Maximum Ride Fan Fiction / Maximum Ride Fan Fiction ❯ If I Asked You To, Would You Kill Me? ❯ Clan Initiation ( Chapter 14 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: Irene Sharda
Derringer and Max have an endearing talk that leads up to Derrin having to make a large decision.

Non Anime: Maximum Ride Fan Fiction / Maximum Ride Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Suspense / Sci-fi / Romance / Adventure / Action | Type: Divergence | Uploaded On: 05.23.2008 | Pages: 2 | Words: 2.6K | Visits: 165 | Status: Work In Progress

Chapter 14
Max placed more logs on the fire, before settling back into her comfortable sleeping position: where she could wake up and immediately see all of her flock—or at least most of it.
She sighed sadly, wondering what Fang was doing right now. Was he okay?
“You don't look as pretty, when you're all down in the dumps like that, chère.”
She smiled at Derrin, who sat next to her, voluntarily sharing the job of watch duty. “You can go to sleep, you know.”
He gently pushed her chin, turning her face slightly towards him. “But I'd miss seeing your face, chère.”
Max blushed at his touch, “Stop it, you hopeless romantic.”
“I don't know, I don't think I'm that hopeless. Do you?”
She shook her head laughingly, hurrying to change the subject. “That was nice song you sang for them tonight. They're going to be spoiled.”
“They deserve to be. I was surprised they'd never heard `Somewhere over the Rainbow' before.”
“We haven't been able to enjoy the wonders of life outside a cage, what with always getting chased by Erasers and all.”
She slowly snuggled next to him, she herself spoiled by the feel of his warm body next to hers. Derringer responded almost automatically, putting his arm around her pulling her into his embrace.
“You know, I really do like these kids. I've been on my own for a long time, and I always thought that was how it would always be. I never thought I would have a chance…any possibility for me to ever be…happy. For the first time in my life, I actually feel that there's an actual chance. I thank you for that opportunity, chère.
He lifted her chin gently, so that her face could be aligned with his.
She couldn't help but be mesmerized by his golden eyes, the pupils like twin crescent moons.
Gradually, ever so…his lips slowly lowered to meet hers. Hesitant and unsure, she rose to connect them to hers.
However, just as they were about to meet…Derringer turned away, suddenly reluctant.
Max felt relief tinged with disappointment, as she sank back down, unsure of why the Cajun had stopped. Am I glad he stopped? Yes, I am! I don't love him, I hardly knowhim. He's a stranger, and I shouldn't be trusting him as much as I am, much less kissing him! But still…
“You're in love with Fang, aren't you?”
Max turned to him, startled by Derrin's question. “W-What do you mean?”
He turned from her, his hair covering his face, hiding his facial expressions. “I see it in your face sometimes, when you talk about him. This sense of longing, that's more than just plutonic. Do you deny it?”
She just couldn't find the words to answer him, even though she knew he spoke the truth.
Hearing her silence, Derringer continued. “My feelings about you chère, are no secret. But your feelings towards Fang are also wide open. However…all I wish is your friendship—for now. But the way you talk to me sometimes make me unsure, if you wish to commit to befriending a stranger. Now, I know I never grew up with you, I never experienced your pain, and I only met you a few days ago, but I tell you that you are the first person, I have ever called friend…
“Tell me to my face that I am nothing more to you than `a way to find your brother', and I'll never say another word to you about our relationship again. Other than `yes, ma'am' and `no, ma'am', I won't say anything to make you uncomfortable, or make mention of friendship or…love, again. It won't bother you any, I'll still take you to find him. I promised I would and I never forget my promises. But when this is all over, I'll run out of your life, as quickly as I came in. Just tell me, and I'll never bother you with my feelings again. All you have to do is say the word.”
Max felt her insides tremble. How was she supposed to answer him? Yes, she felt something for Fang, but she also felt something for Derringer! They were two different feeling, closely related but…oh! Why was life so hard? She'd rather be fighting Erasers and whitecoats rather than dealing with all these emotions!
Noting her silence, Derringer closed his eyes in withdraw, a light, knowing smile on his lips. “It's alright. I know you've been only able to think of the flock since you escaped the hands of the people who made you. It makes sense that Fang would be your only priority. I'm sorry to even have bothered you. Good night,ch—Max.”
Getting up from by her side, Max watched in dismay as he began to walk away, his back to her, any softness he had seemed to exude was gone. He was once again back to the way he'd been when she'd first met him, aloof and charming, but distant…
Suddenly, Derringer felt a pull at his arms. Turning around, he saw that Max had kept her grip on him. Why was she trying to keep him there, elongating his torment? He just wanted to get away by himself and think things over. Hadn't rejecting his hand in comradeship once, been enough?
That's when he saw the tears in her eyes…
Suddenly all his resolve went down the drain, and he went down on his knees again, cradling her in his arms. One thing he couldn't stand—was the sight of her tears.
“Are you okay, Max? What's wrong? Are you sick?”
She had tried to hide her turmoil inside to no avail. The tears had just slipped out one by one. She couldn't take it that Derringer would leave her side. She had never felt so isolated before…so alone.
Then, suddenly he was there again! He was next to her…holding her! She'd never felt so at home and complete before…not since—ever.
“Derringer…it's true, t-that I have feelings for Fang. I love him I guess. But I also have feelings towards you…”
Derrin listened intently, the surprise evident on his face. Feelings towards me?
She continued, her emotions forming words. “I don't know what will happen in the days ahead, or if I can ever return your affection. But do know that I accept your friendship, with all my heart. You may have been here only four days with us, but I trust you more than you will ever know. I have to ask the majority vote from the others, but as far as I'm concerned…you're now member of this flock and this family.”
If shock could take on human form, it would be Derringer. He couldn't believe what he'd heard. A part of the flock? A family?!
“You have my vote.”
The two turned, startled to see Iggy sitting up, fully awake looking in their direction with a smile on his face.
“Mine, too.” Angel said, popping up from her sleeping place.
Gasman and Nudge also were “suddenly” awake. Nudge smiled giving her thumbs up.
Gasman looked at the two's surprised faces. “Hey, don't be amazed, we do have super hearing you know. We were listening to the whole thing. You two are better than TV. I like you Derringer. I didn't at first, mind you. But now…it's like you're one of us. I can't imagine you NOT being here. You have my vote all the way.”
Max laughed slightly, smiling up at the still stunned Cajun. Reaching up, she closed his open mouth and moved his head toward her. “Well, that's the majority, and I'm sure that Fang would also agree if he were here now. Now, it's only up to you. Do you accept us?”
Derringer looked around at all the expectant faces, waiting for his answer. He was still trying to wait for the surprise to sink in. “I've…been a loner all my free life. I never allowed myself to call anyone family. I thought, it would weigh me down, and that I would put the people I cared for in danger. But…being with you guys…well, it's given life a whole new meaning for me. You guys made me want to get close. So…I guess my answer is—yes.”
A cheer went around the crowd, and for once the shroud of sadness was lifted. Max embraced the newest flock member, tears of happiness flowing down her eyes. “Do you feel alone anymore?”
He put his arms around her as well, whispering to her. “No.”
She smiled, “Neither do I.”
He lifted her chin, the look of adventure and charm back in his eyes. “I won your hand in friendship, but I will not give up on your heart. I'm glad Fang also pulls on your heartstrings. He's become my unknown rival. This will do for now, but I'm not one to back down to a challenge. And what good's a challenge without a little—rivalry? Right, chère?”