//------------------------------//
// Prolouge, New Year 
// Story: A Girl Named Sonata 
// by Broman 
//------------------------------//

“FIVE, FOUR, THREE, TWO, ONE! HAPPY NEW YEAR!”

The crowd around the Big Apple of New York city went wild as the new year rolled in. The screams were deafening, the lights blinding, the confetti fell from the high rafters of the skyscrapers, everyone was having a blast. Traditional kisses were happening by many couples, and the song that nobody knows the words to were playing loudly in the air, with the subtle blaring of the classic music. To top it off fireworks were blasting high in the sky, giving off a show that would awe the audience below. Party goers were dancing and rocking out to Dick Clark’s performance and to Miley Cyrus’s hit music. This lasted for more than an hour as the party goers slowly ended and everyone was returning to their homes and to call it a night.

One such party goer had finally had his fill of fun and was heading to his apartment home.

His name is Jack Alex Jensen. This is his story.

***

“Have a good night Jack! Happy New year!” Several of his friends yelled out to him. Jack waved at them and gave them the same well wishes. He thought taking a cab to where he lived would be easy. Although the roads were still filled with people so he opted to take a walk instead.

He lived in a apartment in Brooklyn, near the crown heights region. It was a few blocks away so it wouldn’t be a hassle to go for a walk. As he walked down the streets he recalled the great countdown to the near year.

It was already 2015, though it still felt like last year. Everyone was partying to their heart's content, and Dick Clark’s was spectacular. Jack didn’t really like listening to Miley Cyrus, her voices was off pitch on certain parts of her song. He couldn’t quite help it since he himself was a vocalist.

Though he was more of a recent graduate from the Utah Valley University, his emphasis being a performance major in music.

Though he mostly did independent work, he did help a few acapella groups during his time in New York city. His job would be to teach other small studios and help train musical choirs for upcoming performances. He hadn’t any luck finding some lasting contracts after that and the ones he did get would only last for a few months. At least he gets decent pay for being apart of it. He hoped he would find a new opportunity in a few months and find a new job.

But for now, he just wants to relax for the next few weeks and enjoy the moment of being alive.

He walked down the cold streets, snow was slowly coming down and coating the ground with fresh powder. The wind chill hung in the air and he could see a few people on the streets rushing to their homes and apartments to get warm. He was well covered so he didn't mind one bit. He wore a winter coat that was large yet stylish, jeans, and a beanie for extra warmth on his head that covered his ears. He was warm to the fullest and he didn’t mind one bit for being a little too cautious.

After turning another block he saw his apartment was just ahead. He could hear some party goers were quieting it down and everyone seemed to be calling it a night. He mostly ignored the ones who shouted and screamed their heads out, shouting the voices a new octave to celebrate the new year. He would hear songs being sung, a few were off key and sluggish, most likely due to alcohol consumption, but they sounded like they were partying like it was the end of the world. If he could he would have told them the proper way to sing and to help with making the right pitch.

It was not that he was against their singing. It was just searching for the perfect pitch for them to hit and be able to make wondrous harmony. He just wanted them to be nudged in the right direction is all.

He crossed the next street, passing by a few cars who honked their horns for the new year. He soon was close to his apartment complex, and saw the lights were still on up front.

Just a little further, he thought, picking up the pace and moving to the front entrance. The city that never sleeps was going to be quiet, and no one will be on the streets.

He did notice, however, a woman walking towards him in the opposite direction and was the only person out and about.

Why he found this person rather odd was that she was wearing a pink skirt, high boots that went up to her thighs, a jacket that resembled that of a rocker and a red ruby necklace around her neck. Her head had a light blue hair that he believed went all the way down to her back, but he couldn’t tell. She had her head hung low and she swayed from side to side like a drunkard.

He pretty much assumed she’s just hammered from partying all night. Though, with the old saying goes, looks can be deceiving. Especially someone who is crazy enough to wear only a skirt and light jacket in this weather.

Seriously who would do that.

Playing it safe he decided to ignore her and keep moving to the front entrance. He was at least a dozen feet away from the door when she was getting closer to him. He heard her speak softly and she sounded a bit miserable. Whatever she had was probably making her feel a lot worse. He stopped at the front entrance, and watched as she got closer to him, walking aimlessly and with no purpose until she brushed his right shoulder.

“Miss? You okay?” He asked sincerely. Seeing clearly in the light he saw she also had a dark dark blue streaks of hair that went down to her back. She was roughly his height or higher but it might be due to her high boots. She continued to walk past him, speaking incoherently that he couldn’t follow. He felt bad for her, and she would probably be having a hangover in the morning. He sighed and shook his head to her. He then reached his hand toward the handle, hoping to get inside his apartment and get a good night’s rest.

