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zipzin · 10 months

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The Law of Entropy: Chapter 3 - It's a Two Front War (Also on Ao3)

Rosita waltzed up to Waverly and Nicole’s apartment dressed in her favorite short, sparkly dress. Nothing was going to ruin tonight, she thought as she knocked on the door.

As long as Waverly actually went.

She wouldn’t put it past her to claim some boring excuse about Nicole and her feelings and roommate dinners.

The door opened and Nicole sputtered, “Oh, it’s you.”

“Hi.” Rosita smiled, wishing Waverly could see this version of Nicole. The one who took up the entire doorway and scowled at her like she had just killed someone. “I’m just here to pick up Waves for our date.”

Nicole’s jaw tightened, “Waverly will be out in a moment.”

“Excellent!” Rosita grinned, enjoying Nicole’s fingers clenching around the door just a little too much. Rosita bit down a smirk when she saw Nicole check her out and frown as her eyes reached her legs.

There was a zero percent chance that Nicole was going to let her inside. “So, how’s Wynonna?”

“Wynonna?” Nicole’s brow furrowed.

“When I first heard, I had my doubts about you and Wynonna. I never would have guessed that you two would get together but last night I could really see,” She paused, “the chemistry.”

Nicole coughed and stared at Rosita with wide eyes. “Um,” She breathed out, “Thanks?” Her face was pale as she glanced behind her as if checking to see if Waverly had heard. Rosita had to dig her fingernails into her palms to keep from laughing.

“Yes, you’ve been best friends with her for how long? And you get along with her sister?” Rosita grinned. “I mean there’s nothing more important to Wynonna than Waverly.”

“Right.”

“But seeing the two of you together, it’s like you’re soulmates.”

Nicole’s only answer was her choking.

“I know it’s early,” Rosita said, “But I really think you two will last forever.”

“Uh.”

Rosita was only saved from full-out laughing at the perplexed expression on Nicole’s face by the appearance of Waverly, dressed in a pair of tight black jeans and a crop top that was closer to a bra than a shirt.

“Hi.” Waverly gave a little wave. “Rosita. Nicole.”

It killed Rosita to see Nicole’s eyes skate down Waverly’s body, bite her lip, and turn bright red while Waverly’s back was to her. These two fucking idiots. It was nothing like the cursory glance Nicole had given her. And this was one of her best dresses!

“I’m ready,” Waverly said. In one hand was a clutch and the other a small bag. Rosita raised an eyebrow as Nicole saw it and went from red to white in an instant, looking like she’d rather be tortured than standing there.

“You look great!” Rosita said, “Hot.”

She wasn’t lying. Waverly was undeniably extremely attractive and she knew exactly how to show that off.

“So do you!” Waverly preened and then turned to Nicole who looked like she’d swallowed glass. “Don’t wait up!”

“Right.” Nicole gritted out and then closed the door.

They walked towards Rosita’s car and once safely inside Rosita nodded towards the bag at Waverly’s feet. “You really packed an overnight bag?”

“I figured we were just going to yours to watch a movie or work on homework or something, since you know this isn’t a date.” Waverly said carefully, “I wasn’t going to wear this the whole night.”

“Waverly, Waverly, Waverly.” Rosita said, “What makes you think my ideal night is watching a movie?” She was not even going to address the homework suggestion. She’d spent an hour getting ready. “We’re going to the city, going dancing, clubbing. I’m not going to make you outright lie to Nicole, or Wynonna.” Rosita added as an afterthought. “Plus, we got ready, that’s pretty much half the battle, I want to have a fun night out with my friend.”

“Wait really?”

Rosita frowned at Waverly’s shock, “Yes, what did you think, we were going to watch a movie and then study?” Waverly looked studiously at the ground. “You did!” Rosita laughed. “God, you’re hopeless.”

“Hey!”

“You are, Earp, you can’t even deny it.”

She wasn’t sure what was more pathetic, that Waverly thought they would just chill at her apartment or that she hadn’t even registered Nicole eyeing her up.

“You should have seen the look on her face!” Rosita cried, “I’m not sure what was worse between complimenting you two together or Waverly having a fucking overnight bag.”

Wynonna cackled as she took a long drink of whiskey as they went over Rosita and Waverly’s “date.” The actual dancing in the city had been great, and Waverly had crashed on Rosita’s couch because she was too embarrassed about bringing an overnight bag. Rosita was just sad that she couldn’t see Nicole’s face when Waverly came home in the morning. And that Waverly probably hadn’t registered the devastation.

“She sent me a series of texts last night,” Wynonna laughed, and flashed her phone.

Haughtshot: Do people actually think we’re good together????

