Man, I am so sorry for the delay, but I hope these two chapters are worth the wait! Last time, Nori, the Warners, and their chaperones were off to the homecoming dance. Now, they're arriving, and the night is definitely one to remember in more than one way!

Here's a challenge for my readers: the teachers at the dance might seem a little familiar to you. Read their descriptions carefully and see if you can tell me why! (Hint: how I describe them also alludes to who I would have playing each one.)

Soundtrack: "Crush (Dance Mix)" – Jennifer Paige

"(You Drive Me) Crazy" – Britney Spears

"Smooth" – Santana Rob Thomas

"Torn" – Natalie Imbruglia

"Kiss Me" – Sixpence None the Richer

The house was hopping inside Golden State High's gym when Nori, Yakko, and the sibs and chaperones arrived. The remix of "Crush" was going full blast and students in formal wear were busting moves – and some teachers were also taking the time to get down. Blue and gold streamers festooned the walls, matching balloons were bunched here and there, and strands of icicle twinkle lights hung from the rafters. The place looked amazing, but Nori couldn't keep her eye on the décor. The instant they all entered the gym, heads turned in their direction, and Nori wasn't deaf to the whispered word toons that leaped from mouth to mouth.

Neither was Yakko, apparently. "Yes, we're toons. And the sky is blue and water's wet, what else is new? We got a room full of Captain Obviouses here."

"Give them a break. I don't think anyone's ever brought a toon date to homecoming before," Nori said.

Yakko grinned at her. "Well, I guess we've made history, huh? That's one for the record books – whoa!" He suddenly shot out a hand and snagged the back of Wakko's jacket, pulling him back before he could make a beeline for the loaded buffet table. "Uhh, where do ya think you're goin'?"

"I'm hungry!" Wakko protested. "Everything looks so good!"

"I know you're hungry, but ya can't eat the whole table."

"I'm not gonna eat the table. I'm gonna eat the food on the table!"

"Thanks for clarifying," Yakko deadpanned. "Look, give us a couple-a minutes to mix, mingle, and feel the love in the room, then we can sit down and eat. 'Kay?" Yakko's tone was kind, but his eyes meant business.

Wakko picked up on both and nodded at his big brother. "Okay, Yakko."

Shaking her head fondly, Nori scanned the room until she found her friends seated at a table near the punch fountain. "There's my friends! Come on, I want y'all to meet them." She led the Warners and their chaperones to the table (also decked out in blue and gold) where her friends rose to greet them. Nichelle, old-Hollywood in a shimmering silver sheath, had come with her boyfriend Michael Williams. Trey and Jessica had come together – Trey evoking the Rat Pack in his suit and fedora, and Jessica in an emerald-green halter dress that showed off her best assets.

"Hey, guys!" After Nori had hugged everyone, she gestured at the Warners, Scratchy, and Heloise. "I want y'all to meet Dr. Otto von Scratchansniff and Heloise Nerz. They're chaperoning tonight."

"Wait a minute, I know you!" Michael said, beaming a huge grin at Scratchy. "You're the Double Dutch king! Man, it's great to see you again!" He seized the psychiatrist's hand and wrung it.

"Danke," Scratchy said with a surprised smile. "I remember you, too. You vere ze one who invited me to play."

"Yup. And is this your lady?" Michael asked, his gaze landing on Heloise.

"Ja. She is die liebe mienes lebens – ze love of my life," Scratchy said, raising Heloise's hand to his lips and kissing it.

"That's so romantic." Nichelle gave her boyfriend a friendly nudge. "Take notes, Mike. That's how you do it."

"Hey baby, I got plenty of romance," Michael said, drawing her close and kissing her temple.

"I know. I'm just messing with you." Nichelle's eyes settled on the three toons. "Am I looking at the famous Warners?"

"You sure are," Nori said proudly. "Guys, this is Trey Morgan and Jessica Bailey, and my best friend Nichelle Robinson and her boyfriend Michael Williams. Y'all," she said, turning to her friends, "I'd like you to meet my date Yakko and his siblings Wakko and Dot." She grinned at the Warners. "Take it."

The boys spoke first. "We're the Warner brothers…"

"And the Warner sister!"