Not a moment he touched the door handle he heard a thump sound on his left. He turned to the noise and sure enough found the girl has collapsed to the ground.

“Miss! Are you alright!?” he gasped and he quickly went to her side. He placed a hand onto her shoulder and he felt her body was like ice. He turned her over to get a better look and discovered she was out like a light and was breathing very slowly. He looked around, seeing if anyone was out and about or if anyone knew her, but he found the streets were devoid of any life, only the sound of taxis in the distance.

He looked back at her and a thought came into his head. It was a crazy idea but he knew it was the right thing to do.

Being careful with her as possible, he wrapped his hands underneath her body and slowly lifted her up.

She chilled to the bone. How long has she been wandering out here? He thought, standing up and adjusting until he had a good hold of her.

Her arms and legs dangled while her head rest against his body. He went to open the door, adjusting himself as he carried her body inside. The front entrance had a few chairs and a front desk were a fast asleep receptionist known as Franky was holding onto a wine bottle. He chuckled a little, seeing the man was out of it from partying.

“Happy New Year Franky,” he said with a bit of a chuckle in his voice, before heading past the front desk.

He walked toward the elevator at the end of the hall. He pressed the button and sure enough the elevator doors opened and he went inside. He pressed his floor and the doors closed, carrying him and the unconscious girl up. He took a quick look at her and brushed some of the snow that was stuck to her hair. About a minute passed, and after listening to boring elevator music, his floor came up and he quickly went down the hall to his room which was three doors on the right. Fiddling with his keys he quickly opened the door to his apartment and headed inside.

Then proceed to hear the sound of paws scratching on tile and a big dog coming up to greet him.

“Hey Magnus! Miss me boy!” Jack said enthusiastically as he moved deeper into the apartment. Magnus was a German Shepard, he was a large breed that came up to his waist and he was the most friendliest dog around. He was so big that if he stood on his back legs he would be about his height. He was also lucky enough that this apartment complex allowed pets.

“Easy Magnus, easy,” Jack said a little playfully, but the big dog was mostly curious. Magnus sniffed at the girls hands and feet as he walked by and gave a little lick at her fingers.

Jack moved to the open couch, which was situated near a electric fireplace, and he carefully placed her onto the couch. Removing his beanie and heavy coat  he placed a hand on her arm. He still felt her body cold and he noticed that her clothes looked very stiff. Thinking quickly he turned the fireplace on and looked around for some large blankets he could use.

He turned to the wooden coffee table in the middle of the room which had a small latch on it. Opening it up revealed at least half a dozen large blankets inside. As he sorted through the pile to get the biggest blankets he took a small gander of his one bedroom apartment.

He had a kitchen where had the basics of operating and cooking his meals and it was connected straight to the living room. The living room had a single couch and chair with a electrical fire place and a flat screen TV, along with the wooden coffee table that he was currently rummaging through. A single hallway on his left lead to the bathroom and single bedroom.

It wasn't a grand apartment, but it was at least affordable and cheap.

Finding the appropriate blankets he placed them next to the couch and took a look at her. Some of the snow has already melted away but her clothes remained rigid. He couldn’t just leave her in her wet clothes, she would get hypothermia. He felt a little apprehension of the thought of what he had to do, but if he was to keep her warm then he would have no choice.

He just hoped that when she wakes that she won’t be angry with him.

He moved down to her feet, scooting Magnus to the side when he got too close. Jack began to unlace the high boots. Once removed he proceeded with the old socks, which had a purple and blue pattern on them. The socks were wet when he grabbed them and once removed he got a reaction when she shuddered from the exposure but she still remained unconscious.

Setting the wet socks to the side he placed a small blanket over her feet just so that she wouldn’t be freezing. He then worked on the skirt, which still baffled him as to why she would wear it in this weather. He unbuckled the small belt around her waist and undid the buttons that held it together. He then removed the article of clothing and he saw that she wore some pink underwear. He blushed a little and averted his eyes as he pulled the blanket from her feet and placed it over her waist.

He really hoped that she won’t be mad at him.

Now for the tricky part. He thought as his eyes diverted to the last article of clothing. Her jacket looked quite rigid and wet, and the process of getting it removed would be more precarious because he would be exposed to her.  He decided to get it over with and placed her hands onto her shoulders. He tenderly lifted her up, making sure that she was in a sitting position, her head began to bobble for a moment when she sat upright. Once situated he worked on unbuttoning the blue buttons and having the jacket open up. When he pulled the jacket open he heard it creak and crinkle from the movement.

He presumed she had been outside for hours if not longer to allow her clothes to become this stiff.

He opened it up further, the jacket protesting from the pull. After some work he pulled it apart in the center, exposing a blue tank top and causing a bit of relief to wash over him.

