LTVS: Soulmate

*Do not read beyond **this point** if you want to avoid being **spoiled!***

***Layla the Vampire Slayer* episode**

RandomTuesday

Bentham

*"This is one of several awkward conversations I've got to have today."* - Barnaby Davidson

**Soulmate** is the forty-sixth episode of Layla the Vampire Slayer and the twenty-fourth episode of Season 2.

## Synopsis

Immediately after the fight at the monastery, Imogen Parker fades in and out of consciousness as she and Janet Barner are brought to the Davidson household, still suffering signs of the siege earlier that day. She is a bit bewildered by the sight and pretends to be unconscious again. Later, Layla asks the Davidsons what happened. They tell him about how Percival Waz showed up, and so did the Knights of Byzantium. Layla asks how they got here. The Davidsons can't answer because they don't know; they assume they're time-travellers. Mr. Davidson returns from the store having bought stuff to do up the house. Layla suggests taking Imogen and Janet to the hospital. George is concerned that they'll be asked questions. Imogen mumbles that she doesn't want to go to hospital. Robert panics over Janet's condition, but Layla can see movement under her eyelids and reassures him.

Imogen comes around after about half an hour, mumbling a bit incoherently. Layla asks why they were after Imogen and Janet. The Davidsons say that they think they're practicing witchcraft. She asks what the knights will think of the world, and where they are. The Davidsons can't really give an answer. They figure they'd probably still be at the monastery and tending to their wounds for now. Imogen asks whether they tried to burn her at the stake. They did, and she and the Davidsons have a bit of banter. Layla bites her tongue, as the scene reminds her of why she didn't want her friends involved. Robert wonders whether the presence of demons and vampires will distract them. Layla offers her help to the Davidsons after looking at the state of their house. Barnaby asks Layla for some help getting some building materials. They walk off together. He asks her what changed her mind about them getting into danger. Layla admits that there would be nothing she could do to stop them, and they'd be better off with her help.

Barnaby says he understands and feels the same way, especially after James. Layla holds onto his arm for support. He then unsurely admits that he and Imogen are now potentially a thing. Layla lets go of his arm. She asks what he's talking about. Layla says that before she started dating Imogen, she asked him whether he liked her. He admits he lied. Layla says he promised not to lie to her. Barnaby thinks that Layla was going to go out with Imogen regardless. Barnaby says that he wanted to know what she thought and her thoughts on protecting people they care for. He admits the latter is quite difficult. Layla stands there staring at him, her eyes somewhat watering up. There's an awkward silence. After a bit, he asks if she doesn't want to go to the hardware store anymore. Layla takes a deep breath and says they should go, and if that's what Imogen wants, then whatever. She walks off towards the store and Barnaby awkwardly follows.

Back at the house, Imogen eventually sits up and asks Robert whether Barnaby had gone off with Layla. She makes an "oh shit" expression before trying to deflect by asking about how Janet is. Imogen takes a look at Janet and says that she just needs stirring. Janet wakes up after a bit of encouragement and Imogen and Rob explain the situation to him. Robert offers help Janet with robot repairs and starts talking about how to stop this from happening again. Imogen slowly walks away and pretends to read in a corner. Rob is sorry that Janet's getting caught up in all this; she says he saved her, so it's okay. Rob is extremely awkward. Imogen looks over and tells the two to work out their boundaries and say what they're into. Imogen gets a bit emotional as she rants. Picking up on a comment, Janet asks what happened. Imogen says that she was going to talk to her about it, but they were kidnapped. Imogen is worried that it will make Layla unhappy, but they should probably know in case. She says that she and Barnaby have something going on and like each other. Janet and Rob admit that everyone (even themselves) knew Barnaby liked her but didn't know she reciprocated. Janet asks why.

Imogen says he's really smart, despite appearances. Robert asks whether it's official, and Imogen's unsure due to the happenings in the bathroom. She says the situation between the two of them is increasing the awkwardness of the group's situation and declares she's going to make tea. Rob groans over the thing between Violet and Barnaby. Janet calls into the kitchen. Imogen says that technically, nothing has happened, so she doesn't know. Imogen returns into the living room and frustratedly says that she was going to talk it through with Barnaby. Unfortunately, he left with Layla. Janet asks whether that is a display of wisdom from Barnaby. Janet says she needs a bit of a lie-down. Robert tries to bring back the conversation to what Imogen was trying to get them to do. Janet blushes furiously. He says it's mutual. After a bit, she says that she likes hugs and holding hands if it's not public. Rob says that he didn't want to do anything wrong and mess it up. She blushes again and awkwardly holds his hand.

