Note: This is my second attempt of dropping a fic on this site and I can only ask that you have mercy. This was an attempt to expand on the book and certain scenes with my OC. Here’s hoping it works
Tags: I was inspired by the lovely @jamespotterthefirst and their amazing works into dishing out this fic. I also want to thank them for being willing to listen to all my wild rambles in chat and me bein a weirdo. You’re awesome and I can’t thank you enough.
CHAPTER ONE: FIRST DAY INTO THE FRAY (Part 1)
With one last shove to balance the pile of boxes against the wall, Rai sighed before flopping on the bed. A room under the stairs wasn’t the most ideal place to start in a new city but at least it was something. Given how the majority of his savings and allowance had gone into paying any school debts, he was lucky enough to get the room with his own money and not have to reach out to his family. While both sides of his family were well off, using their money without contributing anything gave him hives.
On that thought, he shifted to pull out his phone from his pocket and called his parents. It took a few seconds before he heard his mum pick up. He greeted her with a, “Hey Mum, I’m all settled in-” before he was interrupted by his mum fussing over whether he was doing alright and if was really sure he didn’t want them to contact a friend for a better place to stay.
“Mum, MUM! I’m fine. It’s not the worst place to stay in the city and hey, with enough work, I can get myself a better apartment to stay in” he chirped optimistically. His words only served to have his mum fuss even more before his dad took over. Rai could easily picture his dad calming her with a kiss to the cheek as her voice faded away and was replaced with his father’s rich baritone.
He sounded amused as he spoke, “We had to stop your mother from grabbing her phone more than a few times today, you think you’re ready for your first day of work tomorrow?” showing his own turn at concern. Rai rolled his eyes as he continued to assure his parents for the next few minutes. Honestly, he managed to take care of himself in medical school, he could take care of himself in a new city.
After ending the call and seeing he had a few hours to spare, Rai carefully pulled a box of books towards him and pulled out a few he could study. As he pulled out one particular old but well-loved book, he gave a grin. It was still hard to believe that he was going to start his residency at Edenbrook tomorrow. Who knows what kind of challenges he would be facing on the job. Plus, having the chance to work and be mentored by some of the top doctors? Rai wasn’t even sure he could sleep with all the excitement buzzing through him.
Suddenly, he heard the sound of rumbling from the ceiling and gave a sigh. Well, if that was going to be a constant thing, maybe it was best to turn in early. Here was hoping he’d get a comfier place in the future.
Stepping out of the cab and taking in the hospital, Rai couldn’t stop the grin that overtook his face before he practically ran inside. Once inside though, he realized he didn’t know where to go and paused. Tilting his head in thought, he looked around for anything that might give him directions. He then felt a tap on his shoulder and spun around to see a woman with curly brown hair and a warm smile. “Hi!” she greeted, “You look lost. Let me guess… first day of your medical residency?” and Rai nodded enthusiastically. She directed him to a corner where a camera and a white sheet was set up near the reception.
He hoped that he didn’t stand out too much from the crowd. But being an Asian with windswept black hair and sharp brown eyes, Rai was sure he’d garner some curious looks like he did in school. Once he settled his ID and managed to get some helpful advice from the doctor whom he learned was Dr. Ines DeLarosa, he headed for orientation.
On the way there through the waiting room though, Rai suddenly heard gasps and turned to see a woman collapse to the ground. Quickly moving as he saw the other patients start to crowd around her, he called, “Everyone please step back! I’m a doctor” and moved to check on the woman. As he did, an attending rushed in, kneeled by her side, and checked her pulse. “Pulse is weak. She’s unresponsive” he announced then looked around before catching sight of Rai.
Without hesitation, he ordered, “You. Rookie. Get in here” and Rai quickly moved to obey with a, “Yes Doctor!” The woman was then lifted to a gurney before the doctor turned to a male nurse and asked, “What was she in for? Did she fill out a form yet?” to which the nurse replied with a negative. This clearly didn’t please the doctor as he stated, “If we don’t figure out what’s wrong with her fast, she’s gonna die on this table” before telling Rai to check the patient’s B.P.
Doing as instructed, he peered at the numbers before announcing it’s quick descent and the patient’s immediate need for fluids. While the nurse was preparing the IV, Rai noticed the rapidly forming bruise on the patient’s elbow. Knowing that she had not landed on that elbow, Rai’s mind began to rapidly speed through possibilities as he noticed the patient’s fingertips were also turning blue.
When he called the symptoms to attention and noted how the patient was most likely lacking oxygen, Rai saw the doctor nod in approval before instructing him to check on the patient’s lungs. The moment Rai did, he felt panic settle in upon hearing the failing of the organ. Urgently announcing his findings, he tried to reign in spiraling thoughts while the attending calmly announced a Code Blue and began to gently pump air into the patient.
Digging his nails into his palm to center himself, Rai asked, “What can we do doctor? The problem hasn’t been confirmed yet” his mind whirling through all possible answers. With intense blue eyes piercing into Rai’s, the doctor told him, “Consider all the clues. It’s all there. You know this, Rookie.” Rai unclenched his hand to bite at a fingertip as he muttered the symptoms before exclaiming, “It’s a hemothorax!” thoughts coming to focus as the answer came to him. “Precisely. A blood vessel ruptured and is filling her pleural cavity…” the doctor started and Rai continued, “...blocking her lungs expanding! Hence the failure!” Then another thought popped in, “But since there’s no time to repair the vessel, that means…” Rai trailed off.
