berena-cpr

[berena-cpr]

We have NOTHING to do with this!!

- The Crash Team

Bernie Wolfe brushing her hair out her eyes in 2021 and giving a broken smile

[berena-cpr]

The Crash Team, having taken a moment to catch their breath after the end of the Berena CPR event, wants to take this chance to say a huge “Thank you” to everyone who joined in.

We are delighted that it struck a chord with so many of you and thrilled there is so much creativity flying around the fandom. It’s wonderful to see so many WIPs dusted off and having new life breathed into them. We hope you enjoyed taking part, got lots of progress made, and collected loads of fabulous badges.

For those of you who are still feeling inspired, @batnbreakfast has kindly agreed to keep the sprints going for a while - details will now be posted from her blog.

The Berena CPR collection will remain open so you can still add any WIPs you worked on during the event whenever they’re ready.

For now we’re off to enjoy all the new fic and art!

[berena-cpr]

Some of us finished their WIPs for this event - others started to post new ones. ;)

We are certainly looking forward to seeing this progress after a very promising start!

Chapters: 1/? Fandom: Holby City Rating: Explicit Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Serena Campbell/Bernie Wolfe Characters: Serena Campbell, Bernie Wolfe Additional Tags: Shibari, Bernie is a rope bunny, 😈 Summary:

Bernie never would’ve expected to find herself at a rope bondage demonstration in a London nightclub, much less taking classes on the ins and outs of shibari. Out of character, to be sure, but why not step out of bounds when your life has already blown up? Literally.

Still, she can’t deny how right it feels, how much she enjoys learning about the art of rope.

It certainly doesn’t hurt that the teacher is utterly gorgeous.

[berena-cpr]

Zoom, Booze, no Doom - Berena CPR edition

Hello everyone,

it’s Saturday tomorrow and we’ll meet again at:

Germany 9pm

UK 8pm

Wisconsin 2pm

It’s the last day of the Berena creative project resuscitation event and I’d like you to join us at our virtual Albie’s to toast our undeniable creative energy during the last six weeks.

We’ll watch some of our favourite Bernie & Serena scenes, have a drink (not necessarily alcoholic) and a chat.

The link will be posted as a comment shortly before we start. Newcomers are always welcome, no need to be shy. :)

[berena-cpr]

Track your progress!

Good Morning everyone,

it’s the 14th of August and the last day of our Berena Creative Project Resuscitation event! We’ll see each other at our virtual Albie’s later, but until then:

All of you who signed in - please go and track your progress for one last time

https://berena-cpr.tumblr.com/tracking

If you want to have a look at the badges you’ve won during the event, you can find them here:

https://berena-cpr.tumblr.com/badges

[berena-cpr]

It’s Saturday today!

Join us for a drink or two at Albie’s, starting at 9pm CEST!

Zoom, Booze, no Doom - Berena CPR edition

Hello everyone,

it’s Saturday tomorrow and we’ll meet again at:

Germany 9pm

UK 8pm

Wisconsin 2pm

It’s the last day of the Berena creative project resuscitation event and I’d like you to join us at our virtual Albie’s to toast our undeniable creative energy during the last six weeks.

We’ll watch some of our favourite Bernie & Serena scenes, have a drink (not necessarily alcoholic) and a chat.

The link will be posted as a comment shortly before we start. Newcomers are always welcome, no need to be shy. :)

[berena-cpr]

Attention to detail is very important. We’re paying attention.....

Time to work on details

For @berena-cpr and @ktlsyrtis, of course.

[berena-cpr]

And we are ready to stop for now - thanks for joining in!

Upcoming sprint

Hello everyone,

today’s sprint is coming up at 9pm CEST!

For everyone wondering how this works:

Those interested start to work on their project at 9pm (or whatever your timezone may be).

We work on what comes to mind. Feels like nothing good might come out of this? You will likely be mistaken!

We stop after 25 minutes.

We share our progress in the comments and gather all the good creative energy we can get.

I’ll post the link to Zoom a few minutes before we start.

[berena-cpr]

Hi all, get your works in progress ready and join in on Zoom by clicking this link or use ID 876 5589 4644 and PW 101856 to enter our meeting.

Upcoming sprint

Hello everyone,

today’s sprint is coming up at 9pm CEST!

For everyone wondering how this works:

Those interested start to work on their project at 9pm (or whatever your timezone may be).

We work on what comes to mind. Feels like nothing good might come out of this? You will likely be mistaken!

We stop after 25 minutes.

We share our progress in the comments and gather all the good creative energy we can get.

I’ll post the link to Zoom a few minutes before we start.

