Chapter Text
“Laura, you do realize this is just a lame city softball league right?” LaFontaine asked her as she handed everyone their uniforms, “We just need matching shirts. Not entire matching uniforms, pants and all.”
“Listen,” Laura sighed, “We are the defending champions, we have to present ourselves as such.”
“Laura I-”
“And as your team captain,” Laura interrupted, “I am in charge and I say we present ourselves as the champions we are.”
“I think its a great idea.” Perry interjected.
“Thank you, Perry.” Laura smiled at her, pleased.
“ Well of course she agrees.” Betty rolled her eyes.
Laura pursed her lips and refrained from rolling her eyes, “And it's not lame, Laf, the city is very invested in its softball league and we happen to be the most highly regarded team on it. I think we should show a little respect for our fans, don't you?”
“ One of the most 'highly regarded teams'.” Laf pointed out.
“ Listen to me,” Laura pointed her finger around the locker room, “We do not ever speak of that other team in this locker room, do you understand?”
“Why do you hate them so much?” The new girl, Sarah, asked her.
Laura gaped at them, “Why do I-are you really asking me this? In case you forgot, Laf mentioned them being highly regarded as well which means we are rivals and last time I checked, no one particularly likes their rivals.”
“Damn, Hollis, give her a break. She wasn't here last year.” Danny said.
Laura sighed, “You're right, I apologize. But enough of this,” She smiled at the girl sweetly, waving her hands to gather everyone in for a huddle, “Is everyone ready to go out and practice!? It's our last practice before our first game so we really gotta make it count, guys! What team!?” She shouted as she put her hand in the middle of the huddle and waited for everyone to follow suit.
“God, Laura, no,” Laf face-palmed. Laura grabbed their hand it put back down with everyone elses.
“ What. Team?” She reiterated.
“Wildcats.” Everyone said, not so enthusiastically as they threw their hands up. Laura sighed, that's as good as she was going to get.
“Everyone get out to the field, we'll start with five laps around.” She said, grabbing her water bottle and following everyone to the field.
“Isn't five around the entire field a little excessive?” Danny waited behind for her.
“I didn't say they had to run the entire time,” Laura said, “And as if it would be any problem for you, Summer Society.” She said, nudging her.
“True.” Danny smirked at her.
Once they reached the field they fell in line with the rest of the team. Their practice field wasn't even super big so it really wasn't that bad. Once they started the 4 th lap, she saw a somewhat familiar figure stalking towards the fence in the outfield.
“I swear to god if that's who I think it is...” Laura warned.
“I think it is.” Danny said.
God. Carmilla Karnstein. The captain and pitcher of their rival team. Practically her own specific rival of the rivals.
“ Well well well,” She heard as they got closer, “Isn't this just adorable .” The girl scrunched up her nose and mocked them.
“Get out of here, Karnstein, this is a private practice!” Laura yelled as she ran up to her.
“Don't kill her.” Danny said as she continued on by them.
“Private practice huh?” She asked, ignoring Danny, “That's funny, I didn't see any signs saying 'no public access' or anything like that anywhere, sweetheart.” She said, turning her snapback backwards so she could lean closer to the fence.
Laura rolled her eyes and brought the bottom of her shirt up to wipe off her face as she tried to catch her breath. Carmilla raised an eyebrow and smirked at her, obviously leering at her.
“I'm a little disappointed, I was hoping to see those new uniforms everyone keeps talking about.” Carmilla said.
“You know its against the rules to spy on the other teams' practices.” Laura huffed, ignoring what she said.
“Aw, you should know by now I'm not really one to follow the rules now, am I cupcake?” Carmilla continued smirking, “Besides, even if I was spying, there isn't much to see. Looks like all you losers are doing is running around.”
“Excuse me, do you know who you're talking to?” Laura gaped at her.
“OMG, you're so right, I'm sorry,” Carmilla gasped, “I totally forgot you guys are the defending SPR Softball Champions!”
Laura rolled her eyes at her again, “Tone down the snark.”
Carmilla chuckled, “Look, cupcake, I was just passing by on my way to work and got distracted by a hottie running around in short shorts over here. Didn't realize it was you with your loser squad until I got closer.”
Laura scoffed, “God, you're so charming. If I didn't freakin' hate your guts I'd let you take me right here.”
Carmilla raised her eyebrows, “Oooh, talk about being snarky,” Carmilla smirked again, “Don't tempt me, I can't be late for work again. The store would implode without me.”
“Then leave.” Laura insisted.
