Chapter 29 - Yearning to Touch

Monday, March 12th, 2018 – 16:10 pm

MI6 Building

"Agent Lewis." A young man ran beside Lauren, desperately trying to keep up with her long strides. Lauren, who had just exited a difficult meeting with her boss, wasn't listening.

"Agent Lewis." This time he tapped her arm. Lauren heard that time and stopped and turned to face the junior officer.

"Sorry, what do you need?" Lauren pocketed her phone. She had been so busy all day she hadn't had a chance to arrange anything with Bo. There was a message from Bo on her phone asking what the plans were, which needed answering. This junior Agent was delaying her.

"HSE wants you in their lab. You have been picked at random for drug testing." The junior handed her a letter.

Lauren read it then folded it. "Sure, whatever, but I won't test heroin."

The officer half laughed, not quite getting the joke. Jack walked around the corner at that moment, catching their conversation.

"She is taking the piss, mate, and has no intention of going to that lab today." Jack took the letter from Lauren and passed it back. "And tell that arsehole who wrote it to stop reading tabloids."

"But—"

Jack cut him off, pushing his I.D into his smug face. "Commander Frost. Now fuck off."

The officer acknowledged and hurried away. Jack ushered Lauren into an empty room and closed the door. "You okay?"

"No longer using King anymore," Lauren asked

"My fucking business." Jack retorted.

"Well, now you're in my business, literally."

"As a Commander, so I can come as go as I please."

"Exactly how many jobs and posts do you have?"

Jack laughed but didn't answer.

"I've not seen you in a year, and you just show up today of all days."

"Well, been busy." Jack reached into his briefcase and pulled out Sundays paper, "And I see you have too."

Lauren looked at the image. "You can barely see that is me."

"Well, someone will. And I need you. I have a job for you."

"Sorry, I have a date tonight. I can't make it," Lauren argued.

"Don't be funny, Lewis." Jack pulled out a chair and sat down, "Now sit, we have work to do. And Lewis, don't make plans for the next few days either."

Lauren resided that she needed to cancel her date. "One minute. I need to make a phone call, then I'm all yours."

Jack waved his hand, and Lauren left the room.

Monday, March 12th, 2018 – 16.15 pm

Bo Hotel Suite

The phone rang, and Bo's face lit up when she saw the caller ID was Lauren, "Hey, I didn't take you for old school and calling."

Lauren sighed. This was going to be difficult. "Well, it's good manners to call. Especially if you are an absolute shit who forgot that they had work commitments and needed to cancel dinner with the most beautiful woman in the world. I'm sorry, Bo."

Bo listened. It was the best letdown she had heard, also her only letdown. Never before had Bo Dennis been stood up for a date. "Oh," was all she could muster.

"I will make it up to you on our next date, something spec—" But before Lauren could finish her sentence, she was cut off.

"Lauren, stop. It's okay. We only saw each other yesterday and have agreed to take it slow. So it's okay." Bo rubbed her eyes. She was exhausted. It had been her second full day without taking any drugs, and her body was feeling its loss. "I have a lot on this week with Comic-Con tomorrow for two days, and then the play, and I have dinner plans Thursday, Friday and Saturday. So maybe Sunday?"

Lauren hadn't expected that. A wallop to her heart. They had a perfect day on Sunday, just them. Now, things were not as simple in the real world. And Bo was still seeing other people. "Oh, Sunday isn't good. I have a 'thing'."

"Oh, then maybe next week. Bo hid her disappointment; she had hoped Lauren would have wanted to see the show at least once. "I will ask Kenzi to send you a copy of my diary."

Lauren's panic set in. "Okay. It's not that we are exclusive or anything."

"We're not?" It was a question, not a statement.

"No, cause not." Again, Lauren lied. "We are dating and getting to know each other."

"Okay, so I will be in Newcastle the next two days, but we can still message?" Bo was unsure what was going on, from spending every minute yesterday together to being palmed off today.

"Lucky I've dodged that. A room full of Vixens fans with mini skirts, hard-ons or both." Lauren laughed. She was nervous that a black cloud loomed over them and wanted to bring some humour back into the conversation. "Do you want me to drop back the ticket to you?". Lauren thought her proposal might sound desperate, but she wanted to see her.

