"It's Time For Bed"
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The two couples ordered their dinners shortly after Patsy returned to the table and all managed to easily carry on conversations far from the topics of the night’s meeting and unpleasant emotions. Patsy had successfully tucked the memories where they could be kept separate from the present moment and the other three women were surprised by the lightness with which she spoke for the remainder of the meal. Delia was even more surprised when the redhead leaned close halfway through the meal and whispered “Alright Deels? I know loud places like this can bring on a headache…”
Delia smiled as, even while exhausted, her lover expressed care and referenced an understanding of one of the few persistent and lingering symptoms since the accident.
Delia replied with a smile and, “Alright for now, but I’ll be ready for some quiet soon.”
During the remainder of the meal both couples casually shared stories of how they met as they enjoyed their steaks and lobsters.
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An hour later all four women were standing on the pavement outside the hotel main entrance.
“It was a pleasure to meet the both of you,” Darcy said with a big smile. “Patsy, will I be seeing you again next month?”
Patsy gave a small, tired smile. “I believe you will.”
“Excellent. Ready Em? I’m ready for bed.”
Emily smiled at her partner and nodded, then turned, playfully pulling the woman down the sidewalk by her leather jacket sleeve. “Goodnight you two!” she called over her shoulder.
“See you next month!” Delia called out. She turned toward the redhead who was looking at her with sleepy eyes. “Ready to go home sweetheart?”
“I cannot wait to be home.” Patsy replied, nudging Delia with her shoulder as they headed to the car.
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Once settled in the passenger seat of Phyllis’s car, Patsy felt sleep threatening to pull her eyelids closed. “Are you sure you’re alright to drive back?” she asked through a yawn.
Delia laughed. “You think I would let you drive tired as you are, you silly fool? Not a chance. I’m more than alright to drive home Pats.”
Patsy smiled and reached out resting her hand on Delia’s thigh, again using the grounding touch to continue soothing her nervous system as the brunette put the car into gear and pulled away from the curb.
“It’s alright if you sleep, sweetheart.”
“Mmm…” Patsy mumbled as she yawned again, fighting to keep her eyes open. “I can’t sleep in the car Deels…”
Delia laughed at her lover’s inability to complete her sentence as sleep overtook her.
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“Pats, love… we’re here,” Delia said quietly, gently caressing the older woman’s cheek. “We’re back at Nonnatus. Let’s go inside and get you into a proper bed.”
Patsy stretched and blinked, working to focus her eyes and take in her surroundings. “Oh…” she said, surprised to find herself in a vehicle rather than their room.
“We just got back from your meeting at the hotel in London,” Delia supplied, wanting to help Patsy orient.
“Right,” the redhead said as she yawned again. “Let’s go to bed Deels.”
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Twenty minutes later Patsy and Delia were climbing under the covers and sighing with relief as their heads settled on the pillows.
“Gosh that was a long day,” Patsy said as she let out a big exhale.
Delia smiled as she felt Patsy’s hand come to rest on her stomach. It was a relief that the older woman was wanting to be close and connect after all that had transpired. “That was a long day, wasn’t it… I thought it felt long which means I’m sure it felt exceptionally exhausting to you, after all that you did.”
Delia moved closer to the redhead, who smiled and lifted her arm so that she could curl around her side. “It was exhausting, but I think it was for the best… the meeting. It turns out I’m quite glad you made it happen Deels, thank you. Patsy kissed the top of Delia’s head then rested her cheek against coffee colored hair. “I think it will be helpful to meet others… who went through it… and talk about it a bit…”
Delia turned and kissed the side of Patsy’s neck. “That’s wonderful Pats. I think it will be helpful to know Emily who also loves someone who experienced it too.”
Patsy yawned. “It seems we may have also found ourselves a couple of new friends to go to Gateway’s should your heart ever desire a double date.”
Delia gasped, playfully pretending to be shocked. “You mean, you think they’re like us?! They couldn’t possibly be… what are the odds!”
Patsy laughed. “I’m beginning to think the odds are better and better.”
Delia laughed too as she pulled the older woman even closer. “I love you Pats.”
“I love you. More than I can ever express with words. So I’ll just have to say it like this.” Patsy picked up her head and turned, seeing that Delia was more than happy to meet her halfway. As their eyes closed and their lips met both women smiled into the connection feeling sleep coming quickly as they relaxed into one another.
Delia let her head rest on Patsy’s shoulder again. “Is this alright?”
“It’s perfect,” Patsy said as she moved her fingers lightly through dark hair, feeling her lover’s respiration slow. “Goodnight Deels.”
“Goodnight sweetheart,” Delia whispered as she gently drifted into sleep.