Chapter Text
Waverly woke up to the faint sound of humming. She slowly opened her eyes and tried to rub the sleep from them before sitting up slightly. As she looked around the beautiful room for one of the last times, she heard the humming again. Waverly stretched her arms and got out of bed to put on her robe to find out where the humming was coming from. She checked the balcony with the beautiful view of the city, but nothing. Realizing the only other place the sounds could come from, she made her way to the bathroom. Steam and that familiar vanilla scent met her as she opened the door. Even though she’d seen this multiple times before, the sight of Nicole’s bare body still left her speechless and in a dream-like state.
“Are you gonna keep staring at me or are you gonna join me?” Nicole chuckled as she held the shower door open.
Waverly got out of her stupor. “Hmmm, both seem like great options.” she thought out loud. Before Nicole could say anything, she undid her robe and let it drop to the floor. “But I’ll be joining you if you don’t mind.” Waverly said as she made her way into the shower.
“Not at all.” Nicole said, closing the shower door again. As the redhead turned back around, she was met by soft lips on hers in a heated kiss. “Good morning to you too.” the redhead breathed, smiling.
“Good morning.” Waverly said, giving Nicole another peck on the lips. “Have you been up long?”
“No, only about 5 minutes.” Nicole answered. “You looked so peaceful, I didn’t want to wake you up just yet.”
“Well, thank you.” Waverly said as she took some shampoo and began washing her hair. As Waverly was washing her hair, Nicole took some of her shower gel and started massaging the brunette’s back with it under the steady stream of warm water. “Hmm, that feels nice.” Waverly hummed as she turned around and pulled Nicole into another heated kiss.
Hands were going over all the familiar places on each other’s bodies for a few minutes before Nicole broke off the kiss. “As much as I would like to continue this, I think we should finish up and go have breakfast with your sister, Doc and Alice.” Nicole heaved. “I wouldn’t put it passed her to have her Wynonna Interruptus senses have her kick in a door in a foreign country.”
“That only happened once at the homestead.” Waverly laughed, resting her head against Nicole’s chest. “But yeah, you’re probably right.” she said, raising her head but holding her right hand over the redhead’s heart.
The pair finished up in the shower and packed up their stuff before leaving the stunning room. They had all agreed to pack up, check out and leave their bags with the front desk before going to breakfast. That way they wouldn’t have to carry their bags with them around town and just come back before going to the train station.
The rest of the Earp family was already waiting in the lobby when Waverly and Nicole came walking down the stairs, hand in hand. “Good morning.” Alice said cheerfully.
“Good morning.” Nicole and Waverly said in unison.
“Good morning.” Doc and Wynonna replied, the latter even with a big smile.
“You okay there, Nonna?” Waverly laughed.
“I’m perfectly fine. Red here picked a great hotel. I haven’t slept so good in a long time.” Wynonna said. “You can take us on vacation more often, Haught.” she said, patting throwing an arm around the redhead and patting her on the shoulder.
“Darlin’, just be nice.” Doc said, cheeks turning a light pink in shame.
“I just can’t with you.” Waverly said, lowering her head in shame.
“It’s okay.” Nicole laughed. “I take that as one of the biggest compliments Wynonna’s ever given me.”
“And that’s why you’re my best friend.” Wynonna smiled proudly. “Now, who’s hungry?”
“Me.” Alice and Nicole said excitedly, raising their hand.
“Alright, let’s get going then.” Waverly said, taking Nicole’s hand and leading the way to the little restaurant just over the Ponte Vecchio.
The five of them enjoyed a delicious brunch in the restaurant. They enjoyed their food and took in the last sights and sounds of Firenze before going back to the hotel to get their bags.
The train station wasn’t far from the hotel, so they decided to walk the short distance and take in as much of Firenze as they still can. Once at the station, they got everything in order with their tickets to Rome and only had a short wait until their train. Nicole was able to have them all together in first class to Rome.
“You sure know how to spoil a lady, Haught.” Wynonna said, impressed.
“Well, I do try my best.” Nicole blushed.
