A/N: Happy Wednesday!

Chapter 10: Hanging By A Thread

FBI Field Office – 1 Week Later

Trying to cover up what happened at the Cigar Club wasn't easy. But in saying that, it wasn't that hard either. Lauren was able to tell a very convincing story to her boss. She told him that Bo was an old flame of hers and that she went to her for help. But in doing so, Tamsin and Dyson found her and came to silence them both for what they knew.

He didn't believe it when Lauren told him of Tamsin's treachery. But when she played back the recording device she had, he had no choice but to believe it. Of course, he asked how Lauren was able to subdue both Tamsin and her male friend. And Lauren told him the truth. That Bo was skilled in fighting and she subdued Dyson herself.

It wasn't a crime to use life skills in order to protect one's self. So, that's what she told him Bo did. Dyson tried to hurt her, and she defended herself. As for Tamsin, Lauren said she incapacitated her. Or so she thought. But out of nowhere, she took a shot at her. Only, Bo took the brunt of it. He was in shock over all this.

But he had to admit, things did make sense now. Why he and his team could never find any trace of Tamsin's activities. Back when he thought it was just some criminal. It was because she knew her way around their system. She could hide her activities for however long she chose. With Tamsin gone, her empire would be found and everything would return to normal.

In time.

The men left on the list would be allowed to return to their lives. Free of fear. And Lauren was finally awarded the job she'd always wanted. "Even when no one believed in you, I did…" he smiled. "… And because of your outstanding work on this case; I would love to offer you the job of SAC"

Lauren should've been jumping for joy, but instead; all she wanted to do was go home. "I'm honoured, Sir. Truly…" this was harder than she thought. "… But, I think the position would be better suited to someone else"

He frowned, confused. "I don't understand; this's all you've ever wanted"

"It was…" Lauren nodded. "… But, I've been doing some soul searching recently. And I've realised that maybe I was trying too hard to live up to my Father's legacy. When I should've been creating a legacy of my own. I think it's time I stopped hiding in his shadow. So, I decline. Respectfully, of course" she didn't want any hard feelings.

Director Walters was taken aback by her revelation, "Well, I must say I didn't expect to hear that. But, I'm glad you've finally found your voice. Your Father was a good man, and an even better Agent. But he wouldn't want you to peruse this if it's not what you really want. All he ever wanted was your happiness" he'd hear him say it all the time.

"I know. Which's why I'm hoping you would grant me some time away from work…" she wondered. "… I just feel like I need to find myself. Figure out what I really want out of life. Is that okay?" It was up to him.

"Of course…" he didn't have a problem with that. "… I'll put you on paid leave. However long you need; you take as much time as you want. And when you're ready, if you'll ever be; your office will be waiting for you, just as you left it" he extended his hand to her.

And she shook it gently. "Thank you, Sir" with one last smile, she turned around and left his office. Finally being able to breathe, like a weight had been lifted off her chest. This felt right; like it was something she should've done a long time ago.

Hospital – Later

The worst thing that came out of all this, was Bo's condition after she was shot. Apparently, the bullet hit her subclavian artery and she'd lost a lot of blood by the time she got seen by a Doctor. But that wasn't the worst part, when Dyson pushed her to the ground she hit her head hard. Which caused a small bit of swelling. To ensure they gave her brain time to heal, the Doctors induced her into a coma.

Lauren stayed with her for the first four nights. But, she soon had to explain things to her boss. He wanted to meet Bo when she recovered; after hearing from Lauren what she did, he was impressed by her skill set.

She thought of getting her some more flowers, but she'd gotten her so many now the room was almost like a botanical garden. Just as she was approaching the room, she noticed a figure standing beside Bo's bed. She lifted her gun from its holster, shushing the nurse passing by. They all knew she was FBI.

Opening the door, she slipped inside and held up her weapon. "You've got five seconds to tell me who you are, and what you're doing here" she was done playing it safe. Being around Bo for so long had made her a little paranoid.

