Archive of Our Own

They’d been here before. Hand in hand, boots crunching on the hardened ground, this time of dirt, previously of snow. Some would say a metaphor for the pure and the damaged, but something about loss purified the air this afternoon as the sun warmed their backs. It wasn’t a comforting warmth though, it was hot and suffocating and almost sickly in the current situation. 

Wynonna stood in the middle, Waverly to her left, then Nicole. To her right, stood Jeremy, then Robin. In her hand, an old bottle of whiskey, Crown Royal, 50 years old, the one they had been saving for the day they were finally able to bring Alice home. Even if she brought their daughter home now she wouldn’t drink it. The taste which would have once been sweet and warming, which she would have relished in, now would only taste bitter and sour and the warmth burning and painful. 

Waverly’s hand in her free hand squeezed slightly and she lifted her gaze from the bottle to the empty grave in front of her. In the middle lay an old, tattered jacket and a crisp black stetson atop it. The sisters should have been used to it now, empty graves holding just the memories of the people they loved, but no matter how many times it happened somehow each cut burned just as much, if not more.

Looking up slightly, Waverly took in her sister’s face, the tight line of her lips shaking slightly under the pressure of how firmly it was held shut. Her eyes sparkled with unspilled tears and her lids drooped slightly as if suggesting closing them would make it all go away. Knowing her sister was struggling, from the glazed eyes and shaky hands, Waverly made the first move. Gently, she squeezed Wynonna’s hand again, before stepping forward and dropping down onto one knee. She slipped her hand into her back pocket and pulled out two cards. Leaning down she placed the two kings to the right of his hat with a small, tear stained smile. “Cowboys.” She breathed out so only she could hear it. The same cards he’d given to her that night with the skull. It had taken her a while to understand the game, but he’d worked with her on the rare days off they had shared, teaching her the mechanics of poker and now she understood the meaning behind the cards. Their cards. “I knew you were one of the good ones, even when you shot at my head.” She let out a little chuckle which was swallowed by a small sob. “I’m sorry Doc.” Her head dropped as she rested her hand on the hat before pushing up to standing and backing away. 

Once her hand was back in her sisters which was shaking somehow even more now, Jeremy nodded at her and stepped forward. Carefully he slipped the lab coat from his shoulders and leant down slightly to lay it atop the other things. “This one is a little big for me.” He wiped his eye gently, his other hand rubbing in a fist at his side. “Thanks for helping me grow a moustache.” He paused and swallowed, lowering his voice a little. “And for showing me what it means to be direct. I did it Doc. Thank you.” He nodded his head and stood up, backing up until his hand found Robin’s. After a gentle squeeze, his boyfriend stepped forward clutching tightly to a book.

Robin opened the book - which had been a gift - to a specific page, a small passage underlined, and placed it face down in the grave, the spine cracked and the pages frayed, the title ’The picture of Dorian Gray’ discoloured from age. “I will always talk about you.” He promised with a gentle, internal confidence as he nodded his head and stood up, muttering an afterthought slightly. “I just wish we had more time.” He swallowed thickly, his hand wrapped around Jeremy’s tightly as they all looked down at the uncovered grave.

Now Nicole stepped forward, her posture strong, but her face soft and throat bobbing with each heavy swallow. With a careful, delicate intimacy she unclipped the gun holster around her waist, a revolver on each hip, the thick leather belt far too heavy and inhibiting for her. “I promise to finish what you started.” She muttered, not standing, but placing her hand in an informal salute whilst on one knee. “Thank you, for giving us this chance.” Her entire body felt heavy with the weight of unforgiven arguments, unspoken apologies and a forgiveness which neither of them had the chance to give. All she could do now was make all of this worth it. All she could do was keep them all safe: Waverly, Wynonna… and Alice.

Back in line, they stood in silence for what felt like hours, all staring down at what would be considered an empty grave, but which was somehow full with love and memories.

After a while, Wynonna cleared her throat and took a slightly shaky step forwards, clearly trying to maintain composure. Without saying anything she pulled the cork out the top of the bottle and sank to both her knees. She took a sip, revelling in the pain it brought and poured a little onto the hat, watching silently as the liquid cascaded smoothly over the top and past the brim. A laugh almost escaped her at the irony, but it caught in her throat at the thought of his fingers tipping that brim and the smirk sparkling in his eyes as he spun on his heel and strolled out. “Your world up there better be filled with our mind blowing sex.” She let out a strangled laugh, as a couple of tears fell and she swallowed, coughing to clear her throat again and taking another sip. “I… I, uh, I’m going to get her back.” She promised, tucking the now half full bottle between his hat and his gun belt which Nicole had placed there. She took a minute, kneeling there and composing herself, swallowing her tears and ignoring the sickness growing in her stomach, before she finally found the strength to push herself back up to standing. 

