Finally Home: Wayhaught

"WAVES! Have you seen my Oxford's?" Nicole's voice bellowed down the stairs at six in the morning. 

Rolling the second sandwich in some tinfoil, Waverly replied. "Bottom right of the wardrobe. Under your hiking bag!" 

There was a ten second pause.

"Love you!" The redhead called back, indicating she'd found them, and Waverly let out a breathy laugh as she rolled her eyes. 

Less than three minutes later she felt strong arms wrap around her stomach and pull her close as she leant back into safe arms.

“You made me lunch?” Nicole asked, kissing the back of her head and finding comfort in the strawberry scent she loved so much.

“I make you lunch every day.” Waverly giggled, turning in the girl’s arms to kiss her properly.

“I know, but I’m never gonna take it for granted, so thank you, that’s really sweet.” Carefully she ran her hands up and down Waverly’s exposed biceps admiring her outfit for the day; she had on high waisted grey jeans and a little cream floral sleeveless top tucked into them, with smart cream brogues to complete the outfit. 

“How are you feeling?” The brunette cooed, wrapping her arms around Nicole’s lower back and biting her lip as she admired the fitted white shirt tucked into tight black slacks. She was slightly glad her girlfriend had opted to go without a tie, as it allowed for a couple of buttons to be undone, revealing a chiselled collarbone.

“I’m good.” Nicole replied quickly.

“Are you sure? You know it’s normal to be nervous. Wynonna actually asked me to make some of that calming tea the other day!” The smaller girl laughed a little.

“Did she really?” Nicole raised a brow with a smirk.

“Yeah, but I wasn’t supposed to tell you so don’t you dare tell her you know!” With an attempt at a stern face, Waverly poked Nicole in the rib gently, causing the tall girl to jump a little, before stilling.

“I won’t, I won’t!” Removing her hands from Waverly’s waist she moved towards the coffee machine and filled up the portafilter with freshly ground beans, turning to ask if her girlfriend wanted any.

“Yes please, I’ll grab the cups.” Waverly reached up above her and pulled out two reusable takeaway mugs passing them to the redhead, who didn’t look back.

“I mean it though Waves, I am good I promise.” Nicole turned and leant against the counter as the coffee filtered slowly out behind her. “Of course I’m nervous, I’m nervous that I won’t be able to stop myself kicking him in the dick for what he said about you,” they both laughed a little, "but honestly I’m just relieved that the day is finally here. It’s felt like years and I’m ready to just put this behind us now.” She shook her head and turned to flick the machine off and put the lids on the cups. 

Within a second, Waverly was up behind her, kissing her shoulder as she turned to face her. 

“That’s true," she paused, "I’m really proud of you baby.” Wrapping her hands around the back of Nicole’s neck she pulled her in for a kiss. “You’re gonna be absolutely fine and I’ll be by your side for all of it.” 

The redhead blushed, still unable to believe how easily Waverly gave her butterflies when she was gentle, caring and supportive. 

“Thank you, I don’t know what I’d do without you.” Nicole smiled and leant down for another kiss. 

“Well we’ll never find out, because you’re stuck with me.” 

“Hey, you make me great sandwiches each day, I’m not complaining.” The redhead winked, pulling Waverly close and letting their lips touch. What started as an innocent kiss, quickly became heated as Nicole pressed her hips forward and Waverly locked her arms around her neck, holding her close. Both of them smiled into the kiss, enjoying having the freedom of kissing whenever and wherever, as the redhead’s tongue darted into Waverly’s mouth. Waverly ran one hand over the small of Nicole’s back, the other twisting small red hairs at the nape of her neck with her fingers, their tongues running against one another as Nicole pulled against her, walking backwards towards the stairs, not breaking the kiss until-

“DO YOU IDIOTS HAVE ANY FOOD I’M STARVING?!” Wynonna’s voice boomed through the wooden door, setting off Whiskey who bounced off the couch, barking manically at the door and scratching Waverly’s new woven rug. 

Nicole groaned loudly and rested her head against Waverly’s who just smiled and giggled a little. 

“Why doesn’t she ever knock?” The redhead huffed letting go of Waverly finally to bend down and grab the collar of their 10 month old German Shepherd. “Whiskey, HEY! Down boy! No!” She chastised him for his barking - it was still a work in progress. Waverly folded her arms and bit back a smile, watching Nicole try to discipline the puppy. Try as the redhead might, she was an absolute pushover when it came to her family and Whiskey was no different. As soon as the dog settled she was peppering him with kisses and cuddles and it wasn’t long before he was riled up and barking again, causing the small brunette to laugh and shake her head.

“We didn’t have time for that anyway.” Waverly winked, shaking her head and moving to open the door.

“I guess I’ll let her off this one time, because of what today is.” Nicole rolled her eyes. “Plus I wouldn’t have stopped without her so she did us a favour I guess, we might have missed our plane.” She winked back at Waverly who threw open the door as Whiskey shot up from where he was lying on the floor getting his stomach rubbed and jumped up at Wynonna in the doorway.

Nicole groaned again and pressed her hands into her eyes. “He’s not supposed to jump up!” She protested as Waverly stepped in, with a little more authority than her girlfriend. 

“Whisky.” She stated firmly and the dog instantly calmed and turned to look at her. “Sit.” The dog hesitated, but she stood her ground, gesturing with her hand as Wynonna stood with wide eyes, eagerly anticipating disobedience. “Good boy.” Waverly smirked over at the shocked redhead as the puppy sat and she patted him gently before moving aside to let Wynonna in.

