It was shortly after I had Phoenix. I was soaring through the sky, forgetting about my troubles for a short while as I rose higher. At about 20,000 feet up I plateaued and cruised.
Out of nowhere, a shadow was behind me. I backhanded and dived. It dived with me, strong arms reaching out in a loving embrace. Newly revealed to be a he, his powerful, raven wings moved in synchrony with mine. He pressed his lips against mine in a sweet moment I pray I never get used to. As we pulled out of the dive, we pulled away.
"Fang, I've told you once, I've told you a thousand times! Don't sneak up on me like that!" I shouted.
"Max, are you telling me you didn't like that?" The big jerk smirked back. Causing me to roll my eyes hard enough to move the planet, still visibly upset. Noticing his attempt to get me to lighten up failed, he got back to his stoic and serious self.
"Anyway, this is important." He had something in his hand but I was too pissed to care. If the rest of the flock saw what he just pulled, they'd tease me for weeks.
"Please, just take the box and read it!"
"Fine, but I don't see how..." I looked down at the box he was holding and cut myself off before I could finish.
"Oh my god..." My voice came out softer than most of the flock thinks me capable of. It was a small wooden box covered in vows. (When did Fang learn woodshop?)
"Max, you are the most amazing person I've had the joy of knowing. I've spent my life with you, taking the good, bad, and strange and rolling with those sometimes literal punches, and I would love to spend the rest of my life doing so. So, Maximum Ride, will you do me the honor of marrying me?"
He opened the box, tearing up. Inside was a ruby (probably picked up from a nearby island) strung to the middle a pearl necklace (fiber beaded with mismatched pearls picked up from the ocean). It was patchwork. It was beautiful.
"Yes, you idiot! Did you even have to ask?" I exclaimed, giddy. Before he could retort, I kissed him again. I kissed him and held on to hope.
