Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Nicole wakes up to the sound of her apartment door being opened. She sits up in bed and waits. She hears the tip toeing footsteps coming down the hall and stopping at her bedroom door. The door slowly starts to open and a head pops through.

"Aww man! You were supposed to be asleep!"

"Well little sister, you make a lot of noise, and as I don't need much sleep, you'd be hard pressed to actually wake me up." Nicole replies.

"Yeah, yeah rub it in." The younger woman pouts. "So anyways since you're awake I suppose I can just give you your gift now." She reaches back into the hallway and produces a gift bag. "Not that it's easy shopping for an Immortal."

Nicole laughs. "Well Rachel I'm sure I'll love whatever it is. Hand it over." She says reaching for the bag.

Rachel walks over to sit on the bed and hands Nicole the bag. "It's not much actually. You don't pay me enough to get you anything extravagant." She jokes.

Nicole reaches into the bag and pulls out a card first. She opens it to see the gaudiest birthday card ever. Laughing she reads what it says before laying it to the side. Reaching into the bag she pulls out a small jewelry box. Opening the box, she reveals a small Trinity Knot pendant. Nicole looks at Rachel. "I love it!"

Rachel visibly relaxes. "I know we're not like super close or anything and this whole sibling thing is new, but I wanted us to have something to tie us together." She pulls her own pendant out of from under her hoodie.

"Here help me put it on." Nicole says handing it to Rachel, she turns around and pulls her hair up. She feels the pendant settle in just above her collarbones as Rachel clasps it. She turns back and smiles at her younger sister. "You did good kid."

Rachel scoffs and rolls her eyes. "Just cause your five hundred years older than me doesn't mean you get to keep calling me kid."

Nicole laughs. "Sorry Rach. You'll always be kid to me." She ruffles the smaller woman's hair as she stands up. "Now let's get this day started." She stretches and walks to her dresser, selecting her clothes for the day. She turns back to Rachel. "Now I'm going to take a shower and change. Wanna make some breakfast?"

Rachel gets up as well. "Sure, oatmeal?" She laughs at the horrified look Nicole gives her. "Yeah, I don't even think we have any anyways." She heads off towards the kitchen as Nicole hops in the shower.

As one of the premier Supernatural Detective Agencies in the city Nicole's days are usually busy. Today being the first birthday, she gets to spend with her younger half-sister she plans on not doing much as far as work and keeping it a relatively light day.

Nicole found Rachel during a case six months ago. Immediately feeling the family connection to the younger woman, Nicole contacted her father to see what the connection was. He had admitted to having an affair with a mortal woman eighteen years prior and Rachel being the result of that. He had helped support her and her mother until he lost track of them a few years ago. Which was about the time that Rachel's mother had gone to work for a bio engineering company that was very secretive.

When Nicole found Rachel, she was living in an abandoned factory, unsuspectedly sharing her domicile with a low level water demon who was wanted in questioning for some recent flooding events. She had brought the girl under her protection and vowed to find out what had happened to her mother.

Walking out her bedroom Nicole can smell bacon frying on the stove. Following her nose down the hallway and into the kitchen she finds Rachel putting the finishing touches on breakfast. She pulls out one of the tall chairs at the counter and sits down. "Smells amazing in here. Thanks Rachel." She says as Rachel pushes a plate to her.

"You're welcome. So, what's on the agenda for the day?" Rachel asks. When Nicole moved Rachel into her building, she had offered the job of being her assistant with it. Rachel had jumped at the chance to work with Nicole and have a family again.

"Other than just checking in downstairs I was just planning on us spending a day together. We haven't gotten to do that yet." Nicole replies.

"That sounds awesome." Rachel admits. "Just you and me?" She adds hopefully.

"Yeah Rach, just you and me. I figure we can go downtown and hit some of the shops. I don't know about you, but I could use a bit of retail therapy today." Nicole winks at the younger woman.

"Agreed. I don't have a lot saved up yet though." Rachel explains.

"Oh no worries. I do. Centuries of good money management have left me decently well off. As you well know."

"I know I just don't like spending your money."

"Well, it's not going to spend itself and it's not just my money now Rachel. I gave you that credit card to use. Obviously don't go crazy with it but I do want you to use it." Nicole says.

Rachel looks up from her plate and studies Nicole for a moment. "It's hard for me to take something like that without expecting something in return."

"We'll work on that kid. I don't want anything from you other than to be family. That's it." Nicole reaches out and puts her hand on Rachel's shoulder. "I know you and your mom had it rough and part of that is our father's fault but I'm here now and I don't plan on going anywhere."

Rachel leans into Nicole's touch trying to discretely wipe her eyes. "You promise?"

"I promise." Nicole says getting up and pulling Rachel into a tight hug. "I always wanted a sister and now that I have one, I'm going to make sure she has the best damn life a demigod could ask for." She kisses the top of the smaller woman's head. "Now eat up. You'll need all your strength to keep up with the shopping today."

Rachel laughs and goes back to her breakfast. Nicole silently curses her father for what he has done to this poor girl. She will always be happy to have Rachel as her sister but is rightfully pissed off at her father for the way he lost track of Rachel and her mother. She knew that other Gods had wandering eyes when it came to mortals, but she did not think her father was one of them. She was understandably disappointed in him, but he was still their father, so they had a biweekly dinner with him. Nicole's mother has recently started to join them as well and has taken on a motherly relationship with Rachel, after admitting that none of it was Rachel's fault and the more people looking out for the younger girl the better.

Being a demigod Rachel has a leg up on other mortals as far as life span and healing, but she is unfortunately still mortal. Nicole being the child of two Immortals has inherited their immortality. Not that she can't die but it is much harder to kill her. She's looked twenty-five for five centuries and diseases mean nothing to her, even most modern weapons can't kill her on their own due to her superior healing capabilities.

Nicole is pulled from her thoughts as Rachel jumps out of her chair and takes her dishes to the sink. "C'mon slowpoke! We're wasting daylight!"

Nicole looks at her watch. "It's barely 8am." She says dryly.

"It's an expression Nicole." Rachel rolls her eyes. An action that Nicole is quickly becoming familiar with. "I know there's still plenty of daylight left. It means let's get going."

"I know what it means thank you." Nicole replies slowly standing up. "I may be old, but I understand sarcasm thank you."

She continues to move at a slow pace smiling when she hears Rachel groan behind her. Loving the fact she has a younger sister to annoy. "You are deliberately moving slower than molasses to annoy me, aren't you?" Rachel catches on.

Nicole turns and grins at her sister. "Maybe." Once again, she is given the show of Rachel rolling her eyes. "You know patience is a virtue." She says raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah, well it's not one I possess." Rachel says crossing her arms and tapping her foot. "I also know it's not one you normally possess either Miss 'I should have had the report yesterday'."

"Okay that's different. Doc would put me out of business if I let him work at his own pace." Nicole defends herself.

Rachel puts her hands up in a placating manner. "Okay you got me there. That man does not know the meaning of deadline." The sisters share a laugh.

Nicole grabs her wallet and keys from the basket on the counter, and her leather jacket off the coat rack. "You ready then kid?" She says as she puts her favorite leather boots on.

"I am never going to get you to stop calling me kid, am I?" Rachel asks dramatically.

Nicole laughs. " Afraid not kid." She gently ushers Rachel out of the apartment and into the foyer. "Do you need anything out of your place?" Nicole asks pointing to the door across from hers.

"Nope. I'm good." Rachel says heading towards the elevator that only key holders can access. Nicole follows and holds her key card up the reader. Her card is the only one that can access the whole building. Rachel has one to get her to their residences on the fifth floor and the two bottom floors housing the agency's offices. Everyone else can only get to the office floors, the temporary accommodations on the third floor, or the training floor in the basement.

Nicole and Rachel enter the elevator and Nicole hits the button for the first floor. As the elevator starts to move Rachel points at the button for the fourth floor. "You ever going to show me what's on that?"

Nicole moves Rachel's hand away from the buttons. "Maybe someday if you behave. I just have to make a quick stop in the office, and we'll leave."

"Quick stop sure." Rachel teases. "I don't think you even know what that means."

The doors open and they step off the elevator. "I promise. Ten minutes or less." Nicole reassures Rachel.

They make their way down the hall and through a glass door into the back of the office. Nicole leads the way through the maze of cubicles that house the support staff for the investigators. She comes up to a larger cubicle at the front of the room and knocks on the thin partition to let the occupant know she's there.

The man residing in the cubicle gives a slight jump as he turns to see who's disturbing him. Upon seeing Nicole and Rachel he jumps out of his chair. "Hey boss, didn't see you there." He says nervously while trying to discretely push a button on his keyboard to make his screen go blank instead making the chat window he has open cover the entire screen.

Nicole notices and laughs. "Jeremy relax. I told you I don't mind you talking to Robin while you're working as long as you continue to do your work as well as you do."

Jeremy visibly relaxes and finally hits the right button to minimize the chat window. "I swear I'm still productive as ever. I was just saying good morning to him. What can I do for you?"

"I need a favor today." She asks the small man. "Can you route any calls that come through for me to Doll's phone? I'm taking the day to spend with Rachel." She smiles down at her sister.

"Oh yeah for sure. Does he know?" Jeremy asks.

"I'm about to go tell him now." Nicole says knocking on the partition one more time before stepping back. "You're the best." She turns to walk away, and Rachel follows.

"Oh, Happy Birthday Nicole!" Jeremy practically shouts at their receding backs. Nicole just waves her gratitude.

The sisters continue through a doorway and into another room. This office space holds four desks pushed to opposite ends of the room and a long conference table running through the middle. Only one of the desks is occupied and that's where Nicole heads.

"Hey X." She greets the man. "I just told Jeremy to route all my calls to you today."

"No problem. You not working today?" He asks.

"Nope she is not. It's her birthday and we are celebrating." Rachel speaks before Nicole can.

"She can also speak for herself." Nicole huffs. "But yes, we are spending the day together for my birthday."

"Well happy birthday. I didn't even know you celebrated birthdays." X explains.

"Yeah, well I don't normally have anyone to celebrate them with so figured I'd take advantage of having the kid around." Nicole jokes.

X laughs as Rachel huffs and rolls her eyes. "Well now he knows he's answering your calls. Can we go now?"

Nicole nods. "Yup we can go. Thanks X." Says as she follows Rachel back through the office and out towards the front area. They come through another door and out to the reception area. "Hey Rosita, I'm not available for the day. Jeremy has already routed all my calls to Dolls for the day."

"You got it Nicole. Happy Birthday by the way." Rosita says as she clicks away on her computer.

Nicole stops and turns back to Rosita. "How did you know it was my birthday?"

"Wynonna told me." Rosita answers.

Nicole sighs. "Why can she keep every secret but mine?" Nicole asks.

"Do you want an answer to that?" Rosita laughingly asks.

"No, it was rhetorical." Nicole responds pinching the bridge of her nose. "Okay well it's done now but let's not let that go too far. Okay?"

"You got it boss. Now shoo before someone comes in looking for you." Rosita makes a shooing motion at the sisters.

Rachel grabs Nicole by the arm and pulls her out of the front door, laughing the whole way. Once they're on the street she loops her arm through Nicole's. "So how are we getting downtown?"

"I know you want to take the bike but if we're shopping that's not really practical." Nicole says. "So, we can take the Rover if you're okay with that?"

"That works for me." Rachel responds.

Nicole nods and leads the way around the building towards the back lot. She waves her keycard at the gates reader and it opens to allow them through. They walk up to the Rover and Nicole tosses the keys at Rachel. "Here, you drive."

Rachel stands staring at the keys in her hands. "Are you sure? You've never let me drive before?"

"Yup I'm sure." Nicole says leaning against the hood. "I don't want you always cooped up in the building. You're young and should be out and about a decent amount. So, the Rover is now yours." She taps the hood. "I've added a few security measures to it just in case but as long as you use those brains of yours you won't need them."

Rachel squeals and pulls Nicole into a hug. "Why are you giving me a present on your birthday?!"

Nicole laughs. "Well, it's sort of a present to myself too. By giving you the Rover, it gives me a reason to go car shopping." Nicole grins down at the shorter woman.

"I knew there would be an ulterior motive." Rachel teases. "Do you want to go car shopping today?"

"If you want to sure, but I was thinking more we could hit the downtown shops and the arcade today. Have a bit more fun." Nicole offers.

"Yup that's what we're going to do. You owe me a rematch at air hockey." Rachel says unlocking the Rover. "Now hop in we got places to be."

"Don't get cocky kid." Nicole teases climbing into the passenger seat. Rachel starts the car and looks at Nicole expectantly. "What?" Nicole asks.

"Seatbelt." Rachel replies.

"Seriously? A car accident won't hurt me." Nicole retorts.

"My car my rules. Now seat belt." Rachel is adamant.

"Wow give a girl a car and she becomes a tyrant." Nicole laughs. "Okay okay. Seatbelt on." She clicks the belt into place. "Are you happy now?"

"Yes, thank you." Rachel says as she puts the Rover in drive and proceeds to pull out of the lot and into traffic. "So where do you want to start today?"

"I was thinking the bookstore would be a good place to start." Nicole admits. "I don't know about you, but I need to update my bookshelf."

"I don't even have a bookshelf." Rachel reminds Nicole.

"Well then a stop at Ikea is necessary today."

"Cool, never been." Rachel admits.

"Well then prepare to be amazed and extremely lost." Nicole jokes. "In fact, why don't we head there first. We can pick out a few things for your apartment, so you don't have to keep coming over to mine to watch tv." Nicole inputs their new destination into the Rover's dashboard GPS. She looks over to Rachel in time to catch a hurt look on her face. "What's wrong?" She asks.

"Does it bother you that I'm in your apartment a lot?" Rachel asks quietly.

"Oh. Absolutely not. I just figure now and again you would like some privacy or alone time. Please don't ever hesitate to come over and hang with me." Nicole is adamant.

Rachel visibly brightens. "Okay yeah. That goes both ways though you know. You have to let me know if you need time alone too."

"We can shake on it when we get there." Nicole says. "But I can do that for sure. I've been alone for a long time, so I don't think I'll be needing more alone time any time soon." She admits.

"Yeah, I kind of get that." Rachel agrees.

"I bet you do. So now other than a bookshelf and a comfy ass couch, what would you like?" Nicole asks the younger woman.

"Maybe a different bed? I mean the one that's in there is fine it's just super plain and industrial. It's also only a twin."

Nicole nods her head. "Yeah, we got a bunch of them at a discount when we put in the temporary quarters. I agree they're not the best, but we can definitely get you something much better. A new set of pillows, comforter and blankets. Oh, even some new side tables and lamps if you'd like."

Rachel laughs at Nicole's enthusiasm. "Why don't we just do a complete apartment makeover at the rate you're going?"

"I know you're making fun of me but now that you say that I'm definitely down for that. We can make it completely yours." Nicole says.

"I was kidding. Won't that get pretty expensive?" Rachel turns into the parking lot for the Ikea.

"It's not going to be cheap, but we can definitely afford it." Nicole reminds Rachel.

"I know I know. Use the card I gave you Rachel." Rachel attempts to impersonate Nicole.

"That isn't even remotely what I sound like."

"I mean it sort of is." Rachel responds as she parks the Rover. "You're kind of bossy." She adds with a laugh.

"That's my privilege as a big sister." Nicole banters back.

They get out of the Rover and start heading towards the entrance to the big box store. Rachel looking at it in awe. "Wow it's massive."

Nicole puts her arm over Rachel's shoulders. "C'mon it's even more impressive on the inside." She pulls the younger girl to the entrance. "Now grab one of those huge cart things and follow me!"

A few hours later the sisters are standing at the checkout counter. Two carts full of flat packed furniture and a handful of pull tags for stuff that will need to be delivered. The cashier has just finished scanning the last of the pull tags. "Alright that will be $9,238.01."

Nicole pulls out her wallet and swipes her credit card while Rachel just stands there in shock. "NICOLE!" She finally says as the cashier hands Nicole the receipt.

"What?" Nicole turns to look at her sister. "It's all done kid, stop thinking of the price and just think how much you'll enjoy all of this." She waves her hand over their purchases. "If it helps some of that is the cost of delivery and setup of your bed and couch."

Rachel just shakes her head. "No that doesn't really help. You shouldn't be spending all this money on me."

"If not you than who? You're one of the most important people in my life. I just want to make you happy in your own home." Nicole says gently to the younger woman. "I know all of this comes as a shock to you and you didn't have much growing up but trust me, money is nothing compared to having you happy." Nicole wraps Rachel up in a hug, resting her chin on the smaller girl’s head.

"Awww you two make a lovely couple." A woman standing in the next line comments.

Rachel pulls back from the hug and wipes her eyes. "We're sisters actually."

The woman looks from Rachel's dark hair and skin to Nicole's red hear and pale skin. "I apologize. I didn't mean any offence."

"It's okay. We've gotten that before." Nicole says waving off the woman's apology. "We each take after our mothers in the looks department."

"My two brothers look more like their father than they do me or our mother, so I completely understand. Well, you two have a beautiful day." The woman goes to walk past them towards the exit but stops next to Nicole. "You have a beautiful heart. Not many pure offspring of the God's care even remotely about their demigod siblings." She turns to continue out the store.

Nicole reaches out to gently stop the woman. "How did you know?" Nicole inquires.

"Being a demigod myself I could sense the two of you." The woman answers.

"You shouldn't be able to sense us unless we have a family bond." Nicole says shakily.

"Oh, we sort of do. Our fathers are brothers." The woman smiles. "Or at least I'm assuming you're of the Haught line."

"I am." Nicole stands proud. "What's your name?"

"I am Eliza Shapiro." The woman replies.

"I'm Nicole Haught as you guessed, and this is my sister Rachel Valdez." Nicole pulls Rachel to her side. "It's nice to meet another family member." The cashier politely clears her throat and Nicole turns to see the line has grown behind them. "Hey, let's get out of the way here and exchange numbers so we can meet up sometime."

"I'd like that." Eliza replies as they maneuver the carts out the exit and towards the Rover. Eliza helps Nicole load the boxes into the cargo area of the vehicle.

Nicole shuts the back hatch and turns to Eliza. "Here take my card and shoot me a text with your name so I can save your contact." She hands over one her personal contact cards.

"I'll definitely do that, but I do have to get going. It was nice meeting you two and I'll get ahold of you soon." Eliza waves the card in the air as she walks to her own vehicle.

"So that was weird." Rachel says as they get back in the Rover.

"Agreed. I'll check into her before we actually meet up or anything but I'm sure she's telling the truth. I could feel the pull while we were in there, but I just thought it was due to your emotions being a bit all over the place about how much money we were spending."

"I didn't feel it at all." Rachel says dejected. "In fact, I barely felt anything from you when we met too. I can feel it more the more we spend time together, but I have no idea how you do it."

"I could teach you if you wanted?" Nicole offers.

"I wouldn't be opposed to that. My main question is why do you know how to do it?"

"Well Eliza's dad, our uncle, has always been infatuated with mortal women. Some more than most. Our aunt tolerates it for who knows what reason. We have a lot of cousins rolling around out there. I was blindsided by it a couple times and finally just asked Mom to show me how to sense them like she could." Nicole shrugs. "I'm not one hundred percent on how it all works but something about blood calling to blood and all that."

"Well, that's sufficiently weird enough to be godly." Rachel laughs as Nicole pouts. "What?! Even you have to admit some of the stuff you gods do is weird."

Nicole shrugs again. "I mean I don't take part in the rituals and stuff, but I get why some of the older ones do. It's an old habit at this point to them."

"Yeah, still weird and some of them are just creepy." Rachel shudders.

Nicole laughs. "If you think those are creepy remind me to have Wynonna tell you how her and her Demon brethren celebrate the solstice."

Rachel looks at Nicole with a horrified expression. "I don't want to know. Don't tell her to tell me anything."

"I'm teasing you." Nicole laughs. "The only way Wynonna celebrates anything is with a bottle of whiskey and a shooting range. She's only half demon anyways, so she wouldn't be invited."

"Yeah, but she's also half angel so I think she got a decent deal out of the thing." Rachel argues.

"Depends on what you think decent is. Yeah, she's got the eternal life thing going for her and a couple of different powers, but she lost her entire family to the Demon/Angel war and was only spared because she refused to pick a side." Nicole replies.

"Okay yeah I get that." Rachel admits. "I'm sorry."

"No need to apologize kid. I know you didn't mean anything by it. It's just a sore subject for Wynonna so maybe let's not bring it up again?"

"I can do that." Rachel starts the Rover. "So where to now?"

"Well, we should probably drop this stuff off at home. Then we can go to the arcade?" Nicole suggests.

"Sounds like a plan to me." Rachel agrees. She puts the Rover in drive and proceeds out of the parking lot and heads towards their building.

They're about five minutes out when Nicole takes out her phone and makes a call. "Hey X can you have Earl and Champ meet us down by the loading dock? We may have gone a little crazy at Ikea and will need some assistance taking all this stuff upstairs. Have them grab the large carts." She listens for a moment. "You're the best." She hangs up and turns to Rachel. "Well at least now we'll have some muscle to take all this stuff upstairs."

"Normally I'd crack a joke about eye candy but neither of them is my type or yours." Rachel laughs.

Nicole nods her head. "Yeah, you could say that again. Speaking of types, you got your eye on anybody?"

"Oh no no love life talk today. No need to depress ourselves today." Rachel says turning onto their street.

"Noted. Use the second driveway and back up to the loading dock. That'll make it easier for the guys to get everything upstairs." Nicole suggests.

"Will do." Rachel flips on her blinker and pulls into the driveway Nicole pointed out. She backs up to the loading dock as instructed. The two men are already waiting for them there.

Nicole jumps out first and opens the back hatch of the Rover. "Thanks guys. We bought more than we can carry."

"No problem Nicole. We were just headed down to the training room. This will make a good warm up." Champ says grabbing one of the boxes and putting it on the cart. Earl grabs the next one and just nods at Nicole. Rachel joins them at the back of the vehicle and watches as the men make quick work of the boxes. Once all the boxes are on the carts Champ turns to Nicole. "Where do you want us to put them?"

"We'll take them up to our residence. Rachel you ride up with Champ and I'll ride up with Earl. We won't all fit in at the same time." Nicole directs everybody.

Rachel leads the way to the elevator and waves her key card in front of the reader. Once the doors open, she lets Champ maneuver the cart in before stepping inside and hitting the button for the fifth floor.

"So how are you liking it here so far?" Champ asks.

"It's nice having family again." Rachel answers him.

"I feel that. Nicole is the best." Champ agrees.

The elevator doors opening stop Rachel from replying. Champ pushes the cart out and into the hallway. Rachel leads him to her apartment door and opens it.

"I don't think the cart will fit through the door. I'll carry them in. Any specific spot you want them?"

"Umm yeah just put them in the living room, I guess. There's not much else in here at all so nothing to get in the way." Rachel points to the empty living room.

"Sounds good." Champ begins moving the boxes to the designated spot. Just as he picks up the last box the elevator opens again, letting Nicole and Earl off. "Well, there's timing." Champ says as he pushes his empty cart out of the way.

Champ and Earl make quick work of the last of the packages. "Thanks fellas." Nicole says handing each of them a fifty-dollar bill.

Earl looks at his hand. "Thanks boss." He smiles at Nicole.

Nicole waves his gratitude off. "Hauling big ass personal purchases isn't in your job description so you two deserve a little extra, tax free." She smiles at the men. "Alright let’s get back downstairs. Rachel and I have an arcade to get to."

They all head back to the elevator, Nicole and Rachel get off at the first floor and the boys stay on to go to the basement training floor. The sisters get back in the Rover and are on their way to the arcade.

Once there Nicole buys them a play card and puts a hundred dollars on it to start. "Okay what first?" She asks the younger woman.

"How about some basketball to start? We can work our way around that side of the arcade and come back to the air hockey to finish off." Rachel suggests.

"Lead the way." Nicole motions for Rachel to go first. They spend a couple hours at the arcade and are just about to start their first game of air hockey when Nicole's phone goes off. She looks at the display and seeing that it's Dolls calling her she knows she must answer. "Sorry, got to take this." She apologizes to Rachel who just nods her assent.

"Hey X, what's up." Nicole says into the phone.

"Sorry to bother you but your mother and father just walked into reception and want to see you." X replies.

Nicole knows she's not getting out of seeing them today but was hoping for a few more hours of just her and Rachel. She has a good relationship with her parents, but it's been slightly strained since the proof of her father's infidelity had come to light. "Okay X. We'll be back soon. Keep them occupied please." She hangs up and turns to Rachel. "I'm sorry kid but we got to go. The parents showed up at the agency."

"I figured they'd appear at some point today." Rachel says shrugging. "You still owe me a rematch sometime though." She points at the air hockey table.

Nicole walks around the table and puts her arm over Rachel's shoulders. "You got it kid. Soon I promise."

The sisters head out of the arcade and back to the agency.

Rachel parks the Rover in the assigned spot and turns it off. "You want me to make myself scarce?"

"Absolutely not." Nicole is adamant. "You’re family and family doesn't hide. I don't care if it makes anyone uncomfortable. You and me together kid." She gently punches Racheal in the shoulder. "Besides if I have to put up with them so do you."

Rachel laughs and shakes her head. "The things you put me through."

Nicole shrugs. "Sorry not sorry." She gets out of the vehicle and waits for Rachel to join her on the passenger side and they walk around the building together and enter the front door into the reception area. Nicole's parents notice her immediately.

"Happy Birthday dear." Nicole's mother says pulling her into a hug. "Hi Rachel." She says making eye contact with Rachel over Nicole's shoulder.

"Hello Mrs. Haught." Rachel gives a small wave.

"Now dear what have I told you about calling Mrs. Haught?"

"That I should call you Sophie." Rachel admits with a small shrug.

"That's it. Now give me a hug child." She releases a smirking Nicole and hugs Rachel. "How are you getting along here?"

"I'm good. Promise." Rachel replies.

"Good. Good." Sophie smiles at Rachel.

"Dad, thanks for coming." Nicole says extending her hand to their father.

He shakes it quickly. "We always have dinner on your birthday. I don't see why this year should be any different." He turns to Rachel. "Good to see you Rachel."

"Same Pops." Rachel replies knowing it annoys him when she calls him that.

He just sighs. "So, are you two ready to go to dinner?"

"What if we just had dinner here? Rachel and I have been cooking in a lot lately. We've actually gotten surprisingly good at it." Nicole offers as Rachel nods enthusiastically next to her.

"I'd love to stay in tonight, but we won't have you two cooking. Maybe we can order in?" Sophie suggests. "Richard can send Randy to get what we want."

"Randy's here?!" Nicole asks excitedly.

"Yes, he's out with the car." Richard answers.

"Why didn't you bring him in with you? I haven't seen him in ages."

"We thought we'd be leaving to the restaurant, so he decided to wait outside." Richard explains.

"Okay who's Randy?" Rachel asks confused.

"Oh right! He's the family caretaker. His family and our family are connected through a really old pact. I'll explain later but he's the coolest and his daughter Chrissy is pretty sweet too." Nicole explains to Rachel.

"Okay yeah that makes complete sense." Rachel says sarcastically.

Nicole laughs. "I promise I'll try and explain everything as soon as we have time. It's a long story though so you'll need to be prepared." Nicole turns to her dad. "Now tell Randy to get in here. We can order from the restaurant next door. We have a standing delivery account with them."

Richard does as his daughter asks and they all wait for Randy in the reception area. Rosita has valiantly ignored them this whole time but quietly gets Rachels attention and motions her over.

"What's up Rosie?" Rachel says leaning over the desk.

"Not much kid. Just checking in how your shopping trip went. Champ said you got quite the haul." Rosita says.

"Oh yeah basically got a whole new apartment." Rachel laughs. "We spent way too much money but don't tell Nicole I said that."

Rosita smiles. "No worries kid. I got you. You doing okay otherwise? Anything you need? I'm not just a receptionist you know? I have connections all over the city. I can get whatever you need whenever you need."

"Well, that doesn't sound ominous at all Rosie." Nicole teases coming up to the desk. She tugs on Rachel's arm. "Come on I want to introduce you to Randy."

"I'll be right there. Promise." Rachel says to Nicole before turning back to Rosita. "We'll come back to this conversation later." She winks at the seated woman and follows her sister back across the room.

"Rachel this is Randy Nedley, Randy this is Rachel Valdez." Nicole motions between the two of them.

"Nice to finally meet you Rachel." Randy says offering his hand to shake.

"Finally?" Rachel asks as she takes Randy's hand.

"Your father tasked me with making sure you and your mother were doing alright out here in the human world." Randy motions around them. "So, I've seen you a time or two but never was able to introduce myself."

"Oh well that's not creepy at all." Rachel deadpans causing the rest of them to laugh.

"I promise it's not like you think. Just checking up on where you were living and making sure no one bothered the two of you. That's all. Just making sure you were safe." Randy puts his hands up in a placating manner.

"It's not easy for us original Gods to go unnoticed for too long out here so it was safer for you and your mother if I had Randy keep tabs on you and report back to me. I promise you he is the most honorable man I have ever had the pleasure of knowing." Richard defends Randy.

"I can vouch for him as well Rach. He's a good one." Nicole adds.

"Okay okay. I guess you can be trusted then Randy." Rachel admits.

"Well, I'm honored." Randy gives a bow of his head. "Now I hear we're having dinner in tonight?" He turns to Nicole.

"Yup let's go upstairs and I'll put in our order." Nicole ushers them to the card reader on the far wall. She waves her key card, and the wall opens to reveal an elevator. Rachel gives Nicole a questioning look, having never noticed this hidden elevator before. Nicole leans in and whispers in Rachel's ear. "I don't like having the parents in the office. So, this elevator only gets used when they're here."

Rachel nods her understanding and they all step onto the elevator. It doesn't have any floor buttons, instead it has a keypad which Nicole enters a code on. The elevator starts to move and within moments they are being let out into Nicole's apartment.

"Make yourselves comfortable. I'll put an order in." Nicole gestures to her living room furniture.

"Don't you want our orders honey?" Sophie asks.

"You really think I don't know what each of you order anywhere in the city?" Nicole raises an eyebrow in question.

Sophie laughs. "Fair enough darling." She sits down on the large sofa next to her husband.

Rachel follows Nicole into the kitchen. "Hey, I'm gonna hop over to mine real quick and change."

"Okay kid. Don't take too long." Nicole gestures at her currently occupied living room. "I need my backup tonight." She smiles as Rachel chuckles.

"Promise to be right back." Rachel says as she walks to the door and steps out to go to her own apartment.

"So, I see you two have gotten close." Randy says from behind Nicole causing her to jump.

"How are you still able to sneak up on me?" Nicole asks incredulously.

Randy shrugs. "One of life's many secrets."

Nicole rolls her eyes. "Anyways yes we have gotten close. Don't tell my parents but I plan on bringing her next month."

Randy nods his head. "She should be there next month, but I don't believe hiding it from your parents is the best option. Are you just planning on waltzing in with her in tow?"

Nicole ponders it for a moment. "I mean now that you say it out loud, I see how that would not be a good idea."

Randy laughs. "Not a good idea is the understatement of the day."

"Okay okay I get it." Nicole laughs too. "I'll talk with them about it before hand, but I want to talk to Rachel first. No point in making a big deal out of it if she doesn't even want to go."

"Go where?" Rachel asks coming through the apartment door.

Nicole sighs. "How is everyone sneaking up on me all of a sudden?"

Rachel freezes. "You didn't know I was coming through the door?" She looks between said door and Nicole a couple of times. "How is that even possible?"

Nicole rubs her forehead. "I have an idea, but she promised not to do it anymore." She scans the kitchen looking for the slight disturbance she knows would be there if her thoughts are true. Catching just a brief shimmer near the refrigerator she quickly reaches out and grabs something. She can feel the arm she's holding but still cannot see it. "Nonna I know you're there. Might a well give up."

Suddenly the glamor is dropped, and Wynonna has appeared. "Dammit Haught. I was just trying to help the kid."

Nicole turns to Rachel and raises an eyebrow. Rachel quickly stammers out, "I really have no idea what she's talking about. I didn't ask for help."

"She didn't. I heard her talking to Jeremy about trying to surprise you today with your gift. I just didn't hear what time today, so I've been shadowing you since like 8am. Which is obviously a birthday present in and of itself cause I don't wake up before 10 on a good day." Wynonna says pulling her arm out of Nicole's grasp.

"Well Wynonna as nice of a thought as that is, she gave me my gift before 8am so you got up for nothing." Nicole says smugly.

Wynonna throws her hands up in defeat. "Ugh. Try and do something nice for someone one time."

"Wait, what do you mean you shadowed her all day?" Rachel asks.

"It's part of my half demon half angel lineage. I can shut off or at least mute another Immortals’ powers. It's not widely known I can do it so let's not let that get out please." Wynonna explains. "The few of us that can do it call it shadowing."

"What she's neglecting to tell you is she's the only one who can do it to the degree she does. She can pick and choose which power she wants to mute. For example, I'm assuming she muted my sight and sounds perception today but kept our family bond strong so I wouldn't question anything."

Wynonna nods. "Yup. It wasn't an easy task to do either. I have to be completely sober for it to work so now that the cat is out of the bag, I'm going to borrow this." She says reaching into the fridge and grabbing a beer. "Also, Happy Birthday, your gift is on your bed, and I'm out before your parents realize I'm here. Randy never a pleasure. Nicole I'm sure I'll see you tomorrow. Kid stay gold." She high fives Rachel and walks out of the apartment.

"I know why you keep her on staff, but you couldn't maybe control her a bit more?" Randy asks Nicole.

Nicole sighs. "The fact that you think I can just proves how much you underestimate Wynonna. Anyways why don't you two go sit down in the living room and let me finally order this food."

Rachel laughs and pulls Randy into the direction of the living room. "Why are older sisters so bossy?"

"That's one of life's many mysteries." Randy replies as they disappear into the living room.

Nicole chuckles at their banter and proceeds to order dinner for her family.

Chapter Text

Not needing much sleep, Nicole is usually the first one in the office by a couple hours. This morning is no different. She turns on the lights in her office and strolls around to sit at her desk. She sets her coffee down and reaches to turn on her monitor. First, she checks her work email to see if anything pertinent needs her attention. Finding just the usual questions and reports she moves on to checking each cases progress. She spends an hour reading reports and finalizing documents to send off to her clients.

She's just putting the finishing touches on a report when she senses someone coming down the hallway. Hearing the persons heartbeat and cadence of their footsteps, it only takes her a moment to figure out who's about to step into her office.

"Good morning X. You're here earlier than usual." Nicole greets the man before he makes it to her doorway.

"It really is unnerving how you do that." X admits stepping into the room. "I need to cut out a little early this afternoon so figured I'd come in earlier."

"Makes sense. Everything alright?" She asks her second in command.

"Everything is perfectly fine. Just the usual clan meeting bull. They decided to meet in the Realm and of course the nearest doorway is an hour away." X rolls his eyes.

Nicole laughs. "I don't envy you that problem."

"It must be nice being on the "God" side of the Immortals. All you have to do is think about it and you're already in the Realm." X complains.

"I mean it's not all of us. Just the Originals and their children." Nicole laughs as X just gives her a blank look. "If it makes you feel any better, I much prefer walking on my own volition through one of the doorways. The quick way makes me nauseous."

"Poor you." He deadpans. "Anyways, I'm going to get to work now." He quickly leaves the office before Nicole can say a farewell.

She just shakes her head and goes back to the report she was reading. It's not much later when she hears the sounds of the office coming to life. Lights being turned on and computers being booted up. This is her favorite part of the day. Listening to her employees greet each other and discuss the day’s work.

She looks at her watch to see how much longer she has before the usual morning briefing. She has about twenty minutes before she needs to be in the conference room, so she decides to head upstairs to make sure Rachel is awake.

She puts her computer in sleep mode and makes her way out of her office. Before she can head for the elevator, she hears Rachel's voice coming from the office with all the cubicle type spaces. She veers off her course and heads in the correct direction.

She enters the room and finds Rachel sitting with Jeremy who has his head in his hands and his shoulders are shaking. "What's wrong?" Nicole asks.

Jeremy looks up with a grin. "Nothing at all. Rachel was just telling me all about you opening Wynonna's gift last night."

Nicole can feel the blush creep up her neck and onto her face. She groans. "Yeah, well that's a private gift that my sister should have kept to herself." She tries to give a laughing Rachel a scathing look. Only half succeeding.

"Oh, it was personal alright." Rachel jokes. "I've never actually seen one that big! Where on Earth would she find something like that?"

Jeremy can't control his emotions anymore and bursts out a loud laugh. "If I know anything about Wynonna, you really don't want to know where she found it."

"Okay that's enough of this. I'm going back to work. I'll meet you two in the conference room in fifteen minutes." Nicole orders as she walks away. She can hear their laughter all the way into her office. 'Damn it Wynonna!' She thinks to herself.

She busies herself with menial tasks until it's time to go to the conference room. As she heads towards the conference room, she hears noises coming from Doc's office. She stops to knock as he is supposed to be in this briefing as well. She waits a moment, but the noises continue, and no one comes to the door. Sighing she knocks loudly one more time before opening the door.

"For fucks sake." She quickly covers her eyes.

She hears some rustling before Wynonna says, "You can uncover your eyes now Haughty. We're fully covered."

Nicole slowly pulls her hand away, revealing Wynonna and Doc standing in front of his desk, fully clothed. "For the last time, no fraternizing in the office. There are perfectly good apartments available on the third floor, if you two can't wait until you get home. Now we have a briefing to get to and I expect both of you to have updates on your cases." Nicole slams the door as she leaves the office. Stopping in the hallway she closes her eyes, and sighs loudly, while rubbing her temples.

Wynonna steps out of the office first. "Sorry Nic." She looks surprisingly chagrined.

Nicole sighs again. "Nonna I can't keep make exceptions for you, just because we're friends. I need you to start being serious in the office."

