Unsuspecting Hearts

Summary: Sofia has a heart to heart with Tilly when she suspects that her feelings for Cedric might be changing. (Based on the song "Unsuspecting Hearts" from the musical Carrie)

Disclaimer: I own nothing, especially Sofia the First and the song "Unsuspecting Hearts" from Carrie the Musical.

A/N: Consider this "part 1" of the massive change coming for my stories. After this, Cedric and Sofia will no longer be "just friends" in my stories. But let's face it… They haven't been "just friends" for a VERY long time, if all the evidence from my stories over the years hasn't been obvious enough. 😉Enjoy!

Tilly took a sip of tea from her cup as she and Sofia sat outside in the gazebo, away from prying eyes and straining ears. Her niece had come to her yesterday, beseeching her to speak with her as soon as possible. The poor girl seemed absolutely flustered, and she couldn't say no. Not like she would anyway… She and Sofia were a lot alike, despite not being blood related, and she could read the girl like a book by now.

Sofia absently stirred her own tea, the soft wind the only sound between them at this point. She had hardly said ten words since they'd sat down together five minutes ago. Maybe it was nerves… After all, the subject she'd yet to broach was both intimidating and sensitive.

The duchess set her cup onto the saucer before her, a warm smile on her lips. "Sofia… If you're going to tell me what I think you're going to tell me, now is probably the best time to do it. No one else is around, so you're not likely to be interrupted."

The princess sighed. "You would think, but every time I've tried to say or do something important recently, I've always gotten interrupted. So, I guess I've just come to expect it by now…" She set the little spoon aside and placed her elbows on the table instead, her head resting in her hands.

"Is this about Cedric?" She smirked as Sofia blushed, folding her arms onto the table and burying her burning face in them. "I wondered how long it was going to take you to say something… If you two had been any more obvious…"

"It's not 'us two,' Aunt Tilly," Sofia mumbled, sitting up and brushing her hair away from her face, sighing. "It's me… I think…" She frowned curiously, chancing a glance at her aunt, who was waiting patiently for her to explain. "I think…my feelings for him are…changing…"

The older woman blinked once before picking up her cup, taking a small sip of tea, then setting it down again. "I see."

The princess made a sound of exasperation, clearly frazzled by the woman's nonchalant reaction. "Is that all you have to say? I just told you that I have feelings for Cedric…"

"Technically, you said your feelings for him are changing," the light-haired woman joked, grinning at the girl's mildly miffed stare. "Sofia, anyone could see that you two don't act the same as you used to. You haven't for at least a few years now." She waved one hand and casually listed the differences: "The double meaning for 'partner' as it pertains to the status of your relationship, the warm embraces, the dancing, the guardianship of the girls, the family references, the kisses—"

"I've never kissed him," she corrected, though she couldn't help blushing when she recalled that time on the galleon when her lips had brushed against his (a fact that still lingered in the forms of some very pleasant dreams recently)… And after that trip when they'd returned home, and they actually almost had kissed… The sheer frustration she'd felt after being interrupted at that point was unfathomable, but she refused to be upset with her family. After all, if it was meant to happen, it would happen. Right? Oh, and then there was the 'practice' kiss they'd shared at the spring ball, which Sofia had actually leaned into… "N-Not exactly, anyway… On the cheek occasionally, and he does the same, though sometimes he kisses my forehead or my hand…" She folded her arms, leaning back in her chair. Her blush darkened as she recalled those instances where he'd also trailed his kisses to her ear and her neck, but she didn't quite feel ready to share those personal details… She'd probably never tell anyone about those experiences. And as it stood, she wasn't ready to admit the 'accidental' lip brushes (kisses) either.

"I see." She nodded. "That makes sense. You've never experienced a romantic relationship, and from what I recall, neither has Cedric." She smiled as Sofia nodded distractedly. "Maybe he was waiting for the right one to come along… He just didn't expect 'the one' to be you."

