All Along: a KeeFoster story

Finally

As soon as they got back to the pastures at Havenfield, she saw Grady trying to convince Verdi that gnomish produce was her new favorite food.

"What are you trying this time?" Sophie yelled time him, then immediately regretted it. Thanks to Keefe, she was covered in green slime. And she just drew unnecessary attention to herself... not a great combination.

"Phglemlets." Grady yelled back before tossing a squishy yellow and brown cube into Verdi's open mouth. Sophie never wanted to know what those tasted like. She shuddered at the thought. "Last one! Great work guys." Grady addressed the gnomes helping him feed the stubborn T. rex. He turned to find a slimy Sophie who was preparing herself for epic embarrassment.

"So this is how the prank turned out." He said, failing to suppress a snort.

"You knew too?!?" Sophie said with a stern glare at Keefe; she didn't have enough energy left to yell.

"Yeah, I kinda had to tell Grady that we were planning something. But Sandor was already on board with it, so he had no problem. And it went quite well, thank you for asking Mr. Ruewen." Keefe's mischievous smirk didn't sell his prim and proper charade, even though he straightened up and adjusted an imaginary tie. Wait how would Keefe know what proper humans do? Never mind, she would ask him later. Sophie elbowed him and rolled her eyes. He needed to stop pretending to be someone else. Besides, she liked him just the way he was. That made her remember the popular Bruno Mars song from the forbidden cities. What if she serenaded Keefe with it? Nah, she would never get the courage to do something so bold. Plus, she was a terrible singer. If she ever tried to belt, it would sound like she was choking on a massive cloud of Iggy farts.

"Let's get you cleaned up, Foster." Keefe's voice interrupted her mental monologue. With a trademark smirk, he hooked his arm around hers and started skipping towards the house. Sandor looked at his arm around Sophie's and narrowed his eyes. Ro just humphed and followed Keefe.

"What ... are ... you ... doing?!" Sophie panted. She had to start running to catch up with him, and she was not happy about it.

"Come on Foster, have some fun!" All Sophie could do was grunt and give him her most powerful stink eye.

"Awww, don't give me that adorable Foster glare, I'm serious! You haven't had a lot of time to just relax and be yourself lately." His usual smirk disappeared, leaving only concern, and something else she couldn't place that made her face feel hot even though it was about thirty degrees outside. Although it pained her to admit it, he was right. She needed time where she didn't have to worry about whatever came next.

"I guess... you're right." She said with a sigh and a small smile. He knew her too well. "But I need to get changed first." Sophie didn't want any remnants on her of what Keefe would no doubt be calling the Sophie Slime-a-thon.

~

Sophie changed into a red tunic with rubies dotting the hemline. Even though this was more Biana's style, it felt so good to be clean that she couldn't resist. Or at least that's what she told herself. It may or may not be because there was a very good looking blonde boy outside. She even let Vertina lead her through an intricate braided bun with a few wavy strands of hair falling out of the front. When she finally let Keefe in, his jaw dropped.

Sophie blushed and looked at her feet. "What's wrong Keefe?" She whispered, finally getting the courage to meet his eyes. He even turned a little bit red as he stuttered and tried to figure out what to say. "Nothing, it's just... well... you look good Foster." This was the most flustered she hade ever seen Keefe, and it didn't stop there. "N-not that you don't always look good, it's just that you look ... really good today, and..."

"Just tell her already." Ro whined, interrupting Keefe's awkward rambling.

"Tell me what?"

"Nothing." Keefe shot an I'll deal with you later look at Ro. Before Sophie could ask what they should do, he unexpectedly tickled her stomach.

"Hey!" She squealed. He wrestled her to the ground, and she curled up into a ball, laughing.

"Keefe... stop!" It occurred to her that she should probably do something, so she started flailing. Nothing was working, and she was currently at the mercy of Keefe's tickling.

He suddenly stopped, realizing how close they were, and blushed. Instead of moving away, he got closer. Sophie could feel his warm breath on her cheek, and count the lashes on his pure ice blue eyes. She was surprised to find, that she didn't mind being this close to him. Keefe noticed he was staring, so he stood up and cleared his throat uncomfortably. She took his outstretched hand, and he lifted her off the ground.

Sophie looked at his warm ice blue eyes, and butterflies erupted in her stomach. She wanted to do something, anything, but she couldn't. What if he didn't feel the same way? Even now, with their noses about an inch apart, she still wouldn't show him how she felt. What if she never got to say it? What if something happened before she had a chance to tell him?

"Whoa there Foster, calm down." Keefe whispered, tucking a strand of her blonde hair behind her ear. Before she could convince herself otherwise, Sophie pressed her lips to his.

It was soft and gentle, lasting only a second, but already making Sophie tingle everywhere they had touched. Everything she hadn't felt with Fitz was right here, with the boy who she could be herself around. For the first time in a while, she felt herself give him a real smile. A Sophie smile.

He kissed her again, this time more passionately, his arms wrapped around her waist. It had only been a few minutes, but it felt like longer. She would have been glad to spend the rest of her practically immortal life right here. Keefe keeping her warm; relishing the feeling of finally being safe and happy. When she eventually pulled away, he laid his forehead against her's.

"I love you Sophie." Those were words she never thought someone would say to her, and it sent waves of happiness and positivity that broke down all of the darkness left in her mind. For once, she didn't hesitate to reply.

"I love you too, Keefe."

Ro said what Sophie was thinking. "FINALLY!"

A/N- Sorry it took me so long to get there. I hope you liked it, please comment any reactions or suggestions. Have a great day!