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“Wait, what?”
Nicole asked, confused at what Waverly just said to her.
Waverly bit her lip as if contemplating her words and fidgeted from where she sat beside Nicole on the stage. “Oh, uh, yeah!” Waverly confirmed, clasping her hands together as her lips formed into a shaky smile. “I…uh…need help with a scene from the play, and I was wondering… if maybe you could help me with it?”
From all the years that Nicole had known Waverly, she could hear the uncertainty in the young Earp’s voice, but whether it was because of how nervous she was for asking for help or something else, she wasn’t sure.
Nicole crossed her arms, head tilting slightly to the side. “I don’t understand; I thought you guys were doing great at rehearsals?” At least that’s what she saw when she watched the last rehearsal.
Waverly stuttered out a reply, “W-We are. But- It’s just, I’ve been struggling with this scene.” She stood, her arms waving wildly at the stage. “I-I mean- I have to act scared at the start of this scene, then hesitant, then accepting of the love offered to me, it’s just- a shift of emotions!” She ranted, throwing her hands up before crossing them to her chest.
When they announced that the school play was The Phantom of the Opera, Waverly was so excited and immediately signed up for auditions. The Phantom of the Opera was one of her favorite musicals; she practically had everything memorized with how often she watched the DVD until it mysteriously disappeared years ago. (Nicole suspected that Wynonna had something to do with it due to how she would change the subject every time it was brought up.)
When Waverly auditioned for the part of Christine, their theater teacher Mrs. Emery was very impressed and even commented that it was like Christine came to life and was standing right in front of them. Waverly was so thrilled when she got the part.
She put in a lot of effort at rehearsals, but the pressure from being in the lead role must be taking a toll on her. Knowing Waverly, all she wants is to act out her role perfectly; so she wouldn’t be a burden to everyone in the play.
As the date for opening night draws near, the nerves started escalating. A lot of people were going to watch the play and Wynonna was even going to record the whole thing. “What better way to remember this amazing moment in your life than a recording of it.” She stated with a smile on her face, but from the mischievous glint in her eye, that video would probably be used as a way to mess with her little sister.
Nicole nodded slowly and failed to hold a chuckle. She couldn’t resist, Waverly looked so adorable pouting. Her lips pressed into a flat line when the brunette glared at her. “Sorry, I swear, I’m not laughing at you. But Waves, you have nothing to worry about, I’ve seen you at the rehearsals. You’ll do great,” Nicole reassured. Waverly gave her a soft smile, but it dropped as her eyes wandered to the setup on the stage, hazel orbs clouding with uncertainty.
Nicole couldn’t bear seeing Waverly so unsure of herself. It couldn’t hurt to help; after all, she’ll probably just read off some side character’s lines. How bad can it be? “Okay, so, what do you want me to do?”
“Well, if you don’t mind, can you act out the role of Raoul?” Waverly asked shyly.
Nicole raised her eyebrows in surprise. “Raoul?” She asked, trying not to show how internally she’s panicking right now and praying that Waverly meant someone else, but she nodded in confirmation.
This isn’t good. Raoul was someone she could relate to, considering they both love their childhood friends and, if she could guess, the scene they’re going to act out is the part where he confesses his love to Christine. How would she even do this? She can't even profess her feelings in front of her mirror, no matter how many times she practiced.
“B-But why me? I-I mean, can’t you practice with Perry? He is playing Raoul.”
“Perry’s busy with hockey practice, so I’m on my own for now,” Waverly looks at her sheepishly as she fiddles with her hands. “And w-well, I’m not comfortable asking any of my other friends to help me with this, and since you’re one of my closest friends, I thought that maybe you could help me with it. So, will you, please?” She pleaded, giving the puppy dog look that she knows Nicole couldn’t resist.
Nicole bit her lip and breathed out a sigh in resignation, “Well since I have nothing else to do right now, I guess I’ll help read out the lines”
Waverly shook her head in disapproval, “That won’t do, Nicole. You have to act the whole scene with me.”
“Does that include singing?”
“Yup.”
Oh crap, she can’t do that. It’s bad enough that she had to make sure that she doesn’t give away any indication of her feelings for the brunette but add singing to that? No one had ever heard her sing before; she made sure that it’s only confined within the walls of her bathroom. It’s not that her singing is bad it’s just that she doesn’t like to sing in front of an audience, and the last thing she wanted was to make a fool of herself in front of Waverly.
She’ll just politely say no while she can, but the way Waverly looked expectantly at her was crushing her resolve. No, she can do this; just say no Haught!
