*edited*

Curiously, Laya scanned the room. The students around her all staring towards the front. An audible groan left her mouth when the student before her passed homework to her. One day, all she wanted was one day.

Laya had already made arrangements with her brother to fix up a car, she saved money for. The bell rang, loud. Incredibly, ear shatteringly loud. When she stood from her seat, the entire scenery changed almost instantaneously standing in front of her door.

Grabbing the keys from her jacket pocket, and there it was again. A simple jingle of her keys became excruciatingly loud bells ringing in her ears. Opening the door, Laya felt herself look around once more.

The house seemed empty despite the feeling of another presence. Laya stepped through the door, and just as before she was no longer in the entry way, but she was in the garage.

The frame of her car parked in the middle. The presence felt stronger now. Laya peered into the car, only glancing in the back. Yet, once she looked back she found the presence she'd been searching for.

Her blood froze at the sight of her precious little brother convulsing into the leather. Laya ripped open the door, grabbing the boy roughly and shaking him in a weak attempt to wake him. "No."

"No, no, no, no." Laya shot forward feeling the tears already pouring from her eyes. Checking the alarm clock, Laya shook her head at the time. 3:45.

She'd never fall back asleep. Stealthily, Laya crept back out to the lake plopping down onto the wooden dock. There was a time, when she'd first gotten to the Salvatore school that it scared her to go out there. But then, she realized that whatever was out there should be scared of her. That gave her a sense of security, and peace.

Laya watched it contently, the ripples of the moon's reflection against the water. Soaked in the sound of gentle waves washing onto the land on either side of the dock. It was all so amazingly quiet. "Laya?"

The hybrid jumped, spinning around. Not quite sure how Rafael creeped up on her, she decided her drowsiness overwhelmed her symptoms and that was it. "You caught me staring at a lake ... I'm officially my grandma."

Rafael smiled at the small comment, softly asking before he sat next to her. "Couldn't sleep?"

"Not a wink." There was something about the silence that had settled between them. If she could compare it to anyone, she'd compare it to the silence she felt when she was with Hope, it was comfortable. "You know what could take our minds off this bad evening?"

Rafael turned to her with his eyebrow raised. "Sparring."

The mat was not kind to the participants fighting above it, but Rafael and Laya had been going for almost an hour. There was an awkward while where Rafael had the audacity to go easy on the girl, but getting his ass kicked enough taught him that she could handle it.

The pungent aroma of sweat stung at Laya's nose when she doubled over after getting hit in the stomach. Her head whipping back up, Rafael snorted as they continued. "I think I did something bad."

Laya couldn't count the amount of times she'd thought that to herself. It was a confusing statement tho. "What happened?"

There was silence, and Laya hopped back with a shit-eating grin. "Whatever it was, I'm sure I've done worse."

"I had sex with Lizzie." 𝘖𝘩. Rafael tensed noticing his sparring partner's face drop. Laya was different than the others he knew that, and he couldn't have helped but feeling bad. "I'm sorry."

There another dry snort that slipped past Laya's lips, "Don't be. It's not like we're together or anything." Even tho Laya seemed to be perfectly okay with it, Rafael could tell she definitely wasn't by the new speed and force she began to hit with.

It was confusing how she could have some random spurt of energy at 4:00 in the morning, but he guessed that was just her. He knew he could stop the fight if he wanted, but it was an interesting challenge fighting a hybrid.

Until it wasn't. Until he somehow ended up slamming against the mat, and she didn't stop to help him back up. She just kept going, punching and punching. Rafael could barely keep up before he eyes shined a bright blue.

It was almost as if realization hit her, when she pulled back. Those familiar doe eyes met his face, she looked scared. "I'm sorry."

"What? No, it's okay. I'm good." Laya pulled away. "I'm gonna go take a shower." Laya paused turning back to him once more, "I'm sorry."

Rafael was more confused now than anything, the rage in her eyes couldn't have been directed just at him for sleeping with Lizzie. Still, he didn't blame her. It's not like any of the damage was permanent.

If Laya could bang her head against a wall without being considered psychologically insane, she would. At least until her brain was able to actually get control of itself and not lose control every time something mildly inconvenienced her.

Thank God, her magic didn't come into play, Rafael could've been put in serious danger. Maybe she'd make him a cake later to say sorry. She didn't know. For now, the least she could do was a take a shower and get ready for class.

The day that was supposed to end with a few classes felt like it lasted for years. Not to mention the fact that Rafael had been completely avoiding her all day which made her feel even worse.

"There's no way I'm going to this," Laya decided staring at herself in the mirror that seemed to reflect nothing but the reasons why she already loathed herself. "But you have to go."

