Holly sighed as she settled against the carpet beneath her, dark, sad eyes peering soulfully up at the soft, blue light casting long shadows along her ceiling, the final rays of the sun finally snuffing out as night fell. Biting her lip, Holly absently smoothed hair from her face, her gaze slowly shifting over to study the broken profile of Gail Peck, the blonde officer deflated against the floor beside her. Holly gently cleared her throat as turned her head fully, carefully tracing the curve of an alabaster jaw, eyes mindfully studying the cute slope of the officer's nose, the echoing familiarity of the other woman bolting Holly to her place on the floor. Gail continuously peered upward, her eyes still red and raw from crying, lips downturned into a frightfully unhappy frown. Holly carefully rolled to her side, facing Gail as her eyes watered, her voice ghosting out in a hoarse whisper as her fingers desperately sought and found Gail's own.
"...why were you so adamant that we wouldn't work?"
Gail instantly snapped her eyes closed, her body reflexively pulling rigidly, the words drowning her in their bleak simplicity as the edge in Holly's voice sliced her heart to oblivion. Curling her lip in between her teeth, Gail tilted her head over, eyes cracking open to shock Holly with their wide-open heartache, the feeling shaking down to her very center. Gail squeezed the hand in her own, dropping the pathologist's fingers atop her stomach as she shrugged, her tears renewing but remained, clinging to the dark lashes. Rolling to her side, Gail clenched Holly's hand tightly, afraid she was going to disintegrate should their connection be lost, forever jettisoning them apart. Gail sniffled loudly, pale, trembling fingers rising to trace Holly's concern, her fingers tingling where their skin touched. Locking her eyes on Holly, Gail breathed quietly before sucking in a quick breath.
"I wasn't..." she swallowed and shook her head, her body absently curling more toward Holly as she continued to study the emotional doctor, "I... was so afraid to hold you back. I didn't want you to be obligated to keep our relationship, I didn't want to get in your way of San Francisco. Hol, I just... I just wanted you to be... happy."
Gail swallowed the crack in her voice, her eyes dropping to study the carpet beneath them, her tears silently tracing across her nose as she curled herself into a ball. Holly clicked her tongue and untangled her fingers from Gail before cupping the blonde's face, willing the striking eyes upward as the officer continued to stare at the floor. Holly wiped away the tears again, her own boiling to life as their eyes finally met again. Holly smiled briefly, gently, her lips curling upward as an errant droplet slipped past her lips.
"Gail... you make me happy. You always have, even from the second we met. When you suggested we just... end things so that I could come here, I was... I can't even begin to explain how I felt. I thought we could have really had a chance, and then you just... you stopped."
Gail nodded, lip still worried between her teeth as she wrapped her fingers around Holly's wrists and squeezed, burrowing her face into Holly's palms.
"I'm a coward, Holly. I always have been, and I always will-"
The brunette shook her head, a ferocity growling to life within her as she shifted her body closer to Gail.
"No, you're... If you were a coward, you wouldn't... be here. And you are. You're right here in front of me, because you missed me, right? Because you care about me, because you... love me. And I don't care how far away you've run from me... Right now, all that matters... All that matters is that you came back..."
Her thumbs wiped away at the new moisture as it pooled in Gail's eyes, her smile widening as Gail fought to maintain her tiny shred of control. Holly leaned her forehead against Gail's, the space between them suddenly gone as their bodies huddled together on the carpet, the roughness ignored as Holly studied the officer.
"You came back to me, Gail, and that means more to me than anything ever, ever has. I don't care how broken you are, I don't care that... that there was ever distance between us. None of that matters, I don't even care about... All I care about, Gail Peck... is you."
Gail swallowed the emotion clawing at the back of her throat, her eyes wide in wonder as she flushed under the intensity swirling in the chocolate eyes, her heart grinding to a halt as her thumb absently traced the curve of Holly's lips, lips parting in silent disbelief.
"There is... no way in hell I... deserve anyone like you, Holly," she whispered, her eyes the lightest shade of blue as she continued to look at the doctor, "I'm... terrified that I'll just fuck this up again, that I'll get scared and run away again... I don't want to ruin this-"
Holly gently pushed forward, pulling the blonde into a tender kiss before pulling away just enough to smile against the pale lips, "I'll chase you," she slipped away, their eyes meeting in a flicker of determination as Holly swallowed the emotion crawling through her veins, "I made the mistake once, of letting you walk away from me... I don't plan on ever doing it again."
Gail bit back a whimper as she trembled, a tiny frown ghosting across her face as she huddled closer to the pathologist, "I don't want to lose you again, Hol. I don't want to be the person that gives you hope and then just crushes it. I can never, ever take back that night in the Penny, and that... kills me. Every time you called me, another piece of me just... died."
The officer chanced the briefest of smiles before it disappeared, her eyebrows drawing as she wiped the moisture from Holly's cheeks, her voice still raw from crying as she committed every inch of Holly Stewart to memory.
"When you told me about your somebody else... I thought m-my heart was being ripped out through my chest, and I knew that I'd completely blown it, that I had fucking destroyed the best thing that's ever happened to me."
Holly sniffled almost angrily, her hand extracting from Gail's as she slid off her glasses and folded them before dropping them behind her, the hand desperately reconnecting with Gail as she offered a timid smile, her bravado evaporating as she slammed her eyes closed.
"That girl was a mistake, Gail. There was never any... I couldn't get you the hell out of my head, I was desperate for anything... a distraction, or something. But you just... you were under my skin, you were everywhere, but I couldn't have you. I didn't know what else to do, so I tried to forget you, and I failed... miserably."
Gail cracked a miniscule smile, the sentiment mirrored in Holly as they remained wrapped up on the floor, the officer's eyes dancing as she flexed her fingers against Holly's.
"I figured that out when you pulled me into that interrogation room..."
Holly bit her lip, a small titter escaping as she moved her hands to cup Gail's jaw, "That was not my most eloquent moment, I'm afraid."
Gail shook her head as she slid closer, their foreheads automatically coming together as Gail slowly studied the pathologist's face, her pulse doubling in speed as she recalled that very moment, the butterflies shuttering to life within her.
