A/N - I'm so sorry it's been so long. I've been so busy it's unreal. This chapter is short but sets up for the next few chapters.

With their letters written, the girls decided that with so much to do and so little time to do it, they ought to make a start on their days. Delia sighed as she wrapped her scarf tighter around her neck, they'd only been walking for a few moments but neither she, Trixie nor Patsy seemed to have any sense of direction.

"Where to first?"

"Well, I'd rather hoped to run a few errands but this letter feels rather heavy in my pocket." Trixie sighed, "The trouble is I'm not entirely convinced I'm ready to face her."

"Nonnatus and Sister Julienne can wait." Patsy murmured, "I need to find somewhere to live. I can't spend another night at the Turner's."

"But Pats, you need to get that letter in." Delia said carefully, knowing that if she pushed too hard Patsy would close in on herself.

"And I will, but finding accommodation even if it's just for the night is far more important. Which reminds me… until you graduate you have to live at Nonnatus." Patsy broke off, "Can you bear it?"

"It's only a couple of months." Delia responded brightly. Too brightly, evidently, as Patsy halted causing Trixie to turn too.

"Deels."

"Pats, there's no other option. I'm hardly there anyway."

"But-"

"Patsy." Delia snapped cutting her off. "There's no point in dwelling on something that can not be changed."

Trixie swallowed, "Ladies, let's not row in the street. Look, I need to run some errands, Patsy go find somewhere to stay for a few days then when you're ready come to Nonnatus House and sort everything out with Sister Julienne. We can talk afterwards - all of us. I have an idea." Satisfied Delia and Patsy were in agreeable she nodded, "Now, I need a new lipstick. See you this afternoon."

Patsy and Delia watched her walk off before turning to one another, both wearing sheepish smiles as they began to walk towards the bus stop. Patsy clenched the hand closest to Delia, the itch to reach out and take hold of her girlfriend's hand becoming unbearable. Everything felt so fragile and she wanted to reach out and grab hold of it all with both hands, hold it all together. She knew that they'd have to have a proper talk at some point - there were things that needed to be said - things that needed to be addressed but for now she just wanted to let Delia know how much she loved her. The need was sudden, overwhelming, intense.

"I'm going to book into a hotel." Patsy announced suddenly.

"A hotel?"

"In the city." Patsy decided, "Until we can work something out. We should hear Trixie out."

"Alright."

"I…" Patsy broke off as the bus arrived. Delia gave her a slight smile as they both began to board.

It was only as the only other person on the top deck got off that Patsy found the will to reach out and touch Delia's hand, slowly twining their fingers together, pulling her girlfriend's scarf to cover their joined hands between the seats. She felt a warm feeling rush over her as Delia, without turning her head, squeezed Patsy's hand, a small smile tugging at her lips.

"Stay with me tonight." Patsy whispered.

"Pats?"

"I… This…"

Delia nodded squeezing her love's hand once more. An indication that she would. An indication that Patsy didn't have to spill her guts out on a bus. A part of her was slightly surprised at the sudden change in her girlfriend; Delia couldn't really find a word for it. Was it desperation? Need for Love? Want? Either way, she knew that this was obviously important to Patsy and after everything they'd been through, she wasn't going to let this go. She wasn't going to let anything come between them and she hoped, in Patsy's bold move, that she felt the same way.

Departing the bus, Patsy led them towards a large yet stylish hotel. It wasn't going to win any awards but it was big and busy and in turn offered a true anonymity. Delia held back slightly as they walked into the foyer. She noted a restaurant to the side and went to survey the menu as Patsy walked confidently up to the desk. Ten minutes later and after being shown to her room, Patsy returned, key in hand and smiled at Delia before gesturing for them to leave.

"I think it's time I faced Sister Julienne."