Sophie's POV:
Sophie tried to clear her head of all the noise and laughter coming from the house. As she stepped outside, the cool evening air was a bit chilly, and she considered going back to grab a coat. But she quickly shook the thought out of her head. She needed to find Keefe. She looked out and spotted a figure standing under Calla's Panakes tree.
Oh Keefe, I didn't mean to hurt you.
As she stood in the doorway looking out at his silhouette, she felt a pang in her chest. And suddenly she felt the urge to leave everything behind and just hold Keefe. Tell him that he was amazing, no matter what his parents said. Unlike Fitz, he never got mad at her for something out of her control. He was always there for her when she needed him, and now he needed her. She ran out front, not caring when her hair got tangled in so many different directions. She slowed down, she could see her breath. Her heart was racing and she was sure that by now Keefe knew she was here. Still, she waited a few seconds, taking in his broad shoulders and tousled Hair.
"Keefe?" Sophie whispered, hesitant to reach out. He was still facing the other way. When he didn't answer, she stepped closer, and tangled their fingers together.
Keefe, whats wrong? Did I do something? She transmitted, her mind easily connecting with his.
When he still didn't respond, she leaned her head down to rest on his shoulder, she was surprised that he let her, and Keefe must've felt that because he suddenly turned towards her.
Sophie lifted her head and finally got a glimpse of Keefe's face. But it wasn't Keefe, or at least the joking, teasing Keefe. She was looking at the broken boy who finally took his mask off.
Keefe's eyes had a strange intensity to them, and they made Sophie's breath catch, which only made Sophie more confused.
She had never seen Keefe this way before. His lips ever so slightly quivered. His face, tear-stained, and his eyes. His icey-blue eyes, not teal, ice blue. When she locked hers onto his, he gave her hand a gentle squeeze. And continued to gaze at her, like he was soaking her in. Finally he broke his gaze, and let her hand go. He started to turn away again, but Sophie's fingers caught his sleeve.
"Keefe..." Her voice was laced with worry, concern, and wonder.
She walked until she was in front of him once more, and slowly, reached one finger up, and traced the tracks his tears had left.
She heard him sharply intake, and immediately dropped her hand.
What was she thinking? Thinking Keefe could ever..."
"I-I'm sorry, Keefe. I-I should get, I should get g-going..." She fumbled as her voice trailed off.
"No. Foster I-I'm sorry. I'm the one who always ruins everything. Heck, it's Christmas, and here I am acting like a baby, alone outside. While everyone else has fun, fine without me," Keefe ran his finger through The Hair, then dragged his hand down his face in frustration. Sophie... it's not your fault I'm messed up," he took a shaky breath, "you should probably get back to...Fitz"
Sophie noticed the way he said Fitz's name, and all of a sudden got the urge to hug Keefe and never let go.
"Keefe." She said his name softly, and waited for him to turn around. And when he did, she waited some more, until he met her gaze. She looked into his eyes, hoping that he saw what she had seen in his, just a few moments earlier.
"Keefe... come here."
Sophie spread her arms out, and Keefe stumbled over, falling into hers. She led them to the base of the Panakes tree. Leaning herself, and Keefe in her arms against the braided bark.
