A/N- Hey everyone, I would just like to start by apologising for my long absence. Since my last update my life has been crazy busy with school, work and most importantly my amazing girlfriend. Hopefully updates will be more regular now so I won't have to keep you guys waiting for so long again. Thank you again for all the amazing reviews and all the favourites and follows!
Chapter 3 – The Game Plan
Loud
That's the word repeating over and over in Nicole's head as another loud excited scream echoes through the store. Honestly she would take cooking for the world's crankiest food critique over shopping at the party store any day. Luckily she came prepared with backup in the form of Xavier and Wynonna who kindly enough agreed to come with her and Luca.
To her surprise Wynonna and Luca seemed to hit it off immediately, he absolutely loves his new silly friend. The two had run off when they caught a glimpse of a giant balloon sculpture and left Nicole and Xavier to do all the heavy lifting - traitors.
Xavier is pushing the quickly filling shopping cart through the bright aisles while Nicole tries to navigate the extremely long list of everything she needs to buy. Who knew throwing a first birthday party would be this much work.
"What if you just walk up to her and kiss her senseless?" Xavier asks placing another pack of shinny balloons into the cart.
After her revelation and having decided that she will be fighting for the heart of one Waverly Earp, Nicole has still not come up with an actual plan of action.
"No Xavier, I'm not going to kiss her." Nicole says looking between two different kinds of cartoon themed birthday plates.
Finally having made her choice she drops the pack into the cart before turning to her brother who has wondered into the sea of piñatas and was currently inspecting a crab shaped one. Nicole pushes the cart over to him.
"Why not? Isn't that the point of the whole thing, to kiss the girl?"
"I'm not going to make Waverly a cheater and I told you I don't want to be the other woman." Nicole says and Xavier puts the piñata down and looks at her.
"Okay fair enough, so what then are you going to go all Romeo on her and court her?"
"Yes, I'm going to woo her. I'm going to show her how much I care about her and how special she is to me and that she deserves nothing but the best. I don't mean money wise, but someone who is completely emotionally invested and treats her like the amazing person that she is."
When she looks at her brother he is giving her a goofy smile and it makes her roll her eyes at him.
"Aw Nicky who knew you were such a sap."
"Ha ha Zay very funny coming from a man who asked his sister to teach him to make her super secret doughnut recipe because and I quote 'store bought just isn't good enough'." Nicole says with a raised eyebrow.
Xavier rubs the back of his neck avoiding eye contact.
"That is different."
"Sure it is."Nicole smirks at him and he quickly turns around picking up a mermaid piñata.
"Do have big master plan to 'woo' her?"
"I'm working on it, but I have a few ideas."
Xavier takes an ice cream piñata holding it next to the mermaid and Nicole has had enough stepping in front of him she takes a hold of the piñatas making him look at her.
"Stop, we are not getting a piñata."
"Why not, they are awesome and kids love them?"
"He is turning one Xavier, he can barely move his arms without hitting himself in the face do you really think giving him a stick will be a good idea?"
"Ugh fine." He places both of them back before moving along to the next set of decorations.
"Are you going to tell her what you are doing?"
"Yeah, I'm going to tell her. She needs to know that she has you know, options." Xavier snort.
"You make it sound like your trying to sell her insurance." Nicole throws a paper cup at his head that he easily swats away.
They both look up when they see Wynonna walking to them with Luca on her hip and Xavier turns his face away trying not to laugh as Nicole just stare wide eyed at them.
"Hey guys, guess what we found?" Wynonna says excited looking between the brother and sister.
"Why does it look like my son has been marching in a pride parade?" Nicole finally asks seeing her son covered in tiny rainbow colour pieces of paper.
"Because no party is complete without a confetti gun. Happy birthday Luca!"
Wynonna fires the plastic gun in the air with a loud pop making hundreds of tiny pieces of confetti rain over them. Luca squeals in delight and tries to catch the little pieces of falling paper.
Nicole just shakes her head and takes her son from the oldest Earp. Placing him on her hip she runs her fingers through his hair making the confetti fall all over him. Luca starts laughing at this and shaking his head to make more papers fall.
"She is never babysitting." Nicole whispers to Xavier.
"I don't think she is the Earp you want bonding with your son anyway." Nicole punches her snickering brother on the arm making him laugh harder.
"So, what are you guys up to?" Wynonna asks coming down from her confetti high.
"Oh we are just trying to come up with a plan for Nicky to steal your sister from Champ." Xavier says nonchalant like it's no big deal.
Nicole's jaw drops at her brother's confession and Wynonna freezes, just her eyes moving between the redhead and her partner.
