Chapter Text
Waverly has been with Nicole now for almost 2 years. They are still fighting the remaining Revenants and the demons that snuck in when the gate was briefly opened by Willa. And things seem to finally be working in their favor. Dolls returned to his rightful place as the head of the Black Badge Division. Doc is running Shorty’s since it was deserted. Also, lending his hand when a certain demon problem requires his expertise. Gus is finally enjoying her retirement. And Wynonna… well she is still being Wynonna. After Waverly dropped the ball when telling her sister about her growing relationship with Nicole, Waverly decided to try and let Wynonna in more. This was even more evident when she was dealing with her feelings for a certain red head officer. Said officer is enjoying her new position with the BBD. Fighting alongside a team that she trusts and truly loves. They are her family now and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Now that she knows about the Earp curse and the strange happenings in town, life with Waverly is much smoother. It was tough in the beginning. What with Waverly wanting to protect Nicole by leaving her out and Nicole’s feeling about that. But they got past it and Nicole is now a functional and vital member of the team. Wynonna loves to joke that if he could, Dolls would replace Wynonna with Nicole in a heartbeat. Dolls and Nicole have become quite the duo. Always learning from each other and spending hours training together. Waverly loved how Nicole seemed to flow well with everyone (even Dolls, who no one really flowed with). It was almost like they had an unspoken understanding, a wordless language that was only spoken through body language and eye contact. It fascinated Waverly. Doc and Nicole seemed to mesh immediately. They never had a problem keeping easy conversation and hashing out advice. Plus, their common interests and Earp girls gave them plenty to talk about. Their immediate friendship and simple understanding of each other made working together a breeze. Nicole has even grown on Wynonna. Nicole, being Nicole, tried to gain Wynonna’s trust almost immediately. Although it took a while, they couldn’t be closer now. “Best Friends” Waverly thought. It warmed her heart and caused a small giggle to erupt from her. She couldn’t even count the amount of times she was woken up to Nicole carrying Wynonna’s drunk ass back to the Homestead after a night of drinking and pool at Shorty’s’. She was reminded every time she saw the compassion her girlfriend showed her sister just how lucky she was. Nicole, even on the nights when she was exhausted from work, always showed so much care when it came to Wynonna. Always carrying her inside and delicately laying her down on the couch (trying not to wake her). Never leaving until Wynonna was removed of her boots and leather jacket, covered with a blanket, and accompanied by a bottle of water with aspirin sitting on top. Nicole’s compassion for Wynonna was not something she did for Waverly’s affection. Most nights she didn’t even wake Waverly, trying to slip out unseen. The fact that Nicole took care of her sister simply because she was Nicole made Waverley love her impossibly more.
About two months ago, Nicole moved in at the Homestead. Partially for practical purposes (seeing as she was sleeping there most nights anyway) and partially because the homestead was the only place she was safe from the Revenants. It became very evident that Waverly’s relationship with Nicole made her a target. After the second attempt on her life at her apartment, Wynonna and Waverly finally insisted that Nicole move in with them. It was almost comical how very little changed once Nicole moved. Everything just seemed so normal and so right. Everyone seem to fit in to their new roles and it felt like the puzzle had all the pieces in place. Or so Waverly thought.
It all started three nights ago. There was a big hockey game on and Waverly could hear Nicole and Wynonna screaming from the second floor of the Homestead. She game down just after the second. She descended the stairs just as the second period had started to find that Dolls and Doc had join them. She was even more surprised to see Gus in the kitchen making herself a plate of chips and other snacks. This all brought a smile to Waverly’s face. Her family, her real family. Altogether by choice. She sat down next to cook Nicole and started to pay attention to the game. She soon realized that Nicole and Wynonna were betting against each other. This struck Waverley as strange because this hardly happened. When it came to sports, Wynonna and Nicole seem to always be on the same page. Waverly notice the two teams playing. It was the Calgary Flames versus the Chicago Blackhawks. Wynonna was cheering for the Flames and Nicole for the Blackhawks. Nicole’s choice of team intrigued Waverly.
“Why root for Chicago and face Wynonna’s wrath?” Waverly asked with a wide grin and a playful elbow to Nicole’s side.
“Because I’m from Chicago” Nicole responded nonchalantly with a chuckle.
Waverly’s eyes widened. Holy crap. How didn’t she know that? What kind of girlfriend was she?
“What?” Was all Waverly could respond with as she stared at her girlfriend. Her full attention now on Nicole.
Nicole looked away from the game and was slightly startled at the horrified look on her girlfriend’s face.
“Wave? What’s wrong?”
“You are from Chicago?” Waverly said, brain frozen on the previously stated information.
“Yea, well kinda. I was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. But I went to college in Chicago and went to the police academy there too. So that’s where most of my favorite sports teams come from.” Nicole said, still confused by Waverly’s facial expression.
“You’re American?” Waverly asked as her brain started to catch up with the conversation.
“Um yeah… is that a problem?” Nicole waited but Waverly didn’t respond. After a few awkward moments, Nicole shifted in her seat on the couch. “Wave?”
“How did I not know that? Why didn’t you tell me that?” Waverly said with a hint of panic in her voice
Wynonna absentmindedly thought this would be a good time to interject. Not looking away from the game she punched Nicole playfully on the shoulder.
“Yeah, Haughtstuff didn’t tell you? She is a dual citizen or something like that. Apparently, that’s like kinda rare and she was even in the army or some badass crap like that.”
“I was a Marine, Wynonna” Nicole corrected.
Waverly just stared at Nicole and then at everyone else in the room. Everyone in the room looked shocked (except Dolls). Waverly saw his reaction. She decided to question him. It was easier to question him rather than her girlfriend at the moment.
“You knew? Why didn’t you say anything?” Waverly directed at Dolls.
