A/N: So, I'm very new to the fandom, having only finished binging the show about two weeks ago, but I'm in love. The way the characters are represented, especially our ever-loved 'Wayhaught', is so beautifully done. The connection feels so authentic and genuinely warms my heart. Anyway, the promo for season 3 gave me this little idea, mind you I've switched the characters around a bit. Either way, see how you go, and let me know if you'd like me to continue.

[Disclaimer: I own nothing but the main story idea.]

…

Prologue

The ground gave way beneath her legs as she hurried through the snow, frigid wind curling around her body, Peacemaker heavy in her icy hands. Her breath came in short, harsh puffs, condensation clouding the air in front of her face. Her eyes searched desperately against the trees, fighting against the looming darkness in their struggle to make out any defined shapes. Occasionally she would see her, huddled against the trunk of an old, thick tree, but upon getting closer she realised that it was not as it appeared. The third time it happened she struck out, kicking the fallen log with an almighty force, letting out a loud grumble of frustration.

'I know you're here,' she yells out into the wilderness, anger seeping into every word. 'You might as well show yourself. Get this over with.'

No answer followed her words, just the quiet howling of the wind amongst the trees. She was about to take off again, having squinted into the misty air and found herself a new trail to blaze when something caught her attention. It wasn't a movement, nor was it a sound, at least not one that she could pick up on, but it did stop her where she stood. She remained still, silently waiting for an indication as to what had caught her attention.

And then she heard it, barely audible but definitely human.

'Nicole,' she called tentatively, shoulders hunching as if that would assist her in hearing the girl call out.

The next time she heard it she was able to figure out the directionality of the cough. Readjusting her grip on Peacemaker, Wynonna stepped carefully toward her left, casting her eyes all around her, not wanting to miss the woman as she passed through. And when she spotted the blood trail, thin but still visible, she quickened her pace, following it to where the girl lay prone on the ground. Her hair was splayed around her head, stark against the pristine white snow, sections of it clumped together with what proved to be dried blood upon further inspection.

Wynonna quickly crouched beside her, holstering the old gun before reaching out to Nicole, one hand landing on the top of her head, the other on her exposed shoulder. From under hooded eyelids, the deputy slowly tracked the heir's movements, body trembling in the freezing winter air. Her face, like her hair, was smeared with blood, a large amount of it presumably originating from the wound on her forehead. Other sources included a cut across an eyebrow and a small trickle escaping the side of her mouth.

She coughed once more, still just as soft, as if her body was too exhausted for anything harder. But that cough made her see it, drew her attention to the specks of blood now on her hands, having come from Nicole's slightly opened mouth. It pushed her into action.

Wynonna moved her right arm underneath Nicole's neck, supporting it as she pulled her into her lap, taking a deep breath before pushing her into a semi-sitting position. Nicole slumped forward, moaning almost inaudibly in discomfort. Despite this, Wynonna managed to keep her in position, getting her own feet underneath her so that she could lift the injured woman's arm across her shoulders.

Nicole groaned, eyes unfocused but now remaining open. She looked toward Wynonna, opening her mouth as if to speak. When nothing happened, the brunette took her chance.

'Nicole, I know you're exhausted but I need to get you out of here,' she began, speaking slowly but clearly. 'I'm going to help you, but I need you to help me too. Do you think you can do that?'

An almost imperceptible nod spurred Wynonna on, and she explained what she needed Nicole to do before securing her grip around the woman's wrist, snaking her other hand around the leather belt the deputy wore. She counted to three, bracing herself for the inevitable weight she was about to support, before pushing upwards, hauling Nicole to her feet.

Together the swayed, the two of them nearly falling again as Nicole's knees gave way. Wynonna waited, allowing the barely conscious woman to get her legs underneath her before they pushed off, limping their way out of the woods to where help was waiting for them.

A/N: Hit me up if you would like me to continue.