Chapter 7 Faecing Facts
Ever since the Lich incident things have been a bit tense.
Bo watched with caution, each time Ciara shot an arrow at Lauren it caused a strong urge to run and get in front of the line of fire to protect the doctor. It was such an illogical reaction, she knew this was just a training session. Besides, Lauren was doing well in deflecting the arrows with her sword. Each time she swung the dark blade it glowed, when it made contact with the arrows they would freeze and shatter in an instant. The effect of the ice shattering was an interesting shimmering dust, as if the arrows were made of fine glass. After breaking a few more of Ciara's arrows with graceful swings, Lauren stopped and took a moment to slow her breathing.
"Excellent! Just brilliant!" Ciara was practically jumping with excitement, she hung the bow back over the shoulder and walked up to Lauren beaming. To which Lauren smiled back still panting from the workout Ciara's archery skills have put her through.
Meanwhile Bo was trying hard not to roll her eyes at the two women's interaction, she was unsure why she felt this way. It was odd to her seeing Lauren and Ciara be chummier than normal, they have spent a lot of time outside of training and even more so in it. During these last couple days of training Bo had been warming the bench more than the rest of the gang in fact.
She had noticed a drastic change in aura from Lauren, to be more precise, she couldn't see anything at all. It was as if Lauren had blocked out all access to her energy waves. Bo had no way of knowing if the human doctor was upset with her, but what Bo did know was that Lauren was totally avoiding her.
'Just what the hell?!'
Bo shouted in her mind internally when she saw Ciara jump on Lauren, which was not what really surprised her. What shocked Bo was the way Lauren responded by catching Ciara in a heartwarming bear hug and picked up the warrior fairy off her feet and made a single spin. Was Bo watching a cringe teen romance movie? She was waiting for someone to cue the bad musical number.
"Hey, change that face. You look like someone took the last breadstick at dinner." Kenzi nudged Bo with her elbow, a taunting grin on her lips. She knew exactly what was going on in Bo's head and it was pretty amusing to Kenzi.
Bo shook her head she snapped out of her jealous thoughts, "I don't know what you mean. My face is fine."
"Whatever you say, Bo-Bo." Kenzi did not press her best friend any further, but still kept a knowing smile on her face.
Ciara had let go of Lauren and praised her once more. The Fairy was impressed by the display of magic, there was no telling what else that sword could do. Elemental powers from a weapon is a rare thing during these times, not many had their hands on such weapons and if they did, it would be locked away safe in some collector's basement.
Lauren sheathed her sword, she gazed down at it with thought. She as well was wondering just how much more power it kept hidden in it's sharp edge, it was only natural for her to be curious. Though at the same time it scared her. Vex had jumped in to join the two of them, he was eager to try out Lauren as well. He hadn't brought his zombie today, he doubted poor Sam could handle the Champion's chilling technique. Lauren held back a groan, she knew Vex never let up in his teachings. Today was going to be another long, painfully sore session.
Day eight of training was soon over that day, there had been great improvements in Lauren's skills. More confident in them since the Lich confrontation, there may be hope yet that Lauren does have what it takes to not only pass the trials, but to be the Champion she was titled to be. The day after tomorrow, it would mark to be the last day of training, then on the trials would begin. Despite all the improvements, Lauren still felt nervous about this whole situation. Then there was the other matter…
The Garuda's reach on her through her own anger. That was something to keep in mind. Although Fenrir had assured her it was no threat for now, there was no telling if it will be later. All the more reason she needed to tell the group, she hadn't mentioned it to anyone since the last time Fenrir communicated with her. With everything that has been going on, there hasn't been a time to inform everyone. Perhaps after the trials would be the best time to do it, she needed to focus on one thing at a time.
Meanwhile… At Dark Fae territory, in Evony's bed chambers.
The lights were dimmed, what provided the overly expensive apartment room mood lighting were the lit candles that were scattered around the place. In bed the Morrigan laid there, half naked with the bed sheets covering only half way down her waist line. She took a drag from a cigarette between her lips and exhaled. A low hum escaped her when slender fingers dragged up her bare stomach, the evil Muse shuddered in delight by the touch. They have been at it for hours, she knew she could go for another round. Though there were much more pressing matters at hand, she had to break it off and get down to business.
"Don't think your touches will make me forget about the subject." She drawled out, putting out the cigarette bud she turned to face her bed-mate. Red lips smiling seductively, she reached over and wrapped a hand around their neck. Asserting her dominance now, not as a sexual partner but as the leader of the Dark Fae.
"Tell me. What have you found out about the Doctor?" She demanded, her tone was dangerous though at the same time sensual. She knew there was no need to be rough, but she was sure the person currently trapped in her hold was enjoying it.
"Uff, Evony, Evony… So serious, all work and no play." The sultry voice answered back.
"I'm done playing, I want answers. Now." The Dark Fae leader repeated her orders again.
A chuckle erupted from the other's throat, "These answers you can easily obtain from your Mesmer, why go through such lengths to have me do all the dirty spy work, hm?" Glowing blue eyes looked back at Evony, causing the Dark leader to swallow thickly.
Vex's purpose was to insure that Lauren got the proper training she needed, after all if the Champion died they would all be doomed. Also, Evony didn't trust in the Mesmer's tactfulness in gathering information.
Though now, relying on the Light Fae Succubus was annoying her.
