Puppy Charming 101 [Isabelle x citizenanon]

Sophie was so entranced by all the pictures of girls in cute outfits being ridiculously cute. Her face flushed a certain colour of red that really only Sophie could pull off. Her feet gently nudged each other. Sophie shook her head lightly, "No... but I think I might try to translate it!" She smiled, closing the magazine, like it was a secret thing for girls only. Collecting her paper bound items, Sophie got up to her feet. She smiled at James, "Are you two still looking for stuff?"

James looked on curious at her reaction to the fashion magazine. He had finally been able to puzzle out what it was after he got a look at the glossy pages. Whatever the language, fashion magazines were the same. Glossy pages of attractive women made socially attractive by artists behind a computer screen. If that was what she wanted to look at and translate, what was he to say?

"Jarold and I were just looking at some magazines while we let you shop." He and Jarold had found the magazine and quickly devoured the pertinent information held within. "We're here for you. Did you find everything you hoped to?"

Sophie nodded, "Yup!" And with that, she payed for her items, and received yet another bag. Once again, she latched onto James, following them through the mall. This time, it was Jarold's turn to choose. "Hey man! Let's go to foot locker. I need some new kicks!"

The strong, young male lead the group to the store. Music with a thumping bass played as they entered the store. Jarold began looking over the shoes. Shophie had no real interest, so she simply sat on a bench and began to thumb through her magazine again.

James soon joined Sophie near the exit as Jarold examined shoe after shoe, brand after brand, and style after style. He certainly had an idea of what he was looking for and as of yet had not found it.

"So what's the deal, Sophie?" The two of them were mostly alone, "Lotion, haircut, fashion magazines. Looking for a new look? Any idea on what you are looking for or want?"

Sophie gave him the usual look; soft long lashes fluttering over those large doe eyes. Just a state of pure innocence. Her brow pushed together, causing an imaginary line on her forehead. She didn't know if he was being serious or just plain silly! She shrugged, baring a meak smile, "I guess! I mean... I like leaving my hair down, and maybe other people will like me if I do... They did call me Rapunzel because it was always in a braid, right?" She sighed softly, closing the very Japanese magazine, "But there is no way my father would approve... Still, I can hope can't I?" She smiled again to James, holding up the magazine, "Did you want to look..?"

James looked at Sophie closely as he processed what she had said. When she held up the magazine, whether to actually show him the glossy pages or to hide behind it, he did not care. He placed his hand over it and lowered it down so that he could see her.

"Sophie, listen to me. This is very important." He spoke softly. Loud enough for her to hear him and know he was being sincere, but not loud enough to carry and draw undo attention to themselves. "If you want to change how you look, that's fine. As a friend, I can support that fully, 100%, but do it because you want to do it. Not because you think other people will like you if you do." James was being as earnest as he possibly could here. He liked the girl and did not want her making herself unhappy by trying to please the teenagers at the school they shared.

As he spoke, Sophie suddenly felt she had been vain; having acted both on purely physical reasons and a futile attempt to make friends. She motioned her understanding, drawing into herself as she did. Again, she felt like a stupid child. How was she ever to better herself if she kept having silly ideas like this? She focused on the magazine, looking at the so-called 'pretty girls' in it. They were well dressed, with pretty smiling faces! Sophie looked up to him, "Is it really okay if I want to be pretty? Or is it too superficial?"

"Well, Sophie... that depends on what you are looking to get out of it. There are a lot of different ways to view prettiness or beauty." James paused to collect his thoughts in an attempt to explain this in a way that was neither a condemnation of the magazine girls or out right support of them either. "Of course it is okay if you want to be pretty and you're pretty as you are now. If you want to try make up, try it, but don't let it define who you are."

Well said. Or so he thought.

James nudged her playfully with his knee to lighten to mood. "There's nothing wrong with taking some pride in how you look. Just don't put it above everything else."

The young man was still trying to be serious when Jarold reappeared. "What's going on over here, you two? Lookin' so serious all of a sudden." Jarold motioned over his shoulder. "They're checking for my size. Like the haven't seen someone with big feet before." Jarold grinned and elbowed James a bit, "Hey, Sophie, you know what they say about guys with big feet, right?"

