Title: Only Human
Category: Lost Girl, Bo/Lauren
Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters or the premise of the show. They are directly owned by the respective parties, and some of the dialogue in this is directly credited to the writers of the Lost Girl series. I am not making any money for this.
Spoilers: None really for the actual show, but as mentioned, some dialogue is taken from the actual series.
Rating: M for Mature
Story Summary: AU. Bo was raised by her grandfather and has lived and worked in his bar for as long as she remembers. Lauren is a college professor at the major university across the street. They finally officially meet after a year of fantasizing and longing glares. This story is a character exploration, stripping them down to their solely human struggles while struggling to navigate being together.
A/N: Yet again, this is an AU that puts them in another world and has them meet under different circumstances. This is completely different from my "All in..." trilogy, and the biggest difference is that the characters are all human. I wanted to do a character exploration on their relationship and how it's their humanity that showcases the real struggles in their relationship. This is more romance and frustration angst/drama than anything and focuses mostly on Lauren and Bo and their relationship. Therefore, I stick to that alternate POV method from my trilogy. Again, remember that a lot is happening off screen with the other characters and not everything is how we see it. You'll see some characters reorganized and some inside jokes for the show's viewers (regarding the fae world), but this is all human. Just for clarity when those jokes do surface. Lauren said herself that she thought Dyson was the enemy, but she did a "fine job of screwing it up by herself." Bo even admitted it was mostly her, so let's explore why this is without the supernatural distractions, shall we?
Without further ado, I present to you "Only Human."
Trick was looking at her again with those scolding grandfatherly eyes, and Bo just wiped the liquor out of her eyes and from her face. He never really approved of her using the bar for her sexual exploits, since he liked to keep a "peaceful waystation," but Bo couldn't help it. It's who she was, and he seemed to respect that and let her grow on her own, just being there whenever she needed him. Besides, it wasn't like it was Bo's fault that people couldn't handle one night stands. She had never promised that girl anything other than that one night of pleasure, but for some reason, no matter who she hooked up with, they always seemed to want more. Bo never understood why they wanted more with her; she wasn't that special. Sure, she had good looks and was naturally charming. That didn't make her good girlfriend material. She knew that she had a hard time not being selfish. If her needs weren't met, she'd get them fulfilled elsewhere.
At least Dyson had seemed to agree with her, though that was because he was older and content in his bachelor life; that was the reason he gave for breaking up with her three years ago. It was only a short relationship, and it had been intense while it lasted. He had the older guy appeal about him, and she was tired of hooking up with the college students who frequented the Dal Riata. She could admit the breakup bothered her at first because he was the only real relationship she had as an adult and she did love him; not since her high school boyfriend left the city after graduation on a basketball scholarship on the other side of the country.
At least she had met Kenzi not long before the breakup, so Bo had an actual friend, a best friend, to help guide her through what was happening. She had never been rejected before, and she didn't think she ever wanted to feel that way again. Bo moved on and was surprised how easy it had been for her, especially considering she did actually love the wolfishly handsome detective. Besides, Dyson had since moved on to several other women he dated and hooked up with, though this new one seemed to be sticking, and Bo could admit she actually liked Ciara. She was a professor over at the college and seemed the complete opposite of what Dyson had dated before, but it seemed to work for him because she catered to his need to be the alpha.
However, after Dyson, Bo kept doing what she was doing before with a few short-lived disaster relationships thrown in for good measure. She was just as lost as before and had been for the past three years, except with less and less coeds over the years. After all, the Dal may have been located next to the college campus, but that didn't mean college students were the only ones who frequented the establishment. It was a popular Irish pub in the city, complete with a strangely eclectic menu thanks to Vex and a microbrewery thanks to her grandfather.
