Dancing In the Dark- a Sophitz Story

Prologue: A Sweet Memory

<Sophie's dream, a flashback>

We ran into the moonlit groove, the world a rush of vivid colours smeared whimsically, as I'm blinded by the thought of Fitz.

He held my hand tightly, gripping it like it's all there's left in the world to be there for. And I held on even tighter. For love's sake.

Squeezed together in the hollow trunk of the illuminated secret place, I'd pressed lovingly against his warm body, breathing in his minty scent and savouring it.

He had clasped his hand over my cheek, bringing my face closer to his, as his beautiful teal eyes sparkled invitingly as I'd lingered a hairsbreadth away from his full lips, my eyes focused on them. Twice now, we've been interrupted, and now there's no chance.

Then , I closed the distance between us eagerly. I was passionately embracing the moment and him, as he settled one of his hands around my waist and lifted me off the ground slightly.

Our foreheads pressed together as he looked into my deep brown eyes, whispering, "I love you, Sophie, I'll never leave you. I really don't care if we're a bad match. All that matters is that I love you,"

A tear slipped out of the corner of my eye. He swept it away gently, then pulled me down so that we sat closely next to each other in the hollow of the tree. There's not much space inside, perfect for standing, but extremely close and tight for sitting down. The dim lighting of the glowing natural light reflects swirls of colours on the trunk, making me feel dizzy and lightheaded; like this is a dream.

I'd rested my head on his shoulder, his arm around me protectively, as we snuggled closely together, warm, happy, and content.

This moment, this day, this hour, I'd savour and cherish for the rest of my life as a sweet memory.

Fitz had turned to look at me. His other hand reached up to tilt my face towards him.

I nestled my hand into his palm, his strong grip cradling my head lovingly.

He cleared his throat and gazed at me intensely, "I love you, Sophie. You know that, right? I will never think of bad matches again. They ruin lives,"

I'd looked at him apprehensively, "But what about the rest of them, what will they say, when they hear of this. Are you sure you.. would risk all that for.. me..?" I whispered nervously as my eyes focused on the floor.

He shifted his body so that he's straddling me, "Sophie. I already said, "I'm proud to be with you. Don't think of the others. Don't let's ruin this for us."

So I'd agreed, nodded, and buried my head into his chest deeply, his arms around me, still gripping on for life- for we are for life, we are one, we are together, forever.

Eventually, I dozed off in his arms, and he falls into a peaceful, satisfactory slumber, too...Everything is perfect for once....

***

<Sophie's POV>

I awake with a jolt. It's still dawn, and the light outside barely shines into the large room. My toes curl with pleasure at reliving the treasured moment.

I examine myself from afar, in the mirror across the room: my blonde hair, a perfect mess and example of bedhead, my brown eyes seem to be sparkling excitedly.I squeeze my eyes shut: my photographic memory had captured every detail of the beloved scene. It'd only happen three nights ago, but I've been head over heels for Fitz like never before the past three days.

I visionize the last moments that I'd seen him after that beloved kiss:

When I'd woken up that morning, Fitz was already awake but was gazing admiringly at me: the me who was lamely coodled up against him.

I'd smiled sleepily as he stroked my hair softly. I can still remember his eyes, his beautiful teal eyes, his eyes longing for me, for more of us.

I'd sat up, embarrassed to have slept against him and on his lap - what's more.

He, with a considerable amount of struggle, had pulled me up to stand with him.

The pale morning light and entrancing scent of flowers (the gnomes gardens were nearby) set the mood for a perfect spring morning.

"Good morning, Sophie," Fitz grinned cheekily at me.

I bashfully smiled back, "Oh wow. Did we really sleep the whole night here?"

"You betcha," he reached up and ran his hands through his dark hair, which is hard, given the amount of space between us. (Almost 0.02 cm to none)

He stooped down slightly lower to place a light lingering kiss on my cheek.

My eyes had shined with pure joy of recalling the night, and now.

He lets out a cute little exhale of breath, looking around us.

"Will anyone find out?" He asks, nervously twirling a strand of my hair.

I avert my eyes, "I told Grady and Edaline I'm sleeping with Silveny under the Panakes tree so they wouldn't get suspicious.

"I suppose only the gnomes would know, as they would be checking on me from time to time. But I told Flori not to worry, so everything should be fine. What about you? What did you tell Della and Alden?" I ask.

He scrunched up his face thoughtfully, "They were more concerned about Biana, she's having a party for going to the Elite levels in Foxfire, so obviously they went overboard and ended up having to manage an overnight party with around what... 80 people? I just said I'm going to bed."

I'd laughed at that, "I was invited too, for that party,"

He looks surprised, "You could have told me. We could have just hung out in my room or one of the gardens in the estate, just you and me."

I blushed - why am I flaming up today??

Then he'd grabbed my hand and said, "We should get back now. Spending 10 hours together is one thing. But falling asleep together in a close space is.. unexplainable. Although nothing really happened,"

I know what he meant, but I still feel hurt. Nothing really happened? What about that kiss? Was that nothing?

But I'd pushed it out of my mind and embraced him one last time before he leapt away. Then I'd run back into Havenfield, where Grady and Wdaline were totally unsuspecting of my whereabouts.

.....

Now I lay in bed, still replaying the flashback of three nights ago vividly. My brain just can't seem to process the thought of it. My heart, on the other hand, flutters restlessly at any thought or mention on Fitzroy Avery Vacker.

Unfortunately, I've been occupied with studying for my new Elite levels in Foxfire, as I'll be taking about a gazillion Elite subjects and such. Fitz is also super busy, as he's training to be an Emmisary for the council. As a matter of fact, Opening Ceremonies are today, and I need to be at Foxfire in two hours to practice before the show starts.

As I roll over on my side, clutching Ella, I think of how he assured me we won't be a bad match because we're both already in the Nobility, but still say he wouldn't mind even if we were a bad match. I guess I just have to trust him. And I do.

I sit up and get out of bed. Now, it's time to start the day.