The first thing Kenzi did when they arrived home was to head straight to the shower. After awhile though, Lauren noticed that she was in there longer than usual. She soon found the reason as she found her sitting on the floor of the tub, shoulders shaking from crying. Turning the water off, she draped a towel over her shoulders before helping her to stand so that she could lead her to sit on the bed.
Kneeling in front of her she offered "Why don't you get dressed, I'll order some Chinese, and then we'll just crash on the couch...hmm? How does that sound?"
When Kenzi met her eyes, it was all Lauren could do to not cry as well. Even though she had been healed physically by Bo's chi boost, she knew emotionally it was a different story. Now that the relief had worn off and they were home, the reality of what had happened began to take hold.
"I almost thought..." she said her voice breaking "that was the end for me, and I'm not ready for it to be yet. There's still so much-"
"I know, I know." Lauren said kissing the hands that she held. "And we will do those things too. You're not getting rid of me that easily." She joked slightly relieved to see her girlfriend smile no matter how small.
After dinner, Kenzi quickly fell asleep with her head in the blonde's lap as Lauren continued to run her fingers through her hair. She was aware that they would need to exercise more caution until she dealt with Evony.
When Dyson had arrived, she thought nothing of it until they got closer to the Dal. The slight heaviness she felt increased ten fold. Having witnessed Kenzi in that state...no focus...she told herself. She was grateful Bo had been there too afraid to imagine what would have happened had the attack occurred elsewhere.
Gently, she got up from the couch placing a pillow under Kenzi's head, and laying a blanket over her. Placing the faintest of kisses on her head, she allowed herself to gaze at her for a moment, content that she appeared to be sleeping peacefully. Slowly she made her way to her rarely used patio. Sitting down on the swing, she allowed herself to cry with her head in her hands upset at the day's events. At least Kenzi hadn't pulled away from her, and she knew that they would make it through this ordeal. The only uncertainty would be if there was any lingering emotional impact. Having the childhood that she did, it had the potential to reignite past traumas.
Hearing footsteps close by, she looked up to see Tamsin by the gate's door, giving her an awkward wave in return.
"Tamsin? What are you doing here?" She asked as she wiped away her tears.
"Oh, I told Dyson that I'd drop off the money for the bet you won, but decided to buy this instead." She said proudly displaying the bottle of vodka before sitting beside her. Unscrewing the cap she took a huge gulp before passing the bottle over to Lauren.
"Would this be the $50 bottle, or a slightly more expensive one?"
"Ha, ha nice try. I'll keep that to myself. How is she?" She asked with nod towards the apartment.
"As good as can be expected." Taking a long drink before handing it back. "I promised her that when this is over that I would take her away on a nice vacation."
"Oh yeah? Where to?" She asked as they continued to share the bottle.
"I don't know. Maybe somewhere warm, a country with beautiful beaches and shops too."
"Sounds nice, never been myself."
"Really?" Intrigued she turned towards her. "With all of your lives and the length of them?"
"Not unless you count the battles by sea. Not exactly dig your toes into the sand type moments."
"Yeah, I guess not."
"We'll get her, doc. For now though, Evony believes that Kenzi might not pull through." She explained the visit and that it was best that they not venture out alone.
"I agree. I'm surprised that you're here though, and not with Bo. Especially seeing that this isn't travel sized bottle." She laughed lightly at the valkyrie's eye roll.
"Yeah, yeah...she wanted to come over too but after I told her about my expiration date I think she needed some space."
"Ah, I see." She nodded in understanding. "Tamsin? Thank you." She said grateful to feel a little less alone in her cause against the Morrigan.
"Don't know what you're talking about. I just came to drink the vodka that I earned." She winked at her before Lauren turned back. "Besides it's a nice night, think I might sleep out here. Hell of a lot more comfy than my truck."
"The couch will be available shortly."
"I'll keep that in mind. Now if you'll excuse me," she said taking the bottle back "this isn't going to finish itself. Besides you have an early day tomorrow."
She didn't have to be at the lab until ten so she was confused. "I do?"
"Yeah, I have to be at the station by nine. Pancakes and bacon would be nice, maybe some eggs. Oh and coffee too."
Laughing lightly "I'm confused are you my guest or is this a hotel?"
"Think of me as your very sexy shadow that requires food and alcohol."
"If you say so, good night Tamsin."
"Night, doc."
Kenzi barely stirred as Lauren carried her upstairs, and placed her in bed before getting ready herself. She wasn't sure when her and Tamsin became whatever they are, but she was grateful for the dark fae's presence that allowed her to sleep a little more peacefully.