"...and you kissed me."
Holly nodded, the barest hint of a smile apparent, "I had been thinking about it for days."
"You... forgave me."
The brunette grinned, her fingers lifting to thread through Gail's bangs as she brushed them away from the stunning sapphire eyes.
"I had to try... even if you had rebuffed me, I would have at least known I'd tried. Granted, I was freaking out before I got you alone, and kissing you hadn't been my plan from the start, but-"
Gail bit back a smile, her eyes still glistening with unspent tears as she swept a thumb across Holly's chin, "You panicked me into a blazingly hot kiss, Holly."
The pathologist flushed and gently bit her lip, the beginnings of hope swirling deep in her eyes as she bobbed her head in agreement, "All the words vanished when I looked at you, so I just defaulted and went with my instinct."
The officer laughed then, the shadows around them dissipating as she absently rubbed the back of her hand along her eyes, "I like that your instinct is to kiss me first, and ask questions later."
Holly grinned, their legs gently tangling as they moved even closer, the tension evaporating as she studied the other woman, "That's been my instinct from the very beginning, Officer."
Gail paused a moment, a curiosity pooling the sapphire depths as she traced her fingers along Holly's cheek, her own glowing pink as she blinked slowly, "You wanted to kiss me back when we first met, didn't you?"
Holly smiled, a fierce blush curling hot beneath her skin as she tried a timid smile, "Maybe...?"
The officer grinned and leaned forward, placing a chaste kiss on the pathologist's lips before pulling away, a warring confliction igniting in the pallor orbs, even as she smiled, "I don't know what to do. I want... a version of us... But, I don't know how to do that."
The brunette gently bumped Gail's nose, her smile wide as she placed a soft, sweet kiss on the officer's temple, her arm dropping to snake around flared hips as she brought the woman into her arms, her pulse quickening, "I don't suppose you'd want to give this... long distance thing a try?"
Gail grunted and buried her face in Holly's neck, her arms slipping around Holly's midsection as she attempted to quell the swelter raging in her cheeks.
"I don't want to hold you back-"
Holly untangled herself from Gail, her eyes sharp as she shifted back on the carpet and cupped the blonde's jaw, waiting for the fiery orbs to meet her own.
"Gail, there's... nothing that would make me happier than for this to, somehow, work out... I want you in every way possible, but... I don't understand why you don't-"
The officer swallowed and shifted away from the embrace though her fingers twined in the hem of the borrowed shirt, her eyes aswirl with a menagerie of emotion as she looked hard at the pathologist, "Because I'm so terrified of hurting you again, that I'm not trusting myself with your heart. I am literally a fuck up, and it freaks me out that you're so willing to trust me after all the shit I've done."
Holly opened her mouth to retort, though she paused, her eyes searching the raw fear in the eyes she loved so much, a wonderful flutter blossoming to life within her chest as she looked at the officer. The same woman she had meant months ago on a whim. The same woman she'd almost instantly fell for the second their eyes connected. The same woman who'd fallen apart in her bathroom, yet still managed to piece herself back together and truck on with life. Gail Peck was damaged. She was broken. But she was beautiful, and sensitive, and possessed a strength Holly had never known before, a strength that made her fall even more in love with the snarkiest, rudest officer she had ever crossed paths with. The pathologist grinned then, eyes shining with unspent moisture as she trickled her fingers through pale blonde hair, her lips upturned in the most elated of smiles.
"I think that's love, Gail. Giving someone your heart, and trusting they won't break it, you know?"
Gail frowned sadly and tugged on the shirt hem, "Yeah, but I've already... already broken it... What makes you so sure I won't be reckless enough to break it again?"
Holly licked her lips and wiped the tear from Gail's cheek, "Because you got on a plane to come see me after I told you what I wanted for my birthday was you."
The officer studied the brunette, her lips finally twitching into a small smile as she brushed the hair from Holly's shoulder, her eyes carefully locked on Holly's.
"I'm sorry, Hol."
The pathologist grinned and pulled on the front of Gail's shirt, "I'm sorry, too. I don't want to lose us again, Gail, okay?"
The blonde nodded before she rolled over, eventually pushing up to sit, groaning as she attempted to stretch her too-sore muscles. Holly did much the same, reaching for her glasses as she propped herself up beside Gail, silence passing between them while Gail folded her legs against her chest and wrapped her arms around them, eyes pensive as she casually studied the doctor's exhaustedly happy profile. Dark, brown eyes passed toward the large window on the far war, the dark blue of the sky signaling nighttime as she grinned and rubbed at her face, raw from such emotion as she, too, tucked her legs beneath her and leaned over her lap. Gail pillowed her cheek on her knee, a small smile flicking forward as she gently slid her knuckles down Holly's arm, marveling at the warmth radiating from the tan skin. Their eyes met quietly, a quiver of electricity passing between them as Holly smiled, her fingers twining with Gail's as she stood, eventually pulling the officer to her feet. Gail remained for a moment, stunned into silence as she looked over the pathologist, her blood rushing through her veins as she marveled at the brilliance of Holly Stewart, her heart swelling almost suffocatingly.
"Are we really going to do this, then? Are we going to see where this takes us?"
The pathologist blinked and sucked in a deep breath, a lop-sided grin twisting free as she peered over at the other woman.
"If you... if you want to. I know it'll be really hard at times, but, I-I think that it's worth it... Do... do you?"
Gail nodded, "Yes. It just... I mean, you're here. That's... It's hard already..."
Holly offered a soft smile as she crept toward the officer, absently threading their fingers together as they stood before one another, "I know. But it changes everything, though, doesn't it? For the better?"
The officer chanced a brief smirk, "Yeah... it kinda does."
Holly sighed in relief, every ounce of tension melting out of her body as she threaded her fingers through Gail's, a warm tiredness suddenly sweeping through her as she tugged on Gail's hand.
"Good... It's getting late, how about we try to get some sleep?"
Gail flushed suddenly, her pale skin glowing a soft pink as she rubbed a hand down the back of her neck, "My things are still at the hotel."
