Author's Note: It's been a while and I'm sorry, I'm updating when I can and I will update, it might just be a bit out of , I hope you enjoy this chapter. This focuses a lot on Carmilla's backstory and may give you a few answers about why Carmilla reacted the way she did in the previous chapter. This one takes place about a week or so after the last one. Will Carmilla tell Laura, why she got so upset? Or will her behaviour just push Laura further away?

'What do you want?'

'I want you, to get your ass, out of bed and come to the park.'

'Not going to happen. Close the door, on your way out.'

Carmilla grunted, when a minute later, she felt their foot jabbing her in the ribs. She growled, trying to pull the blanket over her head, but it was no use. They had already grabbed the blanket, wrenching it off of her body and letting the cold air wash over her body. She turned to face them, narrowing her eyes as she glared at them. As usual, they took no notice and proceeded to jabber on, as they tried to coax her out of bed.

'Come in, it's been 7 days and you've barely been out of bed. You need to get up, so we can talk.'

'Do I look, like I want to talk?!'

'Carmilla, I swear to Lucifer, if you do not get out of bed and talk to me; I will drag you by your ankles, to my lab and probe your brain.'

Carmilla rolled her eyes, but still sat up. Before snatching the blanket back and draping it around her shoulders, as she glared at them. Raising her eyebrow expectantly, as she waited for them to continue.

'Oh, so you can move.'

'Get on with it, you Lackwit.'

'You need, to put some clothes on and come to the park, with me.'

'No, what I need is to go back to sleep.'

'I will not let you wallow in self pity.'

'You know damn well that, that is not what I'm doing.'

'Then prove me wrong. You can't hide in here forever, you have to face her sooner or later.'

'I choose later.'

She folds her arms, hugging the blanket closer to her body. A frown playing on her lips. If Lafontaine hadn't known Carmilla for a large portion of their lives, they would have found it cute. Even they could admit, that Carmilla was incredibly attractive; even if she was pouting at them, like a child.

'I know that she hurt you, but cut the girl some slack.'

'Cut her some slack? Why should I?! She was rude to me and I'm sensitive, about that kind of thing. Who just points it out! '

'I know that you're sensitive, but Laura doesn't. She has no idea, why you're upset with her. You know, you could always just; tell her the truth.'

'That's not going to happen.'

'Will you please come too, I really want to see Perry and you should apologize to Laura.'

'I'm sure you can see your girlfriend, alone. You don't need me to chaperone.'

'I don't need you there, but I want you there. You don't even, have to speak to her, if you don't want to. Please?'

'Fine, but you owe me.'

'Get dressed Grumpy, I'll wait outside.'

'I hate you, Geek.'

'Love you too, Carmykins.'

'Did they say, whether she's coming today?'

'Yes Sweetie, they just text me, to say that she'll be joining us. Just relax, Laura. It will be fine.'

'Do you think, that she'll still be mad at me?'

'I'm not sure, Lafontaine did mention, that she was in a bit, of a bad mood.'

'I don't even know what happened, Perry. One minute we were having fun, the next minute she was flirting and then she just, snapped. I'm so confused!'

'Well, maybe I should speak to Them. See what Carmilla said to them? Then, you an speak to her. You can be a little...'

Perry trails off, shifting awkwardly, as Laura scrunches up her face. A mixture of confusion and irritation.

'I can be a little, what?!'

'Judgmental.'

Laura turns, to see Carmilla stood a few inches away. Lafontaine standing behind her, and a panting Will by her feet.

She is wearing an oversized black cat hoodie, fit with cat ears sewn to the hood and paws on the sleeves. Paired with black leather pants and black combat boots. Her hair is pulled into a loose ponytail, with stray pits of hair falling down her face and her fringe, as always falling just above her eye.

Despite her clothing style, Laura can see the anger flashing in her eyes and the bags beneath them, Carmilla looked rough and had it not been, for the comment she just made, Laura would have pulled her into her arms, and held her close. However, she did make the comment and suddenly, Laura was feeling angry.

