"Hols? You here?" Gail called out as she entered the house.. Her house, her home, the place she shared with the women she loved.
Gail seemed to have settled in completely, it felt no different from before, except she didn't have to keep running back and forth to the frat house..
Gail manage to keep her mess to a minimum,and even took on the role of taking the trash and recycling out .
Holly laughed at Gail's nightly security checks ,her thoroughness was not to be mocked at she would warn as Holly giggled following her around the house ..
"Hey" the Doctor smiled as she appeared at the top of the stairs ..
"Wow" Gail gasped "you look hot"
Holly blushed as she smoothed her dress down " hot wasn't what I was going for" she smiled as she approached the blonde kissing her gently "hey"
"Hi" Gail grinned grabbing hold of the brunette kissing her a little deeper " what's say we blow off this dinner and go straight to the bedroom"
Holly giggled shaking her head " we're going honey"
Gail sighed heavily " it's not gonna go well lunchbox,My Mother is going to go out of her way to put me down and piss me off"
"Honey? Listen to me," Holly said taking the blonde's face in her hands smoothing her cheeks " Your Mom needs to know she can't rule your life, or dictate how you live it ok"?
"You don't know my Mom" Gail sulked leaning into Holly's hand "she's relentless"
"Well" Holly smiled wrapping her arms around Gail's neck " I just so happened to be dating this really snarky,badass cop and she's starting to rub off on me, soooo if your Mom wants a fight? She can have one"
Gail forced a smile as Holly kissed her, dipping her tongue into the cops mouth slightly .
Gail pulled away a little "keep doing that and we definitely aren't going"
Holly laughed kissing her quickly " go shower I got your clothes out for you"
"You did what"? Gail frowned ..
...
"Holly"? Gail called out twenty minutes later " what's with the dress"?
Holly sat on the sofa reading scientific America ,shook her head " just put it on"
Gail appeared at the bottom of the stairs in just her underwear " what's wrong with jeans and a sweater"?
Holly raised her eyebrows in appreciation of the view " or you could just go like that"? She grinned " I wouldn't mind"
Gail smirked "seriously? Why a dress?, it's just dinner with my parents"
"Because my beautiful, hot lady" Holly laughed under her breath, getting up off the sofa " we are going to show your Parents that we are very serious about our relationship and our lives together and nothing anyone says is going to change that"
Gail wasn't convinced "And you think a dress is going to do that?.. Seriously? I would be easier to take her own in some comfortable clothing"
Holly sucked on her bottom lip taking Gail by her hips pulling her closer, placing a kiss on her neck " how about, if you wear the dress when we get home I'll peel you out of it"? She whispered as she sucked gently on Gail's pale skin..
"Sold" Gail grinned pulling the dress over her head " do me up"?
Holly laughed as she zipped the blonde up " you're so easy"
"So" Gail laughed "ok let's go"
Gail drove deciding alcohol wouldn't be a good idea, her and her mother haven't been talking due to Gail ignoring all her mothers attempts to contact her ..
The radio was the only noise in the car, Holly worried at the silence, although it wasn't uncomfortable, she worried more for Gail's state of mind, placing her hand on the cops thigh, looking at her with a smile... " you ok Honey"?
Gail nodded forcing a smile " yeah I'm fine, I just wish we didn't have to go"
Holly flicked the indicator " pull over a sec"
"What? We'll be late " Gail panicked as she pulled into the left ..
"Who cares" Holly shrugged turning in her seat taking Gail's hand .. " talk to me?, tell me what's worrying you so much"
Gail squeezed the Doctors hand but kept her eyes on the road watching the car pass by " I just"... She bit her lip shaking her head " I just hate that she has this hold over me, she makes me feel like shit, like I'm not good enough, and i know as soon as she has the chance she's going to go on about how your way out of my league and subtly tell you that your to good for me" Gail swallowed her emotions before looking over at her girlfriend " and maybe she right"
Holly frowned shaking her head " hey stop that! you are more then enough for me, and I love you" Holly lifted the arm rest so she could get closer to the emotional blonde .. Stroking the side of her face " Gail? I don't care what your Mother says tonight, you and i... We work, we .. We fit,and I promise you now, I will never let anyone put you down,... Ever.. And I don't care who they are, Honey I will always back us, always defend what we have... But I need you to do the same, I don't want you heading in there and allow her to make you feel worthless ok"?