Haughtshot: I thought most people thought we were just desperate

Haughtshot: Is that better????

Haughtshot: Wynonna????

Haughtshot: Do you actually like me????

Wynonna: calm your tits no one thinks we’re compatible

Wynonna: why?

Haughtshot: Just something Rosita said

Wynonna: lmao

Wynonna: It’s just cause she’s jealous of you and Waverly

“You called me jealous!?”

Wynonna shrugged, “What was I supposed to say, Rosita’s trying to rile you up because she thinks it’s hilarious? She knows exactly how phony our relationship is and wants to keep you sweating?”

Rosita swatted her arm, “Whatever, it was totally worth it. You should have seen the look on her face.”

“Was it fear?” Wynonna leaned in.

“A mix between that, horror, and dread.”

They laughed as Wynonna leaned back and shook her head, “I think all Earps were born with a magical capacity for obliviousness. When Waverly broke up with Chump and needed a place to stay, I just mentioned it to Nicole and she was already offering her place up. Should have known something was up.”

Rosita just raised an eyebrow at her and Wynonna tried to sink into the couch.

“I mean, I think she liked Waverly and all, but they rarely interacted, and I may have made it seem like Waverly just needed a place to stay for a couple months.”

“Wynonna!”

“What! I thought Waverly would come stay with me.” Wynonna said. “I mean, I get why she didn’t.” She trailed off, “But instead they got married.”

“Just no sex.”

“Rosita, I thought you were smarter than that. We both know sex ends after marriage.” Wynonna grabbed the whiskey from her and took another sip before passing it back. “You know what we have to do? Go on a double date.”

“You are a genius.” Rosita said and wondered if the whiskey was making her tongue a little looser.

“I am so glad to have another here to recognize my brilliance.” Wynonna saluted her like she was fucking Dolls.

“You have to suggest it.” Rosita said, “ To Waverly. You can tell her that I already agreed or whatever.”

“Excellent.” Wynonna rubbed her hands together like a villain out of a low budget James Bond knockoff. Fuck she’s hot, Rosita thought, and the second the thought registered she took another sip of whiskey. “I know just the thing.”

“Wynonna.”

“You never said no blackmail.”

Rosita hesitated for a second and then sighed, “You are correct.”

Wynonna gave a terrible approximation of a cackle and Rosita rolled her eyes, biting her lip and hoping that she looked annoyed and not endeared. If there was one thing that she was glad about the absolute ridiculousness that was now her life, it was that Wynonna and her were now friends.

“Waverly’s going to freak out,” Rosita hummed, “It’s going to be so funny and I’m just gonna have to be like, can we refuse your sister without being suspicious?” They both laughed. “You know, despite everything you’ve done to fuck this up, I am glad you’re stuck in this too. You are a good co-conspirator.”

“My pleasure.” Wynonna said and then pretended to tip her imaginary hat in a shockingly good imitation of Doc.

This woman.

Waves (10:36am): You don’t have to go

Waves (10:36am): Whatever Wynonna told you

Waves (10:36am): You can ignore it

Rosita (10:37am): What are you talking about?

Waves (10:37am): This double date

Rosita (10:39am): I think its a great idea

Waves (10:39am): IT IS A HORRIBLE IDEA

Waves (10:39am): How am I supposed to survive?

Rosita (10:40am): i’ll help you out dont worry

Waves (10:41am): It’s too late for me to NOT WORRY

Rosita (10:41am): Your sister will know that we arent a real couple if you don’t go

Waves (10:41am): I hate you

The only time Rosita had seen Waverly this stressed was when she had three papers due the next day. The faux double date wasn’t even happening today. For a moment she considered texting Wynonna to call it off, but, on the other hand, there was Waverly’s everlasting happiness. She would thank her one day. Probably. Maybe in a few years.

“I don’t know what Wynonna is thinking.” Waverly said as they climbed the stairs in the library. They could take the elevator, but everytime Rosita got into it she felt like the ancient thing would give out and she would plummet to her death. So they climbed three flights of stairs instead.

“She’s thinking wow my sister and I are both dating someone, we should do a double date.” Rosita said. And, Rosita thought, how can I make Waverly admit that she likes Nicole? Through the most excruciating way possible for both of them.

“But it’s Wynonna,” Waverly said.

Rosita bit her lip. It was a fair point. Wynonna was into cutesy couple things as much as she hated whiskey. “What do you want me to say? It’s not like me and Wynonna are friends.” What was one more lie in today’s economy?

“That you’re busy!”

“Oh.” Rosita said, “she already asked me if we were working Friday.”

“Rosita!”

“How was I supposed to know that she wanted a double date?”

