here comes the sun ` scott

[Sophie Renard-Wolfe]

Heaven help me for the way I am, save me from these evil deeds before I get them done

Harvey would kill her if he found out.

But she needed to get out. Out of the house and away from her brother and his crazy girlfriend. The girl was getting cabin fever. Couldn't Harvey understand that? He thought she was sick - that there was something wrong with her that made her attracted to men as well as women. That's what it was about. He was hiding her from the world - keeping her out of trouble and out of sight. Heaven forbid she embarrass her brother and his empire.

The thing is, she wasn't looking for trouble today. The last thing she wanted was any kind of trouble or to even be noticed. She slipped out of the house after Roxie and Harvey left. They were taking a day trip somewhere. Harvey often took Roxie out for long drives. It gave Sophie a break. She'd done all her chores - and now she had time to go out without having to fear that Roxie or Harvey would come home and find her not there.

Sophie knew where Harvey kept his emergency cash. She only took a little. Enough to get herself a nice lunch and maybe a new dress. Of course she took her 'medicine' before she left. And before she knew it, the taxi was taking her to Horseshoe Plaza. On the drive, Sophie wound down the window and let the fresh midday breeze blow through her hair. She let her hand free out the window, feeling the breeze tickle her fingertips. God, she loved this town. She loved the bright lights that never faded - the constant buzz and energy and strangers. How could she ever be lonely in a city this big?

Once they arrived, she spent an hour or so wandering around, trying on some new clothes and just enjoying a change of scenery and a rare chance at freedom from the oppression of her brother and Roxie. It was so lovely to be out on her own like this. Sipping on a strawberry milkshake as she rummaged leisurely through some beautiful new season dresses - a distressing sound stopped her in her tracks. It was a little boy, absolutely beside himself about something. Oh the poor little thing - he seemed so sweet as he wandered fearfully through the store. He was calling for his dad. Oh, this was a woman's boutique. The poor little guy must be lost. Nobody approached the boy and Sophie felt indignant. How could they stand by and watch this poor little lamb cry like that? Making her way to the boy, she knelt in front of him and reached out to gently touch his shoulder.

"Oh sweetheart, don't cry. We'll find your daddy. Come on, we'll find him together..." she cooed warmly, smiling as he stopped wailing and just sniffled sadly as he looked up at her with those big, wet eyes. "Here, do you like strawberry milk?" she offered her milkshake out to him, and the boy held his hands up to her - his lower lip trembling as he silently pleaded for her to pick him up. Oh the poor thing, he was shaking he was so scared. With no hesitation, she scooped the boy up and sat him on her hip as she handed him her milkshake to hold and drink if he wanted. At least he had stopped wailing, but he was still sniffling and clearly shaken from being separated from his father.

"Now, where did you last see your daddy? Were you getting some lunch?" she asked, tenderly wiping away his tears as he sipped on the milkshake. He raised a hand and pointed towards the food court.

We was getting ice cream...

"Ice cream? Oh you are a lucky boy. I bet your daddy has the biggest ice cream waiting for you. Come on, let's go find him before it melts!" she kept her tone excited and gave him a little lift to try and ease his spirits. The boy let out a shaky giggle, perhaps finding her excitement more than a little infectious. As she made her way quickly to the food court with the boy on her hip, she wiped away the last of his tears and kept an eye out for what she assumed would be an extremely distraught father.

The little boy was just adorable. How could a father not be distraught to have lost him?

NOTES: soooo excited! | WORDS: enough | OUTFIT: dress!

[Scott McCall]

It was too soon. Why the hell did he come back to Las Vegas so soon after Elle died? As much as Scott had wanted to be a father, without his wife, he was finding himself overwhelmed with the challenge. He was supposed to be running this city and he could hardly keep up with his five year old. Things had been easier in Hartford. He had his parents helping him with Al and Brad and the deputy mayor helping him run the city.

Brad had said he'd get back into the swing of things. That he'd spent months in the darkened room he'd grown up in, shutting out the world. It would be hard, but Scott couldn't hide forever.

And Elle would want him back in Las Vegas running the show.

It was a hard choice, but it was unfair to his son to keep him from the home he'd known. But the Mayor's Mansion was a cold, hollow shell anymore. Even if he and Elle hadn't been on the best terms, he'd still loved her and he'd still waited for her to come around.

But, even at the end, she'd wanted to follow her own path, which was always as far from Scott as possible.

Taking Albert to the Horseshoe Plaza wasn't meant to be some test. In the beginning, things had been fine. Dressed in a casual blue button down and khakis, Scott blended in, no one bothering him all that much. It felt good and the day started normally enough. Just having a nice day with his, a rarity with his job. But they both deserved it. Scott had been spending more time at the office, trying to figure out this 'Mayor' thing without Elle to guide him. A day off with his son was just what the doctor ordered.

Then he turned his back for just one second to buy an ice cream cone for his son and when he looked down, the boy was gone. Panic set in. People had been disappearing all over the city recently and the thought of losing his son so soon after his wife left Scott with a sense of dread in the pit of his stomach.