“There’s stuff in the cupboards if you’re hungry, take whatever.” Waverly smiled, pulling Nicole up to her feet and giving a gentle kiss to her cheek. 

“YES!” Wynonna yelled, running past as Whiskey shot up and after her and both of the couple groaned. “Doc eats like a horse, I swear I went shopping like two days ago and its already all gone!” She huffed.

“Wait! Not whatever!” Nicole rolled her eyes at Waverly, jogging after Wynonna into their kitchen. “Nothing in that cupboard!” She pointed at the one to the right of the cooker.

“Why?” Wynonna squinted.

“Because it’s expensive and I need it for next weeks meal prep so keep your hands off.” The redhead squinted back and the older Earp relented, knowing that meant it was all healthy and boring anyway. She threw her hands up in surrender and grabbed two bags of potato chips from another cupboard.

Waverly had caught up with them, Whiskey in tow and she smiled at the scene. When she’d imagined Nicole moving here, she hadn’t considered the relationship her girlfriend would have with her sister, but the playful banter and the pretence of hatred warmed her heart more than anything in the world.

The past year, Nicole and Wynonna had grown closer than she’d ever imagined possible and would even go out without her sometimes either to sports games or late night gambling clubs or even the occasional lunch trip. She pretended to be annoyed at them for leaving her out, but deep down she wouldn’t want to be there, she wanted Nicole to be a part of her family and Wynonna was her family, so more than anything she wanted them to get on. 

“I’m gonna put our bags in the car babe, Wynonna toss me your keys I’ll move yours too?” Without looking up from her phone, Wynonna lifted her keys from the table and hauled them over her head at Waverly who fumbled as Whiskey jumped up to catch them. 

“Need a hand?” Nicole offered from her spot opposite Wynonna at the table, reaching out to grab a few chips from the brunette who slapped her hand territorially.

“No I’m good, it will only take a minute - keep an eye on him?” She nodded to their puppy. "We’re leaving in fifteen!” She clarified with a warning look at the two women, before turning and backing out the room quickly.

“Whiskey, here boy!” The puppy completely ignored Nicole, until she softened her voice and tried again, to which he came bounding up to her, tossing his surprising large head into her lap and being rewarded with rough petting. 

“Doc is gonna have a field day with that one.” Wynonna snorted. “I’m pretty sure he’s expecting some obedient police dog or something.” She almost choked on a mouthful of crisps. 

“Hey! He is obedient, see he came! And we’re working on it anyway!” Nicole huffed, before cooing at the puppy softly.

Four months ago Waverly and Nicole had gone to visit a shelter nearby which they knew had an Australian Shepherd - Nicole had always wanted one - but had fallen in love with the playful German Shepherd instead. At first Whiskey had been incredibly reserved, sulking at the back of the cage, but Waverly had asked if they could go in and see him because he looked sad and after half an hour he was running around, playing with them before falling asleep in the redhead’s laps. They knew then that there was no way they were leaving without that puppy. Both of them had agreed they didn’t want a police dog or a strict training program, they just wanted a friendly, playful dog to keep them company, but even still, some training was necessary and Nicole was way worse at it than she had anticipated.

“He is so spoiled.” Wynonna snorted at the scene in front of her, getting a scowl from the redhead.

“Don’t pretend you don’t spoil him.” Nicole shot back as Wynonna held out a chip for the puppy and rolled her eyes when Whiskey ate it eagerly waiting more.

“I’m the cool aunt, I’m allowed - you’re supposed to be the strict parent!” She winked.

“I think we both know Waverly will be the strict parent.” Nicole blushed and bit her lip at the idea of them eventually having children of their own.

“Yeah you’re a pushover.”

Nicole shrugged, not bothering to argue. She knew she was a pushover, but it didn’t matter, because she rarely disagreed with Waverly on anything anyway and it just showed how much she loved her. 

“Right, ready to go?” The soft musical voice of the young Earp drifted from behind them and Nicole turned, catching her sparkling hazel eyes and grinning.

Before either of them could answer Waverly’s eyes widened and she stormed forwards, waving her arms. “ARE YOU FEEDING HIM POTATO CHIPS?!” She snapped, scolding her sister and batting her hand away from the puppy. “Wynonna! He’ll get fat, what are you doing! God he’s never going to listen to anything we say.” Shaking her head, she groaned.

“It’s just a couple of chips, live a little Waves, I’ve gotta get him to like me.” Wynonna grinned.

“So you’re bribing him.” Nicole mused.

“Whatever works.” Wynonna shrugged, shoving some more chips into her own mouth before continuing. “Besides, what do you think Doc is gonna feed him when we’re away?” She smirked and Waverly’s jaw dropped as she turned to her girlfriend who bit her lip trying not to laugh at how much rage could fit in such a small person.

“Waves its fine, we’re only gonna be gone one night, he’ll still be here when we get back and then you can scold him as much as you like love.” Nicole reached for her wrist, pulling her close and settling her between her legs. The small brunette’s shoulders dropped and she smiled a little, bending down to kiss Nicole, tracing her jaw with her delicate fingers.

“Okayyy.” She moaned before stepping back. “Let’s go though, I am not being late because of you two!” Waverly pointed her finger between them and Nicole grinned, shaking her head. There she was, up and down, like a rollercoaster that girl.

“Miss Earp, what was it on the night of the 13th September which made you pull over your van?”

