Sokeefe - upside down

Splash fights and scrap paper

"Hey!" I slapped Dex's hand away, protecting my food. We went to in-N-out for one of up our group lunches, and that little sneak was trying to steal my fry "you have your own!"
"Yeah, but they just taste so much better when they're from your tray..." Dex told me
"Have to agree" Keefe pipped up, grabbing one of my fries and taking a bite of it before I could stop him
"Quit it! These are mine, and you have yours" I took a loud bite from a fry, fake pouting
"Fine, fine. Truce" Dex stuck out his hand, waiting for me to agree
"Not until we're even" I smirked, grabbing a fry from his tray. I munched on it
"Enough with the fries! Keefe, continue your story" Biana interrupted before Dex could pay me back
"Oh, yeah. Where was I?" Keefe thought for a moment before his whole face lit up, and he launched back into the tale about how he got stuck on the roof of an abandoned mall for three hours with his friend. His life sounded insane from what he told us. I tried to listen, but it was kind of hard to pay any attention when he was so adorable. Light danced in his eyes as he retold the story, and I could tell how into it he was. I snapped myself out of my thoughts, scolding myself before listening intently to the rest of his narration. After everyone had wrapped up eating, Biana suggested we go to the beach, wanting to take advantage of the sunny Californian day.

**************

I kicked off my shoes and ripped off my socks, trying to run and roll my pants up at the same time. Finally I got them up, just above my knees, right as my toes reached the gentle waves of the ocean. I sighed softly, letting my feet slowly sink into the sand as the waves splashed at my ankles. I closed my eyes, tilting my face to the sun. I have always loved the ocean, it's huge vastness always reminded me how small I really was. It's always kept me grounded, made sure I didn't get too full of myself. I felt a soft but startling poke in my side. I jumped slightly, ripping my eyes open and looking to see a smirking Keefe. His hair glimmered in the sun, making it look as if he had a glowing halo around his head. I smiled
"Hey" I said
"Hey" he repeated, pausing for a moment before asking "you wanna go for a walk with me? Like... just us?" He fidgeted, reaching for his sleeve before remembering he had a short sleeve on. That was his number one fidget when he was nervous, adjusting his sleeve. My eyes narrowed as I wondered what he was worried about
"Yeah, sounds like fun" I told him, turning and starting down the beach, away from where Biana and Dex were. He followed me, silent
"It's so beautiful today, isn't it?" I asked "the suns shining, almost no clouds, a warm breeze" he nodded, then shook his head lightly. He looked a bit more focused now, less paranoid
"Sooooooooooo. This isn't awkward" he said, chuckling lightly
"Well, it wasn't until you said it was" I giggled
"Fair." He stopped, looking out to the sea.
"Amazing, right?" I grinned
"Yeah. It is" he smirked back at me, moving behind me. I was about to turn around before I felt a light pressure on my head. I glanced up with only my eyes, seeing Keefe resting his chin on top of my head. I laughed, crossing my arms
"Whatcha doing?" I asked him
"Enjoying the second best view I've ever seen" he told me
"What's the first?" I had to ask him. He paused for a long time, not responding.
"Hey, you wanna go swimming?" He asked "it's pretty hot, might cool us off"
"What do you mean? I don't have a swim suit, towels, sunscreen, anything." I pointed out
"Oh well, we could swim in put clothes. Or in our underwear" I could literally feel his smirk
"How bout no?" I told him
"Or yes!" He went around me and jumped in, making a big splash. Once he came back to the surface, he grinned "c'mon, Foster! The waters fine!" He splashed me, and I giggled, hoping he would blame my blush on the heat
"Maybe.... but I don't think so..." I thought, trying to decide
"I'll get you ice cream later" he promised
"Really? Well in that case..." I slowly went out, into the ocean. He was right, the water felt good, warm, but refreshing. He splashed me again, but this time I splashed back. We got in a splash war, laughing and chasing after each other. I could feel Bianas eyes on me, and could basically hear her thoughts "omg, so cute! They're totally meant to be, why won't Sophie accept it?" I ignored the feeling, enjoying myself instead.  Once both be and Keefe had tired out, be waded back to shore, both of our hair in a tangled mess and faces sunburned. But we were smiling the whole way to Biana and Dex, wet sand sticking to our feet.


********

I was about to open the door to my room, still soaking wet, when I saw the note taped to my door. Fitzs neat handwriting filled the scrap piece of paper
You were right, I'm sorry. I don't let you keep secrets. I'm so stupid to forget how smart and capable you are. I know it will take time, but I'd really like to friends again, if/when you forgive me.
Love you, fitz

I smiled, deciding to text him in the morning. Sure, I forgave him, but I wanted to make him sweat a little. I took a shower, overall really happy with today. I fell asleep, dreaming of beaches, swimming, and messages in bottles.