Holly chuckled as she detached herself from Gail and wandered toward the door, checking for security before she headed into the kitchen and clicked off the light, pausing as she snapped on a small nightlight, illuminating the flecks of color in the counter top, before she headed back toward Gail. Grinning at the fidgeting woman, Holly gently ran her fingers down Gail's forearm before she headed toward the window and half-drew the drapes, the soft white of moonlight reducing the room to the tiny halo of light emanating from the side table lamp. Holly approached Gail and gently grasped her wrist, leading her down the hall toward the bedroom before she pushed into the room, leaving the officer just by the threshold before she turned on the table lamp and turned back toward the other woman. Simply smiling, Holly disappeared into the closet, quietly sorting through her clothes as she pulled out dark gray flannels and a blue tank top before tossing them over her shoulder. Pulling her own pajamas free, she crossed them over her elbow before she exited, smiling as she surveyed the red-faced woman.
Tossing the flannels and top at Gail, she smiled disarmingly, the fluster in her gut pulsing as Gail cradled the clothes to her chest, "There's a spare tooth brush in the medicine cabinet, you can use that one until I can get you back to the hotel to gather your things, okay?"
Gail nodded meekly before she shuffled out of the room and headed back down the hall, pushing into the bathroom before she clicked the door shut behind her. Resting against the cool wood, she dropped her head back to study the ceiling, her breath rasping out in a quick breath as she grinned brightly, the butterflies swarming warmly in her chest. Pushing up from the support, she quickly stripped out of her boots and clothes before she slipped into the pajamas, her favorite pair of Holly's, before she swayed toward the sink. She snorted at her appearance, her eyes red and raw from crying, her hair a smattered mass of blonde that she merely roughed up more, her exhaustion glaringly apparent as she studied the reflection. Quickly brushing her teeth, she washed the dryness from her face and sighed, her fingers absently curling the edge of the sink as she pictured the pathologist, her nerves quaking as she pushed up and out of the room. Slowly pressing against the door, she sighed in relief as Holly skirted around the room, her phone in her palm as she tapped out a quick reply, her eyes instantly drawing toward Gail as she hovered by the door.
Locking the screen, Holly tossed the device on the bed and headed toward Gail, softly brushing by as she headed out the door and down the hall, quickly falling upon the bathroom. Slipping inside, Holly washed up quickly and scrubbed at her face, a giddiness sweeping through her as she pushed out of the room and headed back to the bedroom, her pulse quickening as she noticed the blonde perched nervously at the side of the bed, her eyes snapping up as Holly reentered the room. Gail was standing almost instantly, her fingers smoothing down her palm as she forced a tiny smile.
"Hey, sorry, I can just... crash on the couch or-"
Holly smiled gently, her head shaking as she slowly approached the skittish blonde, her eyes pleading softly, "Stay. Please?"
Gail swallowed and nodded, her body folding back on the bed as Holly walked around to her familiar side, the sparks jumping as she settled beneath the covers and removed her glasses, wiggling as she settled between the cool sheets. Gail crept beneath the covers as well, her smile nervous as she melted against the mattress. Holly slowly turned on her side, dark eyes curious as she smiled again, her fingers shyly reaching for Gail's. The officer smiled, the color high in her cheeks as she turned her head, their eyes locking as Holly stroked her thumb across the pale knuckles, further soothing the other woman.
"...you're really here, aren't you?"
Gail swallowed and nodded, her body shifting over to huddle closer to Holly, "Right here... right where I thought I'd never be again.."
Holly smirked and carefully slipped her arm across Gail's waist, her cheeks pink as she bit her lip, her nerves tingling with apprehension. Gail smiled and melted into the loose embrace, her hand sliding up to grasp Holly's forearm before bringing them effectively closer, their bodies fitting together as Gail tucked herself against Holly's side. The brunette pulled her in tight, the blonde already mostly asleep as their legs tangled, fingers absently reaching for one another as oblivion swept in quickly, tugging both women down into it's forgiving comfort. Holly sighed out heavily, her last breath tickling blonde hair as she hummed in contentment, wrapped safely around the officer.
Holly kicked awake, disoriented in the drab, gray morning sunlight tickling the edge of her bed. She blinked, absently reaching beside her for a body that wasn't there, the sheets well passed the point of cold. Forcing to a sitting position, the pathologist squinted, her eyes narrowing as she peered around the room, her heart beginning to thump wildly in her chest as she saw not a trace of the blonde officer from yesterday. Forcing a breath out of her nose, Holly fought the covers off of her legs and stood, unbalanced for a moment before she swiped her glasses off the side table and slipped them on in the same movement, her brows drawn tightly as she headed toward the door. Ripping open the entry, she darted out into the hallway, gasping sharply as she crashed into the very person she had been desperate to hunt down, her mind reeling as her hands instantly lifted to steady against Gail's shoulders, their eyes eventually meeting in a swirl of confusion. Gail cleared her throat and gently squeezed her fingers against Holly's stomach before pulling away, convinced the doctor was steady enough on her own.
Holly passed her fingers through her hair, her body relaxing as she looked over the blonde, taking in the striking change in wardrobe and the still-present boots, the blonde hair damp slightly from an earlier shower. Flexing her knuckles, Holly swallowed and nervously adjusted her glasses, the tightness in her chest still vibrating angrily. Gail absently shoved her fingers in her back pockets and offered a small, apologetic smile as she bunched her shoulders protectively.
"I'm sorry, Hol... I just went to go get my things and shower, I thought I'd've been back before you got up."
Holly released the breath she had been holding and half-glared at the officer, her pulse just then beginning to calm as she reached out, desperate to reconnect with the woman in front of her.
"Sorry, I just... I woke up, and you weren't there and I just... I thought you'd up and left without saying goodbye."
Gail tried to hide her flinch, the words, however light, tearing a gaping wound in her chest as she slunk back a step, her eyes diverted to stare at the carpet of the hallway. Holly scrunched her face up and took a tentative step forward, frowning when Gail retreated just a tiny bit further. The brunette sighed and quickly reached out, threading her fingers with Gail's as she waited patiently for torrid sapphire eyes to glance upward, her thumb smoothing pleasant circles on the officer's knuckles. Gail bit her lip and calmed the punch of despondency floundering in her veins, her inner calm nothing but a fleeting thought.
