Drake watched Esther walk away, then turned to Leonce as he began talking. Thinking about it for a little bit, Drake nodded. **"Yes, I would very much appreciate that. I feel that attempting to make friends on my own will mostly result in more of the same, and I will always be glad to share knowledge with those eager to learn. I also agree that Esther does seem to be bothered by something, why else would she refuse to eat perfectly good candy."** rake said, eating another piece of candy as he said it. After he spoke, he then went over the last thing that Leonce said. _'We'll start with Esther. She might be acting like she's make of thorns, but I get the feeling something's really bothering her and as friends, we oughtta be there for her.'_ as friends  **As Friends**

Scratching his rather nervously head as he caught up with Leonce, Drake looked at the him with some confusion, and a small bit of hope. **"As friends? Does that mean we . . . are friends now?"**