Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

____

FRIDAY EVENING

“I can’t see a damn thing out here Pats! It’s pitch black…”

“And you think I can see Deels?!”

“No need getting testy you silly fool, just leave the headlamps on,” Delia called back to Patsy who was standing beside Phyllis’s car.

“Right should have thought of that…” Patsy mumbled. “They said the key should be under a stone to the left of the steps…” Patsy, called out, squinting to see Delia fumbling around the front of the cottage.

“Nearly there I think….” the younger woman shouted back.

“Deels, shouldn’t I be the one crawling around in the dark? You just had your cast off today, you don’t need to be putting yourself back into one…” Patsy was irritated Delia had insisted on being the one to venture off into the night but she also wanted to respect the younger woman’s determination to rediscover her full independence.

“Found it!” Delia called back up the drive.

Patsy sighed with relief. “Brilliant Deels! Go on and open the door and I’ll bring the bags.”

Delia carefully navigated her way up the two steps at the front of the cottage and fiddled with the key in the lock, startling when she heard the trunk slam behind her.

“Damn…” she muttered, feeling her patience wearing thin as she dropped the key. “Oh damn it all…” she huffed, bending down and moving her fingers about on the wood door sill where she had heard the key land.

“What’s the hold up, Busby?” Patsy said lightly as she approached the cottage front carrying a bag on each shoulder and a bag under each arm.

“I can’t see a bloody thing, and these damn fingers won’t cooperate, and every joint is slow to move in this damn cold wind and...”

“Hey….” Patsy said, alarmed by the real anger and frustration she could hear in Delia’s voice. “It’s alright Deels, let me help…. I didn’t realize…”

“Why does everything have to be so bloody hard?!” Delia half shouted. “Shit!” she said, standing and shaking her finger. “Perfect, now I have a bloody splinter.”

Patsy dropped the bags and leaned down to find the key. “Sorry love…” she mumbled. “Wasn’t thinking how hard this would be in the dark and cold…. Got it…”

Patsy stood and worked the key into the lock, turning the knob and pushing the door open.

“There we are… let’s find a light…”

Suddenly the cottage was flooded with warm light from a small lamp on a table by a sofa.

“Found it,” Delia said, letting go of the lamp chain with a tired smile as she dropped into a rocking chair.

Patsy couldn’t help but notice how Delia looked a bit defeated after the ordeal of getting in.

“Give me just a moment Deels…” the redhead said, turning to bring in their bags. “Won’t take but a minute, then I’ll put the kettle on…”

Delia quickly wiped away a tear but not quick enough to avoid being noticed.

Patsy closed the door and walked over to where the younger woman was seated and dropped to her knees in front of her. “Hi,” she said with a smile.

Delia rolled her eyes. “You don’t need to talk to me like this anymore Pats, I’m not broken like I was… I can move about and walk… then again I was fairly useless through all that…”

“I’ll wait until you get that mind to slow and join me here Deels…” Patsy said putting her hand on Delia’s knee and taking the hand that the younger woman had been examining to find the splinter.

Delia closed her eyes and sighed, then looked at Patsy and offered a small smile. “I suppose I’m just tired…”

Patsy smiled. “Of course you’re tired Deels. I’m utterly exhausted and I didn’t do half of what you did. You have been going sun up to sun down, you had to perform all sorts of tests, you had to endure the unknowns of what would be said about going forward with work, and now we are here… unexpectedly far from home… you get to be tired.”

Delia leaned forward and smiled into a kiss she placed gently on Patsy’s lips. “Thank you love. Thank you for saying all that. I have high expectations for myself I suppose, sometimes I forget I’m still healing and need to slow down a bit.”

“Gosh, I wouldn’t believe those words came out of you if I hadn’t just heard them,” Patsy said with a small laugh. “It seems some of what I say is finally getting through that thick skull of yours.”

Delia laughed too. “I suppose it is.”

Patsy stood. “I’ll put kettle on, let’s get that splinter out, then I believe I’ll be ready for some pajamas, how about you?”

“Sounds like a perfect plan,” Delia said, finally relaxing enough to look around for the first time. “Oh Pats, look at this place… It’s adorable!”

As Patsy walked to the small stove she turned on two other lamps and then a small light in the kitchen.

They were in the main room of the cottage that held a sofa with a small table in front of it, facing an old stone fireplace. A beautiful rug anchored the small seating area making it feel like it’s own separate space. Another rocking chair sat beside the one Delia occupied, with a small table and lamp between them. The chairs were angled to look out the windows that were now obscured by closed curtains. On the other side of the room was a small eating nook with a round table and two wood chairs. The kitchen area had a small stove, a small icebox, and a few cupboards stocked with staple dishware and canned goods. The mismatched antique furniture and warm lighting gave the cottage a cozy, inviting feel. Despite the howling wind outside, it was warm and quiet inside. Just off the kitchen was a doorway that led to the modest but clean and tidy bathroom, and a small bedroom that contained a large bed, a chair in the corner, and a chest of drawers against the far wall with little room to spare for walking around.