"Easy girl…" The figure turned around. "… I'm not here to start anything. I'm just here to pay my sick friend a visit. You're Lauren, right? I'm Kenzi" she extended her hand.

But Lauren wasn't easily swayed. "Never heard of you…" she kept her gun aimed. "… And isn't it convenient that the only person who can vouch for you; is currently in a coma?"

Kenzi let out a soft chuckle, "Yeah, I know how this looks. But honestly, I am a friend. I called Bo last week. Before she blew the beach house to bits" she knew all about that Safehouse, and when she went to check it she noticed it was in ruins.

Then Lauren remembered, this week had been such a blur. Her mind was so fuzzy. Bo answered a call from someone named Kenzi back at the Hampton Safehouse. But that didn't mean she trusted this girl. "Alright…" she lowered her gun, holstering it. "… Just don't try anything" she walked to Bo's side.

"Wouldn't dream of it…" Kenzi was sensing major hostility coming from this chick. "… So, how long until she's back up and running?" She nodded to Bo.

Sighing, Lauren shrugged. "They don't know. She lost a lot of blood when they brought her in. They say the coma's her body's way of recuperating. But, I just hate seeing her like this" she reached her hand over, taking Bo's and holding it gently.

"You really do love her, don't you?" Kenzi could see it.

"I do" Lauren replied, with a teary smile.

Suddenly, the two of them were interrupted by a knock on the door. A nurse walked in with a smile, "Sorry to interrupt, but it's time for her scan…" she'd been having one every day. "… Is it okay if I take her down to Neuro?"

Since Bo had no family, Lauren had become the sole guardian of her comatose body. Whenever the Doctor's needed to do something; they checked with her first. "Yeah, I'll come with…" she told her the nurse to get Bo ready to go. Then looked at Kenzi. "… Do you wanna tag along?"

Kenzi nodded, "Sure, I'll get us some coffee and meet you down there" she could tell Lauren was a little on the tired side, maybe a coffee would help her become more alert. With a nod from her, Kenzi went off in search of the cafeteria.

As the Nurse began to push Bo's bed down the halls, Lauren walked closely behind. She knew no one was after them anymore; but she couldn't help but feel a little on edge. That's what this whole ordeal had done to her. It wasn't a state she wanted to be in, but Bo had survived in spite of it. It couldn't be all bad.

Twenty minutes later, and Lauren was standing outside the viewing room of Bo's scan. They were scanning her brain for any abnormalities. And hoped that maybe they'd find the cause for her coma. She heard the clicking of heels coming from her left, and they were loud. Turning, she saw Kenzi walking towards her with a huff. "Problem?"

"You could say that…" Kenzi handed Lauren a coffee cup. "… This place is shit for navigation. I think I'd have a better chance at finding a needle in a haystack. So, what's going on with her?" she looked at her friend through the window. "Does she have a tumour or something?" she was worried.

Lauren shook her head, "No, thankfully. Because she's in a coma, they need to make sure her brain's still functioning properly. Hopefully, they can tell us how much longer she'll be this way. I'm not giving up hope that she'll wake up. It's all I've got left right now" she sighed, taking a sip of her coffee.

"I know the way you guys met was awkward, and most likely devastating for you…" Kenzi had been wanting to say this for a while now. "… But when it comes to caring for people; Bo's only ever cared about you. When you broke up the first time, she called me balling her eyes out. She felt so shitty for what she'd done" the memory came to her.

As did Lauren's memory, "She wasn't the only one who was torn up about it. I thought I'd finally found someone who got me, you know?" she looked at her. "Bo ticked all the boxes for me. She made me laugh, she made me feel special, and I fell for her so fast. But then…" she relived the day everything changed;

For the worst.

3 Years Ago

The last month had been a whirlwind for Lauren. Only thirty days ago, she was scraping by at work. Always ridiculed for being a woman and the daughter of a decorated Agent. But then one night, she met a charming brunette at her favourite watering hole. Now, she felt like she could take on the world.

