Delia had forgotten how many times they'd stolen kisses. But each time they did filled her with the upmost joy. It was a dangerous game to play, especially in public. But that didn't make kisses within the walls of the convent any more safe - they had avoided detection by everyone and were getting rather good at hiding their affections.
Patsy was always a stickler for being careful, always keeping one eye open, ears pricked for the slightest indication of unwanted company. Whilst this annoyed Delia slightly she knew it was necessary - they dare not risk discovery. Although there was something inherently exciting about being secretive, sometimes the novelty wore thin and frustration outweighed excitement.
After a particularly gruelling shift Patsy had returned to Nonatus to find a pyjama clad Delia waiting for her in the kitchenette. The sight of her girlfriend waiting up for her was enough to fill her body with an enormous warmth and set her stomach flipping.
Delia sidled towards her shyly.
"Everyone's gone to bed. But I wanted to wait for you." She winked.
Patsy returned the smile but could not disguise the yawn that fought its way out her mouth.
Delia wrapped her arms around her, holding her close, sharing her warmth.
"Long day?" She inquired, face half buried in ginger locks.
"Dreadfully." Patsy exhaled as she played with a stray wisp of Delia's hair, wrapping it around her finger gently.
Delia's hand stroked the back of her neck gently and Patsy subconsciously glanced around the empty room checking they were alone.
"Nobody's here Pats…" Delia sighed.
Her hand moved gently from Patsy's neck down to the small of her back, pulling their bodies flush against each other. Her other hand began to make its way down further over Patsy's waistline. The contact, even through clothing made Patsy swallow a small gasp. It had been days since they had been physically close - their shift patterns had made sure of that. It was times like this she ached to feel Delia's skin against her own.
Delia stared unblinkingly into her eyes, the corners of her mouth curved into a mischievous smile.
"God I've missed you Deels."
Delia leaned forward and pressed her lips gently on Patsy's. Patsy's eyes fluttered shut at the contact as she began to lose herself in their kiss. Slowly opening her mouth to allow Delia's tongue access. As their tongues battled for dominance, Delia stifled a small moan and brought her hands up to cup Patsy's cheeks, stroking her softly. The lack of contact became evident as the kiss became more and more hungry and urgent. Delia pushed Patsy against the countertop and bit bottom lip gently causing Patsy's knees to buckle slightly.
Patsy tasted of sweetness, cigarettes and lipstick. There was no other taste in the world like this Delia thought, dragging her tongue over her bottom lip and down to her neck. As she peppered kisses downwards Patsy's head snapped back as she drew a ragged breath.
"Deels - "
"Mmmhmm?" came the muffled reply.
"We should stop."
But the resolve in her voice was shaky and Delia did not slow her advances. Her lips found Patsy's once more as she kissed her hard, one hand now riding up the midwife's uniform.
"Oh gosh!"
They jumped apart. A very startled Trixie was standing in the door way with an empty water jug that looked as if it might just end up on the floor with her surprise.
"Trixie!" Patsy straightened her uniform but it was too late. The damage was done. All the colour had drained from her face as she looked at her friend.
Delia was frozen to the ground, a look of sheer terror on her face. This was her fault, she had ignored Patsy's warning.
Patsy was shaking as she searched Trixie's face for any sign of a reaction.
"For goodness sake you two, at least lock the door next time." She said blithely.
Both Patsy and Delia's mouths fell open.
"And maybe don't do that in the kitchen, a nun might walk in!"
Just then Sister Winifred appeared and began rattling off some talk of how convenient it was to all be in the kitchen at this hour and maybe they should all partake in a midnight feast.
Patsy and Delia stared at each other. What on earth had just happened?
After they managed to convince the Sister to leave claiming they were a bit too tired for a midnight snack thank you, Trixie sidled over to the couple.
"How long-" Patsy began.
"Oh ages. You're not exactly … unobvious." Trixie giggled.
Patsy looked at her questioningly.
"I mean, the way you two look at each other at mealtimes, you and your "card games" Patsy - I may be blonde but I'm not stupid girls."
"You won't… tell anyone?" Delia asked tentatively.
"Of course not! I think it's positively splendid and you two obviously make each other so happy!" She smiled warmly.
"How long have you known?" Patsy's voice was rather horse as she tried desperately to wrap her head around the situation.
"Since Phyllis and the room rearrangements. But I suspected for a long time before then to be honest." Trixie looked thoughtfully.
Patsy opened and closed her mouth, unsure of what to say. Their secret had been laid bare, just like that - but then how long could they have kept everything quiet, she knew how they looked at each other, it was only a matter of time before someone was going to suspect. But there was no way to explain away the position Trixie had discovered them in - and what if it hadn't been her.
Delia must have almost sensed her mind racing as she moved closer to her, reaching for her hand. Patsy flinched away but realised with a heavy sigh there was no point.
Trixie smiled sadly at her friend's entwined hands.
"Does anyone else know?" Delia asked bluntly.
"No. At least I haven't told anyone of that's what you're inferring." Trixie said.
Patsy visibly breathed a sigh of relief.
"Well, I'm off to bed." Said Trixie brightly. "Sleep well you two!" She winked and skipped off back up the stairs.
They looked at each other. So much for being careful.