“It’s darling in here, Deels, you’re going to love it!” Patsy called from the bedroom where she had quickly moved their bags.

When Patsy walked back out she found Delia picking at the splinter and muttering curses under her breath.

Patsy again dropped to her knees in front of the brunette. “Let me try, would you? I’m actually quite good at getting them out… I’ve got a special trick.”

Delia held her hand out. “Try your best… it’s really in there…”

Patsy looked at Delia’s finger for a moment then looked up at the brunette and winked as she brought her finger to her lips then ran her tongue along the digit.

Delia couldn’t help but laugh. “What on earth are you doing Pats?! Ouch!”

Delia’s laugh became a wince as Patsy’s tongue found the tiny fragment of wood.

“Sorry,” Patsy mumbled. “Nearly got it…”

Delia felt Patsy’s tongue pass the splinter again then felt the redhead’s teeth scrape against her finger. Patsy quickly reached up and wiped the splinter off her lip and looked at the barely visible piece.

“There we go!” she said proudly, showing Delia.

Delia laughed but gratefully rubbed her sore finger. “How’d you learn that neat little trick, Pats?”

“You underestimate me Deels, I’m full of neat little tricks and handy skills,” the older woman said with a flirtatious tone.

Delia laughed and rolled her eyes. “Confidence looks overwhelmingly good on you love, but don’t go getting a big head.”

“Too late,” Patsy said, standing and heading to the bedroom. Time for pajamas, I’m exhausted.”

“I’ll pour our tea,” Delia said, enjoying watching Patsy walk away.

“I feel you staring,” Patsy called from the bedroom.

“I’m not trying to hide it!” Delia called back from the kitchen.

___

Moments later Patsy and Delia were sitting in rocking chairs, wearing their pajamas and drinking their tea.

“Look at us sitting here like an old married couple,” Delia laughed as she looked around admiring the sweet warmth and décor of the small cottage.

“I think it’s perfect. I’d sit next to you like an old married couple any day Deels.” Patsy said, sipping her tea.

“I can confidently say that when I woke up this morning I did not think I would be going to bed in a cottage by the sea with you Pats,” Delia said with a small laugh.

“I can confidently say this is exactly where I was hoping I would end up by day’s end,” Patsy said with a wink. “As always I owe it all to Phyllis and Trixie, they did all the planning and packing to make this possible.”

“How did we get so lucky to find friends like them…” Delia hummed as she finished off her tea.”

Patsy set her cup down then leaned forward and put her hand on Delia’s knee. “You look tired Deels, ready for bed? Today was an enormous accomplishment and I for one am ready to sleep without an alarm clock to recover from it all.”

Delia smiled and stood, enjoying the feeling of easy balance without the ankle cast. She reached her hand out to Patsy. “That sounds marvelous, love. Let me take you to bed,” she said with a playful smile.
“For nothing more than sleep of course, neither of us have energy for anything more,” she said, pulling Patsy to her feet.

“As long as I get to sleep beside you, I will be the happiest girl in the world,” Patsy said, yawning and following Delia to the small bedroom.

______

SATURDAY MORNING

Patsy rolled over and smiled as her eyes rested on Delia who was still sleeping soundly. The redhead rubbed her eyes and stretched, appreciating the cozy warmth of the cottage. She quietly slid out of the bed and walked to the window, pulling open the curtains, flooding the small room with bright morning sun.

“Goodness…” she whispered, looking out at the landscape. Just outside the window was a small sand dune that rolled into a mixed sand and stone shoreline about forty feet below. Less than one hundred yards away crashing waves met the sand, and miles of blue ocean could easily be seen from where the small structure was perched on the grassy cliff side.

“How’s it look Pats?” Delia mumbled from beneath blankets.

Patsy smiled and returned to the bed, climbing under the covers and wrapping Delia in her arms, pulling her close.

“You’re going to love it,” Patsy said quietly, wanting her lover to have a gentle entry into the day.

“Mmm…” Delia hummed, turning and nuzzling into the older woman, moving her leg between Patsy’s so that there was no space between them.

Patsy gave a light squeeze appreciating no longer fearing hurting Delia. She let her chin rest on top of the smaller woman’s head, enjoying the soothing scent as it mixed with fresh linens.

Delia let out a happy sigh. “This feels nice Pats… really nice…”

Patsy smiled into dark brown hair and began tracing light patterns on Delia’s back.

“Mmm… if you keep that up, I may fall right back to sleep.