Was this what being in love did to a person? Was it meant to provide her with such confidence, and faith? If it was, then she scolded herself for not finding it sooner. But then, she thought maybe it wasn't the love itself; it was who she was in love with.

Bo made her feel so many things. Happy, special, wanted. She had a way of making her feel like she was the only girl in the world. She didn't know what she did to deserve her. Bo came into her life at just the right moment, it was like magic.

Tomorrow would've marked thirty-one days since they met. And Lauren loved every day of this month. So, she decided to surprise Bo with tickets to a basketball game. She loved the Knicks, they were her favourite team. Lauren wasn't much of a fan, but she didn't care.

She'd tried calling Bo all day, but she got no answer from her. Wondering if something was wrong; she decided to head over to her Girlfriend's apartment. She got to Bo's door, and as she went to knock; she saw that the door was open slightly. So, she walked in. Thinking Bo wouldn't mind.

Lauren saw that her Girlfriend's place was a bit of a mess. There were clothes everywhere. And the place smelled like bleach. It was overpowering. As she was about to call Bo's name; she heard her voice coming from the bathroom. She followed her voice and the odour of bleach got stronger.

What she was set to see would be nothing new for someone in her field. But as someone falling hard, she wasn't prepared for what she heard next.

"Look, I told you; I'll get your damn job done soon enough. I can't snap my fingers and have everything go my way. That's not how the world works! Besides, I just took care of another problem of yours. Hence why I'm having to bleach my bathroom right now!"

She heard Bo continue to yell. But Lauren didn't hear anyone else. She must've been on the phone with someone. Lauren poked her head around the corner, and saw Bo mopping the bathroom floor.

Was that blood?

Then, over in the corner; Lauren noticed a dead body in the bathtub. It was an older man, he had his throat cut. What the hell was she seeing? What the hell was going on? But it wasn't over; because then she heard the kicker.

"Our deal's still good!" Bo said, as she spoke through a Bluetooth earpiece. "By the end of the week, Lauren will be dead; and you'll be free to go about your business. Trust me, I've got her right where I want her. I'll be in touch" she ended the call.

That's when Lauren realised, this wasn't a happy ending for her at all. It wasn't a fairy tale love affair. It wasn't even love at all. Bo was a wet worker; hired to kill her. By who though; she didn't know. "I knew you were too perfect"

Startled, Bo dropped her mop and turned around. Seeing the devastated look on Lauren's face. She must've been thinking the worst. "Lauren, it's not what you think—"

Suddenly, Lauren pulled a gun on her. She always kept it with her. "Don't, come any closer!" She couldn't keep her tears from falling. "Who hired you?" When Bo tried to change he subject, Lauren cocked her gun. "TELL ME!"

"Luca Moretti" Bo said.

Laughing, Lauren bowed her head. Of course, that filthy bastard. She was wondering why he'd been laying low all this time. "Well, I've gotta hand it to him; he did a good job hiring you. Was the fake relationship part of his package?"

Bo shook her head, "It wasn't fake—" she stopped trying to get closer when Lauren placed her finger on the trigger. "What you heard just now? That, was fake. He thinks I'm gonna go through with it, but I'm not. I made that decision the second I met you"

"Why?" Lauren asked.

"Because I love you" Bo replied.

Turning her head away, Lauren gagged. This was too much. "I guess this's what I get for letting my guard down huh? God! You played me good! How do you live with yourself?" She frowned at her.

