About Bloody Time! Michael Ragosa x OC
Ok so this is a long and gratutiously fluffy little story. I hope it doesn’t babble too much, i got a bit carried away. As you can probably guess, it’s set during the episode parenthood! Please enjoy the candy floss sweet fluff. Let me know what you think!!
Bella didn’t think she had ever seen Ragosa so stressed. Not when he was administrator, not even the day he called her from his office crying because his eye surgeon had found a tumour.
At least then he’d talked to her. He’d talked to her way into the day, after their shift had finished. He'd cried and poured everything he was feeling into her in that moment, holding onto her so tight his knuckles were white. And Bella had been there for him, as best friends should be. She’d sorted through treatment plans with him, driven him to the operation, and had been there when he’d woken up from the anaesthetic. She waited on him, hand and foot in his home while he recovered, and they binged on ice cream and comedy movies.
She would prop him up and support him wholly when he came to her with his problems, but she couldn’t deal with the weird tense silence that was currently following him around.
He hadn’t even said hello when they were in the locker room together that evening. He’d just flung his bag into the locker, slammed the door and put his phone straight to his ear.
Now she stood behind the nurse’s desk, watching him as he paced back and forth on the other side of the wooden doors. Talking in quiet, heated Spanish on the phone.
“He alright?” Jordan asked, leaning up against the desk. Jordan had always been nice to Bella from the day Ragosa had gotten her the job and introduced her to the team.
“No. see that flexing thing he’s doing with his right hand? It’s a stress reaction. He used to do that a lot while him and Lydia were divorcing.” He was indeed opening and closing his fingers into a fist at a steady pace by his side. “He used to do it while we were at med school together too.”
Bella strained her ears, to see if she could pick up what he was saying.
“You can’t do this to my daughter, it’s her party in two days … I’ll uh … I’ll pay it off in instalments.” His head was drooped low in defeat. The pay cut down from administrator had really been doing a number on him, he could barely afford his rent and child payments to Lydia, he mostly ate at Bella’s house because she knew he couldn’t really afford to shop, but was too proud to mention it.
“Please, I’m begging you!”
Bella quickly left the nurse’s station and made her way over to Ragosa as he hung up and angrily slammed his fist into the wall, an angry, dejected look on his face.
“Michael” She said smoothly as she came up behind him. She put her hand on his shoulder, and he looked at her with sad eyes.
Jordan, who was still watching the display raised her eyebrows, and he raised his hands up to her “I’m sorry Jordan.”
“That’s ok” the dark haired doctor said with a soft smile. “Take 5?”
Ragosa nodded and leaned back against the wall with his eyes closed. He let out a painfully shaky breath.
It hurt Bella to see him hurting so much. Michael was doing so well, living his life the way he wanted. He was supposed to be happy. She trailed her hand down from his shoulder and took his hand in hers. She gave him a little reassuring squeeze. “You wanna grab a coffee? You look like you didn’t sleep much?” she asked gently, her words only loud enough for the pair of them to hear.
He opened his beautiful dark eyes, that were full of worry and gave her a weak smile.
“You know what I’d really like?” he was slightly hoarse. He rubbed his thumb over hers where their hands joined. “I’d like a hug.” He looked up at her through his thick dark eyelashes. He looked like a defeated little boy, and it broke Bella’s heart.
“How about a hug and a coffee?” she posed, grinning at him, opening her arms wide for him.
“Deal.”
***
“So” Bella blew on her latte, hoping to cool it down. They were sat on the roof, with their feet dangling over the edge. A place you would never have found him a few months ago when he was administrator. “Are you going to tell me what’s going on?”
Michael shuffled uncomfortably and knocked his head against the railing, he opened one beautiful brown eye and gazed up at her sadly. “I just lost the venue for Naomi’s birthday”
Now Bella understood. “Her Quinceanera?”
He rubbed a hand over his eyes, frustrated. “Mmmhmm, just with the pay cut and everything, it adds up. I maxed out all my cards. I have no money Bel.” He sniffed and rubbed at his eyes. “I’ve got two days Bel. I can’t fix this …” He looked down at his hands. “I can’t fix it.”
