#truth of dare kotlc

[crippling-pages]

genuinely asking here,,, what are your guys thoughts on all the kotlc sleepover fics??, I personally love them (when they're written by someone who can write and is not a 10 year old on Wattpad) because I get to see my babies have fun and stuff

most sleepover fics i've read are either written by a 12/13-15 year old user who can write REALLY well, or a 10 or 11 year old who,, tries their best.

like in almost every kotlc sleepover fic they do truth or dare,, its so cliche but I actually love it a lot ToT there's always the 'tell us who your crush is' and then the character proceeds to mumble their crushes name and then says ' you never said to say it at a reasonable volume >:D"

that last bit is usually for the 11/12 year olds; I roll my eyes because its so over used now but honestly iJUHYGTFRD

and then there's the bad part, where the young writers (10-12) are hate fitz and then proceed to make Fitz punch Keefe because he wants to be with Sophie..

sigh.

ANYWAYS its 99.8% of the time always fluffy and cute and 40% of the time written by a 10 year old but its FINE because my children are having a good time having a sleepover that almost always takes place at Everglen <3

[goldfishwithablowtorch-deactivat]

I have been observing from afar and even though no one asked me here is my multi-paragraph essay on why Keefe 100% has abs

Okay so one of the main aspects of Keefe's keefiness is that he blames himself for what his friends go through, especially relating to the neverseen because of his mother. He feels like he has to fix it or compensate for it.

In Kotlc Everblaze, we see that when he is talking into the tracker in case the Neverseen is listening, he says he's been practising with the goblin throwing stars and that he won't miss again. This is further evidence of the fact that he feels he has to be better in order to protect his friends, and this was even before we learned that his mother was part of the neverseen.

Therefore, it seems reasonable that he would be training to fight against the Neverseen not just using throwing stars, but also trying to learn how to fight without weapons. By extension of this, he is also probably working out a lot, probably far more than is necessary, so he feels better capable of protecting his friends.

His anger and guilt only intensified after he learns the truth about his parents, and again with every altercation with the neverseen or other enemies, especially after events such as when Sophie and Fitz were attacked in Flashback or when he fought King Dimitar. He needs to be stronger and better to defend his loved ones like he couldn't before.

One of the main arguments of the anti-keefe-has-abs group is that he is a "soft artist boy" and that he uses art as a coping mechanism as opposed to physical activity. This is true, but you have to remember why he does a lot of the drawing in later books. He's trying to trigger memories they can use against the Neverseen.

Keefe is drawing as a coping mechanism, but this is just part of his main coping mechanism of throwing himself into trying do something, anything, to feel useful in the fight against the Neverseen in an effort to make up for all his mother's actions. He tries to trigger memories, tries to run away and "join the enemy", tries to sacrifice himself to save everyone else and tries to keep his mother away from those he cares about whom she would hurt.

He will do anything and everything he can which includes utilising both his mind (through triggering memories) and his body, through training until maybe one day he will be strong and fast enough to actually defeat his mother next time she tries to hurt the people he holds most dear.

Keefe will do anything in his power to make up for his mother's actions, to protect his friends, and to prove to them to himself that he isn't as useless as he has been every other time the neverseen has attacked.

Keefe will become as physically capable as he can until he feels capable enough.

Keefe will do anything, physically or mentally, to prove he's not as useless as he feels.

So in short, Keefe has trauma, so he works out, so he has abs.

If anyone put themselves through reading that, dare you to change my mind.

KEEFE HAS ABS

[multi-fandom-lunatic]

A Choice in Our Favour (KotLC Secret Santa 2024)

@siennamakeschaos

You can do this. Keefe used the words as a clutch. He relied on them. He felt himself lean on them; he felt them supporting him. He revelled in the comforting fake warmth that it produced. It wasn’t a truth; it was an action. It had to happen. It had to. 

What choice did he have, if not this? That’s what his life was like. Wasn’t it cruel, to dangle two choices then point a gun at your head if you chose the right one? But that’s what Keefe’s life was all about. The stakes were always too high, and the outcomes were hardly ever in his favour. 

He stood behind a particularly wide oak. The park was a perfect spot to hide. It easy to keep his sharp eyes on the museum entrance. It was harder to vision these things at night, but he strained his eyes to gaze over at Dave, who was prowling the premises. 

Keefe didn’t dare allow himself the luxury of a sigh. His breathing was light and shallow. He stared longingly at the entrance, the seconds ticking by as he waited for Dave to start his rounds around the back. 

This is wrong. A voice said in Keefe’s head. He tried not to listen to it, but it was it was impossible. It was his own voice, except it wasn’t tinged with a sneer or sarcasm. It had a hint of concern behind the statement. It wafted in the air in front of it, thickening it. 

I don’t have a choice. Keefe thought, as if it would make a difference. I don’t have the privilege of a choice. I never did. Inner-Keefe seemed to be satisfied with that answer, but something inside him twisted, as if the guilt was making him sick. 

He’d learnt about morality very young. Even when people didn’t speak, their values glistened through their actions. And along with that, Keefe could feel every glance of disappointment and disdain.  

He was always able to feel emotions. Since he was born. It took a few years to realise it wasn’t normal. And it took a few more to realise that he had to shut up about it. No one was going to believe him. The leaders at the orphanage didn’t when he began screaming about it. Everything was too loud. The lights, the sounds, the emotions that people felt. They all yelled at him to do something about it, but he couldn’t. He never could. The choice was never his.  

He'd always been a problem. Always making someone’s life difficult. No one likes difficult, and it showed. He was difficult when he was dumped outside the fire station on a cold, rainy afternoon. He was difficult when he began shrieking about how he could feel emotions. He was difficult when he ran away from that when he was twelve. Keefe had learnt the lesson when he was five. Being difficult is being unlikable. And being unlikable was Keefe’s trademark. 

And he was still the same at fourteen, only this time, it wasn’t his roommates and leaders from the orphanage that he bothered. It was the police. 

No one liked a scruffy teenager who managed to get away from police every single time. No one liked an adamant boy who insisted on sleeping in alleyways instead of the orphanage. No one liked an unchecked box. Another task to finish. Itching, itching, itching away. And that’s what Keefe was. An annoying part of a statistic. 

But tonight was different. Tonight, he would put an end to all of that. His plan was perfect; it had to be. And even if it wasn’t, it had to deliver. He had to deliver. 

Dave whistled as he turned the corner, conducting his duty to the back. Keefe mentally pumped his fists and sprinted to the entrance. The general noises of the night masked his footsteps. The chirping of nighttime birds in the trees, the rustling leaves through the chilly autumn breeze, the pitter patter of rain that had suddenly hit him. Keefe cursed under his breath, speeding his sprint to maybe miss the shower, but it was no use. By the time he slipped inside the double doors, he was completely soaked. 

The museum was a different world. It was dark, darker than the night. Dust particles floated in the air, only seen in the glints of the moonlight that spilled in from the high windows. It was as if they were frozen in time; Keefe’s crystalising breath was the only thing that moved them.  

But he hadn’t the time to focus on it. He had his plan, and admiring his surroundings would ruin it. It wasn’t a simple plan, by any means. Breaking into a museum was no simple feat, by any means. But it was a necessary plan. He could put it into one sentence: steal the Calyx and sell it. 

Everyone had been talking about the shiny new jewel that was finally being put on display. In Melbourne, of all places. It was all over the news, and apparently, it had banded a lot of nerds together. 

Well, Keefe was among that group of nerds. But not because he was fascinated by the rich history of jewels and gemstones. No, he was here to take it.  

A flash of light in the corner of his eye. Keefe turned around, holding up the two rocks in his hands. But there was nothing. He was alone. He took a shaky breath before heading for the stairs. 

Right at the base of the staircase, he heard footsteps. They were so gentle; so soft that he wouldn’t have heard them if the silence was enveloping the museum. He turned around slowly, and the sight in front of him nearly made him drop his stones. 

It was a boy, around his age no less. And he was beautiful. Prim and proper in his freshly ironed clothes, which seemed tailored to fit him perfectly, he looked like some sort of prince. All he was missing was a crown. Instead, his head neatly combed brown hair, which seemed to reveal a billion brilliant shades under the moonlight. But what Keefe caught sight of first were his eyes. They were an impeccable, inexplicable teal, much the jewel he was going to steal. 

“You’re not supposed to exist,” he said. He was most definitely not Aussie. His accent was crisp, kind of like an English accent, but more pretentious. Keefe scoffed. 

“Tell me something I don’t know.” 

“You don’t know why.” 

“Then tell me.” Keefe challenged. The boy’s expression changed for a microsecond. As if a smile appeared by magic and disappeared just as divinely. 

“I’m not fully sure either.” 

Keefe rolled his eyes. “Dude, you are completely cramping my style.” 

The boy scoffed. “You are not what I expected.” 

“So, you know that I exist but have no idea why?” Keefe shook his head. “Who even are you?” 

“I’m Fitz,” he said, offering his hand to shake. Keefe didn’t take it. He dropped his hands, and a momentary expression of dejectedness clouded his features. But it vanished just as quickly. He was used to masking emotions, Keefe clocked. 

“No, I meant,” Keefe sighed, running his hands through his sopping hair. “Who are you to me?” 

“We’ll find out.” Fitz said, and he smirked so well, it was as if he’d copied Keefe’s signature smirk and pasted it on him. Only, it looked a million times better on Fitz, and Keefe was not too happy about that. 

“Who’s there?” A voice boomed from behind them, and Keefe saw that it was Dave, a few feet behind Fitz and absolutely livid. His usually pale face was bright red, and he was glaring menacingly at the pair. 

“Run!” Fitz yelled, grabbing Keefe’s arm. Keefe sprinted alongside Fitz, managing to keep ahead of him by lengthening his strides. 

But Fitz turned abruptly, ducking into a broom closet. Keefe had the urge to run to the back exit and hopefully lose Dave, but something in him told him to trust Fitz, that he was going to change things for the better. Usually, Keefe wouldn’t dare listen to such a silly thought. He had them all the time. But his previous thoughts didn’t involve Fitz. So, he jumped into the broom closet and shut it ever so quietly. 

It was dingy, dirty, dusty, and cramped. Keefe’s nose flared as the dust tickled it. He held his breath to hold the sneeze. He used it to distract him from the other very awkward situation at hand: Fitz and him, chest to chest in a very tight closet. Keefe tried not to let his mind wander, but it sprinted to some very specific scenarios, and none of them were straight. 

Fitz breathed hard. “You’re fast.” 

“Perks of being not five feet,” Keefe grinned, looking down at Fitz. 

“I’m five foot and four inches, thank you very much.” Fitz said, smiling a little. “I think. I suppose that is the American human measurement system. Aren’t we in Australia?” 

“Woah, hold on. What do you mean by ‘American human measurement system’?” Keefe said. “And how could you possibly get confused by what country you’re in?” 

“Oh, I remember this,” Fitz muttered. “I’ll explain everything. For now, just hold my hand.” 

This just keeps getting better and better. 

Keefe turned absolutely red at the thought of holding Fitz’s hand in a dark, small closet, but Fitz seemed perfectly fine, so he clutched his hand as nonchalantly as possible. He let go immediately. 

“Oh my god,” Keefe gasped. “Your emotions. I couldn’t feel them before. Now I can.” 

Fitz sighed. “I told you; I’ll explain everything. Just try to trust me, okay?” 

All of the flags in Keefe’s brain turned bright red. But he gritted his teeth and said, “Okay.” 

“Okay, I need you to concentrate,” Fitz said, pausing. “Concentrate on what you feel, your body… concentrate on holding my hand.” 

Keefe tried not to read into that very unintentional, telling pause. But he still listened to Fitz. He shut his eyes and thought. He was nervous, a little excited, and there was something else there. Something that made his heart race at the thought of being near this boy. Something that made his stomach twist in very strange ways. He’d felt it before with a few other people. He’d ended up kissing them. Keefe did not want to read into that. 

There was something else that kept eating at him. Fitz’s feelings. He wished he could say that they were completely neutral and not-at-all elevated. But that would be a lie. Keefe could feel Fitz’s feelings, and they all swirled in his chest. Some were easy to recognise: fear, doubt. There were ones that he didn’t expect: nostalgia, joy. And there was that elevated something that seemed to say an awful lot. 

Woah. Keefe’s entire body fell apart. It was non-existent. Somewhere between liquid and gas. Keefe would’ve screamed, had his mouth not been broken away. But it was oh-so inviting. Warm and soft and comforting, and Keefe had to remind himself constantly to hold himself together. In a flash, the feeling disappeared and replacing it was a chill breeze. 

“What just happened?” Keefe said. He didn’t feel the need to whisper. He was in a wide, open field with the cleanest air and greenest grass and the clearest sky. He fell onto his back, feeling every muscle untense. “We were just in the museum, in the night. Now we’re… somewhere I guess, in broad daylight.” 

“We just light leaped.” Fitz said. “Rode on a beam of light all the way here.” 

Keefe’s face scrunched up. “Sure. Why not.” 

Fitz laughed, and Keefe smiled at the sound of it. It was deep and melodious and suited him perfectly. “You are so different from Sophie.” 

“Oh yeah, Sophie. We catch up every Tuesday afternoon. Yup.” Keefe smirked at Fitz. He smirked right back. 

“Sophie Foster. Blonde. Two years younger than you. Brown eyes. Pulls out eyelashes. Feisty.” Fitz said, listing her traits. 

“Huh. I think I kissed a girl like that once. Minus the ‘two years younger than me’ bit.” Keefe said. “She really liked to kiss.” 

“Okay then,” Fitz grinned. “Enough about kissing. More about why you’re here.” 

“I don’t know,” Keefe smirked. “Kissing sounds fun. You ever kissed someone?” 

Fitz shook his head. 

“We ought to try it out some time,” Keefe grinned. Fitz turned away, completely red in the face. He giggled a bit. Oh, Keefe was going to enjoy this. 

“What about you have an existential crisis first?” Fitz said, composing himself. “I’ll give you the short version: You’re an elf. No, not the ones who wrap Christmas presents. No, I’m not joking, think of the light leaping. Yes, we get pointy ears. Only when we reach around a thousand years old. Yes, we live infinitely. No, we are not immortal. We can still die.” 

