AN: So this is my second fanfic ever, and my first Maximum Ride one. Hope you like it!

The swirling colors of the evening sunset combined into one rosy, warm hue as the sun slowly dipped behind the horizon, taking its time as if it didn't want to let the black night take over.

Yeah, and I'm part chicken and listen to Usher.

I don't get how people say that a brilliant sunset could make anyone feel the warm fuzzies. I mean, no matter how vibrant or nondescript it is, night is still going to take over and cover the pretty colors with its darkness.

What idiots.

I huffed in disgust and kicked at the twigs I had formed into a pile to make a fire. Max saw my scowl and walked over. Either she was concerned about me, or bored and had nothing to do. Or it could be both.

"What's eating you, Your Royal Emoness?" she joked, poking my shoulder.

I couldn't very well explain to her that I was thinking about how gay and stupid sunsets were, so I muttered, "Stuff."

Max opened her mouth to most likely prod an answer out of me, but then closed it and was silent for a moment. Her brow furrowed, and her intense eyes looked darker than usual . . .

Since when do I notice the darkness or lack thereof in Max's eyes?

I'll tell you when. Since the day we escaped with Jeb. I'd never tell anyone, but that's when I really started to realize I could have a chance loving her, more than a sister. 'Cause that day gave my wildest dreams hope. I figured, hey, if we could escape the School, then the fantasy that I have when Max loves me too could be a reality, too. Right?

The aforementioned Flock leader broke into my thoughts.

"You know, the sunset today is really beautiful. I usually don't notice things like that."

"You never do."

She punched my arm, and said indignantly, "Let me finish." But her eyes were smiling.

"And even though darkness interrupts the vivid color scheme, bit by bit, light triumphs over the dark during the sunrise. Just a little bit at a time. Like baby steps."

She gave a half-smile, as though she knew what I was thinking, then did something rather unexpected.

Maximum Ride kissed my cheek, and then quickly walked away, a slight blush on her face.

I smiled, and then really understood what she meant. Light always gains power over the darkness. And suddenly, sunsets weren't so stupid anymore.

I looked to the west, just in time to see the last rays of color and light drift below the horizon.

"It's okay," I whispered to no one in particular. "The light comes back. In the strangest ways you could ever imagine."

AN: So I'm not quite ready to write a novel exactly, but still. I didn't think it needed to be longer. But what do you think?