Backing up, she almost fell over, but Waverly’s - surprisingly strong - arm found her back and held her upright, pulling her close and wrapping her hand around her waist. One more thing needed doing and Nicole had already offered to do it so no one else had to. She stepped forward and took a shovel, tipping dirt quickly but not aggressively into the grave. It only took a few minutes before it was entirely covered and they all stood there silently, tears staining each of their cheeks in disbelief and pure, unbridled loss.

“Thank you.” Wynonna breathed softly, without looking away from the now covered grave, when Nicole found her way back to Waverly’s side. Instead of replying, she just nodded softly, watching the older Earp desperately trying to keep it together. The redhead squeezed Waverly’s hand and nodded towards the homestead and the younger girl pulled on her sisters arm, leading the group towards their home where an unhealthy amount of sandwiches and booze was waiting for them. 

Walking away, Wynonna willed herself silently to let him go. If only it was that easy. This was a hard one. This one stung a little too much. All that kept her standing was her sister’s firm hand on her back and the hope that wherever he was, it was better than the pain he had when here. He had found a way out which didn’t involve hell and she tried to focus on that, to be happy for him and his peace and to find her own in that.

Wynonna was first through the door of the homestead, Waverly quickly behind her, followed by Robin, then Jeremy and Nicole at the back, making sure no one had followed them. Once they were all inside, Nicole slammed the door and Waverly and Wynonna hastily slid a bookcase across it. 

“So Bobo’s back.” Wynonna said with wide eyes, chest heaving from all the running they’d been doing, back pressed hard against the bookcase.

“I killed him Wynonna.” Waverly stepped in front of her, her brows raised and hands shaking slightly. 

“Yeah we all have Waves, the fucker just won’t stay dead.” The older girl pressed her hands into her temples and Jeremy cleared his throat behind them causing them to both turn in his direction.

“Uh Waves, your shirt…” he trailed off, hoping he didn’t need to say more.

Waverly’s face blushed and she suddenly felt the cold breeze on her exposed back. “Oh uh I’m gonna get changed.” She ran upstairs before anyone could stop her. 

When she was gone, Nicole turned to Wynonna with wide eyes and the brunette shrugged. “Did you know?” Nicole asked, referencing the wings and Wynonna shook her head fervently, pushing off the book case.

“Hell no!” She replied. “I probably could have guessed though, I mean Charl- Julien he had them.”

Nicole nodded, looking out the window. “Right, yeah good point. We should uh, we shouldn’t make a big deal about them right?” She scratched her neck and Wynonna shook her head.

“Yeah, I’ll try.” Her brows raised at the promise.

“How is Bobo back?” Robin interrupted the moment, bringing them back to the reality that they were currently locked into the homestead unsure of what other demons had been released. Bobo could be the least of their worries.  

“What if it’s not to do with the garden at all?” Jeremy wondered aloud and they all squinted at him, turning slightly when they heard gentle footsteps padding down the stairs and Waverly completely covered up by one of Nicole’s shirts hanging mid thigh over her jeans.

“Pretty weird coincidence if not.” She mumbled, instinctively finding herself drifting towards Nicole and wrapping her arm around her hip, pulling her close. 

“I guess it sort of is to do with the garden, but more specifically Bulshar. He set the curse on Wyatt Earp - as we all know - so what if the curse being undone didn’t kill the Revenants like we thought?” 

Wynonna scowled at him. “I saw them disappear right in front of my stunning blue eyes.”

Rolling his own eyes, Jeremy considered the response for a second. “Uh well what if they like regenerated somewhere?” 

Nicole shook her head. “There’s no way they can still be revenants. You’re not cursed anymore, so they can’t be either.”

Everyone stood in silent thought for a second before a voice from outside gave them their answer, a voice they all instantly recognised. “Maybe we’re not revenants.” 

Rosita leaned with her back against the role of the porch outside, voice loud enough to carry through the closed window through which everyone could see her. 

Waverly’s eyes widened, two people in one day who she thought she’d killed, or at least done some serious injury to, had shown up. 