Bella’s heart hurt, watching the strong, wonderful man crumple like a wet tissue. She didn’t know what she could do to take his hurt away. She laid her hand on his knee and gave it a squeeze.
“She’ll be crushed Bel. She’ll never want to talk to me again. Lydia will kill me.”
“Heh. I never liked her.” Normally he’d have smiled, or come back with a quip about the feeling being mutual, but he just stared at the ground, pained. “I’m sorry sugar. I love you, and your kids.” She reached into her bag and took out her purse. Without a second thought, she handed him her credit card. “I don’t know how much is on here Mikey …”
He cut her off, pushing her card back to her, the look in his eyes was grateful.
“I can’t take that Bel. You do enough for me. I know how much you’ve scraped together on that card. You need that to live. Not bail me out of my problems.” He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek, his lips lingering on her skin longer than was probably appropriate for a kiss between best friends. “Thank you though. Your offer means the world to me. But I got myself into this mess, I’ll get myself out too.”
She blinked, trying not to feel hurt that he was taking on all the burden himself. “I’m here if you need me though. Don’t freeze me out, alright? You know I’ve always got your back.”
He gave her hand a little squeeze and offered her the most confident smile he could muster.
A wail of sirens broke them moment as three ambulances can screeching into the bay below them.
“Duty calls.” He said, standing and offering her his hand for balance,
Bella grumbled good naturedly and accepted. “And I haven’t even finished my coffee.”
***
A flash of orange and obnoxious clicking of high heels caught Bella’s eye, as the angry woman and teen stopped in the hallway where Ragosa was stood talking to a few colleagues. Bella and Jordan were going through and entering patient data onto the system not even a couple of feet away.
“Dad, is it true we’re not having my birthday party?”
“Ouch.” Jordan whispered, looking at Bella whose eyes were glued to the scene in front of her.
“Of course she’s here, she’d do anything to hurt and humiliate Michael.”
Jordan chuckled. “You really don’t like her, do you?”
Bella narrowed her eyes. “I never have.” She clenched a fist and struggled against her urge to storm over there. “She accused us of having an affair. Dumb bitch.”
Jordan raised her eyebrows, “Really? Well I guess you and Ragosa are close. And I could see it. I think you’d be cute actually.”
Bella didn’t say anything, but watched with gritted teeth as Michael tried to fight his corner against his angry ex wife and distraught daughter.
“I’m not taking crap for this Michael, you call and tell everyone it’s cancelled.” Lydia stormed out of the emergency room, not even glancing in Bella’s direction.
“I can’t believe this.” Naomi followed her mother, with her head down.
“Naomi! Honey!” Ragosa tried, but they flat out ignored him. He looked tired, unhappy and defeated. Bella’s heart hurt for him again.
He left the waiting room they had been fighting in and trudged over to Bella. His dark eyes brimmed with tears as he looked at her. “I fucked it up Bel.” He leaned into her like a small child seeking comfort. She wrapped her arms around him and stroked his hair soothingly, breathing in the fresh scent of his aftershave. “She’s going to hate me forever. I promised her everything. I’m such a bad father, I chose to follow my dream, but its going to alienate her.”
Bella pulled him away from her and held him at arm’s length, insisting he hold her dark gaze with his.
“You, Michael Ragosa, are not a bad father. You’re anything but.” He opened his mouth to protest, but she shushed him quickly. “Who are the people you think most about in your day? Every day?”
He shuffled his feet uncomfortably, but still maintained her eye contact, “My kids, you, my mother.”
She wanted to blush and cheer that she was in that list, and that she was always on his mind, but she pushed it down. “Exactly, your kids. They mean the world to you Mikey, and you try, you’ve been through so much, but no matter what you do, you fight for them. And that makes you an amazing father.”
“But the money”
“Money isn’t everything Mikey. You’ve always put everything on hold, for the whole fifteen years I’ve known you. Now it’s time for you. You get to explore who you are, and all the things you missed out on.”
