Author's Notes:

A big thank you to all those who have left reviews and have flagged my story as favourite or to follow - it means more to me than you could know. This is my first multi-chapter story, so I need all the encouragement that I can get. Encouragement in the form of reviews – both good (preferably) and bad (constructive criticism), would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks to my Beta, Neytiri's Heart for her help, advice and welcomed sarcasm. Yes, the shoe is on the other foot.

Chapter 2

The Ash's office

As Lauren was ushered into the Ash's inner office by his assistant, she quickly took in her surroundings. She realized that Hale was in the process of moving his office out of the Dal and back into the compound, however to say that the Ash's office was bare was an understatement. The only furnishings were a dark mahogany desk with an ergonomic office chair behind it and two black leather chairs facing his desk. There were no photos, statues, weapons or even a stuffed trophy animal or Under Fae anywhere in the office. In fact, the only thing that could be considered decorative, was the fancy fountain pen set adorning his desk; along with his cell phone and a huge pile of files.

Hale looked up from his mountain of paperwork as Lauren was escorted in; his assistant not wasting any time to leave. "Hey Doc." the Siren said with a smile; if he were honest with himself, since he became Acting Ash, he didn't have much time to hang out with his friends. All his time was spent treading the political Fae waters, dealing with red tape and learning the fine art of political correctness in order to get things accomplished. To see a friendly face was a wonderful reprieve from the arduous paperwork that greeted him each day.

Lauren bowed her head in respect, "Ash."

The Siren waved his hand dismissing the formality. "Please, there's no need for that Doc."

The blonde was all business. It was the only way she knew to be in order to get through this. "I insist. I must stick with protocol. I have to make a request of you."

Hale arched his eyebrow as his curiosity peaked. "Sounds serious. Please have a seat." as he indicated to a chair.

Lauren was too anxious to sit still. "I'd rather stand if you don't mind."

Hale nodded and walked around to the front of his desk; and leaned back so that he was semi-seated on the top of his desk. He clasped his hands together and remained relaxed yet curious as to what had the doctor so antsy.

"First of all, I wanted to let you know that Dyson is recovering and with bed rest, he should be back on his feet in a couple of days."

"That's good to hear." Hale was relieved. After hearing about Dyson's near death experience in the temple, he was concerned about his well being.

Lauren took a deep breath to collect herself. These past few years have been increasingly difficult but she coped; she pushed past her fear, concern, feelings and pride in order to get the job done; and in so doing, she lost a bit of herself each time. If anything was going to change, now was the time.

Hale recognized that something was concerning the blonde and prompted her by gently asking, "And your request?"

Lauren exhaled. "I received a phone call this morning from a Fae medical… colleague, for lack of a better word. Her name is Dr. Mila Hernandez from the Brazilian Light Fae clan. There is some kind of Fae outbreak there and she would like my assistance. I'd like to request to help them."

Hale was pleasantly surprised, thinking it was something more dire. "That's it? I don't have an issue helping out a fellow clan. Just make arrangements with the tech guys and they'll set you up with satellite video conferencing."

Lauren blinked. She didn't expect this response. Maybe she wasn't clear. "You misunderstand. I wish to assist on site… in Brazil."

The Siren was taken aback. He should've known that it couldn't have been that simple. "Go there? Why you would have to go to Brazil?"

"From what she told me, there have been a significant number of deaths and this may be a strain similar to the epidemic that I treated in the Congo. However, I won't know for certain until I see it for myself and as they say in the Army, nothing is more effective than boots on the ground. If I were physically there, I would be on hand to review their findings, conduct testing, treat patients, go to where it all started, et cetera."

Lauren's fingers played nervously with the file in her hands before she closed the distance between her and the Siren. "Dr. Hernandez sent me some information on the epidemic thus far – on patients that have been infected and who have died." The blonde stood next to Hale with the file open, showing pictures of some of the afflicted and dead.

Hale looked at the photos, grimacing at the physical effects of the disease on the patients; before looking back up at Lauren. "Protocol dictates that in situations like these where a clan is requesting aid from another, a formal request has to be made from their Ash. I haven't received any word from theirs."