“Who wants a double date?”

Rosita and Waverly looked up at Jeremy, who was sitting at their usual study table.

“No one.” Waverly said quickly.

Rosita rolled her eyes. How had Nicole not figured out this was all fake? Did they just stop talking to each other when they were home? “Wynonna, Waverly’s sister, she wants to go on a double date with us.”

“And she’s dating your roommate?” Jeremy asked for clarification. That he definitely didn’t need. Rosita shot him a look over Waverly’s head.

“Yes!” Waverly cried.

Jeremy grimaced as Waverly threw down her books. “That sounds fun?”

“It will be.” Rosita said before Waverly could say something else.

Waverly sat down and turned back to Rosita, “And what am I going to wear? Wynonna didn’t give much details. And how touchy feely are we going to be? Like an arm over the shoulder, or are we going to hold hands?”

“Please take a breath.” Rosita said as she flipped a page in her textbook.

Jeremy frowned at Waverly, “Yeah, it’s just a date with Rosita and your-” Rosita kicked him underneath the table. She didn’t want to guess how he was going to finish that sentence.

Waverly bit her lip for a moment and then let out a rush, “RositaandIaren’tactuallydatingI’minlovewithNicole.”

“Okay, that was a lot.” Jeremy said, “Let’s do it again, but much slower.”

“I’m into Nicole.” Waverly laid her head onto the table and moaned. “Rosita and I are fake dating to make her jealous.”

“Ah ha!” Jeremy said, “I mean, oh wow, I’m sorry?” He shared a look with Rosita as he shrugged.

“And Nicole’s dating my sister.”

“That is,” Jeremy’s mouth opened and closed several times, “Very complicated.”

“Yes!” Waverly said. “And Rosita won’t let us break up because that would be embarrassing for her, but is there anything more embarrassing than going on a date while your crush is dating your sister!”

It was a fair point, Rosita conceded. “Waverly,” She said gently.

“No!” Waverly pointed an accusatory finger at her, “You got me into this mess! I know this has to happen because Wynonna wants it and how would we ever back out, but fuck! It sucks.” Rosita was alarmed to see some tears trailing down Waverly’s face. “I just, let me have this?” She asked desperately.

Rosita grabbed one of her hands. “Hey, you can have this. I know it’s been hard, and I’m sorry that it turned out like this. Okay? But I have your back, we’ll get through this together.”

“Okay.” Waverly furiously wiped her tears with the hand not in Rosita’s. “Okay, thank you.” After she cleaned her face off with a handkerchief that Jeremy had procured from somewhere, Waverly sighed again. “I just, I love Nicole. I’m in love with her.” Waverly sniffed, “And she’ll never love me.”

“I’m proud of you.” Rosita said, “I don’t think you’ve admitted that you’ve loved Nicole before.”

“No I didn-” Waverly trailed off. “Fuck.” She mumbled under her breath.

“This is a big step.” Rosita said.

“I just want to cry.”

“That’s okay.” Rosita rubbed her shoulder. “But Nicole does love you.”

“Then why is she dating my sister?”

Rosita paused. How could she even try to respond to that? Fucking Wynonna. “Because she was drunk and lonely?”

Waverly twisted her head and stared at Rosita. “How is that supposed to make me feel better?”

“I don’t know.” Rosita shrugged, “It seemed really spur of the moment.”

“If she’s drunk and lonely she turns to my sister!”

Jeremy was hiding his laughter behind his laptop and Rosita kicked him under the table again, hoping she got the same spot. “Well, you’re dating me remember? Maybe Wynonna was just the next best thing?”

Rosita looked over and wished she didn’t. Waverly’s eyes were starting to water. She grimaced, “If Nicole agreed to tomorrow night, then we will see them in action. I’m sure it will be super obvious they aren’t together.”

“They aren’t together?”

Rosita wished she would die. That the ground would just swallow her up. Suck her into hell where she belonged. “I mean that they aren’t for each other. I’m sure we will see that Nicole and Wynonna are not meant to be. That they’re better as friends.” Though it seemed that Nicole could just smile at Wynonna and Waverly would think they were soulmates. How this woman survived as a small town barkeep was a mystery known only to God. “And I’ll text Wynonna to try to get more details on where we’re going.”

“You will?” Waverly asked.

“Yes.”

“You and Wynonna certainly seem chummy.” Jeremy commented.

Rosita kicked him under the table again and he let out a little grunt. She needed sharper shoes. “Wynonna isn’t someone who isn’t going to get to know her sister’s girlfriend.” Rosita responded primly.

