Come Back... Be Here

Waverly woke with an ache in her heart as she reached out into the empty space beside her on the bed. She was already gone. Waverly sighed. She knew yesterday was their last but she'd hoped she could say goodbye in the morning.

With a yawn and stretch, the young brunette sat up and gazed at the other side of the bed where Nicole had been just hours ago. She couldn't understand why this hurt so much, after all it had only been a couple weeks. And they knew this from the start. They knew all along that Nicole would have to leave.

And Waverly had tried not to get attached. But how could she not? Nicole was everything she had ever dreamed of and more. Who cared that she was moving to a different country for her new job? Who cared that they could only have 12 days together?

It all started the Saturday before last. With a date that was meant to be no more than dinner, a few drinks and one night together.

Waverly reached for her phone and checked the time. 8:43. Nicole's flight was still two hours away. Maybe she could go see her off at the airport. One last kiss. A kiss so good it might just convince her to stay, without Waverly having to be selfish enough to ask her.

She got off the bed in a rush and headed straight for her closet. She pulled on leggings and a sweater. Waverly slipped on sneakers and crouched down to tie them up.

In the bathroom she brushed out her long brown hair. It was a great mess of tangles thanks to last nights activities. She put it in a loose, low ponytail and continued to the kitchen.

Waverly opened the fridge and grabbed a handful of grapes, scoffed them down quickly and made for the door. She grabbed her keys, gripped the door handle and flung it open, ready to race out.

She slammed into something and stumbled back. Waverly looked up to see what she bumped into. Or who.

A familiar dimpled smile and sparkling brown eyes greeted her, the sweet face framed by soft red curls that tickled her chin. Her hand released the suitcase handle as she scrunched her face in apology.

"What're you doing here?"

"I can't do it. I need you in my life. I was about to check my bag when I found this in my pocket."

She held out a small piece of paper that Waverly instantly recognised. It was the receipt from their second dinner together. Day 2. Waverly had to leave early the next morning and left a note scrawled on the back of the first bit of paper she could find. ''

"And I just couldn't do it. I couldn't leave. This is meant to be, Waverly. You and I belong together and I'm not going to let anything get in the way of this."

"Oh thank god. I didn't want to be selfish and ask you to give the job up for me, but fuck I never want to leave your side."

Waverly threw herself at the woman and held her tight. "I was just on my way to see you for one last goodbye," she admitted, talking into the crook of Nicole's neck. "Don't ever let me go."

"Can I come inside first?" Nicole said, giggling. Waverly blushed and pulled back while Nicole dragged her suitcases through the door and then shut it behind her. "Now I'm all yours."

Waverly pulled her over to the couch and the fell into each other again. Nicole made a move to kiss her but found Waverly's fingers against her lips.

"Wait... so where are you gonna work? And what about your apartment?"

"I called Nedley and he's happy to have me back. He said he's been struggling to replace me. And he even said I could crash with him for a bit if I need to."

"Move in with me."

"Waverly, we've known each other for barely two weeks."

"You just gave up an amazing job to be with me. And I want to spend every moment possible with you. Besides all your stuff is already here." She indicated the discarded suitcases. "Please?"

Nicole answered her with a kiss.