“Are you sure you didn’t put something in my coffee this morning Haught?” Wynonna raised a brow towards the redhead who didn’t even tear her gaze away from their new visitor to respond to the snarky comment. 

“You gonna let me in or are you all gonna stand there and act like you’ve seen a ghost?” Rosita lulled, stepping forward to lean on the frame.

“Well have I?” Wynonna responded, eyes still wide.

Rosita grinned, moving to the side. “Open the door and find out.” She replied and Wynonna rolled her eyes, reaching forward to grab the bookcase.

“WAIT!” Nicole’s eyes were frantic. “What are you doing? Are you insane?” 

“What? What is she going to do?” Wynonna rolled her eyes. “There’s five of us and one of her.” 

Whilst she still looked hesitant, Nicole sighed and relented, stepping forward to help Wynonna shift the book-case. Once Rosita was inside the homestead, the air was more than a little tense and uncomfortable, Nicole stood protectively slightly in front of Waverly, Wynonna stood silently wishing she still had peacemaker and both Jeremy and Robin shifted a little in the awkward silence. Finally Rosita rolled her eyes and gave them their answer.

“I’m not a ghost. I’m not a revenant either.” She muttered, gaze dropping to Wynonna’s belt and widening when she saw peacemaker wasn't there.

“I told you never to come back here. You might not be a revenant, but I meant what I said.” Wynonna threatened, with no weapon to follow through with the task she was promising.

“You’re going to need me now.” She flicked her eyes towards Robin, pointedly ignoring Waverly, neither of them sure how to approach the way their friendship had ended. “I’m glad you got out Waverly.” Her tone was a little sharp, but nonetheless Waverly could tell she meant it and she swallowed her mouth opened and shut quickly whilst she looked for what to say

“I- uh thank you, about before… I-“

“Doesn’t matter now, you were protecting your sister.” Rosita brushed her off, clearly a little embarrassed herself by the entire incident, but before Waverly could protest, Wynonna pushed in. 

“Why do we need you now?” Clearly, she was impatient, shifting on her feet, looking around the room, unable to stand still.

Rosita sighed. “You took a huge risk opening the garden didn’t you know that?”

“Of course we did.” Nicole snapped. “We didn’t have a choice.”

“Maybe not.” Rosita shrugged. “But I’m here to help with the fallout.”

Jeremy squinted, obviously panicking a little bit. “Fallout?”

Before any of them could answer, Robin’s entire body went limp and he dropped to the ground. Nicole spun and quickly grabbed him before he could hit the ground hard.

“What the hell Rosita?!” Waverly hissed, stepping forward towards her old friend.

“Like I said, I can help, just trust me.” Her voice almost sounded pleading and Waverly relented a little.

“Trust has to be earned, and right now you could win the award for the person I trust least in the world.” Wynonna growled, steeling up to Rosita.

For a moment the two brunette’s stared into each others eyes with the passion of two worlds travelling silently throughout the room, before they were interrupted by a pleading redhead. “Wynonna we don’t have a choice, he’s out cold.” Nicole turned her head desperately, a limp Robin sprawled in her arms.

Nicole leant against the bathroom sink, breathing deeply and staring into the mirror. “Get it together Haught.” She muttered, then instantly smiled. That was the exact same thing she’d said to herself in the car before going into Shorty’s to meet Waverly for the first time. Now she was saying it again, moments before she was going to propose.

Slowly she pushed open the door and slipped back into the kitchen where all of their closest friends were.

“Uh Waves, can I borrow you for a second?” She scratched her neck, unable to remember the last time she felt this nervous. Every time she took Waverly on a date - which was rare given their hectic lives - she felt like a nervous teenager. With Waverly she always felt like she’d been given a gift and she would do whatever it took to be worthy of Waverly Earp.

“Sure!” The small girl chirped back, turning to Wynonna with a stern expression. “Don’t you dare let that burn!” She warned, looking to Jeremy and Robin too - imploring them to keep an eye on her. Robin had been fine since that night after the garden, but it didn’t stop everyone being a little on edge, worried about if he was going to pass out again and what was wrong with him. Rosita told them she couldn’t come up with a solution until he showed any signs of something being wrong, but the group were all worried that by the time that happened it would be too late.

