She closed her eyes, giving herself an extra second of hoping before opening them.. and they locked with a pair of beautiful teal ones. The same teal eyes that had taken her out of the forbidden cities, brought her to where she belonged.

 "Fitz!" she exclaimed, running across the wide room and into his open arms. She buried her face into his broad chest. And then her cheeks went nuclear as she realized what she was doing.

 "Sorry," she blubbered, stumbling backwards and, of course, tripping. Fitz caught her.

 "Could you maybe not be so clumsy for one day ?" he teased, pulling her up.

 Sophie laughed, feeling the blush fade from her cheeks. "I don't think that's possible. But I can try." They stood, silent for a moment before Sophie spoke again. "How'd you get away from Biana?"

He waved her off. "It was easy," he said. "She ran off in the other direction as soon as we walked in. Said she had to meet someone."

Sophie's eyes widened. "Did she say who?"

Fitz shook his head. " Sadly, no. If she did, I would totally tell you, though. And speaking of telling, what did you have to tell me?"

Sophie's heart threatened to burst out of her chest. Two days ago she had made herself promise to admit her crush on Fitz today. That's why she had set a bed the meeting.

 "Uh-" she was cut short by Magnate Leto as morning orientations began.

"Good morning, prodigies," he began . It wasn't at all the monotone voice of our their old principal, who was now Councillor Alina, but he didn't sound particularly happy, either. Then again, who would be on a Monday morning? "As you all know, midterms are only four weeks away. Also, three level fours manifested over the weekend. Congratulations to Paige Westle, Kimberly Jhonson, and Blice Finning. So did one level three, Mavis Belle, and a level two, Clark Benn. Congratulations to you both. As a final announcement, Foxfire will be hosting a school dance on Friday for levels three through six. Levels one and two, we have something planned for you for next week. Have a good day, everyone."

His hologram disappeared from the wall.

Shocked at the sudden announcement of the dance, Sophie turned to Fitz. "I wanted to tell you..." she trailed off, unsure if she should continue or not.

SHOULD Sophie tell Fitz yet?

Yes! Now!- 7

Later- 11