Sitting.
That's all they could do for minutes, maybe hours.
Gail held fast to Holly's hand, the only thing keeping the tears at bay. Every once in a while, Holly's hand would lightly squeeze her hand, offering a little bit of comfort.
After Andy had gone in to visit Sam, Gail felt her shoulders drop in faux relief and the exhaustion that had been held off all day finally crept into her body. Sensing the change in her, Holly cautiously hugged Gail to her and looked over at Steve in question.
"M'sleepy", Gail murmured against Holly's neck.
"Do you want to go home?" Holly asked as she took a small step back to look at Gail.
"No." Gail answered but shifted somewhat nervously in Holly's arms.
"Ok?" Holly replied with a hint of confusion in her voice.
"No." Gail said again but this time tugged Holly closer to her. The brunette couldn't help the smile that spread across her face. Leave it to Gail to be slightly petulant but not admit that she just needed to be held a little bit longer.
Before Holly could reply, Steve walked over and gave Gail a small pat.
"Hey Gail, why don't you let Holly take you home? We'll call if there's an update here."
Gail only nodded, barely able to keep her eyes open.
"Ok, let's go sleepy." Holly said with a slight smile at Steve as she steered Gail towards the exit. Once they made it to her car, Holly tucked Gail into the passenger seat and got in too.
"Want to tell me how to get to your house?" Holly asked. Gail finally opened her eyes and took a look at Holly.
"Don't want to go home." Gail replied but her eyes were bright. It was a look Holly was starting to recognize on the blonde, one that spoke volumes. With a teasing smile, Holly made the drive to her house.
When they arrived, Gail suddenly perked up.
"Nice place." Gail said, somewhat teasingly but Holly heard the hint of truth in her voice.
"It does the job." Holly shot back as they got out of the car and walked into Holly's sleek elevator.
"I bet you say that to all the girls", Gail quipped. When all Holly did was grin at her, Gail felt her stomach twist in displeasure. Of course, Holly brought other women here, just look at Holly. She was smart, beautiful, and a genuinely good person. If Gail had been enraptured by her charm, then any other woman who wasn't as cautious as Gail would have been much easier to convince.
Holly noticed Gail's narrowed eyes and could only grin wider. She knew that Gail had expected some sort of witty reply that she could counter after but saying nothing was almost worse for Gail. It allowed the blonde to make up scenarios in her head, ones that Holly was perfectly fine to let play out just for a little bit longer for her own amusement.
Finally, the elevator reached her floor and Holly opened the door to her apartment.
"After you," Holly's smooth voice wafted over to Gail. Not to be outdone, Gail quirked an eyebrow and went inside. Her eyes widened in surprise when she took in the smokey modern interior. Smooth neutral walls, the plushiest couch in the world, and books stacked in an organized manner on any available surface. Yes, this was Holly in a nutshell.
"I knew you were a nerd but this is a little much even for you." Gail said as she looked around the living area.
"Come on," Holly said and tugged on Gail's arm. They made it to a heavy wooden door that Holly pushed open. "This is the spare room. I'll get you something to change into." Holly made her way to her master bedroom and dug through her dresser to get some sweats for Gail.
"Hey." Holly whirled around and saw Gail standing in her room, jacket and belt off. As tired as she looked, Holly felt her temperature rise as she looked at Gail in her police uniform. This was Gail at her finest, in her blue uniform, standing tall even if she wasn't in the line of duty.
"Um, hey," Holly replied after her initial stunned silence had passed, "I have some sweats for you." Holly held them out to Gail.
"Thanks," Gail said as she took them but didn't step back from Holly. "for letting me stay here."
"Oh, it's fine. Did you need me to show you where the washroom is?" Holly asked because she really couldn't think of anything else to say with Gail standing so close.
"Holly…" Gail almost whined. She wasn't used to this. With guys it was easy, there was no second-guessing, no need to ask for attention or even physical contact. But here she was, trying to get Holly to understand what she needed, the same way she always did. Why was this time different?
Holly smiled, her lip quirking when she realized what Gail wanted. She slowly plucked the clothes out of Gail's hands and placed them on her bed. Then she took a step towards the blonde and held her close. Gail reciprocated but tugged at Holly's shirt to get her attention. Holly titled her head and flicked her eyes to Gail's. They were darkening and finally, Holly did what she'd been wanting to do for the past day, she took charge and kissed Gail. It wasn't tentative at all. This kiss was everything Holly had wanted since she'd first laid eyes on the fiery policewoman. Not only was their chemistry growing with every passing day but Gail was truly someone who wasn't meant to be dominated or controlled and Holly loved that about her. She was daring Gail to kiss her back, battle with her lips and she did.
Gail gripped at the small of Holly's back as Holly pried her lips open. It wasn't supposed to feel this good, this burning in her stomach that was taking over her whole body. This kiss was making her lose her mind and they were still fully clothed. Finally, Holly pulled back for air but almost changed her mind when Gail groaned at the loss of contact. Holly brushed Gail's hair away from her neck before tilting her head slightly and going back for another kiss. This time it was harder, more insistent. Holly guided Gail to her bed, and the blonde didn't stop when the backs of her knees hit the edge of the elegant bed that was just so…Holly.
Gail's eyes fluttered open when she realized what she was doing and who she was with. This was it, the moment where she took a serious leap of faith. Slowly, she pulled away and looked up at Holly whose eyes were clouded over. Gail swallowed hard.
"I - Holly," Gail started. The brunette smiled softly and stroked Gail's hair.
"It's OK, I think you need some rest. Come on, you can take my bed, I'll take the guest room." Holly took a step back but Gail grabbed her wrist.
"I want to…but I don't know how."
"Don't worry, I'll be here. Every step of the way. Just sleep now."
Gail took a deep breath. "Will you, could you…stay. Please?"
"Of course." Holly said gently and passed Gail the clothes for her to change into. Gail looked mildly shocked, not sure she could change in front of Holly or even more nerve-wracking, have Holly change in front of her. Gail wasn't ready to admit that she'd maybe thought of what Holly looked like without her lab coat…or other clothes on but to have the chance right in front of her? She took a shaky breath to calm her nerves.
"Hey," Holly said and titled Gail's head up, "I'm going to put a kettle on. Just join me when you're ready." With that, Holly walked out of the room and Gail quickly changed. The sweats were perfectly comfy and smelled just like Holly.
Despite everything that had happened up until this point, Gail felt mildly guilty that she was exactly where she wanted to be. As she looked over at Holly who was busy putting tea into two mugs, Gail rolled her eyes at those actions. Of course Holly would have tea and of course she would make some for Gail without even asking her. Holly just knew that Gail needed the comfort, both from her and from the feeling of warmth and support.
"I'm ready." Gail said as she stepped into the kitchen in her borrowed clothes. Holly smiled softly and held out a mug. Gail took it in one hand and grabbed Holly's hand in the other as she pulled them over to the couch.
"Comfy?" Holly asked.
"There's a lot less fleece here than I thought." Gail quipped. Holly laughed loudly.
"Sorry to disappoint. I hate convention."
"You would."
"Be happy about that. It led me to you." Holly said knowing she was taking a risk with that little confession. Gail tried to keep the smile off her face but she wasn't going to let Holly get the last word in. Not this time, not when it meant too much for her to put all her insecurities behind her. Looking into Holly's eyes, Gail gave her a light kiss before replying with two simple words.
"I am."
This time, Gail meant it.