Chapter Text
Chapter 3
Nicole made her way through the park as usual. It was just after midnight. Sleep had seemed to elude her, so the park was her best option.
The snow had stopped falling long enough that the thought of going home to a warm bed just wasn’t as inviting enough to leave.
Hands in her pockets, her thoughts were far from her as she enjoyed her time walking off the pent up tension.
The bug she’d placed ob the actress had seemed to be enough to satisfy the bosses, so she hasn’t been given any other tasks to complete to do with ….all of that. It had been a few days since she’s heard anything from anyone. Tomorrow night was her AA meeting, and the thought of seeing the group leader again was a rare moment to where she could look forward to something.
Work had been particularly slow. Nicole’s overthinking had weighed up the possible pro’s and con’s. Maybe she’s getting too old for this? Maybe they think she’s not as good as she once was? Or maybe they’re thinking about sending her deep undercover and giving her some time off. Nicole shook the thoughts off. It is….whatever it is.
The tall woman was so engrossed in her thoughts that she hadn’t notice the figure following her for the last 60 yards and closing.
It wasn’t until a hand wrapped around her shoulder and a knife was put to her throat that she realised he was there.
Nicole froze. She felt a warm breath on her ear as she was pulled back against him, putting her off balance. The woman was so startled, she just froze.
“Just give me your phone, keys and wallet and I’ll let you walk away from this man”
His breath stunk. That seem to snap the redhead out of it.
“How’s about you let me go and I’ll let YOU walk out of this with your balls attached….man”.
The man snickered.
“A woman….well this night just got better” he said through a sneer.
Clearly Nicole’s build and clothes hidden her gender as effectively as hoped.
His grip around her shoulders tightened, and she could feel the knife starting to slice into her neck.
“Last chance creep, let me go, walk away and grab a mint. Cause your breath could peak paint. No wonder your desperate for the touch of a woman, or man, to judgment…..with breath like that”.
He pulled her firmly back against himself even further. He laughed and moved the knife from her throat and held it against her back.
“I think I’ll take my chances girly, you’re coming with me”.
He forced the knife into her kidneys to push her towards the side of the path.
Nicole sighed “can’t say I didn’t give you an out”.
Before the man could respond, she reached both hands up to the arm the the shoulder of the arm wrapped around her, and with a small jump reefed him over her her head so he landed hard on his back. With the arm she still had a grip on, she quickly dislocated his arm with a sharp twist.
He let out a strangled scream and dropped the knife to claw at his arm that now faced a different direction.
She put the heel of her boot on his throat as she bent down to pick up the knife. She examined the object, no stamps, or craftsman’s mark noticeable, EBay brand for sure.
There was blood on the blade.
Blood? She didn’t think he’d cut her deep enough to cause that amount of blood.
While the man was groaning in pain, alternating trying to remove her heel, and hold his arm.
She looked down at him, and applied a little more pressure to his throat, getting his attention.
“Thanks for the shit knife to add to my collection. I think I broke your arm. Sorry?
Anyway, stop being a shit human being, and stay out of my park”.
She stepped off him completely, tucking the knife in her back pocket as she turned to walk away. She heard the man cough, taking in some deep breaths.
“You bitch, you’re dead! I’f I see you again, you’re DEAD”!
That stopped the woman. She turned back and crouched down beside his head.
“I’m here most nights around this time, if I ever see you again, I’ll make good on my promise to take your balls with me”.
The man glared at her through a haze of pain.
“You bi…”
With a swift but hard punch she knocked him out, effectively cutting off his sentence.
“Bitch? Real original dude”.
With that, Nicole stood up and walked away.
The adrenaline kept her walk a bit forced so she directed herself towards home.
If the adrenaline wore off before she got home, she was screwed. Time to hurry things along.
She took off into a sprint. She had to get home.
Nicole broke a record to the short amount of time she made it home. She fumbled with her keys as her hands started shacking, and her breathing started to become erratic and short.
Finally managing to get the key in the lock she ripped the buildings door open and took the stairs 2 at a time.
By the time she was at her door, her vision was getting blurry. She fumbled her keys again, but she couldn’t see them properly, taking a step back she kicked in her own door.
The timber splinted as the door crashed open.
Nicole dashed inside, slammed the door close and leaned against it. Hands on knees, vision going black, she slumped to the ground.
Her heart was beating so fast she could hear the blood rushing through her ears.
