So forgive any mistakes in this story, I haven't written for some time and I lack a beta. I am also new to the RB family, though I have been a fan of the show (or more importantly, Gail Peck) since the beginning. I know this timing might be a little off, but this story has been buzzing around my head for a while. It needed to happen. And do forgive the [warning!] smut, I really wasn't expecting to get so carried away with it... Although, you cannot tell me that Gail and Holly wouldn't screw like bunnies before Holly left for SF... Anyway, I hope this isn't terrible. This will be the last time any Author's notes are at the top. Enjoy?


Gail pursed her lips and turned the bottle over in her hands, crystal blue eyes dropping to study the torn label. Her thumb lifted, absently scratching at the already curling edge, her focus narrowing as she peeled the label off, crumpling it satisfactorily in barely-shaking hands. Scoffing, she dropped the wad off her crossed thighs, observing as the backing caught the material of the carpet and sunk in, sticking easily to the fibers. Pale digits dropped from the dark glass and smoothed an invisible wrinkle on her jeans, her eyes jumping quickly to her left before dropping back to stare at the woven fabric. Biting her bottom lip, the officer sucked her teeth before taking a quick swig of the bitter liquid, satisfied as it burned on its way day, settling uncomfortably in her stress-twisted stomach. Placing the now empty bottle beside her on the carpet, she leaned her body back against the couch behind her, reveling in the familiar softness of the over-stuffed cushions.

Sucking in a quick breath, she held it for a moment before releasing it slowly, turning her head to the side as she did so.

Holly Stewart sat just beside her, her long legs bent at the knee, arms folded helplessly across her caps, a free hand holding a half-empty bottle of beer. The pathologist licked her lips, feeling the blonde's eyes regarding her, pinning her in place amidst their fleeting moment. Holly sighed and dropped her arms, stretching her legs out before her as she turned to meet the intense gaze of the officer; their eyes met, a momentary spark felt down the bone before ultimately fading away. Holly watched, shocked silent at the myriad of emotion flittering across Gail's face, the flurry of which was not uncommon in the passed thirteen days. Gail swallowed and tilted her body, folding her legs beneath her as she faced the doctor head on. Reaching into the space between them, Gail steeled her nerves, trembling fingers absently tracing the other woman's arm.

Dissatisfied with either the moment or herself, Holly couldn't tell, Gail frowned and licked her lips before glancing upward, a smiling ghosting her otherwise stormy countenance. Holly clasped the wandering fingers gently, her eyes glossy with unshed tears as she silenced Gail with her own voice.

"Before you... before you complain about me wasting my last night home, don't. I wouldn't pick anyone else to spend this time with."

Holly watched as the muscles in the blonde's jaw worked, the blue eyes darkening to a burning indigo as Gail merely nodded, too tired to breach an argument. Holly sighed, relieved of the burning for just a moment before tugging Gail's fingers closer, her lips dropping tiny kisses along the flexing knuckles. Gail eliminated the remaining space between them, her body shifting over to meld into Holly's side, her displeasure ebbing away, leaving grim realization in its wake. Holly released a shuddering breath, her arm dropping the pale fingers in favor of curling around the blonde, pulling her in tight, the four remaining beers long forgotten. Gail breathed heavily through her nose, an overwhelming sadness crashing through her as she warred with the blinding agony scratching the surface of their final hours together.

Tired blue eyes scanned the almost untouched interior of the townhouse, the furnishings practically undisturbed. The bookcase in the corner stood empty, looming quietly in the shadows like a bare entity, the echo of those once-filled shelves swarming around them. The house looked just as it would normally, save for bare cupboards and the occasional keepsake plucked from the safety of its home. Gail had insisted in helping the pathologist pack, using any excuse to remain as close to Holly as possible. She was all about growing these days, wasn't she? Shutting her eyes against the passive onslaught of all that had changed in this safe place, yet still remained wholly untouched, Gail wrapped her arms around the brunette's waist, taking solace in the warmth and comfort only Holly Stewart could offer.

Holly sighed heavily, her other hand dropping the bottle to the floor before wrapping her arms around Gail, accepting the blonde to her chest in a silent offering of strength. They remained liked that for an innumerable amount of time before Gail sighed softly, extracting herself from the embrace to climb to her feet. She was suffocating suddenly, the memories of all the times she spent in the sanctity of the home jumbling around in her head. Gathering the two empties, she plopped them into the free spaces in the six pack before offering her other hand to Holly, her lips pursed in iron-clad resolve. From her perch beside the couch, Holly studied the straightness of the blonde's shoulders and the fire burning in those amazing baby blues. Smiling for the first time in what felt like weeks, Holly accepted the hand and was quickly hauled to her feet, leaving her reeling before locking her eyes on the other woman.

