Isabeau and Lauren
The women had been on the road for almost twenty minutes. The weather was nice, and the conversation had grown scarce. Isabeau was starting to worry about Lauren, and spoke on it.
"I can take you back, if you'd like". Isabeau said softly over the breezy, night air.
"No. I'm fine". Lauren replied as she looked at the Succubus.
"He will be coming for me Lauren. You don't have to be here for this. I will completely understand if you wish to return to Toronto". Isabeau said softly as she studied the road.
"Are you saying you want to take me back? Lauren asked.
"No. Of course not. I would rather have you with me. Besides, I did take into account how long you have been stuck there. The Fae were never going to allow you to go off on your own. Even though I'm Fae, I'd rather have you with me. This doesn't have to just be about him. We can go wherever you'd like to go that you haven't had the opportunity to go in years". Isabeau countered as they came to a stop.
The Succubus was just read to leave. To get Lauren away from the Light, and Dark bullshit. Even if Bo didn't understand Lauren's status completely, the Succubus always did. Dogs had it better in the Fae world than the Doctor did, literally.
"No I don't want to go back. I agreed to come, and I am happy with my decision. Besides even if I went back, what would there be for me to do? Be bounced around between the Light, and Dark. Be fought over like I was something to be bought? Hale had a chance to free me, and didn't. The Morrigan had a chance to own me and couldn't. I have no friends there. No family. Nothing but white walls, and Petri dishes". Lauren replied as she turned in her seat to look at the Succubus.
She couldn't read Isabeau's mind, and she wished that she could. To see what she was really thinking. If this was a small test of the Doctor's feelings. If she had crossed a line in even asking Lauren to go off with her.
"You know Bo better than you know me. I didn't take that into account. Or consider your feelings. I know there is a lot of, pardon my language, shit between the two of you. I know you can't look at me without seeing her, and the pain. So seriously, if you want to go back, I can fight my father alone. But he knows you're my biggest soft spot. He will use that for all of it's worth. Kenzi is Bo's human. But it's not the same with you. I won't ever claim you, but you matter to me just as much..a lot more if we are being honest here". Isabeau said staring at the Doctor.
"You're right. I do know Bo more than you. But you're not exactly a stranger to me either". Lauren replied as she turned back around in her seat.
"I just want you to be sure about this". Isabeau said softly.
"I'm sure". Lauren smiled softly.
"Then lets go". Isabeau said turning back to the road in front of them.
She took a deep breath and let it go. Normal people are born as just one person. But she didn't have it like that. Bo wasn't always awful, but she wasn't always good to Lauren either. The bullshit about Lauren lying to her, and then everyone else that did the same got a free pass with more explanations than Lauren had been allotted.
This could be good for them, Isabeau and Lauren. Nobody had a front row seat to her love, her joys, and her heartbreak more than the Succubus had. And to be honest, it broke her heart too. Bo had nobody to blame but herself. She had neglected Lauren too much, and Isabeau wasn't about to deny the Doctor of anything. Since she was sure she wanted to go away with her, that was good enough to put her worries aside. But she would never take her focus off of the Doctor.
When Lauren nodded, she pulled off.
Kenzi and Hale
Kenzi had convinced Hale to got out for drinks at the Dal. Hale agreed but only for two drinks. Kenzi scoffed thinking two would be a waste of a trip. She rushed out of the car and ran inside. The crowd was thick. The music was loud. Louder than Trick ever allowed it to be, which meant Aife had to be there somewhere. Or..she cringed Isabeau.
She was hopeful for the latter. Hale ordered their drinks and handed Kenzi the first one. She slammed it looking around.
"She's not here". A voice laughed behind her.
"Damn it man". Hale groaned.
"Where is she? Kenzi asked.
"She and Dr. Lewis left on a trip". Aife smiled.
"Bo left without telling me?! Kenzi scoffed.
"Isabeau left. She asked me to keep an eye on you, now that I've seen you, my work is done". Aife laughed.
"That's bullshit, Bo would not leave without me! Kenzi screamed.
"The Succubus I know as my daughter has left town. Gone. Without you. Besides the Siren here, can protect you". Aife laughed again.
"Drink the second one Kenzi". Hale said quietly.
"Dude. She said Bo's gone. That can't be right". Kenzi said staring at the man.
"Siren follow me". Aife said suddenly. Hale knew from the tone in her voice that she was not kidding around.
