Unedited.

"Hey Eli! Joanne! Come on in!" Sophie shouted from the shallows. Eli and Joanne looked nervous as they walked into the group. "Hey." Sophie grinned.

"H-hi." Eli said. Joanne nodded to Sophie. "Hey Blossom! Bex!" Sophie shouted to the girls who were tackling Rex and Lex in the sand. The girls looked up and trotted over. "This is Joanne. Joanne this is Blossom and Bex." Sophie smiled. "Hi. Let's go build a sand castle." Bex said taking the girl's hand and pulling her away. "How are you Eli?" Sophie asked. "Um...good. You?" The younger boy blushed. "Do you want to meet the others?" Sophie asked. "Uh...well." Eli said nervously, looking at the small sand castle Sophie was building. Biana screamed as she dived off the cliff. Eli looked up wide eyed, "She's fine. You want to try?" Sophie asked. Eli looked up as Dex and Keefe tripped over the cliff, grappling with each other.

"I...I um.." Eli blushed and looked away as he sat down across from Sophie, he started making his own sand castle. "I love making sand castles." Sophie said. "You do?" Eli asked. "I used to build them whenever I went to the ocean." Sophie said, creating a moat around her castle. "I prefer staying inside." Eli said. "It's good to get outside once in a while." Sophie said. "Yeah." Eli said. "I guess...Joanne usually makes me get outside. She may seem shy but she's as brave as brave can be. She's the one that made me come." He said. Sophie looked over at the five younger kids who were now splashing in the shallows. Joanne was smiling brightly. Blossom must have twisted her braids up in the criss cross design.

"Do you have anyone you want to invite over?" Sophie asked. Eli shook his head. "I'm usually to busy at my book store to hang out with people." He said. "You are welcome to invite friends over if you want...or if you have siblings beside Joanne." Sophie said. "I don't." Eli said shaking his head, "But...well." Sophie handed over her imparter and Eli took it. He hailed someone who answered with a confused voice. "She comes into the store a lot." Eli said shyly. "What's her name?" Sophie asked putting her imparter back in Sandor's basket. "Marie." Eli said. "Great. I have some more people coming over soon too." Sophie said.

The friends Melody invited turned out to be a very large group. Some kids, most adults, and they joined the cliff diving, while others set up shades on the beach. Gnomes and dwarves started up music at some point. Melody and the dark skinned elf she had danced with at the masquerade ball, had a water war. Marie showed up with her little brother who went off to play with the triplets, Blossom and Joanne. Melody had even brought some goblins who instantly lounged beside Sandor who was posing as life guard, which wasn't necessary. Marie was nearly as shy as Eli, but they built sand castles with Sophie, even some adults joined them. Sophie waded in the water. Keefe and Tam were trying to splash Linh, who kept causing waves to over take them.

Sophie spotted Fitz racing Wylie to the cliff. Sophie dived and swam after them. "Wait up." She transmitted to Fitz who instantly stopped and tread water, waiting for her. She reached him and dog paddled over. "Do you know these people?" He asked, pointing to the other elves joining in to take Linh over. "Melody does. She even brought music." Sophie said, smiling at Fitz. "Seriously?" Fitz asked as they reached the rocks, climbing up the followed the trail slowly. "Yeah, some goblins and I think they are inviting more people." Sophie said nervously.

Fitz chuckled. "I have a feeling this simple swim is going to change a lot of things." He said pointing toward Havenfield, as troops of species walked to the beach. Grady and Edaline looking confused followed, but almost...happy. If they wouldn't join society, society would join them. "Yeah. I think it is." Sophie said, slipping her hand in Fitz's. Blushing she couldn't look up at him, as she stared at Grady and Edaline looking around the beach. "Sophie?" Fitz asked. Sophie looked up, she smiled, she had kept Fitz waiting long enough, and she could already feel herself falling. Fitz looked half stunned, and half like he thought he was dreaming.

"Wait.." Fitz looked to be trying to figure out several knots in his brain. Sophie laughed, going up on her tip toes she kissed his cheek. She laughed at Fitz's shocked face, as he finally realized...she didn't need time any more. Sophie slipped away and ran through the crowd at the cliff ledge looking hesitantly over, she jumped.

~

"Sophie, what are all these people doing here?" Edaline asked waving to a friendly looking elf. "It was only supposed to be a few people...Melody kind of invited more than I expected and they invited more..." Sophie said sheepishly.

The music was loud but not so loud, that Sophie couldn't hear elves screaming as they jumped off the cliff. Goblins, elves, and gnomes continued to join the party, walking through the gate. "Half of Eternalia is here...not to mention the talentless elves." Edaline said. Pointing to a bare chested man talking to a woman who had a two piece that exposed touch lines of muscle in her stomach. "Hey Sophie, Mr. Mrs. Ruewen awesome party!" Mae called as she ran past with Albert and Desmin. Sophie looked back up at Grady and Edaline smiling.

