Healing Sophie (18+) - RH//DDLG

49 - Littles & Lovers

Sophie ran a hand through Sugar's ridiculously soft fur, trying to calm her nerves. She hated how nervous she still found herself at the prospect of new friends. Benji would be there any moment for their sleepover. They had been texting a bunch lately and Sophie was so excited but nervous. Even with her amazing men and Jess providing her with endless support and love, she couldn't ever seem to squash the tiny voice in her head telling her she wasn't enough.

"You okay, Bunny?" Chase asked from beside her on the couch.

She bit her lip and nodded. After her meltdown with Theo, she could feel herself shutting down. Despite Theo's comfort and affirmations, she felt embarrassed. It was difficult for her to feel normal at times, but she could at least pretend for a little while. "Just tired."

Chase's sapphire eyes narrowed at her and she squirmed. As usual, he analyzed her, picking apart her very being. "Liar." She pouted and sank further into the comfy couch, hoping it would open up and swallow her. "Are you nervous about your friend coming over?"

He always saw everything. Sophie frowned and nodded. "I don't know what I'm doing in the whole 'making friends' department."

Chase poked her in the side. "What are you talking about? You won over all of us guys and Jess just fine."

She sighed. "I think those were flukes. We were thrown together through specific circumstances. You had to like me, or it would have been a bit awkward living together."

Chase thought to himself for a moment, undoubtedly scanning his brain for the perfect words. "Soph, do you know why I invited you to live with us?"

"Because I was pathetic and you felt bad?"

He scowled. "No. Because I knew just from looking at you and talking to you for a few minutes that you were kind and beautiful inside and out. I needed to know you. You were like this little beacon of sunshine, even though you were crying." He swiped a thumb under Sophie's eye, catching a stray tear. "Just like now. Still my little sunshine."

Sophie sniffled. "Meanie."

Chase chuckled and pulled her into his side. "You love it." He ran a comforting hand over her hip, the action calming her body. "I know I've told you a bit about my parents, about that little voice in my head that tells me I suck. It gets pretty overwhelming sometimes. But... you guys help me. You love me just as is, flaws and all. I know you may get into similar headspaces and I just want you to know that we love you too, unconditionally. Everything you ridicule yourself on, we'll always be there cheering you on."

Sophie closed her eyes and let herself feel his every word. She was full-blown ugly crying and she didn't even care. "Thank you," she said quietly, unable to muster more words.

He placed a kiss on her forehead and held her tight. "Anytime, Sophie." He sighed. "We don't have to be jealous of Benji, right?"

The doorbell rang, breaking the two of them from their moment. Sophie took a deep breath and stood, sparing one more glance at Chase and giving him a reassuring smile. "Not one bit."

"Hey, Sophie!" Benji gave her a big, dimpled grin as she opened the front door. Sebastian stood next to him, holding a bag, some snacks, and some games. Benji's gaze zeroed in behind Sophie. "Puppy!"

Sophie smiled wide at both of them. "Hey guys." Sebastian was going to be staying for dinner before leaving the two of them. Benji said it was because he wanted to socialize, but Sophie sensed an air of overprotectiveness coming from him whenever he was around Benji, similar to how the guys typically acted with her.