Gail nodded her head and turned, heading toward the secretly-bare kitchen, stowing the alcohol in the fridge before slamming the door. Glancing at the clock on the far wall, Gail flexed her hands before turning, shrugging her shoulders as she grinned at the pathologist.

"It's only a quarter to eight, Holly. If you're going to enjoy your final night in Toronto, instead of us wallowing here, then I suggest we go out."

Holly chuckled easily, her eyes searching the face she had come to understand in such a small amount of time.

"All right, officer. Do you have any bright ideas?"

Gail shoved her hands in her pockets before heading toward the door, brushing softly against the pathologist as she stopped near the coat rack, the suitcases at her feet stubbornly forgotten. Holly turned to watch, chocolate eyes narrowing in confused amusement. The sadness could wait, couldn't it? This was her last night, and hell if she wasn't going to spend every last second with the snarkiest officer she had ever crossed paths with.

Gail nodded and pulled her hands free before grabbing both their coats, tossing the jacket toward Holly before opening the door, nodding her head toward the frigid unknown.


Holly barked out a laugh as she noticed the building as Gail pulled up, a familiar warmth of memory bubbling up from within her chest. Gail simply smiled and cut the engine before climbing out of the car, feigning annoyance as Holly slowly emptied out of Chris' borrowed Jeep. Slamming the door, the pathologist walked toward the entrance, the rock salt and snow crunching beneath her boots as she tugged her jacket tighter around her body to ward off the biting chill. Unable to keep the lop-sided smile off her face, she peered thoughtfully at Gail as she stood beside the open door, beckoning the pathologist in with an over-exaggerated eye roll. Holly slipped into the echoing interior, her eyes instantly following the familiar lines of the hanging nets and the glint of aluminum, a flurry of butterflies coming to life within her chest. Snapping out of her reverie, Holly turned a questioning, albeit amused, look toward Gail, who shrugged noncommittally and headed toward a familiar gate.

Slipping the blue helmet over her short hair, Gail set her face into a fiery determination, days and hours of pent up emotion igniting beneath her skin as she stepped up to the plate. She stared down the length of the cage, ice blue eyes practically glaring at the machine preparing to fire a rocket in her general direction. Holly sighed happily as she leaned against the fence, her face softening to a smile as she recalled their first and only trip here all those months ago, the blonde woman from memory so different from the woman standing before her now. Warm, chocolate eyes watched with barely-concealed pride for the blonde cop that was daring the pitching machine to throw all it had at her, aiming to smite the blasted devil. Gail adjusted her grip on the handle, her feet spreading into a formidable stance as she waited for the ball to come.

With a whine of the machinery and whoosh of air, the ball hurled down the line, straight and unwavering. Gail flexed her hands and grunted, swinging with all her anger and despair, her arms following through with the normally unfamiliar motion; she absolutely and irrevocably missed. Holly bit her lip, a stubborn laugh fluttering against her lips as Gail tilted her head back towards the gate. Instead of anger, in lieu of embarrassment, in the face of failure, Gail Peck smiled at the pathologist, a commanding pride glistening in the sky-blue eyes. Holly was struck then, her amusement torn asunder by the blossoming adoration for the blonde with the permanent scowl that was currently beaming back at her, as if their bubble was not set to burst in less than twenty-four hours time. Holly smiled, ignoring the nagging voice in her head, reminding her of her departure, as she slipped on her helmet and entered the cage. Shaking with silent laughter, she gracefully accepted the bat from the grinning officer, her head shaking incredulously as Gail moved off to the side, her helmet still covering her hidden, flushed cheeks.

Holly sauntered over to the plate and hunkered into position, tossing a smug smile over her shoulder to the blonde officer clinging gently to the cyclone barrier, her bottom lip caught between pale lips.

"I can see why you don't do sports, Peck."

Gail sneered playfully, her venomous veneer crumbling to pulsing affection for the pathologist set to walk directly out of her life in so short a time.

Holly landed a solid hit, the very action drawing a bemused chuckle from the blonde as Holly propped the bat against her shoulder, her eyes twinkling with mischief. She offered the bat to Gail again, refusing to accept the blonde's dismissal as Holly trudged over and grabbed the woman's sleeve, effectively tugging her to stand near the plate again. Gail fought the entire way, earning an exasperated smile from the brunette as the blonde made every motion, every direction, a chore. Gail popped her lips and grinned as Holly settled in behind her, her hands sliding down her arms to rest over the blonde's slack grip on the handle.

"Let me show you, officer."

