AN
Repost-I wasn't happy with the original, so I'm changing it up a bit.
This is a sequel to The succubus who loved a human, some storylines carried over so it might be a good idea to read that fic before starting this one.
Takes place 4 years after that story ended.
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Bo stared at Lauren's body and could barely formulate any coherent thoughts. All she could focus on was the sight of her wife. Nothing she'd faced recently matched the terror she felt at the thought of losing her. Everything she'd fought for was pointless and empty without her. Lauren was her everything, and there was nothing she wouldn't give up to keep her safe. Lauren was as important to her as the air she breathed, her reason for waking, for fighting against the odds of the world. There was no world for Bo without Lauren. Loving another in a way that was all consuming was, at times, a torment without a match, an agony beyond anything else. But Bo didn't know any other way to love Lauren. She loved Lauren beyond all reason and self-preservation.
Dr. Everett held the needle, above Lauren, but made no movements as her eyes flicked back and forth between Lauren and Bo. "This is the only way." She declared, her tone cold and emotionless.
Bo was frozen, with rage and panic, "Don't you touch my wife." Her voice bounced off the walls of the lab, adding an ominous effect to the tense situation. "I will kill you where you stand." She tightened her grip on the knife holstered at her side.
Dr. Everett stared blankly at Bo. "I'm saving her. I know what I'm doing." Her tone held in authority that angered Bo greatly.
"Back away," Bo demanded firmly, staring at her in disgust. Dr. Everett was shielded from her succubus powers, and she didn't know how. But there was something blocking her from pulling the doctor's chi. She scanned the room, trying to figure out another plan.
"This is your fault." Dr. Everett hissed harshly and narrowed her eyes. "You did this to her, and all I want to do is save her."
Bo's hand closed around the knife unbelievably tight, a spark of fury ran through her. "I would never hurt my wife." She shot back, fiercely. Emotions and adrenaline pumped through her, and she almost bolted across the room at her. Instead, she remained still and cautious out of fear for Lauren's safety.
"She did this for you, I'm trying to save her….."
XXXXXX
6 months earlier…
Kenzi sat on the floor in front of the TV, eating a muffin and peering up at Lauren. "Is that what you're wearing?"
Bo shot her one of her 'don't tease my wife looks', and flicked her on the back of the head.
"Ow," Kenzi muttered, reaching up to rub her head. "I didn't say it was bad. Just remember Lauren, clothes don't make the woman." She extended her legs and leaned back on the chair behind her. "Muffin?" She held up the bag for Bo.
Bo shot Kenzi another glare but refrained from answering. "You look beautiful, babe. Very professional." She beamed with pride at her wife, walking up to her. "Like a real doctor."
Lauren looked down and considered her outfit. "You think so?" She asked with her head still down examining her clothes.
"Absolutely, very grown-up. Sexy." Bo leaned back against the couch and reconsidered. "But professionally sexy."
Kenzi snorted a laugh, chewing on the fat, soft muffin. "That came out differently than you wanted it to sound, huh?" She muttered out, licking the crumbs from her fingers.
Bo slid a warning glare at Kenzi and curled her arm around Lauren's waist, tugging her close. She pulled at the button up shirt Lauren was wearing, and said. "I meant sexy but classy…"
Lauren leaned into Bo's touch, and they stood staring at each other, only inches apart, holding smiles for a long quiet moment.
Kenzi rolled her eyes and stuck out her tongue. "You two make me want to puke. You guys know that you're that annoyingly happy couple that other people hate, right?"
Bo scoffed and darted a glare at Kenzi. "Rude."
Kenzi and Lauren laughed in response to Bo's glare.
Bo wrapped her arms firmer around Lauren, drawing her close. She slid her nose up the side of Lauren's face and smelled her skin for a second. She smelled like soap and that unique Lauren scent that she loved so much. Lauren's scent lingered in her nostrils for a delicious moment, and her body vibrated with longing. Lauren was intoxicating and addictive, even now, even after all these years. Bo had wondered, at times, if her desire for Lauren would fade the longer they were married, but the opposite had happened. She wanted and loved Lauren more now than she ever did; time had strengthened their love, not weakened it.
Lauren lightly pressed her forehead to Bo's and placed a light kiss on the tip of her nose. "And speaking of grown-up stuff. Are you two looking for offices today?"
"Yes," Bo said, excitement in her eyes. "I think I've found the perfect place."