They awkwardly sit there holding hands. Imogen comes in with tea then leaves. Robert regrets leaving Janet behind her behind without a second thought before leaving for Tunisia. She thinks is concern is unwarranted but appreciates it. They squeeze hands. After a bit, he lets her sleep. After a bit, there's a knock on what remains of the door and the occupants see Violet. She's wearing a tight-fitting black satin dress with a plunging neckline. She has gleaming hair and does not look like Imogen. Imogen does a double-take. Violet asks what happened, as Barnaby wasn't answering her calls. Imogen asks if they were having a date tonight. Violet says she doesn't know, and they briefly tell her about the Catholics being a nuisance. They tell him he'll be back from the hardware store soon. Violet says she likes him all sweaty, and Imogen hurriedly asks whether she would like some tea. Violet asks to use the toilet to change into "sexy undergarments". Imogen says it's free. Janet and Rob are shell-shocked. Violet tells the others not to let Barnaby know she's here, so she can surprise him. She goes in. She opens the door, and asks whether Barnaby will like them, as they are crotchless. There is no response, not even when Violet moves a cat out of the toilet.

After recovering, Imogen looks at the two nerds on the ruined sofa, and orders them not to say anything. In her opinion, Barnaby has dug himself into a hole and it's his job to dig himself out of it. Robert would like it to not occur in his house. Imogen makes more tea. At the hardware store, Layla and Barnaby find George there already buying stuff. They awkwardly get in his car to go back to the Davidsons. When they arrive, Layla puts her hand on Barnaby's shoulder rather tightly. She asks him if he likes Imogen that much. He says he does. Layla orders him not to break her heart. They walk in after each other. Imogen avoids eye contact with Layla but gives plenty to Barnaby. She then looks pointedly at the toilet and has a massive grin. Layla is trying to not look at Imogen. Barnaby goes and picks up the kitten pawing at the toilet door.

George says he'll be working in the kitchen. Layla, not wanting to be there, decides to help him. Imogen reads a book and drinks tea. Robert stares at the ground. Barnaby asks what happened while he was away. There is no reply. He sits facing them. Behind him, the toilet door opens, and Violet comes out, sneaking towards Barnaby with her shoes off for stealth. Rob closes his eyes. Imogen sips her tea. Barnaby feels warm breath on his neck and hair tickling his ear. Violet surprises and propositions him. She explains that she wanted to make herself look pretty and not look like Imogen. Imogen compliments her. Barnaby stiltedly agrees. She leans into his ear and says she's made herself "ready for [him]" and is ready to go somewhere. She slides her hand down his leg. A mildly concerned Barnaby says they should go. He mouths "help me" to the others, who ignore him. Violet drags him upstairs to the bedroom.

Once they are in the room, Violet closes the door and physically bars Barnaby from exiting. She silences his protests with a finger to his mouth. Barnaby insists he has to say a thing to her. Violet wants to do it after sex. Barnaby hurriedly says, holding her hand and kneeling before her, that they shouldn't probably see each other like that again. There is silence. Violet asks what he said. Barnaby says he thought what he wants, and though Violet is "super hot" and is a nice person, he doesn't think he wants a relationship between the two of them. Violet asks why he acted like he did. Barnaby says he thought they would be cool (and they were), but he had time to think and he trails off. Violet asks who else is he sleeping with. He says no one. He specifies that he's not *sleeping* with anyone and tries to deflect by saying they had fun together.

Violet concludes and asks if he was just using her until Imogen was no longer in a relationship. He vehemently denies it. She is unconvinced. He says they were "fuck-buddies". She then slides her dress off. She is wearing what may be creatively termed "lingerie". Violet says that if he doesn't want "this" anymore, she doesn't want him anymore. She gestures, and she throws him out the window. In the sitting room, they see Barnaby commence lithobraking. Layla and George, in the kitchen, are concerned it's an attack and run out. Layla asks Barnaby what happened. He mentions Violet. She offers a hand, then lets go. She walks away and upstairs to Violet. Rob mumbles that his brother deserved that before helping him up. Barnaby groans that he thinks he fucked up. Robert nods. He suggests Imogen could help.