Gail took Holly's hand kissing her wrist " she just has a way of getting to me"
"Well it stops now" Holly warned " cmon, we can take her" she joked nudging the blonde
Gail laughed sucking in her bottom lip " just don't leave me ok"?
"I will be by your side the whole way through it" holly promised
" ok" Gail smirks starting the car pulling back on to the road " but I didn't just mean tonight"
The sides of Holly's lips curled up at Gail's words, regardless of what Superintendent Peck had to say, Holly silently thanking God for this amazing women every day ...
Gail pulled on to the drive , Steve and Traci were already there which Gail was thankful for.. " you sure you want to go in? I could always turn back"?
"We're going in" Holly answered firmly opening her door
Gail signed heavily pulling the keys out of the ignition " show time" she whispered to herself..
Steve answered the door hugging his sister and then Holly " your be happy to know I'm the one in the firing line tonight"
Gail frowned " the golden child? No way"
Steve laughed "yup! not inviting her to Leo's school play was not except able...apparently "
Gail laughed "well fear not brother dear I'm here to take the heat off your sorry ass"
Holly took Gail's hand to reassure her ..
"Gail" Elaine spoke from the kitchen door " so nice of you to join us"
"Mom"
Holly felt Gail's hand loosen around her own " Mom this is Holly"
Elaine dried her hands on the towel she was holding " Superintendent Peck "she said holding her hand out " so nice to finally meet you Ms Stewart"
Holly confidently took the Red heads hand "nice to meet you too , but if we must be formal is Doctor Stewart.. Not Ms" she smiled
"Wow"Traci gasped quietly behind her wine glass at Holly's come back
"Ignore her" Gail's Dad said from the side lines " Holly ? I'm Bill, it's nice to meet you" he said as she hugged her .. "Hi sweetheart" he added kissing Gail on the temple " good to see you "
"Hey Dad"
"Well now everyone has finally showed up let's eat" Elaine Bitched ..
"Relax" Holly whispered as she kissed Gail's cheek ..
Bill poured the wine .."none for me Dad, I'm driving" Gail explained with her hand over her glass ..
Bill nodded filling Traci up ..
Elaine served dinner as Steve and his Dad made small talk about a case Steve's been working on ..
"So Doctor Stewart" Elaine piped up
"Here we go" Gail sighed under her breath " I hear you cracked the John Doe cause recently? That's impressive considering it's been open for three years "
Holly sipper her Wine " I just found what evidence there"
"Or it could be that your are very good in your field," Bill added .
Holly gave him a smile, she liked Bill, he seemed like a quiet man who took time out to talk to his kids ..
"Well from what I hear you are one of the best "Elaine continued " finishing top of your classes, graded second in the country in fact"
"You've done your homework" Holly said sarcastically .
"Yes well unfortunately my daughter fails to tell me about the new ... Changes in her life, so one has to find out for herself"
Gail rolled her eyes , twenty five minutes in had to be a record for this women ..
"Well Gail's an adult" Holly stated "I'm sure at her age you didn't consult your Mother at every turn"?
Elaine didn't like being challenge, she wasn't use to it .."yes well I didn't decide to be gay and move in with my lover at her age"
"For God sake" Gail moaned throwing her napkin down moving her chair , Holly took her hand to stop her from moving .. " you don't decide to be gay Ms Peck, you're born that way, .. Do you have a problem with your daughter dating a women"?
Traci held her breath waiting for the war to begin whist Steve had a grin on his face, it had to be the first time his Mother had ever been spoken to in such way ..
"I am not homophobic Ms Stewart"! Elaine said abruptly "Nor do I care if one of my children are gay, I do a lot for the LGBT community, but you have to for give me for being dubious when my daughter here, was set to run off and marry a man , Officer Collins might I add.. A man, and she was also in a serious relationship with Craig Diaz"?
"Chris" Gail and Steve both corrected her in unison ..
