Broken Handcuffs [III]

xxi.

[ This chapter was written to The End of Love by Florence + The Machine. You're able to listen to it in the media and I encourage it! ]
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Nicole and April met up later after their respective meetings over a late lunch at Nikki's house. It was AJ's first time truly being there since her arrest last year and the memories didn't wash over her like she thought it would. Nicole told her to get comfortable and April did cry when she saw Nacho happily barking at her once again. He looked well-fed and happier, much bigger than last year of course but he never forgot her. It meant a lot, the little knowledge that even if Nicole forgot her, Nacho wouldn't.

She played with him and when they weren't playing, he was simply in her arms, burrowed into her embrace. Nicole watched along in content silence. AJ looked over at the woman she loved dearly, unconsciously smiling and seeing Nikki smile back.

"What?" The twin questioned, leaning on her hand that was propped up on the back of the couch. AJ just shook her head. "It can't be nothing with you staring like that."

April looked back down to find Nacho asleep in her lap, then Winston down at her feet looking out of the window before she looked at Nicole once again.

"You're in love with her."

Nicole didn't budge, ".....yeah. I am."

There was a silence heavier than the ones before, AJ still rubbing Nacho's head.

"I can see why." She nods, "I've been denying it but... seeing her today and watching you, I had to come to terms with it. There's no way around something like that."

"I'm still in love with you too."

April smiles, "I know. You've told me before." She sighs, leaning further against the couch, "What happens to us now? She loves you and you love her, you love me and I love you. Does she know how you feel?"

Nicole shakes her head in the negative, "Haven't had the chance to tell her. It's been so much happening lately, I don't even know what made her quit earlier today."

"Oh yeah," AJ leans forward a bit, "she hasn't called you yet?" Nicole replies in the negative again.

"She wants me to be with you. Said so numerous times, actually." This continues to grab April's attention and Nicole looks at her with a calm, serene expression. "Even after she told me how she felt, she kept saying that you and I were meant for each other."

"How do you feel about that?"

Nikki purses her lips, "She's right. Remember what I told you? I'm not going anywhere."

The moment pops right into her head, it was the night of the Hall of Fame ceremony last year. She'd trusted Nicole to Seth until she surprised her but got a surprise of her own. She remembered Nicole at her door, apologizing and telling her she still loved her.

Nicole's close proximity brings April back to the present moment.

"I'm not going anywhere April," Nicole repeated, her fingers gently tilting AJ's chin up.

"Neither am I, Nicole."

It felt like their first kiss on the tour bus all over again.
~~~~~

Leah made it home to see Stephanie in her driveway, a look of anguish set on the older woman's features as she watched her get out of the car.

"Leah, please listen to what I have to say," Stephanie pleaded behind the woman as Leah ignored her in favor of the front door. "Please! It wasn't my idea, you have to know that! I still love you!" Leah stopped in place. "I," Stephanie's voice cracked, "I still love you so much Leah."