His cheeks would have burned red if she was not wearing anything underneath but a bra.

He pulled the jacket off her arms, keeping her balance as best as he could. He allowed her head to fall forward a bit and rest on his left shoulder while he pulled the rest of the jacket off her back. He could feel her body shudder considerably, and she leaned in further into him once he removed the jacket, looking for any source of warmth.

Poor thing.

He gently grabbed the back of her head  and lowered her down until she was resting on the arm rest. Grabbing a second blanket, this one being much thicker, he placed it over her her entire body, giving an extra layer of warmth. He stood up and looked at the women before him.

He had a stranger in his apartment.

It was not just a stranger but a girl no less. She was covered in the blankets and her body still shook, but less so than before. He thought back to when she was outside and wondered if he had went on his merry way then she would remain there. Would anyone else take notice of her, would anyone be willing to help her or take her into their home? He dreaded the thought of waking up an heading outside just to find a body frozen on the ground. He shook his head from the mental image and gathered up her clothes, making a note to himself to clean any wet spots if there were any.

He headed into the bathroom, setting the wet clothes over the railing to dry and the high shoes to the side of the tub. Once done he quickly went into his bedroom and changed out of his own clothes and put on a large loose shirt and a pair of silk pajama bottoms. 

C'mon even silk is damn soft to wear in at night.

Once done he entered back into the bathroom and grabbed a toothbrush and paste. He then looked himself in the mirror as he cleaned his teeth.

He was tall at around six feet in height with brown hair and blue eyes. He had a lean to average build and kept himself fairly active in keeping himself healthy. It was required when searching for the perfect role in a musical role and looking the part. Hugh Jackman was a perfect example for being a healthy individual and being many Broadway plays, and a badass hero of his favorite marvel series.

If that guy is able to what he does then why couldn’t he?

After cleaning his teeth and after throwing some water in his face to get the warmth back in his cheeks, he headed back into the living room to see if his ‘guest’ was okay. He wince slightly as his bare feet walked on the cold surface of the tile floor before stepping onto the rug and standing next to her side.

She had stirred by curling up on her side, facing the electrical fireplace. There was a nice warmth in the air and the girl had relaxed a little. She was breathing easier though she would shiver occasionally. He took notice the blanket had fallen slightly and he quickly went down to adjust it. He arranged the blanket back over her shoulders and gently tucked it underneath her body, being careful not to bump into any unmentionables.

Which they were kind of hard to ignore.

Once finished he took a look at her face, her head resting comfortably on the arm rest of the couch. She still looked cold but fine for the most part. She had a nice round face with her bangs covering nicely over her forehead. Over her eyes she looked like she had eyeliner but it looked smeared, either the snow or... crying? He didn’t know if that was the case and it wasn't out of the realm of possibility. He didn’t know what was going on through her head when she was out there, and it would be rude to pry into her personal life.

Besides, she was only staying for the night.

He was distracted from his thoughts when Magnus sniffed her face and then looked at him with a curious expression.

“Don’t worry boy. She’s just a guest. She’s okay” he explained. The German Shepherd merely tilted his head, earning him a slight chuckle and a pat on the head. His tail wagged from the affection. Jack nodded and turned down the fire place to give off warm air throughout the night. He then turned to head to the bedroom, ready for a good night's rest. He stopped however, when he heard Magnus sniffing at her face once more.

“C'mon Magnus, leave her be,” he said, going to his side and trying to shoo him away. He did as he was told but not until something fell off her neck.

It was the red ruby necklace. 

He was about to berate Magnus for it but noticed that the thread on the back of the necklace was very old and worn out. He grabbed the piece of jewelry and looked at it with much scrutiny. The ruby was smooth on its surface, and looked very expensive. When he flipped it over he did notice, a tiny crack in it’s center. He was no gem expert but if something like this had a crack or showed any wear then it would be very old.

It was a guess but the gem could also be something that was bought at some cheap shop.

“Why?” she spoke softly, startling him. He looked at her and saw that she was stirring in her sleep. She slowly cracked open an eye and his eyes met hers. She bore raspberry eyes and they almost glistened in the light of the room. Those eyes were very captivating.

 Beautiful. he thought.

Was that to strong of a word, or did it fit with her?

Either way they fascinated him and she had a look of curiosity when she stared back. For a brief moment nothing was spoken, only the silence of the room and the humming of the electrical fire. Then, as if a spell was removed, she closed her eyes and was out of it.

He blinked and he didn’t realize that he held his breath. He shuddered for a moment and shook his head.

What was that about? He thought, trying to wrap his head about who this girl was and the gem in his hand. Not wanting to delve on it any longer, he settled the gem onto the coffee table where she would see it when she wakes up and he stood up and stretched.

