A/N: Hey guys, really sorry about how long it took for this update to come in. Have had an extremely busy month. Thought I'd let you know that I have updated my author profile to include a link to my tumblr if you're interested in hearing me talk about ridiculous things and reblog pretty things. ANYYYYYYYWAY, on with the show!

Gail pulled her head from the cool metal of her locker. Shedding the hegemonic shield of her uniform brings her recent days back into her reality.

Traci's gentle knock startled Gail from her thoughts, sparking a sympathetic look from the young detective. She knew of how the stresses of the recent events had taken a toll on Gail that she had done her best to hide from everyone around her. It was normal for Gail to hide her feelings, however the last few days had been stressful for everyone, and she needed to open up to someone soon.

"I don't know if you heard, but Oliver is in surgery. They suspect he may have a small subdural hematoma. The doctor's said that they needed to get to it quickly as he was starting to show symptoms"

Gail simply nodded, taking a seat on the bench behind her. She hung her head low, not wanting Traci to see the fear in her eyes. Oliver was her favourite of her fellow officers, not that she would say that out loud. She couldn't bear to think of anything more happening to him. He talked too much, and liked to share more personal details than she was generally comfortable, but he shared her love of food, and was someone she really looked up to.

"I am going to go to the hospital. Do you want to come? Steve is picking me up soon." Traci spoke quietly, matching the uncomfortable mood that had fallen across the room after she had givne the news.

Gail remained silent, choosing to communicate with a somber nod. She stood, pulling Traci into a rare, but much needed hug.

"C'mon, let's go."

The ride to Memorial Hospital was awkward, Steve trying to fill the silence with anecdote from his day including a supposedly funny story about a suspect who sent a mass text to a number of people, including a police officer about a large weapons deal that lead to a number of arrests. Apparently he had come into the station a few days prior accompanying his sister, and saved the desk officers number to his phone. Gail listened sporadically, distracted by the hole that her phone was burning in her pocket. Her day had been busy enough that she was able to justify not replying to Holly's concerned text messages.

The domestic disturbance that they had been called to at the start of their shift had turned into a hostage situation that had continued for some time, and had led to a significant amount of paperwork. It seemed that Gail was unable to complete a shift these days without something dramatic occurring. Of course she was used to drama as a cop, but it seemed that things were worse that usual.

As Steve pulled into the parking lot of the hospital he seemed to end his final anecdote, laughing uproariously then taking a look around at his surroundings, a slightly guilty look fell across his face.

"Do you know where the others are waiting Trace?" Steve asked, a darker tone contrasting against his previous light tone that he had in the car.

"Neuro, fifth floor," Traci nodded towards the sign beside the elevator. Gail dragged her feet behind her brother and her friend, not prepared for the news that is awaiting them. She stepped off into the stark, sterile environment of the waiting room. It seemed that some effort had been made to humanise certain elements of the room, with the few magazines and the single mediocre piece of art on the wall. The little touches did not distract from the weighted feelings that were associated with such a place.

A mix of uniformed officers and apparent civilians filled the room, making the room into a bustling environment with with nervous glances and a cacophany of quietly uttered words of comfort.

Within minutes, a doctor, wearing soiled scrubs and a surgical gown moved quicly into the room. Silence fell as every occupant waited with baited breath for the news. From the sea of officers, Celery stepped towards the surgeon. Gail was too far away to head what was being said, however her heart leapt into her throat as Celery broke into tears.

She watched on, fearing the worst, but as a small smile broke across Celery's face, she sighed in relief. Once she had shared her joy with her fellow officers at Oliver making it through the risky surgery, she realised that she could no longer ignore her cell phone, and the many messages that had been left through her day.

Holly, 10.23am - Are you okay? Hx
Holly, 12.04pm - It is busy at the lab today, will be here late if you want to talk. Hx
Holly, 03.40pm - Is there anything I can say that will get you to talk to me? Hx
Holly, 05.50pm - I'm sorry.

A feeling akin to guilt washed over Gail as she read the initially concerned, and the progressively more hurt text messages from Holly. She replied quickly, trying to assuage her friends feelings while keeping the emotional distance that Gail had come to rely on as her crutch in the last few weeks.

Gail, 08.47pm - You don't have anything to be sorry about. I should be. Work was busy today. Am at the hospital now, Olly had surgery.

Almost immediately after she hit send the cheesy sound of the Macarena came from the tinny speakers of her phone, the tone she had selected just for Holly after their pseudo-date at Frank and Noelle's wedding. She swiped to accept the call, briefly smiling at the picture onscreen of Holly in her labcoat, proudly holding her 'lunchbox' before her with a grin.

"Hello?"

"Um, hey. Sorry, I just read your message and I wanted to head your voice, you know? Check you're doing okay."

"I am." Gail replied sharply, not really wanting to give anything away.

"Can I see you? Do you need a lift? I can pick you up."

"Steve is here. He can take me home."

"I have made dinner. I know I sound desperate, but I really want to talk to you. I need to see that you're okay as well."

Gail sighed, "I'll come over, but only because I'm hungry, don't read into it. See you in fifteen."

With that she hung up, not waiting on Holly's reply. A quick nod to Steve signified that she was ready to go knowing that Oliver wouldn't wake for hours yet. She appreciated the shorthand that she and her brother had developed over the years.

"Can you take me to Holly's place?"

Reviews are nice, but so is you just making it to the end of the chapter, so I'm happy either way! =]