𝘎𝘰𝘥 𝘥𝘢𝘮𝘯𝘦𝘵. If there was one thing Laya was beginning to absolutely despise, it was people sneaking up on her in vulnerable moments. "I even got you a dress." Laya met Penelope's calculating gaze. "Wha━"

"Ooh! Can't forget." Laya watched curiously as an extravagant pair of yellow heels poofed into Penelope's hands. "Give a girl the right pair of shoes, and she can conquer the world."

"I'm confused. Why are you here?" Laya was highly aware that what she said came out way colder than she meant it, but a very large part of her was too tired to actually care. "I'm helping a friend to keep from disappointing her friends." 𝘙𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 '𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘦.

Laya watched her exhale exasperatedly, "You don't have to go." Whilst Laya was sure there more to the comment, there wasn't. Penelope simply left after gently setting the wrapped dress and heels down on the bed opposite of Laya's.

Hesitantly, Laya unzipped the wrapping around her dress. 𝘞𝘰𝘸. Laya was 100% positive that Penelope had some kind villainous scheme, but damn was the dress beautiful. Maybe she could show up. If nothing else, she could wish Josie a happy birthday and leave.

Stepping through her door, Laya smiled extremely proud of how the outfit turned out considering she barely found out about it a half hour before. "Damn! Who died and made you queen of the school?" Laya couldn't decipher if the compliment from Kaleb gave her a burst of confidence or anxiety, but she thanked him nonetheless.

Drifting through the halls towards the gym, Laya could feel the hallway begin to spin. She did everything she could to keep her balance, but still felt her legs give out at the uncomfortable dizziness. "Kelly, you okay?"

Laya couldn't make out the face at all with how blurred her surroundings had become. She felt her knees slam against the ground when she finally her name. ❛𝘓𝘢𝘺𝘢.❜

It wasn't like normal, it felt like Hope's voice was ripping through her brain. Laya finally pushed herself off of the ground. ❛𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶?❜ Pinching the bridge of her nose, the hybrid attempted to blink the spots out of her vision.

"Kel, you okay?" Finally recognizing Dorian's features, the student smiled. "I'm great! Why do you ask?" With one simply blink of an eye, Laya's surroundings completely shifting signaling Hope's response. Rafael stood in front of them, and Laya almost smiled. Almost.

❛𝘞𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘗𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘱𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘶𝘴 𝘰𝘶𝘵.❜ Laya didn't respond when she opened her eyes. "Have a nice night, Dorian." With that, she ripped the heels from her feet darting down the hall whilst the teacher stared her drown incredulously.

The party was overwhelming, and yet, no matter where she looked Laya couldn't find Penelope. Frustrated at how loud the music was, Laya decided she could try to help Hope instead.

Still running, Laya wished she would've slowed down enough to hear Hope's warning yell when she bashed into an invisible wall throwing her back onto her rear. Hope cringed at the crash landing whispering a small 'sorry' before Laya sat back up.

Pressing her palm against her temple, Laya sighed, "So this is why you needed Penelope?" Hope and Rafael nodded. Laya could practically feel the pity as they quite literally stared down at her. "So, this is probably the part where I tell you I couldn't find her."

Hope smiled kneeling down in front of her best friend who was still sprawled out on the ground . "It's not that big of a deal anymore. Our hour is almost up."

Laya nodded, her vision shooting down to her shoes as she felt awful for the whole thing. The hybrid wondered how long they'd been stuck in there. "Do you want me to stay?"

Hope shook her head, "I actually have to ask another favor." Eagerly, Laya nodded hoping not to disappoint this time. "Can you check on Josie for me?"

"Josie?" Laya questioned only earning a nod in response. "Sure." Rafael watched as Laya walked (thankfully) this time away from the room. "I see why she's your best friend now."

Hope only looked up at the Alpha. "I mean it makes so much sense now. With your bossy personality, and Laya being so eager to please. It's the perfect fit really."

"Better watch out Rafael. Feels like your testing your limits."

At the end of the hour , Hope found her way back to her room. There Laya was, laid back on her bed extremely disappointed in herself. "I couldn't find Josie."

It was Laya's entire demeanor that made Hope question if Rafael was right. Maybe she did take advantage of Laya doing whatever anyone asked of her. "Hey, it's gonna be okay. I promise."

Laya waited lying in her bed for Hope to change into her dress. Once the tribrid did, the teens decided to head for Dr. Saltzman's office before the party.

Only a few seconds before Hope's knuckles could hit the door, Laya grabbed her arm pulling her away. Then, the pair watched the door swing open revealing
Dr. Saltzman. Laya held a pointy finger to her lips. ❛𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨'𝘴 𝘸𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨. 𝘍𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘩𝘪𝘮.❜

Hope only nodded leading the pair to ninja their way through the school and out to the woods where Alaric was headed. Laya and Hope watched Dr. Saltzman intently. There was a woman he had pressed against one of the trees. "Where is she?!"

