A Beautiful Friendship

Story by Aeneas Lopez on SoFurry

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#3 of The New Aeneas: A Modern Romance

Hello, fellow furs! After a long (forced) absence from writing, I finally completed this latest installment of Aeneas' story. Thanks for all your previous support for the series and I hope you enjoy reading this chapter just as much as I enjoyed writing it. Have a great day and thanks for reading!

This chapter deals with Aeneas' encounter with a few of his good friends (and his new girlfriend, of course). Though each encounter seems very straight-forward at first, the outcomes may not be as casual. Find out what happens to our protagonist below!


Traversing the dark city streets, I ultimately make it to the neighborhood of my best friend, Robert. I might as well sleep over and make the story I made him tell my parents a reality. Using my phone as a flashlight, I find Rob's apartment and knock on the door, still feeling really excited about asking out Sophie. "Who's there?", he barks aggressively.

"Aeneas", I respond, starting to feel cold in the fog. I stumble inside just as he opens the door. He's definitely a handsome husky: red, grey, and white fur, six feet tall, and well-tempered. Like I said, we've been known to fool around with each other, but I've preferred girls in recent days. (Yes, Sophie counts even if she is...different).

By the way, he's so crazy that even his own parents got tired of his antics and eventually got him his own three-room apartment near downtown. He prefers being alone anyway (at least that's what he says). "You look so suspicious with that blue and black fur. I thought you were going to rob me", he jokes.

I warm up by standing near the heater in the corner of the unpainted room, "I'm sure someone of my size and stature really poses a threat to you, Rob. Afraid of getting a little scratch?". Finally starting to feel warm, I drift off into a momentary nap.

"Earth to Lopez!", he snaps in my face. (My friends call me by my last name sometimes). "What?", I look at the husky, shaking my head violently to keep awake. "Explanation time", he crosses his arms.

I groan, "Alright". I tell him everything since the subway about Sophie and how I chased her down and that now I'm dating her. "That's the story", I shrug. He jokes, cracking himself up, "So, are you her girlfriend or is it the other way around?". "Very funny, Rob. I'm sure you'll be a comedian someday", I clap sarcastically.

"I'm glad someone's found a mate. I don't have anyone except you, Aeneas", he pouts, going to sit on the one couch that he has. "A sad existence, indeed", I quip, still standing by the heater. He grins mischievously, "You know what you told me on the phone?". I regret not choosing my words more carefully, "What horrible thing did I say?".

"That I could have whatever I want as payment for the favor I did for you", he smiles, "It's been too long since you've used that maw for me, Aeneas". I bark, "Are you serious?! I come over to tell my best friend that I have a new partner and instead of congratulating me, he tells me to give him head?!".

He shrugs, "You need the practice and I might as well be the one to help you. Don't act like you don't like it! I won't go that rough on you, cutie. It'll be just like old times". "Oh, come on! Seriously!", I say, cursing the sky, "What's the point of having friends when all they ever want is sex?".

He sits up and lowers his pants, his musk polluting the air, "Doesn't this bring back memories? You and me...the locker room...gym class last month...". "You'd better not bring that up again!", I complain. "I swear, I didn't know you were using that shower", he laughs, slipping off his underwear to reveal a familiar long red length, "I'd hate to tell everyone else about that...". "Can't I just help you level up in Borderlands or something?", I whine, still as far away from him as possible.

He takes out his phone, reading to me the message that he's drafting, "Remember when Aeneas was late to English class that one day? I wonder what he was doing...in the shower...naked with me...". He's the type of guy that would actually send that. "You'd better not!", I howl.

He puts his paw to his muzzle, "Who should I send this to? Your mom? I'm sure your ex-girlfriend would get a kick outta this too...". I explain a bit too much without thinking about the context of the situation (one of my many flaws), "Depends on who you're talking about. Lisa (a leopard) and Elise (a tigress) are just really good friends, but I actually dated Mary (a house cat)...". He turns his phone to face me, his paw an inch from the send button, "Come on: it's just a quickie".

I finally concede defeat and walk toward him, "Oh, fine. But nothing's ever quick with you, Rob". He brings me to my knees and talks to me condescendingly, "Who's a good doggie?". "You are, Rob. I'm a wolf", I argue semantically. If he wasn't my childhood friend, I'd NEVER let him do this, but even if I do let him, I still want to bust his chops a little.

