For your nerves. (Tag Tabitha) on Cascade Hall

Prof. Mary Brooding

August 14, 2018 10:02 PM

For your nerves. (Tag Tabitha) by Prof. Mary Brooding

A silver potion in a tiny vial suddenly seemed like it might actually be silver, heavy as it felt. Mary held it in one hand as she made her way into Cascade Hall for breakfast and took her seat where she knew Tabitha would most likely sit. The Defense professor wasn't there yet and Mary took the opportunity to remind herself to breathe.

When their last encounter ended so poorly, Mary had been sure that she'd utterly ruined any chance at a friendship. However, she hated to end it that way, and wasn't quite willing to give up.

They'd talked before about Tabitha's nerves going into a particularly sensitive lesson and Mary had very carefully brewed a Draught of Peace for the occasion. That was the silvery potion she carried with her. It was a dangerous potion if not brewed correctly, and although she trusted Tabitha's own potions skills, she preferred to do this herself. It was the least she could do.

Arranging her mustard gown so that it flowed neatly around her, Mary took her seat and waited for the Defense professor, hoping separately the woman wouldn't ignore her. The eyes of students were fixed on their own breakfasts, on their books, and on each other, and Mary relaxed some. This wasn't about anybodh else. Just herself and a very kind woman. Just her and Tabitha.

22 Prof. Mary Brooding For your nerves. (Tag Tabitha) 1424 Prof. Mary Brooding 1 5

Professor Tabitha Hawthorne

August 14, 2018 10:37 PM

I think I may need something stronger. by Professor Tabitha Hawthorne

When Tabitha woke up, she wanted nothing more than to return to the land of sleep. Her entire body felt heavy and her head immediately began to pound. It was the morning of her dreaded Veela lesson with the Intermediates and she was not looking forward to it. With a groan, she slipped out of bed and looked at her appearance in the full length mirror in her room. Well, she looked a disaster. The lack of sleep and the pressure of stress had marked her face with dark circles around her eyes and her hair was a tangled mess.

Admittedly, it wasn't just the Veela lesson that had been causing Tabitha worry and stress. The Potions mistress, Mary Brooding, was also very much to blame.

Their previous encounter had ended dreadfully and Tabitha had given up on any idea of anything happening between the pair, friendship or otherwise. It stung to accept such a thing but that appeared to be the truth. As a result, she had been avoiding the woman - avoiding meals by requesting the prairie elves fetch them to her personal quarters, making sure they didn't cross paths by taking different routes through the school. It was cowardly, Tabitha was aware of that, but it seemed better than having to face the very person who was causing her pain.

That morning, however, Tabitha decided enough was enough. She couldn't very well avoid the woman forever. They were colleagues and living in the same school and Tabitha had no doubt that one day, they would need each other for something - a potion for a class Tabitha was teaching or an elaboration as to how some potions could be used in a duel or for protection in Mary's. Tabitha was a teacher now and she couldn't let her emotions get in the way of her ability to educate the future generations. So, she decided that she'd better make her way to Cascade Hall. Maybe Mary wouldn't even be there.

She dressed herself in a black button up shirt and slacks and over the top draped a dark red robe - very similar to the one she'd worn for the Opening Feast, though it wasn't as well looked after and was visibly more worn. She also put her arms through the sleeves and pushed them up, revealing her forearms. She pulled a brush through her hair though it seemed to do little to help and with a deep breath, left the safety of her quarters.

Upon entering Cascade Hall, Tabitha looked directly at the teacher's table and her eyes fell immediately upon the very woman she'd been avoiding. It was hard to miss her, given the yellow dress she was wearing but Tabitha thought she looked beautiful. She paused in her walking, eyes wide. She could not think like that anymore. Everything was ruined because of her and she did not have the right to think such things. Not that she ever really had them to begin with.

Deciding to carry on walking before she attracted too much attention to herself, she made her way to the table and took the only seat left available - the one next to Mary herself.