"No, Hol, I just... didn't want to bother you, figured I'd... let you sleep while I got my things."
Holly frowned and crept closer, elated when the officer didn't shy away, "I didn't mean it that way, Gail."
"Hey, it's... Old habits to break, right? I've been known to run."
The two studied each other for a moment, the silence almost oppressive before Gail snorted through her nose and shook the tension from her shoulders. Squeezing Holly's hand that was still wrapped possessively around her own, she detached and step back, carefully jerking over her shoulder as she gestured down the hall.
"I, um... I was going to make breakfast, if that's.. I mean, if you-"
Holly smiled, briefly, the light flickering back in her eyes as she nodded, "Does breakfast include-"
The officer grinned, the normal air of confidence suddenly returning, "Coffee with extra everything and my famous pancakes? What do you take me for, Holly?"
Gail turned and headed back toward the kitchen, ignoring the fluster beneath her skin as she headed directly into the kitchen, her heart thrashing wildly in her chest as she gripped the counter top and settled her flustered emotions. Holly quickly retrieved her phone from beneath her pillow and fled from the room, pulling to a more casual stride as she rounded on the kitchen and slipped inside, hopping herself up to perch on the counter top as she watched Gail move around her kitchen with surprising efficiency. Gail continued to mix the batter while the coffee steeped, her cheeks a vibrant rose color as she stole occasional looks to the beautifully tussled pathologist, dark locks framing perfect shoulders as Holly leaned easily against the cabinets. Gail turned and stared into the bowl, her nerves firing to life along her skin as she attempted to shake free her thoughts. Focus, Peck. The percolator stopped its low-pitched gurgle, the drip of coffee finally finished as Gail stowed her mixing bowl on the counter, instead lifting the two mugs toward the carafe before she filled both cups.
Heading toward the fridge, she plucked out the creamer and grabbed the sugar from the canister on the far side of the counter before she mixed the two drinks and turned, slowly approaching the happily grinning brunette before offering the mug in silence. Holly smiled brightly as she accepted the mug, electricity bouncing between them as Gail handed off the drink, another stubborn blush attempting to crawl up her neck as she quickly took a sip of her own coffee and headed back to the stove. Lighting the burner, she waited before pouring in the batter, her eyes narrowing in thought as she watched the pancakes cook, her shoulders prickling where she knew the dark eyes lingered, a tiny thrill rushing through her as she fought to retain a smile.
Holly crossed her leg beneath her as she blew on the good brew, her eyes unable to tear away from the rarely domestic blonde while she cooked, every movement of the agile body drawing perfect lines as Holly relaxed on her counter, the flitter of nerves blossoming wonderfully. Gail eventually plated her masterpiece and turned, arching a brow before she offered the plate to Holly and dropped the syrup between them before she jumped up as well, their elbows gently knocking as they carefully balanced their plates. Holly snorted out a laugh, her knees adjusting to hold the plate steady, her fingers curling around the syrup bottle as she drowned the stack, a wholly thankful smile blasting to life as she cut into the food. Gail snickered around her first bite, her eyes drawn over to the pathologist beside her, a dribble of syrup falling down her chin as she fought to contain her laughter. Holly swallowed and burst into a fit of laughter, earning a playful eye roll from Gail as she slid down the counter and relieved Holly of her plate before leading them both over to the kitchen island.
Holly smiled sheepishly as she wiped away the syrup from her lips and leaned against the island before cutting another bite from her stack, her eyes darting back and forth between Gail and breakfast as they ate in humored silence. After polishing off her own stack, Gail weaseled another bite off of Holly's plate before being shooed away, the brunette shooting a warning glare at the officer as she stacked the dishes in the sink. Holly followed suit, energy passing between them as they passed, a knowing smile cresting the blonde's countenance as she headed out toward the living room and collapsed on the sofa. Holly washed up quickly and followed, stopping to lean against the entryway as she studied the officer sitting rigid on her couch, jaw set just so, giving sign to a certain discomfort crawling just behind Gail's normally stoic countenance. Fishing her phone from her pocket, Gail glared at it and tossed it on the coffee table before peering over to study Holly, her head moving to the side as she regarded the woman.
"So, what's on your to-do list today, since it's Saturday?"
Holly huffed and pushed her hair back from her face, a timid smile twitching free.
"I don't know... Normally, I just stay in and catch up on the latest science journals, or watch any of my recorded documentaries."
Gail groaned dramatically and threw herself back against the couch, her head lolling back as she stared at the ceiling, "My god, you are the nerdiest creature on the planet..." she rolled her face forward as she mocked glared at the brunette, "Don't you have anything fun to do? Video games? Anything?"
Holly chuckled as she crossed her arms and pursed her lips, her mind reeling before she grinned slyly, "Well, there's a cheesy horror movie channel, if you-"
"Sold."
The pathologist suppressed a snicker as she smiled over at the blonde, pausing briefly before she rolled her eyes and gestured back down the hall, "All right, if you insist on watching gory, B-movie horror flicks, then I am game. After I get a shower."
Gail sighed loudly and waved the doctor away, falling to lie on her back as she propped her boots up on the arm rest and crossed her fingers along her stomach. Holly simply smiled and shook her head before she started toward the bedroom, leaving Gail to her thoughts. The officer sighed heavily and stared up at the ceiling, the drab, overcast light trickling stubbornly through the parted drapes on the far window. The phone on the table vibrated, ice-blue eyes tracking over to glare at the offending piece, the continued pester of a certain detective wearing thin on her nerves. Gail closed her eyes, the throb of her heart echoing eerily in her ears as she forced away all thought, forcing her body to stillness, her focus extending to the sounds of the apartment. Vaguely, she registered the shower starting, her mind instantly falling to a memory of so long ago, the blistering inferno roaring to life within her belly as she fought to control the automatic emotion associated with all things Holly Stewart.
