Lauren
Lauren straightened up in her chair. She'd started to nod off watching Isabeau sleep. She had turned over more than once. She'd called out Lauren's name once in her sleep. The doctor responded but never went to her.
Who is this woman that looks like Bo? Talks like Bo. But doesn't do much else like Bo. Well there's one thing she hasn't tested, but had a pretty good idea how their sex life would be.
She scratched her forehead at the thought. They weren't ready for that. Would it even be fair? Would it be right? Lauren had a problem not too many people would have. She could fall in bed with a Succubus and Bo at the same time.
But hadn't she already done that a few times? Was it fair to Isabeau then? Bo's kisses were always different. The doctor now wondered if she'd ever kissed Isabeau and didn't know because her eyes were closed. That last time she purposely kissed the Succubus, she controlled it. It was warm, and tender. Something an ordinary Succubus wouldn't allow without taking over the kiss.
Suddenly, she stood and tiptoed out of the room. Grabbing a glass of water, she walked to her bedroom and climbed into bed. Once she drank it all, she snuggled up under the thick sheets and blankets. She listened to herself breathing as she stared at the ceiling.
She thought of Crystal. The woman would be murdered in this world. She thought she had been. Evony would never tell her. She'd allow her to assume it.
Poor Crystal. What could Lauren offer her? She wasn't into her like she's into Lauren. Go away because Crystal wanted her to? Because she asked her to? For years, Lauren had stayed with the Fae because of Nadia in a deep coma like sleep. For years, she had stayed because of the brunette sleeping in the other room.
She took some deep breaths and started counting the tiny holes in the ceiling decor, until she fell asleep. This was nice because there was nothing she had to do. She could get a few hours of sleep in, then get up to eat. Isabeau had ordered a ton of groceries so they wouldn't need to go out. Word had gotten back to them about Evony and Dyson. She was looking for him nonstop, and Dyson couldn't do anything about it because he didn't exactly know who'd done that to them. He certainly wasn't going to ask Aife.
Lauren smiled and turned in her bed.
Isabeau
The Succubus rolled over on her back and blew out a breath. She'd been fake snoring hoping Lauren would crawl into bed with her. But deep down, she knows they're not ready for that yet.
If Lauren only knew how much she inhaled her scent. Studied it when Lauren wasn't looking. She's far from being a shifter, but she'd trained herself to notice it anywhere. The smell of her skin, and her hair. That day Bo had gone to ask what Nadia knew about the Garuda, was a chance for her to smell it wet. She took advantage of the opportunity.
She was in a privileged position. She could see Lauren whenever Bo did. Study her mind, soul and heart. Know when Lauren was trying to hide Bo crushing it. Know when Lauren was really insulted when Bo mocked her being a doctor. The same dumbass Bo that didn't know Dyson had his love back or that Kenzi helped him get it. Lauren's aura was just as telling as theirs. If it wouldn't make Isabeau look awful, she'd kick her own ass. But it serves Bo right being on the inside for once. It was Isabeau's chance to get Lauren to notice her.
That kiss certainly said she was starting to. It was warm, and if it was anyone else, she would've pulled away. It was calming and soothing, like a parent reading a bedtime story to their child. The Succubus dreamed of that kiss. Did things to Lauren, that she had to roll over, in case the doctor came into her room and saw her blush. Any other Fae would've probably pushed Lauren before she's ready, or pounced without permission because they're ready.
That Fae could be on the other side of the world and die immediately, if Isabeau even thought they were thinking about either scenario. The thought was making her stir. If Bo wasn't inside of her, she would die too. The thought of leaving Lauren in any weakened position because she wanted to save people. People who could very well save their damn selves. But it's okay. Isabeau we will always be Lauren's champion. A champion that would step outside of the ring and let her fight her own fight. But would tag herself in to save the doctor.
They still have a long way to go. Or so she hoped. There's nothing in the world that she wants more than a relationship with Lauren. To actually go out on dates to the movies, opera shows, or simply walk down the street. She'd never got to do those things before. One look in her blue eyes and people would run. She curled up in bed again, and went to sleep.
Hours later
Isabeau showered and gently walked downstairs. Nothing in the small kitchen looked disturbed so she was sure she woke up first. She put some coffee on and watched the machine until it was ready. Pouring a cup, she watched the stairs. She wanted to tap her foot against the floor, but that meant noise. The clock in the corner and refrigerator were making enough noise as it was. For her taste at least. She could busy herself with breakfast, but she wants to take Lauren out. It looks nice enough and the doctor had spent too many hours being cooped up with bullshit. Shouldn't Fae know why Fae died? Let Lauren work as she was trained to, to heal people. Not to smell the dead that Fae likely killed for kicks.
She nearly dropped the ceramic cup when she heard Lauren on the stairs. She gasped at how beautiful she looked.
"Good morning! Lauren smiled.
"Good morning Lauren! There's fresh coffee ready." Isabeau smiled as she turned and poured a cup.
Lauren nodded and slammed the coffee before handing the coffee back.
"Easy sweets. It might burn your throat and tongue." Isabeau said worriedly.
