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Breakthrough, Breakdown

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Setup: Season 1, Episode 8, Vexed. Bo & Lauren's first time and the morning after disaster, as retold by a sappy, melodramatic, doccubus shipper. :-D Lauren visits Bo at the behest of the Ash to try and stop her from taking revenge on Vex for framing a woman for the murder of her step children. Canon up until this point, but could also be a follow-up to No Dogs Allowed without changing the canon in between. This story is in two parts. Unoriginal dialogue owned by Showcase is in bold italics.

*This story is rated M. Mature sexual content. Read at your own risk.*

Breakthrough

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"You barely know this woman, why are you taking it so personally?"

"Because we both want the same things. No matter how miserable I was before you told me that I was Fae, at least I had hope back then that I could live a normal human life one day if I wanted to."

"But do you want a normal life? The picket fence and the kids and –"

"I want to know that it's my choice to make, not theirs. I mean Lou made her choice, and look at what they did to her. And if I just let that go, if I let them get away with it, what chance do I have at living a life of my own? And who would want to live it with me?"

In an instant, thoughts of Lou and Vex faded away in Lauren's mind, and all she heard was that Bo might want a normal life one day, and she had insinuated that she wanted someone special to live it with. Lauren was internally jumping up and down, waving her arms and screaming I would! I want to live my life with you! She knew it was irrational to fall in love this fast, she knew it was impossible to be with a succubus long term, she knew that she couldn't sustain Bo, she knew it was illegal to have a relationship with her, and hell, she wasn't totally sure that Bo was even interested, but all of those logical reasons just evaporated as she was overwhelmed by her need for this woman. She just couldn't take it anymore, she had to express it somehow, consequences be damned.

Lauren gently took Bo's hand and held it reverently in both of hers. Then she brought it to her lips and softly kissed it.

Bo wasn't sure where this had come from, especially since they were in the middle of a conversation about avenging a murder. Yet she couldn't help being mesmerized as Lauren's lips caressed her hand. "Lauren?"

Lauren didn't say anything, but she looked up at Bo with vulnerable eyes. She reached out to caress Bo's cheek; despite her confusion, Bo was helpless to resist closing her eyes and pressing her cheek more firmly into Lauren's palm. Lauren's breath hitched as Bo responded to her affectionate gesture. Lauren leaned in for a kiss, but as soon as Bo felt movement her eyes snapped open. Before their lips could meet, Bo pulled back and put her hands on Lauren's shoulders to prevent her from getting closer. "We can't!" Bo frantically whispered.

"Bo," Lauren said gently, "if you weren't a succubus, would you want me to kiss you?" Despite Bo's fears, Lauren thought there had been plenty of signs of mutual attraction, but she needed to know it hadn't been her imagination.

Bo didn't answer right away; she just stared back at Lauren, her eyes full of guilt and longing. She knew that admitting her feelings would just make things harder, but she didn't want Lauren to feel rejected or embarrassed for putting her heart on display.

"Yes. Of course I would. Lauren, I can't tell you how much it kills me that I'm not safe for you to be with. But I can't let you get hurt."

Lauren lovingly caressed Bo's cheek again. "Oh, my sweet Bo," she sighed.

Lauren stood up, further confusing Bo. But she was completely unprepared when Lauren casually climbed in her lap, straddling her.

"Lauren, what are you doing?" Bo was on the verge of a panic attack.

Lauren stroked Bo's hair soothingly. "It's ok, it's ok, I promise. Just relax." Lauren cooed softly.

"But –"

Lauren placed a finger over Bo's lips to quiet her. "Sweetie, are you chi-starved right now?"

Bo slowly shook her head, even though she felt oddly embarrassed to basically admit that she recently had sex with someone else.

Lauren smiled reassuringly as she caressed Bo's face again. "I'm going to kiss you, Bo. If it makes you feel safer, you can keep your mouth closed – but I won't, ok? Just relax. You'll be fine."

Bo's heart was racing, but a little tiny voice told her to trust Lauren's judgment, even though it terrified her. Lauren cradled Bo's face in her hands and leaned in for a gentle kiss. Bo closed her eyes and inhaled sharply through her nose when she felt Lauren's soft lips caress her own. It was such a simple sensation, almost innocent, but it made Bo's heart sing. But she was determined to keep her lips closed so she willed herself to relax and stay passive and let Lauren take the lead. Lauren's chaste kisses eventually became more ardent, as she opened her mouth slightly and nipped at Bo's bottom lip. Bo groaned when she felt Lauren's tongue on her lips.

