His Teal Eyes

Dinner- Chapter 7: Sophie

A/N: Hey everybody! @hppanda and I have been studying super hard for finals week. We've finally finished Chapter 7! ENJOY!!!! <3

"These brattails are amazing, Mrs. Ruewen." Sophie ducked her head, wondering how Fitz's tone could remain so leveled, so calm; how could he simply brush off their argument as if it were a daily occurrence? His last words still rung, loud and clear, in her mind; she couldn't remember the last time they had fought. Sophie bit her lip; how could he possibly accuse her of 'obsessing' over Keefe? Keefe was her equivalent to a brother, not anything more . . . Sophie shuddered just thinking about it. True, she considered what it would feel like to suddenly decide she liked Keefe from time to time, but her fixated feelings towards Fitz always seemed to pull through. At least she didn't gape at Keefe every time he read her emotions like Fitz did whenever Linh used her hydrokinetics. At least she didn't jump to silly conclusions everytime she spotted Fitz with Linh, no matter how transfixed he seemed. At least she had eventually learned how to simply push away any feelings she didn't want to feel- any jealousy, any hurt- instead of pinning her problems on her friends. The only feeling she had refused to douse was her unwavering feelings towards to Fitz, clinging to the small hope he would like her back.

And yet . . . the moment Sophie had finally discovered her feelings towards him were mutual, everything between them seemed to plummet in a downward spiral. Perhaps they simply weren't meant to be more than friends; what if she had simply chosen the wrong person? Sophie flinched, suddenly very aware of Keefe besides her, grabbing a fourth serving of Mallowmelt. Suddenly, Fitz's words made perfect sense: You think I haven't noticed how you look at him? How you talk about him as if everything seems to just revolve around him? A sister wouldn't obsess over a brother nearly as much! How much effort would it take to erase any thoughts of Fitz and replace them with someone new anyway?

"Hey Foster, cheer up." Sophie's train of thought was cut short when Keefe's voice sounded quietly beside her. "It only makes sense that I eat all the custard bursts," he continued, flashing a self assured grin. "Aww come on," he said when she didn't say anything, "you get them all the time! Seriously, Edaline should work at a bakery or something."

Sophie let a trace of a smile show when he nudged her gently, and was surprised when she felt her cheeks warm. What if . . . Keefe was that new "someone"? Sophie shook her head, rubbing her eyes; if Keefe really was meant to be with her, then why did her thoughts still linger with Fitz? "It's not that," she mumbled, shaking her head.

Keefe's expression softened and he turned his gaze towards her. "Transmit," he whispered through the corner of his mouth, plastering on an innocent grin when Fitz narrowed his eyes at him.

Sighing, Sophie nodded, nibbling at a piece of mallowmelt; for once, the flavor didn't cheer her. Keefe? she transmitted once she had pinpointed his thoughts. Can you hear me?

Yeah. So . . . is this about what happened with Fitz?

Maybe, she transmitted, frowning.

I heard bits and pieces, he thought. Sophie flinched when his mind filled with images of Fitz glaring at her and the sound of their furious arguing. Okay, I guess more like the whole thing, he admitted at her raised eyebrows.

Sophie sighed. So?

You want advice, Keefe thought. I'm bad at this Foster, you know that.

Better than anyone else, she thought grimly.

Well, I'm sure Fitz will come around, Keefe assured her, flicking her head gently with his fingers.