“A kid was crying and alone at the side of the road and I knew there was a storm coming, so I pulled over to call it in.” Wynonna replied without a beat, knowing the process in courts all too well. 

“And what happened then.” The blonde lawyer, who they knew to be Eliza Shapiro one of the leading prosecutors in Toronto, prompted.

“I thought I saw something move by the car so I turned away from the child and something hit me over the back of the head, hard.” The raven haired girl paused to recall the events which she had very much pushed so deep down. In the gallery Waverly tightened her grip on her girlfriend’s arm, unaware she was probably going to leave a bruise, but Nicole didn’t mention it, instead she brought her hand up to caress the small girls upper back. Even in everything she had thought about this trial, Waverly hadn’t considered that Wynonna would have to talk about things she hadn’t even told her. Or that she would have to sit in the stand and hear them. She was entirely unprepared. 

“Next thing I know I’m in the back of a van and I can’t move. There wasn’t anything holding me in place, I just felt like I was paralysed, I couldn't move no matter how hard I tried.” Wynonna stared straight ahead, not daring to look over at her sister. “I lay there for what felt like days until the doors opened and he hauled me into a warehouse. I couldn’t even try and fight him off, because I was on some strong shit and I still couldn’t move.” She swallowed, steeling herself, but Nicole knew exactly what she was going through, trying to remain calm and collected when recalling everything was hurting more than she’d ever let on.

“Did Mr Gardner say anything to you?” 

“Not at this point.” Wynonna shook her head. “He didn’t say anything, he just tied me up and left.” She almost laughed. “I thought that was it, he was just gonna leave me there. He didn’t come back for at least a day.”

“And when he did?” Eliza prompted.

“Right, he uh, he just said all this crap about me being a sinner. It was a load of shit, but he kept going on about it. Wouldn’t stop.” Wynonna stated with a shrug as Eliza stepped forward and Waverly silently prayed she would leave it there. Deep down, the young Earp knew they needed to know the full story in order to prosecute the man and that Eliza was only doing her job, but she didn’t want her sister to have to talk about it and honestly, she didn’t want to hear it.

“What about being a sinner?”

“Well he said that I wasn’t in charge of deciding who is good or bad - because of my job -“

“Sorry, could you clarify what your job is for the jury please, Miss Earp?”

Wynonna shifted a little in the stand, looking to Waverly briefly who was practically hanging onto Nicole for dear life at this point.

“A detective of sorts. I detain bad guys.” She shrugged, indicating that was enough and Eliza was high up enough in security clearance to know not to push.

“So he said I wasn’t in charge of deciding who should end up in the sack or not.” Wynonna snorted slightly.

“Is that all? You don’t seem like the kind to be upset by someone insulting your job?” The blonde haired woman folded her arms across her neat suit and tilted her head slightly. 

“I’m not.” Wynonna sighed, knowing there was no avoiding the topic. “He said violent and aggressive things about Wa- about my sister and Officer Haught. I called him a dick and he couldn’t take it.” She shrugged again.

“What sort of things did he say?” 

Taking in a deep breath Wynonna tried to figure out how to answer this without lying or hurting her sister. “He said he could cleanse her again and make her realise Ni- Officer Haught…” she rolled her eyes at having to use the official title in a non-derogatory manner. “By you know, doing those things.” She waved her arms, biting her lip and avoiding eye contact with Waverly who was now bright red and squeezing Nicole’s arm so hard she was convinced her circulation was cut off.

Eliza nodded. “What did you say?”

“I told him he was an ignorant asshole and that Waverly wouldn’t touch him with a fucking barge pole.” She snapped, catching the jury off guard.

“And he didn’t take it well?”

“No of course he didn’t.” She scoffed. “That tends to happen when you insult someone.” With a roll of her eyes, she folded her arms.

“Yet you did it anyway.” 

“He wouldn’t stop. The way he spoke got more and more graphic about Waverly and Haught and I decided I’d rather pass out than listen to it.”

“Can you be more specific?”

“He said he would fuck her straight!” Wynonna growled then immediately winced at her tone, regretting her words. Her eyes finally snapped to Waverly who looked shocked, but immediately got herself together and clenched her jaw. The small brunette nodded at Wynonna, silently telling her to say what it took and the older Earp swallowed looking back at Eliza.

“He said that if she wouldn’t go with him willingly he would make her and he would beat Haught until she couldn’t move any part of her body and keep her alive whilst he made Waverly his own.” She shook her head at the memory and the anger she felt in those moments and how helpless she’d been to do anything. Still she hadn't said everything, she wasn't even sure she would be able to repeat some of the other things he'd said, but she just hoped that was enough. It had to be enough.

“So you insulted him?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“Because he would hit me each time and it was easier to focus on that than on what he was saying.” She paused in thought. “And I figured if he hit me enough I would pass out and not have to listen.”

“And what did he do?” 

“Anything he could. He hit me, kicked me, cut me, choked me.” She trailed off at the last part, looking down for a second, before lifting her head up again and locking her shoulders. “But it worked, I eventually passed out from the pain.”

“Did he ever attempt anything sexual with you Miss Earp.”

“No he didn’t.” Wynonna confirmed. 

“And did he talk to you about the other cases?”

“A little.” The brunette replied, brow furrowed in thought. “He told me he’d killed the other baker boy and Michaela and that he was going for Michael Morgan next, but he wouldn’t tell me why.”

“That is all your honour.” Eliza gave a small smile at Wynonna who felt her shoulders instinctively drop.