Sophie smiled up to James, "Okay! I promise!" Nudging her only caused Sophie to giggle, and rather adorably at that! But soon enough Jarold joined the two of them. Sophie leaned forward to look onto his handsome face. She shook her head a tad, furrowing her brow lightly, "Um... they wear big shoes..?" She gave a big smile, hoping she was right.

Jarold had to stifle his laugh by bitting his lip. He then grinned to James; telling him how he would have all too much fun with Sophie. Damn that blissful ignorance of her's. Someone would have to explain innuendoes to her soon... Maybe Erica? "Yeah, something like that!"

Another male approached, wearing a black and white stripped shirt, holding onto several boxes. "Took me a bit to find, but here ya go," he addressed Jarold, holding out the boxes, "let me know how the fit,"

Jarold reached out with his large hands, taking hold of the boxes and placing them down on the bench, "Thanks," He looked to James, and signalled for him to get up with a lift of his head. Once he had, Jarold sat himself down and began to try on the shoes.

Sophie looked to the both of them, "Where do you guys want to go after this?"

James shrugged, unsure of exactly where they needed to go, but he did know where Sophie would like to visit. There were several 'beauty' supply chains here in the mall and he really did not know the difference between them. He supposed they would figure it out. It would certainly be better than sitting here and teaching Sophie the ins and outs of innuendo. How a phrase can simply roll off the tongue and mean multiple things.

"Well, Sophie, there are a few different beauty supply stores here that carry the make up and other things you'd want out of that magazine." He suggested before looking at Jarold. "Geez, Jarold. What are your parents feeding you? How did you get so big?"

Sophie's cheeks went red when he mentioned the beauty products—she wasn't quite comfortable with Jarold yet, and with their previous conversation about why she shouldn't change for others, it made her feel a little embarrassed. She looked down to her magazine before slipping it away in one of her bags. She just gave a small smile,
"Surely you both wouldn't want to wait around for me to look at that stuff..."
She scrunched up her face a bit,
"Maybe there is an arcade? I've never been to one..."

Jarrold finished tying his shoe laces on a pair of particularly white Nike sneakers, when James made his comment. Standing up, he looked to his friend. He was 6ft5", and even his height was a bit evident against his friend. He was certainly a bit more meaty than James and his swimmer's body. He laughed, "Screw you man! I just like to eat—does it look like I'm obese?" He used one hand to lift up his black t-shirt, and with it his white muscle shirt which had been tucked into his worn navy-blue jeans, exposing not only the charcoal band of his green boxers, but his physique.

Sophie's cheeks turned red ten times fold as she saw yet another set of chizzled abs that day. It was hard for her to advert her eyes at first, but she did, 'how sinful it is to be in such company...' She bit her lip from further expressing her discomfort.

"Haha, never did I say that, Jarold. Just that you're so tall and a beast on the field. You know that." James settled back onto the bench next to Sophie since Jarold had vacated it just a moment before. "There is an arcade. Bunch of loud arcade machines and loud, loud music."

James had spent a lot of time there when he was younger and able to get away from school much easier than now. It had been a few years since he had even stepped into it. Maybe it would be good to check out. Bit of old nostalgia to bring back his childhood. He really was not sure that Sophie would enjoy it. Seemed like it might be a little loud for her. Still... maybe he could get her on one of those dancing machines.

"Kicks look good, Jarold. You picking them up today?" James asked, "What do you think? Arcade?"

Jarold made a funny face at James, "You coming onto me now, bro?" He laughed light heartedly before adjusting his cloths. Standing in front of the store mirror he looked them over, "Yeaaaah, I should... not too many come in my size." He grinned again, giving a small wink to Sophie; who just happened to look back up at the appropriate time. He chuckled to himself to see her blank face—she really had no clue.

Sophie furrowed her brow, "Oh... well... I'd still like to try!"

"You know it." James agreed with his own wink directed at Jarold as he checked out the shoes.