“Oh fine, cupcake. If you insist,” Carmilla said, “You know, if you didn't take this so seriously I think you and I would get along much better than you think.” She said with a wink.
“You wish.” Laura sneered.
Carmilla hummed, “See you Friday, Hollis,” She said as she started walking away, “I'll try to go easy on you.”
Laura just scoffed and rolled her eyes again.
“What was that about?” Danny asked as she came back around.
“Nothing.” Laura took a deep breath and started running next to her again. They needed to make sure they were ready for that game Friday. There is no way they can lose it.
They lost.
They lost so freaking bad.
The game practically flew by and she blew it in the last inning. They were down by 3 and there were 2 runners on base with 2 outs. She was up and all she had to do was hit a home run. Or at least a decent hit that wasn't an out. Danny was after her in the line up and she was always a good hitter.
Except when someone like Carmilla Karnstein is pitching to you...It's kind of hard to concentrate. She figured that out last season and it seems as if that was even more accurate tonight.
Laura begrudgingly admits she's an amazing pitcher. She also begrudgingly admits she might look really hot in her stupid cut off t-shirt and shorts and knee high socks and her hair pulled back into a ponytail under her hat. And how even though she acts like she couldn't care less, she gets in this zone when she's pitching and absolutely slays almost anyone that comes to the plate.
But...its against the rules for the pitcher to try to distract the batter in any way but Laura is at least 5000% sure she smirked and winked at her before she threw her the third strike that ended the game. But what was she going to tell the umpire?
“Oh hey, the pitcher distracted me by being a super hot douche face, I demand a redo.”
God she hated her.
“What the hell, Hollis?” Laf said when they all got back in the locker room, “You never strike out like that, what's up with you?”
“Nothing is up with me,” Laura snapped, closing her eyes as she started practically ripping her uniform off, “Its not my fault their pitcher sucks and it certainly doesn't help when I try to pitch a good game myself and the rest of my team can't make any fucking plays when they need to! It should never come down to the very last out like that, you guys. I know you're all better than this.”
“I don't really think you have room to bitch at us about sucking when you're the one who struck out and cost us the game.” Betty said.
Laura rolled her eyes as she pulled her shorts up and adjusted her tank top. She shoved everything in her bag, “We can discuss this at practice Sunday.”
“That's really all you're gonna say?” Laf asked her.
“Like I said, we can discuss this at practice Sunday.” Laura snapped as she walked by everyone and out of the locker room. She just really wanted to go home. And really wanted to pretend that tonight never happened and that it was a horrible dream.
She walked to the parking lot, the scoreboard still lit up: Wildcats 4, Blue Ballers 7.
Blue Ballers. Laura rolled her eyes again. Of course Carmilla would come up with that name, she doesn't even know why the league approved of that, it's obviously meant to be inappropriate.
But “one of our colors is blue and we play soft ball there's nothing wrong with it” Carmilla says. And everyone of course agrees. Everyone always kisses her ass its disgusting. She's like the Tom Brady of the Silas Parks & Recreation Softball League; Everyone loves her despite what a douche she is just because she's an amazing player and lots of people thinks she's hot.
Oh she breaks a rule? It's cool, she didn't mean to. Or it was a “first time” offense so she just gets a “warning”.
Appalling.
“What the heck happened out there, Hollis?” Kirsch asked, scaring the crap out of her when she reached her car, “Sorry.” He chuckled as she tried to calm herself.
“It was an off night, we'll work on it.” She said.
“Yeah but...I don't think I've ever seen you strike out.” He said.
Laura rolled her eyes, “I don't want to talk about it, Kirsch. It was a bad game. I'm aware. We'll work on it.”
“You want me to tell you what she told me to tell you?”
“Not really.” Laura said as she unlocked her car.
“Next time she won't go so easy on you.” He said anyway.
Laura scoffed, “We'll see,” She said. They play each other again in about 6 games, “Can't believe you're friends with her.”
“Well, she kind of is my boss. And she's pretty cool. I think you'd like her if you actually got to know her.” He said.
“Not likely," Laura said, throwing her bag in the back of her car, "Trust me."
“Alright well, I'll let you get home I guess,” He sighed, “See ya later.”
“'Night, Kirsch.” She gave him a little smile so he wouldn't feel too bad and he returned it before walking to his car. She couldn't wait to get home and take a bath and just go to bed.
And get to practice and get her stupid team's shit together.
Laura was opening the pet store she works at 8am Monday morning. Mondays were notoriously slow, especially in the morning. She looked at the oncall sheet in the office and apparently it was just going to be her and Sarah until 1pm when Danny came in.
