Authors Notes:
Hi lovelies! I'm blown away still that anyone is reading this, I feel so privileged that people would want to read my ramblings! Thank you to everyone that has followed, favourited and especially reviewed, your words keep me going and I love reading all you have to say about the story and your ideas. Not too much angst in this one :-)
I've had to re-upload this chapter a few times now as the site went a bit wonky, so hopefully this will fix it.
Chapter 6 - Breathe
"It's all or nothing this time Doc" Tamsin stared straight into Lauren's eyes "one of us isn't going to make it out of this"
"What do you mean one of us isn't going to make it out of this?!" Lauren demanded, returning the valkyrie's stare.
"It's bad. Real bad, and I'm not sure you've got what it takes. I'm sorry, I thought you might have been ready. This is all my fault" Tamsin gushed before being cut off by Lauren.
"Don't say that! You don't know that. I can do this. I'm gonna make it" The doctor declared, albeit with a slight tremour in her voice.
"Ok. It's time. Show cards!" Tamsin demanded, laying down her cards onto the coffee table that she was seated, cross-legged on the floor across from Lauren who was also seated on the floor, somehow managing to still look elegant "Full house. Aces over threes - beat that!"
"Hmmmm... What does it mean when they're all the same suit and all in a line?" Lauren chuckled as she showed her cards, winning the game. "Those M&M's are mine, all mine!" The blonde doctor snatched the overflowing bowl of candy off the table to herself and pumped her fist in the air to celebrate her victory.
"Dammit! How do you do that? I've been playing this game since it was made, and you play for an hour and you're beating me?! I suspect foul play" The valkyrie faked sulking, folded arms and pout included.
"Hey now, it's all maths and statistics once you get into it... And, if you're nice, I just MIGHT share some with you... While we watch Star Trek of course" The human woman grinned waiting for the protest to come.
"Oh no! I am not watching that with you. Just no. I have street cred to protect, I can't just go throwing it away for some geek show." The proud valkyrie whined "if Dyson found out, he would never let me live it down!"
"Dyson happens to be a fan. He and I disagree on whether Vulcans or Klingons are superior, but we have spent many a Saturday knocking a season or two over. It's that, or I'm going to make you watch the newest from Disney." Lauren smirked knowing she had her bodyguard backed into a corner "a bet's a bet, I get to choose what we watch. Those are your options - choose wisely!"
"Ugh! Fine. Star Trek it is, but I'm not getting all nerdy with you, and there is no way I'm playing with those toys over there... And don't tell anyone. Ever!" The warrior fae conceded, wishing she had been able to win the card game just so she could skip this "You get your way this time, only because The Morrigan wants us to stay here for the day. As soon as she says it's safe to leave, we're turning off that TV and going to the bar!"
"Deal. I wouldn't let you play with my FIGURINES anyway, they're not for touching." The doctor retorted, still mildy concerned that her housemate would one day touch her beloved collectables. "Do you know why Evony didn't want us going anywhere?"
"She has her people scouting the streets to make sure there isn't any immediate danger to you. She should have it sorted by the end of the day. Until then, we better stay put." The taller blonde replied "speaking of, how's your head this morning?"
"It's better, the headache is going away, should be fine in a few hours I think. I guess I got lucky this time" the doctor knew she had narrowly escaped serious injury "I'm sore all over actually, I guess a fight will do that to you."
"Well... To a human yes, it takes a little more for a fae like me... Super strength and all, look at these babies!" Tamsin beamed, holding up her arms to proudly display her muscles.
"Hey! No human bashing in this house. Literally or figuratively actually..." Lauren replied offended "I held my own last night, if it wasn't for a lucky shot, I would have beat him!"
"Sorry doc, didn't mean anything by it. You're one of the strongest people I know... Fae or human..." Tamsin's neck and cheeks blushed slightly at her admission and admiration of the doctor. It didn't go unnoticed by Lauren, but was a mystery that the doctor decided to let slide. After a moment of silence and avoiding eye contact the valkyrie spoke up again "anyway, let's get this over with. Two episode MAX, then we're moving on!"
