Kutee: You're in love with my mind? Well, my ego loves you, then. :) Heart or panic attack? Hmmm. Hope this update wasn't too long in coming. It's great you found my youtube stuff! I'm happy to hear you like it. Twitter? Look for fab_fan1. Say hello to MeLovePezberry for me. Always a pleasure to hear from her.

AMCGL7: Of course you are? Great! Was just checking. Happy to hear you think I got the characters right. That's very important to me. You know there was going to be a slap. It is Erica after all. Just another panic attack, eh? I wonder…

Beep. Beep.

Bianca sat in the uncomfortable plastic chair. She had dragged the object, against the doctor's protests, as close to the bed as it would go.

Beep. Beep.

She didn't know what to think, what to feel. She cradled Frankie's hand in between her own, carefully avoiding the IV. She lifted the unmoving fingers to her lips, pressing a gentle kiss to them.

She felt helpless. Frankie had collapsed in her arms. She had just closed her eyes and fell forward. It was one of the scariest moments of her life.

And she wouldn't move. Frankie wouldn't move. The ambulance came and she still didn't respond. The medics ran around, yelling jumbled words that Bianca didn't understand.

Miranda.

Miranda had stood there, just stood there staring at Frankie. There was pure fear in her eyes. The child didn't know what to do. To go to Frankie or stay back. To go to her mother or go to Gabby.

Bianca kissed the hand again and brushed the cool knuckles across her cheek. They had rushed past Erica, Jack, Kendall, and Opal in the lobby. The quartet were milling around, more than likely waiting to ambush them again. Bianca didn't even look at her family and friend as she ran by, focused only on her lover.

Her lover who was lying in this hospital bed with those beeping machines that only worked to remind the young woman that Frankie was hurt.

She didn't know what was going on. The doctor wouldn't tell her anything. The new transfer from Boston mumbled about patient confidentiality and family members. Bianca nearly strangled him.

She gasped.

Fingers twitched lightly against hers.

Bianca bent closer to the bed, holding her breath.

Ever so slowly, eyelids blinked, revealing dazed brown eyes. The most beautiful brown eyes Bianca had ever seen.

"Sweetheart?" Bianca touched the agent's temple, fingertips trailing down her face.

Frankie blinked and blinked. A tongue poked out to moisten her dry lips. She coughed harshly, the action turning her body away from Bianca. Bianca held her hand and continued to run her hand over her face and through her hair soothingly.

"Frankie?"

"W-What…h-happened?" Frankie choked out, throat as dry as the desert. She moved to get up, but as she attempted to lift both shoulders pain shot through her sore chest and she groaned.

"Don't, baby. You need to rest." Bianca gently pushed her back. She rubbed tiny circles on a shoulder, her other hand dropping to retake Frankie's hand.

"I-I'm ok…just…I need to…"

"Shhh, relax. You need to relax." Bianca spoke softly. "You collapsed, honey. You were saying you couldn't breathe and you fainted. Do you remember?"

"How long have I been out?"

"A day." The hours ticked by with excruciating slowness, mocking her with each second that went by. The sun had risen a few hours ago to start the new day.

Frankie squinted, trying to process. She swallowed thickly and a crooked half-smirk formed on her lips, "Your mom has a hell of a slap, huh?"

"It's not funny, Frankie." Bianca's breath shuddered.

"Hey." Frankie tiredly captured the hand on her shoulder. She tilted her head and pushed her thumb into the palm. She kissed each unfurled fingertip. "I'm ok."

"You passed out, Frankie. You couldn't breathe, and you passed out." Bianca cupped Frankie's cheek. "You fell into my arms."

"Caught me again?"

Why did Frankie always make jokes when things were tense and scary? "You wouldn't move. You couldn't hear me."

"I always hear you, babe." Frankie winked, "Sometimes I just don't listen."

Bianca shook her head, "I thought you…" she choked back a sob.

Frankie's gaze melted, "I'm ok. It's nothing."

A tear fell from the corner of her eye. She leaned forward and pressed her mouth to Frankie's. It was sloppy and wet. She had felt so scared, so scared and helpless.

"Baby," Frankie gulped as they broke apart. "Don't worry about me so much."

"How can I not?" their faces pressed together. "I love you."

"It'll be ok." Frankie nuzzled her cheek. "Where are the kids?"