She swallowed thickly, composing herself before she sat herself down. Immediately needing to give her hands something to do, she reached for the nearby teapot and poured herself a cup, mixing in milk and sugar. For a moment, while she took a sip, nothing was said. Tabitha decided that while they may no longer be friends, they were colleagues and they could at least be courteous to each other and make small talk.

"Good morning," she said to Mary, thought without looking at her.

20 Professor Tabitha Hawthorne I think I may need something stronger. 1417 Professor Tabitha Hawthorne 0 5

Mary Brooding

August 15, 2018 12:03 AM

You're not the only one. by Mary Brooding

Mary almost smiled when she saw that Tabitha was wearing slacks. Ever the practical woman, Tabitha seemed to prefer pants to skirts and dresses, a style Mary had never been able to manage. She felt like a peacock in her ruffled dress, but didn't let it bother her. She felt lovely in dresses and that was good enough.

However, Mary did not smile when she saw Tabitha's expression. Wide eyes and a set mouth, Tabitha did not look pleased to see her. Mary lowered her gaze, hoping to appear submissive. The last thing she wanted was to start a fight in Cascade Hall and she wasn't sure how hostile this interaction would be.

When the Defense professor sat beside her, Mary almost smiled again, and then again when the woman said good morning. But she managed a more straight-faced expression.

"Morning," she replied. Various responses rushed through her mind and she considered an apology, a compliment, a joke, and many more options before finally settling on the truth. The damn truth. "I brewed a Draught of Peace. You'd mentioned you were nervous for your veela lesson and I thought you might want something to help get you through it. It wasn't ready last night or I would've brought it by to help you sleep...."

Her voice trailed off and she was quiet for a moment before remembering the vial. Opening the hand that was still clutched around the gleaming liquid, Mary placed it on the table between herself and Tabitha and then pushed it towards the other woman-- a woman she hoped would still be her friend-- and then waited.

"And also... I'm really sorry."

22 Mary Brooding You're not the only one. 1424 Mary Brooding 0 5

Tabitha Hawthorne

August 15, 2018 12:18 AM

I don't understand. by Tabitha Hawthorne

If Tabitha had not had such a firm grip on her teacup from the tension that filled her body, she might've dropped it. The last thing she had expected was an offering, let alone a vial of potion that Tabitha knew was notoriously difficult to make and also contained some very expensive and rare ingredients. Tabitha had considered brewing the potion herself but she was not known for her potion skills and would've likely put herself into a deep sleep had she attempted it so had decided to simply suffer through. The fact that Mary had remembered and had also sacrificed the time to brew it warmed Tabitha's heart. Maybe all was not lost.

Slowly, she reached out her hand for the vial and picked it up. The glass was still warm from when Mary had been holding it and Tabitha wished that she could've held Mary's hand. At the moment, she wanted nothing more than that. Instead, she pocketed the potion and moved for the teapot and poured the Potions mistress a cup of tea, this time by hand instead of using magic. The action felt somehow more personal that way.

"Thank you," she murmured quietly. "I have not been sleeping well."

She might've been stating the obvious, given the circles around her eyes but she felt like it needed to be said. Somehow, she felt that Mary might understand that it wasn't simply the Veela lesson bothering her. She set the teapot down and then reached for a piece of buttered toast and added some strawberry jam to it. It was a rule of Tabitha's to never take a potion on an empty stomach.

When Mary apologised, Tabitha did indeed drop her toast which luckily landed on her plate. She choked a little, a few crumbs going down the wrong way and after swallowing some tea she turned her eyes back to Mary.

"What on earth are you sorry for?"

20 Tabitha Hawthorne I don't understand. 1417 Tabitha Hawthorne 0 5

Mary Brooding

August 15, 2018 12:57 AM

Oh, sweet one. I'm so sorry. by Mary Brooding

Mary pressed her lips together in a tight frown, but held her head high. She wanted to be clear and she wanted to be sincere and she wanted to do this not here. Hopefully being in view of the students and possibly her other colleagues would help Mary remain composed, though, and she drew on that need as she began speaking in as casual a tone as she could manage.