“You need me to do anything?” Sarah asked, sneaking up behind her and scaring her.
Laura shook her head at herself, “Same thing as every morning, feed the fish and then clean the creepy crawlies' cages and stuff. I'll start on the kitties'.”
“Why do I always have to clean those?” Sarah frowned.
“Because you're clearly fine with it and I am not. And I'm in charge and I told you to.” Laura said.
Laura practically ran the store every morning. Their manager usually came in after Laura was already gone and she's pretty sure the only thing she does is complain about everything and make the schedules...Which are the same every week. You'd think if she really had a problem with how the store was being ran, she'd make more of an effort to be there or hire other managers instead of expecting Laura, Danny and Perry to run to the place when they're not even considered managers or anything close to it. The store is only open from 9-6, it can't be that hard.
Laura sighed and opened the cat's cage. They were all in one big one in the corner. Luckily all the ones that have come and gone usually get along with each other.
“Hey guys,” She said, a black and white cat ran over to her and started rubbing against her legs. The rest blinked lazily at her from their perches on the cat tree or the beds. She closed the door behind her before reaching down to pet it, “You guys have it so easy in here. Just hanging around until a nice family comes to take you home where you get to continue to do nothing but sleep.” The cat looked up at her and meowed quietly. She chuckled and moved by it over to the bed in one corner that had a group of a couple months old kittens.
“Hi little babies,” She cooed, “How are you all today?” She sat in front of it and picked one of them up and hugged it to her chest. The disturbance woke the rest of them up and they gave her a look that she deemed was probably an offended one.
“Sorry guys,” She said quietly as she continued petting the one she was holding, “You're just so cute I couldn't help myself.” She kissed its cheek before putting it back and gently petting the rest of them. The black and white cat came back over and started demanding her attention.
“Hey I can pay attention to them too,” She said when it climbed into her lap and began nudging her free hand, “Don't get too comfy I have things to do.” She said picking it up, earning a growly meow of protest, and setting it to the side as she scooted to the big litter box in the other corner.
She grimaced but began scooping it out and tossing it in the trash bag she brought with her, “If I see any of you use this after I walk out of here we're gonna have some problems,” She said when she finished and stood back up, “I'll be right back with some more food and water for you.” She promised them as she walked back out. They had those big containers that dispensed food and water and they were still relatively full but she wanted to make sure they didn't run out.
When she came back with all of that, she brought the broom with her to sweep up all the hair and litter on the floor in there. Once she started, a black cat jumped down and started going after it, “Seriously, it's a broom,” She sighed, trying to maneuver around it, “You'll ignore all the toys in here but as soon as something like a broom or shoe string is in your sight, you go right after that don't you?” Simple, simple creatures. She swept it all up into the tray and began to walk back out.
“Let me guys know if you need anything else, I'll be piddling around here somewhere.” She said and locked the cage behind her.
She fed and watered all the other smaller animals, the bunnies and ferrets and hamsters. And cleaned up their cages a little. They were a small store so there wasn't a lot of animals but it still usually took more than the hour allotted before the store opened to finish the task.
“Uh, Laura,” She heard from the other side of the store, “Can you come here?”
She sighed and meandered over to see what the problem was, “Yes?”
Sarah smiled nervously at her, “So um, funny story, I was feeding the tarantula right? And uh, well...it moved towards my hand and I freaked out and like got all jittery you know because I fuckin' hate spiders so I have no idea why you make me do this I mean can't it wait until Laf gets here or something? Anyway, during my freak out...it may or may not have scurried out of its um cage thing and-”
“What!?” Laura screeched and immediately scurried around in a circle, looking around at the floor for it and suddenly feeling like things were crawling all over her. She always worried about this. And now it was happening, “Ooookay, um well, it's not a big store it couldn't have gone far right? It's big you can't miss it just...look for it okay, I'll keep an eye out.” She laughed nervously. Oh god she was going to die.
The store was about to open soon, like actually she should have already unlocked the door and turned the sign over, no one can see a giant ass spider running around freely. What are they even going to do if they find it?? They both hate spiders. Oh god.
Maybe she should call Danny. Laf was off today and Danny deals with it when they're not around. Good idea.
She pulled out her phone and quickly dialed her number.
“Hey I'm so sorry if I woke you but there's kind of an emergency here and I need you to come in asap.” Laura said quickly when Danny answered.
“What kind of emergency are you okay?” Danny asked, sounding about 1000% more awake than she did a few seconds ago.