"Three episodes and you've got a deal. You grab the popcorn and I'll get it set up" Lauren directed moving to her shelf that housed all of her prized DVD's.
Tamsin microwaved the popcorn and returned with a bowl of the snack to Lauren who was now sitting on the couch with a throw blanket draped over herself. Tamsin looked uncomfortably at the couch, unsure where to sit before placing the popcorn on the coffee table in front of the doctor and returning to her seating dilemma. She was pulled out of it by Lauren's interruption.
"Quit stalling! Sit down and get ready for your mind to be blown!" Lauren ordered, lifting up the blanket indicating for Tamsin to sit beside her and share it.
Tamsin didn't need to be invited twice and promptly sat herself next to Lauren under the white throw. Both women stiffened almost unnoticeably when their arms grazed causing both of them to gather their arms to their own laps to avoid further contact. The doctor jumped straight into excitedly explaining the season they were going to start with, using exaggerated hand motions and even accents while Tamsin tried her best to listen and not tune out.
The fae found herself focussing on the way Lauren's hands moved and lips curled instead of what she was actually saying. She allowed the calming scent of honey and lavender to fill her nostrils as she sat close enough to sense it. She noticed the line of the doctor's collar bones that were visible over the scoop necked cotton t-shirt she was wearing and took in the strong form of the tanned arms as they flailed about explaining nothing Tamsin could understand. She even appreciated the doctor's long fingers when they split into some sort of V shaped salute that didn't matter to the fae woman. While Lauren was caught up in imparting all of her knowledge of the series, Tamsin was internally scolding herself for looking at the dark blonde in that way. She justified it to herself by thinking 'she's just hot and you're not blind. It's been a while is all and you're projecting', but even that logical explanation felt hollow to the warrior.
When the doctor was satisfied that the valkyrie had enough information to begin her journey into the Star Fleet she relaxed back into her seat and started the show, pulling Tamsin out of her own musings and forcing her to look at the screen instead of the doctor.
Lauren took the opportunity while Tamsin was focussed on the story playing in front of them to steal quick glances at the taller blonde, enjoying their proximity that grew into light and comfortable physical contact as they both relaxed into the sofa allowing their shoulders to lean against each others and legs to graze while watching. It was an unsolved mystery for the scientist to unravel. If she was honest with herself, she expected to loathe her new house guest and had planned on fighting the security arrangement. She was surprised to find that she actually appreciated the fae woman's presence, and not just for the lifesaving she had done the night before. She realised she liked the valkyries company and enjoyed her personality and blunt humour. It also helped that she was undeniably attractive.
Lauren had been staring at the corner of Tamsin's mouth when she was caught by Tamsin turning and gazing directly into her eyes. The two women shared an intense moment of eye contact before they were pulled out of their haze by a knock at the door. Both of them jumped at the sound before Tamsin reacted, reluctantly removing her gaze.
"Who the hell? Ugh. I'll get it!" Tamsin rolled her eyes, removing herself from the couch and walking towards the door, using the time to calm her quickening pulse. Lauren shook her head to clear it, unseen by the taller blonde whose back was turned.
...
"Trick, can we talk for a moment?" The wolf shifter enquired of The Ash who was spending a rare day tending the bar at his way-station. Since becoming The Ash of the Light, the blood king hadn't had much time to spend at the Dal. This worked to the benefit of both Kenzi and Hale who worked to pick up the slack left by an absent Trick. While The Ash liked to complain that Kenzi drank twice her wages, he did enjoy both of their company and knew his prized pub was in good hands. It also pleased him that both Hale and Kenzi kept to heart the true mission of the establishment as a peaceful and safe gathering place for all fae and now fae-friendly humans alike.
"Dyson! Good to see you my friend! Of course we may converse, if you don't mind that I continue to shine my glasses" Trick shook his head indicating to the long rows of glassware in front of him "the young couple have a talent for making me money, but they neglect some of the... Finer... Tasks my way-station offers. And before you say it too, I will not be installing a dishwasher, some things are done better by hand."
