Lilith paced around the room. If it wasn't because of the lack of windows (and, you know, the locked door), one could even fool themselves to believe this was a fancy hotel room.
Instead of a bed, there was an ample sized bright pink couch, so soft even Lilith would be able to sleep in it various days and not face any kind of back or neck pain. The echidna that eelboy had brought with him laid in one of the heart-shaped pillows, curled in itself and deep asleep.
The poor creature had faced a long set of days. Starting one morning digging through trash in the wild and ending the night trapped inside these four walls, with its only mistake being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Vox was right in one thing, though. The pet gave her company and made her imprisonment a bit less dreadful than it would have been alone.
It still didn't feel right, though. To be caught in dire times such as these.
She remembered how Lucifer told him about his own capture. He was tricked in a really smart way. He received a call which told him Charlie was in danger and he went to rescue her gallantly. (His words, not Lilith's). But oh, he fell into a very complex layered trap and got kidnapped. So complex, he didn't really explain how it worked.
Either way, it was much better than just getting into a limusine and let your captor close the door on you.
... Thinking about Lucifer inevitably made Lilith think of Charlie, too. She wondered if the both of them noticed she was gone, and, even worse, if they thought she left Hell once again.
Lilith shook her head. ... This wasn't helping at all.
Since it was clear Lilith wasn't going to get any kind of sleep tonight, she decided to watch some TV, on low volume to not to disturb the sleeping pet.
She huffed as she saw that the TV was first set on the channel that had the duck telenovelas that Lilith followed dearly. No way she was going to watch them now, but good try, Vox.
She kept zapping until she found what she was looking for: The 666 News.
The two news hosts looked ragged as hell. The tallest woman had a strained smile, while the smaller guy had a tired look despite his face being fully covered with a mask.
She had heard the 666 News barely had breaks, but it seems these days it ran a full non-stop program because there was so much shit happening all at once, the moment it stopped they will lose the exclusive.
"Gooood Night, Pentagram City!" The sinner called Katie Killjoy started (or continued, depending on how you saw it). "Tonight we are covering Hell's latest news! Because there is no better time to get informed that at 4 a.m., am I right, Tom?" The other guy was passed out at the table. "TOM!" The woman threw a fist to the table.
The man scrambled hard enough to fall into the ground and back up to the chair. "I'm awake, I'm awake!"
"Good!" The woman directed a really strained smile to the audience. "Because you have to be awake for this breaking news!" The screen corner started to change, showing pictures of the news ahead. "Mr. Valentino is still on a rampage! The former Music Overlord, Maestro, has joined the list of victims that have fallen after Mr. Valentino's hands."
"What?!" Lilith shouted out, scrambling to get closer to the TV, as if that would make her hear the news better.
"That's right, Katie! I believe-"
"Shut up, Tom, nobody cares what you think!" The woman yelled out and then, remembering they were on air, smiled once again. "Anyways, now Mr. Valentino has defeated Zestial and Maestro, right after Prick and Hatchet. Who will be next on Valentino's list? I hope it will be me~." Katie winked to the camera. "In other news,..."
Katie proceeded to talk about Mr. Vox's territory expansion plans, as well as some gossip regarding Velvette having meetings with Carmilla. As they said: 'morning news is already old news, so we won't waste time repeating them!'
Lilith couldn't keep listening. This was being a massacre! And here she was, being useless about it!
Diplomacy be damned, she couldn't even use her powers to make sinners resist while she was being kept at this stupid room!
She starting pacing around the floor once more.
Lilith needed to form a escape plan, and soon. Before the Pride Ring truly became the Overlord's Playground.
[Snow is waiting in the Pomefiore Dorm Lounge/Common Room for Arti ( @nrc-newspaperclub-official ) the cheesecakes. And also furiously trying to DM Maria in concern due to the sudden Firelotus issue that has sprouted and needing scientific backup from a mad professional.]
Lilith had meant to rest. Really. She had taken a relaxing chamomile tea and a bubble bath before going to bed.
... And yet, she had spent the night thinking and overthinking about everything that happened recently.
Angels were appearing more around Hell. Clearly Charlie had managed to get her ideas of peace across, which was why angels came in friendly terms and not with murderous intentions. Still, it was a situation that put Lilith on edge. She didn't want to be friends with angels. (Alright, a part of her wanted to, specially with those that were family by law.)
