RP: Our daily bread

[rar_cho]

Date: Monday, May 27, 1999
Characters: Cho Chang, Anthony Goldstein
Location: The Bread Basket
Status: Private
Summary: Chang and Goldstein break bread.
Completion: Complete

Comments

[rar_anthony]

Anthony made his way downstairs, his bag on his shoulder, determined to have a warm banana nut muffin and a steaming cup of coffee before work. He didn't usually drink much coffee, but he'd not slept well the night before, and he thought it might help.

"Good morning, dear," said Mrs Marlinspike, "What'll it be this morning?" She liked Anthony (though not nearly as much as her grandson did, apparently) and was always kind to him, even when he was grouchy of a morning.

Anthony put in his order and was informed that the last banana nut muffin had just been purchased by the young lady at the sidewalk table, and would he perhaps like raisin-bran, instead? Anthony frowned as he realised exactly who the young lady was who had taken the muffin that was rightfully his, and he ordered a croissant instead.

He paid and made his way out to the sidewalk tables, looming over Cho for a moment.

"Enjoying that muffin?" He was in no mood to be trifled with today.

[rar_cho]

Cho was startled out of her reading and looked up to see Anthony Goldstein standing over her. Where the hell had he come from?” She hadn’t even seen him approaching or going into the bakery. More importantly, why was he making small talk with her?

She looked at her untouched muffin and then back at him. “Actually, I haven’t tasted it yet.” She tilted her head as she stared curiously at him, “Um, thanks for asking.” Maybe he had decided to try being cordial with her.

[rar_anthony]

"You haven't?" Anthony considered the croissant in his hand, then held it up. "There's almond paste inside. Very tasty. Trade?"

He doubted she'd want to, especially with him, but thought it probably couldn't hurt to ask.

[rar_cho]

Cho bit her lip as she tried not to grin. For some reason, he wanted her muffin. “Almond paste? So, that’s what gives it that hint of something exotic in its flavour.” She took a drink of her coffee before continuing, “It is very tasty. However, I might be willing to split the muffin for half that croissant.” She wondered how amenable he would be to that suggestion.

[rar_anthony]

Anthony stood, swallowing the last of his coffee, and picked up his bag from where he'd set it on the ground by his chair. John--and, fuck, Anthony was still thinking of him as that--took his time rising, finishing his croissant and coffee and smiling at Cho. He offered her his hand again as Anthony crossed his arms over his chest and tried not to look too annoyed at their goodbyes.

John came around to Anthony's side of the table, and Anthony raised a hand to Cho. "I'll see you around," he said, "Um. Thanks for the company." He hadn't wanted to thank her, but it probably looked good that he did.

He wanted to ask John what was going on, but he kept silent as they walked together to Obscurus.

[rar_cho]

Whereas Anthony hurriedly drank his coffee and gathered his belongings, his friend took his time finishing his breakfast and saying goodbye. He was very much a gentleman compared to Anthony standing there with his arms crossed and acting impatient. She smiled and took her time saying goodbye to John.

Cho automatically waved goodbye as they departed, but her thoughts were already dwelling on Anthony’s parting comment. What did he say to her? Thanks for her company? That’s what all the breakfast trading fuss was about? He must have been hard up for company if he was willing to put up with her, which really couldn’t be the case if he had John for a neighbour and coworker. She rubbed her temples and tried to clear her head before attempting to Apparate. Anthony Goldstein, even when he was being civil to her, was a very exasperating bloke.