It's been a few hours since Jules and Midas' confrontation outside the Fortilla. With the mastermind out of commission for the time being and other agents retiring for the evening, Sophie's left feeling lost on what to do.

Feeling clueless, she decides to go alone and visit Midas within his room, see if he's awoken yet. Softly knocking on the door, she quietly asks:

"Hey Midas? ...you awake in there?"

To her surprise, the door slowly creeks open, but it isn't the person Sophie was hoping for.

"Oh, hey Remedy. What you up to in there?"

"Oh, hey kiddo. I was doing a quick check on M. With a bit of luck, he'll be awake by morning." She greets her, patting her shoulder. "I was about to go get a quick pick-me-up from the kitchen, you want something?"

"Ooh! Hot chocolate please!" Sophie grins, taking Remedy's hand.

"C'mon then, let's go." Leading the way, Remedy and Sophie make their way downstairs to the kitchen.

*****************************************

A few minutes later...

"Mmm, so yummy! They taste like the ones back home!" Sophie sighs happily, taking another gulp of her warm hot chocolate.

"Heh, hot chocolate's the best, isn't it?" Remedy agrees, finishing up a sandwich.

"I wonder if Midas likes hot chocolate?"

"Haha, no. I don't think he does. He's more partial to tea or coffee. Y'know, like every other boring person." She smiles, covering her mouth with a laugh. "Don't tell him I said that though."

As the two sit in silence, Remedy takes note of how much Sophie seems to ask about Midas.

"So, did M hire you as an agent or something?" She asks.

"Well, kind of. He decided to give me a chance to train to become an agent. It's... still a work in progress." Sophie mutters.

"...you like the guy, don't you?"

"W-What?! No! Remedy, he's just my boss...I don't like him like that! Besides, I'm a kid, he's like, 14 years older than me!" Sophie shouts, nearly choking on her beverage.

"Pfft, jeez calm down. I'm just messing with you." She laughs, noticing her embarrassed expression. "But, in all seriousness, you seem to have an interest in Midas. Why is that?"

"I don't know... truth be told, there's one other reason I wanted to become an agent..." She explains.

"What is it?"

"I feel like he doesn't share his past because people, bad people, might use his past as his weakness. Maybe he just needs someone to talk to...I..."

Remedy looks at her in admiration.

"Well, I don't mean to be a burden, but Midas isn't really like that. In fact, I don't think once he's let anyone in on his softer side. The more friendly version of himself he keeps hidden within him."

"I know." Sophie sighs sadly.

"If you really want earn his trust in you, you'll need to try all you can. Who knows, maybe you'll be the first to break through that cold frown of his."

With that, Remedy puts away her empty mug and leaves to retire for the evening. Sophie, while doing the same, lies down in her bed, ideas swimming around her head.

"I think I might know one thing I can do for him..."

*****************************************

The next morning...

This time Sophie was the first person awake and, knowing her plan, heads immediately downstairs to the kitchen.

Switching on the kettle, she nabs a shining golden mug with the Ghost/E.G.O logo plastered onto it, a plate, also encased in gold, and a knife and teabag.

"Remedy also mentioned that he has a cup of tea with half a spoonful of sugar, and one piece of toast with butter on it." She remembers, putting the toast in and setting the toaster on the right level.

However, as she puts the hot water in the mug, leaving it to cool for 5 minutes, Jules just so happens to come inside the building too!

"Oh, it's you. My replacement." She sighs in annoyance.

"I'm not some kind of replacement. I'm sure Midas would never replace you with me." Sophie tells her.

"Hmph, whatever. I don't care."

An awkward moment of silence follows as Sophie finishes putting the butter on Midas' toast.

"What are you even doing?" Jules groans, watching her.

"Making Midas his breakfast." She responds.

"Couldn't be bothered to do it himself so he sends a maid down to do it. Tch, couldn't care less about you." Jules tuts, folding her arms.

"I chose to do it. He didn't make me-"

"Why do you even give a damn about him?!"

"Huh?"

"Don't you realize that you're just a pawn in this godforsaken war? Mark my words missy, he's going to get bored of you and toss you away when he's done with you one day. Remember that..."

And with that, Jules leaves Sophie alone, slamming the door behind her.

*****************************************

*Knock knock*

"Hm? Who is there?" Midas mutters, stirring in his sleep.

"Um, it's me Midas. Can I come inside?" A soft spoken voice asks.

"Y-Yes, of course. Come in."

Opening the door with her elbow, Sophie wanders inside with the tray of Midas' prepared breakfast.

"Here! I wanted to make sure you were okay. So, um...I made you breakfast." She stutters.

"Woah, kid. You didn't have to do this for me, really, but at the same time, I appreciate your kindness." Midas admits, sitting up in his bed.

"W-Well, you're my best friend and friends have gotta look out for each other!" Sophie blurts out suddenly, her cheeks turning pink in embarrassment as she looks away.

But then, something unexpected happens:

In that moment of silence, Midas lets out the smallest snicker as Sophie turns back to him in surprise.

"Well, I think best friend is a bit of a stretch. How about... just a simple accomplis?" He counters.

"I'd like that! Thanks Midas!" She smiles with a small laugh.

"You're welcome, kiddo."

"By the way, you have a nice laugh." She points out.

"Do I? Hm, I don't remember the last time I laughed... it felt nice..."

(DAMN OVER 1000 WORDS? I'm proud of myself ☺️)