A/N: So obviously I lied about updating in a week. It's been a while (total understatement). I apologize and I feel really really bad about it! So over time, I got lost for inspiration for this. But due to the fav/ following of Rlm717, I decided to wrap th lost treasure up. If anyone would like to continue the story with their own unique twists, they're welcome to send me a message and I'll give you the story. So here is the WAY OVERDUE next chapter...:

Max POV:

We all sat in the living room of Ella's and mine new house. It was pretty big so we all easily fit. I was on the bigger couch with Fang's head on my lap. Ella and Iggy were on the love seat snuggling and the Nudge, Angel, and Gazzy were all on the floor playing cards. I stroked my fingers through Fang's hair as we discussed the matter at hand.

"So why did they not mention that GH was dead?" Nudge asked.

I shrugged. "Maybe because he was a business man? News is a weird thing. They don't always release full details."

"What about Maya?" Iggy questioned from his spot on the couch.

This was something I really didn't want to think about. The girl would want revenge, no doubt. I could see her now sneaking into my new bedroom at night and killing me in my sleep as recompense for her "fathers" death. I'd already had a nightmare about it and it was NOT fun.

"I'd rather not think about it." I voiced my mental thoughts.

They all muttered in agreement.

All of sat there in silence for a while. The three on the ground silently laying down cards and mumbling things that had to do with the game.

It had been quite the story at camp. All of us disappearing for about a day. We had called the camp and explained everything. That irritating councilor had gotten her car back. But the whole story had to be pieced together by the police. Dylan's dad was genetically GH. Fang's dad had really left him when he was a little boy and he had never known the difference. Fang's mom, along with Iggy's parents had been reported missing and presumed dead by the police only hours after we received the news report about our little heroics. Fang and Iggy were going to each have one of the spare bedrooms in our new house.

Jeb had been an excellent house picker (is that a thing?) and had chosen a house only a few blocks away from Angel and Nudge in Colorado (I didn't know they lived in Colorado...They were neighbors) The house was, as previously mentioned, quite big. The kitchen was small though, but easily held all we needed. The place had a den for the computer desk Jeb would need for his new (and LEGAL) job working for a warehouse department. He was in charge of keeping a log of all equipment and other items stored there and where.

I had to admit that this was a new and brave start for all of us. And I was quite excited to live this new life.

"Max?" Fang asked me.

"Hm?"

"What are you thinking about?"

"How much has changed."

He was quiet for a few moments before asking "Are you ready for the funeral?"

That was something I had also avoided thinking about. My mom's funeral. Fang hadn't gone to GH's because he couldn't find out how to mourn the loss of the person who played his father and then discovering what her really was. But me? I was not ready to do this for my mom. I was supposed to give the speech or whatever for it and I knew I'd break down crying in front of everyone. The whole Flock was going to see me cry. (We had named ourselves that after the officers kept saying that we stuck together like a flock of birds while going through the whole questioning thing at the office).

My voice cracked as I whispered "No."

He sat up and wrapped his arms around my waist. I leaned into his chest and he played his the tips of my long sun streaked hair. "You're strong." he said low enough so that I only heard it.

I looked up at him, "You've known me for like a month. How can you be sure?"

The corners of his mouth twitched up, "Cuz you're Maximum Ride."

"Yeah?"

He chuckled and held me tighter. It might have been meant to be reassuring, but it felt to me more like he was barley holding me together. Both he and Iggy's world's had fallen apart along with mine. I wasn't sure how to respond to either of them. Iggy had Ella and she was keeping him happy. But Fang? I just didn't know. So I treated him like I had before. I think that's what he wants.

…...

Fang gripped my hand as I looked at my dead mother in her casket. She looked fine, but that was the makeup on her face. I let the tears flow freely down my cheeks, without caring who saw. No one was really here to see her either. Some people from work I didn't know, an old friend of Jeb's, and the flock. I finally decided to turn away and walk out of the building, knowing Fang was following me.

I shoved the doors open and breathed in the fresh air. I'm glad it was cool that day because if it had been hot, I might have not been able to pull myself back together. There was a bench in the park next to the church. I walked over to it and sat down, the cement cold underneath me. I heard Fang standing behind me, and I sighed.

"I'm fine. You can sit down."

He took a seat next to me and before he could say a word, I collapsed into his arms. He held me close as I sobbed into his shoulder. This was so unlike both of us. He was Fang, the emotionless one and I was Max, the strong one. Here I was crying into his empathetic and understanding arms. We stayed like that for a while until my sobs turned into silence.

He held me away at arms length and looked me over before pulling me to my feet. "You ready for your speech?"

I shook my head no.

