Finally Home: Wayhaught

A giggle slipped from Waverly’s lips as she leant back against the metal bars of the small cage. She slipped a small grey and white kitten into her lap, tickling its chin as it eagerly lifted its head. The sound of soft purring and bells rattling filled her ears, sending warmth through her blood as she looked over at her girlfriend.

Nicole was sat with her legs spread wide apart, about 6 kittens fighting over a feather and a bell in between her legs, and in her arms she held a tiny ginger kitten which was licking her nose softly. 

“How do ever you let them go?” Waverly turned up to look at her friend in disbelief, who was moving around outside the pen, filling bowls with cat food and rinsing out water bowls.

“Because I can’t keep them all and my dad is already going insane with all the cats we have. Besides, I always know they’re going to a good home; I’m so careful with who I let re-home them.” Chrissy smiled, carefully unlatching the cage they were in and entering with the bowl. She slumped down next to Waverly, manoeuvring around the other kittens, an older cat poked their face to the bar next to her and she brushed it’s nose through the bars. 

Chrissy leant over and whispered in Waverly’s ear. “I have a feeling you’re not going home without a kitten today.” She nodded towards Nicole who was brushing her nose against the little ginger kitten and talking to it like a child.

Waverly felt her entire body glow with a warmth and her skin felt alive at the sight, it was quite literally the most adorable thing she’d ever seen.

Suddenly, Nicole looked up from the kitten and caught Waverly’s eye with a smile and a blush. Instinctively, Waverly groaned and rest her head against the bars, knowing she was so screwed and that Nicole was holding their new baby kitten. 

“Waves-“

“Yes we can get a damn kitten.” Waverly cut her off through clenched teeth and watched as Nicole’s face lit up with excitement and she picked the little kitten up like it was Simba.

“Let’s narrow it down.” Nicole said, shifting the kittens out from between her long legs and setting the little ginger one down in her lap as she shuffled on her bum towards Waverly. “Which one do you like?” Nicole asked with a seriousness which made Waverly giggle again. 

The small girl shook her head, looking to Chrissy who was smiling at the couple. Waverly looked back to Nicole with a soft, tenderness in her eyes as she put down the grey and white kitten and held her hands out for the small ginger one. Nicole hesitated for a second, before letting her shoulders drop and handing it to Waverly with a small pout.

Once the little kitten was in her arms, Waverly tickled it’s chin softly and it nipped at her finger. It wriggled around a little and Waverly looked up at Nicole to catch the redhead staring at her with a nervous determination in her eyes. Clearly her girlfriend was desperate for Waverly to get on with the kitten so they could have that one, she couldn’t take her eyes off the scene. Waverly smirked and looked back down at the restless kitten, handing it back to Nicole where it snuggled into her chest instantly. The brunette felt her entire body weaken at the sight and she looked over at Chrissy who was smiling at her with a slight sparkle in her eye. 

“Is that the one you want baby?” Waverly couldn’t keep her act of indecision up any longer, not when Nicole looked at the kitten as if it was the most perfect thing she’d ever seen in the world. It was the same way Nicole looked at her in the morning when she woke up first, or when they would go on their weekly date night and she would put on her best dress. It was the look which made Waverly fall in love again every time she saw it. 

“Are you sure? Is there not one you like?” Nicole asked instantly, although Waverly could see the childish hopefulness shining through her mature exterior. 

“I really don’t mind, I think they’re all adorable.” Waverly shrugged, her words genuine as she petted a few of the other kittens. “You’ve got a connection with that little one, that’s fine with me.” She smiled and Nicole nuzzled the kitten softly. 

“She is really cute.” Nicole mused, looking back down at the kitten.

“She is baby.” Waverly replied before looking at her friend. “Do you need to do any checks or anything, or do we need to get her vaccinated or-“

“Waverly I come to your house every week, it’s safe for the cat. She’s had her kitten vaccines, she has one more to get in a couple of months and she’ll need neutered if you’re planning on letting her outside, but I’m happy for you to take her if she’s the one you want.” Chrissy replied warmly and stood up, unlatching the door again and walking over to get the paperwork. 

“What’s her name?” Nicole looked up from the kitten which was asleep on her shoulder. 

Over her shoulder, Chrissy called back. “It’s Annabelle.”

Nicole shot her eyes to Waverly and wrinkled her nose. Waverly rolled her eyes and stifled a laugh, calling back to her friend. “Can we change the name?” She didn’t take her eyes off Nicole as she asked, noticing the redhead’s nod of thanks. 

“Sure you can.” Chrissy walked back with a pen and a file, handing it to Waverly. “She’s only 10 weeks, so she will easily adjust to a new name.”

“What happened to her mother?” Waverly asked whilst ticking and crossing the boxes on the form.

Chrissy shook her head. “We have no idea, we found all 8 of them in a box outside the Walker’s farm. They’re keeping one of them, but the others all need re-homed. Thankfully they were all 8 weeks so they had adequate care from their mother first.” 

“Who would abandon you hey little one?” Nicole muttered, scratching the kitten’s head. “Look at those cute little round eyes, huh?” She mused and Waverly felt her hand trip on one of the lines at the way Nicole’s voice was both soft and gentle, but rough at the same time.

“Nic you’ve gotta sign this too.” She reached out and handed Nicole the form. The redhead tried to balance it in her lap and sign it with the cat still in her arm, but Waverly laughed and pried the kitten off her. 

“You wanna borrow this to take her home?” Chrissy opened a cat crate and Nicole’s eyes widened.

“We can take her home today?!” She grinned at Waverly who was trying to get the kitten to sleep on her the way it had with Nicole.

“Yeah.” Chrissy shrugged, taking the kitten from Waverly and coaxing it into the crate.

