Gail flexed her fingers against the rough strap, her eyes aching more with each passing step. Toronto Pearson buzzed heavily at the back of her attention, the white noise barely denting her haze of consciousness as she focused on the one-two of her too slow gait. Her bag rolled loudly behind her, the plastic of the wheels screaming against the pristine tiles, the noise grating on her already tenuous control. Adjusting the weight against her back, Gail sniffled softly, her face aching from her emotional battle on the plane. She had managed to stop the tears once she was seated on her flight, wary of the neighbor beside her as they prepared for take off. Gail had spent the entire duration of the trip stock still, her breaths coming out in short, ragged bursts, the thunder of heartbreak ringing loudly in her ears as she watched the clouds drift by forty-thousand feet above the ground. Every synapse in her brain had fired almost simultaneously as she rocketed toward home, each passing mile slamming her subconscious into microscopic pieces; she had been moving further and further away from Holly, the impassible distance practically hammering her heart into oblivion.

Shaking loose the cobwebs, Gail ambled toward a row of seats, her eyes unable to distinguish any familiar faces from the unidentifiable masses moving throughout the travel hub. Dumping her bags to the floor, Gail collapsed into the seat, her eyes burning with a want, a need, to cry, her lip permanently worried between her teeth as she fought to keep the tears at bay. Bending forward, she dipped her head down, fingers wrapping around themselves almost dangerously, the pale skin turning an angry red as she struggled for control, the overwhelming loneliness spilling into every crevice in her brain. Huffing out a breath, Gail blinked, the floor beneath her boots suddenly blurry as the tears grew in resilience, her facade cracking even more before she angrily wiped them away. Straightening, she ripped her smaller bag forward and tore down the zipper, the teal of her phone case instantly visible in the abysmal darkness. Pulling it out, Gail closed the bag and kicked it away, her eyes puffy with the still-bitter tears, the echoing ache in her chest fighting to deafen her to the world still happening around her.

Glancing around the populous center, Gail frowned, searching for the woman who should have been waiting for her, the salve she desperately needed to help calm the ravenous emotion pouring through her veins with violent despondency, leaving the officer quaking in the terrible plastic chair she begrudgingly sat in. Staring down at her phone, Gail blinked at the picture of the pathologist, a recent one, taken just two days prior, the brunette all wide smiles and brilliant eyes, the happiness at having the officer practically tangible from beneath the glass screen. Her vision was gone again, burned away by the adamant tears that bubbled over dark lashes, softly spilling over the pink-tinged cheeks. Gail sniffled absently, her thumb tracing the image before she noticed the notifications hovering over the messages icon. Swallowing thickly, Gail quickly tapped the picture and froze, the pathologist's message instantly becoming visible on the screen.

You're the best thing in my life, Gail Peck. I can't wait until I can see you again.

Goosebumps exploded across pale skin, crystal blue eyes suddenly exploding as a certain warmth began to spread throughout the officer, a tenacious smile beginning to tug at her lips as she stared down at the simple words. Holly's heartbroken face suddenly manifested in her mind, those chocolate brown eyes so wounded as they said their goodbyes, her own sadness melding to Gail's own as they were forcefully pulled apart by distance and responsibility. Gail shuddered, a tiny mewl escaping her lips as she chuckled despite herself, her adoration for the nerdy doctor valiantly fighting the darkness threatening to consume her. Again wiping at her eye, Gail quickly tapped out a reply, her smile only serving to grow just a little larger.

"You're the greatest thing in the whole universe, nerd alert. I landed. When can I come back?"

Gail stared down at the screen a while longer, the tears long gone as she studied her own words, the flutter of tentative butterflies batting gently around her stomach as the words echoed within the chasm of her heartache. Already planning to go back. The things you do to me, Hol. Exiting her thread with the doctor, Gail opened the only other message she had waiting, an alert from the very detective she still found herself waiting for.

"Hey, Gail. Leo's got a bug that's going around, the poor kid's been throwing up for hours. But don't worry, I'm having somebody meet you at the airport. Can't wait to see you!"

Gail screwed her lips up, shooting a quick response back to Traci, "Tell the little man to get better. I don't do germs... Who's picking me up?"

A familiar voice stopped her in her tracks, every ounce of sadness suddenly obliterated by a raging fire that grew almost frightfully, her anger managing to soothe the momentarily-forgotten pain in her heart. Flicking up white-blue eyes, Gail sneered, the redness in her glare only making her appear more deadly, her lips twitching into a venomous scowl as she slipped her phone in her pocket. Steve Peck ambled up to his sister, the same, self-serving grin firmly in place as she stopped just out of her reach.

"Hey, little sis, welcome home."

Gail swallowed the growl in her throat, her ire only swirling faster as she glanced up at her brother, "What the hell are you doing here?"

Steve chuckled and moved forward before dropping into the seat beside Gail.

"I'm picking up my sister from the airport, what does it look like?"

Grinding her teeth, Gail snorted, her tongue absently going out to swipe along her lower lip.

"What the hell makes you think I'm getting into a car with you? I want to go home, not to Elaine's."

Steve frowned before threading his fingers together and leaned toward the blonde, "Gail, come on. I'm not going to take you to mom, I'm going to take you ho-"

"Bullshit, Steve," her eyes danced dangerously, her earlier anger festering to a boil, "You've been her little errand boy the entire time I was with Holly. I'm not going with you."

The elder Peck sighed but leaned back in his seat, his arm going up along the back of the chair beside him. Tapping his foot, he glanced sideways at Gail, not at all surprised by her dour response at his presence. Guilt cascaded through him for a brief moment, remembering each text he had sent on his mother's behalf. Rolling his eyes at his own stupidity, he gently bumped Gail with his knee, grinning at the hiss he got in response. Mulling over his options, Steve shrugged and propped his cheek against his fist before shooting a tepid smile at the officer.

"Well, Gail, you don't really have that many options. Traci's home with a sick Leo, and all your other friends are working. Diaz, Collins, Epstein... Hell, even McNally and Swarek. So, you might as well just come with me now."

Gail torched her brother with an impatient sneer, her head shaking as she crossed her arms and gestured with her chin, "It's called a taxi service, dipwad."

Steve again smiled, "Do you really want to spend money to get back to your place? I mean, you're not that far away, and you're sitting right next to a free ride. Gail, just let me take you home."

The blonde adamantly shook her head and stood, glaring down at the man.

"No."

Gail fished out her phone and unlocked the screen, ignoring the pang in her chest at seeing the doctor again before she was angrily flipping through the contacts on her phone. Grimacing, she tapped the name she was looking for and locked eyes with Steve, her fury burning even more noticeable as she tapped her boot, impatient at the phone ringing in her ear before a voice rang through the receiver.

"Hey, G-"

"Can you pick me up from the airport?"

