Disclaimer: I do not own Lost Girl or any of its characters, except the ones I created. The following story has been written for entertainment purposes only.
Chapter 3
Like all the other outdoor areas of the Chateau Santiago that Lauren had gotten the chance to see, the poolside was nothing less than spectacular. Surrounded by trees and a wide open porch on the far end that connected the spacious grounds to the main house, the place was surely the perfect choice to throw an epic party.
The guests were now sitting comfortably at large round tables that outlined most of the broad dance floor placed on the left side of the area. Each table had been set with all sorts of glasses and fine cutlery imaginable and was richly decorated with a tall crystal vase filled with white lilies. On the right side, dozens of floating purple candles covered the placid waters of the impressive semi-olympic pool, offering a romantic and unique setting that had captivated the blonde from the moment she had laid eyes on it.
"Hey, slow down, my friend. The night is still young," Trick suggested gently as he observed Dyson downing another shot of whiskey as if it was water. The small man glanced at Lauren with a concerned expression, but she simply offered him an apologetic smile and remained silent. As the blonde sipped her glass of wine, her eyes traveled to the spot near the porch where her partner had been shooting daggers at for the past five minutes.
It had been almost half an hour since Hale and Kenzi had joined their wedding reception. After patiently accepting the compliments from most of the guests that had attended their ceremony, the newlyweds were now talking excitedly to the bridesmaids and Bo's companion. The good-looking man had his arms possessively around the brunette's waist, pulling her body close to his every chance he got.
"Let's go, Lewis. It's time for my best friends to meet my new partner," Dyson announced in a gruff tone as he rose abruptly from their table.
Lauren hesitated at first, her gaze finding Trick's as they both shared a worried look, obviously perceiving the detective's change in mood. "We don't have to do this now, Thornwood," the blonde sighed. "And it's pretty clear that they're busy at the moment," she added with slight annoyance in her voice.
"The moment couldn't be more perfect", Dyson replied with a smirk. "Come on, Val and Crystal are there too, I want you to meet them," he insisted once more and this time, the smile he flashed at her was genuinely amiable.
Lauren took a deep breath and stood up from her seat, "Alright... Lead the way, partner," she said before following the detective with Trick close behind.
"D-Maaann!" Kenzi squealed as they approached the group, practically jumping into Dyson's open arms, "Where the hell have you been? We've missed you!" She slapped his chest playfully.
The detective chuckled, "I'm here now, Kenz." Dyson took a step back and gazed fondly at the young bride. He turned his attention to the groom, "Hale my man, you're a lucky son of a bitch," he remarked with a wide smile.
"Yes, sir, I am," Hale beamed proudly.
"Hey gramps," Bo smiled brightly, untangling herself from the man's hold as soon as Trick moved forward. She kissed the top of the small man's head affectionately and put an arm around his shoulders.
"It was a lovely ceremony, Kenzi," Trick stated with a smile as he patted Bo's hand lovingly.
"It was, wasn't it, Trickster?" Kenzi grinned. "I have to say... When I saw my baby standing there and I heard Angela singing our song, I was certain that I'd pee my pants," the petite brunette said humorously, eliciting a laugh from the others around her.
Lauren stood quite a few steps away from the group, watching their interaction with interest. She kept her focus straight ahead, avoiding looking in Bo's direction. On the other hand, she clearly wasn't minding the exchanged glances with the cute bridesmaid that had caught her eye before. The shorter blonde had been ogling her since she approached the open porch and Lauren couldn't help but return the woman's flirtatious smirk.
"I wasn't much better, lil' mama," Hale admitted with a chuckle.
"Honestly, little brother, I'm surprised you didn't pass out or throw up all over the celebrant," Val commented with a grin and Hale bumped her jokingly with his shoulder.
"Hi Bo," Dyson spoke in a clipped voice while his sharp gaze deliberately settled on the brunette.
Lauren's eyes darted immediately to Bo and then to her partner.
"Hello Dyson. It's been a while," she replied with a gentle smile.
The detective lowered his head, "Yes, it has..." He agreed in a much gentler tone. When he raised his eyes again, his frown had melted away and he soon found himself admiring Bo's mesmerizing beauty. "You look beautiful, Bo," Dyson smiled back.
It was the brunette's turn to drop her head for a moment, "Thank you," she said sheepishly. "You don't look too bad yourself," Bo added as she lifted her gaze.