"Often imitated, never duplicated," Yakko continued. "Which is probably a good thing, 'cause heads would explode if we were cloned. We're too hot to handle with one of us apiece."

Nichelle gave him an approving grin. "One of a kind, huh?"

"Always been my life philosophy. Why fit in when you were born to stand out?" The next instant, Yakko jumped as Wakko's stomach let out a lion's roar. "Not what I had in mind, little bro."

"I'm sorry, Yakko, but I'm so hungry! Can we please get something to eat now? Pretty please?" Wakko gave him the puppy-dog eyes and a smile.

Yakko smiled. Both of his sibs had perfected the puppy-dog look, although Dot had the advantage. However, Wakko had the power to make certain people – particularly girls and older ladies – adore him with a puppy look. And sure enough, a girl was besotted with those eyes now. Jessica's face melted into a glowing smile and she knelt to pick Wakko up. "You're adorable!" she cooed, cuddling him in her arms. "You're the cutest little guy!"

Wakko's cheek fur flushed pink. "And you're really pretty," he said, snuggling up to her.

Jessica rubbed noses with him and turned to Yakko. "Do you mind if I take him to get some dinner? He reminds me of my little brother Jake, and I'd love to spoil him while he's here."

Yakko gave the curvy blonde a once-over. She was indeed pretty, but one look in her eyes told him she was also kind. He glanced up at Scratchy and Heloise, who nodded, and then at Nori. "She's your friend. Is she cool?"

"Totally fine. Jess loves kids. She'll take good care of Wakko."

Satisfied, Yakko looked up at Jessica and smiled. "Go ahead. Just take care of him and make sure he doesn't stuff himself."

"Thank you!" said a happy Jessica, carrying an even happier Wakko to the buffet table. Yakko then turned to Nori. "I think I'll head over and get some eats myself. What would you like? I'll get you a plate, too."

"If they have any bacon-wrapped scallops, load me up. And anything else you think I might like."

"You got it. Oh, before I go…" Yakko pulled a chair out and motioned for Nori to sit, which she did with a smile. He did the same for his sister and offered to bring her some supper too, which Dot cheerfully accepted, hopping into the chair. Yakko took a plate in each hand and balanced a third on his head, heading to the buffet with grace.

"Jeez," said Trey, watching Yakko go. "I wish I could do that. I can surf and skateboard, but if I put a plate on my head, I'd break it."

"He's a toon. We're human." Nori pushed a stray lock of hair out of her face and then looked at Nichelle. "So what do you think of him?"

"Polite answer? He's nice. Blunt answer? Date the guy! The second your bet is over, snatch him up and don't let him go," stated Nichelle. "He's sweet, he's good to his little brother and sister, and he treats you like a queen. Not to mention he's cute."

"Thank you!" Dot exclaimed. "I knew someone besides me could see it!"

"Shh, guys!" Nori shushed them, her cheeks aflame. "I like Yakko, but I don't like him, like him!"

Dot's eyes twinkled. "Give it time. I've seen you looking at him."

Nori grabbed her nearby water glass and drank deeply, praying the chill would take the heat out of her face. Good night, I didn't think Dot saw! What am I gonna do now?

Fess up, that's what. Admit to yourself that you –

No. I won't say it. I don't want to get hurt.

He'll never hurt you. He's too good.

Low blow, Nori thought to her conscience. And when I love something good, it gets yanked away from me. Dad did, and so did my home in Virginia. I can't admit that I… She shuttered the thought, composing herself. Get a grip, Nori. Enjoy yourself tonight, and enjoy Yakko's company.

"Well, hi! We didn't expect to see you tonight!"

Perfect timing, Mr. B. Nori looked up into the face of her dance teacher, who was wearing a black suit and a royal blue bow tie. "Hey, Mr. B! You look great!"

Mr. Berkeley beamed. All the kids in his class teased him for being an "old dude," but the silver hair and lines on his face hid a youthful spirit. He was tall, slender, and in good shape to the point where he could still out-dance many of the students. Nori privately thought he reminded her of Dick Van Dyke, but she'd never told him so. His brown eyes were alight as he addressed her again. "Well, thank you! And you look lovely, too. Did you come with someone tonight?"

