A/N: Sorry for the delay...
Carmilla had never been nervous for a weigh-in before, and yet there she was, staring at her shaking hands and attempting, and failing miserably, to calm her nerves. She closed her eyes and tried to focus on her music, only opening them again when she felt Laura's hands on hers. She took out one of her headphones and met her eyes.
"Hey," Laura said softly from where she was kneeling in front of her.
"Hey," Carmilla replied with a small smile.
"You okay?" she asked, Carmilla shook her head, sighed and looked down again. "What's going on?" she asked as she lifted her chin with a finger. Carmilla shook her head again, she wasn't sure she could trust her voice. "You're worried about maybe having to take your shirt off for the weigh-ins?" she guessed and Carmilla could only sigh and nod. "Listen to me," Laura started firmly, "yes, someone should feel shame for the scars on your back," she said as she got closer, "but not you. You shouldn't be embarrassed by them because there are nothing more than a small part of who you are. A small part of what makes you, well, you," she smiled and kissed her softly. "And I love you," she said fiercely and sighed before continuing; "I get that you're afraid of the questions they might raise, I do, but isn't it time we start answering those questions? Or, at least, make people start thinking about asking them?"
"So what do you suggest?" Carmilla asked her, her voice steady as Laura's assurances had calmed her as only Laura seemed capable of.
"Well," she smiled and started unbuttoning her shirt, "swap shirts with me."
"Why?"
"It'll be faster to get on and off than your t-shirt," Laura offered.
"No," Carmilla said and placed her hands over Laura's to stop her, the younger woman's disappointment obvious, "if I'm going to do this, I'm going to act like it's no big deal to me," she smiled as Laura started doing her shirt up again. "And I'm going to take my time and make sure they're seen."
"Miss Karnstein?" one of the attendant's interrupted as he opened the door. "You're up in five."
"Thanks," she replied, stood and helped Laura back to her feet. She leaned their foreheads together and sighed. "I love you Laura and while I may have many uncertainties in my life," she leaned back to meet her eyes, "that isn't one of them."
Laura smiled, kissed her softly and then took her hand to lead her from the room.
"Lighten up," Laura hissed.
"What?"
"You're hurting my hand," she supplied.
"Sorry," she said as they came to a stop and waited for the announcer to introduce her. She went to let her hand go but Laura held on all the tighter. It wasn't her first weigh-in but it was the first that was complete with cameras, reporters and fans.
"Next up we have our co-main event," the announcer started. "In the Strawweight division we have Carmilla 'Karma' Karnstein fresh off her amazing flying elbow knockout," the crowd cheered as the big screen behind him showed her knockout of Danny in slow motion, "versus Rose 'Thug' Namajunas!" he finished and turned to the them, "Miss Karnstein, if you please?" he prompted as he motioned them forward.
Carmilla plastered the biggest smile she could on her face and waved to the crowd with her free hand as she and Laura took the stage. They stopped a few feet from the scale and turned to each other so that their sides were to the crowd. Carmilla slipped off her sandals and her jeans and handed them to Laura. She took a deep breath, pulled her t-shirt over her head and also handed it to Laura. There were a few appreciative wolf whistles as she walked to the scale in only her bikini, stepped up and watched the scale's numbers until it settled at one fifteen. It was only then that she heard the whispers behind her; the people on the stage must have noticed the scars covering her back. She held her arms up and flexed as the announcer read off her weight and the crowd starting cheering again, until that is, she stepped down and turned her back to them.
Those closest to the stage went silent immediately, while those behind them soon followed. She took her shirt from Laura and was about to slip it on when she heard one person clapping slowly followed by the chant of 'Karma'. She turned as another voice joined in, this one also familiar but female, and searched the crowd to locate it; a few rows from the front stood Danny and Dark, both of them smiling as those around them joined in their chant. She grinned and waved to them before motioning to the crowd to quieten so Rose could be introduced.
"Did you know they were going to do that?" she asked Laura quietly as Rose took the stage.
"I knew they were going to be here," she admitted and handed her back her jeans once she slipped her shirt back on, "but I didn't know they were going to do that," she nodded towards the scale.
Carmilla turned and saw Rose stepping down and walking over to her for their face off. She smiled as Rose walked over but then grew serious as she raised her fists in a fighting stance and met her eyes; there was a little confusion there but not a trace of fear or doubt. She couldn't help but smile as a quiet chant of 'Karma' began again. She laughed and shook her head as she grasped Rose's hand and pulled her close for a quick hug.
