Thank you again for all of the reviews! I have received questions when Lauren will take Evony down, it will be happening soon. Just wanted to add a little more fuel to the fire with this chapter.
When Lauren arrived at the lab, she was pleased to see that all of the research was on course. The paperwork in her office was another story entirely. Resigning herself to it she decided to stay in her office until the majority of it was completed. It would allow her mind a break from the stress of worrying about Kenzi as well as how she wanted to handle Evony.
A few hours later, she stretched to relieve the stiffness in her muscles. Walking to the window she allowed her thoughts to wander to the scene before her. The leaves on the tree had started to change from their fall colors to the brown that now littered the ground. It would be Christmas soon and she could think of no better gift than to have the Evony issue resolved. As much as it entertained her to use the hydra method, she really preferred to a more hands on approach. Personally, she would love to stick her in the neck with the serum, and watch the Morrigan's expression as she explained exactly what was happening to her. The only issue would be able to get close enough without being melted. If only there was some way to draw her out, and have her subdued. She had already used the vial Tamsin collected and didn't want to endanger her friend further.
"My, my doctor. Whatever could be going through that brain of yours?"
"Evony?!" Lauren turned around quickly "What are you doing here?"
"Aww...not quite the welcome I wanted. Lauren, I'm hurt." Evony said with a mock pout. "Is this the thanks I get after everything I've done for you?" Laughing at the blonde's incredulous expression she went on "I mean, if not for me you and Kenzi never would have gotten together. Plus, after you spent 5 years by Nadia's bedside you should be used to it by now. How is she by the way?"
Gritting her teeth to control her anger she stared right back at her. "You came all this way to check on me? I'm touched, truly but unless you have something to say then leave!"
Instead of leaving the leader of the dark fae opted to sit at the couch that lay across the wall instead. "If you want to continue to live, I suggest you address me properly and give the respect that I deserve."
"Oh, I have several names for you but I simply lack the time to address you with all of them. You have no pull here." Lauren moved to stand in front of her desk with her arms crossed in front of her as she looked down on her with disgust.
Smirking, Evony stood up to saunter over to her, stopping only an arm's length apart. "I've come to make a formal request of the Ash for his property. A dark fae elder has become ill so I'll need you in my lab, and given his whole project of having the light/dark work together I know that he'll agree. You will be sequestered to the dark fae compound. No outside communication to anyone unless I approve it, so no girlfriend or friends."
In a low voice Lauren replied "I won't do any favors for whatever elder that you're getting on your knees for currently." Smiling at the furious expression that now adorned Evony's features. "I don't know what I did to warrant this attention from you, but feel free to fuck off at anytime."
"Oh you will pay for that you pathetic human!" She raised her hand to strike her, but Lauren caught her arm before it could make contact. Twisting her arm behind her back, she pushed her against the wall and grabbed her other hand to pin it against the wall.
"What are going to do? Have me beat up in an alley? Hmm? Burn me again for rejecting a fae that has been fucking everything since Rome burned?"
"Honey, why didn't you tell me that you liked it rough? I would have done this ages ago." She purred before she pushed back.
Caught off guard by the strength, she stumbled back but righted herself.
"I have all kinds of things planned for you, Dr. Lewis. Does your girlfriend and the rest know about your time in the war? The decision that was made after Nadia was cursed?" She smiled seeing the pained expression on the blonde. "Didn't think that anyone knew about that, huh? I bet you already had names picked out too."
Consumed with regret and a life that could have been Lauren stood there as Evony advanced on her. Before she could get any closer, the Morrigan's eyes widened in shock as she appeared to be stuck in place. This confused Lauren until she saw the blue stream leave her mouth. Bo. For once her timing was perfect. She continued to extract her chi until the dark leader passed out on the floor.
Shaking her head at the emotions that Lauren believed to be buried, she spoke to her. "Close the door!" Quickly Lauren grabbed a syringe to collect another vial of blood. "Bo, I need you to breathe enough chi back in so she doesn't know that I took another sample."
"No, Lauren! She tried to hurt you and we know that she is responsible for Kenzi!"
"Bo, please! I can't have anyone knowing, especially her." Lauren pleaded with her to understand.
Relenting she did so at Lauren's side in case Evony tried anything else.
As the Morrigan sat up, she glared at them. "Isn't this sweet? The both of you working together. Don't think because you're unaligned that you're immune to retaliation."
"Don't think because you're dark that I give a shit!" Bo spat back at her.
"What the hell is going on here?!" Hale demanded as he stormed into the office. "Evony, you know damn well that you were supposed to wait outside of my chambers. You will leave now and consider whatever request you were here to make denied. Guards! Please escort the Morrigan to her vehicle in case she gets lost again."
"Well, look at you Ash. All grown up." Evony said as she walked past him. "But this is by no means over. I always get my way aside from the succubus still being alive that is, but really that's only a matter of time too." She winked before leaving.
