Chapter 7

Carmilla wakes up to a smiling Laura, reading the letter from the kids yesterday. She uses the fact that Laura hasn't noticed she's already up to her advantage and admires Laura from her bed, glad that the tiny human is smiling instead of crying.

Hold on, what the fuck am I doing?

She blinks in confusion because first, woah, why the admiration? And second, she is way too happy for Laura and admittedly, Carmilla Karnstein is rarely happy. And yet, here she is, feeling happiness because of another person's own joy.

Well, this is disgusting (and it's getting out of hand).

Laura's actually into girls and Carmilla couldn't find it in her to deny her attraction for the tiny human anymore. She likes Laura, sure, but it's still complicated. Laura just got out of a relationship and is showing no signs of attraction towards her. She's practically friendly with every single breathing species in the camp, so it's not like she can use that as a sign to anything. Carmilla won't be surprised if she ever finds out Laura's the kind of girl who just randomly sings and gets followed by animals like those girls in Disney movies who are all entirely too sweet. Plus, it's only been a week since the two of them met. Things are going way too fast and she should really slow down (she's not even sure why she likes the girl! She just does and, quite frankly, that scares the crap out of her).

Carmilla's point is; Laura is someone she probably has no chance with. Plus, given their short stay in camp, she doubts that she can make the tiny girl like her back.

Voices echo in her head. The words said to her in the past ring in her ears, making her clench her fists and will the voices away because she doesn't need that to remind her how she's never going to be good enough.

Carmilla sits up from her bed, catching Laura's attention. "Oh, hey, good morning sleepyhead." She says. "I was just about to wake you up."

Glancing at the wall clock, Carmilla's eyes widen at the discovery that it's just a few minutes past six in the morning. "Not hearing that horrible morning trumpet and still waking up this early makes me want to look in the mirror. I'm not sure if I'm still me." Carmilla groans, plopping back down on the bed and covering her face with her pillow. Laura laughs at that and Carmilla just has to take in a deep breath because Laura's laugh just took her breath away.

"Carm, you're going to miss breakfast." Laura reminds her.

"Hate to break it to you, sundance, but if you ask me which one I'd pick, I'd rather choose the extra minutes of sleep instead of breakfast."

Laura doesn't respond, much to Carmilla's surprise. She is about to drift back to sleep when she suddenly feels Laura sitting beside her on her bed. Carmilla peeks, looking at Laura from behind the pillow on her face. "Can I help you?" Carmilla asks.

Laura is looking at her with a small smile and Carmilla's thankful for the pillow covering her face because she is definitely blushing under the blonde's gaze. Not cool, Karnstein. Not cool.

She has never seen Laura look at her like this before. Her brown eyes focused on her, looking at her with such happiness? No, it's not just that. Rather Carmilla can see... appreciation? "Cupcake?"

It takes all of Carmilla's will power not to flinch when Laura raises a hand and places it on top of hers on the pillow. Okay, this is not good. She's way too flustered at six in the morning. "I was horrible last night and I just wanted to thank you again for taking care of me. Plus, the letters..." Laura pauses, squeezing Carmilla's hand in hers gently. "Thank you for that."

Carmilla doesn't know which letters her roommate is talking about but she guesses she'll just accept the blonde's gratitude. "Thanking me once is enough, cupcake. You don't have to do it again."

She is well-aware of the fact that her hand is still in Laura's and that the blonde has started caressing the back of her hand with her thumb, drawing small circles on it. It feels nice having someone do that. Carmilla removes the pillow from her face and smiles at Laura, slowly sitting up, the two of them never breaking eye contact.

They stay like that for a while until a loud knocking breaks their contact. Laura immediately removes her hand from Carmilla's and if she's being honest, she actually wants Laura to hold her hand again.

"Laura, Carmilla? You two up yet? Breakfast is almost ready." The voice, which Carmilla assumes is from Isabel - the camp staff they met during their first breakfast here in Camp Silas - calls out to them.

She gives out a huge sigh and Laura giggles. "Yeah, we're up. We'll be there in a bit!"

Carmilla looks at her in disbelief. "I wanted more sleep!" She hisses.

"Well now, I guess that'll have to wait." Laura says, squinting her eyes playfully before running off to the bathroom.

What the hell was that?!

There's something bothering Laura now that she actually has full recollection of what happened last night. It's what Carmilla said when she mentioned seeing Danny's name on the letter.

She thought I had a boyfriend.

"You know, I thought you were observant and the kind of people who remember details thoroughly." Laura begins while they're on their way to the mess hall.

Carmilla looks at her, one eyebrow arched. "What's that supposed to mean?" She asks, tucking her hands inside her Camp Silas hoodie which she secretly seems to enjoy a lot.

