Fuck it. I may as well sleep here; it's not like anyone will notice...
With a heavy head and drooping eyelids, Bernie Wolfe finally gave in to her overwhelming fatigue. For the past week or so she had been sleeping terribly; the bed at the hotel was far too soft and covers too hot. Although she thought that army life had made her better at sleeping anywhere, the dark circles under her eyes protested adamantly that this was not the case. Unruly springs in the mattress had injured her already weak back. In her current position, reclining slightly on the padded office chair, her back was comfortable and the army medic simply couldn't face going back to her bleak, lonely hotel room.
Brown, leather brogues strewn over the carpet, the army medic's shoeless feet were resting on her desk. They were nestled amongst huge piles of mess that were currently calling Bernie's desk home. Perhaps 'mess' was an understatement. Discarded coffee cups, miscellaneous forms and half-eaten apple cores towered high above the wooden desk. A clearly inadequate bin was overflowing with rubbish. When Bernie was in the army, she hadn't the choice or time to be messy. But now that she hadn't a Corporal keeping her in line, the army medic's naturally messy side was clear for everyone to see. In comparison, the other side of the office was spotless. Tidily stacked papers and a gleaming work surface; what Bernie lacked in housekeeping skills, Serena made up for. The two women were complete opposites in some respects, but in many ways they were exactly the same - they both were skilled surgeons, witty, smart and could never say no to a glass of Shiraz. Sighing, Bernie shifted slightly into a more comfortable position. An empty sandwich packet fell of the side of the desk. Arms crossed protectively around her middle, the army medic fell into a happy sleep, encouraged by the silent and calm night shift in AAU.
Around two blissfully uninterrupted hours flew by. At that time, Serena Campbell arrived at the hospital for the start of her shift, briefly stopping at Pulses for a much-needed caffeine boost. Walking onto the AAU ward, the brunette immediately became suspicious. Despite the late hours, she was sure that the gossiping nurses in the corner of the ward still had something more constructive they could've been doing. With one of her signature glares, the gaggle of nurses (known collectively as the 'rumour mill') quickly dispersed. Looking around, Serena noticed a lack of leadership on the ward - where was Bernie? Having recalled the shift schedule in her mind, Serena was definitely sure that Bernie was due to be on shift tonight. Noticing the narrow lines of light coming from the consultant's office - she always did like the blinds closed - Serena assumed the army medic was (finally) tackling the huge mountain of paperwork she had yet to compete.
Hand turning the doorknob, Serena poked her head into the dimly lit office. She wanted to say hello, put down her coat and give Bernie her coffee, but didn't want to interrupt or (God forbid) stop Bernie if she really was catching up on her paperwork backlog.
Serena's gaze travelled to Bernie's feet on the desk...to her distinct lack of action...to her clearly sleeping face. A smile played on the brunette's lips. Shaking her head with astonishment, Serena softly closed the door and leant back against the frame, hands still full with the hot coffee cups. Still smiling, the doctor observed the sound asleep blonde sitting in front of her. The slow rise and fall of Bernie's maroon blouse as she softly snored. Creases around her closed eyes that told of peace and contentment. Vibrant cheeks flushed with warmth. Shining, blonde curls spread haphazardly on the chair. Pink lips curved ever-slightly into a smile; even in sleep, the army medic managed to seem somewhat smug. And adorable.
But the brunette couldn't admire how beautiful she looked asleep forever. Unfortunately, Serena also couldn't let Bernie stay asleep (although she wished she could). Knowing the amount of paperwork the blonde had to complete, Serena reckoned it'd be best to wake up Bernie. She also reasoned that Hanssen wouldn't be best pleased if he walked in here to find the army medic sound asleep.
"Bernie. Bern wake up." Serena whispered. She put down the coffee cups and began to gently shake the army medic. Gripping Bernie's surprising large right bicep (oh she definitely let me win that arm wrestle), Serena continued to rock the army medic until she finally woke up from her deep slumber.
"W-what the hell? Serena?" Bernie's voice was deeper than ever, croaky and laden down with sleep.
"Bern, it's me. You fell asleep in our office!" Serena giggled. Upon seeing Bernie look curiously around the room, the brunette laughed harder.
"Hmm...indeed I did. How embarrassing!" Bernie mumbled, flushed cheeks giving away her humiliation.
"Don't worry about it Bern, I've lost count of the times I've fallen asleep in here." Serena pushed a coffee cup towards the groggy blonde, "I brought you coffee - black, two sugars - to hopefully help you stay awake."
"Thanks; it looks like I need it!"
Serena took her own cup and sat down in her chair. Having taken a few gulps of the piping hot coffee, Serena turned to fully face the still sleepy army medic.
"Aren't you sleeping well at the hotel?"
"Heaven knows I'm trying my best. I suppose hotel rooms aren't really good for me...or my back." Bernie replied, hands wrapped around the enticing warmth of the cardboard cup. Ribbons of steam danced in the air.
"Back still giving you grief?" Serena's asked, unable to hide the concern in her tone. Upon seeing Bernie give a small, resigned nod, the brunette continued. "My living room, although not a 4 star hotel, has a comfy couch that you're always welcome to. Jason loves you and I'd appreciate a drinking buddy - next time you need some proper rest, I'd be happy to accommodate you!" Serena offered, hope glimmering in her eyes.
"Thankyou. It's much appreciated." Bernie looked up and smiled widely. She was full of appreciation, gratefulness and...well love towards Serena. Never had she met a woman with such a large and unfaltering heart.
"No problem. Anyway-" Serena gestured to the mess of paperwork lying next to Bernie's keyboard, eyes holding a cheeky glint. "-you have a lot to be getting on with."
"Is there any way we could make that 'you' a 'we'?" Bernie pleaded, slightly grimacing as she contemplated the inordinate amount of pen-pushing she'd have to complete in the next few hours. With her tinkering laugh filling the office, Serena shook her head and grabbed a handful of Bernie's forms.
She truly is a blessing.