A week later Gail was out of hospital. Holly took some time off to take care of her. Dove and Chris were working double shifts most of the time and Holly didn't want her to be alone all the time. Gail loved being at Holly's house. It smelled of vanilla incents and it was full of things ''Holly'' and she missed that. Holly made her big lunch and brought it to her. Gail was on the bed rest for few more days and she didn't want to be in bed all the time. She did, but not alone and definitely not resting, if you get the hint. She wanted to have crazy sex with Holly all over the place and she wanted to see when they could finally get married. But Holly had different idea. She wanted to make sure Gail was in perfect health before they did anything. She let Gail kiss her few times, but she was very strict on her only kissing rule. Gail was recovering, but also becoming very frustrated. One night it reached a weird point. Holly was in the kitchen making dinner for them and some of Gail's friends that were coming. At that point, Gail was out of bed and doing some light things. She was going to the small shop near Holly's house to buy some things, she was walking with Holly every night for an hour, she was taking her showers by herself and didn't feel tired afterword…she was slowly getting back to Gail she was prior to the shooting. She was sitting in the barstool and drinking water when she finally asked what was bothering her.
''Holly, do you find me attractive?''
Holly was taken by surprise with this question.
''What?''
''Do you think I'm hot?''
''Where is this coming from?''
''Just answer the question….''
''Yes….I think you are hot and I do find you attractive…''
''If you do, why are you not touching me at all?''
''Gail?''
''You sleep by my side for weeks and nothing… You keep to your side of the bed, away from me…I feel so unwanted and like you are here with me just because I got hurt. I feel more like burden than lover to you.''
''I didn't want to hurt you…I want you so much, but I don't want to be the cause of more problems. You had to heal before we do anything and later I was afraid of doing something wrong. I didn't want you to suffer. Your injuries are something people die of. I know, because they often end up on my table and I work on them. I had picture of you dead in my head all the time Gail. I would wake up in the middle of the night just to make sure you are alive. I still do that Gail….I just didn't want to hurt you love…''
''This hurts me more… I miss you and I need you Holly…''
''I need you too, but you need to feel better.''
''I do… I will not brake if you make love to me….''
Holly turned towards the counter and finished making dinner. It had to be in the oven for forty five minutes and that was the estimate when their guests would arrive. She put it in and stepped out of the kitchen towards Gail. She took her hand and led her to their bedroom. She took her to bed and she started kissing her and undressing her slowly. Gail's heart was beating so fast. She was so nervous and excited.
''Are you O.K.? Do you want me to stop?''
''Yes… I'm fine… I'm perfect…. Keep going.''
In record time, Holly had her naked and begging for more. She missed being with Gail. She missed feeling the woman with her entire body, but what she missed the most was looking into Gail's eyes when they made love. Gail's eyes went a bit darker and they would be so warm and deeper than usual.
''I love you Holly…''
''I love you too…''
They didn't have time to cuddle or for Gail to return the favor. It was late and their guests would be there at any minute.
''Go shower babe and I'll go back to finish dinner.''
Holly kissed her and went down to the kitchen. Gail still couldn't move from the bed. She had stupid smile on her face and she was just feeling…happy… She took a shower and changed into jeans and Holly's red shirt. She loved it on her and she loved wearing her after Holly. She loved enjoying the smell of Holly with the perfume she always used. She put on some makeup and fixed her hair. She wanted to look presentable. She heard Oliver, Steve, Celery and Tracy at the door. Oliver was the first to ask about her.
''Where is my little Peck?''
''She is getting dressed. I believe she is thinking about what to put on for her first dinner out of PJs….''
''Oh, I didn't know we were formal tonight…''
''No formal things… I'm guessing jeans and something she stole from my closet…''
After Holly said that, Gail emerged at the stairs…
''Oh, it's alive…. Hello my little Peck… I see good doctor is taking care of all your needs….''
They blushed….
''Peck, go back to the bathroom and cover that hicky…''
''Yes, sir…''
Oliver gave Holly a look and she blushed…
''I'm guessing that engagement was consumed a bit before we came…''
''I'll return to the kitchen…''
Steve was not feeling very good about the conversation they just had. It was clear to him that his sister is a very sexual person, but he didn't need to hear about it. Gail came back to the dining room just as Sam and Andy arrived. Dove and Chris were coming late since they had a later shift and Chloe came without them. She was sitting with Andy and talking too much for Gail's liking. Gail got off the sofa and went to the kitchen to help Holly.
''Go back. You should not be working love…''
''I can't listen to her… If I stay there, you will have to hide her body later….''
Holly smiled at her and kissed her.
''You are insane…''
''Maybe…But you still love me…''
''I do. I love you… Now, go back there and be nice….''
''That's not fair…''
''Go back!''
Gail went back to the living room and sat with Oliver.
''Hey, did Holly kick you out of the kitchen?''
''She told me to spend time with all of you…''
''What a bitch! She sent you to be with old bad us…''
When Oliver started this, all of the other people had to be part of it…
''Hey, I'm her brother and she doesn't like to see me. When I would come and visit, she would kick me out as soon as Holly comes home from work.''
Sam was next…
''You are lucky… She promised to kick by but if I keep Holly longer in the lab because she wants her home every day at five….''