He followed the Succubus into a small room. When he emerged he grabbed Kenzi, and raced them out of the bar.
"Hale! I'm not finished yet! Kenzi screamed.
"You are now, and we are out of here". Hale said lifting the small woman up, and threw her over his shoulder.
"Where are we going? Kenzi asked. She noticed Hale was heading in the opposite direction once they pulled out of the parking lot.
Hale didn't say anything. He just drove like he had never driven before. He needed to get Kenzi far away from The Dal. Toronto. He wasn't even going to bother to tell Dyson they were leaving. Dyson only cared for Bo, and since Isabeau was gone, Bo was gone too. Dyson would only hold them back. He can't heal as fast as Bo. He'd be ripe for the picking for any animal or Fae...or. Hale shook his head at the thought.
He always knew there was something about Bo that made her stand out more than any Fae. But from what Aife had just told him, he thought correct. Which is why he was in such a hurry to get away, and fast.
He got it now. Why Isabeau wasn't as friendly as Bo is. There is a darkness in her, and the only light in her was Lauren. Trick was Light Fae, but this a completely different kind of light. Aife only told him on the condition that he never tell Kenzi. He would leave that up to Isabeau or Bo...he was confused. One of them to tell her. The only thing he knew for sure was to get as far away as possible, and somewhere only he knew about.
Dyson
Dyson stumbled up the steps, and rang the doorbell. He leaned against the building, and waited. He sighed in relief when he finally heard footsteps coming towards the door.
"Can...can I come in? Dyson growled in pain.
"We don't want that Succubus here". Val replied.
"I just...I just need a few days to rest, and heal. I promise I will be a good boy this time". Dyson groaned.
"Let him in Val. He's a friend to your brother". Sturgess said from behind them.
"This man brings trouble. The Human gave up the Twig of Zamora. We would have nothing to fight the Succubus with, should she show up". Val rattled off.
"I don't have Bo with me. I don't even know where she is". Dyson growled. Val still hadn't allowed him in yet.
"Val. Let him in! Sturgess said again.
"Fine. But you will watch him. I want no part of this. He only does what he wants when he wants". Val said moving away from the door. She long left her father to care for Dyson.
Sturgess called for the butler to help Hale's friend to a room. He was going to have to bathe himself though because the maids were off limits to him. Sturgess wasn't so far removed from the Fae life that he had forgotten how promiscuous Dyson is, and could be.
Nonetheless, Dyson was given a small room, and food.
Isabeau and Lauren
Isabeau stood in the foyer waiting for Lauren to emerge. They had stopped when an idea struck the Doctor.
She tapped her foot, and looked around. The place was practically empty, so it was deathly quiet. The only sound was printers far off in the distance.
She smiled when Lauren emerged.
"Do you need some help? Isabeau asked as she quickly walked over.
Lauren sighed.
"Here. Let go. I've got them". Isabeau smiled.
Lauren relented, and smiled as she walked past the Succubus and out to her car.
Isabeau put the items in the back seat, and opened Lauren's door for her. She had always longed to do things like that but Bo had always been in control. That is of course until she needed her Succubus. She rolled her eyes at the thought, and hurried around to the driver's side. Once they were buckled in, she peeled off.
"Do you think that will really help? Isabeau asked softly.
"I have only read a little on him. So if he's coming for us, I need to know what he is truly capable of". Lauren replied.
"Those are a lot of books, and I am a walking book on what he can and can't do. Mostly nothing is off limits to me. If I want out of something, I can easily get out of it. Chains. Glass. Like the glass at Taft's that Bo didn't know she could walk through. I am far more knowledgeable of my own abilities". Isabeau smiled as she took her next turn.
Lauren nodded. It would be wonderful to just put Isabeau out in a field and see what she could do that Bo had never shown her yet. She wasn't even sure if Bo knew all that Isabeau did. She seemed quite comfortable in her own skin. The same skin that scared the hell out of Bo. The not knowing. The fear of losing control and never getting it back under control. A monster inside of her.
Isabeau didn't seem like a monster. She just seemed like a younger version of Aife. Scared of nothing. Wanting for nothing. The Doctor hadn't seen a single weakness in the brunette sitting next to her. Well besides that one second when her voice cracked as she asked Lauren to go away with her.
She understood why she asked her. If and when Hades surfaced, she wanted Lauren there. To watch over her. To protect her.