Dyson smiled enjoying the moment of candid speech coming from his old friend. "Young couple? Hale is barely younger than me, and that was before he and Kenzi spent time beyond the gates... I suppose their dress sense certainly makes them easier to see as young ones, especially as my brother refuses to retire that hat!" Dyson chuckled loudly with Trick joining him in reserved laughter before continuing "Anyway. I just wanted to inform you of an attack last night"
"At Lauren's?" Trick asked met with a confused nod by Dyson "I was actually informed last night, The Morrigan was kind enough to have one of her assistants let me know. How is she?"
Trick embellished the event slightly, not wanting Dyson to know that he and The Morrigan conversed more freely than traditional of the leaders of opposing sides. He also didn't want to explain why he and The Morrigan would talk late at night about a human employee. She may be a very valued member of the fae community, but she was human nonetheless and if other fae saw that there was extra interest in her, it could make keeping the prophesy a secret even harder. Both he and Evony had agreed that while the attack was concerning, it may have been a one off and did not confirm that she was the healer. They did however agree that they would both put in extra effort in keeping her protected.
"Oh. Well that was generous of her I suppose. We think they were hired to attack her" Dyson was surprised that there was such detailed cooperation between the two sides, but was pleased to see it. His view of the division had changed since meeting Bo and even more so since working with Tamsin and befriending Lauren. These three women had worked wonders on his old fae heart and he found himself grateful for a more open outlook on life. "We have a few leads, but I'm not sure they're going to tell us who hired them."
"It is concerning. I understand you and Lauren have become rather... close?" Trick enquired innocently, to which Dyson choked on his fresh drink and vigorously shook his head.
"We are close now, yes, but not like... that..." Dyson spluttered wide-eyed at the insinuation that he would have a romantic involvement with Lauren. He believed he loved her, yes, but saw her more as part of his wolf pack. Besides, he was relatively certain that he was not of the doctors tastes, which he would consider a shame in such an attractive woman if she wasn't such a valued friend in his life.
"Dyson, please. I wasn't suggesting a romantic involvement. I have a feeling you aren't quite what our beloved doctor would look for" Trick was amused at his shifter friend's reaction "which I'm sure is a great shame to one of your stature" the blood king let out a deep chuckle at Dyson's expense.
"Right. Yes. Of course, we are friends now. Why do you ask?" If it wasn't for his full beard, the blush on his cheeks would have been rather obvious.
"I was just hoping you would be willing to provide her with a little extra protection. I understand your time restrictions and I know the valkyrie is her bodyguard, but knowing you also have an eye out for her will make me more comfortable. She is very valuable to the fae, and with the new peace treaties we are working on, her work benefits both sides greatly. Not to mention I am rather fond of having her around" Trick admitted his affection for the human doctor, he saw her as part of his new developing family as well as knowing her possible value to the world.
"Of course, it would be my honour. I will do whatever I can to keep her safe" Dyson responded humbly. He would be be grateful to have an opportunity to save Lauren like she had saved him many times in the past.
"Keep who safe?" Both men whipped their heads to the side to determine the source of the interruption and were met with the curious gazes of both Bo and Kenzi whose mouth was full confirming that a black leather clad Bo had been the one to speak.
Trick and Dyson shared a concerned gaze before turning fully to face the new additions to their conversation. Dyson took a deep breathe yet still declined to speak or answer the question. Trick looked between the two facing each other, unsure of how to respond. Kenzi was focussed on finishing the hotdog she had for some reason carried with her into the pub.
After what seemed like an eon, Dyson finally spoke "Hey Bo. Kenzi" he greeted with a polite smile and a nod "how are the wedding plans coming along ladies?"
With a still full mouth Kenzi replied "oof, great!" Swallowing her mouthful she continued "we'll need to get you fitted for your best man suit soon mister! This isn't a jeans and leather vest affair!"
