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Being Bernadetta meant suffering. Despite months having passed, she didn’t really understand how she got involved in a super natural murder case. Nor did she get how she ended up being the leader of the investigation team. Surely there were others who were more qualified? Like her right hand woman Leonie? Or perhaps Sylvain?
Time and time she’s tried to convince them she was a bad choice, but they’d never listen. They’d always tell her to believe in herself, and all that. Believing in herself didn’t change facts! They were out to find the truth, so why did they keep lying to her?
Granted, she was pretty good in combat. However, that was only because she didn’t want to die! She didn’t want her friends to die either! So that didn’t really count. She’d have to try to weasel her way out of leadership again another time. For now, she had to stay focused.
They had just recently saved Dorothea from the TV. It had been a week, and she was still stuck in bed. That was pretty normal, but she still wanted to check up on her. For completely normal reasons! Nothing to do with how pretty she was! Or how cool she was! It was her duty as leader.
There was nothing weird about thinking another girl was pretty. That was normal, the most normal thing ever! Girls always talk about how pretty other girls are. Getting butterflies just by looking at them? She hadn’t really… talked to many people, let alone women before coming to Inaba, but she was sure that was a normal female experience too!
Nothing out of the ordinary going on here! Just a girl, heading out to check on a very beautiful, attractive, young idol! She’d always been a huge fan of hers, and now she got to be friends with her! She may even join their team now that she had a persona! Despite the… murders and life risking… this year had been going by pretty smoothly!
She knocked on the door to Dorothea’s room. In… and out. In… and out. She was just a normal girl. A very pretty normal girl, but a normal girl nonetheless. There wasn’t a single thing to be worried about. They’d just have a nice conversation about how she’s doing, maybe a hand shake, then she’d be on her way. No need to stick around and make the poor thing uncomfortable.
“Come in.”
The door creaked as Bernadetta slowly opened the door. She was still nervous, but she had to summon what little courage existed inside her. She had to remember, there was nothing to be afraid of. Dorothea seemed like a nice lady from the little conversations they’ve had. Heck, she saved them from Lorenz’s shadow! Even though she was exhausted from just getting her own persona. People in showbiz sure were strong…
Dorothea’s eyes widened, clearly not expecting her to have been behind the door. She pulled her hands through her hair, looking a bit nervous herself. Bernadetta figured she must’ve been projecting, there’s no way anyone would be nervous to see her… Maybe annoyed, but not nervous.
“H-hello! How are you holding up?” Bernadetta asked.
“Still a bit weak, but definitely better than before.” She replied.
Bernadetta blushed, she really wanted to hide behind something. Her voice was so pretty, especially now that it had a bit more life in it. The poor thing was so tired from the idol world, and she couldn’t really blame her. It did sound like a lot of work. Bernadetta certainly couldn’t have done it. Even pushing aside the whole social anxiety thing.
“T-that’s good!”
Dorothea giggled, making Bernadetta feel as if an angel had descended upon this sinful earth. What had she done to deserve to stand in her presence? Perhaps she had good karma built up from a past life? Or perhaps it had something to do with the lives she managed to save. To be fair, that was a team effort, she didn’t have that much to do with it.
“Why are you so nervous Bern?”
“W-well... You’re a- wait, Bern?”
Dorothea blushed in turn. “Oh, sorry. I just thought it was a cute nickname. Was it too forward?”
Bernadetta furiously shook her head and hands. “No! Not at all! It’s really nice! Oh I’m messing up! I’m ruining everything! I’m sorry!”
“Hey, hey it’s okay Bern. I’m not offended at all.” Dorothea reassured.
“I… Okay… What were we talking about…? Oh right… I’m kinda nervous around everybody to be honest…” She admittedly bashfully. “Especially an idol as cool as you… You’re… kinda an inspiration to me…”
Dorothea tilted her head. “An… inspiration?”
Bernadetta nodded. “Mhm. You’re so brave and confident… For a long time I’ve always thought… I’d love to be just like you.”
Sure, being a charismatic woman was the spark for Bernadetta becoming a fan of hers. She couldn’t take her eyes off of her the first time she saw her performance. The more she watched her though, the more she began to appreciate her other qualities. Even if she never met the “real” Dorothea before a bit ago, she was a huge comfort to her.
Dorothea looked away. “An inspiration huh…? I’m glad I could help you so much but… what about now…? Does seeing how I actually am disappoint you?”
Bernadetta’s eyes widened. “N-no way! If anything it makes me like you even more! It means I can get to know you, and be real friends! Besides, that confidence was at least partially real! You still got on stage and performed! I really wanna be your friend Dorothea!” She blurted out.
Her face flushed once more. She didn’t mean to say that, oh now Dorothea was gonna think she was weird. Who’d get that excited about something like this? Just getting to be friends with a girl made her yell? She was so stupid. Stupid stupid Bernie.
“Bern, I’d love to be your friend. You’re already better than all the people who just want to brag about knowing an idol, or treating me like I was a prize. Don’t be so hard on yourself. You saved me after all. Not just anyone could’ve done that. You’re something special.”
She wanted to scream, but considering she just did, she stopped herself. It ended up coming out more like a squeal, much to her embarrassment. She also didn’t want Dorothea’s caretaker to come upstairs, wondering what the issue was. If someone came and talked to her sick kid and started yelling, she’d probably be a bit on edge too.
“D-dorothea… Okay, yes, let’s be friends!”
Bernadetta walked towards Dorothea. This was it, she was actually going to shake hands with her idol! Was she dreaming? She wanted to pinch herself, but she didn’t wanna look even more silly than she already had. She was even kinder than Bernadetta had imagined. If she’d want to be friends with her of all people.