“I'm fine I promise I just...need you. Please.” Laura sighed. Her eyes haven't stopped darting around the store.
“Okay, yeah. I'll be there as soon as I can.” Danny said and they hung up. Laura sighed again. She temporarily thought about going and sitting on the checkout counter. But she decided spiders can climb things and she'd rather not fall to her death trying to escape it's vicious clutches.
Maybe it's best to evacuate all the animals and just set the building on fire. Problem solved. And refuse to take in anymore creepy crawly things. Who the fuck even wants a pet tarantula in the first place?
She took a deep breath and ran her hands down her face, “Okay,” She said quietly to herself, “Everything is going to be fine. We'll find it and it won't come anywhere near me and everything will be fine.”
She took another breath and walked over to the puppy cages, “Hey guys, I'm sorry I have to put you in danger to clean out your cages. Let's hope none of you get eaten. Including myself.” She said as she unlocked the bottom cage and took the two beagle puppies inside of it out and carried them to the little closed in area in the corner designated for people to “play” with the animals they're considering to adopt.
She kissed both of them on the head before she put them down, “If you find any huge spiders just...yelp for help.” She snickered at herself. She walked back over and the puppies in the other two cages were pawing at the glass at her, “Aw do you guys wanna go play with them?” She asked before unlocking them and taking them over to the other two pups.
They all immediately starting pouncing around with each other. She watched with a smile for a moment before walking back over to finish her job.
She was down on the floor leaning inside of the bottom one, trying to reach the food bowl they scooted to the back corner when Danny came up behind her, “Laura, what's up?”
Laura jumped, not expecting anyone to sneak up behind her, and she hit her head on the top of the cage, “Ah, damn it,” She grimaced as she carefully backed out and turned to Danny, “Hey.”
Danny gave her an apologetic look, “Sorry. What's the problem?”
“ Right,” Laura rubbed at the back of her head, “ Somebody, not gonna name names but there's only one other person here right now, let the tarantula loose and we can't find it and we need someone to trap it when we do...so...” She smiled up at her.
“Geez,” Danny sighed, “Alright, I'll look around for it.”
Laura smiled again and continued with what she was doing. When she finished she checked the time on her phone.
And sighed. It was just after 10am. 4 more hours. She groaned. 4 more hours of torture if they can't find that damn spider soon.
“Sarah has there been any customers?” Laura yelled across the store.
“Like three.” She yelled back.
“Awesome,” Laura mumbled to herself. She wandered back over to the puppies who were still playing around with each other, “You guys mind if I join you?” She asked, sitting on the floor against the wall. The smallest puppy, a yorkie, waddled over to her quickly. He obviously was not up for playing with the bigger puppies.
“Hey there, little guy,” She picked him up and brought her knees up to rest him against as she held his paws and leaned forward so he could give her puppy kisses, “Thank you.” She laughed quietly.
Laura wished they had room for the bigger dogs to stay but at least there was a non-profit shelter down the road from them. They were sort of partners in a sense. They gave them a discount on the pet food and everything else they might need.
They were a pet store but the animals they had were ones that the shelter couldn't take in. Like the rabbits and other smaller animals. The other place had a ton of cats so they take some in too. The puppies often needed to be away from the bigger dogs so that's why they had them. Otherwise they wouldn't have any. Puppy mills and all that bad stuff.
The puppy had balled up on her lap and started to fall asleep. She smiled down at it as she played with another puppy with her free hand.
“Working hard or hardly working?” Danny asked, peeking over the wall at her a few minutes later.
“Working hard, obviously.” Laura smiled.
Danny laughed and shook her head, “We can't find that damn thing anywhere.”
“Seriously?” Laura sighed and lolled her head back against the wall, “We need to find it. Either A: I'm going to get killed for losing an 'animal' or B: I'm going to get killed by a massive, wild spider! Or both!” She exclaimed.
“Or maybe you'll get killed for sitting around playing with the puppies while on the clock?” Danny offered.
“Danny, please. I'm giving them their much needed exercise.” Laura defended herself.
“The one in your lap appears to be asleep.” Danny pointed out.
“Because,” Laura drawled out, “He's tiny and played very hard and now he's relaxing.”
“Okay,” Danny snorted, “Anyway, a dude from the truck is here. He's unloading some stuff so you're gonna have to put the puppies back and actually work. Also I hope you think of a good excuse for my overtime because I am certainly not doing this for free.”
Laura rolled her eyes and carefully picked up the puppy as she stood up, “You can't just like, do me a tiny little favor?”