Closing the door behind her, Hale turned to them both. "You two alright?"
"Yes, Hale. Thank you for getting her to leave as well as denying her request."
"Of course, Lauren. I was already aware of her it due to a certain valkyrie . You've shown enough loyalty that its time some of it is returned to you. Let me know if you need anything else." Seeing her nod in response, he took his leave closing the door once again. Even though she was a slave in name only the last person that needed to be made aware of that was Evony.
"Thank you, Bo."
"Always, Lauren. I told you that I have your back no matter what. Why don't we get you to Kenzi?"
Turning to look at the succubus as tears skimmed her eyes she pulled her into a hug. Grateful for her timing and the ability to have their affection mature into a much-needed friendship.
Bo was momentarily stunned before she returned the gesture. She heard the last part of what Evony said to Lauren, and it enraged her that she would use it to taunt her with it. She remembered their time in Hecuba the names that Lauren had picked out. "It's none of my business but just know that I'm here if you need to talk. Come on now," she said she moved out of the hug to remove her lab coat before laying it on her desk "let's get you home, okay?"
"Why were you on your way here initially, Bo?" She asked as they left.
"That can wait. For now though let me get you dropped off at home. Do you have everything you need?"
Seeing her nod in return she accepted Bo's arm on the way out.
The goth was going somewhat stir crazy after having to stay in the apartment all day. She was ready to enjoy a life without Evony haunting it. Her thoughts ventured back to this morning after Lauren had left. She wasn't mad per se but slightly mortified.
"So..." Bo drawled out slowly. "I know that look, Kenz. I can't imagine what Lauren did to get it though."
"If anyone should be upset, it's me. Hell I bring expensive vodka here to drink, sleep on the couch, and then take a shower only to be molested by a small Russian." Tamsin stated flatly as she ate her breakfast. Granted, she was embarrassed too but she wasn't one to pass up free food.
Okay that was the last thing Bo expected to hear this morning. "Wow, Kenzi do you have a thing for blondes now?" She teased but stopped when she was the one on the receiving end of their glares. "You two don't find it just a bit funny?"
"I don't know if there's enough alcohol for that...'is the floor slanted?'...really Kenzi?" Tamsin mocked with an eye roll.
Glaring at the blonde "I didn't hear you say anything either. A nice 'hey Kenzi you have me mistaken for your hot girlfriend' would have been a great way to get my attention."
"I didn't know what you were doing with your hands! You kept moving them and hugging me closer and who knows what would have happened if Lauren hadn't gotten you."
Giving a sly smile in return she opted to changed tactics. "Why Tam Tam, I didn't know you kept thinking about my hands. Do you do that often?"
"I'm trying to eat here, can you not?" She asked but Kenzi saw her trying to hide her smile.
"You? I don't know if I'll ever be able to eat again!" Seeing the looks of disbelief as her plate of food was now empty. "Okay, you're right but still. Just lock the door next time."
"Will that even work? Can't you pick locks in your sleep?" She scoffed.
"Fair point. Maybe just have Lauren wake me next time?"
"Agreed. Well, as fun as this has been I need to be at the station." She said as she placed her plate in the sink surprising the other two in the room.
"I'll walk you out, Tamsin. I'll be right back."
Ten minutes later, Bo arrived back with a small smile. "Alright, Bobo..spill. We both know something happened but why was Tamsin here last night?"
"Did you know that she was dying, Kenz? She wanted to tell me beforehand, but I'm not exactly patient. I feel different about her and right as I get my chance she's dying. Some girls have all the luck, huh? After she told me, I couldn't be around her. We were both going to come yesterday but I just needed to get my thoughts together."
"And what did you decide?" She asked softly. Kenzi felt for friend. She was so happy when she was initially with Dyson, but he could be possessive. Even after she retrieved his love back, Bo's feelings never returned for him. Sure, Lauren accepted her nature on a scientific level but her heart never quite caught up to it. They were the poster couple for why communication is important. Tamsin though offered something completely different, and she really wanted Bo to be happy.
"That I just don't want to walk away. She explained some of the life cycle, but I was only half listening at the time. We're supposed to meet for dinner later. Is it okay with you if I talk to Lauren about it given her knowledge of all things fae?"
"I trust you, Bo. Watch a bit of bad reality shows with me before you go though, please?" She asked as she batted her eyes.
Laughing at her "Yes, of course."
Hearing the keys in the door snapped her back to the present, Kenzi was going to continue tease Lauren. That is until she saw her walk in with her brow furrowed and her eyes glazed over. "Lauren?" she watched as her girlfriend briefly glanced in her direction before she headed straight to the kitchen to open a bottle of wine. "Bo? What the hell happened?" She asked as she walked towards her friend.
Hearing the panic in her best friend's voice, Bo moved her worried gaze from Lauren to Kenzi. "I..uh..it's not my place to say. I'm going to head out now but call me later if you need to." She leaned in to give her friend a hug as she left.