"Like your kisses have never done that before.'' Lauren smiled.
Isabeau spit her coffee out as she blushed.
"Breakfast? Lauren asked.
"I didn't make any sorry." Isabeau said sadly.
"It's okay. I meant do you want to go out for breakfast? Lauren asked.
"Of course! Isabeau smiled setting both cups in the sink. The Succubus held the door for Lauren and waited as she walked by, taking in her scents again.
The women picked a simple restaurant because it had a spectacular view from the patio decks. Isabeau noticed women and men eyeing Lauren. She smiled wondering if they were jealous she wasn't dining with them. They don't stand a chance, she laughed internally.
"Are you okay after yesterday? I know letting Crystal go must have been hard on you." Isabeau said softly
Lauren sighed. It was such a loaded question, but also something she needed to talk about. "Yes I'm okay. I just wish she hadn't been dragged into the Fae world. Not all humans make it out alive."
"Nadia wanted to die Lauren. She was struggling with more than the Garuda. Her aura was darker than the darkest night. I know that may not ease your guilt, but I'm just telling you what I saw. I think Bo saw it too. Which is part of the reason she struggled to kill her. I think being cursed for so long took a huge toll on her. And as we all know, Dr. Lewis, that curse wasn't your fault. You had no way of knowing she'd been cursed. The Ash was never going to tell you. The first Ash before Lachlan took over, that is." Isabeau gently rubbed Lauren's hand.
Lauren nodded and took another bite. "Thank you for that. I struggled with that too. She begged me to kill her. I couldn't do it. I couldn't look in her eyes and close them at the same time. Not when she'd already slept under my watch for so long."
"Come on. Let's finish eating and we can go for a walk. Walk as long as you need to. Be my personal tour guide about everything that you want to talk about. Teach me about." Isabeau used two utensils to eat with, to speed up her meal. Lauren was feeding her soul and it was as tasty as her kiss.
Lauren quickly ate. Not enough to give herself heartburn. A walk sounds wonderful. She'd already dressed for any eventuality. Isabeau paid their tab, and patiently waited.
Once they were outside, Isabeau pulled her jacket and a small blanket from the back seat of her car. Lauren was wearing her own jacket, but should she get colder, and she could wear the Succubus jacket and use the blanket to rest.
The women walked slowly and Isabeau paid close attention when Lauren pointed something out. Aife had sent a text and the succubus asked her to handle whatever could cause them to have to break away from their plans. She didn't care what Kenzi or Dyson were up to. She didn't care who or what the other Fae were fighting about. She cared about the woman now walking arm in arm with her.
After a few hours passed, they stopped for lunch. When Lauren wanted onions on her burger but felt embarrassed about having bad breath, the Succubus pulled a small bag from her jacket pocket. In it the doctor found mouthwash, a small toothbrush and toothpaste. Isabeau pulled another bag from her other pocket and flashed the same contents to a worried Lauren.
"I still want my tour." Isabeau smiled to break the awkward moment. The women freshened up with their contents and left the restaurant.
Lauren smiled as they walked out of the restaurant and continued their long slow stroll down the street. Nobody wanted to hear her talk about anything for hours at a time. Now she was talking about everything from food to nature to science. They passed by a street painter, and Lauren even found science in that. Isabeau found it adorable. They passed by a bar and Lauren stopped.
"Are you cold? Hungry? Thirsty? Isabeau asked.
"Dance with me." Lauren said.
"Ummm. Right here? Isabeau asked.
"Right here." Lauren replied
Isabeau nodded and set the blanket on a patio table. She turned around and took Lauren's hands.
Lauren pulled her close and started to hum along to the song that was playing. Isabeau smiled as people looked at them. Let them look. This is a dream come true. The closest she ever got to dancing with Lauren was in Bo's arms in Dyson's memories. She shook her head to get that following image out of her head. If she wanted Lauren, why didn't she just say so? Fight for her and get her away from Evony? But she didn't, and brought young human Lauren to help save a thousand year old Fae.
Isabeau wants Lauren. But Lauren doesn't know her like that yet. So she could and would go slower than a turtle trying to catch a rabbit, if it meant Lauren at the finish line.
They finally ditched the city, and drove to a park. Isabeau pulled a couple of pillows and a thick blanket from the back seat and carried them to an open area. She helped Lauren sit as they watched the others. Lauren stretched out, and laid her head on a pillow. Isabeau started to see her doze off and placed a blanket over her.
"It's okay Lauren. You can nap. I'll watch out for people, dogs and frisbees." Isabeau said.
Lauren reached out, and took one of Isabeau's hands. She squeezed it, and closed her eyes. Isabeau was going to be her tour guide now. Guiding whatever she was about to dream about. With the Succubus chi in her, she could actually sleep. None of her dreams were bad anymore. Not even her constant dreams of Nadia dying in her arms. Not even dead Fae bodies that she'd seen bloodied and maimed. Her dreams had started to be about Isabeau and everything they'd done and been through lately. That long kiss the Succubus gave her to wake her up. Her sweet double toned voice that cooed over her as she came to.