"I'm happy for you two, getting back into P.I. work."
Bo studied Lauren's eyes with a troubled, tense frown. "You could work anywhere, Lauren. Why work for Dr. Everett? I don't like it at all." The words left her mouth before she could hold them back, this was a heated argument they'd had many times lately.
Lauren untangled herself from Bo's embrace and stepped away. She was determined to take the job. She chose to think about the practical upsides of working with Dr. Everett. "I'm not having this discussion again. She offered me a job, a chance to work with Fae and humans. That's what I want to be doing, right now." She grabbed her bag off the floor, in an aggravated motion. "I worked so hard for so long to become a doctor, and now I want to get to work."
Bo clenched her jaw, approaching Lauren again. "That woman always has her own agendas. We don't know what she's really up to." Despite, the argument she saw coming she couldn't stop herself from airing her concerns again.
Just like that, a wave of anger washed over Lauren. "You don't trust me to make my own decisions?" She snapped back, her body tense, her expression stern.
Kenzi sprung to her feet and quickly went into the other room. She was not one who wanted to witness the argument she saw coming.
A frustrated groan rumbled deep in Bo's chest, but she kept her voice level. "That's not fair. I just want you safe." Thoughts and worries raced through Bo's mind, and she couldn't control any of them. When it came to Lauren, Bo tended to be guided by her heart and her protective impulses. In a lot of ways she was out of control, in regards, to all things Lauren, she was fueled by instinct, and that truth unsettled her more than it soothed her.
"I'm not naïve Bo, I know who she is, but this is where I want to work. It's a unique opportunity to work with and help the Fae and humans. Despite everything she's done, Dr. Everett is an excellent teacher." Lauren answered trying to smooth out the tension between them. "I don't need saving."
Bo glanced at the ceiling and pushed down her further responses. This conversation was getting her nowhere. Lauren had a stubborn streak and failed to see any logic in her arguments. So, she could do only one thing. Concede for now. But that wouldn't stop her from worrying about her, always. "Promise me, you'll watch her and stay alert."
Lauren nodded, a satisfied smile on her face. "I promise." She adjusted the straps on her bag and tossed it over her shoulder.
The fight ran out of Bo, and she turned apologetic. "Babe, I'm sorry. I'm just crazy protective of you. It's hard to shut it off sometimes." She said truthfully with her eyes locked on the wall behind Lauren.
Lauren cupped her face and guided her up to look at her. "I love that you care so much, but I have thought this through, it's what I want."
A smile transformed Bo's features from concern to pure love and admiration. "You're my hero, Lauren. Your strength when facing the world inspires me, it always has."
Lauren pressed a kiss on Bo's forehead. "And you are too charming and sweet for your own good."
Bo nuzzled against the side of Lauren's face for a few heartbeats.
When they pulled apart, Lauren walked to the door. She paused and tilted her head over her shoulder, looking at Bo. "I can handle myself. You can't always be by my side."
Bo acknowledged that with a smile and stared at Lauren as she left the apartment.
XXXXX
Bo pushed the door open and searched for the light switch. As the light flickered on the dusty, small office came into view, and Bo smiled proudly. She was walking on a cloud of anticipation about their new business, their official office.
"Do you like it?" Bo asked. She waved her hand in the air as she crossed the room.
Kenzi pressed her hand against the doorframe and peered in. "What's that smell?" She asked, scrunching her nose. "Smells like something died or is about to die or should have died but didn't."
Working independently had proven a good fit for them, so Bo ignored Kenzi's complaints, knowing she would come around. She moved into the office, and did a complete circle, taking in every detail around her. "We'll have to clean it up, but this will make it so much easier for us to take cases. We can't keep working out of my apartment." She glanced at Kenzi over her shoulder. "Don't tell me you're afraid of a little work? The best things, in life, take work, after all."
Kenzi skidded her gaze to the stained walls, and cigarettes tossed haphazardly on the floor. "How are any clients going to find us, this isn't exactly in a great part of town?" Her gaze flicked back to Bo. "Although, a seedy back alley office might be perfect for our line of work."
"Statistically, crimes might be relatively high in this part of town, but the locals are helpful and friendly. I think we'll fit right in." Bo said, enthusiastically.
