Book Two: KOTLC One-shots and More

Alternate Ending: Stellarlune 42 (take 3)

A/N: @sophia9087 requested this particular AE.

Sophie's mind flooded with words.

Promises.

Confessions.

But somehow they felt like too much and not enough all at the same time.

So she tilted up on her toes and leaned forward, meeting his eyes as she lined up her lips with his--careful to leave a tiny wisp of space.

A chance for him to change his mind.

Keefe closed the distance between them.

And then...everything was new.

The soft press of his lips against hers.

The way their breath seemed to fall perfectly into sync while her heart and her brain screamed, FINALLY!

Some tiny part of her had always wondered if kissing could really be as great as everyone claimed.

But kissing Keefe was So. Much. Better.

He was the one to finally pull away, leaning back to study her in the shimmering light. "You're okay, right? No regrets?"

She grinned. "Absolutely none."

His relieved smile was the sweetest thing she'd ever seen--but it faded a little as he leaned his forehead against hers. "I don't want to mess this up," he whispered. "Please don't let me mess this up."

"I won't," she promised, tilting her chin up to steal another quick kiss.

When she pulled away, he gave her a soft smile, almost reverent, and his eyes were full of gratitude and wonder. "Is this really happening?"

Sophie nodded.

They had a lot of complications they still needed to talk through, but right now? She just wanted to enjoy this incredibly romantic moment they were sharing.

So she just smiled up at him, bringing both hands from around his shoulders to rest them against his chest as she whispered, "it's really happening. And don't you think it's about time?"

Keefe huffed out a laugh. "Long past," he agreed, his smirk returning. "You're worth the wait, though. I always knew that."

Sophie felt her heart swell so much she could've sworn he'd be able to feel it too—even with his empathy not cooperating right now. She brought her hands to his face, gently pulling it down to hers.

But the kiss only lasted a few seconds before a loud voice made them both jump.

"Whaaaaaat?! You two finally got your heads on straight and I MISSED IT?!"

With mixed feelings, Sophie turned to see Ro striding toward them.

She'd been starting to worry about how long Ro had been gone.

But she was also not thrilled that Ro had just ruined their moment. But she figured she'd have to get used to it—dating Keefe would mean always being trailed by bodyguards.

"How are things going?" Sophie asked her. "Did you catch Cadfael and—"

Ro waved a hand impatiently. "Yes, yes, and dragged him back to Ravagog. It just took longer than I thought it would. But that's a story for another time! I want details! All the details! How long has this been going on? How did you bring my little Funkyhair home?"