"Good luck tomorrow," Rose said as they stepped back.
"You too," she replied warmly before they both turned to face the crowd again to pose for more pictures. They made their way off the stage, Carmilla motioning Betty over. "Can you bring Dark and Danny to our room?" she asked. Betty nodded and returned to the weigh-ins to find them while Steven led them out of the hotel where the fights were being held to the one across the street where they were staying.
Carmilla leaned against the wall of the elevator, all the bravado she'd shown at the weigh-ins slipping away as she pulled Laura into her arms. "I'm so proud of you," Laura told her quietly and kissed her cheek.
"I'm a little proud of myself, to be honest," Carmilla admitted with a small laugh.
"As well you should be," Steven commented; "You made a huge statement without saying a word, a statement that is likely to scare the crap out of your stepmother."
"I realised Laura is right," Carmilla replied fondly as she stroked Laura's cheek, "and frankly I'm tired of hiding, and of running away from the truth when I'm not the one who should be afraid of it."
"Amen to that," Steven encouraged as he led them out of the elevator and to their room. He knocked and told Chico to stand down before opening the door. "What are you plans for the rest of the night?" he asked as he followed them inside.
"We won't be going out again, if that's what you're asking," Laura supplied.
"Good," he replied, "Dark mentioned he and Danny want to go to a show, and since I know you'd rather them not be alone, I'd feel more comfortable leaving you here with Betty if you're not going out."
"Why do you do that?" Carmilla asked as she walked over to the fridge to retrieve her after weigh-ins protein shake.
"Do what?" he asked in confusion as he leaned against the counter.
"You're very, I don't know, protective of her," she replied thoughtfully, "almost like you'd rather take the risk than let her do it."
"Well I would," he shrugged, "Wouldn't you do the same for Laura?" he countered.
"Point taken," she replied.
"It's not that I don't think she can't handle it," he clarified. "I wasn't kidding when I said she can easily kick my ass, but we both feel more comfortable with me taking the more high-risk assignments…"
"Because you can easily protect people just by virtue of your size?" Carmilla offered, "Both literally by throwing yourself in the way or by mere presence alone," she reasoned.
"Carm?" Laura interrupted, "Did you want to have something to eat?"
"After we visit with the Ds," she answered, laughing when Laura laughed. "That came out really wrong," she said as she pulled Laura close.
"I'll give you two some privacy," Steven offered before leaving.
"Thank you," Carmilla said softly as she studied Laura's eyes, "you know, for earlier?"
"You don't have to thank me," Laura assured her as she stroked her cheek with her thumb, "but you're welcome."
"I don't know what I'd do without you," Carmilla sighed, sadness causing a lump in her throat as she realised she would soon have to do just that. "Or how I'm going to manage without you for six weeks," she admitted sadly and sniffed.
"By remembering times like this?" Laura suggested and pulled her head down so she could kiss her forehead. "I know that's the only way I'm going to cope without you," she continued as she met her eyes, "by remembering the happy times."
"Is that why you want to stay at the gym?" Carmilla asked.
"Partially," Laura started and stepped back, "Carm, I'm not sure about the house," Laura faltered at the look of disappointment she was sure was on her face, "well, not that house anyway," she qualified and shrugged, "it's kind of…"
"Big and pretentious?" Carmilla offered with a chuckle. "I know," she conceded, "but the view is to die for."
"True," Laura said and took Carmilla in her arms again, "but I think, maybe, we should take a little more time and find something more our style," she smiled and kissed her, "and has a view."
"Maybe you can start looking while I'm…" Laura interrupted her with a kiss, "maybe narrow down the options?" she continued. "I'll give you signing authority in case you find something you really like?"
"You don't have to do that," Laura countered with an edge.
"Well, if you found something you like I wouldn't…" she trailed off at the odd look on Laura's face, "What?"
Laura sighed and took a deep breath as she looked down.
"Laura?" Carmilla prodded gently, "What's wrong?"
"Just stop," she said.
"Stop what?" Carmilla asked in confusion.
"I don't want you to go and you continuing to make plans for me to make sure I'm okay while you're gone is only making it worse," Laura said quickly and backed away from her, "Especially when I can't do anything to make sure you're okay," she admitted as she leaned against the opposite counter.
