1.17 - Follow the Kitty

Quinn dragged Leona past the waiting line, ignoring the murmurs of protest from the crowd as they strode directly to the warehouse entrance. The bouncer stood there like a sentinel, decked out in leather and spikes, his muscular arms crossed over his chest. His grin was wide and wolfish, the kind that felt more like a warning than a welcome.

“Well, well, what’s this?” His voice was rough, mocking. “Mini-me?” He eyed the two of them, the matching electric blue hair making the comparison impossible to miss.

Quinn smirked, unfazed. “Something like that,” she said, tossing her hair back. “Our hair’ll match perfectly by the end of the summer. Anyway, you letting us in, or what?” She jabbed him playfully in the shoulder, her wink as sharp as a blade.

He chuckled, a low, guttural sound. “Wouldn’t dream of keeping you out, Quinn.” His eyes flicked to Leona, narrowing slightly. “Though I gotta say, your music’s not my scene. But hey, we could always use more chicks, even if she looks like she wandered outta homeroom.” His lip curled as he appraised Leona, then he sighed. “Cute, though. Just don’t let the scum get too close.” He stepped aside, granting them entry.

Leona felt a thrill at the backhanded compliment, even if his tone was dripping with condescension.

Inside, the warehouse pulsed with potential energy, the crowd still sparse, the air heavy with anticipation. The music blared from the towering speakers, raw and unrelenting, the kind Quinn had been cranking out at home recently.

Quinn’s stride was confident, leading Leona toward the main stage with purpose. As they approached, Leona clapped her hands over her ears, the volume vibrating through her skull. Quinn laughed, amused, as they were spotted by a guy on the raised stage.

Their conversation was lost in the auditory chaos, and Leona shifted from foot to foot, fingers wedged firmly in her ears. She watched as Quinn and the guy exchanged nods and shouted words, neither of which she could decipher. The man flashed a thumbs-up, and Quinn’s grin widened before she turned back to Leona, grabbing her by the wrist and dragging her toward the bar.

Quinn’s lips moved, but Leona couldn’t hear her over the residual ringing in her ears. She tilted her head, and Quinn gave a mock sigh, reaching out to gently boop her nose.

“Cut it out,” Quinn said, pulling Leona’s hands from her ears. “It’s quieter here. Hang for a bit. Drinks are on me.” She leaned in, voice teasing. “They’ve got more than alcohol, so relax. Goonie would skin me alive if your blood alcohol hit even a decimal.”

Leona snickered. “Who’d tell her?”

Quinn shot her a wide-eyed look, then smirked. “You little shit. Thought I’d corrupted my goody-two-shoes sister for a second there.” Her tone turned serious. “If you do drink, keep it small.” She pressed her thumb and index finger together. “Tiny. And don’t take drinks from anyone you don’t know. Roofies, y’know?”

The bartender snorted behind the bar. “You seriously want us to serve her?” He raised an eyebrow at Leona. “She’s a freaking kid.”

Quinn shrugged, smirking. “She’s got good judgment. Packed with nothing but fluff and sweetness.” She leaned in, voice dropping an octave. “But if something happens, I’m hearing it from you.”

He scowled. “Tch. Babysitting duty.” His expression softened just a fraction. “Play Midgardener and the Serpent.”

Quinn raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. “That old rag?” She shook her head. “Fine. You got it.”

Leona’s eyes widened slightly. Quinn really had fans.

Quinn turned to Leona, her grin wicked. “See what I put myself through for you?” She leaned against the bar. “I’m not on for an hour. Get out there and dance!”

Leona scoffed. “You first.”

The bartender laughed. “Thought you wanted a drink?”

Quinn groaned, mock-exasperated. “Alright, brat, let’s do this.” She grabbed Leona’s hand and they sprinted to the center of the floor.

Leona flailed, laughing wildly, while Quinn danced with effortless grace. Leona tried to mimic her, their movements turning into a chaotic, joyous mess. They spun and laughed, the pounding music drowning out the world.

They didn’t stop until the staff called for Quinn, their breath coming in ragged gasps, the adrenaline coursing like fire through their veins.

