I know this update is way WAY overdue. I have no excuses or reasons other than i'm lame and life is hectic. This chapter is pretty long so I hope you enjoy.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

"Thank you Yuri, I can handle the rest on my own. You go get ready for that date of yours."

Lauren smiled at the young man warmly, he returned her smile nervously before placing a pile of folders on her desk and hurrying off. As she watched him go she found herself wondering about his age, he looked to be no older than 23 or 24, however as she had discovered from examining a 500 year old fairy earlier today, looks could be deceptive.

She had only been working at the research facility for a week and already felt at home. Being back around the test tubes and microscopes, looking at charts and ordering tests, she didn't know how she had coped being away from it all for so long. She sat at her desk and began looking through the folders Yuri had left there, she still had a bit to do and with him there it would have taken half the time, but he had been sneaking glances at the clock for the last hour and she really didn't have the heart to make him stay any longer. Of all the people she had met at the lab so far he was her favourite, he was quiet and shy but always polite and helpful. When he entered the lab that morning with a grin on his face, Lauren felt compelled to ask why and to her surprise he had opened up to her about a wood nymph named Katie that had finally agreed to go on a date with him, his joy must have been contagious because Lauren felt herself smiling most of the day too. Now however her lack of sleep seemed to be catching up with her. Her days had been starting early, first she would have two hours with Trick going over Fae laws and history, then she would start her shift at the lab usually not finishing till gone six, sometimes later. By the time she got home she was exhausted, but instead of sleeping she stayed up reading books she had borrowed from Trick, this morning she had woken up in Lachlan's study with her head in a still open book.

**Beep** **Beep** **Beep** **Beep**

Lauren retrieved her mobile phone from he lab coat pocket, she expected to see another emotionless, scathing text from Lachlan, however when she checked the screen she didn't recognise the number. She hesitated for a second, only Lachlan and Trick had her number, both of which she had saved in her contact list. She had never given her number to anyone as there didn't seem much point, for the longest time she didn't have anyone else in the world to speak to except Lachlan. She quickly opened the message and began to read.

Hey Doc, give me a call sometime if you feel like playing another drinking game. I'm sure there are a lot more things I can tell you...and show you. Tamsin.

Lauren couldn't stop the blush that spread across her cheeks or the smile that curved on her lips. She had not seen anyone from that night at the Dahl except Trick, and she suspected that was due to Trick trying to 'ease her into the job' as he had put it. He had warned her that sometimes she may be expected to perform autopsies and collect evidence at Dyson's request. It hadn't escaped Lauren's notice that Trick never mentioned Tamsin, it was always "Dyson may come by with a body" or "Dyson may ask for your help on a case". When Lauren had asked about Trick about her, his face had grown tense and he had merely said "she works with Dyson" and nothing more. She wasn't sure about the rest of the group, but so far no-one she had spoke to seemed to have a good word to say about the blonde haired dark fae. Lauren started to put her phone back in her pocket but hesitated. Chatting with Tamsin was one of the most fun nights she'd had in a long time. In fact other than Trick, Tamsin was the only person that had shown any interest in being nice and getting to know her. Lauren's finger traced over the words on the screen before hitting the button to reply.

How did you get my phone number? Not that I mind, I'm just curious.

Lauren paused for a moment before adding the last bit of the text, she didn't want Tamsin to think she was angry, however she did want to know how the other woman had found her number and what else she had found out. The reply came through almost instantly and made Lauren smile again.

I'm amazing, I'm Fae and I'm a cop. Nothing is that difficult when you know how.

Lauren barely had to think about her reply, she felt a strange sense of excitement, one that she hadn't felt for a long time.

Ok..so what else did you use your amazing Fae police skills to find out about me?

Nothing else interesting. Turns out you are pretty boring really.

Lauren felt her mind go blank. Lauren didn't know if Tamsin was being serious or not, she had never been particularly good at reading people and it had only gotten worse the more time she spent isolated from the world with only Lachlan for company. Before she had a chance to reply, her phone buzzed again.

I'm joking Doc. I only found out your number. Honest. I mean you might be boring as hell, but I would like the chance to find out..

