A/N: Hello readers! Here is my prompt for Cedfia week day two! Due to busy life circumstances, I only have this one prompt at the moment, so I hope you all enjoy it! I tried writing in a slightly different tone for this one. It's all from Cedric's POV, and it is a teenage Cedfia, so both are high school age! A lot of hormonal teen angst and drama in this, for I based some ideas on my favorite romance anime, Ao Haru Ride. I hope you enjoy this story; please share your thoughts in the comments, and have a beautiful day!
In My Dreams, You're By My Side
Groaning, Cedric slammed the thick Potion & Herbology textbook shut, shoving it against more stacks of books. Burying his head in his arms, Cedric turned his face sideways on the desk, wishing that he could just magically not study and still do great on his exams.
"You can't mess this up, Cedric." He mimicked the familiar words his father had told him before sending him off to study in the castle library. That was nearly 5 hours ago, and Cedric was still furiously trying to cram all that he could. If he did fail even one, not only would his father drone on about his not paying attention in class, but he'd definitely ground him again and drill him in extra studying sessions. Not to mention Cordelia would tease him relentlessly and probably tell her whole class what an idiot of a brother she had. Cedric winced at the thought of the entire school knowing his actual grades. He didn't need any more excuses for them to mock him.
The teen clenched his clammy fists, eyeing the grandfather clock, its ominous sound ticking back and forth as if his impending doom was at hand. It's getting late, He thought, taking in a few shaky breaths. What if I can't sleep, because I'm so nervous... If I can't sleep, then I'll fail for sure because I'll be exhausted.
The cycle would continue just as it always had. First, Cedric would study for his exams; he would stay up past midnight, trying to cram every bit of information, hoping it would stay in his distracted brain. Secondly, he would get up early to go to school, and when it was time for his tests, he would still be so groggy and incredibly nervous that he'd probably throw up right before his test. And lastly, he'd bungle his exams...as usual.
"Ugh, I wish I could throw up now and get it over with," Cedric moaned, banging his head softly a few times on the wood.
His weary eyes fluttering shut, Cedric calmed himself by daydreaming of faraway adventures where no bullies, fathers, or exams could reach him. Somewhere he was the greatest sorcerer ever, and the only other person with him on this adventure would be Sofia.
The young sorcerer's heartbeat quickened at the thought of the one girl he would let consume all of his time and space. Sofia exuded a peaceful presence, and even thinking about her warm smile made Cedric feel slightly better. In the secret recess of his heart, He yearned that one day they could be much more than just good friends, but what challenged him was showing her his affections. Sofia was the girl who could easily make friends and shower the people she truly cared for with big hugs and tenderness. In contrast, Cedric knew he was a closed book, and showing public displays of affection made him as nauseous as taking an exam. Sometimes he worried that Sofia was treating him like the rest of her family and friends since he was slow in showing her his true feelings. Nevertheless, the teen clung to the small hope that she never hung out or talked to other princes at her school as much as she did with him.
The sounds of soft footsteps pattering near him did not deter Cedric, who shrugged it off as a servant or Baileywick. Besides, he was too tired to open his eyes and bother. Thinking of Sofia was much more pleasant than whatever he would awaken to.
Cedric then felt the presence sit opposite him at the desk, making a quiet thump. Sighing, Cedric grumbled as he turned his head around, "Cordy, if that's you, I'm not in the mood-"
Sofia's face rested inches away from him, her blue eyes sparkling under the soft candlelight of the library. A searing sensation crawled up Cedric's neck and cheeks when her lips parted into a slightly flustered yet sweet smile upon their eyes locking.
For a minute, they remained that way until Cedric jerked his head back around. "I didn't know that was you." He mumbled after taking a deep breath to calm his racing heart. She had been so close; he could feel her warm breath tickle his nose as he breathed in a delightful floral scent. It must be her soap or perfume, He mused to himself, thinking how the fragrance attractively fit her and soothed his nerves as well. He wanted to ask what the scent was, for it smelled familiar, but there was no way he could without making himself not sound like a weirdo. "You were awfully quiet for a change." Cedric drawled sarcastically, trying to lighten the awkward encounter.
A quiet giggle escaped the princess, "I thought you were sleeping, and I didn't want to wake you. You looked so peaceful."
Silence overtook them as Cedric tried to make up a response. He had been thinking of her, and that's why he probably looked so peaceful, but he would soon turn himself into a despicable Fliegle than admit that.
"It's really late to be studying," Sofia noted his stack of schoolbooks. "You should get some rest."
A heavy sigh escaped the young sorcerer, and he only buried his face even further in his arms. While he considered Sofia his close (and only) friend besides Wormwood, he still felt uncomfortable sharing his burdens.
Is something bothering you?" The princess asked hesitantly.
"I'm fine," He answered flatly. Perhaps it was the fear of being misunderstood or worrying about being a bother; even Cedric honestly didn't know why he held himself back so often from wanting to tell Sofia things.
"You don't sound fine," Sofia whispered. "If there's anything I could do to help, I'm here."
"Unless you can magically make me smarter so I won't fail my exam tomorrow or somehow make me fall asleep faster; I'm afraid you can't do much."
"Oh." Sofia paused. "Do you have trouble sleeping before tests?"
"Wow, how did you ever figure that out?" Cedric scoffed. Wincing at his harshness, the teenager banged his head on the desk in shame. "Sorry. I didn't mean to sound so cruel."
"Cedric, it's okay," Sofia said sympathetically. "If you really don't want to talk about it, I understand, and I'll drop it, but...I have a feeling you do, so I'm here to listen because you're my friend, and that's what friends do."
Once again, her presence somehow made the young sorcerer finally give in. "I...I just wish I wasn't like this." Cedric muttered in frustration. "I'm exhausted from studying for hours yet wide awake with worry because I know that I'll fail. Like I fail at everything."
