Chapter 68: The Ballad of Cowboy Mouth
Gus made it home, shaking the entire walk. She knew she had been out of line with Elgers, but he had the misfortune to be in the wrong place when Gus reached her breaking point between Angell and Flack and Lindsay and Adam and everything else.
she laughed as she fixed a drink, Lindsay probably was right, she did need to get laid. But Adam? He was cute and sweet but she looked at him more like he was Reed than a potential bed mate. Despite her pregnancy hormones, Lindsay had meant what she said, Gus needed to get laid, not have a relationship.
Speaking of which, she hadn't given her friend a piece of her mind yet. She looked at the clock, calculating the time difference before dialing Lindsay's number.
"If you are calling about Danny, I already know about his suspension," Lindsay said after answering.
"His what?" Gus shouted.
"I take it you didn't know? He apparently made some Neo-Nazi well acquainted with the pavement when picking him up for questioning."
"Seems to be going around,"Gus mumbled, "he got suspended for that?" Gus had a sinking feeling that she would be taking some unplanned time off.
"Two weeks, no pay, not exactly what we need with a baby on the way, but you know Danny, can't stand a bully. At least I will be home in a week and we can spend some time together before the baby gets here," Lindsay sighed.
Gus made a noise. "Silver lining, I guess. Actually I was calling because I am pretty sure Adam tried to proposition me today on your suggestion and let's just say that combined with my lovely little chat with Angell the other day where she cornered me in the locker room resulted in a very bad no good evening for me. Hence why I am calling you from home when I am supposed to still be on shift."
"Propositioned you? I simply suggested to him that you might be a little lonely and thus a little, er, amorous so if he saw the chance he should carpe diem."
"But it is Adam, Lindsay!" Gus protested.
"What is wrong with Adam, he is sweet and caring and I have heard some of things he has said about some of the girls he has dated and they sound wild I was just thinking you deserved a little fun," Lindsay shot back.
Gus sighed heavily, "oh Linds, that is sweet, I think, but you know Adam, he can get like a puppy and I don't need anything following me around. I want to ruffle his hair and remind him to brush his teeth!"
"Fine, not Adam, I hope you let him down gently, though Gus, in case you ever change your mind. I still stand by you needing to get laid though. Who else you got?"
Gus tried to not growl at her friend, thankful when her other line buzzed in, Daddino calling, probably to give her more punishment. "Gotta go, Linds, I think I am about to have the same fate visited me as your husband."
"Suspension? What did you do to Adam?"
"Not Adam, the Neo-Nazi," Gus huffed.
Lindsay made a small squeak, "oh, I see. Well, maybe you can make sure Danny remembers to at least take a shower daily until I get back, and maybe occasionally eat something green."
"Look at you already in mom mode, talk to you later Lindsay, miss you," Gus clicked off, taking her lumps from Daddino. Two weeks with pay, better than Danny, but she was also required to go back to Dr. Lyons for anger management sessions. She would rather the no pay.
Gus had to reluctantly admit that a couple of sessions with Dr. Lyons did her some good. She had a chance to air out what happened between her and Angell and how she was struggling with her feelings and partnering with Flack. She also talked her desire to be with him but not wanting to ruin his happiness with Angell and Lyons pointed out that Gus seemed to be punishing herself still.
"Don't I deserve punishment?" she asked, tearing up a tissue.
"Continuing to punish yourself isn't going to erase the past, it only seems to be making things worse. What I think you need is the ability to step back and gain some perspective on what you want and need."
"Just how am I supposed to do that, oh wise one?"
Lyons smiled, "you know I can't tell you what to do, Augusta, but you might want to listen to that pregnant friend of yours."
Gus rolled her eyes, "so you are saying I need to get laid too, what doctor's orders?"
"Just let yourself be for a little bit, make safe choices, but make choices. You can't spend all your time hiding out in your place or working, that isn't you, and it can't make you happy. Get out there and live a little, those are my orders."
