From Zero to Her Hero

Chapter 18 One Last Hope

A/N: Guys...holy shit I'm so sorry for not updating this! I completely forgot to post this chapter on here! I post my stories (and am more active) on AO3, so if you'd like to read more of my stuff feel free to check me out over there with the same username! Again, I'm so freaking sorry I never gave you the last chapter. Better late than never, though, right? Hah...

"Smile!" Wynonna exclaimed and shoved her phone in Nicole and Waverly's faces.

"Wyn, you've taken more than enough pictures," Waverly placed her hand on her sister's arm and pushed her away from them.

"Yeah, and your flash really doesn't need to be on for all of them. You've nearly blinded me," Nicole added, rubbing her eyes.

"That was the whole point, Haught Tamale," Wynonna shoved her phone into the back pocket of her jeans.

"Wynonna, stop bothering your sister," Gus warned from the kitchen. "And please, for the love of all things holy, do not blind Nicole. She's the one driving, remember."

Wynonna laughed but it fell short as her face went serious. "You crash and I'll kick your ass way back down to Texas, you got it?" She said, putting her face inches from Nicole's.

"At ease, soldier," Nicole held her hands up in defense.

"Good. Glad we've established that. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have plans I must attend to alone since you decided to fuck off to prom with my baby sister."

"You and Doc could have come too, you know," Nicole raised an eyebrow at her best friend.

"Oh please, like I want to be anywhere near that cesspool of hormones and body spray," Wynonna gagged.

"But you just said–" Nicole sighed. "Never mind."

"Great. Any further questions? No? Sweet. Just remember my golden rule," Wynonna smiled.

"Beer before liquor, never been sicker; but liquor before beer, you're in the clear?" Waverly asked.

"Yes, but no," Wynonna shook her head.

"Nothing is ever illegal unless you get caught?" Nicole tried.

"Well, yes, but again...not this time. What I mean to say is always use protection. And be sure to keep the noise level to a minimum, as this house has very thin walls," Wynonna winked before heading for the door.

"Did your sister just...give us advice on how to get laid?" Nicole asked, staring at the closing door.

"Sometimes I wonder what really goes on in her mind," Waverly shook her head and faced Nicole. "But that's not important. What is important is that you look so good right now."

"I told you I was pulling all the stops for this night," Nicole smiled.

"Yes, well you showing up in a suit is something I didn't fully expect...though it's definitely something I've dreamt about," Waverly smoothed her hands across Nicole's shoulders.

"I'm glad I settled on the suit then," Nicole smiled proudly.

"Though I really like the sight of you in a skirt and those gladiator sandals," Waverly smiled and played with the lilac bow tie around Nicole's neck, "this tailored suit looks even better. And this navy..." She trailed off, tracing the pocket of Nicole's blazer.

"Yes?" Nicole implored.

"You're going to look really good in a Purgatory police uniform," Waverly breathed out.

Waverly tried to hide the pain behind her eyes, but Nicole saw it; she always saw it. Their time together was quickly coming to an end and Nicole couldn't help but feel like she had made a huge mistake with following through on the Academy. Her parents were disappointed and were only helping her pay for it because they thought she would drop out after the first month. Waverly had gotten better at hiding her true emotions from Nicole, especially when the topic of leaving came up, but Nicole always saw it. It shattered her heart to know that Waverly was putting on a brave face simply because she didn't want to have another argument.