"But making sure you're okay makes me happy," Carmilla countered gently.
"Doesn't make it fair," Laura replied in defeat.
"Well who the hell cares about fair?" Carmilla countered as she approached her cautiously.
"I do," Laura answered firmly.
"Then make it up to me when I come home," Carmilla suggested, "and that will help me by giving me something to look forward to."
Laura wasn't given a chance to answer as there was a knock on the door followed by Dark, Danny and Betty entering.
"I have a message from Shannon," Betty informed her, "turn your phone on, she needs to talk to you."
"Fuck, Elvira, I hope we didn't get you in trouble," Danny apologized.
"I'm guessing it has more with taking my shirt off," Carmilla assured her lightly as she retrieved her phone and turned it on. "Give us a few minutes?" she asked Danny and Dark.
"Mind if we raid the bar?" Dark asked.
"Have at it," Carmilla replied with a smile as she took Laura's hand and led her to the bedroom. She sighed as soon as her phone booted up to reveal she'd missed half a dozen calls from Shannon and one from Rose. "Fuck," she sighed as she called Rose back and put her on speaker.
"What the fuck Karnstein?" Rose said when she answered the phone.
"I didn't know my friends were going to be there let alone that they were going to start chanting," Carmilla quickly assured her.
"I don't care about that," Rose replied, "I want to know why I have reporters asking me if I knew about your scars. What scars?"
"You didn't see?" Laura asked.
"Look," Carmilla interrupted, "if I were you I wouldn't want to know something like this about my opponent the day before a fight," she sighed, "I wasn't trying to play mind games or distract you, I was just worried about making weight, I promise." When Rose didn't respond she continued, "I meant what I said Rose, I just want a good, clean, fair fight, that's all."
"Alright…"
"And if you really want to know," Carmilla sighed, "join me for a beer after the fight?"
"You're on," Rose answered, "good luck tomorrow."
"Yeah, you too," Carmilla replied, hung up and went to call Shannon back when her phone rang before she had the chance. "Shannon, I'm sorry," she said the moment she'd answered the call and put her on speaker, "I was mostly just worried about making weight and I didn't know…"
"That isn't why I'm calling," Shannon interrupted, "have you and Rose dropped your 'agreement'?" she asked tersely.
"We're both concerned, if we hold back, that it'll show," Carmilla offered.
"And if you get hurt?" Shannon asked, her tone now unreadable.
"I accepted the fight with that possibility in mind," Carmilla reminded her, "I knew the risks."
"Yes, and if you get hurt and can't fight on the Ultimate Fighter Dana will have my hide," she said with an edge.
"Are you canceling the fight?" Laura asked.
"No," Shannon laughed, "I don't think I could if I tried after your little stunt at the weigh-ins."
"I'm sorry," Carmilla repeated.
"You have nothing to be sorry for," Shannon assured her, "if I hadn't been so stunned at your fearlessness I would have applauded myself," she admitted.
"I really was, mostly, just worried about making weight," Carmilla interrupted sheepishly, she hadn't felt brave.
"And if anyone is to blame it's me," Laura added, "She was a nervous wreck at just the thought of taking her shirt off in public," she confided, "I might have talked her into it."
"I admire you, both of you," Shannon admitted warmly, "You may not consider yourselves brave, but you are. True bravery doesn't mean you're never afraid but that you continue on despite it and use it to make yourselves stronger." She paused a moment, as if letting her words sink in before continuing. "If the unthinkable happens tomorrow, and you're injured, I'd like you to consider fighting for me instead. I know it might take a little longer to get your story heard but I promise to do everything possible to see that it is."
"Thank you Shannon," Carmilla replied gratefully; it wasn't everyday a plan B fell into you lap.
"Just put on a good show tomorrow and we'll call it even," Shannon replied, "Now get some rest, both of you, you've got a big fight to win."
"You really have no idea," Carmilla thought but answered instead, "Just so you know I called Rose before you called, calmed her down but didn't tell her the truth."
"Thank you for that," Shannon answered, "She's a great fighter but she can be a bit temperamental at times."
"Aren't all fighters?" Laura joked.
"You might have a point," Shannon replied with a laugh, "Good luck tomorrow, Carmilla," she added and hung up.