“While all the fancy stuff isn’t necessary, it’s very much appreciated. Just like you are very much appreciated.” Waverly said, kissing Nicole on the cheek.
“I see you two making the Notebook look bleak doesn’t know any borders.” Wynonna fake gagged.
“Wynonna.” Doc said semi-sternly.
“I’m kidding. I’m kidding.” Wynonna said, raising her hands in mock defeat, making Alice giggle.
The train ride continued with their fun, usual banter. Halfway through, Alice positioned herself on Nicole’s lap so she could see the Italian country better. When they got out of the train in Rome and made their way to their hotel, Alice had wanted to walk with Nicole again. The redhead had Alice’s hand in one hand and in the other her phone so they knew which way to go to the hotel. Doc had took it upon him to take most of the luggage so the Earp sisters could walk arm in arm.
It was mid-afternoon when they arrived at their destination. Nicole had once again chosen the most beautiful hotel for them. She had gotten the top two suites in the hotel. Both suites overlooked the river Tiber and the Colosseum. “Wow.” Nicole heard the collective reaction from the adjoining balconies.
“It’s beautiful.” Alice said in amazement.
“Yes, it is.” Wynonna and Doc breathed.
“I’m glad you guys like it.” Nicole said, her arms wrapped lovingly around Waverly’s shoulder so the brunette could lean into her.
They stayed like that for a while longer before retreating into their suites to relax for a bit and freshen up before dinner. It was early evening when the five met up again in the lobby.
“Where to next, Red?” Wynonna asked.
“I may have had a little activity planned in advance, but for dinner no real plans.” Nicole said.
“Wow, and I thought Waverly was the planner.” Wynonna snorted.
“Hey, stop making fun of her.” Waverly said, pushing Wynonna.
“But it’s so easy.” the older Earp laughed. “Besides, I don’t mean anything by it.”
“Baby, it’s okay.” Nicole assured the youngest Earp. “I know that in that tough exterior, Wynonna’s a big old softy for me.”
“I’m not.” Wynonna scoffed.
“Oh, you so are.” Nicole laughed.
“Okay, fine. I am. But only because you treat my sister and my family right.” Wynonna gave in.
“And because you love your best friend.” Nicole added.
“Maybe just a little bit.” Wynonna mumbled, giving in once again. The others simply smiled at the easy and loveable banter between the two.
“What do you have planned for us?” Doc asked, holding Alice’s hand.
“I hope you’re all gonna like this.” Nicole started, a little nervous as she got five tickets out of her jacket. “I was able to get us all tickets to see the Colosseum during sunset.”
“Wh- What? How?” Waverly stuttered, the others looking at Nicole speechless.
“An opening came up in their calendar and I immediately booked it to be sure.” Nicole blushed.
“That’s amazing, Nicole.” Doc breathed. Wynonna nodded her agreement excitedly. Alice was still looking up at Nicole with big eyes.
“Is that okay with you, Alice?” Nicole asked, getting down to her knees to be more on Alice’s height.
“It’s more than okay. You’re the best, Nicole.” Alice said as she threw her arms around Nicole. The redhead held the little Earp in a tight hug. The other three smiled at the encounter.
“You picked a really, really good one, baby girl.” Wynonna whispered. Doc nodded his agreement.
“I know.” Waverly whispered, taking a picture of her niece and girlfriend.
After the adorable moment was over, they made their way out of the hotel lobby and to the Colosseum. The wait wasn’t too bad as they already had tickets and the line wasn’t all that long so they made it in in no time. Waverly and Nicole took the lead going up the steps and waited at the top of the stairs, watching Doc and Wynonna help Alice up the steep steps. Once they were all at the top, they made their way more in to the structure so they could overlook the inside of what once was a grand gladiator stadium.
“Wow.” they all gasped. “It’s beautiful.” Waverly continued.
Doc had put a speechless Alice on his shoulders so the little girl could see better. “It’s so big.” Alice said, amazed by the grandness of it all.
“I didn’t know something so old could be so impressive and beautiful.” Wynonna said, clearly impressed.
