Freedom's Just Another Word

by snarcasm318

A/U: College is supposed to be their first taste of freedom, but for the last year Gail Peck had real freedom. Now she's back, within the grasp of her controlling parents, and forced to face the nightmares she's tried to leave behind. She's used to dealing with it alone, but does she have to?

27. Chapter 27

Ch. 27

A/N: Happy New Year, my dear readers. Thank you all so much for your patience and kind reviews for this story, they really do mean the world to me. I was a little unsure about the cameos and I'm glad you all seem to like them, but this chapter will probably be the last of the guest characters for a while though. I'm trying to get better about replying to the reviews in messages (I know I kinda suck at it, please don't take offense if I forget to respond). But for my guests who make it impossible:

Guest with a flair for the dramatic: I am toying with an idea for a sequel, and if your ideas make you horrible and selfish well then I'm pretty horrible too...

C: Congrats on your accomplishments (I'm a nerd too). That's tough about your graduation and I'm sorry for what you're going through but you should definitely take pride in what you've done. And thank you for reminding me about a four letter word that Holly is definitely starting to think about.

Thanks Debby for all the compliments...you're too kind :)

There are a lot more messages that I know I should probably mention but just know that every single comment you leave is what motivates me to continue this story, no matter how much sleep it costs me. Anyway, let's get on with this, shall we...

---

"Come on, Gail, you love coffee." Traci practically dragged her blonde friend through the doors of her favorite coffee shop.

"I also like being on time."

"The Penny is right down the street and we have plenty of time."

The shop was crowded with people occupying nearly every one of the tables adorned with yellow flowers...lilies, maybe? They looked familiar. A guy was sitting alone at one of the tables, watching them from the moment they came in. He had long dark hair and was wearing a leather vest over a dark red shirt. Gail catalogued him the same way she did everyone else in the shop, but his eyes never left the two girls giving the blonde the creeps and causing her to glare at him in return until he left. Once he was gone, she finally gave her attention back to her friend.

"Why did we even need to come here? Couldn't you have just made a pot at work?"

"They have the best coffee and always make it perfectly."

"Maybe for you." Gail commented as the boy behind the counter looked in their direction and smiled awkwardly at Traci. "You're just encouraging him."

The line inched slowly forward. "I'm getting coffee, I'm not doing anything to encourage anyone."

"Well the way he's looking at you says otherwise."

"You need to stop with that stuff. He is not stalking me."

"Almost every night, Trace, he shows up to the Penny, alone."

"Some people don't mind eating alone."

"Yeah, but they aren't all as creepy as him."

But Traci shook her head, they took another step forward as the line progressed. "Knock it off and pick out what you want or I'm not paying for you."

"Hey, that was the deal to get me here." Gail immediately protested. She was eyeballing the pastry case trying to decide what to get as a snack.

"Well, then pick out your treat before we really are late."

"I thought we had plenty of time."

"You're annoying. I'm going to pick for you." Traci declared as they reached the end of the line. She gave the girl behind the register both of their coffee orders and got a doughnut for the blonde.

"How's Holly doing?" Traci asked as they shifted over to wait for their order to be ready.

Gail shrugged, not wanting to get into it with Traci. But Holly was doing better, ever since the misconduct charges had been dropped. And things were going well between them, but Gail didn't want to jinx it by talking about it.

"She's been around a lot more," Traci continued to try to weasel information.

"I suppose."

"You two make a really cute couple."

"Almost as cute as you and your boyfriend, Jerry." Gail said loudly and pointedly as the male barista obsessed with Traci handed them their drinks. She saw the way he flinched, but said nothing before returning to fill the machine with beans.

"Seriously, Gail, stop already." Traci chastised in a low voice as the boy walked away.

"Fine, whatever."

"And stop trying to distract me from asking about you and Holly, you looked really happy at the bar that night."

"I was drunk."

"On Holly."

Gail shoved her friend who laughed loudly at her.

"Have you invited her to the show?"

"Frankie's in it. I'm sure she's already planning on going."

Traci rolled her eyes, "But that's not going with you. She'd probably like it if you asked."

Gail didn't want to give her friend the satisfaction of being right, but she filed the idea away for later, and attempted to change the topic. "You ready for it?"

The show was that weekend, which meant Gail would be working enough to cover both workers. She had to force Charlie to give her off enough time to go see the girls perform even if it meant working both before and after the show. It would've sucked except it gave her a built-in excuse to skip the after parties.

"I'm a little nervous," Traci admitted, taking a sip of her drink.

"Run around the building before the show," Gail suggested with a shrug as she scarfed down half of her treat.

"What?"

"I'm serious. It's one of Steve's stupid tricks, but it helps with nerves."

"You can't be serious."

"You can do push-ups, but I doubt you want to touch the floor. How about jumping jacks?"

"You're ridiculous."

"Hey, I'm just trying to help."

Traci didn't look convinced. "Mmhmm. Come on, let's go to work before Charlie gives our jobs away."

The waitress was only semi-joking.

"That's how he hired Angus." The man had an actual mullet.

"Mock all you want, but tip large," Traci imitated the newest bartender.

"It works, maybe I should grow my hair out like that." Gail pushed her hair out of her eyes.

"I don't know that Holly would like it." Traci teased. She had to hurry to catch up to the annoyed blonde who stormed out ahead of her.

---

"You're the best thing that ever happened to me." Frankie declared as Holly handed her an extra large cup of coffee.

"That was unusually sweet of you."

"I was talking to the coffee."

Holly smiled and nodded, "Ah ha, there's my friend."

Frankie hummed with delight as she relished her first sip. Juliet had been forcing them to practice every spare moment they had even if it meant not getting enough sleep. But it would all be over that weekend so Frankie was just gritting her teeth and bearing it. Well, that, and consuming inhuman amounts of caffeine.

"Thank you for bringing me this."

"Well, your text did seem rather dire considering it consisted of a coffee cup, a coffin, a ghost, and a skull and crossbones. I wasn't sure if it was implicating your own demise or the people around you."

"Both. You really are a life saver, Doc." Frankie caught the shadow that crossed Holly's face at the nickname. She had been calling her that for years and it usually elicited a smile and a glow of pride, even when Holly would point out that she wasn't a doctor...yet...but not that time. That time the name seemed to provoke a troubled look. "What's with the face?"

"This is just my face." Holly took a sip of her own coffee, masking said face with the cup.

"No, that's your something's-wrong-face. I thought everything was all good at your school now?"

"It is. At least, I hope so. I mean the school dropped the charges against me. Santana's been reported to the licensing bureau and arrested for multiple charges of child endangerment, drug dealing, and conspiracy. And he wasn't the only one, according to Gail they cleaned house at the clinic. A quarter of the staff got taken down with him."

The list included the social worker Holly had spoken to, who had completely ignored the allegations and told Holly to stop digging. Apparently a couple of nurses and even some residents were in on Santana's schemes as well, which included ignoring signs of abuse for payoffs, falsifying charts, and writing fake prescriptions for people to access medications they didn't need like methylphenidate and opiates.

"Do you have any idea what changed?" Frankie had been surprised when Holly called her to tell her that all the charges had been suddenly dropped and the doctor arrested when it appeared the school had been siding with the clinic.

"No. All they said was that they received some evidence anonymously and that was enough to launch a full investigation."

"But you have no idea where the evidence came from?"

"Not even a clue." The school had refused to go into detail and Holly knew better than to press her luck. It had been enough of a miracle to get the call without anything going into her permanent file that residencies would see. Despite her own curiosity about the whole situation, Holly had decided to count her blessings. "Maybe somebody came forward or something was found at the clinic. When Gail had talked to one of the nurses, she had mentioned that there had been similar incidents in the past."

While Frankie's natural inclination was to continue digging, she became sidetracked with the mention of her blonde friend.

"Speaking of Goldilocks. You had her pretty worried about you. You shouldn't vanish like that."

The seriousness in Frankie's tone would have been enough to make Holly feel properly chastised if she hadn't already been beating herself up about it over the last few weeks. It was funny how Gail didn't even realize how many people cared about her.

"I won't." It was a promise that Holly fully intended to keep. "Anyway, since when do we keep the focus off of you for so long?"

"The universe does revolve around me."

Holly laughed at her annoyingly cocky friend. "How are things with Chloe?"

"Good." Frankie had to hide the small smile on her face with a sip of coffee.

"That's it. That's all I get."

"Yep."

Holly shrugged, taking a sip of her own drink. She decided to get her friend's goat. "Well, I guess it's better than you wallowing."

"I do not wallow."

"You totally wallow. In fact, you wallow with the best of them."

"Probably because I'm good at everything I do." Frankie's phone chimed with a messaged. After she checked it, and the time on her phone, she made a face. "As much as I'd rather spend my time with you..."

"Who wouldn't?" Holly agreed.

Frankie rolled her eyes, but continued on "...I have to get to practice. But you are coming to the show this weekend?"

"Of course, I wouldn't miss it."

"Good." Frankie's lips flickered up into a brief smile to let her friend know that she really did appreciate her support. She downed the rest of her coffee before standing to gather her things. "You going with Gail and the boys or just Goldilocks?"

Holly shrugged, "Gail didn't invite me."

Frankie couldn't stop herself from rolling her eyes. For two intelligent women, Gail and Holly could be a couple of dumbasses. "Seriously what is with the two of you? Do you really need me to walk you through everything?"

But Holly wasn't concerned about the situation. After everything that had happened over the last couple of weeks she was pretty certain that things between her and Gail were solid. So if Gail hadn't invited her, she must have had her reasons and Holly certainly wasn't going to pressure her by asking about it. Plus, she had been planning on going to the show long before she had even met Gail especially knowing it would be her friend's last performance.

"Relax, Frankie, it's fine. Even if I don't go with them, I promise I'll be there for at least one of the shows. That's if the storm doesn't ruin it."

"Nah, it's not supposed to hit till Monday, so hopefully the only thing it cancels is classes."

"So optimistic."

"Hey, we've yet to have a snow day."

"That is a shame." Both girls could agree that it wouldn't really be winter without at least one.

"Walk me to Hart House, Stewart?" Frankie asked as enticingly as possible.

Holly smiled and bowed to her friend, stretching her arm out gallantly before her. "After you."

---

Gail had stopped to see Holly in between classes and work for a quick study break. For once, it was actually supposed to include studying considering the blonde wasn't gong to have much time all weekend to get her work done and she had already worked a few shifts plus gone to the clinic sans Holly. But minutes after arriving she could feel the tiredness settling into her body, which was why she had settled onto Holly's bed without any intentions or any books.

"Maybe you should call in sick tonight and get some sleep." Holly suggested when she saw the blonde collapse in a heap of exhaustion.

"Nah, I'll be fine once I get my second wind is all." But Gail could see the worry written clearly across the brunette's face. "Really, Nerd. I just need to rest for a bit. Come here and keep me company?"

Holly made her way over to the bed with the book she had been reading. It took a minute for her to settle in comfortably, and as soon as she did Gail moved closer. While Holly focused in on her studies, Gail decided to focus in on Holly's body. It was innocent enough, or at least it certainly started that way. Really it was just a hand on Holly's side that eventually started to roam over her abdomen before it may or may not have slipped down to the hem of her shirt. And it may have wandered enough that said shirt had bunched slightly to reveal a small sliver of warm skin just above the top of the brunette's pants. And once it found that skin it may have needed to feel a bit more, like the bit of metal adorning Holly's belly button. And that not-quite-so-innocent hand may not have stopped there as it moved to trace the line from one of Holly's hips to the other. But through all the wandering the med student seemed to pay her no mind, the focus of her attention on the book in her hands. Well maybe she wasn't completely focused if the way Holly's lips were slightly turned up was any indication...or the way her breathing wasn't quite even anymore...or that it seemed like she had been on the same page for way too long. Gail smiled as she shifted slightly higher so she could press her lips to Holly's neck in the one spot she knew would definitely get her attention, while the dastardly hand slipped just the teensiest bit lower.

"I thought you were tired?" Holly asked, her eyes remaining on the book in her hands even as she shifted to accommodate the blonde's ministrations.

"I think my second wind kicked in."

"Mmmm, well if you keep doing that, you're going to need a third." Holly finally turned the page she had been stuck on.

Gail sighed against Holly's neck, she pulled back realizing that as much as she wished otherwise the truth was that she didn't have the energy to finish what she started and work the rest of the night. "I hate Charlie," she grumbled as she settled down beside Holly, pulling away from the tempting length of Holly's neck, and moving her hand back up to slightly more neutral territory, but she refused to give up the warm skin entirely.

Holly smiled in understanding, doing her best to contain her own disappointment. She finally looked away from the book to press a kiss to the top of the blonde's head. "I'm not exactly his biggest fan right now either."

But the words weren't enough to stop Gail from pouting. "Why do you have to be so responsible?" She did nothing to disguise the whine in her voice.

"One of us has to be. Would you rather it be you?"

"Hell no! I don't wanna grow up, I wanna be a Toys-R-Us kid," the blonde sang causing Holly to laugh at her petulance.

But Holly didn't miss the yawn that followed the song or the way the other girl's blinks were starting to last a little longer, especially now that Holly had started toying with her hair. "Well Toys-R-Us kid why don't you take a nap?"

"Noooooo."

"Then just rest your eyes. Please."

She didn't have much time before her shift, and she knew it, so she closed her eyes. "Fine."

That was all it really took for Gail to fall into a light sleep. And even though she tried to fight it, the exhaustion had won out.

It felt like no time had passed at all before her alarm was going off and she was forcing herself back up again. She felt nauseous, and probably looked a little green if the way Holly's concerned eyes swept over her face were anything to go by. But Holly didn't say anything, she just continued to sit quietly on her bed, peering over from her book and failing to seem nonchalant as she watched the blonde get prepared to leave.

"Are you going to the show this weekend?" Gail asked through a yawn as she finished gathering her things. She took her time, having purposefully set her alarm early so she wouldn't have to rush, even though she could've really used the extra sleep.

Holly gave up the pretense and set her book back down. She smiled at Gail, a little unsure about where the question was going, but knowing all too well that this was how the blonde operated. "For sure. I promised Frankie I would." She didn't bother asking why, certain that the answer would come soon enough.