"Well, if you want to check it out, Sophie, we can!" James agreed. He would give it a shot and see how she reacted to it. He figured she would be a bit out of her comfort zone, but that was the story of her life recently. Having considered that, there was really no way he could say no to her gaining new life experiences was there? He stood from the bench and offered the shy and still blushing girl his hand to help her up. "Shall we get ready to go while Jarold continues to look at himself in the mirror?"

Jarold returned the wink, giving a hearty chuckle before he bent over to untie the shoes. Stepping out of them, he moved right back into his original pair. The shop attendant joined him, taking the white sneakers and putting them back into the box he had brought out. The two of them made their way to the cash register. Ding, cash out, change in hand, and a box secured beneath his arm, Jarold lead the group of three to the arcade by the request of Sophie.

Just as expected, the space was spewing out a mess of sounds from ring-a-lings, dings, and clangs, to beeps, bops, and all the whistling and whizzing in-between. Just standing outside of it was a bit overwhelming for Sophie—she much preferred to revile in the beautiful sound of silence. Her hand which hand found its way to James' shirt, gave it another little squeeze. She felt nervous. Her stomach tightening up and squirming about her gut. This was something so very different for her. But James—her dearest friend—took a confident step forward, and Sophie followed in.

The gang exchanged money for coins, and quickly began surrounding games. James positioned himself over her, an arm on either side to intervene should she stress out during the gameplay and stop. Her plush body pressed against his well defined form. The sweet, floral mist which enveloped her was easily smelt in this dry conditions, and their proximity. They started off with a classic: Pacman. Making their way to Tetris, and eventually Street Fighter, where they could alternate out so they could each get a turn! Eventually they all joined in a racing game, and quickly found themselves playing a first person shooter—House of The Dead. James and Jarold were shooting away, unraveling the plot. As they did, Sophie was left alone with her magazine. She thumbed through it carefully. Her feet carried her without her full knowledge as she read on.

-------------------
"Grrrrruuuuuuuuuaawwwrrr!" Garggled a zombie as it began to slash at Jarold's side of the screen, which quickly grew red.
Jarold dug around his pocket, "Shit! I think you used my last token on the last boss. I won't be able to continue... Sorry man," He gave James a half hearted smile. Slipping the gun back into its sling, he looked around, "Hey, where is Sophie? Wasn't she sitting on the stool there?"

Loud music blasted from a near by game—Dance Dance Revolution! A group of people had formed, oo'ing and aw'ing as the little starlet masterfully triggered the arrows on the screen with her feet. The dancer in question was Sophie! Her unforgettable peach n' blonde curls bouncing, as she danced with such ferocity! But... her outfit changed. She still wore her simple grey suede booties, but her black tights were replaced with black stockings which stopped half way up her thighs, and bunny ears appeared! Or, that is what the print looked like. A grey-purple sweater then teased everyone's eyes as it just barely covered her bottom, especially as she jumped about. The collar of this sweater-dress was high, and loose around neck. It was easy for her to comfortable tuck her face into it. The sleeves were baggy as always on her thin arms, covering her small hands. She looked like an adorable doll! When the song ended, Sophie was quickly surprised by the crowd behind her. Her face growing red as the nerds and coolsters of the arcade began paying her compliments! She tried looking for an escape, but no use!!

"OH MY GOD! THAT WAS CRAZY!"
"Where'd you learn to dance like that?!?"
"I haven't seen her before, she must be new!"
"Waaaaah!! You're super cute too!"
It became very apparent that Jame's little bright eyed friend was also wearing make up now, which enhanced the roundness of her eyes, length of her lashes, pink hue to her cheeks, happy glow to her face, and the plushness of her lips.

"A-ah!!! I... Um.. Eh--?" Looking down, Sophie selected her bonus song for getting a max combo again. The song began pumping, and Sophie took off, as if she was well versed at this game. As she skillfully stepped, and moved her curvaceous form, her breasts would jiggle quite a bit. And in the span of seven minutes of playing this game, Sophie had gained quite a following of both boys and girls. The song came to an end, and slightly out of breath, Sophie explained, "S-sorry guys! I'm all out of tokens!"

"Take mine!" Shouted one,
"C'mon, go again please!" Moaned another.
And request after request was made. Sophie, stunned, did not move. Where was James?!