"The Ash there is Vicente Medeiros." Lauren stated. "They never asked me to come – rather they just requested any assistance that I would be able to provide them. I am the one asking to go there on assignment to help."

This kept getting more and more puzzling to Hale. "Why would you want to go there? I thought that things were better for you as a Ward of the Light. Did something happen? Did someone do something to you? If so, tell me and I'll make sure it never happens again!" Hale stood up from where he was seated; agitated at the thought that someone possibly hurt her.

Lauren's emotions quickly unravelled; it took everything within her to be calm all morning, especially in Bo's presence and now that the moment was here, she couldn't contain herself anymore and blurted out, "I need to leave! I can't stay here!"

Hale's anger was quickly extinguished and replaced with concern and confusion. "What? What do you mean you can't stay here?"

Lauren was pacing now, her arms wrapped around herself; clearly upset. "I need to get away for awhile. I know that I'm your employee… and that this is a lot to ask but I just can't be here anymore; at least not for awhile."

The Siren had never seen Lauren not be her normal cool, collected and confident self. Her demeanor now was definitely atypical. "What's this about Doc? Does this have something to do with Bo?"

The doctor sighed; she needed to get her emotions under control. She stopped pacing and turned to face the Acting Ash. "And Dyson."

Hale was completely lost. "I don't understand."

Lauren sighed again; her shoulders slumped. "Somehow Dyson got his love back. And no, I don't have any proof but he has been different. He's different around Bo – the way he looks at her; the way he acts; what he says… The only way to know would be to ask him and I'm the last person in the world to do that."

Hale was flabbergasted. He opened his mouth to say something but nothing came out.

The blonde continued, "I know how this seems. That I'm having relationship issues; that it's preventing me from being professional and I'm running away. And when I put it like that in the most basic terms, yes, that is how it is. But it's more than that. It's not just Dyson…"

The Siren was still dumbfounded and it showed in his tone and in his expression. "I don't know what to say. I'm shocked by all of this."

Lauren knew that she had to be honest with Hale so that he could understand her situation; how she was feeling. She was not one for airing her personal laundry and years of controlling her feelings made it even more difficult to express it with others but time was of the essence and she would not get another opportunity.

Swallowing her pride, Lauren took the leap and looked the Siren in the eyes. All her turmoil was etched on her face and her eyes brimmed with unshed tears. "I know that what I am asking of you is huge. But I need this Hale. I have sacrificed everything that I am - first for Nadia and now for Bo. And I am empty. I can't think clearly; I can't eat; and I can't sleep." The blonde exhaled before continuing; her hands clasped in front of her. "When I first came here, things were so hard, so bleak… but I had science and medicine and that helped me cope. I need to find that again but I can't do that here; not right now; there are too many distractions. If I stay here - the way things are and the way I feel - I won't be any good to you, to the Light or to myself. And if I can't perform, then my… services will no longer be required and I'm afraid to think what that would mean for me."

Hale understood the risk that the doctor was taking in expressing her fears and emotions and he was truly sympathetic but he was the Acting Ash and even though he respected her and considered them to be friends, he had to consider what was in the best interest of the Light first. Having their doctor and his Ward be thousands of miles away instead of treating his own clan wouldn't be in their best interest or at least, it would be frowned upon which would make his already difficult job, more difficult. Hale sighed. "I don't know what I can do Lauren. I sympathize with your situation but…"

Lauren decided to try a different tactic. "I know that the Elders sometimes need to weigh in on some of your decisions. However, think of this as an opportunity to make a name for yourself as Acting Ash - your human doctor assisting to eradicate this outbreak that is affecting another Light Fae clan."

Hale smiled at Lauren's gumption and raised one eyebrow. "You have that much faith in your abilities?"

The doctor replied matter of factly. "My work speaks for itself... one word: Congo." Lauren continued to explain herself, "I acknowledge and resign myself to my situation. I am a slave to the Light." Lauren waved her hand to silence Hale's aversion to the word 'slave'. "Science is all I have and I want to focus all my energy into it. I know that I can do this. I know that I can make a difference Hale."