"Dr. Saltzman?" Laya called out curiously. "What's going on?"

The headmaster demeanor shifted when he noticed the two girl's still standing far enough away from them. "Guys, I'm gonna need your help."

⇅

When Laya and Hope were explained the severity of Alaric's situation, they immediately agreed to help him. Passing by MG and Penelope, the girl laughed. "What are you gonna howl at the moon wearing that?"

"Sorry no time for bitchy banter," Hope shot back still pushing past them. Laya cocked an eyebrow at the girl, ❛𝘞𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱.❜

Hope only shook her head once knowing there was no time to argue. "Fine. We could actually use your help finding Josie."

Immediately Penelope swooped to her feet, "What happened to Josie?"

"Apparently, her possessed bio-mom buried her alive in the cemetery."

"We're coming."

The new group headed to the cemetery following behind Hope. "MG, listen for her heartbeat."

"Hold on." The girls stopped waiting for him to locate the missing witch. "I hear something. Shovel." Laya tossed the vampire her shovel as quickly as she could get it out of her hands. Speeding over to a tombstone, the shovel slapped down into the dirt and MG began to dig.

Until, a deformed hand pushed its way past the sediment latching onto MG's ankle. MG almost screamed when the thing pulled him down. Penelope quickly grabbed onto the shovel MG had dropped bashing it down onto the creature's head.

"That won't work." MG took the shovel back from the witch shoving it though the zombie's forehead causing it to finally release it's hold on the boy. "To kill a walker, you have to go for the brain," Laya whispered to herself with a small smile. Reminiscing on her and MG debating over whether Daryl Dixon was ugly hot or hot hot.

"Everyone knows that."

"Yeah, every nerd maybe. Just call it a zombie."

"Zombies. Plural." Laya became hyper aware of the many different beings pushing their way through the ground to the world of the living. Spinning the shovel in her hand, Laya drifted towards the others who'd all had their backs pressed against one another.

Then, the super kids got to work. "Whoo! Two for two baby!" Laya smirked, "That's four for me." In an inappropriately teasing manner, MG stuck his tongue out at the hybrid. "Penelope, Laya, and I can handle the rest..." Hope snapped.

"... Just find Josie."

"Right got it." Laya watched in her peripheral as MG vamp sped away, and the group had to close in their circle. "How do you wanna do this?"

"Magic?"

"I say we just DIY it, and pretend they're Lizzie Saltzman," Laya joked being the only one without beef with the blond girl. "Works for me."

Only a few minutes later, Hope noticed MG who'd gotten corned by a "walker". Storming over, the hybrid sliced in half the zombie's head. "MG, we're running out of time."

"Watch out!" Hope spun around, but not before Laya could kill the zombie that merely a few inches away from her. "Dammit MG, get up and find her!" Penelope demanded. "There's too much noise."

"Well listen harder. Find your happy place and concentrate!" Laya yelled blood splattering on to her pastel yellow dress. "I got her." MG told them after following Laya's instructions. Opening his eyes, the vampire sped away leaving the witches to follow on his tail.

Finally, they found him. MG dug into the ground with his bare hands before another hand pushed past the earth grasping for air. This time it was an alive human, it was Josie. MG intertwined his fingers with the hand ripping the body from the ground.

Slowly pulling her out, Josie finally inhaled, grasping for the actual air. Tears streamed down on her face, "The talisman ... it worked." Hope smiled at Laya's words. "What's it's supposed to do?"

"Make quiet things heard."

The entirety of the day weighing down on Laya, she stared at the fire in the common room blankly. "Hey," Laya gave the wolf standing above her a dazed smile. "Rough night?" Raf gestured towards the now ripped and stained dress Laya was too tired to take off at that movement. "No ..."

"... All evidence to the contrary. It was actually kind of fun. What about you?" Raf made a face plopping down on the sofa next to Laya. "Your 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥 Hope gave me some good advice. I was straight with Lizzie."

Laya smiled pushing a curl behind her ear, "Okay, well I have my own Avengers squad." Rafael laughed pushing off of the sofa. Holding out his hand, Laya stared up at him strangely. "Wanna see if Hope actually taught me anything today."

Laya made a face like she was pondering the thought, "Why not?"

Rafael pulled her into a slow dance, and the couple swayed silently. "You look like you took a bath in dirt."

"Oh, thank you!"

"You're welcome." Laya laughed, "Actually ... you wouldn't believe the night I had. I fought zombies."

"Is that so?"

"Yep, you're looking at your very own Maggie Greene." Raf's eyebrows knit together with a small chortle, "I don't know who that is."

"Wow, today just keeps getting more and more embarrassing for you, man."

i