Keefe blinked. “Okay then.” 

Fitz turned to Keefe incredulously. “Okay? That’s it?” 

“Yeah,” Keefe said. “We did ride on a beam of light. How else would we end up here?” Keefe looked at the endless field. 

“You aren’t sad? Angry?” Fitz said, and he spoke so carefully, as if the words could elicit the emotion. Keefe shook his head. 

“Not really,” he said, staring the blades of grass. “Still have no idea who Sophie is, though.” 

“I told you she’s-” 

“Yeah, blonde hair, eyelashes, feisty, I know,” Keefe looked at Fitz. “I mean, who is she to you?” 

Fitz smiled. “She’s an elf who was also raised by humans. She’s super special. The whole exception-to-the-rules kind of thing. I brought her from the Forbidden Cities – the human world – to here.” 

Keefe blinked. “So, what, do elves have a cluster of them hiding among humans?” He’d meant it as a joke, but Fitz’s smile dropped. 

“Uh, no,” Fitz said, as if he was tiptoeing around an answer. “That’s the thing. Sophie was supposed to be the only elf. There wasn’t supposed to be anyone else.” 

Fitz took a deep breath. “A few months before I rescued Sophie, I managed to catch a clue in my dad’s articles – he’s the one who organised the whole find-Sophie thing. I’ve been doing it for years. Anyways, I found a clue that made me think that maybe there was someone else out there. I showed it to him, but he didn’t think anything of it. And then when we found Sophie, it was meant to be over. The search was meant to be done. But I had an inkling, and it wouldn’t go away. So… I’ve been sneaking out and leaping to the Forbidden Cities when I’m free. The Council, who are basically our leaders, just assume I’m tying up more loose ends in the Forbidden Cities, and my dad doesn’t even know I go. I wasn’t supposed to talk to you. I never planned to talk to you, let alone leap you here. But I guess the situation called for it,” Fitz exhaled. “Same thing happened with Sophie. I wasn’t meant to talk to her. But I did. And I brought her here.” 

“So wait, I’m like… Sophie two-point-oh?” Keefe blinked. Fitz shook his head. 

“More like…” he paused. “Sophie’s an elf who was genetically engineered to save the world and stop these bad guys. She was made in a lab by these people called the Black Swan. And if all the clues lead up to Sophie being the Moonlark… I think it’s more like Sophie is you two-point-oh.” 

“A Keefe two-point-oh,” Keefe said, his heart plunging. “So what, I’m some sort of failed experiment?” 

Fitz put a comforting hand on his shoulder. “A rushed experiment. They thought they got things wrong – they didn’t – and they abandoned you to work on Sophie.” Fitz cringed. “I’m wording this awfully. But this is speculation. But it’s very in character for the Black Swan. 

Keefe didn’t want to believe Fitz. The idea of being a failed experiment was too cruel. But it seemed all too true. It would be consistent, wouldn’t it? Even in a different world he was an anomaly. He wrapped his hands around his knees, feeling his heart thundering all the clearer. 

“And about the whole feeling emotions thing,” Fitz said. “It means you’re an empath. One of our special abilities.” Fitz smiled radiantly. “It’s a really cool one.” 

“It’s not cool when you’re a toddler and screaming your lungs out because you can feel everyone’s emotions.” Keefe muttered. “I sounded like a lunatic.” 

“Toddler?” Fitz shrieked. “How long have you been feeling people?” 

“Since I was born.”  

Fitz had this look in his eyes. Half terror, half amazement. Keefe wanted to reach into his brain and understand all the thoughts that was going on in his head. Fitz shook his head. “Huh. Elves generally manifest their abilities when their teenagers. Sophie manifested hers when she was five. You? You are certainly something.” 

“Does that mean you have an ability? Do all elves have one?” Keefe asked.  

“Yes, then no.” Fitz said, looking at the sky. “I’m a telepath. I can read minds. There’s a whole bunch of rules of when and when not to read minds, so don’t worry about me peaking in.” Fitz chuckled. “And no, not everyone gets one. People who don’t are called the talentless. They work in a city called Mysterium, which is better suited to their skills.” 

Fitz said the last words like he was parroting them. Keefe whistled. “And I thought prejudices were bad in the human world.” 

Fitz sighed. “They absolutely are. It’s just about different things here.” Fitz paused. “I used to hate talking about this stuff. About the bad parts of the Lost Cities, because I tend to benefit most from the system.” He looked down guiltily. “I’m part of the Vacker family, and we’re kind of a big deal here. It used to be awkward when someone would bring up the injustices because it made me feel guilty for the system. But then I started searching for Sophie and looked at the Forbidden Cities and realised, we should absolutely talk about these things. And if it’s making us uncomfortable, then good, that’s the point.” He stopped talking to turn to Keefe and apologise. 

Keefe’s eyes went wide. “Dude, that is an insane level of self-reflection.” 

“I had the time,” Fitz shrugged, but Keefe could see him go a little red, as if he was pleased by Keefe’s assessment. A warmth entered Keefe again. The kind of warmth that made him want to make Fitz happy. Keefe was trying very hard not to read into that, and he was failing. Miserably. 

“So… what now?” Keefe asked. “For me, I mean. I doubt I’d hop back and forth between the human world and the elf world. Though, how freaking awesome would that be? I’d be like a superhero with an insanely pretty face.” 

Fitz rolled his eyes. “I’m not going to dispute you on the face. But I guess the next step would be to tell my father about you, and he’d probably put you with some foster parents and you’d be an elf.” The words were comforting, but Fitz’s shaking tone was not. 

“Waiting for the inevitable but,” Keefe said after a beat of silence. 

“But… Well, I’m just going off what Sophie’s going through. She isn’t very happy.” Fitz sighed. “Everyone treats her like an outcast. And there’s a whole lot of drama with her foster parents.” 

“Yeah… no.” Keefe shook his head. “I don’t want that kind of life.” 

Fitz stared at Keefe. “You hardly have a choice.” 

“Don’t I?” Keefe said. “I could go back to the human world.” 

“You want to go back to the Forbidden Cities?” Fitz asked incredulously. “You were living on the streets! About to steal a jewel! Don’t you want to trade that?” 

“The way I see it, it’s either be an outcast in a world I know, or a world I don’t know.” Keefe sighed. He grabbed Fitz’s hand to make him pay proper attention. “I’m used to the streets. But I don’t want to have my whole life uprooted, just because I’m an elf.” He shook his head. “How silly is that? Being an elf is, like, the smallest part of my life. I’m also Keefe Sencen, mischief maker, prankster extraordinaire, and Lord Hunkyhair – when I’m not completely soaked.” Keefe muttered, running his heads through his hair.  

Fitz stared at Keefe blankly. “Okay.” 

It was Keefe’s turn to be shocked. “Okay? I just told you about abandoning my species and your response is okay?”  

Fitz shrugged. “You’re kind of right. Beats me why Sophie didn’t see it that way.” Fitz’s squeezed Keefe’s hand, and it sent a fresh wave of warmth coursing through his veins. “But… well, I just feel kind of awful, because I got to meet you and now, I have to say goodbye. You’re pretty awesome, Keefe. Even with the kissing jokes.” 

“Who said they were jokes?” Keefe said, and it was a lot more sincere than he expected. Fitz blushed. 

“The point is… I’m going to miss you.” Fitz said, letting go of Keefe’s hand. The warmth left Keefe in an instant. An idea crept into Keefe’s head, and before he could think about it, he spoke. 

“Come with me,” he said, standing up. He extended his hand to Fitz, who was bathed oh-so beautifully in the setting sun. 

“How could I?” Fitz asked. “The elves don’t even know you exist. But I’m a Vacker! They’ll freak out if I’m gone.” 

Keefe shook his head. “Of course they will. But you shouldn’t be tethered by them. If you don’t want to come, that’s fine; just take me to the place you found me. But if you do and you’re saying no because of other people… you’re doing yourself a disservice.” 

Fitz paused for a haunting moment. He was serene when he thought; even the wind didn’t make as much noise as he considered his answer. 

“I’m coming with you,” Fitz said, standing up to take Keefe’s hand. “I’ll have to arrange some things first, but I’m coming.” 

Keefe smiled. “Perfect.” He pumped his fist. “Kissing jokes here we-” 

Fitz grabbed Keefe’s face with both of his hands. He stared at Keefe with such intensity Keefe thought his eyes were going to pop out of his face. But he leaned forward and planted a kiss on Keefe’s lips. To Keefe’s own shock (and extreme delight) he found himself kissing Fitz back, with his hands resting in Fitz’s hair. A million words rushed to Keefe’s mind as the blood rushed to his head. Surprising, gentle, comforting, but one stuck out: electrifying. 

They pulled apart after a second, as red as beetroots. 

“-come.” Keefe said, involuntarily finishing his last sentence. Fitz cracked a smile. 

“Much better than a joke,” Fitz said. “We should do that again. And again. And more often, if that’s okay with you.” 

“Are you asking me to be your boyfriend?” Keefe smirked. “’Because you have an extremely round-about way of doing it.” 

Fitz buried his face in his hands. “Yes! That’s exactly what I’m asking. And cut me some slack, okay? The Lost Cities don’t even have queer couples. I learnt what being queer was at a human pride parade two years ago.” 

Keefe grinned. “You are such a dork.” Keefe took Fitz’s hand. “I’d love to be your boyfriend. But let’s discuss specifics when we aren’t planning to run away, yeah?” 

“Sounds good to me.” Fitz said, smiling softly. His smile dropped. “I should probably head home.” 

“I guess that means back to Melbourne for me?” Keefe asked, trying to hide his disappointment behind a cool tone, but it just came out flat. 

“I guess,” Fitz asked, sadness in his eyes. “Do you have anywhere to sleep?” 

Keefe shrugged, doing a terrible job of playing it cool. “I could sleep where I normally do.” 

“You have an extremely round-about way of saying no,” Fitz snorted. “Nope. I’m not letting you sleep on a park bench for the night. You’re coming with me to Everglen.” 

“Everglen?” Keefe asked, jogging to catch up to Fitz, who was holding the crystal from earlier to the sky. 

“That’s my house,” Fitz said. “Do what we were doing earlier. Concentrate, okay?” 

Keefe gripped Fitz’s hand. He gasped aloud this time as his boyfriend summoned a light beam. It was bright and went as high as he could see. He didn’t feel nervous at all; despite only knowing Fitz for a few hours, he trusted him completely. Keefe walked in; eyes closed tight. 

That liquid feeling returned. Keefe imagined himself as a pile of goo on the floor. It felt like he could be soaked up by a sponge. But then he landed on the grass and found himself shielding his eyes from a bright light. 

“Sorry, my dad likes his privacy,” Fitz mumbled. He opened the gates. “You have to be quiet – and try to hide, okay? No one can know that you’re here.” 

Keefe’s jaw was on the floor. “This is massive! You’re loaded.” 

Fitz’s cheeks turned pink. “Elves all have a birth fund – around five million lusters, which is actually around fifty million American dollars. You can do the maths.” 

“Nuh-uh. Keep maths away from me.” Keefe shook his head. “But you realise that when we get to the human world, we’re going to have no money, right?” 

Fitz smiled. “Don’t worry. I have an idea for that.”  

Keefe walked in, trailing cautiously behind Fitz. The house was empty, and excessively fancy. Exotic, beautiful flowers bloomed from intricately painted vases, and each window opened to a fruitful garden that looked straight out of a fairytale. All the rooms were bigger than Keefe had ever seen, too. It must be easy to get lost, Keefe thought. 

Fitz led Keefe to a bedroom. It was three times the average bedroom, with teal sheets and a huge canopy over the double bed, which was nearly bursting with all sorts of soft pillows. Off to the corner was a wide desk, housing a stack of very boring looking books, with titles like The Heart of the Matter and Oh, To Read Minds. 

“I know,” Fitz said, looking at Keefe’s scrunched eyebrows when he eyed the books. “They’re ridiculously boring. Total yawnfest.” 

“Yawnfest?” Keefe laughed. “Where is your vocabulary coming from? A decade ago?” 

Fitz rolled his eyes, smiling playfully. “Whatever.” He pointed to a door in the room that Keefe hadn’t noticed before. “That’s a bathroom. Take a shower and you can borrow some of my clothes after. I’ll bring you some dinner after I eat. And after that, I have to go make a huge request to someone that barely likes me. I’ll be my secret mission.” Fitz muttered. 

“Okay,” Keefe said, out of energy for a sarcastic quip. “A shower sounds good.” 

Keefe dug into Fitz’s closet, trying to produce something that wasn’t all sparkly and elf-y. He settled on a Batman T-shirt stashed in the back, and some black sweatpants. It looked a size too small for him, but whatever. It was better than the sopping tattered shirt he normally wore. 

After he stepped out of the shower, he found Fitz gone. Probably dinner, Keefe thought. He crawled into Fitz’s bed, which was oh-so comfortable, and before he knew it, he was out. 

“Keefe!” A voice whispered urgently. Two hands gently shook his side. Keefe groaned, eyes fluttering open to reveal Fitz, staring at Keefe with bright teal eyes. “Ah, you’re awake. That’s good.” 

“What happened?” Keefe said, sitting up. “Did we get caught?” 

Fitz shook his head. “Nope. Everything went according to plan. And here,” Fitz tossed Keefe a credit card and a passport, along with a few other official looking documents. “These are our proof of identity and stuff. And that credit card has all the money we’ll ever need.”  

Keefe nearly cried at the money. “Perfect. So, why are we awake?” 

“No one else is up at this hour,” Fitz said. “We have to go now.” 

“Wait,” Keefe said. “What time is it?” 

“Four in the morning.” 

“What?!” Keefe huffed. “I slept for ages. Where did you sleep?” 

Fitz shrugged. “Planning to escape a world tends to tire you out. I slept here. There was plenty of room.” 

“Huh.” Keefe shook his head. “You’re a lot less anxious than I expected.” 

“I know,” Fitz admitted. He looked down, twisting the sheets in his hands. “I’m kind of just ready to get away from it all.” 