“C’mon Magnus. Bedtime,” he gestured towards his room, his faithful companion already a step ahead of him. He headed toward his room in a quick pace, his bare feet touching the cold surface of the tile floor, before entering into his warm carpet covered room. He closed the door and he looked at the room around him.

His bedroom was a simple one. A few posters of past shows and movies, a large desk with a computer, and a small closet on the right side of the room. While the other side had his single king size bed. Along with a single glass window that has some drapes hanging above. The final piece was a small safe that was in the corner of the room, for emergencies of course.

It was simple and it was to his liking.

Magnus gave a yawn and stretched in front of the bed, curling up and going to sleep. Jack patted his head, and wished him goodnight.

He couldn’t have asked for a better guard dog. 

He moved to the right side of the bed, getting into the covers and snuggling up in his blankets. He had three layers of blankets on the bed and knowing how cold it got in New York, he was going to need them.  He rested his head on the pillow and looked at his alarm clock that was next to his bed.

It read 2:30.

It was really late. He yawned heavily and shut his eyes, hoping that he would wake up in the morning to explain everything to the girl. He then lifted his head and gave a small smile.

“Happy New Year,” he said, before drifting off into a comfortable sleep.

***

The sounds of honking was heard past his window.

Jack cracked open an eye and groaned, seeing the sliver of light pour through the drapes and he grimaced at the sight. He eyed the alarm clock and it read 11:30 in the morning. He closed his eyes, trying to get the extra sleep and ignoring the outside world. He felt one of his blankets had been pushed to the side, liking being to hot from the night before. He thought about investing in a bigger bed so it would disperse the heat. Maybe when he can afford a bigger apartment he will decided to get one.

He then heard the soft paws on the carpet and he felt Magnus nose his right hand. He needed to go out and get his exercise and do his business. Through closed eyes Jack exposed his right hand and shoulder outward from the warmth of the blankets and patted him on the nose.

“I know buddy. Just five more minutes.” he said softly. Magnus nose nudged into his hand and he turned in his sleeping position. He soon found himself resting on his left side, his right arm above the blankets touching the softness of the warm fabric. It was unnaturally warm, possibly from him tossing in his sleep. He sighed with much content and tried to get back to sleep.

It didn’t last long when Magnus gave a loud bark, nearly making him want to jump.

“I’ll be up soon,” he muttered. He narrowed his closed eyes and curled inward, pulling the blankets closer to him. His right hand squeezed the blanket instinctively, feeling it form in his hand, and trying his best to get soaked back into the bed. Just to gain a few precious minutes of slumber before going about his day.

That moment was interrupted when he heard a soft giggle in front of him.

“Good morning,” a feminine voice spoke.

“Morning,” he replied, proceeding to curl himself into the bed.

Wait, a realization dawned on him, blankets don’t giggle.

He cracked open one eye, seeing a fuzzy blue image in front of him that resembled hair. He blinked to cleared his vision and he looked again at what, or in this case who, was in front of him.

He blinked in surprise. It was the girl from last night. She was staring at him with those captivating raspberry eyes.

His eyes widened slightly, several thoughts going through his mind in order.

Why is the girl in my room? Why didn’t Magnus warn me she was here? His eyes traced down to his right hand, seeing it placed over the blankets on top of her chest.

Why is my hand there?

He blinked, his eyes darted to her face. Passing by the blankets he took notice of her bare skin. She wasn't wearing her tank top from last night and he didn’t see any bra strap on her shoulders. His eyes broadened and he looked back to the mound that was her chest. He observed his hand and the mound that said hand was currently residing on. A shade of red grew on his face.

The girl closed her raspberry eyes and giggled once more.

“That tickles you know,” she said nonchalantly.

WHY IS MY HAND THERE!

Jack’s mind then went on full alert. In the span of a few seconds his body jolted upward, gave a sharp cry of surprise, and pushed himself back.

Which lead to him falling off the side of the bed.

He slammed onto the ground, his blankets on the bed tossed haphazardly to the side and nearly covering him. He groaned and placed a hand on the back of his head. Magnus went to him and began licking his cheek. Ever loyal he was. He placed a hand on Magnus, and tried to get his bearings. Yet, a single thought kept repeating in his head and made his cheeks and ears burn in embarrassment.

I touched her breast.

He shook his head from the perverted action and he looked up to her. However, he quickly covered his eyes moments later. The girl was lying on her front near the edge of the bed, with her arms across her chest. With the way she was lying down on his bed it made the whole situation very sensual.

Considering with that much cleavage exposure.

“Pretend you didn’t see, pretend you didn’t see.” he repeated to himself as he continued to cover his eyes.

The girl gave another cute giggle and he gave a quick peek to see her smile brightly at him.

“My name’s Sonata Dusk. What’s your name?”