Hidden from the outside in her secluded dormitory, her mind was engrossed in a particularly saucy type of literature she held in her hands. Upon a sudden knock at the door, she instinctively recoiled in fear as a chill shot up her spine. Trembling in anxiety, she hesitantly answers back.

"W-Who is it? What do you want?"

"Oh, um... hello? Patrick, was it?" she stammers nervously. "I'm sorry but I must have misheard you before. I-I wasn't paying attention." She holds the book closer to her chest as if it were a shield against whatever danger might lurk outside her door. "So, uh... what did you want?"

"M-Me? B-But... why would anyone want to do that?" She sounds genuinely flabbergasted, as if she can't fathom the concept. "I mean... I'm not important or anything." Her voice trails off into a nervous little titter, halfway between a giggle and a sob. "I-I shouldn't even be talking to you right now..."

As self-doubt overwhelms her, she begins to regret ever opening the door in the first place. Her grip on the book tightens painfully, making her joints ache. She glances back and forth between Patrick and the door, torn between her fear of him and the even greater fear of being alone with it.

"C-Cute? M-Me?" she squeaks, her voice cracking on the last word. "N-No... I mean, yes, t-that's very sweet of you to say..." She blushes fiercely, feeling heat radiate through her cheeks and spread down to her neck. The book begins to slide out of her grasp as she clutches at it in nervousness. "B-But I... I don't know what to say... T-Thank you?"

Her eyes flicker back toward the door, weighing the risks of fleeing and facing Patrick alone against staying put and attempting to continue this awkward conversation.

Her eyes dart back and forth between Patrick and the proffered book, uncertainty writ plain on her face. She takes a hesitant step forward, reaching out with trembling fingers to accept the gift. As she does so, their hands brush against each other, sending a jolt of unexpected warmth through her whole body.

It's as if time stands still for a moment; even the air around them seems to hold its breath. Bernadetta can feel her heart pounding in her ears as her face flushes an even deeper shade of red. It's exhilarating... and terrifying all at once. "T-Thank you," she whispers, barely able to choke out the words.

Her fingers curl around the book, clutching it tightly against her chest once more as if it were a talisman that might protect her from whatever danger Patrick may represent. Despite herself, she finds that she's beginning to like this feeling... of being wanted, or needed. It's something she never thought possible for her.

She flinches visibly as Patrick's arms close around her, pressing themselves against her sides. Her eyes widen in alarm, but before she can react further, a sense of calm washes over her. It's not unpleasant... quite the contrary. As his warmth envelops her, she finds herself relaxing into the embrace almost instinctively.

"T-Thank you..." she whispers again, feeling more at ease than she ever thought possible with someone other than herself. The tension melts from her shoulders, and for a brief moment, it's almost as if nothing else in the world exists besides this moment... this hug... and Patrick.

Her heart skips a beat as she meets his gaze, feeling an unfamiliar stirring deep within her. "T-Thank you... You have such kind eyes..." she murmurs, studying the way they crinkle at the corners when he smiles. It's disarming... and strangely comforting.

A smile tugs at the corners of her own lips in response, revealing a dimple that she never knew was there. She can feel herself relaxing even further against him, her body gradually uncoiling like a spring released from its tension. This feeling... this warmth and acceptance... it's overwhelming her senses, making everything else seem insignificant by comparison.

Her breath catches in her throat as he asks the question, a sudden surge of nervousness and excitement coursing through her veins. She stares up at him, searching his face for any signs that this might be some sort of trick or joke... but she finds none. His expression is genuine, earnest... sincere.

Slowly, hesitantly, she raises a hand to touch his cheek, feeling the rough stubble of several days' growth brush against her fingertips. Then, with a trembling exhale, she closes the distance between them and presses her lips softly against his own. The contact sends another jolt of electricity through her body, making her toes curl inside her boots. She feels warmth pool in her stomach as they kiss, and for just a moment, it's like she can forget everything else... all the fear and pain and self-doubt that have plagued her for so long... and simply be.

Her eyes drift shut as she feels his lips press more firmly against her own, her body melting into his embrace. The thought that he might actually love her sends a wave of euphoria coursing through her veins, washing away all doubts and insecurities in its wake. With each brush of his tongue against hers, with every sigh and moan that escapes their lips, she finds herself falling deeper under his spell.

She clings to him desperately, afraid that if she lets go for even a moment, this perfect feeling might be taken away from her. Her hands roam across his back, his shoulders, anywhere they can reach as she tries to memorize every inch of him. And when at last they pull apart, their faces flushed and lips swollen, she stares up into his eyes, unable to hide the love and gratitude that shine there so clearly now.

She gazes up at him, her heart pounding with the force of a thousand birds taking flight. "I... I love you too..." she whispers, each syllable trembling on the wind as if afraid to break the spell that's been woven between them. For once in her life, she feels truly free... truly happy... and there's no question about it: this is where she belongs. With him.

Bernie blushes deeper, suddenly self-conscious. "Um... Patrick? I-I'm sorry but... uh..." She glances downward and notices the tent, feeling a mix of curiosity and nervousness. "Is it... supposed to do that?" Her voice squeaks slightly at the end, uncertainty creeping into her tone.