"Well good," he said in a soft voice, "because that means you care."

How did wind up with him again?

We walked back into the church holding hands. People were starting to take their seats and I took my spot up on the stand. Fang had gone to sit down with the Flock and Jeb, who all had teary red eyes. I hadn't written anything. And I hadn't thought about what I was going to say. When I had tried to write something, I had stopped. Whatever I said would be from my heart and not from a piece of paper.

We sang some hymns, and we prayed. And then it was my turn. I stood up and walked to the pulpit. Everyone's eyes were on me.

"My mom. She was an amazing person. But... that's pretty vague. She cared for me and Ella. Brought us up and raised us right. Taught us how to do little things like vacuum, doing laundry, making our own lunches. I think the best thing was her chocolate chip cookies. I'll miss those."

My voice cracked.

"Her laugh was the best. Always light and happy... Even when it was for something I didn't understand... She almost never got mad at Ella or me. Even when we did something awful and probably deserved it... I don't think I ever really truly appreciated how much I enjoyed having her as a mom."

I stopped trying to hold it together and let it all fall apart.

"I mean... she was so kind to everyone. I think my favorite memory of her is when she forgot to put the lid...on the blender." I laughed and sobbed "She sprayed the whole place with smoothie and she just laughed. She was so... at ease with the world. Nothing could stop my mom. She's gone now... taken by a force none of us can control. I don't think I'll ever forgive the way she was forced to leave this world. But there's nothing that can be done...except remembering her."

"Remember who she was, and what she stood for...She was the best mom in the world. I got her mug with that on it for Mothers day and she had her coffee in it every morning."

Some sobs of laughed escaped a few people.

"But she's always with us... and I know this is kinda cheesy... but she's in our hearts. Even if we try, we can't forget the people we love most. So..." I looked up to the sky, praying my mom could hear me, "Mom, if you're listening, thanks for everything. Wont forget you."

I never looked at the people in the seats again before leaving the church building, not even bothering to watch the end of the ceremony or whatever it was. I was wearing a long black dress so it was hard to run, but I somehow managed to run all the way home (2 miles. My feet hurt) after removing my shoes. I opened the door and threw my shoes on the ground and ran to my room like a little girl. After locking my door, I flopped onto my white and black bed.

And I cried.

I cried like I never had before. Sobs shook my whole body as I mourned my mom. I missed her. I wanted her to come through the door and comfort me. Tell me everything was okay and that I was having a twisted bad dream. That she was here for me, that I was going to be okay, and that I would never have to lose anyone ever. But the only sound came from me. The door stayed locked and my mom stayed dead.

…...

When I woke up, Fang was lying next to me, his arm draped over my waist and my hands against his chest. He was so perfect. I never wanted to move ever again. But I had a killer headache. I drummed my fingers and he looked down to see me awake.

"Hey."

I closed my eyes again and then slowly opened them, "My head." was all I said.

He nodded and got up from the bed. I immediately missed his warmth and crawled under my multiple blankets. While he was gone pill hunting I looked around my room. I hadn't done anything with it yet. The walls were white. Boxes of stuff lay everywhere. My desk was shoved into the corner. The door leading to Ella's and mine bathroom was across from my bed. I had a small balcony next to me bed. The doors to it were closed right now. I couldn't wait to experiment with the new space.

Fang returned carrying a tray with a glass of water, Aspirin, and some toast. He looked tired and his hair was really ruffled. He set the tray down on my nightstand and rolled under the covers next to me. I was happy for the return of his warmth. We stayed silent for a while after I had eaten and taken the pills for my head. I had turned on some music and we listened to it while I my head rested against his chest.

"So how are you doing?" I asked him.

He looked down at me, "You just went to your mom's funeral and you're asking how I am?"

"Yes."

He sighed, "I don't know."

"Are we back to speaking no more than three words?" I asked.

"Maybe."

"Stop it."

He chuckled a little and said, "Max, everything I thought I knew isn't true. My girlfriend is being threatened by her evil clone. I'm not sure how I am."

I sat up and looked at him. He looked torn into a million different directions.

"Never leave me." is all he said.

I wrapped my hands around his neck. "Wouldn't dream of it."

He leaned in and kissed me. It wasn't like the other times. It wasn't innocent and because we needed it. This felt more like it was permanent. Like I was signing my my life over to Fang. It was terrifying and thrilling at the same time. I ran my fingers through his soft hair and he held me close to him by my waist. It was perfect.

Maya POV:

I sat in the car parked across the street from Max's new house. I could see her making out with her boyfriend from my spot. Hadn't she heard of closing the curtains? Oh, she didn't have any... well then. It was too soon to get her back. The police were looking for me everywhere. But I had taken precautions.

