NORA.

Nora Berkeley. 39. Paediatric nurse. Eternal optimist.

[nora-berkeley]

@amescastaignede Event: Valentine's Day 2026.

"Well, you look like an actual princess. I'm always free for a date if none of the options appeal," she teased, reaching out to squeeze the woman's hand gently in greeting. Nora knew that this situation was likely a little overwhelming. It was important to her that Amélie knew she had someone in her corner. "Speaking of which, if any of the dates do take your fancy, I can be your sugar mama for the night. I don't mind sharing some money for the kiddos, and you deserve a nice getaway ."

[nora-berkeley]

@drrutherford Event: Valentine's Day 2026.

Of course, it was always a relief to see him in the crowd. Perhaps that was precisely why she always sought him out first. With a drink in either hand—one for her friend, too, of course—she'd weaved through the crowd toward the Rutherford. Nora extended the glass dramatically as though it were a peace offering ahead of her arrival.

"I know we're not supposed to talk about it, but please know, if you're the creepy abandoned theatre date, I'm going to have several questions..."

[nora-berkeley]

Nora Berkeley attends Valentine’s Day @ The Barbican Centre. Date: Friday, February 13th, 2026. Escorted By: No one.

[nora-berkeley]

@NoraFBerkeley: Not all friends are comfortable expressing their love and respect for you in the workplace, but if you look closely enough, there will be signs. I think. Considering I'm 38 today, I'm going to take this completely and irritatingly literally. Thank you, guys. I can't think of a better breakfast to start my 12 hour shift. 😘🎈🎁 @jessi-reyes @drrutherford

[odilestpierre]

FOR: @mobscene-starters WHEN: January, 2026. WHERE: Upscale bar, South Kensington. EXT. Evening. Balcony.

"Hmm." Odile's head shifts. "It's giving Blair Waldorf, 2007. Which is… a choice."

"Thank God we have cards that afford us better." She was drunk. One too many glasses, and the cool air was keeping her grounded.

[nora-berkeley]

"I assume, judging by your tone, that's supposed to be a criticism?"

Well, so much for women supporting women. Clearly there were types out there who still built themselves up on the back of degrading others. Nora looked down at her attire—she thought she'd looked nice, until now—before glancing back up at the woman. They'd crossed paths before. Nora knew she often hung around Aurélie whilst she was still alive and part of her friendship group.

"Thanks for your input. I'll be sure to take it into consideration." Or not.

[nora-berkeley]

@mobscene-starters Location: The Underground. (No, not the fight club part.) Date: 3/1/26.

Truth be told, she'd been too scared to go out and celebrate New Year. Just as she hadn't done the year before.

The events that'd unfolded at the Berkeley Estate—chaos and bloodshed the likes of which she had never seen until that night—still quietly haunted her after all this time. Nora wasn't built like the others. Her life was spent healing, caring, not fighting brutal and bloodthirsty generational battles. And maybe she was still ignorant to the extent of it after all this time. But maybe it was because she wanted to be.

So, she hadn't gone out for New Year. She'd waited. Until the crowds had died away, until the potential bombshell of creating a mass panic on a public holiday faded into unlikelihood. Eventually, she ventured out into Lara's Hackney club courtesy of a Rutherford invitation and twenty minutes spent sat on her bed convincing herself that everything would be fine. Maybe she'd needed some liquid courage, though—some might argue a little too much.

"Uh, I am absolutely not drunk," she assured the bartender, who seemed amused rather than condemning, to his credit. "I have never been drunk in my life, thank you very much. What an incredulous accusation."

[maksimkurylenko]

FOR: @nora-berkeley WHERE: THE VENUE. EVENT: HALLOWEEN 2025'

"You gotta' stop looking so delightful every time I see you."

[nora-berkeley]

"Well, a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do."

"I take it your glowing review means I'm pulling off the angel costume okay?"

[hasan-demir]

Where: Secondary Bar in the Main Tent When: 25 October 2024 Who:@mobscene-starters

Hasan had spent time rigging up this pack so he could drink without removing his mask possibly more than one, but it would be fine energy drinks in one and booze in the other. "Probably coffee later. If I don't sleep for two days I don't have to spend time in the poor tents, and there are always comfortable loungers." The bartender just looked at him oddly. "Was that all out loud? Well I guess that means these drinks are worth the donations. I will be back." Hasan sensed someone behind him and turned giving a thumbs up to no one specific doing his best to hide taking a sip of something.

[nora-berkeley]

Was that a...smiley face?

For a moment she simply stared, wondering if someone had spiked her drink...and then whoever the stranger was turned, offering a thumbs up. Like an unhinged toddler at Disneyland (instead of someone who had just stepped into Five Nights at Freddy's like she probably should have been) Nora threw her arms around him in a giant hug.

"I have no idea who you are, but you're my new favourite person."

[maksimkurylenko]

FOR: @nora-berkeley EVENT: The Camp Out, 24' WHERE: Their poor, poor tent.

