AN: 7th prompt of Unnatural November: "I own a flower shop, and you and your group of friends keep asking for super specific herbs and plants. Which are hard to find, but I do it anyways because you're super cute." Witch/Coven!AU.

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November 18th

When that cute woman once again walks into Cathy's store, she struggles to remain cheery without actually blushing. It doesn't help her compsure that the woman smiles back, bright and dazzling, and Cathy's breath catches. She's got it so bad.

"Welcome to Flowers and Blooms," she calls out, hoping that her voice isn't noticeably strained. "How may I help you today?"

The woman walks up to the counter, not bothering to look around first. Cathy isn't offended. She's learned by now that most of this woman's requests are… unique. "Hi," the woman says, still cheerful. Cathy again has to will herself not to blush. "I was wondering if I could get some agrimony from you?"

"We'll have to order it in special," Cathy says without missing a beat. She doesn't even know what that plant is, or where it's from, but she'll definitely have some in her store within two weeks. "I'll ring you when it's in, but shipping it shouldn't take too long." Cathy will make sure of that.

"Wonderful!" the woman exclaims, and she looks so thrilled. Cathy will find that plant and dig it up herself in order to keep this woman looking so happy. "Really, yours is just the nicest shop I've ever been to."

This time, Cathy can't stop the blush, and doesn't try. At least the compliment is an excuse for her to flush. "Thanks."

The woman doesn't leave just yet, but stays and chats for a few minutes, which Cathy appreciates. There's no one else in the store, and it's nice to have someone to talk to for a little while. "So, how's the mysterious brother?" the woman asks teasingly, and Cathy groans at the reminder.

"Unbearable," she says. "I don't know where he's getting his information from, but he's always right. It's so annoying coming from a younger brother." Just yesterday, Trowa had wished Cathy good luck on asking out the very woman currently standing on the other side of her counter. Which is nice and supportive, except that Cathy hasn't ever mentioned her plan to ask the woman out. She hasn't even mentioned that the woman has been coming into her shop lately. Cathy suspects that there are hidden cameras around the shop, and is not amused.

The woman chuckles. "I'll bet."

Well, if Cathy wants to ask this woman out, she'd better hurry it up. "My name's Cathy," she says unexpectedly, and extends her hand, silently hoping that the other woman doesn't find her weird for being so abrupt.

Apparently not, because she grins and shakes Cathy's hand. "Hilde," she says. Hilde. It sounds German. Cathy wonders if Hilde's ever been there, and where she was born, where she grew up. "It's nice to meet you," Hilde adds.

"Yes," Cathy agrees, and then wants to roll her eyes at herself. So smooth. "I figured that asking you out would go much easier if I knew your name," Cathy confesses. "Would you like to go see the circus with me this weekend, Hilde? I've been told that some of their acts are really good." They should be, and since Cathy used to perform on the tightrope and throw knives, she can give Hilde a backstage tour if she wants.

Hilde looks surprised, and then very eager, which makes Cathy relax, but then she looks almost pensive for a moment. Cathy blinks at the sudden change. Hilde seems to come to a quick decision, though. "I'm a witch," she says bluntly.

Cathy blinks again. "Pardon?" She doesn't know what that means. Was that a rejection, or a positive response?

Hilde laughs slightly. "Sorry, that was... um. Abrupt. But see, I'm an actual witch. I belong to a coven. And the rule is, we can't date outsiders unless they talk with our coven leader first, and swear an oath to never harm anyone in the coven."

Cathy isn't sure what to think about all of that just yet, but what she does know is that Hilde isn't saying no, and that's good enough for her. "So… when can I meet with your coven leader, then?"

Hilde looks so surprised, and then she leans forward and hugs Cathy tightly. Cathy assumes that Hilde doesn't get a lot of instant acceptance for her life choices. "I'll call her in a minute," Hilde says, her voice muffled against Cathy's shoulder. "Thanks, though. For accepting me."

Cathy laughs. "No problem. Thanks for giving me a chance."