Nadia made a doctor's appointment with Lauren at the barn lab. Other than human slaves and pets whose owners cared enough to take them to the doctor, Lauren rarely treated humans other than herself, Kenzi, and the humans on staff. Even then, the cases were minor or easy. Nadia had a human medical mystery for the doctor to solve. She hadn't had one of those in a long time, so the prospect actually made her squeal in delight. Lauren always loved a challenge.

Nadia complained of a high fever, hallucinations, and blackouts, but Lauren had only basic hypotheses on what could be wrong with her friend. She made sure to take several blood samples so that she could look into it further. It had been a long time since she had worked in human medicine, but the years of med school and residency were not completely lost. As a doctor and good friend, Lauren was concerned about Nadia. There were several things her symptoms could be, but none of them were good. It was easy to rule out the minor issues, since Nadia was actually a great patient. Tests would tell her more.

On a plus note, they had finally figured out the high school case, so Bo was coming out to the farm after school today to celebrate her last day of her fake work as a substitute teacher. Lauren had to admit she was going to miss sexy teacher Bo. She was surprised at how turned on she was at seeing Bo take on that role. Sure, she loved school, but she had never had sexual attractions towards any of her professors or teachers. She had always been too focused on her studies to really register attractiveness. Regardless, the school teacher fantasy was one that surprised Lauren herself. Bo had no trouble playing and teasing, though she did say they would have to hold off on taking advantage of the actual fantasy play since she would still have to stand in front of a classroom until the case was over. Bo said she didn't want to blush or get all succu-needy because of the naughty memories that would surface. There was something strangely addicting that she could make a powerful succubus extra needy; it was definitely good for her self esteem.

Now that the case was over, though, Lauren felt the intensity from both ends, because it was obvious Bo sensed what the promising consequences of ending the case meant. Since they had solved the case, there was really no need to go undercover today. Kenzi and Dyson hadn't gone to the school, so it was strange that Bo decided to go for her last day. Lauren suspected that Bo actually had grown fond of teaching and working a "normal" job, though she would never admit it, probably not even to herself. That, and Bo was always one to fulfill her promises, even those unspoken promises involving fake work assignments. She wouldn't leave those students without a teacher for the day.

Bo must be having such a hard time finishing her last day with Lauren's hypersexualized senses in overdrive. Pregnancy hormones were not helping, and she now understood exactly, though not on a medical level yet, why Kenzi complained about having the most random wet dreams. As long as she didn't randomly start having sexy dreams about Kenzi riding a bull, she felt pretty safe. Then again, she had Bo to fill her sexy dreamscape.

For now, Lauren knew she had to wait another few hours before Bo got off work and actually arrived at the farm. She had better pay attention to the road and not speed. Lauren needed her here in one piece.

To pass the time since she was having trouble concentrating on her work, Lauren was finishing a long lunch with Nadia and Gram inside the farmhouse. She had decided to take the rest of the day off, since there were no patients scheduled this afternoon, but she wanted to be close in case an emergency arrived. Kenzi had already gone upstairs with Alexie to get teething tablets and to take a nap. Lauren admitted she felt the need for a long nap herself. It would definitely pass the time quicker, as well.

"I'm assuming Lauren told you the good news about the baby?" Gram had been happy to see Nadia, though she did act a bit concerned and shocked at her sudden reappearance. Her grandmother was a good judge of character, though, so Lauren trusted her when Gram said that Nadia coming back into her life was a good thing. "She's not normally this quiet."

"Lauren has always been confident in her reserve. I'm glad to see that hasn't changed about her." Nadia smiled, obviously relaxed in this kitchen. She hadn't been here for ten years, either, Lauren noted, but this was yet another place and person Nadia had no trouble readjusting to being around. "She mentioned they were having a little girl."

"How do you feel about Lauren having a baby?" Gram was more direct than most fae. It was part of where Lauren had learned her own direct approach to most things. In medicine, it was more beneficial to helping the patient if you asked the right questions. The clearer the communication, the easier it was to help. She was good at that part, but when it came to incorporating this skill in her personal life, Lauren failed most days. She and Bo were still working on that.

