Hecate's phoned buzzed a lot these days. Dimity and Constance had banded together in a WhatsApp group and bombarded her with messages on an almost daily basis. Also each other with pictures of their pets. Dimity adored Morgana and Constance admired Imogen, Dimity's golden Labrador. Constance had cautiously invited them over and Dimity and her dog had spent a happy few hours getting acquainted with each other. Imogen and Morgana had become firm friends by the end of it and Constance had even agreed to look after the dog should Dimity need it. She was stroking the velvet ears soon enough and cuddling the creature by the end of it. Morgana took to Dimity within half an hour and relied on being thoroughly indulged on her lap. Hecate used Ada's recommendations and had ordered sushi takeaway. As predicted, Constance loved it. She had never been one for large plates of food and declared it to be her new Friday night meal. Dimity was surprised that they'd never tried it before. She was a sucker for sushi.

'So what happens when she runs out of tattoos to show you?'

Hecate rolled her eyes at Dimity.

'She's only got two.'

'And?'

She turned to an anxious Constance.

'She's shown me the one on her thigh. A Japanese dragon with the moon in its tail. It's beautiful. I can see why she loves it so much.'

'Take a picture of it. We want to see.'

'It must be impressive if you're that enamoured with it.'

'I think it's a wonderful piece of artwork. Someone called Davina Bat did them.'

'Oh! I know who she is. Dotty woman who set up a studio in the mews house on Rowan-Webb road. My friend went there and got a wolf tattoo done by her. It's a fantastic piece. She's damn good. I'm dying to see this tattoo now.'

'I'll ask her if she won't mind.'

When a photo pinged into the group chat, they responded accordingly. Ada was gratified to be told that they both loved it. Fourth date in and they were chastely lying on top of Ada's bed while it was still light outside. Dimity had said it was fucking fantastic. Constance had said that it was honestly one of the most gorgeous pieces of artwork she'd seen in a long time.

'She's not a fan of tattoos so that is a compliment.'

'I'm glad to have earned her approval. I would prefer that she did.'

Hecate looked at her in surprise.

'Well she's very important to you. You're very close.'

'We're practically sisters. She's my best friend.'

'Which is why I trust her judgement and have to make sure she judges me worthy of you.'

Hecate hardly knew how to respond. Ada frowned at the confusion on her face.

'Are you alright?'

'That sounds like the most…romantic thing I've ever heard. No one has ever said that to me before.'

Ada stared at her for a minute, wondering how that was possible and decided that now was a good time to continue the theme. She leaned over and captured her lips in a steady hold, keeping it slow, giving Hecate the option to back away if she wanted. Hecate wanted no such thing. She enjoyed every second of that kiss.

'Do I get to see the other one now?'

'You're getting cheeky now. I like it.'

Hecate smiled shyly, hoping that she'd stay relaxed for a while. Ada slid her left sleeve up. A simple daisy adorned her inner forearm.

'Nowhere near as impressive but I like it.'

Hecate stroked her finger over it and smiled. She liked it.

'Hard to go wrong with a daisy' Ada said. 'Honeycomb crunch?'

Hecate had forgotten the spare chocolate samples that Ada had brought with her. She took her time in deciding and then nodded.

'May I?'

Another nod and Ada held a piece to her lips. Hecate trusted her to slip it gently into her mouth. The sweetness splintered and scrunched like glimmers of gladness on her tongue and she felt like it mirrored her happiness. She appreciated that Ada gave her time to enjoy it before swooping in for another soft kiss.