"No, there are free promotional ones. They have no value. Just bin it." Bo needed to get off the call.

"Okay, enjoy meeting fans who write erotic fan fiction about you and Tamsin." Lauren felt the pang of jealousy already. "I guess she will be there too?"

"The whole cast is there." Bo added, "and they write about our characters, not us. Bye." Bo placed her phone down. She was disappointed but not sure with who. Lauren for cancelling her date or herself for getting too excited about it.

Wednesday, March 14th, 2018 –12:10 pm

Metro Arena, Comic-Con

It was day two of Comicon, and it was going well. Bo had been answering questions from fans of the TV show and had just completed her first meet and greet photo opportunity. Day one had been full-on with interviews on round tables with reporters from TV shows, YouTube channels and magazines. Bo preferred day two, as, unlike the first day, it was more fan orientated. Bo loved spending the few minutes with each fan but was ready for a break, not that she would take one. Too many had made an effort to travel to spend these few minutes with her.

Lauren had been physically absent since they said their goodbyes Sunday night. Only that one call and a handful of 'how are you?, OK, You?' messages were exchanged. Bo was feeling lost. She had more communication with her hairstylist.

With Lauren, it was one or two words at best. Bo toyed with the idea of calling her, but it was her idea to take things slow, so she couldn't be too upset about Lauren respecting it. Besides, the idea of taking it slow was about realising her true feelings without any pressure of a relationship or romanticising anything. What Bo had learnt so far was that she was still in love with Lauren but didn't trust her yet not to break her heart.

Regardless it was nearly decision time. Evony set up a Monday meeting to sign or reject the new Vixens contract. Bo, however, was not sure what she wanted. She had called her mother, but she had been vague and told her to wait. Bo knew the Vixens contract would include Evony. Was it time for her to give up both and start looking after herself? If every day was like Sunday, Bo already knew the answer. Staying would mean she could be with Lauren, go to the local pub, shop in Tesco's, and eat crumpets in front of the TV. Bo smiled. It sounded perfect. But also unrealistic. The more days passed with Lauren absent, the more Bo began to believe that she would sit around waiting for Lauren to choose her back. And that broke her heart.

Bo was at her first signing panel of the day, open to only one hundred fans. The queue was dying down, and Bo glanced at her watch, another five hours, and she would be finished. More interviews, another round of meet and greets, and a final full panel would officially end the day. Plastering on a smile, she was determined to give her fans a memorable experience.

"Will you sign my boobs?"

Bo sighed, always with the weird requests. Picking up her pen, she smiled and looked up.

"What! You were actually going to do it?"

Bo jumped, mentally kicking herself for being so tired that she hadn't recognised Lauren's voice. "You're here. What are you doing here?"

"My work brought me to Northumberland, and I have a few hours before I need to be somewhere, so I thought I'd surprise you," Lauren replied.

"You did, you have," Bo pulled her forward and whispered in her ear, "Get to the end of the table now."

Lauren walked hastily to the end, turning away from Tamsin as she passed. Thankfully she was engrossed in her conversation and didn't look up or see her.

Bo pulled her behind the screen to share a quick hug. "Are you okay? I've missed you."

"Me too." Lauren wrapped her arms around Bo's neck. "I have to be somewhere by five, so I can't stay long. But you were right about what you said in your last message. It's a good way to see a piece of your world."

"Thank you for coming. Will you be working all night?"

"Yes, I'm afraid. I hope to be back in London tomorrow, however."

"Okay, I'm staying at the Innside, the Townhouse suite on the Quayside. If you finish early and fancy a drink at the bar?"

"I wish, but I will be miles away from the city centre tonight. I'm up the Northumberland coast. What about you?"

"I'm having an early night." Bo smiled, "after a long, hot bath."

"Sound perfect." Lauren exhaled. She would've loved to be in that bath with Bo. "I know you have plans this week, but if you are free Monday, I have a dinner date planned?"

"Monday night dates?" Bo laughed

"Well, you are busy, I am busy, and it was the first day we were both free. I didn't want to wait a moment longer."Lauren held Bo's hand in her own. Stroking lighting over her palm with her thumb.