“Right.” Jeremy said, nodding, a hint of fear in his eyes. She really regretted talking with him during class last week. So what if she had gotten a little carried away with her descriptions of Wynonna? The Earps were attractive people, and Wynonna carried herself like she’d just killed a bastard. Which happened to be Rosita’s type. Plus, Wynonna had great taste in donuts and had taken up her debt of bringing them each day with some measure of pride.

Waverly was staring at the book in front of her, ignoring Jeremy’s commentary. “We need a code word.”

“Huh?”

“Something so that you can make an excuse and we can leave.” Waverly explained. “There’s nothing that could happen in my life that those two wouldn’t know about.”

“Okay,” Rosita nodded. “And we’ll only use this if it’s horrible. Not if you feel awkward.”

They held each other’s gaze, “Fine,” Waverly relented.

“So?” She asked, “Any ideas?”

“Tacos are tasty,” Waverly said.

Rosita stared, “Tacos are tasty?”

“Yes.”

“Won’t they suspect that something is off?”

“No, we will be able to bring it up in conversation. And there’s no way we would say that on accident.”

Rosita opened her mouth to argue, but nodded. This was Waverly’s thing, if she wanted their emergency phrase to be blatant and absurd, that was on her. “Okay, tacos are tasty it is.”

Jeremy’s eyes sparkled with amusement across the table and Rosita glared at him. He wisely looked down at his books.

Rosita (9:14am): Where are we going?

Wynonna (11:42am): huh

Wynonna (11:42am): were going somewhere???

Rosita (11:57am): The double date idiot

Wynonna(11:58am): ohhhh

Wynonna(11:58am): to the diner

Wynonna(11:58am): its the only place in purgatory

Rosita (11:59am): Does it have to be in purgatory??

Wynonna(1:12pm): yea

Wynonna(1:12pm): im not driving 40min for this

Rosita (1:42pm): So instead you want it in the diner????

Wynonna(1:42pm): its way better than you think

Rosita (1:43pm): press f for doubt

Rosita (1:43pm): f

Wynonna (1:43pm): just trust me!

Rosita glanced down at the outfit she was wearing. It would have to do. She couldn’t believe Wynonna insisted on going to the diner, but then again, this was Purgatory. When she’d moved to this surely godforsaken town it was because of the cheap rent, relative distance to the university, and the fact there was a job open at the bar. The city was only 45 minutes away, but like most of the locals, Wynonna couldn’t bother going there.

Then again, Waverly, Wynonna, and Nicole all liked Purgatory? Or tolerated it? Nicole wasn’t even a local but she’d chosen to move here and live full-time. And from everything Rosita knew, had zero plans to ever leave. Rosita still had no idea why, but they were all good people. Idiots, yes, but good people.

There was a knock on her door, quickly followed by someone ringing the doorbell several times, and some muffled shouting. Rosita grabbed her jacket and opened it to be greeted by Waverly and Wynonna arguing while Nicole looked around like she was formulating the quickest escape plan.

“You didn’t need to do that!” Waverly all but growled.

“Just wanted to make sure that Boobs McGee hurried up. It’s freezing out here!”

“You all are here?” Rosita said stupidly. She knew that Waverly was coming so they could arrive together. They both shut up and Waverly blushed when Rosita tried to catch her eye.

She tried to shoot a look at Wynonna, and Wynonna just smirked, “Looking good, Boobs McSeltzer.”

Rosita looked at the other two, “Please control your girlfriend and your sister.”

Rosita watched as Nicole looked like she would combust from embarrassment and Waverly from anger and regret. Rosita rolled her eyes and locked the door behind her and ushered them onto the street, “Lead me to this date.”

“With pleasure.” Wynonna said and looped her arm through Nicole’s. Nicole stumbled after her, completely off balance.

“I’m sorry.” Waverly said. “Wynonna just decided we were coming all together and it was too late to warn you, and I hate everything already! Tacos-”

“Hey, slow down, it will be alright. Let’s go on this date. It won’t be that bad.” Rosita lied through her teeth.

Waverly gave her a weak nod and they followed after the other pair. It was somewhat comical to watch. Nicole had to slouch for her arm to be comfortably weaved with Wynonna, and Wynonna, despite the height disadvantage, was walking much faster. Nicole was practically jogging to keep up. She kept looking back at Waverly, who was staring at the asphalt with her arms crossed and determinedly paying the pair no thought.

Rosita wished she’d just look up and make eye contact with Nicole once. Maybe then she’d finally see what the whole town could.

Nicole looked back again, and Rosita could only bring a hand to her mouth as Nicole tripped over the curb and pulled Wynonna down on her. Waverly looked up at the commotion, and hurried forward.

