Keefe POV- Third Person

-K-

"Wow, Foster, you look-" Keefe tried to tell Sophie as they trekked up the hill to Everglen's giant palace.

"Stupid? Ya, I know. I tried to tell Marella and Linh to stop, but of course they didn't listen, and now I'm so over-dressed and-" Keefe put a finger to Sophie's lips, immediately silencing her nervous fretting. She was adorable when she worried, but a sleepover was definitely a stupid thing to worry about.

Of course, I can't talk, Keefe thought, since if my hunch is right about what's going to happen tonight, I'll be throwing up in the bathroom and trying to act like everything was ok and then failing miserably and then bashing my head out against the doorframe and- Gulon gas, Keefe, stop it. Foster's rubbing off on you, and not in a good way, he mentally chided himself. And if she chose Fitz, it was ok. He had to be ok. Because she wasn't a prize to be fought over, and if he had to let her go to maintain that ethic, then so be it.

"Foster, chill. You don't look stupid, you look incredible. Well, not as incredible as me, but still." He winked, but soon became serious again. "Second of all, you're not overdressed. Knowing the person you're trying to impress -which will definitely succeed- I'd say you look perfect. Okay?"

Sophie blushed furiously and stuttered her thanks, probably knowing exactly what Keefe was talking about. If Ro was still here, she would have said to Keefe her long-standing: "Stop sabotaging yourself, Funkyhair! Do you WANT Fitz to get her before you?!" And in a way, Keefe guessed she was right. But he still stood by his choice.

Keefe suppressed a sigh. As much as he hated to admit it, he missed Ro way more than he would care to admit. She was like that family member who you were supposed to have, the one you could talk to, the exact one that Keefe didn't have. But she was off being the ogre queen, probably already forgetting the scrawny elf that she babysitted for three years before becoming the beloved "Queen Ro of the Twin Daggers."

At the entrance to the house, Biana clapped her hands excitedly, drawing Keefe out of his thoughts. "Ooo this is going to be so much fun!" She led them inside. "Ok, put your bags down here, and then in the living- umm, what's going on?" Biana froze in the doorway, confusion etched in her brow. Well, that's a rare expression for Biana, Keefe thought, pushing past her into the room. What's- Keefe snorted. "Dudes, what happened?"

The room was a mess, with what Keefe believed to be popcorn (some kind of human snack) scattered on the floor, their bowls upturned. But that wasn't the strangest part. Right next to the couch on the floor, Dex, bright red in the face, was lying on an equally red-faced Fitz. Their noses were almost touching and they were breathing shallowly, but neither of them seemed to be wanting to move any time soon.

"Aww, is it Fedex snuggle time?" Keefe cooed, smirking. A couple of the butterflies stirred, creating an emotion he couldn't quite identify. Which was ridiculous, since he was an Empath. He should be the master at figuring those stupid feelings! Feelings are overrated, he thought irritably.

Dex and Fitz sprang apart on the floor, looking at anywhere but each other. Dex blushing was fairly normal- but Fitzypoo. Now that was a rare sight. Keefe, being the best bro he was, helped both of them to their feet. Well that's interesting, he thought, putting his mad Empath skills to the test. Dex was embarrassed. Like really embarrassed. But he was also hopeful- but hopeful for what?

Fitz was shocked. More shocked than the normal range. Like I-just-figured-out-a-new-way-to-light-leap shocked. And he- Keefe dug deeper- had a new crush- on Dex?! It was faint -subconscious- but there.

Keefe released both their hands and not-so-subtly sagged against the wall. He expected to feel triumphant- Fitz didn't like Sophie anymore! He finally had a chance! On the other hand, he probably didn't even realize that he had a new crush. Fitz was oblivious like that.

And on the other other hand, the butterflies in Keefe's stomach were rioting. Jealousyyyy, jealousyyyy, jealousyyyy! They warbled, spiking off the walls and making Keefe feel like throwing up.

WHAT in the name of mallowmelt was going on?! I'm just jealous that Fitz hasn't realized yet, so there's still a chance of Fitzphie happening, Keefe decided uneasily. It wasn't a perfect match, but he could sort out his feelings later. Right now, it was time for a sleepover.

Biana, looking extremely flustered, started directing people to their rooms. "Well- um- ok- Girls are in the top room on the tower! Boys in the room below that! Uh- Fitz can show the boys, and I'll lead the girls. Meet in the solarium in 2 hours!"

"Wait- why two hours?" Sophie asked. Biana brightened visibly. "We need time for makeovers, of course!" She reached for Sophie's hand, obviously meaning to drag her along, before blushing furiously(well, furiously for Biana- nothing like Sophie) and retracting it, opting to gesture the universal "come on!" Interesting...Keefe thought.

Biana in the lead, Linh, Marella, and Sophie all grabbed their bags and raced up the sweeping staircase to the upper floors.

If that wasn't bizzare, then I'm a sasquatch, Keefe thought. Then he smirked. I've found my first two sleepover mysteries.

-K-