Her cheeks flush an even deeper shade of red as she listens to him, her eyes widening. It's both embarrassing and exhilarating at the same time; a strange mix of emotions that she can't quite sort out. "I-It's okay..." she manages to stammer, feeling warmth spread through her body despite herself. "Y-You don't have to apologize... We c-could... uh..." Her voice trails off uncertainly, unsure how far this newfound intimacy should go.

The tent in his pants seems to be growing larger by the moment, casting a shadow across her thoughts as if it were an omen of things to come. With trembling hands, she reaches out and touches it gingerly, curiosity getting the better of her. The fabric is warm and smooth beneath her fingertips, sending another jolt of excitement through her system. Her heart races faster with each brush of their skin.

"W-What do you want me to do...?" she whispers, hardly believing that these words have escaped her lips. It's a question filled with innocence and desire, but also fear; fear of the unknown and what this might mean for them both.

Her eyes dart around the room, unsure if this is really happening or if she's just imagining it. But when they meet Patrick's gaze again, there's nothing but desire and encouragement there. Slowly, hesitantly, she begins to unbutton her dress, revealing a pale lavender bra beneath. The cool air caresses her skin, sending shivers down her spine as if it were Patrick's touch itself. She can feel herself blushing from head to toe now; her face feels hotter than any summer day back at the monastery.

"A-Are you sure...?" she whispers, doubts beginning to creep in again. "I'm not used to..." The words trail off into silence as she fingers the lace of her bra nervously, unsure if she should continue or not.

Her heart races as Patrick begins to undress, revealing an impressive physique beneath his clothes. She can't help but stare, her breath catching in her throat at the sight of him. It feels strange and exhilarating at the same time; this open vulnerability between them.

Taking a deep breath, she finishes removing her bra and lets it fall to the floor, revealing small, pale pink nipples that harden immediately in response to the cool air. Her hand hesitates for a moment before reaching down to touch herself, exploring the dampness between her legs with trembling fingers.

Her gaze flickers back up to Patrick as she touches herself, wanting nothing more than to feel his touch there instead; it feels so right in this moment, so natural. She whimpers softly, arching her back as pleasure washes over her body like a wave crashing against the shore.

Her eyes close tightly as she feels Patrick's lips press against hers, his touch sending shivers down her spine. It's hard to focus with the sensations he's stirring up within her; they seem to overwhelm every inch of her body, leaving no room for anything else. "N-No... not my first time..." she whispers between kisses, biting down on her lower lip as she tries to steady herself. Her hips grind against him instinctively, seeking the contact she so desperately craves.

His hand moves between their bodies, pressing against her throbbing center. She cries out into his mouth at the pleasure of it, arching further into his touch. He's skilled and knowing, expertly bringing her closer and closer to the edge until she's sure she can't take another moment without release. With a shuddering gasp, she comes undone beneath his fingers, her body tensing as waves of pleasure wash over her in an explosive rush.

For several heartbeats, they remain locked together, breathless and sated. Finally, Patrick pulls away, his face flushed and eyes sparkling with satisfaction. He studies her carefully, his expression filled with tenderness. "That was amazing..." he whispers, reaching up to smooth the hair back from her forehead. "You're incredible."

Bernadetta can't help but smile dreamily up at him. Despite everything she's just been through, this moment feels too good to be true; like a dream that might vanish if she tries to grasp it too tightly. But as long as Patrick is here with her... maybe it won't disappear after all. Maybe, just maybe, there really is hope for someone like her.

I... uh... I mean, not with someone else. Not like this... It's just been me and my fantasies before. But you... you make it feel so good. So right. I never knew anyone could make me feel like this... And after everything we've been through today... Thank you.

"Your...?" Her heart flutters with uncertainty as she realizes what he's implying. She looks up at him, her eyes wide and searching his face for any signs of doubt or mockery, but finds only sincerity there. "Really? You want... to be my first time?" Her voice is barely more than a whisper, afraid that if she says it too loud, the moment might disappear like smoke in the wind.

His gentle smile warms her from the inside out and for a fleeting moment, she allows herself to believe that this could be real; that he truly does feel for her what she feels for him. It's intoxicating, heady... and she wants nothing more than to lose herself in it. She nods shyly, fingers still tangled in his hair as they gaze into each other's eyes. "I'd like that."

Her cheeks flush even deeper as he confesses this, but her heart swells with affection and gratitude. She leans forward, pressing her lips softly against his again, their bodies melding together in a seamless union of desire and affection. As they kiss, she wraps her arms around him, holding him tightly, feeling the warmth and strength of his body press against hers.

She sighs contentedly into the kiss, savoring the feel of their lips moving against each other, the taste of him on her tongue. This moment feels like it's stretching out endlessly, as if time itself has come to a standstill just for them. And for once in her life, she doesn't mind; she wants nothing more than to stay here forever, wrapped up in Patrick's embrace, feeling the passion and love that burn between them.