'Excuse me?!'

'You heard me.'

'If you have a problem, just spit it out!'

'I'm not the one, with the problem.'

Laura was about to retort, when Lafontaine jumped in. Cutting the tension easily, as they stepped closer to Perry. Who, had been looking between the too, an anxious expression written on her face.

'Who's ready for some food? I'm hungry, what about you Per, are you hungry?'

The girl nods and Lafontaine shoots a look at Carmilla, silencing the brunette, as they all move to sit down. Carmilla glares at Laura for a second, before diverting her attention to Will. Running her hand, through his fur and smiling slightly, when he licks her hand in response.

...

'So, I was in the lab and get this; the Dean of students comes in with her latest boyfriend. They don't even notice me and they start making out against the work bench!'

'Please tell me, you filmed it?!'

'Unfortunately not. I was so shocked, that I ended up dropping my beaker and I just ran out of the room.'

Carmilla and Lafontaine both fell about laughing. Whilst Perry just smiled, a small laugh creeping out. Laura smiled for a second and then looked mortified, regarding them with shock.

'Wow, that must have been so embarrassing!'

'There she goes again, judging another person.'

Carmilla attempted to mutter under her breath, but Laura could hear exactly, what she just said. She narrowed her eyes at the brunette, as she tried to contain her anger.

'Okay, seriously?!'

'What?'

'Um...this! You, have been making comments about me, all morning!'

'Well, don't you catch on fast.'

'Okay, so you insult me and I don't even get an explanation?!'

'You're judgy and I'm pissed off. What were you expecting?!'

At this, she stands up. Tossing aside, the half eaten sandwich in her hand and moving to storm off. When she feels a hand on her arm, turning to see Laura pulling her back. Her face mad with rage.

'You have been rude to me all day, I'm pissed too!'

'I have a right to be! You were judgemetal and rude too!'

'Judgemental about what exactly? I have no idea, what I said but you have been weird with me, every since the day at the shelter. Then, you rack up here after days of no word, and you're biting my head off! Plus, you look like you slept on the floor. Were you just so closed off, that you didn't bother to make an effort?'

'I did sleep on the floor.'

'What on earth, are you talking about?'

'You want to know everything about me, fine. Let's go then.'

'Just wait a minute.'

'No, no let's go now. Let's all dive into my life, shall we?!'

Laura looks around helplessly, she catches Laf's eye. Looking at their confused expression, not failing to miss them miming the words "help me" to a rather frazzled Perry. The curly Ginger was looking between Carmilla and Laura, not knowing what to say or what to do. Her hands shaking, just as Carmilla spoke again.

'What are we waiting for, I thought you were a journalist, Laura. It's your job to judge people.'

'I'm not judging anyone, could you quit acting so hostile and just tell me the truth!'

'You wouldn't know the truth, if it came and bit you in the ass.'

'I'm looking at one, right now!'

She stepped closer to Carmilla, their eyes meeting as they glared at one another. Neither noticing Perry pacing, as Lafontaine tried to calm her down. It was too late and within seconds, Perry had exploded. Her shrill voice, making several passers by turn and stare.

'STOP IT. STOP IT, RIGHT NOW! WE NEED EVERYTHING, TO BE IN CONTROL! YOU'RE BEHAVING LIKE CHILDREN.'

It took a few minutes, for Perry to calm down. Laura had rushed over to her friend, apologizing and even Carmilla had muttered an apology of some sorts.

After Perry had calmed down, they all followed Carmilla, as she and Will led the way. Laura remained silent, the whole journey and as did Carmilla. Neither knowing, quite what to say next.

Perry seemed to recognize the area, turning to Lafontaine with a confused expression. To which, they simply smiled and just pointed back to Carmilla. It was about a 10 minute walk, but the looming silence made it seem longer.

Carmilla stopped walking, when she got to a house with a blue door and a huge wooden decking. Perry immediately knew this to be Lafontaine's house and she regarded Carmilla with confusion.