"You're wasting my time, Aife…" She grunted back while she recovered from the wave of arousal under the blue gaze, removing her hand from around the woman's neck.
Aife threw her head back with even more laughter, "Oh come now, what's another round going to hurt?" Her voice dripped with desire, her Succubus libido thirsting once more.
"If you haven't noticed, I have an entire Dark Fae clan to run. So sorry if I can't continue to roll around the sheets for another five hours with you." Evony remarked dryly, crossing her arms over her chest.
The Succubus gave in, switching off her eyes back to their usual dark color. She started informing the Morrigan that not much could be uncovered from the human doctor, at least nothing that wasn't already known by them. She explained that Lauren's training had continued, even after murdering the Lich the human's resolve had not shaken. A problem Evony was willing to overlook, she should be displeased that the Champion had killed one of her most useful assets. She found that Lauren's life was worth more than one Lich's centuries long one.
One thing that caught her attention from Aife's intel, was the fact that the usually calm and collected Doctor has had a running streak of temper tantrums. She wanted to chalk it up to stress, but given how Aife had explained it the Morrigan wanted to believe there was something more to it than just stress.
The Morrigan slipped out of bed and began to dress herself. She ignored Aife's protest and advised the Succubus to continue her work."I need you to keep spying on your daughter and the Champion. Anything worth informing me of you come to me immediately, Aife. Do not keep me waiting like last time."
"It's not exactly easy for a Light Fae to sneak into Dark territory. You've got any idea how much the Ash has been breathing down my neck because of my daughter's unalignment? I can get caught at any given moment if I continue spying for you, Morrigan." Aife stated, shoving aside her teasing tone and replaced it with a serious one. She had been risking a lot in aiding the Dark leader.
Evony huffed and rolled her eyes while adept fingers buttoned up her blouse, "Which is why I am paying you more than I should, I'm even sleeping with you and have allowed you to feed on me. An added bonus that's beneficial for the both of us, granted." She added at the end with an amused smirk, which then slipped into a sneer when she pointed directly at Aife. "If you screw me over, you'll be sucking chi through a straw with those sexy lips. Understood?"
Aife smiled widely back, "Oh, I understand…"
The two of them were an unlikely hook up, but business was business.
Day 9
All Bo could do was bite the inside of her cheek with her arms crossed as she sat on the bench, and watched Dyson getting body slammed all over the place by the object of her frustration. Lauren was certainly taking out some kind of rage of her own on her brother, judging by the way she had slammed her knuckles into Dyson's nose. That surely would have broken it, if he was a mere human. It still bothered him enough to voice out his disapproval.
"Argh! Watch it!" He snarled out as he staggered backwards, the force of the punch was not a surprise to him but what was surprising was that Lauren was being rough for no reason. They were only going over basic hand to hand combat, only Dyson was wanting to improve Lauren's offense more but after that hit he guessed that it was not really needed.
"Sorry, Dyson... Guess I got carried away." Lauren apologized, letting out a puff of air in an attempt to bring her breathing back in control. She wiped her forehead with the back of her hand, although she had improved somewhat in stamina she was still trying hard to keep up with her brother during sparring matches. Today especially she was trying hard, she didn't know why but she was enjoying thoroughly how she had been beating on Dyson. It was a good way to vent out her displeasure towards the little healing session him and Bo had together at the Lich's manor the that day.
Vex was on the far side of the empty warehouse, his grin wide with satisfaction after watching the human mercilessly kick Dyson around like a crumpled up can of soda. "My oh my, our little doctor seems to be taking it up a notch."
Kenzi was cringing the whole time while Ciara was closely analyzing the doctor. She could tell that Lauren was not herself, she silently sent Dyson a message with her eyes when he glanced at her.
Catching on Dyson nodded briefly at Ciara, "Let's take five..." He eyed Lauren warily before turning away. He rubbed the bridge of his nose while he made towards the bench where Bo was sitting at.
"She's gotten pretty good. You gonna be okay?" Bo asked casually, a hint of amusement in her tone.
"Oh, I'll be fine... Because it's your turn this time." Dyson retorted with lips quirked up into a smirk.
Bo instantly felt her own smile drop, not at all amused anymore. She hadn't fought Lauren in a sparring match for some time, she was not sure how well she'd fair against the human now.
Even more so that Lauren clearly has some attitude problem between herself and Dyson, that was for sure. Bo had already stood up from the bench and stripped her leather jacket off, throwing it over her shoulder to which Dyson caught it last second.
She was now standing a few feet away from Lauren, "I won't go easy on you like your bro has." She attempted to tease Lauren lightly, trying to brighten the mood.
Lauren only grunted in response, she did a few stretching exercises to loosen up some of the sore muscles she had gained after the fight with her brother. She then readied herself for her new opponent to come at her.
"Hey Vex, uh... can you share some of those peanuts?" Kenzi asked, her eyes not leaving her two close friends that were staring each other down. The Mesmer wordlessly offered the small bag of honey roasted peanuts to Kenzi, his mouth was full already and also very engrossed at what he was hoping to be a sexy bitch fight.
Ciara shook her head, she had thought to herself that maybe this was a bad idea. She should have let Lauren beat Dyson to a pulp instead. This was going to be an intense fight.
Bo launched towards her with a right jab, which was deflected instantly with a counter from Lauren. She took this moment to kick Bo off her feet, she had missed. Bo dodged backwards, a smirk visible on her face. "You're gonna have to be less predictable, Lauren."
