Kotlc in a high school context!

Chapter Nine- Shopping with Fitz

When Fitz saw the New Sophie, his mouth and eyes widened and his face seemed to open like a door. He grabbed her around the waist and kissed her- a full beautiful kiss that seemed to swell with passion.

He liked her. He liked the New Sophie.

And Sophie loved being liked.

"Okay Sophitz- that's enough." Interrupted Keefe, "I've seen enough kissing for one day."

Sophie flushed. She still wasn't used to being in a relationship- in primary school it was embarrassing for people to know who you liked, and she wasn't used to being proud of it.

"What should the teams be for Base Quest?" asked Fitz crisply, his fingers tangling in Sophies hair. Sophie didn't flinch- even though it kind of hurt.

"Easy," stated Keefe, "Me and Biana verses the Lovebirds. Platonic power!"

He pumped his fist into the air.

Biana grimaced.

"Sophie, you know how to play, right?"

Sophie nodded. She had played Base Quest many times at home, but wasn't very good at it. She enjoyed the thrill of the chase, though.

"Just do what I say and we'll do great." said Fitz happily.

Sophies insides twisted. She was terrified of disappointing Fitz. Then he'd cast her aside, and she would have no one. She needed him to like her.

She followed him deep into their personal forest, and by this time it was getting dark. Cicadas were chirping, and the sky was starting to reveal a tapestry of stars. Sophie shivered. It was getting cold, a breeze ruffling her hair.

Their footsteps crunched in the leaves- a big crunch for Fitz and a smaller crunch for Sophie. It was the main noise in silent night, and Sophie focused on the crunches. They grounded her.

Fitz plonked down on a log, and Sophie stood awkwardly, not sure what to do. She was quite out of breath- it had been a long trek. Fitz was certainly determined to win.

"Sophie," began Fitz, like he was pondering the meaning of life.

"That's me!" laughed Sophie awkwardly, cringing at herself as soon as the words left her mouth.

Fitz chuckled, "You have a lot to learn. About being a Vacker's girlfriend. It isn't anything small, after all. The Vackers have a legacy that spans generations."

Sophies heart thudded. "What do I need to do?" she whispered wistfully. It was like she would never be enough for Fitz and his fancy legacy. She wanted to crawl into a hole and never see the light again.

Fitz patted the space next to him, gesturing for her to sit down. She promptly obeyed.

"Oh Sophie, if only it was that simple." He sighed.

Sophie's side was burning with warmth where Fitz was pressed against her. But she didn't dare go in for a kiss- she waited for Fitz to make the first move.

"Just- tell me what I need to improve on," she almost begged, a whiny note appearing in her voice. She just wanted to kiss him.

"Your appearance has improved a bit." he stated coldly, looking her up and down as if she was nothing but a mannequin, "But you need to go on a diet. And start working out more."

Sophie felt her heart drop at the criticism. She was already insecure enough without this added burden. But she nodded eagerly, desperate for any advice she could to become worthy. Worthy of her magnificent boyfriend.

"Also, wear nicer clothes. Biana picked some great ones, I'm sure, but I will take you shopping. You need to be stylish."

"Great."