It's a Slow Fire of Sorts: Part I

Checking in

"Okay, pause."

Brunnhilde immediately stops the story.

Little Marv stands up.

"I'm not liking where this is going," she says, hands moving in accordance with her words. "I know that you said it gets worse before it gets better and that the heroes are both fine at the end because the heroes are you two, and both of you are okay but I... wait-"

Kamala turns.

"Wait. Both of you are okay, right?"

At both Carol and Brunnhilde's nod, she hits her forehead with her palm. "That's a dumb question... you're both okay because you're both here. Which means this story has a happy ending, because you're safe and you're happy and you're... wait, wait- you are happy, right?-" and then she smacks her head again.

"Ohmygosh that's another dumb question, of course you're happy. I mean the two of you can't even stop looking at each other without making heart eyes and I think that's pretty much the epitome of happiness, so I don't know why this is so-"

"Kamala," Carol interrupts. She unclasps her hand from Brunnhilde's and opens her arms. "Would you like a hug... because I think I would like a hug."

"I would love a hug, actually. Yes- thank you," and with that, Kamala is falling into Carol's embrace, plopping onto the sofa with little warning. There's a quietness in the room; no jokes or smiles. Chavez is staring at the floor. Monica is frowning. The aura of solemnity has Brunnhilde debating whether or not to stop, but Carol gives her a look of confidence, "I've got this," and Brunnhilde nods.

When Carol speaks, everyone listens.

"I would like you all to know that I am happy," she starts, still wrapped up in Kamala's embrace. Her gaze travels across the room, meeting everyone's eyes in a tender, reassuring manner.

"I am so ridiculously happy, and alive, and um... very much not dead."

Monica snorts at that, her lips turning up into a smile, and Carol smiles wider. She slides her fingers through Kamala's hair, gently tucking a stray curl behind her ear. "I'm doing really great, okay?" she reiterates. "So just remember that. Me and Val, we're both okay. No matter what happens in this story, we both make it out. Got it?"

"Yeah," Chavez says.

"Mhmm," Kamala mumbles, face still buried in Carol's shirt. Monica just nods. Her wine is almost gone- an indication of the time- and when Brunnhilde checks her phone, she realizes another hour has gone by.

It's getting late.

"Should I continue?" she asks, slipping her phone back into her pocket. She takes another look around the room to determine the best path forward. "This next part is a little rough, probably the worst part of this whole story. I can summarize if I need to, or we can do this some other time-" but Kamala shakes her head.

"No," she says, pulling away from Carol's shoulder. Her eyes are glistening, droplets of water spilling out over her cheeks, but her voice is firm.

"I'm okay. I'm good with hearing it- that is, if Carol is okay with it." She turns back to Carol, words both serious and protective. "Tell me the truth," she demands. "Are you okay with it?"

Carol kisses her forehead. "Yes, baby. I am okay with it."

"Okay, just checking... "

She starts to rise off the couch but pauses mid-stand. "Also, can I maybe just, like... stay here, for the remainder of this part," she asks, and Brunnhilde chuckles. She pats Kamala's leg and takes another sip of water.