He grabs my head, pulling my muzzle into his lap, "Always have to be the smart one, don't you?". I open my mouth and give him a lick. Tasty...uhh, I mean, what a jerk! Fine, you caught me, I have no problems with the situation, but I just rather him ask instead of forcing me.

"Did you forget how to do this?", he comments on my long pause, "Open wide and I'll help you remember". Almost instinctually, I allow him to stuff my mouth with his thick rod and choke me with it. My tongue wraps around his cock and I feel it twitch from my efforts. He smiles, "That's more like it! I miss the days where I made you do this for me after school. You really know your way around me, Aeneas".

Taking his length as deep and as fast as possible, I attempt to get him to finish before he gets any other ideas. I know he likes it when I play with his balls, so I even use my paws on him. His cock starts throbbing in my maw, but he catches on to my intention.

My plan completely backfires when he inquires, "Do want me somewhere else?". I mumble in the negative. "Oh, really? Straight for the tailhole? You naughty wolf!", he pushes my head away from him, stands me up, and turns me around. He pulls away my shirt, jeans, and underwear rapidly, leaving my blue-grey bottom and dark blue chest completely exposed. My cock stands fully erect in front of me, leaking pre-cum onto the floor. He drags me onto his lap and grinds my butt against him, taking the liberty to jerk me off.

"You haven't lost your touch", he declares as he nibbles at my neck. "I'm really upset at you this", I complain just to keep my own sense of dignity. "Your body says otherwise", he says as I reach the brink of release, but he stops, "...but if you don't want it, I can't force you".

I whimper as he holds my arms behind my back, keeping me in need of finishing, more pre coming out. "What's wrong?", he teases. It hurts to be left this aroused, "I...I do want it, Rob". "What was that?", he rubs my stomach, "You said you wanted me to fill up this cute tummy with my seed?". I moan, "Yes". He lifts my tail, "Right here?". I nod. He bargains, "And will you do my math homework for me too?". I hesitate, but I need relief and nod again.

He chuckles, lining up his thrust, "I know you're taken now, but if it doesn't work out, you're so mine". In one fell swoop, he slams me down onto his shaft and I yelp in a mixture of pain and pleasure, "I thought you said you'd go easy on me!". He grins sadistically, "I lied. How can I control myself when you're so tight and cute?".

I feel his knot quickly begin to swell from all the stimulation I had given it before, "Uhh...Rob?". He feigns lack of knowledge, "What?". Just then, he lunges violently and ties me, my cum spraying across his wooden floor. I feel myself weakening, "The knot...". He smiles as he pumps me full of his cum, "Yeah, I know. It's been a while since I've felt this good. Thanks, Aeneas". I look at him tiredly. feeling his large warm load inside of me, "I'd never put up with this if it didn't feel so darn good...".

Staying there for a good twenty minutes, he finally releases me and offers to share the bed, but I'll take the couch after that ordeal. I take a quick shower, making sure to get all of his spunk out of my fur and to smell clean for Sophie tomorrow. I end up using a lot more soap than necessary: First dates get me nervous.

Anyway, since I don't have money, I guess I'll need to stop by my house before picking Sophie up and it's...2 AM. Great! (Sarcasm) Now I get a whole four hours of sleep tonight! I put on the same pants that Sophie lent me and get ready to rest (I usually sleep shirtless). Setting an alarm on my phone for 6 and collapsing onto the couch, I instantaneously fall asleep. What a day..


Hearing my alarm go off with a guitar solo, I throw my hair out of my face and pat down the blue and black fur all over my body. My fur always stands up after sleeping uncomfortably. I get on my t-shirt quickly and start to get ready for a new day.

Seeing that Rob is still sleeping like a baby, I decide to leave the downtown apartment complex for the suburbs: my neighborhood. It'll have to be a visit straight out of an espionage movie: I'll sneak into my room, take my rainy day money, and jump out the second floor window (okay, maybe I won't do the last step).

After taking the westbound train, the walk isn't too long and I make it to my door within the hour. Taking the key underneath a fake rock, I unlock the door without making a sound and then proceed to climb the rickety stairs on all fours to keep sound to a minimum. Doing a combat roll into my room for my own entertainment, I grab a stack of money that I separated for a game a while ago and never spent. That should be enough for my date...I hope.