"I did. He's over at the table getting us some dinner. His sister and brother came, too; as a matter of fact, his sister's right here," Nori said, gesturing to Dot. "Mr. Berkeley, meet Dot Warner."

An excited smile appeared on Mr. Berkeley's face. "A toon!" He knelt to Dot's level. "It's a joy to meet you, sweetie. I haven't met a toon face-to-face in a long time, not since my dance teacher years ago."

"Get outta here! You were taught by a toon?" Dot asked, her ears perking up.

"That I was, by the best in the business."

"Bugs?" Dot asked in awe.

"Yes, ma'am. Hollywood didn't think I had any talent, but Toontown did. I owe that bunny a lot, even getting to meet my sweet wife," Mr. Berkeley said, suddenly rising to greet the lady in question. "Claire, honey, look who's here!"

Mrs. Berkeley glided over to her husband. Classy was a good word for her – her glossy, dark hair was styled similarly to Nori's and she wore a sapphire-blue cocktail dress that accentuated her still-trim figure. "Nori! It's good to see you, hon," she said, squeezing Nori's shoulder.

"You too, Mrs. B. I was just introducing Mr. B to my date's sister," Nori said, introducing her other dance teacher to Dot.

Mrs. Berkeley knelt to examine Dot's face. "You seem awfully familiar to me. Where would I have seen you before?"

"Probably the tabloids, if you ever snuck a peek in the checkout line," Dot said with a wry smile.

"That's it! You're one of the kids who broke out of the Warner Bros. water tower!" Mrs. Berkeley planted her hands on her hips and grinned. "Well, if you're giving Thaddeus Plotz a perpetual ulcer, God bless you. I've not liked the little twerp since he told my husband he had a face for radio."

"Well, I do, but he could've been nicer about it," shrugged Mr. Berkeley.

"Ray, stop it," Mrs. Berkeley chided, giving his shoulder a gentle smack. "Dot, you keep right on annoying him, no matter what anyone says. Pass that on to your brothers – Wakko and Yakko, right?"

"Someone takin' my name in vain?" Right on cue, Yakko appeared, full plates in hand and on head. He lowered his and Nori's dinners to the table and used his tail to take the third off his head, depositing it in front of Dot. "Who do we have here?" he asked, catching sight of the dance teachers.

"Ray and Claire Berkeley, my dance teachers. Mr. and Mrs. B, this is my date, Yakko Warner."

Mrs. Berkeley shook Yakko's hand. "I just told your sister to keep annoying Thaddeus Plotz. As far as I'm concerned, the devil owed him a debt, and he paid it with you guys. So keep up the good work."

"Smart lady," Yakko said with a grin, his eyes shifting to Mr. Berkeley. "You're married to her?"

"I am."

"You're a lucky man. When it comes to raisin' Cain, not many humans would take a toon's side."

"Well, considering the little guy at Warner Bros. told me to get some talent, I'm firmly on the toon side here. My wife just happened to take pity on me," Mr. Berkeley quipped, earning another shoulder smack from his wife.

Yakko smirked. "You're smarter than you look."

Mr. Berkeley quirked an eyebrow. "Thanks, I think. Well, we'd better go get our own dinner before the varsity team eats it all."

"The heck with the varsity team, get it before my brother does. He can eat a football team under the table," Yakko warned.

An impish smile flirted with Mrs. Berkeley's lips. "With Fava beans and a nice Chianti?"

"His middle name ain't Jeffrey, if that's what you're asking." Mrs. Berkeley chuckled at Yakko's joke and Mr. Berkeley outright barked a laugh, which made the toon grin. He gets my twisted sense of humor. He ain't too bad. The Berkeleys said their see-you-laters and departed for the buffet, while Yakko took his seat beside Nori. "They seem like nice folks. But I'd like to know how a funny-lookin' beanpole like him landed a classy dame like her."

"I don't know, you tell me," Nori said pointedly, her eyes laughing at him.

Yakko had the grace to blush. "I just lost credibility, huh?" He suddenly frowned. "Wait, you think I'm funny-lookin'?"