"With Joan."

Knock. Knock.

"Oh, sorry to interrupt." A tall man with shaggy red hair and glasses burst into the room.

Bianca pulled back into the chair. Frankie looked the man over.

"My name is Dr. Bender. It looks like our patient is awake. How are you feeling, Ms. Stone?"

"Dandy." Frankie immediately wanted to tune the man out. There was so much she had to think about. Reese Williams, Jones, the Goldsteins. She hoped he didn't try to make her stay. She had to get back to DC. She couldn't think about how this kept happening. How it was getting worse. How her chest still hurt. How Bianca's face was splotched with tears.

"Good to hear." he stepped up to the bed, maneuvering around Bianca. He clicked on a tiny flashlight and checked her pupils. "Just a few questions. What's your name?"

"Frankie Stone."

"How old are you?"

"Twenty-seven."

"Do you know where you are?"

At the gleam in her eyes, Bianca nudged Frankie's hand, her look clearly indicating for the agent to answer the questions simply. Frankie sighed, "Hospital."

"Very good." The doctor unlooped the stethoscope around his neck and listened to her heartbeat.

"So, what's the verdict doc?"

Dr. Bender relooped the stethoscope over his neck, "I'd like to run a few more tests to be certain."

"What kind of tests?" How long was this going to take?

"A few standard tests, nothing much." he assured.

Bianca rubbed Frankie's arm. Her girlfriend was not a fan of hospitals. It hit her how ironic it was that Frankie's twin became a doctor. "Do them, Frankie."

They shared a look. "Alright." Frankie nodded reluctantly.

"Good. If you could come with me, then." Bender motioned to the door. The door opened and a nurse entered with a wheelchair.

"Gonna be a blast." Frankie mumbled sarcastically as the doctor helped her into the chair. She winced at the movement, a hand coming to her chest.

"I love you." Bianca spoke clearly, kissing Frankie's cheek as the nurse spun the chair around.

Frankie offered her a tiny wave as she rolled away.

Bianca jumped to her feet as Frankie wheeled into the room. She was instantly at her side, reaching for the shorter woman.

"Miss me?" Frankie asked lightly, but there was exhaustion in her eyes.

"Always." Bianca helped her onto the bed.

Frankie looked over at the doctor, "Think I can change outta this? While I love a good hospital gown, it's bugging me."

Bender chuckled, "Go for it. I'll be back in a few minutes." He checked his beeper and left.

Frankie slid to her feet. Bianca's arm shot out as the agent swayed for a moment before gaining her balance. Frankie gave her a lopsided grin and took a deep breath. Bianca moved, "I had Joan and the kids pick you up some new clothes."

Frankie smiled at the plain blue shirt and jeans. "No pink?"

"I guess Miranda was adamant abut blue." Joan had said the girl refused to get anything but the blue shirt.

Frankie nodded and set the clothing on the bed. She went to untie the gown, but hands batted hers away. Bianca undid the knot, kissing Frankie's neck as she did so. The gown slipped to the ground. Bianca traced a hand down Frankie's spine, causing a shiver.

"Let me." Bianca whispered in her ear, reaching around her to grasp the clothing. Taking her time, she dressed Frankie, brushing her lips against soft trembling skin along the way. Hands smoothed over the body, assuring her that Frankie was there; Frankie was ok. Each touch was filled with love, telling Frankie she was not alone; Bianca was there for her.

"I love you." She repeated as the shirt settled over Frankie's toned stomach, the final article of clothing.

"You too." Frankie bit her tongue as a palm rested against her belly.

Knock. Knock.

"All dressed?" the doctor ambled into the room.

Frankie stepped away from Bianca and sat on the bed. "Lay it on me, doc."

Bender flipped open a folder of information. Bianca sat next to Frankie, placing a hand on her back in support. Frankie waited impatiently.

"Ms. Stone, is your job very stressful?" Dr. Bender asked.

Frankie raised an eyebrow, "You could say that."

He nodded, "And, has there been anything going on in your personal life that could be deemed…straining?" his gaze ticked between the two women.

Frankie scooted closer to Bianca, not liking his look, "What are you getting at?"

Bender sighed and pulled over a rolling stool. "Ms. Stone, you have been shot three times. Two of those times were quite recently. Have you been experiencing fatigue, chest pains, irregular heartbeats, and the inability to breathe often?"