"Well, honestly? I used to picture myself pregnant with Lauren's children, so…it's interesting to see the roles reversed." Nadia had tried flirting with Lauren during the exam, but the doctor was in her professional environment. Only two people had ever broken through that façade: Emily, when she had first joined the fae world and was lonely, and Bo, who was not technically her patient when they first met. "Then again, I never really thought Lauren would be one for marriage, either."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Lauren was surprised at the honesty. They never really talked about past or present feelings, but Gram had apparently decided this was a necessary afternoon conversation topic. Lauren looked to the door, willing Bo to magically appear early so they could continue avoiding this topic. Whenever her wife entered the room, Nadia tensed and stopped flirting immediately.

"You were always too married to your studies. I'm not surprised that part of you didn't change. If it were possible, I honestly believe you would have married science." Nadia leaned back in the stool. It was Kenzi's adopted stool, which had caused the young girl to scowl and feel out of place throughout the entire lunch. At least she had been polite and not demanded that Nadia move. "I'm glad to see somebody changed your mind."

"While I do not sense any malice in you, that's not my power so there is no real way of knowing. If Harold were here, he was always better at these things." Gram had narrowed her eyes and was looking at Nadia, who suddenly appeared uncomfortable. "I understand that you still have feelings for Lauren. If you two don't talk about them, then I'm afraid your friendship will end much harsher and quicker than your relationship did. I know neither of you want that, so…talk."

"Gram." Lauren felt embarrassed that her Gram was being this forward, even if she was correct.

"You need more friends, dear. I worry about you." The older woman may be wise, but she had still never grasped that Lauren honestly didn't need anybody else. She didn't even really need Bo, to be honest; she was capable of living and sustaining herself. Lauren just didn't want to anymore; she needed Bo in a different sense. It was stronger than independence, and she did recognize that being married to Bo was legally trading one servitude for another in the fae world, but with Bo, it wasn't servitude. With Bo, Lauren freely and wholly existed. With Bo, Lauren was finally happy. "Having the talk will only make you both, and especially Bo, feel better and move forward. Then, you will be able to stop questioning each other's motives and learn to really be friends."

"Thank, Mrs. White." Nadia seemed to relax again, which only made Lauren even more nervous, because that meant they really would have the talk. Unless she ran right now; she did have work to be done. Or, she could actually mention her discomfort for once and go upstairs to have a nap. It was clear that Gram knew she was trying to plan an escape route, though she hadn't left the room yet. Lauren decided to relent and rip the bandage off so that the pain could heal faster.

"I've mentioned it several times: I'm in love with Bo. I love my wife. I love my family. I love my life the way it is." Lauren closed her eyes, smiling despite her need to show how serious she was right now. When she opened them again, Lauren noticed that Nadia's eyes relayed her hurt at this. "In all fairness, I recognize I never once said what that meant for you and me, so I need to be clear that there will never be an us again. Nothing will ever happen between us, and even though I once loved you, I don't and won't be able to ever love you in that manner again."

"Lauren, you don't have to be cruel." Gram gave her that look that usually made Lauren duck her head. This time, Lauren stood her ground. If Gram wanted to talk and be honest about their feelings, then she couldn't sugar coat the truth.

"No, I need to be clear. You're right, Gram. If it's going to be a problem, I need to know now." Lauren let out a deep, audible breath and sent an apologetic look at Nadia. "I'm sorry if I sound cruel, but I want to make sure that you understand. If it's going to hurt you seeing me be happy with Bo, then I deserve to know that."

"I was a fool to leave at all." Nadia was the one who left, but Lauren had never suspected feelings would still exist. She would be lying if she said a small part of her didn't still long for the simple and easy fae-less existence with Nadia, but her present reality was just so much better than the past. If Nadia hadn't left her, then Lauren knew her present would be much different. "Thank you for being honest with me."