Kenzi's cup halted on the way to her mouth. "You sound like your wife. I guess you've done your research." She said as she finally entered the office, closed the door and settled beside Bo. Her eyes went back to Bo, and she realized how excited she was, and said. "I suppose it's got a certain charm." She wrapped an arm around Bo's shoulder. "With a little paint, new furniture, and a nice carpet, it should look semi-professional."
Bo returned Kenzi's small hug, and a smile broke out when she sensed Kenzi was warming up to the situation. "Exactly."
Kenzi took a large gulp of her coffee, and looked around the room again, thoughtful. "Do you think we'll get enough business to justify the cost of an office?"
Bo shrugged, and cocked her head to the side. "We might have to take a few more traditional cases…"
Kenzi laughed and traced her cup with the tip of her finger. "Like taking pictures of cheating spouses? Or insurance fraud?"
Bo didn't let her easy smile slip. "Maybe. Hell, humans have just as many problems as the Fae."
Kenzi looked at her empty cup, then Bo. "True."
Bo stepped in front of the window, which was coated in dust, and fixed her gaze on the blue skies above. It was a beautiful day, and a small smile appeared on her face. She was feeling optimistic, and excited about the future.
Kenzi walked around the office, the floorboards under her feet squeaked a loudly. "Is my name gonna be on this little business?"
"Of course, Kenz." Bo shifted the curtains aside and coughed when she got a face full of dust. She covered her mouth and moved away from the window. "How about Bo and Kenzi Investigations?" She suggested, leaning against an old desk. "Or Dennis and Malikov Investigations?"
"Hmm. How about Paranormal Hot Investigators?" Kenzi countered with a smirk. "Or Succubus and Sidekick, P.I.s."
Bo laughed and hugged Kenzi. "We'll figure it out." Bo released Kenzi, and looked around again, imagining what they could create out of the space.
Kenzi sat her empty cup on the desk and wiped her hands on Bo's shirt. "What do you think the Fae will think about this?"
For years, working as a human ambassador to the Fae, Bo had dealt with difficult, unpredictable and in a lot of cases, batshit-crazy Fae. Maybe the Light and Dark divide was gone, but their conflicts and suspicions remained. It was exhausting, and she was done. "I'm tired of all the political bullshit. We're free to do whatever we want."
With a quick sidelong glance, Kenzi noted Bo's unwavering expression. "All right, let's do this, boss."
"Partner." Bo corrected her with a reassuring smile.
Kenzi nodded. "Yeah, partner. I think this is gonna be fun."
All of a sudden, Bo's smile faded, and she turned serious. She'd been unnerved all day about Lauren starting her new job with Dr. Everett. She was trying to ignore it and focus on the business, but she suddenly got hit with anxiety over it.
Kenzi watched the shift in Bo's face and gently patted her back with one hand. "Still sulking about the wife?" She asked. It was the most logical conclusion to Bo's crestfallen expression.
"No," Bo said in automatic denial. She paused a beat, surprised Kenzi could read her mood shift so quickly. She folded her arms. "I don't sulk."
Kenzi flashed her a knowing grin, which was so innately sisterly. "You totally sulk over Lauren. All the time. What's the problem?"
Unwilling to engage further, Bo waved the issue aside. "Anyway," she said, getting back on track. "We have a tight budget, but I think we'll manage."
Kenzi's expression turned skeptical at Bo dodging her question. When a foul odor hit her, she pinched her nose. "Let's go get a drink. I'll need many shots to get through cleaning this place up."
Bo chocked back her laugh. "It's not even the afternoon."
Kenzi wrapped her arm around Bo and led her out of the office, and said. "When has that ever stopped us before?"
XXXXX
Lauren took her seat across from the gray-haired woman, and she pursed her lips together. She wasn't going to say a word until Dr. Everett spoke first.
Dr. Everett eyed Lauren carefully. "Lauren, we are doing great work here. I think you'll be happy with what we've done."
Lauren reached for the glass of water on the desk and sipped it slowly.
"There are plenty of opportunities, at this facility, for someone of your unique talents," Dr. Everett added with a determined tone.
Finally, Lauren joined the conversation. "You don't have to convince me. I've already taken the job."
"Of course. But honestly, you seem distressed." Dr. Everett responded, using her motherly tone and a soft expression.
Lauren shifted restlessly and ran her fingers through her hair. "Bo isn't pleased that I took this position. She doesn't want me working with you."