The Siren was slowly becoming convinced. "Let's say that I agree, I don't know if I'd be able to convince the Elders that this is a good idea and get their support."

The blonde was on a roll; her mind working all the angles. "Hale, I know that I don't know much about Fae politics but I know that this can work to your benefit. When I come up with a cure and I will; it will reflect very positively on you, your position as Acting Ash and your clan. It'll be your name that will be associated with saving thousands of Fae from this outbreak. And even more, it would be Fae that's not even part of your clan, so they will be indebted to you."

Lauren could tell that what she was saying was sinking in by reading Hale's body language, so she continued. "I know that you only took this position until a new Ash could be chosen but I can tell that you are enjoying what you are doing. You've settled into this role and are making a difference. Don't try to trivialize your efforts Hale, you and I both know that you are making changes. Let me help you continue to make a difference." The doctor paused for the coup de grâce. "And besides, weren't your ancestors from that area?"

Hale's eyes twinkled and he chuckled out loud, "You're wrong Lauren, you know enough about Fae politics. How long are we talking about here?"

The blonde breathed out quickly, "Two to six months."

Hale whistled unconsciously, fortunately nothing exploded. "Damn Doc, that's a long time! I don't know if I can spare you for that long."

Lauren continued, not to be discouraged, "In the event that you were willing to approve my request, I made a list of Fae doctors that would be a good fit during my absence. And they would all willingly jump at the opportunity to be Chief Medical Doctor here." She handed him a list of names which he took automatically, still surprised by these turn of events. "As well, I updated all active case records last night and have a turnover report ready for whomever you choose to replace me while I'm away. All they have to do is show up for work."

Hale was impressed by the doctor's ingenuity and level of preparation. "You're not afraid that your replacement will do a fantastic job and that there won't be a position for you upon your return?"

In a very matter of fact tone and devoid of arrogance, Lauren said, "First of all, when I return here, I would've found the cure for this epidemic. And secondly, I don't think anyone would question your authority or my abilities. So, no, it won't be an issue."

Being devil's advocate, Hale continued to list possible arguments against this arrangement. "The Elders could argue that you may use this opportunity to run away."

Always one to consider all the angles, Lauren wasn't stumped. "I thought about that and I think that it would be prudent of you to send someone with me, for security purposes. They would be there in a dual capacity - to protect me as Ward of the Ash and to ensure that I won't flee; which I won't."

In a very serious tone, Hale said, "Lauren, if I agree to this, promise me that you won't run."

The blonde looked directly into his eyes and replied very emphatically, "I promise. As a doctor and as your Ward, I swear to uphold my agreement and my responsibility. I give you my word." She exhaled and released some of the tension that she was didn't realize she was holding in her shoulders. She reiterated, "This is just temporary. I just need time so that I can come to terms with everything and be able to function as I should... as I need to."

Hale sighed. "You've given this a lot of thought. Do you have someone in mind for your Security detail?"

"I have worked with Serena in the past. She was very efficient with the whole Djieiene spider situation. She's fair and honourable and I'm comfortable with her. She is the first Fae that comes to mind if you are willing to spare her. If not her, anyone that you trust and that you think is capable of not looking down on me because I'm human and that would be able and willing to protect me. If I'm going to be there for a few months, I don't need the headache of having to watch my back around whoever is there to protect me."

Again, Hale was impressed that Lauren had considered everything. "And I suppose that you'll want to leave right away?"

Lauren nodded. "Tonight preferably or tomorrow morning."

"Alright. Is there anything else that I need to know?"

The blonde nodded. "This assignment will require me to travel out in the field for extended periods of time - at different locations - so I'll be on the move constantly. There are temporary labs set up at each location I believe. As well, some of the areas that I will be in will most likely not have cell phone coverage or internet. Communication will be difficult at times." Lauren saw Hale's shoulder slump. She pressed on; she wasn't about to let this fall apart now. "With that said, I'm sure that you can equip me or my Security person with top of the line communication gear so that they and/or I can provide you with regular reports or updates."

Hale chuckled again. "Of course you don't make this easy." He paused for a few seconds contemplating all the information and possible ramifications. "Okay. I'll support your assignment and I'll do what I can to make it happen but there are no guarantees. I still have to convince the Elders."