The rest of the ‘rave experience’ wasn’t as fun for Leona once Quinn had taken the stage, although she got to hear her sister performing in a huge venue. The crowd's focus shifted, and Leona retreated to the bar, nursing a soda under the bartender’s watchful, somewhat disdainful eye. The thudding bass shook the floor, and while she enjoyed the music more now that it was her sister’s set, the noise was oppressive. She couldn’t bring herself to mingle without Quinn guiding her, so she didn’t. She stayed put, isolated but oddly content in the chaos.

Occasionally, when Quinn played a track Leona particularly liked, she bobbed her head and bounced in place, grinning like a fool. Watching her sister on stage, bathed in laser lights that cut through the haze like knives, Leona couldn’t help but admire her. The sight was intoxicating: Quinn’s fingers flying across her equipment, the energy in the room bending to her will. Leona saw clearly why she loved her sister so fiercely. Quinn was talented—a phenomenon, aspiring to be recognized across the nation. But ambition came with a price, and at home, Quinn often locked herself away, lost in her music, distant and unreachable.

“You gonna wallflower here all night?” the bartender’s rough voice cut through her thoughts. “You’re starting to look like a lush.”

Leona glanced up, frowning at the unsolicited comment. “Yeah… I don’t really—”

“Hey, Leona, right?”

The voice was loud enough to cut through the pounding music, and Leona blinked in surprise. She turned, wiping sweat from her brow, to see an average-looking guy weaving through the crowd. He wore the standard staff attire: black clothes crisscrossed with neon green, glowing straps that made him easy to spot. Unlike the bouncer’s leather-clad aesthetic, this outfit seemed purely practical.

The guy waved as he broke free from the throng, holding a small object aloft. “Name’s Frank,” he said, leaning in close so Leona could hear over the din. “Hope Quinn mentioned me.”

Leona stared at the item in his hand—a wallet with a cutesy cat motif.

“She told me about the matching hair thing, so I’d recognize you,” Frank continued, flashing a smile. “Anyway, I’m staff. Helping.”

Leona raised an eyebrow. She vaguely recalled Quinn talking about a Frank, but nothing specific.

Frank pushed on, “A girl dropped this on the other side of the bar. Couldn’t find her. I’m busy, can’t keep track of you and the crowd.” He handed the wallet to her. “She’s got glowing pink cat ears on a headband. You can’t miss her. Mind finding her? You’re looking lonely anyway.”

Leona hesitated. Something about this seemed off. “Alright,” she said, wary but intrigued. “Tell Quinn to be more subtle next time.” Hadn’t she seen someone that met his description outside the building?

Frank smirked as she took the wallet and plunged into the crowd. Behind her, he chuckled softly, mission accomplished.

The crowd shifted around her like a living thing, writhing and swaying with the beat. The dancers’ energy was frenetic, bodies pressed together, limbs moving in sync with the relentless music. Leona stumbled, crashing into several people. Some cursed her; others laughed, bumping her back with playful shoves. She grimaced, doing her best to stay upright, the wallet clutched tightly in her hand.

Finally, she spotted them—fluffy, glowing cat ears bobbing through the throng. Leona locked her eyes on the target and pushed forward, but just as quickly as she’d found the girl, she lost her again. The sea of bodies swallowed her whole.

Frustration bubbled up. She glared at the dancers, silently cursing them for blocking her path. She tried to gain her bearings, but the warehouse was disorienting. Short and disheveled, Leona felt trapped, her sense of direction obliterated by the flashing lights and pounding music.

As if to mock her, Quinn’s catchiest song began to play, and the crowd erupted, arms thrust skyward, bodies shaking in wild abandon. Leona wobbled, nearly losing her balance as she spun in a daze.

Determined, she forced her way to the edge of the crowd, adopting the right-hand rule of maze navigation to find the wall. She hadn’t gone far when someone collided with her, sending her sprawling onto the sticky floor.

Disoriented, Leona gasped for air, shaking her head to clear the fog. Beside her, the culprit—a girl—sat dazed, head tilted awkwardly.