“Oh my god, I’m not ready, we don’t have a bed for her, or any toys and what if she hates Whiskey, or he hates her? We have to go and get food and she’s so tiny and-“

“Nicole breathe.” Waverly chuckled heartily, taking the paperwork from her girlfriend and giving it to Chrissy. 

“Waverly is rubbing off on you Red, you used to be the composed one.” Chrissy winked, standing up and taking the crate outside to the front desk. The couple followed her, Waverly’s hand finding its way into Nicole’s by the time they reached the desk. 

“Oh no.” Waverly teased, squeezing Nicole’s hand. “Maybe when she’s on a case, but you should see this one trying to plan anything special. It’s like trying to calm the North Sea.” Waverly laughed heartily.

Nicole gaped, about to argue back, but stop when Chrissy stood up from the counter with a small paper bag.

“Here. I’ve given you a few days food and a measuring cup - just follow the guidelines and you’ll be fine. I’ve thrown in her favourite toy and a guide book on introducing new kittens to other pets. Take it slow and you’ll be fine since Whiskey is still a puppy.” Chrissy nodded assuredly and Waverly smiled, already absorbing all of the information. Nicole felt her heart racing, she wanted this to go perfectly and she was determined not to mess anything up. Waverly smiled, seeing Nicole’s serious determination and wondered how the hell the redhead would ever cope with bringing their first child home. The thought only widened her smile. 

“Perfect, thanks so much for this Chrissy!” Waverly sang, taking the bag of supplies and nodding to Nicole who hastily picked up the cat carrier, sticking her fingers through the grates at the front like a child.

“I’ll see you tomorrow guys.” Chrissy sang back and Nicole smiled over her shoulder. 

“Can’t wait.” Waverly grinned.

“Don’t tell him!” Nicole warned with a smile.

“Scouts Honour Sheriff Haught.” Chrissy winked and if it had been anyone else, Waverly would have pounced, but it was her longest, very straight, friend so she just rolled her eyes and walked off. 

“She wasn’t a scout.” Waverly muttered to Nicole as they made their way to the squad car.

The redhead completely ignored her, too absorbed by the kitten. “You can drive.” She hummed and Waverly tripped over a stray tuft of grass in the cracked sidewalk.

“Me? I can d- you’re gonna let me drive the squad car? Are you kidding?”

Nicole grinned and slid into the passenger seat. “This one time you can drive. But don’t tell Nedley, I’ll be fired.”

Sliding into the drivers seat, Waverly grinned and ran her hands over the leather steering wheel, really enjoying the fact she was finally allowed to sit in this seat. 

“Baby I don’t think he can do that anymore, Sheriff.” She winked and twist the keys in the ignition as the cheesy pop station blared again. Quickly she reached and turned it down, not even needing to look over to see the wince which would have instinctively appeared on her girlfriend’s face. 

“Oh yeah.” Nicole gave a goofy smile. “Winner.” She muttered, beaming up at Waverly then back down at the kitten. 

Waverly felt her foot slip momentarily off the clutch at Nicole’s smile and her mouth gaped. Before meeting Nicole, Waverly hadn’t thought it possible to be disarmed by just one look; to feel like your entire body was burning under the touch of one person. All of the books she read growing up could never have done justice to the kind of love she shared with Nicole. Some nights she even lay awake just watching the girl next to her, watching her chest rise and fall and trying not to panic about loosing her. She even asked her sister about it, but Wynonna had just told her it was because she had something worth having and something that losing hurt more than dying. Waverly had wondered if it Wynonna felt the same about Doc, her sister had claimed she was talking about her, but Waverly knew she loved Doc more than she would ever admit. 

“Oh my god.” Was all she could breathe out. She had meant it to come out as mocking, but she knew it sounded breathless and awe filled.

“Waverly! We’re gonna be late! What is taking so long?” 

Nicole untied and re-tied her black Chukka boots purely for the sake of killing time, before standing up and straightening her grey slacks and re-rolling the cuffs of her loose fitting white shirt which was tucked into it. 

They had given themselves an hour between setting everything up at Shorty’s and coming home to get changed, before they needed to be back.

“Waves. I don’t kno-“ Her words caught in her throat and her entire body stilled as she looked up at the stairs of their house. Waverly looked almost like she was floating down the staircase, her maroon dress flowing around her knees, her toned calfs exposed and prominent due to her black heels with a little ankle strap holding them in place. Nicole’s eyes scanned upwards and noted the lace top of the dress with floral appliqués and three quarter length sheer sleeves displaying Waverly's toned arms. Her hair was pinned in a messy style bun accentuating her chiselled jawline and the sparkling golden dangling earrings tracing her cheek.

Nicole felt her neck flush the colour of Waverly’s dress and her skin tingle as the girl padded slowly downstairs. Everything felt like it was in slow motion and Nicole forgot everything except the vision in front of her. It wasn’t even the most dressed up they’d been, but nonetheless it left her speechless. 

Moments like this brought her right back to Edmonton - Waverly walking outside of the hotel room in a different red dress, her hair lit up by the evening glow and how she looked like an angel. Now her hair glowed in the gentle warm amber light of their hallway and Nicole couldn’t help being lost in the realisation of how far they’d come. Somehow she felt just as nervous whenever she was given the opportunity to take Waverly Earp out as she had been that night outside the hotel in the big city. 

“I- you look, woah.” Nicole shoved her hands in her pockets awkwardly, feeling like a teenager asking her crush to the prom. 

“You look woah too.” Waverly blushed leaning up to kiss Nicole softly on the lips.

“Are you, uh are you sure we have to go, because we already set up and-“ waving her hands up and down, Nicole bit her lip looking at Waverly.