Lauren smiled with relief. "Thank you Hale! I appreciate your support and I do understand that some things may be out of your hands. But if I get the go ahead, you won't regret it."

"What about Bo? Are you going to tell her?" he asked solemnly.

The blonde's smile quickly disappeared. "I can't say anything beforehand. If I do, she'll try to stop me from leaving. I don't want to hurt her but I need to do this for me."

Hale shook his head. "I don't know about that Doc. She's gonna be royally pissed."

Lauren closed her eyes briefly and rubbed the bridge of her nose. All the stress and emotional turmoil gave her a massive headache. "I know. I'll call her from the airport and I'll also leave her a letter explaining everything." She looked back at Hale sadly. "I'll make sure she understands that this was my idea and not yours."

The Siren walked up to the blonde and gently put his hand on her shoulder; the act startled her but she didn't flinch from the contact. He normally would never make such a physical gesture towards her but he now had a better understanding of her emotional and mental state as she had gone to such extreme measures. Hale was genuinely concerned about her. "I'm not worried about me Lauren. I really hope you know what you're doing - for your sake and for hers."

Lauren smiled but it never reached her eyes. "This is for me Hale. For once, I'm doing something for me."

Hale dropped his hand and his look said that he understood. "Okay. I'll get things rolling – deal with the Elders; Ash Medeiros; Security, et cetera. If it's a go, be ready to move at a moment's notice."

The blonde replied quickly. "That won't be a problem. I'm already packed."

Hale was surprised – not just by the fact that Lauren was confident that her request would be approved but that she was already packed. "What about all your belongings in your apartment?"

There was a resignation and sadness in her voice. "There's nothing of importance for me to take. I'll be ready when you call." She paused and asked tentatively, "Can you keep this between us? I don't want anyone knowing the real reason why I've taken this assignment."

Hale nodded his understanding. "Trust me Doc, I don't want anyone else to know either. My rep is at stake." Lauren was visibly relieved – not just that she would most likely be going on this assignment but that Hale would do everything he could to support her and keep her secret.

Lauren bowed her head. "Thank you Ash."

The Siren watched her as walked out his office; he felt a great deal of concern and respect for the doctor. He would make sure to check up on her while she was away to make sure that she was alright. He would also talk to Serena to ensure that she knew how important it was to protect and look out for the good Doctor.

He shook his head and sighed. He knew that Bo would not take this well and she would be one irate Succubus. He imagined that she would pay him a visit once she found out. The Siren drew himself out of his thoughts and reached for his cell; punching in some numbers from memory.

Hale smiled when he heard the voice. It had been a while. "Dyson? Hey!"

The Siren chuckled, "Yeah, I decided to take time out of my busy Ash schedule to talk to the little people."

"Look, I need to confirm something…"

"Sure, I'll see you in 30."

Hale ended the call. He needed to know if Dyson had his love back. He would ask the awkward question that Lauren couldn't and he would keep her confidence.

The Crack Shack

Kenzi staggered down the stairs and groped around the kitchen for a clean coffee cup. The smell of freshly brewed coffee wafted in the air, calling her name. A couple of sips and a few seconds later, java was surging through her veins. It was the pick-me-up that she needed to pry her eyes open so that she could pour her sugar fix of 'Toastie Bun Buns' into a bowl.

Making her way over to the couch, she saw that her BFF was already dressed and enjoying a cup of coffee. Well, enjoying was debatable. Bo was seated at the far end of the couch with her legs tucked underneath her; her coffee mug in her hands; and she was staring at the blank TV.

"Hey Bo Bo, you know that TV's are way more enjoyable when you turn them on? It's a proven fact!" Kenzi said as she plopped down on the couch with her coffee and bowl of cereal.

Bo didn't respond.

Kenzi snapped her fingers in front of the Succubus' face. "Earth to Bo. Come in Bo."

"Huh?" Bo seemed to come out of her haze.

"What's going on Succubum? Why the face?" Kenzi asked in between mouthfuls of cereal.

"Nothing's going on." Bo mumbled.

