Chapter Text
Laura was distracted the entire day, hardly paying attention to Lafontaine's elaborate explanation about csf.
"Yeah, not entirely sure I'd like to re-live 'missing roommate is almost fed to a giant anglerfish' moment in my life."
Laura says pretending she was listening.
"Alright, what would you like to talk about?"
Lafotniane has been insistent on getting Laura to spill about her crush, but so far it had been to no avail.
"I don't have any..."
Laura's sentence lingers as she realizes what Lafontaine wants.
"Ok fine, you caught me."
Laura sighs slouching in her chair.
"Give me the details. What happened?"
Laura felt her cheeks heating up at just the thought.
"Uhm...We watched a movie, it was in my dorm though, it was actually really nice. She cuddle me and then...then we kissed."
Laura's eyes shied away to the floor boards, she could feel Lafontiane's energy before their fist bounced against Laura's shoulder.
"Ay, score one for the Hollis team."
"Yeah, yeah."
There was a slight pause before Laura fills the silence again.
"How are you and Perry?"
Laura strayed from her nerves with the question.
"Good! Our year anniversary is actually coming up in a week."
"That's awesome!"
Laura beams, her smile extending, showing less embarrassment and more joy.
"Ten days if you want to be precise."
Lafontaine clarifies, Laura nods. Laura wipes her hands on her pants, though it didn't help the questions boring into her mind.
"Uhm...so, I've been thinking..."
Laura takes a deep breath, her tongue darting out to her chapped lips. Lafontaine poster improves, listening for Laura’s thoughts.
"I want to ask Carm out...on a date."
"Aren't you two already, you know, a thing?"
Their hands gesture to Laura’s body, in a strange motion to emphasize their point. Laura’s shoulders bounce softly, her hands moving in search for the right words.
"Yes, but officially, we haven't ever gone on a real date."
"Not even way back when?"
"No..."
Laura's voice dims as worry lines form between her eyes.
"Hey, you have it in the bag. Trust me."
Lafontaine puts a reassuring hand on Laura's should.
"I'm still nervous."
Laura runs her hand through her hair.
"Don't force it, just go it the flow. That's what made it easier for me."
Laura manages to muster a smile. Laura’s head lolls in agreement.
---
Laura's heart is hammering against her sternum, her palms are sweaty and the world is spinning. Laura locked eyes with herself, her stern expression sinking in as she gave herself a brief pep talk.
"You got this Hollis. Six words, five seconds, you will survive."
Laura gives a short nod, triple checking that her hair was decent before stepping out the door. Carmilla had offered to treat Laura to coffee, and it was the closest to a date they have been since their first kiss.
"There you are."
Carmilla said with glee as Laura opened the passanger door.
"Hey Carm."
Laura hopes her smile isn't as crooked as it felt. The drive was less nerve racking than Laura and anticipated. Laura waits patiently at the table once they've arrived, watching as she spins her drink in her hand. Carmilla sits across from Laura, joy written all over her face. Laura always started with small talk which Carmilla was never fond of until this prissy little over achiever came into her life. It was only when Laura started to ramble (more than usual) that the question began to boil over Carmilla's tongue.
"You're rambling again." Almost.
Carmilla points out, and Laura stops chuckleing at herself.
"Sorry, bad habits die hard."
Carmilla knew that wasn't the case, though to press Laura on would be a chore. Carmilla lifted her drink to her lips, noticing Laura's eyes follow. Carmilla sets her drink down, reaching for Laura's hand that rested against the table. Laura attention is to their hands now, flipping her own to hold Carmilla's. When she dares to caught her gaze it was like an arrow was shot through her, and that was when her word fell over her lips.
"Willyougooutwithme?"
Laura blurts. Carmilla blinks a few times before she processes the words, and it was her turn to chuckle.
"Isn't that what we're doing, cutie?"
Laura sighs the weight lifting off her shoulders.
"I mean...officially...will you go out with me?”
Laura gnaws on her lower lip as she waits for a response.
"That would be wonderful."
Carmilla states, and Laura squeals in response, her grip tightening against Carmilla hand. Laura clears her throat give a slightly apologetic look though the ecstasy stay all the same.
"Cool beans."
Laura quietly says. A sense of victory settling in her chest, but most of all the warmth of Carmilla hand against her own traveled to her heart.
---
Laura lays her dress out on the bed, staring down at it as she catches her breath. Laura Hollis was going on an actual, official, very real date with Carmilla Karnstein. Laura squealed as lightning strikes her chest, her smile so wide her eyes squint. Laura sheds her old clothes to slip into her dress, she skips to the bathroom to apply her make up. Even if Carmilla would be pleased with pajamas and bed head, tonight was special. Everything had to be perfect, and perfect Laura made herself.