"So I'm tempermental, huh?" Carmilla teased and tried to take her into her arms.
"Are we going to talk about this?" Laura asked and then clarified; "Shannon's offer?"
"There's nothing to talk about," Carmilla replied and kissed her nose, "at least not yet anyway." She kissed her but felt that Laura wasn't responding. "Fine, we'll talk about it later?" Laura nodded. "C'mon, let's visit with Dark and Danny, yes?" Laura nodded and followed her back to the other room.
"Is everything okay?" Dark asked as he came over to give her a hug.
"Better than," she replied happily and turned to Danny, "You're looking better," she said as she went to hug the redhead.
"I'm feeling better," Danny confirmed and pulled Laura into their hug. "It's weird, though, I didn't realise how crappy I was feeling until I started feeling better," she added as she pushed them away. "It's still all a little hard to believe, you know?"
"Have you talked to Will?" Laura asked as they all took seats in the living room area of their suite.
"No one's talked to him since…" Danny hesitated at a look from Dark.
"What's he done now?" Carmilla asked tiredly and resisted the urge to have a beer.
"It can wait," Dark stated.
"Out with it," Carmilla said firmly.
"He's been on suicide watch for the last week," Danny answered reluctantly, "and the only person who's been talking to him is his therapist."
Carmilla got up from the couch and started to pace.
"Carm?" Danny said to get her attention. "There's something else you should know."
"Danny!" Dark hissed.
"No!" she said and turned to him. "She needs to know."
"What's going on?" Carmilla asked wearily as she fell back to the couch next to Laura, "Just tell me."
"I suspected for a while but Frank had it confirmed," Danny sighed, "The only times Will was in Montreal was at the start and end of the school year and when you went to visit him last Christmas."
"What?!" Carmilla exclaimed angrily.
"He's got an apartment downtown, under one of Deanna's aliases," Dark supplied.
"So what the hell was I paying for?" she said quietly and shook her head; she had no idea what the fuck was going on with her brother. "Did Frank find anything else?" she asked, almost afraid of the answer.
"Nothing yet," Dark replied. "Look Carm, whatever he's gotten himself into, he's a big boy…"
"He's still my little brother," she interjected quietly, "just turns out I know nothing about him or what he's up to," she added and sighed. "I'll deal with it on Monday."
There was a knock on the door followed by Betty, who was laden with take out bags, and Steven.
"Hey guys, if you want to eat before the show we need to get going," Steven informed them as Betty put dinner on the table for herself, Carmilla and Laura.
"Alright," Dark said as she stood and motioned for Carmilla to do the same so he could hug her. "Whatever it is, we'll figure it out, okay?" She nodded against his chest. He backed away and took her face in his hands. "And there's nothing we can do about it until we get home so there's no point obsessing over it right?" She nodded again. He kissed her forehead and met her eyes again. "I love you, midget, you know I do, but you really need to stop blaming yourself for all the world's ills."
"Hard to do when half of them wouldn't have happened were it not for me," Carmilla countered with an edge.
"They happened because of your evil stepmother," Danny reminded her as she put her hand on her shoulder and squeezed. "And you're also the reason my life has gotten a hundred times better," she smiled and shrugged, "I feel like I have real friends for the first time." She looked to Dark. "And while Dark and I might not always agree, we do agree on this."
"Fine…" Carmilla allowed with a sigh, "I'm trying, okay?"
"She is," Laura affirmed as she hugged her from behind. "You guys have to go and we need to eat," she continued as she motioned them out. "We'll see you after the fight?"
"Yeah," Danny replied and gave Laura a one-armed hug, "We're heading back Sunday night, right?"
"As soon as we're done with our tattoos," Carmilla corrected and smiled and both their looks of surprise, "Go on," she urged, "We'll tell you about it tomorrow."
The two left with Steven in tow after another round of quick hugs. Carmilla and Laura turned to find that Betty had already made herself a plate of food and was heading towards her bedroom.
"Steven mentioned you don't plan on going out?" she said just before leaving them, they both nodded. "Good, I think I might take a nap after I eat," she smiled, "and Carmilla? Well done today."
"Thanks," Carmilla replied with a blush, "but Laura deserves the credit," she kissed Laura's cheek, "It was her pep talk that gave the guts to do it."