"M-Me neither…" She closed her eyes, releasing a soft groan of confusion. "Being Cedric's friend was all I ever wanted, and now… I want more…" She opened her eyes, looking at her serene aunt, who continued smiling at her. "I think I'm…in love with him, Aunt Tilly…"

Tilly laughed. "Feels good to admit it, doesn't it?"

Sofia lifted her hands to her face, feeling how flushed she was. She'd actually said those words…out loud… It was so surreal. Those feelings she'd kept hidden for so long just… They left her lips faster than she could stop them. But maybe that was a good thing? Especially since this was Aunt Tilly… "I just don't want to complicate things between us," she admitted, frowning again. "I love our friendship and our partnership. We work so well together, both in magic and in raising the girls. But I just…" She lifted a hand to her head, asking, "Why did things have to change, Aunt Tilly?"

"Change isn't always a bad thing, Sofia. You should know that better than anyone. Just think of the good changes that happened to you when little Nana and Tanya came into your life."

The princess nodded, lowering her hand. "I know, but I don't know if I want more things to change, especially with Cedric. He's my best friend, Aunt Tilly…"

"I know… I think the entire Ever Realm knows that by now." She grinned at the conflicted expression on her niece's face. "You haven't exactly been subtle sometimes, you know. And I'm not really around that often."

Sofia moaned, throwing her hands over her face. "This wasn't supposed to happen..."

"Maybe not, but that doesn't necessarily make it a bad thing... Even some of the best things are unexpected." Tilly sipped some more of her tea, chuckling.

The girl lowered her hands to her lap, casting the duchess an uncertain look. "Are you sure? This isn't wrong?"

"Oh, silly girl… There is nothing wrong with falling in love with your best friend." She grinned as the princess hummed quietly. "We're not that different from each other, Sofia. We both love helping people, traveling, adventure; we've both owned the Amulet of Avalor; and we've both fallen in love with someone both unlikely yet also more than perfect." She shrugged. "Bartleby was a surprise to me, but a very welcomed one… And while Cedric may be a surprise to you due to your original start as friends, it's actually kind of perfect, if you think about it."

Sofia blinked. "It is?"

"Sure! You were never going to fall in love with a prince, Sofia." She laughed as the girl rolled her eyes and shook her head. "I know you. You're just as headstrong as I am. Like me, you have no interest in the throne, so that wasn't even a factor. And you didn't go looking for love either. It came to you." She smiled. "It was in every potion you two brewed together, every evil being you both fought, every hug you shared, every dance you had… You've been through so much together already, so of course it made you stronger and brought you more together. My goodness, I'd be more surprised if you hadn't fallen in love."

"But… I don't know if Cedric feels the same way."

Tilly offered the girl a deadpanned look. "Sofia. Be serious."

"I am!" She sighed. "Just because we've done all those things together doesn't automatically mean he feels the same way. He may just see our interactions as friendly. Or he may think my feelings are just 'a phase,' like a lot of other people go through." She frowned, feeling a pang in her heart at that concept. "I really hope he doesn't, because if my feelings for him are part of 'a phase,' then I've been in it for several years now…"

"Ah. I had a feeling." The duchess laughed. "You always did admire him and hang on his every word at first, from what I remember. And you went through a lot to build him up and defend him to everyone." She smiled as Sofia blushed. "Even Roland. And I'm glad you did. About time someone stuck up for my friend."

Sofia smiled shyly. "He's a wonderful sorcerer, but he's a better person. I'm glad people are giving him a chance to be himself now, because imagine what we would have missed out on…" She sighed with a dreamy expression on her face.

Tilly grinned. "Wow, you've got it bad, Sofia… How were you even able to hide your feelings all this time, exactly?"

She laughed sheepishly, shrugging. "Um… Denial? But eventually, it got to the point where I couldn't deny it anymore…" She sighed. "And I don't want to ever again. I mean, even recently, we were playing with the girls, and something…interesting…happened…"

The older woman leaned forward, intrigued. "Oh, really? Do tell…"

"Well…" She shook her head, recalling the event. "Somehow, Nana and Tanya got the idea to…have Cedric and me get 'married' while they were playing." She sighed softly as the older woman laughed. "It started out silly enough, but then… Things got…" She blushed, rubbing her arm. "…Serious."

