Thanks to all of you who have read and commented, I really appreciate the feedback and it motivates me to continue. To all of you wondering what happens next, go on... :)
This story has come into my mind with no handle. It is literally flying out as fast as I sit with the laptop and SuccubusShinobi plays jams. Please remember to read and review for more efficiency on the updates!
Disclaimer: The characters portrayed in this story belong to their rightful creators while the situations and storyline are solely mine.
Reflections of You
Chapter 02: The Girl
I had been at the beach for hours with no end, losing myself in the waves, the breeze and the sand. I had not slept well at night just awake thinking about Lauren's face as I remembered it, so I needed this more than any other time. Because I went to bed half drunk on the sights and sounds of what felt like a dream of a woman I had lost and a life far gone. By coffee time I had begun thinking that in some twisted way my brain had warped the images it saw into this mirage of the person I needed the most. If I ever even saw Andrea again, she'd probably be a whole different person than what my brain imagined last night.
Or at least that's what I told myself for the umpteenth time as I shook dumping the remaining Jack Daniels on the sand. I didn't want to be drinking, it's what made me hit the road, so I wasn't going to keep tempting myself as I convinced myself a drink here and there wasn't going to hurt. The truth was that after last night I needed all the sobriety I could get. I leaned back onto the blanket I had pitched myself early in the morning and decided that I would just not think of anything and hopefully this was a one-time thing. Andrea said she was a tourist after all and I could bet that Tuckers wasn't the only place for a Rum and Coke in San Junipero. With a sigh I convinced myself that I had warped the whole incident in my mind. The mixture of booze, sexual energy, and who knows what finally getting to me I presumed. With that my eyes closed as I felt the breeze tingle my sweat covered skin as I felt the sun baking my figure.
I basked in the afterglow of the fireworks that had adorned the city skyline before turning my eyes to the object of my affection. I was glad that I was leaning against the wall while looking at Lauren doing the dishes because the admiration made me weak in the knees. This woman was everything I wanted and then some. I remembered when we met, how I took note that the Doctor had been the only one to ask me politely rather than ordering me around. Sure I was Fae and she was human, but back then she had the advantage when I knew nothing of myself.
I cleared my throat and when she turned around my eyes met her tear streaked ones. I rushed to her and pulled her to my chest quickly but she pushed me away gently. The whole mood in my head was gone and now I was worried sick about what had my lover in shambles. Lauren sniffled and grabbed a tissue clearing her nose and calming down before meeting my eyes.
"I blacked out yesterday." She mentioned in a monotone voice as I cringed.
"What? Lauren-"
"Yeah Bo, I didn't tell you because I was scared shitless ok?" Lauren gruffed at me and I flinched.
"Is it getting worse?" I whispered and she nodded. "We'll find a trea-"
"No Bo, I'm done." Lauren interrupted me and I stood frozen to my spot.
"Please don't…" I breathed as I felt my whole world shatter.
"I know this tumour is going to keep growing Bo. It's not getting smaller that's for sure." Lauren mentioned pointing at her head. "I cannot sit here and pretend to be alright while I deteriorate into nothing and you watch me die."
Her words slapped me like a cold bucket of water and I shook my head in disbelief as a sob escaped my lips. This couldn't be happening. I couldn't lose Lauren… not like this…
"That's the problem Bo… I'm not ready… for any of this to become reality…"
"Shhh come on Lauren" I tried but she pushed me away.
The blonde woman in front of me looked tired. Her eyes were distant and her lips trembled looking far away. I wanted to reach and pull her into my arms but that's where she had freed herself from. Her jawbone was defined as she gritted her teeth and I saw a determination in her eyes that scared me like it had never scared me before.
"Not this time Bo… I cannot keep living in this uncertainty." Lauren's voice was final and frightening and I could've sworn I was having a panic attack as I breathed harder than ever and everything faded from focus.
"haaaaaaaaa" I woke up with a gasp as I panted from the memory that felt like it belonged it my deepest darkest nightmares.