Ragosa nodded, and wiped his eyes. “You’re right. I put off getting my eye surgery. I dropped out of med school – if I’d have carried on I wouldn’t be training in my 40s. I married the wrong girl.” His dark eyes flicked up to hers on the last item on his list.
Bella swallowed hard. He had married the wrong girl. During their days at med school they’d had so many near breakthrough moments where they should have thrown caution to the wind, kissed and confessed their love for each other, but they didn’t because he knew Lydia was safe and familiar. He didn’t want to risk his heart being broken.
“And you’re fixing it all, right?” she held her breath, unsure how he’d answer. She knew she’d never fallen out of love with Michael Ragosa over the years, even when she was engaged to her ex, which is why he was ex.
He looked at her with determination on his handsome face. “I’m trying.”
Bella nodded and gave him a soft smile. “How about you leave it to me? Let me talk to Naomi, you know we get on like a house on fire.”
He cupped her cheek in his hand, smoothing his thumb over her skin, and looked into her eyes. “love you.” His eyes were glassy and tears threatened to spill out of them.
“Love you too.” And she really did, he was her best friend, and she meant it wholeheartedly. “Leave it with me.”
He placed a chaste kiss on her cheek and grabbed a stack of files from the nurses’ station. “Check in at 3 for coffee?” he asked, walking backwards and still smiling at her.
“Of course, go on, go … before Topher has your ass for dawdling.”
“You know, I kind of see why she thought you were having an affair.” Jordan’s whispering voice cut through Bella’s reverie, she’d completely forgotten the dark haired doctor was stood there, watching the whole exchange.
“Jesus Jordan, I forgot you were there.”
“Yeah you were far too wrapped up in the Michael and Bella show.” She grinned good naturedly, letting Bella know she was only playfully teasing. “Seriously though, you two have so much chemistry, what happened? Why aren’t you together?”
“There was just never a right time, and then he married Lydia, and now it’s too late.”
“Says who, you never got married, you’re both single now …”
Bella sighed and rubbed her forehead. “It’s complicated. When you’ve been in unrequited love for what, eighteen years, it’s a hard pattern to break. But I’m still here for when he needs me. I always will be.” She thought for a second, tapping her fingernails on the desk, “Jordan, I know Michael and TC have had their differences in the past, but would you two help me?”
Jordan smiled at her widely and slammed a folder shut. “Of course, leave the venue to me. I’ve got a few contacts.”
Bella felt her heart swell. “Thank you Jordan, I really appreciate it.”
Jordan shrugged “What are friends for? And right now, Michael needs his friends.”
“That he does.” Bella confirmed, digging her phone out of her pocket and dialling Naomi’s phone number. After a few rings the teen picked up.
“Hola Bella.”
“Hey Naomi-bean.”
“What’s up?”
“I’m looking at a birthday gift for you honey, what’s your dress and shoe size?”
***
When the clock ticked round to 7 am Bella found Michael standing at reception, he looked tired and worn, with black bags under his eyes.
“Hey you, you ok?” she wrapped her arms around his waist and held him tight, her chin resting on his shoulder.
“Mmhmm I got one thing right tonight, I found the pacemaker Kristin needed.” He shrugged, half hearted.
“That’s a great job, don’t undermine yourself.” She gave him a squeeze and he turned in her embrace, so he could slide his arms around her.
“She’s right, enough of a pity party out of you.” Jordan said as she came up to stand beside the pair of them. “Everyone is going out to dinner tonight, why don’t you come?”
“Are you going?” Ragosa asked Bella, he turned his face to look at her. They were so close their noses touched and their breath mingled.
“Of course I’m going, dummy, and so are you. You need it.”
Michael smiled and rubbed the tip of his nose against hers in a sweet gesture before diverting his attention back to Jordan.
“I’m buying!” she said, in a sing song voice, hoping it would convince him more.
“Well if you’re buying, then I’m in.” Jordan grinned triumphantly. “I do have to go home and get some rest though.”
“I think that’s a good idea Sugar. You look exhausted.” Bella ran her fingers through his dark hair, and he closed his eyes enjoying the gesture.
“Are you heading home now?” he asked her.