“I think you should Deels. I’d like to stay in bed a bit longer too… it’s so cozy here… I think this place is telling us a slow sleepy morning is exactly what is supposed to happen here. And we won’t be having mornings like this for quite some time once we’re back in Poplar and I’m out on early rounds and you’re back at the hospital next week…”

“I won’t argue with that,” Delia said, cuddling even closer, reveling in the feeling of being wrapped in Patsy’s arms. “I could stay here for an eternity Pats.”

“I believe I could as well,” Patsy said, kissing the top of Delia’s head then letting her eyes drift closed.

_____

SATURDAY AFTERNOON

“Pats… Pats….” Delia whispered, trying to gently wake the redhead from her peaceful slumber.

Patsy groaned and rolled to her back. Delia was standing beside the bed leaning over her girlfriend, gently stroking her cheek.

“Love, I’m going to get breakfast started.” Delia felt excited being able to say those words knowing she was once again capable of such a thing. “I looked around and there’s a note saying they would like us to use what we can in the kitchen. There’s eggs and toast with jam! I’ll wake you in a few minutes if you haven’t made your way out of this bed by then,” she said, taking pleasure in the serene expression on the redhead’s face.

____

Ten minutes later Patsy was groggily stumbling her way to the kitchen.

“Bout time you got up sleepyhead,” Delia said from where she was cooking eggs on the stove. She had been silently enjoying moving through the process of making breakfast, thinking about all that had been recovered with mobility and dexterity.

“That coffee smells heavenly,” Patsy said, looking at the table set for two with steaming cups beside each plate of toast. “What time is it?”

“Nearly noon actually… apparently we both needed a bit of rest…”

“You’re joking!” Patsy said with shock. “I don’t think I’ve ever slept this late in all my life…”

“You needed it Pats, just as much or more than I did,” Delia said, sprinkling salt and pepper into the almost finished eggs.

Patsy walked up behind Delia and wrapped her arms around the smaller woman then softly kissed the side of her neck. “Can I help with anything?”

Delia smiled and reached up placing her hand on Patsy’s cheek, then turning to face her.

“Good morning love,” she said, savoring being able to say those words. “I’m happy to say I have it all in hand.” Delia placed her hand on Patsy’s chest feeling her heartbeat. “I could get used to mornings like this with you...”

Patsy smiled and leaned in, kissing Delia and reaching up to run her fingers through dark hair. “I could too. In fact… I expect them as often as we can manage.”

Delia felt butterflies and a slight blush as she felt Patsy’s hands settle low and a warm desire crept through her as she looked into bright blue eyes.

“The eggs Deels…” Patsy said, her lips just inches from Delia’s.

“Hmm?” Delia said, lost in a happy trance, gazing at Patsy as she moved her hands up to clasp loosely behind the taller woman’s neck.

Patsy leaned in for another quick kiss reading Delia’s desire, then pulled back. “Deels, the eggs… they’re going to burn…”

“Shit!” Delia said, finally registering what was being said. She abruptly turned and pulled the pan away from the heat.

“They look alright,” Patsy said, peering over Delia’s shoulder. “Just fine…” she said with a small laugh.

Delia huffed and rolled her eyes, swatting Patsy’s arm.

“You aren’t funny Pats, quit distracting me while I cook. Off to the table with you.”

“But it’s so much fun,” Patsy said, earning another swat as she moved to sit while still being scolded.

Delia placed two eggs on each of their plates, put the pan back on the stove, then sat down across from Patsy.

“How perfect is this place Pats?” Delia said, looking around as she ate. “It’s absolutely adorable. I can’t think of how we’ll thank Trixie for such a generous gift.”

Patsy smiled looking around the bright and cheery cottage. “I really adore the quiet, and it’s just darling in here. Trix couldn’t have been happier offering it. I believe just hearing how we enjoyed this little getaway will be enough for her.”

_____

After finishing her breakfast Delia stood and moved to the small sink, opening the window above it. Patsy watched as Delia closed her eyes and took a slow deep breath.

“Do you smell that Pats?” That sea air smells lovely. And that crisp breeze feels wonderfully refreshing.”

Patsy couldn’t help but smile watching Delia enjoy the simple moment.

“You deserve every bit of this vacation. You know that, don’t you Deels? You more than earned it.”

Delia walked over to Patsy and stood looking at her for a moment with her hands on her hips.

“What?” Patsy said with a small laugh.

Delia gently nudged Patsy to scoot her chair back from the table then moved to playfully sit on patsy’s lap facing her.

“What’s gotten into you Deels?” the older woman said, loving the feeling of Delia obviously happy and wanting to be close.