Angels had thrown her and her husband to the Pride Ring without thinking twice. Lilith had made this Ring of Hell her home, but it didn't change the fact that it was still a prison.
But still, Charlie always said that it was important to be friends with them, so she was willing to give them one chance. It didn't change the fact that everytime a winged being appeared on her window, she put magic on her fingertips to be ready for the imminent attack. Some sinners may say it was because of trauma. Lilith preferred to think she was just being cautious.
But that was only one thing. Next it was Lucifer deciding he was about to go on a power spree to demand respect from sinners. And after angels had just managed to be on friendlier terms with them, too. Lilith had to put a stop to it and fast.
The Pit was a trouble, too. One may say that hiring hellborn for a place where sinners first spawn was not the best of her ideas. Lilith's reasoning was like this: It was better to get introduced to Hell by a kind hellborn than with a sinner who just wanted a free soul. And besides, even imps are stronger than a sinner who had just died.
But hellborn do not regenerate. And, rarely, you get a sinner who is not utterly helpless and decides to try out their power.
The massacre had been a sight she would not forget anytime soon. Almost all of the hellborn who were working in the field that day had died trying to subdue the demon. And the ones who didn't presented their resignation letter soon after. Lilith couldn't fault them.
Now, for the first time in hundred of years, the Pit was lawless. It wouldn't be long until a wannabe-Overlord put a stand in front of the giant hole and say that you need to sign out your soul if you want to go out. Lilith had to act fast if she wanted to prevent a new wave of mad-with-newfound-power Overlords.
And finally, the giant problem that had caused the Pit massacre in the first place. Whatever the fuck had happened with Alastor.
Okay, so Vox had explained it to her. It had been a paradox thingy and Youngster Alastor had summoned Smug Alastor but something had gone wrong and he had transformed into a cat-like creature. Which, you know, it's something that can happen in Hell. They have scream rain storms and The Devil is obsessed with rubbed ducks, normality has left the room thousand of years ago.
But now Lilith had to distract Youngster Alastor while Cat Creature Alastor talked (?) with Vox, who Youngster Alastor hated viscerally.
She had to wait for the signal to start the plan, too.
Wait, did they ever settled on a signal?
... Oh shit, they didn't.
Did that cat being actually know about the plan? What if she starts distracting him, yet the cat just doesn't take the chance and stays there? What if she says something wrong and Youngster Alastor decides that the Hotel actually is the perfect testing ground for his powers? What if Charlie gets hurt?
Alright, no, this was getting nowhere. And when the hell did it become morning?
Lilith noticed a ding and a buzz from her phone. She picked it up lazily, knowing what was going to be before even opening it up.
Ahh, there it is. The morning text from Lute calling her a bitch. Some things never change. "Good morning to you too, Lute." She said as she rolled her eyes. Lilith sent her a sparkly image of a duck with the text 'Quack with it' (instead of 'Deal with it'). Hopefully it would piss her off.
She got up with the greatest headache known to mankind. Or sinnerkind. Whatever.
Okay, time to actually act normal. She couldn't miss today. Vox clearly needed the help. The Smug Alastor needed help to come back. Hell needed their Queen.
Je pourrais jamais comprendre les gens qui pensent que le monde appartient à ceux qui se lèvent tôt quand le meilleur moment pour sortir c’est pendant la nuit quand y a de la neige et que le monde dort
Gogo didn't have many people that she called her friend. She only had one person who she called her best friend, and it was Melosia Luna-Cortez. The two bonded in their third year over a shared love for inventing and well, a young Leiko wasn't able to get rid of the overenthusiastic redhead with braces. And she still hadn't. Somehow against her will, she'd been managed to be dragged into Hogsmeade by the much taller girl.
She walked alongside the Gryffindor, her hands stuffed into her jacket pockets and jiggling a bit anxiously. She normally travelled solo, but being with another person meant she had to move at a normal speed. "Alright. Where are we going that's oh-so-important?"
Melosia, or as she was affectionately called, Honey Lemon, was excitedly walking beside her best friend, Gogo, down the main street of Hogsmeade. She could hardly contain her energy, and she had a bouncy spring in her step. Tucking a strand of auburn hair behind her ear, she beamed. "SO, there's a bookstore that's selling a book on some newly invented potions which I just HAVE to get my hands on. It's got a whole chapter on making some potion that tastes like bubblegum, apparently," she said, her speech rapid. She had a habit of talking with her hands, and almost knocked her glasses off her nose before adjusting them back to their original positon with a goofy grin. "I just have to try it, you know?"