I was covered in sweat and it had nothing to do with the sun as it had already ducked under the horizon and only hues of orange and pink remained. I panted heavily as I held my chest and tears fell from my eyes as my heart beat faster and faster in that painful way it did back in the city. For a moment my fingers twitched wanting to call Dyson, I wondered if perhaps all of this was an omen and I needed to call home. I shook my head of the thought as the pain in my heart intensified as this gut wrenching feeling swept over me as I replayed that conversation in my mind over and over again through the years that followed it. After that talk things were never the same with Lauren and I, and even when she was by my side her mind would be elsewhere until… I cringed as a sob escaped me and I let the tears and cries escape me freely.
I don't know how long I was crying until I heard the shifting of sand around me. I wanted to look up but I was suspicious that I looked absolutely horrible. I could only stop crying enough as to come to hiccups.
"Are… are you ok?" I was startled looking up as I fell silent.
There was a beautiful black woman in front of me with waves upon waves of dark curls, luscious full lips and a concerned look in her gentle eyes. She wore a bright pink bikini as she leaned over me expecting an answer and I could see the beads of salt water on her cocoa cream skin. I could see far away behind her a fiery redhead in a blue bikini and a towel holding her hat in place and looking at us wearily.
"Yeah… yeah I think I'm ok" I nodded trying to convince them and myself. "I didn't mean to ruin your beach day."
"No it's no problem… as long as you're ok" the redhead noted concerned as well as she joined the other woman.
"…But you're not ok." The dark haired woman noted and I let out a shaky sigh.
"I'm sure I will be at some point." I shrugged trying to not disturb this pair any longer.
"Baby, how about you bring the car around to where the docs are?" the darker woman mentioned sweetly to the red head and the latter gave her a fond look and a nod before walking away with purpose.
I stared at the black woman as I watched her watch her lover walk away. There was no mistaking on my part the shine in their auras and how attuned they were to one another. It hurt to see this kind of connection while missing my own but I couldn't be selfish and expect other people to be miserable when I was. It was just one of those things that people don't expect or understand about a Succubus.
"I don't want to pry, but I'm not leaving you alone either. You look like you could use a friend and I like to make those. So no, before you ask we're not going anywhere if you're not coming. My name is Kelly." the woman smiled with an extended hand and I took it touched by the gesture.
"I'm Bo." I offered as I shook her hand and a pleased triumphant smile crossed her face.
"Bo… I had a friend who was friends with a Bo." Kelly smiled and I chuckled.
"I hadn't met anybody with my name yet so who knows." I admitted.
"Are you a tourist, Bo?" she asked and I shook my head.
"I bought the house on the cove." I admitted as her smile widened brightly.
"I was the old owner of that house. Yorkie and I moved-in together recently so I had no need for it any longer." Kelly admitted and I chuckled shaking my head and wiping my tears away. This world would show you twist and turns you wouldn't imagine.
"It's a lovely house." I admitted as she nodded.
"Oh yeah, it is. We have a bigger one by the forest that edges the beach. Yorkie calls it a two-in-one 'cause you can relax in either environment. You should see it sometime." Kelly smiled as I mirrored it.
"You mean it, that you're not leaving me alone?" I pondered as Kelly's smile widened brightly.
"Not a chance sugar pie. I know that look on your face and I've been there so no, I'm not letting a broken hearted Succubus drown her sorrows at the beach." Kelly admitted and I gasped.
"You don't smell Fae." I rationalized as Kelly's smile widened.
"That's the beauty of my kind, we blend in pretty well. Yorkie is another tale for another time, but let's just say she's not your average Fae." Kelly explained as I marvelled at this turn of events. "A Succubus named Bo sounds awfully a lot like the stories Vex had been gracing us with."
I tensed with the admission but Kelly didn't miss a beat.
"No worries, he's not here and it's not like we're the pen and paper kind of people Bo. Your privacy is safe with us, on my blood oath." Kelly promised as I sighed.
"I guess this is the part where I pack my stuff and follow you?" I asked as I saw a red convertible pull to the docks with a subtle honk of the horn.
"I'd do it if I was you. You look like you need some friends." Kelly stated as she helped me pick up my stuff.
"My car?" I asked again as Kelly smiled.
