User blog comment:BlackSwanSRM/Keefoster Hope Argument/@comment-34243986-20181120021110/@comment-37530514-20181120025338

Okay so, my opinion on what you said above-

I mean, there isn't really much to it. I think that Alden definitely said something to Keefe, based on how many references there are. There's too much, and usually when Shannon repeats things and gives us many clues, there's something up. Also, Keefe wasn't his normal self. He seemed to be backing off, while in Nightfall he was doing the opposite. That's not normal- something definitely caused him to do that. You don't just stop something if you're making progress.

Here's the real kicker for me:

(Fitz talking, about Alden) ​​​But now I'm pretty sure he was worried about you, and wanted to give you somewhere to go after school.

''"Huh," Keefe said- and Sophie recognized his jumbled feelings. Alden had done something similar with Biana, encouraging her to befriend the strange new girl who'd been living with the humans.''

He was a master of well-meaning meddling.

I think that last part is a huge clue. First of all, it doesn't seem to contribute to the story. Why would it be there if it didn't? Secondly, it's on it's own, not in a paragraph. It's separated, making it more noticable. That's suspicious. And last, the whole conversation is a pattern- When  Alden is worried about someone, (Sophie, Keefe, Fitz) what does he do? He meddles. And he talks to someone, getting them to do what he says. And the meddling is "well-meaning". Sophie even says he's a master of it.

We've seen throughout the books how bitter Fitz seems when Keefe and Sophie spend time together. (If anyone needs quotes for this, I can find them.) I could totally see Alden noticing that, and knowing what was coming for Fitz. I can see him going to Keefe and telling him that Fitz was going to need a friend, and that Sophie helps him tremendously. I could see him telling Keefe to be there for Fitz and implying that Fitz needed Sophie during this time. And Keefe wouldn't argue, because he knows how Fitz reacts, and because he genuinely thinks Sophie should be happy. I could see Keefe talking himself into agreeing with Alden, especially if he thinks it'll help his best friend. Not to mention Keefe is worried about Fitz throughout the book, but gives him space and asks Sophie about him (she was about to click the imparter off when Keefe asked, "How's Fitz doing?") instead of asking Fitz himself.

''His (Keefe's) smile faded. "Yeah. He said Fitz was going to need a friend today."''

''"He said a lot more than that," Ro muttered. ''-Page 5, Flashback.

That's all probably pretty obvious. But here's what I don't think happened- I don't think Alden talked to anyone else about it, like Grady, because two minds probably would've decided it was a bad idea. Ideas always sound better inside a person's head. And I don't think Alden would've even thought about it breaking up Foster-Keefe- I think Alden was so blind that all he was thinking of was Fitz's well-being and how Sophie would help him. Alden wasn't trying to set his son up with Sophie, and taking out the competition- he was just thinking about helping Fitz out.

Plus, it's pretty convenient if my theory is right, that Shannon decided to make Keefe temporarily back off to let Fitzphie happen... And if she was meaning for it to be permanent, why wouldn't she take time to let Foster-Keefe end for real instead of just making Alden ask him to back off for a little while?...Sure is suspicious...

hehe