Between the weekend, my sleep deprivation, and now coming home from work early thanks to being sick, it seems a lot of writing is taking place. So in case you missed it yesterday, check out chapter 4 first. Thanks as always to all of you wonderful people who continue to follow the story, without you I would just be a weirdo who spends far too much time thinking about fictional characters.


Monday morning brought with it a storm of cases. Both Holly and Gail found themselves stuck working incredulous hours throughout the following days. They barely had time to speak let alone see each other. They mostly kept in contact through text, with the occasional phone call. Wednesday night was the only night they had both managed to leave work at a decent enough hour to meet at Holly's for dinner. Both ended up passed out on the couch, plate in hand before 8pm. Gail finally woke a few hours later long enough to drag Holly from the couch and put her to sleep in her bed. Too lazy to make her way back across the apartment Gail settled for Holly's bed as well, opting out of her usual spot in the spare room. Thursday was a nightmare of arrests, leaving Gail absolutely exhausted despite sleeping nearly 10 hours the previous night. Friday was much better, and Gail vowed to make time to meet Holly for drinks. Friday had other plans for Holly however, who was stuck in her lab until nearly 11pm.

Saturday was the first day they both had a change to breathe again. Holly woke late in the day to roughly a dozen texts and a missed call. She rubbed her eyes vigorously before making an attempt to put her glasses on and read the messages.

(7:03am) Gail: Hey Hols, you up?

(7:12am) Gail: I am going to take that as a no then.

(7:16am) Gail: Wakey, wakey!

(8:47am) Gail: Holly I really need you wake up. I need your help with something.

(9:36am) Gail: Okay, since you are still dead to the world, I guess I have to find something to wear myself. You have been warned.

(10:07am) Gail: Okay this one or this one *images attached*

(10:22am) Danielle: Hey Holly, I invited Gail to the wedding, hope you don't mind. Anyways, see you tonight.

(10:24am) Gail: Okay Stewart that is it. If I don't hear back before 11 I am going to come over and drag your lazy ass out of bed. Payback time.

(10:37am) Gail: 23 minutes Hols.

(10: 48am) Gail: 12 minutes asshat.

(10:55am) Gail: I have my keys in hand.

(11:02am) Gail: Operation, get Holly out of bed is in play. All units stand by for orders.

Holly glanced at the clock. 11:22am. Gail was going to be here any minute. She pulled herself out of bed and made a rushed effort to clean herself up slightly. She had barely managed to pour herself a cup of coffee when she heard an excessively loud knock on her front door. She grabbed a second mug, filled it with coffee and went to let Gail in.

Gail stood there with a satisfied grin on her face. "Well, look who finally graced the world with her presence." Gail teased as she stepped inside.

"Yeah well, you didn't really leave me with any options did you now." Holly handed the mug over to Gail who called off her attack at the sight of coffee. "So Danielle text me while I was out of it. Looks like you are my plus one tonight."

"Nope. Sorry Hols, but I am my own plus one tonight. Proper invitation for yours truly. You will have to find a replacement plus one if you intend to bring one."

"What happened to plus one forever?" Holly put her best puppy dog eyes to work.

Gail put her hand over Holly's face, pushing her gently. "Damn it woman. Keep those eyes to yourself. You know I can't say no to that face."

"That is what I was counting on." Gail just nodded in agreement and went back to her coffee.

After giving Holly time to wake up more, Gail made her way back down to her car, bringing an astounding amount of clothes back up with her. Gail took turns with each outfit, modelling for Holly, who was of no help at all. After an hour of trying on dresses Gail was no closer to figuring out what she was going to wear.

"Ughhh…I seriously have to find something to wear. How much time do we have before we have to leave?"

Holly walked past the couch Gail had flopped herself onto. "Uh, I don't know what time you have to leave, but I have to leave in an hour."

Gail shot into a sitting position glaring at Holly. "Wait, you are really going to make me go alone? Why do you have to be there so early?"

Holly just shrugged her shoulders and made her way towards the bathroom. She stopped in the doorway and poked her head back out. "I am going to hop into the shower. Try not to burn anything down while I am gone."

