The next night Tamsin sat at the bar of the Dal trying not to drink herself into a stupor. Kara's promise of help was exactly what she had hoped for but that did nothing to calm the knots that had been forming in her stomach. Her eyes looked across the bar at Dyson and Kenzi as they attempted to play a game of darts and Hale sat laughing at them. Neither was particularly good at it. She was tempted to go and join them but her mind was in too much of a chaotic state to be of any fun. The party for Bo the previous night never happened because the succubus ended up bringing down an imp that had taken up residence in an old folk's home. While they weren't really "private investigators" anymore, people still seemed to find Kenzi and Bo when they needed help of the supernatural variety. So Trick made them all promise to come the following night. Tamsin looked down at her watch. They all had been there for quite awhile waiting for the succubus. Nobody knew where she was.
"I wandered lonely as a cloud..."Lauren said taking the stool next to Tamsin.
"That floats on high o'er vales and hills," Tamsin replied.
"You know Wordsworth? I continue to be impressed by you detective," Lauren said smiling as she flagged down Trick.
"Well, if you ever try my special lasagna recipe I dare say you might fall in love," Tamsin said with a wink.
They both laughed as Trick ambled over, an exasperated look on his face.
"What kind of party is this with no guest of honor? Bo said she would be here two hours ago. It's not like her to blow off her friends or family," he said scowling as he mixed Lauren's drink.
"Are you serious with that, a cosmopolitan?" Tamsin said raising her eyebrows.
"What, just because I'm a doctor doesn't mean I don't like girly drinks," Lauren said taking a deep sip. "Yum, now that right there is perfection."
Tamsin just shook her head and ordered another whiskey and soda.
"I've been reading up on Valkyrie lore and history. You come from a very noble race. It must be hard to live up to that."
"Wow Doc, way to bring down the vibe," Tamsin said laughing uncomfortably.
"Oh God, I'm sorry, that came out wrong. What I meant to say is, it must be hard sometimes being here. Everything is so different. Easy to feel distant from everyone else," she said gesturing towards the group on the other side of the bar.
"I guess. But I've been away from Valhalla for a very long time."
"May I ask why?"
"You can ask but I don't want to talk about it. How about we save that for another day?" Tamsin said sipping her drink.
"Okay, fair enough. But I'm going to hold you to that," Lauren said with a smile.
"Can I ask you a question? Do you feel disconnected as a human dealing with the fae?"
"Sometimes. Especially the way my relationship with the fae began. Kenzi fits in better in some ways. She doesn't have my baggage and she doesn't take things too seriously. She is also fiercely loyal to Bo. I don't always feel quite so anchored."
"Not even when you were with Bo?"
"Especially not when I was with Bo. She and I have this great passion between us but such different approaches to...everything. I'm too analytical, she's too nonchalant. She has... needs that have to be filled elsewhere. It was bound to implode so I ended it," Lauren said, a wistful look taking over her face. "But sometimes I regret it."
"You could always ask her to come back to you," Tamsin said, her heart filled with pity for the human doctor.
"No, that time has passed. We still love each other but it just wouldn't work. You two on the other hand..," Lauren said raising her glass and taking a sip.
"There is no us two Doc."
"Well, I give my blessing regardless and I'm sure Dyson would as well. We just want to see Bo happy."
Tamsin wondered how that felt, to love someone so much that you would do whatever was necessary to ensure their happiness. Even if it meant you wouldn't be a part of it. Then her mind reflected back to the decision she made the night before about returning to Valhalla. She already knew that feeling better than she could have imagined.
"What's that look for?" Lauren said cocking her head to the side.
"I was just thinking that no matter how fast you try to run from things, sometimes they have a way of catching up to you."
"Hmm, I thought maybe you were thinking about whoever gave you that hickey."
Tamsin self consciously touched the area on her neck. It had almost faded but could still be seen in the right light.
"Um no, I wasn't. I must ask though, why do you think Bo and I..."
"It's the way your eyes light up when you talk about her. No matter the conversation, if Bo's name comes into it you get this dreamy eyed look. It's sweet really," Lauren said patting Tamsin's arm.