Going back down the stairs, I hear my dad yelling: "Aeneas! You come back here right now, kid!". I walk back up the staircase to face him, thinking that jumping out of the window might have been a good plan, "What?". "What the hell were you doing last night?", the black-furred wolf asks. Oh, my parents: always thinking I'm out reveling when I'm not doing homework all day (how I usually spend my time).

Just to be a jerk, I reply, "Just robbing a bank. Don't worry, the cops never came". (I know, it was a dumb thing to say). "Stop being a smartass and answer the question", he snaps. I explain, "I was with Rob. He called Mom about it. Where is she, by the way?". "She went to get some bread at the bakery", he responds and I walk away, confused why she went to get bread at 7 in the morning. I'll investigate that later. He demands, "Where are you going?". "The mall", I answer, seeing a cute leopard in a black windbreaker wave to me from outside, "Later!".

Running out of my house, I call out, "What's up, Lisa?". She waits for me to catch up with her, "Not much, Aeneas. I just was leaving to catch up with Joey (a lion) at the mall today. Why are you up so early? Did you stay up playing video games last night while I was away?".

"I wouldn't dream of it. And you know I hardly have time for games during the school year. I actually was going to meet someone at the mall too", I answer. "Who'd you find that loves you more than I do?", she teases (we had a crush on each other preceding grammar school, but there's a long history between us). "First date, actually", I shrug. She smiles, "I'll drive you. I wanna see her". I whimper, "Lisa...". "Aeneas...", she mocks me and then drags me back to her house, "Get in the car".

She gets behind the wheel and asks, "Address?". I close my eyes to remember, "Umm...1276 West Elm Street". "That's on the way, anyway. Tell her that you're coming", she demands. I send a text to the effect that I'm on my way with a really nosy friend and to look out for an orange car. Yeah, it's orange.

While on the trip, Lisa makes conversation, "So how'd you meet this girl? On the Internet?". I shake my head, "No, on the train. I stopped her from falling". "...and you didn't make her do something in return for that?", she wonders suspiciously. I look at her with my head slanted, "You know me, Lisa".

"You're the only gentleman I know, Aeneas", she smiles then frowns, "Where'd you sleep last night? Your parents were looking all over for you". "With Robert", I answer with the truth. "Did he...?", she inquires. I blush, "Yeah, but it's fine. He'll learn to give me space". "If you say so...", she sighs, concerned about me. She's a great friend.

I turn the tables, "So...you and Joey, huh? It seems that you're having a relationship under my nose". She blushes this time around, "NO! I...I would never. If I didn't date you...". I chuckle, but reaffirm her decision, "I was joking about Joey, but you already know about us. You're right: we grew up with each other. I'm an only child and well, with your family being the way it is, we ended up having a brother-sister thing between us. Lisa, it's fine by me".

She pulls over, teary-eyed, "I really love you, Aeneas". "I love you too, Lisa. Just don't cry, alright?", I smile, wiping away her tears. I'm not older than her, but because of conflict within her actual family, I became her loyal friend and, as she calls me, her "older brother". The bond between us is unique and I wouldn't change it for the world.

She takes out a tissue and her smile returns, "Thanks". "No prob", I shift back into my seat and she begins to drive again. Finding Sophie's apartment, I see her white fur reflecting the sunrise as she waits on the steps in a skirt and dress shirt. With the sun blinding me, she looks almost angelic. She walks over to the car and Lisa comments, "How'd you get her? Are you sure that you're not hypnotizing people?". I laugh at her joke after opening the back door for Sophie, "It sure didn't work on you".

Sophie enters the car and I greet her, "Hello, Sophie. This is Lisa". Lisa grins, "Pleasure to meet you, Sophie. If you ever want to know something about this wolf here, just ask. He's like a brother to me". Sophie responds to Lisa, "Thanks for the ride. I know it's a really blunt question, but what you think is wrong about Aeneas?". I gulp, looking at her nervously.

Lisa laughs, "What's wrong? That he's too sarcastic, too smart, too dedicated to work, and too insecure". "That's it?", I answer half-surprised. "Add too modest", Lisa smiles. I contest, "Hey, I'm not half of those things when I'm with you guys. Give me some credit". "Yeah, you're right, Mr. Know-it-all", she teases as she pulls up to a clothing store, "Alright, I have my own things to attend to. See you two around!". "Alright, be careful Lisa", I respond.