Traci's words from the shop had been ringing in her ears all week. At first Gail had ignored them, not really thinking it was necessary to invite Holly, or turn something that wasn't a big deal into something that, well, was. But the more she had thought about it the more she realized that she really wanted Holly to be there, which meant there was only one thing left to do.

"Well...you know...if you wanted to...you could come with me and the boys." It was a little surprising how she stumbled over the words. Jeeze, why was she so nervous to ask Holly to hang out? It wasn't even a real date and she had asked Holly on those. This was just hanging out with more friends. It's what friends do, right?

Holly watched the blonde shift her weight nervously from one foot to the other and run her hand through her hair. The fact that Gail wouldn't look at her made it hard for Holly to tell if she was just being nervous or if it was because she was being forced to do something she didn't really want to do. "Did Frankie make you ask me?"

Gail finally looked Holly's way, her head tilted in confusion. She wasn't sure what the senior had to do with her asking. "No?"

"You sure you want me tagging along?" Holly tried to make it sound like she was teasing, but she wasn't sure how successful she was. She didn't want Gail feeling obligated to have her around especially with her friends. Everything was still new between them and nothing was exactly 'official'. If Gail didn't want her around her friends she could respect that, even if Frankie couldn't.

Gail could practically feel Holly's apprehension from across the room so she walked over to the brunette, gently cradling her face with her hands and pressed a sweet kiss to her lips. "Yeah, you're way better company and I have to work the rest of the weekend so it might be the only chance we get to see each other."

Holly couldn't control her smile. "Alright, sounds good."

Gail leaned forward to steal another kiss but when her phone buzzed in her pocket she was reminded that it was time for her to go. Holly let out a small sigh, knowing just what the buzzing meant as well. They didn't need to say anything

As Holly walked Gail out she listened to the blonde rant about her housemates and the show they had been preparing non-stop for. "I can't wait for this thing to be over, do you have any idea how many times I've had to listen to the same lines over and over again?"

Holly had been in the play the last two years. Even though they occasionally changed some of the parts they performed, she knew the format of the show too well and there was one thing in particular that concerned her. "Have you listened to the whole show?"

There was something in Holly's voice that set off alarms in Gail's head. "What do you mean?"

"There are parts in between the main scenes that involve talking to the audience."

"Okay?" She still didn't know where the brunette was going with this.

Holly didn't want to beat around the bush, not when she was worried about Gail and potential triggers. "Well some of those scenes talk about sexual assault and statistics. They usually do a part about the campus and the attacks that have happened here." One set of attacks in particular that were not only some of the most recent, but the most publicized. Holly knew that aside from her and Nick no one in the group knew about Gail's connection to them. Holly was also painfully aware of the blonde's sleep issues, and nightmares so she wanted her to be prepared.

"Oh."

"If you don't want to go you don't have to."

That wasn't really an option and the blonde freshman knew it. "I already promised I would."

"They'll understand."

Holly reached for her hand but Gail pulled away.

"No, they won't. And I don't want them asking questions." That much Gail was sure. She did not want the group finding out and looking at her differently, viewing her as weak, or worse, with pity. It was hard for her to look in those big brown eyes and see the concern there; she couldn't imagine everyone else knowing too.

"I didn't mean to upset you."

Gail broke out of the small panic she had found herself in when she heard the words uttered barely above a whisper. Eyes that had been frantically searching the street around them as if the solution was just waiting to be found turned back to the brunette near her. It tore at her that Holly wasn't looking at her anymore, suddenly fixated on the sidewalk below their feet. It was obvious that Holly hadn't wanted her to be blindsided during the show, that bringing this up at all was supposed to be a warning so she wouldn't get more hurt in the future. She invaded Holly's space, closing the gap she hadn't meant to create, and gently forced Holly's chin up so the bright brown eyes could meet her own. She gave Holly another soft kiss. "You didn't. Thank you for telling me."

Holly's hands found their way to the familiar leather jacket, and started toying with the hem of it. "I mean it, Gail. We can think of an excuse."

The blonde swallowed around the lump in her throat. She knew Holly meant it, but no excuse would be good enough if she missed this and disappointed everyone that had become a part of her life that year.

"It'll be okay, I'll be fine." She told both Holly and herself. Maybe if she said it enough it would be true. "But I gotta go now. I'll see you there?"

"Yeah."

"Later, Lunchbox."

"Bye, Danger." Holly leaned against the railing in front of her building as she watched the blonde figure walk away. The usual saunter was noticeably absent and it tore at Holly to see it so.

---

By the time the end of the week came Gail was barely functioning. For once, it wasn't even the nightmares that had stripped sleep from her grasp since she rarely found herself reaching her REM cycle at all. She had been working extra shifts all week on top of her classes and the few times she could get some extra shut eye, she was forced to listen to an entire house of girls practice lines about vaginas. It was the thought of finally getting to spend some time with Holly that motivated her to actually keep her promise and go to the show at all, considering she had been at work earlier that day and would have to return as soon as possible. But seeing the crooked smile on Holly's face that night was more than enough to revitalize her.

Unfortunately, having agreed to go with boys meant that Gail wasn't able to enjoy the time with Holly quite the way she wanted. She had settled for a lingering hug as greeting when they all met at the theater, knowing the boys were not only watching them but would report whatever they saw to the girls, and quite frankly Gail just didn't want to hear anyone's nonsense when it came to her and Holly and whatever it was that they had going on. She heard enough about it from people like Frankie, Chloe, Traci, and BitchTits that she didn't really need to fuel the fire and create any sort of drama. Still she stayed close to the brunette's side and even stole a quick kiss or two when it seemed the boys weren't paying attention.

Eventually, Gail, Holly, and the male members of their group had made their way into the theater, finding seats close to the stage so they could cheer on their friends that Friday night. The boys had all chipped in to make sure each of the girls had a bouquet of flowers for their performance. They were idiots, sure, but they could be really sweet when they tried. And Gail had kept her other promise, ensuring that their gang of miscreants donated the most to the charity the girls had chosen.

Despite being opening night, the show had gone off with only a few minor hitches. Most of the scenes had been hilarious, some heavy, and Holly had been right about the intermission scenes. Gail had tensed during those conversations, but Holly had reached over to hold her hand, which made it easier to handle. Sort-of. But she did her best to keep her focus on her friends. It was their night after all and they had certainly delivered. Juliet ran the show as smoothly as she could, Andy had finally gotten the hang of the accent (mostly), Traci and Chloe had each done their parts well, but the real showstopper had been Frankie's finale performance. The entire theater had rang with a variety of women's moans and the surprise triple orgasm literally had people on their feet cheering (well mostly Frankie's people, but whatever). There was no doubt that it was definitely a night to remember.

"What time do you have work?" Holly asked as they waited outside the changing area for the performers to finish collecting their stuff so they could congratulate them on the success of the show.

Gail shrugged; she was still holding Holly's hand and swung it slightly between them. "As soon as I can get there."

"Are you at least going to wait to talk to the girls?" The truth was that Holly just didn't want Gail heading out yet. She had been enjoying the night and having the chance to spend time with the blonde.

"Yeah, but then I'm going to have to head out. Can't leave Charlie all by his lonesome for too long or someone will definitely get fired. I'd really rather it not be me."

Holly nodded, disappointed but she understood. She smiled though when Gail tugged on their joined hands, pulling the brunette closer to her. A quick glance around confirmed that the boys weren't looking so she took a chance and gave Gail a quick kiss, like their stolen ones throughout the night. But when she tried to pull back, Gail caught a hold of her and pulled her in for a deeper one. They got lost in one another until the sound of the boys shouts drew their attention.

And, for once, it wasn't them heckling a kissing couple. It seemed the rest of the girls had finally appeared and the entire group had broken into applause, cheering in celebration of their hard work. The excitement was radiating from the crowd of friends, everyone elated, and talking over one another about the show. And it appeared the group was only just gearing up as the conversation quickly shifted to the topic of the after-parties.

Gail couldn't help it. The thought of parties still got her brain racing and her body tensing. She avoided them the best that she could and really preferred the nights her friends didn't go to them. But she had no choice in the matter that night, the rest of the girls had to meet up with the other performers and the boys would obviously be going with them. She grew quiet while the others talked, letting herself blend into the wall beside her. She hoped no one took notice of her or her discomfort, she was usually much better at hiding it with one of her patented sneers but that night she was just so exhausted.

Alas, at least one person did notice her. Holly it seemed hadn't quite forgotten about her. She felt the brunette nudge her gently from the side and when she looked up she saw Holly quirk a smile at her, a slight raise of her eyebrows silently asking her if she was okay. She gave a subtle nod and smiled when Holly still moved a little closer after the assurance.

"Peck, Holls you two in?" An excited Frankie interrupted their little moment. Even the normally surly brunette was bouncing with energy after the show, well as much as the older girl bounced anyway.

Gail tore her eyes away from Holly to glance over at her senior housemate. "I've got work, Anderson."

"I really shouldn't. I need to get going too." Holly added, dismissing the invitation as well.

While Frankie was willing to accept the blonde's excuse, she wasn't about to let her other friend off so easily. "No, you really should. Come to the after-party with us. Live a little, drink a lot."

Holly laughed at her friend's antics, but shook her head having no intention of taking up the offer. She was surprised when she heard Gail's voice speak up.

"She's right. You should."

"I'm always right," Frankie chimed in.

But Holly ignored her arrogant friend, "I have studying to do and have to go to the lab tomorrow." And while all of that was true, she also just didn't really want to go without Gail there to dance and laugh with.

"It's Friday night. At least one of us should enjoy it. Go on, Nerd, have some fun."

"I was having fun."

"Me too, but go hang out with the losers for a bit. Princess is going to need some help keeping Anderson in line."

"Oh, and you think I have a better chance of that."

"Eh, strength in numbers." Gail said with a shrug as she checked the time on her phone. "I have to get going."

After Gail said her goodbyes to the rest of the group, Holly offered to walk out with her but neither was allowed to leave until Holly promised Frankie that she would indeed go to the party for at least a little while. She did, if only to be able to get a few more minutes alone with the blonde.

Gail wasted no time pulling Holly in for a good-bye kiss. One that was happily reciprocated.

"Can you do me a favor?" Gail asked when they pulled apart.

"Anything."

"Text me when you get home tonight."

It was the same request Holly always gave Gail when she knew the blonde would be walking home at night. She had a feeling she knew what the concern was if Gail's reaction to the mentioning of parties was any indication. So this was an easy promise to make.

"Sure, no problem. But you have to do the same."

"Absolutely."

One last kiss and the couple parted to go on separate adventures for the rest of the night.

---

It wasn't a surprise when the nightmares came that night. Not really. Gail had spent the entirety of her shift on edge. She had been easily distracted, resulting in more than a few orders needing to be remade and her being even shorter with the customers than usual. The real highlight though was when a customer had knocked over a glass, and the crash had nearly caused her to jump out of her skin. Yeah, that had been super pleasant. The only positive had been that her boss was too busy to notice.

At least she hadn't had to close and when she had gotten home to an empty house without any of the usual noise or bustle she had barely registered anything other than her mattress. She had thought that sleep would come easy, had hoped the exhaustion was enough to get her through most of the night, but it clearly hadn't been. Maybe it had been the fact that she had been waiting on a text that still hadn't come. When she had gotten home, clearly before the rest of her housemates she had thought about texting the brunette to see how the party was, but she hadn't heard from the med student all night and she didn't want to seem desperate. Even if that was exactly as she was. For once she wished her roommate was creeping into the room, or snoring slightly from the unoccupied bed across from her. Anything to stop her from feeling so alone, with only her thoughts for company. She wished she could just go to Holly's and fall asleep in the brunette's bed, but either Holly wasn't there or she was probably sleeping, having forgotten the promise entirely.

So Gail was resigned to yet another restless night. She hated it. She hated that she didn't have control over her own brain. That it was so easy to upset the delicate balance she sometimes had over it and her reactions. It wasn't fair that one fucked up night over two years ago could still affect her so much. She was supposed to be better than this, stronger, a Peck. She was supposed to be in control or at least better able to compartmentalize. There was no room for fear, for feelings, for constantly reliving what happened. The nightmares and flashbacks had been worse when it first happened, but the fact that they still happened at all and were still able to wreck her so bad had her wishing for an escape. She tried to avoid the reminders, but being stuck in Toronto, at the University where it all happened was basically a recipe for remembering. It was obvious tonight that she wasn't the only one to remember either; she wasn't the only one with monsters haunting her sleep.

She was stuck and she knew it. She hadn't had a choice in coming back. Her parents had already given her the absolute furthest limit they would allow for such blatant disregard for the plans they had for her future. They had made it clear before she came home and every day since that any more of her "rebellion" wouldn't be tolerated. She still couldn't believe how far their reach had extended. So running away, again, wasn't really an option. But she didn't want to think about them or what happened or anything else. She just wanted to fucking sleep.

It was that thought that had her sitting up in bed and reaching for the drawer beside her. She may not have been in any physical pain but that didn't mean she couldn't use them. She pulled out the still full bottle of prescription pain pills. They had messed with her dreams while she was in the hospital but maybe taking an extra pill would be enough to help her sleep the rest of the night. Maybe they could take a little bit of the edge off.

She dragged herself out of bed, pulling a sweatshirt over her head on her way downstairs to the kitchen for a glass of water. She hopped up on her usual counter and fiddled with the bottle in her hand. "Take two for pain" the instructions read. Well that may have been for her wrist but how many was she supposed to take to ease the pain that came with remembering? With not being able to control her thoughts? With not having any say over her own future or plans? Well she sat there with a bottle full of choices. It would be easy to take the pills, curl back up in her bed, and not worry about what she'd have to face the next day, or if she'd face it at all.

The sound of a car door slamming drew her attention. She could hear her housemates before they came crashing through the front door, so she stuffed the bottle into the pocket on her hoodie.

"Heyyy Roooomie!" Chloe's overly exuberant greeting was the first to reach her.

Gail watched the giggly redhead stumble through the hallway and into the kitchen where she was seated. She wasn't surprised when Frankie appeared only a few steps behind. She also noticed that the senior's shirt was a mess with buttons in disarray, clearly put together haphazardly. She was glad that she hadn't been forced to witness the two of them firsthand.

"Princess." Gail replied flatly.

"You missed an awesome paaaarrrrttttaaaayyyyyy!"