[berena-cpr]

Unfinished Masterpieces - Fic Rec List

Remember the WIP on ao3 you can’t let go? The one that resonated with you? The one that you’d give anything to know how it ends?

While the Berena Creative Project Resuscitation event is all about starting to work again on projects sitting in our draft folders, life can get in the way of finishing a project for a hundred reasons.

These works, posted, but still a few chapters short of ending, are loved though and with this list we’d like to share the love for the unfinished masterpieces one can find in the Berena tag on ao3.

Given the high response we had when we asked to tell us about your favourite WIPs, you’ll find the list under the cut:

Anything Else to Declare? - LittleMissO

“I've personally had sleeping issues since I read LittleMissO's Anything Else to Declare because yeah, I'm still there, breath held and heart pounding like crazy after the most delicious slow burn, and pining, and that outrageously flirtatious conversation over a whiskey.”

that line between your heart and mine - ktlsyrtis

“it is just plain hot but also I love the idea of them writing letters to each other and I also love the exploration of what their relationship might be like with Bernie still being in the RAMC.”

you disappear like your cigarette smoke (now the taste of your kiss is all that remains) - bonnissance

“A wonderful, emotional angst filled fic, looking at how Bernie’s life might still have progressed after Serena left. I loved how it showed her testing her own boundaries to see if it was possible to find another relationship with someone else and when she found that wasn’t something she could do, she accepted it and found other ways to be happy without Serena. I reread it fairly often because although unfinished it doesn’t ever seem incomplete. But the last word “Serena” always leaves me full of a hope that I would dearly love to have fulfilled.”

Secrets in the Dark - Wonko

“I’d love to see this continued!”

For a Good Time Call - Regency

“Young Serena using that pure sex voice of hers to make a little extra as a phone sex operative, and young nervous Bernie taking the first tentative steps in exploring her sexuality. Who better than Serena to help her figure things out? The premise of the fic is ingenious, the writing amazing, the dialogue just outstanding. Hot, sexy, soft and full of compassion and feels. I would sell a kidney to read the next chapter to this – Bernie and Serena meeting years later and recognising each other’s voices.”

you're the only one I never looked for - gutsandglitter

“Never expected I'd enjoy a Baby Boom AU, but I love this fic. Serena hanging out in the country feeling extremely overwhelmed and constantly running into this weird tall, awkward woman named Bernie is a mood. I will forever hold out hope for an update so that I can someday read about them having lots of sex (after an appropriate amount of angst, miscommunication, and unexpected grocery store encounters, of course).”

Things Kayryn doesn't write - Kayryn

“So they’re not exactly unfinished, because they are complete, beautifully crafted, amazingly inventive, head canons, but they’re not completed fic’s so I’m counting them. I actually think that’s one of the lovely things about them, there’s a full story in there but enough space in them to bring your own imagination to the details. The fact that every head canon is spot on and you can completely image it happening is the icing on the cake, and the perfect characterisation is the cherry on top. Canon could have taken lessons from from Kayryn”

I Want to be Your Fantasy (Maybe You Could Be Mine) - Regency

“I just love the concept and the first chapter just pulled me in and I so very much want to know what happens next.”

Notting Hill - Bat_and_Breakfast

“All the “Rom Com idiots in love but they don’t know it miscommunication capers” re-envisaged for Berena you say? Sign me up! I love the way the plot of Notting Hill is absolutely recognisable, but never at the expense of Bernie and Serena’s characters. Everything they do, their responses, the dialogue, is so them. And the cleverly cast Holby regulars as supporting stars - genius. It’s an absolute triumph of transformative work. It’s wonderfully and engagingly written. If you’ve ever got sucked into watching “just a bit” of rom com and found you’ve just lost a couple of hours of your life - this fic does the same thing.”

Follow Me There - troiing

“Full disclosure: I’ve never watched Sanctuary and I know nothing about the characters. But this crossover fic is so good, that it doesn’t even matter.”

hold me closer (tiny dancer) - serenacampbell

“I don’t know why I’m so attached to that fic, but I am. I love the premise of a slow burn fic where the characters still get to do sexy things during the awkward slow burn oblivious period. It’s like the best of both worlds.”

Machu Pechinku - Jrnsaxa

“Forget France and Nepal, what if Serena spent her sabbatical in Peru? The setting in this is beautifully vivid, as is the the delicate ways in which Serena and Bernie start to reconnect after Elinor.”

