Disclaimer: I don't own Carmilla or a juicer. Both of these are unfortunate.
Laura's dad sat across the living room, his chin resting against his clasped hands while he observed Laura and Carmilla sitting on the couch. Silently contemplating.
He'd been doing that for about five or six minutes. No one had said a word. Laura was probably the most uncomfortable she had ever been, and she had experienced poison ivy in some unfortunate places before, so that was saying something.
Carmilla sat completely still, whereas Laura couldn't stop fidgeting. She wished she could read what was going on in Carmilla's head. That would actually solve a lot of things.
Laura thought she was going to snap in the silence and was finally going to say something stupid about the weather, but finally her dad spoke.
"So, Carmilla," he started, "you're my daughter-in-law, I suppose."
Laura wondered if she could sink into the couch cushions and never re-emerge.
Carmilla cleared her throat.
"Yes, sir. Temporarily," Carmilla assured. "I don't wish to be a bother on either of you for too long."
Laura's dad cocked an eyebrow, and he paused while taking in her words. Laura knew exactly what he was thinking.
Mind games.
"Dad, I know how this looks. But I swear, this is my decision. All mine. I'm just going to play by her mother's rules long enough so we can sweep this under the rug forever," Laura said with a curt nod. He shook his head.
"I just don't understand. You came home like a wrecking ball on fire so heated up about your meeting with that CEO woman. And now you're giving into it, just like that?" he questioned.
Laura took a deep breath. There was no way she was admitting she was the one who instigated the marriage. That would probably send him to an early grave.
"I thought a lot about what she said. A lot. And while her motivations are a little twisted, she does know media. The story about our little drunken… adventure will be picked up sooner or later and then it might never go away. This way it'll just but a short thing and then we can move on. I just want to move on," Laura sighed. Her dad blew out his own sigh, moving his forehead to rest against his clasped hands.
"I don't like this idea. I don't think I can ever condone Carmilla after last time," he muttered, then quickly looked up at Carmilla. "No offense."
"No, none taken," Carmilla waved him off with a shrug. He sighed again and looked back at Laura.
"I know I can't fix this for you. So, I must put this in your hands. I trust you, just not the other two involved in this. Again, no offense," he said.
"I swear I'll figure it out. And there will be no alcohol involved this time. Hopefully," Laura concluded.
"Fine. I'll leave you two to… discuss terms," he turned to Carmilla again. "You. No funny business. If I even catch a whiff of Laura descending into oblivion again, I will pull out every protective dad move in existence to make sure you regret it. Again, no offense."
"Yes, sir," Carmilla bowed her head, not meeting his eyes.
"Right. I'll be downstairs in my office if you need me," he stated.
"Thanks, dad," Laura gave him a meek smile. He looked between the two of them cautiously before turning and heading down the stairs. Laura felt some of the tension leave her body. "God, after I told him you were coming over to talk because I agreed to your mom's offer… I just didn't think he'd give in so easily."
"You're an adult. He knows that," Carmilla muttered, still not lifting her head.
"I know. This is just the same guy who has bear spray for every day of the week," Laura shook her head. "Uh, sorry about him being all… judge-y, I guess."
Carmilla was silent for a moment, and Laura worried that she'd have to sit through another awkward silence. Luckily, Carmilla spoke up.
"Is what he said true?" she asked quietly. Laura blinked, confused.
"That he doesn't trust you? Oh yeah. My dad doesn't trust most people, actually," Laura pondered.
"Not that," Carmilla said. "I mean the last thing he said. Descending into oblivion again? What does that mean?"
Laura froze.
"Oh, you know. My dad. He likes to inflate. Descending into oblivion is a little harsh. That makes it sound like I sank into a hell dimension and obviously that didn't happen, because those don't exist. No matter what LaF says," Laura rambled.
"Laura," Carmilla sighed. "I get you being angry at me, but I keep getting the hint that you were more than just angry at one point. In my Mother's office, you said I drove you to the brink of your sanity, or something like that. And now what your dad just said? It sounds like…"
"Like what, Carmilla?" Laura scowled. "It's nothing. Just two Hollis' exaggerating."
Carmilla nodded slowly, looking up at Laura. "You don't have to tell me what you went through," she paused for a moment, then spoke in a soft voice, "but I would like to know."
Laura's whole body tensed.
"Fine, it you must know, there was a period of time where I struggled a bit with what you did," Laura admitted. "There, now you know."
Carmilla stayed silent. Her hair hid most of her face. It was hard to get a good read.
"Does this come as a shock or something?" Laura inquired. Carmilla cleared her throat.
"Maybe I just never imagined my actions would have such an impact. Or me in general," Carmilla mumbled.
