This is my first chapter containing multiple POVs. I hope you enjoy. :)

I'm also proud to say that this is my longest fanfiction of all time with over 20,000 words.

-Kath

Chapter Twenty One: Never Have I Ever

IGGY'S POV

The entire dinner I was uneasy. My paranoia had settled when I entered the room but the sense of uneasiness and familiarity took over. Something about the new girl's energy reminded me of another person but I couldn't place the who. Who does she remind me of?

Then it hit me the moment she spoke. Max. But it can't be Max. She was kidnapped -willingly I might add. Really, how stupid can see be?- over three years ago. She's most likely dead by now knowing how Jeb and those scientists are.

But Dani sounds so damn close to Max. And the energy feels the same. The entire dinner I pondered telling Fang but if it is Max in disguise I one) need evidence and two) need to know why.

Why would Max pretend to be this Dani girl? Why the hell is Max here? Why, why, why?

The only way to figure this out is to ask Dani some questions, try and draw Max out. If it even is Max.

But what if it is?

Then everything will go to hell real quickly.

After Simpson's ma takes our place, we sit for a few more minutes before the adults migrate to the living room. Jessica and Ivy are talking quietly while Simpson flirts -and epically fails- with Dani.

I look at Fang who keeps glancing at Dani out of the corner of his eye, sensing the familiarity too. I sigh, leaning forward.

"Can I talk to you for a moment?" I give him a pointed look and he glances around the table once more before standing.

"I'll be right back." Jessica and Ivy nod, continuing talking. As Simpson talks Dani's ear off, she stares into the distance, pondering.

Fang walks over to the entrance to the hall and I follow. He stops, looking at the others before giving me a questioning look. Well, I think it's a questioning look.

"What the hell do you think is going on?" I ask, genuinely curious to hear what he thinks of the situation. Dani, or perhaps Max, is both the cause for our on-the-run paranoia and solution to ease it. Well it would explain the on-the-run paranoia.

"I don't know but it feels like I know her." He drops his voice, glancing over to where Dani is fiddling with her glass. She looks up, making eye contact before averting her gaze quickly.

"Same here and it's making me uneasy. I don't know what to do."

Fang ponders for a moment. "Maybe we should get to know her better. It might help us figure out whatever this feeling is that we are both having. Whatever it is, she's the source."

I nod in agreement. "Sounds like a plan." I turn towards the others. "Why don't we all head up upstairs and chat for a little bit."

The others' murmur an agreement, chairs screeching against the tile. I turn in the direction of the stairs, the others following behind.

What am I going to do if it is Max? Well, first things first, I'm not going to tell Fang. Especially now that he has another girlfriend.

Everything is about to go to hell.

IVY'S POV

The new girl, Dani, has barely said two words and I already dislike her. I don't know if it's because of her demeanor or the looks both Iggy and Fang have been giving her. I don't exactly understand what they mean but it's making me uneasy.

No, correction, it's making me mad. There's something fishy about this new girl and I'm going to get to the bottom of it.

I will not have her waltz on into the group and ruin my relationship with Fang or Iggy's with Jessica. Us, girls, must stick together and I don't think she knows that.

JESSICA'S POV

The new girl is rather disappointing. I don't quite know what it is about her but I already know that we aren't going to get along very well.

Which, like I said, is rather disappointing. I was hoping for another girl friend to go shopping with because let's face it, Ivy is a terrible shopper.

Now it seems I'll have to continue shopping on my own.

Not only that, but Iggy kept turning in her direction since he can't see her. And every time he did, it was like he was pondering something.

He better not be pondering breaking up with me for a probably bitchy girl that just showed up. I need to show this new girl a thing or two if she is to be in our group.

Too bad Simpson has seemed to make the decision for us.

SIMPSON'S POV

The new girl isn't the hottest but she is pretty cute with her auburn hair and hazel eyes. She definitely isn't bad to look at.

Too bad she barely spoke to me even after all my flirting. Maybe if she tried a little harder I wouldn't have too.

MAX'S POV

This is going to go poorly. Iggy suggested that we all head upstairs to chat and while everyone wasn't thrilled with the idea, it's better than awkwardly talking at the dinner table.

So, now, we are all quietly sitting in Simpson's room. I'm on the bean bag chair fiddling with the zipper of my boots while everyone absently stares around the room.

This'll be fun.

So far, I've mostly avoided looking at Iggy and Fang but it appears they've picked up on the behavior, no doubt suspicious as we know it. I really need to do a better job of being Dani but I'm really not much of an actress.

Plus, I just haven't had time to practice her personality. I really should have thought about it earlier.

Ivy and Jessica are sitting near me on the bed while Iggy, Fang and Simpson are sitting on the floor up against the door.

If things go bad, I have a zero percent chance of escaping.

"Why don't we get to know each other a little better? Maybe we could play a game of Never Have I Ever?" suggests Jessica, glancing at me before smiling hopefully at the others.

The others nod in agreement, happy for a break in the awkward silence. This is going to go very poorly.

"Great," Jessica smiles, moving so that she is facing everyone. "I'll start. Never Have I Ever . . . done underage drinking."