Upstairs, Layla approaches George's room. She can faintly hear slight sobbing. Layla says that if Violet needs someone to talk together, she's here. As Layla leans against the door, it swings open and Layla briefly stumbles. She apologises and says she can leave. Violet is sitting on George's bed, still practically naked. Her hair is unkempt. Layla quickly looks down and offers her dress to her. Violet, between sobs, asks if she's not attractive enough. Layla, stuttering, says Violet's attractive and says that Barnaby 100% thinks she's attractive too. Violet says that Barnaby was using her as a stop-gap until Imogen was available. Layla says she doesn't think Barnaby was thinking with his brain. She asks Violet to put the dress on. Violet grabs it and covers herself but makes no move to dress. Layla sits next to Violet and says that Barnaby probably didn't want her to look like Imogen but found Imogen attractive. Violet says it would have been fine were it just the sex, but then he started wanting her to look like Imogen and have dates.

Layla says that Barnaby's still trying to understand how to be a teenager, and teenagers like Barnaby or herself do stupid things. Violet asks what Layla’s stupid thing was, to make her feel better. Sighing, Layla admits it was breaking up with the person she loves. Layla comments it's a cycle of idiocy. She says that if she can get through this, so can Violet. Violet says that she hasn't had a date in a decade. Layla says that the thing probably wasn't a proper relationship. Violet asks if it would be a good way of getting back at Barnaby by going out with someone else after Layla slips up. Layla quickly says no. She asks if Violet wants a relationship just about sex. Violet says that she'd been busy with work for the past decades and really wanted a date. Layla suggests he wait for a proper date and could ask someone out instead. They have to decide what they want on their terms. Violet mentions she had a reservation in town. Layla offers to go with her as a friend. Violet asks if Layla doesn't think she is hot. She drops the dress.

Layla hurriedly drags the dress back up and Layla says that Violet's very attractive, but she should be with someone who really loves her, and not with someone who just likes how she looks. Layla says she's not ready to get into a relationship either. Violet offers to bonk. Layla says good, but it's not what she's interested in. Layla offers to let Violet know if things change. Violet hugs her. Layla hugs back. After a bit, Violet says she needs to freshen up before they go out. She wants Layla and herself to look as attractive as possible to make Barnaby jealous. Layla says she isn't interested in that, but she should do that. Violet then says that Layla had a package for her at the boarding house. Layla asks what he looked like. Violet describes Percival and Peter Waz. She mentions that one was calling the other his "big dog", and that she might find it relevant. They said that she might need some time to sort things out. Layla thanks her and says she'll be down shortly. Violet leaves, and five seconds later returns to get her dress. Layla leaves. The package appears to be sheath of A5 paper. It is yellowed and has flowing writing on it. It says the following:

*Something is wrong. I can feel it. My body is weak. I thought it was just the flu. I don't think that's true. The dreams keep coming back. It's been three nights since I've slept. I don't think I can trust my Watcher anymore. I read somewhere that Slayers weren't allowed to have friends. I guess I'm living proof of that statement. Exams tomorrow. Time to study.*

*In my weak state I've been trying to focus on my studies but even my mind is clouded. My body has been poisoned & I'm not sure how. My gut is telling me that I shouldn't trust the Watchers' Council. Everything I've been taught tells me that they are there to protect me. My instincts are screaming that they are against me. I'm torn, but too weak to do anything about it. If they betray me, I will burn them to the ground.*

Layla puts the papers in her pocket. She takes a deep breath and walks downstairs. A minute later, Violet comes down, seemingly no worse for the wear. Her makeup is flawless, and there is only one hardly-noticeable crease in her dress. She asks if Layla's ready to go to the restaurant. Layla says she'll see the others when she gets back. Imogen waves. Layla turns around and mouths "you fucking owe me" at Barnaby. When they're gone, Imogen tells George they should take Barnaby to the hospital. George asks how he fell out of the window. His son exclaims "bloody witches". George demands to know what happened. Janet and Imogen decide to go home. Robert gives Janet her robot mother's head and explains what he was going to do with it. They leave the Davidsons to their "family time". Rob tells them to stay safe.