"Of course." Lauren cleared her throat, feeling extremely uncomfortable and free at the same time. "I just…I have a long life ahead of me with Bo, and these first few years are crucial. I'm trying my best to not let anything damage that, especially considering who Bo is. I know it's hard for her, even if she doesn't admit it to herself."

"You never said what Bo is. If it's that hard for her, then why is she with you?" Nadia actually looked over at Gram, probably believing the older woman would give her answers before Lauren did on this subject. "Better yet, why are you with her?"

"The fae world works differently than the human one, Nadia. It's not our place to tell you what Bo is. That you even know she isn't human already complicates things." Gram hadn't mentioned anything about being fae, either. Lauren wasn't sure just how much Nadia knew about the world, or even how she was allowed to roam freely with the knowledge of fae and not be slave or pet. Maybe it was time for them start looking into that. It was better to prepare for all potential threats and be pleasantly surprised when there wasn't one instead of being unprepared and shocked when they were attacked.

"I don't mean to offend."

"Bo tries because we're in love. It's becoming easier with time and with certain factors in place." Lauren realized Bo hadn't fed the past few days; she had taken her injections, though. It occurred to Lauren that they hadn't had sex since the ultrasound last week, either. Was Bo going to be one of those parents who thought sex wasn't allowed during pregnancy? Lauren knew they would have to consider feeding options in the third trimester, but that was still a few months away, and even then, that was just feeding. Sex was still a possibility. "If you could just sit down with Bo, you'd like her. She's such a good person. She's so trustworthy. She has this big, huge heart, and she's strong; she's so strong. And she takes care of me. Imagine that: somebody taking care of me for a change."

"I'm happy for you, Lauren. I really am." Nadia's genuine honesty was read by both Lauren and her grandmother. When she saw Gram's shoulder relax, Lauren felt it was safe to do so herself. "I can't promise I'll stop caring for you, but I do promise I won't make any moves on you. Just…the minute, the second she messes up, don't be surprised if I'm there waiting."

"I would expect nothing less of you." Lauren smiled at her friend. While it was not what she expected as full closure, it did feel better having a verbal contract that they would remain friends without the fear of Nadia doing anything to hurt her relationship with Bo. "You never did waste an opportunity."

"It is how I finally got you to give into me the first time." Nadia had taken the opportunity to get Lauren into bed when alcohol had relaxed her enough to give in. Even after a month of dating, Lauren had trouble letting herself go completely despite being totally into the girl. Her first time with Nadia had been sloppy and hilariously tragic thanks to that alcohol. For a long time, Lauren had thought it was a great first time, because it showed that they could have fun together and laugh about the silly things between them. The first time with the Morrigan had felt like work to her, so the fun didn't come until later. The first time with Emily had been a reprieve from a low point in her life, so there was more focus on not crying from despair than actual enjoyment. After her first time with Bo, though, Lauren realized just exactly what she was missing with Nadia and the others. "I should probably get going. Some of us do have jobs to do."

"Thanks for staying for lunch. Do come back and visit." Gram placed a hand on Nadia's arm, but Lauren noted that she didn't feed or send any warmth. It was obvious Gram knew Lauren had noticed, too, so the doctor in her analyzed the situation. This was her grandmother's way of saying that Lauren made the right choice. This was Gram's way of saying that Bo was family, and nobody messed with family.

"Thank you, Mrs. White." Nadia finally removed herself from the stool, which Kenzi would be happy about. She came to stand next to Lauren, but she stood there awkwardly. Lauren rolled her eyes before pulling her friend in for a simple, short hug. Nadia had always been a touchy-feely person, but Lauren never was until recently with Bo. Even then, she was reserved in that touchy-feeliness. It depended on her mood. "I wish my visit were under better circumstances."

"I'll run some tests and let you know. Lunch later this week?" Lauren stepped back, further than was really necessary. "If you have any other symptoms or another spell, don't hesitate to call. You have my cell."