Gus did as she was told, using her leave to try to reconnect with the people that were most important to her. Except Flack because she was trying to keep space between them why he figured out what was going on with him and Angell and Adam, because she wanted to die of embarrassment when she thought of her last encounter with him.
She used her suspension to hang out with Danny like they had many moons ago, their 'sibling' relationship had been somewhat cast aside in recent months with all that had been unfolding in both their lives.
Lindsay joked that Gus was Danny's substitute wife after Danny had admitted to Lindsay that Gus had done his laundry and made sure his fridge was stocked with edible food. Gus treasured the time she had with her friend, knowing things would change drastically when his daughter was born.
Angell's blossoming friendship with Stella since the Diakos case had slightly strained Gus' friendship with Stella, but Gus used her suspension for a couple of girls nights with the curly haired detective, both of which went a long way toward repairing any damage that had been done.
She made sure to check in on Sheldon, who was grieving his uncle's unexpected death, which led her to try to make her own uncle more of a priority in her life, though Mac's obsession with work made that all but impossible. She did track him down at his favorite diner for breakfast one morning, feeling more like a stalker than his niece.
"You deserved more than what you got, Gussie," Mac said as he slid into the booth across from her.
She saw the look Mac was giving her, "I know, I know, I deserve worse, but so did Elgers."
"He is a horrible human being, Gus, but we can't treat him like an animal even if he acts like one."
Animals act better than he did, but I know what you are saying Uncle Mac, I do, but it wasn't entirely about Elgers,it was about..." she trailed off.
"Flack? If you couldn't handle being partnered with him, you should have told your boss." Mac studied her carefully.
"It's not that, we still manage to be great partners, I am not saying it isn't difficult, but I sort of need that exposure therapy. There are just some...extraneous variables." She raised her eyebrows, not wanting to fill in the blanks.
"I see," Mac said, finally figuring out that Gus was talking about the other female homicide detective. He had his concerns about the pair, but he wasn't about to step in."When are you back?"
"Couple of days. Now can we talk about something else before I lose my appetite?"
Chapter 69: Come home a drinkin'
Gus also agreed to have drink with Doyle, wondering if it might not be a good idea to maintain a friendship with him in case she needed a hasty transfer to another department if things went sideways.
They were chatting over pints at Doyle's favorite pub two nights before she was due back at work when Gus saw a familiar though not entirely welcome face enter the pub.
"Damn, are you kidding me, this suspension was going so well too!" Gus said as she caught sight of none other than Jess Angell coming in their direction.
Jimmy Doyle didn't turn, using the mirror instead to see what had Gus' bristling. She had pulled herself ramrod straight and looked like she was preparing for an attack when the pretty brunette stopped by their table.
"Hi, Gus, I didn't know you liked this place."
"Um, yeah, Jess, I mean, no, I mean I didn't really know about it until Jimmy wanted me to meet him here, but it seems like I cool place. You know Lieutenant Doyle right, from Special Vics?"
"Yes, I do, Doyle, how's it going, you playing softball this year?"Angell squared off, towering over the table, attempting to make a connection with Doyle, her eyes sliding over to gauge Gus' reaction.
Gus set her jaw, refusing to let any emotion show, but Doyle knew from their work together that Gus was simmering below the surface.
Doyle shook his head, hiding his grin in his beer. Despite their very feminine forms, the women seemed to be on the verge of a cock fight. "Nah, sitting this season out, my shoulder's been off and on."
Angell nodded, looking back and forth between the two of them. "I'm sorry if I was interrupting anything, just wanted to say hello, and I know you are probably glad your suspension is almost over, Gus."
"Not interrupting at all," Gus said, forcing a wide beauty pageant smile, "thank you so much for coming on over, and yes, I can't wait to get back, I'm sure you have been keeping Don in line in my absence." She raised her eyebrows, daring the other woman to stay, a flush creeping up her chest and into her cheeks.
Angell cleared her throat, "oh, look, there are my friends, see you later, have a nice night."
Gus' eyes narrowed as they followed Angell's retreat to the stools at the bar, a growl catching in her throat.
"What was that about?" Doyle asked with a smirk.
Gus shook her head, "nothing."