Outside, Janet asks Imogen if she and Barnaby are seeing each other. Imogen says she has no idea. They had expressed feelings for each other. Janet says that he's not good at handling feelings. Imogen says none of them are. Janet defensively says that she and Rob seem alright, and that there's nothing wrong with going slow. Imogen says that's alright, but they need to talk about their feelings. Janet says that her parents were murdered, and she has no other friends. Imogen says she understands. She was rather ignored by her parents (who are, admittedly, still alive). She admits she knows what it's like to not be able to talk to people. Back at the Davidsons, Barnaby complains until his father and brother drag him to the hospital. Rob remarks that he doesn't need a past filling in to get a reputation now. George is confused, and Rob says he'll explain later.

When Barnaby gets back home, Imogen decides to help up and make a poultice for him, which greatly accelerates his healing. Rob spends his time making bracelets that can send GPS data to the other in the event of damage or a button being pressed; these look like anti-bullying bracelets. As he starts working on them, modifies them to display the coordinates at all times. The next weekend, George says he needs to leave. Charity has been spotted up north, and a team of Watchers has been assembled to go after her. He tells them to stick together in case Charity comes for them. After he leaves, Layla asks if they're still sticking with the previously-agreed plan. Violet isn't there, but Janet is. Robert suggests that for Katherine's sake, they only do it when she's closer to them. Imogen suggests finding a way to warn her. She is against letting the Council get their hands on her. Layla says she thinks she has a way to find her.

Layla pulls out the papers and tells them to read it. Imogen thinks that the journal pages might work, but they've been away from her for a long time. Layla thinks it's a part of her. Imogen suggests it gets copied, in case it gets destroyed. Layla says she'll photocopy it, and get the golem heart too. Imogen says she needs one other person to do the spell, and gestures to the others that they should probably go find Charity. Janet would like to help Imogen do the spell. Layla asks if Rob's fixed the force field; he hasn't. They hope that if it works, they won't need it. Layla is nonetheless concerned that Charity/Katherine might run off. Layla wants to go alone. Barnaby offers to go with her, and Layla agrees in case things go badly. Imogen says that there's the possibility that the Lust might manifest. Layla starts to ask whether she's okay; she then looks at Barnaby and makes excuses to leave.

Layla goes off to make some copies, which turn out bad, so she transcribes it. She puts them in a drawer and grabs the duffle bag with the golem soul. Back at the Davidsons', the phone rings. Rob picks it up. It's George, and he tells them that the Council want to reassign him. He doesn't know if it's temporary or not, but there are Infernus demons in Paris and they want him to deal with it. Rob is angry. George says that apparently, he's not fulfilling the mandate. His son asks whether he can just say no. George says he has considered quitting, and says he'll try and convince them. Robert says that the Watchers are depleted and there's nobody watching Layla. George says that the Watchers will leave Barnaby alone if he does his job to the letter. Rob says they'll do something about this and tells him to be safe.

George says the Watchers may take over the house after he's reassigned, and that he doesn't know who's replacing him. They couldn't find Charity either. Robert swears that he's going to kill Percival. George tells him to be responsible. Robert grudgingly agrees and tells his father to be careful. They tell each other good luck on their respective tasks. George says he'll contact them when he can. There's gunfire, and George cuts the line. Robert tells them what happened. Imogen says that she understands how Charity/Katherine feels, and wished that she was on their side before all that happened. Layla walks in to see Rob ranting about how the Watchers think Barnaby is a bank robber because Divergent Bak'tarbe is a bank robber. Layla admits she may have made it worse with saying the wrong things to Percival. Layla defensively says that they never told him why Percival was here; they say they were too busy being unconscious or fighting Catholics.

Barnaby says they should focus on the fact that Layla now does not have a Watcher, and on the Charity job. As Imogen prepares the spell to locate Charity, she and Barnaby feel an itching sensation up their thighs. Imogen says that Violet will regret doing that, but later. The pen she cast it on turns south-west. Layla and Barnaby go out to find Charity, with Barnaby grabbing his father's spare axe and shotgun. Imogen warns them that the spell will take 30 minutes, and that Charity will become aware of it. Rob tells them to let them know when they've seen her. Layla and Barnaby plan to observe Charity, and not fight her. They awkwardly drive off. Barnaby and Layla drive down an A-road, and Layla spots Charity on a motorbike going back towards Little Rosewater. Barnaby turns the car around and drive the wrong way down the dual carriageway. They eventually end back on the right side of the road.