"Of course you did," Laura gaped, and their eyes met for a long moment. Laura's chest tightened. "The fact that you never even recognized what you did to me just shows how monstrously out of line you are."
"Laura, I-"
"Don't," Laura stopped her. "Let's just set our guidelines so we can get all this over with and then go back to our separate lives."
Carmilla's mouth opened, but she seemed to think against it and swallowed hard, nodding.
"Yeah, sure. Whatever you need."
"Great," Laura muttered. "We don't have to see each other outside of the designated events your mom chooses for us. We just have to appear together, be all smiley and happy, probably tell people how we met – we can just use the story of how we actually met, since we did date. We'll just leave out the break up. Otherwise, that's it. We don't have to be overly lovey or touchy or anything. Definitely no kissing. In an emergency we can hold hands but only for the duration of the emergency."
"Sure," Carmilla breathed out.
"And, for the love of god, I don't want to drudge up the past. I think that'll be better for the both of us," Laura concluded. Carmilla looked at her, like she was trying to solve a puzzle. She seemed so small in that moment. Laura wasn't used to that. She was used to Carmilla taking up a lot of space.
"If you feel that's best," Carmilla conceded.
Laura tried her best not to think about what Carmilla had said that drunken night.
I don't think you'll want to talk when you're sober
Whatever. She didn't have to go back there if she didn't want to.
"Anything you wish to add?" Laura inquired. Carmilla's brow furrowed while she thought about it.
"I suppose you covered it. I'll just follow your lead," Carmilla stated.
"Glad we're on the same page, then," Laura nodded.
The awkward silence returned.
They were about to have a really tense marriage.
The "news" broke the next morning. Laura first took note that it was Morgan Industries' press team that lead the story. Probably so that Lilita could spin it exactly the way she wanted to and any other media would base their information off hers. After all, Morgan Industries was always a credible source, was it not?
Soon news of Laura and Carmilla's marriage was all over social media, if you knew where to look. It was still confined to more LGBTQ+ intensive outlets, but it was there. There were even some pictures from the alter that Laura had received through email floating around. At least they were the nicer, more flattering ones that Lilita had picked out. Laura hoped Lilita had gone to the chapel directly and didn't just hack her email for the pictures, but it was hard to tell just the kind of power Lilita really held.
Massive media mogul's daughter, noted for being at the forefront of Morgan Industries' LGBT advocacy after coming out, has finally gotten hitched to some girl she apparently went to school with named Laura. Overcome with the desire to be together forever, they just couldn't wait to plan a wedding and instead decided to get married as soon as possible. Thanks to their deep and unwavering true love.
Laura was paraphrasing what she was reading, but that's basically what everything said. It made Laura red reading everything about her faux love life – her marriage. It wasn't what Laura had wanted to feel when she read about people talking about her one day being in wedlock. She had wanted a bashful but grateful embarrassment, not an angry pit that made her want to crawl under a rock forever. She certainly didn't picture the internet to be the one giving her this much attention.
Her poor dad had been getting phone calls all day.
To Lilita's credit, she was correct about one thing. Carmilla's visibility really did make them some sort of weird symbol for gay marriage. That fact annoyed Laura endlessly. Why focus on them when Ellen and Portia existed?
But she chose this path, and she found herself walking up to Lilita's office after she had summoned Laura and Carmilla. They had their first public appearance to prepare for.
"There's my daughter-in-law," Lilita formed a tight grin when Laura entered her office.
Laura really wished their parents would stop using that label for them.
"Hello, Ms. Morgan," Laura puffed up. "I'm here to be your puppet."
Lilita's smile cracked a little like ice under intense pressure, and she stepped out from behind her desk.
"Hmm, yes. Well, it is a pleasure to know you had a change of heart. Perhaps you'll make it as a journalist after all," Lilita sniffed, her nose upturned as if making sure she was always on a higher level. Laura glared at her.
"Perhaps I'll make it as a journalist because I'm following my heart on something, not because I'm getting into people's good graces," Laura huffed. Lilita tilted her head and looked at Laura with something resembling pity, which made Laura's blood boil.
"Quite. And remind me again what exactly spurred this change of heart? Did it really have nothing to do with my influence? Perhaps you found the chance of putting your name out there too enticing to ignore," Lilita clicked her tongue.
"I don't need your help. Not with anything," Laura glowered.
"Then perhaps it was the promise that I would ruin you. Don't feel ashamed. It's important to learn to take my threats seriously," Lilita smirked.
"Oh please. I'm sure your mind is very cluttered being a CEO and all but I don't think you'd forget that I'm doing you the favour here. You may think you have the reins but believe me, I call the shots. I can pull out of this arrangement any time and leave you floundering so don't underestimate me," Laura threatened, a little bit of smugness behind her words. "Who's journalist material now? Maybe even CEO material."
