Ok so I don’t know how I went almost a week without realising it but it hit me last night, that the episode ended before Iain found out Cal had died…
Someone had to tell him and I ended up thinking about his reaction and how he could have felt going back to the ed after seeing his sister hand herself in and finding everyone crying/upset in the staff room, all comforting each other and trying to help Ethan. Sam, holding onto Iain’s arm as he tells him, biting back the tears as no one else knows what they had together. Disbelief on his face as he asks to see him, not wanting it to be true, holding in his emotions as he sees Cal in resus, the tubes still left in for the inevitable investigation that will take place. Walking away not believing he’s just seen another of his friends die, because that’s all Cal was to everyone he knew, a friend and he couldn’t share this news, couldn’t let his emotions run freely with the one person he wanted to because he’d pushed her away. It’s only once the door to his apartment is closed and he knows he is alone that he lets himself cry, shock and the overwhelming sense of loss taking over him as he curls up on the sofa, not able to spend the night in the bed he had once shared with the two people he had lost in the past year…
So yeah, sorry… I made myself cry. Also I know calriain was never a thing but it was in my head so we’re just going with it.
I have to admit that I’ve not watched casualty in months (since before Rita left) but something inspired this an @flashingbluelight encouraged me to write it, so here it is.
It’s set after last night’s episode but in an AU where Calriain was actually a thing.
We've come up with a crazy amount of ideas to continue this, so if you’d like to read more then please let me know
Rita felt her phone vibrate in her pocket as she finished dressing a wound she’d just sutured, “there we go” she said, “watch your step next time, and maybe take it easy on the jagerbombs” she suggested, pulling off her gloves and dropping them in the bin, seeing the patient from the room before taking her phone from her pocket, frowning when she saw the message on the screen.
‘One new SMS: Iain Dean’
She hadn't spoken to him since the day she’d left Holby, didn’t think he’d ever want to speak to her again so curiosity got the better of her and she opened the message, ‘Can I call you?’
She frowned again and hit dial, sitting down at the small desk in the treatment room as she waited for Iain to answer, “Rita” he answered after just two rings and her curiosity quickly turned into concern when she heard him say her name, the quiver in his voice giving away the fact that he’d been crying.
“Iain, what's wrong?”
“It's Cal” he got straight to the point, “he erm, fuck, Rita he got stabbed, he… he’s dead.” Rita felt as if the world had fallen from under her feet, her stomach twisting and her heart stopping as her mind repeated those words over and over. “Are you still there?” Iain asked a few seconds later as he sat on the back step of his ambulance.
“Yeah I…” she swallowed hard, trying to compose herself, “when did it happen?”
“About…” Iain felt a lump rise in his own throat, “about an hour ago, I, I thought you’d want to know and I didn’t, couldn’t expect Ethan to call you.”
“No, no, thanks, I… how are you holding up?”
Iain shrugged despite the fact Rita couldn't see him, “I don't… it doesn't feel real.”
“Yeah, I, I know what you mean.”
“I need to go” Iain sniffled slightly, “I just thought you’d want to know.”
“Thanks, when you…” Rita took a deep breath, unable to believe what she was about to ask, “when you know about the funeral will you let me know?”
“Yeah, course.”
“Thanks. You erm, you look after yourself yeah?”
Iain nodded, “yeah, you too.” He said, ending the call before Rita could say anything else, not wanting her to hear as once again he began to sob.
“Leave it please” Iain batted at Lily’s hand as she fiddled with his tie for what seemed like the 50th time that morning.
“Iain, you've been asked to be a pallbearer, that’s a position with great responsibility, it’s important that…”
“My best mate’s being cremated” Iain interrupted her, taking a step backwards out of her reach, “everyone here has lost a friend, Ethan’s lost his brother, nobody’ll care if my tie isn't perfect” he snapped before walking over to Ethan, gently squeezing his arm, not knowing what to say, Ethan nodding in response, it was the best he could do.
Iain glanced around, his heart skipping a beat when he saw a familiar figure getting out of a taxi, he’d sent Rita a text with the details and she’d replied to thank him, telling him she’d try and get the time off work but he hadn't replied and she’d not let him know either way. He took a good look at her without her realising. She looked well, her skin was slightly tanned and her hair, pulled back from her face was longer and lighter than he’d ever seen it. Her shift dress clung to her curves her heels emphasised her slender legs, she looked healthier, happier than Iain had seen her in a long time. She smiled slightly, he knew it was forced, and nodded in acknowledgement, when she saw him looking at her, an action that he returned, but she didn't come any closer, lingering at the back of the small crowd waiting to go into the crematorium.
He didn't see her again until after the service, but unfortunately Lily had seen her too, “what is she doing here?” she sneered as she looked over at Rita who was hugging Ethan, tears rolling freely down both their faces.
“Probably the same as the rest of us, paying her respects to a colleague and a friend” he said, knowing Lily would never ever find out just how close both Rita and he had been to Cal.
