Work Text:
OUR JOURNEY HOME
Serena Campbell turned to the table and picked up the last of the breakfast dishes. She took a calming breath before continuing the conversation. “I thought we agreed.”
“It’s only a slight change to our plans.” Bernie Wolfe moved to take the load from her, but Serena continued to the sink, ignoring the offer.
Serena filled the basin with water and fairy liquid. “You wash. I’ll dry.” She moved to the side, allowed Bernie access and grabbed a towel for herself.
As she quietly scrubbed the plates and passed them over, Bernie sneaked a glance at her partner. “You’re mad.”
She felt Serena roll her eyes, the shake of her head. “Never mad. We’ve lost too much time for that sort of thing.” Her countenance softened a bit. “But I’m bloody well irritated.”
Bernie hid a slight smile, nodded her head a few times. “Absolutely warranted.” She handed the last of the dishes to Serena.
“I thought that after everything we’d been through, this Christmas, would be full on, decked halls, goose, Figgie pudding…”
“Stockings hung with care?” Bernie interrupted. “Mistletoe in every room?” Bernie waggled her brows.
Serena looked at her, smiled sweetly, leaned into Bernie. “Something like that, yes.”
Bernie pulled her closer, kissed her tenderly. “We’ll still have all that. I’ll just be gone a couple of hours.” She pulled back. “He covered my shift when you had the flu. We can let him have Christmas dinner with his family.”
Serena acquiesced, leaned back against the counter. “No. No, you’re right. I was being a bit selfish. It’ll be fine.” She tugged Bernie to her. “You’re a good person, Bernie.” She kissed her gently.
Bernie deepened the kiss before finally pulling away, her forehead rested on Serena’s. “If you think about it, I’ll only be missing The Nutcracker and I really don’t care for ballet. I’m sure Guinny will love it and --“
Serena’s head popped up. She pulled back slightly. “Berenice Wolfe! Did you take the dinner shift to avoid The Nutcracker?!” Her voice a crescendo.
“What? No. No, of course not.” Bernie shook her head, hands raised. “I promise.”
Serena raised her left brow in disbelief. “Why do I feel I’ve been misled here?”
Bernie ducked her head, looked up from under her fringe to Serena. “I did not mislead you.” A beat. “Not really.”
Serena’s eyes narrowed. She knew her partner well. “But?”
“Okay. I will admit it was a small, just a very, very small, bonus feature of the deal.” The last part came out quickly. “There. I said it.” She pushed a stray strand of hair behind her ear sheepishly as she gave a small shrug.
Serena looked to the ceiling and let out a significant sigh. “For the love of…” she muttered. “You bought the tickets.”
~~~
Serena pulled into the drive later than anticipated. The Christmas snow was well timed for the beauty of the holiday but not for getting across the city.
There was little light coming from their new leafy detached and she noticed the lack of footfalls and tyre tracks she would expect if Bernie had made it home before her.
Serena made her way to the door, key at the ready when Bernie opened it and pulled her in. She spun Serena around, her back against the door. Bernie leaned into her; hands flat on the door on either side. She kissed her deeply before barely pulling back.
“Hello, you.” She smiled and kissed her again.
“Mmm. Hello to you.” Serena dropped her bag, tangled her hands in Bernie’s hair and kissed her gently once, twice. They both moved to embrace, holding onto the moment quietly, Serena rubbing circles on Bernie’s back.
“How was your shift?” Serena nuzzled in closer, enjoying the warmth of her wife.
Bernie chuckled. “Quietest Christmas shift ever.” Serena pulled back in disbelief.
“Well, it was only four hours.” She waggled her brows at Serena. “I caught up on some paperwork.” She knew what turned partner on.
Serena leaned in for a lingering kiss. “Be still my heart.”
Bernie grasped Serena’s hand as she pulled away and lead her beyond the entryway. She helped Serena with her coat. “How did our little sugar plum fairy like the show?”
“You should have seen her. It was everything we could do to keep her in her seat. She loved Clara. Could not take her eyes off her,” Serena recounted as she toed off her shoes. “She twirled all the way through the theatre and down the street. A group of pensioners cheered her on as she danced away.”
Bernie moved closer to Serena as she brought out her phone to show pictures of their adventure. “What a character. She’s beautiful, love.”
Bernie leaned her head on Serena’s shoulder as she scrolled. “Jason looks so proud.” A beat. “I love our family. I love you.” She sighed softly. “If you hadn’t believed in me…”
Serena turned to look at Bernie. “Always. I have always believed in you, from day one.” She paused, wanting to get this right. “I know I faltered. I made it hard, ran you off. And you paid the price for that. That we can be here now --“
She took Serena’s hand in hers. “None of it matters. This is where I always wanted to be. All that... stuff… that was our journey home. You are my home.”
Serena took Bernie’s face in her hands, thumbs wiping away tears. “I love you. And I’m so very glad you are my home."