#hardbubble

[panicatthedalek]

All I want from this season is for Julie and Hecate to have as many interactions as possible and also let them make out.

[sewingcirclesworld]

Mistress Hubble and Miss “I’m so magical”

@softestofbrooms HB and Julie pre-relationship get to know you betters? Like just a step or steps from that first meeting to possibly being a ship? ________ First prompt done, I hope you like it! Enjoyed writing this and thinking about continuing the story in the future if I have the time :) ________

The first time they meet Julie can’t help but instantly notice how this woman all dressed in black looks at her. An infuriating smirk on her lips and eyes saying “You don’t belong here” which doesn’t make it easier that she still can’t get her head around the idea that Mildred, her little Mildred, joined a school for witches. “So you’re magic, and all the teachers are magic, and the girls learn…magic?” “I see where Mildred gets her quick wits, Mistress Hubble.” There is something in the way in which this woman pronounces her name, slow, a deliberate tease. “Alright, Misses I’m-so-magical, if you think you’re so much better than me, how about conjuring up some manners?” Although Hecate would never tell anyone, she is secretly impressed that this non-magical woman dares to speak to her like that. It is certainly a refreshing change. Normally people are too scared around her to say anything more than a quick “Yes, Miss Hardbroom!” before disappearing as fast as possible. But not this woman. This woman looks her straight in the eyes and makes it clear that she is a force to be reckoned with, despite being non-magical. Some weeks have passed since the beginning of the school year and the students have a free afternoon with permission to visit their families. “And how is that teacher of yours doing, this Miss…Harshdoom?” “Mum!” Mildred starts laughing and then corrects her mother. “Miss Hardbroom is strict as always, she seems to hate me in particular cause I’m not from a witching family but Enid and Maud help me a lot so it’s okay.” “Well I know how clumsy my little girl can be sometimes.” Julie winks at Mildred who just managed to get flour all over the kitchen table. “Not fair you taking HB’s side! And you asked me to help with the cake!” “I just wanted to spend some time with you on your day off, and you can take the cake with you when you go. Share with your friends, eh? Maybe Miss Hardbroom would also like a piece”, she teases her daughter who seems to freeze even at the thought of offering her teacher some homemade cake. Maybe she should have tried since HB is in a bad mood, worse than usual, and shouts at everybody except at Ethel of course. At first it seems like she just wants to ignore Mildred’s bubbling cauldron but the fear that the girl might blow up the potions lab, again, makes her stop. “And what do you think is this?” “An invisibility potion…Miss?” “Are you asking me or are you stating a fact, Mildred Hubble?” “Definitely an invisibility potion! I think…” Hecate is visibly turning red at the sound of her words. “You think? Didn’t your mother teach you anything about self-confidence?  Even if a potion doesn’t turn out like it’s supposed to be, you have to show that you put everything you have into making it and that you are convinced of its success! And now take this mess out of my sight!” When the lesson is over, Mildred is still scrubbing her kettle, trying very hard to erase every speck of pondweed or mashed maggots. She almost climbs into the kettle which is turned sideways and therefore doesn’t notice her teacher’s presence. Hecate has calmed down a bit, now that all the noise is gone, and looks at the girl with something resembling a smile on her lips. “One would imagine you were a bit more confident in yourself with a mother like you have.” “What?” Mildred crawls out of the cauldron and bumps her head in the process. “Did you say something about my mum?” “Oh, only that she seems very self-assured. And I heard her say not to be afraid of that potions woman no matter how scary she might be.” Mildred desperately wishes her mum wouldn’t have walked her back to school yesterday evening, but even more than that she wishes to disappear into the ground. Or turn into a frog. Anything to avoid looking at Miss Hardbroom. “I, uhm, sorry Miss Hardbroom, she didn’t mean to, well, I sometimes talk too much and she must have heard…something wrong?” Now she dares to look up but to her surprise the teacher does not look angry. Is that a smile? But it is a sad smile somehow and Mildred is suddenly not afraid of this woman. Hecate looks at her, just looks, without the usual judgement, and then waves her hand to dismiss the girl. Her friends are still waiting for her outside and instantly fire questions at her. Did she get extra detention? Does she have to clean up after everybody for two weeks? 