"You need to start giving yourself more credit," Betty chastised before entering her room. While they were in New Mexico the Xanders had their own apartment across the hall. Here, in Vegas, however, Steven didn't feel comfortable having a hallway between them. To their credit, though, the Xanders were very good at giving them their space.
Carmilla joined Laura at the table and took the plate of food she'd already prepared for her. She sat down and watched as Laura fixed her own plate, a frown marring her forehead.
"What's wrong?" Carmilla asked.
Laura shook her head and motioned to Carmilla's plate; "Eat."
"Yes, dear," Carmilla replied sweetly, worrying when it elicited only a small smile from Laura. She popped a piece of chicken in her mouth and studied her while she chewed; Laura was definitely lost in thought as she pushed her food around her plate and hadn't noticed she was being watched so intently. "Water?" she offered as she went to stand.
"I'll get it," Laura said and kissed her cheek.
Carmilla continued to eat as she watched Laura walk over to the fridge; she was hungry but didn't feel like eating. She raised an eyebrow as Laura opened and the fridge and paused longer than it would normally take to grab a couple of bottles of water.
"Laura?" Carmilla prompted. "Everything okay?"
"Well," she said and turned to her, "I'd kind of like to have a glass of wine but would feel bad about it because you shouldn't."
"I can have a bit," Carmilla offered and watched as Laura took a bottle of white wine from the fridge, grabbed a couple glasses and the corkscrew before returning to the table. She put the bottle down next to her and handed her the corkscrew. "You should eat something before you drink, though."
Laura sighed and nodded as Carmilla made short work of opening the wine. She poured herself half a glass and filled Laura's. They both ate and drank in comfortable silence for awhile until Carmilla noticed that Laura had stopped eating and was staring into her wine glass.
"Laura, what's wrong?" she questioned.
"I'm an asshole," Laura stated without tearing her gaze from her glass.
"You're not," she replied gently, "but want to tell me why you think you are?"
"Because," she started with a sigh and looked off into the distance, "ever since the flight down to New Mexico I've been secretly hoping you'll get hurt and not be able to go to the Ultimate Fighter," she admitted reluctantly.
"Laura?" she started but when Laura still wouldn't meet her eyes she took her hand and squeezed, "Hey, look at me," she urged and when she finally did her look of sadness almost rendered her speechless, "Laura, baby, you don't think I haven't had the same thought?" Laura skepticism was apparent. "I don't want to go…"
"But you've been working towards this for the last year," Laura pointed out.
"True," Carmilla replied with a smile, "but I didn't know you a year ago," she countered. "Look, Pup, I know six weeks seems like a long time but what's a six week sacrifice if we're done with this by next year?" She stood and turned Laura's chair so she could straddle her. "Annnnd…" she smiled as Laura pulled her close, " What's six weeks in the grand scheme of things when I plan on spending the rest of my life with you?"
The next day alternately passed quickly and then as though time had stopped. They'd only crawled out of bed when Steven informed them that Carmilla's hairdresser had arrived to do her cornrows for the fight. She quickly wet her hair and went to meet her; originally Perry was going to join them but when her partner, LaFontaine, had agreed to return to Vancouver early to help Doc Coughlin, Perry had decided to stay in Vancouver to spend time with them.
After her hair was done she continued on with her day as she usually did before a fight; a quick run in the hotel's gym followed by a shower and a nap. Since she'd been moved up to Co-main event she didn't have to be at the casino where the fight was being held until after six they got up around five and Carmilla had a light meal before they headed across the street.
Once there she and Laura were led back to a holding area/locker room where she was met with a surprise; one of her coaches from New Mexico had flown up for the fight. He hastily reassured Laura that she was still in charge of Carmilla's corner and that he'd only come to offer his support. Carmilla slipped in her headphones when the man who was to wrap her hands joined them and tuned them out. She was glad he was here as she wasn't sure how Laura planned to help her warm up with only one hand to hold the pads.
She closed her eyes and like every fight before, tried to tap into the well of anger she'd always drawn from before; but it wasn't there. Instead her mind was being flooded by happy memories of her and Laura and all the time they'd spent together since meeting. She opened her eyes again when she felt a tap on her hand and then took the official Invicta gloves from him and slipped them on. He duct taped them up, signed them and then motioned for her to take off her headphones.
"You've got about an hour and a half but someone will come get you ten minutes before," he informed her.