Dr. Everett leaned back in her chair and tapped her fingers on the desk. "Oh, yes, conflict with spouses can be difficult. Happy wife, happy life." She forced a smile and regarded Lauren for a moment.
Before Lauren could answer Tamsin burst into the room, and Lauren swiveled around in her chair to look at her.
"Tamsin, you know Dr. Lewis." Dr. Everett waved her hand at Lauren. "Today is her first day," She added, rising from her chair.
"Lucky us," Tamsin murmured, with clear sarcasm, and an eye roll, not looking at Lauren.
"You're not a scientist or a doctor, what do you do here?" Lauren asked peering up at her, puzzled.
Tamsin patted the gun on her side. "Security," She answered abrasively with her chin up, still not looking directly at Lauren. "We're all clear," She said to Dr. Everett.
Lauren turned her attention to Dr. Everett. "Why would this clinic need security?"
Dr. Everett shook off her comment, with her eyes solely locked on Tamsin. "No need to worry, Lauren. It's simply a precaution."
Tamsin snorted at that comment. "Nut jobs are always trying to break in, but you'll be fine." Finally, she looked down at Lauren, with a hint of a smirk on her face. "Enjoy your first day," She said over her shoulder as she marched out the door.
"She seems pleasant," Lauren muttered under her breath watching Tamsin leave the office.
"Ignore her behavior. She's rude, at times, but very good at her job." Dr. Everett clapped her hands together. "Let me show you around, so you can get familiar with what we're doing here."
Lauren stood and draped her bag over her shoulder and followed behind Dr. Everett for a tour of the facility. She planned on staying watchful and learning as much information as she could about what kind of work was being done there.
But, she had five patients to keep her occupied for the day and no time to investigate. She hoped that the following day she would be able to get a free moment to look around.
XXXX
That evening, Bo sat at the desk with a laptop in front of her. She was searching for furniture for her new office. When she heard the door, she glanced up at Lauren.
Lauren sighed in relief entering her home. It had been a grueling day, and she was happy to be home. She held up the carryout bag as she walked into the kitchen.
Bo cracked a smile, smelling the delicious dinner. "Yum. Sex and Thai food I've been craving both all day. And in that order." She said, as she hoisted herself to her feet and arched her back.
Lauren smiled back and tried not to think about all the lusty thoughts that exploded in her brain at Bo's statement. She went to the table with the food. "Well, I'm famished. So, food first." She said, with an amused glint in her eyes.
Bo walked up to Lauren and played with the stethoscope, Lauren forgot was still around her neck. "Welcome home, my bossy, sexy, doctor wife." She gave her a one-armed hug, hello.
Lauren leaned into Bo while she pulled off her stethoscope and placed it on the table. "Plates, please." She said, patting the bag of food.
Bo kissed her lips and went to get dishes out of the cupboard. "So, did you kick serious ass today? Saving lives?" She said as she walked back to the table with plates and silverware.
Lauren started pulling food cartons out of the bag. "I survived," She answered, a smile playing at her lips as she looked back at Bo. "And they certainly kept me busy all day. It was really refreshing to get to do some hands-on work."
"That's great," Bo said, trying to keep her mood easygoing. She didn't want another argument about Lauren's job. She reminded herself to be supportive of her wife's decisions.
Lauren cracked open the lids on the cartons and started spooning out the food. "Tamsin works there."
Bo took a bite of food from the container and groaned in appreciation. She licked sauce from her lips, looking stunned after absorbing what Lauren had said. "Small world."
Nodding her head with a smile, Lauren agreed. "Indeed."
Instead of eating at the kitchen table, they took their plates and drinks into the living room. Bo filled Lauren in on the new office and her plans to get it ready.
Lauren turned to Bo, her eyes luminous. Bo's excitement over her new business was contagious. "I can't wait to see it. I'm so excited for you. I know you were getting tired of dealing with Fae politics, and I think P.I. work is a much better fit for you."
"It's just the same cycle, the same patterns with the Fae. It's exhausting. They act like they want change, but really they don't." Bo's eyes were on her plate as she pushed her food around.
"Sounds about right."
Heart in her throat, Bo set her hand on Lauren's thigh, next to Lauren's hand. "I'm sorry about this morning."
Lauren glanced up from her food and gazed lovingly at her wife. "Me, too."
"I don't want to fight with you about that stuff. And I didn't intend to upset you. The only thing I'm trying to say is, please, be careful."