"Yes, I'm free." Bo took Lauren other hand and mimicked her actions. Standing in a comfortable silence felt so natural for them both. Bo grinned, "why does this feel so normal, almost easy?"

"Well, when you have the 'spark', you will always have the spark. It's an unbreakable connection."

"Unbreakable, hey?" Bo replied, giving Lauren a full dimple smile.

Lauren pulled down on her hand, thrusting Bo forward into her body. Their faces were only inches apart. "It is now."

"Bo?" Kenzi peered around the corner. Bo and Lauren stepped back. "Hey, sorry to interrupt you guys, but Bo, you have the last few fans waiting outside. Are you going back out?"

"Yes," Bo replied, walking backwards to the edge of the makeshift wall, not breaking eye contact with Lauren, "I'm so happy you're here."

Bo turned to Kenzi, "Please can you get Lauren a pass for today."

Kenzi nodded and left.

Lauren quickly closed their gap and took back Bo's hand.

Bo held up her finger to someone behind the wall to indicate she would be one minute longer. "Sorry, I have to go. Speak soon."

"I will message you," Lauren smiled.

"Me too. Have fun today." Bo stole a quick hug, then she was gone.

Kenzi reappeared and gave Lauren a pass. "Good to see you here. This is your VIP, access all areas pass, which will get you anywhere, including the final panel. And before you ask, it's where fans ask the stars questions; it's on for an hour and starts at four. Bo has a car to take her back to her hotel after. She doesn't hang around, as it encourages fans to stay."

Lauren took the pass. It was laminated, and on the front was a picture of Bo, "Thanks."

"There are different ones, some with the full cast or with individual stars," Kenzi explained, pointing at the pass. "I thought you would like that one."

"You're right," Lauren replied, placing it over her neck. Slipping past Kenzi and back into the crowd.

Lauren spent the subsequent few hours mingling with fans of the show, managing to avoid Tamsin and the other cast members. Some of whom she knew from when she worked on the lunch van in Morzine. It was amazing how many people had turned up to see the cast. The convention had planned many activities during the day. This included a dress-up area with outfits from the show and a set of Bo's apartment, where fans could sit on her famous couch. Lauren was sitting on that couch when she was handed a cup of tea by a rushed young lady, who practically threw it in her hands, shouted that it was from Bo and ran off. In the distance, Lauren saw Bo wave over from her meet and greet area. A place that Lauren was unable to go to despite her lanyard. Apparently, people had spent a lot of money to get a few minutes with their favourite star, and there was a tight schedule.

Bo managed to steal more brief moments with Lauren throughout the day, but alas, she was soon taken away again. In her downtime, Bo would send cute messages. Lauren, in return, would send her snaps of her on different set locations, dressed up in one of the costumes. Lauren enjoyed Bo's world, not as scary as she had imagined. The last message was that Lauren wouldn't attend the panel and that she would see her Monday night. Bo didn't reply.

Lauren found Kenzi on her way out, "Hey Kenzi. Thank you for today. Here's your Lanyard back."

"Keep it as a souvenir, or hand it to a fan on your way out. It will make their day." Kenzi said, handing it back. "So you off then?"

"Yes, I really only meant to pop in and say hi. Never realised how busy she would be."

"Well, that is her world. It is busy full of shouting, admiration and love. Then it's empty, lonely and quiet in a hotel room. If you two make it, you'll need to show up for both." Kenzi turned on her heels and left a stunned Lauren in her wake.

Lauren looked over her shoulder. The place was emptying. A few lucky ones clutching their lanyards, chatting excitedly, were walking to the large auditorium. Looking at her watch and again at her lanyard. Kenzi was right. Lauren needs to be present before Bo comes to her senses and cuts her loose. Lauren walked toward the auditorium.

Wednesday, March 14th, 2018 –16.00 pm

Metro Arena, Comic-Con – Audiotorium

Inside was packed. A compere with a communications pack was talking to guests in the audience. Bo was sat on a stool at the front, next to Tamsin. Beside them were other cast members and the show's producer, Emma Anderson. Bo was happily smiling into the crowd and waving politely at people.