Frankie shifted, "At times."

Bianca's head whipped to the side, "What?" Frankie never told her that.

"I'm assuming it happened during tense situations."

Frankie nodded slowly. She never thought about it, but it was true. "So?"

Bender adjusted his glasses, "Ms. Stone, you almost suffered a heart attack. You were experiencing high stress, and your body couldn't handle it. A body can be a very strong thing, but it can only take so much. You have been shot three times, as I said. These last two times…they really weakened your body."

"Just tell me the diagnosis."

Bender looked her straight in the eye, "You have a weak heart, Ms. Stone."

A what? Frankie narrowed her eyes in thought.

"Mixing the gunshot wounds, one of which is very close to the heart, with the amount of stress that seems to be in your body…your heart can't handle it."

Frankie's shoulders slumped forward. Bianca griped her arm.

"Ms. Stone, you need to lower your stress levels and keep them low. With the way things look now, you need to stay away from anything that could really set your heart off like that. If your job is very high stress, you might want to look into a new career. Um, we suggest things such as moving to the country, taking vacations, etc. If…if you keep up with the way things are…your heart cannot handle that. This was a warning."

Frankie stared blankly at the floor.

"I'll let you discuss it. You're all signed out when you wish to leave." he stood up.

"Thank you, doctor." Bianca absently spoke as he left, her eyes on Frankie. She rubbed her hand up and down the agent's back, "Frankie, sweetheart?" Frankie had a bad heart. It sounded so absurd. She was twenty-seven years old, not seventy. She had been fine. She played with the kids. They…they made love. She had never shown any signs.

Frankie looked at the floor, shoulders hunched. Then, a bitter chuckle sounded. Bianca paused at the noise, dread seeping in. Frankie straightened and smiled ironically, "A weak heart. Makes sense, huh? Frankie Stone has a weak heart."

"Honey,"

Frankie shrugged away from Bianca and stood up. She paced away from her, shaking her head. Her hand ran across her face, an imperceptible tremble in it. "Should have known…a weak heart." No wonder she was so weak. No wonder she couldn't love anyone.

"Stop it." Bianca stood up firmly. "Don't you dare."

"Dare what, Bianca?" Frankie threw her hands up, "I can't do anything. Might make my heart explode."

"You can do things, Frankie." she walked up to her.

Frankie pushed away, "Whatever."

"We'll figure it out."

"There's nothing to figure out. What's to figure out? I'm weak. I have a weak heart. I can't…I think you should go."

"I'm not going anywhere, and neither are you."

Frankie brought a fist to her mouth, "This isn't going to work."

Bianca shook her head furiously, "Don't start talking like that." They had finally gotten to a good place. There were still issues they needed to work through, but Frankie was not going to break-up with her now.

"I need to get back to DC."

"Stop it. Talk to me right now." Bianca grabbed Frankie and tugged her into her body. She wrapped her arms strongly around the agent.

"Let go."

"You know I'm never going to do that."

"God Bianca, it's done. We're done."

"No, we're not."

"Yes, we are."

"We're never done, Frankie. I'm with you. I am with you."

"I don't want you with me!" Frankie shouted, pushing at the hold. "Don't you get it?"

"Yeah, I do." Bianca strengthened her embrace, "You're confused and hurt. So am I. We are going to work through it together."

"What are we going to work through? What?" Frankie pushed to her toes, their faces becoming even. Their mouths hovered centimeters apart, "Are we going to work on how much I can handle? How much my heart can handle?"

"Frankie." ghosted across both their lips.

"Are we going to figure out how long until my heart gives out? How old Miranda and Gabrielle will be? When some little thing sets it off, and I die? Do you get it now? Do you?" She shoved back, both stumbling away from each other.

"You're not going to die." Bianca caught her balance. "You just need adjust with your job and…"

"I'm not quitting my job." Frankie cut her off. She couldn't stop now. Not when she was so close to getting Williams and Carrington.

"Stop being so damn selfish!" Bianca shot back.

"Selfish?"

"Yes, selfish. I love you, Frankie. Miranda and Gabrielle love you. We are a damn family! This isn't just about you. I can't believe you didn't tell me about any of this. You've been ill and you didn't tell me."