Dyson laughed in good nature, straightening his vest and dusting off his jeans "aw! C'mon! Give me a break, it took me centuries to perfect this look!"
"No mister. This is a black tie, full booze, all eyes on this prize" Kenzi indicated to her whole body "wedding extravaganza! That means tux up D-man!"
The happy banter was cut short by Bo who slapped the bar top with her hand calling the attention of the other three to her. "That's great, Dyson's wearing a suit and Kenzi is the star of the show. Now! Who are you keeping safe, Dyson?"
Trick nervously looked to the shifter who gazed back at him, as if they were having a stand off as to who would speak, and whether it would be the truth or not.
"Bo, please, take a seat." Trick indicated to one of the bar stools, taking charge of the situation. Bo eyed him suspiciously but did as directed, followed by Kenzi beside her "there was an attack last night on a... Valued member of the fae community and I have asked Dyson here to keep an extra eye out for them when he can. Nothing too serious"
"Hmmmm... Why do I get the feeling that the two of you are hiding something from me?" Bo's eyes narrowing with her gentle accusation.
"Hate to cause a ruckus... Who am I kidding, I love to cause ruckuses! Ruckusee? Ruckusai? What's the plural of 'ruckus'?" Kenzi enquired of the group, getting off topic at a rate of a thousand distractions per second. Her interruption only cause confused glances and slight grins all round.
"Kenzi... Your point... Make it today maybe?" Bo encouraged.
"Right! What was I saying? Oh yeah, I smell a rat. My spidey sense is webbing out, you two are hiding something. What is it? Drugs? Russian arms deals gone wrong?" Kenzi ranted pointing accusingly between the two men on either side of the tall bar. Narrowing her eyes she honed in on Dyson "did they take your favourite chew toy?"
Trick shook his head at the human girl's antics while Dyson raised his eyebrow at the demeaning accusation. Coming from most other people, he would have found it rather offensive, but from Kenzi, it was a welcomed indication that all was right in the world.
"Nothing like that" the blood king gained control of the conversation again.
"What is it, Trick?" Bo asked earnestly, hoping the information wouldn't take much more to come out into the light.
Dyson and Trick shared another meaningful gaze as they considered their options. When it seemed that Trick had decided to come clean, Dyson simply raised his hands in surrender and turned back to face the two women while Trick spoke again.
"First of all, no one was seriously injured and the attackers were killed in the confrontation." Trick took a nervous moment to consider his next words while Bo, Kenzi and Dyson all remained focussed on him "Bo... I don't want you to panic or make any rash decisions"
"Cut to the chase then!" Bo exclaimed, frustrated and growing more worried by the second that her world might just be about to crumble, again.
"Okay. It was Lauren. Her and Tamsin were attacked at their apartment last night. They are both doing fine"
"WHAT?! How could no one tell me this earlier?! Kenzi, C'mon, we need to go!" Bo's pained expression was evident as she moved to leave before being stopped by Dyson.
"Bo, wait." Dyson asked of the succubus, who surprisingly complied waiting to hear what he had to say "Lauren is alright, I was there last night afterwards and Tamsin protected her well. She was injured but it could have been much worse. She is doing okay now and it might be best for you to give her a bit of time"
"I would have to agree, my dear. Not to bring up old wounds, but you and the doctor are no longer an item as I understand it" Trick interjected trying to convince Bo not to do anything rash. He was met with another hurt expression from his granddaughter that pained him to see. "I'm sure she would appreciate a call, but she might not be too happy for an intrusion straight after the night she had"
Bo turned back into her seat to reply "Yes Trick, we are no longer an 'item'" using air quotes to highlight the term he had used "but we're just on a break" Kenzi cleared her throat, hinting at the fact that the statement was false. Bo scowled at Kenzi before pressing on "fine, it's more of a break up than a break. But she's still important to me. Someone should have told me and what's more, I should be there for her now!"