Of all the dissapointment he'd felt when he'd found out they were in a piss-poor, standard tent, it hadn't been for his self, but the woman who he was sure was used to the more luxurious way of life that was afforded more towards the Russians than anywhere else. His towering frame in the small space left much to be desire, his face twisting into a grimance as his gaze found hers. "I can fuckin' sleep outside, I'm gonna' have you on the fucking floor." although, a moment later his brows popped up. "That sounded way dirter than I meant it, but I'm not saying sorry." hands in mock surrender as he reappeared. Yeah, this wasn't the one.

They'd said they had to work for their supplies: did that include loo roll, because if so, that set the bar real fucking low. "You hating this yet?"

[nora-berkeley]

"Jumping the gun a bit, aren't we? Having me on the floor seems uncomfortable, anyway. We might need to get a bit more creative than that."

It wasn't as though she hadn't been camping before. In fact, on the occasions that she had, she'd done so in a tent much like this one. Cassie had always been outdoorsy, and Nora was the only one who didn't turn her nose up at the idea of living rough for a couple of days. So she wasn't exactly as out of her element as some people might've assumed. Still, the tent partner was a curve ball she hadn't expected.

"You know, I haven't quite decided, yet. Further convincing may be required."

[nora-berkeley]

@damonrutherford Location: The firepit. Date: Friday Night.

Of all the communal areas, Nora had decided that the firepit was her favourite. The blonde had positioned herself on the chair next to his, knees pulled up to her chest, wrapped in the fluffiest blanket she could fit into her bag. Taking a sip of her wine, she turned to Damon with her eyebrow raised mischievously.

"Well, you didn't do too badly for yourself. She's cute...in a looks like she might bully you afterward until you cry kind of way."

[damonrutherford]

Damon: Not the first time I've heard that. Damon: See? I play to my strengths too. Damon: WOW. Ok, first of all... No loyalty. That was so rude I might just leave the country again. Damon: You had me at nurses the first time, don't worry. Damon: Am I allowed to wear it up to the sixth floor? There's someone I'd like to give a singing-gram to and he's going to absolutely hate it.

[nora-berkeley]

Nora: I have regrets. 🙉  Nora: (Wait, wait, let me guess. Not the first time you've heard that either, right?) Nora: Well, more like 🙈 I suppose. Nora: Both. Both are appropriate. Nora: We were joking around and you just had to take it too far. You know Gideon has separation anxiety. 🥺 Nora: Absolutely. Make sure to do it within good view of the security camera so myself and the other nurses can watch it back later. Thanks in advance. 🥰

[damonrutherford]

Damon: Fortunately for you, I often do that for free. Damon: This feels threatening. Consider adding extortion to your CV. Damon: I'll take your eternal gratitude, sweets, and a monthly public announcement that I am the MOST handsome, generous, and fun friend you have. Damon: You have to send that last part specifically to Gideon. Damon: So what am I doing?

[nora-berkeley]

Nora: Look at that! You're the perfect fit. Nora: Extortion was number three on the list already, please. I know how to play to my strengths. Nora: I can't make any promises. My mum said lying is bad? Nora: Because you're a nice person, you're going to stop by the hospital dressed in a terrible Hallowe'en costume to cheer up the kids. And probably the nurses. Nora: Definitely the nurses.

[nora-berkeley]

@damonrutherford [text]

Nora: Feel like looking stupid for a good cause? Nora: You will have my eternal gratitude, and also enough sweets that nobody will ever be able call you a salty bitch behind your back ever again. 😊 Nora: Not that anyone here has done that. Nora: ...yet. Nora: Can't make promises it won't change if you reject me.

[drrutherford]

LOCATION — Nora's home. DATE — Sometime in mid September, 2024. STARTER — closed for @nora-berkeley

In reality, they were only half watching the black and white film playing on Nora's TV. The other half of the time was spent joking, cracking open drinks and food cartons, discussing the merits of 1930s cinema, and making small chitchat about life.

"I love that bat." He chuckles. "Definitely made of rubber." The slow moving thing flails awkwardly above the actors' heads as Mina and Johnathan have a suspenseful heart-to-heart, just before the film's final act. "And I know the sensors would've been all over it back then, but still wish they'd shown just one creature attack without cutting away."

He throws another glance at Nora. Although it's gotten harder to find time over the years, they've had countless nights like this one, and he feels just as privileged this time as he did the first; as he's always felt for the fact that she calls him friend.

But it's that same privilege that gives him the insight and the experience to know that beneath it all, she's still struggling. There's a hyper-focus to her attention that makes it seem as though she's especially in need of a distraction tonight. With the finale around the corner, Gideon ventures a more personal topic, hoping that in doing so now, there's still enough time leftover in the movie to save the mood in case Nora decides she only wants an escape tonight. "Reckon we could use that hypnosis trick to get the big wigs to stop cutting hospital funding?... Just wave your fingers and tell 'em what to do." He leans over the couch to hand her the half-empty bottle of wine, in case she's looking for a refill. "Or else put 'em to sleep. Speaking of which, are you sleeping any better lately?"

[nora-berkeley]

It was the first time she'd felt at ease in what seemed like an age.

