Choose Your Moment
adult

"You don't belong here," came a familiar hiss in Sofia's ear. She hoped he didn't notice the way she stiffened at the sound of his voice.

Or maybe she did. She had followed him here, after all.

"Here near the punch or -"

"Here at this gathering," Cedric said between clenched teeth. His hands were on her body, now. One gripping her at the elbow and the other pressed to her lower back, guiding her towards the door. "If we're lucky, no one will have noticed you yet though you certainly complicated things with this dress. I'd be surprised if anyone didn't notice you walk through the doors looking like you do. Impossible girl. I told you not to come here. I told you this isn't a place where you would be welcome but did you listen? Clearly not. I thought, for the briefest of moments, you had stumbled upon some sense but it seems you took a flying leap over it instead. This is a place where you could be killed for saying the wrong thing, looking the wrong way. And yet you followed. I knew I should have masked my steps. But my idiot self thought you'd stay where you were told."

"Cedric-"

"No. Absolutely not."

"Cedric, you're rambling."

"Of course I'm rambling. You have me out of sorts with this appearance, Sofia. I told you life and death could be on the line and I wasn't being hyperbolic."

"Because The Duke is in attendance."

"Yes, The Duke. Merlin, who calls themselves that? I'm here to circumvent him from the kingdom and specifically from you. And if he sees you -"

"You're saying you don't want The Duke to see me."

"Yes, clearly."

Sofia turned her body into Cedric and backed them into a dark corner. It was easy to hide herself behind Cedric's frame, his back to the gathered folk at the party. His hands fell naturally to her waist, hers clutching his arms.

"What are you -"

"The Duke," she whispered. "Don't turn around. He won't notice if we don't draw his attention."

Cedric looked down at her, at where his hands held her to him, before looking into her eyes. She was already staring up at him. Her expression was anything but innocent. She took a breath and pulled him closer to her, heat practically radiating off her body. Their faces, their mouths were so close now.

"Are you ever, " she said, a little breathless, "going to finish what you started."

"Is that what this is about? Sofia, you could have picked so many moments and this is the one you choose?"

"I liked the danger."

"Of course you did."

"And I thought you would like the rescue."

"Sofia." His tone was chiding now as he started to pull away from her. Sofia tightened her grip, glancing over his shoulder.

"He's looking, Cedric."

"Truly. Oh, oh dear. I'm shivering in my boots."

Her eyes locked with his. "Kiss me."

Cedric opened his mouth to say something, but he never got the chance as Sofia pressed her lips to his. It took less than a moment for Cedric to pull her closer, the two of them melting together into something comfortable. When they finally split, they were panting, practically standing on top of one another.

"Is he still looking?" Cedric's voice was softer now.

Sofia's eyes didn't leave his as she gave a small nod.

"Then we'd best...do that again."

A/N: who has 2 thumbs and a family of littles who randomly decided to watch Sofia again?
Didn't know where this was going til I wrote it. I'm a fan! Hopeful to get back to Riches this month. Woo!