500 lines, surely! But Mildred just shakes her head and is unusually quiet for the rest of the evening. The second time they meet is on Hallow’s Eve. Miss Cackle has decided to hold a parent-inclusive Halloween party to strengthen the bond between the families and the school. From the moment the invitation arrives, Julie is kind off freaking out about the festivities. “What if I have nothing to talk to the other parents about? What if nobody even wants to talk to a non-magic person? And what should I wear? Do you have a spare cloak or something?” “Mum, it’s gonna be fine”, laughs Mildred. “If HB could see you right now, making such a fuss, you ‘self-assured woman’ you, she’d probably change her mind.” “Change her mind about what? Millie, what do you mean?” Julie’s voice rises a few notes and Mildred realizes she has made a mistake. “Nothing mum, just something HB said. By the way, Maud’s and Enid’s parents can’t wait to meet you so you definitely have to come!” Her mother seems to be a bit calmer, as far as Mildred can see through the mirror. They chat about school stuff and how the neighbour’s dog has escaped again and are about to say goodbye, when Julie suddenly starts to hem and haw. “So, about Miss Hardbroom, did she really say that?” “Well, yeah, she wanted to lecture me that I should behave more like you I guess, more confident. She was kinda nice in that moment, still don’t know why.” “Alright…well, see you Saturday then!” And Julie leaves the room before Mildred can find out why she asked. The girls have spent all day decorating the big hall and the entrance and Miss Cackle has allowed some of the older pupils to help in the kitchen. That is why the food resembles old fingers and bloody eyeballs, and the Witches Brew has been enhanced by a bit more alcohol than intended. Everywhere you go you see girls playing tricks on each other and parents standing in small groups, talking. Mildred takes another look across the room and Enid slaps her on the shoulder. “Hey, your mum’s fine! See, I bet my mum is showing her some embarrassing pictures of my first broomstick lesson now…” “If you say so…” But Mildred smiles. She hadn’t shown her mother how nervous she has been, one freaked out Hubble is enough, but now everything is going really well. Her friends’ parents had warmly welcomed her mother and now they seem to have a good time, chatting and laughing, so Mildred feels comfortable in leaving Julie alone. There is one trick the girls really want to play on Sybil and her friends before the night is over and they haven’t found them yet.It is true, Julie enjoys talking to the Spellbodys and the Nightshades. They are nice people, very different from each other but open-minded and not at all disrespectful towards Julie like some other parents in the room. Nevertheless, she can’t help but sneak a few glances towards the woman in black who is standing almost in the shadows of a corner. She hasn’t moved since Julie started to watch her and nobody approaches her. Hecate looks almost like a statue, a beautiful one admittedly, except when she raises an eyebrow and has to visibly hold herself back when some girls near hear are fooling around with a jumping pumpkin. She seems so detached from the world around her it is no wonder nobody tries to talk to her. She looks lonely. “Excuse me for a bit, I’ll be back later, alright?” Julie gives the others a smile and disappears into the crowd. First she needs some encouragement. She would not admit it, but she also feels intimidated by Miss Hardbroom. Back when the teacher talked to her disrespectfully she answered back almost out of reflex and to defend Mildred, but this is a different situation. She almost downs one cup of Witches Brew and shudders due to the bitter aftertaste. With two new cups in her hands she makes her way across the increasingly filled hall. You got this, Julie. You are confident and never have a problem with making small-talk. Say something intelligent. “Want a cuppa?” Hecate is too surprised that somebody actually came up to her that it takes a few seconds for her to notice the hand holding a steaming cup under her nose. She takes it and looks at the blonde woman standing in front of her. Julie blushes under the intense stare and searches for something better to say when Hecate opens her mouth. “Thank you, mistress Hubble.” “It’s Julie. Well, I don’t know if you do this first-name thing and mistress sounds actually quite nice, but, uhm, anyway, how are you?” Hecate lets a tiny smile escape. This woman is adorable in a way, talking too much and blushing again, and now she is looking at her like she actually wants to have an answer. “I am…I don’t like so much noise, or crowds, so, could be better.” She doesn’t know why she is telling her that. Almost a stranger, also the mother of her problem child Mildred Hubble, and a non-magical person! But her eyes are kind and she is the only one that came to speak to her. “I’m not one for big crowds either”, Julie admits and nibbles on her drink. “Wanna go somewhere more quiet?” Hecate’s eyes widen just a tiny bit but Julie notices and quickly adds: “I didn’t mean it that way, I just, I…oh you know!” It really is cute and the witch is tempted to tease her more, but then she just turns around and opens the door leading to the hallway. “Well, are you coming?”