Ice-cream cone in hand, he searched around, stopping people as they passed, calling out to his son. The vanilla cream was beginning to stream down his hand, dripping onto the floor. Scott ran a hand through his hair. Who was he supposed to turn to? He couldn't do this. Not alone.

"Daddy!"

Scott spun on his heel to see little Albert half-skipping toward him, pulling a young woman along in tow. Finally, he felt as though he could breathe. He knelt so that he was eye level with his son, who seemed more excited by the sight of ice cream than his father.

"You can't just run off like that, Al," Scott sighed, trying to be firm, but having difficulty since he was so happy to have his son back. His eyes were misty with joy at seeing his son safe after all. The boy was barely listening now that he had his ice cream, his other hand still holding onto the young woman. "You scared me half to death."

Albert nodded, as if he'd taken the lesson to heart. Scott ruffled his hair a little as he stood again. Scott imagined that someday the boy's blond hair would darken, much like his had when he was a kid. But he was glad Albert's eyes were dark, much like his mothers. There was a lot of Elle in his boy; Scott knew he'd have a good future ahead of him if that were true.

"I can't thank you enough for bringing him back. I hope he wasn't too much trouble," Scott offered, an easy smile still on his lips.

"She wants ice cream too!" Albert interrupted, looking up at both the woman and his father. "Right?" He squeezed the woman's hand, looking up with wide eyes and puppy dog eyes.

"It's the least I can do," Scott said, wanting to repay the woman. He extended a hand to shake hers, only withdrawing it when he realized that it was sticky with melted ice cream. "I'm Scott. This is Albert. And if you have the time, we'd love for you to join us."

"The pink kind!" Albert chimed in proudly, as if she'd already agreed. He lazily swung the hand he was holding as he returned to licking his ice-cream.

"Would you like any sprinkles with that?" Scott asked with a gentle laugh, his brow furrowed sympathetically. Surely she had somewhere better to be.

But, in all honesty, Scott was glad for the help.

- - - - - - - - -

[Sophie Renard-Wolfe Thank you so much for the lovely started! So excited!! Hope this works!]

[Sophie Renard-Wolfe]

Heaven help me for the way I am, save me from these evil deeds before I get them done

Sophie adored children.

She was always so good at looking after her younger siblings.

And she enjoyed it. They were all so innocent and sweet. And little Albert was no exception. The moment he saw his father, he cried out for him and Sophie stumbled just to keep up with the little scamp. But she giggled at the thrill of the chase and tossed her empty milkshake on the way. She'd come here for a bit of an escape from her oppressive home life - but she'd never expected anything like this.

Oh.

Albert's daddy was handsome. Very handsome. A blush bloomed in her cheeks and she ducked her head coyly as father and son were reunited.

You can't just run off like that, Al - you scared me half to death

Sophie stood back a little awkwardly, the boy still gripping her hand tightly. It was so sweet to see them interact like that. This man was a good father - and it was so blatantly obvious how much he loved his son. It warmed her heart to see that. But it also caused a bit of sadness in her blue eyes. God, she missed her father. Would he greet her with that same misty-eyed gaze if she came home? She feared he wouldn't. He would hate her for leaving the way she did...

I can't thank you enough for bringing him back. I hope he wasn't too much trouble.

Coyly, she giggled and shook her head quickly, her blond waves bouncing vibrantly. "Oh no, not at all. He was the perfect little gentleman. I'm just so glad we were able to find you. You've got a future Olympic sprinter on your hands here, I think." she beamed, giving Albert's hand a playful squeeze.

She wants ice cream too! Right?

Matching Albert's puppy dog eyes with some doe-like ones of her own, she faltered.

"Oh no, that's really not necessary..." she backpedaled, her cheeks going redder at the way the boy looked between herself and his father.

It's the least I can do

When he held her hand out to shake, she shook it without a moment's hesitation. She didn't care that it was sticky. She only giggled a little and nodded politely.

I'm Scott. This is Albert. And if you have the tiem, we'd love for you to join us

"Oh, that's so sweet - of both of you. I'm Sophie...And I'd love to join you both for ice cream..." she beamed, her grin spreading almost from ear to ear as she let go of Scott's hand.

The pink kind!

Sophie knelt down by Albert and gasped.

"How did you know the pink kind is my favorite?" she giggled, taking the ice cream from Albert momentarily to properly wrap the napkin around the base and stop him from getting ice cream all over his hand.

Would you like any sprinkles with that?

Sophie looked up at Scott - unable to hide how happy she felt in that moment. What a lovely afternoon this was turning out to be...

"Oh, chocolate sprinkles would be lovely, thank you. You're so very kind, Scott..." she got back on her feet, Albert still holding firmly to her hand and she followed Scott back to the Ice Creamery. Once they were at the counter, she smiled at the handsome man and got a few of the napkins, wetting them on the condensation from the fridge and taking his hand in hers. "Here, otherwise you'll end up sticking to everything." she giggled, gently wiping the ice cream that had melted off his hand.

She couldn't help but notice he wasn't wearing a wedding ring...