A couple minutes later, Lauren paused and Bo opened her eyes. "Now you kiss me like that. I'll keep my lips closed, ok?"

Bo nodded as if she were in a trance, then gently descended upon Lauren's lips. Bo was tentative at first, but soon she settled in and just enjoyed lazily kissing and nipping and occasionally licking Lauren's warm, delectable lips, as both women murmured happily.

"Bo, sweetie, how are you feeling? Are you getting turned on?"

Bo nuzzled Lauren's neck while she tried to calm down her breathing. "Yeah, definitely. Already there." she admitted, with a little fear in her voice.

"Do you feel out of control?"

"Uh, well…I guess not. I think I'm ok for now."

"See, I told you that you would be fine. Now give me another kiss."

Bo began kissing Lauren's closed lips again, but she gasped in shock when she suddenly felt Lauren open her mouth and their tongues met for the first time. Bo groaned and felt her eyes shift to blue behind her eyelids. She almost stopped and pulled away, but she realized that despite her escalating arousal, she didn't feel the overwhelming urge to feed. So she decided to relax and keep going for the time being.

After several minutes, their languid kisses were becoming more urgent and passionate and accompanied by small moans and grunts. Unbeknownst to Bo, Lauren had managed to unbutton her blouse. She gently grabbed Bo's hands and guided them to her exposed abs, hoping to encourage Bo to embrace her under her blouse. As soon as Bo felt Lauren's bare skin, she paused as a new bolt of arousal coursed through her. She pulled back and looked down and was overwhelmed by the sight of Lauren's open blouse, exposing her pastel blue bra. The steady, pleasant warmth in her groin immediately became a throb and Bo felt her eyes flash brightly. Bo gasped in a panic and leaned back into the couch trying to get as far away as she could, considering that Lauren was on her lap.

"Oh god! I can't! It's not safe! God, Lauren, you're so beautiful and I'm so turned on…and I want you so much but I might lose control! Please, don't let me hurt you!"

Bo was almost near tears, and Lauren's heart ached for her. "Shhhh, you're ok. It's ok to be turned on, Bo. Are you feeling the urge to feed?"

"A little bit."

"Do you feel out of control? Is the urge too strong?"

"Not yet, but –"

"So you're not out of control, but you're afraid because you're so turned on?"

"Yes!"

"Ok, listen to me Bo. Being turned on doesn't have to be a bad thing, it doesn't have to mean you have to feed, it just has a scary association right now. Don't be afraid to be turned on, it's separate from the urge to feed. So if the urge isn't overwhelming, then you're ok."

"Lauren, I'm so scared."

"I know sweetie. Everything will be ok, I promise. Trust me, even if you can't trust yourself." Lauren gently took Bo's hands and guided them to her bare skin again. "Go ahead and touch me, Bo. Put your arms around me."

Bo's breathing was still shallow from arousal and fear; but she swallowed hard and leaned forward and slid her hands from Lauren's abs around to her back. Bo pulled Lauren in tightly so she could rest her cheek on Lauren's chest. Bo paused there for a minute, breathing deeply and luxuriating in the feel of Lauren's warm bare skin.

Lauren stroked Bo's hair lovingly. "You're doing just fine Bo. Just let yourself feel."

Bo slowly found her courage as she gradually tested her tolerance. At first she just nuzzled in Lauren's cleavage and then added some gentle kissing. Her lips skimmed over Lauren's collar bones and up her neck until finally their lips and tongues met in an explosion of fiery kisses. Bo pawed at Lauren's bare back under her blouse, rubbing and stroking and squeezing everywhere she found bare flesh. Her fingers stroked Lauren's abs, causing the toned muscles to quiver as Lauren moaned her pleasure.

"That's so good Bo!" Lauren breathily declared between kisses.

"Mmmm…you feel incredible Lauren. Oh baby, I can't get enough of you!"

Lauren's heart soared when she heard Bo's term of endearment. "How are you feeling Bo? Any strong urges to feed?"

"The urge…is there…but…I think I'm ok."

"I knew you could do it." As Lauren dove back in for more kisses, she took hold of Bo's hands and guided them to her breasts. Both women groaned gutturally when Bo made contact, first squeezing gently and then her fingers quickly found Lauren's hard nipples protruding through the fabric of her bra.

As soon as Bo touched her nipples, Lauren hissed sharply and then expelled a high-pitched moan. Her hips involuntarily started rocking in Bo's lap, her body crying out for more friction. Suddenly Bo latched on to a nipple with her mouth; she sucked and nibbled hungrily, making a wet spot on Lauren's bra.