"I doubt it."

"Awww you don't alwaysss have to be sooo grumpy."

"Pretty sure she was born that way." Frankie pointed out as she moved past the now pouting Chloe to grab water from the fridge for both girls.

"Nice shirt, Anderson. Did you get dressed in the dark?"

Frankie merely shrugged, clearly unconcerned, "Well now that you mentioned it..."

"Whoops, that'ssss my baaad." Chloe interrupted, she continued to sing/slur most of her words. She moved closer to the brunette and played with the half of the shirt that was now hanging lower than the other.

"You were very, very bad." Frankie pointed out, dropping her voice as she pulled Chloe closer, forgetting the blonde on the countertop.

"Okay gross, can you just not do that..." she gestured wildly with one hand in their general vicinity "...here. That'd be great."

"No need to be jealous, Peck."

"Definitely not jealous, Anderson."

"I think she needsss a doctor to cure her of all this grumpiness," Chloe suggested. She brightened even further when she saw their front door open. "Oh look, here's one now."

"Here's what now?" Holly asked, her confusion evident in the furrowed brow and slight smile on her face. But that smile grew considerably at the sight of Gail sitting on the countertop.

"A doctor. We need you to cure my roommate of her lifelong aff-affli-afflixioon"

"Affliction." Frankie supplied.

"That" Chloe punctuated the word with an emphatic wave of her hand that nearly clocked Frankie in the face but the senior gently caught her wrist, "of grumpiness." She smiled widely when the older girl pressed a kiss to her hand before releasing her. Except she decided that she liked the way Frankie felt therefore refusing to actually leave her space. She smiled brightly in her small victory when the senior simply huffed and pulled her closer.

"Maybe I wouldn't be grumpy if I wasn't forced to endure this sickening display of drunken mush."

"Who are you calling mush?" Frankie scowled as menacingly as she could even with Chloe now wrapped securely in her arms.

"You. You're a giant sack of it, Anderson. Face facts: the Princess has corrupted you. Turned you into nothing more than an ooey-gooey pile of-"

"Holls, you might want to step in here before I verbally flay your girlfriend."

Holly leaned against the wall just outside of the kitchen entryway, figuring that if she couldn't reach Gail she might as well make herself comfortable and enjoy the show. "I'm surprised you two are still downstairs."

"Needed water but Goldilocks seems to have distracted us."

"I did not start this conversation."

Frankie ignored her, keeping her attention on her friend in their hallway. "But now that you two have been reunited I won't have to listen to you bitch and moan about how much you miss her."

Holly narrowed her eyes at her friend; she may have mentioned that her night would've been better if Gail had been there. But that was only like once...maybe twice... She knew that if she argued with Frankie that the other girl would try to embarrass her more.

So she turned the attention back to Frankie, "Your shirt's messed up."

"You don't say."

"Maybe you should have someone help you fix it." Holly gave her friend a pointed look and hoped she wasn't drunk enough to miss the blatant hint to get the hell out of the kitchen.

Frankie decided to roll with it. "She's right, Muppet, you were the one to break it in the first place." She shamelessly maneuvered the redheaded freshman in the direction of the stairs. "It's only right that you help me fix it."

Chloe went with it, giggling when Frankie whispered something in her ear. She decided to take the lead and started to pull Frankie up the stairs faster.

"Night," Holly called out to the retreating couple but only received more giggles in response.

With the two other girls gone, there was no one standing in their way and Gail had a clear view of the med student. Holly's cheeks were still slightly red from the embarrassment Frankie had caused and Gail couldn't help but think that maybe the senior's words were true.

"You missed me?"

Holly pushed off the wall and crossed over to where the blonde was seated. When Gail parted her legs, Holly stepped into the space. She rested her hands on the counter, one each side of the pale thighs. "Maybe." She leaned a little closer and hoped that Gail would close the gap.

Gail moved her hands up and threaded them through Holly's hair before taking what was clearly being offered. She could smell the alcohol before she tasted it on Holly's lips. Holly had obviously partaken in the festivities, but she certainly didn't seem drunk or at least not nearly as sloppy as her roommate had been. She felt whatever remaining tension from the nightmare and the dark thoughts following slip away with how easy their lips moved together. There was no pressure, or hurrying, or trying to turn the kiss into something more, both girls seemed to be content to just enjoy the kiss for what it was: pure and simple.

Her hands released their grasp on the thick tresses and looped behind Holly's neck when the kiss ended. "Didn't have fun at the party?"

"Could've been better."

"So what are you doing here?"

"I wanted to make sure everyone got home safe. I was going to text but I technically haven't made it home yet. I kind of thought you'd be sleeping by now."

"Tried."

Holly tilted her head, her eyes filled with concern and Gail cracked in seconds.

"I had some weird dreams and you hadn't texted. And it was just a shitty night."

"I didn't mean to make you worry. My phone died, I was going to charge it when I got back and text you." Holly held up the darkened device as proof and gave her best apologetic look.

"I know," It was a lot easier to believe when Holly was standing right in front of her. The truth was that having the person was significantly better than a few characters on a screen. "It's not bad that you're here."

"No?"

Gail shook her head. It was better than not bad. She really wanted to be with Holly, not just because she didn't want to be alone but because just being around the raven-haired beauty made her feel better. Made her feel... safer, maybe?

"Well I could stay if you wanted or you could come back with me?"

"I thought you needed to go to the lab in the morning."

"I do."

Gail's teeth unconsciously sunk into her bottom lip as she contemplated what Holly was saying. It was a tempting offer, but she had already had one failed attempt at sleep that night. "It's already late and I don't know that I'm going to be able to sleep."

Holly gave the muscular legs beneath her hands a light squeeze, "That's okay, I could always distract you if you needed it."

Okay, now that was a really tempting offer, she pulled Holly even closer, reconnecting their lips in another slow dance. She felt Holly's hands glide up her legs to her waist, pausing there as her thumbs pressed against her hip bones. It was just enough to make Gail want more, but still know that Holly wasn't pushing for anything, that they could stay like that as long as she wanted. There was a (very specific) part of her that wanted to take Holly up on the offer, but the more she relaxed under Holly's touch, the more the exhaustion seeped in.

She hated herself for a different reason right then as she pressed her forehead against Holly's. "I'm really tired."

Holly pulled back and placed a kiss on the blonde's forehead. "Then we'll just sleep."

Gail was too tired to fight it any longer, not when Holly was offering her whatever she wanted. "Okay."

Gail let Holly lead her back up to her room. She had one hand holding Holly's and the other in her pocket trying to muffle the pills she had almost forgotten about until she had gone to slip off the counter. Once they reached the second floor, Gail shoved Holly in the direction of the bathroom, offering her a toothbrush and something to wear, she may have also made a remark about Holly reeking of booze which had earned her an offended swat of the arm.

The second Holly was out of sight Gail hastily shoved the bottle back into her drawer, no longer needing the relief they offered. Even if she couldn't sleep that night, she had better company.

---

Gail stumbled her way through the rest of her shifts that weekend and then through her classes that Monday. Her mind was still in a fog of exhaustion, but every time she tried to close her eyes and relax her mind sleep continued to elude her. She may have been more irritable than usual but it wasn't her fault that her body felt like a tightly wound coil ready to unleash with the slightest provocation. Ever noise grated on her nerves, a slammed door, a car backfire, glasses slamming at the bar were all enough to send her heartrate rocketing.

Charlie had sent her home early from her shift, claiming that she was even making him tired. As she walked home from the Penny she could feel it in the air; snow was definitely on the way. She hoped the predictions were right and there would be enough to close the campus for at least the day. She had already spoken to the clinic and they had told her that she wouldn't be required to come in if the weather was bad and Charlie knew not to schedule her on Tuesdays unless there was an absolute emergency. So the snow could give her a guilt-free and much-needed day off.

She fumbled with her keys, both the cold and exhaustion making hard to move the delicate muscles required for that type of dexterity. She cursed a few times before the door swung open.

"That was a very vivid description of your front door," Holly's face was lit up with amusement at the blonde's plight.

"What are you doing here?" Gail wasn't entirely convinced that Holly wasn't just a figment of her sleep-deprived brain. A hallucination brought on by sheer desperation.

Holly chuckled as the blonde pushed past her and out of the cold, not put off in the slightest by the grumpiness in Gail's voice. "I was studying with Frankie, but she has to run to the store with the boys and I was just about to head home."

"Oh." Gail ditched her jacket and boots in the hallway by the front door. Suddenly feeling rejuvenated, she moved to invade Holly's space, "Are you in a hurry?"

"Well, I was going to go before the snow started."

"Hasn't started yet. So that probably means you have some time."

"That might be possible."

"Well, might it be possible that you want to spend some of that time with me?"

Holly smiled and looped her arms around the blonde, drawing her near. "I think I could manage that."

Gail forgot about the crippling fatigue plaguing her body the second she was able to touch Holly. Even just small touches were enough to get the adrenaline pumping in her system. It wasn't new and probably shouldn't still surprise her that just being around Holly was enough to turn her on. She knew she liked sex, she had established that pretty early on in high school. And honestly she was always down for a rough and dirty quickie with any of the guys she had been with in the past. Boyfriends, hook-ups she had treated them all the same considering they were just a means to an end. But from the first time she was with Holly it was different. Sure, there were still plenty of times that she had used Holly for some mutual satisfaction but more often than not she found that she preferred taking her time, that the build-up was just as fun as the release.

So despite the urgency of the forecast she refused to hurry, taking her time leading Holly to her bedroom, stripping the brunette of every layer of clothing she had pragmatically worn to combat the weather, she let her lips, teeth, and tongue along with her hands, fingers, and nails explore every inch of Holly's body. They tasted and teased different paths, dragging Holly to the edge more than once, but refusing to give her what she wanted most. Letting her squirm and whine and whimper until she was on the verge of begging for release. Then the familiarity kicked in, allowing her to press and curl and twist in such a way that it wasn't long before Holly was moaning her name loud enough that she wouldn't be surprised if the boys had heard next door. She wasn't completely satisfied until Holly was pushing her away when even light touches proved to be too much.

Then Gail found herself getting maneuvered onto her own back, allowing Holly to repay the favor in kind. It seemed Holly enjoyed taking her time just as much, she was pleasantly surprised to find that there were still things she hadn't known Holly was capable of doing with her tongue. And after she had plummeted into her own sweet oblivion, Gail found that the previous agonizing heaviness in her muscles had been replaced by a much more pleasant ache. It was only a matter of seconds before she found herself drifting off to the most contented sleep she had had in days.

"Gail, honey." Holly gently brushed her hands through the short locks on Gail's head that were already sticking up like a hedgehog, an adorable hedgehog whose face was scrunching up in her refusal to wake.

Gail gently, but blindly reached up to swat at Holly's mouth like an alarm clock. The brunette chuckled and caught the flailing appendage before pressing a lingering kiss to Gail's palm.

"No, tired." Came the grumbled huff. Working too many hours and not sleeping nearly enough, had finally caught up to the blonde.

"I know, sweetie, but I should probably get going. The snow's already coming down."

It was actually coming down a lot faster than the meteorologists had predicted (shocker), and if she didn't leave soon it would be a pain in the ass to get the few blocks to her apartment. But she also didn't really want to leave the adorably sleeping grump beside her. Gail wasn't on top of her or even cuddled in such a way that pinned Holly there, instead she was curled on her side facing the brunette, pressed as close as possible. But as it was, she was also tucked against the wall so any escape meant climbing over the slumbering woman beside her.

"Or you could just stay here."

"For the storm?"

"Mmhmm."

"Uhh..." Holly was more than a little stunned by the offer that had been mumbled into her skin.

Gail didn't open her eyes or shift at all from the position she was in, but she did speak clearer, if quieter. "You don't have to, but it's going to be boring, locked in with all the losers. You can at least make it not suck as much."

"We could be trapped for days." Holly teased, continuing to stroke the blonde mop beside her. They had predicted at least 15 centimeters of snow by morning.

"Well then I'm definitely going to need you around to help me with the dead bodies."

Gail finally opened her eyes and despite the smirk on her face, there was a hint of shyness in those azure eyes, as if she wasn't sure Holly would choose to stay. But for Holly it wasn't really much of a choice. Of course, she would stay.

"You know, practical applicability is the cornerstone of medical training. What kind of student would I be if I passed on such a learning experience?"

"I knew you just wanted to put all that sciencey mumbo jumbo you've been learning in the lab to use, Nerd."

"It's science not magic."

"Prove it, tell me about what you did all weekend without me."

"Just remember you asked for it." Holly warned, but Gail just smiled and kissed her softly before burrowing herself further into Holly's side as she waited for another morbid bedtime story. The brunette smiled to herself as she started to tell Gail about how she learned to differentiate between the natural decomposition of a corpse and the different methods it could be accelerated with and what traces to look for.

Eventually Holly felt Gail's body grow heavier and her breathing slower as the blonde drifted back to sleep, and even though it was tempting to drift off with her, Holly knew it was getting later and the rest of the girls would be returning. If tradition held then they would all be heading next door to hang out during the storm so she forced herself to stay awake. But she didn't have the heart to wreck the peacefulness Gail had finally found. So she let the blonde rest as she drew lazy patterns along porcelain skin.

Eventually the return of most of the housemates caused enough noise in the house to wake the slumbering freshman. But she still refused to leave the warm cocoon they had created.

"We should probably get dressed, rejoin civilization." Holly suggested. She was surprised no one had interrupted already.

"That is one of the worst ideas I've ever heard. I don't think we should ever get dressed again. In fact, I'm implementing a no clothes rule until we're dug out."

"Your housemates are home and I don't think they'll agree to this rule."

"Hmmm...you're wrong, but I don't really want them ogling you." Especially not McNally, to be completely honest Gail would probably punch Andy if she even thought she was looking at Holly.

"So that means we need clothes."

"No, that means we need to not leave this room."

"And what about when Chloe needs to get her things or wants to use her own room?"

"Please, Princess loves any excuse to camp out in Anderson's room, and Frankie has more than enough clothes for the both of them."

"Okay what about when you get hungry?"

"Food's not the only thing I enjoy eating." Gail's silky voice husked before she nibbled at Holly's ear.