Wynonna crosses her arms and looks down. "I get it. I do. I can promise to try but this is who I am so I'm probably going to fuck up again. It's just how I do."

"You forget that I've known you longer than anyone. I know this isn't you. The you of the last century? For sure, but where's the Wynonna that helped me convince the Originals that we needed to work and live with the mortals? Where's the Wynonna that had my back in every major fight since the 1600's?"

"She died with my father and sister." Wynonna says quietly.

"I know you believe that but no, she's standing right in front of me. Looking for a home or a family to call her own. What she's missing is the family standing right in front of her." Nicole puts her hand on Wynonna's shoulder and squeezes. "It's all up to you Wynonna but you have a sister standing right here when you're ready."

Wynonna looks up and meets Nicole's eyes and nods. "I'm umm going to get my stuff from my office. I'll meet you in the conference room."

Nicole sees Wynonna's delay tactic for what it is, but let's her past anyways. She watches the brunette discretely wipe the tears off her face as she walks down the hallway. Nicole looks back at the office door to see Doc stepping through.

"I do apologize profusely for my error in judgement Miss Haught. I won't make the same error again." He tips his hat at Nicole.

"I get it Doc, she's a fierce woman. Hell, when we first met I'd risk saying I was slightly infatuated with her. She's a true one of a kind." Nicole laughs lightly. "Just keep it in your pants in the office."

Doc chuckles. "You have my word that my belt will stay secured while in the office." They begin walking down the hallway. "Now tell me boss, is it true about what she gave you for your birthday?"
Nicole groans as Doc laughs. "I guess that's all the answer I need."

"How many people know?" Nicole questions him.

"I do not honestly know. The only reason I am aware is she used my computer to order it." Doc shrugs.

"Why would she use your computer and not her own?" Nicole asks as they come up to the conference room door.

"She can't remember the password she put on her computer and refuses to ask Jeremy for help." Doc answers.

Nicole sighs again. "That explains why her reports haven't been turned in this week. I'll get Jeremy to reset it again."

They enter the conference room; Nicole goes towards the head of the table as Doc takes his seat midway down the table. Nicole looks around and see's everyone but Wynonna already there. Glancing at the clock on the wall she sees Wynonna has exactly thirty seconds before she's late. Watching the second hand move around closer towards the twelve she hears thundering footsteps coming down the hall and smiles to herself. Wynonna makes it into the room and slams into her seat with two seconds to spare.

"Alright now that everyone is here, we can proceed." She pauses for the light laughter that travels through the room. "Okay first on the agenda. Last week we closed eight cases and received six new ones. That puts our total open cases at seventeen at the moment. Who has updates?" She looks around the room to see Robin with his hand raised. "Alright Robin go ahead."

"Morning, we can close case 123197, after two weeks of video and in person surveillance we can prove that it's the client’s own children rearranging the clients garden gnomes. I can take care of notifying the client of the findings." Robin sits down as laughter fills the room again.

Nicole chuckles. "Thank you, Robin, yes please notify the client, take the evidence with you. She was adamant her little 'angels' wouldn't rearrange her award-winning garden." She makes a mark next to the case number on her list to close it in the system. "Okay who's next?"

Jeremy raises his hands, Nicole nods for him to continue. "For case 1217191, I found the glitch in their scanners that allows fire powers through with no alert. I've created a patch that should fix it. I can send it to you to pass onto the client."

"Send that one to X please. He's taking point on communications with that client."

"Will do." Jeremy writes himself a reminder to do just that.

Wynonna raises her hand and stands up at Nicole's nod. "We've made some progress in case umm," She picks up her notes trying to read the case number, "1215102, we tracked the stolen cars to a chop shop in the South East quadrant of the city. Still not sure who or what is stealing them, but we are working on getting surveillance up and running. So, we should be able to see who's dropping the vehicles off." Wynonna shuffles some papers. "We also have a viable suspect in the case we're working with the local police. Doc and I have an appointment with the detective running that case this afternoon."

Nicole nods. "Alright good work, let me know what develops on both of them please." Wynonna salutes and sits down. "Who's next?"

The meeting proceeds for another hour, investigators and techs jointly working on solutions together. After the last case is updated Nicole stands up again. "Good work folks, let's get these solved as soon as we can. Now I know the solstice is coming up and many clans have special ways to celebrate it. Please refrain from performing any rituals in the office space. If you need a secure space, please see me about scheduling time in the sub-basement. Any questions?" Nicole looks around the room to see everyone shaking their heads. "Perfect. You're all dismissed. Rachel meet me in my office so we can go over the rest of the days plan."

"Will do Nic. I'm going to grab a fresh coffee; do you need one?" Rachel asks gathering her notes into her folder.

"That would be amazing thank you." Nicole responds putting her own papers into order.

"Alright see you in five." Rachel leaves the room.

Nicole finishes organizing her papers and looks up to see Champ still in the room. "Hey Champ, what can I do for you?"

"Umm I hate to ask Nicole, but I don't really have anywhere else to go. Would it be possible for me to stay in the apartments for the solstice? My family is doing the traditional hunt and I really don't want to go."

"Of course, man. Just hit up Rosie for one of the key cards before you head out today. Your dad still on you to lead the hunt?"

"Yeah, it's brutal man. He won't let up. My sister loves that stuff, so I don't see why he just doesn't let her do it. Never understood all that machismo first born son bullshit." Champ admits. "I know I don't look it but I'm not the meat head everyone thinks I am."

"I don't think that Champ. I was there when you rescued that dog from the river and cried for like an hour." Nicole smiles at Champ who laughs.

"Yeah, who wouldn't have cried though. He was soooo cute." Champ grins. "It got me a date with his owner too, so it was a very good day, saving puppies and a date."

Nicole shakes her head at Champ's comment. "Do you need anything else?"

"Nope I'm good now boss. Thank you." He responds before turning around and leaving the office.

Nicole turns off the lights and shuts the door on her way out. She proceeds to her office to meet Rachel. She steps through her office door to find Rachel already sitting next to her desk and a fresh cup of coffee steaming on her desk. She steps behind her desk and takes a drink of the beverage.

"Just how I like it. Thank you, Rachel." Nicole thanks the younger girl.

"No problem at all. I was already getting my own so no big deal to grab you one too." Rachel says. "Okay so I have the list of cases we can close on the record as well as the updates that need to be entered. My one question is how come you didn't hand out any new cases today?"

"Believe it or not we only have one on the books and being this close to the solstice I figured I'd take it on myself." Nicole says booting up her computer.

"Wait by yourself?" Rachel asks confused. "Isn't your number one rule to never work alone in the field?"

"It is. That's why I figured you could be my back up on this one." Nicole smiles at the younger woman. "I know how hard you've been working down in the training room with Champ. As well as studying for the PI test. Obviously, you'll be secondary on the case but I think this one will be a nice easy one for your first time helping on a case." Nicole offers.

"Wow really?!" Rachel gasps. "This is so awesome!"

"Just remember this is important work no matter how small or easy the case may seem. People come to us when they need help that they feel we can provide. We need to respect that and them." Nicole reminds the younger woman.

Rachel straightens in her chair. "I completely understand. I promise to act with the utmost professionalism while we are working."

"I have complete faith that you will. We'll go over the case after lunch, now let's start entering this stuff so we can move onto less mundane tasks." Nicole jokes opening up the log of files on her computer. Rachel reads off the case numbers and notes on the case for Nicole to enter into the computer. It takes them almost two hours, but they are finally done entering all the information. Nicole closes the program after saving all their work. "Okay I know you have times scheduled with Champ this morning so get moving." Nicole shoos Rachel out of her office.

Rachel grabs her stuff and stands up. "Why you trying to get rid of me?" She jokes.

"You're not the only one with something on her schedule this morning." Nicole retorts.

"I didn't see anything on the calendar this morning?" Rachel says as she stands in the doorway.

"That's because it's not on the calendar. It's personal." Nicole replies.

"Oh gotcha. Okay we still on for lunch though?" Rachel asks.

"Yes, we are." Nicole stands and smiles at her sister. "Now go, don't keep Champ waiting or he'll make you do pushups."

Rachel squeaks and takes off down the hallway leaving Nicole alone in her office. Nicole shakes her head and laughs at her sister’s antics before shutting down her computer and leaving her office. She heads towards the elevator and makes sure she's alone before swiping her card to call it.

She steps on as soon as the doors open and pushes the button to shut the doors quicker. Once they're shut, she puts her card against the reader and pushes the button for the fourth floor. A scanner pops out of the panel directly in front of Nicole's face, she leans towards it so it can scan her retina. It beeps once signifying a correct reading and disappears back into the panel. Nicole leans against the side wall as the elevator moves up to the fourth floor.

The doors open and Nicole pushes off the wall and out onto the fourth-floor foyer. In front of her is another door with a small indent in the wall. She takes one of the rings off her right hand and puts the signet into the indent. The door clicks open and she steps inside making sure the door is secured behind her.

She looks around the space and sees everything as she had left it the last time she was here. Sighing in relief she takes off her suit jacket and hangs it up on the hooks next to the door.

When the building was built Nicole had purposely had this floor left empty and finished it off herself. Most mortals are not aware that the Gods hide their true image when around mortals. For a mortal to gaze upon the true image of one of the Gods or their children would cause severe trauma to the mortal and possibly even death.

For someone as old as Nicole it's pretty easy to hide or 'glamour' her true image but sometimes she likes to not have to hide. So, she built herself this space that no one else could access and where she could just be. The windows visible from the outside are false and the walls are extra thick to make sure no one can bore a hole through them.

She checks the monitor for the security system for this floor, like everything else on the floor it has its own power source and a closed feed only accessible from inside what Nicole has come to affectionately call her bunker.

Seeing that there has been no intrusion attempts she finally allows her true image to come through. She feels the tingling feeling start in her toes and roll its way up her body. She looks down at her hands and see's the electricity currents running just over the surface of her skin causing it to look like it's glowing. She unbuttons her sleeves and rolls them up to her elbows, exposing her forearms. She watches as the currents dance on her forearms.

She steps further into her bunker and up to a mirror, she runs her fingertips over the gilded edge on the top and takes a look at her reflection. The face looking back at her has the same features she see's everyday but with the added glow of the currents. The only 'glamour' Nicole uses is to hide the current and the corresponding glow from the mortals.

The current is a gift of her lineage, each different line from the Originals has a different gift. One line has what can be described as fire running throughout their bodies, another a fine layer of water, and yet another a fine layer of a liquid metal.

All lines can manipulate their gifts with practice, which is the secondary purpose of the space Nicole currently occupies. She steps away from the mirror and into her training room. She switches out of her suit and into the workout clothes she keeps on this floor.

She starts her session manipulating the currents to only appear on different parts of her body. Warming up to the more strenuous work of projecting it off of her body. Once she feels loose she works on separating the current from her skin. Holding it centimeters off her skin for a full minute she allows it to snap back into place.

Eyeing the charred marks on the wall across from her she focuses on a clean spot on the wall and projects the current from fingers onto the spot. Hitting the spot dead on. She picks a new spot and hits that one as well.

She spends the next half hour working out with and without her power before she hears her phone chime in the other room, letting her know it's time to cool down and cleaned up. She works on controlling her breathing and feels the tingle on her skin lessen and lessen as she pulls it in. Soon she can still feel the vibration of it within her, but it is harnessed once again as is the glow of her skin.

She heads down the hallway that leads to the shower room she installed, grabbing a towel along the way. She takes a little extra time under the water to get herself fully relaxed again and ready to go back to work. Getting dressed she realizes she's going to be late and hurries through the rest of the process. She grabs her jacket and pulls her phone out, seeing a bunch of texts from Rachel she quickly unlocks her phone.

'Ready for lunch?' 11:45am

'Hello?' 11:49am

'Where are you? I just searched the whole building for you?' 11:58am

'You're on the 4th floor aren't you!? Ugh I'll be waiting in your office for another 5 minutes. If you don't show up I'm going with Rosie.' 12:05pm

Checking the time on her phone Nicole see's she's got one minute to spare. She quickly texts Rachel that she's on her way and sprints out of the room, taking the extra second to make sure the door secures behind her. She calls the elevator to her and is relieved that it arrives less than a minute later. Getting in she hits the button for the first floor.

She shoots out of the elevator as soon as the doors open and almost takes out one of the new techs in her haste. She grabs and steadies the poor woman before taking off to her office again calling out a "Sorry" behind her.

She rushes into her office and finds Rachel sitting in her chair behind her desk with her arms crossed, staring hard at her. "So normally if someone is going to leave someone waiting for twenty minutes, they at least have the decency to tell someone WHY they are late."

Nicole sighs. "I was exercising if you must know, and can we drop the third degree here? I'm sorry. I completely lost track of time."

"I suppose I can forgive you this time, but half my lunch time is almost gone so can we eat now?" Rachel begs.

"As the boss I can extend your lunchtime, so we still have an hour for eating. Do you want to just head next door or somewhere else?" Nicole offers.

"Billie was telling me about this food truck that parks not far from here. They have all kinds of vegetarian dishes. Can we try that?" Rachel suggests.

"Sure, we can. Who's Billie?" Nicole asks causing Rachel to blush.

"He's one of the sous chef's next door. He takes his breaks in the alley between our buildings. We've chatted a few times." Rachel pretends to study her nails.

"Mhmm. Okay well we'll come back to that later, let's go eat, shall we?" Nicole gestures for Rachel to go first. "Do we have an exact location for this food truck?"

"Yeah, I know where it is, it's super close so we can just walk." Rachel replies.

"Sounds good to me. I could use some fresh air today." Nicole agrees.

They make their way through the office and out to the reception area. Nicole stops off at the reception desk to talk to the girl covering Rosita's lunch.

"Hey Stephanie, myself and Rachel will be out of the office for about an hour. Send any calls for me to my voicemail unless it's urgent."

"Will do." Stephanie replies punching the codes into the computer to do just that. "Oh, before I forget a woman stopped by for you last night but wouldn't leave a name or number to reach her, she just said she'd try again soon."

"Do you remember what time?" Nicole asks.

"It was just after your parents left so around 7, I believe." Stephanie replies.

"Okay I'll pull the footage up later to check and see if I know who it was. Thanks." Nicole steps away from the desk and meets Rachel at the door. "Alright all set." She opens the door and lets Rachel through first.

They walk in a companionable silence until they reach the food truck. The sisters peruse the menu for a moment before deciding on their orders. They wait in line until it's their turn and tell the woman working the window what they'd like. Nicole hands over enough cash to cover the food as well as a decent tip. Once they've gotten their food and drinks, they pick a picnic table not far away that is shaded by some trees.

They eat in silence for a few minutes both enjoying their food. Rachel takes a drink before deciding to bite the bullet and ask Nicole the question that has been on her mind.

"So, I know you said you were exercising but why can't you do that with everyone else in the training room?" She asks.

Nicole finishes up her bite of food and looks around before answering. "I do sometimes but this wasn't just weight training, I was also training with my gift."

"Oh, I guess if I had thought about it, that would have been a good guess." Rachel responds.

Nicole nods her head. "It's no secret that some Gods have gifts, I prefer to work on it alone for safeties sake. It's easier to work with if I let my true energy out and I can't do that safely in the training room."

"So, like what, you could melt us all?" Rachel asks.

Nicole huffs out a laugh. "No, that's not how that works. Didn't they teach you this stuff in school? I thought they made Immortal studies mandatory?"

"I didn't really go to a regular school. Mom and I moved around so much we just went with the homeschool option. I took a couple online classes and stuff for the harder stuff I would need help with but other than googling a few things I haven't had any real teaching on Immortals. Mom tended not to talk about it." Rachel replies moving her food around with her fork and not looking at Nicole.

"Well, we'll have to work on that then. I'm not completely read up on the Angel and Demons aspect of the whole thing, but we can have Wynonna and X help with that stuff." Nicole offers.

"I'd like that." Rachel agrees. "So, what's your gift?"

"Okay first lesson, it's super rude and could anger a God if you just outright ask them what their gift is. Being I'm your sister it's a bit safer to ask me but don't just be asking anyone that question. Okay?" Nicole explains.

"Got it." Rachel nods her head once.

"Okay. It's easier for me to just show you than explain it so give me your hand." Nicole reaches out toward Rachel, who puts her hand out and grasp Nicole's hand like a handshake. Nicole concentrates for a moment and sends a zap of electricity from her palm into Rachel's.

Rachel pulls her hand back quickly and shakes out the tingly feeling. "So, you the God of static electricity or something."

Nicole lets out a hearty laugh. "Close but no. I can manipulate my bodies electrical charges. It started off just in my fingers and toes but with centuries of practice I've learned to harness it. I can cover my body in it as well as project it from my hands."

"Okay Thor. So, is it true the powers come from the paternal line?" Rachel wonders.

"It is true but unfortunately being half mortal, you won't manifest it. You need the maternal God gene to activate it." Nicole says. "You do however have increased strength and agility. Your metabolism is higher than a normal mortal. You also have better healing capabilities." Nicole explains.

"But I am still mortal." Rachel says quietly.

Nicole sets her fork down. "Unfortunately, yes. I don't know how this is going to go at all, but what I do know is that we are here now and we're together. I am going to take every moment we can get and cherish every one of them as much as I cherish you."

Rachel gives her a small smile and goes back to pushing her food around with her fork. "Is that why some Gods won't claim their demigod children?"

"It could be, to be honest I've never asked. I just know that this is more than worth it to me. You are more than worth it. If it ever gets to be too much for you though, I want you to be open and honest with me. I won't pretend this is easy for me and I can just imagine it's so much harder for you." Nicole gives Rachel a sympathetic smile.

"I guess having always known I would grow old and die, that part doesn't bother me as much as maybe down the line you decide watching me get to that point would be too painful for you." Rachel admits.

"Well, we have plenty of time for me to prove I won't. Now this is some heavy conversation for lunch. It's more a bottle of wine and fireplace type conversation. Let's get back to who this Billy kid is." Nicole changes the subject.

"I already told you who he is." Rachel rolls her eyes.

"Yes, super briefly. How well do you know this kid?" Nicole inquires.

"He's not a kid and I already told you he takes his breaks in the alley between our building and the restaurants. Like two weeks ago I was out there when he went on break and we introduced ourselves. We've talked a few times since then and he mentioned this place." Rachel shrugs.

"Do you like him?" Nicole asks before taking another bite.

"Ugh this is such a cliché conversation." Rachel whines.

"Umm okay. How so?" Nicole asks.

"You've never watched one of those teen dramas where the sisters talk about boys?" Rachel raises an eyebrow at Nicole.

"No, can't say I have. I don't watch much television." Nicole confesses.

"Well, we'll have to binge some shows then." Rachel declares.

"Binge watch?"

"Oh yeah. It means to watch like an entire show or season of a show in one sitting." Rachel explains.

"That sounds extreme." Nicole laughs.

"It's a thing now that everyone has at least one streaming service now." Rachel shrugs.

"I know Wynonna put Netflix on my television, but I can't say I've ever been on it. I tend to just put the news on and have it playing in the background while I do other things."

"Well, that's particularly boring and adult of you." Rachel observes.

Nicole laughs at Rachel's delivery. "Well, I am considered an adult and apparently I am boring." She shrugs her indifference. "We should be getting back soon though."

They pick up their refuse and put it in the correct receptacles and make their way back towards the office. They're about halfway back when Nicole's phone goes off. She checks it and see's that it's the front desk calling.

"Hello?" She answers.

"Hey Nic, so sorry to bother you on your lunch but that lady is back and when I told her you were out to lunch, she said she'd wait. So, she's currently sitting in reception. Still won't give me her name though." Stephanie explains.

"No problem Steph. We're almost back. Tell her I'll be there in less than five minutes." Nicole replies.

"Will do, see you in a bit." Steph says and hangs up.

"Stay behind me when we get there until you have a clear path to the reception desk. I want you to stay with Steph why I talk to this woman. I don't know who she is but it seems she's pretty adamant to see me." Nicole tells Rachel as they pick up the pace.

They make it to the office in less than three minutes, Nicole slowing down as they come up on the corner of the building. She glances into the windows to see if she can tell who the woman is. Her back is turned to the windows so all Nicole can tell is she's slim and older, with short greying black hair. Nicole makes sure Rachel is behind her and steps through the doors, subtly pushing Rachel towards the desk.

She walks up to the seated woman and extends her hand. "Hello, I hear you've been waiting to see me. I'm Nicole Haught and I apologize for not being available last night."

The woman stands up and accepts Nicole's hand. "Hello, the apology should be coming from me actually. I didn't realize I was showing up out of business hours yesterday. It was a long drive to get here and my sense of time was a bit off."

Nicole nods her understanding. "So how can I help you Miss...."

"Oh, my manners I'm sorry. I'm Gus McCready. I actually am looking for one of my nieces. I hear she works for you."

"Well, I don't usually give out private information of my employees but if you can give me the name of your niece I can see that a message gets to her." Nicole offers.

"I guess that's all I can really ask. Her name is Wynonna. Wynonna Earp." Gus says.

Nicole gasps and drops Gus's hand. "Wait which half are related to?"

"Her mother is my sister." Gus explains. "I take it you know her history then?"

"I know what she's been willing to share. I was also there for some of it. I did not know her mother had a sister." Nicole says warily.

Gus sighs. "You wouldn't know because Wynonna doesn't know. Most of our side disowned Michelle when she went off with Ward. There are things Wynonna needs to know and Michelle is too afraid to come see her herself so I told her I would come here."

Seeing the distress on Gus's face, Nicole makes a decision. "Okay, let's go into my office and talk." She motions for Gus to follow her to the reception desk. "Steph can you get Gus here a visitor’s card please."

Stephanie opens a drawer and pulls out a handheld device and a keycard. She puts the keycard in one end and opens a small latch on the other end that holds a scanner. "Please put your thumb on the scanner please." She holds the device up to Gus who complies with the request. Gus feels a bit of heat on her thumb before the device beeps. Stephanie reads the screen. "All clear boss, one hundred percent angel." She says to Nicole.

Gus looks at Nicole questioningly. "Can't ever be too careful in my line of work." She grabs the keycard from the device and hands it to Gus. "This has a bio metric chip in it that is now matched to only you. It will allow you guest access to the office. It also tells us where you are at all times in the building. If it's removed from your person, it will alert us as well. So, keep it in your pocket. You won't want to get caught without it." Nicole explains.

Gus takes the card and puts it in her front pocket. "Quite the security you've got here." She observes.

Nicole shrugs. "My people and the cases we work are important to me. So, I protect them as best I can."

"I can see that." Gus dryly delivers. "I can respect it as well."

"Alright follow me. Rachel can you find Wynonna for us please? I'm willing to bet she's in the rec room on the third floor." Nicole says.

"Sure Nic. I'm on it." Rachel says and disappears through the door to the offices.

"Alright follow me." Nicole leads Gus through the main office and down the hall to her office. "This is me." She opens the door for Gus and lets her through first. "Go ahead and have a seat. Can I get you something to drink?" She says opening her mini fridge and showing Gus a bottle of water or lemonade.

"Some water would be wonderful thank you." Gus accepts the offered bottle and sits in one of the guest chairs.

"So, I don't know how soon Wynonna will be here but why don't you tell me how you learned she works for me." Nicole says as she sits in her desk chair.

"It took me about a week to find the two of you. I knew of your agency but not that Wynonna was working here until I met one of your clients on accident. We happened to be going through the same doorway and she was telling everyone how your agency had found a family relic she had thought was lost. She mentioned Wynonna by name as the person who returned it to her. So, I looked up your agency and asked around. Got confirmation that Wynonna worked here and now here I am." Gus explains.

"Well, that was definitely less exciting than I thought it would be." Nicole laughs lightly.

Gus chuckles as well. "Sorry to disappoint."

"Well now that that mystery is solved why exactly are you trying to find Wynonna now, after all this time?" Nicole asks.

"I'd really like to only have to tell this story once if you don't mind." Gus confesses.

"Fair enough." Nicole concedes.

They don't wait long before they hear two sets of footsteps coming down the hall towards the office. The door opens and Rachel walks in first quickly followed by Wynonna.

"Hey boss, you wanted to see me?" Wynonna says to Nicole sparing a short glance towards Gus.

"Not me actually. She's the one who wanted to see you." Nicole motions at Gus to take over.

Gus clears her throat and stands up. "Hello Wynonna, we've never met but I'm your aunt." She holds her hand out to Wynonna.

"I'm sorry I must have misheard you. I don't have an aunt." Wynonna retorts stepping back from the offered hand.

Gus drops her hand back to her side. "I know you think that but I'm your mother's sister."

"Michelle may have given birth to me but she's no mother to me so therefore you are also not my aunt." Wynonna tries to leave the office.

"Nonna. Let's hear her out. After she's said her piece you can tell her to fuck off and leave you alone and I'll make sure it happens, but I have a feeling she has something important to say." Nicole stops Wynonna from leaving.

Wynonna stops at the door, taking a deep breath she turns around. "You have five minutes." She says not moving from where she is.

Gus nods her understanding. "You have every reason to hate the Gibson side of your family, I know that to be true. The way we abandoned you and your sister, when your parents parted ways, will always be one of the things that haunts me the most."

"I feel sooo sorry for you." Wynonna says sarcastically.

"I didn't say that for sympathy girl. I said it so I could apologize to you. It wasn't right, it wasn't fair, and it was absolutely the worst possible thing we could have done. I apologize for my part in it. I don't deserve forgiveness for it, but I hope one day I can begin to make amends with you." Gus explains.

"It's going to take a lot more than some pretty words for that to happen." Wynonna responds.

"Fair enough. There is another reason I am here. When Ward and Michelle parted ways it's not for the reasons you think. They were being hunted by the Seven. I'm sure you know who they are." Gus says.

Wynonna nods. "I do."

"Well, I don't. So please explain." Nicole adds.

"Okay, well the Seven are the hunters of the Demon Realm. They do the dirty work of the Demon elite. The word had gotten out that Ward was having children with an Angel. This was mere months before the start of the war between Angels and Demons, so you can imagine how large the divide was between the two." Gus pauses to take a sip of her water. "Ward got word of the impending war but not that the Seven had been called to hunt him, so he sent your mother back to the Angels, to protect her. She wanted to bring you and Willa with her, but when she spoke to our father, he refused to bring you under our protection. Ward told her to go anyways and that he would make sure you and Willa were safe. I don't know what exactly happened when Ward and Willa were killed or how you survived. I only know the war started soon after and we had all thought you were killed as well."

"I survived because I was with Nicole and learning to embrace my gifts from my Angel heritage. I think that at the time the Seven were called to Hunt I was using my shadowing gift. It would be the only reason they wouldn't have been able to track me as well." Wynonna explains.

Gus takes in the information. "That would make a lot of sense. That's how countless Angels were able to survive the war. So, you did get gifts from your mother then?"

"I did. I'm not telling you any others though." Wynonna spits.

"I wouldn't expect you too and that's not why I was asking. You're one of only a handful of children from a Demon/Angel relationship so we don't have a lot of information on if the gifts are passed down or not." Gus sits down. "Do you want to hear more or want me to leave?"

"Finish your story." Wynonna says.

"Alright. When Michelle learned of the deaths of Ward, Willa, and we thought you as well, she spiraled into a deep depression and we had to take her back to the Angel Realm to help her. She spent two decades in what could be considered an Angel psychiatric hospital. When she was released, our father pushed her to marry another Angel. He paraded her around the Angel Realm and introduced her to every single male Angel he could find." Wynonna scoffs and Gus nods her agreement. "Michelle spent as much time with me and my husband as she could, but father always came for her eventually. Our friend Julian could see the toll it was taking on Michelle, we've all known each other for a few centuries, so he offered to marry her and live as a married couple while only being friends."

"I've read enough fanfiction to know where this is going." Rachel says reminding everyone she's in the room. They all turn to look at her. Nicole trying to hide her smile. "What? Okay shutting up now."

"Anyways." Gus continues. "Eventually they fell in love and the marriage became a real one."

"Called it." Rachel says only loud enough for Nicole to hear, who tries to smother her laugh with a cough.

"The part I really came here to tell you is you have a younger sister. Her name is Waverly." Gus says.

Wynonna rubs her temples. "What is it with the W's? So, I have a younger half-sister in the Angel Realm?"

"We actually don't know where she is to be honest. She learned about Michelle's past and left the Realm to find out more. Last we heard from her she had found out you hadn't been killed and was looking for you. I was hoping that I would show up here and Waverly would be with you." Gus answers.

"How long has it been since you've heard from her?" Nicole asks.

"Eight days." Gus turns to look at Nicole as she answers her. "I know that doesn't sound like long, but she was checking in with me every other day and then suddenly radio silence for eight days. I'm worried."

"Nicole can I talk to you in private please?" Wynonna interrupts.

"Sure, we can use the file room across the hall." Nicole says standing and following Wynonna out into the hall and into the file room.

Wynonna shuts the door and leans her forehead against it. "So, honesty time. I think I know how to find out where Waverly is."

"What? How?" Nicole responds.

"Six days ago, a man walked up to me on the street and said that he knew where they were holding my sister. I told him my sister was dead and he said to look inside myself and try again. I just walked away at the time but later that night I opened up my family connection for the first time in a century. It was there but faint. I can feel the thin tether connecting me and Michelle but there's another stronger one. I didn't know at the time who it led to. I'm beginning to think now it belongs to Waverly." Wynonna explains.

Nicole steps up behind Wynonna and pulls her friend around, seeing the tears in her eyes. "I know what family means to you, so you have my word we will find Waverly and bring her home safely."

"Don't promise that Nic. You can't know that it'll work out that way." Wynonna replies.

"I can and I do. I know it because I have the best team in all the Realms and we're going to put the full force of this agency into finding her." Nicole swears.

Wynonna pulls Nicole into a tight hug. "Thank you."

Nicole rubs circles on Wynonna's back. "Anything for you Nonna, you know that. Now let's get back over there and tell Gus what we're going to do."

Wynonna nods and follows Nicole back into the office. Nicole sits down in her office chair and Wynonna sits down on the sofa with Rachel. Gus has remained in the visitor’s chair. "Alright Gus, Wynonna and I are in agreement we're going to find Waverly. What happens after that is up to all of you." Nicole states.

Gus gives a sad smile. "Thank you." She turns to Wynonna. "I know our family has never done anything but hurt you, but Waverly is the best of us. She has a better heart than anyone I've ever met. As soon as she found out you were alive, she was looking for you. She even told father off for all he's done. You and her share a lot of traits from what I can tell."

Wynonna nods. "I can tell. We have a tether."

Gus gasps. "You can feel the tethers?"

"Yes, I always was able to with Michelle and Willa. I shut it down after Willa was killed and only reopened it recently." Wynonna explains.

"We can use that to find her! She shut off her connection to the rest of the family but if you can still feel the tether it can direct you to her." Gus explains.

"Okay before we do that, we need to get the team together and explain what's going on. Gus do you have accommodations nearby?" Nicole asks.

Gus shakes her head. "No, I only got a cheap room for last night so I could come back this morning."

"Alright well we'll put you up on the third floor for now. Rachel get a call out, full team meeting in an hour." Nicole says to Rachel.

Rachel jumps up and starts to head out of the office, towards her own desk. "Does that include the two teams in the Realms?"

"Yes, it does." Nicole confirms. Rachel heads off to do as Nicole says. Nicole turns to Gus. "We will convene with the team and get a plan sorted. Why don't we get you set up with an apartment on the third floor."

Nicole and Gus stand up but Wynonna stays sitting. Nicole looks at her questioningly. "I'm going to go to my office and make a couple calls. I'll see you at the meeting." Wynonna says getting up and walking past the other two women.

"Wynonna." Gus calls after her. Wynonna stops and Gus walks up to her. "I know you have no reason to believe this, but Michelle does love you."

Wynonna nods. "Let's find Waverly first then maybe I'll see her." She turns around and walks away.

"Give her time. She's been hit with a lot today." Nicole says stepping up beside Gus. "I think we all have and it's going to be a long couple of days."

Gus nods. "You're not lying."

Chapter Text

Nicole takes Gus into the main room of the office; she leads the older woman to Jeremy's desk.

"Hey Jer, we need to upgrade Gus's access from just visitor to this floor and the third-floor residences." She says tapping him on the shoulder.

Jeremy startles with a small squeak. "Nicole! Will you stop doing that?!" He turns and looks at the two women, Nicole is trying to hide her smile and Gus looks vaguely amused.

"Sorry Jer, but it's not my fault you're so easily surprised." Nicole puts her hands up in a placating manner.

Jeremy sighs. "Yeah, I suppose that's true. Anyways, what did you need again?"

"Jer this is Gus, Gus this is Jeremy, our resident tech genius." She allows them a moment to greet each other. "We need her keycard changed from just guest access to access to this level of offices and the residences on the third floor."

"Sure, can I have the card?" He puts his hand out and Gus gives him her card. He grabs a device almost identical to the one Stephanie had used earlier. He inserts Gus's card in one end and flips open the latch on the other end, instead of a scanner this one has a keypad which he quickly enters a couple codes on. The device beeps, he removes the card, and hands it back to Gus. "All set. Anything else I can do for you?"

"That was all we needed right now. Did you get the alert about the meeting yet?" Nicole asks.

"Yeah, I got it just a minute ago. Everything alright? It's not often we're all called in at once." Jeremy replies.

"All will be explained soon. Promise. In the meantime, can you check any of our cases, closed or open, and see if there's anyone in particular who would have a grudge against Wynonna or angel/demon hybrids."

"Umm okay. Do you know how long that list is going to possibly be? At least when it comes to grudges against Wynonna?" Jeremy asks.

Nicole sighs. "I know but it would be a decent starting point for what I'll explain later."

Jeremy nods. "Alright. I can write an algorithm to search, make it a little faster." He proceeds to turn around to his computer and start typing, ignoring the two women still standing behind him.

Nicole turns to Gus. "Alright let’s get you upstairs so you can relax for a bit. Do you have any luggage or anything in your vehicle you'd like brought in?"

"My suitcase is in my truck." Gus answers. "Is there somewhere, other than the street, I can park my truck?"

"We have a protected lot. If you'll give me your keys, I'll make sure it's pulled into the lot and have your suitcase brought up to your room." Nicole holds her hand out for the keys.

Gus pulls her keys out of her pocket and sets them in Nicole's hand. "It's the Blue Ford out front. Bags in the back seat."

"Got it. Give me one moment." Nicole walks to another cubicle and talks to the man sitting there. She hands him the keys and he bounds out to do as asked. Nicole returns to Gus. "Alright that's taken care of. Let's head upstairs." She motions for Gus to follow her.

Nicole leads Gus to the elevators at the back of the office. "Go ahead and scan your card." She says as she points to the reader.

Gus puts her card on the reader and watches as the doors open. "Huh, you don't believe in buttons?" She asks dryly.

Nicole laughs and shakes her head. She steps on the elevator and waits for Gus to join her before she points to the panel of buttons in front of them. "Buttons are just fine, but with this kind of business we need to make it harder for any competition to make it into the inner circle. So, Jeremy came up with the key cards as an extra layer of security. You'll need to scan your card here as well then push the floor three button." Nicole points out the scanner for Gus.

Gus does as Nicole instructs and soon the elevator doors close and the elevator rises to the correct floor. The doors open and the two women step off. Nicole heads to a reception type area that houses a small desk and computer. She moves the mouse to turn on the monitor. "I'm just checking which rooms are available. This floor is just residences for employees and sometimes our clients need to stay with us as well." She finds what she's looking for and stands up straight. "Okay looks like room five is the closest room available. It's just a few doors down from the elevators. Just need to do one last thing, can I have your keycard again please?"

Gus hands Nicole the key card, Nicole proceeds to swipe it through the reader that is attached to the computer. "Okay all set. Your card will now allow you access to the first floor, this floor, and your room. If you'll follow me, I'll show you your room."

Nicole quickly steps around the desk and down the hallway, Gus hurrying to keep up. "So, if it's not a secret what kind of clients do you normally have using these rooms?" Gus asks.

"We're mostly known for the supernatural side of the business, but we take on people trying to get out of abusive situations as well. A lot of times they need a safe place to stay until we can get them onto their next place. Nowhere in the city is safer than here." Nicole stops in front of door five. "Okay this is you. Go ahead and put your card here." She points to a spot just to the left of the lock on the door. Gus follows her instructions and soon hears a click as the door unlocks. "Your card, my card, and Champ's card are the only ones who can open this door. Champ is my head of internal security, so he needs access in case of a breach." Nicole explains.

Gus nods her head. "That makes sense." She follows Nicole through the doorway and into the room.

Nicole flips a switch on the wall. "This is the master switch for your room. If this is in the off position it shuts off anything that can emit light or sound. It's part of our security protocols, in case of a breach. Also, in case of a breach, you will hear a page over our PA system asking Mr. Hardy to come to reception. It's an automatic page as soon as one of our panic buttons is hit. There are many hidden in plain sight throughout the building." She walks over to the bed and points to a knot in the wood of the headboard. "This is one of them in here. The main one in here is the red button on the phone." She moves to the bathroom and turns on the light, Gus follows her. "Here is the last one." She points to what looks to be a normal tile on the wall above the sink. "This one is a little bit harder to see but if you look closely, it is slightly off color from the rest of the tile. Just push it and the alert will go out."

The two women move back into the bedroom portion of the room. The room consists of a queen-sized bed with end tables, a single dresser, desk and chair, a loveseat with a coffee table, as well as a hutch holding a medium sized television.

"Looks nicer than any of the hotel rooms I've ever been in. Who likes the dark wood?" Gus asks.

Nicole blushes. "I may have been going through a dark wood faze when I furnished the building. In my defense though it is pretty timeless."

Gus laughs. "No judgement on my end. I live in a log cabin and have all sorts of wood finishes around."