[starfleetwitch]

With regards to the new ship i plan to go down on- Julie Hubble and Hecabae Hardbroom- What is their ship name?!

Hubroom?  Hardbubble? Heclie? Jucate? Hecable?  Personally, if there is no preexisting ship name, can their ship name be hardbubble? cause omfg! love me some hardbubble right now! 

[josiesimblr]

The boys ( they forgot about taking Hally)  finally get free of Mr. Asmonick and jump into the van ( it was the Hardbubble Bed and Breakfast advertising van) to go to the arcade. They were both in a great mood- the dancing and Mr. Asmonick’s kind words had lifted their spirits.

But as soon as they walk into the arcade- they stop in their tracks. 

Stalactites. The cool kids. All hanging in the arcade.

Bart whispers: Aw man. What are THEY doing here? They never come to the arcade!

Leland mumbles: I don’t know. 

Bart: Leland, look. Do you see who I see? 

Leland nods, embarrassed.

SHE was there. Candace. Candace Corielli. The new girl in school. 

And the girl Leland was madly in love with.

Bart: You wanna go home?

Leland: Do you?

[getthesamovarready]

I love being a lazy witch with fanfic ideas I won't write and spells I won't do.

[swissarmysonic]

HARDBUBBLE ❤️❤️❤️

Okay but what if Julie Hubble did go around hugging everybody to break the ice magic? Just imagine Hecate’s reaction.

[josiesimblr]

Leland: Hey Mom, Bart and I wanna go down to the arcade! There’s um...a study group going on there.

Helenka skeptical: Study group? At the arcade?

Leland: Yes. It’s gonna meet every Friday.

Helenka: This doesn’t have anything to do with Blic A Bloc, does it? And your obsession with being a Blic A Bloc champion?

Leland: No way!

Helenka shrugs: Okay. You can go. But you have to take Hally with you. But first take this fruit salad out to our boarder.

Leland: Thanks Mom! *sweet smile* Can I take the van? It’s getting too hot to ride our bikes to town. Especially with Hally.

Helenka: Okay you can take the van. But be back before dark!

[josiesimblr]

Hally: You’re not gonna die, Leland.

Leland: What! Oh hey, Hally. Sorry we forgot to take you to the arcade.

Hally: It’s okay. I had moderator duties on my Ricky Rocket forum anyway. Had to ban a few people who were dissing his vocal skills. Anyway, Bart just told  me Egan Mucksworthy is gonna beat you up a week from today at Tower Park.

Leland: Well, a week and one day, technically. But yeah. I don’t know what I’m gonna do.

Hally: You could tell Mom and Dad? And they can talk to Egan’s parents?

Leland: What! No way. That’s not what tough guys do.

Hally: Sorry to point it out to you, Leland, but you’re not a tough guy. Like, at all. In no way shape or form. But no worries. I’ve got a Plan B since you won’t ask for adult assistance.

Leland: Plan B?

Hally: Yep. I’m gonna head out and talk to a few people I know. I’m gonna help you out.

Leland didn’t know what was worse- refusing to ask his parents for help or relying on his ten year old sister. But...his sister looked like the better option.

Hally: I’ll be back soon. Sit tight while I talk to my people.

[josiesimblr]

Mr. Asmonick scolds: Hey. Cut that out. Don’t talk down about yourself. You are more than stalactite, Leland. You’re so cool, you’re ice cold!

Leland blushes: Ah shucks...I don’t know about that...

Mr. Asmonick: Trust me! Both of you are! But let me tell you a secret! The way to a woman’s heart? It ain’t with no Blic a Bloc! It starts with the feet!

The boys: The feet?

Mr. Asmonick: Yes sir! Women love a good dancer! They know if a man can work it on the dance floor, he can work it somewhere else too! So, put the Blic A Bloc to the side for a second and let me show you some of my moves!

Music

The boys really wanted to get going to the arcade but Mr. Asmonick turns on the radio and they have no choice but to dance along with him. Mr. Asmonick loved to dance.

Anyway, maybe Mr. Asmonick was right? Leland figured it couldn’t hurt to learn to dance his way into a girl’s heart...the school dance was coming up after all...maybe SHE would notice him before then...

[josiesimblr]

Bartholomeo Brosnan ( everyone calls him Bart- except for his Mom)  is Leland’s very best friend. They’ve been inseparable since kindergarten and now they’re high school sophomores. Bart saunters into Leland’s room, a huge grin on his face.

Bart: Did I hear someone say Blic A Bloc?

Hally groans: Ugh, this is where I leave! Nerds!

The two buddies settle on Leland’s bed after Hally exits.

Leland: Why are you so happy?

Bart: Haven’t you heard? They installed a Blic A Bloc arcade machine down at the Maristella arcade!

Leland ecstatic: WHOAAA! For real?

Bart: Yup, I tell you no lies, my friend! We’re gonna be Blic A Bloc MASTERS! We’ll probably make it all the way to the Blic A Bloc championship if we play on a real actual Blic A Bloc arcade machine!

Leland: Wow, we should go down to the arcade right now! It’s Friday, and I’ve finished my homework.

Bart: Why do you think I’m here? Let’s go!

[josiesimblr]

Maristella, The Wrong Side of the Tracks

Hally rides her bike to The Wrong Side of The Tracks, where her “people” lived. Her people being Seven Meaney, the toughest meanest baddest boy in the 4th grade. If there was anyone who could help her sixteen year old brother Leland, then it would be eleven year old Seven.

