Before neXt

Elliot snuggled against Gina's arm as Gina looked through the large filled-out calendar. She wondered if it was time to tell Gina about the gender bender curse. It had to come out soon since they were going to a concert together.

Gina noticed how quiet Elliot was and kissed her. "What are you thinking about, El?"

"About how much I trust you," Elliot blushed as Gina put the calendar aside and pinned her against the couch. "What are you doing?"

"Making sure you feel loved," Gina laughed, resting against Elliot. "You got something big on your mind. Let me hear it."

"There's a reason why I don't allow anyone but people I consider family to stay over after 5 PM," Elliot sighed. "It's a family curse or blessing depending on the way you view it."

Gina shifted up to face Elliot and pressed another kiss on her girlfriend, not that they were labeling their relationship. "I already know and I should have told you."

Gina could see Elliot panicking and distracted her by burying her face against Elliot's neck, nipping her. She could feel Elliot squirming underneath before there was tapping on her back.

"Done processing?" Gina asked sweetly.

"No, but you are making me unleash my inner gay with the neck bites," Elliot answered. "It's not fair. You can't play with me like this."

Gina giggled and held Elliot close. "I came to see you the night you cremated Terrance. No one noticed me and Reese pointed me to your room. I was a bit confused at first but I have to say, you look good in a suit, even if you weren't wearing it right."

Elliot huffed. "I was drunk."

"A hot drunk," Gina pointed out. "Look, Elliot, I really like you and I don't mind the whole 'I turn into a guy at 6 p.m.' thing. Besides, you called me when you were in Canada, drunk off your ass, and we had phone sex."

Elliot frowned and pushed Gina off the couch. "I didn't consent to that."

Gina sighed as she laid on the ground. "I know and I feel guilty for not telling you earlier. I mean... I was desperate for you."

"Really?" Elliot questioned, leaning over the edge of the couch. "Did we enjoy it?"

"Yes, I believe so," Gina replied, reaching up to caress Elliot's cheek. "Does this mean no to the concerts and everything else I want to do with you?"

Elliot leaned into Gina's hand and huffed. "You're lucky I still like you, Gina. Plus I don't want to go alone and you're always on my mind when I'm not thinking about my responsibilities as an adult and a mother."

Gina laughed, rubbing Elliot's cheek with her thumb. "I think Shea would find a reason to fire me for hurting you and ruining her free supply of cookies. I hate how random thoughts of you creep into my mind and make me happy around people. I don't like sharing my smiles with anyone."

"Well, you have to share them with me and Reese," Elliot beamed.

"Where is Reese?" Gina asked. "I haven't seen her since her birthday party."

"Soccer practice with Topher's boys," Elliot grinned. "It's a co-ed team and I don't want to be that crazy soccer mom. Topher can be the crazy gay soccer dad."

Gina smirked as she sat up. "Come on, we're going. After practice, we'll get ice cream. We'll decide the concert dates later since Shea gave me the day off and told me to make it up on Sunday."

"Okay," Elliot agreed. "But you're driving."

/ - / - /

"Mama!" Reese beamed running over to Elliot. "Mama, did you see that kick?"

Elliot rubbed Reese's head. "I did. Now get back over there and finish. Gina promised us ice cream after your practice."

"Hi Gina," Reese greeted. "Are we really getting ice cream?"

"Only if you finish your practice," Gina giggled. "I think your coach is annoyed with us. Run along, now. We'll be here."

Reese nodded and rejoined her friends on the field. Gina pulled Elliot close and sighed happily.

"Is that the only sport she does?" Gina asked.

Elliot smirked. "You should see us on the ice playing hockey. I got a team back home who we play with. They're going to start blowing up my phone soon."

Gina grinned. "You have to invite me to your games. I want to see you play."

"Okay," Elliot laughed as Topher walked over.

"Hey, lovebirds," Topher huffed. "I'm surprised you're here. I thought the only sport you supported was hockey."

"Tell that to my girlfriend," Elliot puffed before turning to Gina. "I can call you that, right?"

"Of course, El," Gina beamed, squeezing Elliot. "My cute little girlfriend. Reese will be my adorable little daughter."

Elliot stared at Gina. "Is it too late to cancel the U-haul?"

Topher snickered. "Way too late, El. Just wait until she has to meet the rest of the family."

"Rocky will make sure she passes," Elliot smiled. "Rocky is my sister from another mister. Best friend ever. Oh, that reminds me, she said she would cover the concerts that you couldn't go to."

"I have to meet her first," Gina frowned, squeezing Elliot tighter. "I have to know how beautiful she is and the origin story."

Topher tilted his head. "You're not jealous?"

"Why should I be jealous when Elliot chose me?" Gina replied. "Come on, we're supposed to be watching the kids."

/ - / - /

Gina sent the set dates for the concerts she wanted to go to with Elliot. She leaned against Elliot's male form which was so different from Elliot's female form. It wasn't as soft but it still had the same sense of safety.

"So you really want me to stay the night?" Gina asked, looking up at Elliot.

Elliot hugged Gina. "Yeah, I want you to stay. Do you?"

Gina laughed. "I do. We're going to snuggle all night long. Should I expect Reese to join our sleepover?"

Elliot nodded and pecked Gina's cheek. "Get used to the kid. She's part of the deal."

"I like her more than I like you," Gina teased, playing with Elliot's hands. "You're taller and stronger now. Yet there's still a soft side to you."

"Any difference in my personality?" Elliot asked, leaning against Gina. "Does this change us?"

"It does change us," Gina grinned, kissing Elliot's knuckles. "I get the best of both worlds. Girlfriend by day and boyfriend by night."

Gina turned her head and pecked Elliot's cheek. She loved the way Elliot lit up at that. She sighed and looked back at the calendar.

"So who looks after Reese while we're having fun?" Gina asked.

"There's Topher and then there's Rocky," Elliot answered. "Rocky will be here Wednesday. I think you two will like each other. Think you can make it to dinner on Wednesday?"

"I'll be there," Gina beamed. "What do I need to know?"

"She's going to interrogate you through the soft approach," Elliot laughed. "Be prepared to trade stories."