Sighing, they looked at each other with a smile, "Why don't we go swimming?" Grady asked. Sophie passed left them, and made her way up to the fields. She checked on Bad Dog, who was swinging through the trees and playing with the many toys Sophie had included in the new enclosure. Sophie checked on the rest of the animals, to be sure the music or people weren't bothering them. Feeding them as she went. She patted Myth hugging him tight, he snorted a greeting before going back to his food. Sophie made her way up to her room, to wash her hands, and check on Iggy.

"Hey." She greeted the purple imp. He squeaked and flew to her. "You doing okay up here?" She asked the imp, as she refilled the water bowl. She tossed the red ball across the room and Iggy chased after it, with a playful growl. Sophie laughed as she rebranded her hair, and tied it up. She threw the ball again and again. Before she finished her hair. She placed Iggy back next to the water in his cage, and she opened her room door, she found herself staring at Fitz as he reached the top step, panting, as if he had run all the way to the house and up the stairs. "Hey." She smiled. He stood up straight, "Do you mean it?" He asked.

Sophie closed her room door. "Mean what?" She asked. "Sophie, please don't play with me." He said trying to calm his breathing. His chest was falling and rising quickly, something in his tone made Sophie become serious. "Yeah." She nodded, "I mean it." Fitz smile was half hopeful and half scared. "Are you serious?" He asked. "Yes. I am." Sophie nodded, Fitz laughed and hugged her, lifting her off the ground he spun her around. Sophie couldn't help but laugh, the knot finally untangled and she just felt relieved. Fitz made her happy, and she made him happy. That's all that mattered at the moment.

Fitz set her down on her feet pulling to look back at her. He let out a relieved laugh, and rested his forehead against hers. "I can't even explain how happy I am." He said. Sophie smiled as she stared into the teal eyes. "I can guess." She said quietly. Fitz laughed, before becoming serious he sucked in a breath, biting his bottom lip he leaned forward, as if waiting for Sophie to confirm it. Sophie did.

Closing the space between them, she pressed her lips to his. The kiss wasn't long, but it was just enough. Pulling away Sophie blushed. Fitz grinned, pulling her closer he hugged her close. "Finally" he transmitted with a blissfully happy sigh. Sophie wrapped her arms around him thinking the same thing.

~

"This could totally become a tradition." Keefe said as he chomped on a watermelon slice. Grady and Edaline agreed, as they watched the light display. "Sophie's swim party." Keefe said. Sophie laughed, before returning to her own watermelon,

Beside her Fitz pressed his shoulder against her own for a moment. Sophie's grin grew wider, and no matter what she tried, it refused to go away. She just wanted to throw her head back and laugh, she was filled with giddiness and as she looked around at the elves swimming through the lights that danced on the waters. She liked the thought of a tradition.

Then she spotted Eli talking to Marie, as they walked near the caves, that had been filled with balefire crystals, tables had been set up with food. She grinned even wider. "Someone's feeling giddy." Keefe smirked. Sophie nodded to Eli and Marie, the others looked as they vanished into the caves. "Who is that kid anyways?" Dex asked. "Eli. I met him and his sister a couple of weeks ago, they own a book shop in Eternalia." Sophie said, as she spotted Joanne running after Rex who was shouting something about an 'accident' Sophie pointed them out. "That's his sister Joanne." She said. Dex watched as Joanne tackled his little brother, pin him down and start lecturing him. "I like her." He said as Joanne refused to let Rex up.

"She's kind of shy." Sophie said. "Like you?" Fitz transmitted. Sophie was glad it was dark, or her face would have been as red as the  watermelon. "What about that person?" Dex asked pointing down to the beach where a tall elf in stark yellow shorts was talking to Melody. "N-" Sophie spit out the watermelon seed she had in her mouth. "That's Terik!" She coughed. Fitz patted her back, she managed to regain her breath, before bursting out into laughter, with the others. Terik looked ridiculous, in the yellow shorts with bright green patterns, he seemed to know it to. He stood proudly, smirking. "Oh hey what about her?" Biana asked pointing to a girl who had successfully managed to dunk Rowan.

"Looks like Emile, she's some distant cousin of Rowan's."

"And him?" Wylis asked, pointing to a elf who sat beside Caroline. "Zafrid, he's...." Sophie tried to remember how Caroline introduced him. "He is, some distant relative of hers."

"Hey I got an idea." Keefe said. "Let's play truth or dare." He said. "Oh! Wylie truth or dare!" Sophie said grinning nudging Wylie, with her foot. He scooted down. "Dare." He mumbled. "I dare you to ask Caroline out."

"Hey that's my cousin." Stina said. Wylie rolled his eyes. "I was going to anyways." Wylie lifted his hands and cupped them around his mouth. "Hey Caroline!" He shouted. Caroline looked up, and grinned. She said something to Zafrid and shouted back.

"What?!"

