Forbidden Cities

Hotel

"The hotels here are hardcore!" Sophie exclaims, ripping the curtains open with a satisfying squeak. The view is breathtaking, giving a perfect view of the river that runs through the city. The Eiffel Tower is in the distance, shimmering like it was made by elves. 

When Keefe revealed he was carrying a small fortune, (Huge fortune are better words) he decided he wanted to live his best life in the Forbidden Cities. Apparently he sold all of his mom's diamond jewelry, which is extremely valuable here  in Paris. Keefe bought the best hotel room, which ended up being the size of an entire apartment. There's a living room and kitchen, with a ginormous chandelier and dining table in front of the floor to ceiling window. Though, Keefe accidentally bought a one bedroom. He had to order the entire room completely mute, given his fear of his new abilities. 

Sophie walks over to the plush chair Keefe sits on, "What do we do about the bedroom situation?" 

Keefe looks up from the magazine he's flipping through, eyebrow raised. He taps his temple repeatedly, grinning. Sophie rolls her eyes, but extends her mind to his anyway. 

Easy solve, Foster. I take the couch and you take the bed. Keefe absentmindedly thumbs through the pages again, widening his eyes at whatever image he sees. 

Sophie sits on the couch next to his chair. Why do I get the bed? I think you should take it, and I can sleep out here.

I appreciate it, but no way. I'm not letting you sleep on a couch after everything you've given up for me. 

Sophie clears her throat uncomfortably. She can't say she hasn't been stressing about her friends and family nonstop, who have definitely found the stupid letter and registry pendant she left behind by now. She wishes she would have said something different, a real goodbye. But truth is, she doesn't think they'll be staying in Paris much longer. Sophie knows she can get Keefe to talk, and as soon as he's comfortable they will be heading straight home. 

Sophie is about to reach across the couch to grab his hand, then pulls back when she remembers he will be able to feel her faint determination and stress. 

Keefe, I left with you because you are an amazing friend, and I would rather sleep on the couch than leave you to do this alone. So please, sleep in the bed. Sophie doesn't know what she's saying, she's babbling. 

Keefe swallows. Hard. Nope. I would rather jump out that window than let you sleep on a couch. 

Sophie snorts in a very unladylike manner, starting to giggle like a freak. The answer is so unexpected, she can't stop it. You are insufferable. 

I try, Foster. 

When the fit of laughter has stopped, she turns to Keefe. I will sleep on the floor if you sleep on the couch. 

I'll sleep outside if you sleep on the floor. 

I will... Sophie trails off, trying to think of something more absurd than sleeping outside, but he mind has gone blank. 

Keefe laughs, Ha! Gotcha! I get the couch. 

Oh, come on. Sit over here, see how uncomfortable it is and you'll change your mind. 

Keefe comes and sits on the same cushion as Sophie, pressing their thighs together tightly. He shuffles around a bit before transmitting, Yeah, this is super comfy. I have no idea what you're talking about. 

Sophie rolls her eyes, smiling like a fool. She leans into Keefe's body, pressing her cheek against his shoulder. She didn't know how tired she was of all the walking until now. 

Sophie thinks he'll pull away, but instead he wraps a hesitant arm around her waist, pulling her closer. She embraces his warmth with a smile, wrapping her arms around his neck. She tries to shove the fluttery feeling in her stomach down before Keefe catches it, but of course he does. 

Feeling particularly fluttery today? He mocks. 

Sophie's cheeks warm. I don't know what you're talking about. 

Oh, I'm pretty sure you do. Care to explain, Foster?

Sophie takes a deep breath, trying to calm the nerves buzzing inside her stomach. The butterflies are getting more insistent, fluttering like they're trying to escape. You're the Empath, you tell me.  Why is she telling him to explain her own feelings to her? Because she doesn't know what they are herself. 

I... Keefe trails off. When did you get so brave? 

Now it's Sophie's turn to trail off, I... tend to get like that when I'm tired. 

Then go lay in bed, you must be exhausted. 

Pathetic attempt at getting me to sleep on the bed, Keefe. 

Keefe starts lazily stroking her hip with his thumb, leaving trails of goosebumps in his wake. The butterflies flap even harder, and she knows Keefe can feel it. Well I am pretty tired, Foster. 

Go to sleep. 

Right here? Because I just might. 

Sophie's whole face goes nuclear. She can't stop the thoughts of falling asleep in Keefe's arms from seeping into her brain. 

But, Keefe adds, making Sophie's thoughts disappear. I think I might want to lay down for that. 

Oh, yeah totally, I'll just-

Keefe cuts her off by laying back, pulling Sophie completely on top of him. She lets out a surprised squeak. Sophie brings her face from his chest to look into his eyes that are already pinned on her, full of an emotion she can't make out. She chews on the inside of her cheek, praying if she bites hard enough the fluttery feeling will go away. 

You'll just what, Foster? Keefe asks, and surprisingly, his voice is breathy and high. 

Sophie blinks. I forgot what I was going to say. 

Is... this okay? Keefe asks, taking a hand off her waist to gesture toward their intertwined bodies. Sophie leans her cheek against his chest, hoping that will answer his question without her having to actually say it. 

Her arms are still around his neck, and his are still grabbing her waist. Right before she falls asleep, she transmits to Keefe again. 

Keefe? 

Yes, Foster? 

I don't regret it. She doesn't have to remind him what 'it' is, because he draws a sharp breath. Sophie knows he doesn't know what to respond with, so she cuts off their connection and drifts asleep. 

I reread it, and 'it' isn't as clear as I thought it was, so she means leaving the Lost Cities with Keefe. 

Okay, from now on it'll basically be Sokeefe wandering around London, and don't worry, he gets his voice back so you don't have to miss out on all those sarcastic comments and flirtations.