Always My Hero

-I'll Catch You Foster-

Sophie's POV: 

As I stumbled down the stairs with a resounding thud, I felt a sudden rush of panic and shame. How could I be so clumsy? But before I could even process the fall, strong arms wrapped around me, pulling me close to a familiar warmth. Keefe.

"Whoa there, Foster. You okay?" Keefe's voice was laced with concern as he steadied me on my feet. His eyes, a kaleidoscope of mischief and kindness, met mine, offering silent reassurance.

Looking up into his eyes, I saw genuine concern mixed with a hint of mischief, a stark contrast to Fitz's perpetual detachment. Keefe's presence felt like a balm to my bruised soul, a beacon of light in my darkest moments. And as he helped me to my feet, his warmth seeping into every fiber of my being, I couldn't ignore the fluttering in my heart, the unspoken connection that seemed to draw us closer with each passing second.

"I-I'm fine," I stammered, cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

A twinkle danced in Keefe's eyes as he smirked. "Sure didn't look like it from where I was standing."

I laughed nervously, feeling a warm flush creep up my cheeks. Keefe had this uncanny ability to make even the most embarrassing situations seem bearable. Unlike Fitz, my boyfriend who always seemed aloof and detached, Keefe's presence was like a ray of sunshine in my otherwise complicated life.

As we continued our way to class, Keefe stayed by my side, cracking jokes and lightening the mood. It was a stark contrast to the usual tension that seemed to follow me like a shadow, especially when Fitz was around. Keefe's easy laughter and carefree attitude were like a breath of fresh air, reminding me that life could be fun and unpredictable.

Later that day I was lying on the cool grass, my ankle throbbing in pain. How did this happen? One moment I was running through the forest, trying to clear my head, and the next, I tripped over a rogue tree root. The pain shot up my leg, making tears well up in my eyes. I tried to stand, but the sharp pain forced me back down.

"Hey, Foster, are you okay?" a familiar voice called out. I looked up to see Keefe approaching, concern etched on his handsome face.

"I'm fine," I mumbled, trying to appear brave. But as I shifted, a fresh wave of pain shot through my ankle.

Keefe knelt beside me, his blonde hair falling across his forehead. "Let me help you," he said gently, his ice blue eyes warm and caring.

Before I could protest, he scooped me up in his arms, my heart racing at his closeness. He carried me through the forest, his steps sure and steady. I couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement mixed with the pain. We light leaped to Foxfire to head down to the Healing Center.

We arrived at the Healing Center, where Elwin was waiting, his brow furrowed in concern.

"What happened?" he asked, his healing powers already assessing my injury.

"I sprained my ankle," I admitted, feeling embarrassed at my clumsiness.

Elwin nodded and gestured for me to lie down on the cot that Elwin had reserved for me. It was a joke for the number of times I came here. Elwin thought since I came here so much that he should reverse a cot for me. Keefe stood by my side, his hand resting on my shoulder in silent support.

As Elwin worked his magic, my ankle began to tingle with a soothing warmth. The pain slowly ebbed away, and I let out a sigh of relief.

"Thank you, Elwin," I said gratefully, sitting up and testing my ankle tentatively.

"You'll be fine in no time," Elwin assured me with a smile.

I turned to Keefe, a mix of gratitude and something else swirling in my heart. "Thank you for helping me," I said softly, unable to meet his gaze.

"No problem, Foster," he replied, his voice warm and reassuring. "I'll always be here for you."

As we walked out of the Healing Center, the sun was setting, casting a golden glow over the treetops. The air was cool and crisp, the forest alive with the sounds of wildlife.

Keefe walked beside me, his presence comforting and familiar. We chatted about inconsequential things, his easy laughter lifting my spirits.

I glanced at him, his profile illuminated by the fading light. He looked at me, his eyes searching mine, and for a moment, I felt like the world around us had faded away, leaving just the two of us.

Keefe offered to take me home. I agreed and he scooped me up bridal style and I held up my home crystal and soon we were in Havenfield.

When they finally reached the doorstep, Keefe helped me up to my room, his touch gentle and careful. Both of us ignored the glares from Grady who was sitting on the couch. I couldn't help but notice the way his fingertips lingered on my skin, a touch that felt both comforting and electrifying.

As Keefe bid me goodbye and promised to check on me later, my thoughts drifted to Fitz. Lately, our interactions had been strained, his once warm demeanor replaced by a cold aloofness that left me feeling isolated and confused. I couldn't understand what had changed between us, and the weight of his distant attitude weighed heavily on my heart.

I felt a pang of longing in my chest. I had grown used to Keefe's presence, his easy companionship, and his ability to make her forget about the troubles that haunted me. Alone in me room, I couldn't shake off the memory of Fitz's distant demeanor earlier that day. The way he had brushed her off, his eyes avoiding hers, had left me feeling adrift and unmoored.

I thought about the way Keefe had looked at me, his ice blue eyes soft and tender, a hint of something more lingering in their depths. There was a connection between us, a pull that I couldn't quite explain but that felt undeniable. With Fitz, it was like walking on eggshells, never knowing when the next crack would appear. With Keefe, it was like a breath of fresh air, a sense of freedom and ease that I found myself craving more and more.

I closed my eyes, letting the events of the day wash over me. The pain in my ankle had dulled to a persistent ache, but the ache in my heart remained unresolved. Fitz's indifference lingered in the corner of my mind, a shadow I couldn't shake off. And yet, amidst all the confusion and uncertainty, Keefe's presence shone like a beacon of light, offering me solace in the midst of my turmoil.

As I drifted off to sleep, the last image that lingered in my mind was Keefe's face, his eyes filled with a warmth and understanding that I couldn't quite comprehend. And in that moment, despite the chaos and complexity of my feelings, I knew one thing for certain—Keefe's presence in my life was a light in the darkness, a steady anchor in the stormy sea of emotions that threatened to engulf me. And as I let sleep claim me, a sense of peace washed over me, knowing that no matter what challenges lay ahead, Keefe would be there by my side, his unwavering support a constant source of strength and comfort. 

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HEY! I'm back from my trip! Hope you enjoyed chapter 2. :D See ya Monday (well Monday for me LOL.) 

Side Note: I've added a Wattpad friends list on my bio. Let me know if you want to be added. :D 

"Yeah, I always found that little bell so ridiculous." (Plagg)

Keep Being Cool

-KotLC183