Laure felt herself relax again, Tamsin was messing with her, in her own sarcastic and blunt kind of way. If Tamsin wanted to offender her, Lauren had no doubt it would be a lot more direct and obvious.

Oh really? And how are you going to do that? Digging through my trash and midnight steak-outs in front of my house?

If that's what it takes...I could also put on a disguise to follow you round the supermarket and find out what brand of washing powder you use.

The mental image of Tamsin following her around in a trench coat, dark glasses and a moustache made Lauren laugh out loud.

Pretty sure some might call that stalking..

Its only stalking if you don't like it... ;)

Lauren felt a wave of heat dance across her skin. Is she flirting with me? Even as the thought popped into her head she knew the answer and she was surprised to find herself enjoying the attention.

"I can come back if this is a bad time."

The voice startled Lauren so much she jumped and her phone slid from her grasp, she made a desperate grab for it and missed. Dismay washed over her when she heard the screen crack as it hit the hard tile floor.

"Shit. I'm sorry, let me.."

The voice was cut off by a loud crash, Lauren turned round to see Bo leaning against a metal trolley, surgical instruments littered the floor. It took Lauren a second to fully absorbed the situation. Bo's face looked pale, a thin layer of sweat coated her forehead, one hand was holding the trolley for support while the other gripped her abdomen tightly. On auto pilot Lauren moved towards Bo, as gently as possible she lead Bo to a hospital bed and made her lie down.

"Jesus Bo what happened to you?"

"Run in with a pi..pissed off Under Fae, na..nasty lizard, sharp claws "

Trick had briefly mentioned to Lauren about Under Fae, passing them off as something she 'didn't really need to worry about' and despite Lauren's thirst for knowledge she was willing to not delve deeper. However he had also jokingly mentioned that Bo and Kenzi liked to think of themselves as 'free lance detectives', and always managed to find trouble even when not looking for it. After he told her the story about how Bo and Kenzi had once nearly killed each other after getting bitten by an under fae spider, Lauren decided that there was no part of the Fae world she didn't want to know about.

Lauren began grabbing medical equipment and her book on Fae anatomy. She pretty much knew it cover to cover but it made her feel better having it close by. For the last week the majority of patients that came by the lab had an appointment so she was able to research their charts and find out as much about them as possible, if they did come in without an appointment or didn't have a chart, there was always another medical staff member on hand to help her. Now she was alone and she knew Bo didn't have time for her to do research.

"In order for me to provide you the best medical care I have to ask you some questions. I need to know which type of Fae you are so I can..."

"What? Tamsin didn't tell you?"

Bo said the words with disbelief and a hint of sarcasm. Lauren really didn't want to get into another argument with Bo about the dark Fae detective. She bit back the anger that she was feeling, now was really not the time.

"No she didn't say..."

"I would have thought after she called me Succ-U...That name you would have been desperate to find out more, maybe over some more drinks with her."

Lauren felt her anger starting to spike, she didn't know where the hell Bo got the idea that she had the right to speak to her that way. She also didn't know why Bo seemed to be so bothered about the night she had spent talking to Tamsin.

"I don't believe who I choose to have a drink with, is any of your business."

Bo looked shocked for a second, the shock was quickly replaced by anger. Bo started to sit up and opened her mouth to respond, instead she let out a howl of pain, her hand tightening its grip on her side. Lauren's anger disappeared instantly as the doctor in her took over, she pushed Bo back onto the bed and began lightly dabbing her forehead with a cold compress.

"Bo please..."

Lauren's tone was soft and pleading, she had never wanted to help someone so much, it was almost as if seeing Bo in pain, brought Lauren her own pain. Bo looked up at her, fear shinning clearly in her dark brown eyes.

"I...I'm a succubus."

Lauren smiled slightly, that matched her theory completely. She moved so she was level with Bo's stomach, she could see a little dried blood on the dark fabric of Bo's vest top, but the top did not appear ripped or torn. Lauren reached for the scissors and began snipping the vest top right up the middle, the higher she cut the more skin that became exposed and the quicker Lauren felt her heart beat. Half of the top fell away and Lauren felt her breath catch at the sight before her. Without thinking Lauren's fingers reached out to gently stroke Bo's skin.

"My God you're beautiful."