Holly could feel a small amount of heat reach her cheeks at the comment, and a larger amount settled elsewhere, but she was a little self-aware that the house was now filled with people who could hear them. So she tried not to let the blonde get too carried away, even as she felt the gentle bites slowly move along her neck. She cleared her now dry throat, "I don't know that I'm enough to sustain you."

"Maybe not, but it's worth finding out."

Before Gail could get too invested in her new plan, she was distracted as the smell of fresh baked goods reached her bedroom.

"Do you smell that?"

Holly was torn between laughing because she was right or groaning because Gail was such a terrible tease. But with the way the blue eyes had lit up she knew that she had been spot-on about the blonde's stomach and necessity for actual food.

Sure enough, Gail was up and putting on sweats before Holly even had a chance to respond. She barely caught the articles of clothes flung her way.

"I thought you were implementing a no clothes rule," Holly teased even as she started to dress.

"Rules are made to be broken and if my suspicions are correct, clothes are needed for a very important mission."

"Well far be it from me to get in the way of a very important mission."

"Come on, Nerd, we have to hurry."

Holly could barely contain her laughter as Gail made her way down the stairs like some kind of movie spy. Creeping down each step, tucked close against the wall, pausing to check around every corner. They could hear music coming from the kitchen and Chloe's voice singing along to the lyrics. Sure enough there were cookies cooling along the breakfast bar.

Gail pressed a finger against her lips, causing Holly again to have to muffle her laughter. The seriousness on the blonde's face was too much to handle. The two stealthily crept their way over towards the kitchen, ducking out of sight any time they heard Chloe move from the stove where she was mixing batter. Carefully, Gail reached across and snagged an entire cooling rack of cookies, which she pushed into Holly's hands and then shoved at the brunette to hurry back up the stairs.

They were halfway to the room when they heard Chloe's voice shouting, "Those were for everyone, Gail!"

"Go, go, go." Gail hurried her even more.

Holly collapsed into the blonde's room in a fit of laughter. "I think you got busted."

The blue eyes were shining with both delight at her new treat and the mischief she had just managed and it caused the smile on Holly's face to grow even wider. Gail was failing to suppress her own smile when Holly's laughter was infusing her with a warmth she only ever felt when she got to bask in the brunette's presence.

"That's because you are the worst partner in crime ever."

"Am not!" Holly huffed in offense.

Gail pulled the pilfered goodies closer to herself, and shoved one in her mouth before letting out an exaggerated moan. "I shouldn't even share my spoils with you." She said not waiting to swallow the bite.

Holly reached over, but her efforts were thwarted. Apparently Gail's reflexes quickened when food was involved. "Hey, I earned at least half of them."

"That has yet to be proven."

"You can't seriously eat all of those by yourself."

"I am deeply offended. Can't and shouldn't are two very different things, Lunchbox."

"Can I please have one?"

"Ugh, you're lucky you're cute."

Holly beamed both for the treat and the compliment. When she took her first bite of Chloe's concoction she hummed in delight at how good it was. It was completely understandable why even Gail complimented Chloe's skills in the kitchen. And luckily for Holly, she had been a happy recipient throughout the school year of leftovers and treats sent her way through both Frankie and Gail.

"You were right, this was a very important mission."

Gail gave her a told-you-so look but repositioned herself and the tray so the two of them could share it. Holly settled more comfortably in the bed, content to enjoy both the delicious cookies and the blonde's company.

---

"Why are you pouting?" Frankie asked as she went to deposit bags in the kitchen, some snow still clinging to her hair after returning from the store. One look at the adorable freshman staring helplessly at a bunch of ingredients and some empty cookie trays had piqued the senior's interest.

"Gail stole my cookies," Chloe whined. She had been baking from the time she had gotten home in preparation for the storm and in the span of less than a minute her sneaky roommate had nicked a sizeable chunk of her hard work. The real issue though was that she didn't have enough ingredients to replace them and she didn't want to go to the store to buy them.

"Want me to beat her up?"

"No, she had Holly help her."

"Yeah, no, sorry, I can't beat up Holly. That would just be mean. But I thought you loved baking, just make some more."

"I ran out of milk." Thus, the epic poutfest.

"That I might be able to help you with. I had to take on a mob of soccer moms, but..." Frankie reached into one of the bags and held up a gallon of milk in triumph.

"Oh my God, you're the best!" Chloe bounced happily, retrieving the container, and giving Frankie an appreciative kiss before setting back to what she had been baking. "Did you have the boys help?"

"They may have run interference." Frankie moved further into the kitchen to finish putting away some of the things the house asked her to pick up. However, some of the contraband remained in their bags.

"What else did you get?"

"Mostly booze, but other snow essentials."

"Let me guess you all bought bread and eggs just so other people couldn't get them."

Frankie shrugged unapologetically, "Also because Jerry makes surprisingly good French toast. Actually, I'm pretty sure it's the only thing he can make."

Chloe laughed in agreement. "What else?"

Frankie moved behind the redhead, hands reaching for hips to pull her closer before pressing a kiss to her exposed neck. She rested her chin on the smaller girl's shoulder. "You'll see later. I can't ruin all the surprises."

"Yes you can."

"Alright, I can, but I won't." Frankie gave her another affectionate kiss to the temple before reaching around her to grab the eggs and a bowl.

Chloe looked over and smiled at the normally cantankerous senior, she couldn't help the amount of unbridled affection she felt as the older girl helped without being asked.

"What?"

"Nothing," Chloe knew better than to make a big deal, but that didn't stop her from leaning over to give Frankie a quick kiss. "Thanks for helping."

"Mmhmm," The brunette muttered as she continued about her task.

Once the new batch of cookies were in the oven, Frankie caught hold of Chloe again and pulled her close. She started swaying to the music that was playing as she hummed along to the words. Chloe happily moved along, letting the senior lead, as she settled her arms comfortably around her shoulders.

"You're in a good mood."

"I like snow days."

"They haven't called it yet."

"They will." Frankie replied confidently.

"I also like dancing with you," Frankie gave her a twirl before pulling her obscenely close again. "Even if you have horrible taste in music.

"Hey!" Chloe tried to push away in her feigned offense, but Frankie just tightened her hold. She let herself get pulled in as the senior connected their lips in a kiss that melted her on the spot. Her arms shifted so that her hands could grip the back of Frankie's neck. She felt one of Frankie's hands leave her hips to move up to tangle in her hair and change the angle of their lips. When Frankie went to deepen it further, she happily let her and responded by trying to pull the senior even closer. Their kisses heated up faster than the oven, and it wasn't long before their bodies were moving until Frankie made contact with the cabinets, giving them a surface and a bit of leverage. Chloe's body settled comfortably between Frankie's legs, and as the hand on her hip slipped up and under her shirt she could feel the older girl trying to pull her even closer. The feeling of Frankie's cool hand on her hot skin sent a tingle down her spine and made her want even more, to lose herself under Frankie's touch.

"Gross!" The two girls startled apart at the interruption. But when Frankie saw who was standing there, she rolled her eyes and pulled Chloe back towards her. The redheaded freshman settled comfortably in the embrace.

"Can you two keep it in your pants long enough to step away from where the food is kept?" Gail complained as she tossed the empty cookie tray in the sink, passing the canoodling couple along the way.

Frankie smirked and Chloe blushed as they both remembered what they had already done in said room of the house. The freshman put a little distance between them as she straightened out her clothes. After pulling herself together, Chloe looked over and realized that Gail hadn't brought back a single cookie.

"Seriously, Gail, you ate all of them?!" Chloe chastised the blonde. She looked at Holly in disbelief.

But the med student just held her hands up in surrender as she grabbed one of the stools nearby to sit on, "I tried to stop her."

"I didn't eat all of them," Gail dimed out her accomplice in a hot second before settling into her own seat.

The bespectacled brunette made an apologetic face, "They were really good." She turned to Gail and narrowed her eyes, silently reprimanding her for the betrayal.

Chloe huffed slightly, but decided to let it go when she watched her roommate lean over to whisper something to Holly that made the taller girl's frown slip into a wide smile. She was more surprised when Gail pressed a quick kiss to her cheek before shifting her stool closer to Holly. It was strange to see Gail looking at someone the way she was looking at Holly; there was a softness that she had never seen on the blonde's features before. So, it was hard to stay mad when the couple was being adorable, especially out in the open, which was definitely a new development for the blonde.

However, it seemed Frankie had no issues taking her turn to interrupt. "I thought you were leaving before the snow," she pointedly asked the med student. Holly had turned down her own invitation to hang out through the storm when they had been working earlier in the day.

"I was, but I kind of got stuck."

"Stuck, huh?"

"Yep."

Frankie started to speak, undoubtedly to make a crude remark, but Chloe clamped a hand over her mouth before she could get the words out.

"Well, then I guess it's a good thing that between here and the boys we have enough food and alcohol to put the Penny to shame." Chloe offered with a smile. She gave Frankie a look telling her to behave before she released her.

"Do we have to go over there?" Gail petulantly dropped her head onto folded arms.

"It's tradition," Frankie pointed out. Even she took part in it, so she wasn't about to let the blonde escape.

"So?" Gail shot the older girl a look saying why-should-I-give-a-shit. Technically, it wasn't her tradition.

"So suck it up."

When Gail literally growled in response, sitting up in her seat to gear up for a squabble with Frankie, Holly reached over and gently placed a hand on her arm. Gail deflated, allowing herself to be mollified by the soothing touch.

Holly leaned a little closer and spoke softly, "It won't be that bad."

"You don't know that."

"You're the one who said it was my job to make the others more bearable. I take my job very seriously."

"What would make them more bearable is not seeing them at all. C'mon we can just stay here. In this big, ole empty house. Just us. No clothing needed."

"They have food, Peck, and booze. Since when do you pass that up?" Holly questioned with a teasing lilt.

"Since it involves having to be stuck in a house with a shit ton of people when we could just stay here where it's warm."

Holly gently brushed Gail's growing bangs out of her face. "How about we go over, steal their food and alcohol, and then we can come back and enjoy this big, ole empty house."

"No clothing?"

"None."

"Fiiiiine." Gail groaned dramatically. And loud enough that it drew Chloe and Frankie's attention as well.

"Glad you agree, Goldilocks, because apparently they're all waiting on us next door." Frankie informed the group after her phone buzzed with a new message from Sammy. She decided not to read the text aloud, although she made a mental note to hit the boy when she saw him for it.

Chloe checked to see if the cookies were done baking. "Two more minutes then they just need to cool for a bit and we can leave."

Frankie pushed off the counter she had been leaning against, "Well in that case, I need to grab a couple more things before we go." She offered a hand to Chloe. "Come, help, Muppet?"

Chloe rolled her eyes, but took the hand anyway. "What about the cookies?"

"I'm sure these two can handle pulling them out of the oven."

"Seriously?! I thought you said we had to leave!" Gail pointed out.

"And I thought you said you didn't want to go. We'll be right back." Frankie shot back as she was already heading for the stairs.

Chloe let herself get dragged out the kitchen but she called a warning over her shoulder. "Gail, you better not eat them, or I swear I'm painting the room pink."

The blonde huffed in acknowledgment of the threat. Chloe was just lucky she was still full from her previous snack.

"I kinda hate them." She groused as she rested her head back on her arms.

Holly ran a hand along her shoulders, "You kinda hate everyone."

"Not everyone." Gail turned to look at Holly, her features and voice softening, "Not you."

One look, that look, from Gail and Holly could feel a warmth that started in the middle of her chest and spread throughout her entire body. The two words had Holly fairly certain that she had never smiled as widely in her life as she did right there in the other girl's kitchen. But there were three that came to mind for her in that moment, an expression of a feeling that had been slowing building since they literally crashed into one another and that had grown incredibly stronger since. Words that had been coming closer to the surface each time they were together, especially as Gail helped her weather the storm at the clinic, but also every moment they had seen one another since the new year began. But she couldn't say them. Not yet.

So instead she reached out, running a hand through blonde hair, and hoped all of what she was feeling was as obvious to Gail as it was becoming to her. "Well that makes me one lucky lady."

Gail sat up in her seat and pulled Holly out of her own. The brunette settled between her legs as Gail's hands on curvy hips encouraged her as close as possible. "You know, we could both get lucky tonight."

Holly snorted, she leaned down and connected their lips, but the brief kiss was interrupted by the timer on the oven. She sighed as she pulled back, "You're such a cheese puff."

"I know I'm awesome." Holly rolled her eyes, but the smile never left. She pulled away so she could get the cookies before they burned. Gail on the other hand stayed where she was and enjoyed the perfect view she had of Holly's body as the taller woman moved along the kitchen, but especially as she bent over to reach into the oven. The sight had Gail licking her lips in order to get some moisture to her now dry mouth. "We really can't stay?"

"We really can't." Holly looked over to her though with a wicked smile, "But we can definitely make up for lost time when we get back."

And that was a concept Gail could definitely get behind.

It had taken both couples significantly longer than it should've to leave the girls' house and cross the few meters next door, but they made it there eventually.

"Hey, awesome, you guys...girls...are here. We've been waiting to get everyone together so the fun could really begin. Man I am so pumped right now." Chris was the first to greet the quartet the second they crossed the boys' threshold. They weren't even out of their boots before the tall boy had bounded over to them, his entire body a bundle of energy. It was a far cry from the guy who they practically had to drag out of bed that morning to get him to go to class.

"Someone really likes the snow." Frankie muttered darkly as she shook the precipitation from her clothes and hair.

"Love it. Can't get enough of it. I wish I had snow all day, every day. It makes the city chill out for a bit y' know. Reminds me of Timmons, y' know sledding, and snowboards, and snowball fights, and hockey, y' know. Seriously, snow is the best, y' know."

"No, I don't know, maybe you should tell us some more," Frankie's sardonic comment earned her a sharp elbow to the ribs from Chloe. She really needed to invest in a guard or something at the rate they were going. It's not even like her words deflated the freshman in any way.

"It is pretty awesome out there," Chloe agreed with a wide smile, happy that someone else was enthusiastic as she was, for once.

"It really is. Snow is awesome. You guys are awesome. Tonight's going to be awesome. I can feel it, y'know."

"Diaz, man, since you enjoy the snow so much can you go out and dig a path to the girls house? It'll make it easier in case some of them don't want to spend the night." Jerry clapped the tall boy on the shoulder and steered him towards the garage door, rescuing the women in the process.