In the rear view mirror I could see my new appearance. My hair was black and short and I wore contacts that made my eyes blue. I had taken the time to buy a new collection of clothing to match my new look. I didn't even recognize myself.

I woke up the next morning to silence. The house was dead. I wasn't in the mood to get up, but I did. I pulled back the covers, exposing my skin to the cold, and walked into the bathroom. I didn't need to worry about Ella because I knew she'd still be in bed for the next few days. I turned on the shower and stripped all of my clothes.

The hot water felt extremely nice and it seemed almost like all the tension and pain of the past days was melting away. Almost. I know I was in there for a long time because the water was freezing by the time I got out. In fact, that's why I got out. I wrapped a towel around me and walked back into my room. After digging through some boxes, I found underwear, sweats and a tank top. I put all of this on and pulled all of my hair into a messy, wet bun. After all of that, I found a notebook and locked all doors entering my room.

I slid back under my covers and began to make a list of what I wanted to do with my room. The walls would be dark purple and I would get a small chandelier to replace my current light source (a lamp). I would get black lace curtains for my window and some purple throw pillows for my bed. I had a walk in closet for any extra stuff. I could get a black rug and a bookshelf to add some extra stuff into the mix.

When I looked at the list, was proud that I had been able to put something together without the help of Nudge and make it look decent. I tossed the notebook onto the floor and got back out of bed. Just as I was getting up to go find something to eat, the balcony door swung open and Fang stood there with a box in his hands. I rolled my eyes and opened the doors.

He stepped in and set the box down on my bed.

"What's in the box?" I asked him

"Cookies from the bakery."

I grabbed the box and opened it. Inside were four cookies with chocolate chips in them. I took one out and tested it. "Too much sugar, not enough salt or chocolate chips."

Fang rolled his eyes and sat down on the bed next to me. "Your hair is wet." he commented.

"I know."

We each took a cookie and ate it in comfortable silence.

He finally spoke "Are you doing okay?"

I gave a humorless laugh. "Am I okay? How about you? You saw your dad kill himself."

"You saw your mother get killed." he countered.

I leaned on his shoulder and sighed "Just tell me."

He leaned back on the bed, pulling me with him, "I don't know. It's weird, having to see all of that. I'm not sure how to feel."

I laid my wet head on his chest and breathed in the smell of his shirt. He always smelled good. "I don't know either. How's Iggy doing?"

Fang shrugged "He's doing fine, I guess. Same boat as us. Doesn't know what to do."

There was another pause before I filled the silence, "You smell good."

Fang chuckled (he doesn't laugh) "Really?

I nodded. "Yes."

"Hm, well you're beautiful."

"You're hot."

"You're perfect"

"You're amazing"

"I love you."

This startled me a little, but I didn't hesitate to reply "I love you too."

I turned to look up at him too see he was already looking down at me. He rolled onto his side and wrapped an arm around my waist. We stayed like that until both of us were asleep.

Something about being with Fang seemed to heal all of the hits my heart had taken throughout my life. And it felt good to know that there was someone in my life who could do that for me.

…...

A knock on the door of my bedroom startled me awake.

Fang was still holding me in his arms when the door opened and Jeb stood there with a tray. The smell coming from it suggested food. This was fine by me.

"Hey Max... and Fang" he said before coming in and setting down the tray on the nightstand. "Didn't think you could sleep through the day did you?"

I sat up with Fang and we balanced the tray between our legs. "What time is it?" I asked

Jeb looked down at his watch, "Seven pm."

Fang choked on his water. (so funny) "Seven?"

We had slept through the entire day? Oops.

Jeb was back at the door, "Why don't you eat and then see if you and Fang can start unpacking."

I nodded "Sure."

He left me and Fang in silence.

Jeb had made us soup and toast. It was actually really good. Almost like all of those years of his life wasted away hadn't impacted his cooking skills. Mine still sucked. I turned on some music and we quickly finished out meal. After the tray had been taken downstairs, Fang and I stood looking at the boxes. This was not something I had been looking forwards to.

I sighed, "I'll unpack my clothes and you unpack anything else that's left and just put on the floor. Separate books from other stuff."

He nodded and we got to work. I dragged all of my clothes boxes over to the closet and began to organize them. It was a walk-in closet which was nice. All of my shirts were put on hangers, all my jeans folded and put on one shelf. My pajamas on another. Then my three pairs of shoes (Converse, converse, and converse) were placed on the last one. Underwear in one drawer and socks in another.

I walked out of my closet to see that my many many books were stacked by genre at the foot of my bed and everything else was laid out on the floor in rows. Fang was among them, reading one of my paperbacks. I sat down next to him and read along.

