"I know," she hissed, then sighed, "Am I a total nut-job for being mad that I needed someone else to stand up to him before he took notice? I don't need anyone fighting my battles for me —-"

"But it doesn't hurt to have someone fighting them at your side," he interrupted.

"You've told me that it's hard to face him all by yourself. Sasha and I have done what we can, but let everyone else help too."

"I know, I'm being difficult for the sake of it," she grumbled.

"But Billy . . . I was having the best time of my life tonight! He ruined it."

"He doesn't have to have," Sasha said as she interjected herself.

"I'm sure that a sexy eagle-shifter wouldn't mind slipping you some more tongue."

"Sasha! You saw that?"

“Babe, the whole dance floor saw it. I'm so proud of you!"

"Please, kill me now," she whimpered.

"Oh no," Sasha said, turning Madison around by the shoulders.

“You need to meet people, and not just as friends. Now go talk to Heda."

“But --"

"Now."

“But--"

"You go talk to her, or I'll publicly call her over here to discuss the lip-action that —-"

“I'm going!" Madison grumbled as she extended her sectional cane and shuffled over to where Heda was waiting for her without trying to make it appear she was waiting.

"What's with the cane?" Heda asked as her dancing partner got closer.

“Have to keep up appearances," Madison replied.

“Listen, these guys ——

“Everyone seems cool, but I just met them. I don't trust people easily."

"I noticed," Heda said. You know it's been a week since you said anything nasty to me or tried assaulting me?"

Madison smiled and blushed.

"Bitch."

"You just had to go and ruin it didn't you?"