I do not own the rights to the TV show, the characters, or the music. This is just me writing as a fan.
No copyright infringement intended. Pls don't sue me. :)
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Three weeks after the Faeloween dance, Lauren's research corner in the library had evolved into what Kenzi dubbed "The Science-Magic War Room." Notebooks filled with energy readings covered one table, ancient texts about druid magic occupied another, and Vex's barrier schematics were spread across a third.
"Your girlfriend's obsession is showing," Kenzi commented, perched on a bookshelf and watching Bo watch Lauren.
"She's not my- I mean, we haven't-" Bo stumbled, then sighed. The past few weeks of study sessions and "power analysis experiments" had definitely brought them closer, even if neither had put a label on it yet.
"Please," Kenzi showered the books below in knowing sparkles. "You two have been dancing around each other since the actual dance. Though at least now you can control the whole glowing eyes thing when she gets excited about science."
Bo couldn't argue with that. Working with Lauren to understand her developing powers had helped immensely with control. The fact that it meant spending hours together was just a bonus.
"The energy signature from Faeloween matches accounts from Marcus's expulsion," Lauren was explaining to Claire and Edwin, who'd become regular members of their research team. "He's not just using magic - he's corrupting the natural energy flow between Fae powers."
"Like what he tried to do at the dance?" Edwin asked, his natural elven grace somehow extending to how he handled the ancient texts. "Using others' power against them?"
"Exactly." Lauren's eyes lit up with that familiar scientific enthusiasm that made Bo's powers hum pleasantly. "But if we can understand the conversion process-"
"Attention future disappointments," Evony's voice cut through their discussion. "Due to recent... incidents, Krampus celebration preparations will proceed under heightened security. Yes, that means additional barriers. No, that does not mean additional opportunities for chaos. And to whoever suggested we solve our druid problem by - and I quote - 'fighting crazy with crazy' and releasing actual Krampus... detention. Until the end of time."
"That wasn't me this time!" Kenzi protested to no one in particular. "Though I wish it was."
"Furthermore," Evony continued, "all parents have been notified of the situation. Their reactions were exactly as tedious as expected. That's all. Try not to die before the holiday break. The paperwork would be atrocious."
"Your parents know?" Lauren asked Bo quietly.
"They're... adjusting." Bo moved closer to Lauren's research station, drawn as always to her focused intensity. "Mom's mostly worried about my powers developing early because of the stress. Dad's threatening to transfer me to an all-Fae school."
"Mine think I'm conducting completely normal scientific research," Claire added dryly.
"Mine are just happy I'm in the library," Edwin smiled, stealing a glance at Claire that made her blush.
"Right then," Vex's arrival scattered their conversation. "Since you lot insist on being in the middle of this mess, time for some proper barrier training. Can't have you completely useless when our friendly neighbourhood psychopath attacks again."
"I thought barriers were just for containment?" Lauren was already reaching for her monitoring equipment.
"Standard ones, yes." Vex began drawing complex patterns in the air. "But with enough power and the right anchoring points... Ms. Dennis, stop making eyes at your girlfriend and pay attention. This might save your life."
Neither Bo nor Lauren corrected his assumption.
The next hour passed in a blur of magical theory and practice. Lauren documented everything while simultaneously suggesting modifications based on her energy research. Even Vex seemed grudgingly impressed by her insights.
"The problem," Lauren explained later as they walked through the frost-covered grounds, "is that Marcus isn't just using magic. He's tapping into something more fundamental - the energy that powers all Fae abilities."
"Like what he tried to do with mine?" Bo asked, hyper-aware of Lauren's hand occasionally brushing hers as they walked.
"Similar, but you're different." Lauren paused, turning to face Bo. "Your powers naturally interact with energy in a unique way. The readings I get from you are unlike anything else I've documented."
"Is that your scientific way of saying I'm special?" Bo teased, enjoying the slight blush that coloured Lauren's cheeks.
"I believe the term is 'scientifically fascinating,'" Lauren smiled, stepping closer. "Though my interest isn't entirely academic."
Bo's eyes flickered blue as Lauren's hand found hers properly this time. Three weeks of growing closer, of shared looks and lingering touches, seemed to crystallize in this moment.
"Lauren," Bo started, her powers humming pleasantly.
The temperature plummeted.
Frost patterns eerily similar to Marcus's attack spread across the ground. Lauren's monitoring equipment began beeping frantically.
"The energy signature," Lauren's eyes widened. "It's everywhere. He's not just attacking the school - he's corrupting the entire power grid!"
"Less science, more running!" Kenzi appeared in a shower of combat sparkles, already armed with her glitter bombs.
"Get everyone inside the barriers!" Tamsin's voice carried across the grounds. "Now!"
As they ran, Bo kept hold of Lauren's hand. Whatever was coming, they'd face it together - science and magic, human and Fae.
Even if their parents might actually kill them for it later.
Assuming they survive the angry druid first.
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