The dry, processed air of the arcade always reminded James of a casino. He had visited a couple with his family for Christmas Dinner in their buffets when he was younger. There were blinking lights, dry, machine cleaned air, and a stale smell of people who should get home and bathe. Yep. Just like a casino! It reminded him of fun and some of the good memories he had of his childhood. He had been drawn in very quickly by the blinking lights and noise. He knew Sophie was around, but quickly grew engrossed in the zombie game.

His attention did not come back to reality until Jarold pointed out that his second (yeah right) favorite young woman had seemingly gone missing. It was the roar of the crowd that was around the DDR machine that drew his attention. He was unable to see who was dancing very clearly as everyone was in the way, but those blonde and peach curls looked awfully familiar!

Just like in the Zombie game, James had to wade through the pile of people trying to get to his princess. One guy, a tall, skinny young man dressed in glasses and with a mop of curled red hair tried to stop him on his way to the pad that Sophie was standing on tried to stop him from moving forward. Something about skipping and having already put his token on the monitor to play. James simply ignored him and gently pushed past him. It would not due to get violent now, would it?

"Alright, back off ya cannibals!" Jarold could be heard in the back. "Good show, Sophie, worked them into a real stir."

James pushed past the final group of people and was soon eye to eye with Sophie... or at least as close as they had ever been. The arcade machine elevated her a bit more than her usual shoes did and he could finally get a good look at her since she had disappeared. The first thing he noticed was her eyes. The longer lashes just seemed to draw his attention directly to the electric blue orbs. He could see a sense of happiness, fear, relief, and some confusion. Concerned green eyes searched hers for a moment before Jame's eyes wrinkled with a smile.
"Want some help, Sophie?" James held out his hand to her so that he could help lead her through the crowd of fans that she had managed to draw to her. As he did, the change in wardrobe finally caught his attention. He could not help it as he took in exactly what she had been wearing. The booties and stockings were pretty common and looked fantastic on her. That the stockings ended mid thigh was something he had not expected of her and looked absolutely amazing. His eyes drew upward to the hem of her dress over the curves of her body, her heaving chest, and finally back up to her eyes again. He had been unable to see the change in costume with the crowd around her. "Goodness, Sophie!" James commented, "You're looking amazing!"

Sophie's small hand reached out for his. Taking it in her gentle grip, she stepped down. Her blue eyes were glazed over with tears! She looked up to him, standing flat footed. My! How tiny she was in comparison to him. Sophie trembled softly, due to nerves. She looked to him with her doe eyes, her hand squeezing his for a fleeting moment, "J-James!" Lerching forward, she hugged him tightly, pleading into his chest as she stood still, "P-please get me out of here! I'm so scared... I-I'm not used to this kind of attention!"

James had never considered himself the heroic type. It never occurred to him that real heroes never did, but in that moment when Sophie hugged him and pressed herself to him in an effort to get away from the crowd of over-zealous and surprisingly pushy fans. Just where did they all come from? James could not remember the arcade ever being so packed before! Did Sophie just attract every wandering guy in a specific radius? Were wives missing husbands? Girlfriends missing boyfriends?

"Hey! He's taking her away!" Someone in the crowd called out and they men and boys pressed closer to them. He could feel the crowd closing in around them. Hands were pressing around and over him as he carried Sophie through the crowd. The worst of it was at the beginning and as he made his way to the outer ring of the mob, he was able to move faster and more easily as he carried away his prize. Almost as soon as Sophie was out of the arcade, the crowd began to disperse back to wherever they had been drawn from.

Jarold chose that moment to appear. He appeared slightly shaken with dirt and a few scratches on him. He stood tall and straightened his clothes before shaking the moment off. "Just what the f- heck was that?" James just shrugged and released Sophie from his tight hold.

[[[RECAP]]]

Back Ground Music

The weeks leading up to Halloween had been fairly routine for the small group of friends at Wellingdon High. Sophie had gained a couple of people she could consider friends and even more that she recognized and who were courteous and nice to her in return... even if they did not always listen to what she had to say. Life really had taken a turn since the beginning of the school year. James had grown closer to Sophie and the pair were almost always together save for when James went out with Erica. In those times, Jarold would offer to keep her company or she would even tag along if the activities weren't too private.