“I've already been here for almost an hour. So no. Sorry.” Danny said.
Laura narrowed her eyes at her, “Thanks.”
Danny's eyes widened, “Uh, Laura,” She gestured at her shoulder, “You um...”
Laura's eyebrows furrowed together and she turned her head and looked down at her shoulder, “Oh my god!” She flailed her shoulder back and forth and shoved the puppy into Danny's arms before swiping viciously at herself. She saw the spider go flying towards the wall before she ran out of the enclosed area making a high pitched screeching noise that she was pretty sure only the dogs could hear.
She continued wiping her hands all over herself and flailing around, feeling like there were hundreds of spiders crawling all over her when she suddenly ran into someone.
“Woah there cutie.” She heard the voice belonging to the arms that were holding her upright and immediately shook them off of her and jumped back.
“What the-what are you doing here?” Laura asked her, still smacking around on herself. She decided having a disgusting tarantula crawling on her shoulder didn't seem as bad as having Carmilla's, not quite as cold and scaly as they should be, hands on her.
Carmilla raised an eyebrow at her twitchiness, “I came to get cat food before practice so I wouldn't forget.”
“ Here?” Laura scoffed. She was pretty sure she had to have been up to something else. Although she was in her practice gear. Aka ridiculously short shorts and a tank top. And her hair pulled back. And her legs looked like they went on for years. Laura appreciated knee socks as much as the next lesbian but Carmilla had really nice calves and...
What the fuck, Hollis. Stop.
“ Yes here,” Carmilla smirked at her, “I had to stop by and see how my least favorite cupcake was doing after suffering such a devastatingly humiliating loss the other night.”
“I was having an off night.” Laura rolled her eyes before swatting at her shoulder again and turning around to make sure Danny had control of the situation she left her with.
“Oh yeah?” Carmilla tilted her head at her, “Does it have anything to do with all this twitching you're doing?”
Laura narrowed her eyes, “Shut up.”
Carmilla hummed, “Was that god awful screeching I heard over here coming from you?”
“Maybe.” Laura said.
Carmilla snorted, “Good to know my suspicions of you still being a spaz are confirmed.”
“I'm-I am not a spaz.” Laura sounded offended.
“Sure,” Carmilla grinned sarcastically, “Anyway, I need to get going. Try not to get all sweaty and delirious, I don't wanna have to feel bad the next time we kick your ass.”
Laura scoffed, “I'm not-you're the delirious one. You got lucky.”
Carmilla hummed again, “Keep telling yourself that, cutie.” She said as she turned to walk away. Laura just glared at her.
God how could one human being be so infuriating by just...existing?
“Got it taken care of.” Danny snuck up behind her again.
“Jesus christ,” Laura jumped again, “Good, thanks.” She said as she tried to calm down. Danny gave her a thumbs up and walked back towards the office and she walked back to the back of the store for the truck.
God she wished today was over.
They lost game 2. Bad. Again. Kirsch met up with Laura after the game to go out with all of them for a desperately needed drink. Well Laura desperately needed it. She didn't know about everyone else. She had a rough week.
“ If it counts for anything, you played a good game.” He reassured her. Laura pursed her lips and side-eyed him. She knows she played a good game, the other team only scored 2 points. The problem was...they didn't score at all.
She let out a sharp breath through her nose as she sunk down in the booth they were sitting at. One of the big half circle ones in the corner of the bar they were at. Except they were currently the only two in it. Everyone else was getting more drinks and/or dancing. Even though it wasn't really a 'get up and dance' type place.
“We're the defending champions and we're playing like a bunch of ten year olds who don't even know what they're doing. We're the exact same team as last season, with the exception of Sarah. I don't understand.” She whined.
He shrugged as he took a sip of his drink, “I don't know what to tell you.”
“You're a lot of help.” She mumbled.
“Hey, I'm technically still your rival maybe I'm withholding.” He smiled.
She narrowed her eyes and turned to him, “Oh I see how it is.”
“I'm just sayin'! If I didn't fuck my knee up last season I would've been on the field against you last week.” He said.
Laura snorted, “Yeah, thanks for that by the way,” She said, “Making them put in that 'no sliding' rule because you didn't even know how to do it right and hurt yourself.”
“Hey,” He looked offended, “I wasn't the only one okay. You're mean when you're drunk.”
She scoffed, “I'm not drunk I've only had like three drinks.”
“Okay, lightweight.” He said.