“Me too,” Keefe agreed. “But your family?” 

Fitz looked down. “I’ll miss them, for sure. Especially Biana. But… I think I’ll be happier this way.” 

Keefe nodded. “Then what are we waiting for?” 

Fitz shrugged, but his hands were shaking. “Nothing. I just need to calm down, I guess.” 

Keefe took Fitz’s hand, squeezing them tightly. Even at fourteen, Keefe knew that there was something special about his bond with Fitz. And it was only going to be strengthened by the choice they made. There was no trace of humour in Keefe’s voice when he spoke. “It’s normal to be scared. We made a big choice. But It’s our choice now. Why don’t we try and own it?” 

“Our choice.” Fitz repeated the words like a mantra. “My choice.” 

The beam of light lit up the entire room. It illuminated every aspect of Fitz’s room; his soon-to-be old life. He crawled into the light, holding Fitz’s hand tightly. Keefe didn’t resist as it broke his body to a million pieces. He knew it would be put back together on the other side of a new life.  

Keefe embraced the warmth. He’d made a million choices in his life. Shoot, he’d made the choice to run away once before. But this time, he wasn’t running away from something – he was running toward it.  

And maybe, just maybe, this could be the first choice that was truly in his favour. 

***

FITZ’S MISSION 

You can do this. Fitz said to himself. He’d been using those words a lot lately. It was hard not to need them, considering the weight and scope of the choices he was making. 

Any sane person would call him a fool. Running away from one the most prominent, highly regarded families of the Lost Cities? For a boy he’d met mere hours ago? It was a fool’s endeavour. 

But they hadn’t met Keefe. Even in the dim light, he was something of a Greek God. What, with his bright blond hair that even when completely soaked, managed to frame his face, and piercing ice blue eyes that cut through Fitz’s soul and his trademark flirtatious edge to his tone, he could convince anyone to date him. 

And so, it led him here. Him, shakily holding a crystal, and begging that this would work. 

Fitz had to concentrate as hard as possible on this leap. He was scared; and if he wasn’t careful, he’d lose himself before he had a chance to live.  

He landed in front of Rimeshire. Fitz instantly regretted not running to grab a jacket, or a coat. It was chilling here, with snowflakes dancing prettily in the air, and covering the entire house. It looked like an Elvin version of a Hallmark movie. He knocked on the door. 

A man stepped out. He had wild red hair and a pink stain across his cheek. His smile was wide, but it faded when he saw Fitz. His periwinkle eyes twinkled as he spoke. 

“Fitz Vacker,” he greeted. “What brings you here?” 

“I just need to talk to Dex,” Fitz said, trying to be as unsuspicious as possible. “It’s for, uh, school.”  

Great. 

Kesler raised an auburn eyebrow at him but didn’t question Fitz. “Alright. He’s upstairs, in his room. Have fun.” 

Kesler led Fitz to Dex’s room, talking absentmindedly about Slurps and Burps and how Dex was doing. But Fitz wasn’t listening. In fact, his palms were unnaturally clammy; enough to make him constantly wipe them on his clothes. 

“Fitz...” Dex said, very poorly hiding his shock. “Hi.” 

“Fitz just came over for school things,” Kesler said. “I’ll leave you to it.” He shut the door behind him. 

“I’m guessing you’re not here for school stuff?” Dex said. It came out flat; as if it was meant to be a joke but it was laced with too much suspicion. 

“Not really,” Fitz shook his head. “I need to ask you a big favour.” 

“What’s it for?” Dex asked. 

“You have to promise to keep it secret.” Fitz insisted. He could see the wavering trust in Dex’s eyes. Dex sighed. 

“Fitz... we aren’t friends. I know Sophie and I are best friends and cousins but that doesn’t mean we are. I’m sure there’s someone else you can ask, you know.” 

“There’s no one else,” Fitz said, taking a deep breath to keep his voice from quivering. “Please, Dex. Just hear me out. If you say no, all you’ll have to do is say nothing. That’s all.” 

Dex bit his lip, his intense eyes on Fitz. He nodded. “Okay. Tell me.” 

Fitz poured his secret to Dex. But he kept the details to himself; where he was going, what he was doing after. He didn’t even mention Keefe’s name and he conveniently skipped over the kiss they shared.  

“Wait, that doesn’t make sense,” Dex said, scrunching his face up. “You’re running away because of a friend you met? I don’t buy it. Tell me the truth.” 

Fitz sighed, trembling as he spoke. “Okay, he isn’t my friend. He’s my boyfriend.” 

Dex’s eyes shot up wide. “Woah. And I mean woah. That’s... shocking. Is that even allowed?” 

Fitz shook his head, feeling tears on his face. Why was it so hard to talk about this. “I don’t think so.” 

Dex was silent for a second. “Okay, I’m in.” 

Fitz stared at Dex for precisely fifty-seven secrets before answering. “Okay? What convinced you? Me having a boyfriend?” 

“Yeah,” Dex said. “I took you for a Vacker. And Vackers benefit from the system. Vackers are rule-followers. They don’t bother thinking of others, because they’re too busy with themselves.” Ouch. Even if Fitz knew that Dex was about to barrel in with a gigantic but, it still stung. “But you just showed me that you aren’t that.” 

“You understand what I’m asking you to do, right?” Fitz said quietly. “You’d have to make a lot of documents, scramble one leaps worth of data, and pretend that I’m dead.” 

Dex nodded. “I know what you’re asking. And I’m only agreeing because I’m rooting for you and this mystery boy. If you ever come back to the Lost Cities, bring your boyfriend, okay?” 

Fitz felt his cheeks warm at the mention of Keefe. But he felt himself smile because of Dex. Dex, whom he had barely acknowledged. Dex, whose family hates the Vackers. And now, he was the one who was helping him run away. 

“When do you think you can have it done by?” Fitz asked. Dex turned pink. 

“A couple minutes, actually.” Dex said. Fitz raised an eyebrow. 

“That’s not possible.” He said, shaking his head. 

“It is if you already had the documents,” Dex said, looking everywhere but Fitz. “When Sophie arrived, I thought maybe one day we’d go to the Forbidden Cities sometime... to hang out. So, I started making some documents. I just have to change the name and a few details, and the credit card pin and stuff and it’s all done.” 

Fitz cleared his throat, trying not to think too hard on what Dex was implying. Dex was doing him a tremendous favour, after all. It wasn’t fair. “Oh, that’s convenient.” 

Dex fiddled with a leaping crystal for a few minutes before handing it to Fitz. “It’ll cover three leaps; the next two you take. Be careful.” 

“Thanks Dex,” Fitz said, taking the crystal from him. A moment of silence washed over them. How do you thank someone for commiting a crime for you? 

“I’m going to miss you,” Dex said, smiling softly. “Maybe we’ll see each other again.” 

“I’ll miss you too,” Fitz smiled. “I’ll always remember this.” 

And with that, he disappeared with a beam of light. 

He was in Havenfield, but not in front of the doors to say greet the Ruewens, he was at the caves near it. 

The sky was dark, and ominously, clouds hung too low, almost a fog. They were grey and dampened the air. The waves were rough and loud, crashing against the rocks vehemently and dissipating into white foam. Fitz stepped forward, trying to find balance on the boulders, but it was difficult. They were jagged and pointy, like they had a mission to keep Fitz away from the lake. 

“I can do this,” Fitz muttered. He lost the words to the howling wind, but they were still a comfort. This was the final step. 

His mind played memories of him and Biana when they were young, bounding across the bright Everglen gardens. The sky was always a serene shade of blue overhead, and the clouds seemed to float around, bobbing happily. Alden and Della would always sit next to each other, watching them play with tired eyes. 

How could he leave that behind?  

Because it was over. 

The moment he’d turned six, his whole life changed for the worse. Leaping across the world, putting himself in danger for someone else. It was always for someone else. 

Not anymore. 

He grabbed the back of his registry pendant, tears in his eyes. One last chance to go back to the way things were. But he wouldn’t. He ripped off the pendant, and thew it in the ocean. It bobbed above the waters for a minute, before being swallowed up by the waves. It was done. As far as anyone knew, he was dead. 

It was done. He did it. There was no going back now. He was free. The gravity and lightness of it all coursed through his veins; pure energy. He held his crystal up to the sky, allowing it to carry him to Everglen. He was done. He made the choice. And finally, finally, was it his choice. 

***

HI SIENNA IT WAS ME ALL ALONE HEHE

i hope you enjoy your fic :)) it was originally meant to be a lot shorter but I got invested and now its this. i hope you have a very merry christmas because you absolutely deserver it <33 twas an honour to be your secret santa <33

btw A Choice in Our Favour is also on ao3!

@song-tam this was absolutely so fun thanks for being the mastermind behind it and also letting me be a part of it :DD

merry christmas!!!! (And a happy new year)

[the-way-astray]

hate your lover, love your hater, and be studied by her friend: pt.3

The next morning, Stria woke up to the sound of twittering birds, and felt incredibly positive about the day to come.

Then she saw that she had several messages from Keefe lined up on her phone, and shoved that thought right back into the hopeful recesses of her mind from which it had dared poke its head out.

I'm fictional?! he'd written, at what was 3:26am for her. How can I be fictional?! I'm a real elf!

'Unfortunately,' Stria muttered, and kept reading, brushing a strand of dark hair which had come to rest on her face as she tried hard not to think about Keefe-Pinocchio parallels. And HOW does Shannon Messenger, whoever that is, know about me? Do other people hate me? Do they like me? Where do I meet them?

'He's a hazard to society,' said Stria, thinking about the horrors of the Pinterest fandom finding him. Then she typed: I've already told you that don't know how Shannon accesses you, and I don't think it would be good for humans at large to find out you're real, so you can put that thought aside forever. But the truth is that she accesses Sophie more, so you can rest assured that she's infringing on her privacy more than you are—though the bar is quite high, I'll admit, so she's doing well by some metric. Now, please do not bother me until you've read the entirety of my document, if at all. Actually, I'd love it if you never bothered me at all, thanks very much.

She was going to keep all of her unwilling conversation with Keefe to evenings, she decided. If she could schedule arguing hours, then she could schedule this too.

'He said what?!' Katie asked, tilting her head to look at Stria with what could only be termed 'delighted bewilderment'.

'He said, and I quote, 'I joke because it's hard for me to talk about serious things otherwise'. He really said it,' Stria told her.

Stria and Katie were sitting on a park bench with their coffees in hand (as they often did on mornings), watching people's dogs frolic in the grass and trying to pretend they weren't talking about a secret part of their world which really did exist. It could have been an idyllic meeting among friends if it hadn't been for Keefe Sencen. As usual.

'His denialistic tendencies!' exclaimed Katie. 'Oh, I'm going to ask him how he is later. I'm very much looking forward to what he says. I know you and I disagree about him, but we have similar talking points sometimes.'

'You can have him for all I care,' Stria said, looking up at the sky in bleakest despair. 'He's insufferable. To the point where I've decided to schedule looking-at-his-texts only in the evening—otherwise I'll lose it. I need to hate him with someone else. But I also feel like spreading the news 'KOTLC real' could get very inconvenient very fast.'

Katie sighed fondly. 'See, now that Keefe is real, studying him feels a bit awkward. But I can manage if I'm subtle about it? Actually: what if, in the interest of duel spirit, you put me in a group chat with him, and you can battle it out about the rant while I watch?'

Splendid. 'So long as you don't defend him,' Stria said, then laughed. 'Defend him in private with me—not in front of him.' At least she would have emotional support of some sort, even if the person supporting her liked Keefe. And while she'd almost given up hope that she could convince Katie to hate Keefe, recent events had taught her that there was always a slim possibility that unlikely things could happen.

'Oh thank goodness,' Katie murmured. 'I was really concerned for a moment there.'

Stria pulled her phone out and checked it—no messages yet! Glorious. It seemed that her theory about time passing slowly in the Lost Cities was right. Shannon would have fictionalized some things—perhaps time periods in the 'Forbidden Cities' was one of them?

She quickly made the group chat, added Katie and Keefe, told Keefe to talk to her in the group chat if at all, and then went on with her day.

Soon enough (almost too soon), evening came. Stria settled into bed, got out her own copy of her rant, and opened the can of worms that was her brand-new group chat. Sure enough, there were messages from Keefe, waiting for her.

I...I never actually thought about it this way, said the first message.

Stria did a double-take, and read on to find the following quote from her rant:

“‘Want me to push you?’ Keefe offered, laughing as Sophie jerked away from him ‘Come on, it’ll be fun—for me at least.’” (4) I have a physical copy of Everblaze, so I can list page numbers, and boy it didn’t take long for Keefe’s jerkish tendencies to show. He literally admits to Sophie that he’d find it fun to watch her be uncomfortable, which not only makes him completely selfish, but also somewhat cruel. [everblaze]

I mean, Keefe's message went on, I know she was scared, but she's Foster! Yeah, she's scared of things, but I'm always at least ten times more scared than she is. She's brave—far more brave than I could ever be.

Then came Katie's message: You think she's brave!!! That's very sweet. I mean, she certainly has fears and they're an important part of her narrative and should be acknowledged and respected, but it's great to know that you do actually see her bravery.

Nothing else, sweet relief. Stria began to type. The point isn't that you think she's brave. The point is that she has to be brave because you're an idiot and scare her far more than she already is. If you think it's fun to see her scared, then I hope you're aware that it's a terrible thing to do and that you ought to be ashamed of yourself. Not that she cared. Keefe's morality was his own, and if she could forget all of this and pretend that he was fictional, she would. But...he'd recognized that he'd done something wrong, which was more than she'd hoped.

Could Katie be right about him being able to improve?

A message. Keefe. I guess I thought selfishly—just like I always do. I guess I get why you hate me now? I mean, if I saw someone being this selfish then I might hate them too. It's just...you can't tell when it's you.

And there his obnoxious behavior was again. Stop the pity party, Stria told him. If you want to self-reflect, you can keep reading the rant or, you know, *actually* reflect without the aid of secondary sources. If not, please don't talk to me. You've already ruined my peace of mind, and I don't want to see how it can get worse.

Would you like me more if I was nicer? he asked then.