Especially after a display such as hers. She wouldn’t even want to be her own friend. If she could, she’d completely cut ties with herself! Never have to deal with her again! Well… she guessed that was technically an option, but it’d lead to her losing her persona. So maybe that wasn’t as good an idea as she thought it was.
Dorothea put her hand out. Bernadetta slowly moved her own towards hers. She couldn’t be too quick, she’d look weird and creepy. Too slow, and she’d look like she didn’t appreciate her friendship. She had to time to just right.
She took her hand, and they finally shook. What was probably a normal thing for Dorothea, meant everything to Bernadetta. She had other friends, like her social links and the investigation team. Ever since she came to Inaba, things had been getting better for her. She should be used to this, but she still wasn’t. Even the voice in her head, telling her about her new bond, jump scared her. Thankfully, Dorothea didn’t seem to notice her reaction.
“Thank you again Bern. For everything. Your friendship… and for saving me.”
She smiled. “Of course! I’m just glad we got there in time!”
Granted, they basically went as soon as possible because Bernadetta’s anxiety wouldn’t let her do anything until the victims were safe, but that was neither here nor there. There was no way they’d ever be too late with her in the lead. Not that she was bragging! If anything, it was more that she was insulting herself.
They’d told her before that they had until the fog rolls in, but better safe than sorry! If anyone died because of her, well she’d never be able to forgive herself. She’d hate herself even more than she does already. Which would be a lot.
Dorothea pulled on Bernadetta’s hand, making the girl yelp with surprise. She ended up in a tight hug, one that she couldn’t believe she was in. She was being hugged by THE Dorothea? The Dorothea liked her enough to embrace her? No, she had to have been in the TV or something. That world showed the truth though…
“Sorry.” Dorothea said with a giggle. “I’m just… you’re so cute I couldn’t help myself.”
“I-I. . M-me? Y-you’re talking about m-me?”
Despite having spent a lot of time in bed, Dorothea smelt so nice. Her hair was so long and pretty… unlike her mangy hair cut. How could she be cute compared to someone like her? She wasn’t cute at all! She started short circuiting, for a few seconds forgetting where she was. She wouldn’t be shocked if the heat emitting from her face burnt Dorothea alive.
“Of course!” She finally let go, much to Bernadetta’s disappointment. “You’re such a cute girl! Did someone tell you you weren’t? Just point them my way, I’ll handle them for you!”
“N-no! It’s fine! No one’s told me that!” She exclaimed.
Her appearance has never really been talked about, so she assumed she was nothing remarkable at best. She was used to not being enough. Her Dad was great at making sure she knew her place. Which was underneath everyone else. She was so glad that he was on a business trip. Her uncle was so much kinder. He was like the one person she wasn’t afraid of.
“If you’re sure.” Dorothea said relenting. "Well, if you need anything, just let me know. Even in that other weird world inside the TV. Or if you just need a quick confidence boost. I’m here for you Bern.”
“T-thank you Dorothea…”
“I just can’t say no to pretty girls.” She said with a wink.
Was… she being flirted with? No, no, that was stupid. Stupid Bernie! Girls act like that with other girls all the time! She couldn’t make Dorothea uncomfortable with such a weird accusation. Obviously she just wanted a friend too. Yup, that was it.
Dorothea giggled again. “I guess I’ve teased you enough. Seriously though, you’re a pretty girl. I’d be surprised if you were single, you’re a catch!”
“I am single!” She exclaimed a bit too quickly. “Uh, I mean, I’ve never had a boyfriend!”
Oh man, Dorothea was going to judge her hard for that one. Idols couldn’t have boyfriends, so she was probably being really insensitive. She was just so pathetic. She needed to get her hands on a boyfriend someday…
“I see. Have you ever had a girlfriend?”
“No!”
“Would you like one? You were so cool inside the TV… and you’re really cute too. You’re the complete package.”
Bernadetta practically froze in place. Why would she want a girlfriend? She was a normal girl who dated boys! Sure, Dorothea was gorgeous and cool and all, but even if Bernadetta liked girls, she wouldn’t deserve a girl as cool as her.
“You don’t have to answer yet. I’ll be waiting.” She said with another wink.
“I- Okay! I mean, not okay we can date, but okay I’ll think on it! I mean, is that okay? For me to date a girl? I mean, I don’t wanna be weird or make you uncomfortable!”
“Bern. It’s fine. I asked you. I’m not uncomfortable.” Dorothea explained.
She swallowed. She… really liked her? Bernadetta couldn’t be gay! Her Father would never allow it! He’s always said she needs to find a husband. If she had a girlfriend, he’d be livid! Plus, other girls have gotten so angry with her for liking them like that! But, Dorothea was giving her a chance. She wouldn’t be mad at her for it. She was the one initiating! Maybe… maybe it’d be okay?
“Uh. Um. Can we get to know each other first? If that’s okay! Then I can give you an answer!”
Dorothea smiled. “Of course Bern. Even if you say no in the end, it’s fine.”
Bernadetta giggled. “O-okay! Thank you! A-anyways, I should get going, bye!”
Dorothea waved. “Bye Bern. It was nice talking to you.”
Bernadetta practically ran out of the room, but not from discomfort. She had a skip in her step. Someone liked her! Not just anyone but… hard as it was to admit… a girl she’s had a crush on for years! She never thought she’d get to act on it. She still had some feelings to work through, not to mention ultimately she really didn’t know her well. She wanted to make sure they were truly compatible.
Honestly, she wanted to say yes right then and there. One day though, they’d be getting married and adopt a bunch of kids! She couldn’t wait for that day to come!