Chasing Ghosts

"Laura! You're getting frosting everywhere!" Livie exclaimed through giggles.

"I don't know how! Every time I touch something its like it turns into frosting!" Laura replied slightly hysterical. She looked around the apartment's kitchen and deflated at the mess before them; a hand running down her face in stress. "You're mother is gonna kill us."

The little brunette giggled again. "Mommy's a big softy. She calms down after you say sorry and give her a kiss. Works every time," she explained with a grin.

The soldier chuckled as she tried to wipe off the frosting on her hands with a paper towel. "That actually doesn't surprise me."

"Can I have a cupcake now?" the little girl asked with wide eyes directed toward one of the newly frosted desserts.

"Only if I can have one too," Laura answered as she pulled off the paper wrapper and took a huge bite.

Livie hurriedly copied the blonde with a large smile.

"Oh my God."

Laura's back immediately straightened before spinning around to see the woman who entered the apartment. "Hey, Carm..." 

The brunette slowly approached the kitchen, running a hand through her hair with her mouth hung ajar. "What- How-"

"Its really not as bad as it looks!" Laura blurted out with a forced smile.

"Really? Because it looks pretty bad..." Carmilla replied, still in shock. Her finger wiped across a smudge of frosting off of the refrigerator. 

"We were just trying to surprise you," Livie said sheepishly as she played with her fingers in front of her; her head bowed to the floor.

"With a food fight? That I missed?" she looked down and groaned after seeing she had stepped in raw batter that had fell to the floor during prep.

"But we made cupcakes!" Livie pleaded with worried eyes.

Carmilla's eyes locked with her daughter's before sighing.

Laura then began to grin next to the little girl, catching Carmilla's attention.

"I asked Livie here if she wanted to bake some cookies, and she said she wanted to make something for you instead. So we made cupcakes. Apparently they're your favorite," she explained with a mischievous glint in her honey eyes.

The brunette forced a swallow as she felt her cheeks turn red. She quickly crossed her arms over her chest and placed her gaze on anything but the two in front of her. "I have more than one favorite, you know." Laura's grin grew even more. She wasn't convinced.

"We're sorry we made a mess, Mommy," Livie interrupted.

Carmilla looked back at her daughter, sighed and rolled her eyes before crouching down and holding her arms open. The little girl smiled sweetly before diving in for the hug. She leaned back and kissed her mom on the cheek.

When Livie pulled away, she took a step back beside Laura again. She elbowed the blonde and nodded toward her mother. The soldier raised a brow before understanding. She looked back up at Carmilla.

"Sorry, Carm. Don't worry. We'll clean it up," she said with a sincere smile before stepping forward. She leaned up and let her soft lips hit the porcelain skin on Carmilla's cheek. She lingered a second too long before pulling back with that same mischievous glint from moments ago.

The shivers running up and down Carmilla's spine were slowly tearing her apart. Laura was ever present in their lives as of late. It was becoming a constant. And Carmilla absolutely loved how easily Laura fit into her life. She loved how well she got along with Livie. She loved how everything suddenly became brighter now that she was around. What she didn't love? How little time she's had to be alone with the blonde without passing out on the couch from exhaustion from having to run the cafe and keep up with her six year old all day. Laura had woken her up a few times after falling asleep mid-sentence, in order for Carmilla to go sleep in her bed.

So every little flirt; every little suggestive look made her body ache. 

"You've got a little... on your nose," Carmilla pointed out, clearing her throat from the sexual frustration.

Laura's eyes widened before taking the edge of her t-shirt, pulling it up as she bent her head down to wipe her nose on the fabric.

The brunette's eyes wandered over the reveal of the toned stomach of the soldier. The skin was marked by a few scars, but it didn't matter. Carmilla's insides twisted and turned at the sight. She licked her lips before being pulled out of her gaze by the shirt falling back in place. The cafe owner then frowned. "Why the hell didn't you use a napkin?"

"Language!" Livie yelled as she took another bite of her cupcake.

Carmilla rubbed her temple in annoyance while Laura responded. "My shirt's already dirty. Why waste a napkin?" The brunette wanted to growl. 'For my sanity,' her thoughts answered shamefully.

"Hey. Is the little squirt ready-" a voice came from the door. Mattie froze before taking a step further. "I'm going to assume that's a 'no'."

"Aunt Mattie!" Livie cheered and started to make her way toward the woman, but Carmille held her arm out to block her.

