"Just be cool, Roxie..." Roxie mumbled to herself, "Don't be weird, don't be weird...don't be.."

"Hey, Rox.."

She whirled around, "J-Jesse...hi.."

Looking around she didn't see Felicity, but that mattered not. She didn't know if Jesse was friend or foe yet.

He looked her up and down and smiled, "I like your dress."

"Thank you," she said, "I see you clean up well."

Jesse chuckled, "Thanks..."

There was an awkward silence between them until Jesse piped up.

"I'm sorry for causing you pain and being an asshole. You deserved better—you still deserve better.." Jesse said, "I hope that whoever your mate is that they treat you better than I did."

Roxie smiled, her red mask practically suffocating her eyes which seemed ridiculous, but the perspiration was getting to her.

"I forgive you, Jesse.." she leaned in and kissed him on the cheek, "Cheers to new beginnings?"

Jesse smiled and held up his cup, "To new beginnings..."

Roxie wanted to rush off before she was asked about Walker and where she'd been, but Jesse spoke up quickly.

"I heard he took you.."

"Yes, he did.."

"Where?"

"I don't know..he said he needed to keep me away from everyone before the ball...guess we missed graduation..."

Jesse laughed, "Oh, I am sure they'll pass you both. I mean, you were stabbed and all."

Roxie sighed, "Yes, there was that."

She looked to her left and to her right, making sure to keep all of the elders and their allies in her view.

"He wanted to fuck with me so I let him and now I'm back..my mom came and saved the day..."

"With Brett?"

"With Brett..."Roxie swallowed hard, knowing people were already going to ask these questions, "Poor Brett. He's in love with my mom.."

"Oh shit..really?" Jesse shrugged, "I mean, I know she and your dad were mated, but the bond can be undone for her to move on."

"Where are we gonna find a witch at this time of night?" Roxie laughed, knowing damn well Jadis just rolled by, half-tempted to light her pipe..

Jesse chuckled, "Would you like to dance?"

Roxie smiled, "Sure...I'd love to.."

She caught movement out of the corner of her eye and Walker was glaring at them. She had to play it cool so she didn't catch his gaze and stayed focused on Jesse.

"Thanks.." Jesse said as they twirled around the room, "I thought you'd completely reject me."

"I told you everything was OK," Roxie assured him, "I had my awakening and I'm good...I can't believe Walker took me away thinking he'd be some kind of hero when all he wanted me for was a little rumble in the sack.."

"Well, I am no better, but I'm glad you're back," Jesse told her, "No matter who're we mated off to, I want to be your friend.."

A slight nod from Jadis told Roxie that Jesse was the real deal. Roxie was actually happy about that.

"I'd like that.." Roxie smiled up at him as a wave of relief flashed in his eyes.

There was so much commotion going on that Roxie barely saw it when Victor stepped closer to she and Jesse, his hand extended.

"May I have this dance?"

Jesse stiffened, "Victor.."

Roxie's heart raced, "I didn't know you got out..."

Jesse stepped back and offered Roxie's hand to Victor who took it gently and began to dance.

She saw Walker practically rush the room, but Eric caught him and calmed him down before he made a scene.

"Good behavior," Victor said, his golden mask shimmering in the lights, "I wasn't myself that day or months after....something snapped in me and I am so sorry. You've got to believe me."

Roxie turned to face Jadis who nodded.

"It's fine..." she nodded, "Water under the bridge.."

Victor sighed, "Oh, thank you...my dad..." he stopped himself before saying anything else, "Well, I hope your mate is a great man."

"Thank you, Victor—I wonder who your mate is.."

"I wouldn't mind it being you," Victor leaned into her ear, "But I know it isn't..."

Roxie didn't react—she was told not to..she was told to act as natural as possible.

"What? You've got some connections with the elders?" Roxie laughed as they watched the elders seated on a makeshift stage at the far end of the gymnasium as if they were royalty.

Victor smiled, "I have my ways.."

"Hey.." Holden tapped Victor on the shoulder, "May I cut in?"

Roxie smiled as Holden took over for Victor who walked off. She was going to be worn out by the time the battle even began. They danced passed Walker who was dancing with Crystal. Their eyes met briefly, but neither one of them lingered—they couldn't take the chance.

"Holden.." Roxie acknowledged while they waltzed around the room, "How are you?"

"Wanting to tell you that I'm sorry.." Holden said, "I was a douche and I should never have played that tape."

Roxie sighed, "Walker never should have taken the time to make it. He violated mine and Jesse's personal space."

Holden was quiet for some time, but then began again.

"I know he took you to prove a point or get under his dad's skin," Holden was brash, "He doesn't love you or like you or anything like that.."

Roxie frowned and took a quick glimpse at Jadis who slowly shook her head—it was so slow one could miss it if they weren't looking for it.

Holden wasn't an ally.

"I can't do this.." Roxie suddenly mind-linked Walker without making eye contact, "Don't forget me, Walker.."

"Dammit, mouse, we're gonna win this and we're gonna live our lives the way we want to and not be afraid. We're going to have our baby and make love to each other every damn day, do you hear me? You taught me not to give up, baby. Don't you give up on us now.."

They found themselves closer to each other as he danced himself right next to Holden and Roxie.

"Can I cut in?" Walker asked, but Holden hesitated, "Rules, Holden...I gotta get me a little taste of this bitch before the night's over."

Holden didn't let Roxie ago until she released him.

"It's OK," Roxie told him, "Walker can't do anything to me here."

Holden stomped off and Walker twirled Roxie far away from his friend as possible.

"I am sorry—you know I wouldn't call you that," Walker whispered, "I have to pretend for another hour that I hate your guts."

Roxie smirked, "So it's just like old times."

"No one can sense the baby?"

"If they can, they haven't said anything..."

"Jadis has been a true blessing," Walker said, "I can't wait for this night to be over with."

"I haven't had another vision..."

"Nor have I.."

"When will they call it?"

"Soon..." Walker said, "You know the drill...You've been to these before as an observer—they don't change routine."

Oliver swooped in and grabbed Roxie away, leaving Walker in the arms of Crystal who'd been dancing the night away with Dante.

"Do you see Connie's parents?"

"No.." Crystal said, "How am I supposed to go through with this? Connie.."

"Is right fucking behind you.." Walker gasped, "Holy fucking hell.."