Nicole is about ready to murder her idiot brother but her mind is too busy looking for a possible explanation that doesn't makes her look like a temptress trying to seduce her little sister. She snaps out of her thoughts when she is hit with a foam bat against the head.
"Damn Haught stuff you sly dog, sneaking in and stealing my sister right from under Hardy's nose." Wynonna says with a big excited smile.
Nicole frowns at her, waiting for her smile to drop and have the woman chase her around trying to beat the snot out of her but it never happens.
"Wait, you are seriously okay with this?" Nicole asks in disbelieve.
"Are you kidding me? Do you have any idea how many times I have complained to Dolls about how Waverly deserves so much better then Hardy?" Nicole looks at Xavier who just gives her smirk and shrugs. "There was so many times where I wanted to ask her if he has a golden dick because seriously that's the only reason I can think of for her to be with him. I mean come on he is like one IQ point away from being a lawn chair."
"Why didn't you tell her you don't think she should marry him?"
"Because for some unknown reason she actually likes the asshole and the only thing I ever wanted for her is to be happy. And if that means having that slab of baloney as a brother-in-law then I just have to grin and bear it."
"Dang Earp you really are just a big old softy." Xavier jokes.
"Tell that to anyone and I'll cut your dick off with a butter knife and sew it back on with wool." Xavier puts his hands up in surrender. Wynonna looks back at the chef seeing her still looking as confused as ever.
"Okay look, Waverly is my baby sister and I'll go to the end of the world for her. She is probably the smartest person I know, but when it comes to love I have always thought that she is an idiot. I think she has always loved the idea of being in love more than actually being in love with him. That has made her blind to his many, many flaws. So you see I would rather want her with your Haught ass then that little rich boy any day. Because I know you will treat her like the queen she is, right?"
Wynonna narrows her eyes warningly at the redhead who quickly nods her head.
"Good then you go charm, flirt and woo the pants off of my sister." Wynonna pulls her face is disgust. "I don't need to know of any actual pants leaving my sister though."
Nicole smiles at her gratefully.
"Now that that is settled, where do they keep the helium in this place?"
-x-x-
Waverly Earp is having a really good day.
Waking up to find that drunk Wynonna didn't puke on her couch during the night but that she actually made her breakfast, okay so she made coffee and handed her a banana but still that's a big deal coming from her chronically lazy sister. Soon after enjoying their light breakfast Wynonna left to go meet Eliza and Waverly found herself enjoying the pleasant spring morning on her way to class. Her cranky old professor with the bad breath was actually in a good mood for a change and she got an A+ on her paper.
Today is a good day.
The only problem is that she has no one to share this great day with. Wynonna is still out with Eliza doing who knows what, Champ had left long before she woke for the office and probably won't be back before late tonight.
That's how she found herself staring up at large apartment building contemplating whether or not to press the buzzer or just go to her own empty apartment.
Waverly jumps when the door suddenly opens as someone steps out.
"Waverly hey."
"Hi Dolls." She greets once she realizes who it is.
"Where you coming to see me? Because I'm sorry I'm just on my way out."
"Oh no actually I was wondering if Nicole was home?"
"Yeah she here, why don't you just head on up?" He says holding open the door for her.
Waverly smiles gratefully at him before slipping inside.
"Thanks." She says shyly before giving him a little wave.
Waverly takes the time the elevator takes to slowly climb up the floors to get herself together. Why is she so nervous to see Nicole? Nicole is her friend, she shouldn't feel nervous to just show up at her apartment she has done it to her other friends dozens of times before.
When the doors open at the top floor, Waverly quickly finds Dolls apartment and turns to face the opposite apartment. Taking a deep breath to settles herself, she lifts her fist to knock but stops when she hears hushed voices from behind the door. Placing her hand fat against the door she feels the door move slightly, it must have not been closed all the way. Pushing the door slightly harder the door opens enough for her to peer inside to find the cutest sight ever.
The living room floor is covered in plastic blocks and random toys. But in the middle of all of the chaos stands a small multicoloured block tower. Nicole is sitting in front of the tower holding a blue block above the tower, she is wearing black leggings and a oversized grey jumper. Luca is standing next to her eyes fixed on the tower. He's pacifier is hanging out of the side of his mouth while his one hand pulls on the beanie on the on his head.
"Okay little dude you ready for the last one?" Nicole asks as the block hovers above the tower. "Here goes."
Nicole carefully places the last block on top holding her breath as she waits to see if it will fall over. When it doesn't topple over Nicole throws her hands in the air in victory.