“It’s a masterpiece, isn’t it?” Nicole asked no one in particular.
“It really is.” Waverly confirmed. “It’s a miracle it’s still standing.” Alice added, Waverly nodding eagerly in agreement.
“Did you know that one side is much better preserved than the other due to how it lies on the fault lines?” Waverly asked, her inner geek taking over. “Rome has known quite a lot of earthquakes, each of them damaging the building. Except that one side of the Colosseum lies on a safer side than the other.” she continued.
“I didn’t know that.” Doc said. “That’s quite interesting. And quite the engineering to have it survive all that.” he added.
“Hmmm.” Waverly hummed her agreement. “It’s actually so expensive these days to restore the Colosseum that the Italian government plead for outside help because they couldn’t afford it themselves anymore. The biggest player in the restorations we see today are possible because of Tod’s, the shoe brand.”
“Okay, that’s a really cool fact.” Alice said, amazed by her aunt’s fun-facts.
“Oh, I have quite a few more fun-facts about this place. As I’m sure you do as well, Alice.” Waverly smiled.
“I may have a few.” Alice giggled, blushing.
The group continued walking through the upper portions of the Colosseum, admiring the grandness of it all. After that, they made their way down to the stage area and where the exotic animals and gladiators would have to await their either victorious or gruesome fate. The entire time Wynonna, Doc and Nicole eagerly listened to all the history and fun-facts Waverly and Alice had to tell about the place, each of them incredibly proud and in awe of their loved ones’ knowledge. By the time they were finishing up their visit, the Colosseum was covered in an orange golden glow from the setting sun. They asked one of the tour guides if they could take a picture of their family inside of the building and another one for a picture outside in the beautiful golden glow so they would all have this memory to keep forever.
“This has been amazing.” Nicole said excitedly.
“It has been indeed.” Doc agreed. “Thank you, Nicole, for making this possible.” he thanked the redhead.
“Oh, it’s my pleasure.” Nicole smiled.
“I have to agree with Haught and Doc, here.” Wynonna said. “And Alice and Nerdly are the best tour guides ever.” she added, looking affectionately at the both of them, making both Alice and Waverly blush and Doc and Nicole shake their heads in laughter.
The five of them leave the Colosseum and decide to walk until they find a good place to eat. The evening goes by quickly with lots of smiles and more stories about the monument as the food and drinks were served. After dessert they made their way back to their hotel to get a good night’s rest so they can visit as many monuments as they can in the next two days.
“Thank you, again, Nicole. This evening has been amazing.” Doc said, carrying a sleeping Alice.
“It really has been amazing, Nicole.” Wynonna agreed. “Thank you for bringing us out here. This trip is something we’ll never forget.” she added, softly rubbing Alice’s back.
“You’re very welcome.” Nicole said softly as to not wake Alice.
“You’re the best, baby.” Waverly said, lying her head on Nicole’s arm, trying to suppress her yawn.
“No, that’s you. You’re the best of us, Wave.” Nicole said sweetly. “Come on, let’s go to bed.”
“Yeah, let’s.” Waverly agreed. “Good night, guys. See you in the morning.”
“Good night.” Doc and Wynonna said.
“Good night, guys.” Nicole said before they parted their way to their respective hotel room doors.
Waverly and Nicole got ready for bed quickly, both tired from the day’s great events. “Thank you, again.” Waverly said, kissing Nicole’s cheek and settling back into her side under the blankets.
“You’re welcome, baby.” Nicole said, kissing the top of the brunette’s head. She wanted to add something else but was fast to realize Waverly had already fallen asleep. “I love you. Sweet dreams, baby.” the redhead whispered, smiling at the brunette asleep in her arms.
***
The next day, they met up in the lobby mid-morning. That way they could sleep in a little and still get a good amount of sight-seeing in. The five enjoyed a nice breakfast at the hotel and then took off on foot to their next destinations. Going on foot would allow them to see the most of the city and the weather permitted it. They had agreed to go to the Vatican and were quickly surprised by how long the line was to get in.