Narrowing her eyes, Gail shifted her head as she glanced over at the dark television, previous visions of snuggling up with the brunette invading her mind as she smiled reflexively, the old emotion attached suddenly welling up inside her. So many times they had bundled up on Holly's sofa, wrapped up in one another as they watched and mocked movie after movie, the ease between them a soothing comfort to the increasingly distraught officer. Flustered, Gail lurched to a sitting position, the continuous thunder of her heart frazzling her nerves as she focused on the sounds of Holly in the other room, the distraction welcome and almost painfully necessary. Gail frowned as she stared down at her boots before she threw her legs over the couch and bent to untie them, grumpily throwing them toward the door before she leaned against the arm rest and tucked in her legs, her fingers drumming along the sofa before Holly eventually came into the room, her hair falling in damp whisps around her perfectly glowing face; Gail swallowed heavily, her eyes widening slightly as she fought to control her breathing. So goddamn gorgeous.
Holly smiled shyly before she slipped the blanket off her shoulder and rounded on the couch, arching a brow as she glanced at the television.
"What, you couldn't even find the channel?"
Gail snorted and reached over to pick up and offer the remote, "Sorry, lunchbox. That's all you."
Holly groaned playfully before she flopped down against the other arm rest and flicked on the TV, easily finding the channel as she settled against the cushions. Gail snickered as they watched the last few scenes of a terrible slasher flick, the gore almost comical as the officer snuggled into the sofa. Eventually the end credits rolled as they chatted gently, the pathologist chancing a stretch as she laid her body along the couch. Gail flushed and smiled softly before she did the same, their legs tangling together as the opening sequence to Scream started. Gail chortled and snickered from time to time, offering random tidbits of different horror scenes, only to be countered by the pathologist herself, each woman briefly arguing her respective points before dissolving into a righteous fit of laughter. Scream ended and segued into Texas Chainsaw, the familiar purr of the engine enrapturing the officer as she huddled down to watch the movie in rapt fascination. Holly grinned, stealing glances to the officer as she watched, pointed wildly at the screen as she condemned the characters to death.
Holly sighed in contentment as she curled up against the sofa arm, the movies all but forgotten as she watched the animated officer, her emotions wide open as she merely enjoyed the movies, bright eyes sparkling as she watched the carnage unfold on the screen. A lull in the action had Gail finally tearing her eyes from the screen, carefully regarding the relaxed brunette, her eyebrows rising in question as Holly smiled softly and snuggled further into the couch. Gail blushed faintly before she glanced behind her, shifting her body to lean against the cushions as she laid out, quietly patting her stomach in invitation. Holly watched her carefully a moment, dark eyes guarded before she melted into a bashful smile and unfurled her body and shifted over, settling coyly against the officer's flat tummy. Gail sighed as she melted into the cushions, the woman against her curling perfectly in the space at her side, wrapping a strong arm around the flared hips as she settled her cheek against Gail's ribcage. Holly hummed quietly in content, her nervousness fluttering violently as she snuggled into the embrace.
Gail lifted her fingers to run through the slightly-damp locks, a ragged breath escaping the brunette as she relaxed further, her eyes fluttering gently as she attempted to focus on the screen, her body in a such a state as sleep clawed furiously at her consciousness. Gail dropped her head down far enough to place a soft kiss on the dark head, her fingers expertly relieving Holly of her glasses before she perched them atop her own bangs, Holly eventually succumbing to sleep as Madman began to play. Gail found herself watching the woman in her arms, her eyes unable to tear away from the blissfully happy face of Holly Stewart, the butterflies flapping harder as she smiled, a powerful wave of adoration sweeping through her as she continued to thread her fingers through the long, dark hair. Gail wrapped her free arm around the woman's forearm as she leaned back against the rest, her head tilting to the side as she traced her thumb across Holly's brow.
"...I love you, nerd."
A shrill scream from the television was the last Gail heard as she herself succumbed to sleep, a beatific smile curling her lips as the horror raged on in the background.
A deafening ring startled the women awake, the brunette absently feeling for her phone as she eventually found it and squinted at the screen, her eyes rolling as she dropped the cell back against the coffee table. Collapsing back against Gail, she flushed suddenly and pushed to her elbow, cheeks pink as she grinned sheepishly at the officer, the blonde shifting slightly as wakefulness slammed back into her. Gail yawned and wiped a hand down her face as she untangled herself from Holly and sat up, carefully extracting the woman's glasses from her bangs before handing them over. Holly sat up and threw her legs over the side of the sofa, her hand absently reaching for the cell again as she scowled at the name, the same sound echoing from the handheld as another call came through. Flashing an apologetic smile, she rolled her eyes and answered the call before anxiously pushing to her feet as she paced around the apartment.
"Hey, ma, what's up?"
Gail winced as Holly walked further away, swaying gently as she continued to pace, her face set in sharp displeasure as she nodded occasionally, humming where she responded to the woman on the other end of the phone. Gail scratched a hand down her scalp and hefted her own phone, flicking on the screen as she opened the two messages waiting for her, the first from her brother, that she gratefully ignored; the second was from Nash, the detective practically atitter with curiosity.
"Sooo, how are things? Are you planning your lives out together yet?"
Gail grinned and rolled her eyes. Such optimism. "Nope, not yet. Maybe, if I'm lucky. Tell my brother to piss off, too."
Holly sighed as she walked back into the room and collapsed back on the couch, her fingers gently rubbing at the bridge of her nose as she slid her glasses up to rest at her hairline. Gail propped her chin up on her palm as she flashed an understanding smile.
"Ah, did mom forget to wish you a happy birthday yesterday?"
Holly sighed and leaned her body against the back of the couch, "No... she did call yesterday. She's apparently in Tuscon, and wanting to head this way. You... you know how she is."
Gail jerked her head in a nod, "Yeah. I know, I'm sorry, Hol."
She waved it off, "It's okay. I mean, at least she tries, right?"
"Right."
They regarded each other quietly for a moment, curious brown eyes peering over at Gail as she smiled softly at the officer.
"Have I told you yet today how happy I am to see you?"