She rolled her eyes and took the last, big, drink of her own and scooted around the booth, “Whatever I'm going to get another one.”
“Send Danny over here if you see her!” He called after her. She scrunched up her face a little. They tried to act like they weren't a thing but...everyone knew they were.
And quite frankly Laura thought it was repulsive. Befriending members of the opposite team was one thing, fornicating with them? It's against the rules. Well her rules. It should be a real rule though.
“Your boy toy wants to see you.” Laura grimaced when she came up beside Danny at the bar.
Danny gave her a look before turning around to look at him, “'Kay thanks.” She gave her a quick smile before walking over to him. She turned to Laf to say something but they spoke before she had a chance.
“Perry's been in the bathroom for awhile. I'm gonna go check on her, make sure she didn't fall in or...throw up all over herself or something.” They said and left Laura alone at the bar. She frowned and ordered her drink. She hopped up on the stool as she waited, turning to see what everyone else was doing. They seemed to have taken up residence in a smaller booth since apparently...Yep, Danny and Kirsch were already heart eyeing each other so much she felt like she was going to throw up.
Awesome.
She swiveled back around and thanked the bartender as she handed her her drink.
“Well well,” A disgustingly familiar voice came from her left side, “Fancy seeing you here.”
Laura closed her eyes and took a deep breath before turning to her, “Yeah real fancy how you seem to keep showing up wherever I am.”
Carmilla raised her eyebrows and put a hand on her chest, “Oh you don't think I'm stalking you or something do you?”
Laura narrowed her eyes, “Hard telling knowing you.”
Carmilla hummed, “Purely a coincidence, sweetheart. However, Kirsch did invite me tonight so I thought I'd stop by. Possibly have a little talk about the big ole goose egg in the win column for you guys.” She smirked and rested her chin in her hand.
“Oh shut up,” Laura rolled her eyes. Carmilla's team played the afternoon game earlier. And won. Like she really wanted to hear what she had to say right now, “I don't want to hear whatever you have to say.”
Carmilla hummed again, “Don't be like that, cutie,” She used a finger from her free hand to push Laura's hair behind her shoulder so it wasn't hiding her face so much, “Maybe I wanted to give you a little advice.”
Laura snorted as she cringed away from her hand, “Oh yeah? What kind of useful advice could you possibly have for me ?”
“You need to relax,” Carmilla said. Kind of not what she was expecting to hear, “Every time I see you you're always so tense, even during games. You play really well either way but...just saying.”
Laura glanced over at her out of the corner of her eye, “I really don't think I'm the problem but thanks.”
“ Well you were the one that got the game losing strikeout last week. Even though you almost never strike out.” Carmilla pointed out.
“Thanks, captain obvious.” Laura rolled her eyes and wrapped her lips back around the straw she had barely taken away from her mouth since she got it.
Carmilla shrugged, “Maybe it would be beneficial for you to take your team to a yoga class or something once a week? That's what we do.”
Laura turned her head to her finally, “Really?” She didn't peg Carmilla as a...yoga type person.
“Yeah,” Carmilla nodded, “It was Will's idea, not mine. I don't actually go a lot though...I have my own methods for relaxing.” She smirked.
Yeah that sounds more like Carmilla.
“I bet you do.” Laura mumbled before turning back to face forward again.
“Two more of...whatever she's having,” Carmilla said when the bartender asked her if she wanted anything. Laura just glared at the wall in front of her. She wanted Carmilla to go away already, “Anyway, yeah I do. Maybe I could enlighten you sometime.” She said, lowering her voice a little. Laura glanced at her out of the corner of her eye.
She thinks she seems closer than she was a second ago. Maybe. She doesn't really know for sure. Her head is starting to feel a little fuzzy because she drank that drink really fast considering she didn't really stop taking constant sips of it the entire time she sat there.
She took out the straw and lifted the glass to her lips to get a few pieces of ice in her mouth, “I have to pee.” She said around a mouthful of ice as she hopped down from her stool and started walking to the bathroom. She wasn't lying, she did have to pee. She also really needed to get away from her before she ended up doing something stupid.
Like hitting her. Totally nothing else. At all.
She went to the bathroom and washed her hands. Laf and Perry were nowhere to be seen. Weird.
As she was drying off her hands she heard the bathroom door open but didn't bother to look over at who it was. She should've though. When she glanced up in the mirror at herself, Carmilla was standing behind her.
“Okay now I really am starting to think you're stalking me.” She laughed nervously, tossing the paper towel in the trash can off to her left.