Lilita's eyes widened for only just a moment.
"Well, you have some nerve-"
"If you two are going to murder each other, let me know so I can just leave. It'll get me out of wearing a dress," Carmilla chimed in from a large leather chair in the corner. Laura hadn't even noticed her.
Lilita smoothed down the front of her own dress, turning to Carmilla.
"Well, darling, if you would prefer a pantsuit, I could have one tailored and delivered here at the snap of my fingers. After all, part of a woman's power comes not from what she wears, but how she wears it," Lilita declared.
"How progressive of you," Laura muttered. Lilita turned to her.
"My business is labeled one of the most progressive enterprises in the world, after all. Both socially and economically," Lilita said with a smug look.
"In that case, just get me a garbage bag. I do like to wear black, after all," Carmilla smirked.
"I'll take a cardboard box, while you're at it. Maybe some straps for suspenders," Laura added. Lilita looked between them and rolled her eyes to the extent that her head slightly rolled with them.
"If ganging up on me is what makes you tolerate each other for long enough, then so be it," Lilita huffed. "Regardless, I wish to brief the both of you on the proceedings this evening. If you're living under a rock, then you might not have noticed the New York Media Festival is going on this week. Morgan Industries is participating in part of their Tech-Crawl – a silly concept but important for visibility with not only other industry members but also consumers."
"And you want us to be present in your little display as part of your trophies to show off the extent of your influence," Carmilla yawned. The corner of Lilita's mouth twitched.
"Well, it seems appropriate that the subjects of our current breaking news story should be up front and centre at our open house, don't you think?" Lilita inquired.
"So we're just a product for you to advertise," Laura concluded, glaring.
"That is what you signed up for, dear," Lilita quipped. "Other press outlets will be here of course, so all you two have to do is make yourselves present and available. Give each other soap-opera-level longing glances. Make it sweet enough to rot the teeth of every media manager and cheesy enough to clog the arteries of every reporter."
"Oh, now this feels romantic," Laura rolled her eyes.
"I assume you two can pull from your history somehow to put on a good show," Lilita smirked. "All that's left is looking presentable. I've organized for some of the best stylists in the city to make you look absolutely glowing in love. Make sure they don't catch on to the ruse – that's important to know when interacting with anyone. Only trust those closest to you, and sometimes not even those closest to you."
"The least amount of people who know about the mess we're in, the better," Laura groaned.
"Excellent. Now, I must be prepared to greet the… crawlers. I'll send for the pantsuit. Lara-"
"Laura," both Carmilla and Laura interjected.
"-I'll assume the outfit you brought is at least half-way decent," Lilita sneered at Laura. Laura puffed up.
"Mother, it's fine. Laura can pull off anything," Carmilla muttered, her nose suddenly in a magazine.
Laura was caught off guard at the statement. She felt a bit of heat in her cheeks.
"Hm. We'll see," Lilita looked Laura up and down. Laura could've sworn Lilita had x-ray eyes. It made her uncomfortable, but she wasn't about to quiver in her presence.
"Is that all?" Laura grumbled.
"For now," Lilita clicked her tongue. "I expect the best behaviour possible. I'll see you later down at the event." Lilita turned toward the door and stopped right beside Laura, lowering her voice. "Oh, and before I go. Just to be quite clear, you may threaten to leave this operation, but I know your type. You said you followed your heart, so I know you won't bow out now. Your convictions are too strong. So, no, you don't hold the reins. Nice try, though."
She sauntered out of the room, the sound of her clicking heels on the marble floor following her. Laura clenched her fists at her sides, the dress she brought firmly tucked under her arm.
"Is she always so… pleasant?" Laura huffed.
"She's actually in a good mood today, if you can believe it," Carmilla stated, nose still in the magazine.
"Shocking," Laura sighed. "At least she seemed to be nice to you."
Carmilla gave a shrug. "She likes when I'm compliant."
"Clearly, considering she was ready to ruin your life yesterday," Laura recalled darkly.
"That's just how she is. She only expresses fondness when she can get something out of it. I'm convinced she wouldn't have taken my coming out as well as she did if she hadn't figured out a way to exploit it," Carmilla mumbled.
"Yeah. I um, I remember you telling me about that once," Laura nodded. Carmilla looked up at her and Laura flinched.
Damn, she was already breaking her own rule not to drudge up the past. Carmilla tilted her head, and there was something tender in her eyes that made Laura wish Lilita's x-ray eyes were back instead.
"You sure you're up for this? You really can back out, if you want to," Carmilla offered. Laura shook her head.
"No, I've committed. What about you?" Laura questioned. Carmilla turned back to the magazine.
"I'm sure I'll conjure up enough energy somehow," she drawled. Laura snorted.