"God, yes!" Lauren lustily cried. She had been trying to remain clear-headed so she could guide Bo to help her feel more in control, but once their play focused on her breasts, Lauren was feeling out of control herself. Her nipples were inflamed, her clit throbbed, and her panties were soaked. She couldn't hold back any longer; she reached for the front clasp of her bra and released her breasts.

"Oh god, oh god…" Bo's arousal flared again as Lauren's breasts were exposed. "Oh Lauren, you're so beautiful!" Bo squeezed and stroked and nuzzled and finally took a stiff nipple in her mouth, moaning rapturously.

Lauren held Bo's head tightly to her breast as she panted rapidly and rocked her hips faster. She struggled to find her voice. "Oh god…so good, so good! Can we…can we move this to your bedroom? Are you...feeling safer now?"

"I think…I am." Bo groaned as she switched breasts, eliciting another sharp gasp from Lauren. "Oh baby, you taste so good!" Suddenly Lauren cried out when Bo ravenously sucked hard on her nipple and sharply pinched the other.

"Please Bo… let's move to your bed…because soon I won't be able to stop…and I really don't want…Kenzi walking in on us." Lauren pleaded through her labored breathing.

"Mmmm…ok, ok baby let's go." Lauren climbed off of Bo's lap, and once she was standing, she offered her hand to Bo to help her off the couch. As soon as Bo was standing she embraced Lauren tightly and hungrily took Lauren's lips and tongue into her mouth again.

For several minutes, they gave themselves up to their mutual hunger until Lauren pulled herself away, panting hard. "Up…upstairs." Bo replied with a nod, and then the inflamed lovers raced up to Bo's bedroom. As soon as they crossed the threshold, Bo pushed Lauren's open blouse and bra off her shoulders and Lauren whipped off Bo's shirt and camisole. They met again in an urgent kiss as Lauren reached around to unhook Bo's bra. Once the bra was discarded, they both helplessly cried out when their breasts and nipples touched for the first time.

"Oh god, Bo…I've …wanted you…for so long!" Lauren panted out between desperate kisses.

"I've wanted… you too, so much…but I thought…I could never have you."

"But you can, Bo. I'm yours." Lauren spoke what was in her heart without censoring herself, yet in the back of her mind alarm bells were going off, warning her that it was foolish to give her heart to Bo so easily when she knew they could never have a normal monogamous relationship, even if Bo wanted one. But her logical mind was quickly silenced as Lauren once again lost herself to passion.

Bo groaned in response to her lover's ardent declaration, and she tightened her hold around Lauren. She kissed and nipped up and down Lauren's jaw and neck and paused when her lips ran into Lauren's necklace. She pulled back and fingered the Ash's pendant, suddenly remembering what Trick had told her it symbolized.

Lauren looked at Bo in confusion. "What is it?"

Bo reached around Lauren's neck to unfasten the chain, as she looked at Lauren with compassion in her eyes. "We're not letting the Ash come to bed with us. Nobody owns you tonight."

For a split second, Lauren was mortified that Bo had found out what her pendant really meant, but as she looked into Bo's soulful eyes, her fear and shame melted away and she was deeply moved by Bo's gesture. At that moment Lauren helplessly fell even deeper in love.

Bo placed a tender kiss upon Lauren's lips and then walked over to place the necklace on the dresser for safe keeping. When she turned back around, Bo was momentarily stunned by the vision of Lauren, aroused and topless, standing across the room waiting for Bo to return to her.

"Lauren, you are so absolutely beautiful."

Lauren felt her face grow hot from her blushing, but she wasn't at all embarrassed. "And you take my breath away, Bo." While maintaining eye contact, Lauren began unfastening her pants. Bo quickly got the idea and both women peeled off the rest of their clothes, each mesmerized by the other as more and more flesh was revealed.

"Breathtaking." Lauren was absolutely entranced by Bo's nude form. She had already seen Bo naked during her medical 'exam,' but to see her in a bedroom setting set Lauren's libido on fire.

After maintaining control of her succubus this far, Bo was feeling a little more comfortable and was finally allowing herself to fully enjoy all the delicious sensations that Lauren coaxed from her body. Bo sensually licked her lips as her brilliant blue eyes feasted on Lauren's body. As if on cue, both lovers floated toward each other until they met in an inflamed full-body embrace, moaning loudly as their skin sparked with pleasure wherever they touched each other.

They savored each other's lips and tongues and wetly nipped at their necks, earlobes, and collarbones. Their breathing became loud, erratic panting as they firmly rubbed and squeezed their backs and buttocks. They were practically trying to absorb each other and they still hadn't made it to the bed yet.