"It's San Junipero, you can leave it there, keys in, windows down and find it there in a month." Kelly explained.
I chuckled knowing you would never be able to do such a thing in the city and followed Kelly to where the docks were and undoubtedly Yorkie. Once we reached the car the redhead popped out of the front seat after opening the trunk and with a smile she took my belongings placing them in the trunk.
"I'm Yorkie." She offered with a handshake after everything was in, including my umbrella.
"Thanks, I'm Bo." I nodded and Yorkie gave me a smile.
"Kelly has a knack for finding people in distress." Yorkie smiled and winked at Kelly who poked her tongue out and got in the car.
Once the three of us were in the car she turned in her seat and smiled. I could tell she was plotting something but I wasn't quite sure what. I had no time to ponder on what had happened last night or beyond in the past from that, for right now I was intrigued at this new adventure.
"Bo… I don't care if you tell me your story now or later, but I need to know what's eating you even if it's a snipped so I don't aggravate you further." Kelly offered and I nodded.
"Before we get into this… Kelly, hon where should I drive to?" Yorkie asked flashing me a smile through the mirror.
"Take us to my old house, Bo lives there now. She might want to get changed before we leave leave." Kelly giggled and I perked an eyebrow.
"Leave leave?" I asked in wonder.
"Yeah, no worries we'll come back. We always do." Yorkie interjected with a smile and I nodded in approval as she took off.
"So… give me the rundown." Kelly insisted and I sighed looking out the window at the ocean passing by.
"I had a very special person in my life… someone I cared for as much as you two do of each other. And… I… I-" my lips trembled as my words disappeared into the wind that came with the speed of the vehicle.
"I see… you don't have to finish Bo." Kelly admitted with kindness. "Was this a long time ago or just recent?"
"A long time ago… but I dunno… I feel like it happened just yesterday…" I admitted for the first time in my life.
"Well then… I can see how you're a mess girl. Let's see what we can do for you." Kelly said righting herself to look forwards as Yorkie gave her a meaningful glance and they held hands.
It wasn't long before I had changed and we were on the road again. Kelly and Yorkie had helped me pack a big duffle bag because they were taking me somewhere for a bit. I felt like in the city this would feel like a kidnapping, but there was something about Kelly and Yorkie's demeanour that I could feel deep within me they would not try to harm me. In the end, like a wise man said 'A Succubus is not without power, I am my own weapon'.
Kelly had taken the wheel while Yorkie manned the tunes and she talked to me about a time when Kelly had saved her from an arranged marriage. There were a lot of groans and giggles in the car and it actually felt nice to have some company other than my loneliness. I laughed with the story and noted the subtle little things they did with one another, like their hands and kisses and little shoves in the arm. Someone might think this was the last thing I needed at a time like this, but it was quite the opposite. This reminded me that what Lauren and I had was real, tangible and it had actually happened. I was blessed with finding love at least once in the long lifetime I had.
"Bo, I have this childhood friend…" Yorkie started full of innuendo before Kelly elbowed her and give her 'a look'. "Oh yea…"
"No, it's quite alright Yorkie. Kelly, really you're being too harsh on her." I smiled as I squeezed Kelly and Yorkie's shoulders.
"I appreciate the offer Yorkie but I don't think I'm that ready to date just yet." I admitted.
"I'm not saying do it, or pushing you to do so… but think about it this way: You don't have to fall in love, you can always just have fun and good company." Yorkie advised and I smiled whistling in approval of her message.
"Wow babe, that was really great advice!" Kelly replied with a proud smile.
The beautiful landscape was changing before my eyes and it had turned rocky and bushy despite the ocean background. This place was really magical and I was glad I was getting the chance to explore it. The conversation died down as the tunes took charge of the space and we all took in the breeze the Oceanside had to offer. Good company? I used to know someone that was amazing company no matter what.
It was a rare warm day in the city and I intended to make the best of it. After the few cases I finished closing I walked the half block to my favourite bar. Now that it was warm I enjoyed the sun on my skin through the tank top and vest I was wearing. My stomach was doing flips as I checked my phone for messages and finding none, I hurried my pace. When the host saw me he nodded and pointed at the back patio to where my favourite spot was.