"Uh, sure thing! Right n-"

"Yeah, right now. Thanks."

Gail quickly ended the call and smirked at her brother and his disapproval, his exasperation growing as he climbed to his feet. Buttoning the top button on his jacket, he walked the few steps to stand in front of the irritable officer, his eyes suddenly weary.

"Was that really necessary? Am I that bad to be around?"

Gail softened almost imperceptibly, though her eyes still held the same sharpness, her tone frigid.

"You're supposed to have my back, Steve, not run to Elaine with every detail you fucking discover."

Pressing his eyebrows together, Steve shook his head and raised his hands in surrender, "You're going to have to talk to her eventually, sis," Stuffing his hand in his pockets, he walked a step past her before pausing, "She really only does look out for what's best for you, Gail."

Snapping, Gail whipped around, her eyes glowing with a bitter rage, "No, she wants me to be the perfect daughter, what she expects me to be. Not what I want to be. She wants me to date a perfect guy and have perfect children, and already be in a white shirt, and do whatever she says."

Ignoring the look on his face, Gail felt her chest heave, her emotions cracking just a bit more as she descended on her older brother, "You don't get that version of Elaine. I have to fight for everything I have. And when you play the Devil's advocate, especially when I'm trying to fix what Holly and I have, then I certainly am not going to put up with your shit, Steve."

Ignoring the threat of tears, Gail straightened, bottling up every emotion storming through her body as she stared down the detective, her tears reigniting as every repressed emotion fought to come to a head beneath her skin. Her cell phone sounded, signaling an arriving text message as she continued staring down her brother, relieved when he shook his head in apology and offered a timid smile.

"I'm sorry, Gail."

Waving him off, she struggled with the tremors in her hands, the sadness spilling over her like a suffocating wave as he collapsed back in her seat, angrily ripping her phone from her pocket as she settled. Opening the message from Holly, her control finally slipped, her tears renewing bitterly as they flooded down her cheeks before disappearing into the collar of her pilfered shirt.

"How's tomorrow sound?"

Breaking slightly, Gail brought her knees up to her chest, the heel of her boots hooking the edge of the seat as she stared down at her phone, distress rolling over her in a crushing rush.

"God, I fucking miss you, Hol."

Minutes passed as she stared down at the message, unable to think of the words to say, the tracks of her tears stained and cracked along her flushed cheeks, the tips of her ears burning at the emotion coursing through her, the fog settling thickly over her psyche as she melted into the terrible plastic chair beneath her. A cautious sound reached her ears moments later, exhausted sapphires slowly dragging over to take in the still form of Chloe Price, a strangely understanding smile firmly in place as she chanced a tiny step toward the blonde. Gail licked softly at her lips as she let her legs drop gracelessly, the weight jerking her forward as she carried the momentum forward to finally stand. Chloe's smile didn't change as she silently crept forward and gathered one of Gail's bags before heading toward the doors, walking slowly before Gail finally caught up. They traversed in silence, the normally incessantly chattering Chloe thankfully tight-lipped as they headed toward the car. Quickly stowing her fellow officer's things, Chloe climbed in behind the wheel and started the car before pulling out and headed toward the exit.

Gail slouched in her seat, her body devoid off any energy, the phone still gripped tightly in her hands as she flexed her fingers around it, the hollow feeling within her expanding as she pictured Holly, her Holly, standing so devastated in the airport, their final moments playing over and over again like a sick record, the scene unable to disappear from behind closed lids. Gail swallowed thickly, her throat feeling as though it would close any minute, every inch of skin practically crawling with a reminder that Holly wasn't here. Ignoring the smothering grief, Gail wrapped her free hand around her phone, the weight an anchor to the only person in the world she wanted to be with in that moment. Price carefully pulled into the facility around Gail's apartment complex and unlocked the doors, leaving the vehicle idling as she pulled out the bags. Gail remained a moment, unsure if she could move, immobilized by the emptiness that had been growing since the moment she stepped foot away from the pathologist. Gathering what energy she could, she quickly unbuckled her belt and scrambled out of the car, the rush of cool air filling her lungs, the soothing comfort lasting for a fleeting moment before disappearing into the darkness. Gail approached quietly, slowly reaching for her carry on and slung it over her shoulder. Accepting the other handle from Chloe, Gail tried a small smile, the action not lost on Chloe as she merely smiled and nodded toward the other officer before turning back toward the car. Gail watched her go for a moment, startling blue eyes taking in every action as Chloe settled behind the wheel before tossing up a small wave and backed out of her spot.

Gail remained on the walk long after the car disappeared, the threat of an empty apartment doing nothing for her mood as she slammed her eyes closed against the relentless onslaught in her mind, the loneliness almost mocking her as she forced too-heavy legs into walking forward. Every step felt like an eternity, the officer still focused only on the phone in between her fingers as she trekked forward, working on adrenaline alone. Finally stopping in front of her door, Gail sighed and leaned her forehead against the cool wood, her resolved splintering even more as she imagined Holly's apartment. It was warm, inviting, full of life for the pathologist that resided there, surrounded by things that weren't her home, but was now Holly's. Shuddering slightly, Gail dropped her carry on and slid downward, absently searching for her keys before she fished them out. Hesitating, Gail glared at the numbers on her door, the memories of Holly's shiny, gold numbers staring back at her instead, the matte silver of her own seemingly so unimportant now. Pulling forth her anger, she reveled in it, surrounding herself in her default emotion as she slammed the key in the lock and undid both tumblers before practically kicking her door in.

Throwing both the bags into the apartment, Gail stormed in after them before slamming the door behind her, the frame almost crying beneath the violence. Heaving in breaths of air, Gail scanned her own apartment, the evening sky peaking in through a gap in the curtains, mocking her with their time difference. Dropping her phone, Gail threaded her fingers in her hair, her emotions suddenly exploding from their control. Devastation flooded every corner of her mind, the tears renewing with a ferocious effort as they rained down from the pale eyes, the officer suddenly finding herself on her knees, the inhuman sobs ripping from her chest as she lost herself to the hopelessness she had been ignoring for hours, the blackness engulfing her in an unforgiving embrace. Curling over herself, Gail gave up trying to see, the world around her darkening as the cries spilled forth, choking the very life out of her as she eventually balled herself up on the floor and worked out the blistering agony tearing through her skull, rivulets of tears pouring down the ashen cheeks.