Lauren felt Bo's body stiffen beneath her fingertips and a whimper escaped Bo's lips. Lauren snapped to her senses, she pulled her hand back and looked at Bo guiltily, Bo had her eyes closed and she was breathing deeply.

"Bo I'm sorry, did I hurt you?"

Bo shook her head but said nothing, her eyes were still tightly closed. Lauren reached to pull the remaining piece of fabric away so she could get a good look at the wound, her fingers once again brushed against Bo's skin although this time it was entirely unintentional. Bo stiffened and let out another whimper. This time when Lauren looked up her eyes connected with a pair of neon blue ones.

"Stop. You cant...touch me...your skin..its..I can't..."

"Bo I don't understand, how can I help you if I cant touch you?"

Bo gave a deep sigh and looked around the lab, she pointed to something on the floor that she had knocked off the trolley earlier.

"Gloves. Two pairs."

Lauren gave Bo a confused look but did as requested.

The latex felt cool against her skin, this time when she touched Bo she felt her stiffen slightly but quickly relax. Lauren found herself feeling disappointed that she could no longer feel the softness of Bo's skin against her fingertips. She laid her palm flat against the uninjured side of Bo's stomach and felt a sense of dread wash over her. She looked up at Bo.

"You're hot"

Bo's eyes were back to their deep brown and they looked at Lauren with amusement as a smile curved on her lips.

"Thank you for noticing doctor"

Lauren felt a blush spread across her cheeks.

"N..No your skin is hot. You're burning up."

Lauren quickly removed the remaining fabric that covered Bo's wound. Her eyes were met by three cuts starting at Bo's hip and ending just before her belly button. They were thin but looked deep. Around each cut the skin was glowing bright red. The wounds already seemed to be healing at an accelerated rate, but there seemed something 'off' about the scabs that Lauren just couldn't place.

"BO?! BO WHERE ARE YOU!?"

Kenzi came charging into the lab, she skidded on a pile of bandages and almost fell flat on her face before somehow regaining her balance. She opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out when she saw Bo laying on the bed. She hurried over and grabbed hold of Bo's hand, a look or relief passed across her face when Bo returned her grip and smiled at her.

"I'm fine Kenzi. Just a scratch. I w...wi...will...Lau.."

Panic was evident in Bo's voice and both Lauren and Kenzi watched in horror as Bo's eyes seemed to roll back into her head and her body began convulsing. Almost as if on auto pilot Lauren moved and grabbed hold of Bo's shoulders, gently pinning her to the bed.

"OMG BO! What's happening?"

Lauren ignored Kenzi, her entire focus on the convulsing body below her. Come on Bo fight it, she willed silently. Her gaze kept shifting to Bo's wounds, something seemed to be missing, like a puzzle with a key piece misplaced that stopped you from being able to see the full picture.

"I knew it. I knew I should have made her come here first. She said she was fine. She said..."

Kenzi's voice trailed off into inaudible mumbling. Lauren felt Bo's body grow still beneath her hands, she pressed her fingers to Bo's neck searching for a pulse, she let out a breath she hadn't realised she had been holding when she felt a faint slow beat beneath her fingertips. Bo was unconscious but at least she was alive. Lauren glanced up at Kenzi, the young goth girl looked terrified. Lauren opened her mouth to try and offer Kenzi some words of reassurance but Kenzi began speaking again before she had a chance.

"She said it didn't even hurt that much and that she was healing. She said she just wanted to go home and take a shower and get rid of all the icky goo. She said she could wait for Dyson to come back and he could..."

Lauren raised her hand and Kenzi grew silent. She hadn't been listening properly to Kenzi's distressed ramblings but she was sure the other woman could be of some help.

"Kenzi, this is important, I need you to tell me everything that happened when Bo got hurt."

Kenzi's eyes grew wide and Lauren could see her shaking slightly.

"Is Bo going to die? You can't let her die doc I need her. She is all I have."

Lauren bit back the comforting words that lingered on her tongue. Bo's life was in her hands and she was going to do everything she could to save it, but right now she needed Kenzi to be calm and focused.

"I'm going to do my best to not let that happen, I need to work out what is happening to her body so I can treat it. I need your help and so does Bo."