Wylie grumbled under his breath before shouting. "Wanna go out?!" Some elves looked up. Caroline laughed ads Zafrid nudged her. "Sure!" She shouted back grinning. Wylie looked up at Sophie smirking. "That's one way to do it." Alden said lowly. Wylie's eyes went around the group. "Mrs. Vacker truth or dare?" He asked. Della looked up startled. "Me?" She asked. Alden wrapped his arm around her, giving Wylie a playful glare. "Truth I suppose." Della said. "Out of Fitz and Biana who is your favorite?" Wylie asked. "Me." Biana said at the same time Fitz did. They glared at each other before looking at their mom.

"Now that is unfair. I can't pick between either of my children." Della said. "I love them both equally." Everyone muttered under their breaths 'lies' Sophie watched as Della giggled quietly as Alden smirked.

"Edaline-"

"No no no and no again." Edaline said cutting Della off who laughed. "Yeah, I think we're to old for this game anyways." Della said. "I'll pass my turn to....Linh." Della said standing up. Alden quickly followed still smirking, he took her hand and they walked away. At a pace faster pace. Biana wrinkled her nose at them. "Ew." She said. Fitz gave a shudder. "Biana Truth or dare?" Linh asked smiling. "Grady and Edaline Ruewen. Where have you been hiding yourselves?" Someone called from the crowd. Standing up the two hurried away. "Um....truth." She said. The light went out of Linh's eyes and she sighed. "Is it true...that Keefe kissed you?" Dex spluttered and Keefe looked shocked his girlfriend would ask that.

"It was only on the cheek." Biana said. "And it was on a dare to!" Keefe said. Linh shrugged and smiled. "Just curious." She said. Biana's eyes found Stina. "Truth or dare Stina?" She asked her voice becoming darker. "Dare." Stina said instantly. "I dare you to...I dare you to ask someone out." She said. Stina raised an eyebrow,"Tam, will you go out with me?" She asked never looking away from Biana's gaze. "Yeah, whatever." Tam said trying to play it cool. "Dex,-"

"Dare." Dex blurted. "Kiss Biana..and not on the cheek." Stina said. Sophie felt Fitz tense beside her. Dex straightened up and turned to Biana, who vanished for a second and reappearing. Dex picked up Biana's hand and kissed her knuckles. "That's not what I meant." Stina snapped, Sophie smiled, as Dex scooted closer to Biana. "I know." He said. "Let's see...Keefe?"

"Dare." Keefe grinned. "I dare you....I dare you to blank yourself out." Dex said pulling a square from a pocket Sophie hadn't realized was in the towel he sat on. "Okay, but first." Keefe said as he took the square.

"Fitz?"

"Truth." Fitz replied. "Wonderboy." Dex scoffed, at the same time Stina mumbled "Golden kid." Both Stina and Dex met each other's eyes, in wonderment, realizing for once they were in agreement. "I've wanted these answers for a long time, and you keep dodging them but now." Keefe smirked. "Do you like Foster?" He asked. The group went silent and Sophie turned red. "Of course I do." Fitz replied quickly. "No, I mean to you honestly like her? Like more than friends like her?" Keefe clarified. "Of course I do." Fitz answered in the same tone, as he leaned on his hand, that was resting just behind Sophie, bringing them closer. Sophie felt herself turn red.

Keefe raised and eyebrow but shrugged. "If I don't wake up in three minutes call Elwin." He said s he wrapped a towel around him and stuck the square to himself.

Mwoof!

The towel muffled the sound. "It was a lighter blank out. He should wake up by the time his turn comes back around." Dex explained. "Sophie." Fitz said. Sophie made the same mistake Dex did. She panicked and blurted out 

"Dare."

"Wait seriously?" Biana asked. "Yeah." Sophie nodded looking at Fitz. "Please don't give me anything embarrassing." She transmitted he smiled. "I dare you..." Fitz watched as Caroline walked up, and held her hand out to Wylie. "Let's go swimming." She said. Wylie grinned and took her hand, letting himself be pulled up. They walked away, Wylie shot a smile at Sophie. "I dare you...I dare you to let me read your journal." He grinned. Sophie scooted sweat from him. "P-pass." She said. Everyone groaned and dispersed. Fitz took Sophie's hand and they walked together. "Sophie." He said as they walked to an empty part of the beach. "Yeah?" Sophie asked.

Fitz turned to face her, his face serious. "I don't think it was you." He said. "What?" Sophie asked. "It wasn't you. You have never been afraid to get hurt." He said, taking her hands in his own. "You weren't the one who needed time." Fitz said. Sophie was confused as she stared up at him. "It was me." Fitz said. "I'm the one that needs time." He transmitted as he rested his forehead against hers. Staring up at him Sophie smiled. "Okay." She said softly. Fitz needed to take things at his pace now.

She was willing to slow her own pace for that. For him.

(Freaken Fitz...)