NOTES: soooo excited! | WORDS: enough | OUTFIT: dress!

[Scott McCall]

Scott reckoned that the woman was right. Al was definitely going to grow up to become something like an Olympic sprinter. Or maybe even an escape-artist if Scott didn't keep a closer eye on him. Usually the mayor didn't get much father-son time without a number of security guards or Brad making sure the pair was safe. But his aide had insisted that a boy needed time with his father without someone looking over their shoulder.

As much as Scott appreciated the sentiment, it was hard keeping an eye on a five year old alone, especially one who wandered off constantly. Maybe it wasn't just Elle's looks Albert was getting. Maybe it was her bullheadedness.

Scott grinned at the woman--Sophie--when she accepted his invitation. Albert had taken a shine to the lovely young woman and Scott was grateful he'd have another pair of hands to keep the little guy by his side. Las Vegas wasn't quite the same as he'd left it. As much as he and the rest of the Mayor's Office had been denying things, there was something strange about the city, sinister even. He didn't need his kid mixed up in all that.

It certainly helped that Sophie was good with kids. He beamed down at her as she made sure Albert wouldn't get ice-cream all over his hands like Scott had. She knew just what to do. Scott thought if she wasn't a mother herself, she must work with children. Otherwise, she was clearly a natural at this.

"You're very welcome, Miss Sophie," Scott said with a grin, the corners of his eyes crinkling. "And it's nothing. Really. If there's anything else I can do, please let me know."

"You should get two scoops," Albert told her, still busy with his own ice cream.

They were waiting at the counter, waiting for the clerk to finish up with another customer. Scott was waiting, patiently when Sophie took his sticky hand, cleaning it up with a moist napkin. Scott grinned at her. "Seems like you're taking care of two kids today," he said with a laugh, feeling a little embarrassed that he'd shook her hand with his sticky hand.

Even it was short, it felt nice to laugh. Scott didn't do it much these days and the young woman was a breath of fresh air from the stuff businessmen he was usually surrounded by. Even his secretary was an older woman. It wasn't often he found himself in company of a younger woman, especially not recently.So he smiled warmly at Sophie, grateful to have made a new friend.

Scott had been so distracted, he hadn't noticed the clerk behind the counter until the man cleared his throat.

"Hi there, Rob, again," Scott began sheepishly, having left in a rush not long before. "Could we get a strawberry cone with chocolate sprinkles? Two scoops," he gave Sophie a wink. "And I'd like a pistachio cone, if it isn't too much trouble." The ice cream man nodded and Scott slipped him the exact change, leaving a tip in a jar.

Rob was back soon enough, handing the cones and napkins to Sophie and Scott. With a 'Thank you' Scott turned with the duo to leave.

"There's a playground just around the corner, near the fountain," he whispered to Sophie. "We might just be able to wrench the little guy off you. Otherwise, he's going to want to take you home with us." Her hand must be tired by now. Besides, Albert was going to finish that cone of his soon. He could probably use a distraction from his father and his new friend eating theirs without him.

- - - - - - - - -

[Sophie Renard-Wolfe Hope this works!]

[Sophie Renard-Wolfe]

Heaven help me for the way I am, save me from these evil deeds before I get them done

There was a time when Sophie had thought of becoming a teacher.

Maybe even a nurse or a nanny even. She'd always loved children - and she'd always been good with them too. Sophie believed them to be the most important thing on this earth. They needed to be loved and nurtured and given room to grow and opportunity to be themselves. It had been so long since she'd been able to spend time with a child - and it was refreshing. It made Sophie feel useful. Like maybe, for once since coming to Vegas, she might actually be worth something.

Because at the tender age of fifteen - a cruel and greedy man had taken her worth from her. And for the first time since then, Sophie felt like something of her old self. Like maybe that man hadn't taken everything from her - not quite. Maybe there was some of her goodness still left.

You're very welcome, Miss Sophie. And it's nothing. Really. If there's anything else I can do, please let me know

For a moment she looked up at him, still holding Albert's little hand. Oh, if he could do anything for her it would be to never stop smiling at her like that. It filled her with warmth, like melting honey. There was something about the way that he looked at her that made her feel...safe. She trusted him already. How could she not, when he looked at her with that light in his eyes and that crinkling around them?

You should get two scoops

Sophie turned back to Albert and giggled, gently squeezing his hand before letting him enjoy his ice cream while she dealt with his father's mess. A brief thought crossed her mind that she might be crossing a line. But when he grinned at her - all worries left her as abruptly as they had come.

Seems like you're taking care of two kids today

The girl giggled again and shook her head, gently and meticulously wiping the melted ice cream from between his fingers.

"I see it as looking after a father who clearly loves his son, and was so distraught at the idea of losing him from sight that he forgot about everything else..." she looked up at him warmly, wanting to reassure him and build him up a little. The last thing she wanted was to bruise his ego. "...I don't see anything childish about that." she added, running her thumb gently over the skin of his palm to check for any ice cream residue. But she smiled proudly as she concluded that he was no longer sticky.

As the clerk looked at them curiously, she realized she was still holding Scott's hand. Abruptly, she let his hand go and shyly looked down at Albert instead.

