Alright people! I cannot believe I had time to do this - but look! I posted another fanfic!

This is at the request of Team Foster-Secen, whom I cannot thank enough for their constant support of my writing, especially on Child of the Elements. Love ya!

This is a scene I wrote about a year ago for my other story The End is Just the Beginning. But I never got to the part where I would've posted this, so I'm writing it here instead. You're welcome :)

Sophie could barely function. It took all her effort to throw on fresh clothes. Brushing her hair was not even an option. Nothing mattered anymore. She couldn't bear to think that when she walked downstairs, everyone would be there… except for him. And he was the only one who mattered. Because she loved him. She knew that now. But it was too late.

He was gone.

The thought echoed through her body, ringing and beating and tearing and bitin, leaving grief and pain in its wake. Sophie sank to her carpet, overwhelmed by gut-wrenching sobs. He was probably dead. Or worse. She'd never see him again. Never see his smile. Never hear his laugh. She wished she were dead.

She cried until she had no more tears. Then she stood up and walked out her bedroom door,

not bothering to wipe the tears from her face.

"Are you okay?" Sandor squeaked nervously, trailing her downstairs.

"No," she said.

When she got downstairs, Sophie was covered with hugs and questions. Every worried face swam in her vision. People asking her if she was ok. If they could help. Sophie just sat dully, nothing registering in her brain, even when Tam hugged her or when Fitz held her hand. It was only when Dex wrapped his arms around Biana and she buried her face in his chest that Sophie could move. She launched herself off the couch and sprinted out the door. She ran and ran as if she could escape the pain. She finally collapsed underneath Calla's pancakes, sobbing. "It's been two weeks," she told herself. "He's not coming back." She scrunched up into a ball and closed her eyes tightly, rocking back and forth, silent tears pouring down her face. This wasn't like the other times she'd been hurt or scared and he'd helped. This time Keefe wouldn't come for her. He wouldn't - couldn't - hold her. She was really and truly all alone.

The soft crunch of footsteps sounded near her, but she barely noticed. That is, until someone put their arms around her and lifted her off the ground into their arms. She opened her eyes, and… there he was. The sunlight shone gold on his hair, and his ice-blue eyes shone with an intensity Sophie had never seen before.

"Keefe?" she said, squinting up at his face.

His breath was warm on her cheeks as he whispered, "I'm here, Foster."

Sophie clung to him and cried. He was here. They were safe.

When she finally stopped crying, she wiped her eyes on her sleeve. He set her gently down on the ground and, smiling sadly, turned to go. She just watched him walk away for a moment, confused. He wasn't just going to leave, was he? She wasn't going to get him back just to let him go again!

Sophie sprinted after Keefe. "Wait!" she yelled. Keefe turned as she ran toward him. She meant to stop, but her momentum carried her farther than she intended, and she crashed right into his chest. Momentarily and instinctively, Keefe put his arms around her to steady her, and she discovered that in his arms was just where she wanted to be. But, as soon as she was steady, Keefe let go and stepped back, distancing himself from Sophie.

"Where are you going?" asked Sophie.

Keefe sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. "Sophie, I'm dangerous," he said. "The ability I'm manifesting isn't safe." He backed away even farther. "My mom made that very clear," he said.

Sophie stared at him. Since when was he on speaking terms with his mom?

"I've been with the Neverseen these two weeks,'' Keefe explained. "They captured me from the Shores of Solace and took me to one of their hideouts. Apparently they had to fix a 'glitch' in my genetics." He ran his fingers through his hair again. 'My mom told me my ability would be a game-changer. That's how I know it's dangerous. And I have to keep you safe." He turned to go.

Sophie glanced to her left and saw a small crowd of friends and family gathering on the crest of the hill to their left. She was reluctant to tell Keefe she loved him in front of an audience, but something Edaline had told her once came back to her in full force, and gave her the courage to do what she needed to do. You can't let them decide for you.

Taking a deep breath, she ran to catch up with Keefe. She ran in front of him and put her hand on his chest to stop him. "Wait. I need to tell you something," she said breathlessly.

She took a deep breath and looked him in the eyes. "When you were gone, all I could think was… I'll never be able to tell him that I love him." She watched him for a reaction.

Keefe released a huge, shuddering breath. His eyes were full of hope and the longing that he had suppressed for so long for her sake. "Sophie," he whispered, hardly daring to believe that she'd chosen him.

"Keefe," whispered Sophie. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and he pulled her against him, her feet dangling.

"Sophie, are you certain?" Keefe asked, doubt creeping in.

Sophie laughed and pulled her head back. Cupping his head in her hands, she looked him in the eyes and said very seriously, " I love you more than anyone else in the world. I never want to be away from you. Even if you have the creepiest, most volatile new ability possible, that will not change my love for you in the slightest. Now, the question I have is… will you have me?" She watched him anxiously.

A spark of pure joy shone in Keefe's eyes. He placed his forehead on hers, eyes closed, face a picture of pure content.

"Yes," he whispered against her mouth. "Now and forever yes." And he kissed her.

Sophie closed her eyes and kissed him back. His lips were amazingly soft. She ran her hands through his hair and clung tightly to him. This was their pledge. She had given him her heart and he had given her his. Now they belonged to each other, and nothing could ever change that. They kissed and kissed, lips pressed against each other's in a silent commitment.

But all good things come to an end. Slowly, they let go.

Sophie touched her lips. They were moist and soft.

Keefe slowly lowered her to the ground. His hands were shaking. "I love you," he whispered. Sophie tucked her head under his chin and placed her hands on his chest. He put his arms around her protectively. "I love you, too," whispered Sophie.

Okay! I have more, but I want to see how this is received first. If you like this, please favorite or leave a review; if you don't, please let me know how I could do better! Thanks again to Foster-Secen for being the best reader ever and inspiring this fanfic :)