Panic attacks were the worst. This one was particularly bad.
Breath Nicole, breath, in for 3, out for 5. Dam it!
After about 15 minutes Nicole was able to get her breathing under control.
5 things you can hear, 5 things you can feel, 5 things you can see. She blinked her eyes open.
Another 15 minutes and Nicole was able to get up off the floor.
Everything ached.
The redhead shakily latched the few locks that remained and slowly made her way to the shower. Stripping of the layers of clothes as she went.
As she pulled her shirt over her head she felt a sharp pain on her side. She winced.
She pulled her hand back displaying her fingers coated in blood.
She brought her hand back to the source to feel what was wrong. There was a deep cut.
The bastard must have got her before she could throw him.
Well….fuck.
The tall woman sat herself in the side of the tub, and lined up a few mirrors. This will need stitches.
Grabbing her kit from under the sink.
Alcohol. She needed alcohol.
With her shirt held to her side she made her way to her couch to where she knew her bottle of vodka lived.
Grabbing it and flicking off the cap to take a few gulps.
Now back on the side of the tub, she took one more swig before pouring a bit on the cuts
Wincing at the sting.
This was gunna hurt.
Nicole woke up tired, sore and a little hungover.
The redhead made to get up but stopped by the sharp pain at her side. With a whimper she slowly laid back down.
Looking towards her watch she deducted she had about 5 hours to wallow is self pity before she needed to get her ass to AA.
Fumbling for her phone on the nightstand, she set an alarm before tossing it beside her and drifting back to sleep.
Nicole made her way to the circle of chairs and lowered herself into one with a small wince.
The others eventually made their way to the circle still engrossed in their individual conversations.
Nicole’s eyes did a sweep of the room. No Mick again tonight? She’d have to track him down. It was unusual for him to miss 2 meetings in a row.
The chatter died down as Dr. Earp made her way into the room carrying her briefcase and a large flat box.
Takin a seat at her nominated chair she looked around the group smiling.
“Welcome everyone, as promised I brought your favourite pastries”. She opened the box and took out a small danish before handing the box on.
“ I’m sure you’ll find one of what you wrote down last Thursday. Jokes on you if you lied. Cause I’m going to make you eat it anyway” she said with a mock frown before waving her hand to confirm the joke.
“Anyway, same as last time, we’re going to go around the circle….”
The meeting went a little better than usual. Dr.Earp was good with the veterans. Some who “only came for the coffee”, had said more than Nicole had ever heard out of them.
She herself had been dismissive when it came to her, and waved on the turn to the next person with a stif smile and a small wave. This had caused the young doctor the frown, and Nicole could feel her eyes periodically on her during the meeting. Nicole could read the question there whenever they made eye contact, but the redhead offered no verbal or non verbal response.
Waverley voice pitched louder than the chatter in the room getting Nicole out of her thoughts
“thank you everyone for coming, tonight was really great. Well done everyone. As per usual I’ll be available in my office for the next hour if anyone would like to talk 1 on 1. Nicole?”
Nicole looked up into hazel eyes.
“Could I see you for a minute please?”
Waverley motioned towards the hall where her office was, then turned to make her way out of the room.
Nicole inwardly sighed, wincing as she stood, she followed Dr. Earp down the hallway.
Nicole lightly tapped the office doorframe to grab the young woman’s attention.
Waverley looked up and smiled, “ thank you for coming”.
Nicole smiled and went to respond with her usual sass, but was stopped by Waverley raising her hand.
“ yes I know, that’s-what-she-said, am I right?”
Nicole let out a giggle and replied “yes, you know me so well”
Waverley tilted her head slightly
“do I? Because I know we haven’t know each other for any amount of time. But you didn’t seem like yourself tonight. Are you ok?”.
Nicole inwardly sighed and made a small step into the office.
“Yeah, sorry. It was a crazy night last night, still trying to sort my head out. So I’m not really myself”
Waverley looked a little taken aback at Nicole’s statement.
Nicole cocked her head to the side inquisitively
“What?”.
“Now it’s my turn to apologise. Thats the most candid you’ve ever been with me, took me by surprise, that’s all”.
The young doctor looked away, blushing a little at what she just said. “Very professional Waverley” she thought to herself.
Nicole felt her heart grow at the sight. Then she felt a little ashamed at her behaviour tonight.