"Yes!" Luca starts clapping his hands excitedly. "High five buddy."
Nicole holds out her hand and Luca slaps it sloppily. Then like it's in slow motion he kicks out a sneaker covered foot sending the tower tumbling down. Nicole is frozen in shock as Luca falls onto the couch giggling around his pacifier.
"You little traitor." Luca just looks at her smiling cheekily. "Oh now you are going to get it." Nicole grabs the laughing boy pressing him close to her as she blows a raspberry onto his cheek making him laugh even harder.
A softer feminine laugh catches Nicole's attention and she looks up to see the younger Earp's head poking out behind her front door.
"Waverly hi." Nicole says surprised as Waverly moves into the apartment closing the door behind her.
"Hi um sorry for just dropping in on you like this, but I was in the neighbourhood and the door…the door was open." Waverly nervously rambles pointing to door behind her.
"Oh Xavier must have not closed it properly. But I'm glad you stopped by." Nicole says with a sweet smile that Waverly shyly returns.
Waverly looks down at the little boy walking up to her and she kneels down so she can pick him up.
"Hey there Luca, how are you doing handsome?" Waverly asks tickling him on his tummy and he smiles brightly at around his pacifier.
"Wa-le!" He says happily trying to grab onto her ponytail but she quickly moves it out of reach. Since the little hair pulling incident Waverly has been a lot more careful about wearing her hair loose around the little man.
"Did he just call me Wall-E?" Waverly asks with a frown.
"Hmm I can totally see you helping all of those fat people to get out of their floaty chairs." Nicole says amused standing up from the floor.
"Wa-le!" Luca squeals again making both women laugh.
"Can I get you anything to drink?" Nicole asks walking closer to Waverly and her son.
"Are you sure I'm not interrupting anything, I kind of just randomly dropped in on you guys. Maybe I should just go."
"No stay." Nicole reaches for her hand but quickly pulls back before she can touch her. "I mean, please stay I was about to make us lunch and it would be nice if you can join us." Nicole says hopefully.
Waverly looks between mother and son 4 big brown eyes looking back at her.
"I'm about a hundred percent sure that if I say no to your food that Wynonna will disown me."
Nicole chuckles and points behind her to the kitchen.
"I take it it's a yes?"
"Yes."
Waverly follows behind Nicole carrying Luca as they made their way towards the kitchen.
"Wow." Waverly says amazed when she looks around the magnificent top of the line kitchen.
"Yeah, it's pretty great." Nicole says proudly as she moves to the counter pulling out a large knife from the holder and spinning it in her hand.
"What do you need me to do?" Waverly asks.
"You can join Luca with keeping me company while I make us lunch."
Waverly nods and takes a seat at the counter with Luca on her lap, happy to let Nicole handle the cooking, she is a world class chef after all. Right away Nicole set to work pulling out all the ingredients she will need to make their lunch. Waverly watches fixated as she works, moving effortlessly around almost like a dancer performing an intricate dance with each move calculated and executed perfectly.
After watching the chef work for a little while Waverly reaches across the counter grabbing the ladle and brings in front of her holding it like a microphone.
"Today we have amazing chef Haught in the kitchen cooking us one of her food mater pieces. Chef Haught tell us what is on the menu for today?" Waverly does her best reporter impression including a British accent, before holding the ladle out in front of the redhead who is smiling highly amused at her antics.
"Well today I will be making one of my personal favourites, namely sour chicken with gua bao buns and topped with a green beans and pepperoni." Nicole answers professionally, clearly this is not her first time in front of the microphone.
"Sounds ravishing. What do you think Mr Luca?"
Luca looks at the ladle for a second before grabbing it and starts to chew on it.
"I think my son is using your microphone as his teething ring." Nicole says as she mixes the dough.
"Luckily he is cute enough to get away with it."
Waverly gently leans her head against his and Nicole feels her heart is ready to burst at the sight. Seeing Waverly smile at her like that all snuggled up with Luca is an image she can happily look at for the rest of her life.
BANG!
Both women jump when Luca slams the ladle against the counter effectively breaking them out of their trance and ending the moment.
Nicole clears her throat as she scoops the dough out and rolls it into a ball before placing it in a bowl, covering it with a damp cloth and moving it to the side to proof.
"Is there anything you are allergic to or really just dislikes?"
"Hmm no allergies that I know of, but I don't like mushrooms. They are just so gross." Waverly says pulling a face of disgust.
"No mushrooms, got it."
Nicole quickly washes her hands and cleans the counter before she starts chopping the pepperoni at lightning fast speed and with expert precision.