Gail blinked quickly, a blush springing free as she dropped her eyes to study the sofa. Holly grinned and leaned over, lightly squeezing the officer's hands before she pushed to her feet and laughed at the time.
"I guess a four hour nap was needed, right, officer?"
Gail grinned and flicked her eyes up in agreement, "I only ever nap when I'm near you, must be how boring you are."
Holly huffed and twisted her lips in an amused scowl, "Because you are such a joy to be around, Peck."
"I know, your jealousy must be suffocating."
They shared a smile before Holly ran her hands through her hair and jerked her head toward the kitchen.
"What are you feeling for lunch?"
Gail hummed as her phone went off, vision dropping to glare at the screen before she forcefully tore her eyes away, tossing a tentative smile toward Holly.
"Takeout. Chinese?"
The pathologist nodded before she headed toward the kitchen, rustling around in one of the drawers for the menu as Gail scooped up her phone and opened the message from Traci.
"Superintendent Mom is on a war path, I think you should defect to San Fran."
Gail growled in her throat and typed out a furiously annoyed response, "Has Oliver told her about my name in the pool?"
Holly walked a slow circle in her kitchen, the receiver up to her ear as she ordered, laughing quietly at the person on the other end; Gail attempted to settle her suddenly seething emotions, her fingers flexing around the phone before another message came through.
"Nope, he's not budging. The names don't have to be in until Monday. He's totally got your back, Gail, don't worry about it. Just focus on Holly, okay? Work can wait. Now have fun!"
The officer continued to stare down at the phone, her jaw working before Holly entered her periphery, a kind smirk gently in place across her lips.
"Drama back home?"
Gail huffed and locked her phone screen before she tossed the cell onto the couch beside her.
"Yeah, Superintendent Elaine is raising hell since she thinks I'm not putting my name in for detective. But it doesn't matter, that can wait until I get home."
Holly grinned and reached a comforting hand over to the woman, "Is it really so bad for her to know?"
"Of course it is, then she'll practically bribe people into giving me the position."
The pathologist traced small circles along Gail's forearm, "I'm sorry you have to go through such lengths, Gail. But I know you deserve that promotion, you've always been amazing with your job. That and your paperwork is flawless."
Gail grinned and gently bumped her shoulder into Holly's, a familiar twinkle shining in the too-pale eyes, "Oh, is that why you had to grab a random report to lure me into that interrogation room?"
Holly snorted and nodded, eyes sparkling, "Well, I went through your reports, and you didn't have any mistakes! I had to do something..."
The blonde snickered before leaning back into the sofa beside Holly, her fingers fidgeting in her lap as she stared down at Holly's hands, her skin prickling as she warred with herself before finally sneaking forward and quietly threaded her fingers with Holly's. The brunette grinned and squeezed back before she rolled her head over to study Gail, her eyes softening as she tugged on the hand, drawing the woman's focus upward. Holly licked her lips as she hesitated, her cheeks again glowing a soft pink as her free hand fidgeted with a thread on the bottom of her shirt. Shrugging, she bit her lip in a smile and tugged Gail closer.
"Gail?"
A pale eyebrow spiked as Gail licked her lips in apprehension, the tiniest of smiles breaking through. Holly swallowed and shrugged, her nerves bunching as she momentarily lost herself in those sky-blue orbs, her pulse pounding quickly through her veins as she focused on those pink lips, her breath catching as she leaned forward. Gail inhaled sharply, her own focus blurring as she placed her forehead against Holly's daring no further as she focused on forcing air into her burning lungs. Holly sighed as her eyes slipped closed, her nose gently brushing Gail's as she sighed softly in the space between them.
"...I don't want you to go."
Gail inhaled a sharp breath before she pulled away, struggling to gather air into her lungs as she stared wildly at the doctor.
"I-I'm sorry, Hol."
Holly sighed and swallowed the sudden swell of emotion, her chest constricting as she continued to caress the fingers between her own.
"Don't be sorry... I mean, that's just a part of life. I'm sorry I'm being selfish, I just... It literally just hit me, you know? That you're here now, but won't be in two days. I don't... I don't want to be without you again, especially since I've just gotten you back... in a way, I think...?"
Gail sighed softly and shifted over, erasing the space between them as she peered up at Holly, her eyes softer than Holly had ever seen them.
"I don't want to be home in Toronto without you, anymore than you want me to leave you here... But I have to go. There's just... I'm torn between two places, and I don't know what I'm going to do."
Holly smiled then, the light reaching her eyes as she tugged on Gail's hand, her attention focused solely on the woman sitting right beside her, a blistering affection blooming in the chocolate eyes.
"...tell me about Sophie, Gail."
Gail breathed out a small laugh, moisture pooling in the crystalline orbs as she squeezed Holly's hand, her lips parting to speak before Holly nodded, willing the woman into silence, "I mean it... I want to know everything about the little girl that stole your heart, because... she seems pretty amazing to me."
Gail bit her lip in a smile and nodded, her breath escaping in a breathy sigh, "She's... just the most amazing person ever. She's so full of life, and fight and dry humor that she just... She melts your heart, you know? Sophie is just... so wildly intelligent and sweet and kind, and she loves spiders, and..." she glanced at Holly, her smile splitting wider, "...and the two of you would get along like the fucking nerds you are."
Holly laughed merrily and tugged Gail into her arms, quickly squeezing the pale shoulders before she pulled away and swept the blonde bangs back toward the side, their eyes searching each other as Holly ghosted her thumb across the pouting lips.
"You never cease to amaze me, Gail Peck... I hope I can meet her one day."
Gail excitedly nodded, a flame burning to life in the icy eyes as she leaned into the soft caress, her eyes darkening to a cooling smolder, a knock at the door suddenly sparking them apart. Gail blinked as Holly flashed a contrite smile before untangling herself from the couch and headed toward the door, grabbing money off the side table as she moved. Gail leapt from the couch as if it burned, her nervousness suddenly spiking as she gathered silverware and napkins before heading back toward the living room. Holly placed the bag on the coffee table and reclaimed her seat, stomach rumbling almost on cue as she unpacked the few containers and handed Gail her own. The cop settled back into her seat and popped open the container of kung pow chicken, humming as she smell settled over her. They ate together happily, falling into the same, wonderfully comfortably routine as Gail stole bites of spare rib in exchange for chicken, their meal a flirtatious endeavor that left them both flushed as they tripped over one another in the clean up. Holly finished rinsing the dishes as the phone in her pocket went off, signaling a text alert. Gail, having planted herself on the island, paused in her conquest of chips and tilted a curious look toward Holly.