Carmilla frowned, “You mean, 'I have to pee' wasn't some sort of code for 'meet me in the bathroom in five?'”
Laura blinked at her reflection, “I just had to pee?”
Carmilla's frown didn't go away as she hummed, “Oh, well...can't say this has happened before.”
Laura snorted despite herself, “Do you often get laid in public bathrooms?”
Carmilla's lips turned up a little and she shrugged, “Public bathrooms, private bathrooms...behind houses.”
Laura narrowed her eyes at her, “I honestly don't know whether to be impressed or repulsed.” Laura admitted.
Carmilla chuckled, “Well...the offer stands if you wanna change your mind.” She stepped closer to her and put her hands on both sides of Laura on the sink.
“Uh,” Laura cleared her throat and averted her gaze from the mirror where Carmilla was giving her probably the most seductive look she's ever seen in her life, “I don't-”
Then she felt Carmilla moving her hair to one side of her neck and gently placing a kiss on the skin she just uncovered. Her mouth fell open a little as the words she was trying to say was replaced with a quiet gasp as she felt Carmilla's lips drag a little up her neck before settling in for another kiss.
Carmilla pressed her front up against Laura's back as she moved her lips to her ear, "Sometimes it helps to let loose a little, remember? I bet you'd feel much better.” She whispered as her fingers started dancing up under Laura's shirt.
Laura's eyes fluttered closed and she let out a shaky breath. Yeah she's well aware of this fact. That doesn't mean she's going to do it. Especially with her.
“Um,” Laura's voice came out at much higher octave than she was expecting as she squirmed away from her, “Thanks but no thanks...I still kind of hate you so...”
Carmilla quirked her lips and tilted her head at her, “You're no fun.”
“Yeah well, wh-what makes you think I would even want to anyway?” Laura said, excessively scoffing.
Carmilla shrugged and smirked, "I guess I have my reasons.”
Laura nodded, “I see.” Of course.
Carmilla looked at her with an unreadable expression for a moment before moving towards her. Laura moved out of her way as she spoke again, "I don't want you to think I was trying to take advantage of your...current state."
Laura snorted, “I'm not that drunk.”
“You're swaying.” Carmilla said biting back a chuckle.
Laura narrowed her eyes and leaned back against the wall, “Whatever.”
Carmilla hummed, “Can't say I'm not disappointed though.”
“Right.” Laura said.
“I still think you should consider what I said,” Carmilla said flatly, “Not with me obviously.”
“Right, obviously.” Laura nodded. Definitely not her.
“I think that overgrown ginger you hang out with might...qualify.” Carmilla sneered.
Laura laughed, “Danny? She's with Kirsch, didn't you know that?”
“What?” Carmilla snapped.
“Yeah...it's been a few months.” Laura grinned, wondering how she could be so oblivious. She knows she's friends with Kirsch too, she can't believe she didn't figure it out. Especially after their...display tonight.
“ What the fuck he's not supposed to sleep with someone on another team!” She grumbled.
Laura straight up started cackling. Wow was it possible to get even drunker after several minutes of not even drinking?
“ You literally just tried to have sex with me.” She pointed out.
“Well that's...different.” Carmilla flailed her hands.
“How?” Laura snorted.
“ Because it's me.” She explained.
“Wow.” Laura shook her head with another laugh.
“I'm going to strangle both of them.”
“Hold on,” Laura stopped her from opening the door, “He's technically not even on your team anymore. Plus he's friends with me, what's really the difference?”
“That's not the point.” She said.
“Then what is?” Laura asked.
This was somehow the most civil conversation they have ever had. Even with the sexual advances and talk about murder. Weird. Yeah she must be really drunk after all.
“I don't know,” She grumbled and opened the door, “See you later, cutie.” And she was gone.
Laura stood there staring at the door for a minute. What even just happened? Why did Carmilla think she wanted to have sex with her? Why was she so annoyed with Kirsch sleeping with Danny? Why did she for once not feel the uncontrollable urge to strangle her like she does after every other altercation they have?
Man she really needs to go to bed. Maybe after she takes a shower. She finally started walking towards the door. Okay maybe a slightly cold shower.
“Ugh.” She groaned as she shot a text to Danny telling her she was catching a cab home. If she even gets it. If they're even still there at all. She didn't bother to look. She just really wants to get home.
“Thanks for telling Carmilla about Danny by the way.” Kirsch glared at Laura over the rack of new CDs he was stocking.
Laura gave him an apologetic smile, “Sorry about that...is she here today?” She asked, looking around the music store. That Carmilla runs. Apparently its actually owned by her mother but she basically does everything. Including hire her best guy friend. Whom she likes to distract at work.