"It's just a few hours anyway. What could go wrong?"
Laura didn't usually wear a lot of make-up. Maybe some foundation and mascara, concealer if she was feeling wild, but that was about it. So there was something odd about sitting in a chair in Lilita Morgan's office with her eyes closed while a bunch of strangers stuck brushes all over her face and teased at her hair.
It wouldn't be so bad if they stopped making comments about how flat her hair was and how large her pores were.
"You look like you're having fun," Carmilla's voice came from somewhere in front of Laura.
"So much. Now I know how a canvas feels. Did you get your custom made suit?" Laura sighed.
"Not custom made, which Mother will be furious about, but I'm not sure what she expected when she only gave the tailor an hour notice," Carmilla muttered. "Fits well enough."
Laura's curiosity got the better of her and she brushed the hands away from her face so she could open her eyes.
Carmilla was standing there in a dark, very slim fitted suit, the jacket embroidered with the subtle design of vines and leaves hugging at her waist. A tie hung loosely around her neck, not even fully knotted.
She looked gorgeous. Not that Laura cared.
The fact she had lost the ability to speak was completely unrelated.
"I think it works. What do you think?" Carmilla questioned.
"Oh, um," Laura stammered. Get it together, Hollis. "It's great. Sure. Fine. You look fine."
"Hmm," Carmilla mused, looking down at herself. "I'm not sure. If I like the jacket on," Carmilla popped a button, sliding the jacket off and tossing it over her shoulder casually, "or jacket off."
Jesus Christ.
"Uhh," Laura's brain stalled, looking at the white shirt cling to Carmilla's skin, framed by the suspenders across her chest, sleeves rolled halfway up her arms.
Carmilla smirked.
"Yeah. Jacket off. It was a bit too flashy for my tastes, anyway," Carmilla decided, tossing the jacket onto a nearby chair.
Laura's brain kicked into gear as she realized her mouth was hanging open. What was she doing gawking over Carmilla? Sure, she was an absolute knock-out and… her figure brought back a lot of memories…
No. Stop.
Laura cleared her throat. "Yeah, I guess that'll do," Laura mumbled.
"Shall we do your make up too, Ms Karnstein? Oh, or is it Hollis?" one of the make-up ladies asked.
"Just Carmilla. And I'm good, thanks," Carmilla waved them off.
"Oh, but that's a lot of eye-liner and just a bit of contouring would really bring out your cheek bones-"
"I'm fine," Carmilla glared. "Laura looks fine, too. Laura, what do you think?"
"Oh god, yes. Please get me out of this hell," Laura groaned as another brush dabbed against her face.
"But we have so much more work to do…" one of the ladies trailed off. Laura glowered at her.
"She looks radiant. I'll make sure Mother gives you a large tip," Carmilla sighed, reaching out her hand for Laura to take. Laura looked at the outstretched hand and over Carmilla's attire one more time.
Why did she have to look like that? It should be illegal.
Laura took Carmilla's hand and her dress flurried around her knees. Carmilla paused and looked over Laura as well, their eyes meeting at the top. Carmilla's cheeks were pink.
"Well, um," Carmilla started, stepping back and releasing Laura's hand. "Mother will be pleased."
"Oh. Yeah. You- your mom will be pleased too. About you. You look good," Laura's own cheeks burned with a blush.
"Ah, young love," one of the make-up ladies swooned. Laura whipped her head towards the woman, ready to correct her, but she stopped herself. They had to keep up the ruse.
Something about that woman calling it as such bothered Laura, however. She wasn't even trying to act in that moment. Why would she say young love? She wasn't in love. Just because Carmilla wore a suit really well-
"Excuse me," a head of a young blonde woman popped in the doorway. Laura recognized her and Lilita's receptionist. "Ms Morgan requests that the newlyweds make their entrance now."
Laura looked at Carmilla, a sudden nervousness filling her. Now she would have to be acting to all those important people. With Carmilla. Who was still looking really good.
Carmilla seemed to notice Laura tense and gave her a soft look. She walked over to Laura, offering her arm and lowering her voice. "Don't worry. It's just as easy as standing next to each other. I'll be with you every step of the way."
That's partially what Laura was worried about.
She stiffly took Carmilla's arm, and Carmilla started to lead them out of the room. It had really been the closest Laura had been to Carmilla since the wedding night. Hell, it had been the first time they touched each other since the wedding night. Carmilla's arm still had the softness that Laura remembered.
Laura wondered what the frilly hell was wrong with her. Why was her stomach in knots? What was she suddenly all sweaty? It had to be nerves. Sure, Carmilla was an attractive woman, but she was still Carmilla. Laura couldn't even fathom having residual feelings.