Stria almost tossed her phone at the wall, but stopped herself and replied: No?!!!! There is NO Keestria—and I'll have you know that that's a terrible ship name, by the way—that's ever going to happen. You cannot make me like you. Good for Sophie if you somehow become a better person than the utter idiot that you are, but I care not one jot.

Silence. Stria watched her screen in what she admitted was some anticipation. And then the message came: a quote.

“‘You let Keefe help.’ ‘Not by choice.’” (124) Sophie literally admits that she didn’t want Keefe to help her. But in typical Keefe fashion, he forces his way into everything, because he’s nosy and rude and can’t keep himself in line. I’ve said this already and I’ll probably say it again, but I wouldn’t mind this if Shannon treated it like a real character flaw instead of just a quirky little trait. I would be okay with it if Keefe realized what he was doing was wrong and apologized and made an effort to get better. But he never does. [everblaze]

She'd have told me if she didn't want my help, Keefe said.

Insufferable! You're insufferable, Stria wrote—may as well tell him. There is NOTHING that can be done to help you. See above: you never get better. Sophie telling you 'no' doesn't help because you don't listen to her, to the point where she's going to learn to simply acquiesce to your demands for secrets or involvement because she knows you'll force it regardless of what she says. AND you don't apologize. You don't improve. There's nothing anyone can do, and since you're real, I can't even blame Shannon anymore.

He still didn't get it, and Stria didn't expect him to. This was the person who made incredibly cringe-inducing potty jokes about every three seconds. This was the person who was allegedly an Empath but at best toneless (and at worst malicious) about reading a room before making his response. He wasn't going to understand because a random teenager who had until recently believed him to be fictional was telling him that he was a terrible person.

I guess I get what you mean, Keefe replied at last. I don't know how I'll fix it, but I'll try. I never *wanted* to do anything Sophie would have hated.

A short pause. And then:

Clearly you know me better than I know myself, Stria. If you keep telling me every time I mess up, maybe...maybe eventually I won't be so much of a mess anymore.

And when had she signed up to become his conscience? She could have written reams on how entitled a thought that was, but she still had the Unlocked rant to complete, and Unraveled—if it was about to drop, then she assumed that whatever was going on was during or post Stellarlune somehow, though Keefe's personality wasn't quite tracking with recent events—was about to drop. She also had a real life (which would have been far better had Keefe not existed in it) to deal with.

She replied: That in itself showcases what sort of person you are, but I don't have the time to dissect it yet. (Katie, if you want to take it, all yours.) I'm not going to replace the faulty voice in your head, you dolt. The rant is yours to use if you want, but please—if you have learned anything from this, STOP bothering me.

Keestria forever, remember? he said.

You will never learn.

Stria turned her phone off and slid under her sheets. She was done with him. She was done with this. She was unsure if she'd even be able to read Unraveled knowing what she now did.

Think about brown-eyed Vackers, she told herself. And with that valiant attempt to cleanse her brain, she fell asleep.

*

If you're picturing Katie as the third person in the chat with the love confession meme, then that's what I'm picturing too. Except this is more like two scientists locked in a room with their test subject.

I'm vaguely contemplating turning this into a chatfic since the lines of regular prose are starting to become scant. But they'll probably start appearing more soon so I won't unless you'd rather see it as that than as anything else.

This is also where the actual plot of Keefe self-improvement starts, so it may be where you start hating the direction of the story. But I can promise that there will be no actual Strieefe whatsoever. Part 4 coming whether you request it or not because I'm attached now :)

Also fun fact: the entirety of this fic (at least up until now) has been written straight into your askbox because I cannot fathom writing (not)strieefe in an actual document.

Until next chapter!

— @worldsunlikemyown/meta anon

part one, part two. also a quick note that this was sent to me before unraveled's release (though i'm sure if you've already read the fic, you gathered that). so. i don't know where i was going with that actually lmfao. but i guess nothing in the fic could be influenced by unraveled, not even subconsciously. anyway

“i’m fictional?” this is going to be a meme someday i can feel it

i have no idea what the pinocchio parallels could possibly be referencing lmfao

”where do i meet them?” please don’t . . . the instagram fandom would be far too happy

”the horrors of the pinterest fandom finding him” EXACTLY!!!! me and . . . well, me . . . are so in sync!!!!

referring to my rant as a document is so funny . . . please do not inquire about this matter until you’ve read all the necessary . . . documents . . . that explain the situation at hand

he does talk about hiding behind his humor in canon. not a lot but he says it. so that’s in character

we’re watching dogs frolic. that is so funny

GROUP CHAT BATTLES???? realistically speaking i would not care enough to fight with keefe but for the purposes of strieefe whatever i guess

KATIE CORRUPTION ARC RAHHHH #keefehaterkatie <- never going to happen

lmfao that everblaze quote is one of the ones i don’t think i explained all too well and would expand upon given the chance. ironic. but basically, i personally don't interpret that one as a joke in that context, i think he was being serious when he said he'd push sophie if she stalled too long. but more than that, i was referring to the fact that i genuinely think keefe would find sophie's fear or annoyance as she fell if he did push her amusing or entertaining, as evidenced by the "it'll be fun. for me at least." which is a particularly infuriating pattern he exhibits (finding sophie's negative emotions delightful or exciting, instead of understanding that negative emotions are not good or something to joke about) and never improves on, really, not even nine and two halves books later. i've gotten a bit of pushback for the way i talked about that quote already so far i think so. that's what i meant. which i did not fully type out . . . sorry everybody the perfect opportunity to re-explain was presented here . . . back to fic reactions now . . .

katie talking about sophie's narrative (implying she's a fictional character) in front of keefe (the other fictional character) is so funny help me (neither of us have gotten used to the lingo)

alright the way i responded in the fic is a pretty perfect encapsulation of what i just explained above about the cliff quote . . . so clearly you got what i was trying to say with that. i assumed everyone would read between the lines but i will not do that anymore when i rant (so like with the part two rant) don't worry everyone. but anyway. yes!!!! the point is not that i think keefe is a bad joker or whatever, it's that i genuinely think he was not fully joking and that he genuinely would be entertained to see sophie in a state of fear like when she's falling off a cliff after being pushed off. "he was just joking! it was a joke!" yeah i don't think so. at least not entirely, and at the very least, i think that quote genuinely reflects his attitude toward sophie's negative emotions

THE PITY-PARTYING GETS BROUGHT UP RAHHHH DOE I LOVE YOU

"reflect without the aid of secondary sources" yes please (and secondary sources includes sophie being mad at him. btw)

"when had she signed up to be his conscience?" LMFAOOOO

yeah, keefe in this fic sort of tracks with stellarlune keefe

THINK ABOUT BROWN-EYED VACKERS!!!! DO IT NOW!!!! anyway i don't have to think about that. because it is canon. totally. ahem

YAY FOR NO STRIEEFE!!!! YAY FOR KEEFE CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT!!!! YAY FOR CHAPTER FOUR!!!! YAY FOR WRITING STRAIGHT INTO MY ASK BOX!!!!

sorry i forgot about this fic for the longest time (i didn't actually, i was just getting shit in order for the last few months . . . ), but if you're still interested somehow after the almost-three months i stalled, i'd love to see chapter four whenever you're done

@myfairkatiecat i'm like 90% sure i've been tagging you in these because you're in the fic but i genuinely cannot remember because it's been so long. anyway. here's a thing. apparently you like watching dogs frolic at parks

[waltzing-daydream]

how i expected the truth or dare be like in kotlc:

Fitz: Ok, I choose Keefe.

Keefe: *grinning* Yeah? Well, I choose dare. Try to top the dare I gave you last time, Fitz.

Fitz: I dare you to... kiss Biana.

Biana: *paling* That's... ok?

Keefe: *shrugs* It's your dare, Fitz. You sure?

Biana: *making a face* Is there any dare worse than that?

Keefe: Uh, obviously? Remember the time when-

Fitz: Ok- we don't talk about that. But yeah, I'm certain.

Keefe: *shrugging while smirking. he leans to Biana* Here goes nothing...

[sunset-telepath]

KOTLC Characters playing Truth or Dare

Sophie: 60% Truth, 40% Dare. Will never take a dare from Keefe. Denies Dares

Dex: Chooses at random. Never denies dares

Biana: 40% Truth, 60% Dare. Is brave enough to take a dare from Keefe.

Fitz: Uses telepathy to see what the truth/dare is beforehand, and makes the appropriate decision. Knows on principle not to ever take a dare from Keefe.

Keefe: Always takes dare because of course he does. Will never deny a dare

Linh: Picks Truth 70% of the time. Will deny a dare.

Tam: Picks truth 100% of the time because he doesn't trust any of them - with good reason.

[im-keefe-now]

One year, knowing how important and fun!™️ birthdays were in the forbidden cities, Biana and Dex plan a surprise birthday party for Sophie

Of course, Sophie absolutely hated big parties that featured her as the center of attention, but they had tried so hard and went out of their to do something fun for her that she couldn’t help enjoying herself more than she wanted to

[transkingoryx]

alright, so I wrote a keeper of the lost cities chatfic, if you wanna read it.

Dex has added Tam, Wylie, Keefe, Sophie, Biana, Fitz, Linh, and Marella to the chat.

Dex: Hey, everyone! Welcome to our group chat!

Dex: The Author asked me to add a special system. There are ten accounts in the chat that I asked Forkle. Every time we don't show the quality that an account is named after, the account will leave the chat. If we lose all ten accounts, the adults will be very disappointed in us, and we'll have to start again with fifteen. The ten qualities are: 

1. Sanity

2. Patience

3. Good Judgement

4. Positivity

5. Logic

6. Physics

7. Responsibility 

8. Not Letting The Neverseen Into The Server

9. No Other Fandoms In The Server

10. A Good Sleep Schedule

Biana: How do we even fail to have Physics?

Keefe: You know Foster will find a way. With or without my help.

Tam has left the chat.

Biana has added Tam to the chat.

Tam’s name has been changed to Emo_Shadow_Boi.

Keefe’s name has been changed to Lord_Hunkyhair.

Lord_Hunkyhair: Even Biana admits it! Lord Hunkyhair lives! Say it, Emo Shadow Boi!

Emo_Shadow_Boi: no

Biana: be nice!

Emo_Shadow_Boi: also no

Lord_Hunkyhair: please? For me?

Emo_Shadow_Boi: Fitz, why did you tell him about tumblr and incorrect quotes?

Fitz’s name has been changed to Wonderboy.

Fitz: idk

Emo_Shadow_Boi: Okay Google, how do I get revenge on Fitz?

Linh: Tam, no!

Emo_Shadow_Boi: Tam, yes!

Linh: TAM NO

Emo_Shadow_Boi: TAM YES

Sophie: Please can you guys get along?

Emo_Shadow_Boi: be realistic.

Wonderboy: Tam, no.

Emo_Shadow_Boi: Tam, yes!

Sophie’s name has been changed to Insomniac.

Everyone: SOPHIE NO.

Insomniac: SOPHIE YES.

Biana: I’m changing everyone’s names back.

Emo_Shadow_Boi’s name has been changed to Tam.

Wonderboy’s name has been changed to Fitz.

Lord_Hunkyhair’s name has been changed to Keefe.

Insomniac’s name has been changed to Sophie.

Mr Forkle has added Mr Forkle to the chat.

Sophie: How the mallowmelt did you get here?

Mr Forkle: I have my ways…

Sophie has removed Mr Forkle from the chat.

Sophie: oKAY, so, what’s next?

Biana: TRUTH OR DARE

Fitz: BIANA NO

Dex: BIANA NO

Keefe: BIANA NO

Biana: BIANA YES

Sophie: Why…

Keefe: Remember when I kissed Biana mostly on the cheek?

Fitz: That was a Truth or Dare game that she suggested.

Dex: She totally knew what she was doing.

Misty has entered the chat.

Biana: Who the mallowmelt are you?

Misty: doesn’t matter. I’m just here to let you know that, Biana, you are not alone in using the power of Truth or Dare for your own purposes (confessing to your crush, etc.)

Biana: I have a new BFF

Misty: uwu!

Linh: YOU USE UWU’S TOO???

Misty: I am the freaking uwu deity.

Misty: I need to go repair the fourth wall with rainbow duct tape, but I’ll be back!

Misty has left the chat.

Fitz: that was interesting.

Keefe: Rainbow duct tape?

Sophie: fourth walls?

Biana: YOU ARE NOT GETTING OUT OF TRUTH OR DARE THIS TIME

Fitz: ... that's a little intense, Biana.

Keefe: Lady Sparkles can't not be intense.

Tam: That's a double negative.

Biana: *throwing glitter everywhere* tHaT's ThE pOiNt!!!!!

[kotlc-oneshots]

Believing (Blind!Keefe AU pt 2)

Word count - 3551

A lot of soliditary between keefe and my other bbys

God I can’t wait to write from Tams perspective, next chapter y’all!

Anyways I hope you like it and that it’s not Bad™️ considering how tired I am

~*~*~*

Pt two

Keefe

The next morning, I wake up and go through my simplistic routine again. Get dressed, brush teeth, message Fitz, eat. When I hear the honking of Fitz car outside, I carefully grab my cane and walk out the doors, tapping my way yard and to the street.

“How goes it?” Fitz’ voice calls, and a smile splits across my face at the inside joke.

“I don’t know,” I reply, laughing at the memory it brings. “I can’t see.” Fitz laughs in response.

“You’re sitting up front today; Biana took Sophie to get coffee early, so it’s just us boys.”

“Dex sat in the back?” I questioned, as he normally was quick to jump on shotgun. I reach the car and pop the door open, and am greeted by the familiar smell of Fitz’s car.

“More like laid in the back,” Dex pipes up, while I thud my bag to the ground and shut the door. I shake my head.

“You’re supposed to be the responsible one, Dex. Shame on you.” I chide, and Fitz peels away from the house. I roll my eyes and laugh; they’re so dumb. We’re so dumb. And I’m grateful for it.

“We're here—part two!” Fitz exclaims in the seat next to me. “Well, for half of my classes this’ll be my first day. I missed a lot yesterday—freshman presentations are ass,” he grumbles as he parks the car. I chuckle and shake my head.

