Disclaimer: Know who should own Carmilla? Sophia Walker. If you watched her periscope interview, you'd understand.
"Danny?" Laura stands up, still shaky from her earlier fit of terror. Danny smiles kindly.
"Hey Hollis. You look a lot more alive than the last time I saw you." Danny nods. Laura takes a step forward, but Carmilla jumps up and puts an arm in front of her.
"Keep your distance." Carmilla warns. Danny's eyes flash dangerously for a moment.
"Being a little overprotective there, aren't you?" Danny jeers.
"Maybe I'm protecting you from her. She has punched a vampire in the throat without hesitating before, after all." Carmilla chuckles. "In any case, I'd rather avoid the commotion that would take place as soon as you lose all your control and go for her throat."
"I wouldn't hurt her. I haven't killed a single human in the past three years. Can you say the same?" Danny challenges, and Carmilla scowls.
"Stop trying to act all noble. You're just a newborn monster without a leash with Mother gone. It's only a matter of time before you snap." Carmilla glowers.
"You act as if having the leash gone is a negative thing. Without it, I'm free." Danny interjects.
"And without the control of your loyalty to a sire!" Carmilla growls.
"I never had any willing loyalty to that woman." Danny mutters darkly.
"None of us did." Carmilla replies, causing Danny to release a sharp laugh.
"That's rich, coming from someone who still refers to her as Mother." Danny seethes. Carmilla takes an aggressive step forward.
"Hey, if you guys could not kill each other, that'd be great. I'm still kind of happy that both of you are even alive at all at the moment, so I'd really appreciate you not going all epic vampire battle right now. Thanks." Laura sputters out.
"Well I can tell her animal is gone so it wouldn't be much of a fight anyway." Danny states.
"Not helping!" Laura berates.
"I still have centuries on you, fledgling. I could mop the floor with you like this whether you were in your animal form or not." Carmilla snaps.
"We'll see." Danny crosses her arms.
"Can you not? We're surrounded by puddles of dead bodies right now! People who had friends, families, hopes and dreams – and they're dead now because some organization decided to for whatever reason cause an Armageddon so I really think we have more important things to discuss!" Laura shouts, shaking a little. Both Danny and Carmilla visibly relax.
"Still the voice of reason, as always." Danny sighs.
"Yeah, unfortunately, since it seems like none of my friends can stop fighting each other." Laura mutters, shaking her head. Carmilla's brow scrunches in concern, rubbing Laura's arm gently. For a moment, Laura thinks about just falling into Carmilla's arms. She's going through far too many overwhelming emotions right now. But instead, she shakes her head and turns back to Danny. "Look, I'm so happy to see you again. I really am. Especially… since you're not under the Dean's thrall anymore. It was hard to see you like that."
"I know. I'm really sorry for everything I did back then." Danny expresses.
"It wasn't your fault this happened to you." Laura gestures towards her. "And I need you to know that I'm not suspicious because of your past actions. But right now we're dealing with a lot of blind spots and… it's kind of concerning that you just happened to be here, where the blast went off, with some knowledge on the subject, apparently. How do you even know that it only affects humans?"
"I get it." Danny nods. "I've been looking into this for a long time, Laura. These blasts, they've been happening all over the world for years now. They're usually written off as freak accidents – like a gas leak." Danny gives Laura a pointed look. "That's because everyone who tries to look into it ends up dead, or just disappears into thin air. That's why I've been looking into them. I've been caught in a few blasts, and that's when I realized it only affects humans. Don't believe me? There's your proof right there."
She points to Carmilla, who looks down at herself.
"I suppose I can count myself lucky." Carmilla shrugs.
"And so can Laura. I'm at least grateful your first instinct was to clasp your hand around that locket. That has Laura's heart in it, right? I can hear it." Danny looks to Laura. "Clever. I was wondering how you survived the ritual. And it's still a human part of you so who knows what would have happened if Drusilla's vamp hand hadn't protected it. Hell, who knows what would've happened to you if your whole body got caught in the blast."