At a table in the corner with her nose in a book was the love of my life. Her blonde hair cascaded around her shoulders as it shone in the sun with the warm breeze. The patio was full and the lull of conversation was around us but I could only focus on her. The sundress she wore was perfect in all the right places and her creamy skin and strong arms were on display. I felt my chest swell with pride and I sighed happily before walking behind her and surprising her with a kiss on her shoulder.
"Mmmm, I missed you." Lauren's caramel voice wrapped around me as her hand found my face for a simple caress before putting her book down.
"Likewise." I breathed against her ear and she shivered and pulled my arms to wrap around her.
I was glad for the seating being bench chairs since I would be able to straddle the wood and drape my arms around her. With a content sigh I positioned myself and nuzzled my lover's neck happily while she giggled. I knew it was moments like this that I wanted to remember forever, as the Doctor leaned against me and kissed my neck while playing with my locks softly.
"The lab has been a drag today because I've missed you so much." Lauren mentioned as I smiled and squeezed her waist tighter.
"Well, maybe you can take me to work at some point or I could drop by and make your work more exciting." I purred licking her earlobe as she giggled and shrank back from me looking at me with surprise through the caramel eyes I loved so much.
"Then I wouldn't get any work done at all." Lauren noted and I laughed.
"Perhaps you're right." I chuckled and she shook her head looking at me from dazed eyes full of love and lust.
"No, Bo. I am right, you're my Succubus full of self-control and wishful thinking until…" she pressed her lips to my ear and I shivered as she talked from the breath on my skin "until I spread my legs and you feel the warmness of my desire for you."
"Here we are!" Kelly announced loudly and I pulled up from the backseat in a daze.
It seemed I had fallen asleep again with the trip and even though I'd worry in other circumstances the black sky above us and the lights in the distance to what looked like a wooden cabin. Yorkie looked back from her seat, it looked she had fallen asleep at some point as well and had just woken up. She gave me a reassuring smile and reached for Kelly's hand. I returned it trying to hide the pain that the recent dreams were bringing. Things were muddled and not the same, but I couldn't deny that they were mostly memories of a time I felt alive.
We pulled to a complete stop in front of the cabin and quietly we all got out of the car. The woods smelled a mixture of musty and salty making it pretty unique.
"Here we go! The Cabin is always a great time to reflect. We can go for a hike into the sand formations tomorrow. We'll show you a good time, promise!" Kelly assured me as I looked around in the darkness.
"Sounds good." I admitted as I followed them into the porch of the cabin.
The woods around us were covered by shadows but I could smell the mustiness and wood around me. It smelled absolutely green but I could also hear the beach in the distance. I sighed as I entered the cabin, happy that I went on a whim and followed the two damsels here. The cabin itself was all wood with a stainless steel kitchen adorned by black marble. It was breathtaking. I dropped my things and took my shoes off in the doorway but what drew me in was the chimney in the middle of the cabin.
"Make yourself at home Bo, this is a small cabin some of the Fae up here share. Like a timeshare if you will. This month is our turn, but do let me know if you want to be included." Kelly mentioned as I nodded with a smirk.
"I suppose we need approval from the Ash?" I mumbled as Kelly shook her head.
"Oh no, this is Dark Fae territory. Also, our Morrigan is much more lenient with light and dark shit. He is the most admiring of you and your battles." Yorkie clarified and I nodded processing everything.
"Is this a ploy to get me to meet him?" I asked suddenly feeling vulnerable.
"What—no! no… We just want to help." Kelly assured as she shook her hands and head. "I've… I've lost someone along the way as well Bo. Before Yorkie all I wanted was to have fun and not think about what I had lost. It was painful every day and I recognized myself in you. I couldn't just leave you there."
"Oh." I whispered watching as Kelly gave Yorkie a meaningful look.
"This is what I'm talking about Bo. Not love in your case… but perhaps someone to spend time with? I mean as a Succubus you must need contact?" Yorkie tried and I smiled nodding.
"I see, it's all from a good place then?" I tried to reassure myself.