Leona’s heart skipped. She stared, wide-eyed, as the girl lifted her head. There, perched on her hair, were glowing… PINK CAT EARS!

“It’s you!” Leona gaped, scrambling to retrieve the wallet she’d dropped when they collided. Her hands searched the grimy, sticky floor, dodging stomping feet until her fingers closed around it. Thank God it didn’t get crushed, she thought, clutching it tightly. She stood and turned to the girl with glowing cat ears.

“I’m sorry!” the girl shouted over the noise, voice breathless.

“It’s okay. Things are pretty crazy, right?” Leona yelled.

“I-It’s my first time at something like this,” the girl stammered close to Leona’s right semi-deafened ear, her voice trembling with apology. She tucked a lock of hair behind one ear, her cheeks flushed. “I’m so sorry… I didn’t mean to be so clumsy. It just got so overwhelming, and I panicked.” She gestured toward the chaos around them, eyes darting nervously over the writhing crowd. Her helplessness was palpable, and the way she blushed made Leona’s heart thud hard against her ribs.

Leona softened, any irritation melting away. “It’s okay,” she said, brushing it off with a small smile. “I was dizzy, too, and had no idea where I was.” She reached down and offered her hand. “C’mon.”

The girl hesitated for a second before taking Leona’s hand. Leona pulled her up, scanning for an escape route. She finally spotted a familiar decoration—a tattered neon banner hanging just above the heads of the shorter dancers. “Hurry, this way!” She tugged the girl through the pulsing throng, dodging wild elbows and stumbling feet.

Once they were free from the crush of bodies, the girl tugged to release herself from Leona’s grasp, heaving a relieved sigh. “C-can you let go?” she asked nervously, glancing at their joined hands.

Leona blinked, surprised, and immediately let go. “Sorry,” she said sheepishly.

The girl gave a small, awkward laugh, but then her eyes dropped to her hand—and froze. Her breath hitched as she winced. “Oh…” She lifted her hand, now slick with blood. “I—I’m bleeding.”

Leona’s stomach twisted. “Are you okay? What happened?” She grabbed the girl’s hand again, gently inspecting it. A jagged cut ran across her palm, fresh and seeping. Leona’s eyes darted around the ground and spotted shards of glass from broken bottles scattered everywhere. “There’s glass all over the floor. You must’ve—”

The girl shook her head, trying to wave it off. “It’s nothing. It probably happened when I bumped into you,” she said, wincing. “I was holding a Coke, and it might’ve broken.” She gave an embarrassed smile. “I’m more worried I spilled soda on you.”

Before Leona could protest, the girl patted her down, checking for any sticky wet spots. Her touch was quick but thorough, and Leona flushed under the unexpected contact. “No, no—I’m fine,” she stammered, her face heating. “Really.”

The girl pulled back, flustered herself. “I’m such an idiot,” she muttered, shaking her head.

Leona cleared her throat. “Actually… a friend of my sister’s found something of yours,” she said, lifting the wallet. “Asked me to find you and give it back.”

The girl’s eyes widened in horror. “My wallet!” she gasped, pawing at her empty pockets. “Oh my God, I’m so stupid.” She reached for it, her expression a mix of relief and gratitude. “Thank you, really. I—I don’t know what I’d do without it.”

Leona handed it over with a shy smile. “What’s your name?”

The girl hugged the wallet to her chest, smiling warmly. “I’m Sarah—Sarah Namias.”

Leona’s heart skipped as the name settled in her mind, and a strange warmth blossomed deep inside her. “I’m Leona W… R-Ramses,” she said, stumbling slightly over the last name.

Sarah’s smile deepened. “Nice to meet you, Leona.”

Leona blushed, smiling. “Ditto.”

And in that moment, amidst the chaos of the rave, the noise faded to nothing but the soft thudding of Leona’s pulse.

The pounding music throbbed like a living thing, vibrating through the warehouse floor and into Leona’s bones. But now, outside the crush of bodies and with Sarah standing so close, it didn’t feel overwhelming anymore—it felt like a heartbeat. Everyone’s heartbeat syncronized.

