oh wow its beenn almost two years since i touched this story, my bad.
happy holidays and seasons greetings. sending lots of love light and good cosy vibes to you
"No, this present." Imogen laughed, getting up and retrieving the wrapped-up shoe box, the largest parcel from the small pile under the tree.
Constance frowned. Not just the put-out pout, but also the nose wrinkling, 'not quite understanding' frown.
"Why?"
"Just because it's Christmas and you're my girlfriend." Imogen reasoned.
"That second bit is fair enough. But it is technically closer to Yule. Isn't it normally the twenty fifth you exchange gifts for Christmas?" Constance asked.
Imogen shook her head. "Alright but-! It doesn't really have to be a Christmas gift, remember? So, it can be a Yule gift if you'd rather? And you can open it whenever you want to. And where ever you want to too, if you'd rather open it in private. I'm giving it to you now so you can do as you wish with it."
Constance mulled this over.
"Well, I suppose that's reasonable." She said, and took the package. But as a delighted Imogen sat down, Constance stood up. And set the box on the coffee table. "In that case, this one isn't really a Christmas present either."
"This one?" Imogen asked, her turn to frown. The witch didn't reply. Instead Constance headed to the little tree and bent over the gift pile just as Imogen had been.
(At the same time, giving Imogen a very Good view of how Constance's backside looked in that dress!)
A moment of careful searching, and Constance found what she was after.
"I did attempt to try and find you something suitably sporty and more to your taste. But I'm afraid I was at a loss in that department." She explained, over her shoulder. "I didn't realise there was so much equipment you needed just to run in circles."
"Cheeky." Imogen replied, still puzzled about what Constance was getting at.
Constance, normally the first with a comeback, looked up at her with a remark on the tip of her tongue; stopped, stalled and closed her mouth again. Imogen thought she might say something else. Instead, the witch sharply walked back to their seat and lent over and gave Imogen a quick barely-there peck on the cheek.
"So- yes- that's. That's for you." She said in a mumble as she handed the present over to Imogen. There was a slight shake to her hands as she pushed it into Imogen's.
"oh. Thank you. But Constance. Honey, you didn't have to get me anything." Imogen frowned, hoping to dispel whatever Constance was cross or possibly even nervous about.
The gift was about the same size as a Christmas card. Imogen hadn't noticed it amongst the more brightly wrapped boxes and parcels under the tree. Had she not seen HB searching for it she might have thought the witch had summoned it.
"Isn't that what i've been telling you?" Constance quipped sitting back down, suddenly very interested in the hem of her sleeve.
"Yes, but I mean," Imogen said, taking her hand. "You don't celebrate it? I mean I don't celebrate Yule, but I didn't want to force Christmas on you."
"No but-." There seemed to be a moment where Constance was wrestling with herself, then with a sigh continued. "Poppet, I wanted to." Constance said, interlacing their fingers. "Not so much actual Christmas and the holiday or all the other things…especially not some of the ghastly decorations I saw in town."
She Looked up at Imogen with a frown that Imogen was sure mirrored her own. Putting her gift down in her lap, tentatively Imogen slid her other hand over their clasped ones. Constance looked down and focused on those, Getting her thoughts in order for a moment. Then said slowly seemingly, from the heart.
"I wanted to. It's part of your celebrations. And I wanted to do some part, of that part. I mean I can't say I approve of most of it or the – Christmassy things. But… It is our first winter as a couple? I felt that was a good reason. To witches, to me, seasons are more important when you haven't had years to be with someone yet… Do you understand?"
Imogen nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat. Then with a gentle tug pulled their hands up to give Constance's hand a kiss just on the knuckles.
"I think so?"
"Good. That's -well good. Also, and well, now don't be cross...!" Constance said looking up with a wince. "But Miss Cackle may have warned me you'd asked her about Christmas. And 'going out', possibly into town. I wasn't sure if she meant just you and me or all together. So, I figured you may be doing gifts as well? I looked it up-."
Imogen's face fell. Constance looked confused. "Oh. You- weren't? Going out? I didn't mean to assume or do anything wrong-. "
"don't." Imogen cut her off. She Felt the air knocked out of her. "Thank you. That was a lovely thought and no no- you've done nothing wrong. I just wish Miss Cackle hadn't told you about that bit."
"Is it because it meant to be a surprise?" Constance asked, then her voice pitched a little. "Imogen? Is something the matter?"
"yes. No, no I'm not- Really I'm just –!" Imogen Tried suddenly feeling rotten and choked up.
Constance really looked confused now pulled a hand out from under Imogen's to place onto. Only for Imogen to duck under her other arm and hug her tight and sudden.
"Constance, I'm so sorry." She said, more into Constance's stiffened shoulder.
"Whatever for?!" The witch asked.
"Well I never did get to take you anywhere special for Yule or Solace." Imogen explained, pressing a kiss to the witch's jaw trying to get around another lump in her throat. "I didn't get anything sorted for you. Even on our day's off the weather has been awful. I didn't know you knew! I didn't mean to get your hopes up."