"Yeah...for sure...totally! I got this!" Chris went bounding out, not bothering to grab a jacket.

"Nice, Jer, real nice." Frankie told her friend once the over eager puppy left the group.

"What? He wants to do it. You heard him, he loves the snow." So Jerry may have taken slight advantage of Chris's overabundance of energy to get a head start on the shoveling, considering both Sammy and him were responsible the girls' house and driveway.

"Whatever. Take this." She shoved the rest of the supplies into his arms. She followed him further into the house as Chloe went to drop off the food she brought in the kitchen.

"Okay, can we go back now?" Gail tried to pull Holly back through the doorway they had just come through the second the others walked away.

But Holly held her ground. "Gail, we've barely been here five minutes. And they're your friends."

"No, they're just the people I live with and go to classes with."

"And spend all of your free time with and play video games with. You know they're your friends."

"You have a very low bar for friendships, Stewart. Explains your relationship with Anderson."

Holly gave her dry look. "Actually, I thought it explained how you and I became friends."

"Ouch, Lunchbox."

Swarek clapped his hands together. "Okay let the games begin..."

Gail groaned and started counting down the minutes until she could get back to her house with her girl-...her frie-...with Holly.

Apparently the rules of the snow day tradition were fairly simple: the first night and every subsequent one that they knew classes were cancelled were for alcohol (or until it ran out), the day time would be for an epic (probably drunk) snowball fight, and the majority of the time was to be spent together. Although that last rule was a bit of an iffy one considering there had never been so many established couples in attendance before. So that night everything was a drinking game. Watching TV, watching a movie, video games, board games, card games, everything was done with a drink in hand.

While in a lot of ways in was fun, like when Gail utterly trounced everyone she faced in drunk Mario Kart (the only drunk driving allowed), but the blonde still took nearly every opportunity she could to try to get Holly to leave with her. It turned out to be a lot more often than she anticipated considering the two were rarely out of arm's reach of one another even when they weren't hanging around the same group. But being surrounded by such a large number of their friends meant that they were a bit more self-conscious and constrained, at least when they were sober.

So the early part of the night meant stolen glances and lingering touches whenever fate allowed, but the more they imbibed the less inhibitions there were resulting in more blatant flirtations like Gail pulling Holly into her lap when the only seat was too far away from her. Of course none of their moments ever lasted long enough before they were being pulled away and into the next activity.

But the nearness and self-restraint were driving Gail insane. It was after a round of "Tanked Twister", when Holly had gone to the kitchen for some much needed ice that Gail finally saw an opportunity for a little privacy. The brunette had jumped in surprise when pale hands had caught hold of her hips and quickly spun her around, before she found herself pressed against the fridge

Gail hissed when the frozen ice pack that had been forgotten in Holly's hand hit the back of her neck. But the discomfort only lasted a second and she connected their lips before Holly even had a chance to apologize. She smiled into the kiss as she felt Holly mold into her more, clearly enjoying the surprise.

She didn't let go, even as the kiss ended, keeping Holly firmly where she was. "Hi."

"Hey." Holly's greeting was still slightly breathless. But she smiled shyly and reached up to adjust her glasses, "Not that I'm complaining but what was that about?"

"Can we leave?"

"I thought you were having fun."

"I think we could both be having more fun." Gail suggested, pressing a kiss along the brunette's jaw line.

"That is very tempting."

"So?" Gail pressed a firmer kiss where she could feel Holly's pulse thudding against her lips. She smiled against the skin when she felt it quicken.

"I'm pretty sure it's still too early to leave."

"I'm pretty sure it isn't." Gail argued, this time adding her teeth in the attention she paid that particular spot.

"You're playing dirty."

"Not yet, but come back with me, and I'll show how dirty I can really be." Gail's teeth closed around the same spot a little harder, drawing out low whimper from the taller woman. She could feel Holly's hand grip her hips tighter before moving up and under her shirt, clearly seeking out Gail's warm flesh.

They had both forgotten where they were and the possibility of being caught until they were interrupted when Frankie and Chloe came crashing into the kitchen, already fused at the lips and clearly having similar intentions.

"Hey, get a room." Gail growled at the interlopers.

"We were trying to." Frankie shot back after Chloe pulled away at the sound of her roommate's voice.

"Try again."

"Trying to win the bet, Peck?" Frankie really could be a little shit sometimes.

"What bet?" Holly raised an eyebrow, hands resting on her hips as she stared down both the blonde and brunette.

Before either girl could explain, another intruder interrupted them. "Ladieeees..." Duncan drunkenly drawled as he stumbled upon the group.

"Go away, Gerald." Both Gail and Frankie growled, causing the boy to startle before quickly exiting the way he came.

"You know I think another game is starting," Chloe dragged Frankie away.

"So what was the bet?" Holly asked once they were alone again. She folded her arms across her chest and waited for an answer.

"Umm...it's really stupid and completely irrelevant."

"You bet Frankie about having sex in this house didn't you?"

"That's not entirely inaccurate."

Holly rolled her eyes, but a small smirk graced her lips, "Right. So you were just trying to win a bet."

"No, I was trying to convince you to go back to my house, which is definitely not a bet."

The med student chuckled, the blonde was right. She had been trying to get back to the other house, but it was still too early in the night. "We can't leave yet."

Gail sighed, waiting about five seconds before perking back up. "How about now?"

"You're seriously incorrigible."

"That wasn't a no."

But Holly just pulled Gail back into the melee.

---

Despite having lived together for months, it was pretty obvious that there were plenty of things the group didn't know about one another. Hence, where drinking games could still be fun when locked inside for the foreseeable future as snow fell down in blankets around them. The only problem was that some of the people in the room had known each other for years, which turned certain games into not-so-friendly competitions.

Like whenever someone drew a Jack in their rounds of Kings, especially after multiple aces had already been drawn.

"Never have I ever...been fired from a job."

"Never have I ever...gotten a tattoo."

Frankie, Sammy, and surprisingly McNally took a long sip of their drinks.

"Never have I ever...taken a body shot."

Gail looked at Holly in surprise when she didn't drink, "Really?"

The brunette shrugged, "Well I've been the body just not the... shooter?" The word didn't sound right, but Holly struggled to think of a better term. "Shot taker?"

"Who was the lucky woman?" Traci asked, earning a reproachful look from her blonde housemate.

Holly turned to look at the person on the other side of her, and Frankie shrugged unapologetically when Gail glared at her, "What? Holly's a nerd, but she has a hot bod."

"Thanks."

"Eh, I call it like I see it."

It was no surprise when Sam chimed in, "I'm still not convinced you two haven't hooked up." He had been making the same accusation for the last four years.

"She couldn't handle me." Both Frankie and Holly said at the exact same time while keeping a straight face, even as the rest of the room dissolved in laughter. They tapped their glasses together in mutual agreement before the game continued on.

"Never have I ever...had sex with a guy." All of the girls with the exception of Holly drank.

And it was Frankie's revelation this time that had everyone in a tizzy. While the seniors and Holly seemed nonplussed the rest of the undergrads couldn't hide their shock that the female womanizer in the group had actually had sex with someone with male anatomy. Frankie Anderson, who they were all certain had slept with more women in her freshman year than their entire group put together. It just didn't compute.

Duncan was the first to open his mouth, but with how quickly the older members of the group shot him a look, even he wasn't stupid enough to take them on, and risk having to sleep in a tent in the snow. He shut his trap with an audible click of his teeth.

But his roommate apparently had no qualms about drawing attention. "Seriously, you?" Nick didn't budge under the collective glare.

"What? There's no gold star next to my name." Frankie snapped, in case she didn't have enough reasons to dislike the junior boy, he just always seemed to add to the list any time they were together, even if he was Chloe's best friend. The eyes of everyone shifted between the pair and she stubbornly refused to fidget under the intense scrutiny of all the newbies. But it was Chloe's inquisitive look that got her to roll her eyes and add a little more. "Ugh, fine, yes, I've had sex with a dude. No, I did not enjoy it. I am a raging lesbian."

She had a feeling there would be more questions at some point from the younger girl now that her interest had been piqued but clearly it was enough for now as Chloe gave her thigh a gentle squeeze and pressed a little closer.

Nick looked like he was about to say something else, but this time the looks from both his girlfriend and best friend were enough to keep the words lodged in his throat.

The game continued with its usual amount of teasing and arguing and drinking until another Jack was drawn.

"Never have I ever...had a threesome."

"Everyone just loves bringing that up." Chloe complained, as she was the only one to take a sip of her drink.

"Never have I ever...had sex in a room while my roommate was sleeping." That one earned dirty looks between multiple pairings in the room, particularly between the guys, although Gail and Chloe had high fived when they were safe from the question.

"Never have I ever...faked sleep while my roommate was having sex in the room." That one took down a bunch of people with red faces and spluttered arguments.

"Never have I ever...turned down someone's marriage proposal."

Gail shot Nick a scathing look, even as she drank from her cup, she ignored the collective gasp as she shot back even though it wasn't her turn, "Never have I ever been stupid enough to propose to someone while in love with someone else."

"Never have I ever ran away from my problems by going to Europe without telling anyone."

"Well, this is escalating quickly." Frankie muttered to Chloe, who was still tucked closed beside her. The two exchanged a concerned look.

"You two were engaged?" Andy asked, she may have a history of being oblivious, but surely she would've noticed that the two had been engaged at one point. She couldn't recall Nick proposing prior to him leaving for college, and after he started they weren't even dating properly. Then there had been the night of the party that had ruined her friendship with Gail, but he wouldn't have proposed after that. And if he did, why?

Gail spoke first, before Nick could get a chance to, concerned about what else he might reveal. "We weren't engaged. He tried to be sort of engaged-ish. Seriously, he didn't even have a ring and it meant nothing." She did her best to shut down the conversation, her icy voice hopefully enough to stop the others from digging too. She also shot a look at the tall boy warning him to keep his mouth shut for once.

Holly saw the way Frankie was looking at her with a raise of her eyebrows, clearly trying to gauge her reaction to the news. But she wasn't nearly as surprised as most of the people in the room, probably because she had already heard the story. Back when Gail and Holly were only friends, technically break-up buddies, the blonde had revealed that little tidbit about the proposal. Unlike then, Holly now understood so much more about what had prompted it and why Gail had had the reaction she did to it. She knew why Gail had run after that and stayed as far away as possible from Toronto. She could feel how rigid Gail's body was beside her and saw clearly that any sense of humor had drained out of her face. It was more than just cold, she looked like she was cut from marble, except for the fire that was aimed solely at her ex as if she could burn him alive for bringing up memories she would rather keep buried, especially in front of the others.

"I think it's time for a new game." Chloe suggested when she also saw the look on her roommate's face.

"Count me out." Gail headed back to the kitchen, just to get away from everyone else. The house suddenly felt too small and cramped.

Which was where Holly found her. "Did he upset you?"

"No, Nick doesn't have the ability to upset me anymore. I'm just tired of socializing."

"We could head back..." Holly offered, letting her voice trail off with the unspoken suggestion of what else they could get up to.

"Finally!" Gail didn't have to be told twice before she was shrugging on her jacket and trying to pull Holly through the door with one hand while her other pilfered a bottle of tequila. She didn't bother saying goodbye to the group or even letting Holly call out any excuses.

---

The trek back to the girls' house was actually more difficult than they had predicted. The snow hadn't let up yet, blanketing the yards in streets with white, making the world around them glow despite the late hour. Chris had been sent outside more than once when his incessant energy had grated on everyone's nerves too much, so there was the semblance of a path between their houses cutting straight from one porch to the other, but the boys wouldn't dig them out fully until morning. It was just Gail and Holly at the moment, the whole world quiet around them in a way the city never was. They took their time, despite having to trudge up to their shins through the cold powder while their boots slipped occasionally on the icy path. Frozen fingers still clasped together even though they would be warmer in pockets and their breaths fogging the air in front of them. Gail lead the way and Holly followed silently behind her, apparently all talked out from spending most of the night with their friends.

Gail finally released her hold on the brunette when she needed to dig her keys out of her pocket to unlock the front door. She was annoyed when the lock gave without any resistance, one of the other girls must've forgotten to lock up, again. Why was everyone around her so careless and trusting? She made a mental note to yell at McNally when she saw her next. Holly must've sensed the tension in her body because the next thing she knew, the other girl was holding her hand again. Blue eyes looked down at their joined hands before glancing up into Holly's eyes, which seemed warm enough to undo all of Jack Frost's hard work around them. She felt herself relax and was finally able to return the smile on Holly's face.

She pulled the taller woman into the house before pushing her back into the door, closing it with the force. Despite the rough entrance, her hands gently moved from her sides to her shoulders, up along her neck, until they were cupping her face and her thumbs were brushing along her cheeks. Eyes darted between Holly's eyes and her lips indicating her intentions. Holly replied to the silent request by pulling the blonde even closer by the hips. As badly as Gail wanted to just take from Holly, take comfort, take solace, steal a kiss, she also wanted to just enjoy whatever this was between them. For once it felt like there was no pressure, their little bubble completely intact.

She pulled back slightly, pleased when it took a moment for Holly to open her eyes in a slight daze. "Alright, Nerd, I think it's time to play some games of our own."

"I thought you didn't like games."

"No, I don't like playing games with those losers. You are not a loser."

A lopsided smile stretched across the brunette's face. "What do you have in mind?"

Gail held up the bottle of tequila with a wicked glint in her eyes, "I think it's time we start checking things off your bucket list."

"I have a bucket list?"

"Well you should after the lame list of things you've never done." Gail teased but she was already backing her way towards the stairs, pulling Holly along with her.

If Gail's idea of a good time included getting to taste that tequila off the alabaster skin she enjoyed so much that it was a plan Holly could thoroughly get behind.

---

Her body hit the ground hard and she shuffled along the floor until her back collided with a piece of furniture. The wood dug into her spine causing a dulled pain to invade her senses though it barely registered against the fear. She glanced around the darkened room but the shadows only made the monsters seem so much more real. Her hands were shaking, breathing erratic, and she was pretty sure her heart was trying to break through her ribs, but there wasn't anywhere else for her to go. It was getting harder by the second to get air into her lungs, it felt like there was a vice grip on her chest as a feeling of impending doom washed over her.