Then again, it had been a while since Laura had been with anyone. Maybe Carmilla was offering some form of human contact that Laura didn't know she had been craving. Maybe that's all it was. And that could be dangerous.
There was no way Laura would let herself fall again.
"Laura. Loosen up," Carmilla muttered to her as they rode down the elevator.
"Wh- what?" Laura stammered, being broken out of her brain tangent.
"It's like being attached to a statue," Carmilla said.
"You're a statue," Laura snapped back. Carmilla blinked at her.
"Laura, are you-"
"I'm fine," Laura mumbled. "Let's just do this."
Carmilla stared at her for a moment and nodded slowly as the elevator dinged, letting them off at the top of the stairs in the lobby.
Laura and Carmilla walked out to see a sprawl of people, and booths littering the floor showcasing Morgan Industries' various functions and hallmarks. Laura was surprised there wasn't a specific booth set up for them. She noticed a few people on the floor turning their heads to look at them, even snapping pictures.
"Now what do we do?" Laura whispered.
"Find my Mother, probably. She'll most likely wish to trot us out like a show pony," Carmilla replied.
"Great," Laura grumbled. "Where are we going to find her in this crowd?"
They didn't have to look far.
"Big smiles, dear," Lilita appeared beside them like she had poofed into existence. "When you're a journalist, you need to know when to smile even when you're not the focus of the story. People are much more persuaded to talk to someone with a welcoming demeanor, and you're supposed to be in love. You look miserable."
"Thanks," Laura growled, but she slapped on a smile anyway. She neglected to mention that Lilita's smile always looked painted on.
"Excellent. Now, look in love. Your first interview is about to get under way," Lilita ordered.
"Our first what?" Laura staggered as Lilita ushered a woman around Laura's age over.
"Ladies, this is Melancholy Callis, an editor for OUT Magazine," Lilita introduced.
"Um, Melanippe. You may call me Mel," she outstretched her hand.
Laura froze. An editor for OUT Magazine is interviewing her. Well, under false pretenses, but it was still huge. OUT had been something Laura had been eyeing for a long time. It could make a great connection.
Carmilla, noticing Laura's brain stalling, shook Mel's hand first.
"Pleasure," Carmilla gave a small smile.
"Oh, yeah, really nice to meet you," Laura also shook her hand, her smile maybe a little too large at that point. Maybe that was why she never did more than grunt work at the office.
"The pleasure is all mine. I've been dying to get a few words from the two of you ever since the news broke. What a love story you two must have. Is it really true you eloped in Vegas because you just couldn't wait?" Mel inquired.
"It's true. I just couldn't wait to put a ring on it, as they say," Carmilla stated, giving Laura a smile. Laura giggled awkwardly, but Mel seemed to ignore it.
"Wow, so I notice you're here instead of the honeymoon. Any plans for that?" Mel asked.
"Well it was just so sudden, we didn't have a time to plan out a trip," Carmilla answered, still looking at Laura. "Babe, you were saying you might want to go to New Orleans?"
A shiver went down Laura's spine for several reasons she chose to not acknowledge.
"Oh right. I love a good jazz band. Ha!" Laura did a little hop into a jazzhand state, and Mel raised her eyebrow. Laura immediately reserved herself. "Sorry, just, post-wedding jitters!"
"Really? Are you having any second thoughts about the sudden wedding?" Mel questioned. Laura sucked in a breath.
"No. No, no, no. No looking back or regrets here. I just-" Laura landed a soft punch on Carmilla's shoulder, "-love this one so much. How could I ever regret any second I ever spent with her?"
Laura's smile was tight when she looked at Carmilla, whose smile faltered slightly. Mel looked between the two, perplexed.
"Okay… well how are you two doing in the spotlight with all this? Has it made any strain on your relationship?" Mel continued. Laura took a deep breath. She could answer this one like a normal human.
"Honestly, it's a bit overwhelming. Both Carmilla and I have always been private people so I guess it's a little awkward," Laura replied honestly. Lilita jumped in at that moment.
"But of course, they're so caught up in each other it's hard to even notice all the extra attention, right?" Lilita goaded. "Plus being a couple that other young LGBT couples thinking of getting married can look up to is such an honour to the both of them."
"Absolutely," Carmilla nodded.
"Interesting. This leads me into my next question. Would you recommend this kind of marriage to anyone thinking of getting married?" Mel asked.
"Well, sure, if that's what they want. Anyone wanting to get married are allowed to get married any way they want. As long as they want it," Laura emphasised. Lilita eyed Laura cautiously and Laura shot her back a smug look. Yeah, she would get her own say in there if it killed her.
"That's a very lovely sentiment," Mel jotted down a few notes. "Finally, how do you think this marriage will interfere with your blog, Carmilla?"