Hours later saw the officer still lying on the floor in her entry way, her phone flashing with its notifications light, the cell having made multiple sounds in her downward spiral. Her tears had long been spent, replaced by the hollow emptiness that consumed every inch of her, her eyes staring outward, wide and unseeing. Her cheeks felt numb, her eyes heavy and thick as she blinked absently, the eerie silence in her apartment echoing her own internal void. Her fingers twitched, the impossibly pale eyes suddenly focusing on her pallor digits, mildly fascinated as they worked independently of one another. Her lashes fluttered for the first time in what felt like days, her eyes slowly moving from side to side, the sound of the street outside penetrating the fog surrounding her. Licking her lips, Gail politely shifted her arm, flicking a humorless grin at herself as the arm did as requested, the limb feeling awkward and bulky as she reached for her phone. Turning the screen forward, she noticed three messages on her screen and carefully opened them, noticing Holly's thread first.

"I miss you, Gail."

Gail snorted derisively, her tears all but gone, though the words sliced at her like jagged glass, the wound on her heart splitting even wider as she read the words. Flicking her thumb, she opened the other thread, two messages from Traci.

"Your brother drives me up a WALL! I never had him as the one to pick you up, Gail, it was always going to be Chloe."

"Hey, Gail, are you doing okay?"

Gail blinked, the motion foreign as she started to move, her body fighting every tiny movement, having been in the same position for hours. Groaning softly, Gail finally pushed to a sitting position, her legs awkwardly in front of her as she cradled the phone in both hands. Passing back to Holly's thread, Gail rubbed at her cheek and tapped out a reply. Honest.

"I miss you more than night misses day, Hol."

Putting her phone down, Gail crawled to her feet and stretched, feeling bones shift and fall back into place. Scanning the almost oppressive darkness, Gail chanced a step, and then more, as she headed toward the window and pulled open the curtains, revealing the pale blue of nighttime, the streetlights far below igniting the street in pale white-yellow. Staggering toward the bathroom, Gail flicked on the light and cursed, her eyes instantly slamming closed as she ambled toward the sink. Leaning over the porcelain basin, she cautiously opened her eyes, the pristine white staring back at her. Turning on the faucet, she let the water run for a moment before cupping the water and quickly wiped at her face, the frigid water pouring down her face snapping some life back into her flesh. Shaking the droplets off the edge of her hair, Gail blindly reached for a towel and dried her face, chancing a tiny peek at the mirror before her.

Her eyes were dark red, the normal, vibrant blue paled to an ice white. Her face felt puffy, the tracks suddenly wiped away from the cold spray, her skin a chalky white. Gail smirked bitterly at her reflection, the hole within her whispering just at the cusp of her subconscious, the stillness outside the room a mocking reminder of her loneliness in the world. Shaking her head, Gail smoothed down the wild, platinum locks, already fed up with the unwilling stragglers to stay in their place. Turning, she strode from the bathroom, flicking off the mockery of light on the way, before stalking back out to the living room. Turning on a singular lamp, Gail headed back toward the door and bent, retrieving her phone and keys before she reached for the knob and ripped the door open. Angrily kicking at her bags, Gail scowled and stalked out of the apartment, closing and locking the door behind her before she headed down the hallway. The phone in her pocket chimed, though she ignored it, the continuing taunt in her mind gathering all of her focus.

Forgoing the elevator, Gail kicked open the door to the stairs and started down the many flights, every pound of her boots fueling the despair still wholly present, the lingering depression grasping at her like a straight jacket as she headed down the steps. Tiny murmurs echoed within her, the incessant chatter building in vibrato with each downward step, the volume exceeding until she hit the final step. The slam of her boot on the ground floor destroyed the whisper, leaving a deafening silence around her, tempered by the sound of her gasping breaths as she struggled to calm the raging flare of her heart, the heat suddenly rebuilding as she pushed out of the stairwell and made a quick beat to the outside. Exploding out the front door, Gail whirled around and leaned against the brick, the coolness of night assuaging the terrifyingly true fact that the love of her life was on the other side of the continent. Shaking off the melancholy, Gail shoved forward and headed toward the car park, her eyes scanning the darkness for a familiar skeleton, relieved when she found her car parked safely. Pulling out her keys, she unlocked the doors and slid inside, breathing easier inside the safety of the cabin. Turning over the ignition, Gail flexed her hands around the wheel, her eyes flicking over to the clock staring back at her. 9:08.

Swallowing the building discomfort, Gail pulled out of her spot and headed out, barely stopping for lights as she made quick work of the journey and pulled up outside her intended target. Cutting the engine, he glanced up at the windows, relieved to see lights on. Piling out of the car, she trudged upward, maneuvering herself before finally stopping in front of the familiar door. With trembling fingers, Gail made a fist and held her breath before knocking softly and waited, relieved when the door swung open not moments later. Offering a small smile, Traci tugged Gail inside by sleeve and quietly closed the door. Gail forced her hands in her pockets and tried a smile of her own, the light not reaching her eyes as she glanced around Traci's home. Taking a small step forward, she peaked further inside before pinning Traci with an questioning gaze.

"How's Leo?"

Traci grinned and gestured for Gail to follow as they headed toward the kitchen, "He's finally asleep. Poor kid, he's been getting sick all day. I think it finally stopped. He's going to sleep good tonight, though."

Gail nodded and rocked on her heels, her eyes hopelessly scanning the interior of the familiar space. Traci pulled out two tumblers and a bottle of alcohol before skirting past Gail, nudging her as she did so. Gail wordlessly followed behind and finally shed her jacket, dropping it on the back of the couch as she took a seat beside Traci. Pouring them both a drink, Traci sipped hers and sighed happily, melting back gently against the cushions.

"Man, I needed that."

Gail merely accepted her glass and peered down into it, her stomach turning slightly as the smelled saturated her senses. Traci sat quietly beside her, dark eyes carefully searching the officer for any clues, her eyebrows drawn softly in concern before she straightened in her seat.

"You know, Gail, I was expecting you to be bursting at the seams when you got home."

The blonde smiled sadly, eyes still drawn to the amber liquid in her glass before she swallowed it all at once, not even wincing as it burned its way down. Traci frowned slightly as she bent forward over her knees, those same eyes scanning the subdued face of one of her closest friends. Gail met the gaze, her eyes still red from crying, the emptiness in them greatly surprising Traci. Moving to place her glass on the table, Traci removed Gail's own and dropped it next to her own before turning to fully face the woman beside her. Gail flexed her fingers and absently curled into herself, her eyes nervously flicking over toward Traci, the concern palpable.

"Don't give me that look, Nash," she uttered weakly, her eyes dropping to stare at her jeans, "Everything's okay. Gravy, even."

Traci snorted and shook her head, "Gail, come on. Look at you. What happened? Did things not go well with Holly?"

The officer scoffed and looked away, her fingers absently smoothing her bangs back from her eyes before she swung a contrite look toward Traci.

"No, Trace, they're good. We're..."

She trailed off, her eyes moving to stare toward a distant window, her tears again stinging her eyes as she fumbled with her composure. Traci tilted her head in thought, her lips twisted with worry.

"Gail... it's okay. You don't have to talk about it."