Sarah rubbed the back of her head sheepishly, the faint glow of her cat-ear headband giving her an almost ethereal glow. “I guess I should head back… but I kinda don’t know where ‘back’ is.” She laughed nervously. “It’s like a labyrinth in there.”

Leona smiled, some of her earlier shyness melting away. “You’re not alone feeling that way.” She gestured toward the swirling crowd with a sweep of her arm. “I’ve been lost half the night, too.”

A moment of silence stretched between them, not awkward, just warm.

Sarah tilted her head, her expression softening. “It’s your first time too?”

Leona nodded, laughing as she scratched behind her left ear. “I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for my sister. She’s a DJ.“

Sarah clapped her hands and grinned. “Does that mean your sister’s performing tonight?”

Leona nodded, feeling a surge of pride swell in her chest. “Yeah, her name is Quinn. She’s been up for a while now DJing up there.” She turned to the stage where Quinn was a dynamic force, commanding the crowd with infectious energy. “She’s amazing.”

“She really is.” Sarah’s voice was almost reverent as her eyes followed the dazzling light show that danced in tandem with the music. Then she glanced back at Leona. “Do you want to maybe go dancing? I mean… if you’re okay with that, Leona.” Her blush deepened. “Together, I mean.”

Leona hesitated for half a second before smiling, her pulse quickening. “Yeah. I’d like that, though I have two clubs for feet.”

Sarah grinned. “Same. It’s fine if you step on my toes a few times. I hope you don’t mind if I do.”

Leona nodded. Though they might end up with sore feet, particularly at their extremities, tonight was shaping up to be exactly what she needed.

They wended their way back toward the edge of the dance floor in the center, although most of the building, not including the stage, was occupied by dancers. They stopped just shy of the most crowded area near enough to the stage to see Quinn doing her thing. Here, they also had space to move but could still feel the electric pulse of the rave. The beat dropped, and Leona caught Sarah’s hand again.

“Ready?” Leona asked.

Sarah’s face lit up, her eyes sparkling. “Ready.”

They began to move, at first awkwardly, finding each other’s rhythm, until it clicked and miraculously, no toes were smashed. They danced not wildly but freely, unburdened by the need to impress or fit in. Just two girls, lost in the music and the moment.

Quinn’s mix shifted to something more emotional, an ethereal melody that floated above the pounding bass like stardust. Maybe Quinn had spotted them dancing together. Leona closed her eyes, letting the music wash over her, and when she opened them, she found Sarah gazing at her.

For a moment, the noise, the crowd, and the chaos fell away. It was just them.

Leona felt her face heat up, but instead of looking away, she grinned. “You’re pretty good at this for someone who said she was overwhelmed.”

Sarah giggled, the sound light and carefree. “Ditto. Maybe I just needed the right dance partner.”

The words hung between them, weightless and sweet.

Quinn’s set took a more energetic turn, the beats hitting harder, faster, driving the crowd into a frenzy of movement. Leona and Sarah were swept up in the rush, spinning and laughing as if the whole world had shrunk down to the size of the dance floor.

“You’re not bad at dancing, Leona, not like I’m an expert!” Sarah called over the pounding bass, her smile wide and infectious.

Leona rolled her eyes, grinning. “Not bad, eh? I’ll take it.” She grinned, encouraged to try a few parkour-inspired moves that made Sarah blink and pause, before getting into her own improvised groove.

Their hands brushed as they swayed again and again, and eventually neither of them pulled away. Instead, they leaned into the rhythm, moving in sync like they’d been dancing together for years.

Quinn, visible on the elevated stage, threw herself into her music, her body swaying in time with the beats she created. Her headphones hung loosely around her neck, and the lasers flickered across her form. She was a master of her craft, and Leona felt a surge of admiration and pride swell in her chest.

“Your sister’s incredible,” Sarah said, glancing up at the stage in awe. “I can’t believe you’re related to her.”

Leona laughed softly. “Yeah, she’s something else. But trust me, she’s still a pain at home, you know?”