“Your fault, man,” I taunt him, and he scoffs as a response. “Hey Dexxxxx… wanna walk me to class?” I say, fumbling around in the back, trying to hit him.

“Hmrrghh. Yeah.” I hear him shift around, and we step out of the car together.

As soon as we're both out, Fitz locks the car. “See y’all later!” he calls, jogging off- likely to some lifting or meeting or something. I chuckle; whenever I think of Fitz, I imagine he’s either very ugly, or really attractive. From what I heard, it’s the latter—he's the epitome of perfection to the entire school, and many other schools as well. I, however, know better—he’s a complete and utter dumbass. He once chugged half a gallon of milk on a dare, and another time got himself locked in a dog kennel—and that list can go on. I don’t quite understand how he keeps the guise of perfection and stability when he’s oh-so-clearly not. Him running off to a meeting or club isn’t a surprise, but it’s hard to imagine, knowing what he’s actually like.

“How the hell does that man manage all that shit?” Dex grumbles, also acknowledging that Fitz is definitely insane. I shake my head.

“A very, very large amount of crack,” I state solemnly, as if this is a sad, but true fact. Dex laughs loudly.

“I don’t doubt it. Better not let his coach find out,” He replies, just as sincerely. “What room number are you in, by the way?” He asks, just as I detect the curb with my cane. Gently stepping up, I tell him. “Nice—we aren’t that far from each other- you’re going straight there, right?” he asks, and I nod.

“So, I’ve been meaning to ask you—is there anything new with the Stina situation?” I bring up the topic gently—Stina Heks was Dex’s early on bully. Before Sophie brought Dex into the group halfway through their Freshman year, she would nag on him relentlessly—he was attending the school on a partial scholarship, and his family has a bit of bad history of being… odd. His dad runs a small pharmacy, and it’s mostly alternative medicine. She used to take any opportunity she could to point out anything about him that wasn’t strictly ‘normal’. I absolutely love it there with Dex. Mr. Dizznee is the kindest, most loving person ever—a huge contrast to my barely around, statue of a father. Plus, it always smells really nice in the store.

“Oh… well, we have precalc together, but she hasn’t said anything to me. She hasn’t said anything all summer—I feel like she's matured, a bit. Probably.” He sounds fairly put down, and I use his voice to guide me in the direction to wrap him in a one armed hug.

“Sorry I brought it up. But let me know if anything happens,” I say and he chuckles and pushes me away. From those few moments, I can tell he’s almost taller than me—which doesn’t feel right.

“No worries. Let's get you to class,” he says, and I can tell he’s being honest—it doesn’t bother him. Which is good, in my opinion. He’s growing up. Sometimes I feel like such a dad.

We walk into the main doors of the building and make our way down a few hallways. I use my photographic (ha) memory to make my way, but Dex still stays close to me, not letting me bump into kids or trip. I appreciate it, because I don’t have to use my cane—I might not be able to see them, but I can feel the people staring at me when I have it out.

“Well, we're here. We have, like, 15 minutes before class starts, though,” Dex states.

“I know- I always show up early,” I reply. “I mean, the other option is sitting in the cafeteria.” I shrug.

“Well, I might as well go to my class then. Brech told me yesterday I should come in if I had questions- and she assigned a couple starter worksheets. I gotta deal with that.” Even though I can’t see it, I can practically hear his frown.

“No worries,” I tell him, and he gently pats my shoulder before walking off. I pull out my cane, letting it guide me into the still unfamiliar classroom. The milky blobs of color offer little help as to finding a seat, so unfortunately this tends to be necessary.

“Hey! You should sit here.” A familiar voice says from the back corner. I rack my brain—Linh!

“Oh! Hey,” I reply. “Umm, where are you, exactly?” I ask, sounding really cool, I’m sure. I hate needing help.

“Just back here- this chair would be great.” She knocks on what I presume is the chair next to her. I use the sound to guide me, as well as the cane.

“Thank you,” I say, smiling. “You know, it's really hard to find a seat around here. Like, I literally can't see any! Must be budget cuts,” I say, grinning. There's a pause, then a small laugh.

“Some private school. They can't even afford chairs.” I chuckle.

“I mean- where’s the proof that there's even a building. Or classrooms! You gotta see to believe, and I certainly don't see, so…” I trail off and nod seriously. She laughs- I’m grateful. Blind jokes don’t go well with everyone. “Anyways, how are you?” I change the topic with a grin. “Long time no see.” This pulls out another laugh.

“Well, I’m ok. My schedule has been pretty stressful—but other than that, good. I’m still trying to make friends. I didn’t mention it yesterday, but this is my first year at Foxfire,” she says. I nod in acknowledgment.

“So, kinda on your own then? That’s not easy,” I reply, wondering if I should introduce her to the group. She seems nice enough, and, I hate to admit it, but half of being a part of our group is not being a piece of crap about me being blind. And all of us secretly being idiots.

“Well, there’s my brother—we’re twins. But other than that, yeah.” She sighs softly.

“Oh! You have a brother. That’s always nice,” I say.

“Well, yeah. He’s super over-protected. We got sucked into the foster care system, because… of some things, and there was a lot of bad things, which he always felt he had to keep me from. But we found a really great family now! They’re very nice, and actually acknowledge me and Tam’s ability. We’ve always been considered smart, but nobody really cared. They we're just in it for the money. Our new parents, however, have money, which is nice. So when they found out our test scores, they sent us here.” I nod in acknowledgement—Sophie went through some similar things before she got adopted by Grady and Edaline.

“Oh. Well, I’m sorry you’ve been through that,” I say, trying to find the right words. “It’s really good that you’re here now. Even though I’m pretty convinced there isn’t an actual school, I’ve been told that it’s nice.” She laughs at this.

“Yeah, so have I. Oh! I almost forgot. I’m in your stats class. Frer was just being rude the whole period, so I didn’t have a chance to say anything,” Linh says. I grin.

“Nice! Now that I know, you officially have to help me prank him at least once this year.” I tell her, very seriously.

“Oh…I don’t know about that.” she sounds apprehensive.

“I mean, you don’t have to. But I’m going to do it, so you may as well help.”

“I’ll think about it.” She says, and the door opens.

“Oh! Hello, you two. Early again?” A feminine voice—our teacher’s—says.

“You know it,” I tell her, smiling.

“Alright, well. You have a little bit less than five minutes before class starts, so go ahead and continue what you we’re doing.” Based on her tone—the bright, too cheery one that I hear a lot- I can tell she’s a little annoyed. I try not to let that affect me.

“Hey—I’m gonna work on some AP physics stuff,” Linh says, and I can tell she doesn’t really want to talk with the teacher there- even if its casual conversation. I nod, and let my thoughts be my own for the moment.

At least I’m used to it.

*****

Not much happens the next couple of periods—Fitz and I work on English together, and Dex and I use morse code to ‘pass notes’ in AP physics. He’s really good at science (like, really good), so he skipped a year and is in APP2 as a junior. I appreciate it- he’ll be a help for when I actually feel like studying. During Lunch, Dex and I sit at our table and Linh came to sit with us, introducing herself to Dex. In Government, I sit on my own and listened to the online assignments. In Stats, Linh manages to find a spot next to me and helps me out with the worksheet.

I find myself needing to go to the bathroom, so I ask to be excused. On my way there, a familiar voice calls my name.

“Keefe! Hey. Um.”

“Foster! Uh… what’s up?” I ask.

“Oh! Nothing. But, hey, do you think that you could come over tonight? There’s… there’s something I really want to talk to you about.” Just from her voice, I hear she’s slightly frazzled. Nervous.

“Are you ok, Sophie? Is someone bothering you again?” My mind jumps back to when she was first adopted by Grady and Edaline, and all the crap other kids gave her.

“No! It’s not like that. Just, something I wanna talk about. I need advice.” I smile.

“Ah. You need the wise old Keefester to help you out. Well, no worries, m’lady, I will do what I can. You want me to come over?”

“Yeah. I’ll just have Fitz drop both of us off at my place, Biana can ride on her own—sound good?”

“As long as you have food, I’m okay with anything.” She laughs softly.

“Of course. See you.” I hear her walk away, and smile to myself—I think back to when I had feelings for her, and can’t help but think about how they’ve changed- she’s like a younger sister to me now. It’s odd.

I go to the restroom and return to class, thinking about what Sophie might have to tell me that made her that nervous.

Stats class ends (for me), and my minds swimming with Frer’s stupidity as I go to Latin. I get there around when the bell rings to dismiss everyone else, and I find a seat close to the door. People filter out and in the classroom, and then someone speaks.

“Dude! Keefe, I forgot you we're in this class.” Fitz says, and a grin spreads across my face.

“Yeah, you had that Freshman help thing yesterday. You know there’s only one AP Latin 2, dumbass.” I respond, and he chuckles. I hear him put his stuff next to me.

“How was this class yesterday?” He asks, and I shrug.

“We barely did anything. Got a list of vocab and grammar to review.” I tell him, pulling up my bag to get my computer.

“That’s valid. Not gonna lie, I’m glad I missed it.” This makes me laugh.

“Oh, no—Wonderboy didn’t want to go to class? That’s a fuckin abomination.” I reply sarcastically, and the bell rings. I can hear Fitz scoff, but our teacher starts talking so he can’t respond. We get a reading prompt, and I have to go into the hall and listen to it. The teacher doesn’t let Fitz come out and help me, which sucks- but I have to consider the situation. Which also sucks. I hate having to be worked around.

One thing that really bothers me about our teacher, Sam, is she never lets me leave early. So Fitz has to help me through the crowd of people. The kids don’t really acknowledge me, but having so many people around that I can’t see, don’t know, that don’t care sends massive spikes of anxiety through me. Fitz does a really good job at helping me, his steady hand on my shoulder the whole time, making sure we both get through the crowd.

I’m so damn grateful for him sometimes.

We finally manage to get out of the building and to Fitz’s car. He unlocks it, and I climb into his car carefully. I can hear as he types on his phone, likely texting someone.

“How’s shit at home been going?” He asks, somewhat startling me.

“Oh. Well, not much has happened, really,” I admit with a shrug. “He’s been out a lot lately- I don’t have to interact with him much.”

“Good. We’re not gonna let him give you shit this year, got it?” I laugh.

“You’re so overprotective, Fitzy. I can handle my dad.”

“I’m serious, Keefe. None of this is your fault. Especially now with your mom gone… we-”

“I get it, Fitz. I know.” While I do love Fitz with my whole heart, he can be… overbearing. I reach out and search for his shoulder. “I’ll be okay.” I give him (what I assume to be) an award winning smile. “Besides, I got this year in the bag. All my pranks? Planned out to the t. I won’t get in trouble all year, I swear.” Fitz scoffs, but it’s lighthearted and followed by a chuckle.

“All right Keefe. I’m sorry.” He sounds genuine and I lean into him, letting my head rest on his shoulder. He can be a stubborn little shit sometimes, but he’s… a good friend.

“Oh my god, that’s fucking adorable.” The door crashes open and Dex steps inside. “You guys are gross, though.” He adds.

“PDA is not the Foxfire way.” Sophie says, jokingly.

“I will kiss him, right here, right now. Fight me,” Fitz says, joking but aggressive. Protective as ever. I laugh and push away, settling back into my normal seat.

“I think once is enough, isn’t it?” Dex laughs, but there’s something in his voice… I ignore it, and grin.

“Not when I’m involved. Trust me, even Fitz Vacker wants a piece of this.” I say, grinning and indicating myself.

“Not that you would know,” Fitz responds, ruffling my hair.

“Dude, I don’t even have to see to know how incredibly attractive I am,” I inform them.

“No need to argue with that.” Dex chuckles.

“Oh!” Sophie popes up. “I forgot to mention. Keefe’s comin over, could you just drop us both off at my place? I can get him back, Edaline normally doesn’t mind.” I’m actually the only one of the group that lives in town- everyone else lives in the country, because their parents needed or liked having the land.

“That makes it easy for me. Let’s go, brethren.” I don’t know when Fitz started referring to us at that, but I still think it’s hilarious. I snort at his idiocy, and we head off.

“Dex, are you doing debate this year?” I pipe up. I’m EXCITED for debate season.

“Yeah. I’m actually writing some stuff right now, on how to not be a little bitch.” Dex says, laughing.

“Dex, PLEASE. You’d do really good,” I argue. “Just write an oratory on veganism or something!”

���Dude, you’ve been trying this for the past two years- the meetings clash with robotics. Besides, why would I want to right an oratory when you’ve placed first twice now.”

“Not that that mattered,” I contest. “Considering my dad didn’t let me go.”

“Pleeeasseee. For me.”

“FINE. I’ll go to one meeting. Only because there’s no robotics and Sophie’s going. No offense Keefe, but you suck.” I stick my tongue out at him, but grin happily. I’ve been trying to do this for YEARS.

“You guys are such nerds,” Fitz inputs, and I hit his shoulder. “Oh, you know it’s true.” I scoff.

“Says the president of the chess club.” Sophie states, laughing.

“We don’t talk about that.” Fits says, and I feel the car pull to a stop. “We’re here, Sophie. Keefe, you too. Dex- get up here you little shit.”

“Hey. Don’t disrespect my son like that.” Sophie tells, and I hear Dex grumble a bit.

“Fitz, if you’re not busy, wanna do something? Like, I dunno, egg some annoying blondes?” I snort. Dex has learned well.

“Um, yes to the first part, no to the second. That’s a lot of work. Also, aren’t you vegan?”

“Oh! Yeah, that.” Dex says casually. I laugh, and step out and away from the car carefully.

“Have fun, nerds!” Sophie calls as they drive off, and I grin in her direction.

“So, Miss F, what was it you wanted to tell me?” I ask, and I can practically feel the shift in her mood.

“Oh. Um. Yeah. Come inside?” I nod, and she guides me to the doors.

“Sounds serious,” I tell her.

“Maybe it is, maybe it isn’t. Just… something that’s been on my mind for the past few months. Especially… I dunno.”

“Wanna go to your room first?”

