Making the Match

Chapter 11- A Bond Forged Stronger

A/N: I felt really bad for not updating for a while, so I wrote another chapter! I actually spent a lot of time yesterday doing this while I was in our regionals for Science Olympiad. We actually missed one of our events, but I think we did okay in the ones we did make. The college campus where the events were held is really nice... Maybe I'll go there someday. But without further ado, I present another chapter!

"It's nothing," Sophie immediately said out of habit. But looking at Fitz's expression, she realized it may not have been the best thing to say.

Fitz frowned. "I thought we were supposed to trust each other," he replied, hurt. He turned to Tiergan. "What is it?"

"We didn't want to ruin your graduation," Sophie interrupted before Tiergan could speak. She tried to take Fitz's hand, but he pulled away. A lump welled up in Sophie's throat as she recalled his similar reaction when he had found out about Alvar's memory break.

"I don't care if you needed the information!" Fitz screamed. "He's my brother!"

Mr. Forkle took a deep breath. "We did what we had to do. It was necessary."

"What about maintaining family values? Huh?" Fitz's voice was scarily calm. "Is that necessary? Or is all that not important anymore?"

"Fitz," Sophie reached out for his hand. "We can heal him."

Fitz yanked his arm away, anger blazing in his eyes. "He won't be the same." He took a shaky breath. "It's not you I'm angry at," he apologized. "It's him." He turned to Mr. Forkle. "I can't believe you would do this without asking us."

And without another word, he stalked out of the room.

"Sophie you're shaking."

Fitz put an arm around Sophie, pulling her close. "I'm sorry," he whispered, probably remembering that same day. "If you don't want to tell me, you don't have to."

Sophie was trembling, but she steadied herself. "It's not that I don't want to tell you," she explained. "I don't want to ruin your graduation if I do."

"If you want to be Cognates," Tiergan stepped in. "You have to learn to control your anger, Fitz. I know you love your family, but Sophie will be your family soon as well."

Fitz stared at the ground, twiddling his fingers. "I'm sorry," his voice cracked with emotion. "I do love you Sophie. I just... I'm sorry."

"It's fine."

Tiergan shook his head. "It's not fine. And that's why I've decided not to give you two the assignment, or any assignment for that matter, until you fix this situation."

"WHAT?!"

Sophie and Fitz's voices echoed so loud in the classroom, Sophie didn't doubt that they heard them all the way from Havenfield.

"No no no no," Fitz muttered, frantically pacing around the room. "Please no."

"I've made my decision," Tiergan firmly responded. "You will not receive any assignments until I see fit."

Sophie hung her head. "But," she tried. "But why?"

"I will not allow what happened between Alden and Quinlin to happen to you," Tiergan answered, determined. "Especially since a marriage is on the line as well."

Sophie's jaw dropped.

Tiergan smiled slightly. "I have taught you two how to trust each other, but I can't help it when emotions get in the way. That- you will have to fix yourself."

*~*~*~*

"I'm sorry," Fitz apologized for the fifteenth time. "It's my fault, Sophie. If I hadn't overreacted, we wouldn't even be in this place."

Sophie placed a hand on his shoulder and forced him to face her. She met his eyes, and she couldn't help the flutter in her heart. It didn't matter whether they were Cognates or not, it didn't matter what Tiergan said. She loved him. "What Tiergan said isn't true. You're talented and sweet and smart and you care for me. You don't stop at anything to save your loved ones and you vow to destroy those who hurt them. You are Fitz Vacker, my Cognate and fiancé, and I love you."

Fitz wrapped his arms around Sophie's waist and pulled her close. "I love you too," he murmured in her ear. Taking a shaky breath, he pulled away and raked his fingers through his hair. "But I need to stop overreacting. And I need to realize that you're on my side and that you care about me just as much as anybody else."

"Fitz, I-"

His name was still on her lips when he kissed her.

"Yeah, that'll do it," a familiar voice decided. Sophie and Fitz jumped apart to see that it was Tiergan.

This time it was only Sophie who asked, "What?"

"I'm giving you both back the assignment," Tiergan explained. "I think you've learned your lesson. And, besides, you two'll probably work out anything life throws at you. Even if it's each other."

Both elves broke into wide grins. "Really?" Fitz jumped. He threw his arms around Sophie, hugging her so tight that he lifted her off the ground. "I love you, I love you, I love you."

Sophie smiled. "I love you too." She turned to Tiergan. "Why all of a sudden?"

Tiergan gave them an amused smile. "Let's just say that a lot of people think you make the perfect couple." He winked, "Including some people you know."

Fitz's eyes widened. "You don't mean-"

Tiergan gave a rare grin, and Sophie couldn't help giggling. "Have fun at your graduation, Fitz."

As he disappeared up the stairwell Sophie full on burst into laughter. "I can't believe that just happened."

"You better invite him to our wedding, Sophie," Fitz joked. "I think he'll implode if you don't."

Not another word needed to be said before Sophie completely lost it. She nearly fell on the floor laughing, but Fitz grabbed her arm before she could.

"Are you okay?" a concerned Magnate Leto asked, walking over to Sophie. "You don't seem okay."

Fitz laughed. "How would you be interested in attending our wedding, Magnate Leto?"

Magnate Leto gave them a mischievous smile. "Well, I may not attend as the person you would think," he warned, winking. "But, I thought you were going to have the wedding in a few years."

"We are," Sophie confirmed between laughter. "It's just... Tiergan..."

Magnate Leto smiled. "Ah, he told you about the staff, didn't he? You kids these days..." He shook his head and glanced at his watch. "Well, would you look at the time! I believe you have a graduation to attend, Fitz."

Fitz's eyes widened. "I completely forgot!" He waved at Sophie and Magnate Leto as he held his crystal up to the light. "I'll see you at the graduation."

And see them he would.

A/N: Yeah this is mostly a filler chapter, but the graduation will be next so yay for that!