The Goth stopped in mid-chew. "You lie like a cheap rug on a bald dude!"

Bo stared at Kenzi with a look that said 'What the hell? That the best you got!' The look resonated with the Goth, who got a bit defensive. "What?! I just woke up. That's pretty good for first thing in the morning."

The brunette shook her head. "It's noon Kenz!"

"Like I said, it's first thing in the morning." The Goth smiled nonchalantly. "It's just that you got your frowny face on."

Bo sighed. "Lauren. Lauren's what's going on. She's acting weird."

Kenzi couldn't resist. "What, like normal Lauren weird or abnormally Lauren weird?"

The jab at her girlfriend didn't register; Bo was preoccupied. "I think she's mad at me Kenz."

"If that were true, why would Hot Pants be mad at you?" the Goth put the bowl up to her lips and slurped down the remaining milk; wiping her mouth with the back of her hand.

"Well, she's normally happy to see me when I stop by the lab but today it was like she was annoyed that I was there. And she was really cold and abrupt with me; almost giving me the brush off. And she had that tone like she would give you when you mess with her lab equipment."

"Oh tits! That's not good." The Goth made a scrunched up face. She remembered all the times that Lauren would chastise her for handling the lab equipment, almost breaking a couple unintentionally of course. It basically made her want to unplug everything from all the gizmos in the lab and switch around all the beakers just to show her a thing or two. But she didn't as that would require too much effort.

Bo continued talking even though Kenzi had spaced out for a few seconds. "I mean, I know that I haven't been the greatest girlfriend in the world-"

The Goth quickly jumped to her friend's defense. "You've been busy training for the Dawning. I mean, I hardly saw you and you always need your Kenzi-fix."

Bo sighed and slumped her shoulders. She knew that she was focused on training for the Dawning and let her relationship slide - she felt guilty about that. "I know but I was really harsh with her with the whole Kitsune thing... and I mean really harsh Kenz especially after everything that she did for me. She and I agreed that I needed to feed off of others and then at the Club, she brought me back from my Succubitch self even after I threatened her!" Bo shook her head, feeling horrible about how things transpired.

"I healed with Dyson - I can't put into words how much that hurt her but she was still understanding with me; knowing that it was just to heal. Then I totally missed her Award ceremony which was a huge deal to her Kenz. You should've seen how excited she was. And with all my training for the Dawning, I've hardly spent time with her – in fact, less time that I spend with you. And underneath it all, there's the whole feeding from others which is really hard on her but she would never say anything because she's super understanding. Don't even get me started on the whole Tamsin kissing me thing." Bo's eyes brimmed with tears. "I mean, I would even hate me for all of this."

The tiny Goth raised her head out of her coffee mug, "Yeah, about that. You still haven't said what the hell happened there!"

"Focus Kenz please! Look, there's no story. She kissed me. It didn't mean anything to me but I feel guilty about it because I knew it would hurt Lauren. Plus, between training and the Dawning and things being strained, it never seemed like it was the right time to tell her. And to be honest, I was scared to tell her 'cuz I didn't want to make things worse... I don't even know what the hell got into Tamsin."

"Ok, now that I got the scoop – as uneventful as it was - I'm focusing. But I need another cup of coffee." With that she hopped off the couch and made a beeline to the coffee maker; pouring herself another cup of caffeine goodness.

Bo's mind was whirling. "I have to make things up to her Kenzi. I have to tell her that I know that I've been a horrible girlfriend and that I want to make things right. I have to show her how important she is to me. Now that the Dawning is done, things can go back to normal."

The Goth made her way back to the sofa, coffee in hand; seeing her friend perk up, made Kenzi smile. "That's my Bo! So, what's the plan?"

The brunette had a smile on her face now. "Well, for starters, I think we should have some quality time tonight; have take-out and just hang out together. Re-connect. It's been awhile since we've had any alone time together."

The Goth slugged her friend in the shoulder, smiling. "Sounds like a good plan Bo Bo. I'm sure the Doc would love that."

With a renewed sense of confidence in herself and in the direction of her relationship with Lauren, Bo beamed. She looked forward to tonight and couldn't wait to spend time with her girlfriend after work.