Cedric yawned as he glanced toward his door, where he noticed his daughters entering. He smiled tiredly. "Good evening, my darlings. I figured you would be settling down for bedtime by now."

"Nana wanted us to finish playing this game," Tanya insisted with a mischievous smile. "We are playing 'wedding.'"

"Ah, I see." He tilted his beaker, pouring some potion into a small cauldron. "And who is getting married exactly?"

The white-haired girl grinned. "You and Mama."

"W-What?!" Cedric groaned as he stared pathetically down at the ruined potion mixture, which he'd have to redo soon enough, before glancing back at the children. "What in the Ever Realm possessed you two to suggest such a thing?"

Nana placed her hands on her hips and offered the sorcerer a pointed stare.

"Nana asked, and I quote, 'Are you kidding, Papa?'"

He smirked. "Yes, I picked up on that attitude she seems to be mimicking from your mother." He chuckled and picked up Nana, kissing her forehead as she grinned at him. "And why would you think your Mama and I need to have a wedding?"

Tanya stared at her father in mild confusion. "Because… You love her? And you are already 'Mama and Papa.' Maybe you could be 'husband and wife' as well and fulfill your destiny."

Cedric smiled at the other girl. "And you believe that marrying Sofia is my destiny?"

Nana nodded fervently, her green eyes wide and sparkling as a dreamy smile spread across her face.

"It is just a game, of course," Tanya reminded him, giggling. "And she already agreed to play."

"Wait, what?" He turned when he heard his door squeak the tiniest bit, indicating that someone else had entered. His cheeks flushed dark red, his eyes widening and his mouth dropping. "S-Sofia?"

The princess was standing in the doorway, blushing just as much as her partner, with her hair tied back into an elegant bun, an off-the shoulder wedding gown that swept the cobblestone as she walked, a veil falling over her face and down her back, and a bouquet of pink roses in her hands. "Not…a…word…" She was clearly a bit embarrassed, though it was hard to tell if it was because she'd gotten swayed by the girls to participate in the game, or if it was because Cedric was seeing her in such a formal and important outfit.

"Y-You, um…" Cedric cleared his throat before lowering Nana next to her sister and walking over to stand in front of the princess. He smiled shyly as she caught his eye. "You look…radiant."

A nervous smile formed on her lips, especially after he'd used the same word to describe her only recently when they had attended the spring ball. "R-Really?"

He nodded. "Yes, of course… You're always lovely, Sofia, but this…" He swallowed his nerves, humming to himself. "A-Although… If this were our real wedding, there would be a few changes…" He withdrew his wand and tapped the bouquet, watching it turn from a collection of roses to her beloved hydrangeas. He then carefully slid his hand under the delicate veil and released her hair from the intricate updo, smiling in satisfaction as it cascaded down her back like a sunset-colored waterfall. Lastly, he lifted the veil that separated her from his visage.

Sofia blinked curiously. "The flowers and hair I understand, but… Why did you lift the veil already?" She smiled playfully as he chuckled. "I thought that was supposed to be part of the wedding: the groom always moves it out of the way toward the end, right?"

"I wouldn't know. I haven't been to many weddings in my past. But…" He leaned down, whispering to her, "It does make it far easier to…kiss my bride…"

She felt her cheeks burning again as she felt his lips against her cheek, a serene and loving smile on his face as he gazed at her. "Cedric…"

Tilly was smirking by the time Sofia finished her recollection, a heavy blush on her cheeks. "Okay, and you two aren't already together because…?"

"It wasn't time? I don't know…" She sighed, running her fingers through a section of her hair, a contemplative look on her face. "It never seemed to be the right moment… We're either working, spending time with the girls, traveling, saving the world…"

"Sounds like you two haven't had time to realize you've fallen in love with each other or even to allow yourselves to bask in those feelings," the older woman suggested. "I really think what both of you need is some time away from here, by yourselves, with no other ultimatum except to talk to each other about how you feel."