Suddenly, there was a body in front of her and a blinding light shining in her eyes. She could see Holly's lips moving but she couldn't hear anything over her own ragged breathing or her thundering heartbeat.

"Gail, honey, listen to me, you need to breath slower." Holly tried to keep her voice calm despite the worry that was filling every inch of her as she watched Gail spin further and further out of control in the grips of a full-blown panic attack. The blonde was going to pass out soon from the overabundance of oxygen in her blood.

But it was too hard to breathe. Too hard to slow down when it felt like she was crawling out of her skin. There was a darkness creeping into her vision and that only heightened the anxiety further.

"Gail you're okay, you're going to be fine. Your sympathetic nervous system is just heightened right now. There's nothing to be scared of. It's just a rush of serotonin and norepinephrine flooding your system and causing the receptors in the amygdala to be saturated causing you to feel an intense amount of fear. There's not enough GABA to slow them down but they're just transmitters going a little wonky."

"Wh-wh-why are you...saying all...these...w-words?" Gail was finally able to choke out.

"To distract you, and calm you down, and get you to breathe slower. Which you need to keep doing. I know it doesn't feel like it but you're okay, you're safe."

Gail tried to stay focused on Holly's voice, the soft words washing over her in a way a touch couldn't at that moment. She did her best to slow her breathing, to match it to Holly's. Eventually the darkness started to fade and the tightness in her chest loosened.

"It's okay. You're okay." Holly was still there, not touching but crouched on the ground in front her. She hadn't stopped saying words to calm her. Hadn't freaked out, even though it must have scared her to see Gail lose control so badly. Yes, Holly had been around and calmed her down in the past but she had never seen her panic this badly. In fact, she hadn't had an episode like that since Europe.

They didn't have a stitch of clothing on their bodies but they continued to sit on the floor, the uncomfortable rug itching their bare skin as Gail focused on her breathing and Holly focused on Gail. Gail closed her eyes and pressed her head back into the dresser, taking deep breaths. She shivered when she was finally able to feel the cold air in the room again. Her entire body was covered in sweat and it caused goosebumps to rise.

Tentatively Holly reached forward to brush the damp hair off Gail's forehead. She knew that the blonde could be skittish, but she wanted her to know that she was there.

As good as Holly's hand felt, Gail was still extremely self-conscious. She tensed and turned away when she felt Holly lightly brush over her scar, but she tried to play if off. "I'm gross."

But Holly just continued to smile softly at her and brush her fingers through her hair the way she knew Gail liked. "Why don't you take a shower and I'll make us some hot chocolate?"

Gail nodded mutely and accepted the hand that Holly offered her as she climbed to her feet. She grabbed some clothes and was on her way out the door when she paused. She didn't look back, but she could feel Holly watching her and waiting. "Thanks."

The remaining tension slowly eased out of her muscles under the steady stream of hot water. For a while she just stood there, letting the steam collect around her creating a thick haze in the bathroom. A part of her didn't want to leave the safety of the bathroom, where she was alone, unable to hear anything over the pounding of the water against tiles, and where there was still a chance that Holly was waiting somewhere for her. She wasn't sure how'd she face the brunette again after that little number she just did. It was precisely the reason she had fought so hard against getting close to the med student and sleeping in the same bed. But she let herself believe that things would be okay, that they were getting better. That she was okay. Clearly it wasn't, clearly she wasn't. Not if tonight was any indication. If it weren't for the storm, Holly would probably have taken off while she was in the shower. She couldn't even blame her. Why would anyone want to deal with someone as fucked up as her? She didn't know how long she stood there, not having the energy to actually wash her body.

She eventually ran out of hot water and had taken her time dressing before heading downstairs. As unrealistic as it was, part of her expected Holly to be gone, but sure enough the brunette was in the kitchen standing at the stove with her back to where Gail was. Even from where she was she could see the way Holly's body was carrying a tension that it didn't normally. She cursed the storm again, certain that it was the only reason Holly was still there.

"If you want to leave you can. I won't stop you."

"What?" Holly whipped around, genuine confusion written all over her face.

"I'm pretty sure the snow stopped or you can wait till morning, I can just sleep on the couch."

"What are you talking about?"

"You don't want to deal with a crazy chick who can't even sleep through one night. I get it."

Holly turned off the burner and moved over to the blonde, hands cupping her face, "You are not crazy."

"It's okay I know that's what you were thinking."

"I was thinking about how badly I wanted to hurt your ex."

"Nicholas?"

"For triggering you tonight. And for just generally being a shitty person."

Gail sighed as she settled onto one of the stools. "He's not a shitty person, he's just really fucking stupid especially when he drinks." Even she was a little surprised she was defending him. But Nick and her had been through a lot over the years and they were still young and stupid (mostly, him).

"Maybe, but either way he shouldn't have brought any of it up. We were just playing a game and he took it too far. I know you said he didn't upset you, but it still wasn't okay." Holly filled the two mugs with the chocolatey drink, topping them both off with the marshmallows she found while Gail had been in the shower. She came around the counter to hand one to the blonde as she settled in the seat beside her.

"He doesn't know about..." Gail gestured around vaguely. "About most of it. I honestly don't think he even realized what he was saying." Other than the day with Duncan, Gail was fairly certain Nick had never witnessed any of her flashbacks, or nightmares, or panic attacks. She did her best to hide them from anyone and she certainly hadn't spent the night with Nick. She had always kicked him out of bed after the deed was done or she slinked out and back to her own house, no matter the hour, or the chances of running into Elaine. But Holly had seen them, bared witness to her recurring fears, talked her through the overwhelming panic. She didn't know why but Holly kept coming back anyway.

"He's still an idiot."

"No argument there." Gail took a sip of her drink, relishing the sugar on her tongue. She smirked over the top of the mug, "Were you really thinking of ways to kill him."

"I was on plan number five when you came down."

"You know you're kinda hot when you're all irritated and murdery, Nerd."

Holly laughed, a sound that filled Gail with more warmth than the drink in her hand. She wasn't sure how she had gotten lucky enough to meet the woman beside her or for them to find their way to that moment, but she had never been happier for snow in her life.

---

The two girls had eventually gone back to Gail's bed and after a few more stories about her trip abroad the two had drifted off to sleep. When they finally awoke the next day, everything was blanketed in snow, the trees, the houses, the cars. The streets hadn't been plowed yet and they could hear the boys outside working on digging both houses out (one of the many perks of Frankie and Juliet winning the annual bet.)

"Guess you aren't making it to the clinic this week." Holly commented as she stood behind Gail as they looked out the window. She had her arms wrapped around Gail's petite waist and the slightly shorter woman was pressed back into her.

"No, they told me not to worry about it when Eva called yesterday. Are you ever planning on coming back?"

Holly stiffened and went to pull away at the abrupt question but Gail tightened her own hold on Holly's arms, keeping them right where they were. "I-I don't know if I'm allowed."

"Why wouldn't you be? I thought you were cleared of the misconduct charges."

"Well, I was, but I still don't know what happened. I don't know what they found or how. There's a lot of things I just don't know about it and I don't want to find myself in more trouble if I go back."

"I don't think you have to worry about it."

"How do you know?"

Gail chose her words carefully, "Because I've been there, and I'll be there with you if you decide to come back."

"Yeah, Tuesdays were a good day."

"Well you know today is Tuesday. How about I remind you of how good they can be?" Gail suggested, turning around in Holly's arms and pressing a kiss just below her jaw. She trailed a few kisses lower before Holly was pulling her back up and pressing a forceful kiss to her lips. She backed the blonde towards the unkempt bed.

They were interrupted by the sound of fists pounding on the door, which sounded more like a stampede.

"I think it's time for the snowball fight." Holly sighed, stopping her advances and sitting up.

Gail groaned in frustration. "Ugh, seriously these rules are killing me."

"Are you really going to tell me you don't want to pelt the guys in the face with snowballs?"

"Well, I didn't say that. But they're going to want to spend quality time together after."

But Holly shook her head, "Nope, the only people spending quality time together are us and anyone we bump into between your room and the kitchen."

"Really?"

"Mmhmm, now come on Peck, we have some revenge to exact." Holly declared as she went to find warmer clothes for the pair.

(Gail was pretty sure she had never been more turned on in her life than seeing a determined Holly.)

The two dressed, maybe not as quickly as Holly thought they would considering one of them was more concerned with getting them both undressed (and it wasn't her), but they eventually made it outside. The snow had finally stopped sometime that morning and it was clear they had gotten more than was expected. The roads were still unplowed but the boys had managed to clear a path between the houses and had dug out most of the two driveways. The sun would have to do the rest.

"We need to be on Frankie's team." Holly explained as they made their way out to the front yard, where it was clear that most of their friends had already been enjoying the snow if the number of snowpeople massacred was any indication (Gail was glad she missed the Frozen sing-along portion of the day).

"Why?"

"Because she always builds a ridiculous snow fort. Like that one." Sure enough, Frankie with some help from Chloe had already dug out a formidable wall and trench.

Gail shook her head at the sight before her. Most of the college "adults" reverted right back to childhood in the wintery wonderland. Juliet, Andy, and Traci were making snow angels, most of the guys were trying to tackle one another into the snow banks, while Frankie and Chloe were making use of the privacy the wall provided. But there was one person conspicuously absent. "Where's Diaz? I thought he lurrrved snow?"

"Apparently he loves bed more. Couldn't get him out of it." Dov complained, though he was more concerned with getting the snow that had been shoved down his back out of his clothes than the fact that his roommate preferred sleep to snow that morning-ish.

"Yeah, lazy ass wouldn't even help shovel this morning." Sam grumbled. He nearly toppled over when a big ass snowball nailed him right in the face. He took off after a laughing Jerry.

"Probably wore himself out yesterday." Traci suggested as a helpful Holly pulled her to her feet to prevent the destruction of her artwork.

"Alright, where the hell did Anderson go now? It's time to divvy up the teams." Sam decided after getting his revenge on his former roommate. Traci had to help Jerry up but they made their way over to where the group had convened. "Did you chicken out, Frankenstein? Bawk bawk bawk."

Frankie came out from behind her fort, followed by a blushing Chloe only a few seconds later. She did nothing to hide the smug smile on her face as she approached her friend. "Real mature, Sammy. And as if I could ever be afraid of kicking your ass."

"Big talk, Francine."

"Awww Samuel, you know mine's bigger than yours, there's no need to embarrass yourself in front of your girlfriend." She gave a spluttering Swarek a gentle smack on the cheek as she walked away from him.

"Any reason it's not just the superior sex versus the guys?"

"Do you want to be the one to break up the lovefest? Because if so, please be my guest."

Frankie gave the rest of the girls a look.

"I'm all for it," Juliet declared as she walked over to join Frankie.

"Sounds like fun," Traci decided. Andy followed suit and it was quickly broken down into the two houses.

"Hey, you have more people." Duncan complained. While Holly had taken Chris' place making it an even 12 people, it was obvious that the two sides were imbalanced.

"Scared of a bunch of girls, Gerald?" Frankie asked.

"No, I was just saying, is all." He kicked at the snow on the ground. "And my name's Duncan." He added under his breath.

"He's right." Sam pointed out. Frankie glared at the boy, but he didn't back down. She sighed and turned back to her team.

Gail quickly spoke up. "Holly stays." She didn't care that she drew everyone's attention with her outburst. There was no way in snow-covered hell that she was going to participate in something akin to exercise without Holly by her side.

"Alright, anyone willing to go to the losing side?"

The girls all exchanged looks before quickly doing a nose-goes. Traci was the only one to not move fast enough but she just laughed, "I'll go." Her bright smile was shining as she rejoined her boyfriend.

After placing their respective trophies on safeguarded display, both teams moved out of sight to prepare for war. It was a long and epic battle of both wits and strength. While it was easy for the boys to overpower the girls, the women were quicker and well, honestly, smarter. They were way more patient than the guys who were slowly but inevitably wearing themselves out. But the boys certainly weren't going to go down without a fight.

"McNally, you okay?" Juliet asked as the group stood over the prone freshman after she had appeared to get clobbered by snow cannon ball.

Gail kicked at the fallen brunette. "Maybe she's dead."

Andy's eyes snapped open and she smirked, "Missed me by a hair."

As Chloe helped her up, the group started to strategize. Well, most of the group anyway.

"I'm really hungry and I wanna get drunk." Gail complained. They had already been outside for hours, running around like fools. She just wanted to go back into the nice warm house, and curl up with a naked Holly, preferably after stealing some food from the kitchen. But the med student was just as wrapped up in the game as the rest of them.

"Peck, get your head in the game." Frankie chastised, the role of commander had quickly gone to her head. But she hadn't lost a snowball fight once in her four years against Sam Swarek, and she wasn't about to change that now. "Look all we gotta do is get the polka-dot camel and victory is ours."

Gail snorted, "Yeah, that's a giraffe."

"It's a camel." The entire group argued back.

"It really is a camel, honey," Holly whispered and despite the cold and sloshiness she could feel in her boots, Gail inadvertently smiled. She really did like it when the brunette called her "honey."

"Let's get those smug bastards." Andy grabbed a handful of snow, packing it tightly. The rest of the girls murmured in agreement, their own arsenal at the ready.

"Normal adults, they join book clubs." Gail pointed out, but she gathered snow all the same.

"Just go, Grandma." Andy pushed the blonde towards the side of fort in preparation.

"Just saying." She shot back, but she grabbed Chloe to use as a human shield.

"Ready, Go!" Frankie called out and the girls took off in different directions to draw the guys' fire. Their strategy seemed to work, while the guys picked off the easy targets and were lulled into a false sense of security, the girls managed to surround them.

Gail realized that none of the guys were focused on her and she had a clear shot to the stuffed animal that was sitting on top of Jerry's car with a scarf and hat on. She smiled and glanced around before casually strolling over to where it sat.

"I GOT ITTTTTTTT!" Gail sang, holding the giraffe-sorry, camel-over her head.

The rest of the girls cheered as the guys groaned in defeat. Frankie and Juliet wasted no time rubbing it in the boys' faces. The women remained the undefeated champions of winter, with the blonde sauntering around the yard with her prize on full display.