"Good idea. You smell." Gail dropped back onto the couch.

Holly emerged from her room 20 minutes later, dressed in jeans and a flannel shirt. "Uh, I am pretty sure that…" Gail paused long enough to point at Holly's attire. "…is not a wedding appropriate outfit."

"You think? I don't know, these are my formal jeans. I don't want to outdo the bride." Holly sounded dead serious. Gail just stared at her like she was bat-shit crazy. "Oh god Gail. Do you really think this is what I would wear to a wedding? I have to help set up. That's why I have to be there so early. Wouldn't really be appropriate to be moving everything around in my real outfit now would it?"

Gail tossed her pillow over at her before settling back into her spot in the cushions. She listened as Holly dug through her hallway closet, making a ridiculous amount of noise. Gail didn't bother to look up until Holly said she was leaving and would see Gail at the wedding, tossing her a spare key to lock up behind her. Gail turned towards the door just in time to catch the key, but too late to get a glimpse of whatever Holly had dragged out of the closet.

She sighed and pried herself from the couch glancing at the clock. Great, now she really had to make an effort to find something to wear and quick. Being late to a new friend's wedding wouldn't exactly be a great idea. Gail showered and dressed, checking and double checking her hair and makeup before going to meet the cab waiting on her. She planned on drinking heavily tonight and didn't want to have to deal with going to get her car in the morning. She gave the cabbie the address Danielle had provided that morning and sat back and watched the city pass her by.


Gail's thoughts easily strayed to Holly. They seemed to do that frequently as of late. Nothing substantial had really changed between them since last weekend. They had both been swamped with work and hadn't been able to hardly see each other though. Gail wondered if she and Holly would be in a different place if they had been free to enjoy each other's company as much as they had grown accustomed to. She really wasn't sure, and that was okay. She was in no rush with Holly. She loved just being her friend, and if it never went further, she still saw it as a win. Having Holly in life period was more than enough to keep a smile on her face. Even with that Gail's thoughts strayed to the strip club. What she remembers of it at least. There was definitely some crazy sexual tension between them. She was almost certain that Holly was just as aware as she herself was.

Gail's thoughts were interrupted by their sudden arrival. She paid and made her way from the cab. She looked up at the building before her. She didn't recognize the place, but quickly realized it was a ski lodge. She pulled her coat in tighter against her as she walked towards the entrance. Gail didn't recognize a soul and instantly regretted Holly leaving before her. Spotting the bar, she strode over quickly and ordered a drink.

"Hey stranger. I thought I would find you here." Gail turned to find Holly standing behind her looking amused. Gail's mouth dropped at the sight of Holly. Holly didn't miss it and brought her hand up to close Gail's mouth.

Gail shook herself out of the stare and found her voice. "Damn Holly. You look fucking gorgeous."

"Uh, thanks." Holly blushed at the compliment.

Gail took her in fully. She had never seen Holly in a dress before, which was probably best for her own sanity based on the reaction it was pulling from her. Holly stood before her in a tight dark purple dress and heels. Gail felt her eyes drift down to take in her legs. They seemed to go on forever. Gail managed to bring herself out of her trance after another moment of not so subtle glances.

Holly brushed off the looks and just took Gail by the elbow and led her to their seats. They fell into their usual banter easily and Gail was reminded of Frank and Noelle's wedding. She smiled to herself and settled back into their conversation.

When the ceremony was finished Holly excused herself and left Gail to make her way towards the reception area alone. She found the table with her name on it. Luckily she saw Holly's name next to hers. At least she didn't have to sit with a bunch of strangers alone. Gail waited impatiently for Holly to show, but when the toasts started she was still nowhere to be found. Gail pulled her phone from her pocket, and typed out a message under the table.

'Do I need to send ETF to come save you? Where did you run off to?'

She felt her phone buzz a second later.

