Chapter Text
Agatha sits on the stoop of Ebb’s barn, looking across the grounds towards the front gates. Even though she’s been here for several months, she hasn’t started thinking of this place as hers, and she never wants to. Beyond tidying it up, bringing in some of her things, and giving the floors a good scrub, she has kept it as the late goatherd left it, simple and plain. Mitali told her that Ebb’s extended family had come and taken a few personal effects, but it’s largely the same as Agatha remembers it from back when Simon had dragged her out here in fifth year. Her collection of goat figurines, mostly from Simon, is still on a shelf in the kitchen area.
Since Agatha moved in, the goats have settled back into their old routine and no longer roam too far. They like her, and she enjoys their company more than that of most humans. The exception being Niamh, who should be arriving for the weekend soon. Agatha finally understands why people have partners, and why they want them. Dating Niamh is nothing like dating Simon, and not just because she’s a woman. Their relationship is simple, free of social pressure and expectations. Their personalities and desires mesh well. Niamh is a quiet and independent person with her own goals and dreams, none of which she expects Agatha to engage with. In turn, Agatha has no idea what her goals are, and she doesn’t expect Niamh to help her figure them out. They’re together simply because they enjoy each other’s company, and that is beautiful in its simplicity as well as its rarity.
Niamh rounds the corner of the Weeping Tower, duffle bag slung over her shoulder, stride confident and unwavering, making a beeline for the barn door. Agatha smiles without thinking about it and rises to meet her. They hug and kiss softly on the doorstep, young goats butting at their legs.
“I brought dinner,” Niamh says, holding up a takeaway bag. “Although it’s probably cold now.”
“No matter. We have magic.” Agatha pecks her cheek and takes the bag to the back corner of the barn, where an old table sits against the wall. The leg was cracked when she moved in, but Niamh reinforced it, and it’s been sturdy ever since. They take out some plates and sit down in companionable silence to eat. The goats make plenty of noise, however, as excited as always that Niamh has come to visit.
Agatha asks about Niamh’s day at the clinic, listening carefully to the updates on interesting clients and the headache of dealing with their owners. The sun is setting when they finish the dishes, and they choose to end the day sitting on the stoop watching the light fade. The taller woman leans against the door frame, allowing her lovely girlfriend to lie on her chest and listen to her heartbeat. A small billy comes to rest his head on Agatha’s outstretched legs, and the other goats curl up on the straw inside to sleep contentedly.
“You’ve really made a difference here,” Niamh comments quietly, speaking with her mouth against Agatha’s hair.
“I know. It feels good to have a purpose after so many years of aimlessness. Thank you for reintroducing me to the goats and making my life here so pleasant.”
“It’s been an honour.”
Agatha sighs, and Niamh’s heart beats steadily against her ear.
“I know the future is very uncertain, particularly seeing as I have no idea what I’ll do with my life, but I’m so very happy that you’re here in the present,” Agatha whispers. They don’t speak often of sentiment. Most things go unspoken between them, easily felt with no need for words.
“I feel the same way. I’ll be here as long as you want.” Niamh’s voice is gruff with the telltale discomfort of expressing herself this way.
“Would forever be okay?” Agatha asks, tilting her chin up to meet her lover’s eyes.
“Forever sounds wonderful.”
Niamh’s callused fingers cradle Agatha’s head, pressing their lips together firmly.
No more words will be needed tonight.