Anytime Foster I'm Always Here

-Catching Up On Lost Time-

A/N: "Wonderful Life (Mi Oh My) By Matoma (Angry Birds)

Sophie's POV: 

\As Keefe steps into Havenfield, his expression flickers with familiarity and amusement. "Whoa, Havenfield is still standing strong, huh?" he teases. I roll my eyes, smiling. "Of course. We love it here–why bother moving? Besides, it works well with Grady and Edaline's job."

"Fair enough."

The moment we cross the threshold, a wave of sweetness envelops us–the unmistakable scent of freshly baked Mallowmelt. Before I can react, a large fur ball hurtles towards me. "Iggy!" I laugh, giving him some pets on his head.

Keefe curls an eyebrow as he watches Iggy excitedly wriggle on the floor. Then, his nose twitches, and his gaze does distant, as if chasing a half-forgotten memory. "Wait....Foster, what is that heavenly smell? He asks, voice thick with enchantment.

I blink at him. "Seriously? You don't remember?" His brows furrow, and then—"Oooooh! Mallowmelt!" His voice explodes with childlike excitement, his eyes lighting up like someone about to get their favorite candy.

I giggle. "Come on, let's go grab some before you pass out from nostalgia overload."

We barely set our bags down before Edaline's voice drifts from the kitchen. "Sophie? Sweetie, is that you? And who's with you?"

"Soph. Is that you sweetie? And who are you with?" Edaline says from the kitchen.

"Yeah, it's me!" I call back, guiding Keefe toward the delicious scent. "Are you making Mallowmelt?"

Her answer is an amused "Of course," followed by an invitation into the kitchen.

The second we step inside, Edaline turns to her expression shifting from curiosity to pure shock. "Wait–Keefe?"

Keefe grins. "In the flesh."

"Oh my stars! It's been forever—we've missed you around here," she exclaims, warmth filling her tone.

Keefe clutches his chest dramatically. "Awww, glad to know I was dearly missed."

Edaline chuckles. "Well, not as much as Sophie missed you."

Heat rushed to my cheeks, but before I could protest, Keefe smirks. "Oooo, my favorite game–'Make Foster Blush.'"

I loved his signature smirk. Seeing it again felt like a breath of fresh air.

"Alright, here's some Mallowmelt," Edaline said, handing us each a plate. "Thanks, Mom. We'll be in my room." I said, leaving with Keefe.

As we stepped inside, a soft blush crept onto my cheeks. The walls—ice blue–were a quiet reminder of him. The color of Keefe's eyes. I had them changed not long after he left. Missing him had been unbearable, and though surrounding myself with the shade of his gaze had brought some comfort, it had never been enough. Not without him here.

We settled onto my bed, plates resting beside us as conversation flowed naturally between us.

"So, what did I miss." Keefe asked, his voice light, but curious.

"Well," I began, exhaling softly. "After you left, I bawled my eyes out for weeks. Being apart hurt more than I ever imagined." A pause, a glance into those familiar, mischievous eyes. "But I've never been happier than I am now—with you here again." My sadness melted into a smile, genuine and full of relief.

"Same. I wasn't me without you," Keefe said, his voice quieter now. "I could barely hold on. You're basically my other half, and when I was in London, I was hanging by a thread. Oh, and London was beautiful and all, but—yeah. It still wasn't great living there."