"You are a really bad liar," Doyle drained his pint.
Gus scoffed, "I am not, I can lie quite convincingly when I put my mind to it. Do you have any idea how much woman have to lie in the South? Oh that circus tent of dress is darling, why yes your inbred baby is the most beautiful thing ever, your dirt tasting pecan pie will surely win first prize." Gus fluttered her eyelashes.
Doyle couldn't help but laugh, "point taken, and once again I am glad I was born and raised in the Bronx, at least there they stab you in the front. That still doesn't tell me what that was about."
Gus traced a pattern in the condensation on the table, "we kind of had a talk, it didn't end well for me."
"I see," Doyle replied, even though he didn't, but he knew well enough to not press the issue, he motioned at her empty pint, "want another?"
Gus nodded with a sigh, trying to center herself. Since their locker room talk Gus had steadfastly been mostly avoiding the other female homicide detective, Gus' suspension a relief in that way.
Inevitably, their paths would cross, but Gus was sure they would remain professional, but they weren't about to go out for cocktails anytime soon. Gus knew the other woman was working hard to mark her territory, especially with regards to Flack. Gus wasn't pleased with this, but she did have to admit that she was the one that had let Don slip through her fingers.
Doyle returned with two pints and two shots of tequila. "You looked like you could use something stronger." Gus accepted with a small smile, "thanks, Jimmy."
"Is he falling for her?" Doyle asked as Gus downed her shot. The look on her face gave him his answer, telling him they both know who he was talking about and the sadness in her eyes made him push his shot toward her as well. She took it without hesitation, downing it and wordlessly going to the bar for another round.
She came back, setting more shots on the table, handing one to Doyle, clinking it with one of her own before they both drank them down. She sighed, "can you blame him, look at her, she is freaking perfect, and not crazy!"
Doyle's forehead creased, "she is not perfect and you are not crazy. You've been through a lot and maybe you haven't had the most rational reaction to stress every time, that doesn't mean you are crazy."
Gus took a long drink of her lager, "you sound like my therapist."
"I'll keep that in mind if this Lieutenant thing doesn't work out. What else is your fancy therapist telling you?"
"That I need to stop punishing myself and that I need to get laid," Gus wrinkled her nose before taking another drink.
A grin spread across Doyle's face, "Jesus, maybe I do need to see a shrink."
Gus gave a small snort, "I don't think you need to see a shrink to get laid," she gestured around the pub with her beer, "look around, "this place is crawling with badge bunnies.
"Not a fan, Broussard, still trying to get over finding myself married and thinking about moving to Hoboken. And she is how I know you aren't crazy, Broussard, she was crazy."
Gus made a face, "Jersey, Jimmy, are you kidding, yes, she was clearly crazy!" Gus fanned herself, "good lord, did they turn on the heat?"
Doyle noticed the flush on Gus' face as she pulled her t-shirt away from her body, trying to move air.
He shook his head in disbelief, he had seen her drink plenty before and heard all about her New Orleans alcohol exploits, but he suddenly realized they all involved whiskey never tequila. "Broussard, are you drunk?"
Gus shook her head, "no, tipsy maybe, but not drunk. Maybe four tequila shots on an empty stomach in five minutes wasn't the best idea either. This is why I never drink tequila. I swear they have turned on the dang gummed heat," she drawled, draining her beer in an attempt to cool down.
Doyle was a little worried she was about to strip off her shirt and also noticed Jess Angell staring their way. "Alright, Chiquita, no more tequila for you, let's get you home." He got up, going around to pull Gus out of the booth, looking over his shoulder to give Angell a warning glare. The woman challenged him for a moment before turning back to her friends.
The cool night air met Gus with a welcome whoosh as soon as they stepped outside. "God that feels good," she remarked still fanning herself, feeling a bit unsteady on her feet.
"So tequila is your kryptonite, huh, kid?" Doyle mused.
"I wouldn't go that far," Gus said, as she gingerly walked to the car, trying to not stumble and look like the idiot she was feeling like. Gus reached out for the door handle, missing it much to Doyle's amusement. "Stop laughing at me."
