Suddenly on a Leash (1)

Chapter seven

Obviously, I demanded an explanation. The strange boy who was now a dog stood before me, adjacent to Sora, who was messing with a strand of his hair in a laid back manner, as though this wasn't a strange encounter at all.
"Cocoa, this is Yuto, my familiar," he introduced halfheartedly, motioning between us lazily. "Yuto - Cocoa."
I fumed, shaking my fist at him.
"It's AYANO, gosh dang it!"
Would he ever get my name right??
The little dog wagged its tail, smiling wildly at me in its doggish way. "Ayano?" He barked excitedly.
I nodded a bit awkwardly. "Ah, erm, yeah, that's my name."
"It's nice to make your acquaintance!"
I smiled at him, pleased at how polite he was; completely different from Sora. "It's nice to meet you, too, Yuto!!"
I beamed. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad out here if I had someone as nice as Yuto around!
Though the dog transformation may take some getting used to......
"So," I asked, repositioning myself where I was sitting down to face him more directly. "How long have you been a familiar here??"
Yuto caught me off guard by transforming back into a human boy, but I pretended not to be shocked by it, his dog tail still wagging behind him even after he'd changed back. "Many MANY years!" He cheered, grinning at me broadly.
"Years? Wow. How many?"
"Too many to count!"
"Whoa! Impressive!"
He seemed to be very proud as I exclaimed this, his already energetic demeanor increasing ten-fold as his tail wagged faster.
I had to admit, he was such a cutie.
Almost like a Lolita little brother.
I couldn't resist patting him on the head; it was almost instinctive. At first I was afraid he'd be offended, like I wasn't seeing him as a person, but in all honesty, he looked about ten times happier once I'd started petting him. I giggled, stroking his soft little head.
Gosh, he was so soft...
I couldn't help but let my hand explore, feeling the adorable little floppy puppy ears. They were softer than silk...!
Yuto continued to wag his tail cutely, smiling with such genuine joy.
Finally, I couldn't hold it in any longer and I lunged out, pulling him into a tight embrace. "Ohhh," I cooed, "You are so cute!!"
He was so soft and warm...! Just like a real puppy!
Sora flicked his tail, seemingly annoyed, even though the body language didn't go along with his blank expression. "How come you didn't act like this when you first met me?" He asked, pointing to the fluffy fox ears that bounced atop his head. "I have animal ears and a tail, too."
I sneered at him and held Yuto away from him, as if to shelter him from Sora's sneer, refusing to let go. "Hmph!" I growled. "Yuto is way cuter than you! And he actually has some manners!"
Yuto's tail wagged faster still as he started to nuzzle cutely into my chest. I patted him and held him close. "You are too adorable...!"
Maybe it was just my imagination, but it looked like Sora was a bit irritated then...
Nah.