“We’ll have to do an emergency thoracotomy to drain the cavity instead. Nurse!” the attending called. To Rai’s shock, he finds himself handed a test tube and socket while the attending lift’s the patient’s shirt to expose the side of her ribcage. Blood roaring in his ears as he gripped at the scalpel, Rai gulped as he muttered, “No time for anesthesia… have to make the incision at the fifth intercostal space… anterior… to the mid… damn it, get a grip Hayashi!” growling at his trembling hand holding the scalpel.
He jolted when felt the doctor steady his hand with his and their eyes met once more as the doctor told him, “Hey… You can do this.” Gripping onto those words, Rai took a breath before steadying his hand and carefully making the incision. He faintly heard the doctor’s encouragement before following the instruction to insert the tube.
The moment the patient gasped for breath, Rai felt all remaining tenseness leave him before nodding to the doctor in silent thanks. As the doctor gave orders for the patient to be taken to surgery and the onlookers applauded, Rai released a heavy breath. He carefully rubbed his hands and with a breathless laugh, he said to the doctor, “Uh… well, that was… pretty amazing” barely believing that he barely started a shift and he managed to help save a patient. Calm as can be, the doctor retorted, “You’re right. it’s pretty amazing you didn’t get her killed’, his words causing Rai’s smile to freeze. Seeing the other lost for words, the doctor ruthlessly continued, “Your examination was slow and superficial. Your scalpel technique amateur at best…”
Before he could stop himself, Rai jokes, “In that case, maybe you should give me some private lessons” and the moment he did, his mind screeched, “(YOU FECKIN IDIOT!!!)” while alarms blared. Of all reactions, Rai did not expect the doctor to be amused, “Ha! I just might, Doctor…” he said, lifting Rai’s lanyard to read his ID, “Hayashi. But I sincerely doubt you could afford my salary” before tossing it back and walking away.
It was one thing to suddenly have his ID grabbed, but hearing his last name be pronounced right left him more than a little breathless. He quickly took a breath to reel himself in before ruffling his head and groaning, “… Please tell me I didn’t just make a total fool of myself in front of a top doctor” a whimper tinting his words towards the end.
The same male nurse from earlier walked over and patted his shoulder, “Don’t worry about it, Dr. Ramsey is like that with everyone.” Hearing the doctor’s name, Rai’s brain conjured the Looney Tunes ending theme, replacing the ending catchphrase with “You’re Screwed!” as he buried his face in his hands. “Greaaat, so not only do I mess up my first impression with an attending, I made a fool of myself in front of my medical hero of all people” he bemoaned. Clearly trying to cheer him up, the nurse chimed, “On the bright side, you’ll get plenty more chances to impress him” and Rai smiled in thanks. Once he learned the nurse’s name was Danny and introductions were made, Rai looked down to see his scrubs had been stained with blood and sighed.
Asking for directions to the locker room, he thanked Danny as he was led the way. Once inside, Rai searched for his locker, only to come face to face with a beautiful woman with dark skin and black hair in her underwear. Quickly turning about-face, Rai shut his eyes, “Sorry about that, do you need some privacy?” he asked. The woman seemed amused at his reaction, “How’d you make it through medical school without seeing a bra?” she asked and Rai shrugged. He turned to move away and reply only to bump into a muscular male; “Go easy on him, Jackie. It’s the first day for all of us” Rai heard him say.
The woman, now identified as Jackie retorted, “Hey, I can be friendly… if you stay out of my way.” Rai couldn’t help but snort at that before piping, “To answer your question, I got away by being respectful, my parents didn’t raise no creep” rocking on his heels.
The shirtless male barked a laugh, “We got ourselves a smart one here then” he joked before extending a hand with a playful wink. “Bryce Lahela, a.k.a. your new favorite surgical intern. Pleasure’s all mine” he introduced only for Jackie to snark, “Ignore the meathead, he’s a scalpel jockey.” Rai accepted Bryce’s hand with a grin, “Rai Hayashi. Internal medicine, nice to meet you!” Jackie nodded at that, “Guess you’re with me then. C’mon, we’re gonna be late” she said before slipping into her scrubs.
Going from his first impression, Rai thought it was best to be quick and follow after. It didn’t take long for the trio to reach the main atrium where the rest of the interns were listening to an impressive, statuesque woman up front. From the sound of things, she was already in the middle of orientation. Peering at the woman’s face, Rai tried to place her face before perking. He leaned towards Bryce and whispered, “Isn’t that Harper Emery? I thought she was with the surgical team?”
Jackie gave a smirk as she overheard, “You’re a little late on the news there Hayashi, she’s the hospital’s new chief.” Rai nodded in acknowledgement before listening to the rest of the speech. As she ended her speech and the interns burst in applause, Rai joined in and grinned at his fellow colleagues only to catch something, or rather someone in the crowd.
Out of all the interns, there was a young woman who was not clapping with the rest. Frankly, she looked rather unimpressed with everything. Before Rai could think further on it, he hears Dr. Emery announce that they would be meeting their senior residents tomorrow and for today, they would be partnering up for their first patient and that assignments were on the board.