Ignoring the chill that skittered down her spine, Gail licked her lips and nodded, allowing her body to be led through a full swing, the slowness of the movement highlighting every curve of the pathologist as they moved in unison before pulling back. Gail felt the smile before Holly spoke again, lips ghosting the shell of a pale ear

"Follow through like that. Never take your eye off the prize."

Gail bobbed her head in understanding as Holly squeezed her hands in silent encouragement as she stepped away, allowing the blonde to roll her shoulders and stand over the plate. Holly collapsed against the rear of the cage, dark eyes staring expectantly as the blonde's profile. A familiar whine echoed through the cage as another ball pitched down the concrete corridor, barreling toward Gail in a taunting blaze. The officer's booted foot twitched as she leaned her whole body into the swing, her teeth gritting as she watched the ball almost flatten against the barrel of her bat before shooting up and out, eventually bouncing off the side of the cage and falling into the shadows. Gail dropped the bat in celebration and spun toward Holly, her face aglow with unbridled joy at her actions. Holly laughed in that moment, pushing up from the fence and approached, carefree and happy as Gail punched the air and pulled the pathologist into a tight, celebratory hug.


The two women found themselves in the Penny not two hours later, sharing a laugh as they pushed through the crowd and snagged a table. Holly shrugged off her coat and quickly excused herself to the facilities, leaving Gail to call over a waitress and order a round of drinks. Threading her fingers together, the blonde leaned over the table and flexed her fingers, an indiscriminate chill bolting across her shoulders. Two drinks were quickly deposited onto the table as the woman scurried away to take care of other tendees, leaving Gail with a dour smile. Holly returned not a moment later and slid back into her chair, jovial chocolate eyes regarding the cop with mock seriousness.

"Did you bring me here to get me drunk, Gail? Because if so, that trick is so old."

Gail snorted and downed half her drink in one long swallow, pinning the doctor with a predatory smile as she casually leaned her elbow on the tabletop.

"In your dreams, nerd."

They shared a knowing smile before lapsing into silence, careful blue eyes casually scanning the pensive pathologist. Gail tapped her fingers on the table's edge, her lips twisting as she tilted her head to the side, words catching on the tip of her tongue. Stay simple. Her thumb absently wiped away the sweat of her glass before she lifted it to her lips again, sipping before clearing her throat as words tumbled out, pulling the doctor from her thoughts.

"You know American women are insane, right?" Wow. Nailed it.

Holly choked on her drink, a tickled laugh flowing from her lips. She couldn't help the amusement that festered in her chest at the blonde's non-committal observation.

"What?"

Gail rolled her eyes and dropped her glass to the table. "I'm serious, Hol. Do you have any idea what you're getting yourself into? That dating scene is going to be a killer. Like the Robin Hood wannabe, but worse."

Holly couldn't help the smile that stretched across her face, her shock giving way to a far more comforting security brought on by Gail's unwittingly calming comment.

"Who said I'd have time to even date while I'm there? And if that were the case, I think I can handle what San Francisco has to offer, yeah? I did date you, after all." Harsh, Stewart.

Gail narrowed her eyes conspiratorially before finishing the rest of her drink, her other hand lifting to point accusingly at the pathologist. "Don't say I didn't warn you, lunchbox. They're going to be falling over themselves to get to you."

Holly wrinkled her face in confused elation, the butterflies returning with almost violent force. "Thanks, I think."

Gail nodded and stood, motioning with her glass. Holly nodded and watched as the cop disappeared toward the bar, frowning as she receded. The officer returned quickly, drinks in hand as she settled back into her seat. Gail casually sipped the dark liquid, eyes avoiding the doctor as the accustomed sadness crept back in, smothering her where she sat. Holly tuned into the confliction flickering across the woman's face, her own chest tightening as she automatically reached out for Gail, calming instantly the second their fingers touched. Gail glanced up instantly, stormy blue eyes finding impossibly sad chocolate eyes as the two fell into heavy silence, ignored in favor of the spreading warmth of their joined hands. Gail released her drink and cradled Holly's hand within her own, her jaw flexing with her heartbeat as she struggled to watch the pathologist. Millions of things to say whirled around the blonde's mind, her mouth screwed firmly shut as Gail fought to familiarize herself with the emotion punching through her chest.

One thought was constant. One thing, above everything else, was glaringly apparent in that moment. Gail searched the dark brown eyes, tears welling up in her own, as her lips twisted into a cruelly depressed frown.

"I'm going to fucking miss you, Hol."

White-hot agony exploded along every synapse of the doctor's brain at the quiet admission, her eyes instantly falling closed against the image of the heartbroken officer just across the table.

