Eliza set her cutlery down, having finished her dinner. She topped up her glass of wine and poised the bottle over Julia’s glass as she looked at her. The statuesque woman confirmed with a nod as she finished off her fish. Eliza set the chilled bottle back on the table and leaned back in her chair, letting out a content sigh.

“Did you make any progress on the Phantom servant spell?” Julia asked.

“I managed to make some headway but I think I’ll need a bit longer to learn it. It’s a very different way of learning than I’m used to.” Julia dabbed her mouth with a napkin as she gingerly took her glass of wine, her fingers drummed nervously on the glass bowl.

“We can review the spell tomorrow.” Julia stated.

She stood up and took a seat on the sofa, her back resting on the cushions that nestled between where the walls met. Eliza watched her slip off her shoes as she brought her feet up under her; her long lehenga pushed back to reveal her well-defined calves. Her attention was fixed on the tantalising sight of the blonde woman taking a sip of her drink, her maroon lipstick staining her glass.

“Only if you have the time to spare. I don’t want to burden you.” Eliza responded as she joined her on the sofa, her knee brushed against the other woman’s. Julia reached out and gripped her forearm, her gaze gentle.

“Eliza, you have never been a burden. I enjoy spending time with you and would never discourage you if you wish to learn more about arcana.” Julia said.

Eliza looked up at the wizard through hooded eyes, the scent of her perfume drawing her closer; her tongue darted over her lips.

“You don’t have to be kind to me out of obligation, you know.” Eliza responded to Julia, surprised to hear how low her voice had become.

When had she got so close to Julia? She was almost pressed against her.

“I know.” Julia responded, a coy expression on her face. Eliza found herself breaking into a wide smile that she quickly hid behind her glass of wine, taking a long sip. She was certain the wizard had caught a glimpse of her smile as she drained her glass.

“Since I’ve fed you two nights in a row, will you be feeding me tomorrow?” Eliza asked. She watched Julia drum her fingers against her own thigh, a familiar pattern she was used to seeing that indicated that she was happy.

“It would only be fair since you’ve fed me. Is there anything in particular you’d want me to cook?” Julia made a controlled gesture with her hand in the air, causing the atmosphere around them to tingle with magic. A small bright purple sigil appeared momentarily; disappearing when the wine bottle on the table moved into Julia’s elegant hand. The magic disappeared the instant the bottle was securely in Julia’s grip. The wizard refilled Eliza’s empty glass and topped up her own, placing the bottle down on the small wooden table before them.

“Something light preferably.” Eliza responded.

“I can arrange that.” Julia said.

Eliza felt good, taking another sip of her wine as she kicked off her shoes, not caring where they landed; she planted her feet on the sofa as she sunk into Julia’s warmth. A soft sigh escaped her lips when Julia wrapped a strong arm around her which pulled her further into her as they gazed out silently at the city. Eliza looked up at Julia, her heart beat increased as she looked at her defined jawline, her lips felt dry. She raised her glass to wet her lips as she took a long sip. Flushing when Julia returned her gaze, they spent a few moments gazing at one another before Eliza looked back out at the city, her heart hammered in her ears; her cheeks warmed either from the intimacy or the alcohol. She knew she did not deserve this, but she was thankful for these stolen moments.

Eliza was distracted by Julia’s touch, she found herself leaning into the tall woman’s embrace as she stroked her arm. She felt intoxicated by both her presence and torn by it too. Maybe she could pretend a moment longer and savour this moment; relish in the thoughts that only they existed.

Eliza stared at the bottom of her glass, it was empty and it was probably a sign that she had drunk enough. Standing up she instantly missed Julia’s warmth.

“It’s...it’s getting late. I should go home.” Eliza murmured as she wobbled around the balcony looking for her shoes. She slipped them on, before she turned back to Julia, she smiled charmingly at her.

“I shall escort you home.” Julia responded as she got up off the sofa. Slipping her own shoes on, she placed her half drunk glass on the table and followed the smaller woman towards the front door.

“Thank you for the offer but there is no need for you to go out of your way. My Paladin is waiting for me outside and should be sufficient.” Eliza turned to face Julia, she stumbled; her back hitting the door as she began to burst out into laughter.

“Oh...I think I’m a little drunk.” Eliza giggled as Julia helped her upright, a ghost of a smile showed on the wizard's face, she cupped her face before she pushed her brown strands behind her pointed ear. Eliza chewed her bottom lip as she inhaled deeply, as she stared at Julia with growing desire; she really should leave now.

“Just a little?” Julia responded mirthfully before she continued speaking. Eliza nodded her head at whatever Julia said to her, her gaze transfixed on her wine coloured lips. She knew she should listen to what she was coming out of those sweet and full lips, but Julia just looked so kissable right now. Eliza’s heart leaped into her throat when Julia leaned down towards her. She found herself disappointed that Julia’s tender lips had met her cheek and not her lips. She suddenly found herself engulfed in a tight embrace from Julia, she always squeezed tightly which made you feel like you were the only person that ever mattered.

Eliza breathed her in as her own arms wrapped around Julia’s waist, she could enjoy this a moment longer. Her hands gripping her exposed back, enjoying how taught her muscles felt; pulling back from the embrace her face flushed.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, Julia.”

As Eliza walked out of Julia’s flat she realised she had to end things with her long-distance girlfriend. 

***