Waving goodbye and wishing Bryce good luck as he left to join his group, Rai moved to peer at the board. Once he found his and his partner’s name, he tilted his head, “Huh, I’m partnered with… A. Emery?” he mused out loud. An intern with curly hair exclaimed, “Like, Chief of Medicine Dr. Emery?!” and Rai turned to him. “It says A. Emery, so I’m sure it meant a relative, unless Emery somehow became a common last name without anyone knowing” Rai joked and a loud snort was heard followed by an, “I wish.” Everyone turns to the source and it’s revealed to be the unimpressed intern that Rai saw earlier.
He walked up to her with a smile and held out his hand, “Hi! A. Emery right? I’m Rai Hayashi, it looks like we’ll be partners for this assignment. Are you alright with me calling you Dr. Emery or something else? I mean, if you want,; it’s tough that people pile on expectation when it comes to certain last names. Oh wait, I didn’t even get your first name, my bad” he babbled, though still maintained his bright smile. For a moment, the female intern looked surprised before her expression turned cool and she shook his hand, “Dr. Aurora Emery, Dr. Emery is fine. Anyone tell you that you talk… a lot?” she said and Rai gave a chuckle. “My bad, I was just excited to work my first assignment, let’s go?” he offered and Aurora gave a curt nod; the two breezed past the crowd before anything else could be said.
On the way to their patient, the two managed to have an amicable agreement on their partnership for the assignment. Though he had read the chart, Rai still felt a pang as they entered the room and saw the young patient named Annie. Still, he managed to push through with Aurora taking her vitals while he made the patient more comfortable and asked more on what happened before they ended up in the hospital.
After leaving Annie with further reassurances and taking note of her symptoms and other unrecorded injuries. Just as they were discussing submitting their findings for lab work, Aurora was paged by her aunt. Rai gave a wince upon hearing the announcement from the P.A System, “Go ahead. I’ll handle things and keep you updated. Good luck” he encouraged.
Aurora peered at him for a moment, as if she was trying to figure him out before she nodded and left. After making the submission, Rai found himself busy with other patients. By the time he managed to have a minute to himself, Rai was close to just squatting on the floor to rest. Just as he was about to do just that, a nurse came up to him with the results.
Looking them over and noting the uncommon strain of bacteria, he advised for some antibiotics and some observation on the effects before thanking the nurse for their work. With that done, Rai took a moment to breath before heading off to continue his rounds. Only, he realized later, in his attempt to head back to Annie’s room, he had somehow gotten himself lost.
He looked around to see if there was anything familiar, but as he turned around, he ended up bumping into another intern who dropped the textbook they were reading. “Sorry!” Rai exclaimed before bending down to pick up the fallen book and held it out. The intern waved his apologies, giving his own apologies before introducing himself as Landry Olsen. When he was handing the book back, Rai saw a peek of the cover, “Oh hey! ‘Diagnostic Principles by Ethan Ramsey’, you a fan?” he asked. Landry grinned, “Yeah, I totally worship the guy. Shrine in my basement and everything” he said before immediately stating, “Kidding! I’m kidding. I never know it’s clear when I’m joking,” his words caused something to itch at the back of Rai’s head but he ignored it.
“Well, here’s hoping you give a better first impression than I did,” Rai offered and Landry gave a gasp of recognition. Apparently, the whole incident from the morning had already made his rounds. Landry was gushing on how lucky Rai was and how he wished he hadn’t been early to work, wishing he had the chance to meet Dr. Ramsey. Quite honestly, Rai had been trying to not cringe into a ball as he listened to Landry’s words. When the other trailed off and seemed to stare in shock at something, Rai followed his line of sight and saw the very man being talked about at the end of the hall.
“(Whelp, time to find the nearest window and yeet myself then)”
Book: Open Heart
Pairing: Ethan x f!MC (Isabelle Valentine)
Summary: Ethan realizes his feelings for Isabelle are too much to ignore and push aside. He decides to do something about them.
Rating: PG/T
TAGS: @princess-geek @callmethea @wildvitamin
NOTE: All characters belong to Pixelberry Studios, I’m just borrowing them. I also do not own the image. Image found here. Other author note: This story is so cheesy, I know, but I needed some Ethan happiness for once instead of the angst. Will definitely write Ethan angst in the future, though. I hope you enjoy!
--
“Doctor Valentine,” he started, watching himself in the mirror. He shook his head and took in a deep breath. “Rook-damn it.” He felt like an idiot pacing back and forth in his bedroom, hands clasped behind his back. He had rehearsed this so many times and yet it kept coming out wrong. “Isabelle,” he restarted, looking earnestly into his reflection. He looked tired- absolutely exhausted. Which made sense considering he had been up all night trying to figure out how to tell the woman he loved that he loved her.
God, he sounded pathetic. He had been battling this for so long-battling feeling for so long. But something about being around Isabelle made him so weak and so strong all at once. He let out a sigh and sat down on the edge of his bed, tapping his fingertips against his knee. “Isabelle, I-” He stopped. This was ridiculous. He just needed to get over himself and head out to her. He took a deep breath and walked toward the door.
--
Isabelle stared blankly at the television, trying to distract herself from the usual chats with Ethan-the same ones that ended with him telling her they could never be together. She flipped the channel and wiped underneath her eyes, trying to remove the runny mascara from her face as Sienna cheerfully walked into the room.
“I brought ice cream!” she grinned, handing over the bowl of mint chocolate chip. Isabelle looked at her gratefully and set it on her lap.
“Uh oh,” Jackie murmured from behind. “Izzy’s crying, Sienna bought her her favorite ice cream, and we’re watching...Grey’s Anatomy? Seriously? Don’t we basically live that show every day?”