Gail shook her head, eyes lifting to stare widely at Traci, the moisture apparent.

"No, we're... I mean, we're back together. But she's just so... far away."

Gail's voice broke then, an errant tear slipping free that was angrily wiped away, the officer angrily seeking the composure she was seemingly unable to keep. Traci smiled sadly then, her hand absently reaching out to steady the officer's erratic movements. Gail stilled completely, allowing the dread to pass over her again, the previous ache pounding loudly as she glanced up at Traci.

"She's just really far away, and I figured it would get easier, knowing we'd be together, but..." Gail forced to her feet suddenly, angry at her lack of control, "But I have not stopped fucking crying since this morning."

Traci pushed to her feet and slowly approached the skittish blonde, holding up her hands in a soothing gesture.

"Gail, you can't expect it to disappear overnight. You just got back, after four days in heaven. Right? You and Holly finally worked this out?"

Gail nodded solemnly, "Yeah. We did, and we're going to do this... long distance thing, whatever that means."

Traci tried a smile, relieved when Gail cracked a tiny grin in response. "Then just focus on Holly, Gail. Yeah, it sucks, but she's yours. And damn, I thought that was worth celebrating. You flew thousands of miles to get your girl, crack a smile!"

Gail chuckled then, a tiny spot of light suddenly a beacon in her darkness. She reclaimed her seat on the sofa and poured another drink, drinking it carefully as she side-eyed the detective, another small smile pulling to life.

"Has anyone ever told you you're a hopeless romantic?"

Traci grinned smugly as she lifted her drink and finished it, "You act like that's a bad thing. So, are you going to tell me about your trip?"

Gail exhaled and collapsed back against the couch, memories of her time with Holly pulling a wider smile from the blonde, the warmth of memory working to thaw the chill that still recklessly clung to her.

"Holly is still... perfect. And a nerd. A total nerd. But..." She locked eyes with Traci, a full-fledged smile blossoming on the officer's face, "But when I first laid eyes on her, in that lab, I thought.. that I could just die right there, and that nothing would ever top that moment."

The detective peered seriously at the blissfully contemplative officer, a soft smile shaping full lips as she tucked her legs beneath her.

"Gail Peck, you are the biggest secret romantic on the planet."

The blonde snorted out a laugh, the darkness kept further at bay as Holly invaded more of her senses, calming the roar of their separation, however slightly. Gail nodded eventually before taking another sip of her drink.

"I never really got the chance to be before, I guess. Holly... Holly makes me want to do things I've never done before. She... she makes me want to be a better version of me, and she's just so damn supportive all the time. I'll tell her something, and she'll just grin like an idiot and tell me to do it. It's... she's great."

Traci nodded, "I agree. You know I've always liked Holly. She's so good for you, because she's everything you're not," she teased, laughing at the glare she received, "But that's good. She rounds you out, fills in all the gaps you have."

Gail hummed noncommittally, her smile only widening as she pondered the object of her affections. There was silence a moment before Gail lolled her head toward Traci and smiled, her eyes suddenly vibrant and clear.

"I really love her, Trace."

The dark-haired woman snickered and playfully shoved the other woman.

"I know you do, Gail. You don't see your face when you talk about her."

Gail simply smiled, unable to do much else. She glanced at the clock on the wall and sighed, relaxing further into the couch beneath her before shifting her attention back to Traci.

"...thanks, Trace."

She smiled before tipping her glass, "You're welcome. Now, since you have the day off tomorrow, any plans with Sophie?"

Gail felt another weight disappear off her chest, her smile splitting wider as she thought of her precious little girl and her favorite pathologist in all the world.

I hope I can meet her one day.

Tucking herself against the cushions, Gail shrugged off-handedly, though the sparkle in her eyes betrayed her affection for the girl, her butterflies flapping away happily against the sadness still lurking just below the surface. Shaking her head, Gail shrugged and tapped at the rim of her glass.

"No, nothing too special. I do have some things for her from San Francisco, though. Holly and I went to this science museum and I got her some pretty cool things."

"So, I'm just curious, but-"

Gail grinned, "You're wondering how Holly's taking this whole Sophie thing."

Traci nodded before leaning forward to tuck her glass on the table, "I mean, it's pretty important, don't you think? Did you talk about it?"

Gail sighed heavily and put her own glass down before she leaned her elbow against the couch.

"Briefly... I mean, I know Hol really wants to meet her, and she's so amazed at how much this kid makes me happy... I know she's happy, too. But we.. we didn't really talk about it in depth. Probably should have, really."

Nash chuckled, "Yeah, that would have worked there, Peck."

Gail waved it off, "We will. I'm not.. not actually worried, you know? I have this weird feeling that, like... everything will work out? That's stupid, I know, but... I can't help it."

Traci patted her knee in agreement as the officer's phone went off in her pocket. "Agreed. And I really hope that it all does, Sophie's an amazing little girl."

The blonde nodded in agreement as she finally unearth her phone and opened the message, another smile twitching to life.

"This is day calling, miss her night... any chance of a twilight date, officer?"

Gail grinned down at her phone, shaking her head at the pathologist's precious words. You are the cutest nerd on the planet, Holly Stewart.

"I'm all yours, sunshine."

Glancing up, Gail flushed at the smug grin on the detective's face. Ignoring the blush crawling up her neck, Gail quickly picked up and drained her glass before standing, absently waving her hand at Traci.

"Thanks for the pick-me-up, Nash. I'll catch you later," stopping at the door, she tossed a small smile to her oldest friend, "And tell Leo I hope he feels better."

Gail smiled as she heard Traci's laugh as she closed the door, her steps somehow lighter than they had been just an hour before, her trek back to the car a quick work for her. She drove home easily enough before pulling into her familiar spot. Climbing toward her apartment, she took the elevator to her floor and carefully unlocked her tumblers before slipping inside, leaning heavily against the door as she did so. Ignoring the bags still at her feet, she locked the heavy door and headed inside, stopping off at the couch as she removed her boots and dropped her keys on the coffee table. Mussing up her hair, she stood and stretched before stripping out of her tee and headed back toward the foreboding bags by the door. Unzipping the larger one, she fished out the small bag of toiletries and tucked it under her arm before rooting further into the bag. Unearthing the object of her search, she smiled as she absently ran her thumb across the fabric, the wistfulness returning as she straightened to her full height and headed toward the bedroom.