Waverley looked back into Nicole’s eyes.
“Is there anything you want to talk about?”.
Waverley outwardly cringed at how that just sounded, making Nicole chuckle.
“Sorry, not like that, I meant is there anything you care to share as to why it was such a crazy night?”.
Nicole smiled at the younger girl. This woman couldn’t be more endearing if she tried. Nicole opened her mouth to say something, but before she could get anything out, one of the other group members rounded the corner to the doctors office effectively startling everyone, even himself.
“Oh, sorry, didn’t know you were busy already” the man named Tony ruffed out.
Nicole put up her hand, “it’s ok, I was just leaving”.
She couldn’t miss the look of hurt? Or disappointment, that flashed across the Doctors face.
“But I’ll wait for you in the main room?“, gaining a small smile and nod from Waverley.
She followed that with a smile as she turned to leave, nodding at Tony as she left.
Waverley locked her office and turned off the hallway lights and made her way to the main room.
She hoped Nicole was still waiting for her. It had been longer than an hour.
Tony had talked about what to get his wife for her birthday, and how he can be “less of an ass” as he put it, towards her.
Waverley was happy she was able to help, but she was anxious to talk to Nicole.
The tall woman seemed off, her expression seemed pained through tonight’s meeting, and her body language was stiff and closed as she had ever seen it. The young doctor had to admit she was worried.
She made her way into the main room and saw Nicole leaning against the wall with her foot against the brickwork. Feeling the relief at seeing the woman was still there Waverley smiled as they made eye contact.
“You’re still here”, it was a statement more than a question.
Nicole kicked off the wall, hands in her jacket pockets as always.
The doctor didn’t miss the wince she saw as Nicole stood.
“I said I would” she said with a smile.
They stood looking at each other for a minute.
“Do you have a ride tonight?”.
Nicole was hoping she would be able to spend some more time with this, as she could only put it, enchanting woman.
“Yes….I mean no…maybe?”
Nicole laughed “those are the options yeah”.
“No, I mean no, I don’t have a ride. I was hoping you could wait for a cab with me, please? So yes?”.
Nicole tilted her head. The younger woman must ramble when she nervous. It was really adorable.
“A cab? I could walk you home if you like?”
This seemed to make the smaller woman relax a bit.
“Yes, that would be amazing, thank you. A bit of exercise would do me good”.
You’re very welcome, shall we?”
Nicole made a sweeping motion with her arm towards the door.
“We shall”, came the reply.
They made their way slowly in the direction of Waverlys building.
“So, you going to tell me what has you acting like you spent the night fighting crime?”.
This made Nicole smile and think “if only you knew”.
“Just couldn’t sleep”.
Waverly waited a beat. When nothing followed that statement, she added
“Is that it? I may be a doctor, but even I know thats not the full story”.
“Trust me, anything more than that would just be a waste of words to come to the same conclusion”.
Nicole didn’t miss the look of hurt that once again flashed across her features.
“I’m sorry, I know thats vague, there’s things not worth talking about, and the rest….I’m not even sure I’m allowed to disclose the rest”.
“Right”, came the small response.
Nicole inwardly kicked herself. She could open up a little to this young woman who seemed to genuinely care about the people around her.
“Uhh….how was your weekend?”.
Waverly accepted the small olive branch at the change of subject and launched into a tale of her doings for the weekend. Involving a lot of tea, and a good book.
Nicole enquired what book the doctor was reading which launched into the tale everything about the book she was currently reading on the history of New York.
Before Waverly knew it, she realised she was rambling. She stopped her chatter, then apologised.
Nicole stopped walking, grabbing waverlys attention. She stopped as well to turn to look at Nicole.
“You don’t have to apologise. I like it when you talk about the things that excite you. I honestly have never really thought on the history of this city. Besides, you get this cute little glint in your eye when you get excited about a subject. It’s not ramblings to me”.
Nicole said that with such conviction, it tugged a bit at the shorter woman’s heart.
“Oh, thank you. I always get told to ‘shush’ when I go off on a history tangent. I know my job is phycology, but I think, if I wasn’t a doctor I’d be a historian. I love history. Everything we need to know about how to move forward in life, reflects in the lessons of history”.
Nicole was looking at her with such an intense look she couldn’t decipher , Waverly had to look away.
“It makes sense. Those who don’t learn from their mistakes are destined to repeat them yeah?”.