Locking the door behind her she walked towards her girlfriend who had moved to the couch. Sitting down gently beside her, she placed a hand on her knee. "Babe, I don't know what happened today. If you want to talk, I'm here or if you need space...just tell me."
"I just need you, Kenzi." She said it so softly that she barely caught it. Lauren finished her glass and placed it on the coffee table before making eye contact with her.
Kenzi felt at once relieved that Lauren needed her, but the look she gave her was one she recognized well as she herself had often worn it. Pulling Lauren to her she adjusted their position to where they were laying down with the blonde's head on her shoulder. "Always." She promised as she kissed the top of her head. They laid there for so long that Kenzi was sure that she had fallen asleep.
"It wasn't my choice." She sobbed lightly.
She remained quiet as she knew she only had to give her a moment before Lauren continued.
"I was going to be a mom and I didn't even know it at the time."
Shocked at this revelation and not knowing the circumstances. "What? Did someone-"
Quickly realizing at what Kenzi would suspect, she reassured her. "No, I didn't mean...Nadia was pregnant before we left for the Congo. We had discussed having children and she decided to carry after we realized that I wasn't able to. She had a few miscarriages so I thought it would be a good idea to leave, to get away from everything from a little while. Just to focus on my research and on us again, I thought that we would look into adoption when we returned. I didn't realize she was pregnant until I put her in the pod, and the monitor picked up more than one heartbeat."
Her heart dropped at what Lauren told her. Fucking fae. "How far along was she?"
"2 months. I can't tell you how many times that I wished I had never gone to the Congo. Not that everything was perfect with Nadia, she could be needy and demanding but she was wonderful too."
"Did you tell her when she woke up from her being cursed?"
"How could I? After telling her that she missed five years of her life? She could have carried the baby to term, and I was going to let it happen especially since I thought she would wake up in the next few months or so. To be able to have a piece of her with me. I came in the next morning" she paused to keep her tears at bay "to only see one heartbeat. The Ash said it was in everyone's best interest. I flew into a rage, beating him on his chest telling him that it was not his decision to make. He said anything related to me what his decision to make as I belonged to him." She tightened her hold on Kenzi as the emotions from that day refused to be kept back any longer. "He said if had any ideas of ending my life that there was enough magic to bring me back, and that I would truly regret it."
Kenzi was at a loss for words. No wonder she flocked to Bo in the beginning since she was the first to show a warmth towards her. She cringed at her own behavior...if only she had known...no matter though. She couldn't go back in time anymore than Lauren could. She didn't know what to say, I mean really what does one say in that situation. She continued to hold her, running her fingers through her hair.
"I was thrown into the dungeon for 2 weeks for my "outburst" and I knew the only way to survive was to shut down, to lose myself in my work. I buried it deep down."
"Oh Lauren," Kenzi said as her heart broke even more for her "I'm glad that he's dead. Is today the anniversary of it? Is that why today you're-"
"Evony stopped by my office today. She was there to ask Hale for my services for a dark fae elder. She was going to sequester me which means I would have been cut off from all contact with you and everyone." She went on to to tell her everything that happened from that point to when Bo walked her through the door.
"I would have loved to see you push her against the wall. And you Lauren Lewis! I can't believe I let you kiss me with that mouth." She feigned shock over Lauren's words.
Looking up at her girlfriend she knew that some people would scoff at Kenzi's words especially with the weight of everything, but in moments like this she was glad that Kenzi was just Kenzi. She wouldn't coddle her into the depths of despair, she would let her skim the surface for a moment, but she would always pull Lauren back up before she could fully submerge herself into it.
Worried about the look she was receiving she quickly apologized. "I'm so sorry, babe..I really shouldn't be allowed to talk sometimes."
"No," Lauren said leaning up to kiss her "you're always exactly what I need." She pushed herself further to lay on top of her girlfriend as she continued to kiss her.
Entangling her hands in her hair Kenzi was swept away in the moment, but pulled back to look at her to make sure that Lauren was as okay as she could be under the circumstances.
"What's wrong, Kenz?"
"Are you sure? We don't have to do anything, we can continue to talk or just go to sleep." She said as brought one hand down to stroke her cheek. "I don't want to you to regret anything in the morning if you feel that we should have-"
"I mean this with as much affection as possible but please shut up."
Laughing lightly, Kenzi did she as she was told feeling better about their escalating passion. She heard Lauren explain before how intimacy can help with grief, and if that's what she needed then who better than with someone who you love. "Are we doing this here or-"
"No talking." Lauren reminded her as she continued to kiss her allowing the raw emotions of the day to be soothed by the woman who meant everything to her. She knew that she would continue to hurt for a while, but at least know that her wounds were exposed they would have a chance to heal.
I read over this chapter a couple of times, but wouldn't surprise me if I missed any spelling or grammar errors. Thanks again for reading!