“Would you calm the hell down from your high horse!” Mircalla snapped. “I know you can handle yourself. You, Ell, whatever other versions of you out there it seems to be one of the qualities you keep. A bit like us and saving your life.”

She listened to the rest of what Laura had to say, actually admiring the fact she was standing up for herself but also annoyed at the same time. Eventually she sighed. That look in her eye like a cat who has had their toy taken away. “Fine. Have it your way. But let me remind you that for a brief moment and right at the start I bet you couldn’t have told us apart.”

Carmilla unfolded her arms. No she did not need to step in and defend Laura. She was more than capable of doing that herself but she wasn’t going stand back and say nothing. She moved behind Laura, one hand slipping lightly around her waist, the other lacing their fingers together. She rested her head gently on Laura’s shoulder and stared at Mircalla. Her hand playing with the rings on hers and Laura’s fingers. “Trust me Mircalla, she knows the difference alright.”

There was an eye roll followed by Mircalla getting to her feet. She was clearly cranky, even Carmilla could spot all the same signs she made when she was cranky. At least that hadn’t changed. “I get it; you can’t take the crop. You have a low pain threshold, it’s fine. Not like I’ll do it again.”

“Not without permission.” Carmilla mocked. “Maybe someone is cranky they’ve been put on their ass a few times.”