"So, I love our little impromptu lunch date. But if you don't you mind me asking what brought on the surprise visit?"
"Oh it's just silly." Waverly says looking down at her lap shyly.
"Try me."
After contemplating it for a second Waverly decides just to tell her.
"Well, it's just I was having a really good day I didn't feel like going back to an empty apartment."
Waverly chances a glance at the chef to find her smiling brightly at her.
"I'm glad you came here." Nicole says honestly. "Waves you are always welcome here. We have good food, scattered toys and ladle eating babies."
"Now how can say no to that?" Waverly gives her a warm smile as she settles more comfortably into her seat.
-x-x-
After lunch they move to the living room where Nicole puts one of the many animated movies that have invaded her movie collection on. Luca sits between them on the couch watching the movie with undivided attention until he finally falls asleep with his head on Waverly's lap. They chat quietly while the movie continues to play in the background.
"I take it you have watches your share of Disney movies?" Waverly asks as she absentmindedly runs her fingers through Luca's hair.
"I think I'm a share holder now with the amount of Disney merchandise that has invaded my house recently." Waverly giggles at that.
"What kind of movies did you like to watch before becoming a mom?"
"Oh I liked a little bit of everything, horror, action, comedy and even a drama or two. What about you what kind of movies do you like?"
"I like the classics, I don't know why there is just something magical about them." Waverly says quietly.
"What is your favourite?"
"Singing In The Rain." Waverly says shyly.
"Ah, a great choice! I have a copy of it maybe we can watch it some time?" Nicole asks hopeful.
"I would like that."
"Me too."
Nicole's eye moves from Waverly's beautiful face to the clock behind her on the wall and her eyes nearly pop out of her skull.
"Crap." Nicole quickly jumps from the couch startling Waverly.
"What's wrong?" Waverly asks concerned.
"Oh um sorry I just didn't realise what the time is." Nicole says looking around the room. "I still need go shower and get ready for work." Nicole starts walking to her room but stops and turns around looking sheepishly at Waverly. "Um, can I ask you a favour?"
"Of course."
"Would you mind watching Luca while I showered quickly?"
"Go shower Nicole, I'll watch him for you."
With a thankful smile she runs off to her room to get ready.
-x-x-
Nicole wipes the fog from her bathroom mirror, staring at her reflection as her wet hair already starts to curl. She quickly brushes her teeth trying to steal her nerves. The whole time in the shower she has been contemplating telling Waverly how she feels
"Come on Nicole this is it you can do it." She says looking at her reflection giving herself a much needed pep talk.
"You are just going to walk in there and tell the most amazing woman in the world that you are falling in love with her and want to fight for her."
She stares at herself for a few seconds before dropping her head.
"Her being engaged to a pool noodle really doesn't make things easier."
With a huff Nicole straightens back up shaking out her hands.
"Okay it's now or never."
With one last look in the mirror Nicole nods to herself and leaves the bathroom and walking like a woman on a mission to the living room.
"Waves I need to tell you so-" Nicole freezes in the doorway looking shocked and confused. "Mom?"
Right there on her couch sits a nervous looking Waverly, Luca is playing with his toys on the floor and right next to Waverly sits the one and only Allison Haught smiling like the cat who just ate the cannery.
"Hello honey."
"M-mom what are you doing here?" Nicole asks her feet finally moving again as she walks further into the living room.
"You asked me to watch Luca for you tonight, so I thought I would come a little earlier so I can watch him while you got ready. But it looks like you didn't need my help after all." She says smiling brightly at Waverly who looks incredibly uncomfortable.
This is really not how she imagined this would go, but then again things rarely works out the way you want them to. Taking a deep breath Nicole does the introductions.
"Mom, this is my friend Waverly Earp. Waves this is my mother Allison Haught."
"Actually we were just getting to know each other weren't we Waverly?"
"Yes, but I think it is time for me to go home." Waverly says standing up quickly from the couch ready to flee.
"Oh okay." Nicole says trying to hide her disappointment.
"It was nice to meet you Mrs Haught." Waverly picks up her bag and makes her way to the front door.
"You to dear and please call me Allison."
"Allison." Waverly says with a smile and nod before looking to Nicole. "Thanks for lunch."
"You are very welcome." Nicole says not really knowing what else to say.
Waverly then looks at the little boy playing with his fire truck.
"Bye Luca."
"Bye!" He says waving at her and she gives him a little wave back and a smile to the adults before finally leaving out the door.
When the youngest Earp is gone Nicole falls onto the couch with a groan and closing her eyes in frustration.