“Yeah. Um…” I can tell she’s nervous, and likely picking at her eyelashes- what many people have told me to be her nervous tick. We walk over to her room in moderate silence.

“What’s the sitch?” I ask, and Sophie laughs- and replies with the Kim Possible beep. “Seriously though, what’s on your mind. Unless you wanted me over just to admire how incredibly handsome I happen to be.”

“Well, um, no… uh.” She sighs. I search around for a chair and sit down.

“Hey. It’s okay. Whatever it is, I’m here for you.

“Well, I. I think. I’m gay, I think. Like, maybe not full gay, but pretty gay. Like, girls are cool gay. Really cool. But maybe not, I don’t? Know If I’m Actually Gay Gay. Maybe I’m just thinking and stuff, but I’m probably gay? I think? I don-”

“Sophie. Hey. It’s okay.” I interrupt, to keep her from going insane. “Take a few deep breaths.” I hear her do so. “You know none of us will judge you. Right?”

“Yeah. Yeah. I guess, I just don’t want to make a big deal of it.”

“I get it. I’m glad you told me, though.” I smile at her warmly.

“Well. That’s all I really wanted to tell you. I guess.”

“Wanna play Smash?”

“Yeah.”

****

That night I get home relatively late- Sophie feeds me and we play video games for quite a while. We didn’t talk about what she told me- I want to respect her space.

“Where have you been?” My father, voice stern, says. I haven’t even closed the door yet.

“Sophie’s.” I respond, automatically pulling on a calm expression and heightening my posture. I shut the door softly.

“And what, may I ask, were you doing?” His voice is condescending.

“We were playing video games and I lost track of time- I’m sorry.” He scoffs.

“I’m sure. Do you have any homework?” There's the implied ‘that you didn’t do’ at the end.

“Not really. I have some reading I can do, though.” I admit. I’ve learned that lying to my father doesn’t work. Ever.

“You better get on that.” He sneers, and I try to keep my expression respectful and blank.

“Of course. I’m sorry.” I say, and walk in the direction of my bedroom. “Debate starts Thursday, by the way.”

“Convenient. The day that I have off.” He scoffs back.

“I’m sorry dad. Do you want me to come home? They won’t mind if I miss the first meeting.” I try not to yell, or say anything that will anger him.

“I don’t care. Go finish your reading.” He says. I can tell that he’s not lying- he doesn’t care.

I bite my tongue and nod. Then I go finish my reading.

[tamsong]

pull you from the tide - keefitz

summary: in which fitz tries to hammer it into keefe’s head that he deserves to be loved. 

notes: this is half vent, half fix-it. this my first time writing fic for kotlc since i was like 13, so let me know what you guys think?

warnings: swearing, very vague references to homophobia and bad parents

***

keefe doesn’t come home.

a week passes, then two. a month. three. everything is weirdly silent on the neverseen front, despite sophie’s daring act of burning down the waterfall hideout. it feels like time is standing still- keefe’s absence hangs heavy in the air like ozone in the hour before it rains. 

fitz has barely spoken in those three months. in another world, he might’ve been angry like he usually is. in this world, though, no one’s around to be angry at, and fitz feels like his roots have been ripped out of the ground.

at the next black swan meeting, fitz quietly asks to speak to mr. forkle alone. the black swan leader nods resignedly, like he already knows what fitz is going to ask. sophie raises her eyebrows at him from across the room. i’ll tell you later, he transmits to her, but he doesn’t plan on it. sophie’s been hurt enough, and if she knows about this and it doesn’t work, she’ll be devastated.

mr. forkle walks him down the hall. he doesn’t say anythin

“i want to go look for him,” fitz says, trying to sound confident. but he’s anything but. he doesn’t feel like anything more than the desperate, frightened child that he is.

mr. forkle opens his mouth, but fitz cuts him off. “please,” he adds. “i... i don’t know what else to do. i know he said he doesn’t want to be found, but i- we can’t go on like this. i know the forbidden cities better than almost anyone, so i might as well try. please.”

“i can’t promise you’ll find anything, mr. vacker,” mr. forkle replies. “but if it’s really what you want, i can give you a leaping crystal.”

fitz sighs. “i know. trust me, i know. but if there’s any way i can get him back, i still want to go.”

the black swan leader nods in response. “very well. i’ll meet you at everglen tomorrow morning, and i’ll monitor you to ensure your safety. now, go on and meet your friends, and put this out of your mind for the rest of the day.”

he thanks mr. forkle profusely, then does as he’s told. only a few minutes after he leaves does fitz realize that his request was granted far too easily- mr. forkle, while certainly not a cruel man, expects him to fail. there would be a lot more lecturing and protocol if he didn’t.

fitz doesn’t blame him.

***

the next morning, fitz takes the blue crystal from mr. forkle, his hands trembling. he’s dressed in the same jacket, jeans, and boots from when he first found sophie. he thought the memories would be calming, but the sense of deja vu only unsettles him, really. on that pleasant thought, fitz holds the crystal up to the sunlight and steps into its path, holding his breath.

he arrives in an empty park, hidden between two trees. freezing rain is pouring down from the sky, a sharp contrast from the eternally pleasant weather at everglen. fitz shudders, puts his hands in his pockets, and steps out of his hiding place.

he roams the streets of san diego all afternoon and evening, ducking in and out of stores, cafes, and libraries, all of it to no sign of keefe. finally, when the sky is nearly dark and the rain has slowed to a drizzle, fitz stops in front of a building with sign reading san diego youth services. he shrugs and opens the door. it’s as good as anything, i guess.

“have you seen my friend?” he asks one of the staff in heavily accented english. “he’s tall and skinny, has blond hair and light blue eyes. about my age, doesn’t speak much english.” 

the woman squints and brushes her wet hair out of her eyes. “we had someone like that come in a couple months ago, and he comes here to sleep most nights. fidgety guy, looks sad all the time?” 

fitz pulls his jacket hood further up. “that's probably him, yes,” he answers, trying and failing to keep his voice steady. may i see him?” 

she nods. deep frown lines run down her face, like she’s seen too much tragedy in her short life. “sure. last i saw, he was out back.” 

the staff woman walks fitz through the building out to a secluded area adjacent to an alleyway, protected from the public eye. fitz doesn’t see anyone at first, but on second glance spots a flash of blond from further down the alley. he hurriedly thanks the woman and dashes over, heartbeat picking up. 

he skids to a stop when he sees keefe there, sitting on a step and dripping with rainwater. he looks up, startled, at the sound of fitz’s footsteps, and his mouth opens and closes in shock once he realizes who’s in front of him.

fitz expects a snarky comment, something like well look who we have here! or wow, guess i’m famous, but keefe says nothing. on one level, it’s terrifying, because fitz has rarely ever known his friend to be silent. on the other hand, though, he gets it. even without keefe’s strange new ability that makes speaking a risk, what else is there to be done in a situation like this? two years ago, they both would have laughed if told this would be their future.

they hover there for what feels like hours, neither boy knowing what to do.

finally, fitz breaks the quiet. “hi,” he says lamely, and then slaps himself mentally. really? is that the best you can give him? 

he tries again. “keefe. i...” no. that wouldn’t do either.

“you couldn’t even bother with a goodbye?” he finally bursts out, trying to muster up the anger he doesn’t feel. this isn’t the right way to approach it either, but fitz doesn’t know how else to communicate. “did you think i wouldn’t care? sophie’s not the only one who was fucking sad, you know. biana can barely do anything but cry. dex isn’t talking to anyone, and neither is linh. even tam- i know you guys never got along, but he wants you home just as much as the rest of us.”

he shakes his head. “i know this can’t be easy for you, but we want to help you. even if we can’t, then we can find someone who can.”

“i’m not even mad, really,” fitz continues, looking up at the sky. he can’t bring himself to make eye contact. “if you didn’t care to say goodbye to me, i get it. i haven’t exactly been best friend material lately, and i wouldn’t blame you for never wanting to speak to me. but i read what you wrote to sophie, and it’s the biggest bullshit i’ve ever heard. be happy? forget about you?” he scoffs. “do you even hear yourself? i- she- we could never do that. you’re giving yourself too much credit.”

he turns around, fists clenching so hard his nails cut through his skin. “so this is my goodbye, i guess. i meant to bring you home, but you deserve a choice after everything. stay away, if you must, just know that we- i care for you, keefe. you deserve to be cared about. and if you don’t come home... i’ll miss you. i want you to know that.”

fitz finally exhales. he’s said his piece, laid all his cards out on the table. it’s keefe’s move now, and fitz will respect it, even if it fucking kills him to do it.

“fitz.” keefe speaks for the first time since fitz arrived, his voice hoarse and miserable. fitz whips back around, searching for any sign in his best friend’s face that might signal a change of heart. 

“fitz,” keefe repeats. the expression he wears is downcast and resigned. “i want to come home, more than anything i’ve ever wanted. but i can’t. it’s not safe, not for you or anyone else.”

“then tell us how to make it safe,” fitz begs. his hands twitch, desperately wanting to reach out. “anything you ask. hell, we could even hide you in my closet at everglen like the time when we were little and your dad was coming to take you home.” 

keefe’s mouth twitches, and even if it’s not a whole smile, fitz counts it as a victory. “that’s... nice of you to say.”

fitz softens. “of course,” he replies, not hiding how choked up he is. “anytime.”

keefe taps his fingers against his thigh, looking down. after a long moment of silence that seems years long, he lifts his face and speaks again. “you’re not making this easy.” his eyes gleam with unshed tears. “maybe if you make it a little harder...”

fitz’s hands move of their own accord, resting on either side of keefe’s face. the other boy’s cheeks are warm despite the bitter, freezing rain.

fitz... actually has one more card he could play. it’s one he’s kept in his pocket since the middle of level three, never shared with anyone, not even with sophie. 

there’s never been a world in which revealing it would be acceptable, but maybe things are different now. more complicated and painful, yes, but if there’s even the slightest chance that this secret could bring keefe home, then he’s willing to accept that pain.

fitz lays his final card on the table.

he kneels in front of where keefe is sitting on the step, never breaking contact for a second. keefe’s wide eyes follow him as fitz lowers himself down, his expression open and vulnerable. fitz leans in close, but pauses just inches before his friend’s lips, giving keefe time to move, time to reject him and run away.

when keefe makes no effort to resist, fitz closes the distance and kisses him.

it’s a short, soft thing, the connection as fragile and fleeting as a candle flame in a windstorm. but to fitz, this kiss is everything. it’s a representation of his enduring care for keefe, the affection that sprouted when they were children and has only blossomed since. despite everything standing in their way, fitz has loved keefe and always will.

he just hopes it’ll be enough for keefe. 

fitz pulls away, not letting himself linger too long. he resists the urge to look away, instead gazing into keefe’s eyes and smiling gently. he’ll wait as long as it takes for keefe to make his move, and he’ll respect it. he just wants his friend to know the truth.

suddenly, keefe bursts into tears.

he throws himself forward, nearly knocking fitz over. he buries his face between fitz’s neck and shoulders, his body wracked with sobs. fitz hugs him back, running his fingers through his friend’s tangled hair. keefe cries and cries, holding tightly to fitz until his sobs fade to tremors and there’s a wet patch on fitz’s sweatshirt from his tears.

“okay,” keefe finally whispers, sending shivers down fitz’s spine. “i’ll take us home.” 

keefe shifts and moves his hand up between them to fitz’s shirt pocket where fitz always keeps his home crystal. he plucks the crystal out, scans the area, and raises it up to the last dim sunlight trickling through the rainclouds. 

fitz holds keefe close as the two boys dissolve into the light, leaving san diego behind.

[three-gulons-in-a-trenchcoat]

Okay okay okay hear me out

The kotlc gang playing a warped version of truth or dare. The rules are

1) you can’t deny doing more than three dares or you’re out

2) only 1 truth every 3 rounds

For the rounds- everyone has their name written in a cup and they go in a circle taking turns to call on whoever’s name they draw. A round is up after all of the names have been removed from the cup (then you put them back in and do it all over again because you play until there’s one winner).

The loosers all owe the winner a favor of which can be used at any time.

Anyways, so much shit could go down with that game and all of them, but for one idea/example.

Keefe draws Tam’s name and is like “he has to deny this dare” and *basically insert that one chat thing you did*

Just dumbasses staying up all night, pumped on caffeine from soda they stole from the Forbidden Cities, being chaotic.

OH MY GOD ANON YOU ARE A GENIUS

someone needs to write this rn-

[imaramennoodle]

kotlc characters as weird things my friends have said/ texted part four because apparently there's no end to the stupid stuff we talk about:

Keefe: im supposed to be good at art but my stupid idiot brain decided it's too hard for me to draw a circle

-

Sophie: sleep? never heard of her. now who wants to play truth or dare.

-

Fitz: i can and will punch you

Marella: no you can't and you know it

-

Mr Forkle: for this to work you have to actually be six feet apart

Tam and Linh, moving closer together: no

Mr Forkle: actually you two are fine you live in the same house

Tam and Linh, moving away from each other: who are you

-

Biana: soup soup soup

Linh: ???

Biana: soup soup soup

Linh: ?????

Biana: soup soup soup

Linh: WHATS GOING ON SOMEONE EXPLAIN

-

Stina: can you just MOVE i'm trying to get to the bagels

-

Dex: we should dress as traffic cones

Wylie: why

Sophie: why NOT

-

Bronte: I don't like die

Sophie: i know

Bronte: *diet soda

Sophie: no im pretty sure you meant die

-

[an-absolute-travesty]

Royal Screw-Ups

It’s time, the final chapter is here 

*Sobbing*

I won’t get too sappy on you guys here, since I got pretty sappy at the end of thing on Wattpad

But yeah. Thanks if you’ve been reading this long. I have more plans for this world (i have some plans for a few oneshots) but for this moment, we are closing out this story

If you’re looking for the rest of the story, it can be found on my wattpad @ohwowhatethis, under the tags “kotlc fic” and “keefex” on my blog, or under the cut on my pinned post

Tag list (tell me if you want to be added or removed, just for this story or as a whole): @you-are-the-vacker-legacy @ruewen-and-rising @lemontarto @a-lonely-tatertot @clearlykeefitz @percabetn @vibing-in-the-void @sewersewersewercouch @everyonehasthoughts @imaramennoodle @enbies-and-felonies @blxckh0les42​ @rainbowtay-11 @callas-starkflower-stew @impostertamsong @appalyneinstitute1 @stars-and-splendor @anna-without-an-e

Chapter 8:

Word count: 3,677

Warnings: swearing, cassi-ass being an ass, destruction, fire, chaos, etc.

