#it's not my best cos holy fuuuuuck Idk why it was so hard to do

[leonard-cohen-the-second]

When Two Hearts Collide, Chapter 5: A Trip to the Dal

Pairing: Tamsin/Lauren- Copdoc

Rating: T, M in the future

Summary:  Looking for a place to read, Lauren finds herself in the Dal Riata looking for a certain barkeep. Too bad she doesn't remember his name, or find him immediately. What she does find, however, is a very large book all about fictional creatures called the Fae. And... Trick is right behind her with a bat isn't he?

Ao3// FF Links

The buzzing of conversation was all around Lauren as she sat in a cool patch of grass with her head in a book. One knee was hiked to her chest, the other laying in the grass underneath it, as she turned the page and did her best to shut out the noises around her. It was the first Sunday on campus, and while she did not think there would be the disturbing silence that night brought in the daytime, she also didn't think it would be bustling with students on the cusp of classes continuing.

When she awoke Tamsin was already gone, the pizza box no longer on the floor where it was thrown the night before but instead placed in the trash. The taller woman had gotten very good at cleaning up after herself in the last two days, and it pleased Lauren to the core that she was truly trying to apologize. Seeing as it was her last free day and Tamsin didn't leave her a note for another date, she decided the morning would be well spent reading under one of the large trees that was lining the sides of the quad. They were far enough away from any antics from the sororities, but not far enough so that the murmurs of students didn't reach her.

Still her eyes raced through the words, blocking out almost every distraction as she flipped the page and breathed, “Oh Diana.”

The distractions got the better of her, however, and right before she could finish the chapter a group of fraternity members whistled and hollered past her. It made Lauren's mind snap to reality, bleary eyes blinking wildly around her, before she let out a breath and allowed herself to be annoyed. Only for a moment, and whatever negativity that was buzzing in her mind was swiftly gone. In its place was simply the desire to find a place to finish her book she knew was quiet and not her dorm room. The cafe she frequented was far too loud for her, and she briefly thought of going to the clearing Tamsin had shown her. That was dashed, instantly feeling guilty for even thinking of going without the woman.

Picking up her backpack, she never left the room without it, she began walking presumably off of campus. Between the bar she was heading to and the buildings in which classes were placed in were only trees and barren land. The emergency call centers that were dotted across campus did not reach this far, and the student body didn't seem to venture out anywhere near. Though Lauren walked on the sidewalk, she knew she could probably walk on the open road with little fear of a car plowing into her.

Lauren reached the Dal Riata quicker than the first time she had come there. While Tamsin had a purpose the previous day, she still walked slowly to the bar, letting them both take in everything as they walked. Lauren hadn't been complaining since they were hand in hand for the entire journey. When she walked inside she still did not hear any commotion, making her instantly grow cheery. She was in the rising action of her book, and she wanted to finish it before the end of the day. Seeing no one sitting, playing pool, or at the bar instantly raised her mood further, though something did scratch at the back of her mind.

“Barkeep?” Lauren called shyly. She did not catch his name the first time around, making her feel out of place. It seemed to be his bar, and the fact she couldn't even call out his name was blatantly disrespectful. The door had been unlocked, but she did not wish to let herself get comfy if the barkeep didn't want her there. “Hello?”

Something metal clattered and resounded to her left, making Lauren stop in her tracks for a few moments. The room was still once more, and she placed her book onto the bar and went to the walkway in which she heard the sound. She hadn't realized it the first time, but she was sure it led into a basement of sorts, making the already enormous bar even larger. The wooden and stone interior led into the passageway, and as Lauren descended the stairs she continued to call out.

Getting to the bottom led her to another wooden entryway, and from there she walked into a study of some kind. It was a large room, with yet another door that led deeper into the ground, and there were strange objects and ancient looking books peppered around. Her boots clacked against the stone floor as she walked slowly around, taking a closer look at a rather large book bound together by withered covers. The curiosity in her was bubbling over, and she rested her voice for a moment and instead turned her attention on opening and studying the book. It had no name, and the writing was in such a scrawl that she only saw in history books. It took her brain a moment to comprehend, but soon she was reading paragraphs on different creatures.

Lauren had never read into more fictionalized fantasy writings like fairies or goblins, choosing to stick to more scientific things like Star Trek and Battlestar Galactica, though the book was certainly making her brush up on the former now. The tome had descriptions and drawn pictures of these beasts called fae, and she was currently reading up on what an Aswang was, and its physiology which she had more interest in, when she heard something like wood slap against flesh.