The human champion refrained from lashing out, she knew exactly what Bo was trying to do. She was sure as hell not going to fall into the Succubus' game. She ran straight at Bo with a barrage of punches, each one was expertly blocked by Bo's arms. It may have looked like it was a breeze to her, but Bo was in reality having a hard time keeping up with Lauren's speed. After defending against Lauren's punches, Bo grabbed her by the wrist and quickly twisted the blonde around with her hand behind her back, making Lauren yell out in pain at the way her wrist felt like Bo was about to break it.
Bo leaned in just over Lauren's shoulder and whispered into her ear, noting the way it turned red when her breath made contact with the skin. "Need you to be rougher."
This sent a wave of shivers down Lauren's spine, she had never been so annoyed yet so aroused at the same time. She felt Bo let go of her wrists and shoved her forward, making some space between them. Bo knew Lauren would have turned around and punched her in response to what she had just done. Even though the doctor was glaring daggers at her, Bo couldn't stop grinning like the devilish Succubus she is.
Dyson and the rest of the gang were watching intently. The two women exchanged several hits, grunts and pained hisses echoed throughout the large warehouse. It was like watching an insane tennis match, everyone's eyes would shift from Bo to Lauren. From Lauren to Bo. How many hits have either women taken? They could not say, though this match has gone on longer than it should. It did not appear as though either of them were going to cave in and give up. Much to everyone's surprise, it was an even fight between Bo and Lauren.
Lauren grunted when she tackled down Bo, a last resort. She needed to over power the Succubus, she pinned her down by the wrists. Both legs tangled up with Bo's, perfectly keeping her down on a hold. There was no way the brunette would be able to break free from this one. Bo growled out as she struggled underneath Lauren's weight, sweat was dripping down the side of her face. Her neck and exposed cleavage glistened as well from the workout.
Panting harshly Lauren looked down at her, trying her best to not overthink their current position.
Who knew Bo could get topped so easily, and it was only a sparring match. The ego boost was much needed for Lauren, she felt the corner of her lips quirking up slightly into a faint victory smirk.
She felt it, she sensed it better now that Lauren was in an extremely close proximity to her. That air of confidence, that cheeky smirk did not go unnoticed either. Bo could not help but feel a slight tinge of desire, though something else was outweighing her hormonal reaction to Lauren pinning her down in such an intimate way. Bo wasn't normally a sore loser, but given the current circumstances where the Champion had been ignoring her like she was nothing, she couldn't stop the feeling that this defeat was another slap to the face.
Bo had hoped that the sparring match was the opportune moment in getting Lauren's attention, a chance to break through the wall of ice. Perhaps even teach the Doctor a lesson, that her behavior was childish and unappreciated. Though here Bo laid now, flat on her back and failing to teach Lauren anything. It boiled her blood, it angered her that she had lost and she was even more angry at the fact that Lauren still would not say a word to her. In this situation, Bo would die to punish Lauren. In the Succubus way, of course. The idea caused her inner predator to purr in want, she had completely forgotten her self control for a moment.
Brown eyes were now flashing luminously blue, penetrating Lauren's gaze with an intensity that almost made the human flinch. Her smile was dark but inviting, lips slightly parted as her eyes kept staring lasciviously up at Lauren.
Before the Succubus could retaliate and give into her instincts, Lauren was picked up off of her burning body.
Dyson had separated the two of them, "I think my sis here won this fight." He patted her back, smiling in approval of Lauren's winning streak.
"This time take an extended break." He suggested, handing Lauren a cold bottle of water. All the while he was sending Bo a disapproving glare over his sister's head.
The blonde woman had wide eyes, she was still stunned by Bo's intense stare. Nodding her head mechanically, she agreed with her brother and walked off over to the bench he was occupying. What was that stare for? Lauren felt like she was about to be eaten, the notion should be appalling to her, since she was a human. So why does she feel nervous and excited? She thought to herself that maybe she was seeing things, and Bo hadn't just been looking at her with intense hunger.
Bo breathed out, calming herself down. With eyes back to their normal color, she sat up and witnessed a hateful glare from Dyson. Bo knew she was in trouble now, she was aware that her reaction was unbecoming of her. She herself had no idea where her self control had gone, that was the first time in two years that she felt this lost in her own emotions.
The wolf-shifter said nothing, his stern eyes lingered for another moment before turning away from her. Not bothering to offer Bo a hand to stand up from the floor.
Kenzi had watched the whole scene, along with Vex and Ciara. The goth bit her lip, she was also concerned about what had just transpired.
Day nine of training had been cut short.
Afterwards, the Crack Shack
Bo slammed the door open, running a hand through her hair in frustration she requested for her bestie to call for some take-out food. The interaction she had with Lauren during training had her hungry beyond measure, and all Lauren did was just get on top of her. That was all it took for Bo to throw all logic out the window. If Dyson hadn't stepped in, she might have pounced on the Doctor like a hormonal teenager at a college frat party.
Bo groaned out at the thought, "Order out anything, I don't care at this point. I'm starving."
Kenzi obliged and picked up the phone, her dialing on the pad slowed down as she eyed her Succubus friend. "For food, right? Cause I know you fed not too long ago and…" She trailed off when Bo gave her a reproachful look. This only caused the goth to hang up on the line and stood before the obviously stressed out woman.