Over the passed thirteen days, Holly had heard those words sixty-seven times. The doctor had been taken for drinks from co-workers at the lab, from officers at 15, from old friends wishing to spend at least a second with the pathologist before her ultimately surprising departure. She had spent countless hours in the company of her oldest friends, wrapped up in their comfort and gentle words of encouragement for bravely starting a new chapter of her life. She had watched officers that became like a second family to her in the briefest instances wish her happy times and uttered words of impressed support to their favorite doctor before she left for another country. She had taken solace in the more than supportive expressions from her boss and her peers, almost brought to tears at their firm belief in her, in all that she could do, regardless of her location.

Those people, however disconnected from each other, had offered congratulations and happiness, displayed for her, to make her transition easier. She had seen confusion from her friends at her admission, but they had done what any supportive friends would and congratulated her. No one had been open about their particular feelings on the subject, no one had outright said I'll miss you. Not as a person, anyway. Only as a worker, as a peer, as the brains behind the operation. Rachel refused to share her weakness, instead hiding behind I'm so happy for you, girl. You're going to rock it. Lisa had been sweet to an almost sickening degree, her thinly-veiled impression accosted by her own inadequate jealousy. You're going places, Hol. Don't forget about us, huh?

No one was Gail Peck. No one had gone entirely out of their way to help her pack up her home, or her office, or her hundreds of books. No one had been so unbelievably selfless as Gail fucking Peck. Holly choked against the emotion threatening to suffocate her, her eyes falling open as she held the officer's hand to her chest, the emotions sparking between them. Smiling however briefly, Holly licked her lips and leaned across the table, ghosting her lips against Gail's before pulling away, her eyes darkening behind the blazing tracks of her tears.

"Let's go home."


Holly fumbled with the lock on the front door, the officer's wandering hands distracting her from the task at hand. Finally unlocking the tumbler, the pair stumbled into the house, the officer's leg kicking out to slam the door behind them, her lips attaching themselves to the doctor's pulse as she spun and pinned her to the heavy door. Holly groaned as Gail ripped the coat right off her shoulders, any pretenses of gentleness quickly forgotten. Arms free, Holly slipped the woman's jacket from her shoulders and slid her hands beneath the red sweater in the same movement. Gasping as the cold hands touched the skin of her hips, Gail growled and forced her knee between the doctor's legs, her hips rolling roughly against Holly's. The brunette whimpered at the contact, her hips grinding shamelessly as Gail tugged at her button-down, surprisingly nimble fingers quickly undoing the buttons on the blue cloth. Panting against the blonde's ear, Holly pulled back and tangled her fingers in the short hairs at the base of Gail's neck, pulling her face up for a bruising kiss.

Gail slipped her tongue into the hungry mouth, the slick muscles dueling wildly as the officer tore the shirt open and tugged it down the slender arms. Breaking the kiss, Gail trailed wet kisses down the doctor's neck and shoulder, sloping downward to kiss the tops of heaving breasts still trapped in the confining red silk. Gasping, Gail licked a hot trail between the perfect mounds before suckling on a shifting collarbone, her teeth tugging at the tanned skin. Dropping her head back against the door, Holly groaned as her eyes fluttered closed, her hands tugging at the hem of Gail's sweater, desperately hoping to rid the blonde of the offending material. With a final suckle of the doctor's collar bone, Gail allowed herself to be gently pushed away as her sweater came off in the same instance, momentarily spurring the women apart.

Gail stood a step away from the pathologist, her pale chest heaving painfully, her eyes almost violet in their desire as she raked her eyes down the other woman's immaculate figure.

"My god, you are fucking gorgeous."

A burst of warmth spread through the doctor at the admission, her own eyes darkening as she pushed up from the door, tossing her glasses onto the side table, instantly seizing the officer's distracted attention. Cupping the blonde head, Holly slammed their lips back together, tongues dipping forward to tangle fervently as Holly worked her free hand down to the waistband of the impossibly tight jeans. Popping open the button, she quickly unzipped the fly and flared the opening, her fingertips brushing the silky skin right above the blonde's panty line. Breaking the kiss, Gail gasped and arched into the brunette, her jaw clenching as she tangled her hands into the thick hair as Holly dotted her chest with scalding kisses. Eyes fluttering closed, Gail moaned low, her leg lifting to curl around the doctor's hip as wandering hands cupped her ass through her jeans. Holly gasped as Gail continued the grind of her hips, losing herself to their heady dance.

"Bed-bedroom."