“Don’t judge me,” Isabelle sniffled, cuddling herself in her hoodie. “I’m battling a great depression.”
“And you think this sad ass show is going to help that?”
“Oh, leave her alone,” Sienna chimed in, resting her head on Isabelle’s shoulder. “I happen to like this show.”
“Of course you do,” Jackie smirked, pulling out a medical textbook from a bag slung over one of the kitchen chairs. She took a seat on the other side of Isabelle and made herself comfortable underneath one of the throw blankets.
“Oh no, she’s watching Grey’s,” Elijah noticed as he came in through the front door. “What’s wrong, Izzy?”
“Everyone is so concerned about me today,” Isabelle laughed, her nose still plugged from her crying episode. “Really, I’m fine.” But she knew the state that she was in gave it away; grey sweatpants, a red stained sweatshirt, and comfy socks were not doing her any favors.
“It’s Doctor Ramsey,” Sienna whispered not so quietly.
“Sienna!” Isabelle scolded and she shrugged.
“Am I wrong?” Sienna asked with raised eyebrows. Isabelle ignored her, averting her eyes back to the show instead. “He’s been doing his usual ‘I can’t be with you because it would be a breach of ethics’ talk.”
“I can’t stand that guy,” Jackie huffed. “I mean, he’s brilliant, but talk about a jackass.”
“You just called the most brilliant diagnostics physician a jackass.”
“You just don’t know him like I do,” Isabelle defended him, brushing strands of her brunette hair with her fingertips. “When he’s with me he’s...kind. And gentle. And...”
“Not a jackass?” Sienna finished with a supportive smile.
Three knocks pounded on the door and all of the roommates glanced at each other, confused. “Is that Aurora, maybe?” Isabelle asked, timidly standing up. Jackie shrugged.
“She didn’t say she’d be here.”
“Rookie, it’s me,” Ethan’s voice boomed through the cheap door. She looked at Sienna, eyes wide.
“He can’t see me like this,” Isabelle whispered frantically, smoothing out her frizzy hair.
“Why not? He’s seen you in less,” Jackie smirked, causing Sienna to whack her with a pillow. “Ow! Just answer the door.” Isabelle winced at her reflection in the hallway mirror and took a deep breath as she tentatively wrapped her hand around the doorknob.
“Rook-oh,” his eyes widened at the sight of Isabelle and she felt her cheeks flush. She looked like hell and now he knew it, too. But what struck her as even more odd was his state; clean shaven, in his famous sweater and slacks, with a bouquet of white roses tucked underneath his arm. “You look...”
“I know,” Isabelle laughed self consciously.
“No, I don’t think you do,” he marveled at her as though she was the beautiful answer to all of his questions. “You look beautiful.”
“Well, well, this is a sight to see,” Jackie grinned and Ethan stood up a bit straighter, clearing his throat. And just as he was about to make some ridiculous excuse or reason for being there, Sienna roughly pulled Jackie down the hallway and into her room. Elijah followed with a chuckle but gave Isabelle a wink.
“I like the flowers. White roses, you remembered,” Isabelle nodded to the bouquet and Ethan immediately handed them out with a soft smile.
“I find it...increasingly difficult to forget even the smallest detail about you, Isabelle,” he murmured. Her eyes widened in surprise at the admission and she cradled the flowers in her arms.
“Would you like to come in?” she asked, gesturing inside. Ethan shook his head and ran a hand through his hair.
“No, no. I need to tell you something now before...” his voice trailed off for a moment before shooting her an apologetic glance. “As you know, I’m not good at talking about my feelings.”
“That’s an understatement,” Isabelle laughed and he shot her a playful glare. “Sorry, continue.”
“Right. As I was saying, I’m not good at talking about my feelings. But you, Isabelle, you make me want to be better at it. You make me want to feel. And that’s not something I’ve wanted in a very long time,” he cleared his throat again and rubbed the nape of his neck. Isabelle could feel her eyes water and she quickly brushed the tears away before he noticed.
“I’ve been an ass,” he admitted. “I thought that pushing you away would be good for both of us. I thought that by pushing you away, I was helping your career. But, God, Isabelle, it’s so painful. And I’m afraid that I just can’t do it anymore. Isabelle Valentine, I’m in love with you. Desperately and completely. Wholly and fully.” And this time, the tears couldn’t be stopped. Isabelle wiped her eyes but more flooded down her cheeks and Ethan took a step forward, cradling her face in his hands. “Don’t cry,” he whispered, kissing her temple.
“Tell me that again,” she murmured. The corners of his mouth quirked up.
“I'm in love with you,” he replied.
“No, no. The part about you being an ass,” she laughed and he grinned a rare, relaxed smile that Isabelle hadn’t seen in months. “I love you too, Ethan.”
Author’s Note: This my first ever fic for Open Heart, I hope you like it. If anyone’s interested, I could do a part 2.
Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x f!MC (Dr Ava Black)
Warnings: there’s angst. and some f-bombs
Word Count: 3122
She loves him. He breaks her.
“Hi, sorry to bother you, but could you tell me where could I find Ethan Ramsey?”
Ava couldn’t help but look up from the lab results she was examining at the nurse’s station when she heard his name being said.
“Sorry ma’am, I wouldn’t know, but Dr Black might.” Nurse Lily said, pointing to Ava. The woman turned to her, and Ava got a proper look: she was a bit shorter than Ava, blonde hair in a ponytail, a few strands escaping it. She was carrying a motorcycle helmet under her left arm. Ava detected a hint of a Southern accent when she spoke to her.
