Chapter Text
“Darling, I said I'd go to support Dom.” Serena explained once again to her daughter. Elinor failed to understand why her mother was attending Holby’s pride event, thought the idea embarrassing beyond belief. Serena continued her explanation at Elinor’s unimpressed look, “He’s been through a tough time lately and this is the perfect opportunity to let his hair down. To get back out there.”
x
Serena made her way through the crowds of people to where Dom said he'd meet her. She was searching the sea of faces with no luck, was about to take out her phone and give him a call when she faintly heard her name being called over the noise, then slightly louder. “Serena!” She caught sight of him waving his arm and made her way over to where he was stood talking with a blonde woman who seemed totally disinterested in being there.
The only reason the blonde found herself to be there was because Dom wouldn’t take no for an answer once he discovered she’d never been to Pride, had told her, “It’s like a rite of passage. You have to come.” After only twenty minutes she’d already had enough. Already had too many girls, that couldn’t have been much older than her daughter, trying to hit on her.
But then there was this vivacious brunette smiling brightly, bounding towards them and for a second she thought things were looking up. That was until she remembered Dom telling her his straight friend might be joining them.
Don’t do this, she told herself, don’t fall for the one unattainable woman when you’re surrounded by hundreds of viable options but she found herself thinking these young girls have nothing on her.
“Dom this is incredible,” Serena said excitedly, taking in the sights and sounds, the vibrant colours, the atmosphere. “I’ve never seen Holby so busy.”
“I’m so glad you made it.” he greeted her with a kiss to her cheek. “The party’s just getting started.”
“The party has just arrived.” Serena teased with a flourish and Bernie noticed the sexy quirk of her eyebrow, the sparkle in her eyes. Oh God stop staring, look away. Serena tracked the blonde’s movement as she turned her head away, looking off into the distance. Intrigued by this woman, her eyes met Dom’s with a questioning look.
“Oh sorry. Serena, this is Bernie; Bernie this is Serena.” He trailed off as he spoke, his attention drawn elsewhere, spotting someone he knew in the distance. “Sorry I'll be two secs,” he said, already beginning to walk away. “you'll be okay?” Not waiting a response he was gone, leaving the two perfect strangers to stand awkwardly amongst a bustling crowd, both desperately searching for something to say.
“So,” Bernie began after a moment but hadn’t quite decided what it was she was going to say and suddenly Serena’s eyes were on her, waiting expectantly. “Er… how do you know Dom?”
“We work together,” she tells Bernie plainly, then thinks maybe Bernie doesn’t know what it is that Dom does so decides to elaborate, “at Holby City Hospital.”
“Oh right.” Bernie felt slightly more at ease learning Serena was a fellow medic, that they had a common ground and she allowed herself to look in Serena’s direction. “I did a couple of shifts at Holby… on Keller with Dom, that’s how we met. I don’t recall seeing you around.” I definitely would have remembered you.
“No I work on AAU. I specialise in vascular surgery.” Serena told her conversationally.
“Impressive.” Bernie spoke earnestly and before she realised the implication of her next words, they were out of her mouth, carrying over the noise of the crowd. “You must be good with your hands.” A few people from the small groups gathered around them turned to look, much to Bernie’s embarrassment, someone even calling out ‘aye aye’. “I mean… uh you must have steady hands. To do the intricate…”
Serena took pity on Bernie, chuckling softly she told her, “It’s okay, I know what you mean.” They fell into an uneasy silence, a lull in the conversation before Serena picked it up again. “So, do you just locum or are you based anywhere?”
“I’m just locuming at the moment.” Bernie was grateful Serena steered the conversation back on track. “I recently left the army. I was, well, I am a trauma surgeon.”
“Trauma? Now that is impressive. Could do with your expertise on AAU.” Perhaps being ‘stuck’ with this woman wouldn’t be so bad. She decided she’d quite like to get to know her, perhaps pick her brains over the latest emergency medicine techniques. “Do you fancy going somewhere a bit quieter?”
“Shouldn’t we wait for Dom?” Bernie asked, concerned for their friend.
They both turned to see him in full swing amongst a predominately male crowd. “I think he'll be okay.”
x
The afternoon passed by quickly, the wine and conversation flowing easily, both women very much enjoying one another's company. As evening approached, the quiet bar they had found several hours earlier became increasingly busy. It wasn’t long before they lost their seats and found themselves stood close together, tucked away in a corner, trying to carry on their conversation.
Bernie leant in to say something, to be heard over the chatter in the bar, and just as she did, someone barged past. This resulted in Bernie losing her footing, pushing Serena back against the wall, their bodies pressing together, their faces just inches apart. Bernie's heart was pounding, her breathing becoming more rapid, ragged as her gaze flicked between hazel eyes and red lips, deciding on her next move, willing herself to be brave enough.
But she wasn’t, she couldn’t do it. She started to slowly pull back, to apologise.
Serena wasn’t sure if it was the Shiraz or Bernie that was more intoxicating, causing her impulsive behaviour but before she knew it she had surged forward; her lips smashing against Bernie's. Bernie was quick to respond, arms wrapping round Serena’s shoulders, holding her close.
As the kiss eased, the hunger momentarily subsiding, Serena whispered breathlessly against Bernie’s lips, “Sorry.”
“Don’t be.” Bernie spoke softly, taking in the sight of Serena’s well kissed lips, her dark eyes, “I’ve been wanting to do that all afternoon.”
Serena smiled, letting out a small, relieved breath. “Maybe… we could do it again.”
The answer came not with words but with Bernie’s lips meeting hers, for a softer, less hurried kiss. Serena was lost in the feeling of Bernie’s soft lips moving against hers, her tongue caressing the seam of her lips, seeking entry. She was about to comply when a familiar voice filtered through, “Mum!?”
“Elinor.”