A chorus of nevers ring through the air, the mood brightening. I take a deep breath, still absently fiddling with my boot zipper. Jessica glances at Ivy, signaling her to go next. She gives me a challenging smile and I know that from this moment on, everything will go to shit.

"Never Have I Ever. . . gotten into trouble at school." When Ivy says it, she stares directly at me. She's trying to start something but I won't take the bait. Dani has been in trouble many times but Max hasn't since she's never been in school long enough to get into trouble.

It's going to be one hell of a night.

"Never," says Iggy which greatly surprises me. He is totally the type of person to get into trouble at school.

"I have," replies Fang, sheepishly. That shocks me but I don't react.

"I have. " says Simpson, smiling at me. I roll my eyes. Not really surprised.

"I have." I say, because I am Dani. Not Max.

"What sort of trouble, Dani? I've heard some rumors about why you're here." Ivy draws out her sentence and I give her a nice long stare down. What's she trying to do?

"Oh you know, the usual rule breaking. I may have stolen an item or two. And the reason I'm here is none of your concern."

She throws her arms up in fake surrender, smiling. "Of course."

"What type of stealing?" Simpson says it with slight concern. Yeah, concern for his little crush on me.

I shrug, trying to seem nonchalant. What can I say that sounds believable? "I may have stolen some science equipment here and there. Maybe my old school's mascot."

Out of the corner of my eye, I feel Iggy's gaze on me. I glance over at him and his expression is clear. He's trying to figure me out.

Ivy nods her head before turning towards Simpson. He smiles, straightening up.

"Never Have I Ever . . . lied about my age."

I give him a weird look because it's a weird question. I sigh, taking notice as Iggy perks up, still staring in my direction. "I have." He says and Jessica whips her head around, confused.

"Really?" She asks, dumbfounded. I try not to roll my eyes. Is it really that big of a deal?

He only nods, not elaborating.

Fang nods his head. "I have too."

"What kind of shit have you two done?" asks Simpson, intrigued. I try not to laugh, knowing exactly the type of shit those two boys have done.

I see Ivy take notice of my smile and I quickly cool my face. Fang smiles, shaking his head.

"A lot before I moved here."

"Like what?" Ivy seems slightly concerned, acting like the new knowledge hurts her soul. No one in this room knows these two boys like I do.

"Oh, stupid shit. It's in the past now." Emotion swirls in his eyes, probably reminiscing about all that went down during the days on the run. Most of the memories aren't fond ones.

Iggy nods in agreement, both seeming to not want to talk about it anymore.

"I haven't of course." says Jessica, giving Iggy a weird look. They all turn to me expectantly.

Should I lie? I probably should. Dani hasn't lied about her age, ever.

But I have this strange desire to tell the truth as if I were Max. Which is stupid of me because then Fang and Iggy will for sure figure me out. It seems as if I want them to, though.

"I have." I say, finally. I stare at Iggy, hoping to pass some sort of message. I don't know why I want them to know but I truly think it'll help this mission out. Wait. . . but everything could be jeopardized. I can't have that. They can't know. As much as I want them to figure me out. They can't. I'm still not free, still not safe. But . . . I could have my friends back, my family.

They can't know, Max. They all nod as if it makes sense since I'm a troublemaker.

"Ok, my turn." Iggy sits up straighter, pondering. "Never Have I Ever. . . had to run away from something."

Oh shit. Something in his tone makes it so the question is directly for me. What if he's on to me?

Seconds ago, I was hoping they would figure it out but now that I suspect that he may be on to me, I know that I need to get serious. They can't know it's me. It would jeopardize everything.

I need to remember that. It takes everything in me to calm my rising nerves. I stop fiddling with my zipper and Iggy's ears perk, seeing the change. Shit.

Fang elbows Iggy in the side, glaring at him. He's well aware of the true meaning of the question and he's not happy about it. Is he on to me too?

Simpson, Ivy and Jessica all shake their heads, slightly confused by the absurdity of the question. I'm frozen, still trying to calm my panic.

"I have,'' whispers Fang. He looks off into the distance, remembering all the bad things he's been through. My mind goes to the days with him by my side, my heart hurting.

Iggy nods and the 'brothers' stare a knowing look. The other three exchange a confused glance before everyone turns towards me.

Ok, Max, lie. This is the question that could make or break your entire operation. As much as I wish I could have them by my side again, I can't give anything away. They can't know.

It takes me a moment to gather myself. "I haven't." As I say it, I focus on Iggy's reaction. He doesn't buy it. Maybe he picked up on my hesitation. Or maybe it was your reaction to the bloody question. Or that.

He nudges Fang, prompting him to go next. It's almost my turn. "Uh, let's see here. . . Never Have I Ever . . . fallen in love."

Oh hell nah. I feel my stomach drop and I have to blink my eyes. Ivy notices, giving me a questioning look before giving another one to Fang. He looks at me before sharing a look with Ivy. He still appears to be trying to pinpoint if he knows me or not.

Jessica nods, smiling brightly at Iggy. I pass a look between the two of them as they smile like idiots at each other. How long has that been going on? Poor Ella. I hope she's handling it alright.

