Disclaimer: Max isn't mine but this laptop is, so don't try to take it from me! (that means I don't want a virus in crazy person speech)

Okay, so I got mixed answers on the flyboy action, but I personally want more. It might wind up in here or not, I don't know; I don't control my fingers. THanks to all of you who have given me emotional support, but this does have to end soon. But for now…

Max POV

The rest of the week went without another incident. My injury got an annoying amount of attention, especially when it healed so fast. I now have a small scratch and everyone knows that I have a fast metabolism. I really wish I could just beat up another few mutant robots; it's a good way to relieve stress; you should try it some time.

When we got home from school on Friday I realized that it was my job to announce the inevitable. I said, "You all have an hour to finish your homework and get ready. We have to go to the mall again. Oh, and Ella, you have no control over me this time."

Nudge cheered. I sighed, "Nudge, honey, only Iggy, Fang, Ella and I are going. We have to get clothes for the dance."

"Oh." She didn't seem too upset, so I went upstairs to spend the next hour on my science homework-torture.

When we got to the mall, I said, "Okay, let's split up-"

Fang cut me off, "Nonsense. There are only four of us. It won't take very long."

Iggy added, "Besides, Fang will lie if I don't look good and we know you don't have that problem, Max."

They laughed at my expanse. Well, Iggy and Ella did; Fang just gave a tiny smile.

The boys got their tuxes first. That took about ten minutes. Next was Ella. I tried to slip away to get what I wanted while their backs were turned, but Ella insisted upon having a girl's opinion on her dress. She tried on about six before going back to the second one. It was pink and knee length with thin straps.

When she had paid, Ella said, "Okay, your turn."

"Done." I replied, holding up a white button down shirt and black dress pants. I explained, "I can't wear anything open backed."

Ella groaned, "At least get a skirt."

I snapped, "The day I wear a skirt will be the day Fang talks as much as Nudge and Iggy insists on having a teddy bear to match Celeste."

Ella sighed, "Fine, but I bet you won't have nearly as many guys after you."

I nodded sharply, "Good."

Fang leaned in and whispered, "I think you look great in anything, but I don't want to share."

I shivered. His breath tickled my neck in a horribly delightful way. I muttered, "I have to pay for these."

He nodded.

When we were waiting for my Mom, I was chatting with Ella when my early wish came true: Five flyboys came around the edge of the nearest building.

I shoved Ella back, into a shrub, while Fang, Iggy and I assumed fighting stances. In moments they were on us and I delivered a roundhouse kick.

Using my other leg, I kicked another, so it wouldn't get through to Ella. I couldn't see how the boys were faring because I was so wrapped up in my double fight. Neither was gaining on me, but I couldn't defeat them either. I threw a series of punches and risked twisting around to see the layout of the area. In the time it would have taken me to blink, I glimpsed two flyboys down and Iggy battling the last while both Ella and Fang were out of sight. I finished the revolution to view one of my opponents lurching forward in the last moments of its imitation of a life. Fang appeared behind it and said, "The honors are yours." I nodded and finished off the remaining flyboy.

I told Fang, "These attacks are growing more frequent. We're going to have to leave soon."

True to character he just nodded, but he didn't take his eyes off of me. I wanted to ask what he was doing, but the words stuck in my throat. I was vaguely aware of Iggy making sure Ella was okay. I knew I was trying to distract myself from the fact that Fang's face was very close to my own. I felt his breath on my skin for the second time today. Suddenly, all I could see was his face. His dark hair tickled my forehead. His nose touched mine. I realized that I wasn't attempting to stop him. His lips crashed onto mine and I let them.

We broke apart and I murmured, "Two thoughts: Is Ella looking and Wow, why didn't you do that when I got hurt."

"Iggy is distracting her and I had other worries at that time, like making sure you didn't fall out of the sky. Now, I think you're right; our stay with Dr. Martinez is almost at an end I believe. We don't want to put her or Ella in danger, but they won't like it and neither will Iggy."

We both turned to look at him holding Ella. I made a gagging noise and Iggy disengaged himself from Ella to retaliate by making smacking noises. Oh, apparently he heard that.

Me cheeks burned. Fang chuckled quietly.