Dyson's growing smile disappeared from his lips when he saw the man that was accompanying Bo encircling her waist tightly with his arm. They stared hard at each other and for a second there, Lauren thought she had heard a low growl escaping her partner's chest.
"Dyson," Trick's voice was calm, but firm, "I believe you have neglected your own companion long enough, don't you agree?" He asked with a pointed look and suddenly all eyes were on Lauren.
The detective closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. "Of course, Trick. I apologize," Dyson said, embarrassed as he turned his attention to the blonde, regret written all over his face. He moved to stand next to Lauren, "Guys, I want you to meet my new partner, Detective Lauren Lewis," Dyson smiled tenderly while the blonde shifted uncomfortably under everyone's scrutiny.
"Ah, finally," Hale was the first one to speak. "It's great to meet you, Lauren," the handsome groom stepped forward with a contagious smile.
"Same here, Hale," Lauren replied while she shook his hand. "I've heard so much about you both," she glanced at Kenzi and then rolled her eyes right after, "All good things, of course, wonderful things, actually," the blonde added with a nervous chuckle.
"We've heard only good things about you too, detective," Kenzi winked. "Damn, girl... I really like your dress," the young bride smiled as she inspected Lauren's gown.
"Thank you..." The blonde said shyly. "I like yours too, it's absolutely magnificent."
"Oh, I like her!" The petite brunette declared as she looked at Dyson with a grin. "Well, it is my pleasure to inform you that this fine piece of haute couture was designed by moi," Kenzi revealed with a playful, little bow, "Along with my bridesmaids' dresses, of course."
"My wife here will rock the fashion world," Hale said adoringly as he gazed at his bride.
"Mmm... I'll never get tired of hearing you call me that, babe..." Kenzi husked seductively before kissing her husband lightly on the lips. Clearing her throat, she turned her attention to the elegant bridesmaid standing next to Hale, "So... Lauren, this is my sister-in-law, Val Santiago."
"Hello," Val said flatly, her arms folded across her chest while she studied the blonde from top to bottom.
"Hi," Lauren greeted back with a timid voice, noticeably taken aback by the woman's cold demeanor.
Kenzi threw a disapproving glare at Hale's sister, but Val remained impassive as she continued to scrutinize the blonde detective.
"Okaaay..." The young bride breathed out, "and this is - "
"Hey Lauren," the cute bridesmaid cut Kenzi off as she eagerly extended her hand. "I'm Crystal and I can't tell you how pleased I am to meet you," she blurted out with a broad smile.
"Oh, Crys, I definitely can!" Kenzi joked as she laughed along with Hale, Dyson and Trick.
Lauren returned the smile and took the bridesmaid's hand in her own, "I'm glad to meet you too, Crystal."
Dyson and Kenzi shared a knowing look and they both smirked while they watched the flirty exchange between the two blondes.
"And... Last but not least," Kenzi started again as Lauren and Crystal pulled their hands apart, "Lauren, this is my best friend in this whole wide fucked up world, Bo Dennis," she proudly introduced.
The gorgeous brunette stepped forward, her dark chocolate eyes locked on the deep hazel orbs of the blonde detective. "It's nice to see you again... Lauren," Bo said softly with a shining smile, offering her hand as well.
Lauren could feel her heart skipping a beat when she heard her name rolling off Bo's tongue. "Likewise," it was almost a whisper. The second they touched, Lauren nearly gasped in surprise, feeling as if a pulse of warm energy was flowing from Bo's hand to hers.
As their eyes found one another again, Lauren had no doubt that Bo had felt something too. "Wait a minute," Kenzi's voice made them break the contact immediately, "Have you girls met before?" She asked curiously while she gestured between the two women.
"Yes," Lauren answered first. "I had the chance to go to the Dawning Cafe for the first time yesterday morning and Bo kindly helped me with my order," she explained in one breath, a smile threatening to appear on her lips.
"Well, I was certainly just doing my job, but I assure you that it was a pleasure, Lauren," Bo smiled at the blonde.
"Your job?" Dyson frowned.
"Yes. I'm working at the Dawning again," Bo clarified unhesitatingly. "It's only been three weeks since I came back, so I still get a lot of faces, just like yours now," Bo chuckled as she continued to talk to Dyson.
"I bet you do..." Dyson smiled softly.