Trick's parents had brought him over from Edenderry, Ireland, County Offaly, when he was young. Bo had heard the same story since she was six, since she had moved in with Trick when her mother was sent to jail for murdering some guy. When Aoife was released years later, Bo had just graduated high school and had already moved into one of the tiny apartments above the Dal. Trick and her old room was always just next door in the other tiny apartment if she ever needed family. It was easier that way, since she ignored all of her mother's and Trick's pleading for her to go to college. Bo just wanted some independence, though she did reconcile with her mom. She tried retail for a few years, moving from job to job, but eventually, she just started pulling in an actual paycheck from Trick doing what she'd been doing for years, except now she was officially a bartender.
Even at 28, Bo Dennis was still not sure what she wanted to do with her life other than what she was doing. She loved working at the Dal, and she loved hanging with Kenzi, who had moved in with her not long after she had picked up the little street kid who tried to pull one over on her with a fake ID one night. Kenzi had shown back up and helped Bo during an alleyway altercation, and she hadn't left since. Bo didn't mind her life, but as she got older, she realized she was at a stalemate. Surprisingly, she was tired, even if her sexual appetite was still going strong. That much was obvious, as Bo had just been splashed in the face because of a one night stand, but her eyes seemed on autopilot and ventured over to the gorgeous blonde professor in the corner, much like it had for the past year, and she started to fantasize about breaking in every room of their new suburban home they had just bought, complete with white picket fence, 2.5 kids, and a dog in the yard.
Kenzi hopped into the bar, taking Bo's attention away, just as the woman who had thrown the drink in her face was storming out of the door. Bo wiped the drink from her face again; she had just been contemplating rearranging how the glasses were stored when the woman walked in and started yelling at her for being a bitch and being a liar and being a cheater. It was nothing Bo hadn't heard a hundred times before. That didn't worry her as much as moving the glasses. She had this internal conversation at least once a month, but she always decided never to move anything from the way Trick had it. She had this external fight at least once a week and had been doused in almost every liquid the bar stocked at some point. Maybe that's why she was tired. If one more person threw bourbon in her eyes and called her a slut, whore, or bitch, Bo was going to start fighting back. The girls were usually worse than the guys, though she did have the occasional clingy guy, too.
Kenzi sat down, and Bo smiled at how happy the young girl seemed to be. She had just turned 21 not that long ago and was a far cry from the teenage runaway that Bo had seemingly adopted three years ago. At least Kenzi was legal drinking age now, so she didn't have to pretend like she didn't see when her best friend would sneak some vodka in her juice or soda when she thought no one was looking. Bo couldn't say anything because she used to do the same thing, though she suspected her grandfather knew. He always seemed to know everything. She had been helping with odd jobs around the bar and was starting to bartend some, though Trick wasn't the biggest fan of that since Kenzi liked to cash in that free drinks for life promise he had made. Bo knew he regretted making that decision, but nobody knew how much liquor the young girl's tiny body could hold until it was too late.
When Kenzi was settled and had a drink in her hand, Trick decided to walk away and do the actual work since he knew from experience that Kenzi was going to take up Bo's attention for a bit. It was still midafternoon right before the dinner crowd, and not many patrons were there since the lunch crowd left. They just had their regulars and some out of towners mixed in with the few college students who had finished all their morning classes or were skipping classes. The place would start to pick up again in about an hour, so Bo decided to lean against the bar and just enjoy the minor impromptu break. She wasn't expecting Kenzi until later; something about an art festival downtown.
"Hey, Bobo! I have a surprise for you." Kenzi pulled out a small bag from her oversized purse she carried. She unwrapped a framed photograph and laid it on the wooden bartop. Bo looked at the picture to see a simple photograph of the various steeples that Bo used to stare out of her bedroom at when she was little. They had always calmed her down somehow, especially those first few weeks when she had moved in with Trick. The view wasn't much different from her bedroom window now and still served as a calming visual whenever she became stressed. "I know you get the real thing every day, but the composition and lighting in this picture are perfect. It's sunset; your favorite time, so you don't always have to wait to see that anymore."
"Thanks, Kenzi." Bo smiled bigger at her friend and moved to pour her a glass of water instead of another shot. "It's early, and I know you're off duty tonight, but take it easy, okay?"