“Holy shit, that’s a long line.” Wynonna exclaimed.
“Wynonna! Language!” Doc said sternly, taking in the disapproving looks from the people passing by and in line before them.
“What? I said ‘Holy’. Isn’t this a Holy city?” Wynonna shrugged, making Nicole snort.
“She does have a point.” the redhead giggled.
“Thank you, Haught.” Wynonna thanked Nicole. “But seriously, we’re gonna be here for a long time. This line goes on forever and I kinda really gotta go pee.”
“I told you you shouldn’t have drank that extra espresso.” Waverly said.
“I know, I know. But when in Rome, right? They’re famous for their coffee here and I have to say, aside from my bladder not taking it well, their coffee is delicious.” the older Earp shrugged, smiling.
“From the looks of it, we might be waiting an hour, maybe longer.” Doc said, looking over the mass of people in front of them. Wynonna sighed.
“We could look online and see if there’s still an opening for a tour or a small group.” Nicole proposed. “That way we don’t have to wait in line as long.”
“That’s a great idea.” Wynonna said excitedly.
“I’m not opposed to that.” Doc said.
“Yeah, I think that’s a good idea.” Waverly gave in. She took out her phone but was stopped by Nicole. “Baby…” the small brunette started but was cut off by Nicole.
“No, it’s fine. I’ll look it up. You save your data for something else.” the redhead said, her arm softly resting on Waverly’s.
“Fine.” Waverly gave in, putting her phone away.
Nicole went onto the website and found one group that still had a few free spots left. She was quick to buy the tickets and got everything they needed via e-mail. “Thank God for modern times. We only need these QR-codes to get in.” Nicole said, sending each of them the code they needed.
“Red, you’re like a saving grace.” Wynonna said, putting her arm around Nicole. “Now let’s go before I pee my pants.” she said before going underneath the chain and into the line reserved for people who already have tickets. The rest of the group followed her, laughing.
Within five minutes they were in the Vatican and at the restrooms, Wynonna being elated by that. “Whew, that was needed.” she breathed as she came out of the restroom. The others had decided to go too now they had the chance and would meet up in the hallway in front of the bathroom. Nicole was already waiting there with Doc and Alice. When their group was complete, they made their way further in to the Vatican.
Once outside the main building and literally in Vatican City, they met up with their tour guide. They were a group of about 20 people, all tourists from various countries. The tour started and they followed their guide, Wynonna and Doc each holding Alice’s hand and Nicole and Waverly holding hands the entire time of the tour. They got a few disapproving looks but they didn’t let it get to them. Love is love and Wynonna was always quick to tell those people to go to hell, earning even more disapproving looks and shrugs from Wynonna.
“You don’t wanna piss off the Lord here by not being accepting of your fellow people, now do you?” she’d always reply with her shrug.
They admired all of the art in the museum. From paintings, to rugs, to smaller objects, everything was very impressive and beautiful. One of the last rooms before getting to the Sistine Chapel was the room with the School of Athens by Raphael. Nicole took some extra time to admire the painting in all its glory with Waverly’s additional info. As they entered the Sistine Chapel they couldn’t help but be in more awe at all the details in the art. Each of them made sure to sneak in a couple pictures with their selfie mode on their phones before going into Saint Peter’s Basilica. The Basilica was huge, to say the least. They took their time walking around the impressive church and came to a standstill as Wynonna was getting a little too excited for normal.
“You guys!” Wynonna slapped Doc’s arm. “We can see dead popes here!” she said excitedly, pointing at the door leading to the tomb underneath the church where people could freely view the embalmed bodies of a few popes and other prominent people for the Vatican.
“Nonna, no.” Waverly quickly said.
“But Waves.” Wynonna whined. “It’s so cool! And when in Rome, or Vatican City, right?” she tried.
“Nope, I’m not going. As much as I love the history, that’s where I draw the line. If you wanna go, that’s fine, I’ll just wait here with Alice.” Waverly said.
“Great. Any other takers to see dead popes?” Wynonna asked.
“Eh, it’s not really for me, sweetie.” Doc said earnestly.