Sarah giggled again, and they danced closer, their movements slowing as the music softened, becoming more melodic, more intimate. Quinn’s voice echoed faintly through the mic, mixing with the melody—a rare addition to her usual sets. It was haunting and beautiful.

“I never had a brother or sister, but I can imagine,” Sarah said.

As the music shifted again and Quinn’s music became extremely stirring, making her think of Mistral. It had a heroic and inspiring quality. This was one of Quinn’s sets that Leona had never heard before. Thinking about Mistral’s recent capture and how she was still working to recover from what Black Angel had done to her, she felt her throat tighten with emotion, the music hitting her in ways she hadn’t expected. She glanced at Sarah, who seemed equally moved, but more positively, her eyes positively shining. Although they didn’t speak, they let the music fill the space between them.

As the final notes of Quinn’s set faded into cheers and loud applause and stamping of feet, Leona stopped, breathing heavily, her face flushed, her heart beating rapidly. Sarah looked equally exhilarated, her cat ears glowing softly. Her own face was a deep pink and she licked her lips.

Quinn descended from the stage like a queen descending from her throne, high-fiving crew members and exchanging playful banter with the next DJ. She spotted Leona almost immediately, as though she knew precisely where she was, her face breaking into a wide grin. She sauntered over, sweat glistening on her skin, eyes twinkling mischievously.

“Well, well, well,” Quinn drawled, eyeing Sarah and then Leona with a knowing smirk. “Looks like my baby sister found herself an adorbs dance partner.”

Leona groaned, her face turning crimson. “Quinn…”

Sarah laughed nervously, taking a step back, but Quinn held up a hand. “Relax, I’m just teasing.” She looked at Sarah, grinning. “You’ve got good taste. She’s mega cute.”

“Quinn!” Leona hissed, mortified.

Sarah, however, just giggled, her blush deepening. “Thanks, I guess.”

Quinn winked at Leona, clearly pleased. “You’re still into girls, huh? And you’ve already found a cutie. I’m proud.” She ruffled Leona’s hair playfully.

Leona swatted her hand away, flustered but smiling. “Stop it.”

Quinn laughed. “Alright, alright. I’ll leave you two lovebirds alone, then. For now.” She threw an arm around Leona in a quick hug. “Seriously, though… I’m glad you’re having fun.”

As Quinn walked away, Sarah turned to Leona, still smiling. “Your sister’s pretty awesome.”

Leona sighed, shaking her head. “Yeah… she sure is.”

They stood there for a moment, the warmth of the evening lingering around them, and without another word, they stepped back onto the dance floor, letting the music take them away once more, though the music wasn’t quite up to Quinn’s standards, it was pretty good.

The music pulsed again, this time softer but no less enchanting, a slower, hypnotic beat that created a space where the world outside the warehouse didn’t exist. Leona and Sarah moved together effortlessly, the chaos of the rave settling into something more intimate and personal.

Leona could still feel the heat of Quinn’s teasing words lingering in her mind, but Sarah didn’t seem fazed. In fact, she seemed more relaxed, her smile growing softer as they continued to dance.

“Your sister’s a good DJ,” Sarah said, her voice just loud enough to be heard over the music. “But she’s also good at embarrassing you, huh?”

Leona laughed, rolling her eyes. “You have no idea. She’s been doing it my whole life.”

Sarah tilted her head, the glow of the cat ears casting a soft light across her face. “I think it’s sweet, though. She cares deeply about you.”

Leona felt a strange warmth bloom in her chest at Sarah’s words. “Yeah,” she admitted, “she does.” She hesitated, then added, “I’m not used to this. You know… meeting someone like this.”

Sarah’s cheeks flushed faintly, and she looked down at their feet. “Me neither. I wasn’t even sure I wanted to come tonight. But I’m glad I did.” She looked back up, her eyes bright. “I got to meet you.”

Leona’s heart stuttered, the sincerity in Sarah’s voice catching her off guard. She wasn’t sure how to respond, so she simply smiled, her fingers brushing Sarah’s lightly as they swayed to the music.

The music transitioned into something softer still, the bass a gentle thrum that allowed for conversation, though neither girl seemed eager to speak just yet. They stayed close, swaying side by side, their movements slower, more thoughtful.