“Hello, I’m looking for Ethan Ramsey, the nurse said you might know where he is?”
“He is in the Diagnostics conference room, there, second door on the right,” Ava explained, pointing to the glass doors.
“Thank you love, much appreciated” the woman smiled at her, going in the direction Ava pointed in.
To say that Ava’s interest was piqued would be an understatement. The woman wasn’t any of the patients they treated, though she could be one of the old cases the team treated before she joined. Was she a college friend of Ethan’s? She did look as if they could be the same age. Ava’s thoughts were interrupted when her pager beeped, reminding her she needs to get to the free clinic. Pushing Ethan and the mysterious woman out of her mind, she walked to the elevators.
Don’t get her wrong, Ava loved her job, but sometimes it would be nice if she could end her shift and not feel like she was run over by a truck. Like, a proper 18-wheeler. She couldn’t wait until she got into a nice shower to ease the tension in her neck. But luck wasn’t on her side as her pager beeped once again, reminding her the extra tests she ordered were done. She could’ve just left them to wait until morning, but she knew she couldn’t sleep if the results showed something, and she let it wait. Turning away from the locker room, she trudged to the lab, where the technician gave her the results and a sympathetic smile. On her way to the conference room she looked over the results, relieved they were fine, but annoyed as it didn’t shine a light on what was going on with the patient. As she entered the room, she noticed Ethan was still there by his desk, going over some papers.
“I thought your shift was over Dr Black,” he said, removing his glasses.
“I could say the same thing about you Dr Ramsey,” she answered back. He simply smirked at her.
Ava gave him the results she was holding “The extra tests for Mr Robins came back, everything is normal”
“Hmm, I guess we’ll just have to propose new theories tomorrow. Go home and rest” he ordered, putting back his glasses and resuming his paperwork.
Ava replied with a simple ‘good night’ and was about to exit the room, when she remembered the earlier encounter she had. She turned back to Ethan.
“Hey, quick question. Who was the woman who was here before lunch break? Pale, blonde hair, carrying a motorcycle helmet. She was looking for you and I gave her the directions” the young doctor asked.
To her surprise, Ethan looked…embarrassed?
“Oh, so you’ve met Stephanie. She’s a, uh, a former colleague of mine.”
“So, she used to work at Edenbrook?”
“No.”
“What do you mean ‘no’? How could she be a former colleague when you’ve never worked outside this hospital, and you say she never worked here?”
Ethan took a pause, averting his gaze from Ava. Why was this becoming awkward? Eventually, he replied: “No, she didn’t work here. She’s with the Doctors Without Borders. We met in Brazil”
It was time for Ava to look down. Ahh, she thought. His stint at the Amazon. Makes sense.
“I see. It’s nice of her to visit you, I guess,” She replied after a while, a bitter feeling in her mouth. She still couldn’t shake off this feeling she got every time his absence was mentioned. However irrational it seemed, Ava couldn’t help but feel like he had abandoned her for those two months.
More of an awkward pause followed, and neither of them seemed to want to break it, until Ava mustered up the courage to look at him again. He still looked as if he was ashamed of something.
“Well, I should be going. See you tomorrow Dr Ramsey” she turned and walked out.
The uneasy feeling she had followed her home, and not even the shower she took could shake of the thought that Ethan was hiding something.
---
Ava didn’t see Ethan all morning, having done rounds with Esme and covering Sienna’s part at the free clinic. After wolfing down her lunch in the cafeteria, she realized she had some time left, so she set out to grab some coffee from that place Ethan took her people-watching. The smell of fresh coffee filled her senses until her eyes fell on the table in the corner. Ethan was sitting there, but he wasn’t alone. Opposite him sat the woman from yesterday, Stephanie. Honestly, she should’ve been fine seeing them together. Stephanie was a colleague, same as June or Ines. Yeah, but June and Ines didn’t spend two months with him in an Amazonian jungle, a voice in her head said. Ava’s stomach turned and suddenly coffee didn’t seem like such a great idea anymore. She made her way towards the exit, internally praying they don’t spot her, but it seemed as if she missed out on luck for the second day in a row. It was Stephanie that spotted her, and beckoned her over. Not wanting to appear rude, Ava put on a smile and walked towards the two doctors.
“Hello again, Dr Black. Would you like to join us?” the blonde asked, pointing to the empty chair.
Ava couldn’t decipher the way Ethan was looking at her. Tearing her gaze from him, Ava shook her head, saying: “Thank you, but no, sorry. I realized I forgot my wallet and remembered I have some tests waiting for me. Plus, I wouldn’t want to impose. I’m sure you have catching up to do”
“Yeah, if by catching up you mean I talk non-stop and he gives the world’s shortest answers. If he even wants to give them to me” Stephanie said playfully. Ethan just rolled his eyes.
“I guess Dr Ramsey opens to no one, glad I’m not the only one who failed”
“Hey, she’s making fun of you! I like her Ethan!”
“Of course you do Stephanie” Ethan replied, standing up. “Take a seat Black, I’ll get you the coffee. The usual?” he waited before Ava nodded. She watched him leave, then took the seat Stephanie offered her.
“So, he’s tense even when he’s not fighting a pandemic outbreak. It’s like his idea of fun is running blood tests” Stephanie said, sipping on her coffee.
