Dark Waters Require Warmth

Chapter 11 - Cats and Breadsticks

Hermione and Bellatrix woke up abruptly to the sound of someone banging on their hotel room door.

"Who the fuck decided they wanted to die today?"

"Baby, it's ok I'll go get it." Hermione said quickly. She placed a kiss on her girlfriend's forehead and left the warmth and comfort of their bed. She opened the door, rubbing the exhaustion from her eyes.

"Bellatrix Black!" Andromeda stormed inside past Hermione and headed to the bed to throw the covers off of her sister. Good thing she had a long t-shirt on for some decency. "What-"

"Wouldn't you think a nice brunch with your girlfriend would sound nice on this lovely morning?" Andromeda said with a tone of teasing mixed with a subtle hint of disbelief. "You have been in this room for so long that Narcissa and I thought you murdered Hermione and got up and ran away."

"Andy, please. We just woke up and I haven't even had coffee yet. Your words are going in one ear and out the other. If you want to ask someone something, ask Hermione and she can decide for the both of us."

"Well fine. It's great to know that Bellatrix did not murder you Hermione. So, about brunch?"

"I think brunch sounds quite wonderful!"

Bellatrix was given a cup of coffee as soon as possible and then everyone went back to their rooms to dress accordingly. Hermione threw on a short sage green dress and some heels and Bellatrix wore some black trousers, a black tank top and a cardigan even though it was nearly 90 degrees outside.

They were headed to a café nearby for brunch that Hermione chose for its special addition of furry friends. She knew Bellatrix had mentioned how she used to have a cat growing up with her sisters and she hoped this would be a nice surprise for her lover.

They all set out to walk to the café, Bellatrix holding Hermione close, whispering things that were a bit too dirty for her sisters to hear.

Tonks nearly gasped when they arrived at the little coffee and pastry place, but knowing Bellatrix was the one in for the surprise, they covered their mouth almost immediately.

Hermione had been walking for a couple blocks with her hands over Bellatrix's eyes and she decided she might as well show her the glorious restaurant they had arrived at. "You can look now, love." Hermione removed her hands and Bellatrix looked in confusion at the place in front of her. "Ooh more coffee!" Bellatrix smiled lightly until Hermione poked her lightly and added, "Bella... re-read the name of the place."

"Cat... café... as in like... cats? Oh that is a clever invention. Andy, why have we never gone to one of these cat cafés?"

"Because ever since Lucky you never mentioned cats again."

"Well at least Hermione knows what I like. Thank you, darling." Bellatrix wrapped her arms around the younger woman and kissed her.

"Ok, so... are we going to have brunch or are we going to keep talking about how amazing Hermione is?" Tonks huffed.

"I think we can continue this conversation while we eat." Bellatrix chuckled and held the door open for the group, Hermione being the last to enter before her girlfriend. The older woman pinched her girlfriend's ass, causing Hermione to yelp, and followed after.

They all ordered a whole table full of pastries and desserts along with beverages and some sandwiches. There were cats roaming all around the place, some coming up to the tables and saying hello to the customers and others sitting calmly on one of the many cat trees.

They all had a pleasant meal, Bellatrix trying to finish eating as quickly and unsuspiciously as possible.

"Love, are you eating fast so you can play with the cats?"