It took all of the young girl’s self control to shake her head. “Yes we have to go Nicole. Nedley is retiring after 45 years on the force, he deserves a celebration.”

“I know, I know.” Nicole smiled, tipping Waverly’s chin and kissing her again. “You look so beautiful baby.” She said now she finally managed to control her breathing again and return to rational thought.

“Thank you.” Waverly ducked her head, biting her lip, her cheeks tinted a subtle shade of red. She looked back up and blushed harder at the way Nicole’s eyes sparkled and she wet her lip instinctively as she looked down at her. “You uh, you look really handsome.” She blushed harder when Nicole smiled. “I like this, is it new?” Waverly pulled at the collar of the soft cotton shirt Nicole had on.

“Yeah I got it for the occasion.” She winked and took the small girl’s hand in her own. “You ready to go?” 

Waverly’s eyes widened and she yanked her hand out of Nicole’s. “Wait! One sec!” She hurried into the kitchen and Nicole let out a breathy laugh as she listened to heels clacking against the hardwood floor.

The small girl was back as quickly as she’d gone with a golden gift bag in one hand. She held it up proudly, “Nedley’s gift.” She confirmed before taking Nicole’s hand in her free hand. “Now I’m ready.”

Nicole faltered with her hand on the door. “Hang on, Whiskey?”

“In the kitchen.”

“Kitten?”

“Upstairs shut in the bedroom with a tray and food and water.” Waverly nodded, leaning up to peck Nicole’s cheek as the new Sheriff opened the door and locked it behind them with a smile. 

Even though Whiskey and the kitten had gotten on well, they didn't want to leave them alone just yet, especially with the size difference. They also hadn’t managed to come up with a name yet, because they wanted it to fit the personality of the kitten and they hadn’t had much time to think today with planning the party. So for the moment, it was just ‘kitten’. 

Once in the car, Waverly reached out and rest her hand on Nicole’s thigh, not noticing her girlfriend shift slightly at the touch. It wasn’t that Nicole didn’t like it, simply that every time Waverly touched her. It wasn't that at all. It was just that she found it really hard to focus on the road when the most adorable girl in the world was sat next to her singing along to Ariana Grande and rubbing her thumb against her thigh. Nicole never stopped her though, nothing in the world would possess her to stop Waverly from stroking her thigh because as distracting as it was, it was her favourite feeling in the entire world.

So they sat in comfortable silence for the 15 minute drive to Shorty's, until Nicole pulled into the car park. "Is that a new perfume?" She mused quietly as she leant across to kiss Waverly's cheek. 

"Mhmm yeah, I picked it the other day with Rosie, it wasn't very expensive." She smiled. They'd agreed to save money to get the jeep fixed, so she'd replaced her usual Chanel perfume with a cheaper alternative. 

"I like it, she's got good taste then." Nicole grinned as she pulled away, opening the driver side door and hopping out.

She ran round to open the door for Waverly, before the small girl could do it herself. The novelty of the act never got old to Waverly who smiled gratefully and took her hand, sliding out of her side of the car with Nedley's personalised bottle of whiskey in her other hand. 

"Thank you." She said to both the act and the compliment. "I'll be sure to wear it more often." 

Nicole smiled at the sentiment and traced her thumb over her girlfriend's hand as they entered the bar. "Great." She hummed back.

Shorty's looked similar to usual, but it was obvious effort had been put in to clean it up. Blue and white bunting, curtousy of Waverly, had been pinned along the bar and around the far walls. Balloons were scattered all over, some helium and some air which Wynonna and Nicole had fought over who could blow them up quicker, much to Waverly's dismay. Although it did get the job done very quickly. Rosita had worked her magic on the display of food and drink, set out on a table at the back of the bar. Her and Waverly had worked on a special Cop inspired drinks menu which hung at the right of the bar. Chrissy had contacted all of Nedley's friends from the academy and those important to the cases he'd worked over the years and everyone was already here, bustling around and chatting with old and new colleagues. Wynonna and Nicole had fought over re-loading the Jukebox with Nedley's favourite tunes whilst Waverly and Chrissy had covered the place in blue and white Christmas lights (they were the closest to fairy lights they could find whilst sticking to the colour scheme). Finally, a custom made banner hung proudly above the bar, reading. "Congratulations on your retirement Sheriff Nedley!" 

Overall, they were all satisfied with the work that had gone into making the old bar presentable. It had been the perfect location since Nedley grew up there, but had been given a refreshing new look thanks to Shorty's willingness and it had turned out perfectly. 

Wynonna was draped over the bar, chatting animatedly to Rosita and pointedly ignoring Doc who was rolling a cigarette to her left. 'Rolling on a River' came on the jukebox as Nicole and Waverly headed over to their friends. 

"Hey babygirl, Haught stuff." Wynonna slid Waverly a whiskey and coke with a grin.

"Hey Wynonna. Have you heard from Chrissy?" Nicole asked quickly just as Waverly's phone dung in her pocket.

"They're leaving the station now - 5 minutes!" Waverly said hurriedly, turning to scan the room. Her eyes landed on Jeremy and Robin sharing a cocktail in one of the booths and she waved them over. 

"Right, remember the plan everyone." She nodded to Rosita who pulled a big brown box from under the bar. "Everyone hand some out. Some people get party poppers, some confetti, some glowsticks." Wynonna snorted at the last part. 

"I want a popper." She reached into the box, but Waverly swatted her hand away, getting a stifled laugh from Rosita behind the bar. 

"You can have one, but you've gotta help us hand these out first. Everyone needs one of something." The 7 of them reached into the box and grabbed handfuls of the blue and white themed things and hurried to handing out packets of confetti, glowsticks and party poppers. 