"You thought I had a boyfriend." Laura's not really sure where their conversation is heading but she sure wants to make it clear that she's not into guys. Her reason? Who knows? Maybe she feels comfortable enough with Carmilla that she wants her to know that she's a lesbian or maybe she just feels like sharing? Laura has no idea, really. "Remember that time I helped you with your sore feet because you went on a trail with me to find Julia?"

The brunette nods but is still looking at her with a confused expression.

"Well, I just thought you'd remember that I told you my ex-girlfriend taught me that trick." Laura mumbles, referring to the warm water and salt method.

"Ah." Carmilla finally nods her head. "I have to remind you though how exhausted I was so you have to excuse me for not remembering. Besides, how was I supposed to know that you don't swing both ways?" Carmilla asks, chuckling.

Laura smiles at her. "At least, now you know."

"Yeah."

"Yeah."

Carmilla nudges Laura gently and smirks at her. "I'll be sure to remember that very precious piece of information, creampuff." She licks her lips and Laura just had to gulp because why is that so sexy? "I'm pretty sure it will come in handy one of these days." She finishes.

Laura is brought to a complete stop because okay, how long have they been walking? Surely she can't be that tired yet but her heart is just beating so fast that she feels like she just ran a marathon. Carmilla's laugh rings in her ears which makes her come out of her trance.

"Try to keep up, sweetheart."

Finally arriving at the mess hall, the two of them occupy their usual seat with LaFontaine, Perry and Kirsch. JP is a new addition to the table. Laura waves over to Isabel and Betty on the other table, who wave back at her.

"'Sup Lady Bro, Little L?" Kirsch greets them. Carmilla replies with a scoff, probably annoyed that she's actually making friends.

Laura smiles at him. "Good morning, Kirsch."

Carmilla slides on the bench first, sitting next to the incredibly tall man child, who is smirking at her. She leans her forehead on the table and raises a hand a bit to acknowledge Kirsch then lets it fall back down on her lap. Laura shakes her head, laughing, as she slides next to her. Across the table, Perry, LaFontaine and JP nod at them.

"Good morning, ladies." Perry greets them, smiling. LaFontaine starts serving them a plate of bacon and eggs and Laura notices how Carmilla perks up at the smell of it. "How were you last night, Laura?" Perry whispers.

Laura bites her lip before smiling shyly. "Embarrassing. But," she glances at Carmilla who is now busy trying to steal bacon from Kirsch. The two seem to be really getting along despite the broody girl's snarky remarks. "I had excellent care." She whispers back, giggling.

Perry looks at Carmilla appreciatively and it doesn't go unnoticed by said girl. She stops her resistance and quickly covers her plate as Kirsch looks like he is about to jump on the table and steal Carmilla's plate. "What?" She asks in her usual grumpy tone. Perry and Laura both shake their heads and she glares at them before quickly reaching out to Kirsch's plate and stabbing a bacon strip with her fork, popping it in her mouth.

"Bro." Kirsch groans, looking so offended.

"Bro." Carmilla smirks at him.

For some unknown reason, the two seem to be at ease with each other now. At least Carmilla's getting comfortable, Laura thinks.

They all fall into a peaceful breakfast (minus the childish exchange between Carmilla and Kirsch - the childish part mostly coming from Kirsch while her roommate doesn't seem to run out of nicknames for the 'big puppy'). Laura learns a few things about JP as well. Turns out he's been helping in camp for three years now and is really good friends with Laf, Perry and Kirsch. He's quiet and is more of a listener rather than a talker. JP is nice though, Laura thinks.

"By the way, Perr," LaFontaine calls. "I think Hester may have mentioned that she found a replacement for Olivia."

Perry nods at this and JP listens in. "That's good. At least we've managed to replace her immediately." She notices Laura looking at them. "One of the counselors, Olivia, had to go home due to an emergency so we had a problem since we'd be one counselor short, but looks like my mum's managed to handle the situation." Perry explains.

"Ah." Laura nods in understanding. "I think I saw her name on my schedule. Too bad I didn't get to meet her." She says.

The door to the mess hall opens and Laura looks to the doorway. Hester enters, and with her is-

-No.

Laura can't believe it but she really can't be mistaken. From the height to the features - Laura wouldn't mistake her for anyone else.

'NonononononoNO!'

Carmilla isn't interested in whoever opened the door to the mess hall because Kirsch is still trying to get some bacon from her plate. He finally manages to be successful, but only because Laura's body going stiff beside Carmilla distracts her enough for him to do something. She looks over to where Laura is looking and sees a tall red head walking behind Perry's mother.

"Cupcake, hey." Carmilla calls out to her but she seems to be in shock.

"Hi everyone." Hester speaks, catching everyone's attention. "One of our counselors, Olivia, needed to go home due to a family emergency. Luckily, this tall woman over here," She nudges the girl who smiles down at her while a few of the counselors laugh. "called and asked if there's still a spot left in our team. I'd like you all to welcome Danny Lawrence, our new camp counselor."