Nicole nods and smiles. "Alright, Tony should be here any moment with your..." Nicole is cut off by a knock on the door. "Bag." She finishes. She makes her way to the door and looks through the peephole to verify it's Tony before she opens the door. Once the door is opened Tony hands her Gus's bag wordlessly and immediately turns around and leaves.

"He's not much for words." Gus remarks dryly.

"Not usually no." Nicole responds. "Okay here's your bag, I'll leave you to it. Be downstairs in the conference room in thirty-five minutes. If you can't find the conference room just ask anyone in the office to show you."

"Will do." Gus says.

Nicole nods and makes her way out of the room, making sure the door shuts securely behind her. She makes her way quickly to the elevator, scanning her card, and swiftly getting in the car when the doors open. She goes through the routine of getting herself onto the fourth floor. Locking herself in her sanctuary, she opens a panel on the far wall, and grabs out a cellphone. Turning it on she's happy to see she had remembered to charge it before putting it away last time. She goes to her computer to shut down the signal jammers and makes her call.

It rings twice before someone answers. "Hey, I need you to come in." She listens to the other person speak for a moment. "Yeah, I know I said I'd give you time but if you'd bother to look at a calendar now and again, you'll see it's been over the agreed upon year by eight months. Once the job is done you can go back to whatever it is your doing." She hears nothing but silence on the other end for a good minute before a sigh and a "Fine" comes through the line before it goes dead.

She turns the phone off, puts it back and shuts the panel, before jamming the signals again. Leaning her head against the wall she gives herself exactly thirty seconds to rest before turning around and leaving the floor. As she descends in the elevator, she checks her watch to see she still has twenty-five minutes before the meeting and decides to check in with Wynonna.

Making her way through the office she sees her employees hard at work on various tasks. She stops for a second and takes in the sounds of the office. The clicking of keyboards, the hum of the HVAC system, Jeremy slurping his coffee, a tiny huff of amusement from Robin, who is looking at Jeremy with affection, and the ever-present hum of all the electrical equipment. Taking a deep breath, she allows the normality of the sounds to center her back on her task, and she moves towards Wynonna's office.

As she approaches Wynonna's office, she can see the door is shut and no light is coming through the window. She looks through the window and sees Wynonna laying on her couch with her right arm across her eyes. Lost in debate with herself on whether to disturb her friend or not she barely hears Wynonna huff followed shortly by the brunette woman saying, "Haught either come in or leave but quit staring through the window like a creeper."

Giving out a small laugh Nicole decides her friend must be up for company if she didn't tell her to get lost. She opens the door and steps through. "Sorry didn’t want to bother you if you weren't up for it." She says as she sits down in one of Wynonna's guest chairs.

Wynonna sits up on the couch and looks at Nicole. "One, you're never a bother, annoying sometimes yes, but never a bother. Two it's your damn building, go wherever you please."

"It may be my building, but this is your office. You also know that isn't even remotely how I operate." Nicole responds.

Wynonna nods her head absently. "Yeah, yeah. Anyhow what can I do for you Haughtstuff?"

Nicole shakes her head in amusement. "Never going to get you to call me just Nicole, am I?"

"Probably not in this lifetime." Wynonna laughs. "Get it? Cause we're immortal?"

"Yeah, I got it Nonna." Nicole smiles. "Anyways I came here to check on you. You ready for this?"

"Ugh not even remotely, but it's not like I have a choice. Either we do this and find her, or I don't even want to think of what could happen. It's not like anyone else has a good of a chance at finding her as we do." Wynonna answers.

"As true as that may be, you do still have a choice in the matter. We can do this without you." Nicole offers.

"You could but it would be easier and faster if I worked on it. With the tether and all." Wynonna points to her chest. "I opened up the tether further and I can tell she's in distress but not in any pain. I can't get a read on a location though, or even a direction to start in."

"Maybe Gus can help you with that." Nicole says.

Wynonna nods solemnly. "That's my guess anyways."

"So apart from not sure how to use the tether do you have any other reservations?" Nicole asks.

Wynonna looks down at her feet. "I've been without family for so long I'm not even sure what to do with it now that it's found me."

"You've been without blood family, but you've always had family Nonna." Nicole says. "I get what you're saying though. You've always been my sister in my eyes but when I found Rachel it definitely was different."

"I guess you do get it then." Wynonna agrees. "Anyways I'm good. We'll cross the family bridge once Waverly is safe and out of harm’s way." Wynonna stands up and Nicole follows suit. "Alright let’s get this show on the road."

Nicole follows Wynonna out of the office and down the hallway to the conference room. They step inside to find a few people milling about. Nicole is pleasantly surprised to find Doc and Gus deep in discussion. She shares a puzzled glance with Wynonna before making her way to the head of the large conference table.

Soon the conference room becomes a bit cramped as people come in. Champ closes the door behind him when he enters. "Everyone is here except Stephanie at the desk." He says to Nicole as he makes his way to his chair near the front of the table.

"Thanks Champ. Alright let's begin." Nicole gives a moment for everyone to settle in. "We have a priority case that will take precedence over all non-emergency cases. I want all eyes and ears on it. There will not be a paper trail as of yet so all reports will be directly to me." She pauses for a second to gather her thoughts. "We have what we believe is an abducted Angel." She hears a murmur start in the room. "Pay attention please." The room goes silent. "We do not have much information to go on. What we do have is a name, Waverly Charles, and the date she last contacted her Aunt. Her aunt is here today asking us for help." She gestures for Gus to stand up. "Would you mind filling us in on what you know?"

Gus nods and joins Nicole at the front of the room. "My niece left the Realm exactly 22 days ago searching for a family member we had all thought was dead. She was in consistent contact with me, a minimum of every other day. Eight days ago, she didn't check in with me like she was supposed to. I tried contacting her via our family bond, but she had shut her side of it off from the rest of the family. The only other contact I had for her was a cellphone she bought when she came to the Mortal Realm. Every time I've called it, it rang until the voicemail picked up. Eventually it just went straight to voicemail. I'm guessing either the battery is dead or she's out of service range."

"Do you have any indications of where she was looking?" Doc asks.

"I know she was here in the city. Other than that, I don't have an exact location no." Gus answers.

"What about her tendencies? Did she have a particular food she liked or a hotel she was most likely to use?" Champ asks.

"She's vegetarian so that may narrow it down a bit. As for the place to stay I don't know. She wasn't using any of her family money so I can't tell you where she was spending money." Gus says.

"If she wasn't using family money, where would she have gotten money?" Wynonna asks.

"She liked to work the summers at the History Museum here in the city. She put the money she made in her own account. Before you ask, I don't know what mortal bank she used."

"Okay we can check with the museum and see if she setup a direct deposit with them. Jeremy let's run a search of hotel registries. Use Waverly Charles first. If you don't find anything let me know. I've got another possible name for you to run." Nicole says to Jeremy. "As for everyone else. Ears to the ground, I want to know what the chatter is. Anything even remotely suspicious gets investigated. No one goes alone. They've already taken one Immortal let's not give them more. Check in using priority protocols, code 1." She looks around the room, making eye contact with a few people. "I'm sure I don't have to tell any of you how dangerous this could be. Not only for Waverly but the ones who are holding her. Let's be as safe as possible people." She looks quickly to Wynonna. "I'll be working with a small team myself. Wynonna, Doc, Robin, and Champ you're with me. Rachel, you're in charge of check ins. Schedule them accordingly, maximum of two hours between when in the field."

The door opens interrupting whatever Nicole was going to say next. Nicole looks to her side and see's Doc visibly stiffen at the sight of the new arrival. The tension in the room goes up noticeably. "Well, that's as warm of a welcome as I guess I could expect." The woman says.

"Kate, dramatic entrance as always." Nicole says waving the woman to the front. "We just got done filling everyone else in, but I can fill you in, in private, in a moment."

"Works for me." Kate shrugs and leans against the wall next to Nicole, taking a moment for a quick glance towards Doc, who meets her gaze with a questioning look in his yes. She quickly averts her eyes back to Nicole, who gives a subtle shake of her head.

"Okay, anyone who didn't get a direct assignment, I want you hitting up your CI's. Ask if they've seen or heard anything out of the ordinary. Let's concentrate around transient areas and circle out from there. They know the ins and outs of the city and will know if something is off. If I didn't say your name earlier, you are dismissed. Make sure you get with Rachel before you leave the building to set up a check in schedule. Thank you." Nicole watches as most of the room empties. Leaving her, Gus, Kate, Wynonna, Doc, Robin, Champ, and Jeremy.

"I can leave in a second, I just figured you didn't want to say the other name to check in front of everyone else." Jeremy says standing up.

"You are correct. The other name I want you to search is Waverly Earp." Everyone looks at her questioningly. "If she was trying to find Wynonna it stands to reason she would use the Earp name to draw some attention to herself."

"That actually makes a lot of sense. She's always thinking of things like that." Gus says.

"Okay time out. Why would Waverly be looking for Wynonna?" Doc asks looking between Wynonna and Nicole.

"Because she's my sister." Wynonna says quietly.

"I thought your sister was killed?" Jeremy asks.

"My older sister was yes, but it's recently come to light that I have a younger half-sister who is a full Angel instead of a half breed like me." Wynonna spits out.

"I'm so sorry Wynonna, I should have so said that differently." Jeremy apologizes.

Wynonna nods at him. "Okay now we're all read into the situation except for why you called in Kate here." Wynonna points at the dark-skinned woman standing next to Nicole.

"She called me in because being a vampire I can use her kin's blood to help sniff her out." Kate explains.

"How does that work?" Gus asks.

"I would need to take a small drink from the family member. No bite, just a cut I can take some blood from. Once I have the taste, I am more sensitive to the call of blood within a family bond." Kate explains.

"Why no bite?" Jeremy asks.

"Because if I open the wound with my teeth, it will be like a feed and I could lose the ability to stop on my own. That didn't turn out so well last time for any of us involved." Kate explains.

"That's an understatement my dear." Doc finally speaks. "I would very much like to not have that experience again." He rubs at his left bicep absentmindedly.

"I second Doc's statement." Champ says raising his hand.

"Let's move on. Jeremy, please get working on those searches." Jeremy leaves the room with a nod. Nicole focuses on Kate. "Are you in a better place than the last time you were in this building?"

"I am." Kate says confidently. "I have not drunk directly from a human since. All my blood is purchased correctly from legal sources." Kate explains.

"Okay. Gus, Wynonna either of you willing to do this?" Nicole asks.

"I'll do it." Wynonna says first. She grabs her knife from her boot and goes to cut her arm.

"Wait! Let's do this in the sub-basement. Just in case." Nicole says.

"That's not a bad idea actually. I haven't tasted an Immortal in almost a century so I don't know how I will react." Kate admits.

"Okay, let's go." Nicole says and leads the team to the elevators. Seeing Doc and Champ hesitant to ride in an elevator with Kate she says, "Okay boys let's not all cramp into one car. Take the next one."

Doc and Champ nod relieved while Robin just looks amused. The four women load into the elevator, as the doors close, they all start to chuckle.

"Ma'am I don't know you but if you can make those two burly men look like scared puppies, you and I are going to get along." Gus says.

"They actually have good reason for being hesitant to spend time with me. They were there when I lost control. If it weren’t for those two, I would have killed that poor woman. They were able to pry me off her but not without some damage to them. What finally got me to come too was Doc putting his own arm in my mouth and allowing me to bite him." Kate explains.

"How did that make you come out of it." Gus asks.

"At the time Doc and I were blood bonded. Which is something I don't have time to explain right now but suffice to say tasting that magic on my tongue brought me back to who I was, who I am." Kate remembers.

Gus puts her hand on Kate's bicep. "I'm sorry you had to experience that. The mortals all think of immortality as this beautiful thing, they don't understand how it can also be a curse."

Kate nods and sniffs away her tears. "Thank you. Anyways I asked for time to go back to my maker and relearn how to control myself. Nicole was gracious enough to grant me time off and a small retainer as a consultant for the agency."

"It wasn't anything you didn't deserve Kate. All of us have lost control at one point in time or another. Being alive as long as we all have is a delicate balance of control." Nicole says.

The elevator doors open to reveal the sub-basement. They enter into a large open portion, a hallway at the far end leads to many smaller chambers. The women wait for the elevator to go back up and bring the men down.

Once they're all in the sub-basement Nicole leads them all across the larger room and down the hallway, stopping at one of the doors. She puts her keycard up against the wall near the door handle and hears the click signifying the door is now unlocked. She pushes it open but stays just outside the door.

"Champ, Doc, Robin, you three stay outside. In case this goes south, lock down the room and don't let anyone out." Nicole instructs the men, who take up positions around the door. "Okay ladies, after you." Nicole motions the other three women into the room. Once they're all inside she shuts the door and makes sure it's secure. She punches in a code on the panel next to the door. "Okay I just deactivated the key card reader from this side. So, the only way we're getting out of here is if this goes well and I give the boys the password."

"Well, that would have been nice to know before we came in here." Wynonna says.

"Would you have changed your mind?" Nicole asks her.

Wynonna thinks about it for a second and shakes her head. "Yeah, you're right. Okay let's get this bar open. You okay with this being me?" She asks Gus.

"Doesn't matter to me. Do you have a preference?" Gus asks Kate.

Kate shrugs. "Normally I'd say whoever had the closest blood, but you're the same. So, it's really no matter. I just need enough to sense the call, a few ounces at most."

"Okay I'll do it. Any allergies to Demons?" Wynonna jokes.

"Considering I am one, that would be a no." Kate answers. "It's the Angel part I'm not sure of. Should be fine though."

"Okay then." Wynonna pulls her knife out and places the blade against her skin of her left forearm. "No teeth." She says to Kate.

"No teeth. You have my word." Kate agrees.

"Here goes nothing." Wynonna makes a small incision about 3 inches above her wrist. Just deep enough to allow a small trickle of blood. "Alright Carmilla take your sip." She says as she extends her arm out to Kate.

"I've met Carmilla, so thanks for the compliment." Kate says as she leans down and seals her mouth over the wound. She licks the trickle of blood and pulls just a few more drops out of the wound before releasing Wynonna and stepping back quickly. "Okay I have it now. Can you please seal that up? It's been quite a time since I drank from another Immortal and it can be intoxicating if I'm not careful."

Wynonna puts her right hand over the cut. "Add that to the list of things it would have been good to know before we stepped in here." She says sarcastically.

"I knew. Hence why we are in this room." Nicole shrugs.

"Share with the class next time Red. Anyone bring a Band-Aid with them?" Wynonna asks.

"No need for one. Show me your arm." Gus says stepping in front of Wynonna.

Wynonna takes her hand away from the cut and holds her arm out to Gus. Gus places her hand where Wynonna's just was and closes her eyes. Wynonna feels her arm start to get warm and almost pulls away, but a quiet "stay still" from Gus makes her freeze. A moment later Gus opens her eyes and nods to Wynonna before releasing her arm and stepping away.

Wynonna looks at her arm to see the cut closed and not even a scar. "Huh, I'd heard that some Angels could do that, but I didn't expect it to be true."

Nicole comes over and examines Wynonna's arm as well. "I've heard of it as well but had never seen it in action. How does it work?" She asks Gus.

"Those of us that can do it try not to let it get out too much, so I would appreciate it if it stayed between us in this room for now." Gus says. The other three woman nod their assent to her wish. "Okay it's difficult to explain how we do it but it's an extra warmth or energy we carry with us. We share that with the wounded to help them heal. Some of us can heal more than others and some can bring someone back from the brink of death. None of us can use it to bring back the dead though."

"Interesting." Nicole says looking at Wynonna's arm again. "Is it like other gifts? Handed down from the Paternal line?"

"It may be." Gus answers. "It's not something that has ever been really researched. There's usually one or two in each family who can do it but there's no rhyme nor reason to who gets it."

"Wait, does Waverly have this gift?" Wynonna asks.

Gus studies Wynonna for a moment. "Yes, she does. She's the strongest healer born to our family in centuries."

Wynonna quickly turns to Nicole. "Do you think whoever took her is using her for her healing?"

Nicole thinks for a moment. "It's a possibility. Why do you have someone in mind?"

"Didn't the Gardner family announce that the creepy son has some rare disease?" Wynonna asks.

"Okay why do you think that has something to do with Waverly's abduction? He's creepy and annoying but I don't think he's ever been accused of kidnapping before." Nicole says.

"Yeah yeah, I see your point, but it is something we can look into subtly. I know his older sister Mercedes. I can just play the good friend and ask how her brother is doing." Wynonna offers.

"Okay but be gentle. No need to make this time worse for the family than it already is." Nicole acquiesces. "Now let's get out of here." She walks to the door and knocks twice.

"What's the password Nicole?" Champ says through the intercom next to the door.

Nicole sighs and pushes the button to activate the intercom on her side. "Eight seconds. Can we please come up with a new password?" She says as Champ opens the door.

"What? It's iconic." Champ laughs.

"It was also fifty years ago dude. Try finding something new to be proud of." Wynonna says as she pushes past him and out into the hallway.

"Okay sheesh. We can come up with a new password." Champ says rubbing his shoulder where Wynonna pushed him out of the way. "So, I take it everything worked out?"

"It worked as well as it could. If I get within a mile or so of her, I can pinpoint her location." Kate answers.

"Well, that's where you're up Wynonna. We need to open up that tether and see how useful it is to our search." Nicole says. "We can use my apartment. Less noise pollution and no security cameras."

"Thanks." Wynonna says to Nicole. "I'm definitely out of practice doing more than just feeling the existence of the tethers. I may need your help Gus."

"You have it." Gus answers. "A quiet calm environment is an ideal start."

"Let's get moving then." Nicole once again leads the group across the main room.

"Nic, while you all work on the tether angle I can be out in the city seeing if I can feel her." Kate offers.

"That's not actually a bad idea. Robin, Champ you two will accompany and help Kate." Nicole says to the two men. "Keep in contact. The same check in procedures apply to you as well. Get a radio from Rachel and let her know what you're doing." Nicole instructs them as she calls the elevator.

Once they're all on she hits the button for the ground floor, to let off the three who will be leaving the building. As the door opens and the three steps off she says, "Be careful and let us know if you find anything."

"You got it Nicole." Robin responds just before the doors close again and the elevator rises to the top floor.

"So, Nicole please tell me how you got Champ Hardy to work for you. For some reason I don't see his father being okay with him working for a woman let alone a God." Gus says.

Nicole laughs. "Well, he actually came to me, if you'd believe it. Just after the second world war. He was tired of following the family business of war and wanted to do something different. He told me he wanted to help people instead of hurting them. His father has come around a couple times to try and persuade him to give it up, but Champ has held his ground." Nicole explains.

"I may not be his biggest fan but even I can respect a son standing up to his father. A high-born Demon father at that." Wynonna says.

"He is an asset to this company if I do say so myself." Doc offers as well.

Gus takes in this new information "Well I'm glad for him then. His father is a piece of work. Constantly trying to get the Demon/Angel treaty changed. He thinks they should be able to hunt like they used to instead of just the ceremonial one they do now. Says the rituals aren't as affective without an actual sacrifice." Gus rolls her eyes. "We keep reminding him that the ground of the Realm is soaked with enough Angel and Demon blood to appease the next millennium of rituals. He's kind of a dick."

"You know Gus, I wasn't sure I was going to like you, but you're definitely growing on me." Wynonna says to Gus.

"Likewise." Gus gives Wynonna a small smile. "When this is all over, I'd like it if we could take the time to talk. A real talk."

"I think I'd like that." Wynonna says as the elevator reaches the top floor.

Nicole silently leads them off the elevator and into her apartment. "Does anyone need anything to eat or drink before we get started?" She offers.

"I could use a drink, anyone else?" Wynonna looks at Doc and Gus who nod their agreement.

"Beer okay?" Nicole asks.

"As long as it's just one it won't affect the tether, so sure." Gus answers.

"Three beers coming up, make yourselves comfortable." Nicole says motioning to the chairs and couch. Doc chooses a chair on one end of the couch. Gus and Wynonna sit down on the couch, leaving the last chair for Nicole. Nicole returns with the beer and hands each of them a bottle, keeping one for herself. She pops the top open and sits in the last chair. "So how does this go?"

"Well, that depends upon how much Wynonna knows about the tethers." Gus answers.

"I know they're only between blood related Angels. I had a tether with Willa and with Michelle. I know we can feel each other’s emotions through them. I have used the tether with Waverly to check on her emotions. She's not hurt but she's angry and a bit scared." Wynonna explains.

"Did Michelle ever teach you to communicate through them?" Gus asks.

Wynonna shakes her head. "We were keeping most of our Angel heritage on the downlow. Even we knew that Demon/Angel hybrids weren't a popular idea around the Realm."

Gus nods. “That's an understatement. Even now with the peace treaty in place there's still the ones who want to keep everyone separate. Okay that's where we'll start then. We'll open a tether between you and me."

"Being related wouldn't you already have one?" Nicole asks.

"Yes and no. One side has to be aware of the other to make it work. Wynonna was not aware of me so she couldn't have made one and I chose not to make one until we had met face to face." Gus answers.

"Waverly made one between me and her when she found out I was alive?" Wynonna asks.

"That's what I'm thinking yes. If you hadn't closed them off to yourself, you would have felt it." Gus explains. "Being as you thought the only two connections you had were gone, I don't blame you one bit for closing them off."

Wynonna nods. "Okay so how do we open one now?"

"Close your eyes, reach for the tethers. Can you feel them?" Wynonna nods yes to Gus's question. "Okay, if you concentrate close you can feel where another tether should be." Gus closes her eyes and feels for her own tethers. She can feel where the one with Wynonna will grow. "I feel it on my end too. Use that space to push out a connection. I'll do the same and we'll meet halfway." Gus and Wynonna concentrate until they feel the tether snap into place.

Wynonna opens her eyes. "Wow that's a rush."

Gus nods. "You're not wrong. How old were you when the tethers were made between you, Willa, and Michelle?"

"I don't remember. They've just always been there?" Wynonna answers.

"She did it when you were babies then." Gus answers. "It's harder to make a tether from one side but it is definitely doable, as you know, since Waverly was able to make one with you."

"Just how strong is Waverly?" Doc inquires.

"I don't know for sure. We don't have like Angel aptitude tests. She's excelled at everything we've put in front of her but that doesn't include a lot of things. She's incredibly young for an Angel so she's barely hit ten percent of her training." Gus says.

"How old is she?" Wynonna asks.

"She's twenty-five years old." Gus answers.

Wynonna sits back on the couch. "She's young by even human standards."

Gus nods. "So, you see why we're worried. Any Angel her age would be at risk out here in the Mortal Realm alone."

"So why was she allowed to be in the Mortal Realm alone?" Nicole asks.

Gus laughs. "Just wait until you meet her and tell me you could tell her no." She shakes her head. "Now we're wasting time. Wynonna what can you feel from the tether with Waverly?"

"She seems to be asleep right now. She's calmer than she's been any time I've checked on her since you got here. How do I get a message to her?" Wynonna asks.

"There's a bunch of terms and mumbo jumbo on how to explain it but the simplest and fastest way I can say it is, use the tether like it's a string with two soup cans on either end. Speak into one end and it should travel to the other." Gus explains. "So, think about what you want to say to her and push it through the tether."

"Okay here goes nothing." Wynonna says closing her eyes.

*Waverly, it's Wynonna. Gus found me and we are searching for you. Do you know where you are? *

"How long until she receives the message?" Nicole asks.

"It would be immediate. If she's asleep it depends upon how deep of sleep, she's in. If she's sleeping lightly it might wake her up." Gus answers.

*Wynonna!!!*

Wynonna startles at what she assumes is Waverly's voice in her head. "Whoa that's freaky. Hold on I must have woken her up." She puts a hand up to stop anyone from speaking.

*Waverly, are you alright? *

*Oh, I'm peachy. Just tied up in a damp, dusty, desolate room, but I'm fine. *

*That's a lot of D's kid*

*Can we do the vocab lesson later? I'd kind of like to get out of here now. *

*Right, do you know where you are? *

*I think I'm in the basement of some house on the edge of the city. When they brought me here, they thought I was asleep, but I was just pretending. I couldn't see much without giving myself away but it's a big mansion type place and it has a Japanese Cherry tree in the center of the driveway. *

*I know that house. Hang tight we're coming. *

*Thank you, Wynonna. Tell Gus I'm okay? *

*I will. *

"I know where she is!" Wynonna jumps up from the couch.

"Where?" Nicole asks standing as well.

"The Gardner mansion on the edge of the city." Wynonna tells them. Gus and Doc stand.

"How does she know that's where she is?" Nicole asks.

"She didn't know it as the Gardner mansion. But she described a large mansion type home on the edge of the city. With a Japanese Cherry tree in the center of the driveway." Wynonna says.

Nicole nods. "Doc, get a couple of teams together. If they have her there, they may not let her go easily. Have Rachel call Kate and let her know. Send Kate and the boys to do some recon for us. She has superior vision so tell them not to get too close. We don't want to ruin our element of surprise."

"Yes ma'am." Doc tips his hat and heads off to do Nicole's bidding.

"What do you want me to do?" Gus asks.

"You're coming with us but staying back in one of the vehicles. She'll need a friendly face when we bring her out." Nicole explains. "Wynonna, I think it would be a good idea if you stayed back too."

"Oh, I don't think so!" Wynonna exclaims. "That's my sister."

"That is exactly why you will stay in a vehicle with Gus. This is emotional for you and emotions can make a person reckless. This must be a clean in and out. Once we have Waverly out, we will call in the authorities to take care of the Gardner's but not a moment before Waverly is out of their reach." Nicole says. "So, you're either on scene in a vehicle or left behind at the office with a babysitter. Which is it?"

"Dammit Haught!" Wynonna pounds her fist on the back of the couch. "You better get her out in one piece, or you will be answering to me!"

Nicole steps up to Wynonna and looks her in the eyes. "You have my solemn oath as a child of an Original God that I will bring Waverly out of there in one piece."

Wynonna swallows hard and nods. "I'll hold you to that oath Nicole. I can't lose anyone else."

Nicole pulls her into a hug. "I know Nonna, I know." She makes eye contact with Gus and nods at the older woman. "We'll leave in an hour. You're welcome to stay up here if you'd like. I can call up to let you know when to come down."

"If it's all the same to you I'd rather be downstairs and hearing the plan." Gus answers. "I think it would do Wynonna some good as well."

"Fair enough. Let's go." Nicole leads them out of her apartment and into the elevator. Once they make it down to the office level, she tells the two women to go to the conference room to wait, and heads to her office.

In her office she goes to her personal gun safe and pulls out her two favorite weapons. Each has been modified to handle supernatural ammunition as well as human ammunition.

"Do you think you're going to need those?" Rachel asks from the doorway.

"I hope not but Gardner kidnapped an Angel I wouldn't put anything past him." Nicole answers her sister.

"I know you're like indestructible and all that but be careful okay?" Rachel moves into the office and sits in one of the chairs.

"I promise to be careful. There is no indication that Gardner has weapons that could hurt an Immortal, but I will check before we go just to make sure." Nicole says stepping around her desk and kneeling in front of Rachel.

"So, Wynonna's sister, who saw that coming." Rachel tries to crack a joke, but Nicole can see the worry on her face.

"Hey, it'll be alright. We're taking almost the entire team to get one tiny Angel. I think if anything I'll be bored." Nicole reassures Rachel.

"Just make sure when saving Wynonna's sister, you remember mine has to come home too." Rachel says holding onto her pendant.

Nicole takes hers out of her shirt, touches it to Rachel's, and touches their foreheads. "I promise to bring us both home."

Chapter Text

Nicole stands in the front of the war room, looking at the projection of the Gardner mansion layout that Jeremy had found. She has selected a small group to go inside with her and the rest are providing perimeter watch and backup, in case the small force isn't enough to get Waverly out.

Once they thought that Waverly was being held at the Gardner mansion, Nicole had called Kate to check it out and confirm their suspicion. Kate had quickly been able to tell Waverly was there and the three had returned to the agency.

"Alright, listen up. Myself, Kate, Doc, and X will breach here, at the outside entrance for the basement. From what Kate can tell she's being held not too far from this entrance. Absolutely no casualties are allowed so we'll be using non-lethal for this." Nicole looks to the teams she has assembled. "That goes for perimeter as well. No one is to take any live munitions with them. I know it's a risk. We don't know what kind of force they have guarding Waverly, but I am not looking to have to fight any murder or manslaughter charges because we went in looking for a fight. This, if everything goes to plan, will be a stealthy in and out. I have already spoken to our liaison at the Police Department, and they have agreed to us taking point on this."

"How did you get him to agree to that?" Wynonna asks.

"It honestly didn't take any convincing at all. He said he'd rather have our asses on the line with the Gardner's than the PD's." Nicole shrugs. "They're still smarting from the last time they tried to make charges stick on Tucker."

"Still can't believe that damn lawyer was able to get him out of that." X grumbles. "Seventy plus hours of work wasted on shoddy paperwork by the DA's office."

Nicole gives him a tight smile. "I know. That one pissed me off too. Trust me no one wants a repeat of that, so I've already got a special permit warrant to allow us silent entry. It's under the Immortal Distress category, so that means our only goal is to get Waverly out. No digging around or side quests, as you like to call them Jeremy."

The tension in the room lowers as the teams laugh at Nicole's joke.

"So, what happens once we have her out?" Doc asks.

"The PD liaison will decide what they do from there. We will be coming straight back here." Nicole explains. "Rosita we'll need a med room set up just in case. From what we know she's fine, but she may have cuts and scrapes, or may even be dehydrated. We just don't know."

"Already a step ahead of you boss." Rosita responds. "Soon as you dismissed us from the meeting earlier, I went and got one set up for any type of Angel things we could treat here."

"See people, that's called taking initiative." Nicole says. "Thanks Rosita."

"No problem at all boss." Rosita responds.

"Any questions?" Nicole asks the group as a whole.

"Is it really necessary for us to wear these newfangled camera things?" Doc asks holding up one of said cameras.

"Yes, it is. To protect us in case the Gardner's decide to sue, as well as to help the PD build their case." Nicole explains. "These new ones are smaller and secure better to our vests, so it won't inhibit your movement in anyway if that's what you're worried about Doc."

Doc puts the camera back down on the table. "Sometimes I miss the days of a good ole fashioned shoot out."

"Sorry Doc, that makes only one of us. I rather enjoy having our zero percent casualty rate on our ops." Nicole says.

"Well, I agree with you there but these new toys just make it less about skill and more about who has the best new thing." Doc defends himself. "There were times just being the fastest hand deterred people from drawing on you."

"Be that as it may, we all have to adjust to the new times." Nicole shrugs. "Even stubborn old cowboys. Now, are there any other questions."

"Standard perimeter procedure?" Champ asks.

"Yes, we may have to adjust a bit with the tree line, but it looks like our standard should be good for most of the perimeter. You're in charge of any adjustments that need to be made there Champ." Nicole answers. "Robin, you'll be his second set of eyes out there so stay in communication. Once my team has breached, we will be vocal silence. Since Doc likes the old school method, how is everyone on their tap code?"

"We just recertified the entire security team last week Nicole." Champ answers.

"Perfect. We'll roll with that as our go to communication once we're inside. That goes for all communications. We don't need someone talking on the line while someone else is trying to get an urgent message across." Nicole explains. "Perimeter figured out, code figured out, am I missing anything?"

Nicole looks around the room and sees her team members looking at the projection or any notes they have taken, to see if they have any more questions.

Rachel raises her hand. "I have a question."

"Shoot." Nicole says to her sister.

"Since no one on the team going inside has even met Waverly, how is she going to know you are the good guys?" Rachel asks.

Nicole looks to Gus. "That's a good question. Gus do you have anything we can show to Waverly, so she knows we're with you?"

Gus thinks on it for a moment and nods. "I do."

"Okay can you please grab that for me." Gus nods and leaves to retrieve the item. "Alright everybody, let's get suited up. Everyone in a vest and remember non-lethal ammunition only. Anyone found with live rounds on them will answer to me." Nicole says as the team members start to disperse to get ready.

Soon it's just Nicole, Wynonna, Doc, Kate, and X in the room. "Wynonna can I talk to you in private for a second?" Nicole walks to the other side of the room, away from the two men. Wynonna follows her.

"What's up Nicole?" Wynonna asks.

"Have you checked in with Waverly since upstairs?" Nicole asks.

"Yeah, just a bit ago actually. She says they brought her water and some soup about twenty minutes ago. She said other than being tied up most of the time, she is physically fine." Wynonna says.

"Okay has she said anything about seeing Tucker or being asked to heal anyone?" Nicole asks.

Wynonna shakes her head. "No and I didn't think to ask her either."

"That's okay. We can ask her after we get her out. No sense making her worry more if they haven't had her do that yet." Nicole says patting Wynonna on her shoulder. "Want to let her know we're coming within the hour, also wouldn't hurt to give her a description of the four of us who will be going inside." Nicole mentions.

"Oh yeah that would probably help." Wynonna says as Gus come back into the room.

"Here you go." Gus says as she hands a small packet to Nicole.

Nicole looks down at the small object Gus has handed to her. "A pack of tomato seeds?" She looks up at the other woman in bewilderment.

"Her Uncle asks me to bring some back to the Realm anytime I'm out here in the Mortal world. So, she'll know I'm here with you." Gus explains.

"Okay, I guess that makes sense." Nicole gives a small chuckle. "Wynonna add this one the list of things to tell Waverly." She says holding up the packet to show Wynonna.

Wynonna nods and heads out of the room to her office, so she'll have a quiet place to converse with Waverly. Nicole watches her go and turns to Gus.

"I'm going to need your help keeping Wynonna in that truck today." Nicole says. "Even if something goes wrong. She's going to want to be in the middle, but she's emotional right now, which has her in the wrong headspace. I need to know she'll be in that truck, so I can do my job inside the mansion."

"I will keep her in there, even if I have to knock her out myself." Gus answers.

Nicole laughs. "Let's hope it doesn't come to that. Find Champ, he should in the armory getting everyone set up. He'll fit you with a vest and a radio receiver."

"A vest?" Gus asks.

"Yes ma'am. One of our ballistic vests. Even my people in the trucks prepare as if they'll be in a fire fight. We never know what's going to happen, but we can plan for as many contingencies as possible. That way everyone comes home in one piece from these things." Nicole explains.

"Makes perfect sense to me. Now how do I find the armory?" Gus asks.

"Turn left at the door and it's at the very end of this hall." Nicole points in the correct direction. "If Champ is not there, Robin should be. Once your set there come back here."

"You got it." Gus says as she heads towards the armory.

Nicole sighs and rubs her temples as she turns back to X and Doc. "You two ready to roll?"

"I'll just have to stop by my office to grab my vest." Doc says. "It's on the way out of the building so figured I'd grab it on the way, unless you prefer I do it now."

"I need to grab my stuff from the locker room." X admits. "I can do that now and meet you back here in five?"

"Okay, both of you go now and be back here quick. We have a little more to go over for once we're in the house." Nicole says.

The two men immediately get up and leave to retrieve their respective items. Nicole takes a seat at the table and looks at the map again. She goes over her plan in her head again to make sure she's covered as many angles as she can.

Kate moves into the chair next to where Nicole is sitting. "What's bothering you Nicole?"

"It just seems like it's too easy. Something else has to be at play here." Nicole admits.

Kate looks to the map on the screen. "Do you have any ideas as to what else could be going on?"

Nicole shakes her head. "No, and that's what bothers me." She sighs. "I just have this feeling that this is bigger than Tucker needing to be healed. According to Gus, it would be hard for them to even find out Waverly has that ability."

"Maybe they took the first Angel they could in hopes that she had the ability? I mean the younger Gardner's aren't really known for being well prepared for anything." Kate says.

"That's true. I guess we'll find out soon enough." Nicole says and stands up. "You ready?"

"I think I'm more ready than most of your team." Kate says.

"I don't know about that. They've been working really hard to get up to your speed Kate."

Kate shrugs. "Be that as it may, I haven't been just sitting by collecting dust you know. I've been working too."

"I have no doubt you have. If you want anything from your old kit, it's still in your locker." Nicole says.

"Why would you keep that stuff?" Kate asks.

"I had a hunch you'd be back sooner or later." Nicole admits. "We all make mistakes. You once told me this was the closest thing you had to family." Nicole kneels to be eye to eye with the vampire. "Some families kick out their members who make mistake. I've always believed that forgiving mistakes can only make a family stronger."

"That's an awful big mistake to forgive." Kate says softly.

"Hey, I forgave you as soon as you told me what you did Kate, maybe it's time you forgive yourself." Nicole pulls Kate in for a hug. "If you need me to say it again I will."

Kate sniffs. "No, I believe you that you forgive me. I just need more time before I do that forgive myself thing."

Nicole chuckles lightly. "Fair enough. Just remember Shae made her own choices too. We had parted ways long before she came to you."

"I know. Still, I should have told you she came to me to make her Immortal. I almost killed her." Kate shakes her head.

"You didn't though. You were smart enough to ask Doc and Champ to come with you to help keep you in control." Nicole reminds Kate. "Also, Shae came out of it a bit weak but Immortal like she wanted."

"She didn't win you back though did she." Kate responds.

Nicole shakes her head. "That ship had sailed for reasons that had nothing to do with her mortality at the time. I loved her, part of me still does, but we made horrible partners." Nicole admits as she stands up releasing Kate. "Now let's stop looking at the past and work on the future. Let's go get Wynonna the sister she never knew she had."

Kate laughs. "Always the knight in the white Stetson."

"Hey, don't knock the Stetson." Nicole playfully shoves Kate. "That hat is gorgeous."

"Okay! Okay! I give!" Kate puts her hands up and laughs.

"I knew you were smart." Nicole laughs back.

Soon everyone is gathered back in the room and they finish going over the plan.

"Okay those of you in the support trucks and on the perimeter team head out now and get in position. Those of you who are on the extraction team stay here." Nicole pauses as her teams do as she bids.