Dyson saw his moment to try and speak up, placing a hand on Bo's arm "Bo, I know you care about her" it still pained him to speak of her affection for others, but it didn't come with the anger directed at Lauren that it used to "but maybe rushing over there isn't the best plan of action."
"Screw plan of action!" Bo huffed yanking her arm away "I'm not just going to sit here and do nothing after someone I care about has been attacked. Someone should have told me earlier and it's obvious that Tamsin can't take care of her. If you two are just going to sit here and do nothing, fine... But I'm not going to just leave it be! Kenzi, let's go!" Within a second Bo was up and dragging Kenzi out the door. Dyson and Trick remained silent, both shaking their heads.
"Well, that did not go well" Dyson husked turning back to Trick "I had better head to Lauren's to make sure there's no drama."
"That would be wise. Here, I was planning on delivering these to Bo and Kenzi later actually, but I have a feeling she has other priorities now" The bartender gathered 3 large styrofoam containers and handed them over to Dyson "plenty of sandwiches and salads for the ladies. Tell Lauren I said hello and that I hope she recovers quickly"
"Thank you. I'm sure it will be appreciated. I will let you know if I find anything" Dyson accepted the containers and took his leave, hoping that he might make it to Lauren and Tamsin before Bo did. He hoped Kenzi would convince Bo not to go barging into Lauren's home, or that maybe they would make a stop and he would have enough time to warn the women of her arrival.
...
Tamsin opened the door and sighed heavily when she saw who was on the other side "Lauren! I think it's time you did introduce me to that doorman so we can have a chat - he seems to think we would welcome street trash"
Lauren sat confused at Tamsin's words until she heard a reply from the other side of the door "oh look! The guard dog finally making herself useful and answering the door. Good thing too, 'cause I hear she's useless at protection" Bo insulted in return pushing past Tamsin and into the open plan area. Kenzi followed and narrowed her eyes at Tamsin.
"Young lady, you haven't called in a week! And this is no way to greet your family!" The goth woman scolded.
"Sorry moms, it's good to see YOU" she emphasised to clarify her displeasure at Bo's presence while giving Kenzi a tight hug.
"Come on in why don't you" Lauren commented sarcastically from her still seated position at the couch. "Who are they for?" The doctor indicated to a boxed bouquet of flowers.
"You, of course. Oh, um, here" Bo walked forward and thrust the arrangement into Lauren's face "I heard you were hurt and I wanted to make sure you were alright"
Lauren apprehensively accepted the offered gift "that's... Actually that's quite thoughtful of you Bo. Thank you."
Tamsin and Kenzi stood near the doorway observing the uncomfortable interaction before the small goth spoke up "well! This looks cozy! Hope you've been taking good care of my girl here doc!" Kenzi tapped the valkyrie's back.
Lauren smiled and looked towards the duo "actually, she may have been taking care of me. I'm guessing you've heard all about the attack last night, I don't know what would have happened if it weren't for Tamsin." Tamsin lowered her head at the compliment which didn't go unnoticed by her adoptive parent figure beside her. "Hate to admit it, but Evony was right, I need her here." Lauren continued directing a small smile towards the tall blonde. The interaction was met with a curious gaze between the two from Kenzi and an eye roll from Bo.
"Well. I'm glad she was here I guess. I think she could have done a better job though, I heard you were injured - what happened?" Bo interjected making her way around the sofa and sat herself facing Lauren. The doctor stiffened at the proximity while Tamsin rolled her eyes for what felt like the thousandth time since the arrival of their house guests. She went to respond to the insult but was stopped by Kenzi.
"Hey Tammy-doo-dah, how about you show me your new room while these two catch up?" The young woman suggested. Tamsin glanced at Lauren to check that she would be alright alone with Bo. When she was met with a tight nod she begrudgingly agreed.
"Fine. We'll be back in a few minutes - it's up the stairs" she directed Kenzi who followed closely behind.
"No yelling, hair pulling or naked bits you two!" The young goth strictly commanded pointing her finger between the pair on the couch which was met with wide-eyes from Bo and an embarrassed lowered head from Lauren.