Even Carmilla tenses at the name and from what she can see, the ginger twins do too. Laura looks torn between getting angry and crying when hers and Danny's eyes met.

Looks like the trouble is here. Danny, the person who sent the letters. Danny, Laura's ex-girlfriend.

"Oh no." Laura whispers.

Carmilla watches as Danny and Hester make their way towards their table. God, how awkward can this be? Laura looks down on her plate, stabs a bacon and pops it in her mouth as if eating would postpone the inevitable.

"Good morning everyone." Hester says when she and the gargantuan woman are already by their table. Carmilla can see how Perry is ready to stand up and grab her mother but Laura is first to react.

"Good morning Hester. Danny." The name sounds like it has been spewed with venom as it leaves her mouth.

Hester nods. "You have quite a girlfriend over here. She said she'd volunteer just to be able to get in contact with you. Must've missed you a lot."

Awkward... Carmilla sighs, eyeing LaFontaine and Perry who are looking at Laura then at her. Kirsch is silent for once as he stares at Danny. JP seems to get a bad vibe because he decides to be quieter than he already is.

Laura smiles at Hester then at Danny. "Yeah, some girlfriend she is, huh?"

There is a bit of scrambling on the side opposite them and Carmilla's impressed at how quick Perry is up her feet. "Mum, uhm, can I- yeah?" She says, looping her arm around her mother's and then dragging her away. Kirsch and JP look at each other and JP signals with his head, nodding to the side and Kirsch, for once, understands and the two of them get out of their seats.

"Laur, can we talk in private?" Danny speaks.

Laura smirks, surely she got that from Carmilla. "Why? These are my friends, you know."

"Laura."

"Danny."

It seems like Laura didn't want to be alone with this giant but it's starting to feel like she's intruding. Surely LaFontaine's feeling the same since they're looking at her.

"Laura, please?" Can this giant be more persistent?

The way Laura's hand on the table clenches makes Carmilla wonder if she's going to start throwing punches at Danny. That'd be interesting, considering that they look like David and Goliath. Goliath looks at her and LaFontaine and the way she glares at the two of them makes her want to stand up and play the role of David instead. Laura must have noticed how Carmilla was about to stand up so she places a hand on her knee and looks at her briefly. At the brief moment that their eyes met, Laura smiles at her, it's the smile that doesn't reach her eyes but it's reassuring that she's fine.

"Okay Danny. Let's talk." Laura says as soon as she turns her attention to the redhead.

The two of them step out of the mess hall. "That was intense." LaFontaine mumbles afterwards.

"You can say that again, ginger nerd." Carmilla groans. "That gargantuan got the nerve to follow Laura here, huh." She huffs then continues eating. Carmilla can't help but see how LaFontaine smiles widely at her. "What?"

"Nothing!" They raise their hands up defensively.

Carmilla rolls her eyes and focuses on her food. Well, isn't this an interesting turn of events.

"Start talking." Laura says, crossing her arms over her chest as soon as she and Danny are in the safety of her and Carmilla's cabin.

"Laura, I'm so sorry. I was really stupid an-"

The smaller of the two girls shakes her head, putting a stop to Danny's reply. "Stop. I don't need to hear the apologies, Danny. Why are you here?" Laura looks up at her ex-girlfriend.

Danny runs a hand through her hair and sighs. "I'm here to ask for a second chance Laura. You never replied to my messages then I hear from your dad that you left for camp? We need to talk about this Laur." She says trying to reach out for Laura who moves away from her touch. "C'mon, Laura. I'm so sorry, I just… I want you back. I've been foolish, I know. But, I can't lose you Laura."

Laura can somehow see the sincerity in Danny's eyes as she looks at them. Laura's not really mad at her, not anymore at least, but it doesn't mean that she can easily accept her back. She's not even sure that she wants her back and it's all too confusing for her. They've been friends for so long and of course she misses the friendship but after everything, Laura just can't go back that fast.

"I was hurt, you know?" Laura starts and Danny immediately opens her mouth but seeing the stern look on Laura's face, she closes it. "You can't just expect me to just go back to the way we were before, Danny." She sees how the taller girl looks deflated at her words. "But, I'll accept the apology." She says.

Nodding, Danny tucks her hands in her pockets. It's awfully awkward especially since neither of them know what to say to each other afterwards. Laura clears her throat. "So, uh, are you really planning on staying here?" She asks.

"Y-Yeah, I mean, I can work on the things they've asked me to do here for work and, children can be fun to be around?" Danny shrugs and smiles shyly at Laura.

Laura nods. "Uh, I think we should get back to the mess hall. So you can eat." She says.

