For a long time, they stayed like that, holding each other in a comfortable silence. Then Carmilla pulled back a little and looked like she was up to something.
She asked, "Do you know what I've learned about our relationship, even after all that fighting together against corruption...?"
"Hm? Now, I'm curious... what did you learn?"
"It feels like I've been the responsible one for hundreds of years. and the one who thinks three steps ahead and plans for every possible outcome." Carmilla giggled, "But with you, I can just be myself."
"I don't have to be perfect or strategic... I can make mistakes, and you won't judge me for them."
Rick smiled. "You're allowed to be human, Carmilla. Or, well, you know what I mean... and yeah, you ARE a human."
"Not perfect, but flawed, and also real! That's what makes you interesting."
"Most people don't like my flaws."
"Then a lot of people are stupid."
Carmilla laughed, and it sounded real and unguarded. "I love you, you know that?"