"Her blog?" Laura blinked. Lilita and Carmilla stiffened while Mel's brow furrowed.
"Her blog. As in, her travel blog? How do you not know what your wife does for a living?" Mel inquired.
Laura's mouth hung open. She had no idea what Carmilla did. She never asked, never even thought about it.
"Oh, sorry. That's just a running joke between us," Laura elbowed Carmilla's gently. "Because we're together so often it's almost like she never goes anywhere, you know?"
Carmilla let out an awkward laugh to mix with Laura's. Mel looked skeptical but shrugged it off.
"So I assume it's not too much of a change to anything?" Mel questioned.
"No. I'll still travel and write about it. There won't be much of a change since we worked out a pretty good system when we were dating. Skype, and all that. We were never apart for long," Carmilla answered, and Laura could've sworn she saw Carmilla flinch at the last part.
"Perfect. Maybe we'll see a piece on New Orleans soon. Well, you two really do seem to have it figured out, don't you?" Mel said, still giving Laura a questioning glance. "Just one more thing, if you wouldn't mind posing for a picture?"
"Oh, yeah, sure," Laura said, stepping closer to Carmilla.
"Hey now, you can give me more than that. Where's the closeness we saw in those wedding photos? I just want something similar to display this kind of love for my piece in the magazine," Mel urged.
Carmilla looked at Laura and rocked on her heels for a moment, looking uneasy about what she should do. Laura took a deep breath, putting her arms around Carmilla's waist and popping her foot up dramatically like a cheesy poster for a high school dance. Carmilla slowly but surely placed her arm around Laura's shoulder, and they both gave a smile.
It all felt way too familiar. Like a form of comfort Laura had let herself forget.
Her chest ached.
"Much better," Mel stated, snapping a photo. "It was really great talking to you. Hopefully we can chat again soon?"
"I'm certain they'd be delighted. Be sure to let your boss know I'd love to have a conversation with him over coffee sometime soon," Lilita announced.
"I will. Thank you for this opportunity, ma'am," Mel gave Lilita what seemed to be a firm handshake before skittering off into the crowd. Laura jumped away from Carmilla like she had been shocked and Lilita turned to glare at them.
"That… was pathetic," Lilita scoffed. "It was hard to believe you had even dated at any point in your lives. You didn't even know what your wife does for a living."
"I thought I covered that up well enough!" Laura argued before turning to Carmilla. "But yeah, I had no idea you… I mean, that's so great for you. I remember you talking about your love of travelling a lot."
"Yeah, I- I wanted to do something I loved outside of my Mother's name, you know?" Carmilla shifted. "Sometimes it's nice to… get away."
"I guess so," Laura muttered, staring Carmilla down.
"See, this. Do more of this," Lilita gestured between the two of them. "This kind of passion. Keep it up for the rest of the evening, if you please. We have plenty more to visit with and I won't have you embarrassing me. Now, follow me."
Lilita turned on her heel and stalked away. Laura let out a sigh, moving her foot to follow suit, but Carmilla's hand on her arm stopped her.
"Hey, was calling you babe too much?" Carmilla asked. Laura turned to her, surprised.
"What?" Laura gaped.
"You froze up when I said that. I was… trying to play the part, but I know you don't want any nicknames. I just want to know if I crossed a line so I don't cross it in the future," Carmilla explained softly. "If we're going to be in this situation, I'd like us to at least communicate."
Laura looked at Carmilla, observing her soft yet sharp features. It looked like Carmilla really cared. The way she was looking at Laura made Laura's stomach do all sorts of flips.
Dammit. How dare she be all sweet and everything.
"Communication. Huh," Laura glowered, pulling her arm away. "It's fine. Just don't use pet names outside of this scenario."
"Got it," Carmilla nodded with a slight frown, following Laura as they headed off after Lilita.
Laura couldn't help but think she should've said no, but there was almost this sick part of her that enjoyed hearing Carmilla calling her babe again, if only for a moment.
All the more reason she should've said no.
As the evening dragged on, Laura got a little better at talking to people.
Yes, they had been seeing each other for six years.
No, they hadn't told their parents they were eloping.
Yes, Laura's dad was very supportive, as he understood the love that blossomed between them.
Yes, they had decided to keep the same last names.
No, there were no regrets.
Absolutely no regrets.
It became almost mechanical to bullshit the answers. Laura wondered if she was putting any emotions behind her words at all, but she was trying to hard to quell the ache in her chest.
The worst part were the pictures. When Laura had to pose in Carmilla's arms the same way she used to rest in them so long ago, the ache was so hard to ignore.
"Give us a kiss, then," the photographer shouted out to them. Laura and Carmilla tensed, both knowing that was where one of their boundaries were set.
"Um, I'm not really big on PDA…" Laura tried to wiggle out of the demand.