Frankie sneered, "I'm being selfish? Look in the mirror, darling."

Bianca glared, "You can be a real jackass sometimes."

"Finally listening to what everyone's been telling you?"

Bianca pursed her lips, trying to calm down. They couldn't be fighting like this. "Let us love you."

"I can't!" Frankie gestured wildly, "You don't get it, Bianca. Think for a minute. I…I'm sick. I can't…I'm not going to put you through that. I can't give you what you need. I couldn't before, and I sure as hell can't now."

"You don't get it, Frankie." Bianca spoke determinedly. "I don't need you to be anything but you. I don't need you to give me anything but yourself. That's all I have ever needed from you, asked from you. All I want is Frankie Stone, weak heart or no weak heart."

"The kids…"

"The kids love you." Bianca pushed on. "They love you so much. They would be devastated if you left them. My god, did you not hear Miranda yesterday? Do you not see Gabrielle when you're with her? They look at you like a parent, Frankie. You are their family."

"My heart…"

"is something I love." Bianca tugged her into another embrace. "I love you. Gabrielle and Miranda love you."

"I'm trying to do the right thing." Frankie ground out.

"Then be with me, with us. Stop trying to be so damn noble. We need you. You are not leaving us. You are not walking away again. You did that, and I lost you for eight years." She hugged Frankie close. She kissed the top of her head and closed her eyes, fighting back the sob. "I love you. I know…I know you think you're not good enough. You are more than good enough. You're it for me, remember? If you could only see what we see, see how good you are."

Frankie clenched her jaw shut. Emotions roared through her. She clutched Bianca's hips, thoughts warring inside. "I don't want to hurt you."

"Then, love me. Just love me, Franks, and accept our love for you."

Frankie slowly lifted her head. Her eyes locked with Bianca's.

Their mouths fused together.

Love, hope, understanding, forgiveness: they all connected together and passed through the touch, filling each woman with their warmth.

"I love you." Frankie whispered.

"I love you."

Frankie inhaled deeply, letting the air out slowly. She repeated the action, the slight pain in her chest going away. She swallowed the lump in her throat, "I'll try. I want to try. I-I want you with me, all three of you."

"Good." Bianca pressed a tearful kiss to her temple, "We want that, too."

Knock. Knock.

They pulled apart. Frankie scrubbed at her face. Bianca wiped at her eyes. The door opened. Joan stood there, an apologetic smile on her face. Gabrielle was in her arms and Miranda stood in front of her. "Sorry, but they were getting antsy. They didn't want to wait anymore."

"It's ok." Bianca went up and took Gabrielle. The child clutched her neck, not understanding what was happening, but knowing it was serious. Miranda stood in the doorframe. "Come on in, Miranda." Bianca placed a hand on her shoulder.

Miranda refused to move. She stared at the room, the empty hospital bed, the machines, a rumpled Frankie.

"It's ok, sweetie." Bianca coaxed the child forward.

Miranda took a few steps in. Her eyes darted around before focusing on the bed. Bianca and Frankie shared a concerned glance.

"Miranda, do you want to say hi to Frankie?"

Miranda didn't say anything.

Frankie scratched the side of her face, "Hey, kiddo."

Miranda remained quiet.

Frankie and Bianca looked at each other. They wordlessly communicated. Rubbing at her chest, Frankie nodded once and walked up to the little girl, "How's it going? Thanks for the clothes. Thought you would have gotten something pink, though."

Miranda stared at the floor.

Frankie chewed on her lip. Miranda was not a quiet child by nature. Kneeling before her, she tried to keep her voice light, "I like the blue, though. It's my favorite color, you know."

No response.

"You, uh, are you ok?"

Nothing.

"Come on, kid." Frankie gently pleaded.

Miranda mumbled.

"What was that?"

"You fell again." Miranda whispered.

Frankie's face fell. Oh. "I'm ok."

Miranda shook her head, "No. You fell again. You fell and you're here, just like before."

Frankie lifted a hand, but Miranda took a step back.

"Miranda," Bianca felt her heart break at the scene.

Frankie held up a hand toward Bianca, "It's ok." She gave Miranda a half-smile, "I did fall, but I'm ok."

"No!" Miranda crossed her arms. "You fell and you wouldn't get up. You wouldn't get up."