Taking the hint, I exit the car and help Sophie out as well, "So how was your night?". "I was alright", she pouts, "I kept on dreaming about you, to be honest. I realized that I really wanted something after that dream".

"Uhh...interesting. What did you want?", I let her continue. She smirks, "I'll take care of it later. Do you have any money?". I hand her some cash and she counts it, "This'll be enough". "For what?", I wonder. "For your wardrobe makeover and a little something for myself. Just trust me".

"Alright, then", I answer reluctantly, "So while you're going to get stuff for me, where do I go?". She starts scoping the store for ideas, "Just go to the dressing room. I'll be back before you know it". Shrugging, I walk over to the dressing room and plop myself down on a chair, twiddling my thumbs until she returns.

When she finally does about twenty minutes later, I see an outfit that looks like something straight out of a video game: a black trench coat and black pants. I question, "Are you getting me clothes or setting me up for the next ComicCon?". She justifies herself, "Oh come on! It'll look cool on you". "Fine", I grab the clothes, "I'll check if it fits". Surprisingly enough, it does. I look in the mirror and see that she was right: it does look pretty cool on me (though it does make me look quite suspicious).

I walk out of the changing room, "I like it! Thanks, Sophie". "No problem, Aeneas", she declares. "So what was it that you wanted?", I ask. "I bought a scarf. It's in my purse", she smiles mischievously, "I also sorta already paid for the clothes you're wearing, so you had no choice but to like it". I chuckle, "Looks like your bold move worked out". She wraps up the clothes that I had borrowed from her and puts them into a bag, taking my hand, "Let's walk a little".

Seeing her skip alongside a person looking as tired as I do must be quite the contrast to a spectator. If I was watching, I'd never guess that she was my girlfriend. Her tail wraps around my hip, "Did you want to check up on your friend?". I answer tentatively, "Oh...uhh, no. She'll be fine without me...I hope". She raises an eyebrow, "What makes you two so close?". "I've just been there every step of her life, but not in a stalkerish way. We spent our entire childhoods together", I explain.

"Cute", she comments as she directs me into a department store and rushes toward the back. "Sophie, where are you going?", I inquire. "The back room", she beckons, "Come with me". Reluctantly, I follow her into the end of a hallway that says, "Employees Only". She pushes open the door and drags me inside and I see a nice break room with a few colorful couches, "Wow, this looks pretty awesome".

She smiles, taking a seat, "I thought so too. I used to work here and no one ever comes back here. Could you lock the door?". I oblige and as I return, she commands me, "Let's talk". I sit down next to her, relaxing a bit, "About what?". "Life, food...sex, just random stuff", she explains. I get a bit nervous, that last topic didn't leave much room for interpretation.

"Err...so how are you?", I manage to ask. "I'm good", she grins at my discomfort. I look around as if someone could sweep me away, "Uhh...great weather we're having!". She laughs, "Don't avoid it by being cute. You want to know about the sex". "I'm not confirming or denying that", I respond tentatively. "I see...", she climbs onto my lap, blatantly rubbing against my crotch, "So let me find the answer myself".

"Sophie! Can't we do this later?", I appeal to her. She remains sitting on my lap, "If you could, would you have some fun with me right now?". "Sophie, I...". She demands curiously, "Aeneas, please answer the question. I wanna know". "Yes, Sophie. I'd really like to, but we are in the middle of a mall and I'd rather do it privately", I reply anxiously. "I can wait a little longer", she smiles as I hear a key turn, unlocking the door.

I see a tigress barge in, "Who the hell locked this door?". "Me", I smile, recognizing her. "You idiot...", she looks up, "Aeneas!". "Hi, Elise", I wave. "And who's the wolf girl?", she inquires. Sophie takes the question, "I'm Sophie. Aeneas and I just started dating". Elise addresses me, "Just taking girls and raping them in break rooms now, huh?". I blush, "I would never...".

She giggles. "I know, I know! It's just a joke, silly! So in all seriousness, what are you two doing here?". Sophie answers, "I used to work here and I brought him here so we could talk privately. No one ever uses this room". She speaks super quickly, as if on some serious caffeine, "That sounds fun and all, but you really can't stay here. I need to get working and they'll think that I let you guys in".

"No problem, we'll leave. Nice to see you though", I get up. Elise purrs as she escorts us out, "Aeneas, let's talk sometime later. Oh, by the way, good luck, Sophie. Aeneas is a tough nut to crack, but I'm sure there's a ton of goodies inside when you finally break the shell".