"I was wrong to react the way I did the other day," she began, speaking lightly. "You have quickly become dear to me and I shouldn't have reacted with such fear. I have suffered at my own hands by acting so rashly and... Tabitha, I just really want to be part of your life... and I really want you to be part of mine." The tea she'd accepted from Tabitha gave her an excuse to pause, and she took a sip before continuing. "I can't apologize enough for my behavior," she murmured.

There was food in front of her but she could hardly think of eating right now. Instead, she thought of all the little things. Of reading Tabitha's journals, of leaving the books all mis-sorted, and so much more. And so she waited, looking into Tabitha's eyes and hoping she'd find somebody willing to look back.

22 Mary Brooding Oh, sweet one. I'm so sorry. 1424 Mary Brooding 0 5

Tabitha Hawthorne

August 15, 2018 12:41 PM

Why are you being so daft? by Tabitha Hawthorne

The words coming from Mary's lips sounded so odd for her light tone of voice. She was speaking in what Tabitha felt was almost an uncaring manner and for a moment, the Defence professor was confused as to why. Then, as her eyes flickered away from Mary and out across the hall, reminding her that it was full of the students and that their own tablet was lined with the other teachers. She was reminded then about what Mary had said to her, that she was a private person and that if she was a bit cold in public, not to take it personally.

Looking into Mary's eyes filled Tabitha with guilt. She had no idea why the woman was apologising. As far as Tabitha was aware, Mary hadn't actually done anything wrong. It was her and her big mouth that kept causing all the problems between them. Recalling the night in Mary's offices, she remembered saying how she'd been interested into see where their friendship would go. A look of horror crossed her face. Now, she realised what was wrong. That had made it sound like she expected their friendship to lead to something more. No wonder she'd freaked the poor woman out.

"You have nothing to be sorry for," she told her, swallowing thickly. Unable to look at Mary any longer, her cheeks started to flush red with embarrassment. She fixed her eyes onto her hands which were folded in her lap. "I have realised that I was far too forward with you and that is my failing. I really should learn to control my runaway mouth better. My Mum always said that."

She could feel her eyes welling with tears and mentally cursed herself. This neither the time nor the place. She sniffed and her hands balled into fists. She was screwing this up again. She should've taken her breakfast in her room.

20 Tabitha Hawthorne Why are you being so daft? 1417 Tabitha Hawthorne 0 5

Mary Brooding

August 15, 2018 7:59 PM

It isn't me being daft! by Mary Brooding

Mary meant to maintain her casual air throughout the conversation, but Tabitha's reply surprised her and she risked a glance at the woman, her eyes wide. "What are you...?" She took a breath, trying to think through the best way to be as clear as possible.

She wanted to suggest that it would be impossible to be too forward with her, as she was interested in exactly the sort of thing that being forward led to. However, with such a rocky friendship, she was hesitant to say anything about any other sort of relationship.

"Your forwardness caught me off guard," she admitted, speaking carefully as she spread butter and cinnamon sugar on a piece of toast. "But it did not upset me. I... I liked it. I don't know where things stand between us right now or whether you're interested in any further friendship or anything else, but I... well I really enjoy your company, and I'd really like to see...where that goes."

Mary hated speaking like this. She was usually confident in her words and could speak what she wanted to speak. Maybe that was it. She didn't usually want to speak her feelings.

"I asked you to leave because I was afraid that you viewed me as... not really a person, but a challenge or a specimen. Something to study, conquer, and move on from. That's not because of anything you did," she added quickly. "But because I've been... well. People don't usually stick around for very long in my experience, and I was worried I was getting too close too fast."

She frowned and looked up from her toast job to let her burning eyes emphasize her point. "I'm really truly sorry. If you'll have me, I'd like to start again."