As Bo's lips and tongue caressed her sensitive neck, Lauren tried to hang on to her last shred of rational thought as she swam through a haze of lust. "Bo honey, are you feeling ok, how's your hunger doing?"

Bo came up for air so she could reply, but her breath was labored. "It's getting stronger, but I feel like I can handle it. But it's good to keep checking." Bo inhaled deeply but it did little to slow her pounding heart and rapid panting. "Oh Lauren," she groaned, "you feel sooo wonderful!"

"You do to, Bo. It feels so right to finally be in your arms. Ohhhhh…mmmm. Ok, listen sweetie. If the urge starts to get too strong, just move away from my mouth and focus on somewhere else. But don't panic and stop, ok? Work through it and just concentrate on your pleasure. You'll be fine, I promise."

Bo took several deep breaths to center herself. "Ok, baby."

Lauren suddenly squealed when, without warning, Bo effortlessly picked her up and carried her to bed. Lauren's initial shock quickly dissipated as she was overwhelmed by a surge of arousal as she was cradled in Bo's strong arms. Bo laid Lauren gently on the bed, then gracefully stretched out on top of her, smothering her with languid, sensual kisses.

When Lauren felt Bo's warm naked body press into her own, she thought she might pass out from sheer joy. Her body was aflame but her heart and mind were floating. She moaned into Bo's kisses, her brow slightly frowning because the emotion behind their lustful caresses was so unbearably sweet. She suddenly felt an odd but pleasurable sensation, a sort of tugging deep within her chest. Within a few seconds she figured out what was happening and suddenly Bo violently pulled away from her mouth with a yelp. Lauren saw the slightest hint of blue wisps floating near Bo's mouth, confirming that Bo had started to feed.

"No, no, no, no, please no!" Bo practically sobbed. "Oh god, I almost… Lauren I'm so sorry! We have to stop!"

"Shhhh…its ok, Bo. Bo, please look at me."

Bo reluctantly looked at Lauren, utterly ashamed of her brightly glowing eyes.

Lauren gently cupped Bo's face with her palm, using her thumb to wipe away the single tear that had fallen down Bo's cheek. "Remember what we said? No panicking. You didn't hurt me, you stopped almost immediately. That means you're still in control. We're both fine. You're ok. Just breathe baby. Don't be scared. But it's important you work through this, so we shouldn't stop. We'll just focus on something besides kissing on the mouth, ok?"

As soon as Bo weakly nodded, Lauren took the lead and rolled them over so she was on top. She enthusiastically dove into Bo's neck, causing her lover to gasp and release a low moan that almost sounded like purring. Lauren smiled in satisfaction that she had redirected Bo's attention so she started to make a winding, lazy trail down Bo's body with her lips and tongue. Lauren used both hands to gently caress Bo's breasts as she kissed down her lover's cleavage, then veered off to the side to slowly lick Bo's hard nipple.

"Ahhh! Oh god!" Bo's hips started to rock as her entire body became more inflamed. Lauren swirled the tip of her tongue around Bo's stiff nipple a few more times, then softly sucked it into her mouth and gradually added more suction and tugging until Bo was helplessly whimpering and arching her back, her breasts begging for more stimulation. Lauren increased the pressure and pinched the other nipple harder, eliciting an ecstatic "YES!" from her lover.

Bo let out a whining moan when Lauren released her nipples, but she gasped happily as Lauren continued to kiss and lick down her body. When Lauren reached the wiry hairs on Bo's mound, she paused to nuzzle and inhale deeply, savoring the arousing scent of Bo's sweet musk. Bo lightly stroked Lauren's hair as they took a moment to bask in the simple intimacy.

Lauren stroked Bo's inner thighs, encouraging her to spread them wider. Bo shivered and gasped as Lauren caressed her with wet, open-mouth kisses along her inner thighs, but always stopping before she reached Bo's swollen labia.

"You smell so good, baby. I could just live down here all night." Bo giggled at the compliment between her gasps and sighs.

Lauren slid her arms under Bo's thighs so she could cradle her lover's hips. She finally gave herself over to what she had been yearning for, for so very long; with a sighing groan of release she descended upon Bo's glistening pussy and slid her tongue through her warm, slippery lips as Bo cried out her pleasure. Lauren fought back the urge to devour and plunder; instead she licked and nipped slowly and sensuously, reverently worshipping Bo's aching, engorged flesh. Bo began to rock her hips as she panted and moaned from the slow, exquisite torture. Bo gently pressed on the back of Lauren's head to encourage her lover to give her firmer contact.