“Uhhh, I-I… sure, I can do that.” What the hell is she saying!?
Waverly must’ve sensed something wrong because she looked unconvinced. “Are you sure? I’m not pressuring you into doing this, right?”
“No!” Nicole blurted out loudly; she cleared her throat and spoke, “No, really, it’s fine. Besides, you looked troubled about this and you know me, I’ll do anything for y- ah, my friends.” She finished off with a dazzling smile, hoping that Waverly didn’t catch her little slip-up.
Her mind kept telling her that this was a bad idea but seeing the way Waverly’s eyes lit up and how her smile stretched wide. She knew it was a losing battle. If Wynonna were here right now, she’d be mocking her about how whipped she was towards her sister. It was hard to deny the fact that it was true.
Waverly clapped her hands and bounced on her feet a little. “Thank you so much, Nicole! I’ll make it up to you, I promise.”
“No problem.” Nicole pushed herself to stand, body wobbling a little. “Worth a try on my part, I guess.”
Waverly took the script out from her messenger bag, flipped through it, and stopped at the scene they were going to play out. She handed the script over to Nicole as she got ready to be in character.
Nicole looked at the scene; sure enough, it was where Raoul confessed to Christine and sang about their feelings. She skimmed through the lines, trying to get a grasp on it. Even though she had the song memorized due to how much Waverly dragged her to watch the movie multiple times, it can't hurt to make sure, plus it's a good distraction.
Waverly took her place, holding a fake rose she got from the prop box as she recited her lines.
Nicole said her lines to how it was needed in that part and looked on from her place. Her eyes sparkled, admiring Waverly from where she stood. She loved seeing the brunette whenever she acted; whether she was portraying a character or acting out a line from a movie, the brunette always managed to captivate anyone who watched her performance.
‘She certainly captivated me in more ways than one.’ Nicole thought as a dopey smile formed on her face. She snapped out of it when she saw Waverly looking at her expectantly.
“Oh, right.” She searched for the last line Waverly ended. The next part was where they sang ‘All I Ask of You’ The script wrinkled in her tight grip. She remembered watching this scene when she was 12, imagining that it was her and Waverly up on that snowy rooftop singing about their feelings for one another, except it’s happening now in their school auditorium and Waverly doesn’t know that she’s serious.
Her heart was beating so fast it felt like it would jump out of her chest. She had to remind herself that she’s doing this to help Waverly and decided to put herself into this. Besides, it’s not like Waverly will be able to tell that she’s channeling what she feels for her.
Taking a deep breath, Nicole started to sing.
No more talk of darkness…
forget these wide-eyed fears…
I’m here, nothing can harm you,
my words will warm and calm you…
Nicole stepped forward, brown eyes gazing lovingly into Waverly’s. Waverly gawped at the redhead, her hold on the rose loosening the more Nicole sang to her.
All of Nicole’s emotions were running high. Her nerves were jittery, her heart was pounding so hard she could hear it competing with her voice. Anxiety was creeping in, but she was determined to finish this song. Making sure that every word she sang portrayed what she couldn’t say to Waverly. It hurt to know that Waverly will never know that she meant every word she sang, but for this one moment, she could pretend.
When it was Waverly’s time to sing her part, her eyes sparkled as she looked at her. There was something hidden in her gaze that Nicole couldn’t help but wonder what it was.
Say, you’ll love me every waking moment…
turn… my head with talk of summertime…
say you need me with you now and always…
promise me that all you say is true…
that’s all I ask of you
Waverly turned away from Nicole, her hand closed on her beating heart. Nicole wrapped her arms around Waverly’s waist and sang to her in almost a promise.
Let me be your shelter.
Let me be your light…
you’re safe, no one will find you,
your fears are far behind you…
All I want is freedom, a world with no more night…
and you, always beside me,
to hold me and to hide me…
Waverly turned to face Nicole as if to say she believed every word that the redhead said.
Then say you’ll share with me one love, one lifetime,
let me lead you from your solitude.
Say you need me with you, here beside you.
Anywhere you go… let me go too…
Waverly…
that’s all I ask of you.
Nicole wasn’t even aware that she said the wrong name; too caught up in the moment to even care.
Say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime.
Say the word and I will follow you…
Share each day with me each night each morning.
Say you love me...
You know I do...
Nicole sang softly, caressing Waverly’s cheek as she leaned on her hand.