“I didn't realize I needed to invest in a door down here,” the barkeep said, looking like a father who had just caught their child with their hand in the cookie jar. Lauren bolted up, her gaze going between the book and the man, before he replied for her, “What can I do you for?”

She eyed the plank of woof in the barkeep's hand before hitting her hands against her thighs. “I was, uh, looking for you and I thought I heard a noise.”

“Inside my book?” The man came around the couch, placing down the wooden slab before closing the tome. He smiled up at Lauren and invited her to sit. When she did, he folded his arms and said, “Well, here I am. Your search has come to an end.”

“There might be something you could help me with,” Lauren was quick to say. When the barkeep didn't stop her, she continued, “What's... your name?”

Lauren expected the man to burst out laughing in her face, but instead he was rather calm, chuckling softly before bowing. “Fitzpatrick McCorrigan, but Trick will suffice. I will take that admission as no insult from you, don't worry.” He chuckled again, sitting down himself. “What has brought you to the Dal Riata?”

“Just looking for a place to read quietly.”

“You've found something to read too.”

Lauren glanced around, giving herself a moment to quell the guilt building in her, before asking, “What's a fae? I couldn't help notice it's peppered through the pages.”

Trick moved forward on his seat, something like pity passing over his features. “Some believe it to be just a fairy tale. Fiction, as it were. ”

“Some but not all? Is this like a conspiracy?” Lauren's eyes widened in faux surprise, leaning in slightly further, trying to suppress a stream of chuckles before whispering, “Did I just stumble onto a cult?”

“You have an overactive imagination,” Trick responded, smiling kindly. “I didn't expect Tamsin to bring you here in person, what with her failing to remember my name.”

Lauren blushed, stammering over her words, “W-well it was a really busy day yesterday. It's actually my fault, I didn't ask for your name, and I came without Tamsin today and-”

“Please,” Trick cut her off, holding up his hand, “please calm yourself, Lauren. It was merely a joke.” When he saw Lauren's body deflate, he quickly remarked, “This is called the Book of the Fae. It has everything one need know about the physicality and history of certain fae creatures. I wrote it myself.”

Lauren hummed lightly as she looked at the intricate design on the cover. She wished to touch it and study it more, but she kept her hands to herself. “I didn't know you were an author.”

“I'm not.” Trick lowly chortled as he placed a hand onto the book. “Tamsin tells me you're studying to become a doctor. A noble profession, one that we need more of in this neck of the woods.”

“She said that?” The woman went quiet, looking down at her hands. Why had Tamsin told this man about her? Were they closer friends than she initially thought? Or perhaps it was Lauren who was closer to Tamsin than she had previously theorized. They surely were getting along more, and even with her absence this morning, Lauren felt as if the tall woman was with her even in this strange chamber. “Yes, I am.”

“I have a... friend that has recently fallen ill. Perhaps you can take a look at her.”

“Oh, I'm sorry, Trick. I'm still in my first year, and haven't seen too many-”

Trick interjected, “But you've ranked highest in your class already. An impressive feat when those that go to this school are taken into consideration.”

Those that go to... “Tamsin must really like to talk,” she cautiously said.

The man smiled again, his withered round face still holding onto the whispers of youth. He had kind eyes, but a commanding tone, “Not so much, I'm afraid. I'm sorry if it seems I'm pushing you. My friend is very sick and I'm worried about her. You could take a look at her medical files she's entrusted to me before you make your decision to help.”

“Of course,” she stammered. She didn't question him any further, already feeling more drastically out of place, and she watched as Trick left the seat opposite her and towards a desk. He fumbled in it before pulling out a folder tucked tight with papers, and he handed it to her with a caring look.

“Thank you, Lauren. This truly means a lot to me.”

She nodded her head and tried to smile, getting up and walking to the entryway. Before traversing the stairs she looked back at the man and said, “Of course, Trick.”

Trick's bright and cheery disposition, that was only lightly tempered with sadness, suddenly darkened as Lauren left him. His shoulders were no longer hunched and tired, but instead commanding in presence. He waited until the bell on the door of the Dal Riata chimed peacefully before ascending the stairs and moving behind his bar. Making sure Lauren had truly gone, he picked up the ancient looking phone and began dialing.

A sweet voice cascaded over the other end, but Trick cut them off and snapped, “It's done. Our deal is fulfilled.” He hung up immediately after, uncaring of whatever response he would have received. Sad, weary eyes looked towards the door once more, before he sighed heavily, hoping that what he had just unleashed would not destroy them all.