“Yeah, somewhere. Probably in the office doing absolutely nothing like usual...or making out with someone,” He mumbled, “Still don't wanna tell me what happened in there?” He smirked over at her.
She gaped at him, “Nothing happened, I told you.”
“Mhm,” He nodded, “You looked pretty flustered walking out of there.”
“You didn't even see me.” She narrowed her eyes at him.
“ No, you didn't see me.” He clarified.
“Whatever,” Laura rolled her eyes, “She's not as much of a lady killer as you both think she is.”
“ Oh so something did happen.” He smirked.
“I-no. I just said that. That was the point of that comment,” Laura scoffed. Kirsch just hummed, “You know I hate her I don't know why you think-”
“ Yeah yeah, we all know you 'hate' her,” He air quoted, “She most certainly does not hate you.”
“Kirsch!” Laura glanced over to the door behind the front register where the voice was coming from, “Carm wants to see you for a sec!” Laura is pretty sure its that Ell girl on their team.
“Speaking of someone Carmilla most certainly doesn't hate...” He raised an eyebrow at Laura, “I'll be back.”
“...'Kay.” She said as she wandered behind him a little towards a keychain display in front of the register.
“Carm doesn't like when customers distract employees.” The girl walked over.
“I'm sure she doesn't,” Laura scrunched up her face a little, “But I'm here quite a bit and she's never said anything so I'm sure she'll live.” She said as she pushed around the keychains to look at them.
“Aren't you Laura Hollis?” She narrowed her eyes, “What are you doing in 'enemy' territory so much?”
“Maybe you should ask her that too,” Laura said, side-eyeing her, “Do you even work here I never see you when I'm here.”
“I'm always in the back with her.” She smirked. Ew.
“Right,” Laura grimaced, “Well nice talking to you, I'm sure you wouldn't want to keep her waiting.”
“She's busy,” She shrugged, “I'm Ell by the way.”
“Thought so.” Laura said.
Ell tilted her head at her and hummed, “Someone's losing streak must be getting to her.”
“ Listen,” Laura turned to her and raised her finger at her until Kirsch came back from behind her.
“Ladies,” He said giving Laura a look, “Nice to see you guys making friends.”
“Right,” Laura forced a smile at him, “Friends.”
Ell smiled too, “I suppose I should get back to work now, see ya later, Laura.”
Laura nodded at her with a tiny sneer before turning to Kirsch who looked amused.
“What?” She hissed.
“Nothing,” He smiled, “Anyway like I was saying. She's totally into you.”
“ Yeah right,” Laura rolled her eyes, “That would be more flattering if she wasn't into everything that walks on two legs.”
He snorted, “Maybe.” Laura saw the door swing open again behind him.
“Make sure you get that done for me okay?” Carmilla said before finally closing the door.
She turned around and raised her eyebrows upon seeing Laura. Laura rolled her eyes.
“ Well well,” She walked around the counter, “And I'm the one supposedly stalking you.”
Laura scoffed, “I'm here to see Kirsch.”
“Of course,” Carmilla continued walking closer, “Didn't change your mind about last night did you?” She said quieter as she got closer.
“Seriously?” Laura scoffed again.
“Can't blame a girl for trying can you?” She smirked.
“You're disgusting.” Laura rolled her eyes.
“You wound me, cutie.” Carmilla looked offended.
“Don't you have something you need to do?” Laura asked.
Carmilla's lips quirked as she raised an eyebrow at her, “Nothing exciting.”
“ Anyway,” Laura sighed, “We're going to the batting cages in a bit so I'd hate to leave you here but...I have better things to do.”
“Cute,” Carmilla grinned, “Honing up your poor batting skills. Good idea.”
“I happen to be a very good hitter thank you.” Laura scoffed.
“In high school maybe.”
“Shut up.” Laura rolled her eyes again.
“No comment.” Carmilla continued smirking.
“God I hate you,” Laura grumbled, “See you later, Kirsch!” She called back to him as she pushed by Carmilla.
“No goodbye for me, cutie?” Carmilla asked.
“Fuck off, Karnstein.” Laura called behind her.
“A lady after my own heart.” She heard Carmilla say and she shot a look behind her as she walked out the door and she was still standing there just smirking at her. She's at least 130% sure Kirsch is wrong about Carmilla actually being “into” her. The only things she's into is pissing her off more and more with every word that comes out of her mouth.
Which she is very fucking good at.