"Bo, what is your deal? And let's not pretend that didn't happen, by the way." She referred to the fighting match with Lauren. "Today you almost lost your shit over there—Seriously, what the hell was that?" She questioned with arms akimbo.
The Succubus sat down on the old beaten up couch, she cradled her head into her hands. She let out a breath, "Kenz, I don't know. I've just been on edge, and I guess it caught up with me."
Bo felt guilty for giving into her darker side's craving, she hadn't felt that rush in a long time. Her own emotions were messing up everything she had worked so hard to keep under control. What was she going to do to fix it? She wondered as well how Lauren must be feeling right now, more than likely upset. That was all Bo could guess, she couldn't blame the human if that were the case. For all Bo knew, this may have caused them to grow further apart now. Just how was she ever going to confront Lauren again?
Sitting down next to Bo, Kenzi placed a hand on her back to soothe her. "Bo, I don't think this is about being on edge. Clearly you have some issues with the Doc, and you're not dealing with it too good, sista."
"I really doubt this would happen again, anyways…" Bo tried to assure Kenzi, mostly to herself. She hadn't acknowledged how her friend mentioned the object of her hunger.
Kenzi thinned her lips, she didn't ever think she'd find herself saying this, but the situation called for it. "I think you should tell mommy dearest about this."
This made Bo look at her best friend incredulously, "No way, I'm not getting her involved. You know how she gets. Don't you dare call for her behind my back either." Bo warned, she really didn't want to deal with her mother on the subject.
Sighing in defeat, Kenzi let the conversation drop. She couldn't force Bo to confide in Aife, she didn't blame her for it. Mama Succubus gets deathly serious when it came to Bo's dark tendencies. Maybe Bo was right, it might not happen again. At least, Kenzi hoped it wouldn't.
At the Light Fae Compound…
Lauren was tapping her pen anxiously, she had found herself reading the same page on a file for the past hour. She hadn't been able to focus on anything, her mind continued to go back to that moment. The way Bo had looked at her when she had the Succubus pinned down, a shudder passed through her. It was futile to ignore the fact that Bo had wanted to feed off of her right then and there.
Lauren should feel mortified, she should feel undignified that Bo looked at her in such a way. But she didn't, she didn't feel anything wrong about it. She felt wanted, something she had secretly wished for of the Succubus. She let out a sigh and threw her pen onto her desk, running both her hands through her blonde hair. There was no way she was going to get any work done, not when her mind was spinning over the subject.
"Is this a bad time?"
The Champion snapped out of internal thoughts, she glanced up and found Ciara standing there in front of the desk. The Warrior Fairy gave Lauren a warm, sympathetic smile. One Lauren couldn't help returning back with a smile of her own, "Ciara, not that I mind the visit but… What are you doing here?"
Ciara walked closer, now leaning her hip against the edge side of the desk. She briefly glanced down at Lauren's paperwork, "Oh, I was simply in the neighborhood and thought I would check on you. After today, I figured you could use a distraction."
Lauren chuckled as she leaned back in her seat, she admitted that it was something she really did need. She couldn't stop thinking about Bo, every second she thought of her the ice barrier she had built around herself would slowly melt.
"What have you got in mind?" Lauren asked out of curiosity, arching an eyebrow at the Fae.
Ciara's smile grew wider, she took a moment to think. Feigning a contemplative hum. "Hmm... Something tells me you fancy milkshakes."
The Champion shook her head, though she didn't deny Ciara's statement. She would gladly ditch her office for some milkshake. The two of them left the Compound together.
"I still think you should talk to Aife." Kenzi continued to beat the dead horse, she was feeling very strongly about Bo's reaction to Lauren still. The two best friends were at a table back at the Dal Riata, Kenzi had been chowing down on a burger.
"I'm fine now, Kenzi. It was just a slip up, it won't happen again. Can we drop it already? Please?" Bo snatched up a couple of fries off of Kenzi's plate, ignoring the goth's protest.
The second attempt was worth a try. Giving up on convincing Bo the human turned around to wave down a waitress, she felt the need for a round of drinks. She stopped when her eyes spotted two women entering the Sanctuary.
"Well, shit..." Kenzi cursed under her breath, turning back to her burger before Bo noticed, but it was too late.
At her friends reaction Bo furrowed her eyebrows and followed Kenzi's line of sight. She saw both Lauren and Ciara sitting at the bar area. The two women were sharing light chuckles and seemed very engaged with one another in whatever conversation they were having.
Bo turned back to Kenzi with an eye roll, "Big whoop, they're hanging out. That's nothing new."
Kenzi took a large bite out of her burger, "Me thinks someone's jelly." She remarked with her mouth full.
"Oh, please." Bo waved off the comment, not taking Kenzi's words seriously.
"Dude, you're so jelly I could spread you on toast." Kenzi pushed further, an amused grin plastered on her face. She didn't buy her bestie's denial. Maybe there was a chance yet that the Doc could get with Bo.
Kenzi felt her usual urges to interfere and play match maker, though by the way both Bo and Lauren have been acting she may not need to lift a finger this time. Both women were so into each other, it was starting to become so much more obvious. It was sad, really. At first it was hilarious, seeing Lauren get moody over Dyson being with Bo. Now seeing Bo freak out over Lauren being with Ciara, who clearly only share platonic interests with one another. Though Bo seemed to believe it to be something more entirely. It was all just too priceless.