Two weeks before Hallow's Eve, Erica had shown up and taken full measurements of James for his costume. He was not allowed to know what it was until the night of, but he was assured that he would look handsome in it and that they would match. She had promised that it would not be embarrassing in the slightest. He, of course, trusted her. The party was at Eli's place as his parents were out of town and very well known to keep a well stocked bar. It was also well known that his parents did not care who drank as long as they were responsible and did it in private. It had taken some talking, but Sophie had eventually agreed to go to the party since she was familiar with a lot of the people there. Of course, James and Jarold would be there to keep an eye on things should the need arise to get her out. James had even promised not to drink (as he was hell bent on keeping his promise to her father.) It was now the day before. A normal Friday in the lives of the students at Wellingdon Highschool.

[[[BACK TO OUR REGULAR SCHEDULED PROGRAM]]]

James turned the volume off on his car as he pulled into the parking lot. The well known guitar riffs of Kansas faded away as he pulled into a parking spot and left his vehicle. The air was growing cold and there was a real chill in the air this morning. Fall was out in full swing and the trees had decided to change to more interesting shades for the season.

The school was still mostly empty as it always was when he arrived nowadays. (It was simply easier to get out of his house early rather than deal with his family.) His footsteps echoed down the hallway as he made his way to the 'usual spot' that he met his Sophie in the morning. Per usual, he would wait for her to arrive before joining the rest of the crew, quiet girl in tow. At the spot, James sat down on the cool bench and closed his eyes as the morning sun warmed the air around him. That would be how Sophie found him when she arrived. Kicked back, relaxing with the sun illuminating him and the area around him.

Sophie arrived early that morning, like she did every other morning. Was it to study? No. Not exactly. Was it because she needed to talk to a teacher? Talk yes, to a teacher of sorts? Was it because of a certain someone? She walked down the hallway of the school. Empty, barren, but comforting. She knew it all so well. Every step she took before, from getting up to finally entering the corridor with the banquette. It faced a small courtyard, filled with healthy plants. Sophie preferred this place, as it reminded her of a reading nook, and had some sort of majestic quality to it. But, what she loved the most of this place of creativity and relaxation was seeing him. The sun streaming in, highlighting the features she loved most. As he rested, Sophie hugged a bank of lockers, and peered from afar. She loved observing the many sides of James. He was so fascinating! And very passionate! He was never fearful of being himself—she envied that much about him.

But in that short month, Sophie became a little bit more open. Her popularity definitely increased from the once excursion at the arcade. Making dance videos, make-up tutorials, and showing her internet following things she finds cute, she became an idol of sorts. Her mother was in full support! Prefering her daughter dress up cute like a doll, and making friends, than doing drugs or attempting suicide, or worse! Getting pregnant! This rationale also helped to calm her father's nerves. He still had his own agenda for her though.

Despite this, Sophie continued to wear outfits which suited her petite form. Today she wore loose fitting faded-brown leather boots which came up to her knees before the top folded down. With this she wore an ivory lace dress which rippled in all the right places. Around her neck hung a locket on a long chain. Her hair left down, tips gently curled. Her eyes big and round looking! And lips wet with gloss.

Approaching James, she smiled, "G-good morning James! Did you sleep alright?"

James heard Sophie's footsteps echoing down the empty courtyard long before she spoke. He had even subtly cracked an eye to observe her as she approached him. James, not that he would willingly admit this to anyone, not even Jarold, but he had seen most of Sophie's videos as a way to support her channel. Every view counted, right! It had absolutely nothing to do with how adorable she was or that he enjoyed watching her dance! No. Certainly not.

Not that he would ever admit it.

Half-lidded, James observed Sophie as she walked towards him. The sun illuminated her much like he assumed an angel would look should it deem to visit earth. The ivory glowed under the gentle rays of Sol. If her dress glowed, her hair was on fire. The morning light lighting up the blonde curls in a way he had not seen before.

