Chapter Text
"This 'HB' sounds like a real piece of work," Julie said sympathetically, staring into her bathroom mirror. Mildred looked back glumly, and Julie wanted nothing more than to be at Cackle's with her. Sending her only child to boarding school was a hard decision, and it didn't look like Mildred was having the best time. "You just say the word, and I can transfer you to St. Joseph's."
"No, that's alright," Mildred replied. "I've found good friends here. I think I'd miss them too much if I just gave up."
"It just hurts me so much, seeing you like this."
"I--I miss you," Mildred said softly, after a pause. "I mean, this is what I want, but Ethel is making it so hard for me."
"That snotty girl you turned into a pig?"
"Yes," Mildred said mournfully.
Julie had thought it was quite funny when she'd heard the story, but it was starting to look like Mildred was getting blamed for things that she'd had no involvement in just because she wasn't from a witching family and wasn't supposed to have magic in her veins.
It was ridiculous. Julie already had a speech ready for when she met HB face to face. The way Mildred talked about her made her seem like she was 20 feet tall and could breathe fire, but Julie wasn't afraid of her. There was no way she was going to just let this woman single-handedly ruin her daughter's first year at the school of her dreams.
Mildred sighed. "And now I'm probably not going to last the year, so I guess it doesn't matter if you come to parent's evening next week."
"Oh, I'll be there," Julie said firmly. "No one messes with my girl."
This managed to bring a smile to her daughter's face, and Julie felt tears in her eyes, instinctively reaching out before her fingertips brushed the glass.
"One week," Julie promised. "I love you, Millie."
"I love you too, mum."
The mirror went back to being a mirror, and Julie stared at her reflection before resolving once more to recite her speech to HB before bed. She brushed her teeth forcefully, imagining the shocked look on the woman's face when she hit her with Section 2, Sub-section C of the Witch's Code.
----
Julie pushed the door to the Minted Teahouse open, blinking as she breathed in the smell of cinnamon and black tea. For the past month or so, she'd been going to a dance class hosted there at 7 on Thursdays, her schedule permitting. She'd missed the class last week, due to having to cover someone else's shift at the hospital, but as she walked in, she hoped that the woman who had caught her eye two weeks before would be there.
Julie hadn't gotten up the courage to ask her to dance, but it was hard not to watch her; she could dance beautifully, her lithe, graceful form seemingly taking up the whole floor. It was mesmerizing, and as Julie scanned the room, she saw the woman at the counter, speaking to the barista. Her dark hair flowed past her shoulders, past her mid-back, almost down to her waist. Julie bit her lip, stopping in place before getting jostled slightly by a man behind her.
"Sorry," she murmured, not taking her eyes off the woman.
Her name was Hecate, but beyond that, Julie really knew nothing about her.
Julie figured she'd be stuck with some sweaty middle-aged man who smelled like some sort of food--last time it had been animal crackers, and the week before that, beets, of all things--but she knew better than to complain. She was here to get out, to socialize, to remind herself that life doesn't have to be lonely, but since she was too cowardly to ask Hecate to dance, she'd just have to settle for being groped by some stranger, breathing through her mouth so she wouldn't take in too many unpleasant smells.
This time, however, it was different. When the music started, the instructor called for everyone to choose a partner, and Julie's feet froze to the floor as she looked up to see Hecate walking towards her, her teacup in hand.
Julie almost turned around to see if Hecate was looking at someone behind her, but she stopped in front of her and held out a hand, a small smile on her lips.
"Julie, is it? Care to be my partner this evening?" Hecate asked, and even though her voice was stilted, Julie couldn't deny the effect her voice had on her.
"Y-yes." Julie watched as Hecate placed her teacup down on a nearby table, then bit her lip as the woman walked closer.
Just her luck, the dance they were learning was Balboa swing, which required both partners to be rather close. It was pleasant, though; Hecate smelled like violets and burnt sage with a hint of peppermint. Julie felt warmth spread on her back from where Hecate was touching her, and she smiled to herself, fully ready to stay in Hecate's arms all night.
When the instructor began showing them how to shuffle their feet, Julie grasped onto Hecate for support, and their breasts touched, making Julie hyper-aware of all of her physical responses.
Soon enough, they got comfortable, and Julie tried to think of something to say. The prospect of dancing all night in Hecate's arms was nice, but she wanted to get to know more about her.
Might as well be direct about it, then.
"So, Hecate. Tell me about yourself. I mean, I know you're a great dancer, but beyond that, I don't know anything about you."
There. That was pretty smooth if she did say so herself.
"I'm a teacher," Hecate replied after a few seconds, twirling Julie, then pulling her closer than before. "I teach...science."
"Really? That's fascinating," Julie said. Science and medicine had always been two of her passions.
"Yes. It is rather challenging, but I enjoy it."
"What's challenging about it?" Julie frowned at herself immediately after asking. She had a child, after all. She was familiar with the hardships of being responsible for another life, but really, she just wanted Hecate to keep talking in that low, silky timbre of hers that made Julie forget that anyone else was in the room.