Waverly looked back into the chocolate eyes that were quickly becoming her favourite.
“Yes, exactly” she said as she threw her arms out feigning exasperation.
“That’s what I keep telling people”.
That got Nicole to laugh outright.
“You’re adorable”
That causes the young woman’s features to grow serious.
“I’m your doctor”.
Such a simple statement, but the meanings around it hit Nicole like a punch.
Nicole toed the pavement with her foot, a little dejectedly.
“Uhh…yea. I know. Sorry. Umm….you’re at your building”, she said with a head motion towards the door they were standing in front of.
“I’ll let you get inside Doc”.
With that, Nicole turned to leave.
Waverly seeing the hurt on the redheads face reached out and grabbed her elbow to stop her,
“No wait Nicole, I didn’t mea….”
She was stopped at the yelp of pain that came from her when she tugged her elbow. The older woman had her eyes closed and was standing breathing harshly through her nose.
“Nicole? What’s wrong? Are you hurt….?”.
Waverly moved to in front of the statuesque woman, moving her pocketed hands aside to inspect what could have been so painful.
The therapist moved the inner zip up sweater aside to see her undershirt had blood on it. I LOT of blood on it. Waverly gasped. The blood on the shirt was getting bigger.
“Im just going to move the shirt up a bit to take a better look,ok?”
She looked up, and moved the shirt up at the stiff nod she received.
The redhead still choosing to keep her eyes closed. Although the breathing wasn’t as forceful.
Pulling the shirt up, Waverly drew in a quick breath at the cut there.
“Oh my god, Nicole, who did this?”
She looked up and was surprised to see the redheads eyes on her. The emotions mixed with pain was almost overwhelming.
“Just some guy at the park last night”.
Waverly eyed her incredulously.
“….some guy at the park? I’m sorry. Nicole….some guy at the park? Who?”.
“It was my own fault. I was so in-my-head, I didn’t notice him sneak up behind me. He was able to get hands on me. It’s ok though. He came off second best”.
Waverly could do nothing more than stare at her. Was this woman serious?
“ your stitches have come out, it needs a hospital Nicole”.
Nicole shook her head, taking a step back, effectively releasing herself from the younger woman’s grasp.
“No hospitals. I’ve gotta go”.
Nicole went to turn before Waverlys voice stopped her.
“Nicole, that needs medical attention. And a lawsuit. Cause whoever stitched that, needs to have their ass handed to them. It’s atrocious work”.
That caused Nicole to let out another smal laugh.
“You’re laughing? Nicole! Why are you laughing?! This isn’t funny!”.
“I sewed it myself. It’s ok. I’ll fix it up when I get home”.
Waverly was in shock. Was this woman for real.
She was about to say something, but Nicole put her hand up to stop her.
“I’ll be fine ok? Don’t worry about me”.
Nicole turned and started to walk away.
Waverly frowned.
“ how’s that working for you huh?”.
That stopped the injured woman in her tracks. She turn towards the other girl.
“What did you say?”.
“I said…how’s that whole solo act working out for you? You clearly need hel…”
“I don’t need help!” Nicole gritted out.
This seemed to enrage the hazel-eyes woman.
“Yes! Yes you do! You’re bleeding….heavily, Nicole. You need a hospita…”
“No hospitals!”.
“Stop cutting me off would you! Just slow down for one freaking minute!”.
Nicole shut her mouth and sent a levelling stare at the shorter girl.
“….and don’t look at me like that. Yes you need medical attention….and you obviously seem to hate hospitals. So please let me at least help you?”.
Nicole seemed to hesitate.
“Please Nicole. Let me help you”.
“But you’re my doctor”.
Waverly sighed, then pinched the bridge of her nose.
“I’m not proposing here. I asking you to let me help you. Please, just come inside?”.
Nicole took a minute to decide. She looked up at Waverlys building. It would be nice not to have to stitch herself up again.
“Ok”
“Ok?” Waverly seemed surprised by that.
“Yes”
“Ok then…..thank you”.
Waverly made her way into her unit and threw her briefcase onto the couch. Taking off her jacket she threw it beside the case on the back of the sofa.
“Follow me please”.
Nicole was taking the place in. Small. Open plan. But so homely. Waverlys touches were everywhere. At the clearing of a throat from what Nicole could only assume was the bathroom, she followed Waverly.