"You said it, not me," Nori laughed, and the laughter increased when Yakko gave her a friendly elbow and she bumped him back. They both blushed awkwardly, though, when both Dot and Nichelle smirked at them. Thankfully, the awkward bubble burst with the return of Jessica and Wakko. Jessica carried Wakko in the crook of her right arm and a plate of food in her left hand, piled with bacon-wrapped scallops, meatballs, pigs in a blanket, what looked like half a charcuterie board, and a mess of cheesecake bites and chocolate truffles. Wakko, unsurprisingly, had a monster grin on his face at the prospect of snarfing down so much food.

Dot shot him a wry smile. "The four food groups according to Wakko Warner: salt, fat, lard, and sugar."

"I know it's bad, but it all tastes so good!" Wakko said, eagerly tucking into his plate.

"You're gonna pop a button on your tux there, Wak," Yakko observed, munching on a scallop.

"Aw, who cares? He's got a cute little tummy," Jessica cooed, tickling Wakko's belly. The middle Warner giggled, happily catching the meatball she tossed toward his mouth.

Nori smiled. "That's gotta be Wakko's dream come true: a plate full of food and cuddles from a pretty girl."

Mine too, just less food and more snuggling, Yakko thought, observing his brother being spoiled. A little smoochy-time wouldn't hurt, either, and I could sure go for one of those belly rubs… An image of him snuggling with Nori flashed into his mind… Christmas, a warm blanket, a warmer embrace…

"You okay there, Yakko?" Nichelle asked. "You're awful red."

And getting redder, thought Yakko, his blush intensifying. He hadn't realized he was getting blushy thinking warm fuzzies about Nori until it was pointed out, and now everyone was looking, which took him from stupid-Cupid pink to caught-red-handed scarlet. "I'm okay," he said quickly, taking a gulp of water. "It's just hot in here."

Nichelle leaned in and whispered, "You're blushing, boy. You thinking about a certain someone?"

Yakko snuck a glance at Nori. Thank God, she was talking to Dot and didn't seem to be listening to him. "Only every minute."

"Well, after New Year's, why not tell her?"

"I dunno 'bout that. I've been rejected before."

Nichelle smiled. "She may surprise you. Just saying."

The thought planted a seed in Yakko's mind, which grew into a root as dinner progressed. Could she? he mused, watching Nori laugh and talk with her friends, cuddle his sibs, and even give him a lovely smile every so often. His heart went into double time seeing that smile. It wasn't her usual friendly smile. This smile was special – it was for him alone. He'd be wide awake the rest of the night seeing it in his mind, wondering if there was the slightest hope in heaven that this sweet girl could love him.

He drives me crazy.

In the best possible ways.

Nori was amazed she'd been able to eat following her hushed conversation with Dot. I've seen your eyes when you look at Yakko. They go all soft and warm and sparkly, just like his do when he looks at you. You feel the same way he does, don't you?

Dot, can we not?

Dot's eyes had been earnest. He loves you, Nori. And he deserves to be loved back. Just something to think about.

Lately, it was all she could think about. She was terrified of admitting her feelings for Yakko, but was beginning to cherish the idea of having someone to love – and be loved in return. She'd never wanted a guy from school because they were as fake as the California culture, but who would have thought the most three-dimensional, deep, real guy would be a toon? Who would have thought one zany toon and his wonderful siblings would give her the stability she'd longed for? Who would have thought the boy she'd once believed a frog would leap completely into her heart?

Not even in her wildest dreams would Nori have thought any of it to be true, but it was. And here she was tonight, with Yakko at the homecoming dance, with her grandmother's diamonds around her neck and silver shoes on her feet, like Cinderella at the ball. The difference was, her midnight was a month away… and she was actually hoping for that kiss. If it happened, she would know for once in her life that the magic wasn't going to end.

"All right, cha-cha! Let's go!"

Nori was snapped out of her thoughts by a cry from Dot, who leapt from her chair and dragged Wakko out onto the dance floor. She loved the song now playing herself – "Smooth" was perfect for a cha-cha. "Yakko, are you any good at Latin dancing?"