"What ever his name is" Elaine continued "never has my daughter been in a relationship with a women , let alone play house with one"
"Well that's bi-sexuality for you" Holly smiled " maybe she just hadn't met the right women.. Until now"
"Whatever makes Gail happy is good enough for us" Bill winked at his daughter raising his glass ..
"And you think it's except able that she makes such life changing decisions with out consulting her family"? .. Elaine was pissed, Holly had hit a nerve she never knew she had,
"I am here" Gail said with a wave " why do you think I didn't tell you"?
"I don't know Gail, why do you do a lot of things"? Elaine moaned
"Maybe I didn't tell you because you never have a nice thing to say about me, maybe because you would of told me how I'll mess up, and that Holly can do better"
"Well"
"Elaine, I think that's enough, the kids and their partners have come for a nice enjoyable evening, so drop it" Bill warned
Traci had thought best to fade into the background and keep quiet, she hated how Elaine bitched at Gail and at one time had almost felt the wrath of the red head for getting involved .. Steve as always was just glad the heat was off him, but always took Gail's side, he was thoroughly enjoying Listening to his mother getting a taste of his own medicine .. And Gail just didn't want to be there at all...
Silence fell over the dinner table, Elaine didn't usually defy her husband when he spoke ..
"This wine's wonderful" Traci said trying to break the ice.. "Is it from the cellar"?
"It is yes," Bill answered "it's a nineteen ninety five burgundy "
"Well I'm not up on my wine but this is beautiful" Traci smiled taking a long drew on her glass ...
"Do you like the wine Holly "? Bill asked .
Holly nodded " yeah it's exquisite, I'm a Barolo fan myself, but I like trying new things"
"Well maybe later I'll take you down to the cellar and show you what we have"?
"Thanks Bill" Holly smiled " I'd like that"
"Gail prefers beer" Elaine stated ..
"Your right, she does" Holly agreed with a smirk "she also likes junk food and I don't,she likes video games and I prefer to read.. She doesn't like eggs but I love them .. It would get pretty boring if we were into the same thing, isn't that right Honey"? Holly asked Gail as she stroked her back ..
"Yup" Gail nodded
"And so different in your career ambitions too" Elaine added ..
"We both a careers " Holly said sipping her wine..
"And yet at completely different paces, I mean you? an very accomplished Doctor for your age, highly respected in your game, already reaching the top the ladder . And Gail here.."
"Yeah Gail here is just your regular beat cop" Gail sulked knowing exactly what her mother was going to say..
"Well I see you haven't put your name down for this years detective rotation .. Again" Elaine fumed
"Elaine!" Bill snapped
"I'm simply asking Gail why she hasn't "
"No your not, your pushing " Bill said..
Elaine sipped her wine turning he attention to Holly "so are you happy that your live in partner doesn't want to further her career?
Bill rolled his eyes " Steve shell we find some whiskey"?
"Yes sir" Steve saluted "trac"?
"Uh I'm fine here thanks" Traci smiled enjoying the floor show..
"Mom can we not"? Gail begged
"It's ok Honey" Holly smiled patting the blondes arm " I'm not really sure I understand what your asking me Elaine? I mean from where I'm standing Gail is a respected member of the law, she's great at her job, shes cautious, she's fearless,shes brave, she's considerate when she needs to be, she's very loyal,furiously competitive in her work, and she does all that carrying the burden of her last name " Holly preached " so if you're asking me if what Gail does is enough for me then the answers., yes.. I don't really care if Gail wants to stay a beat cop forever or if she wants to do some thing else .. She could shovel shit for a living if she wanted to, just as long as she comes home to me every night"
Traci's drink came flying out of her mouth all down herself, as hard as she had been trying all night to keep her laugher inside, that remark tipped her over the edge .. Gail seemed to be the only one to notice and couldn't help but shake her head and laugh at her friend .. Holly and Elaine were locked in a staring competition .. Elaine knew she wasn't going to get one over on This women and underneath the anger she was very impressed.. Holly was good for her daughter even if she would never admit it .. For once in her eyes Gail done good..
" Well at least she won't disappoint you" was Elaine's reply .. "Wipe your mouth dear" she said looking at Traci who was still cleaning herself up .