"Oh my God, how rude of me," the brunette said as an embarrassed laugh escaped her. She turned her attention to the handsome man next to her and cleared her throat, "Lauren, this is Rainer Wallace, my boyfriend."
Rainer studied the blonde for a moment. "Hello, detective," he greeted cordially, holding his hand out for Lauren to shake.
"Hello," she smiled awkwardly, taking his hand.
"I wasn't aware that the real party was happening on my porch!"
Everyone turned to look at the newcomer and Kenzi rushed forward to meet him. "Uncle Dave," she started saying, "Are you trying to steal my man's glamour?" The young bride asked with squinted eyes and hands on her hips, clearly faking irritation, "Cos you look positively fabulous!" She squealed as her face split into a grin.
David Santiago laughed with gusto as he cradled the petite brunette in his arms. He was wearing an impeccable black tuxedo that fit his tall, athletic body like a glove. The charming man had the same easy smile of his nephew, giving Kenzi a pretty good idea of how her husband would look like, in his late fifties.
"Thank you, my darling," David said fondly while he kissed her hand. I must say though that you, my dear Mackenzie, would most certainly put Psyche herself to shame with the way you look tonight," he stated gallantly.
"Wow. He's good, Hale," Crystal chuckled as she slapped his arm.
"Don't I know it," Hale shook his head with a smirk.
David then proceeded to greet the others with his unmatched social skills and trademark smile. After spending a little more time praising Bo for her stunning appearance, he finally changed his focus to Lauren. "And who could you be, fleur-de-lis?" He grinned.
Lauren opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out of it as she remained staring at the man in front of her with wide eyes.
"She's my new partner, Uncle Dave. Detective Lauren Lewis," Dyson rushed ahead.
"Really? How wonderful," David said with enthusiasm at first, but then, as he observed Lauren more closely, his tone became serious, "Are you alright, my dear? You look a little pale."
"Hey, what's the matter, Lewis?" Dyson asked with concern as he stood next to his partner.
When the blonde managed to utter a word at last, her lips trembled slightly, "You..." She began with a shaky voice, "You're Doctor Zamora..." Lauren said in awe, her whisky brown eyes sparkling brightly as a smile slowly spread across her face.
The older man's eyebrows arched instantly as his big brown orbs twinkled with excitement. "Yes, I am. Well, technically I was, it's been over twenty years after all and I used a different name back then, but yes." He then straightened his body and puffed out his chest before speaking in a low, serious tone, "I may die in the cold, dark outer space..." David trailed off as he gazed at Lauren intently.
"... But I will save as many lives as I can," the blonde completed the sentence, her face lit up in enchantment.
A joyous laughter erupted from Hale's uncle, "That's amazing! Well done, my dear!" He clapped his hands while Lauren grinned like a child.
She looked at Dyson with a frown and pushed his arm lightly, "Why didn't you say anything? I could have prepared myself better," she muttered.
Dyson chuckled and raised his arms in mock surrender, "I didn't remember, honestly. But how was I supposed to know that you liked that crap?" he laughed.
Lauren's eyes grew so wide that they seemed ready to bug out of her head as she stared horrified at her partner. "This is unacceptable, Thornwood!" The blonde hissed comically while she glanced between David and him, making the detective laugh even more.
"It's alright, my darling, don't worry about it. It is obvious that our show was a bit too much for little Dyson's brain to assimilate at that time," the older man said with a nonchalant smirk. "Maybe it still is," he whispered jokingly to Lauren and she couldn't help the chuckle that escaped her.
"I just can't believe that I'm face to face with Doctor Zamora...! I used to drag my father from whatever he was doing every single Sunday so we could watch Starship Andromeda together! For years I considered becoming a doctor, because of you," Lauren confessed with a beaming smile.
While most of the group followed the conversation with an amused and non judgemental expression on their faces, Val and Bo's reaction to the scene was quite the opposite of one another. If Hale's sister was the image of boredom and irritation as she systematically rolled her eyes every three seconds, the brunette couldn't look happier as she sported a delightful grin, gazing at the blonde with evident admiration.
"Wow, congratulations, Dyson. You've got yourself a nerd as a partner," Val snorted distastefully.
Lauren's voice died instantly at the woman's remark and she couldn't prevent the blush that quickly covered her cheeks.
"Oh please, can't you just stop being a bitter bitch for at least one night? It's your brother's wedding, for Christ's sake," Bo blurted out angrily.