Hi there, Rob, again. Could we get a strawberry cone with chocolate sprinkles? Two scoops, and I'd like a pistachio cone, if it isn't too much trouble

The girl nodded her thanks again to Scott as the vendor went off and came back just a minute or so later with their ice creams. Oh it looked delicious. Sophie had a huge sweet tooth - she always had. And she just couldn't get enough of it. As a child she would eat herself sick - and still come back for more. Hell, even asking for more.

Taking the cone from him, she thanked him once more and quickly saved a few sprinkles from falling off by catching them with her tongue. Licking her lips at the sweet taste, she seemed almost as excited as Albert at the ice cream cone.

There's a playground just around the corner, near the foundtain. We might just be able to wrench this little guy off you. Otherwise, he's goig to want to take you home with us.

Sophie giggled again, shying a little away from his whisper as she ducked coyly and looked up at him; her blond curls framing her delicate features.

"There are much worse things than going home with two lovely gentleman like you and Albert." she countered, an almost cheeky smile tugging on her lips as she let Albert lead them out to the fountain. It was a beautiful afternoon - the sun was shining, there was a warm breeze and there were only a handful of other children at the playground. Once the playground was in sight for Albert - he abandoned the boring grown ups and took off. But before he did, Sophie took what little was left of his cone and dropped it in the bin.

"I imagine I shouldn't take it personally that he left us behind so easily?" she laughed, following Scott to a nearby park bench where they could watch him play. The heat was rapidly melting her cone, so she had to act fast or she'd end up with sticky hands just like Scott. Licking around the outer edge of her cone and collecting the sprinkles with her tongue, she looked up at Scott with a warm curiosity. Confident now that she had her ice cream under control, she decided to get to know Scott a little better. He had invited her to this bench, and she didn't take that lightly.

"...It's so kind of you to let me be a part of your day with your son, Scott." she thanked sincerely. There was a flicker of sadness in her eyes as she looked over at him on the equipment - a real little daredevil as he clambered to get to the top of the slide. "...I...don't get out very often and my family live very far away. It's funny, for a city so big and full of people it can ... get a little lonely somtimes." she admitted, tucking some of her hair behind her ear as she took another few licks of her ice cream.

"...You and Albert are so very lucky to have one another. You make a good match." she smiled, looking back at Scott with her big eyes full of a quiet adoration.

"He does look very much like you...And so far he's been a lovely gentleman, just like his father too."

NOTES: soooo excited! | WORDS: enough | OUTFIT: dress!

[Scott McCall]

As Sophie spoke, Scott's grin grew. There was something very genuine, very sweet about her. He thought that it was a blessing that someone like Sophie had found his son. The boy had clearly taken a shine to her for a reason and Scott imagined it was the delicate and childlike nature the girl had. He could see how excited she was when she took the ice cream.

There was something refreshing about Sophie, something he didn't get with the secretaries and the nannies. Scott imagined it was her youthful energy and playfulness. The last few months had been so full of grief. Scott found it nice to be around someone who didn't know him and who didn't pity him and his son for their loss.

"I wouldn't," Scott told her with a laugh as they sat on the bench. "If I did, I would think he doesn't like me very much." Albert liked to wander off quite a lot. It gave Scott no end of grief, but at least it kept him busy most days when he had the kid to himself.

As he licked his own ice cream, he couldn't help but wonder about the woman. She seemed so sweet, yet sad, especially when she spoke about her family. Scott could understand the loneliness of the city though. His expression shifted to one of empathy. It wasn't often he was able to see his son like this and he watched the boy waving from the top of the slide. He smiled, a little sadness finding its way in, as he returned the wave. Scott was busy running the city. Days like this were a luxury, yet they always felt so bittersweet.

"You think he looks like me?" Scott asked, a brightness returning to his demeanor as he turned back to her. Whenever he looked at his son, he always imagined Elle. Maybe he hadn't been looking close enough. Maybe he'd only seen what he wanted.

"Poor guy," he chuckled, shaking his head, before the laughter faded. "Least he's got my manners and I'm glad that they're pretty good. I'm not worried about Al though... He's a real smart kid. Takes after his mother that way. Same bullheadedness too..." Scott watched his son running back up the slide, trying to climb up the slope and refusing to use the ladder again. Those little moments reminded him of Elle. And he could feel his eyes growing misty.

Dabbing them as inconspicuous as he could, he cleared his throat.

"I'm sorry to hear your family is so far away. Just visiting?" he asked, trying to steer the conversation away. "You might find the city a lot less lonely while you're here though. The little guy doesn't kidnap just any unsuspecting young woman off the street. I think you've made a couple of local friends today, Sophie."

- - - - - - - - -

[Sophie Renard-Wolfe Hope this works!]

[Sophie Renard-Wolfe]

Heaven help me for the way I am, save me from these evil deeds before I get them done

What Sophie missed most about home was the stability she'd had.