They met back at the bar just as Waverly got the text from Chrissy that they'd pulled up outside. She nodded to Shorty who cut the jukebox as the room fell silent. 

A gruff voice echoed through the parking lot until the bar door swung on it's hinges. "Yano Saturday nights are when they play reruns of the old Batman mo-"

"SURPRISE!" The entire bar erupted as confetti and streamers sprinkled everywhere whilst cheers, claps, whistles and even a little giggling shook the room.

There was a moment of silence where Nedley took in the scene before him with Chrissy grinning at his side. After a second, he spoke up. "Jesus christ, y'all are gonna give this old timer a heart attack." He grumbled, but Nicole caught the blush under his uniform collar and the smile twitching on his lips.

Noise clattered around them again as Shorty flicked the juke box back onto Willie Nelson and old and young filtered forward to congratulate the old man. Nicole twisted and entwined her hands at Waverly's lower back.

"This is perfect baby." She cooed, kissing the top of her girlfriend's head before craning her neck to look down.

"He deserves it, look how happy he is, it's adorable." She giggled looking at the old man who was laughing heartily at old stories with his colleagues and family. "He's been Sheriff all my life! Crazy isn't it." She breathed out in awe and Nicole nodded softly.

"He's gonna be a tough act to follow." Her mouth a little dry around the words. Truth was coming here she'd been desperate to become Sheriff as quickly as possible, but now she realised how much she'd miss having the old man around to give her advice or reassure her about cases. The moment just made her realise even more how lonely she really had been in the city. There was nothing like this at her old job, she was convinced no one even noticed when she'd left, except Jack and Ash. The people around Nedley now weren't just his neighbours or colleagues, they were his family and everyone had come together without hesitation to thank him for everything he'd done.

Purgatory PD already felt like more of a family in the year she'd been there than Quayside had in the 10 years. In the city everyone had kept to themselves. Here though, she always received a cheery good morning from Andrea, a coffee on her desk from Mikey, competitive chatter in the break room from Lonnie and Jim and a swapping of tapes with Jamie. Her daily routine no longer felt monotonous it felt warm and exciting and everyday she looked forward to the buzz and banter of her friends at the office. She cleared her throat quietly, but Waverly noticed and tore her gaze from Nedley back to her girlfriend. 

"If anyone can do it, it's you baby." She leaned up to kiss her, but was cut short by a loud shout to her right. 

"Alright get a room Earp!" Chrissy sauntered towards them and hopped onto a stool. Waverly blushed and pushed off Nicole slightly, but the redhead wrapped an arm around her waist, sipping a beer slowly since she had to drive later. 

"Just a coke please - driving." Chrissy made a face at Rosita behind the bar. 

"One cider won't kill you?" Rosita offered and Chrissy smirked.

"I like your style." She winked as the brunette pulled a pint of apple cider.

Waverly rolled her eyes next to them as Chrissy turned to face her. "How's the pussy?" 

Nicole's beer went down the wrong way and she spat half of it on the floor, coughing and spluttering afterwards as Chrissy erupted into laughter. Waverly scowled at her, and rubbed Nicole's back gently. 

"That's - that's not what it sounds like!" Nicole turned quickly to Rosita and then to Jeremy who had appeared beside them at exactly the wrong moment.

Rosita just raised a brow and handed the cider to Chrissy, sipping her own whiskey slowly. Jeremy laughed. "Yeah she's talking about your new kitten right?" 

"Have you thought of a name yet?" Robin mused, resting his chin on Jeremy's shoulder from behind. 

"No not yet, we just call her kitten." Nicole smiled.

"Is that code for something else?" Rosita asked loudly and Nicole coughed again, turning red, Chrissy laughed and high fired the bar tender.

"No. No it's not! We got a kitten, a real kitten, she's tiny and ginger and so cute-" she cut off when Rosita raised a brow and mumbled an mhmmhmm. "Wavesss." Nicole whined in frustration, but was saved when a collective of voices behind her called out her name.

"Haught!" Jamie, Lonnie, Jim and Mikey called fromt the darts board.

"Go on baby, I'll find you later." Waverly cooed, kissing her cheek and hopping onto a stool next to her friend. 

The group settled in naturally, Waverly in the middle on her stool, Chrissy to her right, to her left Jeremy then Robin and across the bar Rosita. Chrissy and Rosita knew each other from high school and naturally Jeremy and Robin took Rosita in with open arms, as they did anyone who Waverly trusted. 

“How’s your dad been about all this?” Waverly asked, finishing off her whiskey and thankfully taking another from Rosita.

“Retirement?” Chrissy asked, leaning on the bar. “Honestly I think he’s taking it great. He’s been putting it off for years, but he wont’s stop talking about how excited he is to see what Nicole is going to do with the place. He really trusts her Waves. I think he’s just relieved to have someone capable to take his place, someone who actually cares and has the stamina to follow through.” 

Waverly smiled, looking over her shoulder to see Nicole bump hips with Jamie and step up to the dart board. She watched the way Mikey smiled at her with awe and admiration in his eyes, the same way she had looked at her older sister all of her life. She hummed in response to her friend and turned back to face the bar.

“How are things with the truck?” Robin asked, leaning around Jeremy to catch her eye.

“Good actually, we’ve payed like half of it, but we can’t get anything else done for a while, because we need to put aside more cash.” She shrugged. “Nicole has been really great and it helps that we basically go everywhere together so she can drive me.” 

“Did Pete not give you any kind of a discount?” Rosita asked, handing a pint to a middle aged man with a smile. “I mean we practically grew up with the guy.”