With a flourish so delicate and graceful, Waverly tipped the onion she’d just finished chopping into the pot and skipped up to Nicole. She pushed up onto her tiptoes and pressed a kiss to the redhead’s cheek, already a lot more comfortable with being back. The action never failed to amaze Nicole and she felt her skin tingling with the brief touch, her cheek burning under Waverly’s kiss. The familiar scent of Waverly’s rose perfume stilled her heart a little and she tried to focus on the fact it was just Waverly, her Waverly and she could do this.

Using all the confidence she could muster she took Waverly’s hand and led her into the next room where she had already lit candles and turned on the fairy lights. The old stereo crackled in the corner, Hozier playing on a loop because it was soft and gentle and Waverly loved him. Her heart was hammering against her chest so rapidly she almost didn’t even notice Waverly looking at her expectantly. 

“Can you turn that down a little please?” She asked, knowing this was her chance, this was the perfect moment. Waverly squinted at her a little confused, but turned anyway. Nicole only watched her for a split second, watching her delicate fingers slowly twisting the volume knob, before she fumbled in her back pocket and dropped to her knee. 

When Waverly turned and spotted Nicole, her eyes widened first in what almost looked like fear, but then softened into a sparkling excitement. Nicole could see her girlfriend wrestling with whether to trust the moment or not. Still, she was having a hard time dissociating the garden from the real world and then there had been the incident of the accidental proposal at their dinner before. She wanted her to know this was real, to trust her. 

Nicole gave a small smile and nodded and Waverly’s shoulders dropped slightly. 

Nicole cleared her throat.

This was it, she had to say something now. Waverly was waiting this time, waiting for her to say it. Her heart pounded with the weight of the moment, her hands slipped on Curtis’ re-shaped ring in her hand, her hairs stood on end as she opened her mouth.

“Waverly.” She cleared her throat again, trying to make her voice less shaky. “From the second I met you I knew I couldn’t live without you in my life. I couldn’t live without you bubbly giggling and rambling which make your eyes sparkle, or without the way you bounced around the office hiding your intelligence behind that nervous exterior. I couldn't live without the bright warm spark you lit in my chest that sometimes feels like it’s the only thing keeping me alive.” She paused and smiled a little, trying to compose herself when she could already see Waverly’s eyes sparkling. She had to get through this.

“I remember when I spent half my day driving around town looking for you. I remember you sitting in my car and asking if we could be friends. I remember being angry, but thinking it was okay, because I could do that, I could be friends as long as it meant I still got to see you everyday, I still got to talk to you and give you rides and make you laugh. Even then I knew I couldn’t live without you. The second I walked into that bar my life changed forever Waverly and not because of this job, or the curse, but because of you. I thought I knew you then, but there was so much more to know, you keep surprising me Waverly Earp and I want to have the opportunity to keep getting to know you for the rest of our lives, to figure out this insane, terrifying world together. Because you're everything to me Waverly; sure we have a lot left to figure out, but that doesn't even scare me anymore because the one thing I'm certain of is that I want to be with you, forever." Nicole finished, a couple of tears dropping and Waverly blinked, letting her own tears spill. 

There was what felt like the longest 5 seconds of silence in Nicole's entire life, before Waverly let out a shaky breath. "Nicole." 

Nicole swallowed hard, she hadn't even considered that Waverly might say no, but maybe after everything she'd changed her mind or seen something which made her doubt their love. Before her panic really settled in, she asked the question properly, hoping it would get the answer she wanted.

"Will you marry me Waverly Earp?" She bit her lip to stop the shaking, studying Waverly's face for any indication of her answer. Waverly's eyes sparkled and she started nodding frantically as Nicole felt her heart jump a little.

"Yes, god yes of course I will Nicole." She stepped forward and Nicole quickly stood up, throwing her arms around her and pulling her close into a hug, both of them shaking from crying and laughing at the same time.

With trembling hands, Nicole slid the ring on Waverly's slim finger and - unsurprisingly - it fit perfectly. 

"It's-"

"Curtis'" Waverly finished, instantly recognising it, as her eyes re-filled with tears. "How... how did you-"

"I called Gus." Nicole swallowed. "Uh a couple of weeks ago, and then I had it re-sized." She smiled and Waverly leant up to brush her loose hair away, wrapping her hand around the back of the redhead's neck. Nicole grinned and cupped Waverly's face, leaning down to kiss her passionately.

"Okay okay, save it for the wedding!" Wynonna hollered, rounding the corner, followed by the other two.