Leona felt her nerves settling, replaced by a growing sense of ease. It wasn’t the kind of dizzying infatuation she’d seen in movies, but something quieter, deeper, like a soft melody playing in the background. She glanced at Sarah, who was watching her with a curious expression.

“What?” Leona asked, half-smiling.

Sarah shook her head, a small, playful grin tugging at her lips. “You’re just… really nice. I didn’t expect to meet someone like you tonight.”

Leona blushed, ducking her head. “You make it sound like I’m special or something.”

“You are,” Sarah said simply, no hesitation.

The words hung between them, and for a moment, Leona felt like the entire rave had vanished. It was just the two of them, standing together in a space that felt carved out just for them.

The music picked up again, not as wild as before but lively enough to invite dancing. Sarah’s hand slipped into Leona’s, and she tugged gently. “One more dance?”

Leona nodded, letting herself be pulled back onto the dance floor. They moved together, the world fading into the rhythm and beat, their laughter mixing with the music. It wasn’t about the crowd, or the flashing lights, or even the music anymore.

It was about them.

Quinn’s voice suddenly boomed over the speakers, playful and teasing. “Alright, ravers, I’m off for now, but keep the party going!” The crowd erupted in cheers and applause, and Leona glanced toward the stage in time to see Quinn bow dramatically before handing off the decks to the next DJ. Leona was shocked. When had Quinn taken over again up on the stage? She’d been so distracted by something that she hadn’t really been listening to the music. 

Quinn spotted them again as she made her way through the crowd, her grin widening. “Still dancing, huh?” she called out when she got close. “Looks like someone’s been having a good night.”

Leona laughed, pulling away from Sarah slightly, but Quinn waved her hand. “Nah, don’t stop on my account.” She looked at Sarah, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “I hella like you,” she said bluntly. “You make my sister smile from her heart.”

Sarah blushed but smiled back. “I like her too.”

Quinn laughed, clapping Leona on the shoulder. “Good. You deserve it.” She leaned in close, whispering in Leona’s ear, “Don’t let this one get away, huh?”

Leona didn’t have a chance to respond before Quinn disappeared back into the crowd, leaving her flustered but happy. She turned back to Sarah, who was looking at her with a soft smile.

“Do you want to keep dancing?” Leona asked, hoping the answer was yes.

Sarah nodded, her eyes sparkling. “Yeah. I do.”

And so they danced, lost in the music, the crowd, and each other, the night stretching before them full of possibilities.

The energy of the rave shifted again, a steady thrum that wrapped around Leona and Sarah, cocooning them in the moment. Sarah’s hand rested lightly on Leona’s shoulder, while their other hands remained intertwined, moving in rhythm. It was easy, natural—something Leona hadn’t expected to feel with a stranger, but somehow, it didn’t feel strange at all.

The flashing lights painted Sarah’s face in shades of blue and violet, her smile radiant, warm, and infectious. Leona couldn’t help but smile back, feeling a strange, giddy excitement bubbling under her skin. They didn’t need words right now—the music said everything for them.

Quinn’s set still reverberated through Leona’s mind, her heart still fluttering from the sheer power of her sister’s performance. Oh jeez! Quinn was a total dynamo tonight. She took breaks, giving other DJs a brief chance to shine before reclaiming her throne. She glanced toward the stage, where Quinn had disappeared into the throng of crew and admirers. Despite the crowd, the stage still felt like it belonged to Quinn, like her spirit lingered in every note.

“She’s truly amazing. So much energy!” Sarah said softly, her voice barely audible over the next DJ’s beat.

Leona’s gaze shifted back to Sarah, who was watching her, not the stage. “I was thinking the same,” Leona agreed, her voice tinged with pride. “She’s VERY exhausting.”

Sarah giggled, her laughter a light, airy sound that made Leona’s chest feel tight in the best way. “You’re a little like her, yourself.” Sarah said, tilting her head thoughtfully.

Leona blinked. “Me? What? In what way?”