Ava couldn’t help but chuckle, agreeing with her: “Yeah, he doesn’t really relax. We went to an art gallery recently to get some information about the patient, and like, I know we were working, but the intensity with which he observed everything, it’s like he was doing a CT scan with his eyes”
“Yeah, I can imagine that. You know, we had some nights in Brazil when we would like gather around, have a drink, you know, relax a bit. But that guy? Never. Always going over papers or checking supplies. I swear he was tense while we were having sex!” Stephanie explained, huffing.
It was a good thing Stephanie was looking at Ethan, because she wouldn’t have missed the hurt that flashed in Ava’s eyes. She could feel the tear forming. He slept with her? Trying to sound as casual as possible, fighting the turmoil inside her, Ava asked her: “You two, uh, slept together?”
“Yeah, and trust me love, I didn’t think it would happen. I just told him one night that if I had the same problem he was dealing with, I would solve it by hooking up with someone and be done with it. He looked at me as if I’d grown a second head, it was hilarious. He did eventually listen to my advice, though, but it didn’t help his problem” Stephanie explained.
Truth to be told, Ava wasn’t really listening to her anymore. All she could think about was his touch, his lips, how he made love to her, and now all that was marred with pictures of him being with someone else. She thought she meant something to him. Her heart ached. Was I truly nothing to you Ethan?
She stood up fast, just as Ethan approached with her coffee. She took it from him, not able to look him in the eye. “Thank you for the coffee Dr Ramsey, Stephanie, it was nice meeting you, but I must really get going,” Ava said, hurrying towards the exit. She couldn’t hold her tears for much longer.
“Wait Ava, I’ll go with you” Ethan said, but she was already through the door.
“Wait, that was Ava? As in, the Ava, the-girl-you-couldn’t-get-out-of-your-head Ava?” Stephanie asked.
“I knew I shouldn’t’ve told you about her. Actually, I distinctly remember we agreed we weren’t going to mention that conversation”
“I’ll take that as a yes. In that case, I think I fucked up”
Ethan looked at her incredulously. “What are you talking about?”
Stephanie looked at him, sheepishly. “Ok, I might’ve told her we hooked up”
“You what?”
“Look, we were talking about how tense you always are, so I mentioned that not even sex relaxed you. If I knew I was talking to Ava, I would’ve kept my mouth shut!”
“Jesus Stephanie, why on Earth would you talk about that?” Ethan looked at her, anger seeping from him. This could not be happening.
“I’m sorry, you know how I blabber non-stop. I thought she was just a co-worker, not the woman you’re in love with!”
“I’m not in lo-, you know, never mind.” he said, slumping on the chair, pinching the bridge of his nose. This should not be fucking happening.
“Now what do you think you’re doing mister, sitting here all miserable? Go after her!”
“And tell her what?”
“Umm, I don’t know, the truth maybe?” Stephanie said exasperated before continuing “Tell her why you slept with me: to try and get her out of your mind before you lost it. Also tell her that it did not work one bit; you still couldn’t not think about her”
“I can’t do that Stephanie. I vowed myself I would keep things professional between us. She has the potential to be one of the best diagnosticians, I won’t let us get in the way of that.”
“Ramsey, don’t take this the wrong way, but that’s bull, and you know it. Who knows, perhaps she might become a better doctor if you give in. Who’s to say you wouldn’t improve as a doctor?”
Ethan looked at Stephanie, who raised her eyebrows to further her point.
“Look Stephanie, I appreciate your well intentions, but I care about Ava too much to jeopardize her future. Thank you for coming, but I need to get back to work.”
“You are a lost cause Ethan. Please think about this.”
“Goodbye Stephanie” was all he said before stepping out of the café.
---
She really couldn’t believe she just cried in a supply room. Over something so stupid. Hell, Ethan’s not her boyfriend. He’s her boss. He doesn’t owe her anything and he has every right to sleep with whomever he wishes. But why does it still hurt to even think about it? She wasn’t even mad at Stephanie. Why would she be? She had to give it to her, she has good taste in men. Ava would probably do the same. Hell, she did do the same. She could still remember how he brought her to the edge over and over, how he kissed all the right spots. She remembered him moaning her name and she swears, her name never sounded better to her. Ava brought her fingers to her lips. When he kissed her she felt as if the Earth was spinning rapidly, yet stood perfectly still at the same time. His kiss consumed her, like she was dying and his kiss was bringing her back to life. She never felt like this.
Her pager brought her out of her reverie. Shaking her head, she set out to the free clinic to pick up her shift. She successfully bumped into three different people on her way to the elevators. Way to go Black. She entered the elevator, glad for the few seconds she had to clear her mind, until she realized the only other person in the elevator was, of course, Ethan Ramsey. Just my luck, thought Ava. She was just going to ignore him, until her pressed the stop button and turned to her. “We need to talk”
Ava put on her best neutral face she could muster and faced him. Mistake. His eyes were too distracting. Fuck. “About Mr Robins? I thought June and Baz figured out he ha-“
“Not about the patient. About what Stephanie told you”
Fuck. She can feel the tears forming. Wow, you’re weak the voice in her head said.
“She didn’t tell me anything. At least, not anything we should be discussing” she said, averting her gaze. He just had to stand in front of the buttons, so there’s no way for her to re-start the elevator. Great.
