Before neXt

Gina was grateful for the weekend since she was spending it at Elliot's. She snuck in with a key, which Elliot gave her after a few more dates, and listened carefully to figure out where her girlfriend was in the house. There was noise coming from an open door in the hallway so she wandered down to find Elliot in a middle of a workout. She smirked as she watched Elliot follow the workout video.

Elliot had her back to Gina so she didn't know her girlfriend was ogling her. She leaned to the right, then the left, before standing straight. She peeled off her shirt and used it to wipe off the sweat forming on her forehead. Upon tossing the shirt aside, she heard a cough and turned around.

"Gina!" Elliot gasped, pretending to cover up. "The key is for emergency use!"

Gina giggled and walked closer to Elliot, "It was an emergency. I needed to see you."

Elliot rolled her eyes at Gina before pecking Gina's cheeks when her girlfriend was close enough. She circled her arms around Gina's waist and pulled Gina closer. Gina playfully pulled back but stayed within reach.

"I didn't know you had an upper arm sleeve," Gina commented, tracing the tattoo on Elliot's left shoulder. "Gears?"

"Steampunk," Elliot smirked. "I'm obsessed with that style."

Gina leaned in and bit at the tattoo. She giggled when Elliot flinched and frowned at her.

"We didn't set up boundaries regarding biting," Elliot huffed.

"Don't like it?" Gina smirked, resting against Elliot.

Elliot squeezed Gina, "I'd like a warning before you do. Only in private. Anyways, I should head up and shower before Reese wakes up."

Gina nodded. "I'll get breakfast started then."

"Enjoying the domestic life?" Elliot teased, guiding them to the TV to turn it off.

"I like it so far," Gina answered, pecking Elliot's lips again. "I definitely like kissing you."

"So do I," Elliot chuckled before pushing Gina away. "Go make breakfast. I'll check on the kid."

Gina sighed and pressed her head against Elliot's. "If you haven't worn it already, then wear that shirt I got you last time. You look delicious in it."

Elliot rolled her eyes, smiling. "I won't hold you accountable for what happens when I do."

/ - / - /

Gina snuggled against Elliot as they walked around the neighborhood with Reese walking slightly ahead. She smiled and waved every time Reese looked back at them, checking that they were there.

"She's adorable," Gina sighed, watching Reese crouch and stare at something on the ground. "I never thought about having kids until now."

Elliot chuckled softly. "When you find the right person, there are endless possibilities. Although, isn't that a bit early to talk about?"

Gina rolled her eyes. "Maybe but it feels right. Reese, what are you looking at?"

"Snails," Reese beamed. "Slimy snails."

"What's the rule, Reese?" Elliot mused as they finally caught up to the girl.

"Observe only, no touching unless it's to help them out," Reese grinned before holding her hands out.

Elliot took Reese's hand and helped her up. "Ready to get to the park, little one?"

"Yeah!" Reese smiled. "Can Gina help me across the jungle gym bars?"

"Why don't you ask her?" Elliot suggested.

Reese turned to Gina. "Gina, will you help me across the jungle gym bars?"

"Only if you go down the slides with me," Gina answered. "So?"

"Yes!" Reese replied, hugging Gina's legs. "Let's go."

Reese ran off ahead but remembered to stay close in case of danger. Elliot sighed as they started after her.

"El?" Gina hummed. "Will you tell me about Terrance if you are comfortable..."

Elliot glanced over at Gina curiously. "What do you want to know?"

Gina squeezed Elliot's hand. "Maybe everything about you two. What worked, what didn't, and how did you two fall in love?"

Elliot nodded, "That's a lot to go over but if you're willing to listen, then we can start tonight during cuddles."

"Sounds good," Gina sighed in relief. "I wasn't sure you wanted to but I know he was a big part of your life and Reese's. I want to know where I stand against him."

"There's no comparison," Elliot informed before pecking Gina's cheek. "You and Terrance are different, but you are both important to me. He's gone and you're here. I had my chance to love him and now, it's our turn."

"How are you so mature?" Gina huffed, tugging Elliot to walk faster after Reese.

Elliot shrugged. "Maybe because being around you makes me do better. You're my super amazing FBI agent girlfriend."

Gina laughed, "It's mostly tech stuff. I don't go in the field."

"Then you have a very safe job and I don't have to worry much," Elliot grinned, squeezing Gina's hand. "I'll take you to the dangerous fun stuff in life."

/ - / - /

"Please put on a shirt, El," Gina groaned when Elliot came out of the bathroom with a towel around his neck and sweatpants. "You're making me feel things."

Elliot chuckled. "Just letting you enjoy the show before I do."

Gina watched him cross the room while she lay in his bed, ready for bed. She was amazed by the fact that he was able to dry his hair and walk at the same time without tripping into the closet. Elliot made her feel things that she didn't think she would have after her last serious relationship plus she was quite focused on work.

"This shirt or this shirt?" Elliot questioned, showing Gina the options. "I don't know which one I am feeling more. Cute sarcastic cat or cool gamer fox?"

"The cat," Gina laughed and patted the bed. "Hurry up and join me. I wanna snuggle up against your buff bod."

Elliot gasped playfully as he put the second option away, "Are you sexualizing me?"

Gina smirked, "I believe I'm allowed to since I'm your girlfriend."

Elliot laughed as he went back to the bathroom to hang up his towel. "I'll let it slide for now but generally I only allow the person I'm married to do that publically."

Gina blushed, thinking about a possible married life with Elliot. It was a good thought but too far in the future to really dream of. She didn't notice Elliot getting comfortable next to her after he turned off the lights.

"Gina, you there?" Elliot mused as he grabbed and hugged a plushie.

"Yeah," Gina answered, leaning against him. "I was thinking about what you said. The married part. It's really nice but..."

Elliot pecked Gina's lips and giggled, "There's no pressure. We're dating. Take it easy."

Gina nodded, "Thanks. So what's with the plushie?"

"Terrance got it for me on one of our dates," Elliot flushed, showing it to Gina. "One of the best memories I have of him. Want the story?"

"Absolutely yes," Gina beamed, playing with the plushie. "I want to know what you were like when you were younger."

Elliot hummed, "Okay but I want a story about you next time.