Together?- A SOPHITZ fanfiction (UPDATES ON HOLD)

The Winter Solstice Party

Sophie appeared in front of the gates to Everglen at 8:15. The party was already in full swing, with music and beautifully dressed elves scattered over the expansive grounds. She took a deep breath and twisted her cognate rings out of nervousness. "It'll be alright. It's nothing you can't handle," said Grady. Edaline placed a reassuring hand on her back as the gates opened. As they walked down the path towards Everglen, they were stopped by people who recognized Grady or wanted to meet the infamous Sophie Foster. They finally made their way to the house only to be interrupted by a shout. "FOSTER!" A familiar blonde elf ran towards them and slammed into Sophie for a hug, causing her to almost lose her balance. Keefe.

Grady looked suspiciously but walked away when Edaline beckoned him to give the friends some space. Keefe stepped back to check out her outfit. He smirked. "Man, Foster, you've outdone yourself. I'm sure a ton of guys will be drooling all over you tonight," he said. Sophie blushed and resisted the urge to pull out an eyelash. "Yeah, well, unless I don't trip first." Keefe laughed. "The Lady Fos boss will never change." He tugged at one of the loose strands of her updo. "So, about the Paris Fiasco... I'm so, so sorry, Sophie. We ALL overreacted and I know that must of put a ton of stress on you. I should've been there for you but instead, I was too scared of getting stuck in the crossfire with Fitz. You know how he can get." Sophie shifted uncomfortably.

"Keefe. It's fine. You really don't have to apologize for anything. I totally understand where you were coming from and I don't hold any grudges. Don't worry." She smiled for emphasis. The empath seemed to relax right on cue. "Oh, thank goodness. I was hella worried you would be upset with me 'cause I wasn't there for you. Man, I'm glad that was sorted out." Sophie burst out laughing. "Did you say 'hella'?" She kept on laughing and Keefe was confused. "What? I heard it was cool in the human cities." Sophie laughed and shook her head. "Nah. I just haven't heard that expression in a LONG, LONG time." They both laughed and Sophie was relieved. If all else failed, at least she had Keefe, Dex, and Biana to lean on.

Sophie looked around for Biana or Fitz but they were nowhere to be found. "Hey Keefe," she asked. "Where are the Vackers?" He looked at her strangely. "They make a grand entrance at 9 after everyone's arrived, of course." He looked at her as if he stated the obvious. "Oh, whoops. I forgot you still don't know some of this stuff." Sophie shrugged. "It's not like I had the time, with the Neverseen and all." He looked at her with fake sad eyes and she hit his arm. He smirked. "Oh, stop it," Sophie said. They kept on bothering each other as they made their way behind the house, where a bunch of round tables and a huge deck were placed in a clearing of the trees. They were right by the lake. Seeing a huge buffet table, they went to grab a few snacks and sat down at an empty table.

"So," said Sophie as Keefe ate, "What else do I need to learn about this fancy party?" Keefe swallowed. "Weeeell... I don't really know. At midnight there'll be a light show and confetti and that's when the real party will start. Food starts at ten and.." He stopped as Sophie interrupted him. "You mean this isn't the real party?" she asked. Keefe shook his head. "Nah, this is like the before party, where people socialize politely, eat proper food, comment on each other, stuff like that. The formal part. At midnight starts the crazy party where people sing, dance, eat improper food, do improper things.." Sophie cringed. "I don't need the details." "Just warning you- don't go into the dark corners of the property or you'll be scarred for life." Sophie glared at him and he chuckled. "Such a prude, Foster. Get over it. You're 18, mind you." Sophie looked down. "Why does that change anything?" she asked. "It doesn't- but I know someone who is sick of how slowly things are going with your relationship." He looked at her pointedly.

Sophie sighed, exasperated. "Can we change topics please?" She was saved by the arrival of an unlikely friend. "Sophie?" It was Lihn. She wore a beautiful light blue dress with 3/4 sleeves, matching makeup, and her hair styled in a romantic half-up half-down style. Lihn was attending the gold levels as well but had sort of avoided Sophie, sticking close to Marella and Maruca. Tam mysteriously became really good friends with Dex and they had spent most of their time together. He was standing behind her in a black suit with a silver button downed shirt, his first few buttons undone to show scars left from his time with the Neverseen. Both looked quite dashing. "Hey, Lihn," Sophie smiled. "You look really nice." The hydrokinetic blushed. "Thank you. You do too. Could we maybe talk for a bit?" she asked. Sophie nodded and stood up. "Yeah, sure. Where to?" The girls walked to an intricate stone bench to the side of the mansion, leaving the boys to chat alone.

Lihn's dress:

Lihn's hair:

Lihn's makeup:

"So, what is it you wanted to talk about?" asked Sophie. Lihn sighed. "Oh, Sophie. I've been an absolutely terrible friend. When you read off your match list, I got so, so jealous. You had all of the people you'd ever liked, people I dreamed of having on my list. And when I saw your relationship with Fitz blossom, I got even jealous. I had a slight crush on him which made me envy you even though I should've been happy for you. After everything you've been through, you deserve a happy ending. I'm sorry I ruined what should've been a wonderful moment. I hope you can forgive me." She paused and looked expectantly at Sophie. Sophie was astounded. People were apologizing left and right tonight, she though. Sophie turned to look at her friend. "It's not your fault. We all badly managed the situation, me especially. I made everything simmer by not apologizing or confronting people which could've really ruined our relationships. I'M sorry." She paused.

"And, to be honest, I'm considering choosing the Councillors option." Lihn looked at her with horror. "No," she said. Sophie was confused. Lihn shook her head. "No, no, no. You've worked too hard to not at least try your relationship. Absolutely not. Sophie, I forgot my feelings for Fitz so that you could be with him and it's not just so that you dump him for the council. You are going to walk up to him tonight, apologize and makeup, and Sophitz/Fitzphie, whatever, will happen. I'm not giving you an option. I will support you every way I can. I've caused too much damage; the least I can do is help you." Sophie was stunned. She looked at her friend with admiration and hugged her. "Ok. I'll try my best."

Lihn grinned. "You've already got the look and the charm. All we need now is to wait for the Vackers to come. I've already come up with a plan. Biana and I will corner him after he greets some people and everything is set up for you. Meet Marella, Maruca, and Eileen by the buffet at 9:45 and they'll bring you to the spot." Lihn grinned mischievously. Sophie slowly nodded. "I hope you won't get me killed," she joked. Lihn stood up and brushed off her dress, grinning. "It's not like you don't have the experience," she said. Sophie mocked being shocked. "Is that a threat?" she asked, trying to hide a smile. Lihn whispered in her ear. "Maybe it is." Sophie laughed and Lihn grabbed her hand. "Come on, it's almost the formal introduction time."

She was right- it was 8:50.