One Step at a Time... KOTLC One-shots

Four (Ro and Keefe (Not Romance))

   
          Keefe plopped onto a nearby log in the backyard of Havenfield, his head in his hands. A cool breeze ruffled his hair, but it did nothing to help lift his heavy chest. With his mother's manipulative ways and his feelings for Sophie all over the place, everything felt like a huge jumbled mess in his head. 
 Wow, Lord Hunkyhair, you're a real ray of sunshine today," Ro's voice boomed from behind him.
Keefe didn't even look up. "Not now, Ro. I'm not in the mood for your Ogre sarcasm."
"Too bad." Ro crossed her arms, her metal armor glinting in the sunlight.
"Your moping is making me bored, and I hate being bored, so we're going to fix this--my way." 
"Pretty sure that involves breaking something."
"Exactly!" She grinned, "you're catching on!"
 Before Keefe could argue, Ro tossed him a wooden sparring stick and Keefe fumbled to grasp it. "Up, Emo Boy! You need a healthy dose of 'Get Over Yourself', stat." 
She thrust a hit at him, and Keefe managed to dodge before realizing she wasn't holding back. He half heartedly tried to strike back, but Ro easily blocked. 
"This feels a little like child abuse." He said.
"I'm training you for life, Hunkyhair! You think Sophie likes a sulky boy? No! She needs someone who can take a hit, and can give one back!" 
"And what if she doesn't like me back?" He asked quietly. 
"Phht, of course she does! And if she doesn't, you'd move on to someone else who does. Preferably someone who can tolerate your whining." Ro replied with a particularly hard hit, and Keefe finally fought back, feeling his mind focus, letting out his frustrations without him even realizing.   

         They continued sparring, each landing hits (well, Keefe tried,) until Keefe reluctantly gave up, flopping to the ground panting. Ro sat beside him surprisingly quiet for a moment. She didn't look the least bit tired. 
"Look, Keefe," she started," I know I give you a hard time, but you're really not as bad as you think you are. Sure you care too much about people, and yeah, that's annoying, but that's also why you're good for Sophie. She needs someone who's willing to put her first. Just...don't lose yourself in the process, okay?"
Keefe blinked, stunned. "Was that an actual compliment? Are you feeling okay?" 
"Don't get used to it." She snapped, standing up and smirking. "Now let's go raid Grady and Edaline's kitchen. I'm starving!" 
       Keefe followed her, a smile twitching on his lips. Maybe Sophie really did feel the same way, and she just didn't know it yet. He decided he would show her how much he cared, but not rush her. He'd always be there for her, no matter what. 

                (I thought this was super fun, and hope you enjoyed it. 34 Views! Please feel free to let me know what you think with votes or comments--your opinion matters!)  --TianaSokeefe42