“Haughtshot!” Wynonna cackled, “If you wanted me horizontal we didn’t need to go on a date. You could have come to the Homestead inst-”

“Shut up Wynonna,” Nicole said as Rosita helped them up. Rosita glared at Wynonna who gave her a pantomimed shrug. Waverly was cautiously checking Nicole over, hands skating over her face and arms and Wynonna and Rosita just stared. These fucking idiots.

Rosita cleared her throat and they practically jumped apart. So fucking dumb. “So, this is the place.”

“This is it!” Wynonna gestured. “I made a reservation and everything.”

“You can make reservations here?” Nicole asked.

“No.” Wynonna answered. “But there’s a table waiting for us.”

The other three exchanged a look, and if Rosita had learned anything, it was to follow Wynonna and not ask too many questions.

“Waverly.” Hettie greeted the group and then frowned at Rosita.

“Hi,” Wynonna drummed on the hostess stand, “I had a reservation.”

Hettie frowned. “We don’t take reservations.”

They all watched, in varying states of disbelief as Wynonna slid a $1 note onto the podium, “I reserved a table for four.”

Hettie stared at Wynonna for several seconds, and then sighed, grabbing the money and four menus and led them into the dining room.

For the first time in Rosita’s memory, the twinkling lights that had forever bordered the windows were lit up and bathed the diner in a warm light. It wasn’t exactly romantic, the cracked vinyl seats and never-quite-ungreasy tables were still there in all its glory, but it was significantly better than what Rosita had imagined. Hettie led them to the booth in the farthest corner and practically threw the menus on the table.

“How lovely.” Wynonna said as she scooted in. For a split second, Nicole went to sit next to Waverly instead of Wynonna and was saved by Wynonna’s boot kicking her in the shin. Nicole let out a pained squeak and Waverly was only distracted by Wynonna simultaneously knocking down the salt.

“Wynonna!” Waverly yelled.

Rosita had to hide her face in her hand to keep from falling into uncontrollable laughter. She slid next to Waverly and opened the menu, surprised, despite everything, that it was exactly the same as it always was.

Maybe she should have breakfast for dinner?

Rosita folded her menu down at the same time as Wynonna, and she realized that they had sat across from each other, which meant, she looked over at the other two.

Waverly was unsubtly staring at Nicole over her menu. Nicole didn’t seem to notice, she was staring at her menu with a stare Rosita felt should be reserved for when she was arresting drunk idiots or filling out complicated paperwork. Her cheeks were flushed pink, and a strand of red hair had come loose from her ponytail and hung across her face, and Rosita could practically hear Waverly’s desire to fix it.

Rosita stared at Wynonna who had somehow already gotten a coffee and was drinking it watching the two of them with a satisfied smirk that really had no right to be there.

“Coffee?” Rosita said, “At this time.” She vaguely recalled Wynonna declaring, “Death before decaf!” At one of their now, semi-regular mornings together.

“Just a vessel for some hooch.” Wynonna grinned.

“Wynonna,” Waverly said, “really?”

“It’s not like we can order a bottle of wine here.” Wynonna gestured around, and then added under her breath, “Did you expect me to get through this sober?”

Rosita bit her lip to keep from laughing and glanced up at the reappearance of Hettie.

“What can I get you?” She looked utterly bored.

“I’ll have the burger and fries. And tell Brent to not hold back on the salt.” Wynonna said.

“I’ll have the House Breakfast, eggs over easy.” Rosita said and handed the menu back. Hettie gave her a dirty stare and Rosita just turned to Wynonna who gave a little shrug.

Nicole and Waverly ordered and as Hettie walked away the table lapsed into silence only punctuated by Wynonna drumming her fingers on the table.

“So.”

It was as if suddenly, every person on the table remembered they were on a double date. Rosita opened and closed her mouth several times trying to find something to say, and only stopped trying when Nicole’s voice cut through the silence.

“How did you and Waverly meet?”

Suddenly, the entire table was looking at her.

Obviously, Rosita thought, Wynonna's her sister, dumbass. And Nicole knew how she and Waverly met. “We met at university.” Rosita says. “I was studying with a classmate, Jeremy, and they knew each other and we ended up making a study group. And she helped me get my job at Shorty’s.” At the continued stares, Rosita realized she should probably talk about the fact they’re in a relationship. “And I’m sure you know, but Waverly’s really pretty.” Rosita said after clearing her throat and trying to not wince at how awkward she is. Nicole nodded absentmindedly and Rosita looked at Waverly to see that her fake girlfriend was still staring at her. This idiot. “So, I was thrilled with the opportunity to spend more time with her. She’s just so nice though, so I didn’t really think she was interested in me.”