"There is one particular student who was...accepted on a technicality, and I see so much potential in her if only she'd be willing to focus. She's too flighty, too high-strung, and just when I think I'm getting through to her, she makes another grave mistake."
"Oh," Julie frowned. "That sounds serious. Has she put herself or any other students in danger?"
"Several times," Hecate replied. "But enough about my occupation. Where do you work?"
It was an obvious segue, but Julie allowed it. She talked a bit about her job as a nurse, and the pressure of it, and Hecate listened to every word, dancing with her all the while. At one point, Hecate leaned closer and bit her lip, and Julie forgot how to dance or how to speak, fumbling over Hecate's boots before she righted herself.
"So, do you have any plans after this?" Hecate asked. Her breath grazed Julie's neck.
"Oh, er, no," Julie said in a rush. "Do you?"
"No," Hecate replied. "We should fix that."
----
At the sight of the elevator doors opening, Hecate stiffened, taking a large step back. Julie turned, bemused. Hecate gingerly stepped into the elevator, holding onto her dark black skirt and staring at the floor, as if she was afraid it wouldn't hold her.
"Sorry. I'm not familiar with these contraptions."
Julie smirked, wondering if the woman lived in some Victorian manor in the middle of nowhere. It was as if she'd waltzed (literally) right out of the pages of the romance novels Julie had a weakness for. The only thing not old-fashioned about the dress she was wearing was the deep slit up the back which showed off her calves, which were clad in black stockings. Julie stepped behind her so she could appreciate the view.
When they got off the elevator and started walking towards Julie's apartment, Hecate looked at her with narrowed eyes, as if she'd known exactly what Julie had been staring at. Julie bit her lip and fumbled with her key before jamming it into the lock.
She pushed the door open, then flicked the light on. Hecate hesitated as the door creaked, but stepped into the apartment, looking around.
"Do you want tea?"
"Yes, please," Hecate breathed, folding her arms and moving to stand in the corner of the kitchen.
"Are you nervous?" Julie queried as she opened the drawer where she kept the tea.
"I don't get nervous," Hecate said immediately.
Julie chuckled, then turned to her guest. "Really? Why are you standing all the way over there?"
"I'm waiting for my tea," Hecate retorted, with a hint of a smile in her eyes.
"Oh? Well. Now I don't really want to make you any. You know I didn't invite you here for that."
"I assure you, I don't know."
Julie shut the drawer, then stepped around the small kitchen table and towards Hecate, who tilted her head up slightly. She was beautiful; even as nervous as she was, she dominated her space, head held high, body rigid, completely too stubborn to say that she knew exactly why Julie asked her here.
"Can I kiss you?"
Hecate actually looked surprised, which immediately made Julie's stomach sink. She'd thought they'd both been active participants in the night's flirtation, but clearly, she'd been imagining that. She ran a hand over her collarbone, feeling anxious now. "Sorry," she said. "That was too forward. I--let me make you that tea--"
A hand on her forearm kept her in place, and she looked up at Hecate, who narrowed her eyes. She pulled her closer, then slid Julie's arms around her back. Hecate's movements were sure and steady, but Julie didn't lean in. Not right away. The fact that this was even happening was enough to make Julie want to savor it, to pinch herself, anything to capture this, to make sure it was a reality. This whole night had felt like it should be happening to someone else. Someone who was more adventurous, more outgoing, just...more. She could flirt with strangers easily enough, sure, but she rarely did things like this.
Finally, Hecate let out a soft growl of impatience and clutched the collar of Julie's shirt, guiding her close. Their lips met, and Julie felt Hecate's lips soften, their firmness finally bending, folding over hers as if it was the most natural thing in the world. The soft moan that started at the back of her throat was something she couldn't help, and she clutched at the high collar of Hecate's dress, pulling her in. She didn't normally snog strangers in the middle of her kitchen after a night of tea and dancing, and she had a feeling this was new for Hecate as well.
At some point, they'd need to talk about what this meant, but for now, Hecate was pinned against the counter, hands roaming over Julie's back. The floral scarf around Julie's shoulders fell to the floor, and Julie shivered even though she wasn't anywhere close to being naked. She wanted to make Hecate shiver as well, wanted to see her completely unraveled, but...in the meantime, this would do. She tangled her hands in Hecate's hair, marveling at how soft it was.
All too soon, Hecate pulled away, her eyes dark. Pupils dilated. Julie didn't need a medical background to know what that meant.
"I should go," Hecate said, her voice ragged. "As--pleasant as this was, we shouldn't get carried away."
Julie sighed. "Of course. I--that makes sense."
"You are an exceptional woman," Hecate continued, and Julie stiffened, expecting rejection. She wasn't used to unbidden compliments like that unless they were used as a preemptive pacifier for brutal truths. "Perhaps I could come see you again?"
"I'd like that very much," Julie said with a smile, then walked to her desk. She scribbled her number down on a post-it note and handed it to Hecate, who took it after a moment's hesitation.
Julie looked at her, and for a moment, neither of them said anything. Should they hug? Or...kiss again?
Hecate held out her hand stiffly.
Alright then.
Julie took her hand and shook it, holding it for a few seconds. "Call me."
Hecate nodded slowly, then stumbled her way out the door.