It had taken Gogo awhile to get used to Honey's energy, but it was practically second nature now. She merely ducked out of the way of her friend's flailing arms like a pro. She smirked at the response but couldn't help but cock an eyebrow. "And you needed me here in case the bookshelf was really low to the ground or something?"
Honey laughed. "Gogo, you're my best friend. I want to spend the day with you!" she exclaimed enthusiastically. "I've gotta find excuses to pull you out of the castle once in a blue moon." Honey never minded that Gogo was far less... social than she was, but it also didn't stop her from forcing her friend out the door every once in a while. If she could do Gogo things, Gogo could do Honey things too. At least that's how she chose to see it. "Besides, maybe you'll find something you like about magic tech or something. Who knows?"
Gogo rolled her eyes and smirked. "I leave the castle, jeez. What're you, my mom?" The thing was, she mostly did things alone. Take morning runs around the grounds, alone. Work on developing magical swimming equipment in the lake, alone. Speed around Hogsmeade on her skates, alone. And when she did hang out with Honey, it just happened to be in the castle. But today, she'd been in the middle of working on an invention when her friend had dragged her out. Now all her hands wanted to do was work.
"Yeah, yeah maybe," she huffed. "What the hell is this potion going to do anyway? Besides taste like gum." She emphasized the statement by blowing a bubble and loudly popping it.
Honey shrugged. "I dunno, but even if it's lame, I can always alter the recipe." Honey was good at many things, being an excellent student in general, but the thing she was the best at was certainly potions. She changed recipes, added ingredients, and created completely original samples for fun, if nothing else. It kept her mind sharp, and it was her passion. "Oh, there's the shop!" she said with a squeak, pointing at the small corner store a few paces ahead. She rushed forward to take a peek through the windows, trying to block the reflection with her hand as she squinted. "There's quite a line."
And that was what she liked about her. Despite how different they were in so many regards, Honey was ready to bend the world to her will. If something wasn't working to her benefit, change it. They were two sides of the same coin.
When Honey rushed ahead, Gogo finally felt the shackles release and she burst into a run as well, just overtaking the girl as she skid to a halt. She didn't bother shielding her reflection, seeing some figures moving about inside. Instead, she looked over the two of them reflected in the window, together. "Huh. Who knew everyone was suddenly into gum. Can't say I blame 'em."
Despite Honey's head start, Gogo got to the window first. Honey would never cease to be amazed by the girl's speed when a situation presented itself. She glanced over at her and smiled. "It's not JUST the gum silly. These are whole new, Ministry-approved potions. Some of it's way beyond student level, but I don't think it'll be a problem for me." She wasn't cocky, but she was confident in her own abilities. Even if she couldn't do something right away, she found a way to make things work in her favor. Seeing as potions were her specialty to begin with, she was already considered above her grade level in the subject. Gogo had a head start on speed, but Honey was always ahead in her own regard. "Shall we?" she said as she opened the door. A bell chimed as the pair entered. The small space was fairly packed, but there was just enough room to find a spot on the line to the display table and register.
"Probably not," she agreed, looking over Honey's enthusiastic expression in the mirror. It was such a shame that she was a straight girl. Even though they'd met at a rather.../awkward/ phase of their teenage years, Honey had been one of the first girls she'd found herself attracted to. She may have dropped a hint here and there but after coming out herself, Honey made it clear that she was a Proud Straight Ally. And while Gogo had had quite a few encounters with girls who said that, she didn't want to push her luck with the Gryffindor. After all, what if she fucked up one of the few good things she had?
"I guess we shall," she said with a shrug. As soon as they entered the space though, she regretted it. There was nothing worse than being confined in a space where you could barely move. It was like sucking the air right out of her. But still, she grimaced and just stuck close to her friend, standing uncomfortably in line.
Honey felt bad for subjecting her Gogo to the tight space of the bookstore. She knew her well enough to understand that she was restless more often than not, and she was clearly uncomfortable to some extent. "Hey um, if you feel weird about being in here I don't mind if you'd rather walk around outside. I'll just grab the book and come meet you." She gave a sheepish smile and clutched the strap of her satchel. The line they were in moved sluggishly forward, but they weren't far from the front now.