Wynonna snorted and Rosita glared at her, “How did you meet Nicole?”

“Dolls told her he’d have her executed.” Wynonna said.

“What?”

Rosita and Waverly speak at the same time, while Nicole sunk lower in her seat and avoided everyone’s eyes.

“Yes.” Wynonna said and stretched her arm around Nicole. With Nicole lower, it actually ended up being a natural height. “She came in, but you know I was still just a CI and Dolls was all you need to knock or I’ll have you arrested for treason.”

“He said that to you.” Waverly took Nicole’s hand from across the table.

“Yes,” Nicole blushed, “I forgot about that to be honest.”

“I knew then,” Wynonna said while staring between the interlocked hands and Rosita, “That she was the girl for me. Able to look Dolls in the eye when he’s being all threatening for no reason and still pull off khakis.”

Waverly pulled her hand from Nicole’s like it touched fire and Rosita had to fake a cough to prevent herself from laughing at Wynonna’s delighted face and Nicole’s red one.

The table lapsed back into silence. Rosita watched as Wynonna slid out a sugar packet and began to make lines from the spilled salt.

“So.” Waverly said, bright and cheery and completely forced. “How was everyone’s day?”

“Great.” Rosita said, ignoring that Waverly had gripped her leg like a vice under the table. “It’s always nice to not have to work a day. And of course, I do love going out with my girl.” If it was possible, Rosita was pretty sure that Waverly gripped harder.

Nicole’s water splashed onto the table, and Rosita had to bite her lip as Wynonna tried to help her clean it up and called Nicole, “Her hunny bear.” Nicole blushed as red as her hair and Waverly found a very interesting stain on the table to stare at.

Rosita wished Doc was here, he’d at least take her up on the bet of who would kill Wynonna first.

The food arrived just in time to prevent anything else horrible happening, and Rosita ignored that hers looked considerably messier than the others. She’d ordered this before, none of the yolks had broken in transit before.

No one says anything as they began to eat, the silence stretching on and on. Rosita excused herself to the bathroom once she finished, a dingy two stalled room at the opposite end of the restaurant.

“Bitch.” She heard Hettie say as she passed.

“Excuse me?”

Hettie’s eyes widened for a moment but then she leveled her head. “I said, bitch.”

“Why’s that?” Rosita wasn’t sure she’d ever interacted with Hettie outside of serving her at Shorty’s, what the hell was her problem?

Hettie stuttered for a moment, but found her courage, “Everyone knows Waverly and Nicole are destined to be together.” She spat out. “Of course you had to ruin that. Just some slinky harlot trying to get between true love.”

Rosita opened her mouth and found herself completely lost for words. Did this girl say harlot? She wanted to punch her in the face, but found herself turning back to the bathroom at a loss for words.

A harlot?

What was this town?

Waverly owed her a lot more than a month of good shifts.

She leaned against the sink in the bathroom, and splashed water on her face. It wasn’t ridiculous to think that others thought Waverly and Nicole should get together, but she couldn’t believe there would be outright hostility.

The door slammed open as Rosita washed her hands and she sighed as she looked at Wynonna. “Oh, it’s you.”

“Don’t sound so delighted to see me, Sugartits.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

“What’s got your panties in a twist?”

“Nothing.” Rosita said as Wynonna used the one working stall. She stared at herself in the mirror. She did look good, at least she had that going for her.

Wynonna bumped her with her waist out of the way of the sink. “Are you hiding from the most awkward date since 6th grade?”

“Obviously. Are they this weird when they’re alone?”

“No.” Wynonna eased the door open as she wiped her hands. There was a small view to the back corner where their table was. Nicole and Waverly were grinning at each other and talking about, well, something. “They’re only weird because they don’t know how to pretend to like us.” Wynonna let the door close.

Wynonna crossed her arms and studied her. “But seriously, what’s wrong?” She gestured at Rosita’s face, “This is more than we are on the worst fake date of all time.”

Rosita sighed, “The waitress told me I was a bitch for getting in the way of their true love.”

Wynonna blinked a couple of times, “Hettie?”

Rosita nodded, “Which like fair I guess, but shouldn’t you be harassing the two idiots?” She rolled her eyes, “And then she called me a harlot!” A giggle escaped her as she repeated it. She had no idea where that came from.

“No!” Wynonna cackled, “Wow this is giving me so many rewards. Rosita, I could kiss you for starting this.”

Rosita found her eyes flicking down to Wynonna’s lips with little thought. The air changed suddenly, Wynonna’s smile turning predatory. Wynonna took a step closer, “You’d like that wouldn’t you?”

