Good Evening! I struggled a bit with this chapter because I wanted to show the progression of their relationship and the transition to something more than friends. I know where this is going to end up but I don't want to rush it as I think it needs to be gradual to fit with their characters. Anyway, this is what I've come up with. Any and all feedback is appreciated. I hope you like it, H x

Disclaimer: I do not own anything to do with the Worst Witch

Gentle Touches

At first, Constance found herself unable to move. It had been a long time since anyone had touched her. It was a simple gesture and wouldn't mean much to some people but it sent shivers down Constance's spine. She liked Imogen, far more than she would ever admit to herself or anyone else. She had argued fervently with Miss Cackle when the older witch had told her that she would be bringing a non-witch into the school to teach. Having non-witches working in the school was one thing but teaching? No, witches should be taught by witches. From the moment she met her, Constance knew that Imogen would be trouble. In her own way, she was almost as stubborn as Constance. Despite the instant dislike between the two witches, there had always been a connection, they intrigued each other. Constance knew her severity and coldness made Imogen curious. Imogen's lifestyle made her curious too. Why would a non-witch want to come to teach in a school full of witches and live so far away from her boyfriend. Constance had thought that Imogen would leave to go and to be with Serge, it seemed logical. The thought of Imogen leaving upset Constance a lot more than she expected. Imogen was difficult at times, annoying, argumentative and too friendly with the girls but she had a fire in her that Constance admired. On the occasions when Constance had gone too far and been too harsh with her, Imogen had remained strong on the face of things. Constance knew that she'd pushed Imogen almost to the point of leaving before. She wanted the feisty little blonde to leave the castle, yet she was terrified that she actually would.

Most of the people in the castle were intimidated by Constance, even Miss Cackle was unsure of how to handle her at times. Imogen never seemed to flinch around her though. Constance made things difficult for Imogen but she didn't scare her. Constance couldn't imagine that Imogen could like her or want to be her friend, yet here they were in the kitchens in the middle of the night. Imogen's hand was still on her arm. Constance did not pull away.

—

Imogen had surprised herself by reaching out and touching cold, hard HB. She was even more surprised that Constance hadn't pushed her away or scolded her in any way, Imogen was pleased that her display of affection had been accepted but, at the same time, it made her sad. The strong, unflappable Constance Hardbroom would not be letting her do this, HB was clearly out of sorts. To Imogen's greater surprise, Constance placed her own hand on top.

"I should just leave the school and go back to the family home, Nobody wants me here anyway."

"That's not true,"

Constance scoffed. "Yes it is. I scare the pupils and the staff, nobody really wants me around. I'm just the strict disciplinarian who makes everyone's life difficult."

"Have you forgotten what happened when Amanda Honeydew bought the castle? All of the pupils, Mildred Hubble included, created havoc because they didn't want you to resign. Miss Cackle was beside herself when you said you were leaving. As much as you scare Miss Bat, she respects you and didn't want to see you go either … I don't want you to leave Constance."

"Why do you stay?"

"I like it here."

"I know, I mean, why don't you go and be with Serge? I thought that was what ordinary people do."

Imogen was shocked, she hadn't expected such a blunt question. Why was the focus on her all of a sudden?

"That's none of your business."

"Why not? You're the one who wanted to become closer friends. You're the one who wants me to open up, why shouldn't you do the same?"

Imogen didn't know what had changed but suddenly Constance seemed angry. Just when Imogen thought she was getting through to her, she turned on her. Imogen couldn't stand this, not when they'd made so much progress.

"What is wrong with you? Why can't you just accept that people what to be around you, that despite you being difficult and cold and so darn stubborn, people actually like you. I don't want you to leave and I don't want to leave you. Ok? It has nothing to do with Serge or wanting an ordinary life. An ordinary life with him would be boring and I'd be miserable. Do you know why? Because I'm always miserable when you're not around."

She hadn't meant to get so angry or raise her voice but Imogen couldn't help it. She'd been dealing with Constance Hardbroom for far too long.

"Break up with him."

"What?!"

"Do you love him?"

Imogen didn't know how to answer that. She liked Serge a lot and she such fun with him. They shared the same interests, he was an outdoor person and he made her laugh but that was all, nothing more."

"No, I don't."

"Break up with him."

"Why do you care?"

"If you're not going to leave and make a life with him, then you shouldn't let him think that you will someday."

"Someday, I might."

"No you won't."

"How the hell would you know anything about what I want for MY future?!"

"Your hand is on my arm."

Imogen couldn't argue with that. She should've said that it didn't mean anything, that it was a just a small gesture of comfort but that as a lie. They both knew it was a lie.