"Thanks," she and Laura replied together.
"Good luck," he said before leaving.
"Ready to warm up?" Greg, her coach from New Mexico asked. She nodded and joined him, focusing again on her music as she tried to channel her anger again. After about a half hour, Greg dropped his hands and waited for her to take her headphones out again. "What's up with you?"
"I'm sorry?" she asked.
"I don't know, you just don't seem as pumped for this fight as I thought you'd be," he offered.
"I am," she shrugged, "I just have a lot on my mind."
"Babe?" Laura said a hand on her shoulder. "Time to find that shit pause button again, or better yet, use the shit to inspire your fight." She physically turned her so she could meet her eyes. "Put it all on hold, nothing but the fight in front of you matters, right?" Carmilla nodded. "Now get into your game mode, imagine every punch is one more nail in her that bitch's coffin, right?" Carmilla smiled and nodded again. "Just another stepping stone, right?"
They both turned at Greg's quiet chuckle.
"What?" Laura prompted with an edge.
"I get it now," he replied, "why you want her in your corner," he smiled, "she's your inspiration."
"That and so much more," Carmilla clarified.
Before she knew it she was standing at the top of the ramp, the opening strains of Ani Difranco's 'Amazing Grace' playing over the loudspeakers. She waited until the music joined Ani's voice and entered to bright lights and a crowd so loud her music was almost drowned out. She came to a stop in front of Laura, removed her sweats, kissed her quickly and then turned to the cut man who applied Vaseline to her eyebrows and cheeks. She moved on to the referee who checked her for sharp objects, made sure her nails were dull and then confirmed she had her mouth piece in. She turned to Laura one last time and kissed her briefly again before entering the cage.
The lights dimmed again as Rose's music started. She passed the time by taking a jog around the cage and then thrilling those closest to it with a few bounces off the cage itself. She returned to her corner and watched as Rose entered the cage. She smiled broadly and pointing to her head mouthed; "Nice hair."
Rose responded by smiling and running her hand over her newly buzzed head. It was something Carmilla had often considered herself, her hair was always getting in the way when she trained and the cornrows weren't exactly comfortable. Somehow though, she never had the guts to cut off all her hair like Rose had.
"How the fuck am I supposed to do this?" she thought idly; maybe getting to know Rose had been a mistake. Maybe it would have been easier if she'd remained a faceless opponent. She didn't have much time to question herself further as the announcer entered the cage.
"Ladies and gentlemen, live from Las Vegas, Nevada, this is the co-main event of the evening!" He paused for the crowd's cheers. "Three rounds in the Strawweight division. Let's meet our fighters!" He turned to Carmilla; as the official 'underdog' she was introduced first. "First the fighter to my left and fighting out of the blue corner. Owner of a highlight reel flying elbow knockout in her last fight just two weeks ago! She stands five feet five inches tall and weighed in at one hundred and fifteen pounds. Her professional record stands at one win and one no-contest. Training out of Karmma MMA in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada," his voice had been getting louder and louder the longer he went, the cheering almost drowning him out, "give it up for Carmilla 'Karma' Karnstein!"
The crowd erupted as she walked to the middle of the cage, did a slow circle as she waved to all of them and the turned and bowed to Rose out of respect before returning to her corner. She walked up the cage, laced her fingers through it and leaned her forehead against it. She closed her eyes as she felt Laura lace their fingers and lay her head against her own.
Again she tried to summon the anger, the pure rage, that had served her so well in every fight before Danny. "Danny," she thought; that's when it changed. She walked into the ring still disliking her but suspecting something more was going on. Her concern for Danny's safety, despite her own feelings for her, had allowed her to fight the best fight of her life by staying present instead of giving into the anger and blacking out. "Maybe I don't need it anymore," she wondered as she leaned back and met Laura's eyes. "Because of this girl I finally believe in my skills and not just my aggression," she chuckled to Laura's bemusement and leaned in to kiss her briefly through the cage. "Who'd have thought finding the love of my life would make me a better fighter?"
She turned back to middle of the cage as Greg removed her banner from the cage.
"You've got this baby!" Laura shouted behind her as the referee asked if she was ready.