"Yes, absolutely!" Kelly insisted and I nodded. "You were yelling someone's name pretty loudly at the beach so it worried us."
"I'm sorry…" I breathed as Yorkie shook her head in understanding.
"Don't be, we're just glad to help" Yorkie assured.
"I knew who you were because I'm a Gnapur. I can identify and understand another Fae within sight." Kelly explained and it all clicked in my head.
"Lauren always said that you were coveted by the militia in a way that was hard to understand for anyone that had not seen an ancient Fae battleground. She would've loved to meet you." I mentioned in a soft tone while Kelly and Yorkie shared a look.
"Do you want to talk..?" Kelly started but I shook my head negative.
"I'm sure Bo will tell us when she's ready sweetheart." Yorkie smiled hugging Kelly from behind.
"So… I'm pooped from that drive. Can I rest assured you can make yourself at home?" Kelly asked as I nodded.
"Yeah I feel like I've slept too much, I'll probably shower and read a book." I mentioned and smiled at the ladies before bidding them goodnight.
"Make yourself at home Bo." Yorkie pleaded and I nodded.
The place was cozy and I liked it, it was secluded and relaxing. San Junipero was full of surprises and this one was a great gem. I had found my room in the top of the house, it was decorated a greyish blue and a seashells theme. It seemed inviting but I had decided I had slept too long today and my dreams were just too real right now. I opened the duffel bag I brought up with me and walked down to the living room with the chimney. Kelly and Yorkie had already retired for their bedroom and I felt myself get lost in the adventures of the pages the more I read by the fire.
I wasn't sure if it was the hike, the beach, the zip lining or the caves we had gone to visit, but my muscles hurt and my skin was toasted. I was active and occupied enough that I felt good. I had seen beautiful landscapes and beaches and I missed my home. Luckily the change on my demeanour was noticed by my companions and the trip had come to a close. Kelly had to get back to her dance studio, while Yorkie was a freelance photographer for the town's newspaper.
I had learned they were planning this getaway for months, but at the sound of my cries they couldn't leave me behind. I was one of Vex's friends after all and now I smirked at how faith smiled upon me with his friendship. I had thought of Vex often, he was after all the brother I never wanted but always had around. Many times this week I wondered where was he and what was he up to, but I wasn't quite ready for the pain calling home would bring just yet. I had barely recovered from that Andrea/Lauren encounter.
The more the days went by the more it blurred in my mind as a trick my melancholic heart was giving me. Kelly had informed me that Tucker's usually had 'era night' on Saturdays and that I just happened to find myself within the 80's night the other night. I had a good laugh thinking about what would've happened if I had walked in on Disco night or something. I was planning to go to the 90's night this Saturday and see how the local bar changed with the theme.
The drive back started with lots of energy but in the end we were lulled to silence by the radio playing its tunes and as I watched the landscape changing in front of me. I was distracted by Yorkie turning around in her seat. I gave her a smile as she smiled at me as well and we chuckled.
"So Bo… now that my phone finally works…" Yorkie started as I raised an eyebrow to see where this conversation was going. "My friend from childhood will be in town for another two weeks…"
"Jesus Lord Yorkie!" Kelly admonished with an incredulous chuckle and I laughed myself.
"What!? I like Bo, she's my friend, I want her to have fun!" Yorkie defended herself.
I drew in a sigh with a look up to the clear blue sky and the clouds flying by us. I let Yorkie's words wash over me. It had been so long since I had a friend. These were two people connected to my past through the thinnest string of recognition and yet here we were. Same place, same time as they rescued me from the abyss.
"You know…" I sighed not believing my own lips. "I'll give it a shot… I mean, it's like you said the other day… I don't have to fall in love, I can just have good company."
"Atta girl!" Yorkie celebrated as Kelly gave me a bright smile through the rear-view mirror.
I was nervous and that was unlike me, however I hadn't gone out like this in years. I was meticulous with my makeup and my hair was in perfect waves framing my face. I had finished applying the lip stain that I adored so much when my phone vibrated on the dresser. I took a big sigh and looked at the phone. I unlocked the picture I had taken at the peak of the mountain that Kelly and Yorkie had taken me to and saw it was a text message.