A chill came over the Doctor. She was remembering the first time she truly saw the Succubus. She was staring right at her as she drained the Lich. Then she spoke to her. Trusted her to see the real her before any of the rest of them had. It dawned on her that she must have relinquished control then thinking she scared Lauren. But that was far from the truth.
The Doctor was in awe at what she had just witnessed. Not only did the Succubus drain multiple people, but she did while it protecting Lauren too. Lauren had jumped off of the table, took a deep breath and hurried over to the stage. Not knowing who she was about to wake up. What would the Succubus had done if she still had control?
"I did it for you. Bo panicked, so I had to take control. I had to take the Lich out. He was a pompous bastard that needed to die. Nobody threatens you". Isabeau said pulling Lauren from her musings.
The reality that the Succubus knew what she was thinking was fascinating too.
"Can you read my mind because of your chi? Lauren asked.
"No. I just thought of it for some reason and thought I would explain what happened. Just like that sex orgy. He had put his hands on you, I was about to kill him when you stepped in and stopped me". Isabeau answered as she gripped the steering wheel a little tighter.
"Kenzi was there too. Or who we thought was Kenzi". Lauren said.
"I know. They were all going to die and should have died. But I could never say no to you". Isabeau said honestly.
Lauren tried not to blush, so she turned her head to look out the window.
"It is alright". Isabeau said gently tapping Lauren's shoulder, and pulled her hand back.
The Succubus parked and Lauren looked surprised.
Isabeau immediately gathered the books Lauren bought, and took them inside. She quickly returned for the Doctor.
"This is our home away from home". Isabeau smiled extending her hand out to Lauren.
Lauren nodded, and stepped out of the car. Once Lauren was inside, she raced back to grab their bags.
Lauren gasped at the house. It was clean. There were bookshelves stocked with books. Every piece of furniture you could imagine. It even held a couple of massive desks in every corner.
"I'm not the geeky one. So I thought you might enjoy this". Isabeau said standing behind Lauren.
"What are the books? Lauren asked.
"I'm not sure. I just asked for the shelves to be stocked with as many books as my people could find". Isabeau answered as she too studied the room.
Lauren smiled at the word people. Isabeau was certainly like Aife now in that regard. She gets stuff done without even looking like she's doing anything.
"Now the kitchen should be fully stocked of everything you like to eat. There are tons of towels and extra blankets should the fireplace, and beds not be warm enough". Isabeau said as she set the last of Lauren's bags down.
"I would like to shower". Lauren said shyly.
"Of course. The bathroom is right there, and your bedroom is adjacent to it. I have my own bath of course". Isabeau said pointing straight ahead.
"Where are you going to sleep? Lauren asked.
Isabeau smiled. "I have my own bedroom right there, Doctor".
Lauren nodded when she noticed double doors on the opposite side of the room Isabeau told her was hers.
When Lauren vanished into the bathroom, Isabeau took her bags into her room, and then grabbed her own and took them into her room.
She wasn't shy about seeing Lauren naked, it's not like she hadn't seen any of it before. But the Doctor had plenty of robes, and tolietries at her disposal.
She started a warm fire, and flopped down on the couch. She would shower too, once she was content that Lauren had settled in.
Bo once spoke of a normal life with Lauren, well this was pretty normal. The separate bedrooms were a must because the Succubus would never push for more than Lauren was ready for. She had witnessed the destruction of their relationship. That was something that Bo didn't see, didn't want to see, or couldn't see. Lauren needed to be first, and now, she was. None of the things she had stocked in the house were for the Succubus. It was all about Lauren and her comfort.
She shuddered hearing the door open and the shower gel and shampoos hit her nose. She shook her head when her eyes flashed blue.
Twenty minutes later, Lauren returned to the living room.
"If you need to feed, you can go". Lauren said quietly.
"No. I'm fine. I was just waiting for you to shower, and get comfortable before I showered". Isabeau smiled.
Lauren nodded and the Succubus ran into her room to shower. She didn't even remember turning the water on before she had already lathered up, washed her hair, rinsed and dried off. Throwing on a tank top and sweats, she emerged to find Lauren cooking a late dinner.
She smiled at how easily the Doctor could whip up something. The feeding thing was a little embarrassing. Not because she needed to feed, she just didn't need it as often as Bo had led the Doctor to believe. Then there was the sexual feeds. They were even more embarrassing. Why would she need to have sex to feed? She could feed from driving down the road if she needed to, and right now she didn't. Lauren was giving her more energy than any Chi could.