Pushing open the door, she dropped the items on the bed before heading toward the bathroom. Turning on the steam, she stripped out of her clothes and entered the shower, groaning as the blistering spray cascaded down her tense muscles, the tightness in them going ignored. Showering quickly, Gail exited and tucked a towel around her pale form, grabbing a second that she carelessly tossed over her head. Pulling out the small bag, she quickly brushed her teeth and smoothed back her hair before quickly brushing it neatly. She shook the water loose of her too-pale skin and dried before hanging both towels up and headed back into the bedroom. Lifting the sweater up, she grinned down at the bold letters, 'UVIC' looking back up at her. Grinning, she slipped the navy hoodie over her head and snuggled into the fabric as it settled against her, every sense on fire as Holly suddenly swarmed around her, the hoodie a vivid reminder of her lover clear across the country. Quickly slipping under the covers, Gail relaxed against the coolness of the sheets, ignoring the empty side next to her as she curled on her side and pulled her phone off the nightstand.

Plugging the phone in, she unlocked her screen and scrolled through her contacts before stopping over the doctor's name, a stubborn smile lighting her features as she pressed the call button. Dropping the phone against her cheek, she settled further into the hoodie, pulling the fabric up to her chin as the pathologist's voice suddenly sounded over their connection.

"Ah, there you are."

Gail felt her control slip just slightly, her eyes watering almost automatically.

"Hey, Hol."

"I was beginning to wonder... if you'd ever come back... Are you okay?"

Gail chuckled weakly, gripping the hem of Holly's sweater in her free hand.

"Yeah, lunchbox... I'm okay. Rough day. How about you?"

Holly hummed sadly, her voice low, the rustle of familiar sheets suddenly making Gail's resolve just that much weaker.

"I'm all right... I think. I'm not really sure. I cried for a while. Tried not to look at the couch... or the kitchen. Or the bed, really. Anywhere, actually... I wound up here anyway. But it's easier now, I have a friend."

Every nerve in Gail's body stiffened, her hand almost gripping the phone hard enough to break it as she struggled for breath, her body suddenly on fire as she thought of anyone else near her pathologist.

"Friend?"

Holly chuckled sadly, her voice a soft whisper.

"Yeah. See, this gorgeous officer was recently here with me, being her normal, snarky self. And... she bought me this giant stuffed octopus that I can snuggle with. So, it's not as terrible, I think. Knowing that this Pecktopus is here protecting me."

Gail let out a strangled laugh, her heart thundering wildly in her chest.

"Jesus Christ, Stewart, you're a maniac."

They laughed together for a moment, a somber silence settling after a moment, the pathologist's low register eventually breaking the moment.

"...really, Gail. It does help, to have something to hold onto. Minus the academy hoodie of yours I'm wearing... sorry about that."

Gail snorted, absently wiping a tear away with the cuff of her hoodie as the she smiled smally, her voice cracking under the pressure.

"I stole your UVic hoodie, Hol."

Holly gasped loudly, the strangle of bitter tears apparent, "My UVic? You're a monster, Officer Brat."

The officer laughed at that, the tension easing out of her shoulders as she relaxed under the wonderful warmth of Holly's voice and scent, the aroma from the sweater an added comfort.

"I know, you're so lucky to be stuck with me, Doctor Lunchbox."

The doctor sighed wistfully, her voice bursting with adoration, "You're absolutely right, I wouldn't trade your petulant, Peck face for anything."

"You like my Peck face, thank you very much."

"No, I love your Peck face... I miss you, Gail... so much."

The officer bit her lip, her grip on the sweater tightening.

"I miss you, too, Hol. Everything here is... different. Quieter. Colder, even. I expect to just... roll over and see you, but... you're not here. You're just..."

There was silence for a beat before Holly sighed almost imperceptibly, her voice thick with emotion as she swallowed, "This... has to get easier... There... it can't hurt like this all the time, can it? It just... We can do this, Gail, okay? Let's just... I mean..."

"Hol, it's... God, can we please talk about something else? Please."

Silence passed, a soft sniffle suddenly trickling along their connection as Hol exhaled, "...would you like to hear about my day?"

Gail swallowed another whimper as she nodded, "I'd love to."

An alarm sounded, shrill and mocking as Gail continued to stare blankly at the alarm clock, her hands folded against her chest, phone stubbornly trapped between stiff fingers. Slowly, the officer reached out and gently silenced the alarm before shoving off the covers, her legs catching a slight chill as she stood, the dark blue university hoodie barely stopping mid thigh. Tucking her phone in the front pocket, Gail absently scrubbed her nails against her scalp, her exhaustion rudely tugging on every inch of her already numb shell. Sleep had been nonexistent, the officer merely staring at the digital numbers on her clock as they rolled throughout the night, keeping her company with their unwavering presence. Holly had dropped off at some point during the night, the doctor's own emotional torment pulling her into the forgiving comfort of sleep, the last, breathy words still tickling the officer's memory.

I love you, Gail...

The connection had ended shortly thereafter, Holly unable to remain awake in their carefully constructed bubble, the distance almost forgotten as they shared menial words back and forth, the raging ache between them hardly quelled by their phone conversation. Gail had swallowed the remainder of her tears, entirely too numb to accept that Holly was not going to be with her at any time in the foreseeable future. Slamming open the door, Gail trudged toward the kitchen, her body on strict autopilot as her mind replayed her departure over and over again, her final, lingering moments with Holly on full rewind, the desolate chocolate eyes burning an irreparable hole in her already fragile heart.

Stopping against the island in her kitchen, Gail tiredly looked around the still space of her empty apartment, the energy almost too oppressive, the dark whispers of silence slicing away at the officer's non-existent handle on her too-exhausted emotions. Rubbing angrily at her face, Gail leaned her elbows against the cold surface of the counter, her eyes staring at the different flecks of color, her forefinger softly tracing the thick flakes of black littering the counter top. Lifting her head, Gail blinked slowly, the blackness within her shifting, growing, pulsing angrily within her very being as the sadness crashed into her again. Growling, Gail swiped at her eyes, the motion choppy against the soreness of her flesh, the tears stinging like shards of glass as Gail wrestled with the heartache. Her phone obediently chimed, startling Gail out of her distraction, careful fingers automatically reaching in to retrieve the device.

Inputting her password, Gail quickly opened the thread, her smile breaking long before her tears.

"Pecktopus says good morning, Officer Awesome."

Gail blinked away the tears, her smile almost splitting her lips as she peered down at the new photo of the sleep-tousled pathologist, her dark eyes bright in the early San Francisco sun, the brown octopus tucked safely against her own Academy hoodie as the doctor lay comfortably in bed. Gail shooed away her sadness, her smile still growing as she rolled her eyes and quickly fired out a response, a tiny flame sparking to life within the officer.

"That octopus seems to have gotten more action than I did, nerd."

Gail again opened the photo, her eyes taking in every striking detail of the woman, from the absence of the sexiest glasses known to man, to the wrinkle around her eyes when she smiled that lopsided grin that melted Gail's heart into indiscernible oblivion. The butterflies that were absent all of yesterday rejuvenated, her heart fluttering as she continued to stare at the simplest picture, her eyes closing as she recalled the warmth they shared in bed that morning, her heart slamming away beneath her ribcage as she reveled in all things Holly Stewart.