Kenzi's gaze moved from Lauren to Bo's unconscious form, when their eyes once again met, Lauren was pleased to see a look of determination in the other woman's blue eyes.

"We are working a case, two teenage boys that decided to fly the coop of their not so stellar foster home. We looked into their history and thought they might be back at the house they grew up in, where they lived before a fire at the place took both of their parents."

Kenzi stopped and took a breath, Lauren nodded to her encouraging her to continue, all this information seemed irrelevant but Lauren knew Kenzi had more chance of revealing something important if she started from the beginning.

"We get to this place and a mess, the windows are boarded up, there is rubble and rubbish everywhere, I'm surprised the place is still standing but Bo just has this 'feeling' and wants to check it out. We go in and its creepy as hell, smelt like something had died in there. We were walking through what I guess used to be the study when the floor gave way and I fell through. I guess we landed in a kind of underground basement? I hit my head when I fell and got knocked out, when I came to Bo was there and so was the creepy lizard dude"

"You're doing great Kenzi, really good. I need you to describe this Fae to me as much as you can."

"It was big and bright green, like a giant man-lizard only it had these big horns and really long claws. There was this sticky goo everywhere, on the walls, the ceiling, the floor. Bo slipped in it and that was when the lizard thing scratched her."

Lauren shook her head, none of what Kenzi was saying seemed to be making sense, nothing was connecting, there was still something missing.

"When he scratched her his horns and claws were glowing purple it was..."

Lauren felt her blood run cold, her own heart was beating so loud in her ears she could no longer hear Kenzi's words. At once everything seemed to snap into place.

"Kenzi, my bag is over there by the desk, I need you to grab the book from inside and bring it over to me."

Lauren began arranging medical equipment on a tray beside Bo. Her hands shook slightly, she wanted to look at the book to be sure that her thoughts were correct. She knew they would be and for once she wished she was wrong.

"Understanding Under Fae. Lauren what is this book?"

Lauren ignored the question, now was not the time. She took the book from Kenzi and turned to one of the many pages that had a yellow label stuck to the top, it took her two tries before she found the page she was looking for. Kenzi began tapping the picture on the open page.

"That's it! That's the Fae that attacked Bo!"

"Kenzi?..."

The voice was barely audible and sounded very weak, Kenzi hurried round to Bo's bedside and took hold of her hand, Lauren watched the interaction and felt a supreme sense of loneliness, she couldn't imagine anyone hurrying to be at her bedside. Not anymore. She began preparing a syringe of Etomidate to put Bo under sedation. She also prepared a cocktails of drugs which she hoped would slow down whatever was attacking Bo's body.

"I'm here Bo Bo. Me and the doc are going to fix you up and make you good as new."

Lauren picked up the syringe and gently but firmly held on to Bo's other arm just above her elbow.

"Bo when that thing scratched you it released something toxic into your body. I need to sedate you so I can stop it spreading and hopefully relieve some of the stress on your body. I don't know exactly what we are dealing with here, I have never treated a succubus before, but I am going to do my best to help you and..."

With what seemed like great effort Bo reached up and gently touched Lauren's arm. The touch was so light Lauren should have barely been able to feel it, yet it seemed to burn into her very core.

"Lauren...I trust you"

Bo's words gave Lauren a renewed sense of confidence. She smiled down at Bo and slowly slid the needle into her arm, their eyes met and Lauren held her gaze till Bo's eyelids began to close. Once Lauren was sure Bo was fully sedated she looked up at Kenzi. Kenzi had been watching silently, her face unreadable. Lauren walked over to the her and gently rested a hand on her shoulder.

"The Under Fae that attacked Bo, is it..."

"It's toast. Bo made sure of that."

"Good. There is something important I need you to do. When that thing scratched Bo it released something toxic into her body. I cant be sure, but I think the toxin is going to begin shutting down her organs. I can give her different drugs to try and slow down the process and limit the effects but its not a cure. I need a sample from the Under Fae so I can produce an antitoxin. Kenzi I need you to get me that sample."

If Kenzi was worried about going back to the house she didn't show it.

"Tell me exactly what you need."