Three months of planning later, servants scurried around the property in preparation for the ceremony the next day. A glass dome had been built in the center of the property to house it.

Tam and Linh had arrived soon after they had their first meeting, luckily Tam and Fitz weren’t as lovey-dovey in real life as they were in their letters. However, Marella and Linh very much made up for it. The moment they met the guard and the princess had a connection, the sweet talk was almost too much to bear.  

In fact, all of them had grown quite close over the past months. Who knew low-level treason could bring people together so. 

Of course, not nearly as close as he’d like with a certain person, but closer for sure. Every week they met back up at the library to work out bumps in their plan, clean up the absurd amount of paper Keefe used in drawing out his first plan, or just sit and talk. Today would be their last before the big day. 

Keefe watched over Dex’s shoulder as he made his final tinkers on the device he had been working on.  

“How’s it looking Techmaster?”

“Eh, having more metal makes everything easier but...it’s one use only, so I can’t test it. We just have to hope for the best.”

“Well, I have faith in you. Your genius brain could make anything.”

Dex rolled his eyes. Keefe wanted to subtly touch him to see if his blatant flirting had been noticed, but it felt wrong to. He had been stuck in the dark for the last 3 months. 

Everyone else ran their lines around the room. Everyone besides Sophie who, as typical of her, looked half way sick in the corner. 

Keefe sat down next to her on the floor.

“Alright, what’s up Foster, have you acquired a stomach bug?” 

She giggled. “No...it’s just…” She sighed. “It feels wrong, y’know? I mean...I don’t want to hurt anybody.”

“You’re really doing the opposite of hurting people though, I mean you’re making them happy.”

“Not happy, hysterical. Yeah it can be happy, but not in the way we’re doing it. Trust me, it’s not fun to watch.”

Keefe thought for a moment.

“Hey...your parents have that griffin, right?”

~*~

The sound of a wedding march echoed through the castle lawn as Sophie was led down the isle by her father. Keefe guessed she looked quite lovely in her dress, Biana, who stood as her maid of honor, was looking at her more like a husband would than him. He stood frozen at the alter, Fitz beside him as his best man and everyone else interspersed within the crowd for optimal dramatic effect. 

Sophie reached him at long last. Surprisingly enough, she didn’t look sickly this time. Her face steeled with determination gave him confidence. 

The guy marrying them together was one of Cassius’ officials. Keefe didn’t bother to remember most names anymore, but this one was a...Moland? Noland? Something like that. 

Everyone winced in unison as the man started talking, Keefe’s ears began to ring a bit at the volume.

“Lords and Ladies, we are gathered here today to celebrate the joyous union of our young Prince Keefe Sencen and the lovely Miss Sophie Foster-Ruewen.”

Keefe only realized he was fidgeting when Fitz subtly reached out and held his hand down from where it had been tapping on his leg.

“We are honored to be joined by so many friends and family. The Goom and Bride are overjoyed you all could be here to participate in this most important occasion.

“There are few greater joys in life than finding someone we truly connect with. Creatives have many names for this, a spark, clicking, but let us say today what it truly is: love.”

Keefe looked out into the crowd, he caught the eye of Dex. The redhead’s brow was crinkled and his cheeks flushed slightly. He pat the pocket of his coat in confirmation. 

“Love is what these two young souls have found in each other. In love, our truest selves are revealed. We open ourselves up and break down our walls. The veil we present to the public is lifted so we can be loved for who we are, not who we pretend to be.”

Keefe struggled to not roll his eyes. He took a final look around the room, each person nodding as he met eyes with them.

“Over these months, our Bride and Groom have developed a strong bond. This bond will only get stronger throughout the course of their marriage. Let us revel in the joy and love displayed in front of us today. May we treasure these memories as Prince Keefe and Miss Sophie get set to begin their new life together.”

Keefe took a deep breath, knowing the next words out of his mouth.

“If anyone has cause to object the forming of this union, speak now or forever hold your peace.”

3, 2, 1…

“I object!” 

0.

Stina first. “This marriage was meant to be mine! She’s just a dirty commoner!”

“How dare you!” Fitz cut in before anyone else could. “I object because I love her! Sophie is meant to be with me. Maruca has admitted her love to Keefe, let her marry him!”

Biana gasped dramatically. “Maruca you snake! You knew I loved him.”

“You only loved his title!” She screamed, standing up to match the rest. “And Fitz, if you’re so concerned with what Stina has to say about Sophie, you should hear what Wylie has to say.”

Fitz walked in Wylie’s direction and he stood. “Why you little-”

Just then, Keefe heard it. 

Beep. Beep. Beep. BEEPBEEPBEEPBEEP.

BOOM.

An explosion burst a small part of the glass dome’s ceiling. Sophie let out an ear-splitting whistle and the griffin flew straight through the hole as the glass fell. Screams erupted through the room as the animal landed on chairs and destroyed the alter. 

The screams only got louder as the room was lit up as bright as the sun before swiftly being plunged into darkness. Those involved in the plan used the opportunity to gather themselves at the exit. With the exception of Biana and Marella who, if all went as planned, stood prepared by the very flammable reception tables. 

The darkness lifted and people quickly ran out, some of the more stuck up nobles guided by guards. Once everyone was out safely, Keefe watched as a red glow started and grew. Marella wasn’t visible, but anyone paying attention could see the two sets of footprints forming in the grass.

People ran farther from the dome swiftly filling with fire. It spread quickly, but before it could reach the outside, Linh yelled. 

“Everyone back up!”

She pulled water from a nearby pond, making a large wave that, while it put out the fires, crushed the dome in its entirety. 

~*~

Two hours later, the guests sat huddled in the ballroom of the castle, many wrapped in blankets and eating soup the kitchen served to recover from what they had been through. Through the window, Keefe saw the Ruewen parents attempting to calm their griffin after taking a long time to wrangle it. 

They were good at keeping secrets, they brought the animal here in the first place. 

Just as he started crossing the room to go talk to Dex, he felt a heavy hand grip his shoulder.

Cassius looked at him with a glare that could kill ten men. He wordlessly guided Keefe in the direction of his office and the prince obliged. 

When Keefe walked in the door, it was messier than he had ever seen it. Even his father himself was disheveled, his typically slick-backed hair uncharacteristically sloppy and his tunic smudged with soot. He sat down at his desk and heaved a sigh.  

“Do you know why I brought you in here?” 

“Because my wedding was destroyed?”

“Because we are going to plan a new one. I need you to collect everyone who had objections to get this idiotic drama cleared for the records. I’ve sent for Councillor Bronte, he can officiate you. You will have a wedding today, whether you get the ceremony or not.”

“One problem with that, Biana and Marella haven’t been found.”

Technically the truth. They were to hide in the Queen’s Gardens until further notice, but the Guard Force didn’t know that. 

Cassius was silent for a moment, his face hidden in his hands.

Then he started convulsing.

No, not convulsing.

Laughing.

“Of course!” He got up from his chair in one movement. “Of course they haven’t been found! Why am I even surprised anymore.” He threw his hands in the air. “Nothing ever goes right!” He spoke through his teeth as he pushed everything off of his desk.

“MY MARRIAGE” He cleared a bookshelf with one arm, dumping the junk to the ground. 

“MY LEADERSHIP!” He knocked over his chair.

“MY SON!” He grabbed the painting from the wall and threw it down. 

“ALL DISAPPOINTMENTS!” He pushed over his desk, it landed with a loud crash.

“And now this too? Nothing ever goes right! No matter how hard I try! No matter how much work I put in! Everything ends in failure!”

“It’s a good thing this was my wedding and not yours then.”

The door behind them opened without a knock. 

“King Cassius, is this a bad time?” Bronte looked at the office with contempt. 

“No, now works.”

Despite not being formally invited in, Bronte sat down on the overturned desk and pulled out a folder of paperwork. 

“So...we’re trying to do an emergency wedding, yes?”

Cassius nodded.

“And from my understanding, there were 1,2...4 objections that haven’t been cleared?”

Cassius nodded again.

“Then I’m afraid I can’t perform a wedding. Legally or morally considering the fact that fate itself seems against this union. It is traditional, when a wedding goes so badly, to accept that something in the universe is not accepting of the marriage and call it off.”

“I understand, Councillor. However, I am the goddamned king and you will do as I say!

Bronte was unfazed.

“Actually sir, with only a month until the coronation you have resigned some of your duties, as is customary. You don’t have full control over the law at the moment, you signed a contract.”

He pulled said contract out of his pocket, displaying the signature, before putting it back in.

“Prince Keefe and you now have split control, as you had when you had a spouse. You both must agree if you are to override a law.”

Cassius hid his face once again.

“Go. Get out of my sight.”

Keefe turned to leave but his father grabbed him.

“Just Bronte.”

The man shrugged and closed the door behind him.

“Keefe...do you know why I was so eager to get you in as king?”

Keefe said nothing. That was one thing he couldn’t figure out himself. 

“I am a shitty, shitty, king. I was never made to rule. Your mother? Yes. Yes she was. Me? No. Not at all. I thought I could do this job, I thought it would be cushy, I thought I’d have all the power in the kingdom as well as riches upon riches without having to work. I was wrong.

“I wanted to train you to do this better than I ever could. I wanted to make sure you were going to be prepared.”

“No.” Keefe’s eyes started to water in anger. “You wanted to train me up to take your job as soon as possible. You didn’t want the responsibility so you decided to hand it off to your child. It’s just like...it’s just like Mom. You were the judge and the jury but you were too much of a coward to be the executioner or even a mourner. You hand off all your problems for someone else to deal with. You’re a fucking coward and nothing else.”

“I cared Keefe!-”

“NO YOU DIDN’T.” Tears streamed down his face. “You never cared about me, you never cared about Mom, you never cared for anything or anybody but yourself. 

“I don’t love Sophie and I never will, but you tried to make me marry her because you loved the idea of the strong son with a quiet woman. That shows how much you care.”

“It was what I thought was best.”

“WELL YOU WERE WRONG.”

Keefe walked out and slammed the door. 

~*~

Keefe went to his room and sobbed. He rarely indulged himself in crying but today was one of the days he let himself. It was maybe an hour later, when he was out of tears and just laid staring up at his ceiling, that he heard a knock on the door.

When he opened it, no one stood there. Just a small note in scratchy handwriting. 

“Meet us at the library, midnight”

~*~

Keefe carefully sneaked through the castle halls, only the candle he held lit his way. He slowly cracked open the library door.

“SURPRISE!”

Suddenly a whole group of people attacked him in a hug, rainbow lights filled the normally dull room. 

“W-what is all this?”

“It’s a surprise party silly!” For the first time since he’d seen her, Sophie looked truly happy. “We don’t have to get married! And we got out of it without any serious injuries.”

Fitz pulled him over to a table. “C’mon, Bi stole some leftover cake no one ate from the kitchens.”

He looked around for Dex hoping to see his beaming smile and instead saw him sitting solemnly in the corner. He didn’t look Keefe’s way. 

“Hey Fee, are you okay?” Apparently Fitz just now noticed his still puffy face.

“Yeah um...just my dad being a jerk again. Don’t worry about it.”

Fitz shrugged it off, he knew about jerky dads.

Or he used to, anyway. That bastard Alden ran away a long time ago. 

Keefe tried to partake in the festivities but he found it hard. He was going to be king in a month, and hopefully a good one at that. Just about anything was better than Cassius. He should be celebrating right now. But...there was still something bothering him. 

It was approaching the wee hours of the morning as people slowly trickled out. Wylie had long since dropped the rainbow lights. They had been celebrating for hours, Dex was silent nearly the whole time. 

“Alright.” Fitz said through a yawn. “I’m tapping out. Night Fee. Last one standing has to clean everything up.”

Keefe nodded. When he finally left the room and they were all alone, he approached Dex. Still silent in the corner.

“Okay, what’s going on Techmaster? You seem down.”

“No it’s just...it’s hard to explain.”

“Take your time, if you’d like.” Keefe sat down criss cross in front of him.

His lips went pouty in a way that made Keefe realize he was staring at his lips.

“You’ll think I’m weird. And clingy. And jealous. Honestly I shouldn’t even be saying any of this right now but I make bad decisions at 3 A.M. I guess.”

“Hey, you can tell me anything.” Keefe started to reach his hand out to Dex before remembering he shouldn’t read his emotions. Dex grabbed it before he could pull away. A lot of sadness and hurt there. He quickly stopped reading, though their hands stayed locked. 

“It’s just...there’s this person. This guy. And...and I thought maybe he liked me but now I think he has a boyfriend. I’m not sure though.”

Keefe’s heart dropped. “Well...boyfriend status can be changed.”

Dex chuckled. “I don’t know, they have nicknames for each other and everything.”

“Sounds serious.”

“Looks serious.”

It was silent for a moment, then Dex spoke.

“Look...don’t worry about it, alright? It’s really no big deal. I’ll get over it, I guess.”

“Maybe he likes you back.”

“I highly doubt it. I’m...I’m not good enough for him. I’m just a servant. He deserves someone better.”

“Why does being a servant mean you’re bad? I’ve met some nobles that are real assholes. You’re way better than all of those fuckers.”

Dex laughed again, wow Keefe could listen to that forever. 

Dex sighed. “You know what? Screw it.”

He seemed to steel himself before saying his next sentence. He squeezed his eyes shut tightly. 

“Are you dating Fitz?”

“What?” Keefe laughed awkwardly. “No, no, no. He’s just a friend.”

“Oh. Then...who were you talking about at the gardens? I- I thought it was Fitz and you guys got together and-”

“No, goodness no. Fitz is great and all but...well he’s just not my type. And he’s been dating Tam for a while now.”

“Oh I uh...I didn’t notice.” Dex’s face flushed furiously. “Who were you talking about then?”