Back outside, I take a seat and Sophie sits next to me, "I like that tigress". I comment with a laugh, "She's a little crazy, but you get used to her". She whispers seductively, "Aeneas, do you know any private places around here?". I shrug, "Not really, but we could go to my house if you want". "Okay", she nods, "Let's go get your leopard friend then".

Figuring that Lisa would be at the food court, I walk a few paces until I see her looking really uncomfortable next to Joey. Stealthily, I move in among the bustle and try to single out their conversation from the loud ambiance. I close the distance quickly and stay behind a mass of people. "Joey, stop!", I hear Lisa demand. "Why should I? You look like you want it!", he cackles. "Joey, I'm not doing this with you!", she gets up, but Joey grabs her arm, "Who said you have a choice, bitch?".

I rush out from where I was to intervene, taking Joey by surprise as a black-furred arm comes out of nowhere to restrain him, "Joey, get your dirty paws off of her!". Joey laughs, "Oh look, it's your lover trying to save the day. So you caught me, Aeneas. What are you going to do about it? Fight me?".

I weigh my options. I could never beat him in a fight, nor do I intend to, "No, I won't stoop down to your level of conduct. Just leave and never speak to her again. Got it?". He puts on a fake smile, "Who the fuck do you think you are? You can't tell me what to do!". I continue my psychological warfare, answering with a growl, "I just did. Now get lost". The lion backs away, roaring, "I'll get back at you for this, Aeneas". "Yeah. Good luck", I mutter, crossing my arms.

Lisa hugs me, cuddling up against me, "Thanks, Aeneas. Now do you understand why I call you my big brother?". I grow indignant, "What an ass! I can't believe people pull stunts like that! You would have told me if something like this happened before, right?". Lisa grabs my muzzle and forces me to look down, "Hey! It's okay, Aeneas. You got here in time and nothing happened". "I'm more worried about the next time that moron comes around", I admit, "You can always call me, Lisa". Lisa reminds me, "I'll remember to call, Aeneas, but it looks like someone else wants your attention".

Sophie comes up from behind me as if sizing me up, "I have to admit, that was pretty awesome. You just told a much larger lion off without starting a fight". I smile, "If it came down to punches, I'd be out cold on the floor right now". "So you just do stuff like that without expecting any compensation?", she wonders, looking behind me at Lisa. I shrug, "Yeah, I can't live with myself if I don't try to help my friends when they need it". "I think it's about time you got a reward for once", she kisses me passionately. "Rrrrr?", I manage to mumble, completely taken aback.

She releases me, calling Lisa, "Aeneas asks if you could drive us to his house". Lisa giggles, understanding what Sophie is planning, "Really, Aeneas? Well, let's get to my car then". Running in the parking lot because of the cold, it isn't difficult to spot the orange car in the sea of common-colored ones.

Driving silently along the north-bound highway, it only takes us an hour to get to my neighborhood. Pulling into the driveway, Lisa smiles, "By the way, I haven't officially seen you guys together and I don't suspect anything will happen right now". "Thanks, Lisa", Sophie smiles.

Lisa implores, "Can I kiss him?". Sophie nods and Lisa grabs me, "Thanks again for helping me. I know I can always count on you". "No prob...", I begin to say before she kisses me, "Sorry, I couldn't resist. Now go get her".

Exiting the car, I unlock the door to my house and open it, allowing Sophie to enter first. The house is uncharacteristically dark and I see a note on the table in my mom's handwriting:

_ We went shopping. Should be back by 7._

I check my watch to see that it's five. I see Sophie sitting in the living room and call over, turning on a bunch of lights, "Are you hungry or thirsty?". She replies, "No, I'm fine. Can we go to your room?". "Why?", I wonder, not understanding until five seconds later, "Oh, uhh...are you sure about doing this? I won't be offended if you decide against it".

She laughs at my evasive maneuvers, "Is it upstairs?". I nod. "I'll go up there myself if you don't tell me which room it is", she answers. "By the closet at the end of the floor", I answer, walking up with her. She opens the door, puts her purse on my chair, and sits on my bed, "So...I'm in your house and I'm your girlfriend...what's the normal thing to do?". "Offer you food and stuff, like I already did", I tease.