"Are you kidding? Lon Borax wouldn't have drawn me with hips if he didn't want me to shake 'em!" Yakko said with a grin, holding out his hand. Matching his smile, she took his hand and followed him onto the floor. Once out there, Yakko did his grow trick to match her height, causing quite a few jaws to drop. One girl nearby hissed to her boyfriend, "Too bad you can't do that."

"Hey, I'm six-three already! I don't need to be any taller!"

"I'm not talking about your height."

Nori and Yakko looked at each other and smirked. "Goodnight, everybody," they said together, whirling into the cha-cha. Yakko sent up a prayer of thanks that all toons were drawn knowing the Latin dances (timing hip and butt-shaking to conga drums made for great comic effect, and any toon who ever dressed in Carmen Miranda drag would tell you that was a fact). The cha-cha wasn't sultry like the rumba or full-body sexy like the samba, but it was upbeat and spicy enough to get sparks flying… not that he could ignite anything right now ( bet, bet, bet), but he still relished the chance to be close to her.

A flash of blue in his peripheral vision snared his attention, and Yakko's eyes flicked over to Mr. and Mrs. Berkeley dancing nearby. They were shaking it like they were in an Argentinian nightclub, and the air darn near sizzled around them – and not just because of the dance. From their proximity to each other, to Mr. B's caress on his wife's back, to Mrs. B's flirtatious expression as she swayed her hips when her husband spun her out, their body language spoke of a loving relationship – and their fluid moves spoke of the trust they had in each other. How long have they been married? Yakko wondered, his eyes riveted on them. They've both gotta be in their fifties, so I'm guessing thirty years, give or take a few? Doesn't matter how long; pretty obvious they know each other's hearts. Mr. Berkeley leaned in to whisper something in his wife's ear; she let out a snort of laughter and slapped his shoulder before accepting his kiss. And just like that, it hit him why the "classy dame" had fallen for the "funny-looking beanpole." He makes her laugh. She dishes it back to him. They were meant to be together.

"Whatcha thinking?"

Yakko fought back a blush as he returned his attention to Nori. "They're good," he said, nodding at Mr. and Mrs. Berkeley.

"They ought to be. Mr. B was taught in Toontown and both he and Mrs. B have been dancing for over forty years."

"Really? How long have they been hitched?"

Nori thought as Yakko spun her out and back in. "Oh man, I think around 30 years, maybe? Mr. B's 57 and Mrs. B's a year younger. Why the interest?"

Yakko really had to fight they blush this time. "They, uhh… they just seem so…" For once in his life, he was struggling to find words. How could he describe chemistry like that without making it sound dirty? "They seem pretty cozy," he finally said, figuring that described it politely enough.

Nori chuckled. "That they are. Most of the kids here think it's gross, two old folks who still kiss and touch each other. Me, I think it's great. Not many people stay together anymore, and knowing Mr. and Mrs. B are still nuts for each other after all this time…" She sighed, almost wistfully.

"What?"

"I'll tell you when we get back to the table." They shook it for the rest of the song, getting a kick out of Wakko and Dot hip-bumping each other for fun. When the music ended, they all went back to sit and Yakko turned his chair to face Nori. "Okay, details. What was the sigh all about."

Nori's eyes held a sadness that made her seem older than her sixteen years. Yakko could relate. Physically, he was still fourteen, but his soul was over 60, and he'd known sorrow as deep as hers. "For the first six years of my life, I lived in a house with two people who couldn't stand each other. Dad tried his best to make Mama happy, but nothing he did was ever good enough, and it ended in arguments. Especially when he found out she was screwing around on him," she added, almost to herself.

Yakko felt another burning desire to kick Jodi Bennett's butt into next week. He definitely knew the pain of being cheated on. However, he kept his tongue under control, waiting for Nori to speak again.

"I never saw what a good marriage was like, not when I was little. And as grateful as I am that Dad got us away from the turmoil, I always wondered what it could've been like if things were different, if Mama had been a better person. Maybe I'd have actually believed happily-ever-afters weren't just in fairy tales." Nori gave a halfhearted laugh. "Too Disney, right?"

"Hey, Disney's made some sap, but there ain't nothing sappy about believing in love, be it romantic or family. Everyone needs it. Heck, it's like air. We need it to live."