Holly headed to the bathroom only to be stopped by Bill " sweetheart I can only apologise for my wife"
Holly smiled squeezing his arm " it's fine sir, I can take hold my own "
"So I see" he chuckled " I don't think anyone's ever taken her on like that"
Holly bit her lip " the bottom line is sir, I love your daughter very much, and I will defend her when I need to"
Bill smiled from his eyes " well I for one am happy my girl has someone special like you in her life .."
Holly smiled widely, she couldn't really understand why some one so lovely would be married to Elaine Peck...opposites really do attract.
...
"Hey you" Holly hummed into Gail's neck as she wrapped her arms around her from behind ..
"And your parents call this the back yard"? She asked looking out over the balcony they were stood on.. "Looks more like a county park "
Gail laughed under her breath "so did she scare you off"?
Holly nuzzled deeper into the pale women's neck " no chance, I actually enjoyed it"
They both laughed " I'm sorry Hol, I did tell you she was relentless"
"Hey" Holly turned Gail around so she was in her arms " Its going to take a lot more then superintendent Mom to make me walk away from you"
Gail kissed her lover deeply "I love you"
Holly wrapped the blonde up in her arms holding her close to her " I love you Honey, and I really don't care if you only ever want to be a beat cop,if it makes you happy then that's all I want"
Gail pulled away a little to look into her brunettes eyes " really"?
"Really!"
Gail laughed " well I'm defiantly gonna consider a job at the zoo.. Shovelling shit sounds fun, Just need to work out what animal I like best"
Holly laughed loudly " I like elephants ..
Gail giggled " that's had to be the best part of the evening, poor Traci almost chocked to death "
Holly bite her bottom lip still laughing " so? How many more Peck Dinners do you think we'll be invited too"?
Gail rolled her eyes "none I hope" ..
"Hey butt head" Steve called out" desserts up "
"Round two"? Holly asked
"Mmmmm I don't know, I think my Dads had words" Gail smiled ..
"So Traci how do you feeling about it coming up to a year since you become a detective?" Elaine asked
"Here we go again" Gail whispered into Holly's ear " this is where she uses other people's lives to put mine down"
Holly nodded as she listened to the conversation .
"I uh.. Haven't really thought about it" Traci answered " I mean it's still tough, I feel like I'm still the new kid, like I still have a lot to learn"
"Of coarse you do dear, but you must also be very proud of yourself, a mother to a young child and yet you still worked your way through the academy and into the ranks in what three years"?
"See" Gail groaned
"And you have the youngest detective to ever work in guns and gangs for a future husband" Elaine processed .. Quite an accomplishment"
Gail sighed heavily causing Holly to take her hand in her own ..
"Well thanks but I don't know about the future husband part, Steve and I haven't been together long"
"Yeah don't say things like that you might scare her away, it took me long enough to hold her down" Steve Joked earning him a slap his arm from Traci ..
"No ones saying now.."Elaine tutted " but maybe in the future.. I'm sure Leo would love a sibling.. And Steve is now Bill and I's only chance of grandchildren"
Gail frowned " what? That's bullshit"
"Excuse me?" Elaine gasped "Gail please don't use that language"
"So what your saying is now that I'm "gay" Gail air quoted " Steve is the only one of us to have kids"? ..
" well I assumed"...
"Assumed what"? Gail butted in " Holly and I can have kids if that's what we choose. Yes! , they Won't be biologically both of yours but so what?.. Leo isn't Steve's, yet you've taken on the Role of the doting grandma"
Gail was pissed and sick of her Mothers attitude towards her .. "Or is it that he's male? so the kid will be a defiant Peck"?
"Gail you're being ridiculous " Elaine insisted..
"Am I"?.. Or are you worried that my kid would be a complete let down like me"?
"Gail sweetheart" Bill empathised
"No dad I wanna know? So is it"? Gail asked again waiting for her mother to answer ..
"Firstly don't get fresh with me Abigail!,also watch your tone" Elaine warned " and of coarse not.. Any addition to our family will be very welcomed and loved"
"As long as it isn't a let down or an embarrassment to you or your name" Gail argued " well don't worry, because when Holly and I do have kids, they wont have to carry the burden of letting the Peck name down because they won't be carrying it.. So you better hope Traci gives Steve a kid" and with that Gail stormed out of the dining area followed instantly by Holly ..