"oh?" Constance said realisation dawning. She Relaxed, wrapping her arms around Imogen's shoulder.
"oh." She Said again.
All was quiet a moment Before Constance Patted Imogen on her back and disentangled herself.
"she didn't tell me that bit exactly. You planned on taking me somewhere special?" She asked. Imogen nodded.
"I tried to. Along with the school celebrations. I wanted to do something just for you!"
"I didn't know that bit." Constance admitted. "well. It doesn't matter, we'll go out some other time. Something just for us."
Imogen sighed, more in frustration with herself than anything.
"I know. I just wanted to do something seasonal and nice with you. It wasn't too extreme. There was that showing in the village. And a Christmas market. Or ice skating. Or I thought maybe an opera or something more classical would be your cup of tea. Sorry I- just. Missing my family at this time of the year again is one thing? But then being with you and not being able to show it much and the date not going through and if you were thinking we were going out that wasn't just a walk. It's silly I'm being silly-!"
Constance shushed her.
"It's not silly. I mean you are silly sometimes but this isn't one of them. It was special if it was with you. And something different."
Imogen wasn't crying, even if her eyes stung. She nodded, Brushed her free hand over Constance's loose hair. And then the witch's hands were Cupping at her cheeks making her look up.
"My dear, my pretty. I wasn't expecting anything for a holiday I don't celebrate." Constance murmured, dropped a kiss on her forehead and peppering more on her cheeks. "Aren't people always saying It's the thought that counts?"
"I know a lot of people who say it but don't mean it. But still." Imogen sighed, threading their fingers together and pulling Constance's hand away from her face, foreheads together a moment, until Imogen sat up straighter.
"My only plan tonight was to try and get you a little merry and out of that fairy outfit. And even that's gone wrong." Imogen scowled, kissing the back of Constance's hand again.
"Hmm," Constance said, extremely deadpan. "That was incredibly cheesy after such a heartfelt declaration."
"It was, wasn't it." Imogen replied. Then grinned. "I mean you could always pop the fairy outfit back on for me. Maybe on top of you new clothes you want to show me? That is of course, if you haven't flung the tutu in the fire like you threatened too."
"ah! Stop it! Horrid little elf!" Constance barked- deliberately ignoring that comment and tapped the gift, blushing hotly at Imogen's laughter. Constance Huffed and continued. "I was trying to be nice and get you something for a treat, and you fixate on that costume-!"
"You tried seducing me while I'm dressed like this." Imogen pointed out gesturing at her 'elf' costume and trying to make Constance laugh. "at least I didn't try anything while the show was going on."
It worked. Constance relented and Cracked a smirk. A little one.
"Oh well. Anyway it isn't really anything 'special'." Constance shrugged Gesturing to the gift in Imogen's lap.
"It is special if it came from you." Imogen pointed out but was ignored.
"Just a little something for in case we did make it to the pictures, or whatever it was." Constance said. "I'm aware they continue showing films in the village hall till boxing day? We might still make it for that showing of something at least, if you don't mind flying."
"Really?" Imogen blinked. "You're up for that?"
"I would. With you. So long as it's not a musical. And not as a staff outing." Constance said, then nodded. "I am as you said, up for that."
"It's a wonderful life." Imogen blurted.
"Pardon?"
"The show. Movie I mean. That's what it's called. It's a classic. Have you seen it?"
"can't say I have." Constance said. With slight disdain as if she was making a great allowance on Imogen's behalf. "I'm not one for cinemas. Usually."
"shame there is something very old school Hollywood about you." Imogen hummed. "Can I open it now?"
She got an Indifferent shrug and a reply of, "if you like."
Imogen picked the present up then hesitated.
"Wait, is it safe to open in the staffroom?" She asked. Earning her another outraged squawk and a swot. "what?!"
"you're terrible. Of course, it is. I, unlike someone, wouldn't do that." Constance complained.
"so, it's not handcuffs then?"
"I shall take it back off you if you'd rather!" But Imogen darted her hands out of reach. And made to open it again, Nervous herself now given Constance's speech. The gift was a thin little packet in pressed boring brown paper. Imogen tried to think what it could be. What was it the witch had said about running or finding something? It could be Vouchers or something. But the thought that the witch had gone out- left the castle and to possibly even a non witch area- to find something was very touching. Plus, Constance had wrapped it. For her. And even tied it up with a fancy string and a sprig of mistletoe
Suddenly inspired, Imogen leant over to the coffee table, and picking up the other gift Put Constance's shoebox on the witch's lap. "Together? If you want to open it now?"
"oh." Constance blinked but nodded. "I suppose it is very near the equinox. Very well then. Together."
"on three?"
"No, just open it already." Constance complained. "this anticipation is getting… annoying."
Imogen gave her a playful shove. And undoing the twine made to pull open the paper. And Registered too late how Constance's look was Suddenly mischievous.
There was a WHOOMPH sound that made Imogen jump and Suddenly what she had in her hand was a lot bigger than the card sized. Something soft hit her in square in the chest, but with enough force
Knocked her over in her seat backwards sprawled across the sofa and the world went white. "Woah!"