Val felt the blush crawling up her neck as she stared in shock at the brunette. The heat on her cheeks only intensified when she saw Hale, Kenzi and Crystal trying to stifle their laughter. When her gaze found Dyson shaking his head at her, though, Val felt her embarrassment turn into blatant anger, "How lovely," she said sarcastically, "If staying here to listen to blondie's nerdiness like a bunch of losers is what you all want, be my guest," Val spat viciously while she glared at Lauren and then at Hale, "I thought this was supposed to be an intimate celebration! You could have warned me earlier that it was your intention to invite this - "
"That is enough, Valerie!" David's voice rang out among the group and Val looked at her uncle with wide eyes. "I will not tolerate such inexcusable behavior in my house! You're not only offending Lauren with your despicable attitude, but your brother and his wife as well," the man stated with severity.
Val's jaw clenched and her fists balled up tightly as she glanced around searching for some kind of moral support, only finding hard stares and disappointment. She lifted her chin rebelliously, "Very well. I guess the party is over for me," she croaked out before striding away from them.
"Val, wait," Hale called his sister, but the woman kept walking without looking back.
"Let her go, Hale, the drama queen ain't going anywhere," David asserted calmly as he waved a hand towards his niece. "I bet she's heading to her room so she can break a few things and scream against her pillow," he sighed. Shifting his attention to Lauren, he smiled softly, "I apologize for Valerie's behavior, my dear. My niece has been spoiled by her father since the day she was born and sadly she can be an unbearable brat sometimes."
"It's okay, Mr Santiago. All families have their own quota of bitches and assholes to deal with. I just happen to have met yours," Lauren replied evenly, drawing out a surprised look from the older man. A second later, everyone was laughing at the blonde's snarky remark.
"Dyson, you lucky bastard! Where did you find this precious jewel?" David asked Dyson with a blissful grin. "Oh, and please, call me David, my darling."
"Well... I don't know about you guys, but I'm seriously starving here," Kenzi said rubbing her flat belly.
"I agree, lil' mama. Let's move, people, the party is about to start," Hale announced animatedly before joining hands with his wife and walking towards the other guests.
So wake me up when it's all over
When I'm wiser and I'm older
All this time I was finding myself
And I didn't know I was lost
Lauren scanned the crowd from her table with a permanent smirk on her face, as her foot tapped with the beat of the music. Her smile grew radiant when she spotted Hale and Kenzi jumping on the dance floor along with Crystal, clearly having a blast and not giving a damn about playing the role of perfect hosts for their guests. Lauren's eyes lingered on the shorter blonde for a moment and she was almost regretting her polite refusal when Crystal had invited her to join them earlier.
"Why are you still here?" Dyson motioned with his head to the dance floor and leaned back in his chair, a glass of whiskey securely in his hand.
"I could ask you the same thing," Lauren replied as she glanced at her partner.
Dyson offered her a sad smile before downing the contents of his glass in one gulp. He had been back to his sulky state since they had returned to their table over two hours ago and the blonde had no idea of what she could do to cheer him up. To make things worse, Trick had decided to call it a night a while back, leaving Lauren alone to deal with the grumpy detective.
As her gaze followed Dyson's to the table on the other side of the dance floor where Bo was sitting with Rainer, she finally made up her mind. "So..." Lauren started cautiously, "What's the story with Bo?"
Dyson chuckled bitterly while he refilled his glass. "Took you long enough to ask me that," he smirked as he brought the glass to his lips but didn't drink the amber liquid immediately. "Bo was with me. Now she's with him. That's the story," Dyson said dryly, downing the shot right after.
When the detective reached for the bottle again, Lauren touched his hand gently, "I think you've had enough, Thornwood," she suggested.
Dyson's hard look traveled from the blonde's hand covering his own to her beautiful hazel eyes, filled with concern. "Let go of my hand, Lewis," he scowled.
"Alright," Lauren complied. "But I won't stay here either," she stated with decisive finality before standing up. She stared straight at Dyson's surprised face and spoke again, "I'm here because of you, remember? You promised that you wouldn't let me feel uncomfortable or left out, but if making me sit here and watch you drink yourself into oblivion is your idea of having a good time, then we couldn't be more out of sync, partner," the blonde said in a serious tone, purposely emphasizing the word partner.
The detective lowered his gaze and took a deep breath. "Have you always been this tough, Lewis?" Dyson asked as a smile formed on his lips.