Reservation for 2 The Pacific Wall
8:00pm; 27E Main ST, San Junpr
Her name is Laurel, reservation is under McCorrigan
-Yorkie
I rolled my eyes at the irony but I didn't let the panic rat of memories come out of its cage. I slammed the door on it and reminded myself that I was here, a tourist just passing by wanting to have fun. With a big sigh and another look at my outfit I decided this was as good as I was going to look. I had donned the tightest black pants I had with a form fitting tank showing off my cleavage, the elegance came from the black blazer that framed my figure while still showing off my assets. The black knee high boots might've been over-kill but I felt good and I wanted to look it. With one last look at the clock I pushed the last pang of regret at my activities tonight and walked out the door towards my Jeep.
I had hoped the whole way I wasn't underdressed and I was glad to find out that I wasn't. I walked in quoting the reservation details Yorkie had sent me with nervousness. The host smiled and assured me my companion hadn't arrived yet and walked me to a table out under the night sky by the patio. I chuckled at the beautifulness of the setting as I heard the lullaby of the tree frogs in the night around me. I asked for a non-alcoholic beer to be on the safe side remembering what really had gotten me over the hurdle to be here.
The heat of the mountain was making its way from the floor to my face. It was scorching today as we hiked but I welcomed the physicality of it all. I hadn't trained in a long time, and I needed to get back into form. If I could find friends of Vex and the Morrigan's that knew of my feats there could be trouble far away as well just lurking. I dusted my hands from the excess chalk from the climb and I felt a pat on my back as Yorkie joined me at the edge.
"What did I tell you about this view? I know the climb it kind of hard, but it's totally worth it" Yorkie pressed as I smiled.
"Totally! I'm pretty excited to see all this, thanks for including me in your plans. I mean, I was just a stranger crying on the beach" I chuckled as Yorkie shook her head with amusement.
"Well, Kelly is quite the bleeding heart Bo." Yorkie chuckled. "I had never met anyone more caring than her she made it so easy to fall in love with her."
I closed my eyes in pain as I remembered how it felt to just talk to someone who understood you. I missed that connection and as much as I wanted to find it again, I was sure the blonde woman was it. Yorkie place her arm comfortingly on my shoulder as I smirked softly.
"I didn't mean to-"
"No, it's alright. I cannot pretend everyone to stop living around me. What you and Kelly have is special and I miss it, but I'm also glad I can see people experiencing it." I admitted with a nod.
"I get that. I was very sad when I got to San Junipero too. I hadn't lived much to be honest, not completely. I was the girl that time forgot for a long time as the town grew without me… Out of nowhere Kelly just sweeps me off my feet making me experience things I never thought possible." Yorkie admitted.
"Sounds like a fairy tale." I admitted as she smiled at me.
"Well, it started out as a sci-fi more than a romance but here we are" Yorkie joked and I laughed out loud. Really laughed out loud like I hadn't in a long time.
"Don't we all live in a sci-fi with all this Fae shit going around?" I joked back and we fell into a comfortable silence.
Lauren would love this view… and if I knew her ever she would've loved this place, these girls and their kindness… She would love this whole town and I would love her in it. I sighed for the first time feeling peace in this vast wilderness. Lauren had always wanted my happiness, and now… now what? Would I disgrace her memory by hindering it? She had given me everything she had and I needed to move forward; not only for myself but for her memory as well.
"Well what a surprise!" the voice reached my ears bringing me out of my revere as I looked up.
I fought for my jaw to not drop in slack as I met the caramel brown eyes of the company I had tonight. My heart hammered in my chest as my breath caught in my throat and I forgot all sense of time, space and language as I stared at the woman before me. She was wearing a simple ensemble of dark pants a deep blue halter top covered by the worn black leather jacket of her choice. Her dark blonde hair was straightened in a unusually familiar way and her eye glasses were gone to show off the beautiful subtle smoky make-up she wore. The smile that adorned her lips was a pleasant one and I couldn't help but return it without thought. My body was acting on impulse by the effect this woman had on me. This was definitely not a mirage.