"...Is wearing something most likely incredibly expensive and doesn't need your mess to get all over her," Carmilla said pointedly. "Go change and wash up. Then you can go."

"But I have to help Laura clean."

"You're off the hook this one time. Now go on," Carmilla answered with a nudge toward her bedroom. The little girl scurried off leaving Carmilla to look around the kitchen again. She frowned.

"I probably shouldn't try for a bakery job, huh?" Laura said sheepishly.

"Aside from the fact that you'd eat every pastry in the building? I'm gonna say you shouldn't be allowed to even apply," Carmilla quipped as she looked around at the mess in her kitchen.

"Hey!" Laura exclaimed as she backhanded the brunette's bicep.

"Looking for a job, Hollis?" Mattie interrupted as she cocked a hip and crossed her arms over her chest.

The soldier let out a sigh. "Yeah. Not many openings in Silas."

"You could always work at the cafe," Carmilla suggested casually.

Laura gave her an incredulous look. "After this," she gestured toward the kitchen, "you feel safe letting me have responsibility in your fine establishment?" 

Carmilla deadpanned. "You're right. You'd be worse than Will."

"Plus, I'm sure customers wouldn't appreciate all the undressing you two would be doing with your eyes," Mattie added with a roll of her eyes.

"Hey-"

"We do not-"

"Oh, save it. This room is filled with so much sexual tension, its suffocating. Thank God I'm taking Livie out for the day. Fix that," Mattie said as she pointed her index between the two of them.

"Mattie!" the brunette exclaimed with wide eyes as Laura bowed her head, trying to hide her blush.

"I'll call you when we are on our way back, just to give you some warning."

"I swear to God, I will suffocate you if you don't shut. Up," Carmilla finished through a clenched jaw. 

The older sibling grinned as Livie came running back into the room. "Ready, darling?" The little girl returned the smile and nodded eagerly. She grabbed her aunt by the hand and pulled her toward the door.

"Bye, Mommy! Bye, Laura!" she called out before they were suddenly gone from the apartment.

The two remaining women stood frozen in place. Silence took over for a few moments before the soldier finally spoke.

"Did your sister just tell us to have sex?"

Carmilla instantly groaned, letting her head hang toward the ground in defeat. "I swear I used to have better game than this."

"You know, I'm not sure I believe that," Laura teased.

Carmilla took a step backwards toward the messy counter and leaned against it; her hands gripping on the edge behind her. "Like I need Mattie's seal of approval to rock your world," the brunette scoffed.

The blonde rose an eyebrow. "So if you don't need your sister to give you permission, what's the hold up?"

Carmilla let out an annoyed sigh. "Life."

The soldier stepped toward her slowly. "Life is stopping you," she repeated in disbelief.

"I've got the cafe. I've got a ball of energy for a daughter-"

Laura continued to step closer. "That's really only two things, Carm."

"Hey! Its a lot of work!"

The soldier began to smirk as she now stood right in front of the brunette. "Oh, I'm not saying it isn't. Its just that you don't have to deal with those two things all the time."

"No, but then things like this happen and now I have to clean up your mess," Carmilla threw back as she gestured toward the cupcake fiasco.

Laura then reached out and played with a tendril of the brunette's dark wavy hair. "Or," she began. "You can kiss me." Her honey eyes blazed and Carmilla felt the force behind those clear windows. For the first time in a long time, she really didn't have any doubts. Everything in Laura's eyes reassured her. It was such a powerful declaration that Carmilla wasn't sure how she was able to still be standing. She cleared her throat to try and contain some composure. 

"And you expect me to just ignore that my kitchen exploded?"

The soldier leaned closer without Carmilla protesting. "No," Laura began; her lips hovered over the brunette's. "I'll help you forget." Carmilla visibly shivered.

"Oh really?" the brunette breathed out, which made Laura smile even more. The blonde let her fingers run down the length of Carmilla's torso ever so slightly.

"How much more convincing do you need?"

"A lot," the brunette breathed out against her lips once again. She had yet to feel their contact and it felt like her entire body was vibrating from anticipation.

"You're such a pain," Laura teased before capturing Carmilla in a searing kiss. The blonde's hands immediately planted themselves on Carmilla's hips; pushing her back into the counter. She smiled into another kiss as she felt the brunette's body melt from her touch; Carmilla's hands coming up to cup Laura's face. The brunette tried to press herself even more into the blonde, only making the soldier's smile broaden. Carmilla continued to try and kiss her; placing her lips on teeth, and corners of the soldier's mouth.

"Why are you grinning like an idiot?"