“I’m not at fault for having a specific taste.”

“Hot, badass women?”

Rosita leaned over to whisper into Wynonna’s ear, “Hot messy people.”

Wynonna trailed a finger up Rosita’s bare arm. Goosebumps exploded in its wake, and Rosita held herself frozen as it came to her chin. Wynonna held it in place for a second, gazing into her eyes, and Rosita absentmindedly bit her lip. “Too bad I don’t take my sister’s sloppy seconds.”

“You bitch!” Rosita laughed.

She strode out of the bathroom and only came to a stop when Waverly and Nicole came into view. They were staring at each other and talking, Waverly gesturing wildly with one hand while the other held her mug of coffee. Nicole was leaning with her hands propping up her head, leaning over the table like she might go blind any minute.

“Why are you, oh-” Wynonna cut herself off as she came beside Rosita.

“How do they not see it?” Rosita asked. “How do they not believe it?”

“Fuck if I know, but that’s why we’re doing this.” Wynonna said, “Otherwise, baby girl would never pull her head out of her ass.”

Rosita snorted and followed Wynonna back. Wynonna bumped the edge with her hip and the moment shattered before their eyes. Nicole drew back, cheeks flushed, ducking her head, Waverly stopped her motions so suddenly some of the coffee spilled out.

Rosita’s phone buzzed in her pocket and Rosita glanced at it quickly.

Shorty: Had to send Rebecca home cause she was sick. Can you come in?

Shorty: I’ll pay time and a half

Rosita: I’ll be there in fifteen.

“Waves, we should head out.”

“Waves?” Rosita heard Nicole mutter.

“Oh yeah,” Waverly said, recovering from her shock quickly.

“This was, uh, nice.” Waverly said.

“Sure was, baby girl.” Wynonna answered.

“Bye.” Rosita said, as the two sisters stared at each other.

They left with a wave and stepped back out into the brisk air. Rosita shivered despite her coat at the sudden drop in temperature. She looked back at Waverly who was clenching her hands, her frame tight with tension.

“Sorry I had to cut out,” Rosita dangled up her phone, “But Rebecca had to leave and Shorty offered me the shift.”

“That’s fine,” Wavelry sniffed.

“Are you okay?”

“She’s so happy.” Waverly murmured.

“Nicole?” Rosita scoffed. She’d looked like she wanted to evaporate every time Wynonna or Rosita was around.

“No, well probably,” Waverly sighed and Rosita was horrified to see that Waverly’s eyes were watery. “But Wynonna!”

“Wynonna?” Rosita felt like gravity had been turned off.

“I’ve never seen her like that before.” Waverly said. “And if Nicole’s what makes her that happy, then what’s the point.”

Rosita fought the urge to march straight back into the diner and grab Wynonna by the stupid leather jacket she always wore that worked way too well on her figure, and yell at her for making this stupid mess that was only 25% Rosita’s fault a thousand times more complicated. And for, for this.

Waverly rubbed at her eyes, “She’s always so tough, you know, wants to be strong for me, and she’s ridiculous sometimes, but I don’t even know the last time she actually talked about a relationship to me.”

It was only the rage that kept Rosita from bursting out laughing.

“And to go on a double date.” Waverly sniffled, “I mean, I dreamed about that, just with different partners.” Waverly gave her an apologetic look.

Rosita wrapped her arms around Waverly and rubbed her back, “Hey, it’s alright. It’s alright.” Waverly buried her face onto Rosita’s shoulder, her frame shaking slightly. “Wynonna did seem happy, I can’t deny that, but I think it was more because she was spending time with you. Not about dating Nicole.”

“You can’t know that.”

She did know that.

“Waverly.” Rosita lightly chided, “I know Wynonna is not in love with Nicole. Nicole isn’t in love with her. And maybe they’re having fun together,” Rosita winced, glad Waverly’s head was buried and couldn’t see her expression, “But they are not meant to be together.”

“You don’t know that!” Waverly cried.

“I do.” Rosita was firm.

Waverly just clenched Rosita harder and sobbed openly for several minutes before slowing down. She wiped her eyes and looked up at Rosita, “Thank you. I think I needed a good cry.”

“Seems like it.” Rosita smiled sadly.

“You’re a really good friend.” Waverly said. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Not be in this mess, Rosita thought. Of course, she’d still be pining from afar and giving everyone an ulcer with her smiles at Nicole. So really, Hettie should be thanking her for doing a public service.

They continued down the street, weaving towards the apartment Waverly shared with Nicole. Waverly gave her one last hug, “Have a good shift!” And then disappeared into the warmth. Rosita turned towards Shorty’s, glad their date had been casual enough to function as bartender attire.