Her phone chirped, immediately pulling Gail's focus as she excitedly opened the response.

"Nobody on this big, beautiful earth has gotten more action than you, Gail 'Still a Mystery' Peck."

Gail laughed quietly, her grin suddenly smug as she tapped the doctor's contact number and quickly held the phone to her ear; Holly answered almost immediately.

"Well, good morning, honey."

Gail melted just a little, her body deflating happily against the counter, "Hey, you."

Holly chuckled, "So articulate in the morning, Gail... Did you ever get to sleep last night? Wait, that's a stupid question, of course you didn't."

"Nah. But that's okay, I'm totally fine, Hol."

The brunette huffed as the sheets ruffled softly in the background, "You'll get sleep eventually. Are you excited for lunch with Sophie today? I hope you're not too tired, you need to be on your game with kids."

Gail snickered as she adjusted herself, further burrowing into Holly's hoodie.

"I'm always on my game with Sophie, lunchbox. Just because your niece outsmarted you one day doesn't mean you can project your insecurities on me, babe."

There was silence for a moment before Holly's voice came across in a low purr, her contentedness practically palpable to the blonde.

"You've never called me that before, officer."

Gail nervously fidgeted with the pocket on the front of her hoodie, her cheeks a soft pink as she bit back a smile, "Is that a bad thing? I kinda like it."

"I like it, too, actually. Maybe it's your voice when you say it, Gail. You know, that sound I love so much?"

"Speak for yourself, Stewart."

Another silence settled, eventually tempered by the pathologist's audible groan, "I should probably let you go, huh?"

Gail sighed heavily as she rested her cheek along the cool surface of her counter.

"I guess... I have to stop off at 15 before I go meet up with Sophie for the day."

"Yeah, I wanted to head back to the lab, even though Kat told me I could have today off... I'd rather keep moving, you know? If I dwell, I... Well, you know."

She nodded, "Yeah, Hol, I know... I... will I get to talk to you later tonight?"

"Of course... I'm here whenever you want me, Gail, you know that."

Gail clenched at the phone in her hand, the rise of her tears beginning to stab at the backs of her eyes, her body flexing hard against it. I will not break again today.

"Okay. Okay. I guess... I guess I'll talk to you later then, lunchbox."

"You can always text me, too, you know. Have an awesome day, Gail, okay? Keep me updated."

The officer smiled gently, the stubborn giddiness refusing to bend to her increasing unease.

"I absolutely fucking love you, Holly Stewart, make sure you don't burn down anymore microscopes. I don't want to have to fly back out there just to reprimand you."

Holly hid her sniffle behind her laugh, "I love you, too, Gail Peck. Don't charm any more suspects with your brutish wit!"

Gail nodded before brushing back her bangs, "Talk to you later, Hol."

"Absolutely... Bye, Gail."

The connection ended far too soon, leaving the officer to stare down at her phone for an extended period before eventually pushing up, her feet taking her toward the bedroom. Quickly dressing, Gail grabbed the UVic sweater and put it back on before stomping back toward the door, grabbing her keys as she made it toward the entry. Stopping, she rustled through her bags, eventually drawing out the bag from the CAS before tucking it in her hoodie pocket and standing. Pushing back her wild mane, Gail exhaled sharply before unlocking the door and stepped out into the world, the emptiness at her side a constant reminder as she made her way downstairs. Breaking into the late morning sun, Gail uncovered her keys as she walked, eventually sliding into her car and heading out toward work, the drone of the radio a welcome opponent to the silence within her. Parking next to Nick's motorcycle, Gail quickly piled out and slammed the door, her boots crunching along the walk as she headed toward the personnel entrance, her face set in stone as she moved toward the inner sanctum of 15 division.

Steve Peck turned a corner just as Gail came down the corridor, a frown pulling across his face as Gail torched him with another glare, their quiet exchange icy as Steve headed down the hall. Gail shoved her hands in her back pockets, eyes casually scanning the bullpen as she headed toward Oliver's office, her senses heightened for any familiar sound, her mind hoping against hope that Elaine wasn't hiding somewhere in the building. Grinning at a familiar blonde, Gail stopped for a moment as their eyes met, a smile echoing back as the officer tossed up a wave.

"Hey, Peck, welcome back."

Gail smirked, "Hey, vampire. Glad you haven't melted in the sunlight."

Rolling her eyes, Conlin chuckled and skirted around her fellow officer before continuing down the hallway. Gail unpocketed her hands, her fingers absently toying with the bag in her hoodie as she continued toward Oliver's office. Traci caught her eye from across the floor, the detective smiling brightly as Gail shrugged and headed up the small set of steps outside the staff sergeant's office; Oliver waved her in before she could knock, Gail entering quietly before taking a seat, crossing her legs as Oliver continued to prattle on on the phone.

"Yes, right. I will pick that up for you on the way home... surely. Okay. Love you too, hun, see you when I get home... Bye."

Hanging up the phone, Oliver smiled toothily and crossed his hands, his eyes quickly surveying the officer before him, ultimately pleased at her appearance.

"And good afternoon, Gail. What brings you here on your previously scheduled off days? Is it my beautiful, shining face?"

Gail rolled her eyes and settled in the chair, her hands still folded in her pouch pocket.

"Yeah, Ollie. It's been a real scream being away from 15 for a few days."

Nodding animatedly, Oliver leaned back in his chair and waved his fingers at Gail.

"Okay, so then tell me why it is you are here."

Shifting awkwardly, Gail uncrossed her legs and leaned forward, her hands escaping to lace in front of her.

"Steve was incessant the whole time I was in San Francisco... I'm just here to find out-"

"About your mom. Yeah, the Superintendent was here looking for you after you left. Something about wanting to know why her daughter hadn't extended an app for the detective rotation, I didn't really pay attention."

Crossing his arms behind his head, he chortled at Gail's indignant face, his own smile only serving to grow wider.

"Relax, Gail. I got her off your case, just like I said. Trace helped a bit, having your brother intervene, too. And by now, she knows about your name in the pool, and knows her fussing was for pretty much nothing. I told you I'd have your back, darlin', and I did. Though, I don't get why other Peck would be so intent. Anyway... don't you have somewhere to be?"

Gail gave him a critical once-over, her eyes narrowed to dangerous slits as she took in his blissfully content face. Cracking a tiny smile, Gail nodded her head and stood, staring down at her TO, his infectious smile causing a comforting wave to pass through the blonde.

"Thanks, Ollie. For everything."

Turning to go, she was stopped by another snicker from Staff.

"Oh, and Gail... I take the fact that you're wearing Holly's university colors that all things are as they should be?"

Turning, she offered a full smile to the man, the color in her cheeks thankfully going ignored.