“No, I’ve got a few last minute rounds and care plans to go through with Jordan, then I’ll head home.”
He nodded and placed a lingering kiss on her cheek, too tired to argue. “Ring me later?”
“Of course, now get out of here, Mikey, before you get roped into the day shift too.”
“Ok Ok, bye.” He headed towards the door, waving at them as he left, shoulders heavy and head slouched.
Bella and Jordan waited a minute, to make sure that he was actually gone before rounding up the remaining nightshift members.
“Ok guys! First, I want to thank you all for your help. I know Michael will really appreciate it and be grateful that we’re treating him as family.” Bella started, there was a murmur of agreement that rippled around the gathered doctors and nurses.
“So you’ve all got your assignments from either myself, Bella or Kenny.” There was nodding all round. “We don’t have very long to pull this off, So let’s work together and make this amazing!”
There was a cheer in response.
“I think we can do better than that!” Jordan heckled and held her hand behind her ear. The staff obliged and cheered louder.
Bella felt a warm fuzzy feeling of happiness and excitement building in her belly. She had a long day ahead, but every moment was going to be worth it.
*** 17:00 ***
“You won’t let me go in?” Michael asked Bella, as he looked past her to the double doors of the Dew Drop Inn, that had been blacked out. “What’s going on?”
Krista and Drew came through the doors carrying pale pink balloon displays and placed them on either side of the entry way.
“I told you to leave it to me, didn’t I?” Bella laughed, her smile warm, as she held Michael’s face in her hands, keeping his attention on her. “Well me, and a few friends.”
The doors opened and almost the whole of the night shift spilled out into the entry way, dressed in party wear.
“What did you …” Ragosa breathed, his eyes widened, but he was cut off by the roar of motorbikes.
Bella dropped her hands to hold his and indicated the swarm of motorbikes coming towards them.
“Why don’t you see for yourself?” Bella was smiling like a maniac as the realisation dawned across Ragosa’s handsome face.
In the middle of the parade of Bikes was TC, with Naomi clinging onto his jacket, but grinning and having the time of her life. Everyone around the whooped and cheered as the entourage came to a halt in front of them.
Michael opened and closed his mouth a couple of times, speechless.
“You did this?” When he found his voice, Michael was astounded, his tone showing how impressed he was. He linked his fingers with Bella’s and squeezed.
“We all did, Mikey. You’re part of the family now. We look out for each other. And you know I’d never have let you go through this alone.” She squeezed his hand back and indicated Naomi who was getting off the back of TC’s bike. “I think your attention is supposed to be over there.” He walked towards his daughter, but looked at her again over his shoulder, dark eyes sparkling.
“Thank you. All of you!” He raised his voice loud enough for everyone to hear, they all whooped and hollered again in response.
TC lead Naomi over to Michael and he wrapped his arms around her in a big hug. “Happy birthday sweetheart.” He kissed the top of her head.
“This isn’t what I’d planned, but it’s still pretty cool!” the teen shrugged happily. “I got to ride on a motorcycle!”
“I see, I see” Michael said, eyeing TC with mock reproach. “Well I hope you enjoyed it, because it’s the last time you will!” he kissed his daughter on the forehead lovingly.
“But Bella used to have one, when you were in med school … You said she looked hot on it …”
“Oh-kay! Enough of that.” He cut her off with a wink and wide eyes. Bella, blushed and laughed.
Lydia cut her way through the crowd, glancing at Bella who fidgeted uncomfortably. “I’m not going to say I’m not still mad at you Michael, but you have some pretty amazing friends.”
Michael nodded at her, but didn’t say a word. He was determined to not spoil his princess’ special day.
“Ok everybody, let’s go inside!” Jordan shouted ushering everyone through the doors.
Bella stopped Michael and Naomi at the door, “You two have a wardrobe change. They’re hanging up in the bathrooms.”
Naomi made a squealing noise and pushed through the crowd desperate to get to her new dress.
Bella turned to go inside, but Michael grabbed her hand, holding her back so they were alone in the courtyard. “You never cease to amaze me. Do you know that?” He uttered, smoothing a loose piece of hair behind her ear.