"Good work Mom" Steve moaned taking Traci by the hand leaving the table ..
Elaine sat shocked at her daughters outburst , holding her chest " can you believe that"? She asked Bill .. Who was sat drumming his fingers on the table ..
"You deserved that" he nodded
"Excuse me"?
"You heard me, you just can't help yourself can you? You push her and berate her at every giving Opportunity, and after all these years of letting you, she's finally stood up for herself.." Bill rose to his feet looking disappointed at his wife " now if you don't mind I think I will see my kids out .. And Elaine"? Bill stopped to look at his wife .. "You see this empty table"? You keep behaving the way you do, you better get use to just how empty It is... When are you going to accept you can't rule out daughters life?
Elaine was shocked her husband was being so blunt with her, something she wasn't use to..
" be her mother for once in your damn life, be happy for her, tell her you love once in awhile"?
Elaine was left alone staring at the empty seats, she knew she was hard on Gail, she knew she pushed to far sometimes but in her mind she wants better for her kids, she wants them to succeed in life and be the best they can be.. Even if it meant being over barring .. She didn't move off the table, she knew she wouldn't be welcome to say good bye so she sat and drank her wine ..
"Gail,I'm really happy for you my darling,Holly is an incredible women," Bill smiled hugging his daughter " and I'm proud of you.."
Gail swallowed the lump in her throat .. "Thanks dad"
"I'll stop by thirteen in the week ok? You can buy your old dad a donut"
Gail laughed " yeah ok deal"
Bill said his good byes to Holly and waved them off .. "So that was new" Steve said with his hands in his pockets ..
" your Mom got what she deserved, I must say I really like Holly" Bill laughed ..
"Me too" Traci laughed ..
"I don't think there's a person in this world who doesn't " Steve added ..
"Well maybe one" Bill joked looking up at the house ..
"I don't know, Elaine's a strong independent women, who fights for women's rights to be who they want to be" Traci explained " I think those two may just become friends "
Bill laughed " and hell may freeze over " ..
...
Holly lay on the bed star fished " that was more tiring then a twelve hour shift" she laughed ..
"Mmmm, well you certainly didn't let her walk all over you" Gail smirks taking her earrings out..
Holly lifted herself on to her elbows " I could say the same to you, you really stood up for us"
"Hardly" Gail frowned..
"Did you mean what you said about kids?" Holly asked carefully ..
"What"?
"You know about us .. Us having kids"? Holly muttered ..
Gail stood looking at the nervous brunette " well I know it's way to early to be thinking about that kinda stuff yet but,... Well I would like to think one day we will... Maybe"?
Holly nodded " I mean I've never.. really.. I hate to say it but,.. I kinda thought like Elaine did.. I'm gay, and the people i choose to sleep with are kinda missing the vital ingredients to make babies"
Gail placed her hands on her hips " so what are you saying? You don't want to be a mom one day?"
Holly sat up at the end of the bed a few inches away from Gail " I'm saying it was just never something I saw for myself, I guess I never met anyone I thought I would settle down enough with "
Gail looked sad, she always wanted to be a mom someday. And the thought of Holly not wanting kids hurt her .. This hadn't gone unnoticed by Holly..
" until now" she smiled "until I fell for you"
Gail blushed " are you just saying that"?
Holly shook her head "no .. We live together and I know This is what I want, I know you're all I want, and I know someday In the future I would love nothing more then to add to our family"
Gail couldn't hide her happiness, her grin was starting to make her jaw ache " even if they are Pecks"?
Holly laughed " Stewart-Pecks"
Gail laughed .. I like that.. And maybe one day we could all be Stewart-Pecks"?
"Gail are you asking me to marry you one day"? Holly teased causing Gail to roll her eyes .. "Maybe one day nerd .. Now? Are you peeling me out of this dress or what"?
"Yes wifey" Holly laughed pulling the blonde dress over her head before she attacked her neck with her lips
"You're such a nerd