"Moi?" Kenzi still listened most days; she was like the rebellious younger sister Bo never had. Even though Bo had been raised in a bar, Kenzi had seen more craziness and violence in her time on the streets than Bo could even fathom. It was a tossup whether Kenzi would ever listen to her or not, as it seemed the young girl usually just did what she wanted, including dating that college boy, Nate. He played guitar and was cute, and Kenzi had known him when she was little; he was her first crush. It's why she had gone down to the art festival this afternoon, since Nate's band was playing. The verdict was still out on him, since they hadn't dated but for a few months, and Bo didn't spend much time with him. From what she could tell so far, that wasn't a problem for her, but he did make Kenzi happy, and that's what mattered right now. Plus, it got Kenzi off her back about her love life. Well, it caused her to not bring it up as much.
"How is Nate today?" Bo liked teasing her friend. Of all people to find love in this bar, she never expected it to be Kenzi. Bo could admit she missed her friend on the nights she stayed with Nate or was following Nate. It left Bo here at the Dal alone to get into more trouble. Still, her best friend was smitten, and it was adorable to watch.
"He's fine." Kenzi tried to hide her smile behind her water, but she couldn't hide the happy from Bo. Honestly, why would she even want to hide being that happy? Bo understood being cautious, especially considering her upbringing, but Kenzi had nothing to worry about. Nate was just as smitten, if not moreso. Bo was always great at telling those things. She always had a knack for reading people's auras and sexual energy. It was a trick she had picked up from being around it for years. It's how she always knew who to pick up herself. "Looks like your latest love fest gone awry just left the building."
"You'd think people would get it by now." Bo wiped her jaw with her hand, feeling like there was still some bourbon on there.
"You know, one day, when you least expect it, somebody is going to come in and change your mind without warning." Kenzi sipped at her glass, always sending Bo these knowing smirks whenever they had this conversation, which was at least once a month.
"I'm not available." Bo noticed a particularly handsome young man walk past and give her that familiar look. She felt her eyes flash in response and somehow already knew that he would be sticking around until she was off shift. "At least, not emotionally available."
"Bo, my darling, you are nothing but emotions."
"Am not!" Bo turned back to Kenzi and rolled her eyes. "Fine, but that doesn't mean I'm available for a relationship again."
"When you least expect it, babe. It's not like I planned on running into Nate again. You can't plan these things; they just happen without warning. Who knows? Maybe that blonde you've been eyeing for the past year will finally take notice of your stalker stares." Kenzi still had that smirk on her face, and Bo narrowed her eyes in response. "Just, keep being yourself in the meantime. It's not something you can force to happen, but you have a lot to offer someone."
"Yeah, I do." Bo watched that young man walk by her again, trying to be subtle with his appraisal but not doing a good job. She just arched a seductive look at him, letting him know it was a good idea for him to stick around until after her shift.
"I meant more than just the physical stuff, and you know it." Kenzi's smirk disappeared, as she turned to the young man and sighed before turning back to her. "I get that you're scared, Bo, but you gotta fight it. I want to see you happy."
"I'm not exactly unhappy." Bo's eyes scrunched when she noticed the young man sit down with a girl, kissing her. They weren't there earlier, so they must have snuck in when she was talking to Kenzi. College students, of course, having a study date at a bar. It wasn't the most romantic, but Bo did have to give them props for at least trying. Kenzi was right. She never even tried. It was easier not to, but Bo didn't trust her feelings not to be hurt again.
"I'm flattered, thank you, but I'm not available." Lauren looked at the young woman who had come to sit next to her. It had been a few weeks since anybody had been brave enough to ask her out. The girl was cute, Lauren could admit, but she just wasn't in the mood to date right now. She was too focused on her work and had no time to start dating someone again. She had been there, done that, and didn't like the results. There was too much time and effort spent and exhausted trying to impress someone else, and Lauren could think of better uses of her time than pretending or trying to be interested.
