Stay-At-Home Brat

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Sophia's POV

I'm on a mission; the mission to mend Alexander and Sebastian's friendship. I doubt their own capacity to do so. I see the benefits of them being friends. So I've been working on a plan the past few days...

Alexander sits by the counter, scanning books as I enter the library. He looks downcast. Whether it is because he's surrounded by books and taciturn people all day or his failed friendship is discussable. ''Alex!'' I exclaim in a sparky voice, rushing up to him.

He looks up at me a bit sceptically. ''How may I help you today?''

''Bastian sent me to return this.'' I dip my hand into my bag to pull out the first book, and his downcast expression is saddened as he accepts the book. ''Don't be sad. That's not all.'' Smiling, I dig into my bag again. ''He wanted you to have this as well.'' I hand him the present I wrapped up this morning. It's a collection of books from Sebastian's home library. I'm not sure what they are about as I was short on time, but I highly doubt it's fairy porn. I also used Christmas wrap as I couldn't find any suitable wrap. ''...He has been pondering upon your friendship, and he wants to meet you at the café down the street after work.''

The little café date is actually for me and Sebastian, but I figured I could send Alexander there, instead. That way, they will be both awkward and nonplussed and compelled to sit down for a chat about a predetermined subject—how I set them up. Brilliant, right?

His woebegone look lightens at my words, and his eyes glimmer with curiosity, though there's some suspicion mixed in. ''Thank you for this,'' he says quietly. ''What time at the café?''

''5 o'clock,'' I reply, and he nods. ''Anyhow, that was it!'' I giggle briefly. ''I won't be there, and he said that preferably, you wouldn't bring Zander, either. I guess he can be disruptive when you try to have serious talks.''

''I will meet up with him at the café at 5 o'clock without Zander,'' he says with a hopeful, soft smile.

Yes! The first box is ticked! Now, it's the men's time to do the work and complete the mission.

--

Sebastian's POV

The café is just the right level of busy—not to the point where you get a headache and not awkwardly lonely. I pass a few parties on my way to the table in the corner, which I know is Sophia's favourite place. She just texted me that she'd be a little late, so I've ordered our drinks and bakeries to be ready for when she shows up. A couple of minutes pass before I hear the door open again. I glance up expectantly, presuming to see Sophia. It's the person I hoped not to stumble upon—Alexander. I look down at my phone again, assuming he's here to buy himself a coffee on his way home from work. That wouldn't be too strange.

''Sebastian! I'm so happy to see you so soon again!'' Alexander calls, his tone unexpectedly sunny. ''Am I late? I thought we were meeting at 5.''

Hesitantly, I look up, watching him trod swiftly across the café in my direction. ''Late for what?''

He halts abruptly before my table and stiffens. He looks at me questioningly, blushing slightly. ''We were going to have coffee together at 5.''

I give him a puzzled look. ''I'm waiting for Sophia.''

The blush on his cheeks reddens, and he stays silent for a moment. ''...Really? I thought we were meeting up,'' he asks, uncertain. ''You gave me a present and all. It made my day. You didn't have to do that.''

His response doesn't make me less puzzled, not clarifying anything. ''Who told you this? What present?'' I question, becoming a bit edgy.

''Sophia came to the library this morning and told me you wanted to meet me here now, and she gave me a present you wanted me to have,'' he explains.

I feel mild anger when he tells me what she's done, but at the same time, I know she did this with good intentions. ''I did not know about that,'' I say.

His bright expression withers, sadness draping over his face. ''So you didn't want to see me, and you didn't mean to give me that?'' He sighs.

''No. I expected her to meet me here now.''

The slightest drops of tears trickle down his cheek, and he looks away, gulping uneasily. ''Well, I left the present in my car. I can go, get them for you–" he mumbles.

I can't imagine how mortifying it must feel to be in his shoes now. ''Actually,'' I cut in, feeling a bit sorry for him. ''Since she isn't coming, and I already bought this, you may as well have her portion.''

His misty eyes flicker around me, and he wavers behind the free chair. ''Are you sure?''

''Yes, I don't want to sit alone and look forlorn.'' I gesture to him to take a seat. ''The drink will go cold soon.''

''Thank you.'' He sits down in a rather ungainly manner. His hands tremble as he lifts the cup of coffee, fog spreading over his glasses. ''Oh, and I will pay for this, too.''

''No, that's on me,'' I insist. ''She should never have tricked you into coming here and put you through an anxiety attack.''

''I'm not having an anxiety attack!'' he says curtly, his face turning pink again. ''I was just surprised and confused, and that unsettled me...'' His voice trails away, and neither of us appears to have anything more to say.

To ease the awkward silence for myself, I take a bite of my freshly baked cinnamon roll and wash it down with tea. ''...How was your day at work, Alexander? Are you still pleased with your job here?'' I ask suavely.

''Well, Sophia put me in a good mood, but I suppose a fanciful mood,'' he admits, drumming his fingers against the coffee cup. ''How was school?''

''The same as usual,'' I answer unenthusiastically and take another sip of my tea. ''I'm becoming weary of video games and vampires.''

''Are you missing the banter and mischief?'' he quips.

''Sometimes you don't realise how much you appreciate something until it's gone,'' I remark.

The awkward tension gradually thaws, and a friendly chat eventually takes over...

We didn't realise we lost track of time until the baristas announced it was closing time. As we weren't done conversing, we decided to go to the pub down the street, where we lounged until closing time as well. By the time I arrived home, it was close to midnight.

I find Sophia asleep on the sofa. Carefully, I lean down to pick her up in my arms to bring her to her bedroom. She barely reacts, sleeping deeply. ''...Thank you, little Soph,'' I murmur, kissing her head before putting her in bed.