For the second time that day Iain walked away from Lily, this time heading over to Rita who was now talking to Charlie, the older man leaving them to it when he saw Iain coming over. “Hi.”
“Hi” she forced another smile, “how are you doing?”
Iain shrugged, “just have to keep going I suppose. You?”
She nodded, “trying to keep busy” she wiped at her eyes as she felt herself tearing up again, “trying not to think about it.”
“I keep looking for him at work” Iain admitted, pushing his hands into his pocket to stop himself pulling her Rita his arms, “it’s not...it doesn't feel right.”
“I bet it doesn't” she reached out to stroke his arm, knowing he was close to tears.
“Iain” they were interrupted by Lily, Rita’s hand falling back to her side “are you ready to head back? You know I have work soon.”
Rita raised an eyebrow as Iain told her he wouldn't be a minute. “Are you and her…”
“It's complicated. Are you coming back? We’re having a bit of a thing at the pub, y’know, sandwiches, sausage rolls, that sort of thing.”
Rita shook her head, “just a flying visit, literally, I need to get back to the airport, my flight home’s at 3.”
“Your flight?”
“Yeah, I'm living in Spain, working in a tourist clinic, it’s a lot of sunstroke and alcohol poisoning but it pays the bills. I erm, I've got a spare room if you ever need a break” she told him as Lily shouted him again.
“Yeah” he smiled, “I might have to take you up on that.”
“Well you’ve got my number if you need me” she kissed his cheek, “look after yourself Iain.”
“You too” he nodded as she have him one last smile before turning and walking away without looking back.
The calriain idea is so good! Some questions are is it more than just a fling, how does it work, what are some of their favourite activities, who apologizes first after an argument, how do they get intimate, does anyone ever have second thoughts, what are their favourite daytrips together? I wish this ship was canon :-)
Thanks anon! I just love this grouping and honestly don’t know how it’s not canon either 😂😂🙊 XxX
- is it more than just a flingI’ve answered this before so I’ll just say the same! Yes. It starts out as a bit of fun but soon they can’t imagine not being together in every aspect. They go from sharing a flat between them to sharing a bed and everything else. Cal is a bit hesitant to start with, worried that because Iain and Rita were already together that he would be a third wheel but it was soon proven to him that he was anything but.
- how does it workphysically? I’ll leave that up to your imagination or you can go read chapter 3 of @flashingbluelight ’s calriain fic “one night only” on fanfiction! Emotionally? All are equal! They love each other the same and care for each other in the same way.
- what are some of their favourite activitiesFairly obvious one out the way first: sex. Other than that they like spending time together. Watching movies (especially horror ones as they rely on Cal to remain their rock, he doesn’t mind as it normally means him sitting in the middle with the other two hiding their heads in his lap!) cooking, Rita and Cal are teaching Iain to cook proper meals instead of the microwave ones he loves!
- who apologizes first after an argument Whoever is to blame or they end up apologising at the same time! None of them like to fall out with each other so they’re normally good at realising when they’re wrong or that it’s not worth arguing over!
- How do they get intimateSlightest look, touch or thought can be the spark! As for where! It can be anywhere; on call room; kitchen; back of Iain’s ambulance… Etc!
- does anyone ever have second thoughtsIn the beginning they were all a little apprehensive, not knowing if the other 2 felt the same way as them but they soon got past that and haven’t ever looked back!
- what are their favourite daytrips together?To the beach, walks along the sand and through the sea are much loved experiences. Fair grounds, cal and Iain can be as childish as they like without judgement, normally they successfully get Rita to join in with them and eat crappy food, go on the rides and everything! They love to go swimming, especially if there are inflatables! Cal and Iain always wanted to go paint balling but Rita didn’t, they persuaded her to join them one time and when she beat them they haven’t asked since!
loved ur calriain post and I have calriain asks for you -is it more than just sex and do/how do they tell their work colleagues? -how do they comfort each other? -1st 'I love yous'? :)
Aw thank you, I can’t stop these three entering my head at the moment 😂😂 thanks for the asks, if you want any more I’m happy to write some!
- Is it more than just sex?Yes. It starts out as a bit of fun but soon they can’t imagine not being together in every aspect. They go from sharing a flat between them to sharing a bed and everything else. Cal is a bit hesitant to start with, worried that because Iain and Rita were already together that he would be a third wheel but it was soon proven to him that he was anything but.
- Do/how do they tell their work colleagues? Cal tells Ethan first, he’s really nervous about how he will react but it goes really well and slowly they all start to tell people about it. Some of their colleagues are a bit confused at first but soon they realise that it explains so much; why Rita and Cal are always disappearing for a bit whenever Iain brings a patient in; why they all leave the pub one after the other at night etc…
- How do they comfort each other? Cuddles, kisses, cooking favourite foods, telling bad jokes and making them feel safe, loved and cared for.
- 1st ‘I love yous’? Rita says it first. She’s lying in their bed after a night with them both, Iain brings her in pancakes, Cal following with a cup of tea. Iain says it backs without a second of hesitation, looking into her eyes and then at Cal. Pulling them both in for a hug. Cal stealing her pancake and saying how it’s ok because he loves her and that she loves him.