"Yeah, maybe, but…" She frowned thoughtfully, stilling her hands. "And what if…he doesn't feel the same way about me, Aunt Tilly?" She glanced over toward her aunt. "I don't want to scare him away."

"You're not going to scare him away, Sofia. Think about it…" She smiled calmly. "He's entrusted everything to you: his reputation, his loyalty, his credibility, and even his life… If you hadn't stepped up in his favor, he'd probably still be in the dungeon. You know your dad can hold a grudge."

Sofia nodded. "Yeah."

"Trust me. Ask him about the Dazzleball match between us and Ilsoria. We lost because of my fumble, and he has yet to let it go." She laughed. "But regardless, I look at it this way: Cedric has given so much of himself to you already. And he clearly harbors deeper feelings than he's told you, so maybe it will take some much-needed one-on-one conversation and solitude to find out more about those feelings."

"I'm still just kind of…nervous, I guess." Sofia looked down at her hands, avoiding eye contact with her ever-smiling aunt. "What if…?" She pulled at some of her hair again. "What if he can't love me like…I love him?

That question was so heartbreaking to Tilly. Could Sofia really not see how enamored Cedric was with her? Did she even realize how much she was in love with him? "Oh, sweetie… You never know what might happen if you don't try, Sofia… But…" She glanced toward the castle, where she noticed Roland and Cedric standing. Roland was talking to Cedric, but Cedric appeared to be a little distracted…considering he was staring in their direction. She snickered. "I don't think you'll have to worry about that."

The princess blinked at those words before catching Cedric's eye, smiling shyly toward him, which he returned. "Maybe not…"

"What do you think they're talking about?" Cedric mumbled distractedly as he continued watching Sofia and Tilly.

Roland seemed confused by the question. "I…have no idea. But if it's not too much trouble, can we focus on the task at hand?" He gestured toward some of the new plants Amber had ordered. "We need to find a place for these: somewhere visible but not overly obvious, if you know what I mean?" Seeing that his friend still seemed distracted, he folded his arms. "Is there something you're not telling me, Cedric?" He frowned thoughtfully as his friend glanced at him. "Perhaps about…whatever is going on between you and Sofia?"

Cedric blushed darkly. "I-I don't know…what you mean, Your Majesty."

The king chuckled good-naturedly. "Cedric, look… I've known you for years. And I've understood you for just a few now, but I think I'm pretty good at reading you at this point."

This declaration was a little nerve wracking to the sorcerer. "And…exactly how much have you been 'reading' me, King Roland?"

"Enough to know that you're in love with my daughter."

The color all but drained out of the sorcerer's face as he stared at his friend. How had he come to that conclusion? …Granted, it wasn't by any means inaccurate, but… It wasn't what he'd been expecting him to say. He was nearly at a loss for words except for a very meek, "H-How?"

Roland chuckled softly, leaning up against the castle. "You have the same look on your face when you gaze at or talk to Sofia that I'm sure I do when I'm with Miranda… Or when I was with Lorelei. Not to mention, I saw you two at the spring ball…" He smiled as Cedric became rather rigid and clearly worried. Maybe he needed to settle his nerves a bit… "It's always been obvious that you care about her, but only recently did I realize it was much more than that."

Cedric could feel his legs about to give out from beneath him, especially at having the king (of all people) basically pull the truth out of him with such ease. He ambled over to the castle wall next to Roland, though he slid down to the ground and raised his legs a bit, his robe still draped over his feet as his elbows propped onto his knees, his head now resting in his hands. "I…don't know…what to say, King Roland…"

Seeing that the other man appeared a bit confused and possibly distressed, Roland nodded before lowering to the ground next to him, angling ever so slightly just so he could face him. "I guess you really don't have to say much… I think your reaction speaks volumes." He sighed. "Look, Cedric, I know we haven't always gotten along, but I know this: you're a very loyal person, and you have made some rather significant and incredible changes over the years. I know we've all gone through some maturing, including myself, but I don't think yours was just a maturation of the mind." He smiled thoughtfully. "I think Sofia helped your heart mature a bit too."