''She feeds me Swarek…. She comes home with my lunch…''
Holly came from the kitchen and hit her with a towel…
''That is the only reason you want me home early? Food?''
Gail hung her head…
''No, I miss you when you are not around….You know I love when you are at home with me…''
There was a collective
''Awwww..'''
''I miss you too Gail…''
Holly kissed her and Gail deepened the kiss…
''I'm going to be sick….Who knew our little heartless Peck could be so mushy and sweet…. Oh… ''
Gail broke the kiss and hit Oliver…
''Sop it Oliver!''
''What did I say that was wrong or a lie? You are mushy with our good doctor… She introduced us to a new side of you. I like it…''
He hugged her.
''I love you my little Peck.''
''I am not so sure I love you now Oliver…''
Holly got the food on the table and called them to eat. Sam and Tracy started the conversation at the table by asking Holly about some evidence. Gail had it…
''No! NO! You don't get to do that… She is at home, we are eating dinner and I don't want to talk about work and what MORE she has to do… She has been coming home late for days and eating herself alive for being late and leaving me home alone. When she gets to bed, she falls asleep in the middle of the sentence and she wakes up at the crack of dawn so she could make me something to eat and make sure I have all I need before she leaves and I have to be alone for the day. Yes, Steve came, Tracy came, Oliver and Celery came… And it was all fine, but I want her to have some piece and quiet. I have been living with her for four weeks… We didn't spend two days in total together… She talks about the cases in her sleep; she apologizes for not being efficient. I'm so done with it. You don't get to call her with something work related after her shift ends. After that she is mine. I have to share her at work, but after work, she is MINE…. Here, she is your friend's girlfriend not a pathologist on your cases… At home, we are not officers, detectives or doctors… Are we clear?!''
There was a short period of silence. Holly smirked and the rest was stunned by what Gail just said. Tracy looked at her surprised by what she said.
''Gail, young woman is missing… We have to do all we can.''
''Tracy, I get it…but she is not the only one working there. I don't get to see my fiancée. I want to spend time with her. I need her at home and with me. After work hours, her phone is dead for all of you unless it's an invitation to Penny or other place. Work is not an option. She needs to rest and have some time just for herself. She is a super nerd, I agree she is better than many, but I think she needs time for herself too. ''
Tracy looked at Holly, waiting for her to back her up.
''I agree with Gail. I'm so tired and sometimes I have no idea what am I doing. I'm so tired Tracy. I agree it is important, but this is not just our case. There are more officers and people on it. All of us should work, not just us. This case is priority to the division, but she is mine. I haven't spent time with her. I need to be with her too. I can't live at work.''
''But the girl is missing…''
''I know. I did all I could. You know there are other people working there. I'm not the only person…''
''But…''
''I'm sorry. I can't live in the lab. I have Gail now who deserves my time and my presence. She needs me too.''
''She can manage by herself. She is not that weak anymore and she can take care of herself…''
''Tracy… She…''
''If she can survive you fucking her, she can survive to be home alone and making something to eat….''
All of their friends lowered their gazes so they wouldn't have to look at their friends. Tracy put down her fork and napkin.
''She still needs help.''
''Well, what can I say… I guess we were lucky she was not too tired to work when you were taken Gail… Lucky us that you have mom and dad who will keep us all at work when something is wrong with you… Who cared about young black girl from the shelter….''
Then she looked at Holly…
''I would expect from her to be this selfish, but never form you.''
With that she left the table and Holly's house. They were all very uncomfortable. Steve took his things and headed for the door.
''I need to find her. Good night…''
After he left, there was that silence where you were even bothered by the sound of forks, knives and glasses. Oliver was first to break the silence.
''Food is amazing Holly. You must cook more often…''
She smiled at him.
''She will be fine. She is just too invested in that case.''
Gail kept quiet. She left the table and went to their bedroom. Holly found her crying on the floor.
''Babe, what is going on?''
''Am I selfish for wanting to be with you all the time?''
''No, because I want it too…''
''Sometimes I don't care about our cases. I just want a normal us time…''
''I know. I want it too…''
''How could she say that?''
Holly held her trying to figure out what to say. Tracy was right. She was working extra hours because Gail's family pressured Holly's boss… But on the other hand, she mentioned the night Gail's personal hell started. She never got over the guilt for Jerry's death. She never forgave herself for being responsible for Tracy staying without husband two days before the wedding. She never got over the feeling of owing Tracy whatever she wanted, and Holly knew how much Tracy's words hurt her.
''After this case is done, I'm taking you out of town for few days. No phones, no computers…Just us… What do you say.''
''I say yes…''
After Gail fell asleep, Holly went back to the lab. She worked all night, but still couldn't find anything. Whoever took the girl covered their tracks well. She just found one lead. She found some hair on the duct tape and it had sheep hair on it. Her guess was that person worked there or the victim was there… She left her findings on Tracy's desk and left without words. Tracy tried to say something.
''Holly….''
''No, not now… Some other time…. I can't now…''
She got home and packed their bag. She woke Gail up and told her to get ready.
''We are leaving baby… Ten days out of town… What do you think?''
'' I love it…''