They could hear Bo gushing over Lauren met with short precise answers about the night before as they ascended the stairs.
When they made it to her bedroom the valkyrie opened the door which Kenzi didn't hesitate to barge through and plop herself down on the unmade bed.
"Well, this is my room. It's got" Tamsin started to show her friend the room before being cut off.
"Yeah yeah, bed, desk, wardrobe, bathroom. Got it. Now. Tell me, what's going on with you and hotpants?" The young human narrowed her eyes suspiciously at her friend and occasional daughter.
"Wh-what? Lauren and me? I, uh, nothing!" Tamsin gushed turning a darker shade of red by the second "What do you mean? I'm her bodyguard. That's it"
"Oh honey - have you seen bodyguard? From the eye-sex you two just had you'll be carrying her in your arms to the bedroom after a heart warming, action packed story of life saving and forbidden love, Costner style while she sings 'I Will Always Love You' and the lights fade away" Kenzi quipped accompanied by obnoxious hand motions. She was met with Tamsin grabbing a pillow off her bed and smacking her over the head with it.
"Shut up. It's not like that! She didn't really want me here anyway, but we're managing to get along at least, especially seeing The Morrigan doesn't want us leaving the house for now" Tamsin sputtered "and there was NO eye-sex. She doesn't see me like that. It's only been a few days since she might have stopped hating me. I hope..." Tamsin shook her head to shake of the cold feeling that came over her at the thought of the doctor disliking her "Besides, she's still hung up over the succu-sex-a-thon down there"
"Okay. Let me break this down for you, my sweet, innocent, blonde angel" the goth sat back up in the bed shoving the pillow back to Tamsin as she did "the two of them had an epic love story... That turned to shit. I wouldn't say this to Bo, but they're done. And in all you just said, not once did you deny you've got a hard-on for hotpants! And there so was eye-sex!" Kenzi squealed before she was met with another pillow to the face raining down from above.
"Ugh. You're the worst!" Tamsin yelped, still holding Kenzi down with the pillow. After a moment of consideration "fine. She's hot and I have eyes. That's all!"
Kenzi pushed Tamsin off her and eyed her seriously "fine. If you say so, but I'm calling bull. If all this sexual tension is from a few days, I give it a few weeks and you guys are toast... You should know, Bo would lose her shit... But I would just be happy if you're happy."
Tamsin smiled at her friends kindness but brushed off her insinuation "It's nothing. Now let's get down there, I don't like the chances that they won't be screaming at each other" the valkyrie felt something stir inside her at the denial of any feelings for the doctor, but pushed it away. This wasn't happening. For so many reasons, this wasn't happening.
...
There was another knock at the door just as Kenzi and Tamsin made their way down the stairs. Lauren and Bo had been in the middle of a discussion growing more heated by the second with Bo insisting that Lauren needed better security and should reconsider her alignment with the Dark and Lauren arguing that Tamsin protected her very well and she valued the freedom she finally had after 7 years of indentured servitude. They were at an impasse anyway, so both of them welcomed the interruption.
"Ugh. Don't get up! I'll get it" Tamsin motioned towards Lauren with her hand before making her way to the door "it's probably Dyson anyway" the valkyrie heaved the heavy door open "speak of the devil and he shall appear!"
"D-man! Is that food I spy on your hot little hands? Gimme gimme!" Kenzi exclaimed ushering the shifter in and relieving him of the styrofoam containers he was carrying, taking them the rest of the way to the kitchen counter.
"Hello all. Bo, I see you made it here before me" Dyson greeted and tried to convey an apology to Lauren with his eyes. Lauren gave him a look back that told him all he needed to know - she was glad he was here as she was feeling awkward with the present company.
"We just beat you by a few minutes actually! Bo-bo drives like a maniac, you know that!" Kenzi chimed in while Bo just grinned knowing all of the subtext not being spoken.