Nope. Would never admit a thing.

At the sound of her voice, James cracked his eyes and glanced at her. He stretched in place, a few joints popping in protest as he looked at her with a smile on his face.

"Good morning, Sophie." James called back and sat up properly. "Yes, I did sleep well." After the many hours of study and self teaching, he had in fact slept well. Just not for as long as many would recommend. "How about you? Did you get your costume all prepped for the party tomorrow night?" James knew she was ready or at least 99% ready as she had kept her fans up to date on the happenings with her costume via build logs on her channel. James could not wait to see her in it. As he was speaking, He motioned to the seat next to him. They would sit here together for a few minutes just enjoying the scenery before they went inside to meet everyone else.

To be honest, James almost hated to be woken up so soon. He had been having the most wonderful of dreams. He subtly adjusted himself where he sat so as not to be obvious with what he was hiding as he waited for her to sit next to him.

The dream had seemed so very real and while James knew that he should have been ashamed of what had gone on during it, he could not help but think about what if and he knew that his subconscious had a mind of its own. It had started with James eating a huge pile of cotton candy. This in itself was not unusual. He often had dreams where he was floating upon a pile of mashed potatoes, so this while different was not so unusual. What was strange was that as he ate it, the cotton candy turned warm and seemed to flow around his tongue with a velvety texture.

It changed rapidly though and soon he was alone with one of his favorite people. Sophie. She was standing before him, her back to him. She was dressed simply in a blouse and skirt. Dream James approached from behind. Strong arms circled her waist and he could feel her soft fingers stroking his arm in apprciation.

"James..." Sophie breathed out. Her voice was low and seemed to be laced with a quality he had not heard from the young woman before.

"Shhh," He shifted his arms so that his right hand rested under the swell of her breasts. Sure hands began to tease her through the thin fabric of her shirt. Powerful fingers stroked the swell of her breast and his open palm grazed her rapidly hardening nipple. "Let me show you just how much pleasure I can give you, Sophie. Who says we have to have sex to feel pleasure?"

He pressed his lips to her neck and very soon Sophie's clothing had disappeared into the aether of the dream world. He held the incredibly soft and yet firm body of his friend in his arms. Her form was not lost on him and he could feel his hard member pressing into her back as a hand drifted lower. Deft fingers glided over Sophie's trim and clean mound and he could not help but smile as she shifted her legs open just a bit form him his fingers found his target. He could feel her wetness on his fingertips as he lightly stroked her pussy. Each movement of his hand brought new and exciting whimpers of pleasure from his friend. Fingers circled her clit and he could feel her labored breathing against his chest as she drew closer and closer to the edge. Her sweet voice called his name between moans demanding he go faster or harder until with one last quivering moan she collapsed back, no longer able to support herself as she came.

"Oh... Ja..." Footsteps began to echo around the dreamscape as reality reasserted itself.

Click to expand...

That had been just as Sophie began to approach him and brought him from his light slumber! Oh what would have happened had he not been awoken at such a time?

Sophie settled herself onto his lap. Her legs straddling his hips, pressing her hot sex to the bulge of his pants. Gently she would begin grinding against him, biting down on her knuckle in a demure way, holding back any sinful sounds. Of course he could feel the creeping dampness. Such a naughty girl she was to come to school with no panties and such a short dress! She could easily push herself up, unzip his pants, and rub there exposed sexes together, making sure his cock was very wet before proceeding to ride him. Eventually his hands would find their hands on her hips, holding her still as he wildly thrusts up and into her—unable to hold back. Crying out, she would lean against him, arms draped about his shoulder, keeping herself steady as her body was over took by pleasure.

Not that would ever happen.

Sophie was all smiles as usual. She was definitely a cheery person down at her core when she wasn't being too shy to make eye contact. Men still scared her quite a bit! As did some women, but she was getting better. Day by day, task by task, and it is all because of James! She sat herself awfully close to him, "It was good! But maybe a bit too short." She leaned against him, only because it was chilly. Closing her eyes, she rested her head on his arm. "I feel like it could have been ten minutes longer.."