Thirty minutes into her shift, Wynonna slid in, not even batting an eye at Rosita being there, and taking a seat with a crowd of locals. Rosita just watched as she worked the locals for some free booze, and shook her head to herself. You’d think after decades of knowing her they understood they didn’t have a shot of getting into her pants. Rosita passed her the shot with a roll of her eyes.

“Thanks,” Wynonna grinned and then went over to the bar where Doc was sitting, leaving the man that got her the shot staring after her with his mouth wide open.

“You really should know better,” Rosita told him.

“Fuck off,” He grumbled.

Rosita shook her head and went to the other customers while keeping an eye on Doc and Wynonna. He waved her down after his glass was empty and Rosita carried the bottle over.

“Thanks,” He put his hands to the brim of his stupid hat.

“No way.” Wynonna squealed. “You too.”

Rosita stared at her in shock. “How did you?”

“I’ve got the sense of a bloodhound.” Wynonna said, “This makes us sisters though.”

“You?”

“Hey, now ladies.” Doc shifted uncomfortably.

“Oh, settle down grandpa,” Wynonna said, “We both know you aren’t terrible in bed, whoop di doo.”

Rosita couldn’t help herself and laughed. No one could make Doc squirm like Wynonna.

Wynonna sent her a grin and then waved at the glass in front of her, “Keep them coming, Doc’s tab will be blown wide open tonight.”

“Now I don’t remember-” Doc started.

“You lost yesterday, so you owe me.” Wynonna said.

Rosita watched as they stared at each other for several seconds, until Doc finally groaned and nodded at Rosita. She smiled and then just placed a bottle in front of them, “It’s probably easier if I just do this.”

“This is why you’re my favorite.” Wynonna grinned as she topped up her glass. Wynonna filled up a shot glass and handed it to Rosita, “Cheers.”

Rosita took it gratefully and slammed the glass down in seconds, with a wink at Wynonna she turned to help a different customer. She heard as she swaggered away, “You are wasted on my sister.”

Her chest flushed with a pleased feeling she really didn’t want to analyze.

Wynonna hadn’t dressed to the nines for the date, but she knew how to look good. And Rosita couldn’t stop thinking about her. How she had on the perfect pants for her ass. And the way her eyes had warmed her entire body with their gaze. Or that pesky finger.

It wasn’t a crush, Rosita reminded herself. It was lust. Pure lust. It had been, well a little while, and no one alive would disagree that Wynonna was hot. If she wasn’t fake dating her sister, well, Rosita sighed as she opened a new bottle of whiskey. There was no point in thinking about it. Wynonna flitted from person to person like a bee looking for pollen.

The night got marginally busier. Still quiet enough that it didn’t matter that she was the only bartender. Even if Wynonna and Doc had cajoled her into doing a couple shots. So, she was a little tipsy, but what customer didn’t love a generous pour?

By the time last call came around, she was maybe a little closer to drunk than anyone on the job should be, but it wasn’t like she had to drive. Which was one of the few things she truly loved about Purgatory.

The few that had stuck around that long shuffled out the doors, and Rosita began the task of cleaning up.

She wandered into the bathrooms, and found Wynonna splashing water on her face, frowning at herself in the mirror.

“Oh, hey,” Rosita said, “are bathrooms our new spot?”

Wynonna rolled her eyes as her grin stretched wider, “You know, it’s really a shame you’re behind the bar the whole night.”

“Oh?” Rosita asked.

“Yeah, I mean, everyone knows your tits are great, but there’s so much more.” Wynonna took a step closer and Rosita’s eyes settled on her lips.

“Is that so?” It came out impossibly breathy and if she was a little less tipsy she’d be embarrassed, but with the eyes Wynonna was making, well, she had no reason to be.

Wynonna stepped closer until Rosita could smell a faint whiff of whiskey on her breath, and for a second, Rosita thought she was just going to die in this weird purgatory between want and need and the knowledge that they were both in bizarre fake relationships, her with this woman’s sister, but then, finally, Wynonna closed the gap.

It was hard, and Rosita wanted more. She found herself pressed against the bathroom wall and her hands found Wynonna’s hair and she was never happier that Wynonna mostly wore it down. They broke apart, the kiss a little too wet and with a little too much tongue to be anything but a promise, and Wynonna sauntered away.

“Have a good night.” She called behind her.

Rosita just watched her, well her ass, go, breathing hard. Long after the door had slammed shut she mumbled out, “You too.”

#wayhaught #rosita/wynonna #wynonna earp #my writing: wayhaught #my writing: rosita/wynonna #my writing: wynonna earp #my writing #mine

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