Laura tried to stifle the smile by biting her lip as she met those dark dangerous eyes in front of her. "Its nothing."

Carmilla lifted an elegant brow. "Its clearly something since its preventing me from properly kissing you."

"No, its just- Its stupid," she giggled as she shook her head.

Carmilla sighed as her arms fell to her sides. "By not telling me, you're making it more dramatic than it needs to be."

The blonde bit her lip again before shrugging her shoulders. Her fingers drummed carelessly on Carmilla's hips. "I just can't believe I'm kissing you."

Both of the brunette's eyebrows rose this time. "This isn't the first time, cupcake."

"I know, but- It isn't as frustrating as the other times. I'm not worried about whether or not you want to kiss me, and I don't have to hesitate if I want to kiss you. Its different," she smiled sheepishly.

The cafe owner stared into Laura's eyes for a moment before furrowing her brows. "You're making this weird."

Laura began to chuckle before squeezing tightly on Carmilla's hips, making the brunette jump slightly. Carmilla smirked as she wrapped her arms around the blonde's neck.

"Come on. You can't honestly say you saw us being here, like this now, ten years ago," the soldier asked with her smile still plastered to her lips.

Carmilla looked deeply into honey eyes and felt herself fall into them yet again. She never imagined she'd ever see those warm eyes again after Laura left. And here they were taking over her soul like so many times before. "You're right," she agreed. "Me a mom and you a soldier. Who would have guessed?"

"No, I mean, did you ever think we would be here making out freely in a kitchen with batter everywhere?"

"Yes. That exact scenario has been on my mind for years," Carmilla deadpanned.

"Carm! I'm serious!"

"I can see that, Cap, and its cute, but now really isn't the time," the brunette explained before leaning in to kiss her.

Their lips met for a second before Laura pulled away to exclaim, "But don't you think this is a big deal?" 

Carmilla huffed and gave Laura a frustrated glare. "I think you think too much." The blonde pouted, which made the brunette roll her eyes. "Fine. No, I would have never guessed our lives would lead us here. Now can you shut up and kiss me?" Carmilla answered in annoyance.

Laura frowned. "Is it so wrong to stop and appreciate a moment?"

"When the moment is leading up to you getting laid, yes."

The soldier's mouth fell open slightly. "You're right," she replied before pressing back into Carmilla eagerly. Their lips crashing together once again. The brunette bit down on Laura's bottom lip, causing the blonde to suck in a sharp breath. She began to slowly rock her hips against Carmilla's; her hands guiding the brunette's hips to her rhythm.

Carmilla hummed in approval as she let her tongue stroke Laura's lips, granting her entry. She let her fingertips slide down Laura's neck, eliciting shivers from the blonde. She smirked into their kisses as their tongues massaged against each other. She continued to drag her fingertips down the length of the soldier's arms. When she reached her wrists, she pulled the blonde's hands away from her hips.

Laura frowned at the action before seeing Carmilla smirking back at her. She pulled the soldier's wrists up to wrap around her neck before bending slightly and hiking Laura's body up into the air and against her. The soldier's legs instinctively wrapped around the brunette's waist as a giggle escaped her lips. Carmilla held her close, smiling up at the woman in her arms as she slowly walked out of the kitchen.

"This isn't the first time you've picked me up like this and brought me to your bed," Laura teased. 

"But you were drunk when that happened and I don't take advantage of drunk ladies. Regardless of how attractive she might be," Carmilla replied as she stepped through her bedroom door and fell swiftly onto her bed with Laura now underneath her.

A mischievous smile came to the blonde's lips as she looked up at the woman hovering above her. "How respectable."

"Plus, there's always the chance you'd regret it," she said self consciously, avoiding eye contact.

The blonde's heart swelled in her chest. She reached up and caressed the brunette's cheek. "Carm, when it comes to us, there are a lot of things I regret." Her eyes searched the cafe owner's face. Sudden sadness flashed through her features. "This," Laura started. "I'll never regret this." The soldier let a sad smile come to her lips as her index finger ran along the brunette's jaw. She stared at the woman above her in utter adoration. "For once, I feel like I'm finally doing something right." 

Carmilla's eyes softened. She then smirked. "Well, technically you aren't doing anything yet..."

Laura shook her head with a giggle. "Then let's fix that," she answered before pulling the brunette down to connect their lips. It was slow. They let the pressure build between their lips. Laura breathed in the woman on top of her. She felt like she was being engulfed by everything that was Carmilla. And she welcomed it wholeheartedly.