Imogen and Robert consider moving the golem soul to Janet's house, as it is less known to Charity. They recall that the disinvite spell works if it is a house with 4 walls and a roof. The damaged door doesn't count. They hide in a back room. Barnaby appears to avoid notice; Layla calls Imogen and Rob that they're trailing Charity down the A666 into town. Imogen and Janet work on the spell immediately as Rob keeps watch and fetches. They do the spell in the under-the-stairs toilet, as there are no windows there. Behind Charity, Layla and Barnaby notice that Charity appears to be going through the town and heading North. She then makes a turn to the West towards Greater Rosewater. Layla grabs the map out of the glove box and tries to figure out where she's going. They are unsure where she's heading, as her movements aren't the obvious routes to either Greater or Little Rosewater. Barnaby thinks that Charity knows they're tailing her. In the darkness ahead, Charity suddenly makes a turn to the right. Layla notices Charity do a 200° turn. She knows, and Barnaby makes a hard turn in response. It's halfway through the spell, and they chase after her at speed.

Layla phones Rob to let them know that Charity is on her way. Rob tells Layla to try and get Charity off the bike. Layla rolls down the window and says to Barnaby that they're going to do it Grand Theft Auto-style (meaning that she'll lean out of the car and punch Charity). As they head towards Little Rosewater, they see flashing lights, cones and signs saying that the road's closed. Layla sees Charity turn around. Barnaby decides to play chicken. He does a handbrake turn, trying to force Charity off the bike, but the slaypire jumps the motorcycle off a rock and jumps over their car, bouncing on the hood. He accelerates after her, giving Layla the shotgun and telling the Slayer to try and shoot the bike. Charity's clearly heading to the Davidson household, but they can't close the gap. Layla leans out of the car and fires the sawn-off. It hits, but for little effect. Layla grabs a random round from the glove box. Charity gets further away. Layla fires, and Charity skitters a bit, but keeps going. They're 1 minute away from the house.

Barnaby gains even closer, but Charity seems to just be charging at the house. Layla fires again and the bike emits a plume of black smoke, but the slaypire is undeterred. Robert suits up and prepares his glove. As the bike races towards him, he just manages to shove it to the side. It spins before impacting something and going end-over-end into next door's garden. Charity flies into him. She gets up and runs to the toilet, wrenching the door off. Layla runs in after her and gets in Charity's way. Rob gets up and does the same. Layla looks at Robert and holds her hands up, saying that they're here for Katherine. Robert raises his railgun and aims it at her. Barnaby grabs the fire axe and runs in. Imogen turns to Charity, her eyes rolled back, and finishes chanting.

An energy surrounds Imogen and a small mote of light appears. It comes down, before hitting Charity in the chest. She collapses, and with her momentum she falls into them. The light into the crystal goes out. Barnaby covers Charity with his axe. Imogen gets in front of Janet. Robert groans. Layla lifts the former Slayer off her. She calls out to Katherine, holding her.

*At this point, LittleRedDot joins as Katherine Winters, a Slaypire Hero.*

The girl panics, asking who they are, backing away from them. Layla holds up hands and says that they're not here to hurt her. She's Layla, the current Slayer. Layla says that they're in Rob and Barnaby's house. Imogen says that it's technically not their house anymore (which was how Charity got in, as it belongs to the Council and nobody lives there after George was reassigned). Barnaby says it doesn't matter. The girl says she doesn't understand, and grabs at herself, in pain. She asks what happened. Layla says that she was a vampire. Imogen mumbles that the think she still was before declaring she's going to make some tea. Barnaby goes to find the first aid kit. Layla motions for Katherine to sit on the toilet seat. Katherine asks if anyone lives there, and Layla tries to briefly explain the situation about the Davidsons' abode. Rob powers down his armour. Katherine sits on the toilet. After a bit, she says she's done horrible things in a shocked voice. Layla tries to offer a hug, but Katherine tells her not to touch her. Layla backs off.