"Aren't toons immortal?"

"Trust me, immortality ain't all it's cracked up to be sometimes. 'Specially when you think no one wants you," Yakko murmured.

I want you, Nori thought. But how? As my friend, or… "You're wanted here," she said softly, taking both of his hands in hers. "You're one of the best friends I've ever had."

A glow entered Yakko's eyes and he smiled, squeezing her hands. "Back atcha, Nori," he said. A flash and click startled them both from the tender moment, and Yakko shot a glare in his sister's direction. "Dot…"

The Warner sister lowered her instant camera and waved the fresh photo, her eyes twinkling. "I can't help it. You two are so sweet together!"

Awkward. Thankfully, the next song started and Yakko took the opportunity for an escape. "C'mon, let's dance," he said to Nori, who all too eagerly followed him onto the floor. He blew out a sigh as he and Nori settled into a swing step. "Dot's making me squirm," he muttered. "It's awkward 'cause I'm tryin' to honor you and I don't wanna screw it up."

Nori stared at him. "What did you say?"

"I said I'm trying to honor our bet."

"No, you said you were trying to honor me," Nori clarified. "Do you mean it?"

Yakko blushed from his chin to the tips of his ears. "You bet I do. You deserve to have someone treat you good."

Nori smiled. "Yakko, you are good to me. You're a good guy."

Yakko's heart swelled in his chest. Good. She called me good! It was a word he hadn't heard applied to himself very often, and it made him want to take her in his arms and kiss her until she had no doubts about his love for her. Yet the bet held him in place – and it wasn't even just that anymore. He wanted her to trust him, to know she was safe with him, to feel him in her soul. Apart from his sibs, he'd never wanted to protect and love someone so badly, bare his soul to someone like he did with her. Did she want to be that vulnerable with him? Did she trust him?

Yes, I do. Nori knew in that instant that her trust in this toon was secure. She'd already been open about her past, but she'd not wept in front of him – maybe, but… to do that would be3 to admit how she felt about him, and the doubter in her was still holding back.

"You're a little late, I'm already torn…"

Boy, did that song have it right. God knew she loved him as her friend, but she didn't want to admit… she was torn for sure. Ironically, only he could help mend the tear.

Suddenly, something connected with her ankle and Nori felt herself falling backward. Thank God, Yakko had toon reflexes and he yanked her back up before her butt could kiss the floor. "Thanks," she said breathlessly.

"No problem. You okay?" Yakko asked, his eyes concerned.

Nori nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine."

"Whoops! I guess hicks are klutzes after all."

Nori closed her eyes. I should've known. "I hope you had fun, Amber," she said, turning to face her nemesis. The blonde was stuffed into a skintight, red-sequined dress that looked like it had been spray-painted on, and a slit went all the way up to her thigh. Her date, Billy Clarkson, stood nearby, an arrogant smirk on his handsome face.

"Not really. Someone caught you." Amber's eyes rested on Yakko and she frowned in confusion. "What are you supposed to be? Some kind of dog?"

"Nah, I think your date's already got that title in the bag," Yakko retorted smoothly, having noticed how Billy was openly checking out other girls.

Billy's head snapped around when Amber ground her heel into his foot and he let out a yelp of pain. "What'd I do?"

"Eyes on me, jerkwad," she hissed at him.

"Sor-ry." Billy rolled his eyes, which then latched onto Nori. "'Sup, Bennett? Couldn't find a real man to go out with?"

"I'm more 3D than you, lugnut," Yakko said, throwing Billy a filthy look for the real man crack.

"Oh, yeah?" Billy stuck a hand out. "Billy Clarkson, varsity football team captain."

"Yakko Warner, toon on parole," Yakko replied, gripping the guy's hand. Upon feeling the pseudo-alpha-male grip he was giving, the eldest Warner grinned evilly and squeezed his hand hard. Not hard enough to break anything, but enough to make him feel it in the morning. "Real enough for ya?" he asked when Billy yanked his hand back and shook it, pain crossing his face.

Amber's eyes went fearful for a moment before resuming their usual poisonous look. "Looks like you found your match. A freak just like you."