Kate, Doc, and X stand with Nicole at the front of the room watching as everyone else clears the room.

"So, what's the plan once we're inside?" Doc asks.

"Kate is obviously going to be leading the team to find Waverly. Since she has the extra sense to pinpoint where she is. Doc and X, you two will be on rear security. Make sure no one sneaks up on our six. Since Kate will be preoccupied with finding Waverly, I will be her protection. Once we find her, if possible, we will remove her the way we came in. From the looks of the layout, it's a small, confined space in that basement, so it shouldn't be too hard to secure." Nicole explains.

"I agree. The one spot I think may be an issue is this corner here heading towards the back room." X points out a spot on the layout. "If they have a guard on her, they'll be there. We'll be blind until we get around that turn and, in the guards, direct view."

"I thought of that as well, but good eye X." Nicole leans over the map. "There's a small access here just behind what I think is the heating system. It comes out right next to the door to the room we think Waverly is being held in. It looks small but I should be able to make it through. It should give me an opportunity to take out the guard."

"Why don't I do that. As long as I can get eye contact, I can compel the guard to let us in. That way we don't have to hurt them. We can even get a bit more information on what's going on in the rest of the house." Kate offers.

"I keep forgetting you can do that." Doc says.

"It's not something we advertise we can do. So, there's only a select few who know. You three are people I trust so that's why you know." Kate explains.

"Alright that's the plan then. We breach the basement, get into positions while Kate disarms the guard. That will help with getting Waverly out safely as well." Nicole says. "I think we're as ready as we're going to be. Let's make sure and grab a vest for Waverly to wear once we have her."

"Already a step ahead of you." X says reaching into his bag and pulling out a smaller ballistics vest.

Nicole laughs. "I should have known you'd have thought of that already. Alright let's get moving."

The team heads through the offices and out to the parking lot that holds their tactical vehicles. Nicole waits until everyone and all their gear is loaded up before hopping in the passenger seat of the vehicle.

"Alright X let's meet the team at the rendezvous point." Nicole says to X, who is in the driver’s seat. Nicole closes her eyes and feels the movement of the vehicle pulling out of the lot and into traffic. She takes the time during the short drive to go over the plan in her head. Satisfied it's a good plan she opens her eyes as she feels the vehicle pull off the road and onto the dirt and grass.

Looking around she's satisfied with what she sees. Her team already has their communications truck up and running and she can see the perimeter teams fanning out into the woods. She exits the vehicle and heads towards the communications truck.

"What do we have?" She asks Jeremy who is sitting at one of the consoles in the truck.

"We've got thermal of six figures on the main floor with two more on the second floor, unfortunately it can't read the basement. Too much earth in the way. They have a security feed in the house that we're trying to tap into now. Hopefully, that can get us some eyes into the basement. Should be up in a minute or so. Just have to hijack the signal." Jeremy answers as he types.

Nicole pats the side of the door van. "If you don't get it don't worry. It'll be nice but we don't necessarily need it."

Jeremy nods but stays focused on his task. Nicole looks to Wynonna and Gus sitting further back in the truck. "How are you two holding up?"

"Ready for you to go get her Haught." Wynonna answers and Gus nods her agreement.

"Just getting the last few kinks ironed out." Nicole says.

"Now is not the time to hear about your kinks Haught." Wynonna jokes.

Nicole rolls her eyes. "Alright Wynonna, I've got to go get in position. We'll be back in not time." She gives a small wave and walks away, towards the infiltration team.

Doc, Kate, and X wait for her on the edge of the tree line. Doc and X looking off into the woods into which they will soon be headed. Kate watches Nicole strides up to them. "We set?" She asks Nicole.

"Jeremy is trying to tap into the security feeds in the house but we're not going to wait. There's eight people between the first and second floor according to the thermal." Nicole explains. "Everyone's coms working?"

"We just did a test on all of ours. Is yours good to go?" X asks.

Nicole taps her earpiece twice to turn it on. Hearing the radio chatter come through she nods back at X. "It's good to go."

"Alright we've got about two hundred yards to walk through the trees before we get to the house. The woods come almost right up to the back of the house so as long as we're quiet we'll have plenty of cover as long as possible." X says.

"Alright X. Lead the way." Nicole motions the team to get moving. "All teams, silent radio communication from here on out." She hears two taps to the confirm and they start their approach.

X leads the way followed by Doc, Kate, then Nicole. The four make their way silently through the forest until the trees start to thin out. X puts a closed fist up to stop the others. They all find cover and look through the trees to the house.

Doc taps three times on his earpiece to get the attention of the team. Once they are all looking to him, he raises two fingers to his eyes and then twirls a finger to signify he's going to circle to the other side to scout ahead. Nicole nods her assent and Doc takes off. He returns a short while later and shakes his head and holds up a closed fist, signifying there are no guards on the outside of the house.

X motions to Nicole to lead the way in. Slowly she makes her way from tree to tree until she's at the last one, checking behind her to see her team has followed. All three of them are in positions behind her. She scans the surroundings of the house. She's roughly fifteen feet from the door to the basement and can cover that distance in a few seconds. Motioning to the team to cover her she waits a moment then sprints to the house. She positions herself to the left of the door, her back to the house to give her the widest possible view of the area. After a quick look around, she signals X to follow. They follow this pattern until all four of them are surrounding the door.

X holds up four fingers signaling their countdown to opening the door. Nicole raises her weapon as Doc grabs the door handle. X lowers one finger at a time and Doc opens the door allowing Nicole to peak around the doorjamb and down the stairs into the basement. Not seeing anyone she slowly makes her way down the stairs, weapon raised. She feels Doc come down behind her as she stops at the bottom of the stairs and surveys the room. It appears to be a partially finished basement. Concrete floor with wood paneling on the walls. Shelving units line the walls as well as one long shelving unit running the middle of the room. Random household items litter the shelves.

Doc comes to stand beside her and taps her right shoulder once to signify he's ready for them to sweep the room. Doc goes right and Nicole goes left, they meet at the far end of the room where the hallway to the other rooms begins.

X and Kate have made their way down the stairs and through the first room to join Doc and Nicole. Nicole motions to the heating unit and motions for Kate to check if the access they saw on the blueprints is there. Kate does as instructed and nods back to the team when she finds the access. Nicole gives her the signal to proceed, and Kate disappears through the gap in the wall. Nicole, Doc, and X make their way slowly down the hallway.

There is a door on the left side causing them to stop. Nicole taps five times on her earpiece to signal to Kate to wait for them to call the clear. She gets two taps back signifying Kate got the message. They go through the same routine as the basement door and clear the room quickly. Nicole taps four times on her earpiece to signal the all clear and they continue down the hallway, stopping at the bend. Six taps on the head piece to signal Kate that they are in position. Kate taps back two times in affirmation, a short pause and five taps to signal she's moving and for them to wait for her all clear.

A moment later they get the two tap all clear signal and round the corner. They find Kate standing in an empty hallway with a perplexed look on her face. Nicole gets an uneasy feeling just as they all hear frantic tapping from their earpieces.

"Jeremy talk to me. There's no one down here." Nicole says softly into her wrist mic.

"You've got two heading towards the basement steps. Coming your way." Jeremy responds.

Nicole makes a quick decision. "Kate back in the access space. Doc and X go back to that other room. I'll get in here with Waverly. Let's trap them between all of us just in case we have to fight our way out." She says.

The other three quickly move to do what she says. Nicole turns to the door, grabs the handle, and opens the door slowly as not to alert anyone inside. As soon as she has enough room to slip inside, she does so quickly, taking in the room in one look as she quietly shuts the door behind herself. This room is more finished than the other two and has a carpeted floor, drywall on the walls, and furniture. Directly in front of Nicole are two recliners and a couch facing a television set on the wall to the left. To the right is what appears to be a bedroom type space, with a bed, a pair of nightstands, and a dresser.

Nicole makes her way to the bed confused when she doesn't see Waverly anywhere in the room. She stops at the edge of the bed and looks around to see if she missed anything.

"Ow. Shit." She hisses when a sharp pain radiates from her left ankle. She steps back from the bed and sees a ceramic bowl being swung from beneath the bed. Shaking her head and chuckling to herself she kneels and grabs the bowl. "Waverly it's Nicole. You can come out."

"Well shit ticket how do I know you're really Nicole and not one of these assholes holding me here?!" Is the indignant reply from beneath the bed.

Nicole rubs her temple in frustration before she remembers the seeds Gus gave her. She pulls them from her front vest pocket and holds them down low enough for Waverly to see them. "Gus told me this would make sense to you."

Waverly gasps and slides her head out from beneath the bed. Nicole takes a step back to give Waverly room to maneuver out from the bed. Waverly stands up and brushes herself off before fulling turning and looking at Nicole.

They make eye contact and Nicole feels her gift come to life on her skin. She jumps back in shock and tries to get her gift under control. She breaks eye contact with Waverly as she does so, and her gift goes dormant again. She looks at her hands. "How did you do that?" She asks Waverly.

"I uh don't know what just happened. Did you feel that too?" Waverly asks rubbing her arms.

"What did you feel?" Nicole asks.

"The cold sensation I get when I heal someone. It runs over my skin." Waverly answers.

Nicole shakes her arms out. "Somehow my gift activated without me calling it out. It's never done that before. What just happened?"

"I don't know. I've never felt that without actually healing someone." Waverly answers.

"Okay as weird as that was, we'll have to figure that out later. We have two of your captors coming down the stairs as we speak. I've got three of my team members down here with us, but we'd really like to not have a fight on our hands." Nicole moves to the door to listen. "There's an access as soon as you step out this door and to the left. If we move quickly, we can be in that access when those two get here and we can trap them in this room." Nicole explains her plan.

"Or we go with option two." Kate says as she opens the door.

Nicole gives a low chuckle. "Okay what's option two?"

"The boys incapacitate the two kidnappers, and we escape quickly the way we came in." Kate shrugs.

"Why do I get the feeling half this option is already done." Nicole asks.

"Because it is? Doc sneezed and alerted the bad guys to him so a few well held choke holds and we're good to go." Kate motions to the door. "If you two are ready that is."

Nicole turns to Waverly avoiding eye contact this time. "You good to move?"

"I am." Waverly responds.

"Okay let's get moving. X has a vest for you to put on before we leave the house." Nicole explains as she motions Kate to go first out the door. "We'll follow behind you Kate. Let's just take the hallway and meet up with the guys."

Kate nods and leads them out into and down the hallway until they run into Doc and X. X wordlessly hands Nicole the vest for Waverly.

Nicole turns to Waverly and helps her put on the vest, making sure it's snug and secure. "Okay keep your head down and follow direction. We still have the upper hand. They don't know we're here. So as long as they don't end up missing these two soon and we move quickly, we should be able to get out without any more incidences."

Nicole motions for the guys to lead them out. Waverly goes next followed by Nicole then Kate. They make their way quietly to the exit. Listening and watching for any sound or movement to signify someone is alerted to their presence. Doc goes up the stairs first and listens at the door, not hearing any noise he slowly opens the door and steps out. He looks around and waves the rest of them up.

"As soon as you're out of the door sprint for the trees. They'll provide cover for us." Nicole whispers into Waverly's ear.

Waverly shivers at the sensation of Nicole being so close but nods her understanding. X has ascended the stairs and is waiting at the top for Waverly. Doc has already proceeded to the trees and waits for Waverly. Nicole gives her a gentle push and Waverly starts up the stairs. Once she's at the top X stops her and points to where Doc has found cover in the trees. Waverly smiles at him and takes off, quickly making it to the tree line.

Doc pulls her behind a tree and looks back to the house. Seeing movement in one of the upper windows he alerts X to wait. X signals his understanding and steps back down one step so as not to be seen from the upstairs windows. Doc watches as someone comes to the window and glances out. He immediately recognizes Mercedes Gardner, the oldest of the Gardner siblings. She stays in the window for a minute and then turns around and walks back into the room. Doc waits another minute before giving the all clear to the rest of the team. X stays by the door and motions Kate and Nicole on towards the trees. Once they are secure in the tree line, X closes the door quietly and sprints after them.

Nicole leads them further into the trees before speaking into her wrist mic. "We're out with Waverly. Should arrive to you in less than five minutes. Does it look like anyone knows she's missing yet?"

"So far it doesn't appear they were alerted but it's only a matter of minutes. It appears two more are headed towards the basement stairs. So, I wouldn't dawdle." Jeremy answers.

"Got it. Perimeter team pull back now. Let's get ready to move quickly once we make it back to the vehicles." Nicole orders. She turns to the four people with her. "Let's move a little faster. I'd like as much lead time as possible."

The five of them move quicker through the forest until the hear shouting coming from the house.

"Sounds like they've figured us out." Kate says.

"Sounds like." Nicole says grabbing Waverly's hand and running towards where the vehicles are waiting. She feels her hand tingle where it makes contact with Waverly's but pushes it out of her mind to think about later.

A minute or so later they break out of the trees, Nicole is proud to see everything buttoned up and ready to go, just a few men standing out of the vehicles, weapons at the ready in case they are being followed.

"Mount up. We'll put Waverly in with us. Move now." Nicole orders, opening the door to the vehicle her team rode here in. "Get in and keep your head down." She explains to Waverly. Waverly follows the directions and slides into the middle seat. Nicole and Kate jumping in on either side of her. X gets in the driver’s seat and Doc in the front passenger seat. "Let's move X."

X starts the vehicle, puts it in drive, and they take off. The caravan of support vehicles following behind.

"Is she okay?" Nicole hears Wynonna ask in the radio.

"She's okay." Nicole responds. "She did great Wynonna."

"Thank you." Wynonna says softly over the radio.

"Don't go getting soft on me now Earp." Nicole jests.

Nicole glances at Waverly to see the smaller woman looking at her with a puzzled expression. Without thinking about it Nicole makes eye contact trying to reassure the woman, immediately feeling her gift rise from her skin again, she looks down at her hands. Waverly shivers next to her.

"That's something we're going to have to figure out. I'd like to eventually look at you without feeling like I'm freezing." Waverly says as she rubs her hands together.

Nicole takes the smaller hands between her own. "I've been told I run warm." She says at Waverly's curious look. "So maybe I can help with that. For the time being though let's not make any unnecessary eye contact."

Waverly nods as Kate laughs next to them. "Oh boy this is going to get interesting." She says.

"Why do you say that?" Waverly asks.

"I'll explain once we're back at the office, but it's nothing bad. I mean it's not supposed to be anything bad but I'm honestly surprised Nicole here doesn't know." Kate gestures at the red head.

"Why would I know anything about this?" Nicole says motioning between herself and Waverly.

"I just figured an Original family would educate their offspring on this." Kate shrugs.

"Are we going to share with the people in the front or are we to be left out in the cold?" Doc says turning around in the passenger seat.

Nicole rubs her forehead. "Let's just get back to the office and we'll figure it out."

Nothing is said on the rest of the ride to the office. X parks the vehicle in its designated spot and Nicole hops out immediately. Holding the door open for Waverly. Once Waverly is out, Nicole points to the surveillance truck that is parked a few stalls away where Wynonna and Gus are standing.

Waverly takes off and is immediately wrapped up in Gus's arms. Wynonna stands awkwardly to the side watching the reunion. After a few moments, the two separate and Waverly looks to Wynonna.

"So, you're my big sister." She says matter of factly.

"I guess I am." Wynonna nervously responds.

They look at each other for a moment. Taking in the similarities and differences in their features. Waverly takes a step towards Wynonna, who looks down at her feet.

"Hey." Waverly waits for Wynonna to look up at her. "I'm just as nervous as you are."

Wynonna smiles at her sister. "I am really happy you're alright."

"Me too. When you're ready we can sit down and talk?" Waverly asks gently.

Wynonna nods. "I would like that very much."

"I hate to cut this short, but we do want to get Waverly inside and checked out." Nicole says stepping up to the small group. "We also have a debrief to get through."

Wynonna gives a sloppy salute in Nicole's direction. "Yes ma'am." She turns on her heel and proceeds to make a hasty retreat into the building.

Nicole, Waverly, and Gus watch her walk away. "She's still trying to wrap her head around having a sister again. She'll be fine in time." Nicole says to the other two.

Waverly sighs. "I can maybe understand that a bit. Until a few weeks ago for all I knew I was an only child. Now I find out I have two sisters and one of them is gone before I could know her."

Gus wraps an arm around Waverly's shoulders. "I can't apologize enough for my part in this Waverly."

Waverly reaches up and grabs Gus's hand that is sitting on her shoulder. "I don't blame you one bit Aunt Gus. Now Grandpa on the other hand is on my shit list."

Gus laughs. "I assure you he is most aware of that fact."

"Good." Waverly says resolutely. "I don't know if I'll ever be able to forgive him for what he put Mama through."

"You have every right to feel that way hon." Gus says back.

"I'm sorry to keep interrupting but the med team would really like to check on Waverly." Nicole reminds them.

"Okay. Lead the way." Waverly tells Nicole.

Nicole turns around and leads the two women towards the building. "We'll get you a visitor’s card soon Waverly, but for now you'll need one of us to get access to anything." Nicole says as she scans her key card at the door. It opens and lets them into the hallway. They make their way down the hallway and pass many doors. Some are shut but some are opened.

Waverly let's her curiosity get the best of her and peaks in the open doors as they pass. She sees a few offices, what looks like a lab of some sort, and a room that appears to be a library. The sight of all the books stops Waverly in her tracks.

It takes a moment for Nicole to notice Gus and Waverly aren't following her anymore. She turns to see what's holding them up and smiles at the look of wonder on Waverly's face at the collection of books the agency has. She walks back to the two women looking into what the agency calls the archives.

"Most of these have been or could be useful in our supernatural cases. I will admit to having a small collection of fiction as well." Nicole says causing Waverly to let out a small squeak in surprise.

"Sorry. I've just never seen so many older books not in an actual library." Waverly admits.

"Well, most of them aren't as old as they look. Immortals have an affinity for putting charms on things to make them look older and more important than they are. We do have a collection of older tomes, but they are in a clean room for their protection." Nicole explains.

"I would love to see them some day." Waverly says looking up at Nicole.

Nicole nods her head, prepares herself for her body’s reaction, and looks down into Waverly's eyes. She feels the electricity slide along her skin as she says. "You have my word that you will have access."

Waverly shivers. Gus looks between the two of them, seeing the electricity arc on Nicole's skin, and feeling Waverly's skin go cold.

"Well, that puts a new wrinkle in the works." Gus sighs.

Nicole looks at her in surprise. "Do you know what's happening to us?"

Gus nods. "I do but let's get Waverly looked after first. I promise to explain it all after."

Nicole nods. "Of course." She turns back around and leads the two women to the infirmary. "Rosie, one Angel patient as promised." Nicole says knocking on the doorjamb as she enters, Waverly and Gus right behind her.

"Hi! I'm Rosita but you can just call me Rosie. Waverly if you could just have a seat on the table, we should be able to make this quick. Go ahead and take that vest off." Rosita says grabbing a few things for her examination of Waverly.

"Here I can take both of your vests and get them turned back into the armory." Nicole says reaching to help Waverly take of her vest. Gus hands Nicole her vest as well and Nicole goes to leave.

"Rosie when you're done here can you bring them to my office please?" Nicole asks.

"For sure Nic." Rosita answers.

"Thank you. See you two soon." Nicole says and heads towards the armory. Nicole makes quick work of turning in the equipment at the armory and heads back towards her office. She makes a quick stop in the lunchroom to grab herself a cup of coffee. She finds Kate drinking from a mug. "I'm not even going to ask what you have in X's favorite mug." She laughs.

Kate raises the black mug marked with a gold X. "What he doesn't know won't hurt him." She smirks.

"Well, he's a bloodhound so I do believe he'll know." Nicole reminds Kate.

Kate just shrugs. "Well since it's just tea I can't imagine him being a bloodhound would matter much. I still love the taste of Jeremy's herbal concoctions. Even if it does nothing for me nutritionally."

Nicole laughs and shakes her head. "Make sure and tell him that. The guys around here like to give him grief for making his own teas. It would go a long way for him to know you like them."

"I will. So that went well." Kate says.

"Yeah, it did. I already messaged the Police Department that we were clear and would send them the footage from our vest cameras as soon as we could." Nicole grabs her large coffee cup from the dishwasher. She puts it under the coffee brewer and searches in the cabinet for her coffee pods. She inserts her a pod of her favorite blend and pushes the button to brew her coffee. She leans against the counter next to Kate while she waits for it to brew. "So, both you and Gus apparently know something that Waverly and I don't."

Kate hums. "Yeah, I already told you I'm surprised you don't know."

"Well Gus is going to explain it to me and Waverly as soon as Waverly is cleared by Rosita." Nicole says as the coffee machine beeps behind her, signaling her coffee is ready. She adds two sugar cubes and a small amount of creamer. Taking a sip, she sighs at the taste. "Man, I love being able to splurge on the good coffee."

Kate laughs. "Do I need to leave you alone with your cup?"

Nicole shakes her head with a laugh. "Not necessary. I am actually leaving you. I need to be getting to my office."

"Alright. Well good luck with all that." Kate waves her away.

Nicole laughs and leaves the room, a little lighter on her feet. She heads to her office. Walking in she finds Rachel sitting on the couch working on a laptop.

"Hey kiddo. What are you doing?" Nicole asks as she sets her coffee down and sits at her desk.

"Just typing up the radio communications for this op. Jeremy asked me for help since he's getting all the video footage ready for the police." Rachel explains typing away.

"Well, that shouldn't take you long. We were on silent communication most of the way." Nicole observes.

"Yeah, except that the crazy woman in charge wants us to type out what the taps mean." Rachel teases.

Nicole rolls her eyes. "Trust me it makes court so much easier if we include the explanations."

"So you've said. Every time someone has complained about it." Rachel volleys back.

"You think you'd all stop complaining then." Nicole shrugs. "Anyways thank you for taking that on to help Jeremy out. We need to get him an assistant."

"If I wasn't already yours, I'd volunteer for that job. He's cool." Rachel admits.

Nicole smiles at her younger sister. "That he is. I'm glad you two get along so well. He originally had a hard time when he started working for me. He's come along way."

"He told me some things." Rachel says. "He told me how you helped him adjust to being back with people and didn't give up on him."

Nicole waves the praise away. "He did all the hard work. I just made sure he knew he could rely on me for anything."

"Yeah, to humans that means more than you think, especially coming from a God." Rachel explains.

"Well, I guess I still have some things to learn then." Nicole says.

Their conversation is halted by a knock on the office door.

"You can come in." Nicole says.

Rosita enters followed by Waverly and Gus. "She's got a clean bill of health. Not even a scratch on her." Rosita says waving the other two women further into the room.

"Hi, I'm Rachel. Nicole's younger sister." Rachel says standing up and extending her hand to Waverly.

"Hello Rachel. I'm Waverly, Wynonna's younger sister." Waverly says shaking Rachel's hand. "I guess you've probably met Aunt Gus."

"Briefly. Nice to see you again." Rachel says to Gus. "Okay I'm guessing this is important and none of my business so I'm going to go type somewhere else." Rachel grabs her laptop and turns to leave.

"See you at dinner Rach." Nicole says before Rachel makes it out the door. "It's your turn to cook by the way."

"I was hoping you'd forget." Rachel says turning back around.

"No such luck. Also, no ordering in allowed." Nicole laughs as Rachel pulls a face. "I have faith you can make us something decently edible."

"Your funeral." Rachel comments back and leaves quickly so as not to give Nicole a chance to retort.

"You two are cute." Waverly comments. "Hopefully, Wynonna and I can get there someday."

"It wasn't easy. I was in your shoes at one point in time. Finding out I had a sister I never knew." Nicole explains. "I found her working a case actually, but that is a story for another time. I do believe Gus was going to explain something to us." Nicole stands. "I'm sorry where are my manners. Please have a seat, can I get you anything? I have water and lemonade in the fridge here or I can run over to the break room for tea or coffee." Nicole offers.

"I could use some water please." Waverly admits sitting on the couch Rachel had vacated. Gus sits down next to her.

Nicole looks to Gus who waves her off. "I'm good thank you."

Nicole grabs two bottles of water, one for herself and one for Waverly. She hands one bottle to Waverly and sits in one of the chairs that faces the couch. "So, what do we have going on here?" Nicole asks motioning between herself and Waverly.

Gus sits up a little straighter. "It's a bit hard to explain and I don't know all of the details. Nicole are you aware that there are some Angels who have what is called the Sight?"

"I have heard of it yes. I just always thought those were stories though. Are you telling me it's true?" Nicole asks.

"I am." Gus nods. "It's one of the traits that can get passed down to our full-blooded children. My mother actually was one of said Angels. It's part of the reason I never had children. I didn't want to pass that on to one of them. It drove my mother crazy. The visions would come and go as they pleased without warning.” Gus pauses and collects her thoughts. “She volunteered to fight in the war. Of course, they took an Angel who had the Sight. She died fighting that war. Her friend who fought alongside of her told me what happened to her. A vision came when they were in battle and she was unable to defend herself in that moment." Gus rubs her hands together. "Anyways I'm getting a little off topic. So, Angels with the Sight are revered amongst us. Some of them become almost like the human cult leaders. Others use their gift for the greater good." Gus clears her throat. "Maybe I will take a water after all Nicole."

Nicole quickly stands, retrieves the bottle of water, and hands it to Gus before sitting back down. Gus takes a long pull of water off the bottle.

"Okay. Many many years ago, an Angel who had the Sight, saw a connection between Gods and Angels that had not been known before. Not between all Angels and Gods though. There have in fact only been five known incidences of it. If what I witnessed is real, you two make the sixth known incidence."

"Incidence of what?" Waverly interrupts. "So far we haven't been able to look at or touch each other without her being covered in electricity and me feeling like I've just healed someone. I'm not sure what kind of connection that could be."

"Your gifts call to each other. You call to each other. Every pairing before you, the longer they were together, the more the connection and calling grew." Gus explains.

"What does that mean for us?" Nicole asks.

"It means you two were destined for each other."

Chapter Text

"I'm sorry. Did you just say we were 'destined' for each other?" Nicole asks.

"I did." Gus replies.

"What does that even mean?" Nicole questions.

"It can mean many different things. The main thing is it means you have been called to each other." Gus explains.

"But we weren't." Waverly speaks up. "The only reason we met is because of Wynonna."

Gus nods. "What called Wynonna to be at Nicole's side though?"

Waverly turns to Nicole. "How long have you two been together?"

"Firstly, we're not together like together together. We're more like sisters." Nicole hastily explains. "We've known each other for just over four hundred years. We met in a tavern in London. Well met isn't the right term. I saved her ass in a tavern in London." Nicole smiles at the memory. "I don't even remember why I decided to go in the tavern, I just know once I was inside, I found Wynonna pinned to a wall by a massive Earth Demon who was screaming about some gold. Turns out he had been buying your sister a lot of ale and was expecting some form of payment in return." Nicole takes a sip of her water. "I stepped in and offered to cover her debt to him. Wynonna mouthed off about not owing anyone and a fight ensued. We barely made it out by the skin of our teeth, but we did and we've been family ever since."

"How old are you exactly?" Waverly asks.

"I am fourteen hundred years old as of two days ago." Nicole answers.

"How do you look like your only in your twenties then?" Waverly asks.

"Girl this isn't an interrogation." Gus reprimands Waverly. "Nicole, you don't have to answer that."

"I don't mind. Most Immortals begin to show signs of advancing age around eight hundred or nine hundred years. For the Original Gods and their offspring, it works just a little differently. I'm not a scholar on the topic or anything but I know we age about a quarter as fast as the other Immortals, but we can also manipulate our appearance to our whim. So, you never really know how old an Original is." Nicole shrugs. "Take my parents for instance. When we're all together in public they manipulate their appearances to appear more middle aged to account for my looking like I'm in my twenties, but when they don't manipulate their appearance, they barely look a decade older than me."

"That's so weird." Waverly says softly to herself; Nicole hears her anyways.

"Yeah, it makes for some interesting interactions." Nicole laughs. "The first time Rachel met them she was all kinds of confused as well. You get used to it after a while."

"Thank you for the explanation." Gus interrupts. "Let’s get back on topic though, shall we?"

Waverly and Nicole both nod in agreement.

"We all know that there is much more to the Universe than the Mortals know. The very reason we exist still confuses them. The 'magic' as they call it that exists within us is not from our Realm or the Mortal Realm. The gifts we carry, although we can control them with practice, are not our own. Most young Immortals are told this before their gift manifests." Gus continues. "Nicole, if I may ask, do you have any other gifts you possess, I saw your electricity earlier."

Nicole looks to the older woman. "I will tell you only because I know it's important to this situation, but we forewarned do not ask a God you are unfamiliar with that question." Gus and Waverly nod their understanding. "You have both seen the electricity on my arms, I can cast it off of my skin and use it as a weapon. I have in the past used it to shock someone's heart into a correct rhythm. I think the question you are asking though is not what I can do with the electricity but if I have a hidden gift, correct?" Nicole asks Gus.

"That is correct." Gus answers.

Nicole stands and steps behind her chair. "Most Gods only have one gift, a small few of us have two, it is even rarer to have three."

"How rare?" Waverly asks in wonder.

"I am the only one." Nicole makes eye contact with Waverly. Her skin tingles and she sees Waverly shiver until Nicole heats the space around her.

"Woah, wait are you doing that?" Waverly says as the warmth envelopes her skin.

"I am. I can manipulate the vibrations of atoms within a molecule. In this case I made them vibrate faster to warm the air around you. There's a bunch of scientific explanation to it but that's what I do in layman's term." Nicole starts pacing. "I have one more but no one outside of my parents and my mentor have seen it."

"If you don't want to show us, you do not have to." Gus answers.

"I can better make the decision if you tell me why you asked." Nicole responds to Gus.

Gus sits up straighter and looks to Waverly. "Every Angel that is born has a purpose or a task. It is shown to the Angel in a dream when they turn eighteen. Waverly did not have that dream."

"How do you know she didn't?" Nicole asks.

"It's not a dream one has while sleeping. It comes to you on the exact eighteenth anniversary of an Angel's birth. I was sitting with Waverly at that time. It's very obvious when it occurs, and we were both distraught when it didn't." Gus answers.

Waverly looks to Nicole who just shrugs. "I wasn't as distraught as her to be honest. For some reason I sort of always knew it wouldn't come."

Nicole nods. "So, what does that mean, that she didn't dream?"

"At the time we did not know. I spoke to one of my close friends who is a scholar amongst us and he seemed rather excited about the aspect of an Angel not getting a purpose. I didn't mention Waverly by name and tried to keep it all hypothetical, but she had just turned eighteen and here I was asking certain questions. So, I'm sure he knew right away who I was talking about, but bless him he kept it to himself, and did the research for me."

"Sounds like a good friend." Nicole offers.

"Shorty is definitely the best." Waverly says.

Gus smiles at Waverly. "She's not wrong. He found some information but not a lot. What he did find was that every one of the Angels who had this specific connection to a God did not have the dream."

"So, you knew she was, "destined" as you say, to connect with a God?" Nicole asks, sitting down.

Gus nods. "I did."

"Wait! You knew?" Waverly asks loudly. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I sort of did." Gus turns to the young Angel. "Remember when I told you that no purpose was the greatest purpose of them all, because you were meant for more?"

"I thought you were just trying to make me feel better." Waverly huffs crossing her arms and giving the older Angel a glare.

Nicole tries to smother her smile at Waverly's antics.

"What's got you so smiley over there?" Waverly asks.

"Oh, you just reminded me of Wynonna just then." Nicole answers honestly.

Waverly uncrosses her arms. "Really?"

"For sure. You and her have the exact same angry face. She crosses her arms a lot like that too." Nicole explains.

"I too have noticed many similarities in their mannerisms." Gus offers.

Waverly smiles. "Okay that's something to come back to later. So, you knew I was destined to be connected to a God?" Waverly prods Gus.

"Well not for certain but it was the most likely of scenarios. Now, the reason I asked what your other gifts are Nicole, is because Waverly is the most gifted Angel born in a millennium. From what I've gathered by our conversation here, you are also of that category." Gus says.

Nicole nods but stays quiet and ponders how she wants to proceed. The two Angels wait silently. Gus sits still while Waverly is visibly holding her excitement at bay.

"What I am about to tell you doesn't leave this room." Nicole says adamantly.

"Of course, Nicole." Waverly responds.

"You have my word." Gus answers as well.

Nicole stands. "It's easier just to show you I guess." She stands up and begins to rub her hands together. She slowly opens her hands to reveal a ball of energy growing larger as she pulls her hands further apart. She pulls her right hand away and balances the energy in her left hand, she slowly brings the energy up to her face and blows on it. The energy begins to shift and take a shape, becoming solid. She sets it down on the small coffee table that sits in front of the couch.

Waverly reaches forward to touch the form but pulls her hand back at the last second. "Is it safe to touch?" She asks the standing woman.

Nicole nods. "It's perfectly safe."

Waverly picks it up and brings it to her nose. "It looks like a rose, it feels like a rose, and it even smells like a rose. How did you do that?"

Gus reaches for the rose and Waverly hands it over.

"I told you I can manipulate atoms within a molecule, but I can actually manipulate the molecule itself. I'm not certain how it works but it does, and I've been able to do it since my birth." Nicole explains.

Gus looks up from her examination of the rose. "Since birth?"

"I apparently turned the furs I was laying on into a wolf." Nicole answers.

"How long did the wolf live?" Gus asks.

"He's still around actually. I don't bring him to the mortal world anymore. It's too dangerous for him."

"You made an Immortal being?!" Gus almost shouts but composes herself at the last second.

"His life force is tied to my own. So as long as I exist so does he." Nicole explains. "Here hand me the rose."

Gus hands the rose back to Nicole, who takes it in her cupped hands. Waverly and Gus watch as she reverses her previous magic, and the rose turns back into energy and is absorbed into the palm of her hands. She shows her now empty hands to the women.

"I can take the energy from the very air or I can use my own energy. Either way I can take it within myself." Nicole explains.

"Holy shitballs. That's amazing." Waverly exclaims.

Nicole laughs. "That's one way of putting it." She sits back down in her chair. "Now I've showed you mine, let’s see yours."

Waverly blushes at the innuendo laced in Nicole's words. "Like any Angel I have ability to hide my wings. Well hide isn't the right word, but I can't think of a better one at the moment. It's more like folding back into shoulders." She pauses as Nicole nods her understanding. "Also like most Angel's I can heal. Small cuts and scrapes up to near death. Angels cannot raise people from the dead, that takes too much energy. We use our own energies to heal so trying to raise the dead would use our entire life force." Waverly stops and takes a drink of her water and looks to Gus who nods. "Gus and I are the only ones who know that I can do the opposite of healing."

"The opposite of healing?" Nicole questions.

"It's something I have only done twice, but I can reopen old wounds or recreate old injuries." Waverly looks down to her lap.

"How did you discover you could do this?" Nicole asks.

Waverly sighs. "I was having an argument with someone and umm well I was getting pretty angry. I remembered they had been hit in the head and I was thinking how maybe they needed to be hit in the head again. Suddenly they dropped to the ground and grabbed their head. I had given them a concussion without even touching them."

"Okay." Nicole ponders her next question. "That explains the recreate old injuries but how did you discover the reopen old wounds?"

"After the concussion incident, I told Gus the truth about what happened. We decided to test the scope of what I could do." Waverly rubs her face with both hands. "Gus decided I was to try and open an old cut on her arm. I didn't even really have to think too hard to do it and suddenly the cut was fresh and she was bleeding."

"We didn't go any further after that because she was pretty distraught when she saw me bleeding." Gus explains.

Nicole nods and takes a moment before she speaks. "That's the first time I've ever heard of a power like that. Waverly you are incredibly unique."

Waverly blushes. "It's not like you're ordinary either."

Nicole allows herself to laugh. "You are not wrong." She turns to face Gus. "Okay so we laid it all out there. What's the connection?"

"It's not apparent yet but with time it will show itself. You fit the rest of it though." Gus answers.

"What's the rest of it?" Waverly asks.

"You affect each other in ways other Immortals don't. Right now, it's just causing the others gifts to activate, but with time and training it can mean a whole host of things." Gus explains.

"What kind of practice?" Nicole asks.

"Well, we'll need to do some research, but it will mostly be trial and error I guess. You two are only the sixth pairing that we know of. So, there's not much to go off of. The other pairings also were the most powerful God and Angel of their time, or so we believe. Like I said there's not a whole lot to go off of, but there are myths and stories that we can gather some information from." Gus stops and takes a sip of her water. "It seems the pairings come at a time of great need for the Immortal and Mortal realms."

"Well, that bodes well for us." Nicole sits back in her chair.

"Yeah, being the chosen one always works out well for the chosen one." Waverly quips. "At least we have each other."

Nicole smiles at the younger woman. "We do." Nicole motions between herself and Waverly. "Now that this has been explained to an almost satisfactory point, I do have a lot of paperwork to finish after today's events." Nicole says her next sentence a bit louder. "I'm sure Wynonna is pacing the hallway just waiting to see you."

"I am not!" Wynonna shouts giving herself away. "Damnit Haught how do you do that?!"

The three women in the office share a laugh. "Let's not keep her waiting any longer. Wynonna you can come in."

Wynonna huffs as she opens the door and enters the office. "You don't know me as well as you think you do Haughtiest."

"Oh, I'm pretty sure I do but I'll let you imagine otherwise for now." Nicole quips back earning a smile from Waverly. "Let's get Waverly here set up in one of the apartments upstairs. Waverly if you need anything don't hesitate to ask." Nicole turns to Wynonna. "Let's ask Doc and X to go to her hotel and see if anything of hers is still there."

"Sounds like a good idea." Wynonna agrees. "Where were you staying Waverly?"

"I was at the little bed and breakfast on 5th street." Waverly answers. "They put me up in the Blue Room."