She sighs, saying, "You're a lost cause", and drags me onto my bed. I yelp as she dexterously takes off my coat and pants, leaving me in my underwear. She toys with me, rubbing her head against my blue-furred chest, "I think I have an itch on my butt. Could you help me take off my skirt so I can reach it?". I take a deep breath to relieve a bit of my nervousness, "Sure".

She asks as I grab it, "Please, Aeneas. I want you to have me. Let me do what I want". I relent, tossing her skirt to the side, "Okay, Sophie. I want to do this just as much as you do, but tell me when to stop".

Removing her underwear, she kneels above my body with one knee on either side of my chest. Her unsheathed pink length comes into my line of vision and though it may still seem foreign to me, I'm learning to accept her for who she is. Her looks shouldn't matter anyway: it's just the icing on the cake, the cake being how great she is personality-wise. I do honestly believe that I love her.

I slide down my own underwear, exposing my dark erect length, "You don't have to do this, you know". She smiles, "But I want to". She slowly leans back and slides onto my cock, her tight vaginal walls exerting a pleasurable pressure on me, "Ohhh...Sophie...". She starts moving faster, "Don't take it so easy on me: thrust a bit. I'm not going to do all the work for you".

I grab the white-furred wolf just above the hips and use the grip to facilitate my thrusting. Good god, she feels amazing! I just hope she is feeling the same pleasure that I am. "Could you go a bit harder, Aeneas?", she asks and I try my best to compensate. It's hard to believe that she seriously likes me, but every time I look up to her beautiful face, I see an open muzzle with her tongue out as if I'm doing something right. The constant stimulation starts to really get to me, "Sophie, I'm going to finish soon. Let's switch up or something".

She nods, getting off of my cock just to plop down again, except this time, I feel a lot more resistance...wait, it's her tailhole! Her face shows the utmost ecstasy between the sex itself and my reaction to her surprise. My piercing length easily powers through any force against it and soon enough, I'm entirely inside of her. She sees my resistance to cum in my strained face, "It's okay, Aeneas. Finish in me". Hearing this, I let loose in her with a howl, feeling on the top of the world as she howls with me. I pull away before my knot swells within her.

Climbing off and laying down next to me, she takes a few quick breaths, "That was awesome! Was that your first time?". "Second time with a girl, first in the tailhole", I answer honestly, still feeling spectacular. "How about with guys?", she inquires. I blush, "Quite a few times". She nudges me, "I'm not judging you. I was just curious. Oh, I think it's my turn now".

"What?!", I question my hearing. "It's only fair: you get my tailhole, I get yours", she smiles, already getting into position and fixing her short brown hair, "Are you ready?". I answer sarcastically, "As ready as any other man is to be entered by a girl who happens to be a hermaphrodite". She laughs and I feel her tip touch against me, "I promise that you'll like it".

Just as she finishes her statement, she thrusts her thick cock deep into my tailhole. I yelp in surprise and close my eyes, but I feel none the pain that I'm accustomed to having after being entered. All I feel is the pleasure and mutual understanding that result from having truly passionate sex. I open my eyes and watch the small-framed, female-looking wolf pummel into my tailhole, smiling at the happy look on my face.

"I think I love you, Sophie", I manage to express through my panting. She thrusts again and again until pulling out and spraying her cum across my blue fur, "I think I love you too, Aeneas". I sit up and grab her arms, "Thanks for this, Sophie. You're an amazing girl". She collapses onto me, "You're just as good, Aeneas. I hope that you'll agree to do this more often". I chuckle, "With you? Anytime".

I open my door and head to the bathroom to clean off my fur, "So what's next?". She gets on her clothes and hands me mine, "Well, I guess you've met my parents, so I get to meet yours!". I cough, slipping my new clothes on quickly, "Are you sure you want to meet them?". The taller wolf uses her minuscule height advantage to assert, "Yes, I do". I breathe out, betraying my inner stress, "Alright. They should be home in an hour. We can wait in my room if you'd like".

She follows me into my room and she sits, avidly watching me as I turn on my computer. In a clandestine manner, I turn on my webcam and take a picture of her, looking over my shoulder. I smile, making an obvious Casablanca reference, "Sophie, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship". She laughs (and her laugh makes me feel quite confident), "I sure hope so, Aeneas. It was great hanging out with you". This is going so well right now...I just hope my parents don't mess this up for me.