Laura swallows hard. She knows what would happen to her. Limbo.
Carmilla takes Laura's hand.
"Well, that's some great information and all, but it still doesn't explain why you're here." Carmilla raises her eyebrow. Danny releases a frustrated sigh.
"As you know, Kirsch can be rather… persistent. I always thought he was like a big, dumb puppy. I'm even more convinced of that now with the way he tracks me down like a hound dog." Danny mutters. "He found me again very quickly even though I told him not to. I didn't want him to get involved… especially after I took his leg. I owe him nothing." She bites her lip. "But I'm glad he did find me, in a way. He told me he told you guys, and that you weren't going to help. That's when I knew I needed to come find you. I knew you'd end up mixed up in it eventually. I know you well enough by now, Hollis."
Danny and Laura share a smile for a moment, a sign of mutual understanding.
"Well… I'm glad you're here. We're kind of fumbling around in the dark. We need all the extra help we can get." Laura states, squeezing Carmilla's hand. "Right, Carm? We're going to be nice and work together."
"Hmm? Oh. Yeah. Sure." Carmilla mumbles.
"Great. So…" Danny shifts awkwardly. "Can I stay with you? I don't really have a place-"
"Not a chance in hell, stretch." Carmilla hisses. "You're still a loose cannon and you're going to need to prove yourself before I let you anywhere near Laura."
"Um, excuse me. I don't mean to butt in, but perhaps Miss. Lawrence could take up temporary residence within my domicile. I am a vampire after all, so it would be improbable that she would try to find sustenance from my blood. Plus, I, er, own a pullout couch."
The three of them turn to see LaF and J.P. had arrived at some point, with J.P. making the generous offer.
"Then that's settled." Laura grins. "Is Kirsch with you?"
"Not right now, no, but he's in the city. Of course. Literally a puppy that follows me everywhere." Danny rolls her eyes.
"So the gang's back together!" Laura exclaims.
"And now maybe we can get some new info." LaF suggests, looking at Danny. "What have you got?"
"I'm glad you asked." Danny beams. "Okay, so, I know this will be hard to believe, but the people behind this run an organization named Crypt-"
"We know." Carmilla groans. Danny blinks for a moment.
"Well, okay, but did you know they're really what are called 'Reapers'-"
"Yes." Everyone says in unison to Danny.
"Oh." Danny deflates. "Then I got nothing."
"Oh yeah, big help. Orange is the new useless." Carmilla quips, earning a glare from Danny.
"I… don't mean to break this up, but I'm almost certain that in any minute this place will be teeming with police – possibly military. It would be… rather wise not to be here when they arrive." J.P. points out.
"J.P. is right. We should break for now and maybe meet up again tomorrow. I've had far too much excitement for one day." Laura groans, leaning into Carmilla.
"Let's get you home, Cupcake." Carmilla smiles softly, shouldering most of Laura's weight.
As they all leave, LaF looks around cautiously.
"So, like, how morally ambiguous would it be of me to take a sample of some of the techno blood right now?" They question. "A lot? Not really? …It's for science!"
"I know you want us to get along, but I swear if she makes one more condescending comment towards me I'll ginger-snap her fingers off." Carmilla complains as her and Laura walk down the hallway to their apartment. Laura hasn't said a word since they started heading home, and Carmilla assumes it's because of her animosity towards Danny. "I try not to play into that vampire hierarchy bullshit, but for Xena I'm willing to play the age card. And I thought she was self-righteous as a human."
Laura again says nothing, unlocking their door. Carmilla sighs.
"Look, it's not like I'm actually going to fight her. I'll keep my claws clipped – for now. As long as she behaves. I hate babysitting, and I was never exactly Goliath's number one fan. I think I'm entitled to a little bitterness, am I not?" Carmilla questions as she follows Laura inside. Laura keeps up her silence, stoically closing the door behind them. "Laura-"
Carmilla's cut off by Laura gently pushing her against the wall, which is quickly followed up by Laura pressing her lips to Carmilla's. It's soft and sensual, holding a certain gravity that most of their casual kisses don't share. There's a bit of a tremble in Laura's lips.