Gail simply nodded and guided the doctor into another bruising kiss as she pushed them in the direction of the bedroom. Hardly breaking their kiss, the pair managed to navigate the stairs before reaching the landing. Gail pushed the doctor against the wall and undid her jeans, her hands forcing the material down the undulating hips. Pressing her entire body against the brunette, Gail snapped her own exposed hips into Holly's, throaty moans escaping both women as they moved together. Gail forced the doctor's arms up as she assaulted her throat with her lips, nipping and licking the column as Holly dipped her head back to allow easier access. Feeling sharp teeth bite down on her throat, Holly groaned and slipped her hands around the officer's shoulders, pressing their bodies almost painfully close.

"Jesus Christ. G-Gail."

Spurred by the doctor's reaction, Gail trailed her hands down the flexing abdominals and slipped her fingers beneath the soaked fabric, moaning at the wetness she found there.

"God, Hol, you're so-"

Holly gasped and silenced the officer with a searing kiss, her desperation mounting as her hips jerked against the now expert touch. Sliding her tongue into the waiting mouth, Gail slid her fingers free and hooked her hands around Holly's thighs, lifting the taller doctor around her waist. Gasping in surprise, Holly broke the kiss and clenched her legs around the flared hips of her lover as Gail pushed off, walking the rest of the way to the bedroom. Drawing the pathologist into a blazing kiss, she pushed open the cracked door and slammed in behind them, quickly depositing the brunette on the neatly made bed. Breaking the kiss with a loud pop, Gail dragged her nails down Holly's stomach before latching onto the offending jeans. Kicking her boots off, Holly lifted her hips to aid before settling again, her eyes locked on the molten blue as Gail crawled back up her body.

Frustrated, Holly curled her fingers around the blonde's jeans, pulling just enough to off-balance the officer before flipping them over. Grinning wickedly, Holly kissed the blonde quickly before wrestling the jeans off Gail, taking the drenched panties with them. Holly peered down at the flushed skin, her focus wavering as Gail reversed their positions once more, her hand reaching up to quickly unsnap the brunette's bra and toss it over her shoulder. Holly followed suit, removing Gail of her own before the blonde ventured further down her body, stopping to latch onto the skin beneath swelled breasts.

Holly gasped as teeth dug into her flesh as Gail sucked on her skin, the blonde's hands still sliding downward before hooking in the top of the doctor's dripping red underwear. Her mouth still working on her patch of skin, Gail lifted her eyes, the electrified blue orbs trapping Holly's as Gail slowly dragged the offending garment down impossibly long legs. Holly whimpered at the look in the blonde's eyes, an explosion of warmth settling low in her gut as Gail finally released her skin with a soft smack, a dark blossom left in her wake. Gail shifted up just enough to kiss the doctor, deep and rough, before sliding down the woman's body.

Dropping wet, open-mouthed kisses, Gail worshipped the tanned skin, committing every flaw and blemish to memory as Holly writhed beneath her, eyes closed in ecstasy as Gail scratched her nails down the brunette's sides. Gail dropped a chaste kiss on Holly's prominent hip bones, her eyes again flicking up to scorch the doctor with their intensity, those same pale lips moving across the jerking hip before biting down. Set upon marking the pathologist again, Gail trickled her hands down trembling thighs, the very tips of her fingers teasing the tops of the strong thighs flexing against her shoulders. Finally dragging her teeth along that particular patch of flesh, Gail released Holly with a satisfied grunt, her lips blazing an agonizingly slow trail toward the doctor's center.

Holly gasped and moaned as warm breath passed over her slick folds, her hand tangling in the pillowcase beneath her head, the other lowering to scratch the blonde's scalp as she guided her where she needed her. Gail licked her lips as the familiar, heady scent of the doctor filled her senses, igniting the already raging flame in her belly as she bent her head down to taste the doctor for the first time in so long. Holly released a strangled breath, her hips greedily jerking upward to meet the hot tongue twirling around her clit, flashes of light already exploding behind her eyes. Gail moaned, lost in the pulsing hips beneath her hands and the flavor of the pathologist on her tongue, the bittersweet familiarity of their joining almost drowning the officer in sentiment.

Exhaling sharply against the slick folds, Gail matched the rhythm of those perfect hips as they twitched and rolled, freeing her fingers to tease at the throbbing center. A high-pitched keen erupted from deep within Holly's chest, her fingers curling into the pale, blonde locks as Gail teased her engorged flesh.

"Please. Gail, don't te- ohh, fuck."