22 Mary Brooding It isn't me being daft! 1424 Mary Brooding 0 5

Tabitha Hawthorne

August 15, 2018 8:20 PM

We're both being daft. by Tabitha Hawthorne

Tabitha let out a slow, shaky breath. Goodness, she was an emotional mess lately - no doubt a side effect of lack of sleep. Discretely, she picked up her napkin and dabbed gently at her eyes and tried to compose herself before she lost it completely. To give herself something else to focus on in addition to Mary's words, she picked up her piece of toast and took a bite out of it, enjoying for a moment the sweetness of the jam with the ever so slight saltiness of the butter. Combined with her tea, she had the perfect breakfast. Or she would have, if it wasn't for the awkwardness between herself and Mary. She wanted the chemistry from when they first met and the Feast, the tenderness and calmness of their time together in Labyrinth Gardens and then the shenanigans and cheekiness from Mary's office. This awkwardness did not feel right.

Everything became clear when Mary mentioned that the reason for asking Tabitha to leave her office was as a result of how she thought the Defence professor viewed her. The words flashed through Tabitha's mind, her voice as clear as a bell.

I am... curious to see where this friendship of ours will go and what it will develop into.

Tabitha sighed heavily. It all made so much sense now. She'd sounded like she'd been writing one of her journal entries. She had become so used to her pursuit of different creatures, of observing and drawing conclusions that she hadn't even realised that it had basically become a part of her social interactions. How could she have said something so stupid? That was definitely not the impression she wanted to give.

"I'm so sorry, Mary," she murmured, discretely taking a hold of the Potion teacher's hand below the table. "I didn't realise. You are neither a challenge or a specimen... You are a beautiful woman who fascinates me and I want to learn - no, that's wrong - I want to get to know you. I'd love a friendship with you and... if it becomes anything else then I want you to know..."

She paused and took a deep breath. This was an important admission and she wanted to look Mary in the eyes, grey meeting dark brown when she said.

"I'd be very interested."

20 Tabitha Hawthorne We're both being daft. 1417 Tabitha Hawthorne 0 5

Mary Brooding

August 15, 2018 8:41 PM

Aye! Mutual daftness. by Mary Brooding

Mary's blush was fast and thorough, and she felt the heat of it in her chest, her face, and her hands, one of which was held by the Defense professor's. Tabitha Hawthorne would be interested in more? With Mary?

"I thought you might be straight," Mary blurted. Luckily she managed it quietly still, although she glanced around to be sure regardless. "Reading your journals... and you seemed so playful that I wasn't sure if it was flirting or just how you are."

Mary felt a bit stupid but mostly just grateful. Perhaps that was the wrong word... It felt a bit like gratitude but there wasn't the same sort of relief that comes with gratefulness sometimes. Instead, she just felt utterly elated. The phrase 'I could kiss you' came to mind, but she decided that might be too literal. And true.

Tabitha was taller than Mary when they were standing, but about the same height seated. Regardless, Mary suddenly felt very small. She could feel her mind turning as she slowly came to a decision, but she was an absolute wreck at the idea of following through with it. Before she could change her mind, Mary withdrew her hand (nervous she might actually vomit from nerves if she overdid herself on contact), and picked up her cup of tea to hide her mouth from any onlookers.

"Would you... like to go on a date with me?"

22 Mary Brooding Aye! Mutual daftness. 1424 Mary Brooding 0 5

Tabitha Hawthorne

August 15, 2018 9:16 PM

We can be daft together. by Tabitha Hawthorne

Tabitha couldn't help but let out a merry laugh at Mary's admission that she thought that the British woman was straight. Hadn't Mary been able to tell that Tabitha was very much interested in her? She would've thought that the time spent together in her office would've confirmed that, with the cheeky remarks and winks she'd sent at her. Then, Mary mentioned her journals and Tabitha understood. She squeezed Mary's hand reassuringly.

"I wrote those journals when I was still with JJ. When I'm with someone in that way, they are a big part of my life, a big focus in my life. Back then, he was that focus and that must've come through on the pages. Something I later came to regret."

If she had been having this conversation some several months previous, she might've felt more at the mention of JJ. She remembered feeling heartbreak and anger and loneliness. But that was just it. All she had were a memory of feelings. Now, sitting with Mary in Cascade Hall, she felt nothing about him. She felt much more when thinking about Mary.