"Sweet? Oh I am definitely off my A game when people start using me and sweet in the same sentence. Now how about just for that I kick your butt in some pool?" Tamsin said getting up and grabbing her glass.
"You're on. Although I must warn you, I am really really good," Lauren replied with a smirk.
While playing pool Dyson, Kenzi and Hale all came to watch. Each woman won a game then decided to have a tie breaker.
"I have to say, I think the Doc has got this. Sorry Tam Tam," Kenzi said putting down ten dollars on the pool table.
"Oh we're making bets? Count me in and I'm going with my partner here," Dyson said putting down another ten.
"Smart choice," Tamsin said slapping Dyson on the back.
Everyone looked at Hale who was busy nuzzling into Kensi's neck as she sat on his lap. He looked up sheepishly and grinned. "Come on, I can't choose. That's like asking me to choose what I look better in, my fedoras or my suits."
"You look great in both honey," Kenzi said wrapping her arms around his neck.
"Exactly my point. I refuse to pick, you're both my favorite blondes."
"Well how about I help you with that," Bo said coming up behind them.
"So you decided to grace us with your presence," Trick joked as he walked from behind the bar. Bo leaned in to kiss him on the cheek as he playfully swatted her with his hand.
"I was a little busy, I apologize. The time got away from me," Bo said.
Tamsin tried not to stare too hard at the succubus. She looked great as usual. Her chestnut hair was down and spilling like a waterfall over her shoulders. She had on her tight black pants, a sleeveless dark blue blouse and a dark brown leather jacket.
"So, I'm going to put my money on Lauren," Bo said placing her money on top of the other bills.
"Of course you are," Tamsin said with a smirk. "Guess that leaves you with me sarge."
Hale saluted the Valkyrie as she bent over to take her shot. She tried to keep her eyes down and focused on the ball she needed to hit but she could feel Bo's eyes on her and it was more distracting than she anticipated. She steadied herself and made the shot sending the ball flying over the edge of the table.
"Fuck," Tamsin yelled as Lauren and Kenzi did a happy dance.
"Damn girl. You could have least kept the ball on the table," Hale said shaking his head.
"Seems like you got a bit distracted there Tamsin," Bo said as she picked up the ball and walked over to her, placing it in her hand. "You should be more careful next time."
"I'll be sure to do that," Tamsin said as she took the ball. Their fingertips brushed against each other and she felt the heat that radiated from Bo. She fought the urge that suddenly erupted in her to take Bo over her knee and teach her about the wrongs of breaking her concentration. The Valkyrie shook her head to get rid of the thought and saw the succubus smirk as she turned to talk to Dyson and Hale. She knows what she's doing to me, Tamsin thought as she slammed the ball on the pool table.
"You two," Lauren said leaning into Tamsin.
"You're drunk," Tamsin said pointing to Lauren's line of empty glasses. "And wrong."
"Wrong about what?" Kenzi said jumping between them.
"Oh, Tamsin and Bo..." Lauren began as Tamsin silenced her with her hand. Lauren giggled.
"Okay, for realzies Doc you are totally drunk. And Bo and Tamsin are old news," Kenzi said leaning on Tamsin's other shoulder.
"What are you talking about?"Tamsin said furrowing her brow.
"Oh come on. Your excitement when you told me and Hale she was home, you being all sulky pants like a lovesick teen and Bo constantly hate flirting with you."
"Hate flirting? Is that even a thing?" Lauren said leaning back against the pool table to steady herself.
"Oh my friend that is most definitely a thing. And Bo and Tamsin have it down to a science. Did you not just see that exchange? You could cut the tension with a knife, preferably a cleaver. Ha look, now she's blushing," Kenzi said dodging away as Tamsin tried to grab her.
"I don't know why I hang out with you people," Tamsin said shaking her head.
"Because you lurve us," Kenzi said blowing her a kiss.
Tamsin glanced away from Kenzi and noticed a guy enter the bar that she had never seen before. He looked around for a bit then seemed to see who he wanted and began heading to where the group was sitting. Tamsin frowned as a he walked up behind Bo and slid his hands around her waist.