Waverly furrowed her brow, she hadn’t even thought of that. “No, I mean I didn’t like to ask. Besides we weren’t exactly close growing up, he didn’t really like to hang out with us much.” 

There wasn’t time for a reply, before Valerie cut off the jukebox and they all spun on their stools to see Wynonna standing proudly with the plug in her hand. From across the room, Nicole winced at the lack of care for the old piece of equipment.

“Listen up good people of this shitty town. Papa Nedley has a speech to make so open your ears!” Wynonna bellowed in the most half-assed way a theatrical moment could be performed.

Now Waverly winced, knowing how drunk her sister already was and silently thankful that Doc was taking her home and it wasn’t her or Nicole’s job for a change.

Nedley scowled at the oldest Earp, but there was a fondness in his sparkling eyes which Waverly could spot a mile away. He stepped up to the spot in front of the jukebox as Wynonna moved aside, opening her arms as if to present him as she shuffled aside. Straightening his shoulders and resting his hands on his belt, he cleared his throat.

“Well I’m sure you all know I haven’t had time to prepare any sorta speech for this, hell I’m not sure any words could describe this town even if I had.” He chuckled lightly and the room nodded in agreement. “But regardless of the insanity the goes on here, this old place is home. I don’t remember a time where I wasn’t busting my ass to keep this town safe; before I was even Sheriff I was up at the station helping old man Earp on petty cases. I was beginning to think I’d never be able to give it up.” He shifted in space and looked briefly over to Nicole who was stood upright with her arm around Waverly’s waist.

“Truth is this town has it’s fair share of secrets, but it trusted me and I trusted it. You guys put your faith in me and I did my best to honour that. All I can ask now is that you put your faith in me one more time when I tell you that Officer Haught cares about this place almost as much as I do. Sure, she’s new around here, but if there’s one thing life has taught me is that love is instant, time doesn’t validate that feeling. This is more than a job to me, this is honour and heart and family and the people in this room are the ones who allowed me to have this life. So I’m just asking you all one more thing, trust Haught as you did me, support her as you did me, because I’m telling you she’ll do right by this place and I’ll still be around to make sure of it.” He smiled a soft, fond smile as his eyes traced the room full of his closest friends and family. 

Nicole was suddenly aware that everyone had turned to look at her during his speech and she stiffened beside Waverly. As much as she was comfortable with public appearances for work, right now she wasn’t in uniform and she wasn’t even Officer Haught. She was just Nicole, standing with her girlfriend and friends, watching the man who had quickly become like a father to her making a speech. Assuredly, she nodded her head at him, squeezing Waverly’s waist a little harder and he nodded back. 

“Well that’s all from me, I wouldn’t want to kill the mood. So go on, get another drink, thank you.” He picked up his own whiskey and raised, it moving away from the jukebox and straight over to Nicole and Waverly. The chatter picked up and the music started again, this time to ABBA.

Nedley paused in front of the couple and Waverly beamed up at the old man, her hand rubbing Nicole’s back slightly and her face slightly flushed from the alcohol. 

“Thank you for that Sir.” Nicole nodded gratefully. “I really appreciate it.” 

“I meant what I said Haught, you’ve given me the opportunity to retire and I really appreciate that.”

Waverly grinned proudly and turned to kiss Nicole’s cheek. “I’ll give you two a moment, I’ve gotta save Doc from Wynonna anyway.” She smiled and padded away, leaving the two cops alone. 

“Thanks Nicole, for all of this.” Nedley said quietly and she knew he was talking as her friend not her boss in that moment.

“It wasn’t all me, I-“

“Let me guess, Waverly helped?” There was an air of teasing in his tone, but mostly it was a proud, fatherly love.

“Yeah, she’s really good with all the planning stuff, but everyone helped really: Rosie, Chrissy, Doc and even Wynonna.” She smirked, looking over her shoulder at the Earp sisters drunkenly trying to best each other at pool.

“Well thank you, I’ve uh, I’ve never had anything like this before. It’s been real nice to see everyone again; I haven’t seen some of the guys for years.” His eyes looked almost glazed over as Nicole watched him scan the room and lean back against the bar. 

“It’s nothing Sir. You deserve it, 45 years is an incredible achievement. You’re uh, it’s going to be hard to follow everything you’ve done for these people.” She swallowed her own tears, as she followed Nedley’s line of sight towards Chrissy and Rosita collecting glasses from the other side of the room. 

Suddenly, Nedley’s gaze was back on her and he rested a hand on her shoulder. “I’m not going anywhere Haught, if you need me I’m there.” He nodded and she opened her mouth to reply, but was cut off by a high pitched shriek from a little behind her. She turned quickly to see Waverly hurrying over to her. 

“Baby! Play me at pool? I need to prove to Wynonna I didn’t win just because she was drunk!” Waverly wiggled her eyebrows and Nicole felt herself blushing at how cute she thought it was. Normally she wouldn’t be embarrassed, but her boss, the man who had just promoted her was standing right there and she was trying not to cave instantly to how adorable Waverly looked with her messy bun and goofy smile.

“Go on girl, can’t let Wynonna Earp go thinking she’s number one at pool now can we, wouldn't hear the end of it.” Nedley squinted his eyes with a soft smile, before making his way to the back booth full of Purgatory PD rookies.

Happiness washed over Nicole as she leant back against the bar and crossed her legs at the ankles, sipping a refreshing coke. A lot of the older people had cleared out already and Nedley had left half an hour ago, getting a lift from another officer so Chrissy could stay with her friends. That left just their small group and a couple of the officers who didn’t have the Sunday shift. Beside her, Robin clinked his glass against her's, silently thanking her for the help. Since they were the only sober two, they had decided to take down the decorations which needed removing before opening tomorrow to help Shorty out. She smiled as she heard Waverly’s voice raise to the animated, high pitched tone so familiar to her now. In front of them Jeremy and Waverly were sat at a low wooden table, excitedly debating the ‘best’ and 'worst' Star Wars villains. However, it had quickly diverged into who was the most attractive Jedi due to the alcohol involved.