The young woman walked away, and Lauren only felt mildly guilty for rejecting yet another potential suitor, but she was in the middle of grading tests and couldn't be bothered. The drink the young girl bought her just sat there on the table untouched. She liked coming out to the Dal Riata after her office hours when she needed to grade or prepare her lectures. The waitresses seemed to know her and only ever brought her what she needed or asked for and left her to it, and it was fun to observe the crowd.
The pub reminded her of the time she spent in Ireland; it was not that long ago, and it was the deciding point that made her not become a practicing doctor despite having passed all of her boards and completing her residency. It was just meant to be a trip with a research team, but she had been asked to teach some courses at a local university when she was there and fell in love with it. Her parents were both doctors, just like their parents and their parents before them, and she had always known she would become one, too. She had graduated high school and undergrad (even staying for a double major) early, so she was the youngest in med school and the youngest resident. Because of her parents' professional reputations and high society upbringing, they weren't too happy when she came back and announced she wasn't going into private practice with them and wasn't going to help with the foundation but had instead accepted a teaching position at the university here. That was five years ago.
Lauren loved her job; every semester was a new adventure. She even got to continue her research and had a lab full of graduate research assistants. When she wasn't preparing lectures or grading or going over the research notes, Lauren found she enjoyed being here at the Dal. It wasn't but a few blocks from her office on campus, and it was just around the corner from her loft she bought last year. She could be surrounded by people so Ciara and Tamsin couldn't accuse of her being a loner, and she enjoyed interacting with the students when they came to talk to her. She had been coming here for about a year now, and it was a popular place for a reason. The food was good, the atmosphere was great, and the people were usually friendly. Lauren only ever stayed here after hours with Tamsin or Ciara, so she rarely got to see the real bar-going crowd. It was better not knowing what her students got up to after hours, though she had witnessed it a few times and could admit she had a hard time not thinking about them with a drink thrown in their face or dancing while drunk.
Last year, her friends had gotten on Lauren for spending way too much time in her office and in the lab. It was the entire reason she moved closer to campus, so she could just walk and not waste time commuting from her family's condo on the other side of town, where she had been staying since moving back. It wasn't until Lachlan told her to back off and relax that she started to listen. When her boss commanded it, she couldn't argue. He reminded her that she was already tenured and a full professor, so she could take it easy and actually enjoy her position. She didn't feel like telling him her work was all she had, so she compromised that she would come here to the Dal more often, and she had been doing it for the past year. Today was her 30th birthday, and she was spending her afternoon grading tests, and it was the best birthday she'd had in a while.
Tamsin was supposed to be meeting her soon, and she was excited to finally meet Ciara's new boyfriend tonight. He was apparently some detective, and Tamsin knew him. He was older, closer to Ciara's age, but he treated her great, apparently. Lauren was happy for her friend; Tamsin was happy to have an in with the detectives, since she really wanted that promotion. Lauren had met Ciara at work; she was a Business professor, but they had met at a campus event and had become friends because their parents apparently knew each other.
Tamsin had been her friend since high school; she had been the new girl, and she had been intimidating so most of the students wouldn't talk to her. She was athletic and gorgeous and strong, and Lauren had an instant girl crush on her, though they didn't actually talk to each other until Tamsin had stopped some idiots from pushing Lauren into a locker. They were the same age, but Lauren was a senior when Tamsin moved here as a freshman. Even though she moved to Yale for undergrad and travelled a lot after that to med school, for her residency, and for various research projects, when she moved back here to the city, they instantly reconnected. They were friends again first, then lovers for an instant, and then just friends again when they both realized they were better friends. She loved teasing Tamsin for dating too much, and Tamsin loved teasing Lauren for not dating enough.
She wasn't surprised when Tamsin sat down across from her and picked up the untouched drink that poor girl she rejected had brought her. Lauren couldn't even remember how long ago that was, but she did know she had graded at least seven more tests since then, and they were not short tests. Seeing Tamsin, dressed all badass and out of her police uniform, made watching her drink a fruity drink all the more hilarious.