---

It was quiet in the house. While most of the girls had gone back next door after their epic snow battle, Frankie, Chloe, Gail, and Holly had gone back to their own place. Gail had quickly pulled Holly up the stairs after her and the two hadn't been seen since. After their own shower, Chloe had busied herself in the kitchen, which meant that Frankie had set up camp downstairs as well, first at the breakfast bar before migrating to the couch.

The senior was stretched across it reading a fic on her computer. Even though she didn't bother looking up she could hear Chloe make her way over and could feel the hazel eyes watching her. She could just imagine the younger girl gnawing on her lip as she contemplated interrupting her.

"What's on your mind, Muppet?"

Chloe hesitated before answering carefully. "I want to do something fun...just the two of us."

That got the senior's attention. She dropped her laptop to the ground as she sat up. Chloe was within arm's reach by now.

"I can think of a lot of fun things we can just the two of us. In fact, we can start right now." Frankie suggested as she tugged Chloe to the couch. She pulled the younger girl closer as she sat herself up. Another tug and she had Chloe in her lap with ease.

"No, I meant something not here and with our clothes on. Something PG."

"All our clothes? Can't we at least up it to PG-13?"

"You're ridiculous. But yes all our clothes, maybe even extra layers."

"Well now you're asking for too much."

"Please?" Chloe mustered up her most adorable pout ever.

Frankie tried not to let herself be swayed, but failed miserably. "Kind of sounds like you're asking me out on a date, Muppet."

"Maybe I am."

"Well then maybe I'm saying yes."

Chloe pushed Frankie back into the couch cushion with the force of her kiss. Their lips moved together in a well-practiced dance. Frankie's hands pulled Chloe's hips closer, settling her own hips between the freshmen's much to both their approval. She wasted no time slipping her hands under the younger girl's shirt to feel the warmth of her skin beneath. She could feel the muscles quiver at her touch and it caused Frankie to smile into the kiss. She let Chloe deepen it and was filled with the urge to flip their positions so she could pin the redhead to the couch below her. Seeming to sense her intentions, Chloe resisted, pushing back on her shoulders and moving her lips to Frankie's neck. She rocked her hips forward and recaptured Chloe's lips to swallow the moan that erupted from her at the move. It was so effortless for her to get lost in Chloe's body, wanting nothing more than to pull even more moans, and gasps, and expletives from the normally mild-mannered mouth. She wanted more, she always wanted more.

"House rules." Gail declared, stomping down the stairs and effectively killing their momentum.

While Frankie was more than content to just flip off her blonde housemate, Chloe was already pulling back and climbing off of her.

Frankie groaned in frustration and turned to Holly, her distress clearly written across her face, "You couldn't have kept her busy a little while longer?"

Holly chuckled at her friend's desperation, "I could've, but someone needed sustenance."

"You're weak, Peck."

"At least I don't have to burn the couch now," The blonde replied as she rooted around the kitchen looking for something to eat. Finding some of Chloe's leftovers, she held them up and waited for permission to reheat them.

"Might as well heat it all up, I'm sure we could all use food." Chloe suggested as she walked over to join her roommate.

Frankie watched her go with a wistful look that didn't go unnoticed by her friend who had just plopped onto the couch beside her.

"Careful, your gay is showing." Holly smirked as her friend shoved her.

"Like you're one to talk."

Holly glanced back at the kitchen where she caught sight of the blonde shooting Chloe a death glare when the redhead had the audacity to catch her in a hug. And, quite frankly, it was really hot. "I am so very gay."

"We're screwed, aren't we?" Frankie quietly asked the med student as the two watched their freshmen playfully bicker in the kitchen.

"Yep." Holly popped the "p" loudly.

"What are you two gossiping about over there?" Chloe asked when she caught sight of the whispering older girls across the room; she drew Gail's attention as well.

"Nothing," they both replied quickly.

The two roommates exchanged a look that clearly indicated they didn't believe them for a second but they dropped it when the microwave beeped and they started dishing out the grub.

"So are you two going to stay in the room all night?" Chloe asked as she followed Gail back to the living room, hands filled with the food.

"Yes," Gail answered for the both of them. She handed Holly a plate of food, before pulling her over to the other couch. Holly just offered up a sheepish shrug as she settled beside the blonde.

"Aww, that's no fun. We should hang out for a bit."

"No, we shouldn't."

"She's right, let them go." Frankie muttered beside her, she grimaced when she felt Chloe's elbow dig roughly into her side.

But Chloe persisted, "Come on, please, just one movie. Then you can go back upstairs and I promise I won't bother you again."

"For some reason I don't believe you." It was Gail's turn to grimace when Holly's elbow connected with her side. The brunette gave her a look to behave.

"Don't worry, I'm sure she'll be busy the rest of the night," Frankie's usual smirk returned to her lips as Chloe giggled but settled closer to her all the same.

"Gross," Gail repeated for the second time since she had come downstairs. She looked to Holly, but the unhelpful girl beside her merely shrugged, leaving the decision to her. After waiting a few minutes she finally caved to her roommate's incessant pout. "Fine, but none of your Disney Princess, sickly sweet, romantic bullshit."

"Deal." Chloe quickly turned on the TV and queued up her Netflix account.

The next fifteen minutes were spent arguing over movie choices while the girls ate their food. But eventually they were all able to agree on the Princess Bride. Tossing the dirty dishes aside the girls settled down to enjoy the film. Gail stretched across her couch, head positioned in Holly's lap and she grabbed a hold of one of Holly's hands and plopped it onto her head. Holly chuckled to herself before she began running her fingers through her hair lightly scratching at her scalp at the silent request. Across from them Chloe waited for the senior to reposition so that she was behind the redhead in such a way that she could use Frankie as a pillow, pulling the seniors arms around her as she snuggled under a warm blanket. And for a brief moment before the movie began each girl unbeknownst to the others had the gayest damn smile on her face.

---

"You know most girls get their flowers at the start of their date." Chloe teased as she lifted the bouquet from its resting place on the porch, bringing it to her nose to breathe in the fresh scent of the flowers. The two women had just returned home, the promised date night coming as soon as the roads had been cleared and life had returned to normal.

"Hate to disappoint, but those aren't from me." Frankie truthfully replied as she unlocked the front door. She stepped aside to let the younger girl in first. "Unless it's going to help me get laid, in which case they're totally mine."

Chloe pouted, placing the vase of yellow flowers on one of the tables with the rest of the flowers they still had from the show. "The note doesn't say anything."

"It's probably Collins. Isn't he still in the doghouse?" She was pretty sure Juliet was still giving him a bit of the cold shoulder after the proposal reveal. "Or it's Jerry showing off," she added under her breath, a little annoyed that she hadn't thought to get flowers for the date, even if technically Chloe had been the one to plan it.

"I'm pretty sure you showed off enough already tonight."

"I still can't believe your big date idea was ice-skating."

The senior had been reluctant enough to agree to wearing extra layers of clothing, but when they had shown up to the rink Chloe literally had to drag her onto the ice as she doubled over in laughter. But she had gone along with it. It turned out that Frankie was actually very good at skating, while Chloe was terrible at it and if it wasn't for the older girl the redhead would've eaten ice all afternoon, and well Frankie was far more interested in her eating -

"Winter's almost over and I hadn't gone. You said we could do whatever I wanted."

"I'm pretty sure you asked what I wanted to do, and since you wouldn't agree to it, I said 'whatever'."

"Psssh, same thing."

Frankie despite her grumbling had gone along with whatever Chloe wanted that afternoon: skating, hot chocolate, eskimo kisses. No matter how ridiculous they made her feel.

"Why do you enjoy it so much when you're so bad at it?"

"You don't have to be good at something to enjoy it. The real question though is how are you so good?"

Frankie snorted, "I'm Canadian,"

"That didn't answer my question."

"It should've." Frankie sighed, knowing her deflection wouldn't work. "Who do you think taught my brothers to play hockey? Trust me, growing up we spent a lot of time on ice." Where Frankie grew up tended to get a lot of snow and the lake in their town stayed frozen even beyond the normal limits of winter. There was never much to do, but skating was always an option.

"I didn't know that."

Frankie shrugged, "Most people don't."

Chloe smiled even wider before winding a hand along the back of Frankie's neck, pulling her in for a kiss. Frankie was fairly certain that Chloe was trying to create a Pavlovian response, where the brunette could expect a reward any time she shared something about herself, thus wanting to share more. And, honestly, it was kind of working.

"I'm pretty sure girl-on-girl kissing automatically ups the rating." Frankie immediately teased when the kiss broke.

"Stop talking." Chloe breathlessly whispered as she rested her forehead against the brunette's.

"Make me." Frankie challenged, their lips almost touching.

Chloe smirked, devilish glint in her hazel eyes; creating a gorgeous sight that had Frankie turning into putty in her hands. When Chloe pulled back, Frankie's body immediately went to follow, they didn't need words as they headed up to the top floor. As soon as they reached Frankie's room, Chloe wasted no time in connecting their lips again, closing the short gap between the door and the bed in record time. As she pushed the senior down onto her mattress, she quickly followed, climbing into her lap, but they found themselves too restricted still.

"You're right," Chloe began to say, her words coming out in between pants as she pulled back for a moment.

"I always am."

Chloe ignored the arrogant remark. "We're wearing too many clothes." She pulled her top off, and watched with obvious delight the way Frankie's green eyes darkened as her pupils dilated to take in every inch of her. They didn't need any more words as hands, and occasionally teeth, made quick work removing every last barrier between them. It was only fair that after doing what Chloe wanted all day, they spent the night doing what Frankie liked best.

They had both eventually ran out of energy, collapsing in a sated and sweaty mess of limbs. Frankie laid on her stomach, arms wrapped around her pillow, eyes closed and body finally relaxed. While Chloe's bright eyes never dulled as they took in the beautiful senior beside her. She couldn't resist as her hands began to gently move along exposed skin.

"You're not human," Frankie grumbled into her pillow. Her body wanted to drift off to sleep, but she could feel Chloe's hand tracing along the tattoo on her shoulder. The younger girl had a minor obsession with it. Surprisingly they had never talked much about it, despite the fact that inevitably whenever they were in bed together the freshman would study it.

"Why did you get this?"

"I was drunk."

"No, you weren't. There's no way they would've tattoo'd you if you were drunk."

"I was drunk when I came up with the idea to go to the parlor and I did try to get a tattoo. The girl wouldn't do it, but she let us design it. I got it the next day."

"So you designed this?"

"Technically Holly did. I just happened to like it. It's better than getting 'Sinner' tattoo'd there like I had originally planned."

"Why would you have done that?"

"Because I was drunk and angry. Holly wouldn't let me though. I was then going to get 'Fuck you, Holly' there, but the tattoo artist nixed that idea. Then Holly saw the feather and came up with this one."

The design itself was quiet simple: a feather with the words 'Alis volat propriis' under it. But the artist had put her own mark both in her script and in the way she detailed the contours of the feather giving it a depth and richness that had left Frankie stunned when it finally healed.

"What does it mean?"

"It's latin for 'She flies with her own wings.'"

(If Gail were there, she would be quick to point out that Latin didn't really differentiate between genders but since the tattoo was on Frankie and she preferred female pronouns it was how she translated it.)

"Why not just get it in English?"

"Less letters." Frankie could practically hear Chloe's eyes rolling at her. "And I like that not everyone knows what it says. Keeps the mystery alive."

"You just use it to pick up girls." Chloe teased, her hands hadn't stopped tracing the lines over and over again.

"Only in the summer." Frankie turned over, catching Chloe's hand and pressing a kiss to the tip of her index finger, the one that previously been drawing along her skin. "I'm surprised it took you this long to ask."

"I never know when I'm going to get a real answer out of you."

Frankie couldn't exactly argue with that reasoning. "Why so curious?"

"I was thinking about getting one."

"Oh, really?"

"Yep. What do you think?"

Frankie pushed the redhead onto her back, settling above her with a renewed energy. "I think it depends on where you want it. There's your neck..." She moved lips to Chloe's neck, tongue and teeth tracing along the muscles there as Chloe's breathing picked up.

She continued lower "...Your shoulder..."

"...Arm..." Her lips trailed along the sensitive skin on the inside of her bicep and continued down the length of her arm.

"...Wrist..."

She shifted her attention to Chloe's torso, "...Ribs..." before moving lower.

"...Hip..." She spent an extra amount of time paying attention to Chloe's hips before deciding the area between really needed her attention. She pressed a kiss just above where Chloe clearly wanted her to be, before pulling back to look at the younger girl.

"You know. This is a big decision. I think I might need to do a more thorough evaluation of the possibilities."

"Map it out?" Chloe barely managed to squeak the words, Frankie's lips having caused her throat to dry.

"Mmhmm." Frankie hummed as she settled back down.

"Sounds like a great idea," Chloe breathed out as she pulled the brunette closer. Her skin may have remained uninked that day, but it certainly did not go unmarked.

---

She had gotten used to seeing so many flowers in their house that Gail didn't notice the most recent bouquet. The flowers sat in their vase on the breakfast bar with a note that laid unread. The XOXO standing out amongst the yellow. But she was in a hurry, already running late for her date that day. She had just gotten on her boots and jacket when a car horn outside jolted her back and moving.

Oliver had been healing well, so when it came time to hold Gail to her promise of helping him prepare for his recertification he had no problem forcing her to the range at the station. Technically he was still on disability, but his doctors and the staff psychologist had cleared him for desk duty. He just needed to talk to his boss to make it official. But between Gail being a Peck and Oliver being really popular nobody put up a hassle when they wanted to use the range. As expected, his friend had not gone easy on him despite still technically being in recovery. But it felt like old times and that was something he had desperately needed, going a bit stir crazy at that point.

Walking into the range hadn't been the easiest thing he had ever done. The sound of gunshots had triggered a wave of panic that Oliver hadn't fully expected, but Gail had seemed to sense this and had forced him to keep his focus on her, as she rattled off a bunch of large words he had never heard. When he settled, she had let him get his bearings and hadn't rushed him to fire off his own first shots. It had taken longer than he would've liked to admit. If it had been anyone other than Gail he probably would have been embarrassed. But for all the cracks Gail could make about people, there was an understanding there, and he had only experienced her unwavering support. Once they had established that he could indeed handle his weapon, she had proceeded to mop the floor with him.