She knew what to expect when she woke up each morning. There were her regular chores, regular meal times and everything in between with her family. They never really went anywhere and nobody ever visited them. There were no surprises. And at one time in her life she had found that boring. What she wouldn't give for that safety and stability now. Her days were full of fear, desperation and loneliness now. It was like waiting for one of many factors to simply kill her off - and it was only killing her slowly.

But Scott...he was something else. He was a good father to his son and he was so kind. She could see it in his eyes. There was a warmth there that seemed to resonate from somewhere deep inside him. It was reassuring. It made her trust him and feel so safe and...happy...in his presence. It felt like she'd known him her whole life...

I wouldn't. If I did, I would think he doesn't like me very much

Sophie smiled and nodded at him, keeping an eye on Albert as he scrambled up the slide.

"...Oh no, he's very fond of you. Look at him - you're his whole world..." she commented, gesturing to Albert as he jumped up and screamed for his father to watch him. Sophie saw the flicker of sadness as he waved back to his son. What on earth did he have to be sad about? Her eyebrows furrowed a little with concern. Whatever his pain was, she had an aching desire to take it from him; to reach over and pluck out the pain that brought that sadness into his warm eyes.

You think he looks like me?

Sophie nodded quickly.

Poor guy

The girl's jaw dropped a little and she playfully hit out at his bicep.

"How could you say that?! If he's already taking after you then he's only going to grow up to be even more handsome." she complimented, her hand resting on his arm for a moment before she had to get back to her ice cream.

Least he's got my manners and I'm glad that they're pretty good. I'm not worried about Al though...He's a real smart kid. Takes after his mother that way. Same bullheadedness too...

That's where it was. The source of his pain. She could see it in his eyes, in that crinkling in the corners of his handsome face. Something had happened to Scott's wife, Albert's mother. Although his ring was gone, she could see the tan-line in his skin where it had been for a very long time. Sophie didn't think any woman would be crazy enough to leave him and Albert - so she must have passed away. How awful.

"Well from what you've said and what I've seen I think Albert has all the good genetics on his side...And with a father like you I'm sure he's going to rattle the stars." she assured him confidently.

I'm sorry to hear your family is so far away. Just visiting?

"Oh no, I live here now." she replied quickly, finishing off her ice cream; not realizing that a bit of the strawberry ice cream remained on the tip of her tiny nose.

You might find the city a lot less lonely while you're here though. The little guy doesn't kidnap just any unsuspecting young woman off the street. I think you've made a couple of local friends today, Sophie

A healthy blush colored her cheeks as she wiped her hands clean.

"Oh, you sure now how to make a girl feel special, Scott." she gushed, folding her hands in her lap and excitedly swinging her legs. "I would love to be friends with you and Albert..." she looked up at him with a genuine adoration in her bright blue eyes. "...This has been such a fun day already..." she divulged, leaning back on the bench and looking up at her new friend with a warm curiosity. There were butterflies in her stomach as he looked down at her.

It was then that she was suddenly blinded by a flash. Flinching at the senation, she tried to blink the spots out of her eyes as she tried to pinpoint the source of the bright flash. A reporter. Her heart leapt in her chest. What if the press had found out that Harvey had a sister? What if they wanted to put her in the papers? What if Harvey found out she'd left the house?! The panic and fear showed in her features momentarily as she tried to shield herself from the flashbulb by hiding behind Scott's shoulder.

NOTES: soooo excited! | WORDS: enough | OUTFIT: dress!

[Scott McCall]

Well if Albert had Scott's looks and Elle's brain, that seemed to spell disaster. Scott imagined the tyke would use that power to take over the world. What had he and Elle unleashed onto the Earth?

Sophie's touch on his arm hadn't gone unnoticed. It was nice to feel relaxed like he did again. Usually looking after his son was tiresome, but having Sophie here... He'd forgotten what it was like to have a woman's touch on some things. Sure the nannies were nice, but there was almost a childishness to Sophie as well. It suited Al and Scott found it refreshing.

He was just glad that the conversation moved away from him. His own curiosity was getting the better of him. Just who was this girl and how did Scott get so lucky?

She didn't say much, just that she lived here now. That was fine. Most of the city's dwellers were good folks and Sophie was representing them rather well. A kind and caring young woman and one Albert truly liked.

"And I'm sure Al will be begging me to take you on our next outing, especially if he can't keep you," he chuckled softly, before finishing his own ice cream. He took one of the napkins out his pockets. "If you don't mind, you've got a little something... right... here." He cupped her chin to tip her head back so he could wipe the ice cream off her nose.

Just as he was doing so, a bright flash encompassed them. With a long drawn out sigh, Scott spotted a reporter and his camera. Sophie looked alarmed and hid her face. He forced a smile and waved to the man, then casually dropped his fingers to his lips to give three short whistle, his signal to his son that it was time to skedaddle. His other arm pulled Sophie closer to hid her face more, helping her to her feet as Albert joined them from the slide.

Another flashbulb and, as the reporter was setting up for a third, Scott ushered them into a nearby shop. Scott kept Sophie close, just in case the photographer found them. When the photography passed the store, still in search of them, Al tugged on the hem of her dress, to signal that the coast was clear.