"That smells good". Isabeau smiled as she took a seat at the dining room table.
"Dinner will be ready in a few minutes". Lauren said as she walked over with a bottle of wine, and poured Isabeau a glass.
The Succubus stayed where she was. She enjoyed watching Lauren enjoying another part of her element, the Science of cooking.
Lauren returned again with their plates, and Isabeau stood to take hers. She helped the Doctor sit, and took the chair across from her.
Once they were done eating, Isabeau cleaned while Lauren relaxed on the couch. Once she was done, she joined her.
"So. There is no immediate plan other than for us to rest and relax here. You can read as much as you want, as often as you want. I will not be disturbing you. Should you need anything that has not been provided to you here, just ask. There is a laptop for every desk you see. Other than that, have your fun. I can find ways to occupy myself. I know you want to read about him. I will find a separate area to practice doing things I've never done before. So don't be shocked if you hear a few explosions or smell fire. And we do have fire extinguishers here". Isabeau explained quietly.
"I just want to read a few chapters, and then I will go to bed". Lauren said softly staring into brown eyes.
"Ahh. Then I will leave you to it". Isabeau smiled as she stood, and walked over to her room. She opened the doors, and left them open. It wasn't an invitation for sex, it was to show the Doctor that she trusted her to come and go as she pleased.
Lauren sighed gently opening her first book. How was a human written book going to tell her all that she wanted and needed to know about an otherworldly man.
Isabeau was right. She's a walking example of her father. Just like any regular child would be of their parents. There it is, the first page in learning a little more about Bo, and a lot more about Isabeau.
Isabeau smiled in her room. Lauren was a book person. She needed to read things as much as she needed to study them in her labs. She deserved one of those too.
Hale and Kenzi
"Are you at least going to tell me where we are? Kenzi asked.
"You just need to know that we are here for a bit. I will run the Ash office from here, and you are never to leave. Not until Aife gives me the all clear". Hale answered.
"The all clear for what? Kenzi asked.
"The all clear that true hell has come and gone". Hale replied.
He sighed when Kenzi stopped asking questions, and was already flipping through a nearby flat screen TV.
Aife
"Have they arrived? Aife asked.
"Yes ma'am. They have". A man replied.
"Then burn every scrap of evidence of their location, even if it means burning your tongue so you can't reveal it to anyone". Aife said coldly.
"Yes ma'am". The man said as he rushed off.
Isabeau and Lauren
It has been a few hours, and it was awfully quiet. The Succubus was no longer hearing pages being turned. So she emerged from her room.
Her heart stopped when she saw Lauren. The Doctor had a book cradled in her arms. Her head was down, and her hair flowed over the book. The Succubus tiptoed over to her. She picked her up, and carried her into her room. She pulled the book form her arms and set it down on the nearest nightstand. Lauren curled up, and the Succubus pulled the sheets and blankets over her.
The Succubus left the Doctor's room, leaving the doors open. Tonight was a good night. But she needed to be ready for the days, and nights ahead of them.
She wasn't worried about him stealing Lauren away in the night. For as powerful as he is, so is Isabeau. If he touched Lauren, he would surely scream, and that amused her.
She sighed as she cuddled up in the bed. She licked her lips. Everything about this night had been delicious. And contrary to Fae belief, it was just as satisfying as making love to the woman across the hall from her. She took a deep breath, and closed her eyes.
Dyson
Dyson stewed on his back in his bed. He thought about what Laveau had told him about being a prisoner of his own mind. But what could she know that Trick didn't? If Trick thought he was good enough for Bo, no other Fae's opinion mattered.
He, and Bo had been hot and heavy since Taft's. He thought they were getting close again. Close enough for Bo to fall for him again. Mate with him like he had with her. But who or what did he mate with? Isabeau was embarrassingly dismissive of him. She hates him with every fiber of her being. And some of her being should involve Bo.
He shook his head in disgust. When he was mating with Bo, he never thought about her Succubus. He assumed she would feel for him as Bo did. Which if he was honest with himself, it wasn't much. But then she went into his memories. He hoped she would have seen all that he felt for her. Did for her. He would likely never know because Isabeau does not give a damn about him or his feelings.
He went into Bo's Dawning to make sure, she would come back out alive, even if he didn't. She went into his memories and never came out. He growled in anger. No matter what Bo felt for him, he would never stop loving her. Wanting her. Fighting for her, as only he knew how. To the very end.
TBC