James sat still as she made herself comfortable against him. The dream he had just had was still fresh in his mind and he could smell her cotton candy body wash quite clearly. The smell only seemed to heighten his awareness of both the dream and her, but he did his utmost best not to appear uncomfortable next to her. Even with the slight uncomfortable feeling, it was over ridden by simply being there with her. Sometimes it truly was the small things in life that were the best.

"I know how you feel!" James agreed, "It always seems like I could get just a little bit more sleep before waking up and coming up here." Or even when he was here! James leaned back against the wall and made himself comfortable before closing his eyes and simply enjoying the moment as it was given to them. After all, in just a few moments he would have to go inside and would be forced to get away from all of this.

It was several minutes longer before he opened his eyes and gently nudged Sophie so that she would not fall asleep just now. James managed to disengage his arm from her without knocking her over and stood up from the bench where they had been seated for the world to see. "Okay, Sophie. Sleepy time is over. It's time to head inside and meet up with everyone!"

Sophie loved the way his arm felt beneath her cheek. Strong, and firm, yet still warm and soft. She nuzzled it just slightly, breathing lightly as she just stayed, and listened. The wind rustled the rust coloured leaves, a few birds chirped above, even the sound of cars driving by was lulling. Sophie's eyes closed. Into a shallow sleep she slipped, dreaming of only one person—James. How happy she was to have a friend like him. Her finger tips had found his, and lightly did they rest there as she slept.

But of course, she was woken up. The sight she saw wasn't a bad one though. She smiled to James, happy to have him near by. Slowly standing up, she leaned towards him, and draped her arms about his shoulder, pulling herself in for a nice, tight, hug. It was the first time she had made the move to hug him! And typically it was in private, with her arms wrapped about his middle. Leaning back, she smiled up to him, "Okay then~!"

Jerold was the first to see the pair as they showed up inside where everyone else normally met. He did not know why they always arrived as they did, but he had his suspicions and was pretty close to the truth. The fact that Erica did not seem to mind and had even invited the girl over to her place after the party the next night certainly meant that he could and would not say anything about Sophie and James.

"About time you two showed up." Jerold smiled, "Get lost on the way here? I know those two hallways that you had to navigate are hard to get through so early in the morning. You know... being all empty and deserted and stuff."

James just chuckled, "Morning sunlight is hard to pass up. Just enjoying a bit of it before leaving myself trapped in here all day!"

Sophie was resolutely attached to James' shirt as he passed by Jerold and moved over to Erica. She motioned to the spot beside her and as soon as James had been seated, she claimed his lap for herself. Her former seat, which was near enough to James for Sophie to sit and still be near enough to touch was now vacant for the young woman. Whether Erica had done this on purpose or not, James did not know, but he was grateful. James for his part, wrapped an arm around Erica and kept his hand discretely placed on her thigh. Nothing indecent, but still a very comfortable place to be. "All set for tomorrow night, Erica?" James stage whispered and kissed her cheek. "Got to say, I'm looking forward to it!"

Sophie walked just a second behind James, never completely at his side. Her small hand stretched out, holding onto his shirt as she followed. Her eyes looking about like a frightened rabbit. To some, this was adorable. Others thought it was wrong, and saw her as if she were trying to move in on Erica's man. In the end, Rapunzel's new nick name was puppy. Because she was like a lost one, and also that a female dog is a bitch, but she wasn't developed enough to be one—although her body did seem ready for it.

The two joined the group, and instantly her cheeks turned pink as people began chatting. She was getting more used to listening to the various conversations happening at once, and seeing James with Erica. There was a sinking feeling in her chest, but Sophie really didn't know what it was, so she watched on. The way that Erica tossed her pin straight hair over her shoulder, the sound of her giggle mixing with James' chuckle, the happiness they both had when they looked to each other. His arm around her... this must be true love. So, Sophie sat there in her quiet. Her hand tempted to reach over and latch onto his shirt, but she did not. Instead, she held onto her dress. He was not hers to touch so freely. Every so often James would check in with her, and she would simply turn her head and smile adorably.

She would be happy, in this silent hell. Because it was better to be near him, and see the brightness of his world, than to be in the darkness of her own.