Nicole let out a breathy laugh against Waverly's lips, too extatic to even care about the interruption. Besides she'd deliberately told Wynonna to have this dinner party so they could all be there for it anyway.

Pulling out of Nicole’s arms, Waverly spun to face her sister who immediately enveloped her in a hug, whilst Jeremy and Robin did the same to Nicole. “Congrats babygirl.” She paused, before her brow furrowed a little. "Did Haught cry?” She teased, looking down at Waverly who’s own cheeks were still wet. The small girl didn’t answer her sister though, instead she shook her head smiling. 

“Did you know?” Waverly asked with her brows raised, looking back over her shoulder at Nicole smiling and chatting with their friends.

“I know everything Waves.” Wynonna winked, but then rolled her eyes. “Yeah, I did, Nicole gave me a very heartfelt speech.” She pressed her hand onto her heart theatrically. 

Waverly giggled softly. “I highly doubt that.” She felt strong hands press gently down on her shoulders and squeeze.

“I actually think I’m pretty good at heartfelt speeches?” She smiled, referencing her earlier, down on one knee speech.

Before Waverly could reply, Nicole let out a soft laugh. “But yeah, it wasn’t the most heartfelt thing.” She rolled her eyes at Wynonna, remembering the pain in her side from all the punches. 

Wynonna scowled and the moment passed, both of them silently agreeing they would keep that evening between themselves.

“Well!” Waverly swung her arms in a way which used to mean she was nervous, but now was a sign she was comfortable and excited. “I’m going to go and finish making dinner with my fiancé - who wants to help?” She winked and took Nicole’s hand who smiled and followed her into the kitchen.

“They’re going to be even more unbearable aren’t they?” Wynonna frowned at Jeremy and Robin who just shrugged and followed the couple into the kitchen, ignoring the older Earp’s obvious groan behind them.

An hour later they were all sat around the kitchen table in the homestead, eating tacos and toasting with their glasses full of alcohol. Waverly had spent half of the meal staring at her hand and smiling down at the ring. It’s not like she’d never seen it before, but it looked different on her hand. Somehow it seemed more dainty, more feminine and Nicole had definitely had it cleaned when getting it resized. 

Jeremy cleared his throat after a while. “I uh, don’t want to bring the mood down, but I found out something about the garden the other day.” Since the damage which the garden had been causing to his boyfriend, Jeremy had taken it upon himself to spend the past week finding out everything he possibly could about it.

“Nope the only garden we’re talking about is Haught’s newly engaged one.” She winked but Nicole scowled and punched her in the arm. “Fine.” Wynonna rolled her eyes. “Proceed.”

Without hesitation, Jeremy straightened up and cleared his throat. “So I think we closed the only route into the garden."

“Yeah, so?” Wynonna replied, shoving half a taco into her mouth.

“So the only place for people to go when they die is down.” The entire table’s eyes widened.

Nicole finally spoke up. “Down as in -“

“Yes.” Jeremy replied without hesitation.

“So let me clarify, we closed the garden, the revenants are back - as humans - Robin might be dying and we’re all going to hell. THIS is what we get for saving the world?!” Wynonna half yelled. 

Waverly swallowed and nodded. “Okay so we figure it out one by one. One thing at a time. Starting with Robin.”

Just as Jeremy was about to answer, the door swung open and Rosita bustled in. “Oh great, you’re all here. I just stopped by shorty’s and it’s all gone.”

Nicole squints. “What is?”

“The notes, the research. All of the files we had there, the samples. All of it, it’s gone.” The tone of the girl’s voice was way too relaxed for the magnitude of everything she was saying.

Beside them at the table, Robin slumped suddenly and Jeremy jumped up to catch him, eyes wide and frantic. 

“We need that! We’re running out of time, we can’t get it all again!” He called out and let Robin slip back into the chair safely and stepped to the side.

Wynonna stood up. “How did that happen?” She squared up to Rosita who shook her head.

“How the hell would I know, I only just found it!” She spat back. 

“Haught, you can trace it right? Fingerprints or DNA or sniffer dogs or something?!”

“Sniffer dogs?” Rosita raised a brow.

“I don’t know, just find it, we need that, it’s the only progress we’ve got.” Wynonna snapped, turning to Robin who was still unconscious.

“How long do we have?” Waverly asked, slightly panicked.

Jeremy looked at her with a seriousness in his eyes and pain laced through his brow. “Not long enough.”