“You may leave the stand Miss Earp.” The judge nodded down at her after asking if the defence would like to cross examine.

Once back in her seat, Waverly finally dropped Nicole’s arm and the redhead tried really hard not to rub it where it hurt because she didn’t want her girlfriend to feel bad. There was a collective exhale among the three of them as the defence stepped up to call a witness which they all assumed wouldn’t be any of them since they very much were not defending this guy.

“Defence would like to call Officer Nicole Haught to the stand.” Nicole looked down at Waverly with slight concern in her eyes, of course she had consented to being a witness for both parties if called for, but neither of them had actually expected the defence to call on her. She had absolutely no idea what they could possibly ask in their favour. That was what terrified her.

Waverly was clearly aware of her concern and squeezed her hand a little as she stood up, nodding at her in reassurance and offering a small, comforting smile. 

Slowly, she made her way to the witness stand, steeling herself with shoulders pushed back and a clenched jaw as she walked

“I do solemnly, sincerely and truthfully declare and affirm that the evidence I shall give shall be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.” The redhead swore with one hand on her heart, the other in the air, not on any religious book due to her atheism. That was the easy part, the truthfulness. Holding her tongue was the hard part. Out of the corner of her eye she caught sight of the face which still haunted her dreams looking - somehow - even greasier than he did before, his face locked in an entirely unreadable and honestly chilling expression of normalcy. 

“Officer Haught is it true you were present in the Barnwell warehouse on the afternoon of 5th September when the incident occurred.” The old man with greying hair and sagging wrinkled bags under his piercing blue eyes, began.

“It is.” The redhead confirmed with confidence.

“And is it also true you were armed when you entered said warehouse?” 

Nicole squinted her eyes a little, but barely flinched. “It is.” 

“And that you told the defendant you weren’t.” The man squared up.

“Yes.” Nicole didn’t flinch this time, focusing on where this could be going.

“Therefore my client may have felt threatened, knowing you were concealing your weapon with the intent to use them.”

“OBJECTION Leading!” The prosecutor with her neat blonde hair pulled up into a tiny, tight bun and a slick, straight black suit complimenting her slender tone, called out.

“Sustained.” The elderly judge confirmed.

The defence attorney flinched slightly at having his line of questioning disrupted, but quickly jumped upon another trail. 

“Am I correct in that you are currently in a relationship with Miss Waverly Earp?”

Nicole clenched her fists behind the wood of the box.

“Yes I am.” She replied, her tone sharp and short, but betraying no emotion. 

“And at the time you had recently broken up?”

Nicole swallowed hard, trying not to break eye contact with the man to look over at her girlfriend as she recalled the worst week of her life - the only one without Waverly in it since they’d met. Before she could even reply though, the prosecutor had stepped in again.

“Objection. Irrelevant.”

“Your honour, Miss Earp is the younger sister of the previous witness and also the motivation behind my clients actions, I believe it is entirely relevant to this line of questioning.” The man shot back without hesitation, demonstrating he’d prepared for that one.

“Objection overruled, but keep it on topic.” The judge asserted and Nicole tried hard not to sigh. Rather naively, she had hoped to be able to keep Waverly out of this, even more after everything she’d just sat through in Wynonna’s testimony, but that obviously wasn’t an option anymore. She allowed her eye to wander momentarily though, as the defence attorney spoke with the judge, to find the small girl in the crowd. 

Waverly’s face was locked into a slight frown, but the straight line of her mouth turned up slightly as Nicole caught her eye and she offered a small, barely there smile back. The redhead knew her girlfriend was strong enough to handle whatever was said, but it didn't stop her wanting to comfort her, or run into her arms and hold her, or just to be held.

“So to continue, at the time you two had recently broken up?” The decrepit lawyer’s eyes burned into her as she locked her jaw.

“Yes.”

“And is it true that whilst in the warehouse you attempted to convince Mr Gardner that you - and I quote - could “help him” because you “know what she likes”.

Nicole let her guard down for a second, eyes snapping towards Tucker in the front stand who smirked up at her and she instantly regretted looking. Her face softened however and she tried not to smirk back, never before had she been so relieved that her and Waverly told each other everything than in this moment. It was her absolute worst nightmare that Waverly would think she tried to sell her out to this asshole, but she had explained to the small girl, a couple of months after the incident that the worst part of it all had been having to pretend to go along with his sick game. They couldn’t claim to be the best at communication, but they were a far sight better than most people - especially Wynonna and Doc - she almost laughed at the thought.

“I did.” She paused. “I was trying to convince him to put the gun down and let Mr Morgan go so we could discuss it without weapons.”

“But you said you had a weapon on you?” The judge raised a brow.

“I did, but it was not drawn.” Nicole clarified.

“So you wanted the defendant to put down his weapon whilst you would still have one?”

“I would have put down my own.” Nicole deadpanned.

Waverly held her breath from the stand, praying that the Nicole in the stand was the same Nicole she had seen in that TV interview all those months ago, the one who could handle uncomfortable or leading questions with ease and professionalism. But she knew the Officer had been through a lot since then, most of which was her fault. They wouldn’t even be here if Nicole hadn’t been with her, Tucker wouldn’t have hurt her if she wasn’t the one dating Waverly.

“What I’m hearing here, is that an officer of the law, in a powerful position attempted to manipulate and confuse a young confused boy into disarming himself, resulting in his being frightened and lashing out once backed into a corner.”