"Don't say that!"
Cedric jerked up in astonishment when Sofia's fingers sharply flicked the back of his head. "Ow!" He glared up at her, surprised to see her face beet red and looking shocked by her own actions.
"Eh...umm...sorry." Sofia stuttered sheepishly.
A soft chuckle from Cedric made Sofia's eyes broaden as he shifted completely upright in his chair. He didn't directly face her but instead covered the back of his head with his gloved hand. "I guess I deserved that, didn't I?" He smirked.
"You shouldn't think that way about yourself."
"I know. I just can't afford to mess up again." Cedric clenched his fists. "I can't-"
"Maybe you should stop what you can't do and start saying what you can," Sofia encouraged. "Like you can get a good night's rest, and you can do great on the test because you're an ah-mazing sorcerer!" Chewing her lip thoughtfully, the princess added. "When I first came here, I was scared to death of all the princess tests I had to take on subjects I knew nothing about. You encouraged me to pass them using my own strengths, and now I'm saying the same to you. You need to believe in your own talent and capabilities."
Cedric mused over her words, remembering what he had that past year. Maybe there was a chance that he could do well if he thought better of himself, like how Sofia saw him.
Suddenly, the princess bolted up from her chair, blurting out, "I have a great idea!"
"What?!" The young sorcerer blinked rapidly.
"Cedric, I'm going to need you to start heading to your room. I'll meet you there!"
His mouth gaped open, Cedric stuttered, "W-w-why? If anyone sees us-"
"Just go! You've studied enough! I'll be there soon!" Then she was gone, and Cedric had nothing else to do but obey her strange request. Gathering his books, he headed up to his room to put them away before waiting outside the door for his friend. Gone were the anxious fears of failure and a sleepless night, for the curiosity of what Sofia had planned replaced it all. Little time passed before Sofia tiptoed down the empty hallway, her hands clasping a basket behind her back.
"I hope you didn't wait too long!" She beamed, extending the basket to him, which he uncovered to find a bouquet of purple flowers and a flask. "Lavender helps you sleep at night!" The princess pointed to the sprigs. "Place the Lavender flowers by your bed and drink this lavender chamomile tea too. It should help give you a better night's sleep!"
Cedric inhaled the flowers' strong scent, and he started in astonishment. It smells just like her! The teenage boy realized. Lavender, of course! That was the flower's name! Sofia probably used it for soap or perfume, and he wanted to kick himself for forgetting the flower's name since he just studied the term for his Herbology exam. Hopefully, now he'd remember.
"You look surprised, is something wrong?" Sofia folded her hands together anxiously.
"The scent smells like you!" Cedric blurted out, instantly turning crimson at his words. "I mean...Er...Umm…"
"Oh...yeah," Sofia bent her head as she played with a lock of her hair. "I have a lavender-scented soap. Does the smell bother you?"
"Uh..." Cedric began. Gripping the basket tightly, his embarrassed face soon melted into a smile. Sofia was such a strange girl, yet her actions were all for ensuring that he would sleep better. This made the teenager grateful that he had opened up, not for the sake of her giving him something to make him feel better, but for the far greater gift of the selfless care she gave him. Usually, he would be at a loss on how to thank her; however, his fatigue and perhaps something much deeper pulled at his heart, and he reached out for her.
Wrapping his arms around the princess, Cedric pulled Sofia against his chest. "No, it doesn't bother me," He murmured. "The scent reminds me of you, so I now I'll be able to sleep because it'll be like having you by my side."
A soft exhale escaped Sofia's lips, followed by a moment of painful silence. "I could stay by your side if you wanted me to." Her voice was thin and muffled as she uttered the words against his vest. "Until you fell asleep."
His eyes glistening, Cedric let his head rest atop of hers, causing both of them to lean further into each other's embrace. There's nothing I'd want more, He thought, daring not to utter it aloud. "Sofia, I-"
"I'm sorry, you don't have to respond to that!" Sofia interrupted hurriedly, her voice stronger as she moved her head away to stare up at him. "The hardest part isn't trying to sleep or calming your nerves. Of course, everyone feels that way for a big test, so it's natural, and I hope the lavender will help with that. But the hardest thing, Cedric, is all in here." She reached up her hand to gently tap his head. "Ignoring those negative thoughts and having more faith in yourself. It's not going to be easy at first, but I have faith that you'll do your very best, and whatever the outcome is, I'll be proud of you no matter what."
Gazing straight into her earnest eyes, Cedric couldn't help himself from leaning forward and tenderly kissing her cheek. "Sofia, You're a far better friend than I deserve." He whispered in her ear as he embraced her once more. "Thank you for everything."
A delicate shade of pink, Sofia hugged him tightly before letting go, her eyes downcast, but a glowing smile etched on her lips.
"You really should get going. If anyone saw us, we'd be in so much trouble." Cedric squeezed her hand. "I'll see you tomorrow...after my exam, which I can do well on, right?"
Grinning, Sofia nodded vigorously before waving goodbye and heading to her own quarters. Once she disappeared from his sight, Cedric closed his door, sinking to the floor to take in all that transpired. Sofia would be proud of him no matter what he got on the test. That simple sentence struck his core, giving him renewed hope and courage to be able to sleep and do well on his exams, but also for his relationship with her. Perhaps he could even one day have the courage to tell her of his feelings.
Eyeing the tea, Cedric began sipping it calmly, getting up to place the lavender sprigs around his bed. After he finished, he settled into his bed, and the calming fragrance wafted through his nose, lulling him into a peaceful sleep. That night in his dreams, he was running through a vast Lavender field, and Sofia was right by his side, her hand in his.
The end! :D