I want to smack Iggy, my motherly and sisterly instincts kicking in. I remember how much Ella and Iggy liked each other during the days we were 'safe' leading up to my kidnapping. I wonder what happened between the two of them.

Simpson shakes his head, frowning. Fang and Ivy stare at each other and my heart plummets. My breathing becomes short and I try my hardest not to scream or start crying.

Fang's cheating on me. How long have the two of them been a couple?

The only way this is justified is that I have been gone for three years. His reasoning must be that I'm dead. It doesn't mean that it doesn't hurt like hell.

I thought what Fang and I had was special, that no matter what it wouldn't change. It appears that our thing wasn't real and that he clearly loves Ivy.

"I have." Fang and Ivy say it at the exact same time, laughing. Fang stands, kissing Ivy before sitting down next to her. Jessica smiles, moving to sit with Iggy on the ground.

While Ivy and Fang are off in their little love world, the others are waiting for my answer. I make eye contact with Fang, sadness filling my expression before looking at the others.

"I was. . . once. Several years ago. The person I thought I was in love with thinks I'm dead." At least I think he does. It seems pretty obvious.

The others nod, sympathetically but Iggy's eyes narrow briefly. I don't do anything about it. I'm too busy staring at Fang and Ivy.

What hurts the most though, is that Fang knows I don't like cheating. Even though we haven't seen each other or been with each other for years, we never technically broke up. And it seems like he isn't even a sliver of guilt even though I'm pretty sure he's well aware that he probably should be.

Now, Fang definitely can't know who I truly am. This is definitely not how I wanted tonight to go.

"Ok, it's your turn," says Simpson. The mood in the room has turned downtrodden and he seems to be trying to turn it around.

I think for a moment. What should I ask? "Never Have I Ever. . . wished I could go back in time and redo an event."

Everyday I wish I could go back to that day and fight. It may have meant fleeing but at least I would be with my Flock.

Everyone nods because usually, there is a moment that should have turned out differently but didn't because we choose to go down the wrong path.

"Yeah. Iggy and I used to know this girl. . ." Fang hesitates, leaning away from Ivy. Iggy and him make eye contact, both their expressions turning sad. I think I know where this is going. "She was our best friend. But she was taken from us."

My chest hurts, fighting back the tears that want to fall. Fang blinks, surprising me. He's never been this open. Iggy nods sadly, squeezing Jessica's hand.

"I could have stopped it. I was right there. If only I had stayed with her for a few more hours."

Ivy shakes her head, showing clear signs that she's upset. Upset that Fang is talking about another girl that he seems to have really cared about.

"Don't say that. If those people were there for her, they could have gotten her at another moment."

My blood boils, realizing that she doesn't care what happened to her boyfriend's dear friend. "Well, you don't have to be a bitch about it." The words come out faster than my brain can process what I said. Shit. Well too late now. At least this is something Dani would have said.

Ivy whips her head around, giving me a glare that could kill. The others are looking at me with shock while Iggy's expression is filled with curiosity.

Remember, Max, he's still on to you. You know what? Screw it. I can't have a bitch like Ivy treat Fang's past relationships like they were nothing.

"Excuse me?" seethes Ivy, challenging me. I glare at her, standing.

"Don't be a bitch, Ivy. Fang and Iggy lost a friend they really care about and it seems like you don't give a flying fuck."

She stands, getting all up in my grill. I don't back down. She's really starting to piss me off.

"And you think you have any idea what it's like to have a friend go missing? No? I didn't think so so don't act like you give a fuck either."

"Well, because you're a right saint. And for your information, sweetie, I do know what it's like to lose a friend because guess what?" I'm yelling now. I've lost control and there's no gaining it back in time to save my cover. "I have been kidnapped from my own friends and family and none of them know that I'm alive."

Ivy's eyes go wide and she stumbles back. I turn to look at Iggy, hoping beyond hope that I'm still safe. His eyes are wide, staring at me. He mouths the word Max and I know I'm in deep shit.

Fang looks between me and Iggy, trying to figure out what's going on. At least he doesn't realize. I'm seething, everyone else around me silent. They definitely weren't expecting that.

"Thank you all for having me but I really must be going. See you guys at school." I walk out of the room, leaving them all to ponder my words. I say goodbye to the Admiral and his family and as I'm walking down the front steps, I hear his voice and I know that I blew my cover.

I really wasn't much of an actress anyway.

"Max?" I turn around to see Iggy standing in the doorway out of breath. I let a tear roll down my cheek, walking forward and placing my hand on his cheek. Iggy is able to recognize anybody with touch. "Max," he breathes but before he can say anything else, I'm running down the street, taking off my jacket and opening up my wings, taking off into the night. I look behind me to see him staring in my direction, realization clear on his face.

I'll need to confront him later about this but for now, I'll let him deal with his thoughts. Mine are in tangles, a mess that needs to be sorted through.

Maybe I moved things along a little too quickly but it's the best I could do in order to post on time. I mean, it's not a bad chapter but it's definitely not my best work. Oh well. It'll have to do. Sorry if you thought things moved a little too quickly.

-Kath