Gogo shifted uncomfortably, shoving her elbow into someone who got too close to her. This was really a hell for her, and her friend seemed to notice. She glanced up at the redhead, her brow furrowing. There was just something about Honey that was so.../good/. Good people didn't stick around Gogo for very long. She usually scared them off or at the very least said some sort of sarcastic quip that hurt their feelings. But through it all, Honey had somehow managed to stay. And when she noticed her discomfort, she didn't banter with her the same way that so many others in her life did. She just genuinely offered a nice and thoughtful solution. It almost made Gogo feel guilty.
"Uh...yeah, if you don't mind," she admitted with a subdued shrug. "I'll be around, alright? Come find me." And with that, she was off. As soon as she was out the door, her shackles were free once more and she hopped into a half jog, just getting some energy out around the town. In the time it would take Honey to get her book, she did manage to stop by Honeydukes and picked up some gum to replenish her supply and some Pepper Imps, a cinnamon candy that she knew were Honey's favs. After that she just walked around the store, keeping an eye out for her easily visible friend to exit.
Honey smiled as Gogo practically burst out of the shop. She didn't take offense to Gogo's discomfort. She knew it was just how she was and she liked her friend's energy just the way it was. It's not like she hadn't already made a huge effort to come here with her for a silly book only Honey cared about. It took another ten minutes for Honey to grab a hardcover copy of the spell book and pay for it. She weaseled her way out of the close quarters and exhaled. She turned her head, searching for Gogo but couldn't see her out on the street. She calmly wandered from shop to shop, checking each window for her friend.
Gogo saw her exit, but she didn't approach immediately. For awhile, all she did was watch her, going from store to store. She wondered if she'd be upset that Gogo had all but abandoned her. Of course, she wouldn't. She wasn't Gogo, who would be annoyed if the tables were turned. She was Honey Lemon, the sweet and sour girl who liked her tea the same way every day at the same time. She would just smile and go on and on about this great new book or the cute decorations at the nearby tea shop. She would never think twice about the fact that her friend wasn't even catching up with her, but following like a huge creeper.
In the end, she finally caught up with the girl, walking alongside her without making her presence known immediately. Then, putting on her cool girl composure, she just called, "Head's up." And tossed her the packet of Pepper Imps.
As she browsed the windows of all the Hogsmeade shops, Honey was unaware that Gogo had snuck up on her nearby. "Heads up." Honey perked her head up at the familiar voice and was met with a packet of her favorite candy. She caught it against her chest and clutched it with her hands to keep it from falling before adjusting her grip. "Oh! Thanks!" She loved Pepper Imps. "Go anywhere fun?"
Gogo popped another piece of gum in her mouth casually before shoving her hands back into her pockets, giving a shrug. "Eh, not really. Just Honeydukes and around town mostly. Everything go alright with your book? Is it everything you dreamed it would be?"
Honey shuffled around in her satchel and enthusiastically pulled out the book, thrusting it forward to show Gogo. "It's BEAUTIFUL isn't it?!" She pressed her cheek against the cover and inhaled that fresh new-book smell and sighed. "I can't wait to explore all it's secrets." She returned the book to her bag and hooked her slender arm with Gogo's, elbow to elbow. "Let's get tea! It's almost time for lunch anyway."
Gogo couldn't help but snort and laugh at Honey's reaction to the book. She'd never met anyone else more enthusiastic about potions in their life, not even their professor. It was almost comical to watch the two interact. Every year, she secretly hoped that Gryffindor and Slytherin would share potions together for that reason alone...okay, maybe for some other reasons too.
When Honey linked their arms together, she also couldn't help the flush that rose into her cheeks. Ridiculous, like she was one of the virginal girls that /she/ was usually the ones flirting with. She cleared her throat and forcibly tried to suppress the blush, straightening her posture before leaning back, acting calm and chill as she always did. "Yeah, why not. Where d'you wanna go?"
"My usual tea house serves these adorable sandwiches and the tea is to DIE for," she suggested, turning around in the direction of their new destination. "Thanks for coming with me today. I know crowds aren't your thing."
To be honest, she would have gone wherever Honey had suggested. So she merely followed her, arm in arm, looking as calm and collected as possible. A part of her that she wouldn't acknowledged hoped that anyone looking at them would assume they were dating.