Lauren moaned into Bo's pussy as her tongue delved deep, luxuriating in the delicious elixir that spilled from Bo's depths. "Oh god, Lauren! Uhhhnnn…you feel so fuckin good, baby! Please, please make me come! Oh god I need you so much!"

Bo's begging set Lauren's body on fire, making her clit throb with desperate need. But she couldn't deny Bo anything, and redoubled her efforts to bring the woman she loved the sweet release she deserved. Lauren took a few moments to suck Bo's clit to make it more engorged and sensitive; then she switched to flicking it with the tip of her tongue as fast as possible. Bo's hips started thrusting manically and her helpless moaning gradually escalated to a wail. Without warning, Lauren plunged two fingers into her lover.

"Oh FUCK! Oh god…oh god…oh god…"

Lauren's finger thrusts steadily accelerated as Bo started to come apart at the seams. Lauren's own merciless ache pounded harder as she felt Bo's legs starting to shake. Suddenly Bo's body froze as all of her muscles contracted and her moaning became a strangled squeak. She stayed suspended in that state for several seconds and Lauren struggled to keep up; until finally, with a joyous scream, Bo plunged into the great abyss and floated away.

"Holy shit, Lauren! That was incredible!" Bo exclaimed as her breathing started to return to normal. "Please come back up here, I need to hold you!

Lauren was still panting from her own exertions, but she happily crawled back up Bo's body and collapsed on top of her. Carefully avoiding Lauren's mouth, Bo urgently kissed and licked all over Lauren's face, relishing her own wetness that was deliciously smeared on her lover's face. She firmly rubbed Lauren's back and moved her fervent kisses to Lauren's neck and shoulders.

"Oh god baby, I wanna make you come, I need to make you come so hard!" Bo pleaded as she rubbed and squeezed Lauren's ass, as she started rocking her hips into Bo's pelvis.

"Please! I've been on fire since we started! Oh god…"

Bo wriggled her hand between their bodies and both women groaned deeply when her fingers slipped into the hot pool of liquid arousal that had gathered between Lauren's throbbing lips.

"Gaaah! Ohhhhh god Lauren, you feel so good, so wet baby!"

"Please Bo, harder!"

Lauren started thrusting her hips more and more frantically, trying to get deeper contact with Bo's fingers. She shrieked in surprise when Bo suddenly rolled them over so that Bo lay on her stomach partly to the side of Lauren so she had more room and leverage to thrust with.

"You're so beautiful Lauren! I'm gonna give you what you need baby." Bo positioned her thumb over Lauren's clit and started forcefully thrusting her fingers in and out. As Bo's fingers increased in speed, Lauren's moans and cries increased in volume. Lauren rocketed toward completion as she was engulfed in a cloud of growing euphoria.

"Oh god Bo, please don't stop I'm gonna come…so hard…"

Bo and Lauren's eyes clamped shut and their brows furrowed as they concentrated on every thrust. They could no longer form coherent words and simply grunted with every exertion. Suddenly Bo roughly sucked a straining nipple into her mouth, finally igniting the explosion that launched Lauren into her ecstasy.

As Lauren came down from her orgasm, Bo gently slipped out of her lover and draped her arm around Lauren's waist. They lay there panting for several minutes before they found their voices again.

"Bo, baby there are no words…just…god, just incredible! The best!"

Lauren turned her head to find Bo's face looking back at her with a beaming yet tender smile and red-rimmed eyes filled with unshed tears.

Lauren raised a hand to cup Bo's cheek. "Bo, sweetie are you alright?"

"I…I did it. I really did it!" she giggled as a few tears leaked from her eyes. "I didn't feed."

"You didn't feed. And it was wonderful. Beautiful. I'm so proud of you, Bo. You made me feel amazing, just blew me away."

Without hesitation, Bo leaned in and gave Lauren a scorching kiss that left them both breathless. Her blue eyes glowed brighter, but she wasn't afraid anymore. She gazed at Lauren in wonder, and then maneuvered herself to be fully on top of her lover again. Bo stroked Lauren's cheek and hair and peppered her face with butterfly kisses.

Bo instinctively straddled Lauren's thigh and started to bear down while pressing her own thigh firmly between Lauren's legs. Both women groaned loudly from the delicious pressure that made their clits throb hotly once again.

"Yes, Bo! Mmmm…that's so good."

Bo smiled adoringly at Lauren and her fear of feeding finally slipped away and she was left with overpowering physical pleasure and a vulnerability she had never felt during sex before. Her heart was laid bare, so fragile yet warm and welcoming. The feelings were so foreign to her that she began to tremble as she tried to process them while being swept away in an ocean of lust. They rocked together sweetly for several minutes as they lazily explored each other's mouths and tongues, secure in the knowledge that this was exactly where they were supposed to be.