Katherine asks why they didn't kill her. Rob says that it was because Charity wasn't her, and he would know. Katherine looks up and declares that the Council did it to her. Layla turns to Rob and says that she was right not to trust them. Katherine grabs Layla and tells her not to trust them. Layla asks what happened. Katherine asks if they didn't put Layla through The test. Layla has no idea what it is. She's read about one but didn't know more about it. Katherine says she failed her test. She explains that the Watchers weaken you, such as through poison, then put you in a ring with a vampire. Wherever they think they believe the Slayer will struggle the most. Layla thinks it's sick and asks why they would do that. Katherine says it's a rite of passage. Imogen walks in, telekinetically holding the tea, and comments that while she isn't opposed to dismantling the Watchers, she wouldn't do it with explosives.

Katherine asks if Layla's the Slayer again. Layla says she's the current one, and they're her friends. Katherine pointedly says that the Slayers don't have friends. Layla says that she doesn't give a fuck. Layla takes out the journal pages and puts them in Katherine's hands, putting her own over them. Layla says that she doesn't know what they put her through, but they're here for her. She lets go. Layla offers to answer questions. They then realise that all six of them are crammed in the downstairs toilet and they awkwardly make their way out. Barnaby and Layla briefly notice Katherine's eye colour change from blue to green. Layla looks around to see if anyone else has been afflicted by Lust, but no joy. She remarks on this. They figure it might be Violet. Rob hopes that the vampire soul died and with it Lust. Imogen has a flashback of what she saw at the tear in Heaven, and says she doesn't think it'll be fixed so easily.

Layla tries to explain to Katherine that she was also possessed by a Sin, but Barnaby says that she shouldn't be overloaded with information right now. Katherine blushes, recalling the memories. After being prompted, she asks whether they like the Watchers. Imogen says that the Watchers have been authoritarian and not particularly helpful. Layla says that there are people within the organisation who are willing to help them outside the system. They all disagree on the treatment of Slayers. Katherine asks what they're going to do. They have no idea. She asks to lie down, and they suggest George's room. Imogen points out that he no longer lives here, and they need to clear the house of anything they don't want the Watchers to get a hold of. Barnaby says he'll get the storage done tomorrow morning. Layla says that she has a spare bed in her room, and Katherine's welcome to stay. Imogen says that when she's ready, it would be good if she let them know who she was working for as a vampire.

Katherine is a bit bewildered and looks like she's going to cry. Layla offers her a hand and Katherine takes it. Barnaby says he'll stay to sort out the books. Imogen says she'll do the same, and she needs to do something before she sleeps. Layla is uncomfortable with it but makes no comment. Imogen is embarrassed. Katherine, despite her grief, is aware of the weird tension but says nothing. Janet asks Rob whether they should leave Barnaby and Imogen alone. He says so and asks if he could go to her house. She is uncertain until he offers to help her fix the robot.

Imogen is a bit out of it, considering the enormity of the spell, and talks about stuff they need to move. Barnaby agrees, but says they have time. Imogen says they don't know how much time they have. She says they haven't talked all week. She asks if he was avoiding her or vice versa. He has no idea. They comment that they were both unavailable for most of it. Imogen says she brought the poultice and he thanks her for it. They bond a bit over *Alice in Wonderland*. Imogen asks if he's alright. Barnaby says he's okay but asks if he fucked up. She points out that he did: multiple times, to multiple people. She admits she also hurt Layla, but thinks she has permission to go out with someone else as Layla broke up with her. She admits she hasn't talked to Layla since. She says they both made mistakes, but sometimes they don't have a choice. Either they will be hurt, or someone else. Barnaby says that he deliberately didn't want to hurt Imogen. She walks much closer, still holding the books. She asks why he thinks he hurt her.

He says he made of mess of things, which triggered the ensuing mess. He wants to say sorry, as he finds her amazing and gorgeous. Imogen says that if that wasn't a lie, he didn't do anything to hurt her. She says he saved her life multiple times. He says it's mutual. She says he's amazing as well and didn't think this was ever possible as a result. Imogen says that she was going to say that Layla said the same, but it would be weird now. She puts down the books and walks closer. Barnaby asks if they can kiss. She goes in.

Rob and Janet are working on Janet's mother. They work in silence for a bit. Robert awkwardly says that he hasn't been doing anything because he doesn't know what to do and is afraid of messing up. Janet says that they re-insouled a Slaypire, and they seemed to be doing a good job. Rob admits that sometimes that side of things is easlier. Feelings are less direct and harder. Janet says that Violet probably has it easier but says that he's doing things alright. Rob asks what she wants out of it. Janet wants companionship, maybe "l-thing".