"It's fine. I'm more annoyed that I got dragged away from what I'm working on. When this gear touches the water, it should be able to transfigure your hands and feet to have webs, making swimming faster and easier. Still working through some kinks, but I /guess/ I can spare some time for tea," she said with a smirk.
Honey rolled her eyes playfully. "It'll still be there when we get back. We've only been here an hour." The two ambled along the street, passing couples and other students. "There's this awesome apple lemon tea you have to try," she chirped as they entered the teahouse. The interior was cozy and elegant, decorated with baroque and rococo-style furniture and mirrors on the ceiling. Murals of cherubs that were enchanted to flutter across the walls surrounded them, playfully waving and blowing kisses. Everything was pastel, exceptionally Honey Lemon's style. A fair-skinned veela girl seated them by a window and handed them menus which displayed items in perfect purple cursive. Honey settled into her seat and adjusted her glasses to look at the options. "I'm really feeling cake today."
"Mhmm," Gogo replied, clearly unconvinced. Ever second passed was a second wasted, even though her erratic schedule meant she had all the time in the world. But still, she wasn't /not/ going to do was Honey asked, so here she was.
The place was absolutely gaudy, but also absolutely her friend's style. When the veela came, she was immediately charmed by their innate beauty, and slipped her arm out of Honey's. She almost felt bad about it. But once they were seated, she looked back to the redhead and seemed to get ahold of herself, glancing down at the menu. "Hey, have I ever told you you would have a fucking blast in Japan? They love this shit," she said, as if she knew. She had never been to Japan but she'd been told stories by her grandparents, who missed the cafes, the cakes, and the like.
Honey looked up from the menu and gave Gogo a quizzical look. "You think so? Huh," she said, pondering the notion of visiting one day. "I've never been of course. I'd love to see what it's like." Honey hadn't seen much of the world up until this point, but the idea of travel suited her. She tucked a strand of red hair behind her ear delicately and turned her attention back to the culinary options in front of her. She hummed under her breath, indecisive for a moment. "Aha!" She pointed to a word on the page, "I know what I want! I haven't tried this one yet." Honey had tried just about everything offered at the teahouse, but there were a few things she just hadn't gotten around to yet.
Gogo glanced up at Honey, watching her silently. She imagined for a moment, taking the Gryffindor girl on a trip with her to Japan. She had mixed feelings on her heritage, especially the more she learned about her history. But there was a part of her that longed to reconnect with her roots and learn about what she might have lived if her grandparents had never moved. And from what she heard, she knew Honey would probably have a much easier time fitting in than she would. It would be a combination of their strengths, their weaknesses, their likes and their annoyances. But most importantly, it would just be the two of them.
The thought pitted in her chest, spreading an icy fire throughout her limbs. Why was she thinking this way? Why had she been following her friend around like a creep? Why did she want people to assume they were dating? Dark eyes quickly darted back down to the menu, but the words were all meshing and twirling together into something illegible. All she could think about was Honey and this trip she fantasized in their head. Just the two of them, together, in an entirely new world. She didn't even hear what her friend was saying to her. "Oh-- yup, mhm. Sounds good," she responded automatically.
"You um, okay Gogo?" Honey asked kindly, tilting her head like a curious puppy at her friend. She could tell when her friend wasn't entirely present, and she just wanted to make sure she hadn't pushed her friend too far today. Another waitress, this time not a veela, swung by to attend to them, and Honey quickly ordered a pot of jasmine and ginger tea for the table and a slice of lavender cake. She was still excited by the prospect of dessert, but Gogo had been acting a little out of the ordinary today.
"What? Oh yeah, I'm fine," she said quickly. Gogo quickly snapped out of her thoughts when the waitress addressed her, and she ordered the apple lemon tea, just like Honey suggested. When she left however, she made sure to look over the girl, trying desperately to distract herself. She couldn't help it when the words passed her lips. "She's cute, right?"
Honey blinked at Gogo's comment and glanced behind her as their waitress walked away. "I like her skirt," she said simply, almost like a question. She raised a brow at Gogo and shrugged it off. The truth was, she did think the girl was cute, but she attributed her attraction to her outfit and hair. It was her style, after all. Of course she thought it was cute! She leaned forward and rested her small chin on her hands, blinking mischievously at Gogo. "You going to get her number?" She was, at this point, very aware of Gogo's sexual preference for women. It didn't bother her in the slightest. After all, Gogo was Gogo regardless of who she slept with. It wasn't any of Honey's business, for starters.