Bo just looked at her, she had her there. "I don't…" she answered honestly. "… But I'm not the person Luca thinks I am. At least, not anymore. Lauren, I promise you; you don't have anything to be afraid of"

"You think I'm scared of you?" Lauren laughed, "No, Bo. If anything, I feel sorry for you. I mean; how damaged must you be to be in a business like this? You know what? It doesn't matter. Because I'm gonna make sure you don't hurt anyone else" she approached her, keeping her gun aimless

And Bo didn't blame her, she deserved this. "Go ahead…" she outstretched her arms. Inviting her to take a shot. "… I won't stop you. Just know, that everything I ever said to you was the truth. How I feel about you, none of it was a lie"

As she placed her finger over the trigger; Lauren fought a war within herself. She knew subduing Bo was the right thing to do. But she couldn't seem to will herself to pull the trigger. Because as twisted at this whole thing was, she still loved her. Regardless of the truth. So, she decided to hit the reset button.

She dropped her hands, "Pulling the trigger, would make me just like you…" she sniffled, wiping her tears. "… Don't call me. Don't come to my place. As far as I'm concerned; you don't exist" she had to do this.

Bo started to cry, "Lauren please-"

Lauren raised a hand, telling her to shut-up. "If I ever see you again, I'll do what I should've done; and put you away for life! And you can tell Luca; if he wants me dead so badly, then I'll be waiting for him" she turned around and left the room.

She ripped up the tickets on her way out and threw them on the floor.

Present

"… She broke me" Lauren finished, also ending the memory of that awful day.

Kenzi could see why Lauren was so upset, and she didn't blame her either. After all, it would be devastating to anyone if they found out the person they loved was only there because they were hired for evil reasons. "You know, I'm a firm believer that if something's broken; it just means it can be fixed. All it takes is time"

After hearing that, Lauren could see why Bo had Kenzi as a friend. "Is this why you're such good friends?" She asked her. "You're Bo's voice of reason?"

Giving a small shrug, Kenzi smiled. "Something like that. Look, all I'm saying is; I've known Bo a long time. And I have never, seen her care about someone; the way she cares about you. She risked her life to protect you when Luca hired her. In our line of work, to turn down a job is like breaking the law. But she did it, for you" she didn't know if she'd be able to do it for someone if it was her.

"I love her, so much…" Lauren breathed, "… And I'd love nothing more, than for us to start over. But, can we really do that? Can she do that?" She glanced at Bo through the window. "She told me her job's just a job to her, but what if it's not? What if a normal life, is too normal for her?"

That was her fear. That if she and Bo started over and lived a normal life together, that Bo would get bored with doing the day to day basics. Lauren was worried, she'd miss the killing and the money. Those were things Lauren couldn't give her. It went against everything she stood for. Her job was to uphold the law, not break it.

"It won't be…" Kenzi said. "… Unlike the rest of us, Bo's doesn't want to live this life forever. She just did it for the money, so she could set herself up for a good future. A couple of months ago she was showing me houses in the Bahamas that were for sale. She was ready to hang up her rifle and disappear. I think a normal life is right up her alley" she was sure of it.

Lauren frowned. "Bahamas? Really?"

Kenzi rolled her eyes, laughing. "I know, she's always had a thing for sandy beaches and palm trees. But that's not the weirdest thing she's ever done. Once, she spent sixty thousand dollars on a bottle of Cognac. She finished it in an hour" they laughed together, talking about all things Bo made them bond a little.

Suddenly, the door to the scan room opened and a nurse began wheeling Bo's bed out. She told them they were done and that the Doctor would be around to speak to Lauren in a little while. Kenzi and Lauren walked back to Bo's room as the Nurse settled her back in.

"So uh, is it okay if I come by and check in on her tomorrow?" Kenzi didn't know who else to run it by. Lauren was the only one around and Bo had no Family. "Just to see how she's doing?"

After talking closely with Kenzi, Lauren realised why Bo called her a friend. She was insightful, even for an assassin. So, she just nodded with a smile. "Sure, that'd be great" she also received Kenzi's number from her, in case she needed anything.

Kenzi smiled back. "Thanks. You know, I always used to wonder what you'd be like in person. Bo painted such a perfect picture, to be honest I didn't think you'd be able to live up to it. But, you do. You're what she needs Lauren. And I think, you need her too"

Before Lauren could even say anything back to that, Kenzi winked at her and left the room. God, why did talking to her feel so therapeutic? That could've easily have been her fall-back job. She was brought out of her thoughts when Bo's Doctor entered the room.

