My breath caught in my throat, and I was afraid to look at him. What if my imagination was just fooling me into thinking that Fang had just said those words? I couldn't bear it if I was wrong.

"F-Fang," I whispered, uncertain what I was going to say. Before I could continue, Fang flung up his arm, pointing.

"Look!" He said. "The moon is directly above us. I think that means it's midnight. It's Christmas!"

"Wow," I gasped, looking up at the moon. It had never seemed so beautiful. Suddenly, Fang grabbed my shoulders and turned me to face him. He pressed his lips against mine, causing my heart to leap frantically in my chest. After one unbelievable moment, he leaned back with a sweet smile.

"Merry Christmas, Max."

Sorry if any information contained in this story is false. Meaning, astronomy is not my thing so I don't know if Fang's comment about the moon has any ground in reality.

Thank you for reading and please be civil in your reviewing!