God, Honey was just too straight. And while she'd been accepting of Gogo's sexuality, she also had a penchant for pushing her off on other girls. Which she didn't really mind it was just--why. She tried to shake off those thoughts and focused on the present moment, a smirk tugging at her lips and a shrug lifting her shoulders. "Maybe. We'll see," she said, a playful smirk tugging at her.
"Well," she said, straightening up and crossing her hands on the table. "I bet you'd have no problem with that." She giggled and decided she really wanted to look at that new book of hers, so she shuffled around and placed it delicately on the table. "Hm let's see," she said, reading its table of contents. "There's a potion here for enhancing your senses. That's pretty neat!" She would have to test that one out later. "Imagine having the sense of smell of a bloodhound or the eyesight of an eagle! This might be super helpful someday." She earmarked the page and continued skimming the contents of the book.
She snorted and shrugged again, trying to play it cool. Yeah, she could probably easily get this girl's number and sleep with her. But it would just be another notch in her belt. She was usually so fine with garnering that before, why did it seem so...different now?
She tried to focus on the conversation. "Yeah that would be pretty sweet. You gonna do that?"
Honey nodded. "Yeah, of course! I'm going to try every recipe in this book at some point I think." She was being serious about it. The waitress returned with Honey's cake and their tea. Honey went for the slice o cake first. She looked like she was going to melt with the first spoonful. "Oh man, this is so good, try some!" She scooped up a bite-sized piece and reached to Gogo, beckoning for her to taste. "I didn't know lavender could taste so good."
"Eyesight of the eagle would be good for passing an astronomy test for sure," she snarked, clearly implying cheating. It was always fun poking at the nicer girl's buttons. The waitress came and Gogo knew this was her chance. But when it came...she didn't take it. Honey wasn't watching to see if she made a move, she was just happy to be sharing cake with her friend. The thought had her frowning a little and by the time she came to her senses, the woman was gone. Honeys hand was reaching to her and she blinked, looking it over. "Oh uh. Ahhh." She opened her mouth to be fed.
Mel gently prodded the spoon into Gogo's mouth and waited for her reaction to the cake. "Well?" She looked on in anticipation. "Isn't it delicious?" While she waited, she blew at the surface of her tea to cool it off before pressing her lips to the side. She jolted back mildly. "Still hot," she concluded, touching her burnt lip with a delicate finger.
She'd mostly done it as a joke. If it had been Shea or Viv, they would have smashed the cake to her face. But not Honey. She bit down on it and watched her friend as she chewed. Her expression twisted into a grimace. "Wow uh. Yeah that sure does taste like flowers."
"DOESN'T IT?" she exclaimed, bouncing slightly and completely missing the fact that it was probably a weird flavor for Gogo. She took another bite for herself and seemed to melt. "I'm in heaven."
With anyone else, Gogo would have rolled her eyes. But here, a grin burst across her face and she couldn't help but laugh, shaking her head. She went to sip her tea, not caring that it was still hot. She wasn't about to /wait/ for it. "And this tastes like apples and honey. Crazy how that works."
Mel finished her cake and licked some frosting from one of her fingers. She hummed in satisfaction, sliding down the back of her chair slightly. "Can I have a sip?" She leaned forward and beckoned with her hand, smiling ear to ear.
Gogo watched Honey do this, probably a little too closely before she was asked the question. "Oh sure. It's hot though," she warned. Not everyone could have a mouth scalded to the point of numbness because they never waited for anything to cool down
"I'll be careful," she said, raising an eyebrow playfully. She took the cup carefully and waited a moment before taking the tiniest sip, just to be on the safe side. "It's definitely hot, but I just wanted a taste," she said, handing it back to her friend. "So," she started again, "I know you're busy but can I watch you work when we get back?"
Gogo smirked and shrugged. "Hey, it was your suggestion. Maybe we should start calling you Apple Lemon, huh?" She teased, taking another sip herself. She definitely preferred coffee to tea, but she was here. Might as well enjoy it. At Honey's request, her eyebrows raised but she played it off nonchalantly. "Yeah, whatever. Mostly trying out some new spells to see what sticks."
Honey pretended to really consider the idea. "Hmm, Apple /is/ kinda cute." She took a few sips of her own cup and savored the flavor. She looked across the table at Gogo as she spoke between sips. "What did you say you were working on again, exactly?"