They part, and Laura's eyes slowly open. Carmilla searches them, trying to map a way to Laura's thoughts.
"Cupcake?" Carmilla inquires tenderly.
"Don't- don't scare me like that again." Laura croaks, and Carmilla's eyes widen slightly in understanding.
"You're upset about the blast." Carmilla says slowly. Laura nods, tears starting to pool over the base of her eyes. "It's not like I planned to be caught in that, cutie."
"I know." Laura shudders. "But – damnit, I just, I didn't know if you were alive or dead, and, and I didn't know what I was going to do, and I never got a chance to fully process it because Danny showed up and now it's hitting me all at once and you're standing here and I see you but I'm still so scared – terrified and I… I…"
"Hey, hey, hey…" Carmilla caresses Laura's cheek soothingly. "I'm alright. Remember? Supernatural. The blast couldn't harm me."
"A technicality. You're alive on a technicality. You're not dead because technically you're not a human. Your soul wasn't consumed because technically you didn't use the Sword of Haster to kill something. The arrow technically didn't pierce your heart. Is our luck going to run out? Are we going to reach a point where you don't turn up safe and sound?" Laura whimpers, grasping at Carmilla's arms.
"That's a rather bleak outlook." Carmilla raises an eyebrow. "I can't even count how many times I should be dead by now. Technically, I should've been dead around 320 years ago. Technically, I am dead. And yet, here I am." Carmllia's arms find Laura's waist, pulling her close. "I already spend far too much time contemplating my entire existence. Perhaps for once we should just count our blessings and not delve too much into the 'what ifs'."
"You're probably right. But it's just… fresh, you know? I'm still pretty shaken, and I-" Laura bites her lip. "I can't lose you."
"I suppose it'd be hard to find someone else competent enough to look after your locket. Xena certainly wouldn't fit the bill." Carmilla quips.
"Shut up." Laura mutters, leaning her head into Carmilla's shoulder. "You know it's more than that."
"Yeah." Carmilla whispers. "I know. I'm trying to avoid the thought of what would have happened had you gone into that mall instead."
"About that…" Laura breathes, her fingers curling around to Carmilla's back. "This blast – if it's meant for just humans, Crypt is probably trying to create a world devoid of humanity and leaving it to the supernatural."
"I was thinking the same thing." Carmilla closes her eyes, hugging Laura tightly.
"Judging by the attack today, they're getting more powerful. If… if they succeed, or I do get caught in something-"
"Don't." Carmilla's voice quivers.
"Carm, listen, please." Laura begs. "If it happens, can you please destroy the locket? Or if my body is ever destroyed… crush my heart. Please, can you do that for me?"
"Laura." Carmilla's voice is sharp. "I can't even fathom that situation taking place. Don't make me think about it."
Laura pushes back slightly to see the pain in Carmilla's eyes. "I understand, I do… but this is the world we live in right now. I know I've already selfishly asked you to handle my heart before. I won't make you do it this time. It can be Mattie – god knows she'd do it happily. Just make sure it's destroyed. Don't let me waste away in limbo."
Carmilla gives Laura a long and hard look, her lips pressed tightly. When she finally opens her mouth, her teeth are grit fiercely and Laura swears she can see her fangs poking out.
"Should that ever come to pass, I promise. But I won't let it ever reach that point." Carmilla glowers.
"Carm…" Laura sighs.
"Listen. I didn't wait centuries for someone like you just to lose you so easily. If someone wants to take you away from me, they'll have to rip you from my cold, dead embrace." Carmilla mutters.
"You're already cold and dead, remember?" Laura points out.
"Then I suppose they'll never take you. Not as long as I hold on tight." Carmilla states, resting her forehead against Laura's. Laura closes her eyes.
"And I'll hold on just as tight." Laura promises. "I… I won't let anyone take you away from me, either. For as long as I exist."
"In that case, seems like neither of us have anything to worry about." Carmilla offers a small smile before kissing Laura softly.
