Anything and Everything

Prompt: Dine

Set several weeks after Primum Non Nocere

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Bernie sits at her desk wondering why on earth Fleur would send her an email. Well, you won’t know until you open it …

Wolfe,

For clarification: when you asked me to take care of Serena, did that include nighttime debauchery? ;-) I’m planning on wining and dining her tomorrow, so if you have any concerns, call me. (Don’t worry, I don’t have any amorous intentions, but she needs a distraction. Since you went back to Nairobi, she’s been looking like someone imposed a nationwide ban on Shiraz.)

Fleur

Bernie checks the time and calls Fleur, the British Airways website already open.

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Prompt: Smell

Set in Spain, about two or three weeks after Bernie’s arrival

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Serena wakes up to a small sound and the smell of a coffee being placed on her nightstand.

“Good morning,” Bernie says softly.

“Morning,” Serena yawns. “It’s been a long time since you’ve brought me coffee in bed.”

Bernie shrugs. “It’s not like I had the opportunity what with … you know …”

“Oh, God, I’m sorry … that’s not what … I’m not really awake yet.” Serena takes a sip of coffee. “To what do I owe this treat?”

Bernie smiles almost shyly. “To say thank you? For taking me in?“

“Bernie,” Serena interrupts gently. “I wouldn’t want you to be anywhere else.”

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Prompt: Hip

Set (with that prompt: of course) after the closing of the trauma unit

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Henrik answered his mobile with a sense of dread. “Hello, Serena. What can I do—?”

“Hip replacements, Henrik?!?” Serena asked, sounding incensed. “The most brilliant trauma surgeon in the country, and you offer her hip replacements?!?”

Henrik winced. He knew she was right but he hadn’t been able to keep the trauma unit. “You know we live in fiscally challenging ti—“

“Oh, spare me the bollocks,” Serena interrupted. “If anything happens to Bernie in Sudan, I’m blaming you!”

Henrik swallowed audibly. “Sudan?”

“Yes … and by the way, my sabbatical is now permanent. My resignation email should be in your inbox.”

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Prompt: Legend

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Serena looked up when the patient was wheeled in and saw Bernie already on the way. The call had said that he’d been involved in an accident on the nearby base, so she wasn’t surprised to see the fatigues. What did surprise her was the wide grin on his face.

“The woman, the myth, the legend,” he shouted across the ward. “Major Wolfe!”

Bernie chuckled. “Well, they’ve certainly given you the really good stuff, Lieutenant.”

He nodded, completely ignoring the gaping wound in his leg. “Shiny new uniform, Major. Blue suits you too.”

“Let’s get you patched up.”

“Yes, sir!”

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Prompt: Certain

A conversation. Set immediately after The Kill List.

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After kissing Serena for what felt like hours, Bernie pulls back just enough to be able to focus on Serena’s eyes. “Are you sure about this?” she asks. “Is this what you want?”

Serena meets Bernie’s eyes with an open look. “I’m absolutely certain,” she replies, “but I’m quite nervous. It’s all new to me, although I did have a few months to get used to the idea.”

Bernie leans in to kiss Serena again. “We’ll figure it out together.”

“After—”

Bernie picks up the phone, holding up a finger. “Ric? Bernie. I won’t be needing that transfer after all.”

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RIP Anthony Head (20 February, 1954 – June, 2026)

British actor Anthony Head, best known for his roles in TV shows including Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Ted Lasso, Merlin and Little Britain, has died at the age of 72.

Prompt: Preference

Set about three weeks after The Kill List

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It’s still new, waking up together, and Serena revels in the feeling. Seeing Bernie first thing in the morning, smiling softly, is a treat she would like to have every morning for the rest of her life. But they’re not there yet.

“Good morning,” Bernie says, her voice husky and sleepy.

“Good morning.” Serena leans over for a kiss that turns into three. “Any plans for today?”

“Not really.” Bernie stretches, and the duvet slips down to reveal her naked torso. “But given the choice, my preference would be to spend it with you, right here.”

“That could be arranged.”

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