Holly arched her body into the tentative touch, the desperation of the movement drawing Gail tantalizingly close. Flicking her tongue over the doctor's already sensitive clit, Gail quickly buried three fingers inside the woman's burning core, drawing a surprised scream as Holly selfishly lifted her hips high, drawing the officer deep. Panting, Holly rolled her hips onto those insanely talented fingers, her orgasm building quickly as Gail curled her fingers in and out, pushing and pulling quickly to push the doctor over the edge. Gail sucked her clit into her mouth and flicked it with her tongue as her free hand wandered up, gently cupping the woman's breast as Holly shifted her legs to hook around the officer's shoulders. Lost in the building pleasure, Holly twisted her fingers into the pillow beneath her, her head tossing from side to side as Gail fucked her senselessly, their bodies finding a glorious rhythm as her orgasm started to crest almost uncontrollably.

The slick sounds of their coupling echoed around the room, the pathologist's voice almost hoarse from crying out before she dropped a hand to the back of a pale head, her hips moving at an uneven, jerking pace as her orgasm built, forcing Gail's head between her thighs as she finally broke. With a gasping scream, Holly came hard, her center clenching tightly around the blonde's fingers as Gail continued to stimulate her breasts, her back and upper body arching off the bed as her hips jerked sporadically. Sitting up, Holly bit her lip, pleasure crashing in waves through her body as she half-heartedly whispered for Gail to stop.

Without stilling her movements, Gail flicked her eyes upward, daring the pathologist to stop her as she twisted her fingers and touched even deeper within the brunette. Bracing herself on one hand, Holly rolled her hips forward as her upper body leaned backward, her feet bracing on the bed as she continued to ride the blonde's insatiable fingers. Inhaling sharply, Holly arched her chest forward as Gail nibbled her clit, building her second orgasm with frightening speed. Collapsing back onto her back, Holly writhed and twitched her hips forward, the second orgasm spilling forth as Gail pumped into her mercilessly. With a final groan, Holly stilled, her body jumping where Gail's hands still touched her, the fiery bliss that followed spreading through out her chest.

Stilling her tongue, Gail gently extracted her fingers and slipped from between the shaking thighs and slid upward, planting random kisses along the way before settling her body against the taller woman. Cupping the tense jaw, Gail kissed her tenderly and withdrew, her eyes sparkling down before Holly managed to open her eyes. Running her fingers up the officer's spine, Holly smirked, chocolate eyes almost black with lust.

"That was amazing... let me."

Gail stared down at the pathologist as wandering fingers burned trails down her skin, further stoking her arousal. Sliding down slightly, Holly pushed Gail upward before latching onto a rosy nipple, pleased when the officer gasped and pushed into the touch. Her left hand lifted to gently cup the other breast, her thumb and forefinger rolling the other into a hardened nub. Holly's other hand continued downward, her fingers met with sopping-wet heat that had them both groaning each other's names. Gently stimulating the officer's clit, Holly dipped her fingers into the drenched core, groaning as pale hips slammed down onto her fingers. Lifting her knee, she ground up into the blonde, rocking her hips and fingers against the blonde as she thrashed above her. Alternating her lips to each of the woman's breasts, Holly snapped her hips upward, burying her fingers deep within her lover as Gail grunted, her forehead dropping to Holly's.

Their eyes locked as they rocked together, Gail's lids fluttering as she whimpered, passion thundering through her frame as Holly continued her ministrations. Panting against the doctor's lips, Gail moaned, desperate.

"H-Holly..."

The pathologist again locked eyes with the blonde as her knee ground upward, twisting her digits in as far as she could reach. Gail gripped the sheets around them, her body rocking against Holly as the pathologist touched her. Nudging the blonde with her cheek, Holly never broke her rhythm before pulling the cop into a heated kiss.

"Come for me, baby."

Breathing out a strangled cry, Gail jerked her hips downward, impaling herself on the doctor's long fingers, her breath escaping in spurts against the woman's neck. Holly lifted her free hand to cup the officer's jaw, drawing her into a passionate kiss, the blonde's hip jerking as her walls clenched around the pumping fingers. Holly swiped her thumb across the blonde's clit, finally pushing her over the edge. Breaking their kiss, Gail whimpered as she came, her body moving almost blindly fast as she rode out the intensity, her eyes screwed shut. Holly paused beneath the blonde, struck dumb as Gail came on top of her, the sight rendering her absolutely speechless. Calming, Gail relaxed gently, her body slowly lowering to mold against Holly as the fingers slipped out from inside her. Catching her breath, Gail placed a small kiss on the doctor's lips before snuggling into her neck, content to simply lay.

Holly smiled and wrapped an arm around the blonde's lower back before drawing the blanket over them, blissfully enraptured by the blonde woman fit against her. Planting a soft kiss on the blonde hair, sleep quickly fell upon them.