Bo took a moment to pull back so she could gaze into Lauren's eyes as their rocking and thrusting became more urgent. Bo felt positively euphoric watching Lauren's rapturous expression as she responded to the blissful joining of their bodies. When they joyfully arrived at their explosive destination, in that instant Bo's maelstrom of emotions coalesced and she finally understood what she had been feeling. After the storm had calmed there was just a single, terrifyingly clear thought left in its place. I love you.

Breakdown

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Bo awoke gently to the thin rays of morning sunshine that filtered in from the boarded up windows. As she drifted toward consciousness, a sleepy, content smile spread across her face as she realized that she was pleasantly curled around Lauren's warm body. The previous night's activities played out in her mind and she almost giggled as happiness infused her being. Not only had she conquered her feeding urges, but she had made love for the first time in her life. She knew that was what it had to have been, they had made sweet, beautiful love, and she was pretty sure Lauren felt it too.

She also felt powerful, brand new, and yet she felt more normal than she had ever felt in her adult life. She was no longer a slave to the beast within. But thoughts of a normal life gave way to thoughts about Lou. She had gotten sidetracked for the moment – for one of the best of reasons, she giggled internally – but now she was determined more than ever to get justice for Lou. Never again would she let someone be victimized for choosing a human life, including herself. She had to break the cycle of Dark Fae insanity.

With a new strength and resolve, Bo quietly slipped out of bed to get dressed. She didn't want the angel in her bed to wake up alone, but she didn't have time to waste. She went downstairs to make coffee and toast some bagels. She would leave breakfast and a note for Lauren and promise to see her later.

Lauren was starting to stir when Bo returned with bagels and coffee. Bo was utterly captivated by Lauren's morning cuteness. She could probably spend hours running her fingers through Lauren's adorably messed up hair.

"I hope I didn't wake you up sweetie. You looked so cute and peaceful." Bo grinned flirtatiously. "But I brought bagels and coffee."

As Lauren became more fully awake, she became alarmed that Bo was already up and dressed. "Are you going somewhere? I was really hoping you would stay with me."

"Oh I'm sorry babe. I would love to spend the day with you but I have a lot of work to do to find this psycho kid killer. It's really important to me."

"I know, but…I know it's really awful, but you know that Lou can't be saved, so the only thing left is your revenge. What's the rush? Don't you deserve some down time?"

Bo smirked playfully. "You're really going to make it hard to resist you today, aren't you? Who knew that Dr. Lewis was such a powerful temptress?" Bo chuckled and failed to see the fear and worry growing in Lauren's eyes. "I need to follow up on some leads today before the trail runs cold. But I promise we'll have time together later."

"Please Bo, please stay with me." Lauren pleaded.

Bo had just finished lacing her boots and was so preoccupied with her mission that Lauren's rising panic didn't even register. She slipped on her leather jacket with a fond smile and turned toward the door. "Oh baby, you're just so sweet. I really would love to but I really –"

"YOU CAN'T GO!" Lauren's hysterical outburst stopped Bo in her tracks. She turned with a frown and cautiously walked back to Lauren and was baffled by what she saw. Lauren was nearly hyperventilating, her face was flushed, her bottom lip was quivering and her eyes were full of tears.

"Lauren? Baby, why are you so freaked out?"

Lauren felt utterly helpless and she had nothing left to offer except the truth. "Because I don't want you to die!"

Bo sat down on the bed so she wouldn't tower over the frightened woman. "Sweetie, what are you talking about?"

"Bo this isn't like anything you've ever faced, you don't know what you're walking into! It's a suicide mission!"

Bo stared blankly as she tried to process what her lover just divulged. Her emotions turned on a dime as she felt the confused sting of betrayal. "You know who I'm looking for, don't you? What the hell, Lauren?"

"The Ash warned me, and he said that I –"

"The Ash? What does the fucking Ash have to do with this?" In an instant Bo put two and two together as her heart was ripped to shreds. She jumped up off the bed and backed away as if Lauren were some kind of monster. "That's why you're here, isn't it? The Ash sent you? You're on some goddamned assignment to keep me out of the way? Why is he protecting this guy? And YOU – how could you, Lauren? How could you do this to me?" Bo's eyes were brimming with tears and rage. Last night had meant nothing. A diversion.

"So because I'm a succubus all the Ash has to do to clean up his mess is to toss a piece of ass my way? God Lauren, you're disgusting, and I'm a FUCKING FOOL! You actually had me convinced that last night MEANT something. But I forgot, succubi don't have feelings, or morals, and they can't love! I'm just a giant walking, talking sex toy!"