"As a detective, I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that. Anyway, how are you feeling doc? I brought lunch from Trick who says hello and wishes you recovery - there's plenty for all of us if you're up to it?" Dyson regarded Lauren on the couch kindly trying to decipher how she was feeling just by looking at her. He was also expertly avoiding Bo's gaze as he was still displeased that she was here against his advice.
"I'm doing fine Dys. Tamsin and I were having a quiet day playing cards and watching some Star Trek before we opened up our house to all of you..." Lauren smiled at her friend while Bo tried to push her jealousy down watching her former lovers interact so comfortably.
"Doc! There was no telling!" Tamsin whined from the kitchen where her and Kenzi were busy serving out the lunch onto plates for everyone.
Her outburst was met with laughter all round but it was Kenzi to speak up "aw, is my little Tammers a Trekkie now?"
"Hey! There is nothing wrong with being a Trekkie. The doc may have misguided views on the Vulcan being superior but..." Dyson interjected before being cut off by Lauren.
"See Tamsin! I told you he was into it, and of course he would side with the Klingons. Typical!" The blonde doctor threw her hands into the air to make her point. There was laughter all round until another knock was heard at the door. Everyone stopped and looked around trying to figure out who it could be.
"I got it! I may have texted Hale, figured if the doc can't go out, we'll come to her!" Kenzi rushed to the door and pulled Hale inside greeting him with a tight hug and loving kiss.
"Hey everyone! Mind if I crash the little party? I brought beer, and soda for those of us with head injuries" the siren smiled widely towards Lauren "how are you feeling Doc?"
"Hey Hale... Glad you could join us, come on in, apparently Tamsin and I are having a party!" Lauren greeted good naturedly "and I'm feeling much better after a restful day" she smiled again.
"Oh my god! Yes! Hello! House warming party! To Tamsin and Lauren, let's hope they don't kill each other!" Kenzi yelled out met by cheers and laughs all round, even Bo who had remained relatively silent couldn't help but laugh at the group. While her relationship status wasn't ideal, and she didn't always get along with everyone, she felt a certain warmth being surrounded by her rag-tag family and began to understand what Lauren had said the other night. The realisation hit her like a ton of bricks and her face fell. Her change was only noticed by Lauren while the others were still engaging in playful banter.
"Hey, you ok? Can we just drop the fighting and have a nice time?" Lauren asked Bo quietly and earnestly.
"Oh, yeah. I'm ok. I just" Bo looked around to confirm that their conversation was still relatively private. Finding that no one was paying them much attention she continued "I get it now. I've been a jerk, this is your family and I'm the one that's been coming between that. I'm sorry, I'll try to stop it. I'm not saying I don't still want you back, but I also don't want to come between you and everyone else... And I don't want to lose you all either. So... Friends?"
Lauren smiled with tears in her eyes. She still loved Bo but knew that there was no way they could work, and furthermore, she found herself comfortable moving away from the idea that the succubus was her 'one'. However, Bo would always be important to her and to hear her admit to her shortcomings and agree to a friendship made the doctors heart sing. "I think I can do that" Lauren gushed out opening her arms inviting Bo in for a hug. Bo accepted gratefully and the two shared a quiet moment before untangling and rising to join the rest of the group at the kitchen.
As they walked over, both Tamsin and Dyson gave Lauren a look to enquire whether everything was alright while Kenzi did the same for Bo who nodded back. Lauren chuckled and bowed her head in affirmation before declaring "well, seeing you've all invaded my house, we can at least take advantage of the food Trick was nice enough to send"
"Here, here!" Kenzi exclaimed as she passed plates piled with food around. The whole group froze as yet another knock was heard at the door. Everyone look around confused, Tamsin even used her finger to point out and name everyone present.
"Well, we're all here... Who is that?!" The valkyrie questioned with a scrunched nose and a turned head once she had confirmed that the gang were all present.
"Damned if I know. I'll get it this time" Lauren moved towards the door and opened it cautiously before she saw who was on the other side. "Evony? What are you... I mean, hello, come in..." the doctor opened the door fully allowing The Morrigan to enter her living area, carrying a large box marked 'Dark Belch' under one arm and 3 boxes of pizza in the other hand. Lauren wondered how she had actually knocked on the door with it all in her arms but decided she didn't want to know.