Love me that’s all I ask of you…
It was as if they were both under some spell, like a magnet, pulling them closer together. Nicole could feel the heat radiating off Waverly and the jasmine perfume she wore enveloping them. Waverly placed her hands on Nicole’s shoulders as she looked up at her with hooded eyes.
Nicole hesitated, this was all part of the act right? It was in the script, they were just going along with what the characters were feeling. They could skip this part and be done with it, but she can’t pull away. Her arms wrap around Waverly’s waist. She leaned in just as Waverly’s eyes fluttered close, their lips met in a passionate kiss and all the thoughts she had flew out of the window.
Waverly's lips were so soft as it moved against hers. It felt like fire branded her in every move. She was afraid that if she opened her eyes she would wake up in her room, disappointed that it was another dream. But the feel of Waverly’s hands leaving electricity as it trailed up her shoulders to tug at her hair and the soft breaths she let out as their lips moved in sync convinced her that this was so real.
Neither seemed to care about finishing the song as they were both lost in each other embrace. Nothing could break this moment.
“Hey, are you gonna finish this or what? I haven't got all day!” Shouted a very familiar voice that echoed through the auditorium.
They parted immediately as if a bucket of ice water poured over their heads. Nicole and Waverly created some distance between them as they tried to steady their breaths. Nicole paled when she saw Wynonna sitting on one of the chairs in the second aisle, holding a video camera, obviously recording them.
“Are you done?” Wynonna peaked from the hand covering her eye; she brought her hand down as she exclaimed, “Oh, thank God that ended! I was getting worried you guys might do it on stage.”
“We were-”
“Wynonna, you-”
Waverly and Nicole said at the same time. They blushed as they looked at each other; Nicole bit her lip and gestured for Waverly to continue.
Waverly cleared her throat and asked, “Wynonna, how long have you been there?”
“Came in here just as The Lady in Red over there started to sing.” She said, looking at the screen of the video camera. “Nice voice, Haught.” She smirked at the blushing redhead.
Great. Knowing Wynonna, she'll never let her live this down, especially when she got it on video. Nicole was about to tell Wynonna to knock it off when Waverly asked, pointing at the camera, “Wait, are you recording us?”
“Well, I had to test the camera out, came here, saw what was happening and I just couldn’t pass up the opportunity. Don’t worry; I looked away when things were getting hot and heavy. Sooo, not what I needed to see.” Her face scrunched in disgust.
Nicole knows from the way that Waverly's hands clenched and her forehead puckered that the younger Earp was fuming; she was getting ready to give Wynonna a piece of her mind. Nicole edged away slightly and wished the older Earp luck for evoking the wrath of her little sister.
Wynonna caught up to her sister’s mood and quickly said, “Oh, by the way, weren't you supposed to help Gus with the garden?”
Waverly blinked and checked her watch, “Oh right, I was supposed to be home after school." She slapped her forehead, "Shitballs, it slipped my mind.”
“Really? I wonder why?” Wynonna said sarcastically. Looking back and forth between Nicole and Waverly. She snickered, “Looks like something out of your dreams huh baby girl.”
Nicole furrowed her brows, “What?”
“Wynonna, I swear to God-” Waverly glared at her sister, trying to stop her from saying any more.
Wynonna raised her hands in a placating manner as she shrugged off the glare from Waverly. She closed the camera and pushed herself to stand. “Anyway, we should be going. You need a ride back, Haught?”
“Uh, no, it’s fine, I can just walk home this time.”
Wynonna raised an eyebrow, “Haught, I know you’re a bit of a fitness junkie and all, but a ride home isn't going to kill you.”
Nicole could feel Waverly’s gaze on her, burning in anticipation for her answer. Nicole bit her cheek; it's a bit of a dilemma. She always rode home with the sisters after school, but after her kiss with Waverly, she doesn't know where she stands with the younger Earp. But if she doesn’t go with them Waverly will think that she’s avoiding her.
Nicole nodded. “Fine, I’ll go with you guys.”
“That’s the spirit, Haughty. Come on; we’re burning daylight.” Wynonna pointed out as she walked out of the auditorium. When the doors clicked shut, Nicole let out a breath she didn’t know she was holding.
An awkward silence surrounded them now that they were alone on stage again. Nicole licked her lips as she looked at Waverly. “Right, so… Good practice. You’re gonna knock everyone off their seats by opening night.” She said, lips twitching to the side.
She leaned down to grab her and Waverly’s bags, hoisting them on her shoulders. “Come on, you know how Wynonna is, we don’t want to keep her waiting.” She jumped off the stage and held out a hand to help Waverly down.