"Alright I'll send the boys to get anything they can find of yours." Wynonna says stepping out into the hall to make the call.

"Waverly while you're here I'm going to ask you not to leave the building without at least one of my people. Be it Wynonna or someone else. We do not know what these people wanted with you. So, we do not know if they will attempt to take you again." Nicole says.

"My whole mission in coming here was to find Wynonna, now that I've found her, I'm not going to jeopardize the chance we have to get to know each other." Waverly replies.

"Good. Gus you are welcome to stay as long as you want as well. We don't have any full Angels on staff here so it may be nice for Waverly to have some familiarity while she's here." Nicole speaks to the older Angel.

"I do have to go back briefly and give my family an update and see my husband. I was planning on leaving in the morning and being back by nightfall." Gus explains.

"If you're so inclined, I'd like someone to go with you as well. Just to be extra precautious." Nicole offers.

Gus nods. "That makes sense to me. Maybe not a Demon though. I will be seeing my Father."

"We can send Doc with you, as he is neutral in the Immortal Realm." Nicole offers.

"How is he neutral?" Waverly asks puzzled.

"He is not a God, Demon, or an Angel. He is what we call a Blessed One. Because of his service to the Immortal Realm, he has been blessed with the gift of immortality. Not in the sense that you and I are but that he is frozen in time as he is physically. He does not age or get disease but is still susceptible to Mortal weapons as well as any other physical dangers." Nicole explains.

"What did he do to deserve that?" Waverly asks.

"I think that story is best told by the old gunslinger himself. I'm sure Wynonna can get him to tell you the tale." Nicole answers.

Wynonna steps back into the office. "Alright the boys are headed over to the bed and breakfast now. Do you want me to get Waverly all set up with a visitor’s card?"

Nicole studies Waverly and Gus in turn. "No, I think we can give them both Level 1 access to the building. Since they may be here for a while they should be allowed to move more freely through the building."

"What's Level 1 access?" Waverly questions.

"It gets you access to almost everything on the bottom three floors. Exceptions are the armory, labs, and any office that the door is shut. If you would like to use the training facilities in the basement levels, you'll have to speak to Champ. He's my head of security and training." Nicole explains.

"Thank you, Nicole. For all you've done and are doing for this family." Gus says as she stands.

Waverly and Nicole also stand. "No thanks necessary Gus. I'm just glad it's all worked out well so far." Nicole turns to Waverly. "We'll talk soon."

Waverly smiles and nods at Nicole. "I'm going to hold you to that."

Wynonna looks between Waverly and Nicole. "I'm going to be read into what's going on here, right?" She asks in a huff, crossing her arms.

Nicole and Waverly share a small smile before Nicole responds. "You will in time. I promise Nonna. In the meantime, I'm sure Waverly would like a shower and probably some decent food."

"Oh yes please!" Waverly says excitedly. "Preferably something that isn't crappy microwaved soup."

Wynonna doesn't look convinced but decides feeding her sister is more important at the moment. "Okay, we can stop by the kitchen before we head upstairs." She motions for Gus and Waverly to follow her out of the office.

Gus goes first with a small nod at Nicole, who returns the nod. Waverly maneuvers around the small coffee table and come to stand in front of Nicole. "I know you said no thanks are needed but thank you all the same." The shorter woman says, reaching up to give Nicole a kiss on the cheek, causing Nicole to blush. "See you soon." Waverly says as she makes her way out of the office.

Nicole stands rooted to her spot in front of the chair for a few minutes after they leave, pondering what happened in that last small encounter. She shakes her head. 'Don't go getting any ideas Nicole, that's Wynonna's sister'. She admonishes herself.

She eventually sits down to write up her report and send it off to Jeremy, for his file to be sent to the Police Department. She's just about finished up when there's a knock on her office door and she looks up to see Kate standing there.

"Hey, what can I do for you Kate?" She asks.

"I was just checking in on how your conversation went with Gus and Waverly." Kate explains.

"I'll tell you all about it in a minute. I just have to finish this and send it off to Jeremy." Nicole motions to her computer.

"I can keep myself entertained." Kate says sitting down and pulling out her phone.

A few minutes later Nicole sends her report off to Jeremy and locks her computer. She sits back in her chair and rubs her eyes.

"Long day?" Kate asks.

Nicole sighs. "Not really. As far as cases go this one was one of the faster ones. The extraction went off without a hitch. I mean you were there. I don't think it could have gone much better than it did."

"So, what's bothering you then?" Kate asks.

"I just feel like we're missing something, that I'm missing something." Nicole explains.

"What could we be missing?" Kate inquires.

"The motive for taking Waverly. Needing healing is pretty weak for a motive in a kidnapping. Especially of an Angel." Nicole voices her doubts.

"Well, we all know criminals don't think rationally. Maybe the Gardner's are really desperate? Are we planning on having anyone interview one of them to see what we can find out?" Kate suggests.

"Not at this time. The Police liaison was pretty adamant that we were to have no contact with the Gardner's themselves. There haven’t been any charges that have stuck yet so the PD is being extra cautious this time." Nicole explains.

"I can understand that." Kate agrees. "Okay so if they didn't take her for her healing powers, why else would they?"

"I'm beginning to think it has something to do with this connection between myself and Waverly. What do you know about it?" Nicole asks.

Kate sits up a little straighter on the couch. "I probably know a bit more than Gus does. I have actually met a pair like the two of you."

"I'm sorry, you've previously met a connected God and Angel?" Nicole asks incredulously.

"I have. Remember I'm even older than you but you could have met this pair yourself. They were around for Mortal's Crusades. As you know we were fighting our own war at the time. They were instrumental in bringing an end to our war." Kate explains.

"How did I not know this?" Nicole sits back in her chair stunned by the information.

Kate shrugs. "I don't think many were made aware of it."

"How do you know about it?" Nicole questions.

"I was part of the team tasked with protecting them during the war. They were strong in their own rights but together they were the strongest of us all. So of course, they were the prime target of every enemy we had at the time." Kate explains. "At the end of the conflict I was told to take the Angel to a protected place."

"Please don't take this the wrong way but how was a vampire on a team with a God and an Angel, especially back then?" Nicole asks.

Kate sighs. "It's a long-convoluted story but the short version is a few members of my Coven, and I, broke from our Master and chose to fight on the side of the Gods and Angels. When we offered our services to the head of the God's army, he gave us the task of protecting the pair." Kate answers Nicole's question.

Nicole takes in the information and asks another question. "You said you took the Angel to the protected place. Did you separate the pair?"

"We didn't no. We weren't successful in our mission of keeping them both alive. Unfortunately, we were only able to save our Angel." Kate answers. "Once the battle was over, we cleared out and took our Angel to an Angel sanctuary where they said they could help them. When their partner was killed, they suffered some kind of breakdown and were barely functioning. I don't know what happened to them once we handed them over to the Angels at the sanctuary."

"So, you're saying they could still be out there?" Nicole asks.

Kate shrugs. "It's possible but they were in pretty rough shape when I last saw them."

"Is there a reason you aren't saying their names and being vague with pronouns?" Nicole inquired.

"Before the battle, my group was able to spend some time getting to know the pair. We, in order to protect them, swore an oath to never reveal their names or give away any identifying information." Kate shrugs.

"I can understand that. You've already given me a lot more information than I expected. Are you able to tell me anything about their connection?" Nicole asks.

"It was intense to be honest. The way they would mirror each other’s movements and know where the other was at all times. It reminded me of a blood bond but stronger. Like they could see out of each other’s eyes." Kate stands up from the couch and begins to pace. "Frankly, it freaked me out at first but once I got to know them, speak with them, I began to understand it more. They were literally two halves to a whole. They worked in sync because they were in sync. I don't know a better way to describe it." Kate stops pacing and turns back to Nicole. "There is something else you should know." She pauses to collect herself.

"Go ahead when you're ready." Nicole offers.

Kate takes a calming breath. "They told us of these dreams they had. Of another bonded pair as they called it. Ones coming in the far future, that would be the most powerful Immortals of any lifetime. They said that this bonded pair would either bring an end to the Realms or ensure their survival for all times."

Nicole sits stunned at what her friend has told her. She looks at Kate's face trying to see any signs of deception. Seeing none she resolves herself to the fact her friend is telling her the truth as she knows it. "Is there anything else?"

Kate nods her head yes. "They described the pair. A God with hair the color of fire and eyes the color of umber, an Angel with silk like russet hair and eyes of Emerald. Does that sound like anyone we know?"

"That could describe me and Waverly or any other red head and brunette pairing." Nicole replies.

"It is possible it could be someone else but I'm willing to bet it's not." Kate says gently. "Nicole you yourself said this feels bigger than healing. What if someone figured out that you and her are the connected pair? Started the ball rolling?"

"Wait, you're saying that the Gardner's kidnapped Waverly because we're bonded?" Nicole asks incredulously. "How would they know that?!"

"I don't know. It's just a thought. There's a whole lot of angles to this one and that's just one we could investigate." Kate responds.

Nicole puts her head in her hands. "At the moment we're not investigating any of it. Waverly and I literally just found out about this. So, our first priority will be figuring out what all this bond entails."

"Okay Nic. Umm just one last thing." Kate waits for Nicole to look up at her. "The bonded pair I knew. They were also romantically bonded. Told us it was inevitable for a pair like them."

Nicole groans. "Are you telling me that I am destined to fall in love with Wynonna's baby sister that she has quite literally just met."

Kate laughs. "Well when you put it like that, I would wear the vest when you tell her."

Nicole smiles at her friend. "Maybe I'll just use you as a shield."

"We both know you are much more honorable than that." Kate volleys back.

Nicole playfully sighs. "Yeah, such a burden."

"Okay martyr, are you feeling if not slightly better at least more informed now?"

"I am. Thank you. If there's anything else you think I should know, you know where to find me." Nicole says.

"I do. I should get going though. I would like to make it home before it gets too late." Kate replies.

"Yeah, I need to get upstairs and make sure Rachel is actually cooking anyways." Nicole stands up and walks around her desk. She pulls Kate in for a quick hug. "Thank you for the assist today. I know how much you hate to leave your home lately."

Kate pulls back from the hug. "You know I always come running when you call."

"All the same, thank you." Nicole steps back. "You ever need anything at all you can call me too you know."

"I know. Thanks Nicole. I'll be seeing you." Kate says as she walks out of the office.

Nicole leans against the front of her desk and thinks on all that has gone on today. Pondering her future and Waverly's. She's brought out of her musing by the noise of footsteps coming down the hall.

Wynonna appears in the doorway. "Hey boss, just wanted to let you now our guests are squared away in their rooms. They both have their keycards for level one access as well."

"Thanks Wynonna. I thought you'd be with Waverly?" Nicole inquires.

"We did talk briefly but it's been a long few days for Waverly. I didn't think it would be fair to have this conversation tonight. She'll be more ready for the heavy stuff after some food and sleep." Wynonna explains.

"That's very big sister of you Nonna." Nicole compliments her friend.

Wynonna shrugs. "Yeah, well I didn't do very good being a little sister, maybe I can be better at being a big sister."

"Well, you're off to a good start. Maybe we can learn together, yeah? I still have a lot to learn about being a big sister myself." Nicole admits.

"I think you're doing a great job with the kid, Nicole. By all accounts she's happy, healthy, and is a great kid." Wynonna states.

Nicole nods. "Yeah, I see all of that too. She's been fighting me about finishing her education though."

"So, she doesn't want to go to college, what's wrong with that?" Wynonna asks.

"Oh no I don't expect her to go to college if she doesn't want to. I mean finishing her high school education. She may not want to work here forever and even I know that a high school diploma can help a human get a leg up out here." Nicole says. "With her mother dying and her being homeless for a bit she didn't finish her last year. I've looked into everything from online classes or setting her up at the local high school. She's adamant though that she doesn't need it." Nicole sighs.

"Well, if that's what she wants that's what she wants. Just let her know the option is there if she wants it. Maybe someday she will." Wynonna shrugs.

Nicole studies her friend for a moment. "And you say you're not going to be a good big sister."

Wynonna laughs. "There's a big difference between giving you advice and taking my own advice."

Nicole joins Wynonna in laughter. "You're not wrong. Alright, you staying here tonight or going back to your place?"

"I'm going to stay here for the time being. In case Waverly needs me." Wynonna states.

Nicole nods at her friend’s choice. "Alright well if you need anything you know where to find me."

"Same goes Nic, same goes." Wynonna says moving to leave the office.

"Oh, by the way there are some things we need to discuss eventually, but I think it's a conversation you, myself, Waverly, and Gus need to have together." Nicole quickly says.

"Is something wrong?" Wynonna pauses at the door.

Nicole shakes her head no. "No nothing’s wrong. Just something we all need to be on the same page about."

"Okay Nic. You know I trust you more than anybody else." Wynonna says. "Have a good night."

"You too." Nicole replies as Wynonna leaves her office.

Nicole busies herself with tidying up her office before she calls it a night and heads up to her apartment. When she gets off the elevator, she can already hear the music blasting from her apartment. She enters her apartment to find Rachel dancing around the kitchen singing into a large sp0on. Nicole leans against the doorjamb and watches her younger sister having fun.

Eventually Rachel see's Nicole and freezes. "How long have you been standing there?"

"Long enough to get about twenty years’ worth of blackmail material." Nicole teases.

Rachel's eyes get wide. "That's not fair!" She playfully whines.

"Haven't you figured out that sibling relationships aren't fair, by now?" Nicole teases some more.

"Just you wait. I'll find something." Rachel teases back.

"I'm sure you will." Nicole smiles at the younger woman. "Now do we actually have food cooking or were you too into your private concert?"

Rachel blushes. "We have food. It's staying warm in the oven. It's nothing special. Just some stuff for chicken fajitas."

"We had stuff for chicken fajitas up here?" Nicole asks puzzled.

Rachel shakes her head no and laughs. "We absolutely did not but Rosie told me earlier to ask her if I need anything. So, I called down and she said she'd get some groceries delivered and wrote down what I wanted."

"Oh, that's smart." Nicole compliments the young girl. "Let's eat."

Nicole grabs them both plates and utensils and sets them down on the kitchen table. "What would you like to drink Rach?"

"Do we have any of that iced tea left?" Rachel asks setting the grilled peppers down on the table.

Nicole looks into the fridge. "Yeah, we have like half a pitcher left. We also have lemonade. How's an Arnold Palmer sound?"

"Sure. Since you're in the fridge grab the tomatoes and guac out of there please." Rachel instructs her sister.

"Yes ma'am." Nicole playfully salutes causing Rachel to roll her eyes.

"You and Wynonna spend too much time together. You're starting to use her bits in your routine."

Nicole scoffs. "I am way funnier than Wynonna!"

"If you say so." Rachel teases. "Now let's get dinner eaten before it gets any colder."

"So bossy lately." Nicole says setting down the tomatoes and guacamole. "Anything else we need?"

Rachel looks down at the table. "We have chicken, tomatoes, lettuce, guac, tortillas, and peppers. What else would we need?"

Nicole thinks for a second and heads back to the refrigerator, she rummages around for a second before pulling a container out and showing it to Rachel. "Sour cream."

"Oh yeah good idea." Rachel replies. They sit down and start filling their tortillas. "So, how'd it go with Waverly and Gus earlier?" Rachel asks Nicole.

"It was enlightening, that's for sure." Nicole says before taking a bite of her fajita.

"How so?" Rachel asks also digging into her food.

Nicole takes a moment to chew and swallow her food as she decides how much to tell Rachel. "I promise in time to tell you all of it, but right now I only have bits and pieces of it myself. I'd rather have the whole picture, or as much as the picture as possible, before I bring anyone else in."

"I can understand that. Just don't keep things from me just to protect me." Rachel states. "I know you're stronger and at less risk than I am, but I can be pretty strong myself."

"I have zero doubts about that. You've already proven just how strong you are. Like I said as soon as I have more of the picture, I will tell you all about it." Nicole promises.

"Good." Rachel replies.

The sisters go about eating the rest of their dinner in companionable silence. Just enjoying the company and the good food. Nicole finishes first and starts the cleanup while Rachel finishes her food. Soon they have all the leftovers put away in the fridge and are doing the dishes. Nicole is washing and Rachel is drying. They make quick work of the small amount of dishes and are tidying up the kitchen.

"So what movie are we watching tonight?" Nicole asks Rachel.

"Have you seen Big Hero 6 yet?" Rachel asks Nicole.

"I have not." Nicole answers.

"Then that's what we're watching." Rachel says heading into the living room. She grabs the remote for the television and plops down on the couch.

Nicole follows her, sits down next to her, and watches Rachel navigate all the screens. "One day you will show me how to get to all these different streaming things on here."

"I can draw you a diagram if you'd like." Rachel offers playfully.

"I know you're teasing me but that would actually be nice." Nicole admits. "You know I don't usually get to spend any time watching tv."

"Well, it's a bit easier now that I've got all the passwords saved on here, so you literally just need to click on the streaming app you want, and it'll open for you." Rachel explains.

"So how do you know what app has what to watch?" Nicole asks.

"You can either look it up online or just start scrolling through them all. Most Disney stuff is on the Disney app. Like Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar movies. Some are missing though. The others are kind of all over the place as far as what they have." Rachel finally finds their movie and clicks on it. "Now shhh. We're starting."

Nicole smiles at her sister and settles in to watch the movie. They're totally engrossed in the movie so when Nicole's phone goes off, they both jump. Nicole goes to answer it as Rachel pauses the movie.

"Hey Stephanie, what's up?" Nicole answers the phone.

"So sorry to bother you this late Nicole but I think you need to come down to the lobby." Stephanie replies.

"What's going on?" Nicole asks.

"Mercedes Gardner just walked in."

Chapter Text

Nicole immediately jumps up from the couch. "Has she said anything?

"Just that she believes it's important that she speaks with you tonight." Stephanie replies.

"Is she alone?" Nicole asks.

"She came into the lobby alone, but I can't see if anyone is waiting for her outside." Stephanie reports.

"Okay alert Champ to have a security team on standby. Put the building on a soft lockdown. All checkpoints turned on. No unnecessary movement in the building." Nicole orders.

"Alerts going out now. Its late enough only night shift is in the building so we don't have to worry about a lot of people moving about." Stephanie says while quickly typing the commands into the alert system.

Nicole hears the chimes go out to throughout the building on the intercom system. "I'll be down in a minute." Nicole says hanging up on Stephanie and quickly dialing again. "Wynonna, Mercedes Gardner is down in the lobby."

"What?! Is she alone?" Wynonna responds.

"She appears to be but we're not taking any chances. Grab Gus and Waverly and meet me at the elevator on your floor."

"Give me two minutes and we'll be there." Wynonna hangs up and goes to do as Nicole commands.

"Rachel stay here. I'm sending Wynonna up here with Gus and Waverly. Bring them inside and keep them calm please." Nicole tells Rachel.

"You got it Nicole. Be careful please." Rachel says giving Nicole a quick hug.

"Promise." Nicole says hugging the younger woman back. "The elevator we used when the parents came here, that's your escape route if anything goes wrong. The code is 92320."

"That's the day we met." Rachel observes.

"It is. I have to change the code periodically and that's a number I'll never forget." Nicole spares a smile at her sister as she puts her shoes on and grabs her back up weapon out of the wall safe in the living room. She clips the holster to her pants and walks to the door. "Stay here until you get the all clear or the signal to evacuate."

"What's the signal?" Rachel asks.

"The lights will flicker three times and the fire alarm will start." Nicole explains opening the door and walking quickly to the elevator. She's soon headed down to the third level and is grateful to see Wynonna did as she asked, quickly. "Alright get on. We're taking you two to my apartment. It's the safest place in the building."

The other three women step onto the elevator and Nicole wastes no time hitting the button for the top floor. They ascend quickly and the doors open. Rachel is standing outside Nicole's door waiting. "Gus and Waverly go with Rachel. She's been briefed on the situation and knows what to do. Listen to her please."

"Okay Nicole, what's going on?" Waverly ask exasperated from having been woken up and bustled out of her room unceremoniously.

"We may have a situation in the lobby. We need to make sure you two are safe so we can go take care of it." Nicole vaguely answers. "I promise we will explain after, but we really do need to go now."

Gus pulls Waverly off the elevator and towards Nicole's door. "I got her. You two go do what you need to do and come back and explain."

"Thank you, Gus." Nicole says before hitting the button to descend to the lobby floor. Nicole leans against the wall briefly and looks to Wynonna. "You ready?"

Wynonna cracks her knuckles. "Am I ready to find out why these people decided to kidnap my sister? Hell, yeah I'm ready."

"Let me do the talking. By all accounts she's here alone." Nicole reminds Wynonna.

"Then why the pony show about keeping Waverly safe?"

"You know I don't leave anything to chance. If she's a diversion we're not going to be blindsided." Nicole explains.

"Have I ever told you I appreciate how thorough you are?"

"I do believe you normally complain about how thorough I am." Nicole replies and braces as the elevator chimes that they've made it to the bottom floor. They exit the elevator and make haste through the office. They scan both their key cards at each door to show their movements through the lockdown protocol. Once they're at the door to the lobby Nicole turns to Wynonna. "I know you're armed, I am as well, no guns unless it goes squirrelly."

"Understood. You do the talking; I'll be your backup. Keep the steel in my holster." Wynonna says matter of factly.

"Good." Nicole opens the door and steps out into the lobby. She scans the room to see Stephanie sitting behind the desk, acting nonchalant while keeping a subtle eye on the red head sitting in one of the chairs to the left of the desk. Nicole strides over to the woman. She motions for Wynonna to stop at the desk.

"Good evening ma'am. I am Nicole, I hear you wish to speak with me."

The woman stands up and offers her hand. "I do. I am Mercedes Gardner, and you were on my property earlier today."

Nicole takes her hand and is surprised to find a firm grip. "I was. I am definitely interested in hearing how you are aware of that though."

"The liaison at the Police Department told me." Mercedes divulges.

"Well, I guess I'll be speaking with them about that. What is it you want from me tonight Ms. Gardner?"

"It's not what I want from you, it's what I'm going to give you." Mercedes responds.

"Oh, and what is that?" Nicole asks.

"The person who gave my brother Waverly Gibson's name as an Angel strong enough to heal him."

Nicole studies Mercedes. "And why would you give me that name?"

"Because although my brother isn't the best person in the world, he is still my baby brother. He's scared and in a bad place and he did a bad thing. I'm hoping by giving you this person's name and the promise my brother will never do anything like this again, you'll leave him be." Mercedes explains.

Nicole turns to look to Wynonna, who she knows has been listening. Wynonna gives the smallest of nods giving Nicole consent to make the deal. Nicole turns back to Mercedes. "Alright, you provide us with accurate information on who pulled your brother's strings, and we'll cease to investigate him for this. I cannot and will not promise for any future acts of his."

Mercedes ponders Nicole's words for a moment. "I guess that's all I can ask." She reaches behind her and grabs her rather large purse from the chair. She opens it and pulls out a manila folder and hands it to Nicole. "This is the name and all the information my brother's team had on their informant."

Nicole opens the folder and looks inside. She raises an eyebrow at the name on the paper but doesn't react otherwise. She looks back up to Mercedes. "Thank you for this information. Is there any other business we need to do tonight?"

"No Nicole, that's all I am here for. You have a good night." With that Mercedes turns and leaves through the lobby doors.

Nicole stays where she is and watches as Mercedes get into the back seat of a black SUV that swiftly takes off from the curb. Feeling a presence coming up beside her she sees Wynonna stand next to her in her peripheral.

"Are you going to share the name with me?" Wynonna asks quietly.
Nicole opens the folder for Wynonna to see the top page. Wynonna peaks over for a look. Wynonna sucks in a breath. "Okay, so what do we do from here?"

"Nothing tonight." Nicole turns to the Stephanie at the desk. "Signal the all clear on the lockdown Stephanie."

"You got it Nicole." Stephanie enters the code to signal the all clear.

"Alright let's go back upstairs and try and get everyone to bed." Nicole says to Wynonna.

"You really think we'll be able to get them to go back to bed now?" Wynonna asks, following Nicole back into and through the office towards the elevator.

Nicole stops and looks at Wynonna. "I hope so. If this name is correct, we've got a lot of work to do and a decent amount of long days ahead of us."

"Do you think this is legitimately the name of Tucker's informant?"

"I don't think Mercedes is willing to risk it if it's not." Nicole starts moving towards the elevator again.

"You're probably right." Wynonna follows.

They ride up to the top floor in silence. When the doors open Nicole steps off first and is greeted by an annoyed looking Waverly.

"Are you always going to hide me away when something could be dangerous?" Waverly scolds the two older women.

Nicole steps up to the younger woman. "Waverly, we did not know if this was a threat or not. We brought you up here because Mercedes Gardner was in the lobby. We did not know what her motive was for coming here. We do now. So, if we could please go back into my apartment, I promise we will explain what happened."

Waverly studies Nicole for a moment and then looks to Wynonna. "I don't like being kept in the dark or hidden like some damsel in distress."

"Noted Waverly, but please understand at this point all we knew was that Mercedes Gardner was in the lobby and what we knew at the time was that she may have been in on your kidnapping. So, we took the extra precaution." Wynonna calmly explains to the younger woman.

Waverly studies her for another moment before relaxing her shoulders. "Fine, I get it, but next time something like this happens I want to be told why I am being hidden away."

"You have my word Waverly." Nicole states.

Waverly looks to Nicole. "I guess that will have to do. So, what did she want?"

"Let's all go inside, and we'll explain." Nicole guides Waverly back through the apartment door. "We can sit in the living room for this."

The three women step into the living room. Nicole goes to the wall safe first and puts her weapon away. "Wynonna you want to store yours here for the time being?" She offers.

"Sure." Wynonna hands over her gun and holster to Nicole, who secures them in the safe.

Nicole turns to see the rest of the women have occupied the couch and loveseat, so she opts for the lounge chair. "So, I'm sure there are a lot of questions about everything that went down today. I would like to start off with filling Wynonna and Rachel in on what Gus told me and Waverly this evening if that's okay with everyone."

Gus and Waverly converse quietly amongst themselves for a moment. "I think that's a good idea. Is there anyone else we would want filled in? I really don't want to have to keep repeating everything." Waverly says.

Nicole thinks for a moment and shakes her head no. "At the moment, the people I trust the most with this information are in this room. Kate is actually already aware of the situation as she gave me more information after you three came upstairs." Nicole points to Gus, Waverly, and Wynonna in turn.

Wynonna puts up her hands. "Okay I knew you all were being weird earlier. What's going on?"

Gus clears her throat. "It's kind of a long-convoluted story but the basics are Nicole and Waverly are connected in a way few Gods and Angels have been before."

Wynonna looks to Nicole. "What does that mean?"

"It means that for only the sixth time, that we know of, Waverly and I have been called to each other for some reason." Nicole tries to answer.

Wynonna puts her hands on her face. "That really doesn't explain anything." She rubs her face for a moment before crossing her arms and looking to Nicole. "Why you two? Why now?"

"I think I can answer the first one." Gus says. "Waverly is the most powerful Angel born in the last millennium and it appears Nicole is the most powerful God of this age."

Wynonna looks between Nicole and Waverly. "So that means Haughtstuff has been hiding things from me. Which we will talk about later." Wynonna points at Nicole.

Nicole nods her head solemnly. "We will. I need you to understand though it wasn't for any reason that had to do with you. No one besides my parents and my mentor, up until the last few hours, knew about my extra gift."

"I can understand keeping secrets Nicole. Gods know I have enough of them, but I hope you know you can trust me." Wynonna replies.

"I do with my life and the lives of the people I hold most dear Nonna. Don't you ever question that." Nicole says with conviction.

Wynonna can see the earnestness in Nicole's eyes. "Okay. Now onto my second question. Why now?"

"We don't really know to be honest." Waverly interjects. "We've done a bit of research on the last pair that was connected but it's all very vague. We do know they were paired during the Mortals Crusades and helped bring an end to the Immortal War that was going on at that time."

Nicole clears her throat. "I may have a bit more information on that. Kate stopped by my office before she left for her home. She was part of a team of vampires tasked with keeping the bonded pair safe. She spent a lot of time with them but mostly the Angel. Unfortunately, the God was killed in battle and the Angel was taken to a sanctuary. Gus, do you think you could try and find them? See if they're able to give us any insights into this?"

"I don't know Nicole. Those sanctuaries don't usually allow visitors or inquiries into their patients." Gus answers honestly. "I can try though."

"That will have to do thank you Gus." Nicole says.

"So, what more do you know about the previous pair?" Waverly asks.

Nicole takes a moment to order her thoughts. "According to Kate, their bond was almost indescribable. She called them two halves to one whole, and it was as if they could see through each other’s eyes."

"Well, that will come in handy when I want to see the high shelves." Waverly jokes causing the rest of the women to laugh.

"There's more." Nicole starts again when the laughter has died down. "They had had dreams of another bonded pair to come. They described one as a red head with brown eyes and the other as a brunette with green eyes." Nicole shrugs. "Kate seems to think they are describing me and you, but I'm not sold on that yet."

"Why not?" Rachel asks reminding everyone she is in the room.

"Mainly because those were the only descriptions they gave. That could be any red head and brunette pair." Nicole answers.

"It's us Nicole. I can feel it and I know you do too." Waverly says with conviction. "I can also feel that you're holding something back. What is it?"

Nicole braces herself and looks Waverly in the eyes. She feels her electricity try and come forth, but she has control of it this time. "How do you know I can feel it?"

"About an hour ago, I'm guessing when Mercedes showed up downstairs, I suddenly could feel your emotions. They are rather intense to be honest. Can you not feel mine?" Waverly asks.

Nicole goes to shake her head but before she can she feels a smile come to her face. It's not much but she can feel something coming from the younger woman. "You're happy." Nicole looks back at Waverly. "For the first time in your life you're not searching for something and you're happy about it."

Waverly smiles brightly at Nicole. "See I knew you would feel it if you stopped thinking too hard for a moment."

"Okay okay time out." Wynonna stands up and paces the floor between the couches and chairs. "So, what now? I mean we know you two are destined to be connected somehow but I am still not understanding why?!"

"Nonna sit down. I was getting to that part." Nicole grabs Wynonna's arm and stops her pacing. Wynonna looks down to Nicole and nods her head before sitting back down in her chair. "Each bonded pair in the past has come at a time of need in the Immortal realm. According to the visions of the last bonded pair Waverly and I are destined to either destroy the Realms or ensure their existence for all time."

Nicole watches the other four women sit back in their seats and take in the information they had just heard. Everyone is silent for a few minutes. Nicole takes that time to see if she can feel anymore from Waverly. She's feeling the confusion from the younger woman as well as something she can't pinpoint just yet, but she can tell it's something about her.

"Do we umm do we know when this supposed destiny is supposed to happen?" Wynonna's question takes everyone out of their own thoughts.

"As of right now? No, we do not. I was hoping we could maybe get some more information from the previous bonded Angel. Barring that we probably have a lot of research to do." Nicole admits.

"Well, I've always been pretty good at research." Waverly says.

"Guess you're the smart sister then. I detest research. I'd rather knock some skulls together." Wynonna admits.

"Well, we will probably have need for both of your specialties eventually." Nicole kids the sisters. "There is something else, but I would like Waverly to hear it first. We can go into the other room if you're comfortable with that Waverly."

Waverly stands up. "Sure. Lead the way."

Nicole stands up and heads out of the living room and down the hall towards her bedroom. She opens the door and allows Waverly to enter first. "Sorry it's the only room I could think of that had a door and would offers some privacy."

"It's okay Nicole, I have a feeling I would have seen this room sooner or later anyways." Waverly sits on the edge of the bed.

"Why would you say that?" Nicole chooses to stand at the foot of the bed.

"Because our bond is working faster than you think. You're just closing yourself off from receiving it right now but you're projecting a lot of stuff through it." Waverly admits.

"You know what Kate told me earlier." Nicole sighs.

Waverly nods her head yes. "I do."

"It doesn't freak you out?" Nicole asks softly.

"I mean a little bit but not enough to take it out on you or anything. I'm more annoyed that I don't get a choice in the matter." Waverly responds.

"You always have a choice Waverly. If this is not something you want, nothing happens, ever." Nicole kneels down in front of Waverly. "The most important thing to me right now is that you are safe and happy. That you get time to get to know Wynonna and all her craziness. That you get to learn about the sister you never got to meet. Mainly I just want you to do and have what you want."

Waverly looks at Nicole with tears in her eyes. "That's probably the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me." She grabs the red heads hands and holds them in her lap. "I'm not afraid of our connection Nicole. I'm not afraid of what's to come. I am afraid of how Wynonna will take it though. We just found each other. I don't want her thinking this makes her second to anyone."

Nicole squeezes Waverly's hands. "I agree. She was my first thought as well when Kate told me. We need to make sure she knows this is not something that will interfere with our connections to her."

"Any suggestion?" Waverly laughs out her question.

Nicole smiles. "At the moment not really. I guess we just make sure we make her a priority as well. She's been hoping for family again for a long time. She won't admit it out loud, but I can tell. When Gus told her about you, she had a second chance at being a sister again. She still blames herself for not being there to help her father and Willa."

"I hope I can be the sister she wants me to be." Waverly says quietly.

"Oh, Waverly she doesn't want you to be anything other than who you are. She's more scared she's going to screw it up." Nicole explains.

"That's reassuring because that's how I feel too." Waverly looks down at Nicole. "Can we try something?"

"Whatever you want Waverly." Nicole agrees immediately.

Waverly leans down as she pulls Nicole up and see's Nicole's eyes widen as she figures out what's about to happen. Waverly closes her eyes just as she feels Nicole's lips touch hers. It's a short gentle kiss but Waverly can feel the surge of electricity on Nicole as she pulls back. Nicole's eyes stay closed for another second before she opens them and looks right into Waverly's eyes.

"Did you feel that too?" Waverly asks.

Nicole nods yes, not trusting her words.

Waverly laughs gently at Nicole. "I think I'd like to do that again." She pulls Nicole in again and feels the surge again. This time the kiss lasts a little longer but stays gentle. They hear a knock on the door and jump apart quickly.

"Hey, are you two going to be much longer? Some of us are interested in going to sleep soon." Wynonna says through the closed door.

"We'll be right out." Nicole's voice breaks as she calls to Wynonna.

They hear Wynonna's footsteps lead back to the living room. They look at each other and break out in laughter. "She's got great timing." Waverly jokes and rolls her eyes.

Nicole laughs again. "Let's not keep them waiting any longer." She stands and pulls Waverly up with her. "Any time you want to do that again just let me know." She winks at the smaller woman.

"I can for sure do that." Waverly teases back.

The leave the bedroom hand in hand but let go just before entering the living room. They sit back down in their previous spots.

"Okay can we get on with this?" Wynonna asks. "I think we've all had a long day and need some sleep."

"You're not wrong." Nicole agrees with Wynonna. "Okay so Kate told me something else about the bonded pair she knew. Apparently, their connection was so strong they umm also formed a romantic bond." Nicole finishes quietly.

Wynonna puts her hands up. "Wait a minute. Are you trying to tell us that you and Waverly are destined to fall in love?"

"I wouldn't put it exactly like that but apparently with a bond so strong it's inevitable that other feelings will become involved." Nicole tries to explain.

Wynonna stands up again. "That's simply perfect. I finally have family again and it comes with terms and conditions. Fucking perfect." Wynonna quickly makes her way out of the apartment and towards the elevator.

Nicole rushes after her. "Nonna wait! It's not like that."

Wynonna quickly turns around. "How is it then Nicole? Because from where I'm sitting it sounds like my little sister is here more for you than for me."

"She's here because and for you Wynonna. We had no idea this was going to happen, and we are both in agreement that this will not interfere with our relationships with you." Nicole pleads with the brunette.

The elevator dings and Wynonna steps onto it quickly pushing the button for the lobby. "It already has Nicole. It already has."

The doors close and Nicole is left staring at the numbers on the wall slowly counting down to the lobby floor. She feels a presence come up behind her.

"What can I do Nicole?" Rachel asks rubbing Nicole's back.

"Can you call down and make sure we have someone keep eyes on her. We don't want her getting herself into a situation she can't get out of." Nicole sighs.

"For sure." Rachel says pulling out her phone and dialing the front desk. "Hey Stephanie, you're going to have hurricane Wynonna coming out of the elevator any second can you send a tail after her please. Discretely. She's pretty upset, and we don't want to make it worse." She hears the affirmative from the receptionist. "Thank you." She hangs up and turns Nicole around. "Okay why don't we get you back inside." She pulls Nicole back into the apartment.

Waverly and Gus are still sitting on the couch. Gus holding a crying Waverly. Nicole sits on the coffee table in front of them and puts her hand on Waverly's knee. "I'm so sorry Waverly."

Waverly pulls her head off Gus's shoulder. "It's not your fault Nicole, it's not even Wynonna's fault."

"She'll come around with time. We just have to keep proving to her that she still has a best friend and a sister, no matter what's going on between us." Nicole reassures the younger woman.

Waverly nods. "I think I'd like to go to bed."

"Of course. I can accompany you down to the apartments if you so wish." Nicole offers.

"I think I'd like that." Waverly smiles through her tears.

"Alright then. It's decided." Nicole stands up and offers her hands to Waverly to help her up. Once she's standing, she does the same for Gus. "You've been awfully quiet on this topic."

"I had a feeling something like this would occur. It appears the previous bonded pairs all were quite close and everything I've seen points towards romantic relationships as well." Gus explains.

Waverly sighs. "Maybe next time share that information."

"Sure, the next time I happen to be the aunt of the most powerful Angel who is destined to be with the most powerful God, I'll be sure to let them know." Gus deadpans causing the other three women to laugh.

"You know what I meant. Just don't withhold important information." Waverly says.

"I do. I can promise to try not to keep anything from you in the future." Gus acquiesces.