"Oh, c'mon now. You're married, aren't ya? Just a kiss for the readers," the photographer retaliated, holding his camera up and ready.
"Okay buddy, she said she wasn't comfortable," Carmilla glared. The photographer lowered his camera, looking perplexed.
"I ain't asking ya to shag for the camera or nothing. Do ya not kiss or something? Are you one of them couples?" he interrogated. Laura and Carmilla looked over his shoulder at Lilita, who gave them a stern nod.
God dammit.
"Oh, whatever," Laura huffed, grabbing Carmilla stiffly and pressing her lips to hers.
They just needed a quick kiss.
Laura heard the click of the camera and everything.
They could stop now.
Why was she still kissing Carmilla?
It was still so familiar. Laura felt something flood her chest, like the warmth of a flame. It was like she was inhaling fire. It felt so right.
Her throat tightened and there was a sting behind her eyes. She pushed away from Carmilla suddenly, that ache in her chest practically bursting. Laura hated that she craved the touch of Carmilla's lips again.
It shouldn't be like that. Not after what Carmilla did. Laura was stronger than that. She had to be.
The photographer whistling broke Laura out of the daze she was in. Carmilla was teetering on the spot.
"Hey now, see? That weren't so hard, were it? You gave me more than I bargained for with that, let me tell ya," the photographer cheered. Everybody around them seemed to stare at them in awe after the display. Laura looked at Lilita, expecting her to look pleased. Instead, she looked perplexed.
Laura took a deep breath, backing away from the crowd.
"I um… I need a bathroom break," Laura squeaked, turning and fleeing the scene.
She rushed into one of the gender-neutral bathrooms provided on the lobby floor and was pleased to see she was the only one in there. She rested her hands against the counter in front of one of the sinks, breathing deeply.
Why was is so hard to be around Carmilla like this? It should be so easy. It was just a kiss. Why did it make her feel like her ribcage was concaving?
She just had to hate Carmilla so much. That's the only thing that made sense. Carmilla just made her sick. It couldn't be anything but that. She wouldn't allow herself to go back there.
She hated Carmilla.
But then why was she so sweet? Why was Carmilla not matching up to all the thoughts and beliefs she had about her?
It just didn't make sense.
"Laura," Carmilla's voice broke through Laura's thoughts.
"What?" Laura snapped, not looking away from the sink. Was she going to throw up? She was probably going to throw up.
Carmilla paused, seeming unsure how to proceed.
"I think we should talk," Carmilla said slowly. "I know it's against the rules but, this seems to be too much for you and I don't know what to do-"
"I'm fine," Laura growled.
"You're clearly not," Carmilla gestured to her. "Laura, what did I do to you four years ago?"
"You're still asking that?" Laura gaped, finally turning to look at Laura. "You're still seriously wondering what you did to me?"
Carmilla paused again. She looked pale, almost weak.
"Laura, I'm sorr-"
"No, you don't get to do that," Laura stopped her. "You don't get to apologize four years later. You want to know why I never contacted you? Because part of me was always waiting for you to apologize first. For you to give me an explanation for what you did. You don't get to do that now to make yourself feel better."
Carmilla looked limp, tears in her eyes as she searched Laura's features. She took a deep breath.
"Can we please at least talk about it?" Carmilla questioned. "I'm not- Laura, I'm not the same person I was back then."
"That just seems like another way to make yourself feel better," Laura muttered. "I'm not going back there. That kiss was enough crossing boundaries for one night."
Carmilla shook her head, her fists shaking at her sides.
"We're never going to move past this if-"
"Maybe I don't want to," Laura glared. "Do you think we'll be friends after all this?"
Carmilla stayed silent for a moment, the only sound being the faint music flooding in from the expo and the drip of a leaky faucet.
"I guess I was hopeful," Carmilla whispered. "I guess I don't deserve it."
It was about six more drips of the leaky faucet before Laura spoke again.
"I find it ironic you're all about the open communication now," Laura grumbled.
"I told you, I'm different now," Carmilla huffed.
"Then why didn't I ever get my apology?" Laura questioned.
"I didn't think you wanted to hear from me," Carmilla croaked.
"And I figured you didn't want to hear from me," Laura retorted. "Why would you have?"
"That's not true, Laura. I never stopped wanting to hear from you. I never stopped missing you-"
"You broke up with me," Laura cut in. "Don't you dare say those things. You made the choice, Carmilla."
"And was it the wrong one?" Carmilla threw back. There was frustration behind her words, but also a morbid curiosity. It was like she was dangling over an edge.
Eleven leaky faucet drips passed.
"No," Laura's voice quavered. "I was better off without you."
Carmilla closed her eyes tight, a single tear rolling down her cheek.