“It wasn’t my story to tell” He simply stated, facial features unchanged.
“Wave, it wasn’t some big secret. You just never asked and I never found an opportunity to tell you. It’s not really a big deal.” Nicole said apprehensively. Not wanting to anger her girlfriend.
Waverly leaned back into the couch with an “Okay” and seemed to look back to the screen. Although Nicole knew she wasn’t really watching the game, but rather analyzing the new information she has been given. Nicole takes this as an opportunity to get up and get a refill of her drink. After grabbing a new bottle of beer out of the fridge and popping the cap off, Nicole turn to see Gus leaning in the doorway of the kitchen.
“Something I can help you with Mrs. McCrea- Gus?” Nicole corrected herself remembering how Waverly’s aunt wanted her to call her by her first name now that Waverly and her were together.
“Yeah. If you wouldn’t mind Darlin’, I was wondering if I could talk to you for a minute?”
Nicole’s face must have showed her immediate concern because Gus quickly added, “Don’t worry Hun, you are not in trouble. I just want to talk to you.”
Hearing this, Nicole risibly relaxed and followed Gus out the side door and onto the deck where there was a small chair and table set up. They both took a seat and fell into a comfortable silence as they looked out at the surrounding fields.
Night had long since come but the lights from the house illuminated the surrounding area nicely.
“So, Nicole, you were in the military?” Gus questioned. The apprehension in her voice obvious. She didn’t want to upset Nicole or make her uncomfortable. But Gus felt she needed to have this conversation.
“Yes Ma’am.” Nicole said, maybe trying to hide the pride she felt.
“How did a young buck like you end up in the Marine Corps?”
“Well it is kind of a boring story. Once I finished high school, I knew I wanted to be a police officer and protect people. But I was too young to go to the academy so I decided to join the military. I chose the Marines because of the challenge and within a few days of enlisting, I was off to boot camp. After that, I did two tours overseas before was discharged and started school.”
Gus pondered the information carefully before asking, “If you don’t mind me asking, where did you get deployed to?”
“First tour I was in Pakistan and I spent three months there before my unit was transferred to a remote region of Iraq. I returned home to the States six months later.” Nicole stated.
“And your second deployment…? Gus saw Nicole’s hesitation but decided to let the girl decide if she would answer.
“Afghanistan Ma’am.”
Gus’ face dropped and concern washed over her features. “None of those places are easy, but Afghanistan… I’ve seen pictures and heard some stories. That’s a rough place to be, especially as a U.S. Soldier.” Nicole simply nodded as she looked down at the ground. Not really sure what to say.
“You coping with it well?” Gus asked. “Most people can’t be functional after suffering that kind of trauma.”
But then it dawned on her. Nicole knew why Gus had asked to talk to her privately. “Look Gus, I understand what you’re getting at. You are concerned for your girls. Your concerned that I might hurt Waverly or Wynonna for that matter. But I can assure you that I have my PTSD under control. If I didn’t, don’t you think Waverly would have knew before now that I was in the service? And don’t you think Wynonna would have beat my ass by now?” Nicole said on the defensive. Trying not to let the self-conscious feelings show.
“Nicole, I am not trying to insinuate you are not strong enough to fight your PTSD. I’m sure you are a very strong woman and have worked very hard to get to this place. But can you blame me for my concern? It has nothing to do with you Nicole. It could be anyone dating my girls. You have been in combat and have seen things. Done things. Things that no one should have to. And that’s not your fault. I like you Nicole, I like you a lot. And I know you would never intentionally hurt Waverly. But I need you to promise me something. Please.”
Nicole looked at her unsure but still responded, “Okay?”
“Promise me that if you for some reason can’t handle it. If it becomes too hard. Promise me you will remove yourself from Waverly. Walk away, even if just for a moment. And stay away until you can handle it. Until you are confident that you won’t hurt her. I couldn’t bear it if something happened to her and I know you couldn’t live with yourself if you hurt her. So please just promise me that if it ever becomes too much, walk away. Come talk to me or talk to someone, but please don’t put anyone in the position where they are forced to deal with the consequences of your pain. I really like you Nicole. You are practically family and I know you love Waverly. I just need you to promise me that you love her enough to protect her. Even if you have to protect her from yourself. “
Nicole sat and thought about what Gus was asking of her. And the more she thought about it, the less attacked she felt. She knew where Gus was coming from and she knew that Gus cared for her. Gus tried to be delicate with her, but there really is only so much she could do. Nicole appreciated the effort. She nodded and turned her head to face Gus once again. “I promise Gus. I love her enough to do that. I will protect her. You’re right. I promise.”
Gus smiled at Nicole and they both rose from their seats. Gus wasn’t a big hugger, but she still embraced a surprised Nicole. “Thank you, Nicole. And if you ever need to talk to someone, about anything, I’m here for you. If you ever need anything, I hope you know you can come to me”.
Nicole teared up a little as she hugged Gus back. “Thank you, Gus, for being upfront with me. I appreciate it. Just… thank you.”
Right then, Waverly and Wynonna walked out the side door in search of the pair and caught them as they were separating from their embrace. Both Earp sisters shared a confused look on their face but didn’t say anything. Finally, Wynonna broke the silence by saying the third period was about to start. Gus and Nicole both smiled and walked back to the house. Gus and Wynonna went inside as Waverly held Nicole back. Waverly looked at Nicole with concerned eyes. “What’s wrong Nic?”
“Nothing. Gus and I were just talking. That’s all.”
“Everything okay?”
“Yeah baby, everything is great. Let’s get inside and watch the rest of the game. I want to see Wyn’s face when her Flames get blown out.” Nicole chuckled.
They headed inside the evening resumed with a promise to talk about the new information in the morning.