"Hey babe. Finally found a parking spot," the guy said kissing Bo's cheek.
"Everybody this is Richard," Bo said introducing each of them.
"Oh, is he why you were late?" Kenzi asked in a stage whisper.
Bo just smiled and grabbed Richards's hand pulling him to a table in the corner. The group gave each other looks of surprise then went back to their individual conversations. Lauren stood up but ended up falling back into the pool table.
"Whoa there Doc, are you okay?"
"Fine Tamsin, I'm just...oooh wait is the room actually spinning or am I?"
"You were throwing those drinks back like juice. No wonder you're drunk. Come on, I'm taking you home," Tamsin said putting Lauren's arm over her shoulder.
"Lauren, do you need me?" Bo said running up to them.
"No. Go back to your date Bo. Tamsin's got it," Lauren said patting the succubus's cheek.
"Can you make sure she gets home okay?" Bo said, a look of concern on her face.
"That was the plan Bo," Tamsin said, annoyance in her voice.
Bo gave her an irritated look then waved them off. As Tamsin turned with Lauren she saw Kenzi give her a look as she bit her lip and mouthed hate flirt. Tamsin couldn't help but laugh.
Dyson and Hale took over helping get Lauren into Tamsin's truck. The doctor fell asleep as soon as they started moving. They arrived at the doctor's place fairly quick and Tamsin managed to sling Lauren over her shoulder to carry her into the apartment. Valkyrie strength came in handy some time.
"I am so embarrassed," Lauren said as Tamsin laid her down on her bed.
"Don't be, it was nice to see you let your hair down. You should do it more often," Tamsin said sitting on the edge of the bed.
"I have had alot of shit going on in my life the last few years. Now I am just going to take it easy and..."
"And what Doc?"
Lauren put her hand up and jumped out of the bed. Tamsin watched as she ran to the bathroom and began retching into the toilet. A few minutes later the toilet flushed and the faucet was turned on. Finally Lauren emerged, a sheepish look on her face.
"No more cosmos," Lauren said falling face first onto the bed.
"Will you be okay?" Tamsin said getting up.
"Yes, but before you go I think I found the way to stop the end of your life cycle," Lauren said turning over.
"Really? What is it?"
"You have to become Bo's shield maiden."
Tamsin dropped back down to the bed and smiled sadly." Do you even know what that is Lauren?"
"Yes, I told you I've been reading about your race. From what I understand it is a Valkyrie who fights as a warrior but could also be one who chooses to fight beside a specific warrior. The two would become one in a sense, the life of the Valkyrie existing as long as the warrior lived. Is that right?"
"For the most part yes. But it is not something to consider lightly. The two will become one in every way. Where one goes so must the other and the shield maiden must take up the causes of the warrior. There must be either true love or friendship there. Neither of which Bo and I have," Tamsin said getting up again. "It was a good idea anyway Doc."
Lauren sat up and looked into Tamsin's eyes. "You deserve happiness Tamsin. Whatever you did in the past, don't let that dictate your future."
Tamsin leaned against her truck as she stood outside of the Dal. Lauren's words echoed in her head. Being a shield maiden had never been a thought, even after she realized she had feelings for Bo. And she knew why, the Valkyrie wasn't good enough to be shield maiden to a woman like Bo. Despite her recent behavior Bo was genuinely good at heart, always there for others, willing to sacrifice whatever for the people she cared about. The words she said to Bo in her bathtub all those months ago still rang true. Your heart is both strong and gentle. You're virtuous yet you're a succubus. Someone like that deserved another equally suited. That will never be me, Tamsin thought to herself. But the least she could do was ensure Bo didn't end up corrupted. And she was willing to sacrifice herself to make sure that never happened.
Tamsin began walking towards the bar door when she noticed Trick out of the corner of her eye.
"Old man, are you smoking?" Tamsin said folding her arms.
Trick walked out from behind the dumpster with a sheepish grin on his face." Just because I'm old doesn't mean I know any better. I think you know something about that," Trick said putting out the cigarette.