Waverly opened her mouth to say something but closed it as her eyes dart to the floor. She took the older girl’s hand and jumped down beside Nicole.
Their hands lingered for a second, their eyes meeting before Waverly let go and went ahead without another word. Nicole’s hand tingled from the touch, but her heart felt heavy from the reaction. She sighed as she followed the younger Earp.
Due to it being late in the afternoon, the majority of students and faculty have already gone home, leaving the halls empty. Their walk to the school parking lot was quiet and tense as neither spoke a word, minds racing, not knowing what to say to one another.
When they arrived at the school parking lot they spotted Wynonna leaning on one of the remaining cars, clearly bored as she watched the flame of her lighter.
Wynonna glanced at them and flicked off the lighter. “About time you two showed up. Thought you were gonna take longer in there though.” She said teasingly
Nicole and Waverly blushed at the suggestion. Nicole cleared her throat. “Anyway, I’ll just go ahead and wait at the jeep,” She said, adjusting the strap of her backpack. Her gaze lingered on Waverly for a moment before she walked away.
Waverly couldn’t help but stare wistfully at Nicole’s back. The words she wanted to say rattle in her mind, berating her to chase the redhead and pour her heart out, but the words remained stuck on the tip of her tongue.
She jumped slightly when Wynonna nudged her playfully on the side. “So, judging by that intense lip-lock earlier, your plan worked,” Wynonna smirked, waggling her eyebrows.
“Oh, uh no, not really...” Waverly said softly; as she walked towards the direction of her jeep.
“Wha-“ Wynonna furrowed her brows in confusion as she followed, matching her pace beside her. “What? Wait, then what the hell was that about earlier? Don’t tell me you were just practicing?”
Waverly bit her lip and shrugged.
“Seriously, Waverly? You kept me up these past few days, planning and re-planning how to tell Nicole how you feel, and you chickened out?”
“Well, I panicked, okay!” Waverly exclaimed, covering her mouth; her eyes looked around the parking lot to see if anyone heard. She breathed out a sigh of relief; Nicole didn’t hear her. She removed her hands and continued, “I mean, I was waiting there, going over my plan. I was so ready, but when she came in, I blanked out, and I blurted out the first thing that came into mind.” Eyes watering, she wrapped her arms around herself. Why was she such a coward?
Wynonna pursed her lips and sighed, shaking her head. “Baby girl, listen to me.” She said, placing a hand on Waverly’s shoulder. “As much as I don’t like giving you advice on romance, especially regarding my best friend, because gross.” She muttered; and continued, “I know you think you’ve missed your chance, but believe me, you didn’t. Do you still want to tell her?” Waverly nodded. “Then you need to tell her when you have any confidence left because once that leaves, you’re left waiting again; it’ll be a while before you gain that confidence back and who knows how long that’ll take,” Wynonna said, grasping her sister’s shoulders and shaking her slightly. “So, while you still got this thing going on, you need to tell her, Waverly.”
Waverly blinked in disbelief. “Wow, Nonna, you’re giving sound advice. Are you okay?”
Wynonna snorted and let go of her sister’s shoulder. “Gus found my stash yesterday and probably gave it to Shorty for added stock. So, take my advice while I’m still sober enough to give you one.”
Waverly smiled shakily and hugged Wynonna, who awkwardly patted her back. “Thank you, Wynonna.”
Wynonna ruffled Waverly’s hair and gave her a push. “Yeah, yeah. Now go get your girl and do me a favor, keep it PG. I don’t want to see anything more than what happened earlier.” Wynonna said as she walked away.
Despite the hard exterior Wynonna showed to others she always had a soft side. Waverly smiled, then frowned as a thought entered her head. “Wynonna, you better delete that video!”
“I’ll think about it,” Wynonna responded without turning to look at Waverly. She’ll find a way to delete that video, but for now, her focus is on something else.
“Wynonna’s right. It’s now or never, Waverly; you can do this!” She muttered to herself, breathing deeply in then out; Determined, she strode her way, ready to tell Nicole everything.
Nicole sat at the backseat of the jeep, playing a game on her phone. She hoped it would be a distraction to stop her thoughts from wandering and so far it hasn’t worked. The kiss kept repeating n her mind.
