All I have to say is that it's good to be back. Your comments really make this so fun, so thank you again and again. That said, I hope your seat belts are buckled because I am going to make you and our favorite succubus and doctor work for it. XOXOXO

Bo had arrived at work early, which did not go unnoticed by her grandfather. Trick had wiped the bar down over and over hoping if he lingered long enough Bo might open up. She had never done so before but there was a first time for everything. He knew his granddaughter often kept her feelings to herself and it worried him. They only had each other left in this world and he never wanted her to feel alone. He watched from the corner of his eye as she reached behind the bar for the bottle of tequila. Throwing her head back she poured the potent liquid down her throat before replacing the bottle and smiling at her grandfather.

Trick rubbed his balding head before speaking.

"Everything ok?"

Bo nodded as she made her way around the bar to stand next to her grandfather.

"Right as rain."

Bo busied herself refilling the garnish tubs.

"Ok. Well," Trick spoke hesitantly, "you know that I'm here Bo if you want to speak…about ANYTHING."

"I do. Thanks."

Bo never even looked up as Trick left her side and headed back into his office.

The Dahl didn't usually pick up until 9ish and tonight was no exception. It was the sole reason that Bo never scheduled herself any earlier. No point in coming in when she wouldn't be making any money. However, this night she came here not for money or to perform but rather to seek solace. Sure, Lauren had skeletons in her closet that scared her. But that would have never caused Bo to run. The simple fact was that she took off because no one had EVER called Bo on her issues. It was something, that left unsaid, could be ignored. But Lauren said it and now it was out there. Concentrating on filling the cherry tub, Bo jumped when a hand snaked across the bar and grabbed hers.

"Woah there. It's just me Bo," Dyson smirked.

Bo clutched her heart before smiling back.

"You scared me."

"I can see that…" Dyson stated.

Bo was looking everywhere but at Dyson.

"What's going on Bo?"

Grabbing two shot glasses she concentrated on filling them as high as she could with the tequila before sliding one to Dyson.

"Bo, you look like you saw a ghost. What's up?"

She threw the shot back slowly hoping to buy more time.

When Bo didn't answer, Dyson took his shot and handed the glass back to Bo to refill.

"Well then," Dyson started, "let me tell you all about my awful day.

Dyson didn't wait for her to respond before continuing,

"Well, the case has gone to shit, the chief is on my ass, I've got no leads to go on, I found termites in my apartment and I need to move out for a week. So, all in all it's been a pretty great day." His voice oozed with sarcasm.

Without warning Bo leaned across the bar and placed a kiss on Dyson's lips. The look of surprise on the detective's face made her smile.

"What was that for?" Dyson asked.

"Because I just wanted to," Bo replied. Passing him another shot she raised the glass and waited for Dyson to toast.

"To…uhh..friends."

"Friends," Bo echoed before throwing back the drink and slamming the glass on the bar.

Dyson leaned over to grab the bottle and refill their glasses.

"I hope your day was better than mine."

Bo didn't wait for Dyson this time. She took the shot, and began to pour another before answering.

"I wouldn't exactly say that."

"How was your dinner with Lauren?"

Bo thought she caught a glimmer of jealousy in Dyson's eye when he asked that particular question.

"Fine."

Once more she tossed the drink back without so much as flinching.

"Fine?"

"Yeah, was I not clear?"

Bo could read the shock on Dyson's face. She had never spoken to him like that, ever.

"Sorry." She quickly apologized. "That wasn't for you. I'm just feeling a little under the weather."

Dyson held his hand to Bo's forehead testing for a fever. Guilt flooded her as she watched how much this wonderful man cared for her. Taking his hand from her head she held it tight. Maybe Dyson had been right. She would eventually come around to appreciate and accept the love and commitment that he was offering her.

Laughing to herself, she pushed the thought aside. That just wasn't who she was and just because Lauren couldn't accept that didn't mean it was wrong.

She brought Dyson's hand to her lips and kissed it.

Lauren had breezed into this town and it was very likely that she would leave just as quickly. There was no reason that Bo could find why she should change her whole life for a woman who could possibly be gone tomorrow. Maybe she'd run back to Alex, or run away with his sister. Either way, it meant nothing to Bo.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Dyson interrupted.