Trick tended the bar, he smiled warmly when Lauren had waved him over. "Ah, if it isn't the good doctor and Ciara! What can I get you ladies?" He took their orders graciously.
Lauren really needed that drink. She had been feeling a burning sensation aimed at the back of her head, she had noticed the Succubus and her fellow human friend were also here. She dared not to turn and face Bo's constant gaze, she could just feel those eyes on her. Lauren tried her best to ignore the odd feeling it was causing her, she was grateful to Ciara's company. She could not handle this without the Fairy. Hearing her stories from the past and adventures helped for a great distraction, she in fact thoroughly enjoyed being around the Fae.
"Seeing how I've inherited a lot of my mother's knowledge in tactics and in the arts of war, I believe it would be very beneficial to teach you some of these things." Ciara started, fiddling with the drink glass Trick had served.
"Never thought of myself as a tactician in that area." Lauren took a generous gulp from her beer, she grimaced at the taste. She really vowed not to drink again for a long time, ever since the party that one night where both her and Kenzi drank themselves to stupor beer has had a huge affect on her gag reflexes.
"It's always good to be versatile in numerous avenues." Ciara pointed out, insisting that it would be for Lauren's good.
Lauren chuckled, "In that case, I am all ears."
Bo had been pouting the whole time, stealing quick glances over at Lauren every few minutes. She wondered if Lauren hadn't at all noticed her presence, or if the blonde had been purposely ignoring her. She felt that she should just walk up to the Champion and say hello. Stubborn as ever, she herself chose not to approach the other woman.
Lauren was just only one of her problems piling up on Bo's plate today.
Dyson had entered the Dal, immediately making a beeline towards Bo and Kenzi's table. His eyes were narrowed, making it a point that this was a serious topic he was about to bring up for Bo.
"We need to talk."
Bo sighed out, already bracing herself for what's about to come. "Alright, lay it on me. What's got your tail all ruffled?"
"Not here." He advised, briefly glancing over his shoulder to peek at his sister.
Lauren gave the two of them a concerned look, but the Champion decided to keep her distance. Dyson was relieved to see that she was not about to interfere. This was something he needed to talk to Bo about alone, without Lauren in the mix of it. Gods know that his sister did not need the extra drama in her life at the present time.
Kenzi took a sip from her drink, blinking a few times at the strength of the taste. She declared generously that she was not about to be apart of whatever important conversation Dyson needed to discuss with Bo. "See ya, wouldn't wanna be ya!"
The Succubus stood up, she sighed out tiredly, "Alright, then… Let's go."
Dyson nodded and allowed her to lead the way.
Bo reluctantly took Dyson into Trick's office under the pub, the large space was private and allowed them to speak openly about Dyson's concerns. Lauren felt worried as she witnessed the two of them disappear out of sight, she was unsure of what to make of it. She decided that maybe it wasn't worth stressing over.
Though Bo's stress level was rising as she walked into her grandfather's study. She started the conversation up steadily, "I know what you're going to say—"
"Is that so?" Dyson cut in, his tone sharp. "I wonder if you know exactly what it is you're referring to."
"Don't talk to me like I'm an idiot, Dyson." Bo glared back at him.
"Oh, I'm sure you aren't. Maybe you do know what it is you are doing, and I have to say I don't like it one bit, Bo." He glared back at her with equal intensity. "Lauren is my sister." He declared with the utmost seriousness, making his point across that he is taking Lauren's interest first in the conversation they were about to have. This wasn't Dyson on a jealous rant, this isn't Dyson's ego on a quest to fight for what he believed was his. Bo was never his, and she never will be. That was something he had to accept, it was apparent to him when Bo rejected him on getting a full feed off him after the Lich.
Bo couldn't help but to scoff at Dyson, "You're taking the over protective brother role now?"
"After seeing the way you act around her? Yes, I am taking the role now. Because now is a time where she needs everyone on her side." Dyson snapped back, his tall body towering over Bo as he went on. "She isn't some plaything for you to toy with. It wasn't enough that you strung be along before, now you have to go after my sister?"
Bo clenched her jaw, her steeled gaze not wavering as Dyson continued his talk.
"I want to say you're doing it out of spite against me, but that isn't like you." He eased up his tone a bit, "I should ask you what you're intentions are with her, but frankly I don't give a damn. Because I know that it doesn't matter which side of the coin falls facing up, if you slip one more time like that… I won't hesitate, Bo."
"I know I lost my cool back there, but it's not what it looked like." Bo attempted to explain, but Dyson shook his head at her.
"Then what did it look like?" He interrogated her, a low growl in the back of his throat. "Actually don't even answer that. I'll tell you what it looked like, it looked like a Succubus cornering her prey."
Bo bit her lip, she didn't know what to say. She had the decency to look guilty and cast her eyes downwards. Dyson sighed out in defeat as well. He knew Bo made a mistake, which brought some relief to him. He knew she at least felt bad.
"Bo, I trust you. In a fight you're the most reliable person I have ever met. Right now I still consider you to be on our side. You want the same thing as I do, and that's helping Lauren survive this." He went on, "But don't do something that will make me forget that you're on our side." He warned heavily.
Bo nodded her head, understanding clearly where Dyson was coming from. She acknowledged that Dyson's lecture was not without reason.
Dyson turned towards the stairs that lead up to the pub, his back now facing Bo. "I won't let you hurt her like you did me."