“Don’t lie to me Rookie. We both know you know Stephanie and I hooked up while we were in Brazil”
“I really don’t see the reason why we should talk about that”
“Oh you want to play like that? I thought we were grown-ups who could have a normal conversation, but it looks like I was wrong, because someone still acts like a child.”
“Oh you’re right, someone is acting like a child, but that someone sure as hell ain’t me”
“Is that so Dr Black?”
“Yes Dr Ramsey, it is. Because a grown-up stands by his principles, unlike a child, who changes his opinion when it suits him. In this case, the child is you,” she was facing him once again, but this time with anger in her eyes, jabbing a finger in his chest. “You were the one who wanted to keep things professional. You were the one that decided it was ‘the best for both us’, which frankly, I considered bullshit, but I respected you and your choice. And now you suddenly want to talk about ‘us’? Last time I checked, thanks to you, there was no ‘us’”
“Ava, you know what I meant. Besides, the way you exited the café, it was apparent you were distraught by the news”
“Of course I was fucking distraught! Which is so stupid, because I know that I shouldn’t’ve been. Like you said, you are my boss, not my boyfriend. You have every right to be with whomever you want, and you sure as hell don’t need to explain yourself to me. So why are you doing this? Why do you want to hurt me further if you say there is nothing between us?”
This time, his eyes flashed with anger.
“Don’t say that. Don’t you dare say we never had anything” he growled.
“But you want me to forget about it, Ethan. You want me to be your peer and nothing else. I’m sorry, but you can’t do that to me then. You can’t toy with my emotions like that”
“Ava, you need to know that I regret sleeping with her. Hell, the only reason why I slept with her because I was trying to forget about y-“
“Ethan please, don’t. Please,” she uttered, not being able to contain the tears. It broke his heart seeing her like that. He hated seeing her in pain, and now he was the one who was causing it. Way to go, Ramsey. She continued through her tears: “I can’t do this. Please, I can’t. Do you know how hard it is to not think about you? About our moments together? Do you know how hard I tried to stop myself from falling in love with you? And I failed, I failed so miserably. So please, I don’t know if I ever meant anything to you, but if I did, just the tiniest bit, please don’t tell me about other women. Respect me. That is all I ask. I will be nothing more than your colleague and keep things professional. All I ask is do not remind me of what we could’ve had. What we could’ve been.”
His heart broke with every word, with every sob. He wanted to punch himself for hurting her. She wasn’t only a brilliant doctor, but she had one of the kindest hearts he has ever seen. Her compassion for others simply intensified her medical capabilities. She dealt with her busy schedule, stressed about the budget cuts, she dealt with p.i.t.a. patients, she dealt with patients dying, yet she could always compose herself. And the thing that broke her was him. Him, and his stupid actions.
He pulled her close, cupping her face, resting his forehead on hers. “Rookie, look at me,” he murmured.
Hazel eyes met blue, and he could see the pain so distinctly, it tugged at his heart.
“Forgive me. You were right. I keep telling you we should keep our distance, yet I break it regularly. I am not going to talk about Stephanie, as you wish. But I need you to know this. You mean. You mean so much to me.”
Her lips were so close. Just the slightest move and he would be kissing her, pouring all his passion and emotions he feels towards her in the kiss.
Instead he placed a kiss on her forehead, one last reminder of what it could’ve been. And then he let her go.
He re-started the elevator, his hand aching to go back to holding her, but he resisted. For her.
She calmed herself down, wiping her tears away. They rode the rest of the elevator in silence, and once it opened, Ava looked at him with such fierceness and love in her eyes as if she was looking at him for the last time, which in a way she was. And just like that, they were once again just colleagues. She nodded in acknowledgement. He nodded back at her and watched her leave towards the free clinic, realizing too late she was taking a piece of his heart with her.
So i hope you dont find this weird or anything, but i was going thru your scorbus fic 'oh, i'm gonna let the future in' and let's just say i want to thank you for a very teary night. One of the reasons that i like albus as a character so much is that even tho CC was a disaster, his insecurities and relationship with his family is so similar to my case. And you portrayed those insecurities and moments of breakdown so well in that fic. I have never felt more represented.
No, I definitely don’t find this weird!! Stuff like this is the reason why I keep posting fics, because it makes my day and it’s always so lovely to hear!! I do find it very very heart-warning and ahhhhh I’m so glad you felt some kind of connection—I hope things turn out lovely for you. Thank youuuu, you magnificent egg!!
22 of fluff with Ramsey x MC? If you're doing that, obvs. Thank you anyway 💖💖
Rating: General
Summary: The three times Ethan wanted to tell her he loved her, and the one time he did. MC name is Jenna Clark.
Word Count: 674 (it’s a ficlet, really)
A/N: Thanks for the prompt anon! I was excited to write this one. Love ya!
The first time he thinks it, he’s in Naveen’s hospital room,waiting for the phage to destroy the bacteria that’s been killing his mentor.Anxiety grips his stomach like a vise, and he’s more tired than he’s ever beenin his life. He doesn’t see, so much as sense Jenna’s presence behind him, andshe wraps her arms around him in a gentle hug. After a moment, Ethan leans intoher, bringing his hand up to touch her arm where it lays around his shoulder.Her hair brushes his neck, and he catches a faint scent of perfume mixed withsomething that’s uniquely her. “You’ll save him. I know you will.”
His fear seems almost paralyzing now, his mind imagining ahundred horrible outcomes as guilt churns within him. “How can you be so sure?I already failed him once.”
