Joy was so impressed, in fact, that she didn't even react when Cassius moved behind her.
He put both hands over her shoulders and hugged her from behind, pressing his body against hers in an intimate embrace. His head snuggled next to hers, his cheek rubbing against her hair.
"See?" He said to the donkey, his voice warm and coaxing. "Even though she looks scary, she's not actually that harsh. She just has a cold exterior and a warm heart."
Joy's face flushed crimson.
"Cassius!" She hissed, her voice low and dangerous.
"What do you think you're doing? I swear, if you try to take advantage of me right now—"
He whispered in her ear.
"Be quiet, Joy. I'm trying to show Peach that you're actually a nice person. If you show a scary face right now, you'll ruin it."
Joy looked at the donkey. The Montegro was staring at her with that lazy, assessing gaze, as if it was actually considering her.
She straightened up immediately, trying to present herself in the best possible light.