"Yeah, Shaw... thanks."

Waving her out the door, Oliver bounced in his chair, "Now get out of here, Gail!"

Rolling her eyes, the officer quickly escaped the office and bounded down the stairs, her hands absently smoothing down the front letters on her pullover, the comfort of those four, simple letters blanketing her subconscious, helping to soothe the still-burning agony of being separated from her all-time favorite nerd. Traci matched step with her a second later, her same, knowing smile in place as she walked with Gail toward the exit. Gail smirked at the detective as they reached the doors, a sly smile tugging at the corner of pale lips.

"Thanks, Trace."

The detective grinned and nodded as she crossed her hands over the folder she carried.

"Don't mention it, Gail. And Leo, since he's been feeling better, asked for a visit from his favorite aunt. He said something about a rematch."

Gil smirked and nodded as she pressed her hand against the door, "Oh, it's on. Tell him that as soon as whatever gross bug he has is gone, that I'll gladly beat him and keep my trophy."

Laughing, Traci watched as the blonde escaped out the door before she turned and headed back to her desk. Gail soldiered back toward her car, catching the desperate look on Nick's face as Chloe prattled on beside him, both officers tossing up a wave as Gail headed back toward the car and settled in, fishing out her phone as she did so. Unlocking her screen, she stared down at her home screen, the doctor's shining face visible beneath the bright blue of the San Francisco sky. Opening her gallery, she changed the photo to the one from this morning, the sleep-tousled brunette grinning back up at her. Electricity passed beneath her skin, the memory of their explosive rekindling suddenly at the forefront of her mind, the distance between them suddenly an endless chasm, swallowing the feeling of closeness that remained simply as a memory. Staring down at the screen, Gail opened the thread and sent another text into the stratosphere, the abyss swirling on the very edge of her consciousness as she struggled to focus on the positives.

"Does the distance ever start to feel smaller or am I going to be floating in nothingness forever?"

Dropping her phone in the cup holder, Gail started the ignition and headed out of the lot, driving on autopilot as she clenched the steering wheel, her roller coaster of emotion heralding a dour mood as she pulled up at the park she had been to countless times recently. Inhaling through her nose, Gail unbuckled and stepped out, the early afternoon lightly warming the officer as she slammed the door and approached the increasingly familiar woman on the same bench, her smile suddenly overwhelming as she glanced toward the playground, her eyes instantly finding the little girl that had an overwhelming hold on her heart. Lauralee smirked as she spotted the officer, instantly rising as Gail headed toward her.

"Hey there."

Gail smiled as they both sat back on the bench, two sets of eyes watching as the kids laughed amongst each other. Gail sat quietly, smiling as she watched, her heart floundering wildly. Lauralee grinned as she gestured at the officer, content when she finally got her attention.

"UVic, huh?"

The officer grinned as she tugged at the dark fabric, "It's not mine, obviously. It's... a friend's."

Nodding in understanding, the woman grinned as she watched the enraptured officer, her voice suddenly sounding toward the children.

"Sophie!"

The girl immediately snapped her head to the side, her smile instantly splitting widely as she headed over, giggling as Gail knelt and snapped her up in a hug. Standing, Lauralee shouldered her bag and smiled down at the two, her chest warm as they chattered among themselves.

"Gail? Just have her back by seven, deal?"

Locking eyes, she nodded before threading her fingers together with Sophie's and stood from her kneeling position.

"Deal. Thank you."

Sophie grinned and waved goodbye as she and Gail headed back toward the car, the girl talking happily as she settled in Gail's car.

"And did you know at school, we're learning more about spiders? I know a lot of the girls are grossed out, but I think they're awesome."

Gail snickered as she got behind the wheel and buckled herself in before heading off from the curb.

"Really? That's awesome. Hey, did you eat lunch yet?"

Sophie shook her head as she marveled out the window, her smile still firmly in place.

"Nu uh, Lauralee said you'd want to take me. Oh, can we go out to eat?"

Gail offered a smile as she immediately nodded, "Definitely. What's on your mind?"

Wrinkling her nose, Sophie grinned. "Cheeseburger."

With a laugh, Gail nodded and headed toward their favorite burger joint, quietly listening as Sophie wondered about the world, her words wrapping happily around Gail as she recounted her days in school recently, and her exploits with her friend Michie. Pulling up to the restaurant, Gail opened the door and ushered the excited Sophie inside, happily grabbing a booth as the waitress took their orders. Sophie took a moment to breath, taking a long drag off her straw as Gail chuckled across from her.

"Hey, guess what I did over the weekend?"

Swallowing, Sophie braced her chin against her palm and curiously tilted her head, "What'd you do?"

Ignoring the fluster of heat gently wafting through her, Gail grinned and pushed a bang behind her ear.

"I went to San Francisco."

Gasping in surprise, Sophie smiled brilliantly.

"San Francisco? Wow! What were you doing there?"

Absently fumbling with the bag in her front pocket, Gail smiled smugly.

"I was visiting a friend of mine. She's pretty special, you'd like her. She's a nerd like you," she teased, her face lighting up at the look she received.

Scrunching up her face, Sophie shook her head.

"I'm not a nerd, Gail!"

Snickering, the officer waved off the girl's adorable pout, "I know, Soph, I'm teasing. But I did get you a little something. If you're interested, that is. If not, I can always return-"

"No! What is it? Can I know? Pleeease?"

Holding out a moment, Gail beamed, eventually cracking down as she scooped the bag out of her pocket. Holding it against her chest, she shook a conspiratory finger at the girl before she snapped open the bag and rummaged around inside, finding the small token as she tucked it in her fist and pulled her hand out of the bag. Narrowing her eyes, she hid a smile as Sophie grinned up at her, her attention clearly torn between Gail and the hidden treasure. Grasping the girl's hand, Gail dropped the trinket into her outstretched palm, her smile widening as Sophie reveled at the shiny bauble.

"It's nothing too fancy, just a-"

"A jumping spider! Wow, that's so cool! Thanks, Gail, I love it!"

The officer beamed, the fluster growing as she peered down at her companion, the excited girl turning the keychain over in her hands, relishing in the tiny details apparent on the encased creature. Their food was dropped off few moments later, the gift forgotten as they ate their meal amidst animated conversation, the adolescent bursting at the seams with excitement as she filled Gail in on all that happened since they had last seen one another. The blonde was content to merely listen, interjecting with humorous commentary of her own that always left the girl humorously exasperated, her scolding tone with the officer one of Gail's favorite things. Leaning back against the booth, Sophie glanced up at Gail as she plucked a fry off her plate, her head tilting to the side as they looked back at one another.

"Hey, Gail?"

Grunting, Gail swallowed as she wiped her greasy fingers on her napkin. "Yeah, shoot."

"Who is your friend you were visiting in San Francisco?"