The boy with the boom mic talked into his radio and then ran around the auditorium. The young compere stood before a fan, "Next, we have John from Yorkshire."

The boom mic was lowered over a young man. "Hi, this question is for Bo. There is a rumour that you might leave Vixens. Is this true?"

Bo picked up the mic, "I don't know yet what's happening with the show. I'm in talks about my character development. There are some decisions to make."

Tamsin frowned, placing a hand over the mic in Bo's hands, "Are you serious? Would you give up Vixens? Why?"

Bo turned in her seat. The boom mic was travelling across the room, realising she had a few seconds spare. "I have been seeing Lauren."

"I guessed that from the papers. Did she stay with you Saturday night?"

"No, actually I stayed at her flat. Nothing happened, but we did talk." Bo sighed, "There was so much more than her just dumping me. Evony threatened my contract unless she stayed away. What she did, in a fucked up kinda way, was for me."

"Oh, I see." Tamsin didn't know how to answer. It was so much easier when Lauren was the enemy. "So no more Vixens, are you planning on staying in London?"

Tamsin didn't need her reply. The grin on Bo's face said it all. The compare now speaking to a new audience member.

Lauren crept into the room and saw that Bo and Tamsin were sitting close to each other, Bo goofy smiling at her and them holding hands. Lauren sat at the back, cursing her inner jealously.

The next question was about whether they read their fanfiction. Tamsin answered, making the room laugh when she said how easy the writers make scissoring when it is fricking hard in real life. Lauren laughed along; Tamsin was indeed very funny and correct. Although when she tried it with Bo, they fit perfectly.

The boom mic was again moving across the room. Tamsin turned to Bo, again holding her hand over the mic. "I think when we get back, we speak to the team about officially ending our relationship so that you and Lauren can be seen out in public without any mess. We can say we have been separated for a while now so she isn't blamed. You may want to hold back a while before you go public with her just so it sinks in first."

"Thanks, Tam." Bo squeezed her Tamsins hand. "Lauren and I are taking things slowly, so she can see my circus of a life and I hers. We haven't got another date planned till next week. So we can announce our split tomorrow if you are okay with that?"

Tamsin was saved by answering by the compare speaking again.

"Next question is also for Bo. This is Roy, from Slough." The mic was lowered to the fan in a Vixen shirt, who quickly grabbed it. "Hello, I'm a massive fan of yours, Bo. I have followed you since Mutant X. My question is, I ship Ashton so hard. Is there any chance of reconciliation?"

Tamsin took the microphone from Bo. "I'll answer that. The show has amazing writers. Both of us have enjoyed our rollercoaster relationship on the show. But our characters are moving in different directions. But that is not to say Ashton is over."

"Why would Peyton take back Ashley?" A fan shouted out. "Ashley left her and went back to her husband."

Bo took back the mic, "I guess that when you have a spark with someone, you will always have that spark. It never goes away. You will always have a piece of each other's hearts. And when, or if, you meet again, you will be back to being important to each other because you still are. It doesn't mean everything is forgiven, but you also don't give up on it. "

Tamsin stood and hugged Bo. The room lifted with an enormous cheer.

Lauren stayed in her seat, Bo's words resonating with her. Was Bo talking about them? She had chosen the exact words Lauren had said earlier that day, albeit a bit better. Bo is an amazing actor and does know how to deliver words. Lauren lived in her head, not sure what to think. She hoped that she was talking about them, and if so, they had just moved a step forward.

The cheering finally died down, and the rest of the audience talked to other cast members and the writers. Bo continued to smile along and wave at the fans. Lauren noticed that Tamsin and Bo had linked hands. Lauren felt another stab of jealousy.

Before too long, the crowd were on their feet. Lauren jumped up. She wanted to get to the stage. She could see over the heads of the people leaving that Bo and the others were being ushered out the back. Lauren tried to push her way down the stairs against everyone walking up. Opting to jump over the rows of seats and sprint to the rear doors. It was futile as soon as she got outside as all the cars were driving away.

Lauren saw Bo and Tamsin in the back of the car. She watched as they drove out of sight. Lauren zipped up her jacket and headed to the taxi rank. She was late, and Jack would be annoyed.