Seven: How many times have I told ya, kid? We can’t keep meeting like this.

Hally: I know. But- I need something from you, Seven. I need-

Seven sighs: Hally, I can’t help you anymore. My connection has run dry. No more Ricky Rocket fan magazines at half price off the truck for you.

Hally gasps: I still find it so hard to believe! My allowance can only go so far-getting my Ricky Rocket fan magazines off the black market was easy on my wallet! Now I have to pay full price at the supermarket! You know how hard it is to come up with a dollar fifty?

Seven: That’s life for ya, kid. A cruel place. And we haven’t even begun paying taxes yet.

[josiesimblr]

The Hardbubble Bed and Breakfast is the only bed and breakfast in Maristella. It’s never been very profitable. In fact, they’ve only ever had one guest, a retiree named Mr. Asmonick. He’s been a guest for ten years but the Hardbubbles insist on calling him a boarder and not a renter for advertisement purposes.

Mr. Asmonick: Thanks for the fruit salad, boys! Why the cheesy grins?

Leland happy: Blic A Bloc! We’re gonna be masters at it!

Mr. Asmonick smiles: Blic A Bloc! I used to love to Blic a Bloc back in my day! Mannn...I could blic a block around the whole block!

Bart impressed: Oh wow, they had Blic A Bloc arcade machines back in the ancient days, Mr. Asmonick?

Mr. Asmonick narrows his eyes.

Mr. Asmonick: Arcade machine? You don’t mean the Blic a Bloc dance? What the hell?

The boys: Um uh...no. Blic a Bloc isn’t a dance. It’s a video game.

Mr. Asmonick sighs.

[josiesimblr]

Bart: Hey, we’ll figure something out. Maybe Egan will forget. Anyway, I gotta head home. I’m sorry, Leland.

Leland: Don’t worry about it, Bart. See you tomorrow.

Bart leaves and Leland throws himself on his bed, wondering what he was going to do.

Leland sighs: The worse part is I’m getting beat up over a girl who doesn’t even know my name. But I’m glad I was able to help Candace Corielli. Even if it means I’m gonna die. 

[josiesimblr]

Seven: Beside- I don’t know why you’re so in love with a talented international preteen pop star when you could be in love with me.

Hally rolls her eyes: Oh boy. This again.

Seven: I mean, don’t you think I kind of look like Ricky Rocket?

Hally: No.

Seven: If you jump up and down and spin around and stand on your head until the blood rushes to your brain and afterwards hold your breath? Once you do all that? You gotta admit there’s a strong resemblance between me and him.

Hally: Seven, I will never be the jelly in your peanut butter sandwich. But I’ll let you copy off my homework if you help me out and do me a favor. A big one!

[josiesimblr]

Egan: Hi Hot Stuff.

Candace: Egan. Please call me Candace.

Egan: Oh sorry. It’s just that you’re super hot, Candace. Anyway, I was wondering if you want to go into the photo booth and take pictures with me.

Candace: No.

Egan: Huh? What?

Popular, grey haired Egan Mucksworthy was not used to girls telling him no. He was the best looking guy in Maristella. No other boy in Maristella had his good looks and grey hair.

Candace: No. I don’t like photo booths. They make me feel claustrophobic.

Egan: Clausta-what? Candace, come on. It’ll be fun. We can make romantic faces at each other, and you can show off and post them on your social media. “Photo booth pics with Bae!”

Candace firm: You are not my Bae. I barely know you. 

Egan wheedles: Come on Candace. Let’s take photo booth pictures. Then I can win you a prize from the claw machine. Come on, let’s do it, come on, don’t be like that, come on, it’ll be fun...

[josiesimblr]

Peer pressure!  Leland had moved on to a solo arcade machine to hone his Blic a Bloc skills. And also to be near Candace. He knew he had no chance with her but he could still admire her from a distance.

And that’s when he hears Egan Mucksworthy peer pressuring poor Candace into taking a picture with him in the photo booth. Which everyone knew meant Egan wanted to make out. That was all the photo booth was used for- the pictures came out too small and blurry for social media posting. It was Leland’s dream to one day be able to invite a girl ( a willing girl) into the photo booth and kiss her and-

Leland’s photo booth fantasies are distracted by Candace continuing to say no to a persistent Egan.

Leland: Poor girl! Why can’t us teens ever avoid peer pressure? It’s so unfair. Why can’t stupid Mucksworthy leave her alone?

Leland decides to help Candace in the only way he knew how. He pretends he needed a drink from the open drink machine they were standing in front of, interrupting their conversation. 

Candace: Hey, I better go home. I’ve got some um...yeah...I’m gonna go wash my hair! Bye Egan!