Holly: Call off the troops, I am fine. Just making some last minute adjustments. See you soon. ;P

Adjustments? What the hell was Holly up to? Gail put her phone back in her purse and turned her attention back to whomever it was that was crying through his speech. Must be one of the parents. Shortly after the speeches finished and a woman came out into the banquet hall with a violin. This was actually Gail's favorite part. The first dance. It was sweet, yet still just awkward enough to be amusing. Half way through the song they urged everyone to join them and Gail made a bee line for her chair, hoping to avoid getting stuck slow dancing with someone's smelly grandfather or pimply younger cousin. She settled into her chair, looking for the closest waiter with a tray of champagne. Gail grabbed two glasses from the first to walk by and downed the first in one drink. She pulled her phone from her pocket looking to see if Holly had sent her any updates. Gail was actually getting a little nervous.

She dialed Holly's number and started towards the exit, hoping to find somewhere quiet. By the time she made it into the lobby the call had reached Holly's voicemail. Gail heard the band start up in the room behind her and left a quick message asking Holly to call her back. She was still staring at her phone as she walked back into the room. What finally made her look up was Holly's voice.

She stopped in her tracks and found Holly immediately. Gail saw Morgan in the crowd and made a grab for her.

"Oh hey Gail. I'm glad to see you here!"

"Hey Morgan. Uh, so Holly plays guitar then?" Both women's eyes found the woman in question, who was indeed on stage with the rest of the band, guitar in hand.

Morgan turned her attention back to Gail. "Oh yeah. She was in a band in college, but fell away from it a couple months into med school. Didn't have the time for it I guess. But she agreed to play for the reception. I think they still play in a couple local bars every once in a while though."

Gail's eyes hadn't left Holly even once through Morgan's explanation. "She is really good."

Morgan gave Gail a curious look that went unnoticed. "Yeah she really is. She is kind of a stellar musician actually. Sings, plays guitar, bass, drums and piano. I think she actually used to write most of their music, but they mostly just do covers now."

Gail felt butterflies in her chest again. Watching Holly play did something to her she couldn't describe. It was completely mesmerizing. Gail was curious why Holly had never mentioned it to her, but she couldn't help but love the little things that Holly let her discover. It was almost like a gift each time Holly showed more of herself to Gail. She watched them play another song before she managed to pull her eyes off of Holly and make her way to the bar.

She did her best to keep from staring, mostly failing. The band excused themselves for a break and Holly made her way over to Gail.

"Hey, sorry to abandon you and all but duty calls." Holly said sliding up next to Gail and grabbing a bottle of water from the bartender.

Gail struggled to find her words. "No of course. You guys are pretty awesome. Morgan told me you are kind of a beast in the music department. I would have to agree."

Holly brushed off the compliment. "Nah, rusty tonight. I haven't really had the chance to play in a few months. We only were able to meet up a few times to practice, so count yourself as lucky it isn't horrendous." Holly laughed to herself at this and offered Gail a genuine smile. "Glad you seem to like it though. I'm sure I would never hear the end of it otherwise."

Gail offered her own smile back to Holly and nodded in agreement. Holly glanced at her phone and sighed. "Well back to business for me. We are only playing a few more songs though so I will be back soon enough."

"Okay, well I will walk you back over then." Gail offered. Holly smiled and took Gail by the arm as they walked back over towards the stage. Holly pulled a bag from the side and placed her water in it before trading her heals for some Converse. Gail just gave Holly a look and shook her head. "Oh my god Holly. Could you get any gayer right now?"

Holly just nudged Gail and shooed her away. Gail got the hint and found her place back at the bar. She didn't bother trying to avert her attention this time around though. Holly took her place with the rest of the band at the side of the stage. She watched them talk and point at the stage for a few minutes before they made their way to their places. She kept her eyes on Holly as she dug through her bag again looking for something. Gail let her eyes drift back to the other band members and watched one of the guys pick up Holly's guitar and adjust the straps. He looked over to Holly who gave him a thumbs-up while smiling brightly. He mouthed something to her Gail couldn't understand and watched Holly flip him the bird and then glance around to make sure no one had seen it. They both laughed and Holly turned her attention back to her bag. Apparently she found what she was looking for, though Gail couldn't make out what it was, because a moment later she walked back towards the middle of the stage, taking a seat at the drum kit.