“How are you feeling about it all?” Robin asked and Nicole turned her head lazily towards him. 

“About what?” She muttered, sipping her coke. 

“The new job? Waverly’s jeep? Rosie?” He teased at the end and she rolled her eyes.

“I knew she’d tell you about that.” Nicole groaned, scowling at Waverly who had no idea they were even standing watching them.

“Actually she told Jer, but he obviously told me.” Robin smirked.

“Obviously.” She teased back, ignoring the question. “I’m nervous about the job and I’m worried that I’ll have too much work to be able to figure out who did that to Waverly’s jeep.” 

“She seems better about it though? I mean she hasn’t spoken about it much, but she seemed okay at work?” 

Nicole nodded, he was right, Waverly did seem to be absolutely okay despite everything, but nonetheless Nicole was on full alert. Someone had been in their house and she couldn’t shake that feeling, the curiosity at what they could have wanted and the fear that the thing they had been looking for was Waverly.

“Yeah, we’re getting it fixed. Pete is taking a look at it, but it’s more expensive than we anticipated so we’re having to get it done in instalments.” She shrugged.

“Is that all? That’s all you’re worried about?” Robin prompted, with a look of doubt in his eyes.

With a heavy sigh, Nicole shook her head and turned back to face Waverly. Of course it wasn’t all she was worried about. She was worried the crime rate would increase under her lead, she was worried new rookies wouldn’t respect her the same way they did Nedley. She was worried people would think she was an outsider and that her new programs she had planned wouldn’t fit with the small town atmosphere. She was worried she wouldn’t be able to balance work and home life. Before when she had been Sheriff she’d only had to worry about herself, but now she had Waverly to think about too. Truth was her favourite thing in the world was spending evenings watching movies or singing songs as they baked a cake or playing video games until the early morning and she was worried she wouldn’t be able to find time for the intimate, private moments she loved. She was worried about letting everyone down, herself included.

“I just need to know she’s safe.” She answered finally. It wasn’t a lie, she was worried about that too. “We don’t know who did this, but they were in our house and I have no idea what their motive was.” 

Robin nodded in understanding. It helped that they had similar lines of work, it also helped that Robin and Jeremy had been the first ones to witness the extent of Nicole and Waverly’s love for each other. “She is safe Nic, she’s got you who just happens to be the Sheriff now.” He winked. “Which congrats by the way Sheriff Haught.” He fist bumped her and she didn’t even roll her eyes this time as she connected their fists. “And she’s got us, and Wynonna and Doc. She couldn’t be any safer. Besides this idiot isn’t hurting people, only property right?” He asked with wide eyes and she nodded with a smile.

“Right, yeah. That’s true.” She gulped her coke, hoping it stayed that way. “Actually, about Doc, where is he? I need a word?” Her eyes scanned the room, but she couldn’t see him. 

“Oh he uh went out back for a smoke.” Robin nodded.

“Great, thanks! I’ll be right back.” She said thankfully, pushing off the bar, hoping to slip away before Waverly noticed. 

Outside there was a gentle drizzle of rain and the buzz of the neon closed sign by the back entrance. The gentle glow from the kitchen highlighted the man, leant sharply against the old barrels of whiskey, light licking his face as he flicked his lighter a few times before the cigarette caught. 

She dug her boots in and stepped down the back steps, storming towards him, putting on a stern face, her shirt going slightly see-through in the drizzle. 

“Sheriff.” He pushed up and dropped his hands to his side after taking a long drag.

Nicole squared up and pushed him aside so she could step under the overhanging roof. “Listen here John Henry.”

“It’s just Doc-“ He tried.

“If you’re going to ask Wynonna to marry you, you better damn well do it properly.” Nicole folded her arms across her shirt, trying not to shiver in the cold air.

“Ah.” He pulled another slow drag of the cigarette.

“Yeah ‘ah’ my best friend is in there sulking because you made it sound like you wanted to marry her assets not her!” Nicole growled, her deep eyes practically glowing in the amber light of the kitchen window beside her.

“Well see I was simply assessing how she felt about the matter.”

Nicole raised her brow, resulting in Doc swallowing hard. “Yeah that ‘assessment’ is supposed to come with you being her boyfriend Doc.”

“Well I’m not technically her-“

“If you're going to ask her to marry you, then you’re definitely her boyfriend.” Nicole huffed, shifting in frustration. 

“Well actually I wasn't planning on it anytime soon, it was just an honest question.” Doc pleaded, surprised by how intimidating the redhead could be in the harsh lighting and defensive anger. It made sense though, given she was a cop after all. 

Nicole was cold now and rapidly losing patience with this conversation. “How long have you two been together?”

“Well uh Wynonna and I have been acquaintances for near 20 years now Sheriff Haught.

Nicole rolled her eyes. “Alright fine, and how long have you been more than that?”

“We never really made the transition.” Nicole pressed her fingers into her temples and sucked in breath, trying to keep her calm.

“Alright, so let’s say 18 years, because Waverly told me your first kiss was when you were 12.” Doc blushed, but Nicole continued. “Look I’m not saying you need to propose, but you need to speak to her. Use your words like fucking adults. And when you finally get the balls to actually propose you better do it properly or I won’t let you off so easy next time I catch you speeding.” She warned, with what sounded like a genuine threat to Doc and he nodded hesitantly. 