"Okay, you being a morbid weirdo aside, the bat is adorable. They're basically just sky puppies," she assured, picking at what remained of the sweet potato fries. "Think they'd let me get a couple like it to hang up at the nurse's station for Hallowe'en?"

Probably not. Absolute fund suckers? Correct. Fun suckers, too.

When he not so casually slipped in the comment about her sleeping, she couldn't help but wonder if he'd offered the bottle of wine simultaneously for her to use as an out. For a moment, she definitely considered it.

There was little point in lying, though. Whilst the Berkeley family had become masters of a brave face in the wake of her brother's death—one could argue unhealthily so in Spencer's case—with him, it was different. Gideon had known her for so long, knew her so well, he could see right through even her best efforts. Sometimes she appreciated that someone cared enough to notice. Other times, it came with a burden of guilt; the Rutherford had his own life to deal with, and certainly didn't need to be sucked into her (admittedly rare) bouts of misfortune.

Nora handed the bottle back once her glass was full, and took a small sip before attempting a response that wasn't too self-pitying, but didn't seem like she was trying to hide the truth from him, either.

"I was staying at the estate with Dad until I had to come back to work. It wasn't so bad then, but it's different on my own." Nora picked at a bit of lint on her pyjama trousers as she contemplated a less lady-like sip this time around... "I know it wasn't meant for me, and rationally I have nothing to worry about, but try explaining that to my brain. What you should feel and what you do doesn't always add up, huh?" If that wasn't the damn truth. "Distractions help, though, and I suppose you're almost as good as the rubber bats. Almost. I know you're going to say I don't have to, but I also need you to know I don't take you for granted, so thank you for being here with me, okay?"

[drrutherford]

Gideon: With great Power comes great Responsibility. Gideon: 🦸 Gideon: Don't say that again, I'm doing myself a favour. And save the pot noodles for a different night, Nigela Lawson. [13 minutes later, while waiting for the food order] Gideon: You know what, I'm down for terrible horror. Gideon: Month early for a cult classic but how bout Lugosi's Dracula? It'll go with the side of garlic aioli I'm getting on these sweet potato fries.

[nora-berkeley]

Nora: Nerd. Nora: Let's settle on you're doing us both a favour. And if I can't offer my thanks with mee-cro-wah-vay'd noodles, then at least accept dessert in the form of strawberry jelly. Except I'm serious. Don't buy dessert, too, because I have jelly and ice cream that needs some attention. Nora: Cassie makes me watch that every Hallowe'en, and I can't tell you how excited I am to do it with someone who won't shout 'he could bite me' every time he comes on screen. Bless you, sir. Nora: Text me when you get here. 💙

[drrutherford]

Gideon: Hmm 🤔 Do I get to choose the genre? Gideon: Alright, alright. Pull on my heartstrings, why don't ya? I'll be right over. [two minutes later] Gideon: Though I resent that ❌ I've other friends, thank you ever so kindly. You just happen to be my favourite. God knows why. [thirteen minutes later] Gideon: Ok, ready. Nevermind takeout. How about I swing by that place you were obsessed with a few months back and get us something? Go on, I'll even let ya pick the movie this time, start scrolling.

[nora-berkeley]

Nora: Absolutely. Save me from my indecisiveness. Nora: Okay, I'll allow it, because I'm the favourite. 💙 Nora: Don't go out of your way, though? You're already doing me a favour coming here. I don't want to put you out even more than that. I even have Super Noodles! Nora: Also genre. Nora: Or you'll end up with another terrible horror.

[yvonne-rutherford]

Yvonne had been in Nora's position more times than she cared to count. The utterly helpless feeling of knowing you couldn't do anything but sit and wait for possibly the worst news of your life.

She hadn't gone home yet since the hospital first went into lockdown. No one wanted to fight through the absolute standstill of central London just to bring her back a few hours later and a locked down hospital was absolutely safer than the streets. But, that also meant that Yvonne hadn't gotten more than a quick nap in a hospital chair that left her postpartum body cramping in muscles she didn't even know she had.

This time she opted for the coffee shop next door instead of the liquid the hospital cafeteria tried to pass off as coffee. No doubt Nora and Cassie were feeling the exhaustion too and she grabbed a couple extra coffees, just in case.

Her heart jumped at the sight of Nora sitting there, staring off into nothing. Yvonne dovetailed for her first, holding out the coffee in her outstretched hands in lieu of a greeting. "You look like you could use this."

[nora-berkeley]

Nora didn't drink coffee. Often, she was the pusher of that pesky hard drug on her co-workers, but she rarely partook, herself. For Yvonne to make the sweet gesture of even thinking about her as she bought her own, though, was enough to take it with gratitude amounting to it being her favourite thing in the world. If she had any tears left in her, the small act of kindness would've no doubt provoked another onslaught.

"Thank you, Yvonne."

It was about all she could manage if the Rutherford was expecting coherent. The drugs were pushing a very real disconnect between her existence and her face.

Nothing in her mind was quite making sense. It was as though in the rush of trying to process so much at once, she had ceased to process anything at all.

"I got shot. Never really thought I'd have reason to say those words."