"Thanks," Nori said with a smile. "Coming from you, Amber, that's a compliment. 'Cause if anyone knows about freaks, it's you."

Yakko tried his darndest not to chuckle. Sweet rubber-glue-back-to-you moment there, Nor. Amber's jaw was grinding and she looked ready to breathe fire – and Yakko strongly suspected that if she was a toon, it would have happened for real.

"Don't you ever get mad? Or are you just too dumb to know when someone's putting you in your place?" Amber spat, clearly frustrated.

"In your place?" Heck no. The words sparked a memory of an argument with Mr. Plotz and being thrown into the water tower shortly after, and Yakko's temper flared. He bared his teeth and released a growl, causing Amber to flinch. Good. Let her be scared. He was honor-bound not to use his powers to harm a mortal, but darned if he couldn't scare the wits out of a deserving moron.

Nori turned to him and put a comforting hand on his shoulder. "It's okay," she whispered. Her voice was calm, but Yakko recognized the steel in her eyes. He nodded and winked, a silent message that he understood. She nodded back and returned her focus to Amber. "If my place is being an old-fashioned freak who hangs out with toons, there's no place on Earth I'd rather be."

"No, you dumb hick! I mean you'll never be good enough to be like me: pretty, popular, homecoming queen," Amber snapped, emphasizing the last two words.

"And I don't care, either. I don't need a crown to prove I'm treated like a queen." Nori looked over at Yakko and smiled, which made him want to leap in the air and whoop. Amber opened her mouth again, but Nori held up a hand. "No. We're done here. Turn around and walk away, now."

Stunned, Amber looked up at Billy like aren't you gonna do something? He held his hands up in the leave-me-out-of-it sign. "Don't look at me, babe. That toon's got the grip of a python. I ain't screwin' with that."

"Wuss!" Amber whipped back around and pointed at Nori. "I'll get you, Bennett. I swear I'll get you."

"Heard that back in '39. Get some new material, Witchiepoo," Yakko said, unable to resist.

Nori laughing at Yakko's joke seemed to be the last straw, for Amber growled in frustration and stormed off, Billy chasing after her. Yakko shook his head. "She's a ray of sunshine. What's the story with you and her?"

Nori shrugged. "Not much to tell. She gets a kick out of pushing buttons, 'cause she loves playing victim if someone snaps back at her."

"Miss Ickheart, Jr.," Yakko said darkly. "And I take it she's mad 'cause you don't give her what she wants?"

"Bingo."

Yakko narrowed his eyes. "I'm gonna keep an eye on her for the rest of the night."

"Do you really think she'll try something here, in front of all the teachers? So far, she's been all talk and no action."

"Like Brando said, keep your friends close and your enemies closer. When you're a toon, Rule Numero Uno is never underestimate your opponent, no matter how dumb they are."

"'Cause you never know what that idiot will do," Nori said, comprehending his meaning.

Yakko grinned. "Yup. Great minds think alike." He glanced over at their table and saw his sibs sitting by themselves; Scratchy and Heloise were nearby, albeit finishing up the current song on the dance floor. "Speakin' of thinkin', I think we owe my sibs a spin around the floor. Whatcha think?"

Nori smiled. "I think that's a great idea." They made their way back to the table and Nori asked Wakko for the next dance. His little brother lit up and leapt into Nori's arms, kissing her cheek. The next song picked up and Yakko grinned at his sister. "How 'bout it, sis? You wanna trip the light fantastic?"

"As long as there's more fantastic and less tripping, sure!" Dot said, taking her brother's hand.

"When am I not fantastic?"

"You want the list in chronological or alphabetical order?"

Yakko gave Dot a raspberry and swung her around, making her laugh. They had a blast dancing to the music, except there was the teensy little problem of the song being about kissing. He kept glancing over at Nori, a yearning building in his gut. Her lips were beautiful and he longed to feel them against his own… feel her in his soul as he wanted her to feel him. That familiar glow began in his stomach and spread through his veins as he watched Nori dancing with Wakko. She swung him a few times as he had Dot and even picked him up to snuggle him close, dancing with him in her arms. Man, I love her so much, he said with a smile.