“Good. Oh and don’t tell Wynonna I said any of that.” She warned again, hurrying back inside. Deep down she knew Doc wouldn’t dream of telling anyone that he’d been called out.

She sauntered slowly back towards Robin, pouring herself another coke. 

“Looks like your Rosita problem is no more.” He grinned and she scowled.

“We never had a Rosita pro-“ her eyes landed on Rosita and Chrissy making out in a booth and her eyes almost popped out of their sockets. “OH MY GOD.” She hissed, hardly able to tear her eyes away. She loved Waverly, but she wasn’t going to deny that Chrissy and Rosita were both attractive girls. The thought of Waverly though tore her gaze away and she spins quickly to her girlfriend who is still giggling and shaking her head at Jeremy’s suggestion Luke was better looking than Han Solo. 

“I thought Chrissy was straight!” She blinked at Robin who just shrugged.

“Yeah she was. So was Waverly until a couple of years ago. Plus she’s drunk, and Rosie is hot, I’m gay and even I can see that.” 

Nicole snorted, very much doubting that Waverly was ever straight. Not with the way she talked about Lara Croft in that Tomb Raider film they played the other day, or Ellie in the Last of Us game. She smiled at the memory.

"Waves I got the game! I stopped by the store and-“ 

“SHUT UP PUT IT IN TO INSTAL NOW!” Waverly bolted out of the kitchen, knocking a few of her files onto the floor in the process and grabbed the game out of Nicole’s hand.  

“Jeez, missed you too Waves.” Nicole joked, bending down to untie and kick off her boots.

Shuffling around in front of the TV, Waverly looked up to Nicole who had moved back to the hallway to hang up her jacket and stetson and blushed. Once the game was in she jumped up and padded over to Nicole who was unbuttoning the top few buttons of her work shirt and slumping into the couch.  

“I did miss you baby, and thank you for picking up the game on the way home from work for me.” Waverly pecked her cheek and slid into the couch next to her, turning on the console and clicking install on the game.

“Yeah good surprise right?” Nicole grinned and ran a hand through the girls soft, strawberry scented brunette waves. 

“The BEST surprise. How did you even remember it was coming out?” Waverly beamed, leaning into Nicole’s touch.

"Uh maybe because I listen?” Nicole tried, but then shook her head laughing. “And because it’s all you’ve spoken about for weeks.” 

 Waverly felt her cheeks flush and she pressed her head into Nicole’s side hiding her smile. 

"Why this game? Why were you so excited?” Nicole asked. There was no judgement in her tone, but just a simple, genuine curiosity as she held Waverly close into her side and watched the installation slowly progressing. 

“Because…” Waverly mumbled into Nicole’s side before pushing up to look at her. “The first one was so cute, remember?”

Nicole nodded softly. “Yeah it was, but I’ve never seen you this excited for a game.” She laughed lightly, and Waverly moved up and down slightly from where she was leaning against her. 

“This one is gay. And the girl is cute.” Waverly blushed and Nicole’s jaw dropped.

“You’ve got a crush the main character don’t you?!” She gaped and Waverly rolled her eyes.

“It’s not that weird, she’s obviously made to be attractive.” Waverly said pointedly with a casual shrug.

“Yeah, but like you were really excited for this game.” Nicole raised a brow. When Waverly didn’t reply, she squinted for a moment before smirking. “Okay, okay go on then show me a picture of her?” 

“You’re teasing me.” Waverly huffed, pushing to sit up and crossing her arms.

“No! No I’m not, I’m genuinely curious. Promise.” The redhead’s face softened and she tilted her head to the side with a pout, indicating she was serious.

Rolling her eyes, Waverly reached for her phone and pulled up the teaser video for the game. She studied Nicole’s face intently as the girl watched the video, she watched as a small smile twisted up on her girlfriends face and a glimmer flickered in her eyes.

“What?” She squinted, unable to read Nicole’s expression.

“No nothing I just see why you like her.” Nicole smiled genuinely, handing the phone back.

“What do you mean?” Waverly’s frown didn’t leave her face as she took her phone and slid it onto the coffee table. 

“It’s just she gives me Lara Croft vibes.” Nicole winked. 

“Um excuse me Officer Haught, she’s her own person.”

“I know, I know.” Nicole rolled her eyes. “She’s also an animated character baby.” She laughed and got a slap to the shoulder. 

“Doesn’t mean she’s not hot.” 

“No, I guess it doesn’t. She is hot.” Nicole confirmed and Waverly softened slightly.

“Not my fault I have a thing for sexy badass women.” Waverly smirked, untucking Nicole’s shirt and running her hand over her defined abs. 

“Mhmm?” Nicole leaned forward and caught her lips in a kiss. “I’m badass?” She lulled with a deep, sultry voice.

“Mhmm for sure.” Waverly smirked against her girlfriend’s lips. “So badass, and sexy as hell in this uniform.” She twist her hand on the inside of the shirt and pulled Nicole forwards with it.

“Yeah? Sexier than Ellie?” Nicole teased and Waverly almost pushed her away, but the taste of vanilla on her lips, made her overlook the teasing.

“Definitely.” She replied breathlessly. “And definitely not animated, else I couldn’t do this.” Her hands slipped out of the shirt and unbuckled the belt on Nicole’s pants quickly. “We’ve got half an hour.” She winked, nodding towards the screen and the remaining installation time.

Nicole rolled her eyes and reached up to untie the knot holding Waverly’s shirt into a crop top. “No problem.” She breathed against the small girl’s lips.

She was brought out of her daydream by Waverly running (or more like stumbling) towards her. 

“Babyyyyyyy!” She slurred and Nicole winced a little at the volume, but relaxed instantly when Waverly fell into her arms. She sprung forward and caught the small girl, hauling her up so her arms were around her waist. “Can you pleaaseee tell Jeremy that Han Solo is obviously the best looking person in all of Star Wars?!” 