Their bodies moved together at a slow pace. Hands ran along each other's clothed bodies. Everything was so gentle. Soft touches and quiet breaths. They were lost in their own world. Discovering everything they should have learned years ago.

As Laura's hand began to slip under Carmilla's shirt, the brunette leaned up with a small smile and pulled the piece of clothing off swiftly. Her hair fell back onto her pale shoulders and Laura stared up in wonder. Then, Carmilla slipped the straps of her bra off her shoulders, never removing her gaze from the blonde beneath her. And in an instant, she removed the undergarment. The look of awe that took over the soldier made the brunette smirk until awe was replaced by something entirely different. Carmilla couldn't quite place it. It was serious; determined; powerful.

Then, Laura sat up and cupped Carmilla's face; searching her eyes for something Carmilla didn't understand. And then suddenly, they were kissing again. Laura led the kiss; it almost knocked the wind out of Carmilla. It was forceful and there was no doubt of desire. It heightened the ache that had been slowly growing.

The brunette reached up without pulling her lips away from the soldier's and yanked up on the fabric of Laura's shirt. The blonde eagerly moved to remove it before reattaching her lips to Carmilla. The brunette had managed to get Laura's bra off in record time.

Once topless, the soldier flipped them around; pushing Carmilla into the mattress with her thigh pressed between her legs. When their bare chests pressed together, the moans that escaped between kisses shot electric charges down to their cores. Laura's hand slid up Carmilla's torso slowly, gliding past her breasts and beginning to trace her collarbone. The brunette groaned in annoyance, biting down on Laura's lip. The blonde then slid her hand back down and palmed her breast while pressing her thigh against her center at the same time. A whimper came from the brunette's soft lips.

"Pants," the brunette urged through haggard breath. The blonde hopped up, yanking Carmilla's jeans and underwear down in one go. She relieved herself from the rest of her clothes before settling back down between the brunette's legs. She placed kisses along Carmilla's hips, making a trail up her stomach. As she slid herself up Carmilla's body, she felt the brunette's arousal against her skin. Slowly, she began to grind her hips against the brunette's center as she sucked and nipped at Carmilla's chest. Scrapping her teeth along her nipple, she looked up to see Carmilla's head fall back and deliver a moan.

She wanted to hear more.

The blonde took Carmilla by surprise and ran a finger up the slit of her folds. The brunette hissed before moaning again. Laura let her mouth fall back down to her nipple, and closed her eyes as she took in how easily her fingers ran through her. She was so wet and Laura could feel her own arousal pooling between her legs. Her fingers continued to slowly run up and down Carmilla's center, teasing her entrance here and there before having enough.

Laura wanted to taste her. She needed to.

So despite the whimper that left the brunette's mouth at the loss of her hand, Carmilla quickly understood what was happening as the blonde planted kisses down her body. Her dark eyes watched every move Laura made. And as Laura's head positioned itself between her legs, their eyes locked for a moment. That familiar electric current ran between them. Then, the blonde ran her tongue up her wet folds. A sharp moan left Carmilla's mouth as she flung her head back. High voltage.

Laura's fingers gripped onto the brunette's hips tighter as she circled her clit with her tongue, causing a shudder to run through Carmilla's body. Laura moaned from the taste. She wanted to lap up every inch. The vibration of Laura's moan against Carmilla made the brunette groan for more. "Laura..."

"Patience," the blonde said with a chuckle as she placed kisses along her center. Another groan came from the brunette.  

Carmilla practically growled as she leaned down and pulled Laura up for deep kiss. They moaned from the contact, Carmilla able to taste herself against Laura's lips. The brunette pulled her head back before locking her lust-filled eyes with Laura's.

"Ten years, cupcake. I think we've waited long enough," she said before flipping them over and straddling the soldier's thigh. She rubbed her wet center up and down Laura's bent leg, which made the blonde grip onto her hips to hold her closer. Carmilla got lost in the feeling of Laura between her legs; her head falling back toward the ceiling. When she looked back down, her motions stopped.

Laura stared up in confusion, while trying to catch her breath.

Carmilla's dark eyes traced over the soldier's toned body. She could easily see the lean muscles beneath her skin, but that wasn't what caused her to stop. The brunette stared down at the marks on her body. A deep scar stretched across her chest toward her left shoulder. Her ribs held a mark that looked like she had been branded. Two scars an inch apart rested on her right shoulder; bullet wounds.  