"I'm sorry, Sophie," he whispered, feeling bad that the day was ruined. He released her, feeling that the photographer would be satisfied with shots he got. "He was after me."

"Dad's the mayor. Everybody has to do what he says."

He shrugged apologetically. "Yeah... Sorry I left that part out. Not the part where everybody has to do what I say. That's not true. At least not without a lot of voting by the City Council I guess."

"And he gets these giant scissors that are bigger than me!"

"Yeah," Scott laughed, shaking his head. "Those scissors are pretty neat..." Realizing, this was a lot to take in for Sophie, he knit his brows, Albert now thoroughly distracted by the shiny baubles as it seemed they'd entered a jewelry story. "We can still be friends, right?" he asked, genuinely concerned his position would deter her. "You don't have to do 'everything' I say. Promise." It wasn't like he was some secret prince or king. He was democratically elected four years running!

- - - - - - - - -

[Sophie Renard-Wolfe Hope this works!]

[Sophie Renard-Wolfe]

Heaven help me for the way I am, save me from these evil deeds before I get them done

Las Vegas had taken almost everything from Sophie.

It had taken her freedom, her childhood, her sense of self, her family (even her brother), any opportunities to progress in life, and, seemingly, her ability to make good decisions in life. But there was one thing that Las Vegas hadn't taken from her - her sense of wonder. Despite the horrific events in her life, she had managed to maintain some of her world view. As much as it infuriated Harvey - it was something he loved about his sister, the way she still viewed the world like a child sometimes.

Perhaps it was why she got along so well with Scott and Al. Scott had been through trauma and strife and grief - but he still managed to be kind and positive and good. It seemed to radiate from his very pores - and Sophie wanted to bask in it like the sun. He made her feel safe...something she hadn't felt in a very long time. And Al was a good boy, a sweet boy who she was already very fond of. They were good people, Scott and Al - and they both deserved one another. Sophie wanted nothing but good things for them. In a place like Las Vegas, where she was surrounded by bad men, she hoped they stayed just as they were - and were safe from her brother and his underground world. In such a short amount of time, they had made a big impact on the girl - not one she would forget any time soon.

And I'm sure Al will be begging me to take you on our next outing, especially if he can't keep you

Another coy giggle erupted from her, and she ducked her head shyly. Sophie hadn't been thought of as something worth keeping for a very, very long time. Harvey kept her around out of guilt and nothing else - she wasn't stupid enough to not know that. It was only a matter of time before he found a way to throw her away. And she didn't blame him for that. She didn't believe there was anything in her worth keeping. And yet here he was. Scott - a good, good man - talking about her like she was something special. Her cheeks went as pink as her ice cream and she curled her toes in delight.

But when Scott reached for her chin, she initially flinched just a little. A hand that close to her face had never been a good thing. But when she realized what he was doing, she relaxed and smiled apologetically.

If you don't mind, you've got a little something...right...here

Sophie giggled again, allowing him to wipe the ice cream from her nose.

"I think I was enjoying it a little too much..." she admitted with a bashful smile.

But that was when everything changed. Sophie went into panic mode - and was about to make a run for it when Scott's warm arm suddenly wrapped around her. Any thoughts of running were eliminated from her mind - especially when, after Scott's whistle, Albert joined them. What was going on? Scott was so calm...

Clearly afraid of what was happening, she held onto Scott's shirt. But when the photographer lowered the flash to get a better angle of Albert it seemed, Sophie protectively pulled Albert closer to her, shielding his face gently from the bright light and exposure in the media.

Scott ushered them into a nearby shop, and Sophie gladly let him take the lead - he clearly seemed to know what he was doing. She made sure that Albert was right by her side. And, in turn, Scott's arm kept her close to him too.

Once the photographer had passed the store, she felt little Albert tugging at her dress, and she smiled down at him. Fondly touching his cheek, she unwound her arm from him - they were safe now, right?

And just as she looked up to apologize to Scott - he beat her to it.

I'm sorry, Sophie

The girl's face scrunched up in a mixture of concern and confusion. Why was he sorry? What on Earth would he have to be sorry about?

He was after me

Now her face showed more curiosity than anything else. But before she could enquire further - Albert beat them both to the punch.

Dad's the mayor. Everybody has to do what he says

It was like being struck by lightning. The girl's jaw dropped visibly, her eyes wide as she stared up at Scott. The mayor. Of all the children and all the fathers that had been at the mall...Of all the people Albert could have approached...She felt a little weak in the knees, some of the color fading from her rosy cheeks. If he was seen with her, if the papers figured out who she was - his career could be ruined. Oh God, if Harvey found out...

Yeah...Sorry I left that part out. Not the part where everybody has to do what I say. That's not true. At least not without a lot of voting by the City Council I guess

And he gets these giand scissors that are bigger than me!

Sophie felt bad - she was barely listening. Her hand had come up to rest on her forehead, trying to somehow slow down her panicked thoughts.

Yeah. Those scissors are pretty neat...