Janet mentions she finds the physical stuff icky. Rob asks what's the point if she doesn't like it. Janet finds that really sweet. She's blushing furiously. He tries to hold her hand, but briefly interrupts her soldering. She fixes it and puts it down. She says she has to leave it to cool, so they can hold hands in the meantime. Janet says that she finds the physical stuff messy. Robert understands where she's coming from. She tries not to. Janet says that tongues are for food. She says that hugging's nice. They awkwardly hug over the decapitated corpse of her robot-mother. They then go back to work on the robot.

Robert says that he's glad that it's sort-of working out for them. He says that normal dating's a drag enough. Janet apologises and hopes she's not a drag, as it's her first relationship too. Rob says that it's his as well, he was just commenting on the others. He reflects that everyone wants different things. He's happy just to spend time with her. Janet asks about her mum. Rob comments that it's a rather weird way to meet her parents. Robert says he loves her. Janet blushes harder than any other time. He apologises. She mumbles that she thinks she loves him too. She clarifies that she wants to be really sure. He says it's okay. She afraid if she says it and they then break up and go crazy like Layla and Imogen.

Janet says that she doesn't want her heart broken. She doesn't think he would, but at the same time didn't think Layla and Imogen would either. Or worse, Barnaby and James. Rob shakes a bit and says he doesn't like to think about that, since he remembered everything. He says he wants her to be safe. Janet says the same for him, and that he can't spend his entire thought process trying to keep her safe. She says she had an idea for pagers to let each other know if the other's in danger. Rob says he had a similar idea and suggests they work on it together.

Layla and Katherine walk to Layla's dorm in silence. Katherne thuds into something in the doorway. Layla realises she has to invite her in. They do and indicates Imogen's former bed. Katherine asks if Layla has a roommate. Layla says that Imogen used to be her roommate. Katherine remarks that it looks much the same to when she was there. She says that her stomach hurts. She isn't really hungry, more nostalgic. Katherine says that she feels like she should say sorry. Layla says that she's probably not the one. Katherine sighs, and asks how they did it to her.

Katherine asks whether Layla has a Watcher. Layla says that she had a few. Katherine asks whether she didn't like all of them. Layla says that her first Watcher, Henry, was cool. Something happened, and she moved here. Katherine then realised she turned Mr. Miller. She apologises. Layla says that she was somewhat of an asshole as a vampire. She made assumptions, but she wasn't sure. Katherine says that if it meant anything, he thought well. Layla doesn't think it meant much. Layla mentions that he befriended her, only to, and trails off.

Katherine says that it wasn't her and talks of Charity with spite. Layla asks whether Charity is still there, before apologising. Katherine says that she still is, locked away. Like being ripped from the inside. Layla says they didn't know what the right option was. It was a bit selfish, but she needed answers, and the pages decided it for her. She says that she thought Katherine would rather be in control in lieu of Charity. Layla goes to feed John and introduces it to Katherine. She says that he's really Imogen's, and it's a long story.

Katherine asks whether Layla and her friends have complications in their relationships; it permeates the air. Katherine says that the Watchers would say that it is distracting them. Layla doesn't know who they'll send next. Layla mentions that her other Watchers didn't really do anything but let her do whatever she wanted. Katherine remarks that she's luckier than she was. Layla goes to ask more, but there's a knock at the door. It's Ned Phillips, and he asks whether they'd like to go for a drink or kill vampires.

Layla slips outside, closing the door behind her. She says she's a bit busy and tells him not to talk so loudly about it, as it's a secret. Layla suggests they hang out tomorrow, or on Sunday. His eyes widen, and he asks whether she and Imogen are back together. She says no. He asks why she isn't letting him into her room when she normally does. She firmly says she's dealing with something. He takes it as a euphemism. She calls him a fucking perv. He calls her uptight. She doesn't care. He walks off.

Layla comes back in and says that was Ned, another friend. Layla says she looked up other Slayers, and the longest-living, Nikki Wood, had a family. Layla says that she wants a family and doesn't want a life where she's a "murder-robot". Katherine says that none of them have a life until the Watchers' Council is gone. She says she hasn't killed monsters in a long time, and she's turned her energies on those who made her what she was. Layla says she's sorry. Katherine says she says that a lot. Layla says she is sorry, and she wouldn't know how to deal with that.