"Thanks, Lauren." Nadia smiled, but the beauty had diminished in her forlorn posture. The confident woman was now defeated, and Lauren only felt slightly guilty for being the person to cause it.

Gram stayed silent, but Lauren could tell that her grandmother was watching her intently as they both listened for Nadia's car to leave the gravel driveway.

"You did the right thing, Lauren. That girl is still in love with you. It wouldn't have been fair to her if she thought there was any chance." Gram came over to wrap her arms lovingly around Lauren's neck from behind. She just sat back in her stool, allowing her grandmother the opportunity to send that warmth into her before she released her hold and went to start cleaning up. Lauren stood to help, but Gram's look made her sit back down. "If she's truly willing to be your friend, you will know. Just give her some time to grieve and process. Remember that you had a chance to move on once she left, but she never did. Her feelings have been in a coma and were woken up again when she found you."

"Bo will be happy to hear this." Lauren sensed that Bo was frustrated, and it wasn't sexual now. She wondered why, though she suspected a last day teaching a bunch of high school students was not particularly easy. This reminded Lauren that she needed to call and set up a checkup appointment with Michael. He had recognized Bo and Kenzi at the school, but he had stayed out of their way. He was too busy being the big man on campus, according to Kenzi, though he had brought Bo an apple one day to class. Bo had never met him, so she didn't know who he was until Kenzi told her. He had recognized her from the photos in Lauren's lab.

Lauren couldn't hold the smile from her face when Bo mentioned Michael's energy was one of the most blinding auras at the school. The doctor couldn't help herself from wondering if it was from the succubus genes in Michael's hybrid makeup. She definitely wanted to do more tests. Not for the first time nor for the last time, Lauren wondered what kind of fae their little girl would be. It always made her extremely aware of how much Bo would have to do in raising their children that she couldn't do because she wasn't fae. Lauren could heal booboos, snuggle away bad dreams, and read to their kids, but she would never be able to fully teach their children about being fae. That was assuming that a fae/hybrid child had fae powers; that was still unclear. Lauren always hated going into things blind, but she also found she enjoyed the prospect of being the first scientist to truly experience and document a "new" breed. When the baby arrived, Lauren could only hope that the doctor would turn off and not treat their daughter a science experiment. If her feelings now were anything to go on, Lauren wasn't really that concerned; she already loved this baby so much.

It was good to know her own Hestian need for family was able to cancel out the doctor. Plus, she knew Bo would have no trouble reminding her to turn it off when necessary. Her wife was the first person who ever successfully managed to get her to turn the doctor off, even if it was for small amounts of time. Lauren feared being her own parents, but Bo helped her get over those fears. This baby was going to be surrounded by love, support, and protection.

"Why don't you go get some rest, dear. Bo will be here soon, and the entire farm knows how much rest you don't get when your wife is around." Gram was still trying to convince them to let her be the midwife. Lauren was leaning more towards that option every day, especially since she was already asking Gram for some knowledge on her symptoms. She had said it was normal that she didn't get morning sickness, since the powerful creature she was carrying was feeding from Lauren and feeding Lauren in return. Gram mentioned she sensed how strong the little girl was going to be; Lauren understood what she meant by that, too. "Such is the peril of loving a succubus."

"I can't say that I mind." Lauren tried one last time to help her grandmother clean up the kitchen, but she got her hand playfully smacked when she went to wash the dishes.

"Upstairs now. You'll know when Bo gets here." Gram physically turned Lauren around and pushed her towards the East Wing. "I'll entertain Kenzi and Alexie while you two have your reunion, but I am making Bo's favorite for dinner."

"Food or sex. However will my one track minded wife choose." Lauren chuckled, rebelling slightly by standing next to the counter where they ate lunch instead of going upstairs.

"You underestimate the power of your grandmother's cooking." Gram winked at her, but then sent another warning glare her way. Lauren rolled her eyes before turning around and actually making her way upstairs to the bedroom. Even though there was a lot of work to be done despite the lack of patients today, Lauren decided that it was time to take care of herself for once.