"Lauren, still here I see…" he'd told her to go home and get some rest but she didn't listen to him. "… There's not a lot you can do for her in this state. Maybe you'd be better off catching up on some sleep?"

Shaking her head, Lauren smiled. "I appreciate the concern Dr. Campbell, but I'm perfectly comfortable right here. Is there anything new you can tell me about Bo?" That's what she was waiting to here, her getting some sleep could wait.

"As you know, she was brought in with minor swelling in her brain. Everything seems to be going good so far, she's had no episodes that'd indicate any damage. I'll know more once I have her scans back. But her vitals are steady, and she seems to be taking to the transfusion we gave her. It's good news" he smiled.

But it wasn't for Lauren; because there was one major problem. "If it really is good news, why hasn't she woken up yet?" She turned her head back to Bo's slumbering face. Holding her hand like before. She just wanted her to wake up.

Dr. Campbell stepped forward, "Everyone's body reacts differently to trauma. It could be that Bo's is taking a little longer to recover before she wakes up. Look, it's only been a week. There's no cause for concern yet. And with these results, I don't think it'll be much longer"

"Thanks Doc…" Lauren waited for him to leave, then sat beside Bo on the bed. "… Bo?" She tried calling to her. "Please, if you can hear me; wake up!" Nothing. "I just need you to do something, anything. Move a finger!" She looked, nothing. "A thumb?" Still nothing. She exhaled tiredly, "I don't blame you for not waking up" she really didn't.

Being asleep kept her away from all this. Lauren envied it. The smart thing to do would be to take Dr. Campbell's advice and go home to get some sleep. But she couldn't bring herself to leave Bo alone; and there was the added fear that someone would come to hurt her. No, she couldn't leave.

So, she kissed her forehead and then dropped down into the seat next to the bed. "But, when you do decide to open those eyes of yours…" she grabbed a blanket from the corner of the room; trying to get as comfortable as she could. "… I'll be here" she closed her eyes, letting herself finally sleep.

She didn't know exactly how long she'd been asleep for, but judging by how tired she still felt; it couldn't have been long. Lauren hadn't woken up of her own accord, she was shaken awake by one of the nurses. As she opened her eyes, she saw a team of nurses run into Bo's room; and the blaring of the monitors ringing through her ears.

"What's going on?" she pushed the blanket off herself and stood up. When she did, she saw Dr. Campbell standing over Bo's bed trying to keep her still. It looked like she was having a seizure. "No!" she tried to get to her, but the nurse pulled her back. "I have to be with her!"

"Lauren, I'm sorry; you can't be here right now. We're gonna do everything we can for her, I swear. Just wait outside, and I'll come get you when she's stable" The nurse ushered her outside.

There was nothing Lauren could do to stop her. She was shut out of the room completely, all she kept hearing were the machines. Why were they so loud? This couldn't be happening now. Dr. Campbell told her Bo was doing well. What changed? With everything that'd gone on these past few weeks; to lose Bo now, would destroy her.

She sat down on the chair outside the room, covering her ears trying not to hear the beeping coming from Bo's heart monitor. She didn't want to imagine a world without Bo in it. Lauren closed her eyes, and shook her head, ridding her mind of the thought of Bo dying.

No.

It wouldn't happen. Bo was strong, and she was tenacious. She'd never leave her, not after all this. For the first time in her life, Lauren started praying. She prayed that Bo would weather this storm, and that she'd survive this set back. And most importantly;

That she'd come back to her.

A/N: I know, I'm evil! Giving you two cliffhangers in a row! But it was necessary. Next one will be the last one unfortunately, there's just nothing more I can add to it without it coming off forced. So, check back in a few days for the last chapter. Thanks for reading.