She nodded and then, once Rose had responded, the two jogged to the middle of the cage, tapped their gloves and both assumed their fighting stances. The round passed in a blur of punches, counterpunches and stinging kicks to the thighs. Neither fighter seemed able to gain the advantage; each of Carmilla's punches was countered but she was able to avoid it. Every time Rose attempted to go for a takedown Carmilla kept her at bay with leg kicks. The round was drawing to a close when the first significant strike landed; a hard right elbow to Rose's face just as the bell rang. They high fived and both returned to their corners.
Carmilla sat on the stool Greg and put down for her, and after taking out her mouthpiece, gratefully took a water bottle from Laura. She took a big gulp, swished it around her mouth and spit it out into the bucket before taking a long swallow.
"You're doing awesome, Kitten," Laura encouraged.
"You might want to start checking that leg kick though," Greg interjected.
Carmilla raised her eyebrow at him.
"You're doing it on purpose?" he asked incredulously, shaking his head when she nodded.
"Time to unleash the left, Carm," Laura reminded her. "She'll never see it coming."
"Who won that round?" Carmilla asked Greg,
"You, but it was close," he replied.
She nodded, put her mouthpiece back in and stood as the referee ushered her corner out.
As she made her way to middle of the cage again she went over the plan; she'd known, after watching several of Rose's fights, the only way she'd win would be if she caught her off guard. Letting her land her leg kicks had been a part of her strategy; let her build up a little confidence and then switch it up on her. She let Rose hit her thigh one last time and switched her stance, her now 'injured' leg out of the way and her right hand forward. She even decided to play it up a little, limping a little as she backed away slightly and lured her in.
Before she could marvel at the fact that her plan seemed to be working Rose rushed her with a flurry of punches to her face. Carmilla would have smiled at the look on her face when she was met with several hard right jabs to her face if she weren't concentrating so hard on loading up her left. She pulled back, and with everything she had, swung her secret weapon; her overhand left.
Only Rose ducked, the momentum of the swing enough to force Carmilla to one knee. She quickly got back to her feet but was met with Rose's weight on her back and her right arm across her face as she tried to sink in a choke. She leaned forward to try to compensate for Rose's weight or try to shake her off but Rose wasn't letting go. And then she made her first mistake; she stood up straight which allowed Rose to jump up and wrap her legs around her middle, her left ankle securing itself under her right knee and restricting her breathing. Panic lead to her second mistake; she leaned back, hoping that Rose would drop her feet to keep them from falling but Rose had other plans as she finally succeeded in sinking in the choke. Carmilla's last thought as everything faded to black was; "Well, shit…"
"Carm?" urged Laura's worried voice as she finally opened her eyes to the bright overhead lights. She sat up awkwardly as she was still half on top of Rose. She turned to congratulate her when she found Rose also seemed to be just coming to.
"What happened?" she asked Laura.
Laura could only laugh and pointed to the replay on the big screen instead; by the end Carmilla couldn't help but chuckle herself. It seemed Rose hadn't realized they were falling, and because Carmilla went out almost the second the choke had been sunk in, she wasn't able to control or stop it and Rose had been knocked out by the impact with the mat.
She turned at the sound of laughter and found Rose had also been watching the replay. Carmilla shook her head and pulled her into a hug. "Good fight," she said into her ear.
"No," Rose said as she pushed her away, "great fight!"
Laura helped her feet and then they both turned and helped Rose up.
"To your corners while the judges figure this out," the referee informed them.
She followed Greg and Laura back to her corner and held hands out to Greg for him to remove her gloves. She looked to Laura; "Still love me?"
"Of course, why?" Laura replied in confusion.
"I didn't get hurt," she supplied.
Laura smiled and laughed as she hugged her.
"Just because I don't want you to go doesn't mean I'm not happy you're okay and are going to fulfill your dream," she said into her ear.
Laura was cut short as the referee called her back to the center of the cage.
"This fight has been called to a stop by the referee at the one minute, thirty seven second mark of the second round," the announcer began, "As both fighters were unconscious when they hit the ground the judges have declared this fight a 'no contest'."
A/N: So Rose is a real fighter who fought last night in the UFC and won. And she really did just shave off all her hair. Love that girl! But remember, my version is a fictionalized version of her. I will explain, eventually, why I chose to have Carmilla fight a real fighter.
A note about my posting schedule; I know it's all over the place, and I'm sorry for that, but my work schedule keeps getting changed and I've been working extra shifts.