"You want hot chocolate?"

He set down my book and nodded. We got up and went to the kitchen, which was empty. I opened the pantry and found the cocoa powder, cinnamon, and sugar. Fang grabbed the mugs and pan. I took milk out of the fridge and from there Fang took over. I sat on the counter and watched as he mixed everything together and it blended perfectly.

He poured the steamy chocolate into two mugs and set them next to me. I gave him a confused look before he slid between my legs and held my waist. He was still taller than me even when I had the counter as an advantage. I leaned forwards and kissed him, my hands on his shoulders.

But then Iggy came down and wolf whistled. I pulled back and Fang took a step back, turning around. The Igster sat down at the bar looking between the two of us.

"For future reference, please down make out all over where we eat."

I rolled my eyes and hopped off the counter. "Same goes to you and Ella." I told him and grabbed the hot chocolate off the counter.

"You got it."

"Come on Fang."

"Yep."

We left Iggy in the kitchen and went back upstairs to my room. Through the balcony doors, I could see that it had started to snow. Now, having lived in Arizona and snow being a very rare thing for me, I didn't think before I grabbed Fangs hand and pulled him outside to the balcony. The giant snowflakes were all around me and I couldn't help it... I laughed for the first time in what felt like forever. It was a real laugh.

Fang stared, "Haven't you seen snow before?"

I shook my head, shivering. ( Snow is cold. That had not occurred to me at the moment )

He chuckled and rolled his eyes. "I'll be right back." and left the room. He returned a few minutes later with his sweatshirt and a huge blanket. I slipped on his sweatshirt, loving the way it smelled. He wrapped the blanket around us and we stood there, leaning against the railing, sipping hot chocolate under the stars. I felt like I was in some cheesy movie that Angel and Nudge would love.

…...

After Fang had kissed me goodnight I closed the balcony doors and leaned against them. I wondered how Ella was holding up so I went through the bathroom and knocked before entering. She was buried under her covers, playing quiet, sad music on her radio. I sat down on her bed and pulled her blankets back enough so that I could see her head.

" Hey Ells, how ya holding up?" I said quietly.

She shifted a little and let a sob out.

I wasn't cut out for the job of comforting others, but it had to be done. Ella was my sister and she needed someone to be there. I texted Iggy and told him to bring her some tea. He appeared in the doorway and stood there unsure of himself. I stood up and told Ella I'd be back before dragging Iggy out and into the hallway.

"Have you talked to her yet?" I demanded.

I rubbed the back of his neck and looked away, "I didn't know what to say."

Was Iggy actually being sweet? because that was adorable. Like "he's my brother" adorable not fan-girl "He's adorable".

I laughed, "Iggy, she probably thinks you don't care because you haven't said anything to her. Now go in there and apologize and make her feel better."

He nodded and went into the room closing the door behind him. I left them to work things out and returned to my room.

School was going to start soon. New people, new weather, new everything. Something I would be dreading if I didn't have Fang there with me. Without him, I don't think I would be as okay as I am. Back in my room, I grab my laptop and start on the room color choices. I didn't have anything else to do with fang asleep and Ella with Iggy. I didn't think I was ready to talk to Jeb in the fatherly way yet. I still called him Jeb...

So I looked for colors and furniture for sale. I definitely needed a bookshelf. After about ten minutes of that, I stood up and stretched. The balcony doors weren't all the way shut, so I closed them and locked the latch. If I said I wasn't paranoid then I'd be lying. Maybe Maya had done some snooping in here while I was gone in Ella's room. But I relaxed. She was probably going to lay low until the whole ordeal settled down. And right when I least expected it, she'd be there. So I'd always expect it.

I looked out at the street and saw a couple on a park bench. They were holding hands and leaning against each other. The guy was built like a wolf. And the girl had short dark hair. I couldn't see much because it was so dark. But something about the two of them unsettled me. So I did the only thing a rational teenage girl would do when she thinks the people outside of her house are going to kill her and she has a protective boyfriend living just down the hall.

I knocked on Fang's door and didn't wait for a reply before inviting myself in and climbing into bed with him, leaning my head against his chest. I felt about a thousand times safer with his arm around me as I fell asleep.

A/N: So here are a few interesting facts about the story of this story: I started it a long time ago and left it forgotten due to unforeseeable events that just made it hard to update and then I totally forgot about it. I didn't edit this chapter because I wrote it back when I was going to update it and wanted to leave it as it was so please forgive the mistakes. Thank to all who even bother to look at this update. Remember, if you wanna take over the story and continue it, message me. Personally, I'm ending it here.

~Brownie;)