“Sit there, and take off your shirt. And so help me Nicole If I hear you say anything that will make this more awkward than it already is, i will slap you”. With a small smile, Waverly gestured to the closed toilet lid, still rummaging through her first aid kit.
Nicole chuckled and moved to do what she was asked.
Waverly turned towards the now-sitting Nicole had donned gloves and alcohol wipes. The shorter woman was startled to see that Nicole was sitting there in a black sports bra. The redhead definitely had broad shoulders, very muscly, but also feminine. She also noticed the amount of scars that covered the redheads torso. She met Nicole’s eyes in question, earning a simple shrug. Shacking her head, Waverly set up what she needed beside Nicole.
“I would say that this isn’t going to hurt. But that would be a lie. This is going to sting like a bitch”.
“Wow. And here I was thinking you got me up here to see what I looked like witho-ahh!” Nicole was cut off by Waverly pouring antiseptic on her wound.
She glanced up at the now glaring redhead.
“I did warn you”. Waverlys eyes were focused on her task as she cleaned up the wound, but she was sporting a small smile.
“Yeah….I guess you did”.
When the young woman was satisfied that the wound was cleaned, the grabbed the materials to stitch the wound back up.
Making sure the sitting woman was ready, she started to sew up the wound again at the small nod.
Seeing the redhead struggling a bit with the pain, Waverly asked “So are you going to tell me the details around how this ended up happening?”.
Glancing up from her work to make sure Nicole had heard her, she waited for whatever reply in silence.
“I didn’t hear him sneak up on me. First thing I knew about him being there was when he jumped me and put a knife to my throat”.
Waverly looked up at her at that, surprise taking over her.
Nicole turned her neck slightly and pointed at a horizontal cut across the side of her neck Waverly hadn’t noticed.
Nicole read the surprise and dropped her hand.
“Yeah. I know. I should have been more aware of my surroundings”.
“Not why I was going to say, but ok. Go on”.
“He realised I was a woman and moved the knife into my back, to force me off the path. I threw him over my shoulder, possibly broke his arm, dislocated at best, then knocked him out. Didn’t realise he had even stabbed me till I’d gotten home”.
“Oh my god. Nicole. I’m so sorry”.
Waverly stopped her work to look up at Nicole at the silence she received from the woman.
“Why are you apologising? You didn’t do it”
Sighing, Waverly looked back to what she was doing.
“I’m aware I wasn’t there. I’m apologising because that’s a horrible thing to have to go through”.
“It’s not the first time I’ve been jumped, and I doubt it’ll be the last”.
The resignation in Nicole’s tone twisted at Waverlys heart.
“This doesn’t have to be your life Nicole. You coul…”
“You don’t know anything about my life ok? Something like this happening…” she gestured at her side “is a fucking inconvenience. And a very subtle reminder my focus isn’t where it should be. This should not have happen to someone like me. No one should be able to get the jump on me like this. It was stupid. I deserved it. I’m stupid. This is what stupid people get! Stupid people get hurt, or better, killed!!!”.
Waverly had finished up during Nicole’s rant and was just kneeling beside this woman who seemed to so firmly believe she deserved someone attacking her. Because of what? She was busy with her thoughts?
“Nicole…”
The gentle tone of her voice was going cause her to cry
“Don’t “Nicole “ me ok? I’m not a child that needs to be reasoned with here”.
Waverly sighed and stood up, throwing the used items in the trash.
“You can get dressed now, I’m all done”.
Nicole checked out her work. It was actually pretty good work. She had been so worked up that she didn’t feel the younger woman finish up.
“Ohh. Uhhh…thank you. You did a great job”.
“Sure”. Waverly sounded resigned.
‘Ugh. Nicole. Why do you always have to grill the one woman that’s just trying to help’ the veteran thought to herself.
Waverly packed up her kit, and left the bathroom.
Nicole watched her walk out and couldn’t help but be overwhelmed by guilt. This wonderful woman was just trying to help her, and she ripped her a new one.
Knowing that the doctor had an alcoholic sibling, she was probably used to the outburst from problems that weren’t her fault.
Which only pained her more to think she’d caused that.
Nicole stood stiffly. Having pulled her shirt back on. Looking at her shirt in the mirror, she had to admit the blood stain looked bad.
Waverly rounded the corner to the bathroom a few moments later with a glass of water, which she handed to Nicole along with 3 tablets.