"Must have been scary, right? Scared me, too. I'm alright, though."

"You said that last time. You said you was ok. If you're ok, why are ya here?"

"I'm here," hopefully she was doing the right thing, "because I'm sick."

"Like before?"

"No, not like before." Frankie crawled to Miranda.

"How?"

Frankie swallowed. "You know how your heart beats in your chest? Well, mine does, but it's not like yours. Yours beats really strong and mine doesn't. Sometimes, it can't beat like it's supposed to."

"Then make it."

"Would if I could, kid."

Miranda's chin quivered, "Are you goin' away again?"

"No." Frankie blinked back the tears. "I'm going to stay with you and your mom and sister."

"Are you gonna die?"

Frankie heard Bianca's gasp. How was she supposed to answer that? She never wanted to lie to Miranda, but she was only six. "I hope not."

"I don' want you to d-die." Miranda stuttered, "So…you gotsta g-get b-better."

"I'm going to try. But, do you remember when we talked about how I was always going to be there for you? No matter what, even if you couldn't see me, I was there for you?"

Miranda nodded and sniffled.

"I still mean it." She tilted her head, "Come here."

Miranda launched herself into Frankie, burying her face in the agent's neck. She cried, her tiny form shaking with each sob. Frankie held her, doing everything she could to not let her own tears fall.

Jones walked down the hallway, a little hesitant skip in his step. He nervously crinkled the plastic wrap in his hands, the bouquet of red roses nervously swaying in his grasp. He sure hoped this would work. Young had called him once after their date, and that was it. He doubted if she had enjoyed herself. He had. To be honest, he hadn't gone out on many dates for a long time, and it felt good to be out with someone. Going out with someone as beautiful as the doctor made him feel particularly good inside.

He had tried calling her a few times, but she never answered. He wasn't giving up hope, though. Not this time. So, he finally decided to see her. He had purchased the flowers on the walk to the office building, hiding them in his coat to protect the fragile flowers from the cold winter winds.

Entering the building, he briefly thought of Agent Stone. She was the one who had incidentally introduced them after all. He would be lying if he said he wasn't worried about her. He was worried and confused. Ms. Montgomery had acted as if there was something urgently worrisome when they had met. Then, Stone had effectively kicked him off the case. The case the two of them were working on together. He didn't understand. He had been doing his best, helping out. Now, she acted as if he was a burden, a problem even. Didn't she trust him? He couldn't think of anything he had done to lose that trust. If she didn't trust him, that actually hurt a lot. He admired the superior agent, and he had come to think of her in friendly terms.

Now, though, it was all up in the air. Stone had disappeared and Moreno wouldn't talk to him.

Shaking himself free of those thoughts, he arrived at the outer door to Young's office. He gently pushed it open, sticking his head in to get a look. The waiting area was empty. The secretary must have gone out for coffee or something. He stepped inside, clumsily shutting the door behind him. He treaded across the floor, cringing as the plastic crinkled again.

He sure hoped this worked. He wanted to see if she would go on another date with him. If she didn't enjoy the coffee place, they could go somewhere else. A movie or dinner perhaps. He paused. Did she like red roses? They were so cliqued. Maybe he should have gone with the tulips.

No, he couldn't worry about that. It was too late to change now. He had to focus on the target. Building up his courage, he approached the door to Young's office. The barrier was open a crack, and he could hear her talking as he reached the door.

"No, everything is going as planned." she intoned emotionlessly.

Jones paused. It would be rude to interrupt.

"Yes, I'm telling you it will work."

It was also rude to eavesdrop.

"Trust me, she's breaking down. She might not be yelling obscenities and running around like a mental patient, but she is breaking down internally; I can feel it. The less she says, the more she's doubting herself."

Jones turned to go back to the waiting area.

"Mr. Carrington, I guarantee Stone will put a gun in her mouth by the end of the month."

Jones nearly tripped to the floor.

"Yes, I guarantee it. I am good at what I do. I know how people's minds work."

What had she said? She…Agent Stone was going to commit suicide, and she was causing it? Carrington? She was working for Carrington?

"No one knows, not even Stone."

Jones reeled back. He had to tell someone, he had to tell Stone. Young was working for Carrington! Spinning around, he sprinted toward the waiting area and out of the building.