Keefe met his eyes. “Depends, who were you talking about?”

He didn’t answer but his silence spoke more than any words could.

Keefe scooted closer and cupped Dex’s face in his hand. He looked into the boys periwinkle eyes.

“Dex, can I kiss you?”

“Please?”

And they did.

When Keefe heard descriptions of kissing the same gender, they always said that it felt wrong somehow. But this...this only felt right. Like he had been waiting his whole life for the moment when he met the gardener boy’s cracked lips. They weren’t soft, and the kiss was a bit awkward, but it just felt...correct. Keefe chased the kiss slightly when they finally had to pull away. 

A shy smile spread across Dex’s face.

Keefe leaned back in.

~*~

Keefe walked out onto the newly-built stage in front of the castle and looked upon his people. His ceremonial robe was itchy and too large for him.

Cassius was no where to be seen. He had just...run away. The day of the wedding was the day he broke. The kingdom had been sovereignless for the last month, coronations couldn't be rushed. 

Typically the previous king would place the crown upon the head of the new ruler. Because Cassius seemed to run away in the night with nothing more than a clump of riches, Keefe got to choose who would crown him. 

“Friends and subjects of the Kingdom of Eternalia,” Oralie started. “Today, we crown a new ruler. A ruler to put the people first. A ruler who will not sleep until every one of his people is fed. A ruler to unite us.”

Keefe never realized how long winded Oralie was. Looking into the crowd, he spotted Sophie. She wore a sour expression.

Sophie never was a fan of Oralie, she wouldn’t tell him why. 

“Prince Keefe has shown a care for his people deeper than any king before him.”

She could say that again. Keefe found Dex in the crowd, absolutely beaming.

“In the time I have had the honor of teaching him in my lessons, he has shown a willingness to learn. An ability to adapt. And a knowledge of the system as well as its successes and failures deeper than anyone else his age.

And yes, it is truly a shame that a king must be crowned this young, but I have no doubt that in time he will do right by our great kingdom.”

Oralie walked over to him, her pink flowy dress trailing behind her. She picked up the ceremonial crown off the pillow that a servant was holding.

“Prince Keefe of Eternalia, do you promise to uphold the law and do what is right for your people to the best of you abilities?”

“I do.”

“And do you promise to preserve the honor of our nation?”

“I do.”

A loud voice came from the crowd.

“AND DO YOU PROMISE TO NOT LET CASSI-ASS BACK INTO THE THRONE ROOM?” Keefe could tell it was Marella, but no one else had to know that.

He cracked a smile. “I do.”

Oralie chuckled too.

“In that case, Keefe Sencen of Eternalia, with this crown I deem you King of Eternalia. May you have a long and peaceful reign.”

The heavy crown was placed upon his head. The crowd cheered and chanted, his friends yelled the loudest. Keefe saw as Fitz lifted Biana on his shoulders, they all hugged and screamed excitedly. 

Who he noticed most of all was Dex. His bright smile in that moment was worth everything he’d been through. 

Maybe he had found someone he didn’t mind being with.

~*~

Like most days, it was a somewhat quiet day at the castle. 

Keefe looked up from his painting to study the gardens, once called the Queen’s Gardens, but that was ages ago. The wall that once surrounded the beautiful landscape was knocked down a very long time ago. 

Keefe smiled as he spotted Dex tending to some ivy that had grown on one of the ancient statues. Even being a king couldn’t keep his husband from assisting the gardeners. 

Tomorrow, some old friends were visiting. That in itself wasn’t particularly special, as they visited at least twice a year (usually more), but tomorrow was special because it was the anniversary of the Great Wedding Destruction as historians had come to call it. 

How many years had it been? 300? 400? One tends to forget. 

After 50 years or so, they admitted to planning the whole event. By then, Keefe had already convened with the councillors to pass same gender marriage and gotten married to Dex. The law couldn’t exactly do much, it had been a while and no one was injured so any fear of being charged with treason was history.

A few minutes later, Dex trudged into Keefe’s art studio. 

“Hey lovey, do you know where I put the high-power garden clippers?”

“I hope in your lab, but you might want to check the kitchens.”

“Why would they be in the kitchens?”

“Heard some buzzing coming from there and last time I saw the nieces they had frosting all over their faces.”

Chaos ran in the Dizznee family. 

Dex sighed as they heard a loud bang followed by an “Oops.” from downstairs. 

“Gosh if Rex doesn’t pick up his children soon...I won’t do anything but I’ll be sour about it.”

Keefe chuckled. “You might want to go check on them, wouldn’t want them to break your invention. If they haven’t already.”

Dex hummed noncommittally. “Whatcha drawing?”  

“Just a boring landscape...that happens to include a dragon.”

Dex leaned over the easel. “It’s a very pretty boring landscape that happens to include a dragon.”

“Thank you very much, dearest.” Keefe leaned over to kiss him on the cheek. “Now you may want to actually check on the girls. I don’t think Elwin can heal severed fingers.”

“Yeah, okay.”

As he walked from the room that used to be Cassius’ office he yelled, “Emily! Leah! Please don’t be killing each other-”

Keefe just smiled. He did that a lot nowadays. 

He hoped these days would last forever.

[the-way-astray]

I was once told I wasn't a 'real' fan of kotlc because I didn't like all canon events and I dared to criticize them

But I feel like they won't accept the rant post you made, even though it's all canon- maybe they'll criticize canon events now, too, or they'll just pretend they didn't happen

anyway, thank you for the anti keefe rant- I wasn't quite able to articulate my problem with Keefe before except saying he's 'vaguely manipulative' but it isn't even vague.

and the fact that he's just been canonically like this, consistently like this, the entire time is INSANE

that’s terrible, anon. criticism is a part of media and being a fan, that’s just inevitable. even the most perfect media on the planet can be criticized. it’s unfortunate that some people don’t understand that

i don’t really know who “they” is supposed to refer to in this context. so far, i haven’t received any hate for the rant, although that’s probably because i’m not a big blog, so a lot of people haven’t seen it. but haters will be haters lol. they can deal or block me or fight with me (which i already said was cool). pretending it didn’t happen . . . i mean, yeah. a lot of people already kinda do that with keefe’s not-so-fantastic traits. i’m not going to tell you what to believe or not, not with regards to a fictional story, but canon is canon, and that’s the objective truth. and there are a lot of canon moments where keefe is a jerk and never learns or grows from it

you’re welcome, anon! (in my opinion) keefe is not “vaguely manipulative”, he’s subtly manipulative, which is different. the narrative brushes over his comments and attributes them to his personality, making it really difficult to feel the impact of what he does or says. that’s more subtlety than vagueness

yeah, i’d be lying if i said i understand why he has such a huge fanbase compared to other characters. i genuinely don’t see the appeal. maybe it’s the age range of the majority of the fandom, maybe it’s something else. but personally, i don’t understand it

[joyless-75]

kotlc incorrect quotes

Sophie: Okay, truth or dare? keefe: Truth Sophie: How many hours have you slept this week? keefe: Keefe: ...Dare Sophie: Go to bed. Keefe: I don’t like this game.

[svtellify]

Keefe flashed the smuggest of smiles. “It’s because I make everything better.” “Like giving Sophie the pendant that helped the Neverseen find her?” Fitz snapped back. The question was like a record scratch, leaving the room agonizingly silent. my time has come.

Look, I love KOTLC, I really do. It’s one of the few series where I’ve really grown up with the character, and gotten to understand how she’s changed. That said, there is a lot to go through when it comes to Fitz and Keefe. The fact that they’re both in love with Sophie is barely scratching the surface.

Keefe resents Fitz. It’s not so much the fact that he hates the guy, it’s that he hates what Fitz has--a stable family. Whatever the heck is going on with Alvar is frankly, nothing on the emotional abuse Keefe has suffered from both of his parents. Fitz happens to take Alvar’s betrayal hard, but since we never really got to know him as a character or get to really see his relationship with Fitz develop, us, as readers, were probably not so affected by it. Take this example from Flashback: “Because Fitz never makes those kinds of mistakes. That’s my specialty.” It’s all in the subtext, usually, but Keefe is pretty direct here. Shannon Messenger makes it super clear that Fitz is supposed to be this sort of Golden Boy, perfection incarnate, blah blah blah. It really takes a toll on Keefe, who probably compares himself to Fitz (like the differences in their lives) and feels that he’s always falling short. He’s clearly insecure about a lot of things (“You don’t have to tell me I’m a jerk,” Keefe mumbled. “I already know.”) and Fitz being portrayed as perfect doesn’t really help their friendship in any way.

“‘Oh, and let’s not forget that she did it to scare you into cooperating, because she wants you to be useful to me—and then I wasn’t even there to help you fight, because I promised Alden . . .’ ‘Promised Alden what?’ Sophie asked, glancing between the two of them. Keefe shook his head. ‘It doesn’t matter.’ ‘Kinda sounds like it does,’ she pressed. But Alden was staring at his injured son, and Keefe was kicking the cot harder and harder and harder, so she decided to let it go—for the moment...”

Okay, this scene from Flashback has a lot to break down. Yeah, there’s Keefe’s pity party, which leads to other questions that will be posted in a later post if I ever get around to it, but what the quiznak did Keefe promise Alden? Given the context of the situation, it really seems a lot like he promised to give Sophie and Fitz some space, since they were alone (+ the bodyguards) when they were attacked. The other option, which I think is popular in the fandom, is that Alden told Keefe to back off so Fitz could be with Sophie. I can see the potential in it, but the only way I could see this happening was if Alden was really harsh on Keefe, telling him he was a threat to Sophie or something. It doesn’t match his characterization. However, I can see how this would appeal as a shipper, but despite being a sokeefe shipper, I still find this one a little iffy.

“‘Did you let Fitz win?’ ‘Psh, like I’d ever do that!’ ‘I don’t know . . . ,’ Ro told him—and he sent her a death glare. ‘That’s different,’ he insisted.”

Not going to lie though, despite my faith in Alden’s characterization, this is pretty sketch. . .

That being said, the fact that Alden went behind Fitz’s back to talk to Keefe about something that (almost obviously) concerns him, doesn’t scream best friends to me. Especially since Keefe doesn’t sound too thrilled about whatever it is that he promised the guy.

“‘Now Fitz and I get to have all the fun without you.’ She waited for him to laugh, or tease her, or . . . anything. But he just thumped the back of his head against the wall.”

I being Sophie, and you being Keefe.

This one kind of relates to my first point about Keefe resenting Fitz but it also kind of alludes to the fact that maybe they were once friends. Maybe not super close, but close enough that he played truth or dare with him and his little sister. Things were much, much, much simpler before Sophie entered the picture, and as much as I hate to say it, she probably got in the way of their friendship. I found Keefe to be super obvious about his feelings for her, which Fitz no doubt picked up on. Despite not being obvious about his feelings, they no doubt existed, making it awkward for the two of them to hang the way they might have.

“He’ll start wearing tunics that say Foster’s Hero or something.” “Sounds about right,” Fitz mumbled.”

Here’s some resentment on Fitz’ part, and a hint that he *totally* knows about Keefe’s feelings for Sophie. Also, it’s not like a friend to sound so subdued about something that’s supposed to be a joke about his best friend.

“ since Keefe’s teasing and Fitz’s fragile mood would surely be a disastrous combination.”

Best friends who???

“Here,” Keefe said, pulling a fresh box of Prattles from his cape pocket. “Wash it down with this.” “We’re good,” Fitz told him, giving Sophie another piece of the snickerdoodle candy. “Wow,” Ro said, elbowing Keefe. “Nothing you want to say about that, Hunkyhair?” “Nope!” But his smile faded when he noticed Sophie’s chain-mail-covered hand.”

Okay, the time I read this, I did think it was rude, the way Fitz kind of snipped him off. It didn’t seem like the kind of thing a friend would do, especially not given Keefe’s subdued reaction to it, so it clearly wasn’t a joke with friends.

Keefe flashed the smuggest of smiles. “It’s because I make everything better.” “Like giving Sophie the pendant that helped the Neverseen find her?” Fitz snapped back. The question was like a record scratch, leaving the room agonizingly silent.

This happens a *loooot* in Flashback. Fitz just snaps about Keefe’s mistakes, and yeah he apologizes, but it’s a seriously low blow, dude. You don’t do that to your best friend.

“Oh. I stopped by Everglen this morning. Figured it was time to be a good best friend and see how Fitzy was holding up, you know?”

Quiznak was this scene awkward. That’s just not how friendship works?

The next few are just a few quotes where we see how Fitz and Keefe aren’t really friends:

“But when she told Fitz that Keefe also thought he should wait, Fitz’s mental voice sharpened. Well THAT’S convenient. What is? she asked. Keefe siding with you. I wonder why he’d do that?”

  “He’s telling the truth. I’d be able to tell if he wasn’t.” Fitz snorted. “Right—like you could tell with your mom?”

Okay, this one pisses me off because the situation with Lady Gisela is like the situation with Alvar, except way worse because Keefe’s support structure isn’t a comforting and loving family, it’s Sophie, the girl he happens to in unrequited love with, Ro, his bodyguard slash pushy friend, and Elwin, his doctor. If there’s anyone who can relate to the betrayal Fitz is feeling, it’s Keefe, but instead of talking things through, he chooses to throw it right back at him. Totally not something a best friend would do, let alone a friend.

There’s probably a ton a missed, but OP, I totally get what you’re saying. 

I’m probs gonna lose major points with you fans...

... but I have this burning need to clarify something once again:

Fitz and Keefe have not been friends their entire lives

they met in the second grade

Alden kinda pushed Fitz to be Keefe’s friend

they became friends nonetheless but I kinda imagine it to be a more-of-a-buddy-than-true-friend relationship

I mean, Keefe never really trusted Fitz with any major secrets and I’m sure that goes the other way as far as we know

yes, it still sucks, but the fact that the love triangle can pry them apart just proves my point that they didn’t have a solid foundation

I still love them both and it breaks my heart too that this can potentially put an end to their friendship, however strong it is

Please feel free to prove me wrong but I like keeping the facts straight

@anyone else who still thinks their friendship is a one-of-a-kind bromance