Nicole eyes them cautiously.
“Painkillers. I know you must be in pain”.
Nicole shrugged, threw the pills in her mouth and downed the water. Handing the glass back.
Waverly took it slowly looking at Nicole like she was a puzzle she was figuring out.
Nicole sighed.
“Just say it ok? You’d be right too. I’m sorry for venting on you like that. You didn’t deserve that. I don’t know what came over me. You’ve been put through a lot and it wasn’t my place to yell at you for something that has nothing to do with you. I’m just……really sorry”.
Nicole’s voice ended in almost a whisper as she started toeing the floor tiles with her boot.
Taking a chance to look up at Waverly. She couldn’t help but notice Waverlys expression hadn’t changed.
“I’m sorry…..ok?”.
Still nothing from the brunette.
“I’m just…..uhh….I’m just going to go..”
She moved to step around Waverly, but the shorter woman moved to block her.
Nicole looked at her, eyebrows furrowed in question.
Waverly was still looking ahead deep in thought.
Before Nicole could question her intentions, the younger woman spoke up
“You’re wrong Nicole”.
She looked up into Nicole’s eyes.
Now it was Nicole’s turn to look like she was trying to figure out a puzzle
“Huh?”
“Out of all that bullshit that came out of your mouth just then…you’re wrong about most it”.
“What ar….”
“Just shut up and listen for a minute ok?”
Waiting for the taller woman’s nod Waverly continued.
“I have so much to say. Not only on a professional level, but personal as well.
You see such a vivid side of humanity that only very few people have seen. So much so, you being stabbed…and yes, I’m leaving out the obvious ‘other’ intention that creep had….is an inconvei….you know what. Let me ask you this. Do you honestly think anyone genuinely gives a shit about you?”.
She looked intently into Nicole’s eyes. Daring her to lie.
Nicole’s heart squeezed at that question. She knew the answer. However freeing and sad it was.
Nicole hung her head and let out a long breath before answering.
“No. I don’t ‘think’ anyone gives a shit about me. I know, no one gives a shit about me. If I died tomorrow. There’s no one to bother with a funeral. Because no one would show up”.
Nicole looked down at her feet, feeling every bit of shame and emotions it comes from admitting that to oneself.
Waverly went to bring he hand up to cradle Nicole’s face when the older woman snatched her head back and flinched expecting a blow from the shorter woman.
Waverlys hand was frozen in the air. Did Nicole just think she was going to hit her?
Nicole peeked opened an her eye to see Waverly frozen in time with her hand suspended mid-chest.
Feeling another wave of shame coming. Nicole swallowed hard. She needed to get out of here. She could feel the heat behind her eyes. Either her eyes were going to shoot lazers. Or she was going to cry. No one has seen her cry in over 10 years, and Nicole wasn’t about to ruin that run.
“I….I’m just….” She pointed over Waverlys shoulder. “Yep….” Nicole moved to slide by the seemingly frozen woman. The movement snapped Waverly out of whatever stooper she was in, and she once again stepped to block Nicole, then gently bringing both hands up to either side of Nicole’s jaw.
“Nicole, stop sweet”.
Nicole was doing her best to look everywhere but at the doctor. The taller woman was clearly trying not to cry.
“Hey. Sweetheart. Look at me.”
Nicole’s breathing had picked up and Waverly noticed her eyes were starting to glaze over.
Clear warning signs of an incoming panic attack.
Waverly had a choice. Either let this woman run and potentially have a full attack on the street, alone. Or force her to stay here. Lock her in the bathroom maybe? No. That wouldn’t do. She’d probably kick the god-dam door down.
Waverly could feel Nicoles shaking body getting more definitive.
No. She couldn’t let this woman go.
She had to get her to focus on something. She spoke in a soft but firm tone.
“Nicole, look at me hun. Look at me. Nicole sweet…”
she could see her words were being heard. Nicole could hear her!
“Nicole baby, it’s ok. You’re ok. You’re safe. You’re in my bathroom. I have my hands either side of your face. I’m here ok? Can you look at me please?”.
She could see her words registering. So she put a little more pressure on the grip she had on the panicking woman. Slowly guiding her head down.
As their eyes were almost on the same level, the doctor called Nicole’s name. All of a sudden Nicole’s eyes snapped to Waverlys.
