You're the Reason// A Sokeefe Human AU

Chapter 4- - KEEFE'S POV

"It's my fault, sir." Sophie said.
Why was Foster helping him?
Keefe turned suddenly towards her, his eyebrows furrowing in confusion.
Sophie's jaw clenched, and she looked pale now, the reality of the statement she just made sinking in, however she didn't take her words back and just stared his father straight into the eyes.
It was as if they were having a staring contest. It was as if they were having an entire conversation with their glaring eyes. Keefe felt tense, waiting to see who would break the silence.
His father wasn't used to anyone standing up against him. But Foster looked like she wanted to fight him.
Classic Foster.
So she really did want to defend Keefe. But why? Why was the reserved, prickly blonde girl who he'd been pestering all day coming to his defense?
Ro leaned down and whispered to him.
"I'm pretty sure you've fallen for her."
"No way." He hissed back, not taking his eyes off of her. He was only hanging out around her because he was bored, and because it was just a tiny bit hilarious to annoy her. She obviously had a boyfriend. He wasn't even looking for a relationship. He often bothered employees, it wasn't as if it was highly unusual of him to do so.
But then why did his cheeks feel prickly when Ro made that comment? It wasn't even a remark meant to be taken seriously.
"No, it can't be." He murmured to himself, running a hand through his neatly styled blonde hair.
But there Foster stood, with her hands balled in determined fists and her brown, gold specked eyes narrowed in confidence.

"Oh, and how is it your fault?" Cassius sneered, snapping the totally-in-love-but-in-denial Keefe back into reality.
"I was distracting him. Actually, no.." She stammered, her confidence slipping away as she fumbled. "I needed his help with something, it just took longer than he thought, so he missed the meeting." She explained, her brown eyes flickering back and forth frantically. Keefe noticed her tug at an eyelash.
Okay.. So maybe she wasn't exactly what you would call convincing.
But.. He was still touched by the fact that she wanted to protect him. It made him want to protect her. Which was strange.. And unfamiliar.
Cassius drew out a prolonged sigh, and he rubbed his temples. He was holding back frustration, Keefe could tell.
Keefe stood up from his chair and made his way towards his father. "It wasn't her fault. I'll accept any punishment you give me, but please don't bother Fos-" he caught himself. "I mean, this employee on her first day." He lowered his head, noticing Sophie's sympathetic eyes, and sensing his father's glowering ones.
He was humiliated because of his father. Actually, both his mother and father were almost equally harsh. He could deal with them expressing their frustration on him, but he really hated it when they acted the same way around other people.
For most people, the Sencens seemed like the picture perfect family. They were beautiful and very well off. However..
That was a facade.
And he knew Sophie could see right through it. Actually, he felt as if Sophie could see right through him.
Nobody, except Fitz- his best friend- had ever seen past the perfect mask his family wore until then.

"We'll talk later, then." Cassius said darkly, putting his hand on Keefe's shoulder for a moment. Keefe kept his eyes lowered to the ground.
After Cassius left, Sophie faced him.
"Are you okay?"
The sudden question startled him for a moment, but he forced a smirk and nodded. "Of course. By the way- I'm sorry about my dad. He can be like that sometimes. Of course, I must admit that he's no match for you Foster. You definitely showed him who's boss around here." He winked.
"You don't have to apologize." She assured him. "Anyways, I really don't mind. I get in trouble all the time at work."
"Oh?.. You didn't seem like the type to cause mayhem.. But it seems I've misjudged you, Foster." He said, a smile inching up his face as she turned red.
"Well, I don't do it on purpose. I lack some physical coordination." She crossed her arms.
He put a hand up in defeat. "No need to get defensive, I'm sure you're right. But if you ever do feel the desire to cause trouble, I'd be more than glad to assist you.."
"Yeah right. No thanks, I'd rather not get fired anytime soon." She scoffed.
"If you say so. But if you change your mind.." He said, feeling a laugh rise from his throat as she shook her head in disapproval. Something about her was just so beautiful. Maybe it was the way she got flustered so easily, or maybe it was the way her brown eyes glistened when he told a lame joke, despite looking like she also wanted to scold or punch him. Maybe it was the way she tugged at her eyelashes when she was nervous, or the way he knew she could read him in a way others couldn't.
He didn't know why he was drawn to her, or why he followed her around at work despite only just meeting her. But he really liked her.
He wouldn't stoop so low as to steal someone's girlfriend or anything, but.. He couldn't help the way he felt.
So..
Maybe he could find an excuse to at least become her friend, even if nothing else.
"You know Foster, you've caused quite a bit of trouble for me today." He said playfully, glancing at her quickly as she froze.
"I know.." she said sorrowfully. "I'm so sorry. How can I make it up to you?" There was a pleading in her voice. Did she really think he'd fire her? He was only playing around. But since she asked..
"Well, you could treat me to a meal." He suggested, trying to keep his tone casual.
Please say yes.
"Oh.. Well.. About that.. I don't know." She stammered.
"Your boyfriend can tag along if he wants." He pleaded.
She pursed her lips, then nodded. "Okay, actually.. I know the perfect place to meet then."
"Where?"
"Ryan, er- my boyfriend, runs a local café just a few miles away. Does that sound good?" She asked.
Of course he did. She made him sound like the world's most perfect boyfriend or something. He even ran a café.
"Oh, sure. That sounds good. Just text me the location and time." He said with a nod.
"Okay." She said. And they went back to their duties- which for him mostly consisted of his father yelling at him.