Nicole balled her fists again. “He had a gun pointed at my head.” She growled

“And yet he didn’t shoot until you stepped forward and began to manipulate him?”

“He would have. He already killed four people, why shouldn’t I have assumed I was next?” Nicole stated blankly and Waverly felt her lungs begin to ache with how much air she was holding in at this point.

“Mr Gardner has a fragile mental state and you asserted your power in order to coerce him into submitting. Surely you can see why someone who doesn’t quite understand the magnitude of his actions might panic in such a situation?”

HE would panic? Nicole couldn’t quite believe what was going on. He killed people and tortured my friend and threatened to kidnap my girlfriend. She wanted to scream at the lawyer, to reach over the bar and knock the smug smile right off Tucker’s face, to hit him until he couldn’t see anymore, to punch until he couldn’t walk. Most importantly though, she didn’t want to have any of those thoughts, she’d never had any of those thoughts before, not before she met him and not until she realised she would do anything it took to protect Waverly. 

“I never asserted my power. I asked him politely multiple times to put down the weapon and talk to me. I offered him an out and I explained to him that Waverly wouldn’t go with him, but he got aggressive so I changed tactics.” She hoped that was enough, but the man was barely giving her anything to answer, the questions were more statements and it was frustrating.

“You changed tactics into manipulation and deceit. All of which started with the moment you entered that warehouse claiming to be unarmed, concealing your weapon and promising to help my client when you had every intention of shooting him.”

“Objection!”

“Sustained.”

Before Nicole could speak up to defend herself, the attorney turned his back to walk away.

“That is all your honour.”

Nicole wanted to scream and throw something at him. She had never intended to shoot Tucker, she hadn’t even reached for the weapon once, hoping that they would all be able to get out of the warehouse injury free. People were putting words in her mouth and worse, actions in her hands and she couldn’t do anything about it. In a desperate attempt to calm herself she looked up to the stands to find her girlfriend, but Waverly looked almost like she was shaking and Nicole knew she was digging crescent moon shapes into her palms just the way she always did when angry or nervous. Despite the small smile and head nod which Waverly offered, Nicole knew she hated just as much not being able to defend her and the sight did little to relax her. 

“Prosecution would also like to call Officer Nicole Haught to the stand.” The attractive blonde lawyer walked forward and Nicole nodded with a small smile. It was fine, the worst was over, she could do this part. It had to go well, things were not looking good. He was going to get away with self defence for what he did to her, she couldn’t believe it. 

Her thoughts were interrupted by the lawyer speaking again and she tried really hard to focus on what she was saying, but her mind was spinning now and her head pounding.

“Miss Haught, could you explain to us again how it was you ended up in the warehouse the afternoon of the 5th September?”

Nicole nodded, clearing her throat. “I was called out to a sight where Daniel Baker had been found, alive but critical. I’d assumed the killer had let his guard down and the boy had been found by police rather than by the victim, but whilst there I was called to an urgent hostage situation.” She swallowed the lump building in her throat. “I took it without backup, not realising how serious it was and when I got there, Mr Gardner was already there, gun pointed at Mr Morgan. I did everything he told me to do.”

The prosecution nodded. “I believe it was absolutely necessary for Miss Haught to try convincing tactics, given the magnitude of the situation. She was not to know the instability of Mr Gardner’s mental state, as far as she was concerned she had walked into the exact trap which had gotten others killed. Furthermore, as an officer of the law, she had a responsibility to save not only Mr Morgans life, but Miss Earp’s.”

Nicole swallowed again, the lump still there.

“Did you once unsheathe your gun?” The lawyer continued.

Shaking her head, Nicole replied. “No.”

“Did you even reach for the weapon?”

“No.” Nicole continued and before she knew what was happening, a light flashed behind her and the Prosecution continued.

“In these photos here, you can clearly see that the weapon is no where to be seen, demonstrating that it was still sheathed at Officer Haught’s right hip.”

As the redhead spun around to see the screen her eyes widened in panic as she looked at photos of her lifeless body on the cold stone floor, drowning in her own blood. It took her brain a moment to catch up to her eyes and fathom what was in front of her. There was a lot of blood, more than she’d expected, and she’d never seen herself so pale. She hadn’t even known these photos existed. Within a couple of seconds, she realised Waverly was still in the gallery and she tore her gaze away to find her girlfriend again. Waverly looked almost as pale as the image, stood still, the shaking was gone and replaced with an icy stillness as her eyes were stuck on the photo, unblinking. Nicole wanted to reach up and turn her head away, to yell for her not to look, to cover her eyes, to leave, help her look anywhere other than at the screen, but instead she looked desperately at Wynonna beside her who reached up her hand to her sisters shoulder and spoke to her to pulling gaze from the screen. Nicole felt her shoulders drop in relief when Waverly finally looked away and took the chance to glance quickly back at the photo, wincing and instantly wishing she hadn’t. 

Turning back to face the front and willing herself to forget the image which she didn’t even want to think about right now, she finally caught Waverly’s eye. Again she tried to ignore the slightly glazed over look on her girlfriends face and focus on just finishing this so she could go back and fall into her arms. 

“Is it true that Mr Gardner threatened your life multiple times and then threatened to steal or take Miss Earp from you.” 

Nicole winced at the wording ‘from you’ she didn’t like the idea that Waverly was owned by anyone, whether they were together or not, but she knew now wasn’t the time to point that out.

“It is.” She confirmed and the lawyer nodded, satisfied.