Send me a ship... I can't think of any... Oh wait. You know what to do 😉😘 XxX
Think when you sent thisin you were asking for Riain but with our talks over the previous few days Ihave to include Cal in this!
who hogsthe duvet
Iainand Cal, Rita normally gets stuck between them as they both try and steal theduvet for themselves, playing tug of war as they sleep. Rita doesn’t mind, shejust curls into whoever has the duvet.
whotexts/rings to check how their day is going
Rita will text them bothif she hasn’t had the chance to see them around. Iain normally calls them bothif he has a break. Cal will send a text to them both every time discovers theon call room is free.
who’s themost creative when it comes to gifts
Ritais the most thoughtful, always beautifully wrapped (though she never knows whyas they are ripped to shreads within seconds after she delivers them). Iain andCal always put their heads together and come up with the most unsusal yetuseful/fun/amazing gifts for Rita.
who getsup first in the morning
Iainor Cal, pancakes and coffees in bed is tradition and Iain is the best at makingpancakes.
whosuggests new things in bed
Rita,she’s more adventurous than she comes across…
who criesat movies
Iain(especially cartoons/kids films), despite his hard exterior he will cry atalmost anything.
Horrormovies are normally where Cal needs to be comforted, he’s often found hiddenbehind a cushion or buried into one of his partner’s laps.
Ritawill cry at any romance or real life movie with a sad ending.
who givesunprompted massages
Cal,his hands work magic and he always knows exactly what you need when you walk inthe door.
whofusses over the other when they’re sick
Theyall do, if one of them is sick all their healthcare training and knowledge goesinto overdrive and they end up fussing about over every little cough, sneeze ormovement.
who getsjealous easiest
noneof them really get jealous, they enjoy watching each other together and theyknow that their turn will come in a little bit.
who hasthe most embarrassing taste in music
Iain’smusic is quite modern, Cal likes old classic tunes and Rita loves dance music.They can never decide what to listen to, it can lead to arguments that areresolved in the normal way… ;)
who takesthe longest to get ready
Iain,he’s always fussing about his hair even though both Rita and Cal tell himrepeatedly that he could get out of bed and it would be exactly like what hespends hours trying to achieve
who isthe most tidy and organized
Iain,his days in the army have taught him to be tidy and have everything neat, Caland Rita are both very messy in comparison!
who getsmost excited about the holidays
Allof them, Rita’s always excited to spend time with just them, Iain lovesescaping to the countryside or the beach, getting away from the city and Cal isexcited to spend time in bed.
who isthe big spoon/little spoon (middle spoon in this case!)
Iain and Cal are the bigspoons and Rita is the middle spoon.
who getsmost competitive when playing games and/or sports
They’reall very competitive and it normally ends in someone getting upset and theother two kissing it all better. There’s lots of distractive techniquesinvolved i.e. kissing, biting and tickling to name a few…
whostarts the most arguments
Theyall start their fair share but its normally Iain complaining about the mess orRita that the boys sometimes forget they can do normal relationship things likegoing out to dinner instead of takeaways (though once they’ve shown her theperks of staying in she’s forgotten why she ever wanted to go out)
whosuggests that they buy a pet
Cal,he sees a dog and shows Iain, Iain falls in love instantly. They have toconvince Rita but the moment she sets her eyes on the puppy she wants to gopick it up!
whatcouple(trio) traditions they have
Spendingdays in bed; going on holiday (2 man tent camping); breaks/spare time is alwaysspent with at least 2 of them in the on call room… I’m sure you can make upsome more!
whatother couple they hang out with
Zax.They’re all VERY good friends.
how theyspend time together as a couple(trio)
Inbed, at work, out for drinks/dinner, going for walks…
who madethe first move
Well…Iain catches Cal looking at Rita one shift, Cal initially thinks Iain is goingto tell him to back off but instead he gives him an address and tells him to gothere after work. Iain talks with Rita and of course she agrees. Cal ishesitant at first but soon is happy to join in.
whobrings flowers home
Iainwhen he knows he scared them on shift that day. Cal when he wants to show themhow much he loves them. Rita when she wants to say thank you and let them knowhow much she cares.
who isthe best cook
Iainis the best at cooked breakfast, Cal is surprisingly a great cook and Ritamakes everyone’s lunches, adding a note to them occasionally, letting them knowwhere she is.
Please stop me now or I can't promise I'll hold back as much as I have done!!! I'm calriain trash 😂🙈🙊
WARNING: total smut ahead. I got asked quite a few times for updates to this calriain fic so I took the plunge but DO NOT READ if M-rated content is not for you. Else, enjoy! ;)
For those that haven’t seen I’ve put all my shorter Rita & Iain fics/drabbles from tumblr on fanfiction.net and another one Happy families (multi-chapter in progress) here: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11894401/1/Happy-families