"Don't I" Tamsin said laughing. "So did you hear back from Stella?"
"Yes, she believes that she has someone who would be strong enough to figure out what is going on in Bo's mind. Her guess is that if Bo's dad did mess with it, he would have put some kind of psychic wall that only a really powerful fae could get beyond."
"Good, when do you think... what's wrong?" Tamsin said noticing Trick's face change.
"I don't know it feels like some kind of hush just fell over everything. Didn't it suddenly get really quiet to you?"
Tamsin listened and realized he was right. It wasn't noticeable at first but the silence was akin to white noise. It felt like everything else was being blocked out. Trick and the Valkyrie gave each other a look and rushed inside of the Dal.
"Holy shit," Tamsin said as they took in what was going on inside.
Bo was standing in the center of the room glowing a shade of red, her eyes wide open and illuminated in blue. The remaining people in the bar, including her new friend Richard, were all in some sort of trance. Their bodies were swaying to something only they could hear, their moans signifying what the succubus was making them feel.
"What the hell is she doing? Bo stop this now," Trick said starting to walk over to her. He stopped dead in his tracks as Bo turned her head to him and said," When I am done I will release them. Until then you wait."
Tamsin watched as Trick nodded his head and realized Bo was controlling him. She used that to her advantage as she moved around so that she was behind a pillar. Her heart felt like it was going to beat out of her chest as she tried to think of a way to break Bo's spell. She pulled a hair tie out of her pocket and wrapped her hair into its usual bun and readied herself. Her face took on it Valkyrie form and she made her way over to the succubus. Bo turned to her and Tamsin could feel the power being sent her way. She couldn't fight it but so long so she tried to get as close as possible.
"You don't want to do this, especially to Trick," Tamsin said as she got closer.
"I would never hurt my grandfather. I'm simply having fun," Bo said a hint of doubt in her voice.
Tamsin took that opportunity to lunge at Bo, tackling her to the ground. She straddled her and held her down. She could feel everyone in the room, including Trick break from Bo's hold.
"Everyone out now," Trick yelled.
People started leaving but Richard ran over to where Tamsin and Bo were.
"That was so awesome. Are we going back to your place to uh finish?" he said, his voice eager.
"Seriously dude? What the fuck are you?" Tamsin said whipping her head in his direction.
"Um, I'm a druid. Well my dad is and my mom is.."
"That's interesting because I thought maybe you were a member of the dumb fucks. Get the hell out of here now," Tamsin yelled.
Bo began to laugh hysterically as Richard ran out of the bar, Trick followed behind to lock the door.
Tamsin released Bo's arms but stayed on top of her. "Do you mind explaining what we just saw?"
"Not really," Bo replied, her laughter subsiding. She stared into Tamsin's eyes for a moment and a seductive look came over her face. "God, you are so fucking hot," she said grabbing the back of Tamsin's head and bringing her down for a kiss.
Tamsin pulled back but the minute their lips met she felt herself reciprocating. She couldn't stop the moans that immediately came from her mouth and was shocked at her body's immediate response. Bo's hands grabbed onto her hips and pushed them down making her grind into the succubus. If not for Trick calling her name, Tamsin knew she would have given in right then and there. Instead she pried their lips apart and proceeded to pull back and punch Bo in the jaw. A look of shock replaced the one of ecstasy on Bo's face, and then she began laughing again.
Tamsin pulled Bo up from the floor and threw her against the bar. She yanked a pair of handcuffs from her pocket and snapped them on Bo's hands which she placed behind her back.
"Hmm, if you wanted to get me into handcuffs detective, all you had to do was ask," Bo said still shaking with laughter.
"What's wrong with her?" Tamsin said turning to Trick.
"I think she is experiencing some kind of high from all the energy she was gathering," Trick said, a worried look on his face. 'I've never seen her like this."
"It's only going to get worse. Whatever He did to Bo, pretty soon she isn't going to be the succubus we know."
"Where are you taking her?" Trick said as Tamsin moved Bo towards the front door.
"We're going on a little field trip," Tamsin said as they went out into the night.