Holly awoke early the next morning, devoid of the warmth associated with a sleeping Gail. Fumbling around for her glasses, she recalled taking them off downstairs before... oh. Slipping out from beneath the sheets, she ran a hand through her tangled mass of hair, smiling regardless. She had slept with Gail, the night before she was to leave the country for at least a year. A part of her thought she should be panicking, but the unwavering calmness coursing through her veins was far too cathartic to fret over. Approaching the small bag by the door, she rooted through it for her outfit for the day and plucked the towel out, heading toward the bathroom to shower quickly.

A quick scrub later, and the doctor was tossing the towel over her shoulder and collecting her bag before heading down the stairs, wary of what she would find. Stepping down from the final step, she immediately looked toward the kitchen, her heart swelling as she noticed Gail at the stove, staring expectantly at the pan. Coffee greeted her first, followed by the smell of Gail's pancakes, both smells extracting a loud growl from the pathologist's stomach. Almost sensing the woman's presence, Gail turned to look, her face breaking into a small smile as she jerked her head, signifying that the pathologist walk forward. Unable to hide her smile, Holly dropped her carry on onto the counter before sidling up to the blonde.

"Hey."

Smile widening, Gail pursed her lips and nodded before looking back to the pan, easily flipping the three pancakes.

"Hey yourself."

Holly grinned as she approached the two disposable cups of coffee sitting neatly on the counter. Picking up the one with the 'H' on the side, she pulled a long sip and sighed as she swallowed, already feeling better as the coffee settled warmly in her belly. Replacing the cup, she gathered her small pile of dirty clothes and approached the two large suitcases by the door. Quickly stowing them inside, she straightened and headed back to the kitchen, mouth watering at the heady aroma. Watching as Gail plated the remaining pancakes and dropped cups of syrup and pats of butter on the table, she placed the two plates down and plopped into her chair. Holly smiled at the massive plate and sat gracefully, nudging Gail with her shoulder while doing so.

"I didn't think you knew how to cook."

Sneering playfully, Gail drowned the stack in syrup before cutting off a hearty bite and stuffed it in her mouth. Pointing her plastic fork at the pathologist, she licked the excess syrup off her lips before smiling.

"Toast and pancakes, Holly. You will find nobody more talented."

Chuckling, Holly cut off her own portion before taking a bite, her eyes rolling as the flavor settled on her tongue. "Oh, wow, that's amazing."

Grinning smugly, Gail cut into her stack and took another bite. Breakfast continued mostly in silence, the occasional appreciative moan disturbing the peace around them. Once the food was gone, Gail collected the throwaway dishes and tossed them in a small bag before tying it closed. Cleaning up the small mess, Holly puttered around the mostly bare kitchen, the weight of this morning beginning to settle against her shoulders. Gail leaned against the island, her eyes gray as she watched Holly flutter around the familiar space. After seeing the doctor fidget with the same cabinet for the fourth time, Gail licked her lips and ventured forth.

"Hey, Hol, you okay?"

Turning her head, Holly smiled briefly, the nervousness soothed slightly by the familiar blonde.

"Yeah, I'm okay. I'm glad you're here, Gail."

Pressing her lips together, Gail looked down at her boots before slowly heading toward the small table by the door. Ignoring the bulky, black luggage, she plucked the glasses off the table and pivoted, quickly closing the distance between them. Offering the specks, she smiled sadly, her fingers quaking slightly when their hands touched.

"You might need these, nerd."

Smirking, Holly gladly accepted them and slipped them over her eyes, pleased when her world was just that much clearer. Studying Gail, she wanted desperately for their time together to never end. As if sensing the train of thought, Gail fidgeting before stuffing her hands in the pockets of her jeans and rolled on the balls of her feet.

"As nice as this is... are you ready... to go, I mean?"

Holly pressed her lips together and nodded only once, her smile falling slightly as Gail accepted the answer and trekked toward the door. Unhooking both their coats, she slipped into her leather jacket before heading toward Holly and helped the doctor into her coat. Fiddling with the buttons, Holly walked a final perimeter around her living area, making sure all the correct knobs and switches were off before finally venturing toward the door and the waiting Gail, a biting melancholy settling icily in her chest. Lifting her carry on to one shoulder, she opened the door and bent toward one of the large cases, chuckling softly as Gail slapped her hands away. Following behind the blonde, Holly closed and locked the door for a final time, her eyes tearing briefly as she ran her hand down the dark hardwood. Breathing deeply, she pivoted and smiled timidly at the gentle flurries and at Gail as she regarded her, icy blue eyes calm.

"I'm glad Rachel's sister is taking over the place for you... I can check up from time to time."