There was a beat. Then Imogen laughed and asked in a muffled voice: "I take it you magically wrapped this?"
"I did. Maybe A little too much." Constance Admitted, Chuckling. She rescued Imogen from a sheet of tissue paper and helped her sit back up.
"there's that. And here. A sweet for my sweet." She explained and scooped up a very large bar of Imogen's favourite chocolate where it had fallen on the floor and handed it over. It wasn't a ridiculously enormous bar. But big enough that Imogen was glad it hadn't springloaded-hit her in the face as well. "I promise I won't confiscate it, so long as you are discreet… and clean your teeth before you kiss me."
"Aw! You might have to hide it for me before the others get here then."
"Very true, just don't eat it all in one go."
"I never-!" Imogen complained but Constance gave her a look. "not a bar that size! Alright, can you hide it for me?" Imogen huffed and handed it back.
The witch smirked. There was a haze of light Vanishing the chocolate away so it was safe where their sweeter tooth colleges and students wouldn't find it.
"As for that, I hoped you might like it but I can take it back if it isn't the right sport or team or Number and the like." Constance continued, gesturing at the heap of fabric in Imogen's lap. Imogen untangled to hold it up. It was a thick cosy looking rugby sweater, striped in dark red, green and white; with the red Welsh dragon on the breast and six nations on the sleeve.
"Oh, Constance, this is lovely!"
"I thought so too."
"Wait, did you just say 'the right sport'?" Imogen realised.
"I meant colours. As in team colours." Constance fibbed.
"No, you didn't'." Imogen teased. "HB, What sport do you think it's for?"
"it's… for...Well- alright I have no idea. Something that isn't swimming I suppose."
"I'll take you to go watch the Lionesses play one day." Imogen promised.
"The what? What have lions got to do with this?" Constance frowned, but got no answer, just a peck on her cheek.
"It is lovely." Imogen reiterated. Constance Held her gaze with an eyebrow up again.
"hmm. If you say so." She replied. "But, I am glad you like it. It was that they had I could 'see you' in. Amelia said it's always cold in that building, and you do keep insisting on not wearing long sleeves midwinter and using my cloak as a blanket so Short of buying you a sleeping bag it seemed a good idea."
"You keep borrowing my hoodies and jumpers in the evening." Imogen pointed out.
"There's this as well." Constance said. Ignoring that remark and Summoning a bottle from nowhere. "It wasn't meant to be a Christmas present either. But Mildred went and Hubble'ed the first one. I just haven't had the chance to brew it again. What with the lack of a full moon."
She held it out and Imogen took it. "You Made this? For me."
'This' turned out to be a potion bottle. With "Dearheart" written in Constance's cursive on the label. Inside thick clear green with glints of yellow in the light. Not unlike the hem of HB's dress.
"I make potions for you and the girls all the time." Constance dismissed. "As I said it wasn't supposed to be a Christmas thing or a present as such. But I only got it finished in class this morning."
"Just because potions are your job doesn't make them any less special." Imogen said, with Another peck on the cheek. Constance sighed, contently into this one though.
"I wish I had that gratitude when it's flu season!"
"what does it do?" Imogen asked.
"It's a protection potion. Well, it's more of an enchantment. You sprinkle a little over your shoes- or your numerous sets of trainers in this case- and it helps prevent twisted or sprained ankles." Constance explained. "With proper care of course. No undue risks. It won't help in this icy weather or if you insist on leaping out of trees. But when it gets warmer and you can go back on your long runs it should help prevent any catching on tree roots or a misstep."
"and Dearheart?"
"You, you fool." Constance said, all sappy and sentimental despite her words. Then she winced as Imogen squealed, actually squealed in delight. "Good grief I think only the bats understand noises that high pitched! I take it that it's suitable then?"
"I love it!" Imogen said. "I love them" she amended, knelt up peppering her girlfriend with affection and kisses and hugs. "I love you."
"Oh good." Constance in a false flat tone. "I'm glad you like them."
"You're so clever!" Imogen Cooed, peppering more kisses on the witch's face, Rubbing their noses together. Imogen Grinned. Constance Blushing peening and smug Compliment her intelligence, was just her favourite thing to see. She'd gently put the bottle on the table then leaned forward to kiss her again when a Box bumped her leg and Imogen realised. "But You haven't opened yours?"
"I took the ribbon off!" HB argued, holding up like evidence. (Imogen hadn't wanted to overdo the Christmas aspect, so had wrapped the box sticking to pretty but non-descriptive non-shiny paper with the lid separate to open and topped it off with the bow.) "You sped on ahead and didn't give me a chance."
"Open yours!" Imogen insisted.
"Alright alright! I think you're more excited than I am." Constance said. Imogen promptly sat back. Forcing herself to reel it in a little and sit still. Well still as she ever could be; save For bouncing on the seat, feeling More like a child on Christmas morning than ever before.
"Look, see?" The witch teased, with that little smirk. And Lifted the lid with both elegant hands.
But then Constance's little smile fell.
"Oh..."