Chapter Text
A thud rings out as the excruciating sting of pain rises from the back of her head. That’s definitely bleeding. An immediate haze lingers over Penelope and she knows the brick wall she just got body slammed into is not going to be forgiving in this fight. Okay, this is not how this is going down, there's no way two lowlife werewolves are gonna be the death of Penelope Park.
Almost unconscious, magic's not an option, the girl goes for what feels like her best option is. To kick that glorified mutt right in the dick. Penelope musters all the strength she's got left and pulls her knee up as hard as possible. His body rattles as he backs up slightly, tensing every muscle clearly trying not to look like a pussy in front of his friend. The witch lets out a light but forced laugh, happy he's at least going to feel some pain before pretty much killing her.
As soon as she could even attempt to get ready for another advance the wolf, clearly now pissed, pulls her almost limp body towards himself and slams her hard into the wall. This time there was no fighting back, her consciousness fading quickly. Unable to hold up her own body she leans further into the wall, entirely relying on the man's grasp to hold her up, he tightens his grip. Still angry. But as it feels like he's readying to kill her right on the spot the constraint loosens and the witch is left unsuccessfully trying to hold herself up against the wall. She slides down quickly pain searing as new injuries reveal themselves in the unwarranted movement, worsening in her collide with the cement floor.
A familiar whir echoes through the alley, one that is always there in Penelope's worst moments. That has been carefully rescuing her from stupid decisions for months. Her muscles loosen subconsciously knowing that this fight is over and those werewolves are already dead. The whir stops right beside her, a hand gently skimming over her shoulder attempting to offer comfort. Everything goes dark.
The girl wakes up to a jolt, the car she woke up in seemingly turning a little too quickly and sliding the previously unconscious young girl into a forceful seatbelt. Not the best way to wake up after a definite concussion and god knows what else. Penelope groans quietly trying to sit upright, her entire body aching as she shifts slightly to lean on the seat more comfortably, being as silent as possible. Becoming more conscious, the girl remembers that wasn't going to work, she could never be inconspicuous enough to not be noticed by a literal vampire, readying herself for Caroline's famous lectures. Fuck.
"What the hell, Penelope?" The vampire exasperatedly lets out, clearly exhausted and trying not to yell.
After all, it was 3.00 am when the witch originally met up with those assholes, and now the sun is through the trees adjacent to the discernable road.
Penelope can't help but smile, the women's tone all too recognisable, somewhat reassuring at this point. Like home. A moment of tenderness washes over her, unable to push away warm feelings like usual. She hopes due to her weakened state, definitely not because she cares about the woman.
"What was I supposed to do?" she explains quietly, trying to hide a weak grimace.
Caroline spares her an understanding glance, taking her eyes off the road for just a second. The truth is the young girl knew that she'd made a stupid decision by going after an untrustworthy lead and she really wasn't making caroline's life easier but she wasn't willing to let any solutions go unchecked. For Her.
"We said we weren't doing this one." Her voice now soft and low. Nope, not doing this sympathy shit.
The vampire's tone immediately shifts Penelope's consciousness, entirely awake now, promptly putting back up her arrogant demeanor. Her continuous go to defense mechanism. Always works to piss off the older woman. A slight smirk pulls at the cuts on her lips, reminding Penelope that her face is covered in injuries. Then quickly reminding her that actually her entire body is covered in bruises and dried blood. She attempts to hide a wince with a sarcastic response.
"You said it wasn't worth it, I simply disagreed." a smug expression finalising Penelope's shift in attitude.
An angrily loud sigh escapes Caroline and her fingers grip the steering wheel clearly trying not to lose her shit. The girl watches as her eyes dart around, knowing that she's about to get another lecture about her ignorance, stupidity, whatever Caroline could find wrong with the witch this time.
But before the vampire can chew out the obnoxious young girl a quiet laugh erupts from behind the two women, followed by scuffling to attempt to hide the slip-up. Penelope's eyes widen, that laugh is all too familiar, she turns around urgently peering into the back seat.
"Josie?"