Ignoring the suddenly pressure in her chest, Gail smoothed out her napkin, a faint smile ghosting across her face.

"It's my friend Holly."

Taking another bite of french fry, Sophie tilted her head in earnest, her wide eyes innocently curious.

"How come she lives all the way in California?"

Sighing, Gail smoothed a hand through her hair, "She moved away a few months ago for a new job."

"Oh..." taking a sip on her drink, Sophie pondered for a moment, the curious crease of her eyebrows doing nothing to subside, "Do you miss her, Gail?"

Gail licked her lips and nodded shortly, "Yeah, I do. She's a pretty special person, and I miss having her around."

Accepting the answer, Sophie was quiet another moment, carefully mulling around the information.

"Is she a cop like you?"

A smile, "No, she's a doctor."

Sophie's eyes widened, clearly impressed, "Really? A doctor? That's really cool! I'd like to be a doctor one day and help people... Does Holly help people?"

Gail folded her arms against the table, her smile wistful as she pondered the pathologist, a sudden warmth spilling through every corner of her being.

"You bet... she's really great at her job, that's why she left. Someone else really needed her help for a while."

Sophie grinned at the information, "She sounds like a nice lady. Do you think I could meet her one day?"

Gail swallowed heavily, heat stinging the backs of her eyes as she nodded, "I'd like that."

The waitress returned to take their plates and inquired on dessert, the pouting smile and wide eyes instantly causing the officer to cave and order them both sundaes. Gail fidgeted with the phone in her jeans pocket, the weight burning a hole in her thigh. Sophie laughed happily when the waitress eventually returned with their dessert, the girl content to devour the tall treat. Gail finally gave in and slipped out her phone, a single message waiting that she ignored, knowing it was from Holly, the answer almost unwanted as she stared down into her empty sundae cup. Paying the bill, Gail escorted Sophie outside and they started the slow walk back toward the car. Skipping briefly, Sophie turned an inquisitive eye on the officer, her smile firmly in place as she turned to walk backward, her eyes never leaving Gail.

"Gail, why do you look sad?"

The blonde stopped for a moment as she slipped the phone back into her pocket, "I'm not sad, Soph. What else do you want to do today, hm? Anything appeal to you?"

Pursing her lips, the girl perked up a moment later, "Oh! My friend Trevor talked about going to the batting cages with his brother over the weekend, do you think we could do that?"

Fighting hard against the white-hot bolt of agony, Gail swallowed and simply nodded as she opened the car door for the girl.

"...you bet."

Gail trudged inside her apartment, the pale sunlight peaking through the parted curtains in the living room. Locking the tumbler, Gail managed to make it to the couch before collapsing against the plush top, her emotional prowess completely spent. She had spent the better part of her afternoon watching Sophie play, the girl a natural as she landed hit after hit. She was proud, the growing bond with the young girl cementing a permanent place in her heart that would surely never, ever waver. Sophie had even asked more questions about the pathologist, intrigued by the mysterious someone in Gail's life, regardless of her location. Sophie had gone so far as to even wish to see the tall brunette, a picture Gail was all too eager to share, both girl marveling at the easy beauty of the intelligent doctor.

Releasing a defeated sigh, Gail ripped at the laces on her boots and kicked them off, her will to move instantly depleted as she settled back against the soft cushions. Thumbing the hem of her pilfered hoodie, Gail uncovered her phone and finally opened the message from Holly, the tightness growing to almost suffocating levels as she curled up on her side.

As soon as I stop floating away myself, I'll let you know, officer. Enjoy your day with Sophie.

Ignoring the fire of torment, Gail tapped Holly's icon and dropped the phone on her cheek, listening as the phone rang before the call eventually connected.

"Ah, hello, officer."

Gail broke then, shattered almost immediately as she heard the woman's voice, the sound she had craved the second they disconnected all those hours ago. Holly inhaled sharply, worry painting her voice as she exhaled quickly.

"Gail, honey, is everything okay?"

Gail struggled with her voice, the surprising onslaught garbling her speech as she fought to get the words out, to help explain her sudden heartbroken display.

"I-I... went to... batting cages, Hol. Fucking batting cages."

Holly sighed softly, her voice soft and smooth as she attempted to calm the raging emotion on the other end of the world. "Gail, honey, it's okay..."

Gail continued to cry as she relayed her day with Sophie, the girl's interest in the doctor tugging hard at Holly's heart, the distance between them growing even wider than before, the emptiness lingering between them almost suffocating. Gail cried out eventually, her voice hollow and raspy as she scratched at the sofa with her thumb nail.

"This... was easier when I got used to you being away, Hol... When I got used to just... talking to you every Thursday, w-when we were just... friends... and now you're just... you're so far away," her voice broke on the last word, her anger at herself only growing as she failed to control her emotions yet again. Holly inhaled shakily, the weight of the distance pressing down even harder between them.

"We... we can get through this, Gail. We've done it before, right? There's... nothing more I want in the world than to be with you, especially... after all that's happened. But I know that you're... the best thing in my life, and I'll do whatever it takes to make it... us... work. Okay?"

Gail sniffled, the tears drying a thick track down her face.

"I don't fucking deserve you, Stewart. You need someone better, someone-"

"No, Gail, no. I need you, and only you. And, okay, you're thousands of miles away... But it will be just that much sweeter when I get to see you again. Focus on that, okay? It's... it's been helping me."

Gail swallowed thickly and nodded quietly to herself, "Okay, Hol."

"Okay?"

"Yes."

Holly exhaled loudly, her voice tired, though Gail knew she was smiling. She was always smiling around her. You're a fucking dork, Holly.

"You're a pretty awesome creature, Gail, and I'm pretty fond of you. You know, some might even call it love... You're not going to get rid of me that easily."

Gail smirked through the blistering agony, every second recounted as she focused on the doctor's brilliant smile, "I don't want to get rid of you, I want to keep you for like, ever."

"Plus one forever, officer."

Gail flexed her jaw, her fingers wrapping tightly around her phone, the distance suddenly seeming so insignificant compared to Holly's infectious determination.

They could do this.

"...plus one forever, nerd."

They would do this.

"I... am so hopelessly in love with you and your snark, Gail Peck."

One step at a time.

"I love you more than cheesepuffs and alcohol, Holly Stewart."

Gail smiled then, the tears forgotten as she melted further into Holly's rambling voice, a fierce determination suddenly seizing her heart.

Twenty-six thousand miles?

She's worth every single one of them.

Surprise? And I have seen nothing of the new season. Shut up, I'm garbage, I know. Sorry if this literally sucks, it's been so long for everything in my life. I still lack a beta and I'm exhausted, please excuse all mistakes. I don't have internet either, I'm at my cousin's to post this. I'll do what I can from now on, please be patient. Boojangs, out.