'Um, excuse me, but why are we at Lafontaine's house?'

'Because Gingersnap, I live here too.'

'You live with Lafontaine?'

'Not exactly...follow me.'

Carmilla walked through the garden, cutting round the back, as they all entered Their back garden. Laura and Perry were both still incredibly confused. That was, until they saw that right in the corner if their garden, stood a treehouse. This was when Carmilla turned to them both, finally speaking properly.

'This, is where I live. That treehouse, is my home.'

They both stood speechless, their expressions unreadable. It was Laura who spoke first, turning to Carmilla with a curious look in her eye.

'You live, in there?'

'Yes. So what, if I do?'

'No, nothing. I...um...can...would you show me the inside?'

Carmilla raised her eyebrows, clearly shocked at Laura's question. She suddenly felt vulnerable, no one had cared enough, to want to go inside before.

'You...you, want to go inside?'

Laura nods, giving the brunette a soft smile, smiling more when Carmilla returned her smile, with a small one of her own. Silently, she led the way, motioning for Will to stay put. Before leading the way, a curious Laura hot on her heels.

Carmilla quickly climbed the step ladder, with practiced ease. Leaning down, to help Laura up. Laura smiled gratefully, letting Carmilla clasp her hand, gently pulling her inside. Before bending down, to do the same with Perry. She didn't give Laf, the same courtesy.

'What, no helping hand for me? You wound me, Carm.'

'You practically live here, so you don't need any help and stop calling me Carm, or I'll push you back down!'

...

Laura looked around the treehouse in awe. It was beautiful. The woodwork was so well together and it looked homey, for such a small space.

In one corner, there stood a small wooden wardrobe. Filled with checked shirts, leather pants and several pairs of lacy black underwear, that Laura definitely wouldn't min seeing. Her cheeks went red, shortly after seeing those items of clothing. Choosing to divert her attention elsewhere, to stop her thoughts running away with her.

Next to the wardrobe, there was a messy pile of boots, cluttering the floor. Beside the boots, lay a large dog bed. Full of little dog toys and a small, black dog blanket.

Near the dog bed, lay a puffy green sleeping bag, sprawled out on the floor. With a long black blanket, scrunched up in a ball on top. A small pillow peeking out, from underneath the blanket. Laura couldn't help but laugh, when she saw that, Carmilla had put a grey t-shirt over the pillow.

In the far corner, they could see that a portable stove, was sitting on top of a small wooden cupboard. Carmilla opened it, and inside, Laura could see lots of packets and boxes of food, mixed with small pots and two plates. Two cups also sat inside the cupboard, with some cutlery lying loose beside them.

The walls were covered in picture, a particularly interesting one; of a skeletal system, caught Laura's eye. When she looked round, she saw two small windows, each with a pair of black curtains hung loosely beside them. Between the windows, was a door with a sign that said "Don't come in, without food."

Her mouth dropped open, when Carmilla pointed to the ceiling. Where Laura could see a circle, rooftop window. It had the perfect view of the although and Laura could only imagine, what it looked like at night.

The last thing, that she could see, was a single hook, containing a blue and black scalf.

Laura turned to see Carmilla watching her, a questioning look in her face, as she tried to gage, what Laura's reaction might be. Laura remained speechless, which seemed to stir something in Carmilla and she suddenly snapped again.

'This is what I can afford. So, I don't have the money, to buy new pick-up lines.'

'Carmilla I-'

She was cut off by the brunette; who spoke with a sadness to her voice, but masked with anger.

'You have the perfect excuse, not to like me. So, just go.'

Carmilla turned away, walking over to the window. Laura watched the brunette's fleeting form, following her as she opened the door and stormed out, onto the decking.

Laura stood, realization hitting her, as she realised why Carmilla had been so upset, the other day. She suddenly felt incredibly guilty, moving to follow Carmilla, when Lafontaine stopped her.

'Laura, can I have a word please?'

'Um...yes, of course. What is it?'