Whatever Waverly was prepared for, seeing the turmoil and raw pain in Nicole’s eyes momentarily stole the breath from her. She needed to get ahead of this immediately.
“Thank you for looking at me. Great work. I need you to mimick my breathing ok? Ok, with me, breathing in for 5…” she noticed Nicole’s erratic breathing trying to get in line.
“You’re doing great, now out for five….excellent. Ok, in for 5….”
They continued this until Nicole’s breathing resembled Waverlys.
“Ok. You’re doing incredible Nicole. So good”.
Nicole started to slowly blink. She was slowly getting her faculties back.
“Im going to put my arms around you ok? It’s just me ok? It’s just Waverly. I’m going to put my arms around you, but that doesn’t mean you have to hug me back ok?”
At the slight acknowledgment she got from the taller woman, Waverly moved her hands from Nicole’s face and slowly drew one over her shoulder on her wounded side, and the other under her arm and around her back.
The doctor slowly drew herself in and tightened her grip.
Waverly continued to give gentle reassurances until Nicole’s breathing levelled out.
Waverly was pleasantly surprised when she felt the redheads arms wrap around her waist and squeeze.
The young woman let herself enjoy the feeling of being wrapped in this beautiful but broken hardass that she had to admit she was developing feelings for.
She felt Nicole turn her head into Waverlys neck and bury her face there.
When she heard a slight sniffle come from the woman in her arms, Waverly tightened her grip on the girl.
“Huhhfdt mnormha infontth “
Waverly drew Nicole back a bit.
“What was that sweet? And whatever it was, it better not be an apology ok? You have nothing to be sorry for”.
Nicole let out a watery chuckle
”Was going to say thank you for that. It usually takes me 20-30 minutes to get through one of those, and you did it in less than 10….and that I haven’t cried in front of anyone in over 10 years”.
At that, Waverly leaned back and switched the light off, dousing them both in blackness.
Waverly wrapped her arm back around Nicole and held her firmly.
“You’re crying streak doesn’t have to end tonight”.
At that Nicole let the floodgates open. She held onto Waverly like a lifeline. Her sobs filled the small room…quieter then Waverly thought with what years of emotions bottled up would sound like. She held the taller woman as tightly back until the sobs resided back to small sniffles.
When the doctor felt the grip on her loosen, she gently said.
“do you feel a little better? That sounded like it needed to happen”.
Nicole let out a watery laugh and let Waverly go and stood back to her full heavier wiping at her eyes and face.
“Uhh…I-“
“Don’t you dare apologise “ the doctor said mock-serious.
“Thank you”.
“You ok for me to turn the world back on?”
Waverly didn’t hear a reply.
“If you’re nodding, I feel the need to remind you that I can’t see you in the dark”
There was a chuckle from the darkness.
“Yes. I’m good”.
Waverly flicked the light on causing both of them to squint at the bright light.
Nicole looked exhausted.
“I know asking you ‘how ya doing’ seems a bit stupid. But how are you feeling?”.
Nicole let out a big yawned around what Waverly could only assume to resemble words.
Waverly had to giggle at that.
“It’s like you’re trying to speak to me….”
Nicole smiled wearily before repeating herself.
“Sorry. Yes. I’m good thank you. I just feel exhausted all of a sudden”.
“No doubt. Would you like a coffee?”
Nicole thought about it. She had to get home. The mere notion was almost offensive, but she could use a caffeine.
“Yes please. That would be amazing”.
Waverly was on the receiving end of the most exhausted but dazzling smile she’d ever received.
“Well ok then. One coffee coming right up”.
Waverly booped her nose before making her way out of the bathroom towards the kitchen.
Nicole stood there absolutely stumped. Did she…a war hardened veteran, just allow herself to be ‘booped’ on the nose? And worse yet….it was probably the most adorable thing someone had ever done.
She made her way out of the bathroom towards the sound of coffee brewing from the kitchen.
Waverly placed a mug of fresh coffee in front of Nicole across the kitchen island along with the sugar and creamer.
The exhausted woman gave a small smile before the added the necessities to her brew.
It was a comfortable silence as they sipped their drinks. Occasionally making eyes contact. Nicole weirdly didn’t feel like she was being judged, ridiculed, or that the doctor felt pride in having seen behind her walls. It was refreshing as it was unusual.
This beautiful woman, if she was just doing her job, was an amazing doctor. If she was just being herself…..she was just an incredible person.