The pathologist smirked and unearthed the phone, quickly opening the message from Ava, her smile falling just slightly as she read the text.
"HEYA. Don't forget that we want to take you guys out for drinks, as sort of a late birthday thing for you. You never gave me an answer yesterday!"
Holly sighed and glanced up at Gail before quickly dropping her eyes, a flush of heat burning below her collar.
"...I'll get back to you."
Stuffing the phone back in her pocket, Holly turned back toward the sink to finish the rest of the dishes, her skin tingling as she felt the officer slide in beside her, eyes wide in curiosity. Holly shook a soapy finger at the officer before she cleaned her hands and dried them, dark eyes guarded as she peered over at Gail.
"Don't give me that look, Gail."
Gail showed her hands in peace, the curiosity growing stronger as she rolled her head to the side, "Not going to tell me who that was, eh? Somebody need the resident pathologist?"
Holly sighed and hung the towel up to dry before shrugging, her apprehension growing as she continued to shoot nervous looks at the still cop.
"No, that was just... Ava. That's all."
Gail crossed her arms and leaned against the island, "Okay, and?"
The brunette waved her hand as she skirted past Gail and quickly descended upon the couch, her fingers nervously fumbling over themselves as she tucked them against her lap. Gail slowly trekked by Holly and dropped herself on the couch beside her, eyes narrowed in suspicion; Holly bit her lip, the weight of that gaze cracking her resolve.
"She just... The girls from the lab want to take us out for drinks, and... get to... know you better?"
Gail bristled instantly, her hackles rising as she suddenly shoved to her feet, her palms clamming as she rubbed them down the sides of her jeans. Gail threaded a trembling hand through her hair, her eyes shifting to a pale, frightful white as she tossed an uncomfortable look back at Holly.
"...I'm pretty sure that me meeting your friends is the ultimate kiss of death, Hol. Or do you not remember what happened last time?"
Holly stood as well, her own nervousness skipping angrily along her spine, "I'll never forget, but... I mean, they're going to love-"
"Lisa hated me, and you know it. I didn't get too much a feel for Rachel before I ran out... Do you really want to subject your new friends to my particular brand of socializing?"
Holly steeled her nerves and nodded, her fingers breaking apart as she gestured through the air.
"I don't want to make you uncomfortable, Gail... Especially because I don't even know what we are, if we're anything at all... All I know is that I want...need you, and everything else be damned. But, I can understand if you don't want to-"
"I want to," she flushed at the surprise on Holly's face, "I want to get this right... I want... to be someone you're proud of."
Holly bit back a smile, her dark eyes glimmering with a surge of pride, her heart swelling inside her chest as she took a small step forward. Gail visibly swallowed as she walked the final step separating them, her fingers absently thumbing a pinch of Holly's shirt before she flashed an increasingly confident smile, that same smile rocking a powerful tremor through the pathologist. Gail leaned in closely, her lips barely a breath away from Holly's.
"And I don't want to be anything other than yours, Holly Stewart."
Holly swallowed thickly and nodded, her attention focused solely on those pale lips as Gail began to pull away, her cheeks flushed the most attractive of shades as she smiled up at the brunette, her shyness revealing itself a beat later. Holly breathed unevenly, her smile lopsided as she nodded, chestnut eyes alive as she grinned at the officer.
"Should I tell them 8 o'clock, then...?"
Gail fidgeted with her ear but nodded, the barest smile broaching her countenance as they exchanged a knowing glance. Fishing out her phone, Holly quickly tapped out a text and sent it before shoving the cell back in her pocket, her focus on only Gail Peck.
"8 o'clock tonight, Ave."
Holly took a cursory sip of her drink, her eyes casually switching back and forth between Kat and Gail as they looked each other over, silently appraising one another. Ava grinned and leaned her elbow along the back of Kat's chair, casually looking back and forth between Holly and Gail as they sat practically hip to hip, their elbows gently knocking from time to time as they took sips from their drinks. Kat grinned and leaned on her palm, emerald eyes twinkling in the soft lighting of the bar, mouth pulled wide in a cheshire grin.
"So, Gail, Holly tells us you guys met on a crime scene?"
The officer swallowed her latest swig of alcohol before nodding, folding her arms on the table in front of her. "Yeah, we met in the middle of the woods. She tried to throw me off by spewing a ton of medical jargon at me all at once."
Holly snorted and rolled her eyes, "I wasn't spewing, I was just telling you about medical jurisprudence, and why my being there was important to the case."
"I only asked if you could come back later."
Holly mocked glared at the officer, earning a show of knowing looks from her coworkers as she ducked down and swallowed the rest of her drink. Ava slammed her bottle down and leaned across the table, hazel eyes narrowed in wonder as she looked over Gail.
"Ah, so what's it like being a cop? Exciting I would think, yeah?"
Gail pursed her lips and shrugged, thousands of memories filtering through her subconscious as she thought about the passed few years, "I've been shot at, those were fun times."
Holly straightened almost imperceptibly, the action not going unnoticed by the blonde next to her, pale fingers sliding over to gently grasp at the pathologist's forearm. Gail licked her lips, her eyes offering apology before she refocused on the group, her nerves settling slightly before she gestured toward the other three women.
"Okay, and what do you three nerds do?"
Kat choked back a laugh as she struggled to swallow, cackling loudly before she leaned her elbow on the table and leaned toward Gail, "Me? I'm a pharmacologist, or a boring ol' nerd that studies drugs and their effects on organisms. Ava here studies genetics, and Blair is just out probie."
The redhead rolled her eyes and poked at her boss' shoulder, "You know, I'm more than just a lackey! I really do help Doctor Stewart!"