"Well, if I had known you would be partying, I would have made you come to work today!" Evony exclaimed while everyone positioned around the kitchen remained frozen and uncomfortable. "Please everyone, relax! I'm here as a... Friend. Just wanted to check on the doc and thought my favourite valkyrie would like a new home gift, from my very own brewery!" The Morrigan indicated to the box under her arm.
Lauren smiled and walked up behind Evony "it's nice of you to come. Everyone just dropped in so we thought we'd make an afternoon of it. Please, join us!"
Evony grinned, enjoying the fear she was eliciting from those gathered. "Don't mind if I do." She placed the pizzas down on the counter and handed the box to Tamsin who nervously took it from her "I just have one condition" The Morrigan narrowed her eyes at the group causing a collective intake of breath from all but Lauren.
"And what would that be, oh guest of my home?" Lauren replied confidently met with wide eyes from everyone else.
Evony chuckled "that you all calm the fuck down! Firstly, I don't do dirty work myself, so I wouldn't be here to hunt any of you. Secondly, what assassin brings beer and pizza? Can I just be, well... A person for an afternoon?" She scanned the room for a reply, Lauren simply smiled widely knowing that Evony was sincere but waiting for her friends to catch up.
Kenzi was the one to finally break the silence "anyone who shows up with beer and in those to-die-for heels, well, you can be my people any day!" It was enough to break the tension and laughter erupted all round as the rest of the group welcomed Evony to the fold.
Lauren stood back a moment watching them all interact. She smiled realising this really was her family. Her strange, multi-species, mismatched and at times warring family. Her heart felt light for the first time in years and it hit her hard. She was gently nudged on her shoulder by Tamsin who had silently made her way to beside the doc with an extra plate brimming with pizza, salad and even a sandwich. Handing it to Lauren she looked into her eyes.
"You alright in there? This isn't too much too soon?" The valkyrie quietly asked.
Lauren smiled back at her new living companion "No, this... This is perfect" she replied nudging Tamsin's shoulder back.
The group laughed loudly as they shared a hearty meal together followed by free flowing drinks with Kenzi and Hale showing off their bar skills while raiding Lauren and Tamsin's liquor cabinet. They all split into fluid groups everyone having comfortable conversation with everyone else at some point in the afternoon. There were even games of cards played as night came around.
Lauren, with Dyson's enthusiastic help, somehow convinced everyone to continue watching Star Trek where her and Tamsin had left off. Lauren sat surrounded with Tamsin close on one side, Dyson with his legs stretched outwards on the other and Bo curled comfortably on a cushion at her feet leaning back into her. Kenzi was sat on Hale's lap on the other side of Dyson and Evony reclined comfortably on the eames chair to start the showing, with snacks and drinks all round.
It was clear that this was a much needed break from everyday fae life for everyone here. A completely unusual moment of relaxation and recovery. Lauren and Tamsin shared gentle, friendly touches while they shared the blanket and Bo seemed back to her kind and funny self amusing everyone with her and Kenzi's banter only occasionally rivaled by the teasing between Dyson and Lauren and the occasional quip from Hale and Tamsin.
Evony leaned back taking in the scene in front of her. She had come knowing exactly who was present before she arrived. Perks of owning the building and employing the doormen. This was everyone in the prophesy that she was almost sure was about Lauren. Only Trick and Vex were missing should this be the foretold time. There was a lot of power in this room casually enjoying science fiction and alcohol. She wondered, would it be enough? And if this was it, how many more carefree moments would there be before their whole world came down around them?
...
A.N. There's your next chapter, I know a few of you are keen to see Tamsin and Lauren, erm, move things along... Promise it will happen, but I don't want it to come around unnaturally, so you'll have to be patient :-P I'm enjoying writing a story where Lauren is the centre of attention, makes me happy!
what do you think of this chapter?