At this Bo's gaze snapped up, but Dyson was already gone. She was left with the tightness in her chest that suffocated her, the sensation was too strong and made her sit down. She needed to calm herself before she went back up to the pub.
Day 10
They were now all rounded up at the Dal Riata, they sat around a large booth all participating in conversations and light merriment. Even Vex was there partaking in drinks, how could the Mesmer pass up free alcohol? He did not care if he was wanted or not, all he was interested in was Trick's special stock of brews that he had served the group. Despite his presence, he had been behaving and kept out of trouble, which helped the rest of the gang tolerate him without difficulty. In reality they all needed to be here, to unwind and put their feet up in relaxation. Even if it's for one night.
This was the last day of training, these past ten days have been brutally long. It felt like an eternity for everyone but now the day of the trials were soon to be upon them. Instead of wasting this free day on another dragged out session of physical torture, they all voted in having just a day of rest. It was not only for the good of Lauren's health, it was also for the will being of everyone's spirit. The gang was too distracted to think about practice, they were all on edge and nervous about the trials.
Some were more open about it while others kept their concerns to themselves. But out of everyone in the group, Cassandra was the most frightened one of all. She was about to allow her daughter to be put in danger and there was not a thing she could do about it. The most she had done so far was putting her own freedom on the line to provide enough time for Lauren to prepare herself for this day. Even after the Blood Oath with the Ash she was surprised to see so many lending a hand to help Lauren train and better her abilities. As Cassandra watched everyone in the room talk and banter among themselves, a thought came to mind.
Just how had Lauren made these many friends so suddenly?
This was something she at least found some light in, her daughter wasn't alone. If something were to happen where the trials proved too violent, if Lauren failed and Cassandra ended up as a slave to the Ash… She would gladly go in peace knowing that her daughter would not be alone in this.
'No, I can't think like this.' Cassandra shook her head and took a generous sip from her ale. 'It will all work out, nothing will happen.'
"It was insane, when that headless freak came at me with an axe. I just took the closest thing to me as a weapon and started beating the crap out of it!" Kenzi was telling a story of her and Bo's encounter with a Dulahand, she made a swinging motion with her hands to describe just how precisely she defended herself with a broom.
The group chuckled as Bo added, "While she was yelling constantly 'Holy shit balls.'"
Lauren had yet touched her drink, she was staring down at the mug with a far away look. She had not been paying much attention to the gang's conversation, she simply kept silent and nodded with a smile when spoken to ever so often. She wasn't sure if this what she should be doing right now, she understood their intentions and they were only trying to help to make these last moments fun. There was no telling what will happen during or after the trials. They just wanted her to be comfortable and be distracted from the impending fight she was about to face.
"Excuse me, I need to freshen up." Lauren stood up from her seat with the best smile she had to mask her actual concerns, before anyone could notice anything odd she had already left for the restroom.
No one noticed anything, but Bo's perceptive on aura caught on real quick what Lauren was actually feeling. It took a lot not to get up and follow her, she kept herself still and did her best to push away the urge to comfort the human. She assumed it was best to give Lauren some space, that is until she received a nod from Cassandra when they met eyes from across the room. At that point she had no choice but to get up and start towards the restroom, stating that these drinks were finally catching up to her.
Cassandra sent a silent thank you to the unaligned Succubus, if there was anyone could trust to put her daughter's mind at ease it would certainly be Bo.
Lauren was staring heavily in the mirror, hands holding on to either side of the sink as she leaned over it. Her face damped from splashing water on her face in order to cool herself. She stared back into her reflection's eyes, an intense determined look was staring back at her.
"No, you have no excuse to feel insecurities now. Everyone is counting on you, so pull it together and woman up." She coached herself, feeling somewhat better after speaking out loud to herself.
"Couldn't have said it better myself."
Lauren looked to the side in the mirror to find Bo standing behind her, a warm smile on her face. Surprised at the sudden appearance of the Succubus Lauren turned around to face her with wide eyes, "Bo, why are you…?"
Bo raised her hands in defense, "Your mother was worried. I could tell you were upset, I just wanted to make sure you were alright."
"I'm fine, it was just my nerves acting up." Lauren admitted as she shifted her sights to the floor, she wasn't sure if it was because she felt some shame in admitting a moment of weakness or if it was because she couldn't stare at Bo for long enough without feeling like a nervous school girl talking to her crush for the first time ever.
Kenzi was sipping on her sixth drink of the night, as she did so her powder blue eyes began scanning around the room. Taking a few peeks at everyone's expressions to find out if someone was thinking exactly the same as she was. 'Why are those two taking forever to come out of the restroom?'
Ciara met Kenzi's stare and shook her head slightly, as if to say to not attempt in looking for the two women. In that instant Kenzi's eyes widened in realization and she choked on her drink. Hale who had been sitting next to the short goth girl patted her on the back, "You okay, lil' mama?" He asked with worry as Kenzi coughed a lung out almost.
"ACK! Ahem… Y…Yeah—Oh, yeah! Totally fine!" Kenzi squeaked her response with a weak thumbs up, maybe this should be her last drink for the night she thought.
Dyson passed Kenzi a glass of water, an amused smile was on his face, "It's still a surprise such a small person can drink so much."
"Small, lethal and an alcoholic. These are very dangerous combinations, never underestimate us humans." Kenzi announced proudly as she recovered from her coughing fit.