Holly nodded and opened her mouth to interject, only to be quieted by a wave of Kat's finger, the dark-haired woman smiling brightly at the intern, "Come on, Blair, I know! I'm just pulling your leg, I know you're pretty valuable to good, ol' Stewart."
Gail polished off the rest of her drink and pushed back from the table, looking around the women as she lifted her glass, "Anyone want another drink?"
She was greeted with a myriad of nods, the pathologist pushing from her seat as she moved to gather glasses, "I'll give you a hand-"
Kat practically hissed and ushered Holly back in her seat before gathering the glasses and turned toward Gail, "Nonsense, we'll do all the work. You rest your pretty head."
With a wink, she was off, quietly trailing behind the stoic officer as she threaded toward the bar. Holly sighed as she looked after them, her cheeks flushing as Ava sucked her teeth and winked at the pathologist.
"You were right, Stewart, she is absolutely gorgeous. And hell if you aren't hung up on that wonderful piece of law enforcement!"
Holly flushed and nervously pushed up her glasses, "I-I... Okay, yes... I am. I really am. I think... I think maybe we might be back together? I'm not too... I mean, we kinda talked about it. I just... God, I'm just thrilled to have her, you know?"
Blair chuckled sweetly, "I can't believe she actually came down here, that's like... the most romantic thing I've ever heard... And the two of you! Oh, so cute."
Holly buried her face in her hands and groaned, "Ugh, stop."
Ava laughed and reached over the table to roughly pat her hand, "You are head over heels in love with that creature, and she feels just the same way. It's so obvious, love, really. I wish I had someone look at me that way!"
Holly whined and dropped her head to her crossed arms, a smile hidden beneath her facade.
You're absolutely right... I'm crazy about that girl.
Gail absently tapped her foot against the bar, her thumbs rolling over themselves as she waited along the crowded bar. Kat stood just beside her, casual green eyes watching over her quietly, a pleasant smile firmly in place. Leaning against the counter, Kat peered up at the officer and grinned, her eyes jerking back toward their table.
"You know, Gail, Holly really was right about you. She's talked about you a lot, did you know?... I mean, when I saw you in the lobby yesterday, I thought my heart was going to stop. You coming down here, now that was brave."
Gail rubbed at the flush on her neck and shrugged, her fidgeting growing worse as she waited for the drinks, "I didn't want Holly to have a terrible birthday... So I came down here. It's just... that-"
Kat smiled knowingly as she cocked her head, "I can tell that you're wild about her. The two of you are like the most adorable married couple I've ever seen... You two go together better than white and rice, Peck."
Gail sighed in relief as the drinks finally landed in front of her, her cheeks already glowing with a bright blush as she lifted three of the drinks and headed back toward the table, Kat in tow behind her. Sidling up, she slid the glasses down on the table and pushed Ava's forward before reclaiming her seat next to Holly, each offering timid smiles as they settled back into their comfortable bubble. Kat came with the other two drinks and passed the other to Blair before she dropped into her seat and launched into a ramble about Holly and her antics in the lab. Gail rolled her drink between her palms, torn between listening to the story and Holly herself, her fingers twitching against the glass. Kat eventually pulled into a story about herself and Ava from years passed, the crackle of energy only building between Gail and Holly as they continued to steal glances toward one another. Gail finally released one of her hands before sliding it atop Holly's, their fingers instantly coming together in a flutter of butterflies. Ava and Blair excused themselves for more drinks as Kat left for the bathroom, leaving the two alone at the table.
Gail continued to trace her thumb across the smooth, tan skin, her heart racing as she glanced up at Holly, blue meeting brown in a bolt of attraction, the color high in pale cheeks as Gail dropped her eyes to study those lips, her pulse drowning out the noise around them. Tipping forward, she pressed a soft, promising kiss to those lips, moving slightly as Holly responded almost instantly, their lips sliding over one another in a well-practiced waltz, the slow burn growing to a towering inferno. The three women returned at the same time, causing Gail to pull away slowly, blue eyes focusing only on the flushed face of the woman beside her, her heart beating powerfully in her chest. Holly swallowed and bit her lip, fingers lifting to nervously adjust her glasses as Gail smiled at her, the world around them forgotten. Gail flexed her fingers against Holly's, her eyes darkening to a frigid indigo.
"...let's get out of here, Hol," she whispered gently, her eyes again dropping to study those perfect lips.
Holly nodded sharply and released the breath she had been holding, her smile wide and toothy as she tossed a wholly unapologetic smile to her coworkers. Kat grinned and shooed them away, an excited lit firmly in place as Gail gathered their things. The blonde smiled and acknowledged the three women, her smile small, though genuine.
"I'm glad Holly has all of you."
Holly flushed at the uncharacteristic show of gratitude, the women clearly just as surprised as Gail threaded her fingers with Holly's and led her out of the bar. Kat chuckled and watched them go before taking a sip of her drink.
"It is about damn time."
Gail pushed into the cool night and led Holly back to the car, her chest heaving as she rounded suddenly as they stopped next to the Chevy. Grabbing the pathologist, she cupped her jaw and pulled her into a heated kiss, their bodies swaying into one another before they eventually broke apart, the smokiness igniting between them. Gail brushed her bangs away from her face, her blue eyes wide open as she chanced a tiny smile.
"I love you, and I don't care how hard this is, I just want you and I'll be damned if 2,600 miles is going to stop me."
Holly grinned and pulled Gail into another quick, heated kiss before she pulled away, dark eyes alive.
"Then I am all yours, Gail."
The officer stopped for a moment before a devilish smirk crawled to life, her eyes a blistering sapphire.
"Let's go home."
ALL RIGHT. I'm so sorry for the delay in updating. In case you haven't heard, my original chapter ten got wiped out by accident last week, therefore I could not update when I wanted to. This is so late because it was hard to start over, and my work schedule is heavy. Do forgive me for taking so long, I plan on updating 11 on Saturday, right back on track. Please enjoy, and forgive any mistakes or weirdness, because it's currently around 330am, and I am so fucking burned out. I love you guys, I hope I didn't disappoint. And by the way, my tumblr followers are awesome!