The next two days where filled with knowing glances, fleeting touches, smiles to burn a hole in the sun and stolen kisses when they were alone. Needless to say they did try their hardest to be as professional as possible around each other in the company of others as this was still so new, so unexplored. They didn't want to get ahead of themselves, burn themselves out before they could truly understand and develop what was unfolding.
Finally Friday arrived. It was a relatively peaceful shift on AAU, allowing both women to catch up on long overdue paperwork which seemed to have grown enormously. During one such time when both women found themselves in the office at the same time Serena thought it as good an opportunity as any to try and interrogate the blonde as to where they were going this evening.
'So,' Serena started as nonchalantly as possible, 'what's the dress code for tonight then?' she continued as a devilish smile lifted her features. Bernie's eyes rose to meet her's, noticing the gleaming sparkle there. She swallowed her laughter, catching onto Serena's game in an instant.
'Smart,' she replied. She wasn't going to let the brunette win this one.
'Oh so not a fast food chain then? Good to know you have taste,' Serena countered.
'Yes as much as McDonald's was a strong contender it just missed the top spot, came a close second though.' Bernie gazed at Serena for a moment longer before taring her eyes away and continuing with her work.
8pm was fast approaching. With each passing minute Serena's nerves became more rattled. She had tried and tested so many outfits, discarding so many of them that she could hardly see her bedroom floor. However, standing in the mirror staring at her reflection now she knew that she was the happiest she could be with what she was wearing, a beautifully simple black dress that accentuated her curves reaching just above the knee with a neckline that was bordering on criminal. her patented black high healed shoes accentuating her bare legs. She took one last look at herself in the mirror as she smoothed the front of the dress down once before hearing the doorbell. She grabbed her purse quickly before heading downstairs.
Opening the door revealed the most heavenly thing that she had ever seen. There stood Berenice Wolfe in a dark red, sleeveless jumpsuit black pumps, thank god she hadn't warn heals, beautifully done makeup with the sweetest of floral smells permitting Serena's every sense.
'Wow,' she whispered shyly, 'you look wonderful.' Serena couldn't help herself as her eyes swept over Bernie's attire. In that moment she didn't think she'd ever seen anything so beautiful. The blonde blushed slightly as she tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear.
She stepped forward into Serena's personal space and whispered,'I'm not even a match on you,' before gently sweeping her hand through brown hair leaning forward to softly kiss the one person who made her feel anything was possible. She drew back and held out her arm for the other woman to take, leading her towards her parked car.
They rode the 10 minute drive in comfortable silence. No words were needed right now, just content for the time being to be in each others company again. As soon as they reached the restaurant however, Serena let out a small gasp. Bernie really was trying to impress her. They had arrived at one of the poshest restaurants in Holby. The brunette couldn't help the swelling of her heart at Bernie's gesture.
The two women were lead to a sheltered table. A small candle and rose set in the middle of the table. Serena had to admit it was overwhelmingly romantic. As they settled themselves they eased into a comfortable, easy flowing conversation. It struck Bernie how comfortable she felt being out with Serena, how at ease the brunette made her feel. It seemed that right at this moment she had the biggest, stupidest grin plastered across her face as she sat across from Serena and listened to her talk.
When she had left the army, Bernie thought that she would never be able to properly assimilate back into civilian life. There was no denying it was difficult. She still liked routine to her days, structure. She still found herself waking up ridiculously early every morning. But sat here with the most wonderful, spirited person sat across from her, she knew she would be alright.
She wouldn't have to face this life alone. All that time spent overseas, it was almost as if she was trying her hardest to run away from home. Yet here she was, hoping desperately that she wouldn't have to run anymore. She wasn't a praying woman but she prayed this would work. The chaotic normality that was Serena Campbell was all to alluring. Here in this moment, with this woman, she didn't have to pretend, nor did she want to, wanting instead to give her all to the brunette.
To any other customers who happened to glance at the two women, it would appear the pair had been a couple for a long time opposed to the reality of their newly fledging relationship. So lost in each other, the pair nearly noticed their surroundings or the food being placed in front of them, the dim lighting flickering softly in their eyes, lighting every shade of brown that happen to be hidden.
Right here right now, Serena knew things would never be the same. Not having to hold back, not having to pretend, to hide. It was just her and Bernie. She had been to caught up in the fact that Bernie was a woman she couldn't see what was right in front of her, to worried to realise that it was her personality that had caught her attention and held her fast. She had been paranoid about what that meant, what impact it would have on her life. Sat here, just the two of them, she realised she was relinquishing her grasp on that fear. Whatever people wanted to label her as, to help them understand her, was their own business. All she wanted at this point was to continue down this road she was heading on hand in hand with Bernie.
All to soon the meal was drawing to a close. Bernie insisted that she paid, after a little stubborn fighting from herself, Serena gave in, accepting that, if she wanted this to work she would also have to relinquish some of her control. She didn't have to be her own source of strength and stability any more. She could rely on Bernie to support her, be there for her, guide her in her times of need. With that thought Serena pledged to herself she would try her damnedest to do the same for the blonde woman.
When Bernie entered Serena\s driveway she got out quickly and ran to the other side of the car to open the passenger door for the brunette. She didn't miss the surprised smile that lit up Serena's features at the gesture. Taking the blonde's hand Serena allowed herself to be guided out of the car and to her front door. As they slowed and stopped. Serena turned to face Bernie. A small, genuinely happy smile pulling at the edges of her mouth.
'Thank you for this evening. It was perfect,' she said softly, keeping eye contact throughout. Tentatively, slowly, she moved forward touching her lips to Bernie's in a tender gesture, trying to convey everything that she was feeling. When she pulled away she saw the slightly dazed look in Bernie's eyes a small smile creeping across her own lips.
'No, thank you for making this evening what it was Serena.' Bernie brushed her hand through the brunettes hair before coming to rest at the back of her head and pulling her in for another kiss before reluctantly stepping back. Whispering their goodnight's Serena stood on her doorstep as she watched the blonde medic return to her car, catching her eye one last time before entering and reversing out of the driveway.