“Yeah.” Sarah’s expression softened. “You’ve got the same kind of energy. It’s quieter, but it’s there. Like… I don’t know, like you light up a little when you’re happy. Plus you’ve been able to dance all this time without hardly any pause. That’s amazing too, you know?”

Leona’s throat tightened, and for a moment, she couldn’t think of what to say. Instead, she gave Sarah’s hand a gentle squeeze, feeling her heart race in time with the music.

They danced until their bodies ached, and the edges of exhaustion started to creep in. Although the crowd around them never thinned,  Leona and Sarah occupied their own little space, orbiting each other like stars. The music surged, faster, harder, but they kept their movements slow, savoring the moment together.

Leona felt sweat dampening the back of her neck, strands of hair clinging to her forehead, but she didn’t care. She only cared that Sarah was smiling at her like she was the only thing that mattered.

“I needed this,” Sarah admitted, her voice low, as if it were a secret.

Leona tilted her head. “A rave?”

Sarah laughed softly. “No. You. I think I was always searching for you.”

Leona’s heart skipped, her breath catching in her throat. She opened her mouth to respond, but Sarah shook her head, saving her from fumbling for the right words. “It’s been a rough year,” Sarah continued. “I didn’t think I’d feel happy again for a while. But tonight…”

She trailed off, her eyes searching Leona’s face, as if looking for the right way to finish her sentence.

Leona swallowed hard. “I get it,” she said, her voice steady despite the fluttering in her chest. “I needed it too, for sure.”

For a moment, they stood still, the music fading into the background, and all Leona could hear was the thrum of her own heartbeat.

Eventually, Quinn returned, weaving through the crowd like a magnet, pulling attention wherever she went. She reached them, grinning ear to ear, her energy still electric despite her time on stage. “Still at it, huh? You’re an ABSOLUTE animal, little sis! Who knew?” she teased, nudging Leona’s shoulder.

Leona rolled her eyes. “You’re relentless.”

Quinn laughed, her eyes sparkling. “Hey, it’s my job.” She turned to Sarah, extending a hand. “Sarah, right? I’m Quinn. Thanks for keeping my little sister company. That was the end of my sets and the rave shouldn’t last too much longer without my beats keeping this place pulsing.”

Sarah shook Quinn’s hand, her smile warm but shy. “It was more like she kept me company.”

Quinn shot Leona a knowing look. “She’s good at that, huh?”

Leona groaned. “Please stop.”

Quinn leaned in close to Sarah, mock-whispering, “She sure know show to blush, doesn’t she?”

Sarah giggled, glancing at Leona’s flushed face. “An absolute expert in turning beet red.” Sarah teased, winking.

Leona threw up her hands. “I’m officially done with both of you.” But her grin betrayed the joy simmering under the surface, the warmth spreading through her like the music itself.

Quinn, satisfied with her teasing, clapped Leona on the back. “Alright, I’ll leave you two lovebirds alone for the last bit. But, Leona…” She softened, her voice sincere. “I’m really happy for you.”

Leona nodded, unable to find the words but grateful nonetheless.

As Quinn disappeared into the crowd again, Sarah turned back to Leona, her expression gentle. “She’s really proud of you. That’s really cute. I kinda wish I had a great sister like her too.”

Leona smiled. “I’m proud of her too. More than words can say.”

Sarah hesitated for a beat, then said, “Want to dance one more time?”

Leona laughed, wiping sweat from her forehead. “Phaw! You’re the true animal tonight, an energetic, pretty kitty,” she said, her voice brimming with mirth. “Let’s get a drink, cool off. I’ll tell you more about my family. I’d like to hear about you too.”

With a broad grin, Leona took Sarah’s hand and tugged her through the crowd toward the drink stand. Sarah felt a flicker of disappointment at leaving the dance floor, but it faded almost instantly. Leona was right—they needed a break, and the prospect of learning more about each other was just as exhilarating as the dance.

And as they moved through the crowd together as the blaring music played, Leona felt something new take root—a quiet hope, a budding connection, and the undeniable sense that tonight marked the beginning of something truly special. It felt like a pivotal moment in her life, one that could shape everything that came next.