Grabbing the collar of his shirt, Bo pulled Dyson in closer.

"I was just thinking that you will be moving in with Kenzi and me while they rid your home of those nasty critters."

The comment came out of her mouth before she had even really thought about it. Trying to hide that fact, she kissed him gently on the lips.

The look of surprise on Dyson's face was unmistakable.

Leaning in for another kiss he found his lips pressed to a hand rather than the soft lips he was expecting. Looking up he found Kenzi smiling right at him.

"Hey wolf man!"

Sitting straighter in his seat he smiled at his friend.

"Hey Kenz."

"Sorry to interrupt whatever is going on here but I need to talk to the Bo-ster. "

Dyson looked from Kenzi to Bo and back again before rising to his feet.

"Ok, well, I'll go grab a seat on the couch then, I guess."

Kenzi watched Dyson leave and didn't speak again until he was out of earshot before raising an eyebrow at Bo.

"Um, so, I guess things didn't go well with Lauren then…"

"You could say that."

Kenzi dropped onto a stool.

"So, what the hell happened? Was I right? Is she a serial killer?" Kenzi's eyes were wide.

"Umm, no. At least I don't think so. But judging by the secrets that chick is keeping anything is possible."

"Spill! Spill! Spill!" Kenzi chanted.

Bo considered it before deciding it wasn't her place.

"It's nothing. I'm just keeping my options open."

Kenzi nodded her head in Dyson's direction.

"Obviously."

Shaking off Kenzi's comment, Bo changed the subject.

"I'm going to ask Dyson to stay with us for a while."

Grabbing Bo's hand, Kenzi's eyes grew wider.

"I really feel like I am missing something here. Last time we spoke you were gaga over Lauren. Now you are having Dyson move in? Either I woke up in the Twlight Zone or I'm on Candid Camera. Either way, I wish I had known so I could have bought a new outfit."

"It's not like that Kenz. He found termites in his place and needs a place to crash."

"And this is going to remain platonic?" Kenzi asked.

Bo smirked at her friend.

"You know I can't promise that. "

"Fine. I know you have the sexual appetite of a succubus but Bo, could you please promise me no sex in the kitchen. Because last time that happened I found what appeared to be…"

Bo pressed her finger to her friend's lips hoping to keep her quiet.

"I promise."

"Thank you" Kenzi mouthed. "So, then, are you DONE with Lauren all together?"

Bo shrugged.

"I have no idea. Why?"

Kenzi's eyes were looking beyond her friend now. Following her gaze Bo spied Lauren standing at the back of the bar.

The blonde offered her a small wave.

Bo threw the bar towel on the counter and turned back to her friend.

"I have to get ready to go on."

Kenzi tried to catch Bo's arm but to no avail.

"Wait! Wait! Before you go…"

Bo looked over her shoulder.

"Am I ignoring Lauren? Giving her the evil eye? What's my move here?"

"No. It's fine. I just can't talk to her yet. But YOU play nice."

Growling out loud, Kenzi watched as Bo hurried out of sight. She signaled for the other bartender but before he could respond a beer slide toward her from the end of the bar. Kenzi took a sip before looking for its generous donor.

"That's your brand right?" Lauren asked.

Kenzi looked up to find Lauren standing right next to her.

"How long are your legs?" Kenzi joked. "I swear I just saw you at the back of the bar two seconds ago."

"Sorry to scare you, "Lauren laughed. "I was just rushing over hoping to catch Bo, but I guess not..."

Kenzi took another swig of her beer buying time until she figured out how to respond.

Lauren placed her hand on Kenzi's shoulder before speaking again.

"Listen, Kenzi, it's ok. Bo's your best friend and I'm sure she told you all about our disastrous dinner."

Kenzi saw her opportunity and lunged at it. "Actually, she didn't but feel free to fill me in."

Lauren just smiled making Kenzi grimace.

"Can you just give her a message for me?"

Lauren was smiling from ear to ear, and appeared more confident than she had the previous two times that Kenzi had seen her. Her shoulders seemed more relaxed and even though she had only spoken three times she hadn't stumbled over a single word. Something had happened, Kenzi was sure of it.