The next morning Kenzi awoke to the smell of breakfast cooking, but was confused as to why she heard the shower running. Assuming that Lauren made the food beforehand, she thought nothing of it as she stripped bleary eyed before opening the curtain to join her.
Wrapping her arms around her "Mmm...food smells great, babe. Is this floor at a slant? You almost seem taller." The body that she rested against seem to tense even more, and she wondered why the blonde was so quiet.
"Kenzi?" She heard Lauren call for her. Wait, why did it sound like it was coming from outside the shower? Wow, I must really not be awake yet.
The doctor was puzzled as to her girlfriend's whereabouts until she saw the trail of clothing leading to the bathroom. Oh, no. Walking quickly to the shower she pulled the curtain back to find Tamsin, face covered in soap standing stock still with a horrified expression. Her blissfully unaware girlfriend with her arms around her. Not wanting to startle her, but unsure as to how to remedy the situation she softly called her name again.
Hearing her name she squeezed the body in front of her even tighter. "Yeah, babe?"
"Um..." Lauren said in an attempt not to laugh. "I'm right here so why don't you let Tamsin go?"
Slowly opening her eyes to question why her lover was acting so strange, she saw Lauren fully dressed outside of the tub. If she was there then who..."Oh my god, oh my god" She repeated as she jumped out of the shower quickly. Wrapping a towel around herself as she ran to their room.
"I didn't know that a tiny Russian could terrify an almighty valkyrie? I mean, poor Bo. Whatever will she think?"
"Don't you dare breathe a word of this to anyone!" Tamsin warned before yanking the curtain closed.
"Lauren, what the hell?!" Kenzi demanded as she put on her clothes quickly. "Give a girl some warning next time! Why did you let me do that?"
The blonde watched as she frantically ran around the room getting dressed. "She spent the night and wanted a shower before work. I didn't see the harm since I was cooking. I didn't think that you'd be awake yet."
"The harm?" She spat out. "As if yesterday wasn't bad enough! Did you not see how this" using her hands to motion up and down her body "was all over that?" Her eyes wide in shock.
"I did but in all fairness if you had seen her face, I think she was equally horrified." She bit the inside of her lip to stop from laughing.
"You think this is funny don't you?" She accused pointing a finger in Lauren's direction. "Well, I hope you got a good look because you are so cut off!"
"Well, in that case maybe I should go hop-"
"Finish that sentence, I dare you." Kenzi threatened with a look that left no room for misunderstanding.
"If anything, Kenz, we should be thankful that you didn't..." Lauren trailed off seeing the murderous glare in the brunette's yes. "On second thought, I'm going to go start the coffee, yeah? Yeah." She said more to herself, feeling the stare even though she was halfway down the stairs.
Hearing a knock on the door, she opened it to find Bo. Relieved that she was here in hopes to diffuse the awkwardness that would soon follow when the other two made their way downstairs.
"Bo! Hi, please come in...so good to see you. Hungry? Want some coffee? I'm just about to make some."
Puzzled by Lauren's energy and how quickly she spoke she agreed. "Yeah, that sounds great actually. How's Kenzi?"
"Bobo! So good to see you!" Kenzi greeted her in a hug but still made a point to send a glare Lauren's way. "Someone who would never laugh at my misfortune."
"What are you talking about?" She asked glancing between the two before seeing Tamsin come down the stairs. "Hey I didn't think that you would still be here." Noticing that both her best friend and the lighter blonde had wet hair, she decided to tease them. "So did you both take a shower together or what because..." She stopped as they both glared at Lauren who had started to laugh but now seemed to be coughing.
"Sorry, it must be allergies." Glancing at the time on the stove. "You know I think I have a meeting with Hale this morning, I should get going. Don't want to be late." As she rushed around collecting her belongings.
"I just passed Hale on my way here. He said he had a meeting with the Elders. Besides didn't you just make breakfast." Seeing the looks that passed around she quickly realized that whatever took place here Lauren was trying to escape. She'd seen this expression on Kenzi before...oh..."You know what, Lauren? I must not have been paying attention, yeah he said he was on his way to meet you at the lab. My mistake." She offered with what she hoped came across as a sheepish smile.
"Thank you" Lauren mouthed to Bo on her way out the door. She turned around to say good bye to Kenzi but upon seeing her still irritated expression, she thought better of it. Yeah, she knew that she would have to buy the most expensive bottle of vodka for Tamsin and thought that now was a good time to ask for a raise.