"Thank you. Now goodnight Rachel I'm sure we'll be seeing lots of each other soon." Waverly says waving at the younger woman still seated in one of the chairs.

"Goodnight Waverly, Goodnight Gus." Rachel says standing up. "Nicole, I'm going to head over to my place and go to bed."

Nicole hugs the younger woman. "Goodnight Rach, see you in the morning." She releases her sister.

Rachel proceeds to leave Nicole's apartment and enter her own. Nicole, Gus, and Waverly head towards the elevator. Nicole pushes the button to call it back to the top floor and they wait in companionable silence. Soon the doors open and all three step inside. Nicole pushes the button for the third floor. As the doors close Nicole feels Waverly's hand slide into hers.

Gus notices but decides to stay silent on it and just leans against the wall of the elevator. "So how long do you think Wynonna will need to blow off steam before she comes back?" She asks Nicole.

"More than likely she hasn't even left the block. There's a bar two buildings down and across the street that is usually her go to when she's here. They cater to Immortals and keep the tourists out as best they can." Nicole answers.

Gus nods her head at the answer. "I assume you have someone with her?"

"Yeah, Rachel asked Stephanie to put a discrete tail on her but I'm willing to bet she just sent Doc to be with her. He's the best at keeping her levelheaded." Nicole answers again.

The elevator stops and dings as the door opens. The three women get off the elevator, Nicole and Waverly still holding hands. They walk down the hall until Gus stops at a door on the right hands side. "This is me." She says waving her card over the reader and opening the door as it clicks. "You two have a good night."

"You too Gus." Waverly says as she pulls Nicole further down the hallway. She finally stops about 5 doors further down and puts her card against the reader. She opens the door and pulls Nicole in with her. She turns around and Nicole can see an almost panicked look on the younger woman's face.

"Hey Waves, it's okay." Nicole gently cups Waverly's face with her hands. "Whatever is bothering you just tell me."

"I umm earlier when you offered to come down here with us, I umm maybe had some thoughts that I hope you didn't hear. Well now that we're down here I'm not sure I'm ready for that." Waverly spits out quickly.

Nicole takes a minute to decipher what the small woman just said. "Oh Waverly, I didn't offer to come down here for anything other than to spend a few more minutes with you. I fully plan on going back upstairs to my apartment and letting you sleep. That's all, nothing else."

"What if I want you to stay?" Waverly asks. Nicole raises an eyebrow. "Not for that but maybe we can talk a bit more and possibly cuddle?" She finishes with a shrug.

Nicole smiles down at the shorter woman. "I think that could be arranged. What would you like to talk about?"

"I don't know. Everything? Anything?" Waverly waves her hands around in the air. "I just want to know you."

Nicole grabs Waverly's moving hands and holds them between her own. "You can ask me any questions you'd like. I promise to answer truthfully, but first why don't we get comfortable. Do you want anything to eat or drink?"

Waverly thinks on it for a moment. "I could murder a pint of ice cream to be honest."

Nicole smiles. "I know just where to get some. I'll be right back." Nicole leaves Waverly's room and true to her words is back in less than two minutes.

Whilst she was gone Waverly had removed her slippers and had sat on the bed, upright against the headboard. She smiles at Nicole as the taller woman waves the carton of ice cream and the two spoons she has procured. "Where did you get that so quickly?"

"There is a fully stocked kitchen on this floor, and I know Rosita always keeps a couple pints of ice cream on hand. I'll just replace it on the next grocery trip." Nicole says handing the carton over. "I guessed on which flavor you'd like though."

Waverly reads the carton and smiles. "Chocolate chip cookie dough, it's like you already know me, Nicole Haught."

Nicole blushes. "It was either that or plain vanilla."

"Well then you definitely made the right choice. Now come on and sit. I promise I won't bite." Waverly pats the bed next to her.

Nicole can't contain her blush yet again but does as instructed. She situates herself mirroring Waverly, sitting against the headboard. "So, what would you like to know?"

Waverly opens the container of ice cream and offers Nicole the first bite. "Why don't we start with all the cheesy first date type stuff?"

"Are you considering this our first date?" Nicole asks before taking the ice cream off her spoon. "Because I can do much better than this on a first date."

"I'm sure you can. I didn't mean it as this was our first date. I just meant let's get those types of questions out of the way." Waverly explains.

"Okay that's fair. Why don't we take turns asking a question but if you ask the question you also have to answer it." Nicole suggests.

"Deal." They shake hands on it. "My first question still stands. What's your favorite color?" Waverly re asks.

"Blue but not like ocean blue, more like the soft blue of the sky in the morning after a night of rain." Nicole answers.

Waverly smiles at her. "You're a romantic, aren't you?"

"I may resemble that remark." Nicole grins at Waverly showing off her dimples. "Now it's your turn to answer your question." She nudges the younger woman.

"Green, but not like grass green, like the green of my uncle’s tomatoes just before they ripen. It's that moment of unbridled potential. " Waverly answers.

"Now who's the romantic." Nicole teases. "Okay next question, what's your favorite memory?"

Waverly thinks for a moment. "Well, I have a decent amount of good memories but I have to say my favorite thus far would be the first time I successfully healed someone. That rush of being able to help was the best."

Nicole studies Waverly for a second. "You really are extraordinary Waves."

Waverly ducks her head and busies herself with grabbing another spoonful of ice cream.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable." Nicole quickly apologizes.

"Oh, you didn't make me uncomfortable. It's just no one has ever call me extraordinary before. Powerful, pretty, strong, but never extraordinary." Waverly admits.

"Well then the people in your life are blind." Nicole comments. "From where I'm sitting, you're all those things but mostly extraordinary. The fact that helping someone else is your favorite memory just proves that." Nicole scoops up a bite of ice cream.

"Thank you. That means a lot." Waverly smiles at Nicole. "Now your turn to answer your question."

"I also have a lot of good memories, but my favorite memory will always be meeting Rachel and being able to bring her home. I may not like the circumstances of how she is my sister but those are not her fault. She's my sister and I love her." Nicole says.

"Aww that's so sweet." Waverly rubs Nicole's arm. "I completely get what you mean though. I may not be okay with what my family did to Wynonna and Willa or even their father, but I am forever grateful to be in the position I am now to at least get to know Wynonna."

"She'll come around. I promise. She's just as excited to get to know you as you are her. She's just not sure how to react to this thing between us yet, but she'll get there. She always does." Nicole reassures Waverly.

"Alright this next question is very important." Nicole leans in conspiratorially. "Do you go sock sock shoe or sock shoe sock shoe?"

Waverly bursts out in laughter. Nicole joins her. Once they've settled down Waverly wipes the tears from her eyes. "Is that a serious question?"

"Sure, why not." Nicole shrugs and grins.

"Well as I am not a psychopath, I go sock sock shoe shoe." Waverly says.

Nicole pretends to be offended. "So, I'm a psychopath then?"

"Yes, yes you are." Waverly doesn't budge. "Sorry but thems the rules."

"Oh, those are fighting words." Nicole says as she dabs some ice cream on Waverly's nose.

"Oh, that's cold!" Waverly exclaims as she scoops out some ice cream and smothers Nicole's chin.

Nicole pulls back from Waverly's reach. "Wow that is really cold." She goes to wipe her face off but is stopped by Waverly who leans in and licks the ice cream off of Nicole. Nicole swallows hard as Waverly pulls back and winks at her.

"So do you really go sock shoe sock shoe?" Waverly asks as if she didn't just set a fire under Nicole's skin.

"Umm, no?" Nicole stammers out.

"You don't sound sure about that." Waverly teases.

"Right now, I'm not sure of anything." Nicole admits.

"Oh no did I break you?" Waverly continues with the teasing.

"Maybe? I don't know. Nicole's not here right now please leave a message." Nicole teases back.

Waverly pushes Nicole over. "You are one giant goofball, but I like that."

Nicole sits back up. "Well, I'm glad I can be of service and to answer your question of my own question, no I do not go sock shoe sock shoe. Wynonna does though."

"Okay so maybe it's not a trait of a psychopath, it is weird though." Waverly concedes.

"I'll let you tell her that." Nicole counters.

"I will do no such thing." Waverly laughs. "I want her to actually like me you know."

"She already does Waverly. She's already super protective of you if you haven't noticed." Nicole reminds Waverly.

"Oh, I noticed. Both of you seem to have white knight syndrome as far as I'm concerned." Waverly says.

"White knight syndrome? Care to explain that one to me?" Nicole takes another bite of the ice cream.

"Well, I think this evening is a good example. Soon as there was even a remote threat you two locked me up in a tower and rode off to protect me." Waverly answers.

"I'd hardly call my apartment a tower." Nicole says.

Waverly sighs. "You know what I mean Nicole. You hid me away at the first sign of danger. You cannot do that. I am as in this as you are, and we need to be together for whatever comes."

Nicole takes the carton of ice cream and the spoon from Waverly and sets them on the bedside table. She then gently pulls Waverly down with her until they are laying side by side on the bed, facing each other.

"I get what you're saying Waverly. I swear I do. I promise to work on it, but my first instinct will always be to protect first. I've done the same with Wynonna and everyone who works here." Nicole admits.

Waverly looks Nicole right in the eyes and shudders at the sensation she feels. "I get that Nicole I really do but you don't have to do that. You're not alone in all of this. Wynonna, your crew, Rachel, me we all want to be right next to you in this. Not behind you as you shield us." Waverly says quietly. "I think it would break me if something happened to you and I've known you less than a day."

"It would break me too Waverly." Nicole whispers back. "I am feeling more and more of this connection and I can see what you mean about how much there is." Nicole takes Waverly's hand and holds it to her heart. "It's like our hearts beat as one now."

Waverly feels Nicole's heart and true to her word it's beating in sync with her own. "For what it's worth Nicole, I'm glad it's you here with me."

"I wouldn't be anywhere else Waves. I don't think I could be." Nicole admits.

Waverly smiles at Nicole and leans in to give her a chaste kiss on the lips. "Would it be presumptuous of me to ask you to stay here tonight?" She asks as she pulls away.

Nicole opens her eyes and smiles at Waverly. "Not presumptuous at all. I do need something else to sleep in though." She points down at her blue jeans.

"Well, nothing I have will fit you, so I guess you have two choices." Waverly smiles coyly.

"And what are my two choices?" Nicole asks with a smile.

"Go upstairs and gather some pajamas or just take your jeans off." Waverly answers.

Nicole blushes at the implication. "As enticing as the second option sounds, I can also raid the closet down here for a pair of sweatpants."

Waverly pouts. "I guess that it probably the safest option."

Nicole laughs and gives Waverly a kiss on the cheek. "I'll be right back." She grabs the ice cream to put it back in the freezer, the spoons to put in the dishwasher, and rushes out the door.

Waverly lays back in the bed and sighs, then quickly jumps up and gets the bed ready. Nicole true to her word is back within minutes and finds Waverly under the covers waiting for her. She smiles down at the smaller woman and climbs onto her side of the bed. As soon as she's under the covers Waverly slides over and lays her head on Nicole's chest, listening to her heart. Nicole puts her arm around Waverly and kisses her head. "I could get used to this."

"Me too." Waverly agrees. "Now it's almost midnight, maybe we should get some sleep."

"Your wish is my command." Nicole says as she turns out the light.

A few hours later Nicole is woken up by the pinging of her phone that she had set on the nightstand. She looks to see who's calling and quickly answers it.

"Hey, Wynonna, are you alright?"

"Meet me in the training room in ten minutes." Wynonna responds.

"What? Why?" Nicole asks.

"Because I know you didn't spend the night in your own apartment, and I have some aggression to burn." Wynonna growls into the phone.

Nicole sighs and looks down at the still sleeping Waverly. "Okay Wynonna. I'll meet you in the training room."

"Don't be late." Wynonna hangs up.

Nicole gets out of bed as silently as she can, hoping Waverly stays asleep. She lucks out and doesn't wake Waverly up. She changes back into her blue jeans and goes to leave before she realizes she should leave a message for Waverly, so she doesn't worry. Thinking quickly, she makes another rose and leaves it on the pillow next to Waverly. She takes another moment to watch the other woman sleep, then squares her shoulders, and leaves the room to whatever fate Wynonna has decided for her.

Chapter Text

Nicole watches as the numbers on the elevator signal her descent to the training floor. Her mind split between Waverly still in bed upstairs and what kind of mood she'll find Wynonna in. She is broken from her musing as the elevator chimes her arrival. Taking a deep steadying breath, she exits the elevator and quickly spots Wynonna in the back of the room near where they have their sparring ring set up.

She makes her way over to the other woman and although Wynonna must be aware of her arrival, Nicole has to clear her throat to get the brunette to look at her. "So, I'm here." She says holding her hands out to her sides in a placating manner.

"Get changed." Wynonna says gruffly taking a swing at the heavy bag hanging from the ceiling.

Nicole nods her head even though Wynonna's back is turned. "I'll be right out." She says as she turns and walks to the locker room. She heads to her locker and removes her work out gear that she keeps stowed down here. Changing quickly, she shoves her t-shirt and jeans back into the locker and grabs her hand wraps before heading back out into the main room.

Wynonna has moved onto the speed bag and is keeping a good rhythm. Nicole steps into Wynonna's peripheral vision. "You've gotten a lot faster."

Wynonna grunts in acknowledgement but doesn't say anything. Nicole nods her head again. 'So that's how it's going to be.' She thinks to herself. She proceeds to wrap her hands and grab the lightweight boxing gloves Wynonna has left for her on one of the benches. She starts her warmup on the heavy bag, alternating jabs and crosses. She keeps her feet moving to simulate moving around a ring. Once she's built up the start of a sweat, she moves to the other speed bag near Wynonna and works on her own speed.

Wynonna gives her a few more minutes to warm up before she moves to the ring. "Come on Haught. You and I have some things to work out."

Nicole sighs. "I don't suppose we could just sit down over some coffee and talk it out?"

"Since when do we do that?" Wynonna arches an eyebrow at Nicole.

"Fair enough." Nicole concedes and ducks under the ropes and into the sparring ring. "So, this is your session, what are your rules?"

"No below the belt, face is fair game, no kicks, and no takedowns, and don't use any of that electricity bullshit on me." Wynonna replies putting her mouth guard in.

"Got it." Nicole does the same with her mouth guard and reaches out to bump her gloves to Wynonna's.

As soon as their gloves separate Wynonna comes at her and it's all Nicole can do to block the punch and move out of striking distance. Wynonna doesn't give her much reprieve and immediately comes at her again, leaving herself open for a jab to the ribs. Nicole swings and connects, causing Wynonna to back off a bit.

"Just because you're mad at me doesn't mean you should forget your training Nonna." Nicole chides.

"You think this is about me being mad at you?" Wynonna says as she comes in for the attack again. This time leaving Nicole no space to get a hit in. Nicole blocks the swing at her face but can't counter in time to block the shot to her ribs.

She dances out of Wynonna's reach again. "If that's not what this is about then what is it about?"

"I am mad at you, but that's not what this is about. This is about you being able to protect her. Don't think I don't remember that part about the last pair not turning out so well." Wynonna comes at Nicole with a cross, Nicole missing the block and taking the blow to her cheek.

Nicole rubs her cheek with her wrist. "Okay so what makes you think I'm not qualified to protect her?" She goes on the offensive and attacks Wynonna, landing a few jabs at her ribs and finishing off with a hook to her cheek, before backing off a bit.

Wynonna moves to her left and lands a hard blow to Nicole's side causing Nicole to wince. "This is about sharpening your weaknesses and not giving an inch. So, we're going to be at this every day until I can trust that at any given moment you can use all you have to make sure the both of you come home. Now stop playing." Wynonna punctuates her words with a hard uppercut into Nicole's chin.

Nicole stumbles back, not having expected the blow. She quickly rights herself and focuses on matching Wynonna blow for blow. Other members of the Agency start to trickle into the training room for their morning sessions, not taking much notice of Wynonna and Nicole at first but as their fight gets more aggressive and goes on for so long, they draw a bit of a crowd.

Nicole sees some money exchange hands after a particularly nasty blow from Wynonna, that causes her eyebrow to split. She wipes the blood away and gives a pointed look at the two who seem to be betting on the fight. The pair look properly chagrined and sulk off. Nicole is distracted enough that Wynonna's next punch lands clean on her nose. Nicole hears and feels the snap. She immediately puts her hands up to her face, trying to stem the blood flow.

"Seriously Wynonna?" She says through gritted teeth.

"You brought that on yourself." Wynonna replies. She reaches out to one of the bystanders who's holding a towel. "Give me that." They team member obliges. She gently brings the towel up to Nicole's face and moves Nicole's hands until she's holding it on her own. "Alright maybe that wasn't fair, but this fight we're headed for won't be fair either." Wynonna says gently.

"Yeah, I get it Wynonna. Don't think I'm taking this lightly." Nicole replies.

Wynonna sheds her gloves and takes Nicole's left hand to remove the red heads gloves as well, Nicole switches the hand holding the towel, and Wynonna removes that glove too.

"I just can't lose either of you Nicole. You're the only family I got." Wynonna says softly.

Nicole looks to the crowd around the ring. "Alright break it up. Nothing to see here." As soon as the crowd clears, she pulls the towel from her face, happy to see the blood flow seems to have stopped. "I understand that Nonna but trying to kick my ass in training isn't going to accomplish much."

"I think I succeeded in kicking your ass actually." Wynonna banters back.

"Lucky shot because I was distracted." Nicole jokes.

Wynonna stiffens and looks up into Nicole's eyes. "You can't be distracted Nicole. Not for this. Knowing the Angels, Waverly has had some fight training but not a lot. You're her defense in all of this."

Nicole nods solemnly. "Wynonna, I promise to do everything in my power to make sure that Waverly and I come out of this together."

"I know you will. I'm just scared." Wynonna says softly so no one else can hear.

Nicole pulls her into a hug. "Hey, I maybe sort of get that. Since the moment Gus told us about the bond, I've been beyond terrified that I'm not good enough, that I'm not worthy of this connection with Waverly."

Wynonna pulls back from the hug and slaps Nicole on the arm, hard. "Of course, you're worthy you jackass."

Nicole rubs the spot where Wynonna hit her. "Okay first off, ow. Second off, you couldn't have said that without slapping me?"

"Sometimes a little violence can get the message across better." Wynonna shrugs causing Nicole to laugh.

"If you say so Nonna. If you say so. Am I free to go now or is there more lessons for me to learn today?" Nicole teases.

"Nah, I think I've beaten you up enough today. Go see Rosita about that nose though. You're already starting to get a couple nice black eyes forming."

Nicole feels her nose and the bump telling her it's broken. "Damnit Wynonna."

"Well at least your super God healing will have them gone by dinnertime?" Wynonna tries to placate Nicole.

"Yeah, in the meantime I have a lunch meeting with the mayor on how to better relations between Immortals and Mortals." Nicole explains.

"Oh shit. My bad." Wynonna puts her hands up and backs away. Ducking under the ropes to get out of the ring. "Maybe some good concealer will help?"

Nicole sighs and follows Wynonna to the locker room to shower and change back into her regular clothes. She opts to forego a trip to Rosita in the infirmary and heads straight up to her apartment to change her clothes.

She's just stepping off the elevator as Rachel comes out of her apartment. "Woah what happened to you?" Rachel says immediately.

Nicole gently touches her nose. "Wynonna decided I needed to train this morning and thought the best way to get her point across was to rearrange my face."

Rachel sighs. "I know that you can't really get hurt too bad in training and your healing thing works wonders but that was pretty reckless on both your parts."

"Hey, it's okay Rachel, she needed to blow off some steam and I'd rather her do it towards me than anyone else. I can take it." Nicole reassures her sister.

"Yeah, well don't make a habit of it okay?" Rachel gently bumps Nicole's arm with her own. "I kind of like having you around in one piece."

Nicole laughs. "I like being in one piece too. Wynonna just needed to get some things off her chest and sometimes taking the hits is the only way to get her talking."

"Well maybe she should learn how to talk with her mouth and not her fists." Rachel says gently touching Nicole's split eyebrow. "I'm assuming my hardheaded sister decided not to go to the infirmary?"

Nicole rolls her eyes playfully. "I'm fine. I promise. It takes a lot more than this to knock me down." She motions at her face.

"Doesn't mean it bothers me any less to see you like this." Rachel argues.

Nicole softens at her sisters’ words. "Hey, I get that. I truly do. I'm not trying to make light of your feelings at all. I would more than likely feel the same way if I was in your place, but I do promise you that I'm okay. The bruising and cuts will be all gone before dinner."

"Yeah your 'I'm a God we heal super quickly' bullshit." Rachel jokes.

"Something like that." Nicole laughs. "So where are you headed this morning?"

"I am meeting Jeremy and Robin for breakfast." Rachel replies.

"Then I won't keep you. Don't forget about our lunch meeting with the Mayor." Nicole reminds her sister.

Rachel walks to the elevator and pushes the button to call it back up. "I remember. I have an alarm set on my phone to be back up here to change by ten thirty so I can meet you at the car at eleven."

"Smart idea. I'll see you then Rach." Nicole enters her apartment. Hearing Rachel shout "Stay out of trouble until then!" as she shuts the door behind herself, causing her to chuckle.

Other than her meeting with the mayor she doesn't have anything pressing on her schedule today, so she takes her time. She opts for another shower, already feeling her muscles starting to tighten up after she didn't do a proper cool down.

Nicole takes her time and it's been almost an hour before she leaves her bathroom. She's on her way to her kitchen to scrounge up some breakfast when she hears the soft knock on her door. She immediately feels the calming presence of Waverly and rushes to open the door.

The door opens to reveal a smiling Waverly smelling the rose Nicole had left for her a few hours earlier.

"Thank you for the rose Nicole." Waverly says looking up. "What happened to you?!" She exclaims reaching up to touch Nicole's cheek.

Nicole chuckles. "Wynonna decided I need to hone my skills this morning."

Waverly brushes her fingers over Nicole's nose. "While I have to admit it does give you this roguish look, I really have to say that I don't like to see you like this."

Nicole gently takes Waverly's hand from her face. "Then I guess it's super good news it won't last long. I'll be perfectly healed by dinner time."

"Or I could heal you now?" Waverly offers.

Nicole thinks about it for a moment. "Okay. I do have a meeting with the Mayor today so it would be nice not to have a couple black eyes for that, but I don't want you to feel like you're obligated to heal me."

"I don't feel that way at all." Waverly admits. "I really just want to this for you."

"Then by all means." Nicole smiles down at Waverly.

"Okay. Let's get comfortable first." Waverly replies.

Nicole quickly moves out of the doorway and let's Waverly into her apartment. "The couch should be comfortable enough." She offers.

"That will work just fine." Waverly makes her way through the kitchen and into the living room. She sets her rose down on the coffee table and sits at one end of the couch. "Okay lay down with your head in my lap." She pats her lap.

Nicole blushes slightly but does as Waverly asks. Slowly getting herself situated so her head rests lightly in Waverly's lap and smiles up at Waverly.

"Got to say it's weird looking down at you all of a sudden." Waverly jokes.

Nicole huffs but smiles. "You look as beautiful from this angle as you do from above."

Waverly blushes and looks away. "Charmer."

"Nope. Just honest." Nicole smiles revealing her dimples.

"Okay stop flirting. Time for healing." Waverly jokingly chides. She holds Nicole's face still with her left hand and gently lays her right hand over Nicole's face, fingers pointing towards her chin.

Nicole closes her eyes and relaxes into Waverly's touch; she feels a cool sensation start in her forehead and slowly work its way down to her chin. She feels Waverly's hands leave her face and slowly opens her eyes and makes eye contact with the smaller woman.

"How does it feel?" Waverly asks.

"Good but a little cold." Nicole answers honestly.

Waverly nods. "Yeah, that's a side effect of the healing. It will pass in a moment." Nicole moves to get up but stops when Waverly puts her hand on her shoulder. "Stay for a little bit? This is nice."

"Sure Waverly. This is nice." Nicole responds. "I have about an hour before I have to be anywhere."

"Good." Waverly starts to run her fingers through Nicole's hair and hums a little tune.

Nicole closes her eyes and listens, enjoying the feeling of Waverly's fingers combing through her hair.

"What's that you're humming? I don't think I know it?" Nicole asks.

"Oh, it's just something my Mother used to sing to me when I was younger." Waverly explains. "I honestly don't remember the words anymore, but the melody stuck with me."

"It's beautiful." Nicole says.

"Thank you." Waverly accepts the compliment. "So other than my sister beating you up, how did your morning go?"

"Wynonna did NOT beat me up!" Nicole huffs. "She got a lucky shot because I was distracted by some team members betting on our training session." Nicole pouts.

Waverly laughs. "Okay, okay. So other than Wynonna's lucky shot how has your morning gone?"

"Other than sparring with Wynonna I've done nothing important this morning. How about you?" Nicole replies.

"Well, I slept in until 9 which is completely unlike me." Waverly says.

"We did stay up pretty late last night." Nicole offers.

"That we did." Waverly smiles down at Nicole. "Once I woke up and saw your rose, thank you again by the way, I decided to hunt down some breakfast. The kitchen on that level is suspiciously well stocked with sweets."

"Yeah, that would be Rosita and Wynonna's doing." Nicole explains. "Were you able to find something to your liking?"

"I did. There was a decent amount of oatmeal packets hidden behind all the junk food." Waverly laughs.

Nicole groans and covers her face. "Okay you now have a permanent invite to come up here for breakfast and I'll talk to Rosita and Wynonna about stocking the kitchens with things other than junk food."

"Well thank you Nicole but I wouldn't want to impose." Waverly says shyly.

Nicole sits up and turns her body so she's looking at Waverly. "You are never imposing Waverly. In fact, it might even help me remember to actually eat breakfast more often." Nicole says. Her stomach growling on cue.

Waverly laughs. "I take it today is one such occasion where you need to be reminded to eat."

"I was actually on my way to find something to eat when you knocked on my door, I'll have you know!" Nicole pretends to pout.

Waverly smiles at the taller woman and runs a finger over the frown line on Nicole's forehead. "This is cute."

Nicole smiles. "Well Wynonna tells me I frown too much so hopefully it stays cute to you."

"I don't think that will be a problem." Waverly winks at Nicole as Nicole's stomach growls again. They both laugh. "Okay let's get you something to eat before the beast eats you."

Nicole stands up and offers her hand to Waverly to help her up. The shorter woman smiles and takes the offered hand. Waverly sits at the counter while Nicole looks in her fridge for something to eat.

Nicole quickly decides on just a bagel with cream cheese and goes about making it, feeling Waverly's eyes on her the whole time.

"I can feel you watching me." Nicole teases the shorter woman.

Waverly blushes. "I'm just trying to figure you out."

"What would you like to know?" Nicole leans against the opposite counter and takes a bite of her bagel.

Waverly thinks for a moment before she speaks. "It's not that I need to know anything it's more.... this is actually embarrassing to say out loud." She covers her face with her hands.

"Hey, it's just you and me in here. No need to feel embarrassed." Nicole says stepping forward and reaching over the counter to gently touch Waverly's arm. "I promise this is a safe space for us to get to know each other more."

Waverly slowly takes her hands away from her face. "Okay, so I was umm maybe possibly trying to figure out how strong you actually are?"

Nicole smiles. "There's two answers to that question. By Mortal standards I'm the Hulk."

"And Immortal standards?" Waverly asks.

Nicole smirks and whispers into Waverly's ear. "Well, I am the most powerful God born in a few Millenia so I will allow you to infer what you wish from that."

Waverly swallows hard and blushes a deep red as Nicole pulls back to her side of the counter and takes another bite of her bagel.

Before either woman can say anything else the door flies open and Wynonna struts into the room.

"Figures I'd find you two together." She says plopping down in a chair next to Waverly. "Either your super healing is getting faster, or Waves here decided you look better without bruises."

"I healed her yes, but it was because of her meeting." Waverly replies.

Nicole looks at her watch. "The meeting I need to get changed for. Did you need something Wynonna or were you just coming up here to gloat?" Nicole asks and takes a quick bite of her bagel.

"I actually came up here looking for Waverly. Gus is planning on heading back to the Realm today to see Curtis and grab some things she thinks she'll need. She was wondering if you wanted to go with her." Wynonna explains.

"I really could use some of my clothes and I want to talk to Shorty." Waverly answers.

"Would you mind taking someone with you? We're just not sure of what threats are still out there and it would make me feel better if you had someone trained with you." Nicole asks.

"Yeah, I can." Waverly turns to Wynonna. "In fact, I have the perfect person to bring along."

Wynonna looks up from trying to swipe Nicole's bagel. "Wait why are you both looking at me?"

"Waverly just had the best idea. You can accompany her and Gus today, as their bodyguard." Nicole explains.

"Ooof not sure if I can. Big day today." Wynonna leans back in her chair.

"Oh really? Last I knew your schedule was completely clear today." Nicole smirks at the other woman. "So, I think this is a great idea."

"I think so too." Waverly says smiling at Wynonna. "It will give us a better chance to get to know each other."

Wynonna gives Waverly a gentle smile. "Okay. I actually like the sound of that. Just remember not a lot of people in the Realm like half breeds so I don't get a good reception when I show up."

"Then how about you take X with you? No one will say anything around him." Nicole offers.

"That might be a good idea. We don't need any extra issues right now." Wynonna agrees.

Waverly claps her hands excitedly. "It's settled then. Come on let's go find X and meet up with Gus. The sooner we leave the sooner we can get back."

Wynonna follows an exuberant Waverly to the door and almost crashes into the smaller woman when she stops suddenly. Waverly turns around and quickly walks back to Nicole. She stretches up and gives a shocked Nicole a quick peck on the lips.

"We'll be back soon." Waverly says before making her way back to Wynonna. Who is looking as shocked as Nicole but follows Waverly out of the apartment.

Before the door can shut behind the sisters, Rachel walks in. "Hey Nicole, you need to get dressed we leave in ten minutes!"

"Right on it." Nicole shakes herself from her stupor and quickly goes about changing into one of her business suits. She returns to the kitchen to find Rachel patiently waiting. "Okay, let's go."

The sisters ride down the elevator in silence. Once they alight from the elevator, Nicole heads towards the lobby instead of the back parking lot.

"Where are we going?" Rachel asks.

"I figured this time we could be a bit fancy and use one of the many town cars we have. It's not every day we have a meeting with the Mayor. Might as well show off now and again." Nicole shrugs and nods at Stephanie manning the front desk. "Keep them in check while I'm gone Steph."

"You got it boss." Steph replies looking up from the computer she was working on. "I hear you're sending Wynonna to the Realm."

Nicole sighs and pinches her nose. "That woman can seriously not keep anything quiet. Yes, she's accompanying Gus and Waverly to the Realm for them to attend to some personal business."

"Fair enough. Have a good meeting, Nicole." She turns to Rachel. "Don't let her get to frustrated with the Mayor. She bout blew all the electricity in the building when she came back from the last meeting."

"Exactly how am I supposed to do that? You have met Nicole, right?" Rachel plays along with the teasing.

"I apparently employ a bunch of comedians." Nicole deadpans. "As much fun as this is ladies, we really do need to get going." Nicole moves to the outer door and holds waves for Rachel to walk through it.

Rachel smirks, waves goodbye to a giggling Stephanie, and walks through the held door. She stops on the sidewalk and waits for Nicole. Nicole steps up beside her and gently guides her to the right car. "Our chariot awaits."

A tall younger Immortal jumps out of the driver’s seat and rounds the car to open the door for them. "Good afternoon ladies."

"Afternoon Lonnie." Nicole says letting Rachel get in the car first then quickly following her into the backseat.

Lonnie shuts the door and quickly rounds the car again to get into the driver’s seat. He starts the car and puts it in drive.

Rachel looks expectantly at Nicole who rolls her eyes but puts her seatbelt on, over exaggerating clicking the belt into place. "Happy?" Nicole asks her younger sister.

"Immensely. Thank you." Rachel says turning to look out the window.

Lonnie smiles at the sisters and safely pulls into traffic. "Should be there in less than ten minutes." He tells them.

"Thanks Lonnie. That should put us ten minutes early. Which is perfect." Nicole says. "Okay Rach let's go over the agenda for the meeting."

Rachel pulls her notebook and a pen out of her bag and prepares to take notes. "Okay hit me."

"First the Mayor is not the biggest fan of Immortals. I don't know if you remember but he ran on a platform that wasn't exactly Immortal friendly."

"I remember the talk of requiring Immortals to register with his new Department of Mortal Security. Like registering Immortals would make Mortals any safer from some of the low life Immortals out there." Rachel rolls her eyes.

"Agreed. We definitely discouraged him from trying to make that one a reality. So, I'm sure today is going to be a lot of him blowing a lot of hot air about how nice he was not to do that. He knows how big the blowback would have been on that one." Nicole says.

"Okay so what are we looking to get out of today?" Rachel asks.

"I'm hoping we can continue to suggest a partnership between the Mortal courts and the Immortal detention system. We don't have prisons per se, but we do have punishments for Immortals that harm Mortals." Nicole explains. "We don't take it lightly when one of us decides he's better than a Mortal."

"Well technically, aren't you?" Rachel questions.

"No. We may have powers and longer lives but no one living being is more important than any other. All living things have a purpose and place in the Mortal Realm and the Immortal Realm." Nicole answers.

"Noted." Rachel says. "Okay so what kind of arguments do we have to allow Immortals to punish their own rather than leaving them to the Mortal punishments?"

"Well for starters there isn't one Mortal prison that could hold an unhindered Immortal." Nicole says.

"Unhindered?" Rachel asks.

"There are Immortals that can create physical restraints that can mute or greatly reduce an Immortals powers and strengths." Nicole explains.

"Okay, so I wasn't aware that was a thing." Rachel states.

"We tend to not let Mortals know that. Don't need them falling into the wrong hands. So, you're one of the select few who know that." Nicole tells Rachel.

"Well, I'm honored you trust me with the secret." Rachel replies.

"Who can I trust if not family." Nicole smiles at the younger woman. "I told you we're sisters so we're in it all together."

Rachel smiles back at Nicole. "Well, I hope we're not in all of it together. Looks like you and Waverly are getting pretty close."

Nicole blushes. "Okay we are not talking about that minutes before we go into a meeting with the Mayor."

Rachel laughs. "Whatever you say Nic. Whatever you say."

They lapse into a comfortable silence for the last few minutes of the ride. Lonnie maneuvers the car into the underground parking of the City Offices building and parks in one of the Visitors spots. He jumps out and opens the door to let them out.

"Thank you, Lonnie. We should be done in an hour, but it may run longer. We'll message you if that occurs." Nicole tells him.

"No problem at all Nicole. I saw a little coffee shop just down the block. I'll secure the car and head there for a little bit if that's alright with you?"

"Is that the place with those little pastries?" Nicole asks.

"One and the same." Lonnie smiles.

Nicole reaches into her inner coat pocket and produces her wallet. She pulls out her company credit card and hands it to Lonnie. "Grab enough for the whole office please. Put your stuff on this too."

"Yes ma'am. Good luck in there." He accepts the card and walks away.

"You're a good boss." Rachel says.

"I try to be a good person and leader. Some days it's easier than others. Now let's get up there and get this over with." She straightens her suit jacket and leads Rachel into the building.

They take an elevator up to the main lobby and step up to the reception desk. "Good afternoon. We have a meeting with the Mayor." Nicole says handing over one of her business cards.

"Good afternoon." The receptionist returns while accepting the card and checking it against the schedule on her computer. "Okay looks like you're meeting in the Executive Conference Room on the twelfth floor. Take the elevators to my right up to the twelfth floor and check in with security there and they'll take you where you need to go." She explains handing Nicole back her card.

"Thank you." Nicole says and follows the receptionist's directions. She selects the button to call the elevator and lets Rachel enter first when the doors open. She quickly selects the button for the twelfth floor. "Be on your toes. We've never met him anywhere but his office so he must have something big he wants to gloat about if we're meeting in the Executive Conference Room." Nicole whispers to Rachel who nods her acknowledgement.

The doors open and Nicole steps off first and motions for Rachel to stay partially behind her. They step up to the security desk. "Good afternoon. We were told to meet the Mayor up here in the Executive Conference Room." Nicole greets the two men manning the desk.

"Good afternoon. We can show you where to go. We just have to do a quick pat down if you wouldn't mind." One of the men stands up and addresses the sisters.

"Not at all." Nicole spreads her arms out and allows one of the men to do a quick pat down on her. Rachel follows suit.

"Would you mind opening your bag ma'am?" The same man asks Rachel.

"No problem." She opens her bag and shows the security man the contents.

"Okay follow me." He starts walking down the hallway and the sisters follow him.

They pass a few doors before the man stops and opens a door for them. "The Mayor should be here shortly." He says ushering the women into the room.

The room holds a long oval table with high back leather chairs surrounding it. A TV takes up space on the far wall above what appears to be a fully stocked coffee bar.

"The coffee is fresh, creamers are in the small fridge under the counter, and there are fresh muffins under the cover there if you would like to help yourselves while you wait." The man offers before shutting the door and leaving the women alone.

"Coffee?" Nicole asks Rachel, moving to make herself a beverage.

"No coffee for me but if they have a water, I'll take that." Rachel replies following Nicole.

Nicole checks in the small fridge, the security guard pointed out, and finds a few small bottles of water. "Looks like you're in luck." She takes one and hands it to Rachel. She makes herself a small cup of coffee and peruses the room. "Let's wait until he shows up before we choose a place to sit. This seems very much like a for show kind of thing, and we don't want him thinking he has the upper hand right off the bat."

"Politics are a whole thing I will never understand." Rachel states.

Nicole lets out a genuine laugh. "You and me both kid. You and me both."

Rachel walks over to the windows that line the outer wall. "At least we have an amazing view while we wait." She looks out over the city scape. "Can we see the office from here?"

"It's probably too short. The bigger buildings here in the heart of the city will obstruct the view. Now if we were up on say the twentieth floor we probably could." Nicole explains coming up to stand next to Rachel. "It also appears we are on the wrong side of the building as well." She says looking out the window.