Meanwhile, Carmilla brushes through her wavy hair for what feels like the hundredth times, making sure every fine detail was flawless. Carmilla was satisfied with her results, even if Laura would tell her everyday how beautiful she was, everyday no matter how gloomy. On the days when Carmilla could hardly roll out of bed Laura’s good morning text would fuel her motivation. The genuine words Laura spoke, the sparkle in her eyes that resembled the stars she would gaze at night after night for years on end, everything. Carmilla wanted to give it her all this special night.
The distant rumble of thunder calmed every sporadic nerve in her body. She checked her reflection one last time before standing, checking her phone just in time to receive a text. She left the building, to place herself in the passenger seat of Laura’s car.
People spoken before about how rain was an omen for poor futures but Carmilla saw it in a different light. As Futurist Nikola Tesla's mother had thought, it would not be a day of darkness but a day of light. That was a promise. Carmilla’s wondering thoughts were put back on their trial when they had arrived in the restaurant's parking lot. Carmilla runs her fingers over the front of her charcoal dress to smooth out any new wrinckles. The exterior of the building was incredible she could only imagine what the inside was like. The interior was beautiful, the dim lights, and crystal chandeliers, the pure cloth draped over the tables with candles placed in the middle.
Though the scene could never compare to the beautiful figure by her side. Laura stood with a smile cut ear to ear, in her navy dress falling slightly above her knees, her hair half pulled back with the rest falling freely. Nothing not even the universe could compare.
“You're stunning.”
Laura breathlessly speaks, taking in the monument before her.
“Not too bad yourself, Aphrodite.”
Laura blushes. They are seated and there’s not a minute that passes that puppy eyes aren’t being exchanged between the two of them.
“I can’t believe it’s raining today. I checked the weather, it said 5% chance. 5%!”
Laura’s hands wave in the air, amusing Carmilla.
“I like the rain, it makes me feel...normal.”
Carmilla’s voice fell at the end looking down at her menu, but a firm grip against her hand catches her attention.
“You are so much more than normal; you are extraordinary.”
Laura states. Carmilla's vision becomes blurry tilting her head down to kiss Laura's knuckles. The server comes just in time, and they order their drinks, and food. Carmilla presses her lips against Laura's hand again, in a way of saying thank you or I feel the same. Laura understands, holding Carmilla's hand a bit tighter. Their food arrived on white platters with garnish to add a little pop to it.
“You know, Carm...you have a charming voice.”
Carmilla raised a perfect eyebrow at Laura.
“You know it’s true.”
Laura pointed at Carmilla with her fork. She scoffed at Laura, shoving her food into her mouth to avoid the conversation. Though Laura kept wiggles her eyebrows at her.
“Flattered.”
Carmilla dryly said.
“I bet you sound even better.”
Carmilla winked. Laura's eyes widen, her heart exploding in her cheeks.
“Carm!”
Laura scolded though she couldn't fight the smug smile infecting her lips. Carmilla covers her pursed lips, restraining the food from splattering along the table. Everything went according to plan and better. Then serve came back to grab their dirty dishes and ask if they wanted dessert, and Laura, of course excepted the offer with excitement. She order a chocolate cake for the two of them.
“Holy Hufflepuff that is a lot of cake.”
Laura gawked once it was set on their table. Laura lower her head slightly, as if she were analyzing the food.
“That thing is bigger than my head!”
Carmilla was basically a bottomless pit when it came to anything chocolate, so this would not be a problem.
“Best looking cake I’ve seen.”
Carmilla chuckles more at herself than anything before stabbing her fork in. Laura utensil is pointing at Carmilla, though this time she wants her to take it. Carmilla leans across the table, Laura watches, and if at all possible her smile bordens. Carmilla wipes the crumbs from her face, Laura take another bite for herself, smudging the chocolate on the corner of her mouth. Carmilla snorts at her pointing at the corner of her mouth. Laura ineffectively rubs the napkin over her face, Carmilla rolls her eyes, extending her hand to do it herself. And she can’t help but think Laura might have done that on purpose.
“Uhg, oh my god, that was so much…”
Laura pushes the plate farther from her body. Carmilla takes it finishing it off.
“Don’t go in a food coma on me.”
Carmilla teases. Laura shoots Carmilla playful expression before the check arrives. Carmilla offered to pay but Laura was persistaint on protesting saying it was her idea to come here; they eventually settled on splitting to pay half and half. The drive was quiet, mostly because Laura was forcing herself to pay attention to the road instead of falling face first into the steering wheel.
“Thank you…”
Carmilla murmured. Laura perked at the sound of her voice.
“For tonight...it was amazing.”
Laura parks the car, pausing oce the car is turned off. Carmilla looks over, the confusion between her eyes shifting to concern as she saw tears briming Laura's eyes. Carmilla reaches over the center council to grab Laura's hand drawing comforting partners against her soft skin.
“Hey…”
Carmilla’s voice was low, afraid too much volume would cause a falling sky. Laura sniffles wiping her eyes with her free hand.
“They're happy tears.”
Laura clarifies. She turns to capture Carmilla's lips, Carmilla is nearly knocked over by the passion. And I'm sorry universe, you could never compare.