"I am not laughing at you, Gus, just never took you for a lightweight," he opened the door for her, waiting until she had settled in before closing it.
"I am not a lightweight!" she cried through the door, glaring at him when he came around to the driver's side.
"Okay, okay, not a lightweight, just tequila sensitive."
"That sounds worse," Gus grumbled.
Doyle pulled up to her building, trying to not laugh as she fought with her seat belt. "You sure you can get up to your place alright?"
Gus nodded, finally freeing herself, "yeah I have an Eduardo."
"What is an Eduardo?" Doyle asked, wondering if she was more inebriated than he realized. "Night doorman," she replied, matter of fact.
Doyle nodded in compression, "gotcha. So he will help you in and not take advantage of you?" Gus snorted. "Forgot who I was talking to, you won't take advantage of him, right? That's it, I'm taking you to your door."
They made it past Eduardo, who looked like he would probably welcome Gus taking advantage of him and to the elevator before Gus busted out with "how do you know I won't take advantage of you, Jimmy?"
Doyle shook his head, "not going there, Broussard, not with you like this at least. Besides, I'm armed, and I think I can fend off your buck and a quarter without a problem."
Gus laughed, fumbling for her keys as they exited the elevator and arrived at her door. Doyle took them from her, deftly unlocking her door and ushering her inside, shutting the door behind them. He wanted to make sure she had downed some water and ibuprofen before he left and that she wasn't planning on leaving again.
"I sweat to the tiny lord baby Jesus, it is a million degrees in here too," she started to strip off her shirt.
"Um, Gus," Doyle protested.
"Shit, sorry, I'll be right back." She stumbled in what Doyle guessed was the direction of her bedroom, having only been here for her party after she was released from the hospital.
He shook his head, heading to the small kitchen to get them both water, he also spied a bottle of pills on the counter, shaking a couple out for her as well.
She was back quickly enough, wearing running shorts and a tank top, piling her hair on top of her head.
"Better?" he asked, handing her a glass of water. She nodded, draining the glass in a few swallows and handing it back to him to refill as he was still standing at the sink.
Gus cleared another glass of water, setting it on the counter, before leaning against the doorway to the kitchen. "Jimmy what did you mean when you said not with me like this at least?"
Doyle choked on the water he was drinking, nearly dropping the glass in the sink. He didn't think she had caught his statement, and he really didn't think she was in any state to call him on it. "Shit, Gus, I was out of line, I..." he trailed off, running his hand through his sandy hair, feeling embarrassed.
Gus gave him a small smile, somewhat endeared by his embarrassment. "Doyle, stop, forget I asked. You are a good guy and thanks for making sure I got home safe. I won't make a fool of myself the next time you ask me out for a drink, assuming you are willing to."
Doyle moved towards her, though Gus took that as an opportunity to move them both back towards the front door. If he was hurt by this, he didn't show it. Gus sighed inwardly, what was she doing? Was this her just being like Lyons had instructed? If it was, she clearly needed more work than she thought.
"No problem, wouldn't want my future best detective arrest on sexual assault charges, wouldn't look good for my numbers," Doyle said, trying to play things off for them both.
Gus gave him a small but grateful smile as she swung open the door. She chewed on her lip as he moved to leave. "I mean it, Jimmy, you are a good guy, and not just because you think I only weigh a hundred and twenty five pounds."
This brought a genuine smile to Doyle's face. "Good night, Broussard, take care, and lay off the tequila." He held up his hand, palm out saying goodbye, turning to walk away.
Before she knew what she was doing she called after him before he could even take a step away from her door.
"Hey, Doyle!" He turned, a quizzical look on his face, turning to one of shock as Gus grabbed a handful of his thermal shirt and pulled him in for a heated kiss, "thanks for not liking badge bunnies, see you later," and with that, she retreated into her place, the door closing firmly behind her.