"I love you, Carm." Laura breathes.
"Love you too, Cupcake." Carmilla expresses.
Laura collapses into Carmilla, the exhaustion of the day taking over. Every part of her right now just wants to revel in Carmilla and forget the rest of the world. Just for tonight.
"So… about that bath." Carmilla speaks, picking up on Laura's fatigue.
"Oh, holy hippogriff, I need one so much right now." Laura groans.
"Can I still join you?" Carmilla smirks.
"Honestly, you have no choice." Laura drags Carmilla from the wall, toward the bathroom where a Sakura bath bomb is waiting for them.
They leave a trail of carelessly discarded clothes in their wake.
The next day, they all decided that Laura and Carmilla's apartment was far more enticing than a sketchy café, so they were scheduled to meet there to decide their next move.
Unfortunately for Carmilla, that meant that she was charged with obtaining lunch for everyone for when they arrived.
"Ridiculous. Only three of us actually need human food. Why do I need to get an order for everyone?" Carmilla grumbles under her breath.
"I'm sorry?" The cashier gives Carmilla a confused look.
"I said I'll have 2 number 4's, a number 6 and a number 7, a number 8 with extra fries, a buffalo chicken salad and two zesty wraps." Carmilla lists off. She feels dirty just uttering the word zesty.
"And the drinks for the combos?" The cashier asks. Carmilla blinks.
"Oh, fuck, I don't know… whatever, they can just drink water from our tap." Carmilla huffs.
"So… no drinks?" The cashier inquires.
"Brilliant deduction. I can see why your college degree landed you here." Carmilla rolls her eyes. The cashier stares at her.
"O…kay." The cashier nods slowly. "Will that be cash or debit?"
Carmilla is beyond relieved when she leaves that grease-stained establishment with equally grease-stained paper bags.
And people think drinking blood is disgusting.
She tries to rush home because, as much as she knows Crypt has no reason to believe Laura is still alive, she hates leaving her home alone and vulnerable. Even if Laura has some Krav Maga abilities, Carmilla is only truly at peace when Laura's in her line of sight. Not just because of feeling an obligation to be Laura's protector, but because Laura has that calming effect on her. She's certain she wouldn't have snapped at the fast-food employee the way she had if Laura had been near.
Or maybe that's just because she knows Laura would have given her that disapproving look she hates she much had she overheard.
But if she's being honest, she does worry for Laura's safety most of all. She's loathe to compare herself to Danny, the queen of being overbearing, but she has to admit that Laura tends to get herself into a lot of trouble. She could be sticking a knife into an outlet trying to get it to work right now. Carmilla's head twinges at the thought.
Actually, it twinges a lot.
And it's getting worse.
"Oh no. No, no, no. Fuck off. No." Carmilla bends over, clenching her teeth as the pain overtakes her. The sensation is far too familiar.
The bags of food plop to the ground as Carmilla clutches her head, trying to contain whatever feels like it's crawling out of her skull right now. She dry heaves, the world spinning as she crumples onto the sidewalk.
"Miss? Miss, are you okay?"
Carmilla looks up, her version blurry, and sees the outline of an older man looking very concerned.
"You collapsed suddenly, and… do you need to go to the hospital?" The man asks.
"I'm fine." Carmilla growls, jumping up as the pounding in her head subsides. She looks around in a frenzy, but she can't see anyone suspicious. Certainly not a Reaper.
"Are you sure? Because it looked like you really hit your head-" The man continues.
"I'm fine." Carmilla snaps, grasping the bags of food and quickly stalking away. Whatever happened, she wasn't going to stick around and find out what it was.
"Oh, Miss! Sorry, you dropped something!" The man calls after her. She turns around, agitated until she see the paper in his hand. She snatches it away, looking at the writing. It's an address, followed by a neatly scrawled note.
If you want it back
Come meet us tonight
Carmilla's brow furrows, but then her eyes widen in horror as her reaches up to her chest. She nearly erupts into a scream at what she finds.
The locket's gone.
Author's Notes: I mean, it was bound to happen eventually.