Hello, Major - lesbianquill

“This is a near perfect Serena being fixated on Bernie in fatigues fic. The first chapter is very insightful, helping us to understand why Bernie might not be happy to accede to Serena’s small kink/obsession. That of course doesn’t last for too long because Bernie loves Serena and she loves having sex with Serena. It was offered as a smutty one shot, but then they rewarded us with an even smuttier second chapter and teased us with the news that a third chapter would be forthcoming. It never happened. Main reason for wishing it could be continued? I enjoy well-written smut.”

In the Spirit of Three Stars - alwayssomethingelse

“Bernie and Serena as Federation officers on Deep Space Nine. Oh, the potential!”

Anatomically Correct - phantomunmasked

“Bernie severely overcompensating for any possible awkwardness in their first time by ordering a mountain of sex toys is a premise that will always delight me. Every time I go back to this one, I ponder what their weekend away would bring with a big grin.”

The Clinic - RexWolfe

“Maybe it’s all the Bramwell we’ve been watching, but this one’s been on my mind lately. Can’t go wrong with a Victorian AU.”

a life in pictures - Regency

"I soooo want to see Serena maybe modelling for Bernie (or at least just how the date goes)”

working up a storm inside my head - sevtacular

“While this isn’t actually an unfinished fic in the sense of chapters missing, the prompt fic collection of Sev can always be added to as far as I’m concerned. Love what has been written so far, hope there will be new chapters with time.”

Body and Soul - ChalkHillBlue

“Possibly the weirdest AU idea ever, this body swap AU makes my brain go crazy with the possibilities every time I read it.”

When We Need One Another The Most - Whispersmummy

“I know this isn’t strictly Berena but it wouldn’t have been written if not for the Berena fandom who love most every conceivable way these two dorks might get together. Very well written (imo) and cleverly constructed fic. Lots and lots of angst and who doesn’t love angst? Only thing missing is a small amount of smut. (Yes I’m back there).”

Ring In The New - fiveroundsrapid

“Fics where Bernie comes to Holby before/during Adrienne’s illness are my kryptonite, and this one is so good!”

Holby One: A Star Wars AAU Story - elitryalittle

“Holby One is my favorite unfinished fic. It’s not just because I came to Berena via Star Wars (a bit of an unusual way, but here I am), but also because I can totally see Serena as a healer and Bernie as a Jedi knight. Kudos for their excellent knowledge of the SWU and this great idea of a crossover fic. I’d give them a limited edition “Looking for Leia” patch and a sticker if they’d finish it.”

to gaze at you, from afar (I sigh, I sigh, I sigh) - bonnissance

“The photographer/model AU you never knew you needed in your life, but you really, really do.”

Heroic Endeavor - Nicolaruth27

“I never would’ve thought I’d be down for a Greek god AU, but this fic has permanent residence in a corner of my brain. Bernie as Athena in mortal form is inspired, and the way the fic is interwoven with canon is a delight.”

what a lovely way to burn - ktlsyrtis

“I just love anything that's weaved into canon but with them being happy and dating and communicating."

Love, Unexpected - Igerna

“Bernie is still married to Marcus when she meets Serena during a conference. They immediately bond and keep in contact, sharing both professional advice and thoughts on their private lives. Love, for them, happens rather unexpectedly. I do love conference fics and slow burns - and this is a good one.”

a little less war torn - kitnkabootle

“The setup for this - in which Serena is the one who goes to help when Bernie is brought to Holby, instead of Raf - is one of my favorite ‘what ifs’ to ponder, and the writing is outstanding.”

[berena-cpr]

Upcoming sprint

Hello everyone,

today’s sprint is coming up at 9pm CEST!

For everyone wondering how this works:

Those interested start to work on their project at 9pm (or whatever your timezone may be).

We work on what comes to mind. Feels like nothing good might come out of this? You will likely be mistaken!

We stop after 25 minutes.

We share our progress in the comments and gather all the good creative energy we can get.

I’ll post the link to Zoom a few minutes before we start.

[berena-cpr]

The goat bone made me laugh almost as much as the canon tap incident! This is going to be a ride

WIP Wednesday

Bernie watched the small video screen in the corner of the room. The massive dinosaur was currently gnawing on a goat it had procured during its last feeding.

"What's it made out of?"

Not getting a response, she turned around - only a second too late to catch Serena adjusting her neckline in the dark glass behind them.

"Hmm?" Serena said, absentmindedly fixing her hair.

"The dinosaur. What's its genetic composition?" Bernie asked.

Serena gave her a look.

"Come on, Major. You know the lab doesn't exactly disclose that sort of thing to the administrative staff."

Bernie narrowed her eyes.