Danny agrees and they both exit the cabin. Not a word is said as soon as they stepped out. It's an uncomfortable silence that Laura really wishes to escape already. Thankfully she sees Perry and LaFontaine patrolling the area.

Saturdays are a half day for the camp. There are only afternoon activities so the campers are free to roam the camp for the mornings after they eat. The mess hall is already full of campers so Laura briefly wonders where her roommate is.

"Hey Frosh." LaFontiane greets her then turns to Danny. They nod at the taller girl.

Perry on the other hand, is looking at her cautiously. Laura smiles at the two of them. "So, this is Danny." She mumbles. Danny awkwardly raises a hand but like LaF, Perry only nods at her. "Right. So, where's Carmilla?"

"Oh you know, brooding somewhere probably." They shrug, smirking.

"Actually, I saw her following some kids around. I think it's the two girls who made her a flower crown." Perry points to the field.

Laura nods and wonders whether she should find Carmilla when someone else catches her attention. "Huh." She says. "Say, I guess I should do some patrolling too." Laura smiles at them and runs off. She feels bad leaving Danny like that but she really has no obligation to make the girl feel at home.

She stops in front of Julia, the little girl sitting underneath a tree on her own. Laura understands why she's having a hard time fitting in, what with being the youngest in camp, she really has no one to relate to. Laura remembers how she felt back then when she was the youngest in the camp. She's lucky that Perry and LaFontaine were there. "Hey Julia." Laura smiles and sits next to the girl.

"Hello Laura." The little girl mumbles.

"Having fun?" Laura asks. Julia just raises her shoulders, a slight shake of her head. Laura just smiles sadly at her and wishes she can find something to make the little girl feel better. "Any activities later?" She asks again.

"Bookmark making." Julia says, hugging her knees to her chest.

The older girl tries to remember her schedule then grins. "I'll be the counselor for that activity." She says. "Maybe we can make a bookmark together?"

Julia nods, smiling at her.

"Carmilla, do you like butterflies?" A voice from afar catches Laura's attention. There, Carmilla is being dragged by two girls who are laughing. There is a huge frown on her face as the two girls run, holding her hands while following a butterfly.

"Yes Shaira, I like butterflies but butterflies don't like being chased. It'll think you're being mean to it." Carmilla says as they pass the tree.

The girl, Shaira, stops then pouts her lips. Suddenly it looks like she's going to cry. The other girl lets go of Carmilla's hand to pat her friend on the back, the panicked look in Carmilla's eyes does not escape Laura. The dark-haired girl crouches down in front of the now crying girl.

Laura and Julia look at each other. The two of them walk towards the girls.

"Hey, hey, Shaira. Don't cry." Carmilla pats the little girl's hair.

"I don't want the butterfly to think I'm mean." She sniffs and Laura finds it incredibly adorable when the girl wraps her arms around Carmilla, sobbing.

It is then that Carmilla notices Laura. Their eyes met briefly, he brunette rolling her eyes when Laura smiles at her playfully. Carmilla wraps her arms around Shaira. "No, it won't think you're mean since you stopped chasing it now. Shhh…"

"Yeah! Don't cry, Shaira." The other girl pats her friend's head repeatedly, slightly hitting Carmilla's as well.

"Listen to Sherilyn." Carmilla lets go of the little girl and immediately, Shaira bites her lip, trying not to cry. Carmilla smirks, wiping Shaira's tears before standing up to look at Laura. "Hey cupcake." She smirks.

Before Laura could even respond, Shaira pulls at Carmilla's hand.

"Her name is cupcake?"

Carmilla shakes her head.

"Why don't you call me or Sheh a cupcake?" Shaira pouts again.

This is really interesting, Laura thinks as she tries not to laugh.

"Err, because." Carmilla stops to think. "You're not just any cupcake. You two are princesses. Okay, princess?"

That is more than enough to make Shaira stop crying. "Sheh, we're princesses!" Shaira laughs then looks at Julia who is watching the scene unfold much like Laura. "Play with us! You'll be a princess too!" Shaira extends a hand out to Julia.

Laura nods at Julia and the little girl holds Shaira's hand. The three of them began walking off towards the cabins. Laura laughs, turning her head to Carmilla. "Aren't you a softie." She nudges Carmilla by the side.

"Oh shut up and pretend you didn't see anything cupcake." Carmilla groans then squints. "Hang on."

Carmilla then turns to her, raising her hand towards Laura's face. There has got to be something wrong with Laura because she gasps then stops breathing. What is Carmilla going to do? She bites her lip.

"There." Carmilla pulls out a leaf from her hair. The brunette studies her roommate's face then smirks. "Well, I should follow those three around, creampuff." She begins walking away. "You coming, cutie?"

Laura gulps because there are not supposed to be butterflies. Well, in her stomach, at least.