“Everyone deserves to be happy Michael.” She took the palm of his hand in hers and placed a kiss in the centre of it. “Even you.” Breaking the moment with a bright smile, she pulled him towards the doors. “Come on, we’ve got a party to attend.”
He shook his head and followed after her into the building, chuckling to himself.
***
Bella had also changed, once the party had gotten underway. She wore a intricate gold 50s style swing dress, with matching shoes, which splayed out nicely on her bar stool as she watched Michael and Naomi perform their father daughter dance.
“They look happy.” Jordan said, claiming the seat next to Bella, and grabbing a drink from the bar top.
“They do, we really did an amazing job. Thank you for all your help. I don’t know how we’ll ever repay you for all of this.” Bella waved her hands around at the bustling room where everyone was chatting and dancing happily, Michael and Naomi in the centre.
“There’s no need. We’re a family. It’s what we do. Though you could do one thing?”
Bella drained the last of the champagne from her glass and placed it back on the bar. “What’s that?”
“The next song, you can get up and dance with him. Tell him how you feel.”
“I … can’t … I” Bella stumbled, shaking her head. Jordan reached out and took her hand kindly.
“You keep saying that Michael deserves to be happy. So do you. And I think nothing would make either of you happier, than if you realised how much you love each other. Even an idiot could look at the two of you and realise you’re meant to be together.”
“She’s right. I’ve never seen two people I think should be together more.” TC agreed, coming over and stealing a mouthful of Jordan’s drink.
“I completely agree!” said Krista popping up from behind the bar and giving Bella a wink.
“Are we talking about Bella and Ragosa’s obvious chemistry?” Topher asked, joining the little group.
Bella laughed uncomfortably. “Where did you all come from?”
The end beats of the song Michael had picked for their father daughter dance came to an end, and Naomi gave her father a hug, splitting off to mingle with her friends, who were ooing and ahhing over her pink silk and taffeta dress. Michael looked over the little group of his friends by the bar and grinned happily. He walked over to the DJ, talking to him quietly.
“Never mind that. We think you should.” Drew agreed, passing new drinks out to everyone.
“You make it sound so easy. We’ve both been through so much.”
“And that’s why you need eachother.” Jordan countered with a knowing smile.
The opening beats of the next song started to play, and Bella felt her heart swell, and tears form in her eyes. Michael smiled at her from by the DJ, starting to cut his way through the crowd towards her.
“What?” asked Krista, seeing the dewey look in Bella’s eyes.
“He remembered.” Bella laughed, sniffing slightly. “’When you say nothing at all’ by Ronan Keating, I told Michael once I loved this song, and it would be my perfect first dance …”
“Do you need more of a sign?” Topher asked jokingly, dodging out the way when Bella swatted at him, laughing.
“May I steal her away?” Michael’s voice commanded her attention as he stood in front of her. their friends all nodded avidly. “Dance with me?” This time his question was aimed directly at Bella. His beautiful dark eyes searching for hers and his hand outstretched for her to take.
She took it without a word and let him draw her body into his. He wrapped one arm around the small of her back and held her and in his. Their faces were so close they could feel one another’s breath on their cheeks.
“You remembered.”
“Of course I did Bel, I remember everything you’ve ever said to me. You’re so special to me, you know. Whenever I need you, you’re there. You’re my shelter in any storm.”
They moved gently around the dance floor.
“You know when I tell you I love you, I mean it. Not in the platonic, you’re my best friend love, even though, I do and you are. I love you. I always have.”
She stopped them from moving, and leaned against him, looking up into his eyes.
“I’ve always loved you too. You are my person, you know that Mikey.”
Michael, smiled, and leaned down pressing his lips against hers, in a tentative kiss. Bella grabbed his lapels and pulled him to her, deepening his kiss. He wound his fingers into her hair, as he slid his tongue over her bottom lip, begging for entrance.
Cheering erupted from the night shift staff, and Bell and Michael pulled apart, looking at each other sheepishly.
“It’s about bloody time!” Naomi called from across the room with a big grin on her face.
@reelovesbennycolon