Bo's fingers lightly stroked Lauren's pinkie, and she studied Lauren's expression, she could see and feel her thinking.
Lauren rolled her shoulders and took a deep breath. Bo wasn't going to give up. Ever. She knew her wife well enough to know that. Her expression became serious and hooded. "I've got to fight my own battles. Just try to stay open minded about Dr. Everett."
Bo chewed her food and Lauren's statement while watching her. "What do you need from me?" She asked at last.
Lauren's growing annoyance faded, and she cupped her hand over Bo's. "Only you. You fulfill me more than any job or person."
After dinner, Bo sat between Lauren's spread legs in the middle of their huge bed, the back of her head rested on Lauren's chest. Lauren's arms circled her body, just below her breasts. Lauren gently put her head on Bo's shoulder, and Bo tapped her fingers rhythmically on Lauren's leg. The room was only lit by a glimmer of moonlight coming in through the blinds.
Bo twisted her head, looked up at Lauren, and smiled. "Do you still love me like we're teenagers?" Her eyes softened as she stared at Lauren expectantly.
A smile pulled at Lauren's lips as her eyes met Bo's. "No."
Surprise flashed across Bo's face, her arms stretched out over her legs. "No?"
Lauren bent forward, kissing one cheek, then the other. She kissed her lips before answering, "It's different now."
Bo touched Lauren's hair, and then the side of her face, her eyes studying Lauren. "Better?" She asked when Lauren said nothing else.
Lauren laughed softly while squeezing her reassuringly. "Married life suits us. I can't seem to stop myself from loving you more every day. We have our own rhythm, you know."
Bo's expression grew shadowed, briefly, as she absorbed that and then cleared. "Do you worry that might ever change?"
Lauren thought about that for a half second and then said. "Relationships are just an unexplored journey. To stay on that journey all we have to do is head in the same direction, take the twists and turns, together. And remember what's more important than any job or any argument."
Looking down, Bo cradled their hands together. "Each other." She squeezed Lauren's fingers. "You're it for me, Lauren. I've known that since I was a teenager. But that's why I worry about you."
Lauren tightened her arms around Bo and kissed her neck.
Bo settled back against Lauren more snugly, enjoying the heat of her breath on her neck. "I love you, Lauren. So damn much." She whispered and the words were true to her heart.
Warmth and affection and so much more settled into Lauren. "I know. I love you, too. You saved me more times than I can count but I need you to trust my instincts this time."
Bo could feel the love behind Lauren's words and in her touch. "You're the best choice I've ever made. Marrying you was the greatest thing I've ever done. You're my forever."
"Well…I mean…" Lauren's expression and words froze, momentarily, while she contemplated Bo carefully. "We never really discuss our future. You'll have several more lifetimes when I'm gone. I want you to know that I…"
"Lauren, don't." She interrupted Lauren and then fumbled for words. Her contentment dissipated, she looked down at her hands, then back up at her. There was an alarming finality to Lauren's words that Bo didn't like. Just looking at Lauren made Bo ache. She was a part of her. The best part. And thoughts of her death made her unable to think clearly. "Don't talk like that."
Lauren loosened her hold around Bo as her uneasiness rose to meet Bo's. She closed her eyes, and Bo spoke again. "It's morbid. I don't want to talk about you dying. Think about you dying." She twisted her head to look at Lauren. So many emotions poured into her eyes. "Even if I live two thousand years longer than you, you're still my forever." Her voice dropped to a whisper. "You just don't get it, do you?"
Lauren stared at her for a long beat, looking deep into Bo's eyes. A frown formed on her face as she asked, "Get what?"
Filled with unending love and dedication, Bo gently kissed her. "What we have is bigger than our lifespans. You will never just be a passing part of my existence. I was made for you, made to love you. You're everything to me."
What was Lauren supposed to say at that point? She could see the pain in Bo's eyes. She wanted to protect Bo's heart as long as she could, so for now, she dropped it. She knew they would have to have a real talk about the future someday, but not that day. Lauren put her hand over Bo's heart. "Forget your succubus powers. Your heart is your real superpower." She leaned in so their lips touched slightly. "I love you like crazy," She whispered before slowly, slowly sliding her lips over Bo's.
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SWLAH is still my favorite story, and I wasn't happy with the sequel that's why I'm reposting it with some changes, but the basic story is the same.
Thanks for reading XOXOXOX