"Yeah but then people are going to wonder why the hell I call you Apple." And they don't wonder why she calls her Honey? No, they just assume they're dating. And Gogo was honestly too fine with that. "They're swimming equipment that will transfigure your limbs, sort of like if you eat gillyweed. But you know, without actually having to get the stuff."
"That's pretty neat." She smiled. "Can't wait to see it." Mel finished her tea and pouted. "Aw, but it was so good." She shrugged and signaled for the waitress to bring their check. "Want anything else before we head out?"
"Nah, I'm good. Here," she said, sliding the rest of her tea over to Honey. Then she pulled out a couple coins, enough to cover both of their orders and place it on the table.
Honey gladly took the rest of Gogo's tea and gulped it down now that it was sufficiently warm but not scalding. "Oh you don't have to do that Gogo," she said, noticing her friend covering the bill for the two of them and placing a hand on Gogo's to stop her. "I appreciate it but it's on me! I dragged you here in the first place." She chuckled but gave her a firm look.
Gogo was always the one on top in these situations. Even with the most experienced women, she never allowed herself to get flustered. But when Honey put her hand over hers, the smallest hint of a flush flashed across her face. She quickly gained her composure however and intertwined her fingers with the other girl's, waving their hand back and forth. "Really, it's fine."
Honey smiled and shrugged as Gogo swung their hands back and forth. "Okay, if you say so. I won't complain." She did leave her half of the tip on the table however before she stood up and waited on Gogo to walk with her out the door of the teahouse. "Thanks again for coming. I'm having a lot of fun with you," she said as the pair walked back towards Hogwarts Castle.
Gogo lingered just a moment as she pulled their hands apart, then pretended to busy herself with making sure they put in the right amount of money. Once satisfied, she stood and shoved her hands in her pockets, walking alongside her friend. "Yeah, yeah no problem. Probably needed a break to get my head clear anyway."
They made it back to the castle and entered near the Great Hall, passing other students as they walked. "So, were you working on your invention in the dorm or..." Honey started to say as she dodged a rushing student who nearly walked straight into her.
"I was just chillin' in the common room so--" Rushing by students and nearly crashing into them was Gogo's thing. But that didn't mean she couldn't be a huge hypocrite. "Hey! Watch where you're fucking going asshole!" She yelled at the kid.
Honey flinched but brushed off Gogo's outburst. "Gogo, don't-" she said sheepishly, running a hand through her long hair. She didn't push it because she knew her friend well enough to know she didn't care about hurting other people's feelings or egos. Honey was a little more sensitive to that sort of thing.
She clicked her tongue, throwing her head back. "Why not? Asshole could've bowled you over. Then we really would've had a fucking problem."
"But" she started to say, "he didn't. I'm okay." She gave her friend a half-smile in an attempt to assure her. "Now, show me your project!" Honey hoped to distract Gogo from starting any unnecessary fights on their way over.
"Yeah and he's lucky for that," she warned but clicked her tongue again when Honey asked to see the project. "Alright, cmon." With that, she started to lead the Gryffindor girl down to the dungeons. It was much more common for the two of them to hang out in the open, airy, inviting atmosphere of the Gryffindor Tower but there were the rare occasions that Gogo managed to drag her friend down below.
Honey Lemon was no stranger to the Hogwarts dungeons. She spent the majority of her time outside of classes either studying, hanging out with Gogo, or making potions under the castle. It wasn't conventional for most students to seek out the dim, cold, and rather eerie stone rooms in the basement, but Honey thought of it her second home. She was known by most of the ghosts down there, and they kept her company when the rest of the class left her behind on her own. She even had her own station set up in one of the roomier supply closets lent to her by the Potions professor. "I forgot that you work down here sometimes," she said looking around and sighing contentedly.
"Hm? Yeah I mean I work wherever. Once I get bored of one place, I go somewhere else," she said with a shrug. Mostly she just didn't like being in one place for too long. "Plus half my housemates are aaasssssshooooles so." She snorted. "You're lucky you have the ghosts."
"Hey, be nice Gogo!" she chided playfully. "Not /all/ Slytherins are bad people." They went deeper down into the dungeons, and Honey was just following Gogo for the moment.
"Are you sure about that hypothesis? Cuz with me, you're already batting 0 to 1," she joked self-deprecatingly. And clearly, it was definitely a joke and not just another instance of depression masked in humor. Clearly.