“I think what we can all see here is an Officer who concealed her weapon in order to make the defendant a comfortable as possible, who tried to reason and then tried to do whatever it took to defend innocent lives and in return was the victim of a violent and aggressive attack, costing her months of her life. Mr Gardner is a calculated killer who staged the entire event in order to lure Miss Haught into his trap and kill her to clear the path for a kidnapping.” She paused. “That is all your honour.” 

“You may leave the stand Miss Haught.” The judge nodded down at her and Nicole tried everything to not run from the stand and back next to Waverly as she carefully, but slightly hurriedly walked back.

Once she made her way up the stairs she reached out and Waverly’s hand instantly found hers.

“I love you.” She muttered, not turning to look down.

“I love you too.” Waverly squeezed her hand reassuringly as they leaned against each other waiting for the next witness to be called. Nicole swallowed and felt her shoulders drop, relaxing slightly. Whatever happened, she had won, being here in her girlfriend's arms, safe alive and in the running to be Sheriff of an adorable picturesque town. She had won.

After another few hours of back and forth between lawyers and witnesses, most of which the three girls had zoned out, leaning into each other and focusing on the sound of each other’s breathing and the feel of their heads on shoulders and interlocked hands, the lawyers made their closing speeches, the Judge summed up and the jury retired to discuss the case. Nicole, Waverly and Wynonna made their way out the back doors into a small corridor behind the court. 

“I’m sorry.” Nicole burst out as soon as they were out the doors, wrapping her arms around Waverly and pulling her close.

“What?” Waverly started, pushing back to look up at the redhead’s face which was laced with concern.

“I’m sorry, I had no idea they were going to show those photos, I didn’t even know they had them. I really wasn’t expecting it, I’m sorry you had to see that and -“

“Nicole!” The small girl interrupted her, rubbing her hands over her biceps through her white shirt. Instantly, the tall girl relaxed and softened to look down at her. “You have nothing to be sorry for. Obviously I would rather not have seen them, but I know you would too. You’re here now and you’re fine and we got through that okay and I’m going to choose to focus on that. Nothing is going to take you from me again okay, not him, not your job, not a stupid illness, nothing. Let’s just not think about them right now and think about the fact he’s probably going to get sent away for a long time.” 

Nicole swallowed and pulled Waverly in for another hug, planting a kiss on her forehead. When the small brunette pulled away, she turned, not letting go of Nicole’s hand for a second until she saw her sister leaning against the wall to her left. Quickly she looked back at Nicole who nodded and tucked a hair behind her ear, letting go of Waverly’s hand and encouraging her to move towards her sister. 

Without a second of hesitation, Waverly thew her arms around Wynonna who caught her with ease. 

“Was kinda hoping you’d never have to know those things.” Wynonna mumbled into the top of her head as they held each other outside the court.

“I cannot believe you didn’t tell me how bad it was.” Pulling away, Waverly shook her head, looking up at her sister. 

“He’s an asshole Waves, we already knew that, I didn’t really think you knowing the details mattered all that much.” Wynonna shrugged with sympathetic eyes.

“That’s not the point, you could have spoken to me about it, it might have helped, Nicole-“

“We both know I’m not the same as Nicole babygirl.” Wynonna raised a brow.

“Well I know you both like to bottle things up and that it helped Nicole to tell me some of it.”

“Yeah but I’m not whipped so you can’t convince me to spill all my secrets.” Wynonna poked her in the rib gently with a grin and Waverly squinted with a smile. “Talking of whipped, I wonder if Doc has lost that dog of yours yet?”

“Who are you calling whipped?” Nicole had made her way over, seeing the conversation shift to playful.

“You.” Wynonna teased. “Oh and Doc.”

Quietly, Waverly giggled, slipping her arm around Nicole’s waist and leaning in as Nicole began to protest. She let her two favourite people banter back and forth for a while, before they were called back in. Just before they could enter, she stopped both of them and they looked at her expectantly.

“Whatever happens, I’m proud of both of you. This wasn’t easy and you both came and did whatever you could. I hope this goes the way we want, but we’ve got each other no matter what.” She smiled softly and Wynonna rolled her eyes and fake gagged. Nicole smiled and squeezed her hand.

Without warning, Waverly grabbed them both and pulled them in, to which they both protested, but looked at each other over Waverly’s head and gave a reassuring smile and nod.

Back inside the court room, they held hands as they watched Tucker Gardner make his way to the stand to be sentenced. 

Nicole’s hand tightened its grip on Waverly’s as they watch him wipe his dark, greasy hair out of his bloodshot, glazed eyes and Wynonna’s hand got increasingly sweatier. 

After the judge listed some number codes which only Nicole understood, he gestured to the jury to which one, short blonde, middle aged man stood up and spoke.

“On two counts of murder, the jury finds Mr Gardner guilty.” There was a pause as Waverly let out a deep breath. “On four accounts of kidnapping the jury finds Mr Gardner guilty.” This time Wynonna let out her breath. “On two accounts of aggravated assault and one account of attempted murder. The jury finds Mr Gardner guilty.” Nicole finally let out her breath as they all squeezed each other’s hands in anticipation.

The judge rose.

“Mr Gardner had the cohesive mental condition to calculatedly create a system so complex it took four police forces to track him down and incarcerate him. In the meantime he injured, killed and tortured multiple people and yet still has the nerve to stand here in my court and claim insanity. These were the actions of a cruel and cold man with an unhealthy obsession for what he believed just and for the fascination with a girl.” The judge paused. “For these reasons, Mr Gardner will be sentenced to five consecutive life sentences without the opportunity for parole.” 