Albert wandered off, and now that they were alone, Sophie could see the concern on Scott's handsome features. And she could feel her eyes growing misty with tears. Because this had to be the last time she saw him and Albert. It wasn't fair on them for her to see them again - they couldn't be associated with someone like Sophie. It was too dangerous - and her heart was already breaking.

We can still be friends, right? You don't have to do everything I say. Promise

Sophie laughed once, a breathless, harsh sound unlike her giggles before. She shook her head and quickly dabbed at her eyes - not wanting him to see her cry like this.

"Oh Scott, I'm so sorry...if I had known I wouldn't have...I'm sorry..." she lowered her voice to a whisper and moved closer so he could hear her. "I...we can't...it's not safe for you and Albert to be associated with..." she couldn't say it. She couldn't say her brother's name or the one he'd made her take. "...with someone like me..." she finished rather lamely, awkwardly rubbing her arm as she took a step back.

"I'm so sorry, Scott...I'm so, so sorry..."

NOTES: soooo excited! | WORDS: enough | OUTFIT: dress!

[Scott McCall]

"One can never enjoy something too much," Scott told Sophie as he cleaned her up, grinning down at her warmly.

The peace of the park quickly evaporated. It was hard for Scott to get a day just to himself, let alone one with Albert. He wanted his son to have an easier life, one that wasn't filled with with cameras and the media's embrace. But this was the life Scott had put upon him. Being a McCall wasn't easy and Scott knew that. When they were out of the city, no one seemed to care as much. But being a key figure in town like this put them in the limelight.

And now Sophie was caught in it too. No doubt something sordid or twisted would come from an innocent outing in the park.

Luck seemed to be on their side when they ducked into the jewelry store. Albert seemed keen to let Sophie in on Scott's occupation, not that he minded much. It was nice to pretend for awhile, but Sophie would have found out sooner or later and it was better to find out from him rather than a newspaper.

But as he spoke she seemed tense, nervous even and when he finished Sophie was stammering and backing away. Scott furrowed his brow, watching her. He didn't understand any of it. Just minutes ago, they'd been having a nice day and now she was saying he shouldn't be associated with her.

Was him being the mayor that big of a deal? How could it not be safe?

"You've got nothing to apologize for, Sophie," he assured her, though he still watched with curiosity. "But I don't understand why it isn't safe. This was one of the nicest afternoons I'd had in a long while. And I'm sure Al feels the same." He glanced over at his son who was now charming the salesgirls. "It isn't often I get to buy a nice young woman ice cream with chocolate sprinkles for rescuing my boy."

It was true. There was a first time for everything and Al being rescued by someone like Sophie.

Scott reached out, touching her arm to calm her, to assure her that he liked her and him being the mayor and her being someone else didn't bother him in the least. Citizens--rich and poor, good and bad--were the ones that gave him his position in the first place. Besides no one was ever truly bad.

"I don't see any problem with associating 'with someone like you'," he told her, his smile gentle, trying to calm whatever fear it was he saw behind her eyes. "Al's an excellent judge of character. And if likes you, then I do too. If you're in some sort of trouble, then maybe I can help."

They were friends after all. Sophie had as much. And to Scott, friends should always help friends.

- - - - - - - - -

[Sophie Renard-Wolfe Hope this works!]

[Sophie Renard-Wolfe]

Heaven help me for the way I am, save me from these evil deeds before I get them done

Sophie had never met anybody like Scott.

Somebody who made her feel safe and happy. Already she just knew they'd never run out of things to talk about or reasons to smile or laugh. He was so sweet. And so was Albert. Of all the people the boy could have run to, he'd chosen Sophie. And part of her was thinking maybe this meeting wasn't by chance. Maybe...maybe it was fate...

But that thought was quickly quashed when she found out who Scott really was. The mayor. Good lord. Of course he was lovely and good - that's why people had voted for him. Because he was a good man and they trusted him to look after their city. Sophie would vote for him in a heartbeat. In such a short amount of time he had made her feel safer than she had in years. But that was just it, wasn't it? He could have her vote but not her heart. It was too dangerous. If Harvey found out...Or the papers. Oh lord. What if the papers found out who she was? Already her heart was fluttering in her chest and her hands had begun to tremble in fear.

Sophie had never meant for this to happen - any of it. She'd never wanted to drag Scott and Albert into her mess of a life. And yet here they were.

You've got nothing to apologize for, Sophie.

Oh but she did, and the way he was looking at her with such concern in his warm eyes...it was breaking her heart.

But I don't understand why it isn't safe. This was one of the nicest afternoons I'd had in a long while. And I'm sure Al feels the same.

Sophie covered her mouth as she chewed anxiously at her lip. But she nodded quickly with Scott to let him know that she agreed - it had been one of the nicest afternoons she had had...well...ever. And surely Scott could see how sincere she was about that. Selfishly, she wouldn't have taken it back even if she had known he was the mayor from the beginning. Because she could take this afternoon home with her, take it to bed and cuddle up to it in her lonely tower. It could keep her warm at night and could comfort her when things with Harvey and Roxie were too much for her to handle.