"Is that an Immortal thing knowing the directions automatically?" Rachel asks.

"No." Nicole laughs. "We just drove East to get here, and these windows also face East. So, we would have to be looking West in order to see the office building."

Rachel shrugs. "I was never very good at that sort of thing. Now give me computers and numbers any day."

Nicole puts her arm around Rachel. "We all have different talents, there's nothing wrong with that. You make sure we stay in the black and I'll make sure we're going in the right direction. Sounds like a perfect team to me." She squeezes Rachel's shoulder.

"Sounds like it to me too." Rachel agrees.

They separate at the sound of the door opening. They turn in unison and watch as a short balding man walks into the room followed by a taller younger man.

"Good evening Ms. Haught, thank you for agreeing to meet with us today." He says walking up to Nicole with his hand out for a handshake.

"I always have time for the Mayor’s office Mayor Cryderman." Nicole replies accepting the handshake. "May I introduce my sister Rachel Valdez. She's learning the business and I thought this would be a good meeting to include in her learning."

Mayor Cryderman turns to Rachel. "Ms. Valdez, welcome. It's a pleasure to meet you." He reaches out to shake her hand.

Rachel accepts the handshake. "A pleasure to meet you as well sir."

"This is my assistant Holt." Cryderman motions to the taller man that came in with him. Holt gives a small wave to the women but doesn't make a move to say anything. "Okay now that we have all the pleasantries out of the way, should we get started?"

"That sounds fine to me." Nicole agrees.

Cryderman and Holt walk back to the table and sit in two chairs near the head of the table. Nicole and Rachel sit directly across from them.

"So, the reason I called this meeting Nicole is because I believe we have a common problem and I would like to have it taken care of quietly and efficiently." Cryderman states.

"What problem would that be sir?" Nicole asks.

"Bobo Del Rey." He answers.

Nicole sits up a little taller. "What makes you think that Mr. Del Rey is a problem for me?" Nicole asks.

"He's a problem for everyone. He's got his hand in so many things that it would be a miracle if he wasn't." Cryderman explains.

"Okay so say he is a problem for me, what exactly are you proposing?" Nicole questions.

"I am offering all the resources of the Department of Mortal Protection to you, in order to catch him and remove him from the Mortal Realm." Cryderman offers.

Nicole thinks for a second. "Why me?"

"There's only a handful of Immortals that I trust to honor their word. You are at the top of that list. We may have a contentious relationship at times, but I do know you are a person of integrity." Cryderman says.

"I appreciate that." Nicole says. "This is not my decision to make alone. I will have to talk to the Elder Council before I can promise to remove a fellow Immortal from the Mortal Realm." Nicole explains.

"I figured as much. This meeting was really to start the ball rolling so to speak. When do you think you would have an answer for me?" He asks.

"Shouldn't be too long. I am actually going back to the Immortal Realm this weekend for a thing so I can make it a business trip as well." Nicole replies.

"Anything you need from me, or my staff just let us know." Cryderman offers.

Nicole nods. "For a start I will need all the you have on Del Rey. The more evidence I take to the Elders the more likely they are to agree to your proposition."

"You can have everything as soon as we can get it copied for you. Should be delivered to you sometime tomorrow morning. Will that do?" Holt speaks up for the first time since the start of the meeting.

"That will do nicely. Thank you." Nicole says. "Now I will not and cannot guarantee you will get the answer you want, but I will take your request to the Elder council. Know they do tend to take a decent amount of time to debate things of this nature. Removing an Immortal from any Realm is not a thing to be taken lightly."

"I understand completely. I wouldn't even ask normally. Del Rey is a menace to Mortal and Immortal alike." Cryderman says adamantly.

"For once you and I are in complete agreement." Nicole leans forward in her chair. "Is there anything else we need to discuss?"

"I don't have anything further. Is there something you wish to discuss?" Cryderman asks.

"Not at this time, but I may need to call another meeting with you soon." Nicole replies. "I'll let you know as soon as I have an answer from the Elders."

With that all Nicole stand, Rachel quickly follows suit. Holt stands up and rushes to get the door open for the two women.

"Do you remember how to get back to the elevator?" Holt asks.

"We do. Thank you. Have a good day." Nicole ushers Rachel out of the door first before stepping through. She puts her arm around Rachel's shoulders and guides her down the hallway. "Let's not talk about anything until we're back to the office."

"No problem. Want me to message Lonnie to meet us at the car?" Rachel asks.

"Sure, but I bet he's already there. He's just got a good sense of timing." Nicole chuckles.

They make it quickly to the elevators and Nicole hits the button to call the elevator. They wait in silence for the doors to open and Nicole discretely checks out the security on the floor. Both security guards are doing a poor job of pretending to do other things while watching the sisters.

The doors open, breaking Nicole from her discrete surveillance. She follows Rachel onto the elevator and pushes the button for the lobby floor. Nicole takes one last look at the two security guards who are now openly staring into the elevator. The doors begin to close as Nicole makes eye contact with the guard who showed them to the conference room. She almost misses the barely there shake of his head before the doors fully close.

"Okay were the security guards acting totally weird or was that just me?" Rachel asks.

"No, it wasn't just you." Nicole says looking around the cab of the elevator. "I think we need to get out of this elevator sooner rather than later." She reaches up into one of the light wells on the ceiling and pulls out a small hose. "Yup we need out now." She hits the emergency stop button, but the elevator does not stop. She tries to hit any of the floor buttons, but they are also ineffective.

"What are we going to do Nicole?" Rachel says in a panic.

"We're going to get out of here. Come here." Nicole pulls Rachel into her side. She puts her right hand against the electrical panel on the wall and lets her electricity come forth and short out all the electrical in the elevator. The lights go out, but the emergency brakes stop the elevator almost instantly. "Okay now to see if we managed to stop in a place, we can get out easily."

She steps forward and pries the doors open with ease, happy to see that just above their heads is about 30 inches of clearance to get out of the elevator. She gives Rachel the signal to stay quiet and inches to the opening, stretching up to her full height to check the area. Not seeing anyone she quickly plants her hands on the floor and hauls herself up into the hallway. She quickly looks around and not seeing anyone she reaches in for Rachel. "Here take my hand. I'll pull you up."

Rachel takes her hand and Nicole hauls her up. Soon as they're both off the elevator they stand up, Nicole quickly making the decision to find the nearest stairwell. "Stay close." She takes Rachel's hand and pulls her in behind her. "We're going to move quick but try and be as quiet as possible."

"Hold on." Rachel let's go of Nicole's hand and takes off her low heels, putting them in her bag. "Okay let's go."

Nicole nods approvingly and retakes Rachel's hand. Nicole leads her rapidly down the hallway, stopping at each door to check for any sounds. They seem to be the only ones on the floor, which is odd, but Nicole decides to think about it later. They finally round a corner and see the stairwell door. Nicole pulls Rachel to the side of the door and tries to peak through the window on the door. Not seeing anything she opens it slowly.

*******************

Suddenly the door flies open, and a flash grenade goes off, blinding Nicole and Rachel as they crash to the floor. Nicole comes back to her senses quicker than Rachel and sees a figure standing over them wearing a fur coat.

"Bobo." She croaks out.

"Hello Nicole." Bobo crouches down. "I hear congratulations are in order."

"For what?" Nicole asks from the ground.

"Successfully rescuing Waverly Gibson from Tucker Gardner." Bobo looks behind Nicole to Rachel. "Who do we have here?"

"Leave her alone." Nicole says leaning over Rachel, who is starting to come to. "She's of no concern to you."

"Oh, I think she is actually. See I've been hired by someone who has taken a keen interest in you and your ilk. So, you see she is of my concern. Now don't make me ask again." He says menacingly.

"She is my sister and that's all you're going to get." Nicole says reaching up and shooting her electricity into Bobo's face.

He screams and falls back, clutching at his face. "Bitch!" He shouts as Nicole pulls Rachel up to her feet.

"Stay out of my way Bobo. You won't like what happens if you don't." Nicole says stepping around the man still writhing on the floor. She quickly reassesses the stairs and finding no one else she pulls Rachel into the stairwell with her and supports the younger woman as they make their way as quickly as they can down the stairs.

They come to the ground level and Nicole opens the fire door as they hear footsteps rapidly descending the stairs behind them. They emergency alarm goes off as they exit the building. Nicole quickly pulls out her phone.

"Lonnie! Get to the North side of the building NOW!" She shouts as soon as the line is picked up.

"On my way Nicole!" Is what she hears before the line cuts out. She moves Rachel to the side of the door they just exited and slams it shut. "Rachel you good?"

Rachel turns to look at her. "I think so. What's going on?"

"I don't know but it's not good. Lonnie will be here soon but in the meantime, we probably have one angry Immortal coming through this door. Lonnie will be coming around that corner over there and I want you to start running that direction now." Nicole commands.

"But what about you?" Rachel asks.

"Don't ask questions! Just go!" Nicole shouts as someone rams the door, opening it a few inches. Nicole strains against it and manages to get it closed again. "NOW!" She shouts again.

Rachel takes off running just as the door is rammed again. Nicole is distracted enough for a split second to give the person inside an advantage and the door flies open. She quickly steps back and prepares to fire her electricity again but instead stumbles back as she's hit in the shoulder by what she hopes is a Mortal bullet.

"Now I know these can't kill you, but I know that stings a little." Bobo says pointing the gun at Nicole. "Want to see how much it hurts to take one in the face?"

"NICOLE!" Bobo turns to where the scream has come from. Smiling upon seeing Rachel less than twenty feet down the sidewalk.

He turns back to Nicole. "Oh, this is definitely going to hurt for you." He turns the gun towards Rachel, Nicole charges him, hitting him just as the gun goes off, and they land on the ground. She puts both her hands on his face and forces all the current she can into his head. He screams for a moment before going slack under her.

"Nicole?" She hears Rachel and looks up as the younger woman collapses.

"RACHEL!"

Chapter Text

Nicole runs to Rachel, who has collapsed on the sidewalk. She kneels down next to the younger woman and rapidly assesses her. Rachel's face is pale and grimacing in pain. Her hands are holding her lower abdomen where a red spot is quickly forming on her dress.

"It hurts." Rachel cries.

Nicole takes off her suit jacket and applies hard pressure to the wound. "I know sweetheart, I know. Lonnie will be here soon, and we'll get you to help. Just hang on!" Nicole commands her sister.

Rachel nods her head but doesn't say anything. In a matter of moments that feel like hours, Lonnie pulls up next to them and is out of the car in a flash. He kneels down next to Nicole.

"Do you want me to get an ambulance or rush her back to Rosita?" He asks.

"Call an ambulance. I don't think we have time to get across town." Nicole tells Lonnie.

"On it." Lonnie steps a few feet away to call 911.

"Hang in there kid. Help is on the way." Nicole says to Rachel.

"I know." Rachel grimaces. "Least now I'll have a war story to tell to go along with a cool scar."

Nicole sobs out a laugh. "Yeah kid, you do. Just let's not make this a common occurrence, okay?"

"I definitely don't want to do this again for sure." Rachel looks up at Nicole. "I'm going to be okay, right?"

"I promise you're going to be okay Rachel." Nicole says adamantly.

"Good. Who would look after you if I wasn't around." Rachel closes her eyes.

"No keep them open Rachel." Nicole commands.

Rachel opens her eyes and looks at Nicole. "Okay."

Nicole can tell Rachel is losing too much blood. "Lonnie where's that damn ambulance?!" She shouts.

"They're on their way but there's construction between here and the fire station so traffic is going to be a hinderance." Lonnie explains.

"Dammit." Nicole curses. "We don't have enough time for that." She tries to hold back her emotions but can't help the fear slip through into her words.

"Hey Nic, it's okay. I'll be okay." Rachel says weakly.

"I know, I know. It would just be nice to have you be okay faster." Nicole replies leaning down to put her forehead on Rachel's. "You're the most important family I have and I kind of like having you around in one piece."

"Don't go getting mushy on me now big sis." Rachel says softly and closes her yes again.

"Rachel open your eyes!" Nicole commands.

Rachel opens them again slowly. "I'm getting cold. That's not good, is it?"

Nicole looks up at Lonnie. "Blanket in the trunk." She turns back to Rachel to see her eyes closed again. "Come on kid. I know you hate me nagging you, but I need to see those eyes."

Rachel raises her eyebrows but doesn't open her eyes.

"Rachel now. Open the eyes." Nicole commands her sister.

Rachel struggles but opens her eyes slower than before. "Nicole, I'm scared."

"I know Rachel. I'm scared too but we're getting you help." Nicole says as Lonnie spreads the blanket out over Rachel. "They'll be here soon." She looks up to Lonnie with a questioning look.

Lonnie looks down the road and looks back at Nicole and shakes his head.

Nicole leans her head back down onto Rachel's. "I'm sorry. I promised to protect you and I failed." She starts to cry. "I was supposed to protect you."

Suddenly her hands are being pulled off of Rachel and a smaller set take her place. She goes to argue but looks up to see Waverly kneeling over Rachel. She looks up to see Wynonna pulling her into a hug from behind.

"We're here Nicole. I don't know how but we're here. Let Waverly take care of her." Wynonna says hugging Nicole tightly.

Waverly removes Nicole's suit jacket from Rachel's wound, pulls Rachel's shirt up, and immediately replaces it with her hands. Waverly closes her eyes and concentrates; Nicole can only look on as the bullet wound closes and heals before her eyes. She looks up to Waverly who is shivering and looks exhausted as the last of the wound closes. She gently lays her shirt back over her stomach. Rachel is still really pale and unconscious but is breathing more normally.

"I've healed the damage to her organs and closed the wound. I can't take the bullet out nor would you want me to in this unsterile environment." Waverly sits back on her heels. "She's also going to need a blood transfusion for sure."

Nicole can only nod in awe of what she just witnessed.

"Nic, snap out of it." Wynonna says slapping Nicole's face lightly.

Nicole swats Wynonna's hand away and frowns at her. "I'm not in it. I'm sorry I thought my sister was going to die and just watched her be healed in a matter of moments. It's a bit of a shock." Nicole growls out at Wynonna.

"I get that, but the ambulance is coming and we have to figure out how much and what we're going to tell them." Wynonna says hurriedly as Nicole finally hears the telltale siren of an ambulance.

"I guess that's up to Waverly." Nicole looks back to the smaller woman.

"It's well known some Angels can heal. I think we tell them I healed her, but she still needs to go to the hospital and will probably need surgery to remove the bullet." Waverly shrugs.

"Okay, that's settled. Now what about him?" Wynonna points to Bobo still laying where Nicole had incapacitated him.

"Lonnie!" Nicole shouts and Lonnie is quickly standing behind Waverly. "Grab Del Rey and take him to the Agency. The cells in the sub-basement should be nice and comfortable for him. Keep him fed and hydrated but no other stimulus until I can interrogate him." Nicole says darkly.

"You got it Nicole." Lonnie leaves to do Nicole's bidding.

The ambulance pulls up to the curb and a man and woman jump out carrying their bags and equipment on a stretcher. They come running up and kneel down beside Rachel.

The female EMT gently pulls up Rachels shirt and looks puzzled at the closed wound and amount of blood on Rachels shirt and the sidewalk. "We were told there was a gunshot victim?" She looks up to Nicole in question.

"She was shot." Nicole says.

"Okay, this is not my first day, so I know bullet wounds don't close up this quickly by themselves." She says looking between the three Immortal women. "I need to know what happened so I can do my job."

"I healed her." Waverly says. "I'm an Angel and I was able to heal the internal damage as well as the wound. The bullet is still inside, and she needs a lot of blood clearly."

The female EMT nods. "Thank you. Let's get her on the backboard and the stretcher so we can get her transported." She says to her male coworker who has quietly been kneeling at Rachels head checking her pulse and breathing.

"Got it. She appears stable for transport." He says as he gets up to get the stretcher and back board ready.
*****

"Okay ladies, my name is Jeannie, and my partner is Ewan. We need to get her ready for transport, so I need the three of you to give us some space to do that, but first what's her name?" Jeannie asks.

"Her name is Rachel and she's a demigod." Nicole answers.

Jeannie nods. "That will certainly help her in her recovery. Thank you, now if you could step back, please."

Wynonna pulls Nicole up to a standing position and moves her to a bench on the sidewalk. Waverly follows them and sits next to Nicole, immediately taking her hand.

Nicole looks down at their hands. "How?" She asks.

"I'm not sure what you mean? You know how the healing works." Waverly says.

"No, I mean how did you know? How did you get here?" Nicole clarifies.

"Oh. I'm not entirely sure to be honest with you." Waverly replies.

"We were on our way to one of the doorways and she suddenly stopped in her tracks. I asked her what was up, and she said she needed to get to you immediately." Wynonna tries to explain. "She started to disappear, so I grabbed her shoulders. The next thing I know we're here."

Nicole and Wynonna look at Waverly for an explanation.

"I don't know how I did it. Teleporting like that is not one of my gifts. I just knew that you were scared and needed help. You called to me through the bond, and it brought me here." Waverly smiles at Nicole.

Nicole gives a small smile back. "I'm forever in your debt Waverly." She says earnestly.

"No, no you're not." Waverly brings her hand up to cup Nicole's chin. "Your family is my family, and my family is your family remember?"

Nicole's eyes water as she nods. "I remember, I'm forever grateful none the less."

Waverly smiles and leans in to give Nicole a kiss on her cheek. They turn back to watch the EMT's strap Rachel to the backboard and onto the stretcher.

Jeannie walks up to them. "One of you can ride with her."

Nicole jumps up. "I'm her sister. I'll go." She turns to Waverly and Wynonna. "Can you meet us at the hospital?"

"We will." Waverly answers.

"I mean sure but which hospital are you going to?" Wynonna asks Jeannie.

"University Hospital is the closest one and has a great trauma team so that's where we'll be going." Jeannie says and goes back to helping Ewan get Rachel into the ambulance.

"Do you have your phone on you Wynonna?" Nicole asks as she starts to walk away.

"Yup. Never leave home without it." Wynonna says holding up said phone.

"Is it charged?" Nicole jokes.

"Ugh yes. One time! That happened one time!" Wynonna protests.

"Sure sure, anyways, call Champ or someone and get a ride to the hospital. Call me when you get there, and I'll tell you where we are." Nicole says before jogging over to the waiting ambulance.

She jumps in and Ewan closes the door firmly before he gets in the driver’s seat.

Nicole studies Jeannie as EMT attends to Rachel.

"I can feel you staring at me. Do you have a question?" Jeannie says never taking her eyes off Rachel.

"Yeah, actually, I do." Nicole replies. "You seemed completely unfazed when we told you one of us had healed her, why is that?"

"Not my first rodeo with Angels. I was a medic in the Army during the last war and we had a decent amount of Angels helping us heal our wounded." Jeannie explains finally looking up at Nicole.

"I guess that does make sense." Nicole closes her eyes and leans back against the padding on the wall of the Ambulance. "How's she doing?"

"She's doing incredibly well considering she took a slug to the gut less than twenty minutes ago." Jeannie replies. "I'm willing to bet your friends aren't the only visitors you'll have at the hospital. I'm honestly surprised we beat the Police to the scene."

Nicole opens her eyes. "Curious that isn't it?"

"What do you mean?" Jeannie sits back and gives Nicole a hard look.

"It's just curious that none of the security guards or police that were in the Mayor's building came running at the sound of gunshots." Nicole says dryly.

"Well, I'm not even going to theorize on that." Jeannie replies. "You said gunshots, as in plural. Was anyone else hit?"

Nicole nods. "Yes. I was, but Mortal bullets can't hurt me."

Jeannie studies Nicole. "I've seen other Immortals hit by Mortal weapons and they aren't severely hurt but they usually take some damage. Are you sure you're alright?"

Nicole turns her body and looks directly into Jeannie's eyes. "I am not just any Immortal, and I am fine." She says letting her electricity flash in her eyes.

Jeannie nods and swallows hard. "Okay then. Just keep that stuff inside you in here. Lots of delicate equipment in here."

"You have my word." Nicole says. "How much further to the hospital?"

"We're here now." Ewan says through the doorway separating the front cab from the back. He expertly pulls the ambulance into the emergency bay and puts it in park.

He jumps out and Jeannie opens the back doors and unlocks the stretcher so they can pull it out. Nicole jumps out and steps to the side out of the way.

They bring the stretcher down from the Ambulance and proceed into the hospital. They are met by three nurses, two women and a man, as they come into a hallway.

"Female gunshot victim, wound in the lower left abdomen, healed on scene, but the bullet is still inside." Jeannie reports to them as they wheel Rachel into a trauma room, Nicole following a few feet behind.

"Healed on scene?" One of the female nurses asks.

"There was an Angel present at the scene." Jeannie replies.

"Well, I guess that makes our job easier." The male nurse says. "Let's get her on the bed."

They quickly get her off the stretcher and onto the trauma bed. Jeannie and Ewan quickly pull the stretcher out of the way giving the nurses room to work. Once they have all their equipment, they vacate the room.

"Who are you?" The second female nurse asks.

"I'm her sister." Nicole replies.

"Okay well do you have a name?" The nurse tries again.

"Oh, right yeah, I'm Nicole and she's Rachel." Nicole says motioning to her sister.

"Thank you. Okay Nicole, we'll need you to clear the room so we can access the best course of care for your sister." She explains. "I promise we'll have someone come get you as soon as we can."

Nicole nods. "Okay." She turns to leave but quickly turns back. "Exactly how do I get to the waiting room?"

The nurse smiles. "Two right turns." She answers pointing the way.

"Thank you." Nicole heads in the direction the nurse pointed. She stops off at the bathroom first to wash Rachel's blood off her hands. She's just drying her hands when her phone goes off in her pocket.
Pulling it out she sees it's Lonnie calling her.

"Hey Lonnie." She answers.

"Calling in to report Del Rey is locked up secure with two guards on his door. He is in the sensory deprivation room like you asked." Lonnie reports.

Nicole sighs. "Thank you, Lonnie. We better not keep him in there for too long or he'll go crazier than he already is."

Lonnie laughs. "I'm not entirely sure that's possible ma'am but we'll keep an eye on him."

Nicole chuckles. "You may be right."

"Ma'am, would it be alright if I joined you at the hospital? Champ left as I arrived and filled me in on where you are." Lonnie asks.

"Of course, Lonnie. If you wouldn't mind bringing myself and Rachel a change of clothes when you come, we both would appreciate it." Nicole answers.

"On it. See you in a bit." Lonnie says and hangs up.

Nicole puts her phone in her pocket and leaves the bathroom. She spots Jeannie leaning against the opposite wall.

"Heard you on the phone and didn't want to intrude." Jeannie says standing upright.

"Thanks. Did you need something?" Nicole responds.

"Yeah, to use the bathroom." Jeannie smirks and points to the door Nicole is blocking.

"Oh! Right, sorry." Nicole says stepping aside.

"No worries." Jeannie says pushing the door open. "For what it's worth it's nice to see an Immortal care so much for their demigod sibling."

"I may not like the actions of my Father, but my sister is not at fault in any way." Nicole says vehemently. "I hate the way other Immortals treat their demigod siblings like they're disposable."

"That makes you one of the good ones Nicole. Now, nature is calling." Jeannie disappears behind the door, leaving Nicole to find the waiting room.

She turns the last corner and is relieved to find the waiting room empty, save for the receptionist behind the desk. The woman just nods at Nicole as she walks by. Nicole takes a seat in the corner of the room, offering her a view of the windows as well as the doorway.

She pulls her phone out and sends a text off to Wynonna letting her know that she's in the waiting room. After putting her phone back in her pocket, she leans back, closes her yes, and thinks about how close she came to losing Rachel. She sits up quickly as she realizes she has to get word to her parents about what happened. She pulls her phone out again and calls Randy.

"Nedley." He answers the phone in his usual manner.

"Hey Randy, I need you to get a message to Mom and Dad." Nicole says quickly.

"Sure kid, what's the message." He asks.

"It's a bit complicated but just tell them that Rachel is in University Hospital but she's going to be just fine. If they want to come down here, I'll explain then but I don't want to say too much over the phone." Nicole explains.

"Got it. Are you alright kid?" Randy asks.

"Of course, I am. Mortal weapons can't hurt me. You know that." Nicole replies.

"I didn't mean physically alright, Nicole." Randy replies.

Nicole sighs. "Thank you for the concern, Nedley but I'm fine."

"Oh, you called me Nedley, you are most definitely not fine, but I will not pick at you any further. I will get the message to your parents. If I, were you, I would expect them to be with you shortly." Randy says.

"Thank you, Randy." Nicole says gratefully.

"Always Nicole. Always. Now you just relax and keep me informed of what's going on." Randy replies.

"I will. Bye." Nicole says and hangs up when she hears Randy return the bye.

She leans back and closes her eyes again only to open them a minute later at the sound of Wynonna's voice.

"I know it's around here somewhere." Wynonna says as she rounds the corner and sees Nicole. "See I told you I knew where I was going." She says to the group of people behind her.

Nicole looks past Wynonna to see Waverly, Champ, Rosita, Stephanie, Doc, Jeremy, and Robin all come into the room.

"Any word on how she's doing?" Waverly asks sitting next to Nicole and taking her hand.

"She's with a trauma team now. They very politely kicked me out so they could access her. We've only been here a bit longer than you guys." Nicole answers. "They told me they'd come find me when they had something to share."

"Okay." Waverly says giving a small smile.

"Alright listen up. This is home base for the time being. Champ you are in charge of snacks and beverages. Stephanie, Jeremy, and Robin are in charge of all communications to and from the Agency. Rosita you're in charge of explaining anything medical we don't understand." Wynonna commands.

"What about me?" Doc asks.

"You're in charge of keeping me from climbing the walls in here, like Waverly is for Nicole." Wynonna replies.

"That I can do." Doc says taking Wynonna by the hand and bringing her to the chairs just across from Nicole and Waverly. "What do we know so far?"

"Not much. We only arrived a bit before you did." Nicole says again.

"Oh no I meant about what Bobo was after. Why did he come after you and Rachel? How did he even know you were there today?" Wynonna lists off.

"I'm assuming someone tipped him off to the fact that we were meeting with the Mayor." Nicole replies. "As far as motive I'm willing to bet it had something to do with what the Mayor asked of me today."

"What did he ask of you Nicole?" Doc asks.

"He asked me to help him get Bobo Del Rey removed from the Mortal Realm." Nicole says solemnly.

Doc and Wynonna suck in a simultaneous breath, Wynonna looking a little sick at the thought.

Waverly looks between the three. "Wait why do you two look like Nicole just said she was asked to murder him?"

"Well to remove an Immortal from being able to come to the Mortal Realm you are basically taking away a major piece of that Immortal. It's hard to explain but you know when you walk through a doorway how you can always feel that pull in your chest?" Nicole asks.

"Yeah, it tickles for me." Waverly answers.

"Well to be removed from either Realm means we take that out. It's quite painful from what I understand and has been known to lead to the subject losing all sense of sanity." Nicole explains.

"And with an Immortal like Del Rey, who is already certifiable, it will most likely lead to his eventual death. So, it's not something to be taken lightly." Wynonna adds.

"Who makes that decision?" Waverly asks.

"The Council of Elders." Nicole says. "The Council is made up of at least one member of each Immortal class. They are not necessarily our oldest Immortals, but they are the most knowledgeable."

"Would they maybe know something about us?" Waverly asks.

Nicole nods. "I intended to ask them myself this weekend."

"Okay so how did Bobo know that he was the topic of discussion today" Wynonna interjects.

"That I do now know but I intend to find out. I am willing to bet he has someone inside at the Mayor's office. I wouldn't have really known anything was up if it wasn't for a couple of security guards acting strangely when we entered the elevator." Nicole says.

"Do you think one of them could be the inside man?" Doc asks.

Before Nicole can answer they are interrupted by a commotion just outside the waiting room.

"Sir! Please calm down we are bringing you to your daughter now!" They hear a voice shout.

Nicole stands up and quickly makes her way to the hallway. "Father. Calm down. We're right here." She says grabbing her father's shoulder.

"Nicole! What happened?!" He shouts.

"I'll tell you, but you need to calm down and lower your voice. This is a hospital." Nicole says steering him into the waiting room.

He sits down in the chair Nicole steers him to. "Okay I'm sitting and as calm as I am going to be. Now what happened?" He demands.

Nicole sighs and rubs her temples as she sits down in a chair across from him. "I'll give you the quick rundown. Rachel was shot. Waverly healed her. We had her brought here because she's going to need blood and to have the bullet removed."

Nicole's father takes in the information. "Okay first off who's Waverly?"

Nicole looks quickly over to Waverly who has remained seated in the chair next to Nicole's original seat. She smiles at the smaller woman and gives her a quick wink.

"Now's not the time to go into that. She's someone important to me, she's an Angel, and was able to heal Rachel."

Mr. Haught follows Nicole's gaze and lands on Waverly. "I take it you're Waverly?"

"I am." Waverly answers.

"Thank you for saving my daughter." He turns back to Nicole. "Now why was she even remotely in a situation where she could be shot?!" He spits out at Nicole.

"It was just supposed to be a normal meeting at the Mayor's office. Don't come at me with that. I've already looked at it from every angle I could and there's no way we could have known he'd be there." Nicole spits back at her father.

"He? Who's HE?" Mr. Haught asks.

"Bobo Del Rey." Nicole stands up. "I gave him every bit of voltage I could, but he got the shot off anyways." Nicole looks down at her shoes before looking into her father's eyes. "I swear to you he will pay for this." She lets her father see all the turmoil in her eyes.

Mr. Haught stands up and pulls Nicole into tight embrace. "I'm sorry Nicole. I shouldn't have come at you like that. I know you would never do anything to get Rachel hurt." He pulls away slightly to be able to look Nicole in the eyes. "Let's focus on helping Rachel now then we can talk about Del Rey."

Nicole nods and wipes at her eyes. "Yes sir."

They break apart and Nicole goes back to sit next to Waverly while her father goes to talk to Jeremy and Robin, who he has taken a liking to in the past.

"Are you okay?" Waverly asks Nicole in a quiet whisper.

"As good as I can be in the circumstances." Nicole replies leaning her head on Waverly's shoulder. "There's just so many questions we need answers to, I don't even know where to begin."

Waverly rubs the back of Nicole's neck. "You don't need to find all the answers yourself Nicole. We're here with you."

"I know. I'm not going to take it all on myself. It's still a daunting task though." Nicole admits.

"You're not wrong." Waverly responds.

They sit in silence for a few minutes when their attention is drawn to the doorway by a throat being cleared.

"Family for Rachel Valdez?" A woman in scrubs asks.

"We are her family." Nicole answers.

"All of you?" The woman asks looking around at the group of people.

"More or less. What's the news on Rachel?" Nicole says.

"Yes, sorry. I am Doctor Killick, and I am the primary for Rachel. We have evaluated her and believe we have a course of action. Are you Nicole, her sister?" The doctor asks Nicole.

"Yes I am." Nicole answers.

"She's asking for you if you would want to follow me and we can talk everything over with Rachel." Doctor Killick says.

"Our father is here too. Is he allowed to come?" Nicole asks pointing to her father who is listening intently.

"He can walk back with us but it's up to her if she wants him in the room." Doctor Killick replies.

Mr. Haught lets out a sigh of relief and comes to stand next to Nicole and the doctor. "Thank you." He says to the doctor.

"You're welcome. Now if you would follow me." Doctor Killick turns and starts walking back to Rachel's room. Nicole and her father follow silently behind her. Two minutes later they are standing outside Rachel's door. "If you could wait here while I ask if it's okay for you both to be in there." Doctor Killick motions next to the door and steps inside as Nicole and her father nod.

Less than thirty seconds go by before the doctor steps back out. "She says it's fine for both of you to come in." She opens the door further for them to step in.

Nicole immediately goes to Rachel's side. "How are you feeling kid?"

Rachel is sitting up in bed and is attached to a few machines. One of which appears to be giving her blood. "I'm feeling better than I expected to feel to be honest." She replies.

Nicole lets out a watery laugh. "I'm sure you are."

"So, fill me in on what happened after I passed out?" Rachel asks.

"Somehow Waverly and Wynonna appeared, and Waverly healed you. Unfortunately, she couldn't do anything about removing the bullet or the blood loss so an ambulance brought you here." Nicole explains.

"They just appeared?" Mr. Haught asks.

Nicole and Rachel turn to look at him. "Yes, one second they weren't there, and the next Wynonna is pulling me away from Rachel and Waverly is healing her." Nicole says.

"I think Waverly is more to you than you're letting on Nicole, but that is a discussion for later. Now let's hear this course of action Doctor." Mr. Haught says turning to the doctor who has remained in the room with them.

She clears her throat. "Certainly. After a quick scan of Rachel's lower left abdomen, it has been determined that we can remove the bullet but as it's not at this time in a place to cause her more issues, we would highly suggest it stays inside. Putting her through surgery, at this time, to remove it would only cause more, in my medical opinion, unnecessary trauma." The doctor explains.

“What are you going to do?" Rachel asks.

"Replace the blood you lost and keep you in here for at least twenty-four hours for observation. After looking at the scans I can attest that you are completely healed as if it didn't happen. You don't even have a scar." Doctor Killick says in slight awe. "I've not been privileged to see an Angel's healing ability before to be quite honest with you."

"It's definitely something to behold." Nicole agrees with the doctor. "What are the long-term issues if we don't have the bullet removed now?"

The doctor takes a moment to think. "The effects can vary from person to person. In Rachel's case it is in an area surrounded by her small intestine. It is our belief that due to her demigod healing capabilities; her body will encompass the bullet rather quickly and protect her from it further. There are no signs of infection at this time either. In my professional opinion the only side effects Rachel would run the risk of are all psychological."

"Like depression and stuff?" Rachel asks.

Doctor Killick nods. "That and other things. Post-traumatic stress disorder is one you would want to watch out for as well. I would highly suggest at least doing a preliminary session with a psychiatrist to give you some peace of mind."

"We actually have a psychiatrist on staff in my agency." Nicole offers. Doctor Killick gives Nicole a quizzical look. "We specialize in Immortal and Mortal cases other agencies or even the police won't touch. I find it better to be prepared to take care of my people."

"That is a very honorable philosophy to have." Doctor Killick says to Nicole.

"It's come in handy a time or two. So, if I'm understanding right, she's, physically, going to have a clean bill of health when you release her?" Nicole asks.

"Pretty much. We'll still want her to come in for a follow up just to make sure things are still looking good, but between her own healing and the Angel healing, she's going to be just fine." Doctor Killick states.

Mr. Haught lets out a relieved laugh. "You scared me, Rachel." He walks up to the bed and kisses Rachel on the top of her head.

"Scared me too Pops." Rachel admits leaning into the contact.

Mr. Haught chuckles. "Can we talk about this 'Pops' thing?"

"No, I don't think we can." Rachel teases looking up at him.

"Okay, if you two are alright I'm going to go update everyone else." Nicole says laughing.

"Who's all here?" Rachel asks.

"I think it's easier to list who isn't here to be honest." Nicole says. "They all care about you kid."

Rachel looks up at their dad. "We can talk about the Pops thing if you can get her to stop calling me kid." She pouts at him.

Nicole and Mr. Haught share a laugh.

"You guys are a great family. If you don't have any more questions I'm going to head onto my next patient." Doctor Killick says.

"Thank you Doctor. I don't believe we have any more questions." Nicole says looking to Rachel and their dad for confirmation.

"I'm good." Rachel answers.

"I don't have any other questions either Doctor. Thank you." Mr. Haught walks around the bed and extends his hand to the doctor.

"You're welcome. If you have any other questions or if you need anything Rachel, just hit the call button on your bed there and one of the nurses will come in." Doctor Killick shakes Mr. Haught's hand and leaves the room.

"Alright you two stay out of trouble, I'm going to let everyone know you're alright." Nicole says also leaving the room.

"Who's Waverly to Nicole?" She hears their dad ask Rachel just before the door shuts behind her.

She pauses for a second, debating on going back in or not, but decides she trusts Rachel not to give him too much information until Nicole is ready for him to hear it. She proceeds to the waiting room.

She walks into the waiting room. "Hey everyone. I have news." She says loudly enough to get everyone's attention. Once everyone is quiet, she continues. "Rachel is going to be just fine. They're going to keep her overnight to monitor her but between Waverly's healing and her own demigod healing, she's going to make a full recovery. She basically already has."

The group cheers and Waverly comes up to hug Nicole. "I'm so happy she's alright." Waverly says hugging Nicole tightly.

Nicole returns the embrace. "Mostly thanks to you."

Waverly looks up at Nicole. "I just did my part. Let's just be thankful I was able to get to you both in time."

"I can do that." Nicole says leaning down and giving Waverly a soft kiss.

"Okay PDA knock it off. This is a public place." Wynonna interrupts.

"You have impeccable timing as always Wynonna." Nicole teases.

"Well, you know me, punctual is my middle name." Wynonna sasses back.

Nicole immediately busts out in a loud laugh. "If your middle name was anything it would be 'averse to doing paperwork'."

"Okay yeah that's fair. Anyways so kid's going to be alright?" Wynonna asks.

"Yes, she is. Now the real work begins." Nicole says.

"Which is?" Waverly asks.

"Unraveling this whole mess." Nicole answers.

"We've already started on some of that Nicole." Jeremy says from behind Wynonna.

"What do you have?" Nicole asks stepping out of Waverly's embrace, but not letting go of her hand.

"I brought my laptop with me, and we were able to get into the surveillance system for the Mayor's building." Jeremy says leading Nicole to the little workstation they set up by pulling a couple end tables and chairs together. "We were able to track Bobo through the building. He doesn't stop to talk to anyone just goes straight up the stairs to the exact floor you and Rachel got off the elevator on."

"How did he know what floor?" Nicole asks.