Nicole laughed and looked down at Waverly’s wide, glazed eyes; the girls brows were raised in expectation. “Uh not really my field Waves - Star Wars or the guys in it.” She smiled and brushed a strand of hair away from Waverly’s hair which the small girl was trying to blow away unsuccessfully. 

“Okay well who do you think is the most attractive girl in it then?” Waverly asked and Nicole sighed. 

“I don’t know, who was that one in the one we watched last week? The main one?” 

“REY! SHE MEANS REY!” Jeremy raised his arm in realisation as he leant into Robin beside them. 

“Ooooo I like her. Good choice babe!” Waverly lifted up a shake hand for a high five. With a snort, Nicole high fived her and raised her brows at Robin. 

“OH MY GOD!” Waverly screamed and Nicole held her away by the shoulders, surprised by the volume again. 

“What?” Nicole breathed out. As much as she pretended to be annoyed at Waverly, she couldn’t help but find her childlike wonder and excitement incredibly adorable.

When no reply came, Nicole traced Waverly’s line of vision and saw it was landed right on Chrissy and Rosita who were entwined in the booth. 

“Oh.” She bit her lip, suppressing a laugh at the look of shock and confusion on Waverly’s face. “I uh, I think we’re gonna go home now.” Nicole said with a laugh, looking to Robin who nodded.

“Yeah, us too.” He squeezed Jeremy’s shoulder to wake him as the boy was practically passed out now on his shoulder, the excitement of the debates had worn him out. 

“THEY’RE MAKING OUT!!” Waverly whisper yelled at Nicole who chuckled softly.

“Yeah, yeah they are. They’re also very drunk, I’ll be surprised if they even remember this tomorrow.” Nicole laughed, knowing they would more than likely end up spending the night in the room upstairs.

“Can we do that?” Waverly wiggled her brows.

“Make out?” Nicole laughed, leaning down to kiss Waverly quickly, but pulling away before it got intense.

“Yeah, and can we sleep together?” She widened her eyes and gave a goofy smile. Nicole rolled her lips and tried not to laugh.

“Sleep together? We do that every night baby?” Nicole leant in close to Waverly’s ear. “We share a bed remember?” 

Waverly blushed and ducked her head. “Yeah I know, but I meant like sleep together. Like have sex.” She lifted her head and wiggled her brows suggestively, whispering the last word.

“Waverly?” 

“Yeah?” Waverly said excitedly bouncing up and down. 

“Yeah absolutely not.” Nicole grinned, sweeping her off her feet and into her arms. She winked back at Jeremy and Robin. “See you tomorrow for brunch?” She asked and Robin nodded back, steering Jeremy towards the exit behind them.

“You’re soo stronggg.” Waverly purred form her arms and Nicole shook her head with a smile. 

“You’re so cute.” Nicole kissed her nose gently, before standing her up and opening the car door. Waverly half fell, half slid into the passenger seat and Nicole chuckled as she shut the door and moved around. 

The entire way home Waverly sang - surprisingly off key compared to her usual musical prowess - any song on the radio, even if she didn’t know the correct lyrics. By the time they pulled into the driveway, she’d quieted down a little and Nicole could tell she was tired.

Nicole carried her through the doorway, kicking it closed behind her and dodged past whiskey until they reached the bedroom. Waverly flopped onto the bed, muttering something which was too slurred for Nicole to fully make out as the redhead started to remove her heels slowly and then reached around to unzip her dress. 

“Mhmm Sheriff Haught, have you changed your mind about earlier?” Waverly smirked and with surprising strength grabbed Nicole’s collar and pulled her on top of her on the bed. Nicole gasped in surprise and shut her eyes, trying to calm her rapid heartbeat which was surprisingly difficult when Waverly Earp was beneath her, in their bed, smelling like strawberries and roses, wearing only her incredibly sexy black lingerie. Nonetheless she pushed herself up and padded towards the dresser, kicking her own boots off in the process. 

“No I have not Miss Earp.” She lay the pyjamas on the bed next to Waverly as she unbuttoned her pants and slipped them off.

Waverly pushed herself up onto her elbows and wiggled her brows at Nicole. Nicole simply rolled her eyes and quickly slipped her panties off and her sweatpants on, taking less than a few seconds for the act before Waverly could get any more ideas. The brunette sighed and unclipped her bra, pulling on Nicole’s oversized t-shirt and not bothering with the shorts, instead leaving her black lace panties on. 

Nicole swallowed as she turned to unclip her own bra and pull on her own t-shirt. She spun quickly around when she heard a high pitched squeal, but her shoulders dropped when she saw Waverly nuzzling the kitten. 

The redhead felt her entire body flush with warmth as she tossed their used clothes into a pile and slipped onto the covers next to her girl, wrapping one arm around Waverly’s hips and resting the kitten on her stomach whilst Waverly petted it. 

“I think we should call her Calamity Jane.” Waverly mumbled, kissing her shoulder and then the kitten’s nose.

“What why?” Nicole smiled at the spontaneity of the request.

“She was badass. And she helped people in need.” Waverly ruffled the kitten’s fluffy ears. "And she helped me when I was all sad about the jeep.” She pouted and Nicole melted.

“I like that.” She agreed. The request was too sweet and innocent for her to ever say no to something like that.

“Mmkay.” Waverly muttered, already drifting off and Nicole reached to pull the blanket over them, smirking as whiskey chased it and curled onto the end of the bed. She drifted off with their kitten on her chest, her girlfriend at her hip and their dog at her feet, thankful for the relaxed end to a long day.