It isn't often I get to buy a nice young woman ice cream with chocolate sprinkles for rescuing my boy

Sophie looked over at Al and the way he was so confidently chatting to the salesgirls. They were captivated by him and his adorably precocious nature. He was such a sweet boy and Sophie couldn't help but smile just looking at him.

Scott's warm hand touched her arm and she jumped a little in surprise, looking up at him with her doe-like eyes, already filling with tears as her hand dropped from her mouth.

I don't see any problem with associating 'with someone like you'

His smile could melt any heart, she was sure. It was so genuine. And just the way he spoke about her was so...different. Roxie and Harvey treated her like an animal. Like she was something to be contained and kept away from everything because she was nothing but...infectious human waste. Everything she touched turned to ash. And looking up at Scott that was the last thing she wanted. But he didn't think of her that way. He didn't see any problem with associating with 'someone like her'. Such a simple phrase seemed to fill her with warmth and joy, inflating her hollow bones and bringing some of that light back to her eyes, even behind the tears.

Al's an excellent judge of character. And if he likes you, then I do too. If you're in some sort of trouble, then maybe I can help

That was it. The final straw for Sophie. She'd tried so hard to keep it together - but she couldn't anymore. Scott was the kindest, sweetest, best man she had ever met. But she was selfish and greedy and had grown up spoiled. She wasn't used to giving up the things she wanted. And she wanted Scott. She wanted Al. She wanted afternoons with them in the park and at the pool.

Reaching out, she took Scott's hand and brought it to her face. THe tears were free flowing now, and Sophie couldn't even almost hold them back. Affectionately, she pressed her lips to the palm of his hand, giving it a warm squeeze before she let it go.

Scott thought Sophie was a better woman than she was. So, for him and Albert, she had to be that woman. No greed, no selfishness. She had to do what was right by them - they deserved that.

"...You can't help me, Scott. Nobody can." her throat was tight with emotion. But her eyes met his intensely, trying to get him to understand that she was doing this because she truly cared about Scott and his son. "...If the papers find out who I am and that you were willingly spending time with me...You won't be able to me the mayor anymore. People will make horrible assumptions of you and I can't do that to you and Albert..." she whispered earnestly. Boldly, she took both of his hands in hers and kissed them one last time. This was clearly a very tough decision for her - her hands were shaking still.

"...You and Al have given me the best afternoon of my life, really. I feel...I feel so priviledged to have shared that with both of you. And that's why I can't see either of you suffer by association. Do you understand?" she needed him to understand, to see that she was doing the right thing by them.

Because she wasn't sure how strong her resolve would be if he asked her not to go. Sophie had never been good at denying herself of the things she wanted - even if she knew it was the wrong decision.

NOTES: soooo excited! | WORDS: enough | OUTFIT: dress!

[Scott McCall]

Growing up, Scott had never wanted for anything. His parents hadn't spoiled him per se; he just had a privileged life. The McCalls were well-off and if Scott had asked for a pony or a puppy, he would get one within the hour. He'd known nothing else in life except receiving things. His father had practically bought his degree from Georgetown.

The only thing he'd really ever done on his own was go to war. It was for the good not of himself, but for the world. Public service now meant the same thing. It was for the good of the people, not Scott McCall. He was giving back, in a way, for the privilege he'd felt all his life.

Seeing Sophie so frightened and upset broke his heart. Some of the salesgirls not distracted by Al were watching the conversation unfold. Scott didn't care. He was more worried about how Sophie was shrinking before him and he just didn't understand why. He stroked her cheek trying to wipe her tears, wishing he could understand what the fuss was about. Clearly she wanted to see them again. This was America, she was to do as she wanted.

"Being the mayor does give me some power, Sophie," he assured her with a small chuckle, trying to lighten the mood as best he could. To no avail it seemed as she kissed his hands sadly. He just wanted to tell her that he could help. He could do a lot of things and if they wanted to have another nice afternoon together, he didn't see why they couldn't.

She was afraid of something, so afraid that she kept telling him that being near her was a bad idea. Scott didn't believe in guilt by association. Sophie was her own person who clearly needed to be rescued from a bad situation. Scott could help. He knew the Chief of Police for God's sake!

What was the point of having power if he couldn't do anything with it?

"Not at all," he confessed with a shrug. Honestly, he was more confused than ever. But the sad look in her eye... Scott knew he shouldn't press further.

He sighed and rested his hands on her shoulders, trying to calm her down, to stop her shaking.

"Are you an ex-Nazi? Russian spy? My high school rival's little sister looking for revenge on his failed class president campaign?" He looked into her blue eyes looking for any spark that would indicate her horrible, dark secret.

"No? Then spend as many best afternoons of your life with Al and I whenever you like, Sophie." He gave her a soft smile and wiped away another tear from her cheek, before trying to comfort her with a warm, friendly hug.

Scott let go when he felt a tug on his shirt. He looked down to find a scowling Albert.

"Why is Sophie sad?" the boy growled at his father before turning his attention to the lady he'd kidnapped that afternoon. "Do you need more ice cream?"

- - - - - - - - -

[Sophie Renard-Wolfe Hope this works!]