"Not even to the Deputy CEO?" she asked, an incredulous expression on her face.

Serena stepped forward a few inches, somehow purposeful and hesitant all at once.

"Well, I might know a little something," she said. "But perhaps we should discuss it over dinner instead."

Bernie felt a sudden rush of warmth at the flirtatious glimmer in Serena's eyes -- or at least she did until both women were startled by a loud crack. With unfortunate timing, the dinosaur spit out a large goat bone next to the window where Serena had been clandestinely trying to accentuate her cleavage moments earlier.

[berena-cpr]

Having a look at one of your manips in progress is so interesting!

We also love the idea of a time traveler au - this is a great picture to start with. You’ll get this finished at some point, fingers crossed!

This Is Our Time. Another WIP manip that I've been struggling with for... oh, 2 years? I keep changing the images, the background, the screencaps to use for Bernie and Serena, it never quite works. But, I'm kinda loving the idea of a time travel AU (I think I have a 4k word bare bones of a fic idea written somewhere for this) and I'm determined to make this manip happen, one way or another, one day or another. @berena-cpr

[berena-cpr]

Oh Serena, you poor bean!

Hopefully this version of Elinor will be a bit more open minded, although “occasionally judgemental” sounds like there might be some conflict coming up.

“Who is Bernie?” she demanded, “Why is she here?”

Serena felt herself blush. She’d been so sure that Elinor would have run off to Edward’s by now that she hadn’t thought about what to say about Bernie. It wasn’t like this was the first of Serena’s partners that she had met before but this was different. This wasn’t just introducing her new partner to her daughter, this was coming out to her daughter. To her grown up daughter, yes, but to her volatile, occasionally judgemental daughter.

Serena took a deep breath. There was no way past this except through it. “Bernie is, well…” She paused, not knowing how to phrase it. She hadn’t yet had that conversation with Bernie defining their relationship. It was so early that she hadn’t even thought of it.

“Well?” Elinor prompted.

Serena swallowed hard. She had to get this out before Bernie returned. She couldn’t risk a terrible reaction from Elinor in front of Bernie.

“We’ve been seeing each other,” she said all in a flurry of words.

@berena-cpr​

[berena-cpr]

Bernie and Serena communicating? That’s not very canon. Excellent!

“Where have you been?” She didn’t let Bernie get her apology out, probably for the best as it would have been meaningless. She didn’t have an excuse for this at all.

“I came back expecting you to be sat in wait for Mayfield’s call, only to find a phone buzzing on the desk and noone to answer it. Luckily, I managed to disguise my voice enough that he didn’t realise he was talking to the same person he met half an hour ago. You’d better have a convincing Scottish accent for when you meet him later. You nearly blew it, and for what? I’m sorry this job is getting in the way of your fitness regime. Trying to make yourself look good for someone in particular? Is your heart in this, Bernie, does what we do mean anything to you?”

It would almost be better for Bernie if Serena were shouting. She could deal with shouting and having all her flaws laid out to her in the heat of an argument, she’d heard it often enough from Marcus. This was disappointment, Serena’s trust in her was shattering before her eyes and there was nothing she could do to repair it.

She didn’t know what to say and Serena turned and walked into her bedroom without saying a word. She wanted to follow her but there was no point because Serena was right, Bernie had almost blown everything.

@berena-cpr

[berena-cpr]

We all live for angst here. Particularly sapphic angst fests...

Serena changed her, made her brave enough, gave her a reason to stand tall, to fight, showed her that she could. Serena had never judged her, not even in the beginning. Bernie could afford to let her read her so she stopped being afraid, day by day. It had been a long journey, challenging at times, but it had been so, so worth it.

Serena made her a better version of herself and she was gone.

When you read my name on a fic you know what to expect:

angst fest

For @berena-cpr

[berena-cpr]

This is doing a number on my heartstrings. I’m gonna need several chapters of this....

“I dread to think how pathetic I look,” Bernie murmured as she watched Serena settle down next to her on the floor.

“No worse than anyone else in need of a good cry. I’ve seen worse,” Serena replied gently before adding with a chuckle, “In fact, I’ve been worse.” Leaning her shoulder against the mattress, Serena had turned her body towards Bernie, leaving very little space between them.

“I’m not sure that’s possible,” Bernie shook her head. “I think you’re one of those people who look beautiful even when crying.”

“Flatterer,” Serena teased, her thumb rubbing comforting circles on Bernie’s forearm, where her hand had landed, not wanting to stop the physical contact between them. It made Serena feel closer to Bernie and she could sense that it was something Bernie needed.

@berena-cpr​