A part of her died in there thinking she wouldn't ever come out. But she knew that going in. As a doctor, her job was to save lives. Even if it was Dyson's. Even after he spit on her humanity or bad-mouthed her to every Ash he served. He even wanted to be an Ash once and was laughed out of the room. His latest romps were well known. So known that the stories pierced Lauren's ears.
Lauren had succumbed to her tears as she bent down and struggled to untie her string. The woman she thought was Bo, had fallen to the floor looking horrified, and ripped hers off with one hand. And then she was gone. Lauren let the string go, stood, and reached into nothing and kissed the space Bo once stood, goodbye. She didn't know if it was air suddenly being sucked out of her or if she was having a panic attack because she felt the strongest pull. It felt familiar and matched the aftermath of Bo's Dawning. Except she wasn't being fed from, she was being fed. At first she thought it was Bo. But Bo had suddenly left without a word. She probably feared Dyson would die soon, and left Lauren to her own foolishness. But she'd woken up to the softest blue eyes she'd ever seen in a Succubus. A Succubus begging her to wake up.
Another part of her died again. The part of her that knows she will never be the same again. Bo had just told her she had just buried her, so she couldn't really be there, but she was. It didn't bother her that Lauren was in Dyson's memories too and she really could die. But it immediately bothered Isabeau and she was the one that left and proceeded to save Lauren's life. It was Isabeau that got her to safety, Dyson's life be damned. This woman. This Succubus was following her heart. It's time for Lauren to follow the path of her own. She still wants to go slow with this, and she's going to enjoy every minute of it.
Lauren opened her eyes, and jumped at the sight.
"Whoa. Whoa. It's ok Lauren." Isabeau said softly.
"I'm... I'm sorry." Lauren whispered.
"For what? Isabeau laughed.
"It's dark now. You must've been bored by now, and wanted to go home hours ago." Lauren was embarrassed.
"Nonsense. I've had a good time today. I even played one handed frisbee with a few kids." Isabeau smiled as she handed Lauren a bottle of water.
"Your hand. I'm sorry.'' Lauren said releasing it. It looked bruised like Lauren had squeezed the hell out of it.
"My hand is fine. You obviously needed sleep, and you were going to get it. Now, are you ready to go? It's a little late to call it dinner, but we're still going to eat." Isabeau smiled.
"I'm ready". Lauren said softly.
"Ok . Take a few minutes to wake up while I pack up everything." Isabeau gently pulled Lauren to her feet, and grabbed the pillows and blankets. She ran to the car, and quickly returned for Lauren.
The women started to walk, and Lauren wrapped her arm around Isabeau's. They climbed into the car, and sped home.
Lauren was surprised to find dinner already prepared and served. Aife nodded and left them to eat. The Succubus usually cracked a joke or said something about something. But she didn't this time.
"I called her about an hour ago. Time for food doctor." Isabeau said pulling a chair out for Lauren. She uncovered their plates and found fresh veggies, baked potatoes and steaks.
Lauren sighed into her first bite as Isabeau poured two glasses of chilled wine. This had been the perfect day. The first day to hopefully forever with Lauren. They ate and talked. Lauren retired upstairs as Isabeau loaded the dishwasher.
She joined the doctor or thought she was about to say good night. She looked around and didn't hear a sound.
"Are you going to join me or not?! Lauren screamed gently.
The Succubus slowly walked into the bathroom. Lauren was taking a bubble bath. Her eyes flashed blue at the sight. She immediately undressed and climbed in, sitting in front of Lauren. She didn't know what to do with her legs, arms, and hands. She was panting and was sure Lauren noticed.
"It's only a bath." Lauren said as her hand ghosted down Isabeau's back with a soft towel.
"I...I can do that." Isabeau's voice cracked.
"So can I." Lauren said as she took the towel and gently wrapped it around Isabeau's neck. Slowly tugging on the towel she turned the Succubus head slightly to the left.
After such a full meal, their eyes were hungry. Lauren stared just once more before she leaned forward. Their lips slammed into each other as Lauren pulled on the towel pulling Isabeau closer to her. The Succubus grabbed Lauren's head and pushed her tongue as far as it could go into her mouth. They kissed for almost half an hour until the water started to turn cold. Climbing out, they dried off and climbed into a single bed.
Lauren ran her fingers up and down Isabeau's back until she heard the Succubus fall asleep.
"Are you really sleep this time? Lauren laughed.
"Lauren if I turn over, we'll…" Isabeau sighed.
"Not tonight." Lauren said softly.
"Then why am I in the same bed with you? Isabeau shivered as Lauren ran her fingers down her back again.
"Because eventually I'll need sleep again. You will be my sleeping pill. Like you were earlier, but this time, I'll sleep with you in my arms." Lauren cooed into the Succubus ears.
"Slow. Slow." Isabeau nodded gently.
"Yes. We're still going slow. If you can wait Succubus, when we do go, it will be the fastest you've ever experienced". Lauren said as she kissed the Succubus cheek.
Isabeau closed her eyes and splashed her face with the bottled water on the nightstand. She's too powerful to die, but Lauren was deliciously going to be the death of her.
TBC