“That’s fine. How about you, Haught?” Wynonna asked, looking hopeful at Nicole.
In all fairness, Nicole wasn’t too excited to look at embalmed bodies but she also wouldn’t have the chance again any time soon to be here. And besides, Wynonna took it upon her to give everyone who as much as even looked disapproving at her and Waverly a talking to and dirty looks, so who was she to take this away from Wynonna. “Sure, I’ll go with you.” Nicole smiled.
“Yes!” Wynonna cheered, holding her hand up for a high five Nicole returned.
“Babe, you don’t have to, you know.” Waverly said to Nicole.
“I know, but I want to.” Nicole assured the youngest Earp. “We’ll be back in a bit. Just let us know if you’re gonna be waiting somewhere else but here.” she added with a soft and loving squeeze of her hand.
“Okay, we’ll see you in a bit.” Waverly said, walking away to view some more of the building with Doc and Alice.
“Thanks for doing this.” Wynonna said sincerely as they were walking down the stairs.
“There’s no reason to thank me for this, Wy. But you’re welcome.” Nicole said.
With that they made their way further down and looked at all the bodies and plaques the tomb had to offer. As they made their way back up the stairs after a while, Nicole got a message from Waverly with a picture of her with Doc and Alice hanging out in the shade on Saint Peter’s Square. They met up on the Square again and went to grab a bite to eat before going to explore more of the beautiful city.
After having a nice lunch and break to drink near the Piazza Navona, they made their way onto the Piazza to look at the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi by Bernini. From there they leisurely walked, swaying to the music from the street performers, to the Spanish steps.
“Do we really have to go up so many steps?” Wynonna jokingly whined.
“Yes, mom. We do. Come on!” Alice said, grabbing Wynonna’s hand, making the others laugh. “The church at the top is actually a French church.” Alice explained as they made their way up the 135 steps.
“Why are they called the Spanish Steps then?” Doc asked.
“Okay, so even though the steps lead to a French church, the only reason the Spanish Steps are called the Spanish steps is because there used to be the Spanish Embassy at the bottom on the square.” Alice explained.
“That’s true.” Waverly proudly verified what her niece had said.
“Wow. That’s cool to know.” Doc said proudly. “How do you know all that, sweetie?” he asked his daughter.
“I read about it in a book auntie Waves gave me.” Alice smiled at her aunt.
“I love that you have a big beautiful brain like your auntie.” Wynonna said as she affectionately pulled Alice into her side for a hug.
“Me too.” Alice said proudly. “She’s so smart. I wanna be smart like her when I grow up.”
“You already are, sweetie. You already are.” Waverly said sweetly. “You’re gonna change the world one day with that big beautiful brain of yours.”
After their moment, they made their way further up the steps to the top where they had a beautiful view over the city. They admired it for a while before going back down to wander down the streets to look for souvenirs. The sun was starting to set by the time they were done with souvenir shopping and they chose a nice little restaurant to eat at. After dinner, they stopped for some gelato before going back to the hotel to rest up for their last day in the beautiful city.
***
Their last day in Rome came quickly. The five decided to meet up early in the hotel and go out for breakfast in the city to make the most of their day. They found a cute little café and got some breakfast and coffee, and a hot chocolate for Alice. After breakfast they went to the Forum Romanum.
“This used to be the center of the ancient Roman Empire.” Waverly said excitedly as they walked through the Forum, looking at all the ruins.
“That over there used to be an old temple.” Alice said pointing at a structure. “And that over there, that was like a market place.” she added, pointing at the ruins of what was once a grand structure.
“Indeed, Alice.” Waverly said excitedly.
Their group continued walking through the Forum, Wynonna, Doc and Nicole eagerly hanging on to every word Alice and Waverly said.
“Not far from here is actually the site where Julius Caesar was assassinated.” Waverly said as they walked out of the Forum. “They only recently opened it up to the public.” she added.
“Can we go?” Wynonna excitedly asked, earning a few looks at her excitement. “What? Can’t a girl want to see a big Emperor’s assassination site?”