The drugs seemed to be working, Bo's heart rate remained stable and she hadn't succumbed to anymore seizures, Lauren was sure that while she wasn't able to completely stop the spread of toxins she was able to slow it down considerably. She was in the process of monitoring Bo's vital signs when Kenzi walked in dragging a giant sack behind her. Lauren raised her eyebrow questioningly but the look on Kenzi's face stopped her making any sort of comment, the other woman look pissed, she was covered in a sticky substance and seemed to be walking with a strange limp.

"You owe me new boots. In fact you owe me an entire new wardrobe to replace this one outfit which I am totally going to burn because lizard goo and guts are so last season."

Lauren took the sack from Kenzi's hand, when she opened it she couldn't hide her surprise.

"I said I just needed a skin sample and one of the..."

Kenzi cut her off with a look that seemed to say 'don't push it'.

"Better to be safe than sorry doc. How's Bo doing?"

"She's stable. You can sit with her while I prepare the anti-toxin if you would like?"

Lauren put the specimen on her desk and then turned to watch as Kenzi pulled up a chair and sat next to Bo. She had always wondered what it would have been like to have a sister, someone always there to look out for her, someone to share her secrets with, someone she could depend on no matter what. She didn't know the history between the two other women but she could tell that they shared a very strong bond.

"Oh by the way Kenzi there are some scrubs in the cabinet behind you, I don't think Lizard goo really suits your complexion"

Kenzi rolled her eyes dramatically at Lauren and gave a big sigh.

"I really hope you are a better doctor than you are comedian"

The next few hours seemed to pass by in a blur, Kenzi had not left Bo's side except to make a phone call, she had left the room to do so and Lauren was unsure if this was to avoid disturbing her or because she hadn't wanted Lauren to overhear what was being said, either way Kenzi looked a lot more relaxed once she re-entered the room. Lauren gave a sigh and stretched her neck from side to side, she felt exhausted and anxious. In her hand she held what she hoped would reverse the damage being done to Bo's body, either that or it kills her instantly.., Lauren pushed the niggling thought to the back of her mind. It would work, it had to. She had checked and doubled checked as much as she could and she could put it off no longer, the sedatives were starting to wear off and she wasn't prepared to sedate Bo again and risk more damage.

And I'm hungry like the wolf, hungry like the wolf...

"Erm excuse me doc I gotta take this."

Kenzi hurried out of the room as Lauren made her way over to the bed, without thinking her hand reached up and brushed a few locks of hair from Bo's forehead, a soft moan escaped from her lips and she mumbled something that Lauren didn't quiet hear. Lauren slid the needle into Bo's arm and pushed down on the plunger, she watched as the liquid disappeared into Bo's veins, a silent prayer repeating over and over in her head. Lauren's eyes darted nervously between the woman laying on the bed and her own watch, after ten minutes or so had passed a wave of relief washed over her as Bo opened her eyes, Lauren reached down and lightly held Bo's hand and gave her what she hoped was a reassuring smile.

"How are you feeling Bo?"

Bo said nothing but Lauren felt the other woman's grip tighten and fingers slipped comfortably in the spaces between her own, they stayed like that for a number of minutes, Lauren wasn't sure how much time passed exactly, at that moment she was unable to focus on anything except the dark haired woman.

"Is this heaven? Because you look like an angel..."

The succubus winked and flashed Lauren a cheeky smile as the words left her lips. Lauren laughed and gave Bo a light punch on the shoulder, the other woman pretended to wince in pain but the smile never left her lips.

"I will take that a as yes then?"

Bo sat up and grimaced slightly as she did so, when her hand reached down she was surprised to find her waist wrapped in a bandage, she ran her fingers lightly over the fabric. It had been a long time since she had healed like a human, her eyes wandered around the lab, she was scared to meet Lauren's gaze again, scared of what feelings or thoughts might currently be reflected in her eyes.

"Um Lauren?...What is that?"

Lauren followed Bo's gaze to the under fae specimen that was currently sat on her desk.

"Well in order to make the anti-toxin for you I needed a sample of the Under-Fae's DNA. I asked Kenzi to get me a skin sample and one of the claws, she decided to come back with the entire arm."

"Kenzi never does anything by halves. You will figure that one out pretty quickly"

"Trust me I'm already starting to. Apparently I owe her an entire new spring collection after how gross she got retrieving me the sample. Personally I suspect she may have a little bit done it on purpose.."