"BO!" Lauren had never screamed so loud in her life. A single syllable and her throat was already raw. But at least it stopped Bo ranting, if only for a few precious seconds.

"You have it all WRONG. You've completely misunderstood what's going on here and you're jumping to conclusions. Please Bo, I'm BEGGING you, give me the benefit of the doubt for five minutes so I can talk to you! Please don't leave like this, not after what we shared last night!"

"You see, there's a problem with that, because now I don't know what we shared last night."

"You know damn well what happened between us! You're just confused right now because you're angry! Please, Bo. Just five minutes and it will all make sense!"

"Not until you tell me what we did last night! What the hell was that, Lauren? Huh? What was it?"

Through her veil of tears, Lauren stared resolutely back at Bo. She slowly threw back the covers, stood up, and walked over to stand in front of Bo, refusing to shrink from the ferocious anger that blazed in Bo's tearful eyes. She gently placed her hands on either side of Bo's face. "Bo, I am standing here before you utterly naked and exposed, in every sense of the words. And I'm telling you, I made love to you last night. And it felt like you were making love to me. We made love together, and it was beautiful. I'm so sorry you're hurting right now, but please give me a chance to talk to you about this complicated mess."

Bo's bottom lip and chin had started to tremble and before she fell victim to a torrent of sobs, Lauren cradled Bo's face and pulled her in for a loving kiss. The sweetness of Lauren's lips finally soothed the savage beast. When they broke the kiss, they kept their eyes closed and rested their foreheads together, and just stood for a moment, allowing the silence to gently cool their passions.

"I'm so confused."

"I know, sweetie. Let's sit, ok?"

Bo nodded and allowed Lauren to lead her to the bed. "Let's get comfy Bo. Why don't you take your boots off and join me." Lauren climbed into bed and sat up with her back against the headboard.

Bo smirked at her lover as she unlaced her boots. "You know, there's no way I'll be able to concentrate on what you're saying as long as those heavenly breasts are in my face."

Lauren grinned and rolled her eyes. "Fine, toss me a t-shirt." Bo grabbed one out of a drawer and lobbed it at Lauren. Once Lauren had the shirt on and Bo was situated next to her, Lauren grasped Bo's hand. "Ok, let me start from the beginning, try not to jump to any conclusions till I finish." Bo sighed heavily, but she nodded for Lauren to start.

"The Ash figured out that I was helping you, so he knew we were friends, he just never said anything about it. He also found out, I don't know how, about your plans to avenge Lou. Unfortunately, doing that would lead to some very deadly consequences. When the Ash explained the situation, I was so alarmed and scared for your safety, I immediately said 'how can I help' before he had the chance to give any sort of 'orders.' So please understand that I came of my own free will. The Ash and I both want the same thing but for different reasons. We want you alive. His reasons are political, although I agree with him, and my reasons are personal. I came over here last night to either talk some sense into you or at the very least keep you occupied until the Ash could negotiate with the Morrigan to get the Mesmer sent away."

"So the sex was a diversion." Bo was so crushed that she didn't have any fight left.

"More accurately, it was a coincidence. My timing was lousy and as a result you have doubts about the significance of it, and I'm truly sorry. The fact that it kept you busy is nothing more than a side effect. Bo, I had barely been here for fifteen minutes and everything I planned to say and do went out the window. I just…"

"Just?"

"God Bo, I've been pining for you for so long! And when you started talking about living a normal life and, I don't know, something just snapped. I just couldn't stand it anymore. I needed you like oxygen. I swear to you, the only reason I went to bed with you is because I wanted so desperately to make love to you. The fact that it kept you occupied was beside the point."

"So you were just hot and horny for the succubus, right?" Bo accused defensively.

"Bo, you are mind-bogglingly beautiful, of course you turn me on. But I don't go around seducing random hot women. Can't you see? Despite my better judgment, despite all the interspecies obstacles in our way… it makes no rational sense, but in such a short time I've found myself falling head over heels for you and there's been nothing I could do to stop it!"

Lauren had never felt more vulnerable; she looked at Bo helplessly, bracing herself for the rejection. Bo stared back at her, eyes as wild as they were watery.

"Bo, please say something."

After an uncomfortably long pause, Bo finally answered, her voice soft and frightened. "I…I already fell."

"Oh, my sweet Bo." Lauren caressed her lover's cheek, wiping away Bo's stray tears with her thumb.

"I'm sorry I snapped…I just couldn't bare the pain of thinking last night was meaningless to you. I love you so much and it tore me apart."