When the Potions mistress suddenly withdrew her hand, Tabitha was confused and briefly had a moment of panic that she'd said something wrong again. Mary seemed rather nervous and Tabitha frowned, unsure as to why. Though, she supposed admitting her interest had a lot to do with it. She did not expect the question that came next.

Would you... like to go on a date with me?

Tabitha felt warm all over and she could feel a pink flush colouring her cheeks. Her mouth felt dry and the hairs on the back of her neck were standing on end. She could feel that the palms of her hands were sweaty and she felt very much like she was a teenager again, being asked out for the very first time. Though, back then, she had been very indecisive, having weighed all the pros and the cons of being in a relationship. Now, there was really only one answer.

With a bright smile and trying very, very hard to resist the urge to kiss the woman, she gave her answer.

"Yes, I'd love to."

20 Tabitha Hawthorne We can be daft together. 1417 Tabitha Hawthorne 0 5

Mary Brooding

August 15, 2018 9:38 PM

Sorry, I'll be in the other room shrieking like a schoolgirl by Mary Brooding

She said yes!
She said yes!

Mary squirmed a little in her chair, trying to suppress the smile she revealed when she lowered her teacup. The room suddenly seemed brighter, as if all the chandeliers and candles had lit up at once, or as if she'd been seeing them through a cloud before and everything was suddenly clear. Of course, everything seemed quite clear then.

"I know you have to go," Mary said, rushing over her words. "I don't want you to go but there are students who need to learn something or other about what have you and I don't want you to be late for the day. We have just a little while left."

Truth be told, Tabitha's classes started just a hair earlier than Mary's, and she wasn't sure she could compose herself as quickly as the other professor could. "I am going to send you an owl, okay? Let's meet in the Gardens on Saturday evening, and we will go from there, okay?"

She was already thinking of a delightful cafe she'd been to once before, where the milkshakes were better than anything else she'd ever had. Well... maybe not. But close!

"Don't forget your potion!" she added.

Mentally running through everything she felt she needed to say before the moment was over and finding herself satisfied, Mary nodded firmly. Then she smirked at Tabitha.

"So, with that aside," she murmured, taking a crunch out of her slice of toast and reaching for some nearby sausages. "Tell me what your thoughts are on curly fries?"

22 Mary Brooding Sorry, I'll be in the other room shrieking like a schoolgirl 1424 Mary Brooding 0 5

Tabitha Hawthorne

August 15, 2018 9:54 PM

I'll be waiting for when you return. by Tabitha Hawthorne

Tabitha helped herself to another piece of toast, repeating her earlier process of spreading butter and jam on it. A smile seemed to be permanently fixed in place on her face. She was just so delighted at how breakfast had turned out and was very, very pleased that she'd decided to take her breakfast as normal in the hall. It truly goes to show that life could often throw you the unexpected and life had delivered for Tabitha that morning.

She found Mary to be adorable when she started babbling about Tabitha not having a lot of time before having to go and teach her class, which was true. It was a slight dampener on her mood, being reminded about her veela lesson but at least she could go into it with good feelings and good thoughts and she had Mary's Draught of Peace safe in her pocket.

"I shall await your owl eagerly," she told the woman before taking a bite of toast. "And I love curly fries..."

Distracting thoughts filled her head then of the date they might share. She'd meet Mary in Labyrinth Gardens, looking ravishing in one of her gowns and Tabitha knew that she would let the woman take her where ever she wanted, whether it was dinner at some fancy restaurant, a walk on a lakeside or even just enjoying a simple burger and chips meal from a roadside van. It didn't matter where they went as it only mattered to Tabitha that they were together and that they were happy.

"I am happy to leave the planning to you," she told Mary, smiling at her. "I am sure that whatever you come up with will be nothing short of delightful."

20 Tabitha Hawthorne I'll be waiting for when you return. 1417 Tabitha Hawthorne 0 5