"Not bad for an old man. Not as good as me, but you held your own." Gail sassed as they packed up their gear. It felt good being at the range with Oliver, it was a solid reminder that he would be okay. But that didn't mean she could resist teasing him a bit.

"I'm pretty sure you could give Annie Oakley a run for her money."

Gail preened at the compliment. They finished gathering their things and started to head out of the range and towards the actual precinct. "Think you're ready?"

"Beyond ready. The idea of slipping these chiseled abs into a blue shirt makes me so happy, I could weep." Oliver patted at his body, which was by no means chiseled though he wasn't completely out of shape considering he was still a young cop at the prime of his life.

"Well it looks like you'll definitely pass your recert. Any idea when you can start?"

"I was actually going to talk to Boyko now if you don't mind waiting."

"You're my ride, do I really have a choice?" Oliver pulled his friend into a one armed hug that she allowed for a minute before pushing him away and towards his boss's office.

Gail settled at her brother's desk since Steve was out on patrol or maybe it was an assignment for the op he was working on. Regardless, he wasn't there and that meant Gail could fuck with his things. She was in the process of loosening the screws on his chair so that the next time he sat down it would collapse below him when she spotted a couple of familiar faces that definitely did not belong there.

"Hey, Earp! What'd you do?" Gail called out when she noticed her classmate being escorted across the bullpen by Officer Williams. Officer Best was following close behind with Nicole beside him and Gail could make out something that looked like Waverly's shotgun wrapped up in an evidence bag.

Waverly had looked up at the sound of her name, but Noelle had been quick to usher her into the nearest open interrogation room, but not without shooting the blonde a look for causing a scene. Gail didn't have enough time to sneak over and satisfy her curiosity before Oliver was coming down the stairs a wide smile on his face.

"So?"

"Next week. I've never been so happy to be on desk duty in my life."

Gail actually smiled when she saw the unadulterated jubilation on Oliver's face. "You know what this calls for?"

"Schwarma and doughnuts."

"Exactly!" Great minds tended to think alike.

"Alright, Peckling, to my chariot." Oliver declared, offering his arm in a regal fashion.

Gail happily accepted and the pair practically skipped out of the police station.

"You know, we should probably look for new shoes too." The blonde suggested when they reached Oliver's car. The man chuckled, but not-so-secretly agreed. This joyous occasion definitely called for new shoes.

---

"Alright, Earp, what did you do?" Gail wasted no time interrogating her classmate the moment their professor released them.

"You're going to have to be more specific." Waverly deflected, trying to shove her books into her bag quickly and failing. She cursed under her breath as she picked up her dropped texts, her escape wasn't going nearly as smoothly as she had hoped.

Gail didn't bother helping, settling on top of her desk, and taking full advantage of the delay. "Why were you at the station?"

"Why were you?"

"Really that's the best you got." Gail was hardly impressed by the run-around. She couldn't help thinking that the chestnut-haired girl in front of her would fold in an Elaine interrogation in no time. "My family spends more time there than their own house so it's not a surprise for me. You on the other hand..."

"Someone broke into my house last night." Gail remembered Waverly telling her about the unsolved break-ins that had been going on that year. It had been the reason she had a shotgun shoved in her face. But apparently there was more to the story. "The guy attacked one of my sisters. I guess he didn't realize I was home so when I heard the struggle I went down guns blazing and fired off a warning shot. It got him off her but he took off before I could stop him. Nicole went after him but couldn't catch him. So we called the police."

Gail could feel her body tense at the mention of an attack, her pulse quickened, and she had to work to keep her breathing under control. She absent-mindedly rubbed at her forehead. "I thought you were supposed to be a good shot with that thing?"

"It was just a potshot. I wasn't trying to kill him, maybe just slip into a coma."

"It's a good thing you were there."

"Yeah."

Both girls fell silent, the implications of what could have happened if Waverly hadn't been home, hung heavily in the air. Waverly finished collecting her things and the two walked out of the building together. It was Gail who broke the silence first.

"Question though, what was Haughtpants doing with you?"

Waverly's cheeks flushed a really bright crimson. "Oh, you know just hanging out."

"Just a couple of gals being pals, huh?"

"Yep."

Gail smirked. "We should really play poker one of these days, Earp."

Waverly met the challenge with a smile of her own, "Oh, game on, Peck."

The two girls continued the conversation, switching languages as they made their way to the parking lot. When Gail didn't see Chris or his truck waiting for her, she pulled out her phone and called the boy. She wasn't surprised (beyond pissed off, but not surprised) when it went to voicemail. She left a message with curses in every language she knew.

"Something wrong?"

"Apparently, my ride is a flake." She sent an extensively detailed text message as well; illustrating exactly how extensive the injuries she intended to inflict on her friend would be when she saw him.

"Need a lift?" Waverly unlocked the red jeep and tossed her bag in the back.

"It's kinda far." While Gail usually had no qualms about inconveniencing others, for some reason she felt a little guilty about forcing her classmate to drive her further into the city when it was getting close to rush hour. Ugh, she blamed Holly's bad influence.

"That's okay I've got time before my shift."

Gail accepted after promising the brunette that she would hook her up the next time she came to the Penny. She directed Waverly across town to where the pediatric clinic was located.

Waverly put the car in park and looked up at the building. "I didn't know you volunteered with kids."

"Well now you do."

"You've got layers, Peck."

"Yeah, I'm a fucking onion. Later, Earp." Gail hopped out of the jeep and hurried up the steps of the clinic, not wanting to be late for her shift.

---

"Gail?"

At the sound of her name, Gail looked up from the schedule. She was surprised to see an unfamiliar brunette with wild curls and a bright smile standing in front of her. "Do I know you?"

"My name is Laura Lee. I'm the new social worker." She extended a hand that Gail merely looked at before going back to checking which patients were going to need her that day. LauraLee though kept the warm smile even as her hand dropped; she waited patiently for the blonde to finish what she was doing.

"Is there something you need from me?" Gail kept her focus on the paper in her hands despite having read it over twice already.

"I was told you might be able to get me in touch with Holly Stewart?"

The mention of Holly had Gail's head snapping up and her eyes narrowing. She unconsciously took on a defense stance as she sized up the other woman. "Why do you need to talk to Holly?"

"I just need to ask her some questions regarding some of the patients."

"What kind of questions?"

"Look, I know why my predecessor was let go from the position. I've heard what Holly went through. That wasn't fair. I just want to hear from her what happened so I have a better idea how I can help."

"No one here would give you her number?"

"She hasn't returned my calls and it isn't really something I want to leave a message about. Actually, I was hoping to do this in person. Some of the staff told me she usually works Tuesdays, but when she wasn't here they suggested I speak to you."

Despite their conversation on the snowday, Holly had remained wary about returning. She wanted to talk to her school one more time about expectations and requirements regarding outside activities to see if she was even still obligated to go. As much as Gail wanted her there with her she could understand Holly's desire to stay away from a place that had burned her so badly. It was why she deferred her acceptance to the University in the first place and had contemplated not going to college at all.

"I don't know why they would do that. If Holly doesn't want to talk that's her choice."

"I get that, I do. But I'm sure she'd want to help the kids, wouldn't she?"

Gail continued to silently assess the brunette. LauraLee continued to offer a friendly smile and only slightly fidgeted under the intense scrutiny. The woman seemed sincere enough, but Gail wasn't going to put Holly in any situation that she didn't want to be in.

"Do you know where the Lucky Penny is?"

"No, I'm kind of new to town."

Gail gave the new girl directions. "I'm working Thursday night. I'll talk to Holly and if she wants to then maybe you can meet her there."

"Thank you!"

"Don't thank me. It's up to Holly if she wants to talk to you." Sure, Gail was providing a neutral place where Holly wouldn't feel pressured. It was just an added bonus that it would be somewhere Gail could keep an eye on the interaction and help Holly out if she needed it for any reason.

"So is it true that you speak a dozen languages?"

"People around here talk a lot." LauraLee only shrugged good-naturedly. "Not quite." When she noticed the expectant look on the other woman's face she let out a sigh, "I'm fluent in English, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and ASL. I'm currently learning Latin and Greek, and I dabble a bit in German."

"Wow, you certainly are impressive."

Gail wanted to scoff at that, hardly finding herself impressive at all, but her usual mask of sarcasm and bravado wouldn't allow her too, "Of course I am."

"Modest too."

The banter was interrupted when Eva called for a translator for one of the patients.

"Duty calls."

"It was nice meeting you, Gail." LauraLee offered brightly before the blonde walked away. Gail merely waved over her shoulder.

"Que quieres?" Gail asked when she noticed the nurse was staring at her with an admonishing expression on her face.

But the older woman merely shook her head, "Nada. ¿Estás lista para trabajar?"

"Yo estoy siempre lista."

"Alright then, after you." Eva finally moved aside enough to allow Gail to enter the room, but she made a mental note to talk to the linguist about how friendly she seemed to get with the new social worker. Maybe it wasn't her place, but she had always liked Holly and if anyone could get her back to the clinic it would be the blonde firecracker.

It was the end of the blonde's shift and she was waiting for a ride when the nurse saw her opportunity to probe. "So you met the new social worker."

"Yep."

"She seems to like you quite a bit."

"Who doesn't?"

"Mmhmm..." Eva hummed but she gave the blonde a look.

Gail rolled her eyes, "What?"

"You were talking for quite a bit, and she was standing awfully close."

"Well she had questions about the clinic."

"And Holly?" But Gail ignored the question completely. Texting Chloe to hurry the hell up. But Eva was only just starting. "Where's your partner in crime hiding?"

"She's busy with school and the lab and stuff." Gail deflected; she kept her focus on her phone and hoped the older woman would take the hint (not that that ever worked for her, even once).

"She always made time before."

"Things were different, you know that."

"No one blames her, she has to know that. Those men deserved to be in jail for what they did."

"Well, they aren't in jail yet." Both the doctor and the Robbins patriarch were pending trials and out on bail. "But I've tried telling her that."

"Well, it never hurts to hear it again and tell her that we miss her too, please."

"I will." Gail promised as she finished gathering her things before heading out the door when Chloe texted her that she had arrived. She wasn't sure what she had gotten herself into but it looked like she really needed to talk to Holly.

---

It actually hadn't taken much to convince Holly to meet with the social worker that Thursday. It turned out planning it for the Penny, where Gail would also be, did put the brunette at ease. It was still kind of weird, though surprisingly not overwhelming, how easy it was for her to be there for Holly. It wasn't about protecting her, but supporting her, the same way Holly always seemed to be able to do for her. She wasn't used to this type of...relationship (for lack of a better word).

After quick introductions through the bartender, Holly and LauraLee had settled at one of the booths away from the other customers in the bar. Speaking in public meant they had to be careful about disclosing patient information but there were ways to talk around it. Gail noticed that every so often, Holly would look up and meet her eye, flashing her a small smile. Not that Gail had been staring at their table often, no, not at all.

"Where's Nash?" Charlie demanded, drawing his blonde bartender's attention away from the table in the back.

"Is she working tonight?" Gail had barely been home or seen any of housemates unless they had class together considering when she wasn't in school or at work, she was trying to steal moments with Holly. She had last seen Traci that morning and was pretty sure she had been talking to Andy about giving her a ride after practice.

"She was supposed to be. Tell her if she doesn't have a damn good excuse for why her ass isn't here in the next ten minutes she shouldn't bother showing up at all."

Gail tried Traci's cell, but there was no answer. She tried calling McNally next, but ran into the same problem, so she sent out a group text to both houses asking if they had seen the absent waitress.

The ten minutes mark lapsed with still no word. But eventually some of the housemates turned up at the bar, without the waitress.

"Hey, have you seen Traci?"

Chloe settled on a stool in front of her roommate, while Chris, Nick, and Duncan grabbed a table. Juliet and Frankie followed not far behind. "Nope, not since class earlier, but I haven't been home yet."

Gail sighed, she was going to have to walk over and ask the rest of their group if they had seen her. Before she could move out from behind the bar, Chloe caught her attention.

"Who's that with Holly?" The red head tilted in the direction of the booth that she had been unashamedly staring at.

"She's the new social worker at the clinic."

"So what is she doing here with Holly?"

"What does it look like they're doing, Princess?" Gail mocked. "They're talking."

Chloe misinterpreted the bite in her friend's tone. "Are you worried that your girlfriend might be on a date with someone else?"

"I don't think I'm the one who has to worry." Gail nodded back in the direction of the table where Frankie had gone over to see Holly, which wasn't a surprise. What was surprising was that the woman sitting across from the med student slid out of the booth to pull Frankie into a hug. One that the senior seemed to reciprocate.

Okay, so maybe Gail wasn't completely reformed considering she took a tiny bit of pleasure in watching her roommate's envy rise.

"What's her name?" Chloe didn't stop gawking at the table.

"LauraLee."

Chloe continued to watch the senior from across the room with growing amounts of interests. The name didn't sound familiar but it was obvious the two women knew one another, considering the only people Frankie allowed to hug her was herself, Juliet, and Holly. So her curiosity was beyond piqued. She was just about to walk over, super casually of course, and work in an introduction when her phone rang. "Dov, what's...wait what happened?"

Chloe held the phone against her ear tighter, covering her other to hear better. Her face took on a serious look that was seldom ever seen. She ended the call and stood up quickly. "We have to go."

"Where?"

But Chloe was already hurrying over to the others and telling them the same thing. They called out to Frankie, the smile on the senior's face dropping when she saw everyone getting up and heading to the door. She went to follow.

Not sure what was going on, but with a sinking feeling, Gail headed to the back to tell Charlie that she had to leave for some kind of emergency.

Holly was waiting at the bar when she ducked under to grab her things. "Hey what's going on?"

"I don't know. But I gotta go."

"I'm coming with you." Holly told her decisively.

Gail didn't have time to argue and she wasn't even sure she wanted to. So she accepted the company and the two tried to catch up to the others.

---

She hadn't seen the red and blue lights that close since Steve had used them to get them to the hospital when Oliver had been hurt. She hadn't wanted to see them then, and she definitely didn't want to see them now, reflecting off her own house.

---

A/N: So, in case you couldn't tell things are going to get a little rough for the group, not just Gail, but this is technically Gail's story so it will all be relevant to her. Oh, and next chapter = Peck family dinner (and, yes, it is the one many of you have been waiting for)...let me know what you think...