"Glad we're in agreement," Carmilla mumbled.
"Guess you had nothing to apologize for," Laura nodded slowly. "So that settles that."
Why was her chest still bursting?
"Are you two quite finished?" Lilita's voice flooded from the entrance to the bathroom. "I've had to deter people from entering. Do you know how embarrassing it is to tell people that a Morgan Industries bathroom is out of order? I had one request of you."
Carmilla turned to her, blowing out a breath. "Sorry, Mother."
"You had better be. Now, clean yourselves up. Don't act like you just had a lovers' quarrel. You're supposed to be quite unconditionally in love, after all. There is still much of the night left," Lilita huffed, turning on her heel once again to exit the bathroom.
Laura sighed, wiping the stray tear resting on her cheek that had escaped. She slowly walked over to Carmilla, her chest still heavy.
"Do you feel better now that we've talked?" Laura questioned. When Carmilla stayed still and silent, Laura shook her head and walked on by.
But she still heard Carmilla's answer just before she got out of ear shot.
"No."
The next day, Laura and Carmilla were staring at a tablet Lilita had pushed toward them on her desk.
"I hope you two are pleased with yourselves," Lilita sneered. "Carmilla, may you please read what that article says?"
Carmilla cleared her throat. "Lilita Morgan's newest pin up story made its public debut last night at the NYME Tech-Crawl in the form of her daughter, Carmilla Karnstein, and her newlywed wife, Laura Hollis. After the story broke of their union yesterday, there was much anticipation for an adorable and 'awh'-inspiring display between the two same-gendered lovebirds. Instead what we got was a performance that seemed robotic and artificial-"
"Robotic and artificial," Lilita shrilled. "And I don't blame them. I would have written the same thing after seeing you two last night. It was monumentally horrid. The pictures look like you're both in physical pain- especially the kissing shot. Now all these media outlets are debating if you're just a PR stunt."
"Aren't we?" Laura rolled her eyes. "Sorry, but what do you expect from two people who never meant to get married while sober-"
"It's a thing called acting," Lilita stood, looking furious. "People act in love all the time. Do you really think anyone would actually believe someone who looks like Emma Watson would go for a lump like that weasel man? No. But they act like it anyway because a script told them to."
"Did you just reference Harry Potter?" Laura gaped. Lilita ignored her.
"Fine. We'll do better next time," Carmilla muttered.
"I'm sorry, but I just can't take your word on this one. I have a feeling we'll have to go for a more method approach," Lilita stated.
"What does that mean? How could we go more method? We're already actually married," Laura argued.
"Sure, physically. But you lack the emotional attachment – or at least aren't letting yourselves feel it. So, as proprietor of this 'PR stunt', I order the both of you to go on a date," Lilita announced.
"Excuse me?" Carmilla cocked her eyebrow. "That seems a little much."
"Why? Shouldn't married couples go on dates even after they're married? Apparently it's a sign of a long and lasting relationship. Our magazine once printed an article about it," Lilita explained. "All you two need to do is go out, have some fun, reconnect with one another. That way you might look somewhat natural next time for the camera, and maybe even know what the other is doing for a living."
"I didn't sign up for this," Laura complained.
"Do you wish to bow out then, Ms Hollis? Make good on your threat?" Lilita inquired. Laura said nothing, but her leer was intense. "As I thought. Carmilla?"
Carmilla ruffled the back of her hair, and her eyes seemed tired.
"If Laura's up for it," Carmilla mumbled.
"Fantastic," Lilita picked up the tablet and started tapping away. "To sweeten the deal, I'll make it all expenses paid. You can do whatever you want as long as it's together. Think of it as a mini vacation."
"This isn't my idea of a vacation," Laura glared.
"Then think of it as work," Lilita stated. "Now, get out of my office. I have other business to attend to and you have a rather large date night to plan."
"Joy," Carmilla drawled, turning away from the desk.
"And try not to bite each other's heads of in a bathroom this time, would you?" Lilita called after them as they went through the giant office doors.
"Your mom's a witch. If I didn't know any better, I'd think she was actually trying to set us up," Laura grumbled.
"I'm surprised you're going along with this," Carmilla mused. "You can still bow out, you know. You don't need to do me any favours."
"I'm doing this for myself. To clear my conscience of being the one to stupidly marry you," Laura said. "Whatever. Let's just try to have fun with your mom's credit card. At least we can get back at her that way."
"Alright. If you're sure," Carmilla sighed.
"It's not like it matters anyway. We're not going to be friends after all this, right? So no pressure," Laura declared. Carmilla looked down, nodding slowly.
"Yeah. Right."
Author's Note: So YEAH. Things spicing up? Things getting more complicated? Was this all over the place? Maybe. Hope you're enjoying the tropes, regardless!