"I know baby, I understand. I know that must have hurt. I love you too."

"Oh god! I pretty much called you a whore! I'm so, so sorry Lauren! Please forgive me…I was just so hurt and confused and I know that none of this drama is your fault. I'm such an idiot!"

"Shhhh…it's ok. We're ok."

After a morning of excruciating emotional upheaval, the two lovers finally met again in a sweet kiss, made all the sweeter now that they each knew how the other felt.

After several minutes of tender kisses, Bo and Lauren eased themselves apart before they got swept away in their passions. "We still have a lot to talk about, Bo."

Bo frowned as she was forced to think about unpleasant things again. Kissing was definitely more preferable. She heaved a huge sigh and returned to voicing her frustrations. "So what's all the gloom and doom everyone is predicting if I go after this slimeball? Why is everyone assuming I can't take this guy on? I've proven I'm not to be underestimated, haven't I? I can take care of myself; I know you care about me, babe, but I don't need you or the Ash to protect me."

"You don't even know what kind of Fae he is. Tell me, what's your plan if you find him? Sword, gun, dagger, beat him to death with your bare hands?"

"Whatever I have to do."

"Bo, that's not a plan, that's bravado. Sometimes it's really sexy on you, but not when it's going to get you killed." Bo was about to interrupt but Lauren held up her hand. "Do you know what a Mesmer is?"

"No." Bo pouted.

"A Mesmer has one of the most diabolical powers of any Fae species. He has the ability to control your body – I mean literally. You are nothing more than a meat puppet to him. How do you think he got Lou to drown her children? With a flick of his wrist he took over her limbs and she had to watch in horror while her kids died by her own hand. I just did an autopsy the other day on a vampire that very likely was his last victim. He –"

"Siegfried?"

"Yeah, you know about it?"

"Yeah, long story. I saw the police file."

"Did you notice there was no forced entry, no sign of struggle, no signs of restraints, no defensive wounds?"

"Yeah, I did think that was weird."

"That Mesmer didn't have to lay a finger on him. But he controlled Siegfried's body and made him stick his own hand in a garbage disposal and cut out his own heart! And my autopsy confirmed that all of that was done to him while he was alive, in other words it was self-inflicted. If you have a weapon he will make you turn it on yourself. If you don't have a weapon…he's gotten people to claw their own eyes out, Bo! How in god's name could you possibly fight that? Nobody can touch a Mesmer! You go anywhere near him and you'll die a grisly death, usually after he's forced you to do something degrading. Bo, can you understand my terror?"

Bo sighed in frustration. "Yes. You're right, those are pretty shitty odds. Gaaaaah! I hate being helpless! I could really use a punching bag right now!"

"Here, try this." Lauren offered Bo a pillow and a cheeky grin. "It looks pretty defenseless to me."

One smile from Lauren and Bo was putty in her hands. Bo punched the pillow away and stole a few kisses. "Hey wait a minute. Trick gave me this special sword that he said protects the wielder from corruption. Could that protect me from a Mesmer's influence?"

"I honestly don't know. But do you really want to go into a fight where there's a fifty percent chance that you'll disembowel yourself?"

"Fine. Rain on my parade."

"Bo, there's more here to consider beyond whether you get your ass handed to you or not."

"What do you mean?"

"This Mesmer is high ranking Dark Fae. If you try to kill him, not only will he kill you, but the Dark will consider it an act of war. That's why the Ash intervened. The bottom line is if a Fae war breaks out, many people will die. That is not an exaggeration, Bo. The Fae have a very bloody history. Even if you succeeded, and war didn't break out, at the very least there would be a price on your head. It would be more foolish and pointless than trying to bring down the mafia by killing one of their hit men. All you'll get in return is a nice comfy body bag."

"And that would totally clash with my boots and bustier." Bo deadpanned.

"Bo, you have the biggest heart of anybody I've ever known. And very often your passion and impetuousness have served you well." Lauren leered playfully. "And it certainly can be very sexy at times." She turned serious again. "But this is one of those times when it can only lead to pointless bloodshed. I've only just found you, please don't be so cavalier with your life. If something happened to you I couldn't bear it!"

Bo looked at her love contritely as she finally realized what a frightening emotional rollercoaster Lauren had been subjected to because of her rash behavior. She tenderly stroked Lauren's hair and caressed her cheek. "I'm so sorry for what I put you through, baby. I'm an impulsive ass."

"Sweetie, self-flagellation is never useful. Just do your best to learn from it and move on. In other words – shut up and kiss me."

And Bo happily did just that. Repeatedly.

FIN