Tea Time Talks

                                    

                                          
Fred POV 
Isadora busied herself with the tea. She seemed nervous. I couldn't help but watch her with a heavy gaze. I tried not to make her uncomfortable. The water began to boil. Filling the space with a soft bubbling. Isadora filled two cups with tea. Then made her way over to the couch to sit with me. I scooted closer to her.
"You know" I started as she handed me the cup. Our fingers lightly brushed. "It's kind of nice being awake this late. It's like the whole world is quiet."
Isadora smiled lightly. "Yeah, it is."
For a while we just sipped out tea in silence. The warmth settling between us. Isadora stole a glance at me, but I was already staring. My gaze lasting longer than hers. Something felt different between us. Something that wasn't there before.
"Do you always come down here at night?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
She shook her head. She seemed flustered. "No. Just... tonight. I didn't mean to interrupt."
My eyes softened as they met hers. "I'm glad you did."
Her face played a shocked expression. I thought I heard her breath hitch. Her hands tightened around her cup and her lip slid between her teeth. Then she smiled.
I leaned back against the couch. My eyes never left her. I had barely drank the tea. "You always show up when I least expect it." I said amusement in my voice. "I'm starting to like it."
"I-I didn't mean to. You and Angelina-" she started to stutter out.
I waved my hand cutting her off. "It wasn't anything important. We were just talking."
"Right" she said looking unsure. Almost like she didn't believe me.
The silence returned. The soft glow of light from the fireplace spread throughout the room. It was warming. The silence of the night wrapped around up like a blanket. The distant between us felt like it had gotten smaller. Only neither of us had moved. 
I cleared my throat before speaking again. My voice lower. "I never really noticed how quiet it gets down here at night. It's....peaceful"
Isadora's eyes met with mine she nodded. "Yeah it's like the world slows down."
I smiled at her. My eyes moving down to the cup as I traced the rim. "Slows down, huh? You could use more of that." She hummed in confusion. My eyes made their way back to her face lingering. Merlin, she's beautiful. She brought the tea cup to her lips. "You always seem to be in a rush during the day. It's different seeing you like this."
"Like this?" She repeat. Her tone seemed unsure.
I tilted my head. Thinking in my words. "I don't know... quieter. More...you."
She blinked, her fingers seemed to almost lose their grip on the cup. She tightened them around the glass. I could hear her gulp. "I-" she started. Her voice didn't seem prepared to talk she looked slightly nervous. She adjusted her posture.
"What" I teased.
She hesitated then laughed softly. "I guess it's weird. You never talk to me like this."
My brows furrowed but my lips curved into a light smile. I had just realized this myself. This was unusual but this feeling between us was unusual as well. "Yeah, maybe I should've been paying more attention to you."
My comment left the room silent. The atmosphere felt heavier between us. The evening felt like there was a shift in our dynamic. One I didn't mind. We just spent the next few moments talking. Eventually I noticed Isadora yawning. "You should go to bed Isa." I suggested 
"I'm fine." She said yawning. "I'm not that tired." 
I laughed. "Obviously you are come on let's go." I said locking my fingers with hers and placing down our tea cups. I walked her over to the stairs and watched her as she walked up them. 
She waved. "Goodnight Fred." She smiled softly 
"Goodnight Isadora." I said then she disappeared into the staircase.

***
I laid in bed that night awake for a little longer. Both conversations with Angelina and Isadora played through my head. I found myself comparing them. I don't know why, Isadora was just a friend. A good one, she was a little quirky at times but definitely not something I saw like Angelina....right?
Ugh... Why was I even questioning this. Angelina is perfect. She's not only beautiful, but she has this energy about her that makes you just gravitate towards her. She's the only one I like I'm sure it. I just can't stop my thoughts of the way Isadora laughs and smiles. The she's getting so nervous around me. 
Angelina is the girl I want I'm sure of it.