How Did We Get Into This Mess - KOTLC Oneshots

I Need Your Heart

Keefe scribbled out the entire Foster Mommy page in the notebook. The pair turned their attention to the Foster Daddy List, full of crossed-out names. Sophie cringed seeing the all-too-familiar script spelling out Bronte. She wasn't going to admit it, but she was glad the grumpy councillor wasn't her donor, even though he was one of her loyal supporters. When Sophie had first come to the lost cities, Bronte wanted her out, seeing her as an abomination to the species. The whole inflicting session gone wrong was a terrible experience. She trusted Bronte now, but it still brought up memories. Then her eyes landed on one of the only clear names. Cassius Sencen.

"Keefe, no." Sophie's exclamation was anguished, and she was starting to feel nauseated. The gross sensation wasn't because of the man's oily sneer, or highly debatable life choices, but something Sophie couldn't quite place.

"Foster, I already feel sick at the idea, I don't need to be blasted with the gorgodons rampaging in your stomach too," Keefe rasped. Sophie quickly scooted away, flinching.

Deciding to make excuses preventing Lord Cassius from being on the paper, Sophie grasped for something, anything that could provide her a reason to rip up the sheet. "It's unlikely Lady Gisela wouldn't notice the changes in his behavior, if Cassius didn't tell her outright," Sophie pointed out. Keefe raked a hand through his hair, and Sophie didn't require Empathy to see the distress written all over her friend's face.

"What if that was what was what she wanted? I know my mom, and I wouldn't put it past her to do something like this." Sophie hated the notion. But the more she thought about it, the more it made sense. Gisela was an incredibly smart woman. She always had a back-up plan. And back-up plans for back-up plans.

"I just-I just don't want that." Keefe started to make a joke about how irresistible he was, but stopped. "And I don't know why."

Keefe sat down on the floor, patting the fallen pillow next to him. Sophie sank down, leaning into his arms. "Do you want to know?" Keefe wasn't asking as an empath. His tone was softly curious.

"Yes-no-maybe? Everything is just so complicated right now."

"Mmm." Keefe cradled Sophie closer, the mere sound of his steadily beating heart calming the girl beside him. "Remember detention?" Sophie smiled.

"Which one?"

"Siren song." Keefe broke into a perfect imitation of Sir Conely. "No appreciation for art or nature!" Sophie laughed quietly, shifting so she was curled up in Keefe's lap. She placed her hand to his chest, feeling the satisfying pulse. It gave her one less thing to worry about, tethering her to the moment. "It was all so much easier." Sophie nodded, closing her eyes.

Drifting off, Sophie vaguely felt Keefe gently set her on his bed, arranging the covers. When he got up, she held onto his wrist.

"Stay. I need your heart." A look of surprise crossed Keefe's face, but he crawled in next to her, his heartbeat lulling her to sleep. Sleep, for the first time in weeks.

(Ok, I can't remember if the Cassius thing is canon, if it is, this was a scene rewrite. Oops. I don't even know anymore. )