Falling Slowly: A Maximum Ride Fan Fiction

Like Thunder

There was a brief flash of confusion and hurt in Max's eyes that Fang only caught by miliseconds.

"Well, if that's what you want." Max only mumbled. 

"Instead, you can stay here until you both figure something out." came a voice. Max and Fang, having been a little too wrapped up in the emotions of their conversation, hadn't caught that Azalea was standing in the entryway to the living room.

"What?" Fang asked in unison with Max.

"Sorry, I came to get you guys for food, but I caught the last part of the situation," Azalea explained, expression completely calm and her tone was level, "and I think it would be easier on you all if Max stayed as well. Even though you two are in a rough spot, those in your...."

Azalea trailed off, trying to think of the word to describe Max and Fang's group. She swiped her index finger in circles in the air, attempting to come up with it.

"-flock." Max filled in for her.

"Yes, flock. Those in your flock probably miss you and it would give you two some time to get an actual game plan together instead of just acting on whim and emotion." Azalea finished.

Fang had to admit, it did make a bit more sense than what they had been doing. But the tension between Azalea and Max (and don't even get him started on Max and Freya) was thick. He supposed, though, that if Azalea was the one offering it, he could just be imagining it.

That was until Max chuckled a little.

"To stay? You would be willing to risk the lives of those in your group to bring in a few more mutants? For all you know, I'm dangerous." Max called Azalea out on her leading skills. 

"You? Dangerous?" Azalea raised an eyebrow, but the rest of her body was relaxed, as if amused by the thought.

"Yes, dangerous. I could be a killer. I did start off fighting your friend, afterall." Max pointed out.

"Again, if it was an actual plan instead of just acting on whim and emotion, I'm sure that first little 'meeting' could've gone better," Azalea noted sourly, "Besides, I think you're underestimating the talents of my sisters. I doubt you could kill us. Freya did put you in the infirmary. I've been watching your body language and slight position adjustments throughout the little amount of time I've been standing here. My guess is that even with your quick healing skills, you're still feeling a bit sore after all of that, aren't you?"

Max didn't shoot off a reply, opting to have a staredown with Azalea instead. After a few long moments, Max gave a small smile and nodded at Azalea, who gave the female mutant a short nod back.

"Alright," Max agreed, "We'll stay. I have two more to add to the group, but I can retrieve them later."

"Good to hear. You can make the trip after breakfast." Azalea replied as she turned and began to walk away.

Max slowly stood up to follow her, and Fang as well, but before they could get out of the room, Max stopped him.

"She's right. We should've all talked this out together." Max told him before she walked out of the room and into the kitchen.

Fang, however, was still stuck on the adding of two more to the group that was already here.

That meant Max was bringing Dylan too.