"Even dangerous creatures like yourself have their limitations, I think it's time for Bo to take you home." He suggested, he then looked confused as he looked around the table. "In fact…where is Bo anyways?" He asked, he had also noticed his sister wasn't at the table. The both of them of gone to the restroom and had been a while since then. All Dyson could do was sigh and take a large gulp from his mug, maybe it was for the best he kept his thoughts to himself.
Bo took a step back, a thoughtful look on her face. "Hey, I know it hasn't been easy for you with the whole sitch becoming the Champion for a clan that never accepted you for what you are." She started slowly, paying close attention for any mood changes in Lauren.
She continued on, "To top it off the Dark and Light Fae are now involved in your affairs, then suddenly you're everyone's Champion. To make it even more complicated your own mother is trapped in a risky Blood Oath with the Ash to become his personal slave if you fail the trials come tomorrow, and then there's the whole Garuda-End of the world thing..."
Lauren gave Bo a look, wondering exactly what point she was trying to reach by referring to everything that is wrong in the current situation. Bo smiled awkwardly back, this all sounded way better in her bed when she rehearsed it over and over. She thought she could take this chance to apologize to Lauren for her behavior and she was here ranting like an idiot.
The Succubus cleared her throat, "Look, what I'm trying to say is… You shouldn't shut me out like you've been doing for days now. I know I haven't been the most helpful Fae lately, and have brought you more problems to your plate. Getting captured and injured by the Lich was not my finest moment but—"
"Bo." Lauren sighed out, cutting off the woman's rambling that was surely not going to meet it's end. Lauren ran a hand down her face, she began to feel tired and overwhelmed by Bo's vocalized worries. Of course she was going to bring up Lauren's constant avoidance and lack of contact. She should have known better to treat Bo like this and believe it wouldn't affect the Succubus at all. Lauren came to understand she most certainly owed Bo an explanation for her childish behavior.
"Whatever it is that makes you think this is your fault… it's not." She said finally after a moment.
Bo stared at her, now more confused than ever. "Not my fault? Then why have you been giving me the Doctor Freeze treatment this whole time?" Her confusion was now turning into frustration, she couldn't figure Lauren out. Just what the hell was going on?
"It's hard to explain, Bo. I can't just tell you this right away, not when we have no idea what will happen to me tomorrow. I don't want to do that to you." Lauren tried to smooth out their conversation with logic, but Bo being Bo couldn't help but allow her emotions and thoughts to overflow.
"That's all the more reason you should tell me!" Bo yelled out, her frustration escalating to being now desperate.
Bo's demanding tone was aggravating Lauren, "Why are you still assuming that this is about you?!"
"You just admitted that you didn't want to tell me because of me!"
Cassandra could hear the distant muffled yelling that was coming from the restroom near her. She couldn't make out the words but she could tell that Lauren and Bo were having some kind of heated argument. Good thing the rest of the group were far enough to not hear a thing, as a precaution though, Cassandra waved over the band setting up and made a song request. Hopefully some music will cover up whatever it was that's going on in the restroom between Bo and Lauren.
The two of them were so engrossed in the argument that they did not even notice the sound of muffled folk music thumping from outside of the restroom.
Lauren was watching Bo pace around from left to right as the Succubus continued her tantrum. "Do you have any idea how annoying it is when someone ignores you like you were nothing?!"
"I already said I was sorry, Bo. What else do you want from me?" Lauren had lowered her voice now, already tired of yelling but Bo was surely not done yet.
"Nothing! I just want to understand you, but you make it so hard to even read you! I can't tell if you're more mad at the fact that I messed up with the Lich thing or jealous that I fed off your brother!" The words spilled out before she registered what she had just said, when it dawned on her, Bo stopped her movements and looked at Lauren with a scared look in her eyes.
The human Doctor looked like a deer caught in headlights, mirroring Bo's expression. She was also just as startled by Bo's words.
After a long moment of silence, Lauren took the first step in breaking it.
"You think I'm jealous?!" She asked incredulously, as if the notion was appalling for Bo to even think such a thing. At least she was pretending like it was the most ludicrous thing ever.
Bo stared at the woman slack jawed, her eyes narrowed slightly. Feeling a bit offended at Lauren's reaction, she recovers and answers back finally. "Yes, I think you are. Why would that be such a shock?"
"Oh gods, Bo." Lauren laughed bitterly as she ran a hand through her blonde hair, she couldn't believe the conversation they were having.
"You know what? Maybe you're right. I went out of line with the accusation." Bo started, seeming to be on the verge to apologize to Lauren. Though she then added with some taunt. "How could you ever be jealous? When you've got a sweet tail like Ciara floating around you."
At this Lauren gaped, slowly shaking her head in disbelief. She found herself stammering for words, "Y-You—You think me and Ciara are—You think we're sleeping together?!"
Bo chuckled out and replied glibly, "Think? You both have been joined at the hips twenty four seven. I can guarantee I am not the only one who see's it."
"Listen to yourself, Bo. First you accuse me of being jealous of Dyson, then you accuse me of sleeping with my friend?" Lauren pinched the bridge of her nose, her anger now deflating to simply annoyance. Bo was acting like a teenager, despite Lauren's best attempt in being patient with her. She knew that Bo had every right to be upset with her, but now it was just going off the deep end.
"We're both adults here, Lauren. It's okay if you and Ciara have a thing, no need to lie." Bo said with miff.
