She tried not to feel guilty for feeling so good at the hands of Bo when they were both hurting so badly. But as Bo crushed her mouth into hers, Lauren relinquished control. It was Bo who telegraphed her need then and Lauren who made her feel loved. Sometimes Bo would cry after their climax and Lauren would swallow the guilt she felt and hold her until the tears subsided.

But always, always, Lauren would comfort her at any cost. She had spent the better part of six months on the outside with Bo. An outside she created for her own reasons, but she was on the outside all the same. During that time her love never wavered. In fact, it was impossible to deny. She was preoccupied consistently and though she was executing the best work or her scientific career she had no one to share it with. She was alone with the Dark, especially after she alienated Bo.

Kenzi had become a good friend to Lauren, who kept Lauren apprised of Bo’s status even in her exile. When word of the Una Mens came, Lauren had to drop off the map. Sometimes she would drive miles to mail Kenzi a postcard just to let her know she was still alive. They both loved Bo and when Kenzi could see that in Lauren, she softened. Though, their friendship was short-lived, she understood the depth of Bo’s sadness because she understood how special Kenzi was.

Even as they lay in bed, creeping closer to slumber, bodies warmed by orgasm, she could feel the heaviness settle over Bo once again. Freedom was short-lived as her mind began to spin with coulds, woulds, and shoulds. This was the special hell Bo found herself trapped in and Lauren could practically hear Bo’s thoughts tonight.

“I should have saved her.” Bo whispered into the darkness.

Lauren sighed. “The prophecy–”

“–is shit,” Bo spat. “Kenzi wasn’t in it.”

Lauren pondered her next move. She could try to reason with Bo or she could take a tougher stance. There was only so long Lauren could let herself be part of a guilt-loop and she could see now that Bo had probably been spinning for much too long. Lauren sat up, dropping her legs over the edge of the bed.