Collectively the three girls ignored everything else and jumped up into each others arms screaming and yelling in excitement, all professionalism flew out the window as the moment they’d been waiting for for over a year finally came into fruition. Nicole swore she even saw the judge smile at her over Waverly’s shoulder as she blushed and rubbed her hand down her girlfriends back, not even embarrassed to be hugging Wynonna anymore. 

They had done it. Tucker Gardner was going away for the rest of his life and Nicole didn’t even look away from the two women in her arms to watch as he was dragged out of the courtroom to his cell. If she never saw his face again, it would be way too soon.

“YOU DID IT!” Waverly squealed as soon as the hug ended, waving her arms between them, her face beaming.

“We all did it babygirl.” Wynonna corrected with a wink and a smile.

“We did.” Nicole confirmed, kissing her temple gently and squeezing her shoulder.

“Let’s get the fuck out of here though.” Looking around the nearly empty court, Wynonna winced at the few people watching them. “After my teenage years I hoped I’d never have to see a courtroom again!” She smirked.

“I don’t even want to know.” Nicole rolled her eyes, taking Waverly’s hand as they walked outside into the gentle summer heat and lush greenery surrounding the cold carpark to call a taxi.

“I thought the hotel I booked when I went to that convention was nice!” Waverly stated from the door of their en suite, surveying the hotel room which the court had payed for when they’d had to fly out to testify. Nicole was lying atop the plush, pleated white sheets of their queen bed, which sat in the middle of a huge open plan room. To her right was an entire wall covered in cabinets a kettle, toaster, coffee machine and some appliances she didn’t even recognise. To her left was a large seating area with two low leather couches and a dark wood coffee table looking over a huge double window out onto the glowing city below. The dark wooden flooring and cream walls with the plush furnishings made the entire suite seem like something out of a Hollywood movie and Waverly felt way out of her depth. Quickly she made her way to the bed in her lilac cotton shorts and white tank top, snuggling into Nicole’s side, who was wearing black boy shorts and an oversized Elton John t-shirt. The redhead draped an arm over her and twisted some of her loose brown waves around her finger mindlessly staring at the silent, flickering - and again extravagantly oversized - TV on the opposing wall. 

“What’s wrong?” Waverly traced the lines on Nicole’s t-shirt gently. The redhead rested her chin on the top of Waverly’s head.

“I just can’t get those photos out of my head.” Nicole mumbled, her mouth barely moving as she mirrored Waverly’s lines with her free hand.

The small girl winced at the memory. She had also been thinking about them more than she would like to admit. All through the celebratory dinner at the fancy restaurant with Wynonna moaning about the lack of ketchup, and through the slow and slightly tipsy walk through the city, and whilst they got ready for bed - a lot slower than normal due to them distracting each other - she had been unable to shake the image of Nicole’s lifeless body alone and bleeding on the cold floor.

“Me either.” She mumbled back finally, not sure what else to say and hoping her girlfriend would speak again. She did.

“It was just weird and unexpected.” Was all Nicole replied.

“I know baby.” Waverly responded. “I don’t even know what to say. I wish I hadn’t seen it either. I couldn’t look away. It was bad enough seeing you in hospital, I never thought I’d have to see that.” She bit her lip hard. The reality was she was worried that it was exactly what she’d have to see one day. In person. They’d spoken a lot about Nicole’s job and Waverly was supportive and encouraging, but it didn’t mean she wasn’t worried about it or that she didn't sometimes panic when Nicole was late back from work.

“I know, me either.” Nicole replied, turning her body to face Waverly and resting their foreheads together. “Is it weird I didn’t feel like I was looking at me?” The redhead sighed. “I was more worried at the fact you had seen it. I know it’s something which bothers you about my job.” She kissed the small girl softly. “Tell me how you’re feeling?” Innocence laced her voice as she spoke.

“It’s not weird, I don’t even know how I would have felt if it was me.” Waverly began, feeling Nicole’s breath hitch at the thought. Their faces were so close as they spoke they could feel each others minty breath. Gently, Nicole brushed their noses together as Waverly kept talking. “I don’t really know how I’m feeling. It scared me, at the time. I felt like I couldn’t breath, it was like I was in the waiting room all over again. It’s fading slightly now, but it made me wonder how I would ever cope if that was in front of me in person. It was bad enough through a screen, I can’t even imagine it.” She let out a sigh and Nicole pushed up onto her elbow.

With a tender look, Nicole moved forward to connect their lips, gently but passionately as her hand reached up to stroke Waverly’s jaw. Without hesitation, Waverly sank into the kiss, wrapping her arms around Nicole’s back and pulling her in close.

“I love you Waverly.” Nicole breathed, before kissing her hard again. “I won’t let that happen ever, I know I can’t stop the universe, but I’ll do everything I can to avoid it.” She leaned in again, wanting to confirm everything she was saying with a touch. “And even though I'm going to make sure you’ll never have to experience that, I know if anyone could handle it you could. You, Waverly Earp are the strongest person I have ever met and I promise I’ll do everything I can to keep witnessing the strength you have for the rest of our lives.” With a small smile, Waverly leant back in again, intensifying the kiss as she let her hands slide up Nicole’s neck. 

“I love you so much Nicole.” She whispered, momentarily breaking the kiss. 

