Twirling-SoKeefe

Oh.

Sophie clung embarrassingly tight to Keefe's hand as they walked, trying desperately to keep her balance in the stupid shoes that she never should've agreed to wear. She was also  trying very hard not to pay attention to the glamorous elves around her-some of which shot them curious glances. Sophie had just spotted a massive tray of gooey cake when she was tackle-hugged from behind by a poof of purple fabric and silky brown hair. 

Her brain had barely pieced together that it was Biana when the youngest Vacker pulled away from her, looking Sophie up and down. "Wow, Sophie. You look amazing," Biana breathed, admiring Sophie's dress. 

"So do you," Sophie told her, cheeks burning from the praise. It was true. Biana was incredibly gorgeous, even without all of the elvin finery she loved to wear. She looked especially beautiful tonight in a princess worthy, deep purple gown with a square cut neckline and translucent flowy purple sleeves. Her hair was piled softly on her head in a delicate up-do. A few loose curls had escaped, framing her pale face, which had stunning lavender eyeshadow over her bright teal eyes and soft pink lips. 

"I didn't know you'd be here," Sophie said, squeezing Biana's hand and trying very, very, very hard to not think about who else might have come with her. If Biana was here, then it was pretty likely that...

Nope. 

Sophie refused to let her brain go there. 

Biana bit her lip. "Me neither. But I really wanted to see what Grady and Edaline's parties are like, and I haven't seen you in forever, so..." She blew out a quick breath. "Ugh. This is so much harder than I thought it would be."

"What?" Sophie asked, noticing that Keefe had stepped back to let them talk. Biana squeezed her hand tighter, and leaned closer. 

"He's... my brother's here," she whispered, steadying Sophie with an arm around her shoulders when Sophie wobbled ever so slightly. "And I know it's probably stupid, and I get it if you're not ready, but can you please just... try to talk to him? He's being so moody and angsty and gross-"

"I think I'm the last person Fitz wants to talk to right now," Sophie interjected softly, trying not to smile at the thought of him being moody and angsty and apparently gross. 

Biana shook her head. "No, he is," she said, nodding at Keefe behind them, who looked very nervous and fidgety. Sophie sighed, realizing he could feel all of her sudden mood shifts. 

"Please," Biana begged. "Save me from the miserable-teenage-boy-sulk."

Now Sophie laughed, but she could hear the strain in her friend's voice.

Worry.

"I... can try," Sophie told her, only partly regretting the decision.

Biana pulled Sophie into a hug. "Thank you," she said when she stepped away, smoothing her silky purple sleeves. Sophie nodded, giving her friend's hand one last squeeze before letting go. Biana disappeared back into the crowd of glitter and shimmery fabric.

"Everything okay?" Keefe asked, slipping a steadying arm around Sophie's waist. She leaned into him, taking a deep breath and shoving that conversation into a little side cubby in her mind.

See?

She was fine.

"Yeah," Sophie said, shaking her head to clear the last remnants of stress. Keefe peered at her, and she met his eyes, seeing all of the worried questions buried under the shimmering blue. But she really  didn't want him to worry-especially not tonight-so Sophie kissed his cheek and told him, "I promise."

Keefe searched her face, shoulders almost relaxing. "Okay," he said, reaching over and straightening the flower in her hair. His fingers lingered when he finished, trailing over her cheek and cupping the back of her neck. 

Someone behind them cleared their throat-much too loudly. 

Keefe's hands dropped to his sides, and Sophie's face burned hot as she turned to face her adoptive father, who was carrying two sparkling harnesses.

"Sorry to interrupt," Grady said, the twinkle in his eyes clearly not apologetic at all. "But I'm afraid I need Keefe for a minute. Wynn and Luna have been teleporting out of their pasture and into the party. They've already stolen quite a few desserts."

Sophie gave him her surliest glare before glancing at Keefe, whose cheeks were tinged with pink. "Why can't I help you?" she asked, knowing full well he had another reason for singling Keefe out. Sure, he also had a connection with the alicorns, but Grady knew better than anyone how much easier it was for Sophie to communicate with them. 

"Why can't I spend some quality time with my daughter's boyfriend?" Grady countered, making both Sophie and Keefe flush redder. She shot Grady a look that both begged for mercy and warned of legendary payback later, and he rolled his eyes. "I'll be right outside, Keefe," he said, striding away. 

Sophie groaned and pressed her fingertips to her temples, closing her eyes. "Why are parents have to be so annoying?"  

Keefe sighed. "I mean, hey, at least it shows how much they care."

Sophie cringed at herself. At her stupid, thoughtless brain.

"I'm sorry," she whispered.

Slowly, warm fingers pulled her hands away from her face. "Hey."

Sophie opened her eyes. 

Keefe smiled at her, and it was heavy and soft and did all sorts of fluttery things to her heart. He lifted her hands, putting them around his neck and holding them there. "It'll be okay," he said, waiting for her to meet his gaze. When she did, he kissed her forehead, whispering, "Trust me," against her temples. 

Sophie closed her eyes again, taking a slow, deep breath. "I already do," she said, lips curling into a tiny smile. Keefe leaned back and blew out a sigh.

"Good, because I'm going to need that boost for my one-on-one with the Gradynator." 

Sophie bit back another smile. "You better go. He won't be happy if you keep him waiting too long."

"Wish me luck?"

Sophie shook her head. "You need so much more than luck."

Keefe dropped her hands, miming an arrow in his heart. She laughed, shoving him away. "Go," Sophie pushed, nodding in the direction Grady had gone.

He tossed her another crooked grin before bounding off, disappearing into the dimly lit crowd.

Sophie's smile faded.

Now that she was alone, the knots in her stomach had floated back to the top and were gaining in size, eating away at her insides. She glanced at the mallowmelt on the table next to her, wincing as her stomach wrenched tighter, swirled faster, light blaring into her eyes until her vision blurred and Sophie toppled backwards-

Caught, by a pair of strong arms. 

Whoever had caught her held tight to her elbows, gently pulling her back to her unsteady feet. Sophie was grateful for the help, and she sucked in a shaky breath as she forced her ankles to stop wobbling in her shoes.

But then she caught a flash of teal eyes, and a crisp accent as her rescuer asked, "Are you okay, Sophie?"

Oh.