Chapter 70: Kiss the Baby
Gus didn't know what to make of her actions, over analyzing every last second of the night for the rest of it. She finally fell into fitful sleep shortly before sunrise and was awakened by the incessant buzzing of herself too few hours later. Praying it wasn't Doyle or worse Flack or Angell, she was relieved to see Lindsay's number pop up on the screen.
"Oh thank God it is you, Linds! I did something stupid, I ran into Angell when I was having a drink with Doyle and it threw me so I had these tequila shots and I kissed Doyle and now he probably is scared of me and I can't got to Special Vics even if Jess and Don end up getting married and making a million gorgeous babies and," Gus finally ran out of steam, "wait, are you back?"
She heard Lindsay groan on the other end of the line. "Yes, yesterday, back in the lab today and everyone seems to be missing, including Danny and my water just broke and the only person I can find to drive me to the hospital is Adam. This is not what my birthing plan looks like at all!"
Gus gaped at the phone like a fish before responding. "Your water broke at the lab, why did you go back to the lab? Shouldn't you be at home? Never mind, now you should be in the hospital, go get Adam and get him to get a car to take you. But make sure to give him clear, step by step instructions because his ADHD really kicks in when he gets stressed out."
"I am going now," Lindsay said, breathing heavy, "but you better meet me at the hospital and tell me all about you kissing Jimmy Doyle, but try to get Danny first, okay, let him know what is going on."
"Will do, and congratulations, hot mama!" Gus hung up, her lack of sleep forgotten as she jumped out of bed with excitement for her friend.
She almost broke her arm hailing a cab in a rush to get to the hospital, still pulling on her clothes as she did so. Gus knew she probably looked a hot mess, but she didn't really care because her friend was having a baby. She arrived at the hospital right after Lindsay and Adam, before Danny even.
Lindsay was standing at the admissions counter in the emergency room, looking very much like a woman who was ready to give birth. Adam was pacing, looking like a wild man and trying to get across to the admit nurse that he was not the father.
"It's not like I couldn't be the father except I would never sleep with her, not that she isn't sleepable with it's just I don't like her like her. I'm just saying I am pretty sure I am not shooting blanks. I mean I guess I could be, I don't have any children that I know of. Oh God, what if I can't-"
Gus walked up to him, shaking her head with a smile. "Adam, go sit down, in those chairs right over there and wait for me to tell you what to do next okay?"
Adam looked at her and to the chairs she was pointing at and back at her and turned crimson as he had the last time they had seen each other. "Oh, Gus, you are here. Of course you are here you are one of Lindsay's best friends, but-"
"Adam, chairs, we will have plenty of time to talk later," Gus remained pointing until Adam slunk over.
Lindsay greeted her with a smile, though beads of sweat were popping out on her brow. "Thank you for coming, I know how much you hate hospitals. I have to say, I can't recommend this to anyone else at this point in time," Lindsay groaned.
"We have your room ready Mrs. Messer, someone will take you to it right away," the admissions nurse said, an orderly appearing with a wheelchair.
"I am not broken, I am in labor!" Lindsay exclaimed.
"Hospital policy. Are you the other mother?" the nurse asked Gus politely.
Gus' eyes grew wide, "no, I am not. The father is on the way."
"We will get you settled in and let your friends know where you are, you are going to be fine, honey," the nurse said to Lindsay with a reassuring smile.
Gus went over to the waiting room chairs, trying to not wince at all the germs and wounds as she slumped in the chair next to Adam.
"Adam-" "Gus-" they both started in at the same time.
"Adam, please, let me?" Gus asked, turning to him and putting her hand on his arm. "I am sorry I acted like I did the other day. You and I have this amazing friendship and I wouldn't want to make things weird between us. Which it seems I already have and I am sorry." She looked at him for a long moment, willing him to speak.
Adam fidgeted in his seat, dropping his eyes to the floor, unable to look at her. "I've sort of had a crush on you for a while, but I was sort of seeing Kendall and and then I wasn't, so when Lindsay told me about, you know, I thought 'Adam, man up'. Which didn't work out so great."
"Man up?" Gus said, laughing. "I'm sorry, Adam," she said wiping the tears of laughter from her eyes.
