“Hey kid,” Inferno crooned. “Where’s your sister? I’d like to, y’know, talk to her~” He grinned charmingly and flexed for maximum effect.
 
“S-she’s o-over there!” Emerald Beetle stuttered, completely flustered at the sight of the tall, buff dragon. “A-and I was wondering if-“
 
”Okay, catch ya later grub,” Inferno immediately dismissed him and sauntered over to where a certain purple dragoness was sitting. “Hey babe, whatcha doin’?”
 
Burgeon Flare turned around and rolled her eyes. “Hello, Inferno. I’m just waiting for my best friend to come back from…uh,” She searched for a response. “Gem hunting.”
 
”While ya wait, I’m sure you could use a little company,” He sat down beside her and slung an arm around her. “Y’know girl, I got some really tasty gems down here. I’m sure there’s enough for you and your friend.”
 
”Inferno! Gross!”
 
”I’d like some gems…” Emerald whispered, too quietly for anyone to hear. He stood completely enamored with Inferno’s big, bulging muscles.
 

 
”Hey Burge! You wouldn’t believe what happened! I won a bet! With a bunch of older dragons! They crowned me queen of the hoard! You gotta come see-“
 
Bedlam’s excitement came to a screeching halt as she spotted Burge…with another dragon. He was one she’d met once or twice…that big red guy, whatever his name was. With their backs turned, Bedlam noticed him lean into Burge and quickly pull away.
 
“No way!” Bedlam’s face turned bright red as her wings flared up. “Burge has a BOYFRIEND? And she didn’t tell me?” She looked over to the green changedragon standing a few feet back from the couple. “Hey! Hey you!” He turned his head towards her. “Who is that guy?”
 
”Him?” Emerald wiped the drool that had collected on his chin. “That’s Inferno. I think he’s Burge’s boyfriend or something? I dunno. He’s always coming over.” He turned his gaze back towards the couple. “He’s so cool…”
 
”Boyfriend, huh? I’m gonna have a little talk with them.” She flew up behind them. “Yo Burge! Who’s this?”
 
Burge whipped around startledly. “Oh! Hi Betty. This is Inferno. Inferno, meet Bedlam.”
 
”Hi,” Inferno held up a claw for a handshake. “Burgey-kins didn’t tell me this was a two-in-one deal.”
 
”I’d call it a zero-in-none deal,” Bedlam refused his claw. “If you’ll excuse us, we have more important things to get to.” She grabbed Burge and dragged her far out of earshot.
 
”Bedlam! That was rude!”
 
”Who is he, anyway? You’re getting up-close with some guy and you didn’t even tell me?”
 
”I’m not! It’s…complicated. We’re just acquaintances.”
 
”Yeah, like acquaintances sit around and cuddle,” Bedlam scoffed. _{“I’m supposed to be your main girl…”}
 
”Bedlam, look,” Burge looked her square in the eye. “I don’t even like Inferno. He’s cocky, arrogant, and not even my type. But Mom really likes him, so I’m giving him a chance. For her. You and I still best friends and that will never change, whatever becomes of us. Got it?”
 
”Got it.”
 
”Still friends come Tartarus and turmoil, right?” Burge smiled and hugged Bedlam.
 
“Yep!” Bedlam accepted her embrace. “Friends…”