“Sure, she can.” Waverly said. “I just didn’t expect you to be so excited about history.”
“I have my moments.” Wynonna shrugged lovingly.
“And that’s one of the many things I love about you.” Doc said, kissing the side of Wynonna’s head.
“Alright, let’s go then. Google Maps says it’s only a 10 minute walk.” Nicole said excitedly, already holding out her phone.
“Lead the way, Haught.” Wynonna cheered and the rest followed behind the two of them.
They checked out the newly opened site and continued their day in the city. For lunch they decided on a quick bite to eat before going to the Pantheon and after that, the Trevi Fountain.
It was busy at the fountain so they had to wait a while before being able to get to the fountain and its basin itself. Once there, they each took a turn making a wish by throwing a coin over their shoulder and into the water. Nicole made sure to take plenty of pictures of the Earp family and Wynonna did the same for the redhead and her little sister. They asked a nice lady to take a family picture of them in front of the fountain. From there, they made their way back to one of the many squares to eat dinner in Italy for the last time of their trip.
“I’m kind of sad we have to go back.” Wynonna said.
“Me too. But we’ll come back here one day, darling.” Doc said sincerely.
“Really?” Wynonna and Alice asked with big eyes.
“Really. I’ll make sure we do.” Doc smiled.
“Thank you, daddy.” Alice hugged Doc.
“You’re welcome, sweetie.” Doc said as he held Alice and Wynonna close.
Nicole and Waverly smiled at the interaction of the family before them. “Thank you for making this happen for them. Thank you for making them, and me, so happy.” Waverly whispered.
“You don’t have to keep thanking me but, you’re welcome.” Nicole said, kissing the side of Waverly’s forehead. “It’s been my absolute pleasure.”
They went back to their respective rooms to freshen up and pack before going to the airport. “I’m sorry it’s such a late flight, guys.” Nicole said as they were waiting at the gate. Alice was asleep, her legs over Waverly’s legs as her head lay on Nicole’s.
“It’s okay. It does mean we get back at a decent hour at home so there’s not much to complain about.” Doc said, Wynonna easily agreeing.
The wait until they could board the plane wasn’t too long and they were soon seated in first class. “You know, Nicole, you really keep spoiling us.” Doc laughed.
“Hey, I wouldn’t put you guys with less leg room for these long flights.” Nicole smiled.
Wynonna came back from the restroom and motioned for Nicole to come with her for a second. “Before you ask if everything’s okay, don’t you worry, everything is perfectly fine. I just wanted to tell you something.” Wynonna quickly said before Nicole had the chance to speak up. “Thank you, for everything. This whole trip and the way you’ve treated my family, it means a lot to me.” she said sincerely.
“You’re welcome, Wy.” Nicole said. “You guys have done so much for me over the last few months, I couldn’t have imagined this without you here as well.”
“You’re really like family, Haught.” Wynonna said and in the moment, she also hugged her.
“You’re like family too, Wy. You all are.” Nicole said, returning the hug.
They soon broke the hug and got to their respective seats. “Everything okay?” Waverly asked, concerned why Wynonna had asked Nicole to come with her for a moment.
“Yeah, everything’s perfect.” Nicole smiled and sweetly kissed Waverly on the lips.
The plane soon ascended and they were on their way back home. Wynonna was asleep already and had a sleeping Alice half on her lap, half on Doc’s. Doc was watching a movie before he would try to get some sleep. On the other side of the aisle, Waverly was making herself comfortable in Nicole’s side to get some sleep.
“Did you have a good time, baby?” Nicole asked.
“I had the best time.” Waverly answered sweetly. “I sometimes still wonder what I did to deserve you.” she added, snuggling closer into Nicole’s side.
“I still wonder what I did to deserve you too as well.” Nicole admitted. “You’re the best thing that’s happened to me, Wave. I know I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again: as long as you’ll have me, I’ll be by your side. I’ll always try my best to make you as happy as can be, because you, baby, you deserve the world.” the redhead added, lovingly kissing Waverly on top of her head and holding her close until they both fell asleep.