They started playing again and Gail felt herself transfixed by Holly's movements. She didn't even notice the guy that walked up to her and asked her to dance. She didn't notice Kate waving at her from the other side of the bar, or the bartender asking if she wanted another drink. The only thing she noticed was Holly. Gail couldn't pull her eyes away from the woman. Not even when Holly's eyes found her own through the crowd. Gail felt her heart take up residence in her throat instantly, suddenly nervous. She couldn't pinpoint what had just happened to her, but she knew that this moment made her knees weak, and it had everything to do with Holly's lingering eye contact.

Holly played the drums for the rest of the set. Gail kept feeling herself glancing up at the stage, watching Holly. She couldn't help it, and guessed that no matter how many times she saw Holly play, she would always find it difficult to avert her gaze. One more thing to add to her list of reasons Holly was amazing. It was of course a list she kept only in her mind, but it still took up enough of Gail's thoughts. She pulled herself out of it long enough to make conversation with Danielle and her new bride. Just as they were making their exit, Gail felt a hand on her shoulders and turned to find Holly standing behind her.

"Hey there. So I guess you are finished then?" Gail tried not to let her voice shake. She was doing everything she could to keep herself together, but her feelings betrayed her. Gail's nerves were far too apparent. Holly didn't say anything if she noticed, instead she nodded to Gail and downing three shots in a row.

"Whoa there. I hope you don't plan on driving home tonight if you are going to be drinking like that."

"Nope. I got a room here. I plan on getting plenty drunk tonight." Holly said between ordering drinks for her and Gail.

"Oh. Well I took a cab here. My car is at your place. Mind if I just crash there tonight?" Gail asked, slightly disappointed. She had figured that Holly would be returning home tonight. Now she was looking forward to going home to Dov and Chris, or spending an awkward night alone in Holly's apartment.

"Well I mean if you really want to I guess you can." Holly offered. "I just figured you would stay here. I can give you ride in the morning since your car is at mine anyways."

"Holly, I really doubt they have any rooms available at this point, what with a wedding tonight." Gail said slightly irritated.

Holly took the drinks from the bartender and handed one to Gail. "Oh they are completely booked. I had to struggle to get a room when I booked it a month ago."

Gail just looked at Holly confused now. "Okay, so…?"

"I wasn't suggesting you get a room here. I just figured you would stay with me." Holly suggested casually.

Gail felt slightly silly. Of course Holly had meant she could stay with her. It's not like she didn't crash at Holly's at least once a week anyways. "Oh. Well in that case, I guess I could stay. I don't have any clothes with me though."

"I have extras, just in case you decided to stay here." Holly placed her glass down on the bar and turned to Gail. "So, shall we dance?"

Gail looked around at all of the people milling about, clinging on to each other. "To a slow song?"

"It's not like I have cooties. Just one dance and then we can get out of here and go put sweatpants on." Holly took Gail by the hand and led her out to the dance floor, not waiting for an answer. Gail gave in and let Holly pull her in close. Gail felt her nerves hard at work again, hoping that Holly didn't notice. She chanced a glance at Holly who smiled at her and just pulled her closer. They stood there in the midst of everyone, swaying slowly to the music. Gail felt her head tilt down onto Holly's shoulder of its own accord and let herself just take the moment in.

True to her word Holly led Gail off the dance floor after one song and back over to the stage. One of the guys from the band was stowing all of the equipment and handed Holly's bag over to her.

"Thanks James. Take good care of my stuff will you? I'll get in next week?" Holly said hugging the man.

He smiled warmly at her before offering his reply. "And face the wrath of you if I don't? Trust me, it's all I good hands. Have a good night."

"Thanks you too." She gave him another quick hug before dragging Gail out into the lobby. They found a spot in the crowded elevator and rode it up to Holly's floor in silence. After they stepped out into the hallway Gail burst into laughter.

"Oh my god. That was so awkward. No one in there would look at each other. Do you think they are all wedding hookups?" Holly nodded her head trying to contain her own laughter.

"Definitely." She walked up to a door and slid the key car in. "Well this is me. Ladies first." Holly said letting Gail into the room and following in behind her, locking the door behind them.