Gail shrugged and walked down the path toward Chris' jeep and opened the back, stowing the large bags into the rear before slamming the door. She opened the passenger out of reflex before heading around to the driver side and slid inside. Holly smiled and slipped in a moment later, closing the door, quickly dropping her bag between her feet as she buckled up. Starting up the engine, Gail hit the wipers and watched the tiny ice crystals disappear before turning on the lights and slowly pulled from the curb. The radio was quiet in the background, an alternative rock song playing for their backdrop as the ride continued in silence. A short while later found them at Toronto Pearson, pulling into a spot and unloading before heading into the bustling travel hub.

Gail easily carried the two large cases, happy that a majority of the doctor's personal effects had been shipped two days prior. Holly clenched tightly to the strap on her bag as they moved through the massive terminal, relinquishing that grip only to clear security and baggage. After the pair checked in, her luggage taken and sent for loading, Holly spotted two seats and quickly snatched them up, settling nervously into the uncomfortable chair. Gail sighed and slowly lowered herself into the seat, her hands clasping as she leaned forward on her knees, breaths coming in deep and even. Sitting back, the blonde turned toward Holly and smiled, reaching over to stop the fidgeting fingers.

"Relax, lunchbox. You're going to have a safe flight, and you're going to have an amazing opportunity to help people. Isn't that, like, the nerdiest big dream ever?"

Holly felt the tension melt away from her shoulders as she laced her fingers with Gail's, her brows furrowing as she snickered.

"Says the girl with aspirations to become the cheese puff queen?"

Gail huffed in mock indignation, a tiny smile pulling at her lips.

"One thing in confidence and then suddenly it's all over the news."

They lapsed into silence after that, lost in their own thoughts. Holly bit her lip, the tears she had been fighting all morning coming back with a swinging vengeance.

"I'm going to miss you, too, you know... I never told you."

Holly glanced up into the struggling face of the blonde, her heart breaking just a tiny bit more. Gail nodded, not trusting her voice as she looked down at their joined hands. Running her thumb along the back of the doctor's hand, Gail licked her lips and swallowed roughly.

"I wish I had been better... for you, I mean. I'm sorry that I fucked everything-"

Holly shook her head, a tear slipping free. "No, Gail. We've been over this. God, we've been over this so many times. This isn't you, this isn't me... We were both wrong, we both fucked up, we both attributed to this load of crap. I just-just... I just want you to know that I see you, Gail Peck. You and all you've become. And hell if I am not proud to know you."

Gail bit her lip and nodded, squeezing the fingers still twined with her own. She smiled, her own tears spilling silently down flushed cheeks.

"I'm the lucky one, here, nerd, not you. You made me the Gail you're proud of."

Just then the call number for the flight sounded, signaling the inevitable boarding of 755. Holly ignored the tears that fell as they both stood, their hands eventually breaking contact as the doctor shouldered her carry on and looked back at Gail. The blonde curled her lips and lifted her hand for a half-hearted wave. Holly whined softly before surging forward, wrapping her arms tightly around the blonde's neck, pulling their bodies together. Squeezing briefly, Holly relaxed for a moment as Gail quickly slipped her arms around the pathologist. Sighing into her folded arms, Holly sniffled and tilted her head, gently nuzzling the officer.

"Keep in touch, okay? And be safe, your job is scary."

Laughing despite the tears, Gail nodded, her fingers curling into the doctor's jacket. "You, too."

With a final squeeze, the doctor slowly pulled away, slipping her hands down to rest on the blonde's shoulders. They stood for a moment, suspended in the silence they'd created before Holly lifted her hands, her thumbs absently brushing the blonde's clenched jaw. Tilting her head down, she slowly tipped forward, her eyes sliding closed as Gail moved forward, locking them in a slow, burning kiss. Holly pulled back just slightly, the butterflies in her stomach floundering when Gail followed briefly until their lips parted with a soft smack. Brown met blue as Holly finally tore her hands from the cop, her eyes glossy with tears.

"Bye, Gail."

Swallowing her despair, Gail bobbed her head and smiled sadly, her eyes almost white.

"...bye."

Holly clenched her bag strap and turned, heading directly toward the boarding gate. Gail pivoted just as quickly, unable to watch the pathologist leave. Her steps slowed, eventually, and she warred with herself, chancing a glance back. Holly turned at that moment, their eyes meeting for a lingering moment before Holly tossed up a small wave and disappeared down the hall. Gail felt a burning heat spread through her chest, her tears again prickling her eyes before she turned and left, never chancing another look. Bursting into the frigid atmosphere, a sob choked the blonde.

Holly had looked back...

That meant something.

Right?