"So…" Nicole opens her eyes to look at her smiling mom. "… that was Waverly."
"Mom." Nicole whines.
"She's pretty."
"Mom!"
"What?" Allison chuckles at her daughter faking innocence.
"I know what you are thinking."
"And what is that oh wise one?" Allison asks with a raised eyebrow.
"You're thinking we will have beautiful children." Nicole says with a cheeky grin making her mother laugh and tug on a piece of her red hair.
"You are too funny. But on a more serious note, she seems like a lovely girl, and Luca is clearly infatuated with her."
"Yeah she is great." Nicole says with a dopey smile.
"Did you tell her how you feel?" Allison asks gentler and she watches as Nicole's smile drops.
"No." Nicole huffs out.
"Why not?"
"Because it's really hard to tell someone you have feelings for them when your mom is sitting next to them." Nicole says with a raised eyebrow.
"Oops." Allison looks at her guilty. "I'm sorry honey I didn't mean to… what is it called again? Oh yes! I didn't mean to cock block you."
"Mom!"
"What? Did I not use it right?" Allison asks genuinely confused.
"Please don't ever and I do mean ever say that again." Nicole says between chuckles.
"Okay deal." She says kissing the side of her now all grown up girl's head. "But what I don't get is why you are still here?" Allison asks moving her damp hair behind her ear and Nicole just looks at her confused.
"What do you mean why am I still here?"
"Why are you here and not chasing down that beautiful girl and confessing your undying love to her?"
Nicole just looks at her as her mother's words sinks in and then to the door where Waverly left through.
"Go." Allison says giving her a little push to her legs to get her moving.
Nicole gives her a blinding smile before jumping up, she quickly places a kiss on her mom's cheek and then a kiss to Luca's head.
"Be good for grandma." And with that she is rushing out of the door.
Her sock covered feet quickly run down the stairs trying to catch up to the Earp girl as fast as she can. She burst through the door out onto the street. She looks down the street trying to see which way she went when she spots her a block away walking toward the bus station. Nicole quickly runs after her calling her name.
"Waverly!"
Waverly turns around to see a Nicole running after her.
"Hey." Nicole breaths out when she finally stops in front of Waverly.
"Nicole hey, what's wrong?" Waverly asks confused thinking maybe she had forgotten something.
"Nothing I- I just didn't want you to leave."
"Nicole you have to go to work."
"Yeah ugh this isn't coming out right." Nicole covers her face with her hands shaking her head before lowering her hands and trying again. "What I meant was, is that I love spending time with you."
"Is that what you chased after me to tell me?" Waverly asks with a smirk.
"Yup."
Nicole says popping the p, her hands are in her jean pockets as she slowly makes her way closer to the other woman feeling her confidence grow with each step.
"See here's the thing." She stops right in front of her leaning slightly closer as she whispers. "I really like looking at you."
This makes Waverly smile and blush which makes Nicole's confidence skyrockets.
"Well, you're not bad looking yourself Ms Haught."
"I know." She says like it's the most obvious thing making Waverly chuckle. "I like you Waverly." Nicole says a little more serious making Waverly stop laughing. "I really like you."
Waverly looks in Nicole's emotional filled eyes, the depth of the words true meaning written clearly in them.
"I'm getting married." Waverly says just a little above a whisper.
"I know, but you're not married yet."
"Nicole." Waverly warns her but Nicole just gives her a soft smile.
"I'm going to fight for you Waverly." She says seriously making sure Waverly understands. "I know we were meant to meet each other that night. It was… fate."
"You don't believe in fate." Waverly counters with a smirk.
"And that's why it gave me such a bitch slap when it dropped you in my life." She says back amused clearly impressed that Waverly remembered that little piece of information.
"Don't make it sound like such a hardship." Waverly says swatting at her arm but Nicole grabs her hand and holds it gently in her own slightly bigger hand.
"What can I say your high maintenance." Waverly's jaw drop and Nicole bursts out laughing.
"And yet you want to fight for me?" Waverly says half annoyed.
"Absolutely."
Taking a deep breath and turning a little more serious again Waverly pulls her hand reluctantly out of Nicole's.
"I'm getting married in exactly one year Nicole."
"Exactly one year?" Waverly nods as Nicole's processes the new information. "So that's 365 days… and that gives me 365 ways to sweep you off your feet."
"You sound pretty confident." Waverly teases her.
"Oh I am."
"You're an idiot." Nicole just shrugs and starts to walk away backwards still smiling at Waverly who is smiling back at her.
"365 days."
Nicole repeats one last time before she turns around and leaves, she has a lot of planning to do.
