Cognates - A Sofitz Story **CONTAINS HEAVY FLUFF**

Chapter 3: Spill.

Sophie was keenly aware of how close they were sitting. Fitz tugged her a bit closer by her hand, close enough to whisper in her ear.

"You don't have to act on it right now. We always have later. In fact, why don't you come over tonight? I'll pitch the idea to Biana to have a huge sleepover."

"That sounds great. I'll tell Grady and Edaline. I'm sure they'll be fine with it." But Sophie didn't move just yet. She let Fitz hold her for a little while longer, silently rejoicing that her feelings hadn't been rejected. Happily protected in the warm circle of arms, shielded from the outside world by Calla's tree, surrounded by the familiar sights and sounds and smells of home.

***

"Hey, Sophie!" Biana appeared out of nowhere, already tugging her towards the glowing gates of Everglen before Sophie even had a chance to react.

"Biana! You can't scare me like that," Sophie gasped as she was pulled through the gates and towards the doors. Her face began burning as she recalled what had happened between her and Fitz only an hour before.

"So spill," Biana demanded after she'd frog-marched Sophie into her room and sat her down on the bed. Biana flopped down next to her and looked at her expectantly.

"Um, I don't know what you mean-"

"Sure you do. Why was Fitz suggesting we have a huge sleepover with all our friends right after he got back from Havenfield?" Biana might look like a spoiled princess, but she was no idiot. "And why was your face burning when you walked in the door?" 

Sophie sighed. "You have to swear to tell no one."

"Sophie-"

"Swear!"

"All right! I swear! Now tell me what happened between you two. And don't say nothing! I can tell when something's going on between my best friend and my brother! I do live with one and spend all my free time with the other, you know! Now tell me!"

"Ok! I... sort of... well you see, I kinda, maybe, sorta told Fitz I like him? And he said her liked me too?" Sophie forced the words out in a rush, more of a question than a statement, and then held her breath while she waited for her best friend to explode. She didn't have long to wait.

"WHAT?!?!"

"I'm sorry, and I really didn't want to say anything, but he made me by using his favor, and-"

"And this is awesome! My best friend is going to be my sister-in-law!"

"Wait, WHAT? Biana we're not even dating yet! We're definitely not getting married!" Biana waved her hand flippantly.

"Details. He said he liked you too, right? I was waiting to see how long it would take. Fitz can be such a baby sometimes!" Just then, Biana's imparter flashed, saving Sophie from further embarrassment. "Oh, looks like the others are here. Come on, let's go! Then we can play a game or something!" Though she was distracted for now, Sophie knew Biana was far from letting the topic drop. This was going to be a long night.