"I may be able to answer that." Lonnie says coming into the waiting room and putting a duffel bag down on one of the chairs. "He had an earpiece in. Unfortunately, you fried it when you electrocuted him, so we couldn't back trace the signal." He explains.

"Damnit." Nicole curses.

"On better news though, he had his cellphone on him as well, I brought it with me as I figured you'd want Jeremy to look at it first." Lonnie says reaching into his pocket and pulling out a plastic bag holding the phone.

"Hand it over." Jeremy says reaching out for the bag. Lonnie complies. Jeremy looks it over. "Looks to be in working order. I should be able to get into it, but I'll need my tools." He looks back to Nicole. "Robin and I can run back to the Agency and get started on this right away."

"I appreciate the enthusiasm but let's look at it all with fresh eyes in the morning." Nicole replies. "I don't want us making any mistakes due to today’s incident."

"You got it Nicole." Jeremy says handing the phone back to Lonnie.

"Lonnie, I hate to send you away as soon as you get here but can you run this back to the Agency and lock it in my office, please." Nicole says pointing at the phone.

"Can do boss, how is Rachel doing?" He asks.

"Oh, right you just got here. She's fine. They're going to keep her overnight for observation and give her some blood, but she should be released tomorrow." Nicole tells him.

"That's great news." Lonnie visibly brightens. "Anyone need to head back with me?" He asks the group.

"You know Lonnie if you wouldn't mind waiting a moment for me to go say goodnight to Rachel, and give her the clothes you brought, I will come back with you." Nicole says.

Waverly pulls on Nicole's hand to make the taller woman look at her. "Are you sure Nicole?"

Nicole nods. "Yes. I'm sure our dad will want to stay with her, and I need to shower the day away."

"Okay but I'm coming with you then." Waverly replies.

"That sounds perfect to me." Nicole squeezes her hand before letting go, grabbing the duffel bag, and walking back to Rachel's room. She enters to find Rachel and their dad laughing. "I'm not even going to ask." She chuckles.

"Oh, I was just telling him about the birthday gift." Rachel chokes out in laughter.

Nicole groans. "Seriously? Our own father?"

Mr. Haught laughs. "Believe it or not I know all about a lot of things you don't want me to know about." He teases Nicole.

Nicole shivers. "That will be a conversation we will never have." She says causing the other two to fall into laughter again. She can't help but smile at their antics. "Well since you two seem to be doing just fine, I'm going to kick everyone out of here and head back myself if that's alright with you Rachel?"

"Yeah, I'm okay with that." Rachel says. "Are you staying Pops?"

"As long as you want me to stay, I'll stay." He answers Rachel.

"Okay, that sounds nice." Rachel says.

"Alright, Lonnie was kind enough to bring you a change of clothes for tomorrow." Nicole sets the bag down on an open chair. "I will be back bright and early to break you out of here." She walks up to Rachel and hugs her gently. "You just try and relax and listen to the nurses and doctors."

Rachel salutes. "Yes ma'am."

The three of them chuckle. "Okay call me if you need anything." She says as she leaves the room. She heads back to the waiting room and sees her team ready to go. "Okay everyone, let's head out." She turns to leave and realizes she doesn't know where any of the vehicles are, so she turns back around. "Which way are we going."

Waverly laughs and comes up and retakes her hand. "This way." She says pulling Nicole along. The rest of the team follow.

They make it to the parking lot and find their respective vehicles. Nicole and Waverly climbing into the back of Lonnie's car. The ride to the Agency is mostly silent except for the music on the radio playing softly. Lonnie pulls the car into the gated lot and parks in the usual spot. The three of them get out of the car.

"Thank you, Lonnie, for everything today. I'll take the phone and you can head home for the day." She says taking the phone that Lonnie hands her.

"You got it Nicole. Call me if something comes up." He says walking into the building to drop his work stuff off and head home.

Nicole looks at Waverly. "I'm going to go up to my apartment and clean up. Would you like to come up with me?"

"I'd like nothing better." Waverly says.

Nicole smiles and leads the way inside and to the elevators. She waves her key card over the reader and hits the button for her floor. Waverly tucks herself into Nicole's side and only steps away when the doors open. They walk to Nicole's door, and she opens it, ushering Waverly inside.

"I need a shower and a change of clothes. Make yourself at home and I will be out shortly." Nicole says. "There's water and lemonade in the fridge and some snacks in the cupboard if you’re hungry."

"Thank you. I'll grab a water and maybe watch a little television while I wait." Waverly says opening the fridge.

"Okay babe. Be back shortly." Nicole says making her way to her master bedroom. As she opens the door, she realizes she called Waverly babe and turns back to look at the Angel. Waverly is smiling sweetly at her and blows a kiss. Nicole pretends to catch it and put it in her pocket, causing Waverly to laugh.

"Okay charmer, go get cleaned up." Waverly says.

Nicole smiles back and does as she says. She tries to make quick work of showering and changing but as usual she gets lost in her thoughts under the spray. Realizing she's taking forever she rushes herself through the rest of her routine and gets dressed. She's towel drying her hair as she walks back into the living room to find Waverly curled up asleep on her couch. The television is playing some movie Nicole doesn't recognize. She turns it off and looks at Waverly for a moment before she walks to the kitchen and pulls out a pad of paper and a pen.

"Ran downstairs will be back shortly' she writes and leaves the note on the coffee table. She puts shoes on and quickly darts out of her apartment and to the elevator. Once the doors open, she hops in, waving her key card, and selecting the correct floor. She leans against the back wall and crosses her arms as the elevator descends. The doors open and she steps out, walking quickly to her desired destination.

"Gentlemen." She says to the men standing on either side of the door she stops at. "Can you give me some space?" She asks.

"Sure Nicole. We'll be just around the corner." One of them says motioning for his partner to follow him.

Once the men are around the corner, Nicole waves her keycard and unlocks the door. She opens it and quickly flicks on the light to blind the occupant of the room.

"Who's there?" They ask.

"The God who's going to make you wish you had carried the right bullets today, Bobo."

Chapter Text

Nicole steps further into the room and closes the door behind her. She studies the man who is currently sitting down in a corner of the room, holding his head in his hands.

"Haught, if only you knew." Bobo replies.

"If only I knew what?" Nicole asks.

Bobo raises his head and looks directly at Nicole. "That there is so much more beyond just me, that you should be worried about."

"Please enlighten me, Bobo." Nicole takes a step forward and lets her electricity show on her hands.

Bobo flinches back. "How are you able to use your gift in here?" He asks in shock. "I can feel the dampening spells bleeding out of the walls."

"You really think I would have a room built that would leave me as vulnerable as the criminals we put in them?" Nicole taunts.

Bobo nods his head along to Nicole’s logic. “That actually makes a lot of sense.” He slides his body, so his back is against the wall and sits up a little taller. “You can put the show away. As long as we’re in here I can tell you everything you need to know.”

“Why only in here?” Nicole asks as she pulls her gifts back in.

Bobo waves around. “As long as your dampening spells hold, I am free from his watch.”

“Who’s watch?” Nicole inquires.

"He goes by many names, but you probably know him as Bulshar." Bobo says.

"You mean to tell me that Bulshar, one of the Originals, who has been locked away for five hundred years, has been 'watching' you?" Nicole asks incredulously.

Bobo laughs and nods his head. "You Gods think you can do everything perfectly. You locked away something, but it wasn't Bulshar."

"Okay say I believe you, why would he be watching you?"

Bobo shrugs. "Maybe because I am a high-ranking Demon in his organization."

"Organization?" Nicole asks. "Like the mob?"

"If you want to get simple with it, sure, like the mob." Bob stretches his legs out in front of him. "He's got a finger in everything. Immortal or Mortal." Bobo reveals.

"Let's come back to all of that." Nicole replies. "How did you know Rachel and I would be in the Mayor's office today?"

"We have an inside man." Bobo says.

"I figured that part out. I meant who is the inside man." Nicole huffs.

"You have to be more direct with your questions, Nicole, or you could confuse the person being questioned." Bobo taunts.

"I'll work on that. Now answer the question." Nicole maintains her composure.

"The receptionist, I don't know her name. She's number eight in my phone. Which I am sure you have." Bobo explains.

"We do. We'll be going through it in the morning." Nicole reveals.

Bobo nods. " You won't find much but code words. That's a burner phone. Soon as any one of us is compromised we switch them out. None of those numbers will work anymore or come back to a person."

"Also figured that out as well. One thing you all seem to forget though, is that we can track your movements using the built in GPS chips in the phone. Even if you shut it off it still records all the data." Nicole explains.

"You'll find my travels very interesting then." Bobo laughs but sobers quickly. He slowly stands up as not to provoke an attack from Nicole. "I will tell you this, I am just a small wheel in his machine. His plan is far reaching and bigger than you can imagine. If you can offer me protection and break the watching spell he has on me, I will give you everything I know."

"I will have to discuss that with my team and Rachel." Nicole answers.

Bobo nods his understanding. "As any good leader would. For the record, I did not want to harm your sister, but he was adamant that one of you be hurt."

"Why? What could that possibly mean for him?" Nicole asks.

"I believe it would have something to do with your connection to that young Angel that appeared out of thin air and healed your sister." Bobo answers.

"What do you mean by that." Nicole asks.

Bobo shrugs. "I was just told to make sure that either you or your sister were gravely injured and to pay close attention to what happened next."

Nicole goes to speak but is interrupted when the door to the cell flies open.

"Nicole! Don't do anything you'll regret to him!" Wynonna yells as she barrels into the room. She stops short when she sees Nicole standing just a few feet in the door and Bobo across the room looking relatively unharmed.

"Well, that was dramatic even for me." Bobo snarks.

"Shut it Lost Boys wanna be. The adults are talking." Wynonna retorts.

"What's up Wynonna?" Nicole asks.

"I just wanted to make sure you didn't do anything stupid. That's my department."

Nicole laughs. "We are just having a conversation. Believe it or not he's been very helpful so far."

"Can we shut the door please? Your spells are strong but if we leave the door open for too much longer a crack will from in the protection they give." Bobo pleads.

Wynonna shuts the door. "What do you mean protection? These spells are meant to keep you vulnerable."

"He means that he is under a watchers spell and our concealment and dampening spells are protecting him from that." Nicole answers.

"Who would be watching him?" Wynonna waves a dismissive hand at Bobo.

"Bulshar." Bobo says before Nicole can stop him.

Wynonna laughs. "You want me to believe that he escaped from the strongest wards and walls the Gods have ever created, and if he did no one warned Nicole about it?"

"He was telling me that we never actually had Bulshar." Nicole explains.

Wynonna gives Nicole an incredulous look. "Please tell me you're not taking him seriously?"

"Of course, I am. Even if the chance is less than a half percent, I need to make sure we have who we think we have." Nicole admits. "I have already requested an audience with the Elders for other reasons, may as well ask then, just to be sure." Nicole shrugs.

"You know how much they love to be questioned." Wynonna rolls her eyes.

"Yes, I am aware, but this is serious enough to warrant the questioning." Nicole turns back to Bobo. "We'll discuss you helping us with the rest of the team and get back to you later."

Bobo nods. "I guess I can't ask for much more than that at this time."

"We'll make sure you are fed, and I'll get some bedding in here for you. Other than that, you'll be short of creature comforts until we can figure out what kind of watching spell you have on you and how to break it." Nicole responds.

"Thank you." Bobo says.

"You're welcome." Nicole says and motions for Wynonna to exit. "Now don't go anywhere." Nicole smiles at the bark of laughter from Wynonna and exits the room behind her.

"How serious are you taking what he's saying?" Wynonna asks as soon as the door is secured shut.

"As serious as I can. Even if he's wrong, I have to make sure. This could be incredibly bad for everyone." Nicole responds.

Wynonna nods her agreement, and they make their way down the hallway back towards the elevators. They turn the corner and find the two guards for Bobo's cell.

"Hey guys, can we get some food, a bedroll, and a blanket brought down for him please?" Nicole asks.

"You got it boss." The taller of the two men says walking to the desk that holds a phone. "I'll call up right now and have someone bring it down."

"Thank you." Nicole turns back to Wynonna. "I'm headed back up to my apartment, why don't you come up and we can talk more about this."

"Sounds like a plan to me." Wynonna agrees.

They walk the rest of the way to the elevators in silence. Nicole calls the elevator down with her card. Nicole studies Wynonna while they wait for it to arrive.

"I've been meaning to ask you how you're doing with all of this?" Nicole leans against the wall trying to appear nonchalant.

"Honestly, I haven't thought about it, been avoiding having to." Wynonna replies.

Nicole sighs. "I figured that would be the case."

"What's that saying the Mortals use, you can't teach an old dog new tricks?" Wynonna jokes.

"There's the deflecting with jokes too." Nicole observes. "You know you can talk to me, right?"

Wynonna goes to answer but is interrupted by the beep signaling the arrival of the elevator. The doors open and the women step on. Nicole uses her card to send them up to her apartment floor.

"I know Nic. I promise I do. I just genuinely don't know how I feel right now. We really haven't had a moment to breath yet." Wynonna finally answers.

Nicole thinks about it. "You're not wrong. Just know that when you're ready I'm here. Always."

"I know and I love you for it. For now, let's just concentrate on figuring this next step out." Wynonna sighs. "I know it's going to hit me eventually but for now I'd like to just keep working."

"You got it." Nicole backs off.

"So, where's Waverly?" Wynonna asks.

"I think she's still in my apartment." Nicole answers.

"Why don't you use that hold bond thing and find out." Wynonna says.

"I'm not sure it works that way, but I can try." Nicole closes her eyes and concentrates on finding the connection between her and Waverly. 'Alright Waverly where are you?' She thinks to herself.

'I'm on the couch where you left me.' Nicole's eyes snap open at the sound of Waverly's voice in her head.

'How did you do that?' Nicole asks back.

'I thought you were doing it?' Wavery replies.

Nicole turns to look at Wynonna. "Well, that's interesting."

"What is?" Wynonna looks at Nicole puzzled.

"Umm apparently Waverly and I can talk over our connection." Nicole answers.

'Hello? Nicole are you still there?' Waverly says.

'Yeah, I'm with Wynonna and we're coming up in the elevator now.' Nicole replies.

'See you soon.'

Nicole looks back at Wynonna. "That's going to take some getting used to."

"What's it feel like?" Wynonna asks.

"Like nothing I've ever experienced before. I wonder if it's similar to your Angel family connections." Nicole ponders.

"For us it's kind of like a string connecting us to each other, and we can talk over that string." Wynonna explains.

"So, like two cans on either end of string?" Nicole asks.

Wynonna chuckles. "If you dumb it down yes, but we have better quality of sound. What's it like for you?"

Nicole thinks about it. "The connection is there all the time. I can kind of feel it always. It's similar to having music on in the background when you're working out. It's there and you know it's there but when you get lost in the workout and don't think about it, it fades to the background until you listen for it again."

"Interesting." Wynonna says.

The elevator arrives on the top floor and Nicole and Wynonna step off. They're midway down the hallway when the door opens and Waverly steps out holding Nicole's phone.

"You're phone has been blowing up since you left." She puts the offending object in Nicole's outstretched hand.

Nicole looks at the call log. "It's X." She goes to check the text messages when another call comes through. "Hey X." She answers.

"Don't 'hey X' me! Gus and I have been in the custody of the portal guards for hours. What the hell is going on?" He practically shouts through the phone.

"Yeah, it's complicated but Wynonna and Waverly are with me and they're fine. Where are you?" Nicole asks.

"We're a couple blocks from the agency. When no one answered their phones, we thought coming back was the smartest option." X answers.

"Okay, come up to my apartment when you two get here. We have a lot to talk about." Nicole says.

"Understood." X says and hangs up.

"X and Gus are headed back to the agency. They should be here in a few minutes." Nicole says to the sisters. "I'm going to call down and have Stephanie give them access to my private elevator so they can get up here quicker."

"Private elevator?" Waverly asks.

"Yeah, it goes between here, the lobby, and the escape tunnel under the building." Nicole says absently punching the number to the lobby into her phone. She puts the phone back up to her ear and as soon as Stephanie answers she says, "Hey Steph, X and Gus are going to be coming into the lobby any minute now. Can you get them on my elevator and send them up to my apartment?"

"You got it Nicole." Stephanie answers.

"Thank you." Nicole says and hangs up. She looks up to see the sisters looking at her. "What?"

"Since when do we have an escape tunnel under the building?" Wynonna asks.

"Oh, since Rachel moved in. I did it myself." Nicole says.

"How did you do it yourself?" Waverly asks puzzled.

"I can manipulate atoms remember?" Nicole smiles at the younger woman.

"Okay we'll come back to the how, I want to know why you didn't tell me?" Wynonna pouts.

"I honestly didn't think about. I made it for Rachel. Rachel knows how to access it and that's actually what she was going to do with Gus and Waverly if things went south when Mercedes Gardner showed up." Nicole replies. "It wasn't an intentional thing."

"I guess I can live with that." Wynonna says.

"Okay now that we have that cleared up, somewhat, why don't we go inside and wait for Gus and X." Waverly says. "I don't know about you two, but I could use a drink."

Nicole and Wynonna nod their heads in agreement and follow Waverly back into the apartment. They move around the kitchen island and Nicole opens the fridge. "Here Wynonna." She hands Wynonna a bottle of the beer she keeps stocked just for her. "Waverly what would you like?"

"Do you have any whiskey?" Waverly asks.

"A woman after my own heart." Nicole says opening a cabinet next to the fridge. "I just picked up a bottle of Glenfiddich 21 Gran Reserva." She pulls a slim reddish-brown case out of the cabinet. Sliding the cover off carefully and pulling the bottle out to show the sisters.

Wynonna whistles. "Been holding out on me Nic!"

"With the way you drink my liquor are you surprised? This bottle isn't cheap." Nicole laughs. "It's not like I don't stock good stuff otherwise. If I remember right, you have an affinity for my Jameson collection."

Wynonna tips her beer bottle in Nicole's direction. "You're not wrong."

Nicole is stopped from replying when someone knocks on the door. She puts down the whiskey bottle and goes to open it. A very annoyed looking X steps through the door followed by a much more reserved Gus.

"Waverly! Wynonna! You're okay." Gus says walking to Waverly and hugging her while also pulling Wynonna close. "I was so worried about you both. What happened?"

"I think we'd all like to know that." X says.

"Okay why don't we all get a drink and meet in the dining room, so we can hear everyone's side of what happened today." Nicole offers.

Wynonna opens the fridge and grabs two beers, offering them to Gus and X who both take them and move towards the dining room. Wynonna grabs herself another bottle and follows them, leaving Nicole and Waverly alone in the kitchen.

"It's going to be a long night." Nicole sighs.

"Why don't we pour ourselves a drink and get it started. Sooner we start the sooner we can go to bed." Waverly offers.

"That's a good idea. Do you want yours neat or mixed?" Nicole holds up the bottle.

"Neat would be perfect." Waverly answers.

Nicole busies herself pulling whiskey glasses out of another cabinet. 'I could get used to this, having Waverly in my space.' She thinks to herself.

"I could get used to being here." Waverly says out loud.

Nicole stiffens. "Did you hear that?" Nicole turns around and looks at Waverly.

Waverly blushes. "I did. I take it I wasn't supposed to?"

Nicole shakes her head. "I mean it was supposed to be a private thought, but I don't mind you knowing that. I just apparently need to work on building a door on our connection so I can have some private thoughts."

"I'm sorry Nicole. I didn't try and hear it. It was just there." Waverly apologizes.

"Not even remotely your fault. Please don't feel like you've done anything wrong." Nicole reaches out and takes Waverly's hand. "It's all good Waves, I promise."

Waverly smiles up at Nicole and wraps her arms around the taller woman, tucking her head under Nicole's chin. "Thank you."

Nicole wraps her arms around Waverly in return and rests her head on Waverly's. "For what?"

Waverly untucks her head and looks up at Nicole. "For always taking my feelings into account. Not once have you made me feel small or like an inconvenience."

"Why would I do that? Waverly you're so special to me already." Nicole says with conviction.

Waverly leans up and gives Nicole a light kiss. "Likewise, Nicole."

They are interrupted by a throat clearing in the doorway. "Nicole, am I going to be able to leave you alone with my sister without you becoming attached at the lips?" Wynonna raises an eyebrow and crosses her arms.

Waverly laughs. "For the record Wynonna, I kissed her."

Wynonna smiles. "Well then, get it little sis. Now we're waiting on you. Come on." With that she turns and goes back into the dining room.

"Is she always like that?" Waverly asks.

"You have no idea, and we better get in there or she'll come back." Nicole says quickly pouring them both a whiskey neat. She hands one to Waverly. "Alright let's go."

Nicole follows Waverly into the dining room. Gus and X are sitting next to each other on one side of the table, Wynonna across from them. Nicole sits at the head of the table and Waverly takes the empty chair next to Wynonna on Nicole's left.

"So, what happened after Waverly and I disappeared?" Wynonna starts the conversation.

X snorts. "Some very green portal guards decided your disappearance was some kind of attack and immediately clamped restraints on myself and Gus." He takes a drink of his beer. "They interrogated us for hours. We didn't get them to understand we didn't know what happened until about an hour ago. I don't know why they finally believed us."

"I may have had something to do with that." Gus speaks up. Everyone gives her their attention. "I might have used my family connection with my father to get us some back up."

"Who did he send?" Waverly asks.

"Shorty." Gus answers. "I didn't get to talk to him directly, but I did see him talking to the head guard shortly before we were released."

"Who's Shorty?" Wynonna asks.

"His main job is as our official historian, but he also works as sort of a right hand to my father." Gus explains. "With my father being such a high-ranking Angel the guards probably decided it wasn't worth the risk of keeping us any longer."

"Guess that's better than what I was planning if they kept us much longer." X interjects. Nicole raises an eyebrow at him. "No, it's not what you're thinking Nicole. I don't let my hound out just anywhere and you know that. I meant the backup I would have called."

Nicole let's out a bark of laughter. "That's actually what I was thinking. I know who your backup is, and I don't think it would have gone over very well."

"Is someone going to educate the class as to what you're talking about?" Waverly asks.

X turns to her and says. "My brother is a particularly large and intimidating fire hound. He prefers to show his half human half fire form when he's not in the Mortal realm."

"Oh yeah that'll do it." Waverly agrees. "Remind me to never piss you off."

The table laughs but quickly turn somber again.

"Okay we did our part of this show and tell, your turn." Gus points at Waverly. "What the hell happened and how did it happen? As far as I know that is not one of either of your gifts."

"You would be correct." Waverly answers. "From my side it was just a pull that I couldn't ignore."

"We think I was just pulled along for the ride when I grabbed onto Waverly when she started to disappear." Wynonna adds.

"Okay that still doesn't explain why you disappeared though." Gus says.

"I think that had something to do with me actually." Nicole offers. "I think I may have inadvertently called Waverly to me; I don't know how though."

"What was going on that you were calling for her?" X asks.

"I'm going to preface this with she is now fine, thanks to Waverly, but Bobo Del Ray shot Rachel." Nicole answers.

"What? How?" X asks.

"Rachel and I had that meeting at the Mayor's office today." Nicole starts. "During that meeting the Mayor asked for my help getting Bobo removed from the Mortal realm."

Gus sucks in a breath. "Does he know what that entails?"

"I don't think it would make a difference if he did. He offered everything the Mortals have on Bobo to help his cause." Nicole says and takes a sip of her drink. "The meeting was over pretty quick after I explained I would have to go before the Elders and ask them, as I couldn't make that decision myself."

"Do you think the Mayor was in on it?" X asks.

Nicole shakes her head. "No there's no evidence that he is. We do know that the receptionist at the main desk for the building was Bobo's contact. I'm willing to bet some of the security guards for the building were as well. It was just too easy for him to know where we were and when."

"So how did it go down?" Wynonna asks.

"When Rachel and I were getting on the elevator to go back down to the garage I noticed the guards acting weird. Once the doors shut, I took a good look at the interior of the elevator and found a small hose in one of the light fixtures. I knew then for sure something was up. I first tried hitting the floor buttons but nothing, the emergency stop button was nonoperational as well." Nicole takes a sip of her drink. "At that point I figured our only chance was the emergency brakes, so I fried the electronics in the elevator. The elevator dropped but the emergency brakes finally kicked in. I pried the doors open and we had stopped between floors. Luckily enough we had about two and a half feet at the top to get onto that floor." She drinks the last bit of her whiskey.

"Here let me get you a refill. Does anyone else need anything?" Waverly asks.

"I could use another beer please." Wynonna answers. Gus and X shake their heads no.

"Okay be right back." Waverly grabs Nicole's glass and heads into the kitchen. No one says anything while she's gone, all lost in their own thoughts. Waverly returns after a few minutes, hands Wynonna her beer, and sets Nicole's drink back down in front of her.

"Thank you." Nicole smiles at Waverly. "Now where was I?"

"You had just escaped the elevator." X reminds her.

"Right, once we were out of the elevator, we made our way quickly to the nearest stairwell. I stopped us just before the door so I could make sure it was clear, I couldn't see anything through the window, so as I was reaching to inch the door open it was pushed open and a flash bang was tossed through it." Nicole takes another drink. "Once I was oriented again Bobo was standing over me. He taunted me about us rescuing Waverly from Tucker Gardner."

"How did he even know about that." Gus asks.

"I have a feeling that he or some of us his minions had something to do with Waverly's kidnapping." X answers. "It was looking more and more like his dirty work, I don't have any definitive proof yet, so I was going to tell you about it during the next brief."

Nicole takes in his information. "That makes a lot of sense actually."

"It does?" Waverly asks.

"It does." Nicole confirms. "Bobo has a wide variety of endeavors but most of them involve getting as much money as he can. Kidnapping and ransom make sense in that regard."

"But no one asked us for ransom?" Wynonna says.

"They didn't but we all know the Gardner's have very deep pockets. I have no doubt Tucker would have paid a pretty penny for an Angel who could heal." Nicole speculates.

"You're not wrong." Wynonna snorts. "He's such a creep."

"We're getting off track." Gus interjects.

"We are." Nicole agrees. "After Bobo taunted me about Waverly, he asked me who Rachel was, I told him she was my half-sister to buy me just another moment to compose myself, then blasted him with my electricity. It bought us enough time for me to get Rachel through the doorway and headed down the stairs before he could follow. We made it to street level, but he wasn't far behind so once we made it through the fire exit, I braced myself against the door and called Lonnie. I told him where we were and to get there fast." Nicole takes another drink. "I yelled at Rachel to take off running in the direction Lonnie was coming from. I was distracted just enough that I had let up pressure on the door and Bobo was able to force it open." She takes a minute to brace herself for the rest of the story.

"It's okay Nic take your time." Wynonna comforts her friend.

Nicole gives her a small smile in gratitude. "He was able to bring his gun up on me and shot me in the shoulder. Mortal bullets at least, so no real harm done to me. It knocked me back though. Rachel must have thought I was more hurt than I was because she screamed my name, causing Bobo's attention to turn to her." She stands up and puts her hands on the back of her head. "I rushed him when I should have hit him with every bit of voltage I have."

Waverly stands up with Nicole and reaches for one of her arms, pulling it down and taking Nicole's hand in hers. "No one is to blame for Bobo's action but him."

Nicole looks down at Waverly. "Some part of me knows that but he got that shot off anyways. It was only then I hit him in the face with everything I have."

Waverly pulls Nicole back into her chair. "It's still not your fault."

"She's right you know. You don't know if he would have gotten a shot off before your electricity got to him." Gus offers. "I think second guessing yourself is a really bad road to head down."

Nicole nods her head in acknowledgement of their words. "None the less he managed to shoot Rachel. As soon as Bobo was incapacitated, I ran to Rachel. He got her in the abdomen, it was bad. I think at that point I knew it was going to take a miracle for her to make it. Somewhere in there Lonnie arrived and called 911." She takes another drink, noticing Waverly must have given her more whiskey this time. She tips her glass in Waverly's direction as a thanks. "I asked Lonnie how long until the ambulance got there. He just shook his head. Not soon enough. I was only looking away for a moment but when I turned back to Rachel, she had closed her eyes and she was very pale." She takes a deep breath. "I think that's when I started calling to Waverly. It was just a few moments later that Wynonna was pulling me off of Rachel and Waverly was healing her."

"How bad was she Waverly?" Gus asks.

"She had a heartbeat, but it was very weak and getting weaker by the second. It took all my strength and training to bring her back without depleting myself." Waverly answers.

Nicole's head snaps to Waverly with her answer, not knowing just how bad it had been. "I don't know how I'm ever going to repay you for what you did for Rachel, but I intend to spend the rest of my time in the Realms trying to."

Waverly rubs her thumb over the back of Nicole's hand that she still holds. "There is no need for that. Your family is my family remember? I'm just happy I was able to get there and help her."

"What happened after Waverly healed Rachel?" X asks.

"The paramedics showed up shortly after that." Wynonna answers for Nicole. "They were understandably a little confused about being called to the scene of a gunshot victim and finding Rachel already healed. Waverly had to explain what she had done"

"They were rightfully concerned that Rachel was still out, so they transported her to University hospital. Lonnie brought Bobo here and put him in a cell. The doctors at the hospital were pleased with how Rachel was doing but she's staying overnight for observation and a blood transfusion." Nicole finishes. "Our father is staying there with her tonight."

Everyone takes a moment to collect their thoughts. X is the first one to speak again. " So, if we have Bobo what is our plan for him?"

"That's our other issue. Bobo told me and Wynonna tonight that his boss is Bulshar and we do not actually have him locked up." Nicole reveals.

"I'm sorry. I think I misheard you. The most dangerous original is supposedly out and about and is Bobo's boss?" X asks incredulously.

"That would be exactly what I said. I intend to ask the Elders permission to verify we have Bulshar myself." Nicole says.

"That's a big ask Nicole. I don't think they'll go for it." Gus says.

"I too have some pull in high places. If the Elders don't give me direct permission, I'll get it somewhere else." Nicole says adamantly.

"Don't go getting yourself locked up Nic." Wynonna tells her.

"I'd like to see them try." Electricity flashes in Nicole's eyes.

"Hey now, breath." Waverly stands up and takes Nicole's head between her hands. "We'll figure it out if we need to but, in the meantime, getting yourself worked up about it isn't going to help your cause." Waverly says gently.

Nicole softens. "You're right. Sorry everybody."

"I think this is a good time to call it a night. I believe we could all use a good night’s rest." Gus suggests.

"That sounds like a good idea." Wynonna agrees.

X stands up. "Alright I'm going to stay in one of the apartments tonight. Gus, Wynonna would you two like to ride down with me?"

"I will take you up on that offer." Gus says standing and finishing her beer. "Waverly are you joining us?"

"If it's alright with Nicole I'd like to stay up here with her tonight." Waverly looks to Nicole.

"That's perfectly okay with me." Nicole smiles widely at Waverly.

"Okay put the dimples away until the rest of us are gone. I haven't had enough alcohol to see this." Wynonna says and also downs the rest of her beer.

Waverly rolls her eyes at Wynonna. "Alright that's enough of that."

Wynonna and Gus both laugh. "That's what it's like to have a sister Waverly." Gus explains.

"Sorry Waves, she's right. As your older sister I get special privileges." Wynonna adds.

Waverly huffs. "Okay you can all go downstairs now."

Everyone laughs and takes their respective glasses and bottles to the kitchen. X, Gus, and Wynonna make their way to the door. "Oh, hey Gus, if you want to get in touch with Curtis, you can use the mirror in your bathroom. We had it set up while you were gone today. Just have to say the usual incantation." Nicole tells Gus.

"Thank you, Nicole. I should definitely get ahold of him. He's probably pretty worried." Gus says. "Goodnight you two, we'll see you in the morning."

"Goodnight, guys." Waverly says as the Gus, Wynonna, and X leave and let the door shut behind them.

Nicole steps up behind Waverly. "That was exhausting."

"You're not wrong." Waverly leans back into Nicole and wraps Nicole's arms around her. "Are you sure you're okay with me staying up here tonight?"

Nicole spins Waverly in her arms so she can look her in the face. "You are always welcome to stay up here with me as long as you wish it."

Waverly grins up at her. "You're too sweet to me."

"I can be sweeter." Nicole flirts.

"Oh, I'm sure. We just have one problem though." Waverly says.

"What's that?"

"All my clothes are down in the apartment you put me in." Waverly reveals. "So, I need to go down there after all."

"Or you're about the same size as Rachel, I could go over to her apartment and find you a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt to wear?" Nicole offers.

"If you're sure she won't mind me wearing her clothes." Waverly replies.

"I'm willing to bet she's still got clothes she hasn't worn yet from all the clothes I bought her when I moved her in here." Nicole responds.

"Okay then, go find me some pajamas." Waverly turns them and pushes Nicole towards the door.

Nicole laughs. "So bossy."

"Don't you know it." Waverly flirts.

Nicole blushes. "Okay on that note I'll be right back." She rushes out of her apartment and across the hall into Rachel's place.

Waverly bides her time throwing the beer bottles in the recycling and rinsing hers and Nicole's glasses. That done she puts the whiskey back in its box and back into the cupboard.

"You didn't have to do that." Nicole says coming back into her apartment.

"I'm all about not leaving for tomorrow what you can get done today." Waverly says.

"I'll keep that in mind." Nicole says holding up some clothes. "A pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt that both still have tags attached." She smiles. "Told you she would still have some."

"You like being right, don't you?" Waverly teases.

"I guess I do." Nicole grins. "Now why don't you go get changed and I'll meet you in the bedroom?" She offers the clothes to Waverly who takes them. "You know where the bathroom is?"

"I do." Waverly answers, turns around, and heads through the living room towards the hallway. Nicole right behind her.

Nicole stops at her bedroom door as Waverly moves a little further down the hallway towards the bathroom. "Hey Waves?"

"Yeah?" Waverly says turning around.

"If any of this is uncomfortable for you there is a perfectly fine guest room right next to my bedroom." Nicole offers.

"None of this is uncomfortable for me at all, unless you would prefer, I sleep in the guest room?" Waverly asks.

"Not even remotely, but I wanted you to know it's available if you want it." Nicole explains.

"Well thank you but I am perfectly fine falling asleep with you again." Waverly says and ducks into the bathroom.

Nicole quickly enters her bedroom, turns on the light, and makes her way into her walk-in closet. She hastily changes into her own sweatpants and shirt. She steps back into the bedroom and makes her way around to the far side of the bed. Taking off her jewelry she sets it on the bedside table and turns on the lamp. She walks back to the door and turns of the ceiling light. She decides to sleep on the far side of the bed and makes her way over there, pulling back the covers she sits down with her back against the headboard.

A few moments later a soft knock comes from the bedroom door. "Everyone decent?" Waverly jokes.

"I don't know about everyone, but I am fully clothed in pajamas." Nicole laughs.

Waverly opens the door and steps inside, closing the door behind herself. Stepping up to the bed she also pulls the covers back and joins Nicole sitting up at the headboard. "So here we are."

"Here we are." Nicole echoes. "Still okay?"

"Very much so." Waverly affirms. "You?"

"Same." Nicole answers. "Why don't we get comfortable." She slides down until her legs are under the covers and she's reclining against the pillows.

Waverly mirrors her actions and is soon laying down. She turns her head slightly to look at Nicole. "Is it too much to ask you to hold me?"

Nicole turns her body on its side and smiles at Waverly. "Want to be my little spoon?"

Waverly laughs and nods. She moves until she's fit into Nicole's front. Nicole pulls the covers up and puts her hand on Waverly's hip. "Is this okay?"

Waverly takes Nicole's hand in her own and pulls them around over her heart. "It was fine, but this is better." She pulls their hands up and kisses the back of Nicole's.

"We have one problem though hun." Nicole says.

"What's that?" Waverly asks.

"The lamp is still on." Nicole chuckles. "I need my hand back to turn it off.

"I suppose you can have it back to quickly turn off the offending light." Waverly teases releasing Nicole's hand.

Nicole rolls slightly in the other direction and reaches to turn off the light. She has her hand back in Waverly's fast enough that Waverly didn't have time to miss the contact. "Much better." Nicole says pulling Waverly ever so slightly more into her front.

"Goodnight Nicole." Waverly whispers.

"Goodnight, Waves." Nicole says and kisses the top of Waverly's head. "Sweet dreams."

Meanwhile downstairs Gus is finishing up her mirror call with Curtis when she hears a knock on her door.

"Hold on honey someone is knocking." She steps out of the bathroom and looks through the peep hole. She quickly opens the door. "Wynonna, is something wrong?"

"No, everything is fine. Sorry I didn't think how it would look, me knocking on your door right now." Wynonna answers quickly.

Gus takes a breath she didn't realize she was holding. "No harm done. What can I do for you?"

"I was wondering if you would be interested in having one of those talks you mentioned before?" Wynonna says lifting her arm to reveal a six pack of beer. "I brought refreshments."

"Sure, come on in." Gus opens the door wider inviting Wynonna in. "I was actually just finishing up with your Uncle Curtis, would you like to meet him?"

Wynonna thinks about it for a second. "I guess a quick hello won't hurt."

Gus turns and steps back in the bathroom waving Wynonna in. "Hey Curtis, I have someone here who wants to meet you."

Wynonna steps into the bathroom and into Curtis's line of sight. "Hi." She waves. "I'm Wynonna."

"Nice to meet you finally." Curtis smiles at his niece. "Hopefully soon we can do so in person."

"I think I'd like that." Wynonna responds.

"We'll make it happen. Now I'll leave you ladies to it. Goodnight, love you both." With that Curtis severs the connection and the mirror goes back to just showing Gus and Wynonna's reflection.

Wynonna looks at their reflections, seeing the family similarities in their faces. "I guess the maternal line runs strong in our family." She says.

"That it does, you actually look a lot like your grandmother, my mother." Gus says. "I can tell you about her if you'd like?"

"I think I would like that a lot." Wynonna says smiling.