The scent of jasmine still lingered on her clothes, reminding her of how close Waverly’s body pressed against hers. The little sounds Waverly made as her hands caressed her side as she tugged on her bottom lip to seek entrance…
The phone vibrated as ‘Game Over’ flashed on her screen. “Damn it!” She exclaimed, pressing the power button too hard as she closed her phone and put it away. “Get a hold of yourself, Haught.” She slumped back, running a hand through her hair. “It was probably nothing anyway…”
Wynonna pulled open the passenger door of the jeep and threw her bag beside Nicole, who flinched when it almost hits her. Wynonna sat and angled her body to look at her. “You’re in for it now, Haught. Don’t blow it.” She stated, fumbling with the glove compartment.
“What do you mean?”
Waverly knocked on the window next to her. “Nicole, can we talk, please?”
Nicole’s eyes flashed in concern as she looked at Wynonna, who just shrugged and proceeded to search for something under the passenger seat.
The redhead stepped out of the jeep and shut the door behind her. Waverly reached for her hand and pulled her behind the jeep.
This is it. Waverly probably wanted to talk about it earlier, probably to tell her that it was a mistake and how she didn’t mean any of it cause she was caught up in the moment. Her heart twinged at the thought, but prepared herself and sighed in resignation. “Waverly, what did you want to talk about-“
Her words cut short when she felt lips crash against hers. Nicole's back hits the bumper from the force and her hand's fumble for purchase until they settled on Waverly’s waist. It took her brain a while to process what was happening. Waverly was kissing her. This was the last thing she expected and she wondered if she was daydreaming again. But she let herself indulge in the feeling of the brunette’s soft lips against hers.
They both pull away, gasping for breath. “I don’t think that was talking.” Nicole breathed, smile dazed.
“Sorry, I just, I have to be honest, Nicole.” Waverly sucked a breath in, “I didn't need help earlier.” She licked her lips nervously, glancing at Nicole. “We’re doing fine at rehearsals. I called you to the auditorium because I wanted t-to tell you,“ Waverly swallowed down the lump that lodged in her throat. “I like you, Nicole... I do, so much...” She finished softly.
Nicole’s brown eyes widened in surprise. Waverly liked her? She was tempted to pinch herself, just to see that this wasn’t a dream and Waverly Earp actually confessed that she liked her. She’s happy, so happy that she could yell at this parking lot until her voice goes hoarse, but in the end words escaped her.
Waverly swallowed nervously as Nicole remained silent. Her eyes dart to the side, afraid that she might’ve ruined her friendship with the redhead. “Nicole, please say something. I-I know it’s sudden and I’m sorry that I wasn’t honest with you earlier and-“
Nicole shook her head and placed her hand on her cheek. “No, Waverly-” She said gently, effectively stopping her rambling. “I-i like you too...”
Waverly was in disbelief as she whispered. “You do?”
“Yeah, I’ve liked you for a long time. I just wasn’t sure, what you felt for me. I wanted to tell you, but I didn’t want to ruin what we had.”
Waverly’s smiled, the corner of her eyes crinkled as she laughed softly. “I’ve wanted to tell for quite a while now. I even kept Wynonna up with my ramblings of whatever plan I thought up.”
“You are a planner and that’s what I like about you.” She reached for Waverly’s hands and clasped their fingers. “ I guess we were both worried over the same thing, but I’m glad we finally cleared the air.”
“Yeah.” Waverly whispered as she leaned in, their foreheads touching. A wave of relief washed over them, there’s no place they’d rather be at the moment. They smiled content in each other’s presence, until a blare rang from the jeep, the horn being pressed repeatedly.
Waverly pulled away, her eyes rolling in annoyance, “Damn it, Wynonna!” Waverly whispered. She let out a huff as Nicole let out a chuckle. Waverly fiddled with the collar on the redhead’s jacket, “We’ll talk about this later, is that alright?”
“Yeah, looking forward to it.”
Waverly lets out a small smile and pecked Nicole’s lips repeatedly until Nicole held her there for a few seconds. The horn of the jeep blared out again. They pulled away again, and they made it back to the jeep.
Nicole went in just as Waverly pulled open the jeep’s door, “Really, Wynonna?”
“Had to do it, baby girl or else who knows how long you’ll stay out there making out.” Wynonna said drinking from the flask in her hand.
“I thought you said Gus took your stash?” Waverly asked as she strapped the seat belt on.
“Yeah, but she didn’t know about the one under the seat. After all that I’ve seen today, I needed it.” Wynonna said, taking another drink from the flask.
Waverly started the engine, smiling to herself. She glanced at the rear view mirror and saw Nicole was mirroring the same smile as she was.