Lauren reached across the bar for a napkin and then rummaged through her bag for a pen. She scribbled something quickly and then folded the napkin tightly before passing it to Kenzi.

"Can I just say thank you for whatever this is? I haven't been asked to pass someone a note since high school. This is very exciting!"

"Hey ladies," Dyson had found his way next to the two women. "What's very exciting?"

Kenzi began to speak but Lauren jumped in.

"Nothing. Nothing at all."

"Ok, well, can I buy you both a drink?"

Kenzi held up the beer that Lauren had bought for her and Dyson turned to Lauren.

"Oh, I'm good. Thanks though. But I'm actually really glad you're here. I've been thinking about another way we could go after Damian."

Dyson looked curiously at Lauren as she continued.

"Well, I am sure you don't know this about me, but my background is actually in profiling more than actual detective work…"

Dyson smirked. "That actually explains a lot."

"Why do I feel like that isn't a compliment?"

He laughed before explaining. "No it is. It just makes sense that's all. I could picture you analyzing and studying more than I can you chasing after suspects or god forbid getting bled on."

"I hope you're not mad that I didn't tell you. I was nervous you wouldn't give me a chance…"

Dyson wrapped his arm around her shoulders.

"I wish you had told me. I would have started using your talents much sooner."

Kenzi chimed in next, "Why the sudden change?" She had a feeling it had something to do with her dinner with Bo but needed some concrete proof.

Lauren shrugged her shoulders. "Yeah well, I decided to make some changes going forward. So from now on, you've got 100% percent of me."

Dyson raised his glass, "I'll drink to that."

"Great, so tomorrow morning I'll fill you in on what I'm thinking. 9AM sound good?"

Dyson thought for a moment.

"Can we make it 10 or 10:30? I have to move all my stuff into Bo's tomorrow morning."

Lauren felt whatever confidence she had recently found again suddenly disappear.

"Lauren?" Dyson asked.

"No, right. 10:30 is fine. "

"Speaking of which," Dyson continued, "Kenz, can I borrow your key? This way I can let myself in without bothering you ladies."

"Let me get Bo's. I'll need mine tonight." Kenzi slid off her stool and began walking away . She stopped quickly and turned to Lauren. "Oh and I'll give this to Bo."

Lauren willed herself to stop Kenzi but before she could get a word out Kenzi was gone.

Kenzi found her friend pacing backstage.

"Hey bestie!" Kenzi hollered.

Bo continued walking until Kenzi finally stood in her way.

"I said, Hey." Kenzi smiled.

"Hi." Bo offered.

"What's up?"

Bo didn't respond.

"Umm, K well this conversation is so riveting and I hate to cut it short but I need to get your key for Dyson. He is bringing his stuff by tomorrow morning."

"It's in my bag." Bo pointed across the room.

"You ok Bo?"

Bo gave her best friend the widest grin she could muster.

"Totally. I am great."

Kenzi studied Bo to see if she was telling the truth but Bo had a fantastic poker face.

"Ok..good."

Quickly, she grabbed Bo's keys and began heading for the exit back to the bar. Spinning on her heels, Kenzi had remembered the note Lauren gave her and she hurried back to Bo's side.

She pressed the napkin in Bo's hand. "Lauren asked me to give this to you."

Bo's eyes were glued to the soft white material that Kenzi had placed in her palm.

"Well, I guess I'll see you out there then."

Kenzi left Bo alone with the mystery note.

Bo opened the napkin carefully, holding her breath the whole time.

Scribbled in blue ink was the message, "I took your advice. Have you taken mine?"

Bo's heart jumped and then sank all in a matter of seconds. She had done the exact opposite of what Lauren had suggested. She had made things more concrete between her and Dyson.

Peeking out from behind the curtain, Bo prayed that Lauren had hung around. If she could get to her she could explain. She easily spotted Kenzi squeezing onto the couch next to Dyson. Scanning around, she couldn't find Lauren. Her eyes finally landed on the front door to the bar where she caught just the back of the blonde's hair as she exited, quickly.