Bo closed her eyes and began laughing loudly, Lauren felt her skin tingle at the sound, never had she heard something so perfect, she found herself laughing too. Subconsciously their bodies seemed to move closer as they shared in the moment, when Lauren opened her eyes she realised Bo was no longer laughing, instead she was staring intensely at her. It was at that moment Lauren realised their fingers were still tightly entwined and their faces were mere inches apart.

A loud crash made Lauren and Bo spring apart almost guiltily as Dyson came bolting through the lab door. Lauren was surprised he hadn't ripped it off its hinges.

"Whoa Wolfman, chill your boots a little..."

Dyson ignored Kenzi's protests and didn't even acknowledge Lauren rushed to Bo's side.

"When Kenzi told me you were hurt I got here as soon as I could."

His fingers were hurrying to undo his shirt buttons, his eyes fixed on Bo and the bandages around her waist, Bo reached up and stopped his hands, he gave her a confused look but stopped his task. Bo said nothing but shot Kenzi an annoyed look before looking up at Dyson.

"There was no need. I am fine thanks to Dr Lewis."

Bo's tone was irritated, cold almost and as Dyson looked over at the human for the first time he had the distinct feeling he had walked in at exactly the wrong moment. Lauren herself looked uncomfortable and was doing her best to keep her gaze fixed on the floor. Moments passed without words, no-one seemed to dare to speak or move.

"You need to heal Bo. Properly"

Lauren was sure the last word was meant as a dig at her, she just wasn't sure exactly what he meant by the comment, it was almost as if he was dismissing her skills as a doctor or her ability to help Bo.

"Dyson I already told you I..."

"Well"

Kenzi cut Bo off as she walked into the room and stood with her hand lightly on Lauren's shoulder.

"I think its time me and the doc left you two crazy kids to it. She owes me a drink or ten"

Lauren was glad of the distraction but still completely confused. She had no idea what was going on in the exchange between the two Fae or how she herself seemed to fit into it.

"I don't need..."

"Bo."

It was Dyson this time that cut Bo off mid sentence. His tone was stern and not one to argue

with. A look passed between him and Bo, Lauren decided it was best to agree with him and remove herself from the situation. They are together after all, I could never compete with that. Not that I want too...

"Erm yes, Kenzi is right we should go and...I owe her so...I can..."

"Lauren you dont need to do that."

Lauren met Bo's gaze, the succubus looked sad and guilty and her eyes shone with some emotion that Lauren couldn't read, Lauren returned her gaze with what she hoped was professional detachment. Bo seemed to get under her skin somehow and that scared her, especially with how crazy everything in this new world seemed to be.

"No no its fine, come on Kenzi lets go."

Lauren turned and began walking away, Kenzi at her side, they made it to the door before Lauren hesitated and turned back. Dyson had moved closer to Bo but they were both staring at her.

"I hope you feel better soon Bo."

With that Lauren walked out of the lab and closed the door behind her. Kenzi gave her a shoulder nudge and smiled.

"You made the right choice doc. Trust me. They will fight a little, fuck a lot, Bo will heal and then the world will keep on spinning. Just another crazy day in Fae land."

"How do you mean Bo will heal?"

"Oooooh erm...well see Bo is a succubus right? All about the bow-chicka-wow-wow? Well she can be really hurt, like bullet holes, give her a little sexual healing and she is good as new. Bonks till she is all better."

Lauren felt a mixture of excitement and disgust. If she had known Bo could heal that way she would of...would of what? taken all of her clothes off and played naughty nurse for Bo? Get real. Lauren scolded herself, that's what she has Dyson for. That is what they are currently doing, in her office, maybe on her desk, all over her things...

"Bleach. Remind me to buy some really strong bleach"

Lauren mumbled as they walked down the corridor, Kenzi laughed and gave her a light slap on the back.

"Don't worry doc, I got you covered. We can swing by the crack shack so i can get changed and you can raid under the kitchen sink. We had this brownie a while ago and dude had mad cleaning skills..."

What the hell is going on with me? Lauren thought as she did her best to focus on Kenzi's words. New plan. Stay as far away from Bo as possible. Even as Lauren thought the words she knew she didn't stand a chance.