Layla asks how the vampire and feeding thing works now. Katherine says that it's her first night as a vampire with a soul, and that the thought of blood makes her want to keel over. She doesn't think she'll feed on vampire. Layla asks if she can eat things other than people. Katherine says that she assumes blood is blood. Layla asks her not to eat John. The Slaypire says that she's spent enough time in the lab cutting them open, so no thanks. Layla goes to the closet and offers her spare clothes. She says there are towels available and the showers are in the same place. Katherine is unsure whether she needs to shower.

Layla says that if she has any more questions, to let her know. Katherine says she just wants answers, really, and while she appreciates what Layla is trying to do, Layla doesn't have the answers. Layla says that they weren't sure if Katherine wanted to be re-insouled. Katherine says not really, but Charity definitely didn't, as she was used to getting what she wanted. Katherine remarks that there are two Slayers now. Layla says her friends have talents of their own. Katherine says that she's never met another Slayer, Layla says the same. Katherine asks whether it's bad if there are two of them. Layla doesn't think so, since there are so many demons out there. She has no idea how the Watchers expect her to deal with all of them.

Katherine says she knows that feeling. Studying for exams, hunting vampires, trying to get laid. Layla looks to the side and agrees. Katherine remarks it's stupid. Layla says that she's thought about ignoring the school thing. There's a long story with them. Katherine says that if Layla were trapped in a room with an ancient vampire, then they'd probably try and save her. Layla guesses so, but she isn't so sure. Katherine sadly says that nobody did for her. Layla says sorry. She thinks that the Watchers want the Slayers to be dependent on them, and emotional manipulation was part of it. Katherine says they succeeded.

Layla says that she's not alone now. She says that she's supposed to kill her, as she's a vampire. When she read about her life in the journal pages, she was certain. Katherine asks about them. Layla explains that the Watchers probably have the rest, but that one gave the two pages to her. She doesn't know why he did that. Katherine remarks that even in the afterlife, one's personal life is not private. Layla says that she never thought it was and kept her notes in her head. Katherine says that if one's studying to be a doctor, there's not a lot of room there.

Layla says that Imogen, or her sister, seem to be studying to be doctors, so she can go talk to them about that if she wants. Robert could also alter her records to let her live a normal life, but Katherine says it's alright. Katherine says that she doesn't think that Imogen would want to talk to her. Layla admits that the others are probably uncertain over how to feel. Katherine asks how long Layla's been the Slayer. Layla turned into the Slayer since she was 16, so just about a year and a half. Katherine comments that she's almost 18. Layla asks why, and she says no reason. Layla says that not a lot of Slayers live that long, and that caused her to push her friends away. Now, after her experiences and what Katherine said, she doesn't think it's so bad of an idea.

Katherine says that they are stronger in numbers, but they will be endangered. Layla admits that's why she's not dating any more. Katherine can tell that Layla's hurting. The incumbent Slayer says that everyone has their demons. Katherine laugh-sobs about that. Katherine asks that if she were anything other a Slayer, what would she be. Layla admits she's never thought about that and asks if it's sad. Katherine guesses not. Layla said that there was a time where she thought she could have a family, be a mom. Katherine then asks how old she is. Layla says that she looks 18, but it's been ten years.

They talk briefly about the things she's missed. They wonder what'll happen tomorrow, and if Katherine can leave in the daylight. Layla says that they can meet up tomorrow night and discuss their plan for the Watchers. Layla says that Barnaby and Robert's father is a Watcher. Layla says there has to be planning involved. She also doesn't think they're all bad people, but there's something else going on. Katherine asks why she thinks that. Layla thinks that if there are good people among the Watchers who are forced to do bad things, who's doing the manipulating. She points out that the vampires had a similar thing in place.

Layla comments that she got a message on Charity's phone. Katherine recalls a "Tom". Layla asks if it's Thom Huell. Katherine only recalls that Charity answered to an old and powerful vampire named Tom. Layla sits up in bed and goes quiet. Katherine gets lost in Charity's feelings and cries herself to sleep. Once Katherine has fallen asleep, Layla remarks "good night Katherine". She's still looking at the ceiling.

## Notes

* Katherine Winters was actually a Hero Tier NPC name.