Nicole finished her coffee first. Gently putting the mug down she slid it across the island towards Waverlys mug.
“I should get going, thank you so much for….well…everything”
Waverly looked up at her and smiled “ you’re welcome. Thank you for trusting me enough to let go”.
Nicole smiled at that. She made to make a move towards the door when she swayed dangerously and slammed a palm down on the bench to catch herself.
Waverly quickly made her way around the kitchen island to stand in front of the taller woman.
“Nicole, are you ok?”
“Yeah. I’m good. I just got dizzy all of a sudden”.
“It could be multiple things, but I think the blood lose, or the painkillers kicked in”
Nicole blinked slowly.
“Yeah. I think they have. I feel like I’m under water. What were those?”
“They were the ones I give to my brother after he has an episode”
“Uhh” Was all Nicole got out before stumbling a bit causing Waverly to quickly bring her arms out to stabilise the taller woman.
“Nicole, you’re worrying me here. Are you sure you’re ok?”
Nicole rubbed at her eyes, then ran her hand down her face.
“If I didn’t know you better, I’d think you’d slipped something in my drink” that was followed by something Waverly could only assumed was a laugh.
“…..but I’m very sensitive to any other stronger than normal Panadol. If it was something you give your brother, and you gave me 3 of them, I can only assume you’ve knocked me on my ass. Well played Doc. It’s always the short ones that……”
Nicole continued to dribble out words. Waverly could only understand a little, but what she got was that she’s given the taller woman something stronger than what she’s used to.
“Ok, Nicole?”.
Nicole turned slowly towards the sound of her voice.
“Yeah-huh”
Waverly giggled at that.
“I need to get you to lie down before you fall. You’re going to sleep here tonight ok?”
Nicole put her hand to her heart.
“We just met Ms. doctor Waverly, I’m not that cheap I’ll have you know”.
Waverly smiled at that. This woman REALLY was sensitive to strong painkillers. She was clearly becoming drowsy.
“Yeah, righto casinova. To the couch we go”
Waverly weaved her arm around the woman’s waist, taking a small moment to enjoy the feel of the muscles there.
She slowly helped the older woman to the couch, then got her to lie down and put her feet up.
Waverly stripped her of her shoes, and threw the blanket that lived on the back of the couch over the almost snoring woman.
Leaning over to turn the lamp off behind the sleepy woman she heard Nicole mumble something.
“What was that sleepy-head? I missed it through all the drooling”.
A lazy hand came up to wipe at the non-existent drool, and with words she could understand….with eyes closed, Nicole mumbled out “don’t let my darkness touch you….you’re like an angel”.
Waverly looked at her a moment eyebrows furrowed. She’d have to ask Nicole about that later.
Waverly made her way over the her wingback single seater couch and got comfortable.
If Nicole was sensitive to strong painkillers, it was Waverlys responsibility to make sure she was ok.
Her training ensured her that the amount she took would just mean some serious amount of sleep, but just to make sure, Waverly was going to be here if Nicole needed her.
As she watched the older woman sleep, snoring softly, she went through the whole bathroom scene in her mind.
This woman had been through hell. She was also, clearly way to hard on herself.
The things she said about herself twisted her heart so painfully. Someone who had given everything for their country, and clearly sacrificed so much of herself for other people…..that to be so confident of her solitude….went against everything Waverly thought she deserved.
Yes she doesn’t know much about her past, or anything at all frankly, she sense a kindness and gentleness in the older woman that was uncommon. She almost seemed scared of herself though.
The young doctor spent the next couple of hours analysing the young veteran until her eyelids became heavy. Waverly looked over at Nicole who was still sawing logs peacefully. She was out of the danger zone for any overdoses.
So Waverly decided to go to bed herself. Walking over to Nicole and looked down at the sleeping woman.
Nicole’s face was so peaceful, the usual worry lines and the weight she carried with her was gone from her face.
She looked almost childlike in her sleep. Waverlys hand gently swept a bit of hair out of Nicole’s face and tucked it behind her ear. Causing the redhead to slightly stir in her slumber, Waverly quickly moved her hand away, scared she’d woken the sensitive woman. Nicole simply frowned a little and mumbled something about stolen pancakes causing a slight giggle from the doctor. Could she be more cute?
Waverly quietly made her way to her room to bed.
Tomorrow was going to be an interesting day.