Lauren laughed out loud in disbelief still, "No, see… I think I'm the adult here. You're childish."
These two were having the biggest misunderstanding ever, and if they had an audience it would be certain a chorus of disbelief and collective groans of frustration would arise frantically. Both women were stubborn and so very lost. It was now going back and forth at this point.
"You're cold." Bo threw out.
Lauren snapped back, "You're arrogant."
"Emotionless."
"Careless!"
"Uptight!"
Lauren scoffed, "Smug!"
Both women were shooting out insults left and right, standing their ground as they glared at one another with their arms crossed. They looked like MMA fighters posing for their face off poster, neither of them noticed how close they were to each other's face.
Bo smirked tauntingly, "OCD."
Lauren gave her a tight lipped smile. "Nymphomaniac."
"Oh-ho!" Bo barked out a laugh while raising her eyebrows high, "Nice one, geek."
"I get even better, Succubus." Lauren said in victory.
'Ohh, I bet you do…' Bo secretly checked Lauren out, she smirked sarcastically to hide the fact. "Who's smug now?"
"Hmm…" Lauren pretended to think hard, "Yeahhh—No, it's still you for sure."
"And you're still a nerd." Bo rebuttaled, ignoring the rising urge to stare at Lauren's lips.
Lauren shook her head, a slight smile spreading over her face. Bo's insult was lame, yet somehow it sounded cute coming from her. "Smartass—"
"With a nice ass, I might add." Bo cut in.
Lauren rolled her eyes, pretending that she didn't agree with the statement. "Who is also a narcissistic brute."
Bo exhaled to calm herself, her eyes seemed hazy. "Join the club, you jerk."
Lauren snorted while biting her bottom lip, not missing the look in Bo's eyes. "Sorry, only room for one attractive jerk."
"...Sexy know it all doctor." Bo almost husked out.
Lauren inwardly groaned, "...Gorgeous rebel wannabe."
Bo breathed out shakily, licking her lips. "Hot piece of Champion a—"
Lauren grabbed Bo by the back of her head, pulling her in forcefully. She crashed her lips into the Succubus' into a heated kiss. Bo gasped, and then grunted in mix surprise and relief. She kissed Lauren back as eager hands circled around the doctor's neck while Lauren busied her own hands around the Succubus' hips. Lauren roughly tugged Bo into her form, her body shivering violently against the brunette. Their kiss was feverish, harsh breaths mingled with silent moans. Bo moved forward until Lauren's back hit a stall door, arms wrapping around her neck as Bo pressed herself even more tightly up against Lauren. Relishing the heat off of the human, the vibration of her body was heady.
It was insane how Lauren's aura exploded in the biggest burst of colors Bo had ever seen. It was like watching a bottle of soda that was shaken up burst out of control. Like an inactive volcano suddenly erupting molten lava, or a timed bomb that was set off the moment Lauren kissed her. If Bo was shot up into orbit she was sure she could see Lauren's aura exploding from that far away. It was blinding, and it was amazing.
Both of their minds have forgotten the whole argument, right now all that mattered was finding out just how long could they kiss before one of them needed oxygen.
Bo was the one who broke the kiss, but it was only to breathe out against Lauren's lips in awe, "Wow..." Her eyes were glowing blue, bright with desire.
Lauren regained some of her self control, she gingerly moved Bo at arm's length. "That... Um..." She shook her head, trying to clear the haze. She was unable to articulate, "Uh, that was—"
"Epic." Bo purred the word lowly with a glazed over look in her face.
Lauren laughed breathlessly, all the while gulping as her nervousness began to grow. "W-Well, yes—Wait, no."
Bo looked at her incredulously, "No?"
The Champion panicked, "No, no! I mean—Damn it, Bo! This wasn't supposed to happen!"
"Lauren, start making sense right now, 'cause horny and pissed off does not equate well in Succubus math." Bo's sapphire eyes narrowed.
"Insufferable Fae, you still don't get it?!" Lauren stared at her in amazement. That was it, she had to take this moment and be straight forward about her feelings. "Bo, I have fe—"
SLAM
Lauren and Bo whipped their heads over to the restroom's entrance wide eyed.
Kenzi had busted in hurriedly while clutching her stomach and covering her mouth, looking rather green. The goth paid no mind to Bo and Lauren's compromising position, there were much more pressing matters to attend to. She went straight for the next free stall, unleashing her once delicious dinner burrito. Her nauseating gags were loud and pitiful.
Bo thinned her lips, and nodded to herself as she stared up at the ceiling. As if pretending she wasn't hearing her best friend vomit vehemently right now. Lauren leaned her head against the door, cringing at the sound of Kenzi's retching and gurgling burps.
She needs to put a jar up, and charge a dollar for every time Kenzi kicked a door in during a drunken episode.
A/N: *coughs* uh... hi. Yes, I am alive. And yes, I have an excuse. My previous device had died on me, taking away a lot of the stuff I have written for my older fics including Among Wolves. So I was pretty devastated, cause I had written a lot of chapters to post weekly and it is taking me an eternity to remember everything I wrote word for word so... yeah. I promise to post more updates, I can't promise exact dates. Cause life. Also cause I doubt anyone still follows this after so long...soooo... yeah! Rest assured though, I am not giving up on this one. So sorry again for the delays after...years-Sorry for any errors, not edited yet so uh... *sweats* um, bye!