"I am glad you find this funny," Adam replied, finally looking at her.
Gus shrugged, "I don't know, easier to laugh than cry. Look, you are an amazing guy, I wish I could like you that way, it would make a lot of things in my life much easier. But for now, friends is all I can be, if you even are willing to be that."
"Why wouldn't I be willing, who else can I school at video games and doesn't think I am weird for being me?" Adam look incredulous and far less embarrassed.
"Thanks Adam, you are sweeter than I deserve." She leaned over to give him a hug, pulling away when the nurse said, "Mrs. Messer is ready, she is in room 423."
"It is totally weird to hear her called Mrs. Messer," Gus said.
"No kidding," Adam said, shaking his head and following after her.
"How's it going, Mama?" Gus asked as they entered the room.
"It isn't," Lindsay growled, "water broke no movement beyond that and I already hate this room, but I can't leave it except in the wheelchair until the doctor says otherwise."
"Wanna go for a spin?" Adam asked, wheeling over the chair.
"Yes, but Adam, no wheelies!" Lindsay warned.
They had made a couple of laps before Danny came running up, relief as clear on Lindsay's face as worry was on Danny's.
"Let's give 'em a minute, want to go check out how crappy the cafeteria is?" Gus suggested.
Adam shrugged, "why not?"
They were headed down when Stella called to say she had arrived. "Reinforcements cometh," Gus said with a grin hanging up the phone. She took in the look on Adam's face. "You alright, sugar?"
"I am sort of terrified of the whole birth process, since that video they showed us in middle school and-"
"Adam, we aren't going to be in the birthing suite, it is fine, Stella and I will hang out with Lindsay and you can try to calm Danny down, did you see how spazzed out he looked?"
Adam took a deep breath, "yeah, I can do that, I think."
They headed back upstairs, meeting up with Stella before heading to Lindsay's room. Danny still looked nervous and Lindsay just looked frustrated.
"Anything?" Stella asked.
Lindsay shook her head, "but at least now I can go for a walk."
The woman did exactly just that, Adam and Danny heading off in the other direction. Lindsay was clearly not happy with her lack of dilation or true labor, and was also full of worries and nerves. She poured many of them out to her two friends as they walked the halls. They tried valiantly to placate her, but neither woman was sure it was working.
"Lindsay, the fact that you already thought about it tells me you are going to be just fine," Stella said.
Gus shrugged, "and coming from a former mental health professional, every family needs therapy. Not to mention if your kids don't say I hate you, you are doing something wrong!"
Lindsay shook her head, "I don't know, I just don't." She bent over with a contraction. "Contraction," she moaned.
"That's a good thing, right?" Gus said, rubbing her friends back.
They kept walking until Mac showed up, barely greeting them before pulling Stella away.
"That was weird," Lindsay said.
"Weirder was he wasn't in a suit, I swear to God Uncle Mac sleeps in suits."
"Mac sleeps?" Lindsay retorted with a smile before riding out another contraction. When it finished, she looked over at Gus with a sly smile. "So what's this about your kissing Jimmy Doyle?"
Gus sighed, hoping that being in labor would have deterred her friend from asking, but at least Lindsay hadn't done it in front of anyone else. She still wasn't sure why she had kissed him, except in that moment she wanted to, and maybe there had been some underlying tension between them. Or maybe she was just lonely.
Gus chewed on her lip debating how to answer. "Tequila shots," she replied finally.
Lindsay nodded knowingly. "In that case, I am shocked all you did was kiss him."
Hours later with little movement, Gus decided to leave Danny and Lindsay to each other and some alone time in the room. She knew their lives were about to permanently change, and these would be some of the last moments they would have as just a duo.
Gus wandered to the gift shop, stocking up on presents for Baby Messer and took a stack of magazines to the cafeteria, waiting for something to happen. The waiting had her on edge, she could only imagine how Danny and Lindsay were doing. She returned to the room when Danny texted her, hearing Lindsay's screams well before she got there.
"I hate you Danny Messer and you are never laying another hand on me again, how could you do this to me?"