'Carmilla is the closest thing, I have to a sibling, and she doesn't let a lot of people in. But when she does, it's worth it, trust me. She is incredibly loyal and kind. You seem fantastic and I really like you, I may be small but don't doubt, that if you hurt her, I won't kick your ass, because I will!'

Laura nods her understanding and they smile, before moving to rejoin Perry. Whilst Laura moves to follow Carmilla, leaving the two alone.

Lafontaine looks at Perry, taking in her nervous edge. She was looking around the room and biting her lip nervously. They moved their hands, to rub slow circles, over her tense shoulders. Smiling, when she relaxed into their touch.

'What's the matter Per?'

'She really lives here?'

'Yeah, why?'

'It's just...um...is it...clean?'

'As it can be.'

...

'...Carmilla?'

Laura slowly neared the brunette, as she sat on the decking. Her head leant against the wall, as she sobbed into her hands. Laura silently sat down, a few inches away from the brunette, as she spoke again. Moving her hand, to rest against Carmilla's knee.

'Hey, it's okay. Please don't cry. It's okay.'

Carmilla wiped her eyes, blinking through her tears, as she looks at Laura. Laura smiles softly at her, moving her hand to catch a stray tear, falling down Carmilla's cheek. She cupped Carmilla's cheek, stroking her thumb over her skin, as she let Carmilla slowly calm herself down. Before she spoke, softly to the brunette.

'Carmilla, I'm really sorry. When I made that comment, I didn't think and it was rude of me. I didn't mean to judge you and I'm truly, very sorry.'

Carmilla shook her head, speaking through quiet sniffles.

'You didn't know. I shouldn't have been so hard on you. I'm sorry Laura.'

'It's okay. I should have thought, before I spoke. So, can I ask you something?'

She waits for the nod and then she speaks again.

'Why did you think, that I would judge you for living here?'

'Some people, that I used to know, didn't like this living arrangement. As soon as they figured out, where I lived, they would no longer find me interesting. Laf, is the only one that never judged me, for my lack of money.'

Laura nodded, dropping her hand to let it rest in Carmilla's, squeezing it gently as she spoke.

'Those people, they didn't deserve you. Seriously, this is the best Treehouse, that I have ever seen and if they can't see that, then they're just a bunch of raging bi...bad people!'

'Thanks Cupcake.'

'And just so you know, Laf isn't the only one who will never judge you.'

They shared a smile, before Laura reached into her pocket, retrieving her small, flip-top phone. She turned to see Carmilla smirking at the item and she couldn't help but roll her eyes, before elaborating.

'Don't judge me. My Dad didn't want to get me a smart phone, he thought I'd send high resolution selfies, to potential stalkers.'

Carmilla just waved her off, biting her lip to stop herself from laughing, as Laura began to speak again.

'Type your phone number in there.'

Carmilla takes the phone, typing her number into Laura's phone, before handing it back to the brunette with a smile.

Within seconds, Carmilla's phone is buzzing. She unlocks it, to see a message pop up from an unknown number. She smiles, opening it and smiling more, when she reads who it's from.

Unknown Number:

Hey, it's Laura Hollis! :p

She quickly saved the number, before asking her to pose for a picture. Saying that she might forget who she is, if she doesn't have an image, to go off. Laura rolls her eyes, but smiles for a photo.

Asking Carmilla to do the same, her phone isn't the best for photography, but she manages to capture Carmilla's seductive smirk, with little pixelation.

'Who knew, that the way to get your number, was for me to cry?!'

Laura swots her arm playfully, before both girls relax into an easy conversation. Laughing and joking with one another, as evening creeps nearer.

Perry and Laura left at around 9pm, after arranging to meet Lafontaine and Carmilla, again the next day.

Laura felt her phone vibrating, smiling when she saw Carmilla's picture, flash on the small screen. She laughed when she saw that Carmilla had changed, her contact name. A blush forming on her cheeks, when she read the message.

Wears Leather Like A Boss, Carmilla:

Just so you know, I could never forget who you are, Cupcake ;-)