Then, the brunette met honey eyes. The blonde's brows were furrowed. She knew what the cafe owner was staring at. Rage was beginning to grow within her. These were her battle scars. They showed her weakness. They were proof of how messed up she felt. She suddenly felt hollow.

"There's more on my back if you want to see that too," she spat out bitterly. 

Carmilla's eyes widened for only a second before fixing a penetrating gaze on honey brown eyes. Laura didn't understand what that look meant. It wasn't a look she expected. It wasn't fear or pity. It was almost... admirable.

The brunette then lifted her hand and brushed a few strands of hair behind the soldier's ear. She then cupped her face, running her thumb over her cheek before ever so gently running her hand down across the large scar traveling across her chest. Laura took a surprising breath from the contact, slamming her eyes shut and forcing a swallow. Then, she felt gentle lips placing kisses where fingertips used to be. Her eyes opened to see Carmilla moving along her skin and kissing every imperfection on her body. Tears formed in her eyes and she felt her body begin to tremble.

Carmilla finally pulled herself back up and rested her forehead against Laura's for a moment. Her thumb traced along the slight indent of the scar on her chest. Then, Carmilla leaned her head back enough to look into watery eyes. "You're still nothing short of beautiful." 

Laura let out a single chuckle and sniffed before shaking her head. The genuine smile on Carmilla's face filling up the hollowness that had overtook her. Laura cupped the back of the brunette's neck and pulled her into a gentle kiss. They paused against each other; feeling the other's hot breath against their skin. And then, Laura couldn't take it anymore. She needed her.  

Their kissing picked up immediately. Tongues tussled as hands groped feverishly at every inch of skin. "Carm," the soldier breathed out as she got a hold of one of the brunette's hands. She guided it slowly down her body toward where she needed her most.

Carmilla moaned at the feeling of Laura's hot center. Her thumb traced her clit as her fingers lightly teased her entrance, hearing the whimpers from the blonde beneath her. The soldier bent her leg once again, pressing her thigh in between Carmilla's legs. The brunette began to ride her leg; her fingers slipping through the blonde's silky folds. 

"Carm, please," Laura begged. She was desperate. She knew what she wanted. And she wanted Carmilla.

"Tell me what you want."

"You," Laura breathed out as her grip on Carmilla's skin grew fierce. "I need you inside me."

Then, the brunette met Laura's lips again, and as she bit down on the blonde's bottom lip, she slid her fingers inside of her. The loud moan that was created caused Carmilla to grind down on her thigh in response. She pumped her fingers in and out with ease, the blonde thrusting her hips into her hand with purpose.

"More!" Laura called out. She wanted more. She wasn't sure what; she just wanted it. Carmilla picked up the pace and pressed harder, curling her fingers as she thrusted.

Laura felt Carmilla's wet core against her thigh and removed her hand from the brunette's hip. She slid it down Carmilla's torso and in between her own thigh and the brunette's center. She then slid her fingers inside her.

"Fuck!" Carmilla exclaimed before she started to grind down onto Laura's hand. She moved her own hand faster for Laura, hearing the blonde's breathing picking up. 

"Don't stop," Laura whined beneath her. "Please, don't stop." She wanted to feel every part of Carmilla on her; to soak her up completely. She wanted to be filled to the brim. Every touch was never enough. Carmilla was a sensation she had never experienced; a craving she could never satisfy in the past. But after feeling the sensation, Laura knew her craving would be never-ending.

"Oh God... Come for me," the brunette moaned as she pinched the blonde's nipple between her fingers. The soldier hissed from the action before Carmilla curled her fingers just right for the blonde to gasp. The woman on top leaned down to kiss her lips before resting her forehead against Laura's. Both their eyes closed, Carmilla repeatedly curled her fingers against the sensitive spot she just found.

Carmilla could hear Laura on the edge; she felt the blonde's attention drift away from the brunette grinding down on her hand. The blonde's other hand was now lost in wavy locks, pulling Carmilla down to her. She was gasping for air against Carmilla's lips.

"Let go, Laura," the brunette whispered against her parted lips. "I've got you."

And with a final curl of her fingers, Laura felt the rush flood through her entire body. Sparks flew through her veins in every direction, leaving her body tingling. Then, soft lips against her mouth brought her back down to Earth. Carmilla was gently kissing her; her fingers still resting inside her. Laura opened her eyes and pulled on Carmilla; forcing her to switch positions. The blonde's hand immediately fell to swipe through Carmilla's folds.