"Knock, knock," Gus said from the doorway, balloon in one hand and pink bunny under the other.
"Oh thank God, I think she is going to break my hand," Danny said, trying to loosen his wife's grip.
"Wimp. How's it going, hot mama?"
"I am sorry I said you needed to get laid, Gussie, because this is what happens and it is horrible. Become a nun while you still can!" Lindsay yelled in between contractions, reaching out for Gus' hand.
Gus winced, seeing what Danny had been talking about. For a small girl, she had hands like a wrestler. "You know they make great drugs, Lindsay."
Lindsay shook her head and gritted her teeth, "no, all natural, no drugs, so I can bring this up every time she does something to make me mad!"
"Okay then, that sounds great," Gus pulled her hand away, shaking it out and meeting Danny's eyes over the bed. "Ow," she mouthed. "I know," he mouthed back.
"So you want me to go text everyone and give them an update?"
"Sure," Danny said, grateful to have her there to do these things.
"No, don't leave, stay right here, he can go do it!" Lindsay growled sounding possessed.
"Linds, are you sure you want me here, what am I going to do? I am not a doctor, I didn't go to your classes with you," Gus protested.
"Danny text everyone, Gus stand right there and tell me some of your great New Orleans stories until I get this freaking baby OUT OF ME!" Lindsay screamed.
"On it," Danny said, moving away and pulling out his phone.
"Sure thing, sugar, did I ever tell you about when they were filming Interview with a Vampire and they filled the entire French Quarter with dirt and Brad Pitt used to go running shirtless in Audubon Park?" Gus started in, rubbing on her friend's back and trying to sound soothing, even if the last thing she wanted was to be was present at the delivery.
Gus couldn't help but remember the time a woman she was questioning water broke all over her shoes and how Danny wouldn't let her live it down. My, how things had changed.
Gus was happy when the whole process was over, not nearly as ecstatic as Lindsay or Danny mind you, but happy none the less. She left the room, wanting a shower and the ability to feel her hands again. She was pretty sure Lindsay had nearly cracked a couple of phalanges.
She exited the birthing suite while the nurses cleaned up baby girl Messer and the proud new parents had a little time alone. Gus was not surprised to see the whole gang anxiously gathered in the maternity waiting room.
"Well?" Stella asked as soon as she stepped in.
"Done, healthy baby girl, squalling already. They are cleaning her up now and I thought I would give them a moment alone." Gus slumped slightly, feeling suddenly exhausted.
Everyone else was excitedly chattering, wanting to hear about how she ended up present at the birth, teasing her and laughing at Lindsay's reaction to Danny. She kept on a brave face, but couldn't help feeling a bit melancholy despite the joyous occasion.
Finally they were allowed in. Gus thought about sitting outside, having already briefly met baby Messer, but Sheldon pulled her in.
Gus was glad she did, she had to admit the baby looked a whole lot cuter clean and swaddled then covered in goo and screaming her new baby lungs out.
The baby was passed around and she couldn't help but laugh at Danny and Lindsay at odds over Lucy versus Lydia as a name. Stella made a big show of all the frilly gifts they had bought as the baby was passed around.
Gus wasn't surprised in the least when they asked Mac and Stella to be godparents, but she did find herself a little misty as Mac accepted looking a little verklempt himself. She was grateful for Flack's joke about that being code for diaper duty.
Gus smiled at him, their eyes catching over the happy little family in the bed. For a brief moment, the whole world fell away as their gaze caught, both of them lost in the same train of thought of how ironic it was that it was Danny and Lindsay in that bed with their new baby, that things should have gone so differently a year ago, that it could have been them, wondering if it still could be...
Gus broke off with a start, shaking her head as her heart threatened to pound of her chest. She quickly looked around the room, relieved to see everyone else entranced with the baby.
What she didn't realize was that Adam had seen the whole exchange, saw the way Flack and Gus looked at each other. He knew right then and there that no matter how much of a crush he may have on Gus, he had to learn to let it go, because no matter who they may be with at the moment, Flack and Gus were meant to be together.