As the kissing intensified, both of them knowing words couldn’t help and the only thing which could make them feel better was having each other, there, okay and fit and healthy and present.

Half an hour later, they had cooled down and were tucked under the covers cuddling and staring in comfortable silence at the ceiling. They were interrupted by a harsh knocking on the door. 

“ROOM SERVICE!!” Came a distinctly not-room-service sounding voice and Nicole smiled gently, shaking her head. 

“Sorry.” Waverly pouted looking over at her apologetically and silently asking what to do.

“It’s fine, she’s had a stressful day and usually she would have you or Doc. She deserves to have someone and we’re not sleeping anyway, go let her in.” Nicole squeezed her side and kissed her temple, reassuring her.

“You’re the best.” Waverly grinned and slipped out of bed, hurrying to the door to let her sister in. 

Once the door opened, it revealed  Wynonna in her long checked red and black pyjama pants and a black vest top. She quickly looked Waverly up and down, squinting to take in her appearance, attempting to decide whether they had been doing anything ’not-PG’ before she’d arrived.

“Wasn’t interrupting any hanky-panky or anything was I?” She mused, curious, as she walked in to spot Nicole fully clothed, now on top of the blankets.

“No Wynonna, for once, you weren’t.” The redhead replied with an eye roll. 

“Good, because I brought whiskey!” She plopped down on the bed next to Nicole, pushing at her legs. “MOVE OVER LANKY!” 

“The bed is huge, there’s loads of space for us both.” Nicole grunted, but shifted to sit cross legged instead. 

Waverly giggled as the older girls glared at each other and sank onto the bed next to them with three glasses. 

“Speaking of, how come you get the huge bed?!” Wynonna groaned, pouring herself a huge glass and passing the bottle to Waverly.

“Because there is two of us.” Waverly shook her head as she poured.

“Well I like to sleep with my arms spread so I need space. Plus I have long legs.”

“Yeah so do I.” Nicole replied, putting the half empty bottle down.

“Good point slender man.” Wynonna raised her glass to cheers. 

“Why have you come to interrupt our peaceful evening anyway?” Sipping her whiskey, Nicole teased.

Wynonna snorted so loudly whiskey almost burst from her nose. “I highly doubt it was going to be peaceful.” She wiggled her brows suggestively.

“Actually it was. Not that it's any of your business.” Nicole squinted.

“I was bored and I thought you might entertain me. Maybe you could give us a dance Haught.” She winked at the redhead. 

Even though both Waverly and Nicole knew Wynonna was definitely avoiding any conversation of the court earlier, they didn’t see any point in discussing it further since there was nothing which could really be said. Besides they’d all won and they deserved to have a little fun. 

“Oh hell no. Waverly is the dancer in this couple.”

“Oh I remember.” Wynonna slammed her hand to her face. “I will never forget walking in on that dance.” 

“Well maybe if you learned to knock like a normal human before walking into Waverly’s room.” Nicole pointed her finger.

“I knocked just now.”

“Yeah because we locked you out.”

“Anyway, Waverly was my sister before she was your girlfriend, so back off.” Wynonna pointed her finger back.

With a giggle Waverly lay back, resting her head in Nicole’s lap and letting her legs fall over the edge of the bed. 

“Ladies, let's not fight.” She giggled waving her finger around.

“What else are we supposed to do?” Wynonna raised a brow. 

“I’ll dance!” Waverly laughed again, pushing up.

“NO!” Both Nicole and Wynonna called out, grabbing at Waverly’s arm as she fell back against the redhead laughing at how blushed her girlfriends face looked.

“I got a call today from Mikey - you know old Joanie?” Nicole smiled into her glass.

“Yeah she looks like someone plugged her little wrinkly body into a mains line and turned it up until her hair tried to find a new owner.” Wynonna snorted.

“And her eyebrows are on different postcodes.” Nicole added and they high fived, laughing heartily at their jokes until Waverly slapped Nicole’s shoulder playfully.

“Guys! She’s a very nice lady, I used to deliver her paper!” She shook her head with a smile, her voice high pitched.

“Sorry, but that woman has an even bigger spoon up her ass than Haught.” Wynonna shrugged.

“Hey!”

“Ohhhh maybe that’s your thing, the stuckiest stuck-ups?” Wynonna grinned playfully, getting a glare from Nicole and a slap from Waverly.

“What about her anyway baby?” Waverly cooed, ignoring her sister.

“Well she kept calling in about young people hanging around her house so Mikey paid her a visit and turns out she had a HUGE marijuana bush on her front lawn which she had no idea about - she thought it was just a pretty bush.” Nicole shook her head laughing and took another sip.

“Shut the fuck up.” Wynonna snorted, throwing her head back. “That woman snitched on me SO MANY TIMES karma is a motherfucking bitch.” She hollered and Waverly shook her head, unable to hide her smirk. The concept of poor Mikey having to explain to old Joanie that she had an extortionate amount of drugs on her front lawn was undeniably a funny image.

The three girls got progressively tipsy and giggly as they wasted the night away sharing whiskey and stories of Old Joanie and Wynonna’s days on the opposite side of the justice system - which Nicole probably only found funny because she was drinking. By the time the clock hit 1am they had all passed out, Waverly and Nicole wrapped around each other on top of the blanket and Wynonna hanging off the bed with her head on Waverly’s thigh. For the first time since they’d heard about the trial 2 months ago, none of them had a restless sleep, they had won and nothing could take that away from them.