"Hello there… Andrea? I thought my date was with Laurel." I tried to joke to calm my racing heart as she took a seat with a deep chuckle making me melt.
"Laurel is correct. Andrea is a name I use on Saturdays" she winked with a joke as I melted right on the spot.
Was I really having a date with the woman I had lost?
"Have you waited for me long?" the blonde asked with a blush creeping to her cheeks.
"I haven't really even gotten my beverage yet so you're right on time." I smiled feeling the flirtatious bubble rise within me in spite of the warnings my brain was giving me.
"Perfect! I'm sorry about the lateness, really." Laurel mentioned and I waved her off.
The waiter came and went with my drink as she ordered a soda with lemon. She seemed edgier than the woman who captured my heart but classy like her in a way. I started to ponder if she was as smart as the woman of my past, when I realized I wasn't being fair to her at all. Yes; this was a special circumstance, but when it came down to it, I was comparing her to the greatest love of my life.
"Bo?" I heard the beautiful melodic tone reach my ears.
"I'm sorry, what?" I asked bashfully as I had been caught staring at my companion.
"I asked what brought you to San Junipero." Laurel asked again, her brown eyes full of curiosity.
"Didn't you have a fiancé?" I blurted out with a mischievous smile as she turned a deep shade of red.
"It's complicated." Laurel determined with a small reserved smile and I chuckled.
"As in 'not here' complicated?" I pressed wanting to know more about this.
"Perhaps." The blonde shrugged with a look meeting my eyes that scorched me. "Or perhaps it'd be accurate that my friend said there was a certain Succubus I needed to meet… and even more accurate than that, would be to stipulate that such Succubus had captured my attention before."
I swallowed to relieve my dry throat before gulping a few sips of my non-alcoholic beer before taking a deep breath and giving the blonde in front of me a seductive smile. I liked this woman's wit, her quickness about her words suggested literally intelligence and I couldn't quite wait to get big words out of her mouth. Her aura was burning with an intense, steady shimmer that I absolutely adored already.
"What have you heard of me then?" I asked curiously.
"What everyone has heard, basically… that you are a Goddess amongst mortals defending humans and Fae alike. Unaligned, unattainable and untameable." Laurel quoted spinning her wine around in its glass with a smirk before meeting my eyes once more.
"That's a tough resume to follow, I'll admit that much." I smiled leaning into the table until we were inches apart feeling the heat of the candlelight. "Do you believe everything you hear?"
"Not quite." Laurel breathed inches from me as I felt myself wet my bottom lip in anticipation.
"Good… Because not all of that is true." I whispered looking from her eyes to her lips trying to control how much I wanted to kiss this woman already. The aura, the vision, the intelligence everything was resonating within my soul and I couldn't cope with how to handle it.
With my heart pounding I walked into the stall. I had asked her to excuse me while I went to the bathroom and she obliged. I breathed hard as I tried to contain myself in a sane space. This woman had to be related to Lauren in some way or something because she not only looked like her, but the attraction I felt for her was as powerful as Lau's. With a shaky breath I threw fresh water on my face and as I was grabbing a paper towel I could see the object of my conundrum walking through the doors.
"I don't usually do this… not with women and like I said I'm engaged and-" Laurel stopped abruptly as I stared at her through the mirror in the small bathroom stall. "I can't stop thinking about you."
It hurt to look at her but at the same time I could not look away. The blonde was beautiful and I was sure I wouldn't be able to bare it…and yet my eyes stayed planted firmly on hers as she looked for the words in her head. This is hard for me too; you look like the long lost love of my life. I wanted to add, but reserved it.
"I don't know how to do this Bo… Can you.. just make this easy for me?" Laurel asked in a way that was almost begging and yet not begging at all. It was need I recognized and something in me ignited that I thought lost long ago.
In that moment as I saw the vulnerability in her caramel eyes as they met mine and I moved to caress her face as she held my hand there. My body shook with the contact as I brazed myself for the flood of memories this would trigger. But that would be later and I would deal with it in the solitude of my thoughts because right now I had more pressing matters like the golden aura in front of me begging for my touch.
"Do you wanna go to bed with me?" I asked certain and all it took was a nod of her head and we were gone.