“We deserve it Pats,” the smaller woman said, smiling and brushing red hair away from Patsy’s eyes. “We deserve every bit of this, being here, relaxing, celebrating, being together, sleeping in, enjoying a bit of peace, making love…”

“I don’t remember that part happening yet…” Patsy said raising an eyebrow, wrapping her arms around Delia’s waist and pulling her closer.

“No?” Delia said, mocking thinking as she tapped her chin. “I could have sworn… oh, I guess that’s what’s about to happen…”

Patsy laughed and gently pulled Delia in for a kiss.

After a moment Delia pulled back. “Actually Pats, it’s so bright and sunny, and really quite warm at the moment… it’s the perfect time to head down to the beach… would that be okay?”

“Of course!” Patsy said. “We’ve got loads of time for that other fun, let’s use the sunshine while we’ve got it! Up you go…” Patsy said, pushing Delia off and hopping up with a surprising amount of excitement.

Delia laughed. “Pats, if I’d known you were this excited about seeing the beach we could have gone sooner.”

“This was perfect, the slow morning was divine. But yes, now that you mention it, I actually love the beach. I always have. And I’m excited to see it with you. It’s been years since I’ve actually been in the water and I was thinking I might try it, what do you think?”

“I think I’d love nothing more than an ocean swim with you Pats,” Delia said.

“Well, I don’t know about a swim… I should think it will be far too cold for that.”

“Oh, don’t be a worrier Pats… let’s just see when we get there,” Delia said, laughing and pulling Patsy to the bedroom to get changed into their beach ware.
______

Twenty minutes later the two women were carefully moving through the warm sand down to the shoreline. It was apparent they had the entire stretch of coastline to themselves, and both quickly relaxed into their closeness knowing no one was about.

“Alright with this walking Deels? It’s a bit tricky in this sand…”

“Actually, it’s going surprisingly well… just walking nice and slow and carefully… still a bit weak on the one side…” Delia said, watching her step and focusing on staying on the easiest path.

“Need a hand?” Patsy asked, observing Delia intensely focus on navigating the uneven terrain.

“Not yet Pats, but thank you. It feels wonderful being able to do this on my own.”

Patsy smiled and watched, marveling at the incredible amount of progress Delia had made. “You’re doing brilliantly Deels, it’s remarkable what you’ve accomplished. I don’t think a stranger could ever tell what you’ve been through.”

“Well, that makes two of us,” Delia said, catching up to Patsy who was standing and waiting on the small path down the hill. “Don’t think I haven’t noticed all your changes too Pats, because I have.”

The redhead smiled. “Quite the pair we make,” she said as she reached out and squeezed Delia’s hand. “We’ve come quite a long way haven’t we?”

“Yes we have,” Delia said, squeezing Patsy’s hand then turning to look at the ocean that was now just thirty feet away. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”

Patsy continued staring at Delia. “Yes, you are…”

“I’m talking about the ocean you silly fool. Look at the way the waves turn blue in the light there, then green over there,” Delia said, pointing.

Patsy turned and watched the water for a few moments then said “On second thought, I think I will be getting in.”

Delia looked as Patsy’s expression became more serious as she gazed at the surf. “Being in a place like this… it makes everything we’ve been through seem a bit smaller… but so much has happened… I think we’re meant to see it, but not dwell on it… so much has hurt…. so much that left the both of us with nightmares… and scars…”

Delia could see Patsy was thinking deeply and reviewing, and as she continued speaking, the younger woman knew it wasn’t just about the past few months.

“…and we can’t get rid of it all… but we can let the parts that hurt become smaller… our scars can’t be washed away, but it feels as though those waves out there can wash away some of the energy of it all… the hurt… the fear… the unknown… it will be washed away… then it will be time for a new beginning… a new chapter… clear away what has been and make room for all the new and good… all the good that will come for both of us Deels. What do you say?”

Delia wiped away a tear and took a step to Patsy, taking her hand and bringing it to her lips, kissing her knuckles. “I love that idea Pats. All of it. We’ll let the waves wash away what has come and make room for all the good that is coming.”
_____

And so they did. Two Souls, very much in love, let the sea wash away all that had come before. Yes, the scars remain. Yes the memories last, and the nightmares persist at times… yet with attention given to all that has been created with love, and all the love that is yet to come, a great healing was found in those waves on that sunny day. Patsy released remnants of suffering from the depths of sorrows no child should know. Delia released the pains of a wounded body and fears of the unknowns that had been faced. As both Souls met in the sea, a new peace and new joy was felt as the waves washed away the energy of the past.

Patsy and Delia continued to cherish moments of peace, tucked away in the heavenly cottage, sitting by fireside, warming not just the flesh, but hearts too, for the remainder of their weekend together. And as the time of respite came to an end, a great peace was felt as the return was made to Poplar to embark on yet another tremendously wonderful chapter of life in the haven of their love.