Cedric could feel his cheeks tingeing pink a bit again, and he glanced to the side as Roland continued speaking.

"I've never seen you look at anyone with such admiration, respect, love, and adoration as you have with Sofia… You hang on her every word, make her smile and laugh when she's feeling down, allow her to accompany you even when you think she should stay, protect her in many ways… Sure, that could be something a friend would do, but…" He paused, waiting for Cedric to glance back in his direction, which he did. "There's also the closeness. The looks. The smiles… During the Royal Rumble, you two were so physically close that, had I not known you, I would have assumed you were an overly affectionate married couple. Oh, and then, I'm pretty sure I saw you both kissing at the ball-"

"Y-Your Majesty, please!" He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I never imagined I'd be having this discussion… Especially with you, King Roland…"

Roland smiled in understanding. "I'm just telling you what I see. And I'm also going to tell you something else." He leaned back a bit, his head resting against the wall. "I think you're good for each other."

Cedric blinked at that statement. "You…do?"

"Oh, absolutely." He turned slightly, looking at his friend again. "Never mind the status differences, the age difference, or anything else that others might opt to point out. None of that matters, really, if you care about someone. And it's quite clear to me, Cedric, that Sofia is in love with you too…and has been for a while now."

"I just…" He shook his head. "I don't really understand, honestly… H-How are you so calm about all of this? How are you all right with your daughter having feelings for me? For me?" He gestured toward himself, adding, "And…for me having f-feelings for her…?" He sighed, threading his fingers into his hair and groaning softly. "I thought I was being so careful…"

Roland blinked at that comment. "Cedric, do you love my daughter or not?"

Cedric looked up, his hands lowering to his lap, and a somewhat tired expression on his features. "…I'd be nothing without her, Roland… My heart never would have healed, and I'd probably be locked away in that dungeon, wasting away, were it not for her… I could never repay her for her kindness, and I have nothing else to offer her except my love…"

"…I'll take that as a 'yes.'" Roland chuckled as the other man nodded sheepishly.

"Y-Yes, yes… I do love her…"

"Then why are you still here talking to me?" He pointed toward his sister and daughter. "You need to tell her, before some other distraction or evil entity interrupts you…again." He rolled his eyes. "Kind of tired of all the forces of evil combining to destroy our lives. How about you?"

Cedric laughed, despite the conversation they'd just had. "Very much so." He cleared his throat. "Well, then, I… I'd love to talk to her, but it seems it's such a rare occasion that we're alone, and—"

"We'll watch the girls. Take her somewhere away from here and tell her the truth. And then maybe…maybe…" He smiled thoughtfully. "You two can start a new chapter of your lives. Trust me." He sighed happily. "It's worth it. That's not to say that you'll be without problems or difficult times, but if you really love each other… Things will work out. They always do."

"So I've heard…" The sorcerer hummed quietly before smiling. "Very well. I think I'll finally take her to Morea Mountain tomorrow. I've been trying to show her the mountain for months now, and something always came up."

"Oh, believe me… I'm well aware."

"And…thank you, Roland…" He felt a bit shy as he attempted to finish his thoughts. "For… Um… Well, everything, I suppose."

Roland laughed. "You're welcome. I just have one request." His laughter died and a serious expression fell onto his face. "Don't call me 'Dad.'"

Cedric blinked before chuckling. "As you wish, Your Majesty."

"Well, then…" The king stood, deftly helping his friend to his feet. "I'd say it's time to try to finish these plants before it gets too dark. What do you say?"

He nodded. "Yes, of course…"

Roland grinned. "Oh, and you asked me earlier what Tilly and Sofia might be talking about…" He nodded in the others' direction before folding his arms. "It very well could be that they're having a…similar discussion, perhaps?" He smiled mischievously before turning back to the plants.

Cedric took in that information before he chanced one glance back at Sofia, who was laughing at something Tilly had just said. "Perhaps…" He smiled thoughtfully. "Only one more day, my love…"

The end (and season 2 concludes with "On Top of the World")