Wednesday, March 14th, 2018 –17.10 pm

Metro Arena, Comic-Con – Car

"That went well." Tamsin placed her phone in her lap and swivelled in her seat to face Bo.

"Yeah, just happy it's over. I haven't stopped smiling in forty-eight hours. I swear I slept last night with a grin." Bo smiled over, "Ouch, my cheeks actually hurt."

"You do seem happier and not out of it today. So is Lauren behind this new you?"

"Yes, I suppose she is." Bo couldn't help feeling lifted, alive almost. However, to spare Tamsins feelings, she wouldn't tell her that.

"So you want to talk about her?" Tamsin edged her seat a little, getting a bit closer.

"We talked, and I feel better. Like an old ghost has left me, and I can finally move forward."

"Good for you." Tamsin was happy with the conversation and didn't need to continue. "So from tomorrow, TamBo ends, and BoLo starts."

Bo laughed, "You and your mash-up names."

Wednesday, March 14th – 18:30 pm

Innside Townhouse Suite

Bo was under the water, in a hot soapy bath. The warmth soothed her aching body, and the water was clearing her thoughts. All of which involved Lauren. Should she give in to her heart and run to her? should she quit Vixens and stay with her? It was her idea to take things slow, but in her line of work, decisions are made for the future that can affect years and not simply days or weeks. Bo didn't know if Lauren would commit to that, but she wanted to see if they were heading in that direction.

Lifting out of the water, Bo pulled her hair from her face. Beside her on a stool lay her phone, checking again, but still no new messages. There were plenty of notifications to keep her occupied, but Bo didn't want to do that tonight. Bo wanted to have something real.

Gliding her hand underwater across her chest to her now hardened nipples. Bo closed her eyes. In her mind, she could see Lauren above her, smiling down. Her vanilla skin glistened. They were in her hotel room scissoring, fitting perfectly together, rocking harmoniously together. Bo remembered how good it felt and lowered her hand. Her bud was hard and pulsing. It wouldn't take much. Water splashed over the side of the bath as Bo increased her speed on her clit. Her phone beeped. Looking over, Bo saw it was from Lauren. Bolting upright, she grabbed the phone in her left hand, leaving her right hand where it was and read the message.

Lauren: Hey, just thinking of you. How are you?

Bo: Good, just thinking of you too. Bo hit send. It wasn't a lie. Lauren was mind fucking her right now in the bath using Bo's own hand.

Lauren: good thoughts?

Bo smiled. It was a very good thought, although her libido had slowed down since the interruption. She needed to speed it back up. Bo: Yes. Can I ask you a personal question?

Lauren: Of course

Bo: Do you have any sexual fantasies?

Lauren hadn't expected that and blushed crimson red. Lauren: Yes, don't we all?

Bo: What's yours?

Lauren took in a deep breath, she had never sexted someone before, and she wasn't sure if this was that, but it was making her very horny. Lauren: Sex in public, in plain sight but not seen. Not outdoor as such, just in inappropriate places. Like a broom cupboard at a funeral. What about you?

Bo could work with that. Bo was typing a reply when suddenly her mind shifted. The new fantasy was them at Comic-Con, behind the makeshift wall. On the other side were all her colleagues and co-workers. This time Kenzi didn't appear, and they were both naked on the floor. Lauren underneath, Bo on top. Same positions as before, rubbing their cores into each other. Bo placed her phone down, opened herself wider, and put her finger inside. Feeling her soft inner walls, finding the patch and finger-fucker herself, all while keeping the rhythm on her clit.

Bo's hand worked faster under the bubbles. And she flew her head back. She was close. Eyes closed tight, water splashing all over the floor. Bo imagined Laurens mouth on her, warm brown eyes looking up as her tongue flicked her clit. It was all she needed as a crest washed over her and water spilt out. Her legs shot up, her toes curled and her walls tight around her finger. Bo sank into the remaining water, grinning as she went under.

Lauren stared at her phone. The three dots vanished.

"Lauren, hey, how are you?" Lauren's visitor sat down on the stool beside her.

Lauren pocketed the phone, no more time, she had work to do.