The brunette was almost embarrassed by the moan that left her lips, but was too distracted by Laura pumping her fingers in and out of her. She was already close to begin with, and as her head flung back to get lost in the feeling of Laura, she felt lips sucking on her clit. She cried out in shock and approval, and it didn't take long for her to unravel completely under Laura.

The soldier flopped down on top of Carmilla; both breathing heavily. The cafe owner began to run her fingers through blonde hair as Laura's head rested against her chest. And within seconds, they had fallen asleep.

Laura woke up with a jolt only a half hour later. Her heart was racing. She looked down to see Carmilla still sleeping and tried to settle down beside her. She rested her head back against her chest and tried to calm her thoughts.

Blood. Screaming. Choking. Gurgling.

She closed her eyes tightly to force the memories away. It made her skin crawl. It made the marks on her skin ache. Then, her honey eyes slowly opened. She remembered how Carmilla stared at her body. She remembered how she traced each mark with a gentle touch and tender kiss. Her heart blossomed from the thought.

Laura leaned up to stare down at the brunette. Her lips were slightly parted, her brows furrowed. The soldier tucked a few strands of wavy hair behind the woman's ear with a soft smile.   

She could have had this. She could have had Carmilla. But then everything in her life changed. She had lost so much, and by losing her mother and herself, she had ultimately lost Carmilla. 

Laura lost her mother. There was no getting her back. But she was finding herself now. She was getting back to who she really was.

And she knew it all started after she found Carmilla that first night back. Losing her again was not an option; not when her heart was finally beating again.

The soldier then leaned over and kissed the sleeping beauty's lips, earning a hum from the newly awakened bed mate. An arm pulled Laura closer so their bodies were pressed firmly together.

"Hey," Carmilla greeted with a smirk.

"Hey," the blonde returned with a simple smile. "We should probably put some clothes on. I feel like people just kinda walk into your apartment. We didn't even shut the bedroom door."

Carmilla grumbled. "I don't wanna move."

Laura lifted her eyebrows and sat up to stare at the brunette. "You ready to explain to your daughter why her mother is naked in bed with her friend Laura?"

"I'll just tell her that I got cupcake all over me. And then whatever was on me got all over you, which obviously meant we had to take our clothes off." She wiggled her eyebrows with a smirk.

"You're gross. How are you a mother?"

"I'd say by doing what we were just doing, but that's not scientifically accurate."

Laura rolled her eyes before throwing the sheets off of them. "Up and at 'em!" She then hopped off of the bed and began to put her clothes on.

"Listen, Captain Cupcake. I'm sure you're used to having all your little soldiers pop right out of bed in the morning with that simple command, but this is one chick you won't be able to order around."

The blonde zipped up her fly after pulling her sweater over her head. She walked over to Carmilla's side of the bed and leaned down to kiss her slowly. "If you get up, I'll buy dinner," she whispered with a smile.

The brunette smirked. "Deal."

"Now I'm gonna go clean your kitchen," she said, pulling away from her and leaving the room.

"Yeah! That's right, woman! Clean my kitchen!" Carmilla yelled after her, chuckling to herself as she got off the bed. An unfrosted cupcake came flying into the room and hit her in the head.

"Hey!"

"Get dressed and get out here and help me!"

The brunette growled as she went in search for her clothes. 

Laura started cleaning the obnoxious disaster they left behind earlier. She began putting away ingredients, trying to remember which cabinets they were originally pulled out of. Searching quickly, she remembered the sprinkles went on the top shelf of the closest cabinet to the refrigerator. She stood on the tips of her toes to reach it, but in an attempt to shove it on the shelf, she knocked a few things off of it. Birthday cake candles and different kinds of sprinkles came tumbling down to the counter underneath the cabinet. But along with that, were a few envelopes.

Laura frowned, picking up an envelope and spinning it around to see the front. The return address read 'Ell Fanu'. Her mouth fell slightly open. Wasn't Ell her deceased wife? Laura looked at the other envelopes and it showed the same return address. 

The brunette came strolling into the kitchen and then suddenly froze when she saw what was in Laura's hands. 

The soldier looked up, holding up the envelopes. "What are these?"

Carmilla let out a heavy sigh as she ran a hand through her hair. "Letters from my ex."

"I don't understand. Why are you keeping old letters on the sprinkle shelf?"

"They're not old."

Laura looked at her in complete bewilderment. "So you're receiving new letters from your dead wife?"

Carmilla let out another heavy sigh before slouching in defeat. "She's not dead, cupcake."