"Shit, I forgot to pick you up a cake. Ciara's gonna tan my hide; it was my one thing I was supposed to do." Tamsin actually had done that on purpose, since she knew Lauren didn't actually like cake, and she hated wasting food even more. "Happy birthday, Doc."
"Thanks for not making a big deal of it." Lauren was actually glad she didn't know many people; it meant there were less opportunities for a surprise party, which she hated. Her mother had called her, though the conversation was brief and consisted more about work, making Lauren believe the phone call wasn't a birthday call at all until her mother finally wished her a happy one at the end of the five minute phone call.
"What's with the super girly drink?" Tamsin almost had the contents of that hurricane glass gone already and was twirling the umbrella in her hand.
"The girl at the bar." Lauren nodded her head over, but she kept her focus on finishing the last questions on this test. Somebody actually answered the question "What is a nitrate?" correctly; at least she didn't have to giggle again at the answer one student gave: that "it was cheaper than a day rate."
"You mean to tell me you finally noticed the hot bartender?" Tamsin took one last pull, finishing off the drink. No telling how much alcohol was in that, and Ciara wasn't supposed to meet them for another hour. "It's about damn time you noticed that action. I keep telling you, you need to get laid, and that's the perfect opportunity."
"I'm fine, and what are you talking about?" Lauren looked up and smiled at her overenthusiastic friend.
"The hot bartender? Oh, come on. You come here more than I do, and you've never noticed her? The only reason I held back from tapping that myself was because she was more your type, and I've seen her check you out more than a few times." Tamsin smiled at the waitress as she came to take the empty glasses. Lauren just eyed her friend when she looked over to the bar area. She never really was in that part of the pub, only ever passing by it to go the bathroom. Even then, she never paid attention because she didn't really come or stay here often just to drink. She usually ate while she was here, just so she wouldn't have to go home and cook. It wasn't that she didn't know how; she was actually quite good at it, but it was just easier to order something while she was here and not worry about having dishes piled to distract her from doing more research in her home lab. Lauren peeked over to the bar and actually felt her heart beat faster, probably more out of nerves from her birthday dinner than actually noticing this woman for the first time.
"It wasn't the bartender." Lauren could admit the woman was definitely beautiful; beyond beautiful, really. She had noticed her before, but it was only on casual glances and never anything substantive. She was just another beautiful woman in a pub that Lauren would never talk to; one thing was certain, though. She wasn't the one who had brought over the drink.
"Such a shame. I really took her for the aggressive type. I guess she's content with just looking at you, which surprises me because she had predator tattooed on her forehead. I mean, look at those things. They're like weapons of mass destruction." Tamsin propped her boot up on the booth bench and turned so she was facing the interior of the bar. Lauren tried her damndest not to notice the boobs in question. "Well, her loss. Just, when she does finally get the balls to hit you up, don't say I didn't warn you."
"Thanks for the warning." Lauren smirked as she went back to finish grading the final test in her pile. She groaned when she saw the name on it, knowing she was going to have more marks on this test than the others. It frustrated her when students never studied and just thought they could get by through the class without help or knowing the material. As an instructor, it actually broke Lauren's heart to see this happen. Tamsin left her alone until she was finished grading the test, sitting there nursing a beer now, already mixing her alcohol no matter how many times Lauren warned her not to do that.
When she finished grading, she groaned and was glad that the student at least passed the test, though barely. Lauren tucked all of her materials back into her leather satchel and placed it on the floor by their feet, deciding it was time to let work go for the night and actually enjoy her birthday. So, they ordered beers and relaxed while they waited on Ciara and Dyson to join them. Lauren could admit she was already hungry, but she knew Ciara had a late class today and had really wanted to meet them for dinner tonight. So, they waited and just kept watching the crowd start to gradually pick up. It was already a better birthday than the botched pony ride fiasco of 1990. Plus, for the most part, she was doing a good job of ignoring her reactions to the hot bartender and finally decided to enjoy a night off.