"Not really," Lauren answered with a timid chuckle.
Dyson rose from his chair and his blue eyes shone with sincerity, "I'm sorry, Lewis. I know I've not been good company tonight," he said softly. "It's just... complicated," he added with a sigh.
"I understand, I really do. But this is your best friends' wedding and they are so happy to have you here... Why not enjoy this special moment? Why not give yourself a chance to liberate your heart... Even if it's just for one night?" Lauren smiled fondly. She then motioned with her head, "For starters, there's that tall redhead sitting on the other side of the dance floor, that hasn't taken her eyes off of you for the past hour or so," her smile turning into a grin when Dyson readily glanced over his back, "And I bet she would love to dance with the best man," she told him tenderly.
Dyson said nothing as he looked at Lauren for a long moment and the intensity of his gaze almost made the blonde avert her eyes. "Do you think I've got a chance?" He flashed her a charming, lopsided smile.
"Absolutely," she smiled back.
"You know, I'm not the only one with an admirer tonight," the detective smirked knowingly while he tilted his head in the direction of the dance floor and Lauren knew exactly who he was talking about. "Come on, Lewis, I bet you have some wicked moves up your sleeve to show off," Dyson remarked with a grin.
An easy laugh escaped the blonde's lips, "With this dress and these heels? I highly doubt it. Now go or the poor woman will start having weird ideas about us, judging by the way you keep staring at me..." She smirked playfully, obviously enjoying the faint blush that instantly appeared on the man's face.
"You're not leaving, right?" He asked softly and the vulnerability in his voice took Lauren by surprise.
"No... Of course not," she reassured him.
"Thank you, Lauren," Dyson smiled heartily before walking away.
Lauren's eyes went wide as her brain continued to process what the man had just said. It was the first time since they had met that Dyson had called the blonde by her first name and somehow Lauren felt unprepared for it. Suddenly, she couldn't breathe properly, her mind flooding with thoughts as a wave of panic spiraled fast. Bo has a boyfriend. Bo was Dyson's girlfriend. Dyson still loves Bo. Dyson, not Thornwood... Fuck!
She closed her eyes tight, a hand resting against her chest, wordlessly pleading with her heart to calm down. When Lauren opened them, the pull was immediate and her gaze searched for Bo's table, just to find the brunette sitting alone, staring back at her intently. As if she could sense the blonde's distress, Bo stood up slowly, a slight frown of concern appearing on her gorgeous face as she stepped around the table.
I need to get out of here. Get the fuck out of here, Lauren.
With one last glance at Bo, Lauren turned away and walked out of the party as fast as she could, her hands gripping the lower half of her long, sea breeze dress while her eyes focused straight below on the stone pathway beneath her feet. Soon she found her way back to the scenery that had so completely captured her heart and before she knew it, her determined steps slowed down. The blonde inhaled and exhaled deeply several times as the music continued to fill the air.
Up, down, turn around
Please don't let me hit the ground
Tonight I think I'll walk alone
I'll find my soul as I go home
Lauren couldn't help but drop her head in defeat, chuckling at life's unparalleled sense of humor. It took her so long to open up to someone else again and when she finally did, things couldn't be more fucked up. I'm such an idiot, she thought bitterly.
Each way I turn, I know I'll always try
To break this circle that's been placed around me
From time to time, I find I've lost some need
That was urgent to myself, I do believe
When Lauren's gaze settled on the center of the garden, her legs moved without hesitation. She climbed the three steps and passed by the altar, her fingertips brushing against the delicate petals of the lilacs placed on it.
Bolts from above hit the people down below
People in this world, we have no place to go
"So beautiful," the blonde whispered as she entered the orchidarium, her entire being lightening up instantly with the magical spectacle that surrounded her.
Oh, it's the last time, oh, it's the last time
"Lauren?"
Lauren's body tensed up and her eyes closed for a moment. She turned her head slowly, looking over her shoulder. So beautiful indeed. "Bo..."
Oh, I've never met anyone
Quite like you before
Oh no, I've never met anyone
Quite like you before
- X -
Tracklist:
- "Wake Me Up" - Avicii
- "Temptation" - New Order
Author's note: I really can't thank you all enough for the amazing response my little story has been receiving. Thank you, thank you! It truly means everything.
A special thanks to G, for the constant support and to PK, for revising my work and for sharing her light with me.