He can hear the smile in her voice as she replies. “Becauseyou’re Ethan freaking Ramsey.”
For a moment, his heart slows, and he feels like his oldself again—capable, sure. I love you, he thinks. But he knows she has bigger thingson her mind than him; her hearing is tomorrow, and her career is on the line.So he doesn’t tell her. She moves away, heading for the door, and he has adesperate urge to say something, to show her how much she means to him. Hetells her his middle name, because he’s too afraid to tell her anything else.
The second time, she’s sitting on his desk, leaning close tohim as they discuss a difficult case. The patient’s symptoms are puzzling and she’scoming up with one theory after another, but he finds his attention drawn awayfrom the medicine and towards the way her eyes light up as she talks about herideas. She’s incredibly intelligent— probably smarter than him, and heloves her for it. He loves her for that earnest desire to know the answers, andthe way she always finds them, sooner or later. Just as he’s thinking this, andwondering if he should tell her, she suddenly sits bolt upright. “I got it!” Helistens with a smile on his face as she explains, and he knows that she’sright.
The third time he thinks it, he’s peeking in on a pediatriccase she’s working. The child had entered the hospital scared and silent, but he’ssmiling now, and laughs when Jenna makes a joke. Her hands are gentle as sheexamines him, and her tone is light and reassuring. As Ethan stands in thedoorway, watching, it occurs to him suddenly that she would be a good mother.She glances back over her shoulder at him for a split second, and smiles at himas if she can tell what he’s thinking. I love you. I want a future with you.The words well up inside him, but she’s already turned away, back to thepatient and his mother. Ethan’s pager beeps, and he walks away.
Now they’re lying in bed together, early morning sunlightstreaming in through the windows of his bedroom. He can feel the beat of herheart, its calm rhythm matching his own. Her hand finds his, and sheintertwines their fingers. “What are you thinking about?” she says, a murmuragainst his skin.
A thousand memories of her flash through his mind. Her handin his as they watched Mrs. Martinez leave the hospital. The way she looked thatnight in Miami. Her feet, dangling a few inches above the floor as she sat onhis desk. Her eyes, wide and sad as she held Dolores’s son’s tiny hand. Hersmile when she saw him in the back of the lecture hall during her hearing.
“You,” he says.
She sits up slightly to look at him, her eyes playful. “Whatabout me?”
For once, there isn’t a reason in the world why he can’ttell her. “I love you.”
The smile on her lips and her gentle kiss tell him she knowsexactly how he feels.
Summary: a conversation between Ethan & Naveen following the Book 1 finale. On the administrative changes. Almost.
📍I call my MC Lin Lee
📍 Lin is super clumsy in whatever I write. Like always
* Dr Naveen Banerji’s new office *
“Alright, Ethan, now sit down,” Naveen was hardly trying to hide the smirk spreading across his face as he gestured at the chair opposite his own, “take a deep breath and then explain me once again why can’t you–“
“Naveen, please.” Ethan narrowed his eyes at his old friend and mentor knowing too well that won’t work on the old man. “You’ve heard me the first time.”
“I did hear you,” Naveen grinned back at him. “When you rushed in here but a second ago and blurted out you can’t do it anymore. Didn’t catch any other of your words though.”
Naveen titled his head, and Ethan swore under his breath. He didn’t enjoy Naveen amusing himself at his expense.
Ethan kept his gaze. One second, another – he could see laughter in Naveen’s eyes even more clear now.
Ethan sighed, rubbed the bridge of his nose and, finally, slumped onto the offered chair.
Neither would say a word.
“Now,” Naveen clasped his hands in front of him, “what was it about that you can’t work with Dr Lee? From what I’ve seen of her, she quite brilliant.”
“I know”, Ethan sighed without thinking, a small smile touching the corner of his lips. Then it dawned on him, and Ethan tried to quickly smooth it into his neutral expression. Failing miserably under Naveen’s amused gaze, Ethan coughed into his fist. “I mean–“
“And yet here you are, claiming you can’t work with her, huh?”
Ethan looked away and said nothing.
And after some time, “You do care for her, don’t you, Ethan?” Naveen asked quietly.
“Care for her?” Ethan frowned and mused over it for a moment. It clicked. “Care for her?!” He exclaimed and stood up, then slammed his palms onto the table and leaned over so that he would almost hover over the older man. ”Excuse me, I love her,” he said very distinctly and emphasising every word.
Naveen’s grin melted, and the blank expression caught Ethan off guard. He sat back onto the chair.
Thud! – Something fell down behind the decorative folding screen. Ethan turned to look at it but Naveen cleared his throat attacking his attention.
“Are you feeling alright?” Ethan asked, concerned.
“Sure.” Naveen gestured at the folding screen and big cardboard box in front of it. “Don’t mind that, I haven’t finished unpacking yet. Must be some of the boxes.” He paused and studied Ethan’s face for some time. “So you are not denying it, huh? Well, that’s unexpected… … Then, what’s the problem?”
“For heaven's sake, I’m her boss!”
Naveen blinked.
“And?”
“And?” Ethan grunted and pinched the bridge of his nose. “It’s unethical!”
“Only if imposed,” corrected Naveen quickly and pointed out, “There are no regulations at Edenbrook, and if it’s consensual there even no moral… how do I put it? Limitations?” He watched closely as Ethan’s face turned all shades of possible color. From anger and annoyance to simple realisation and… hope? So Naveen pressed it further. “And from what I’ve seen of both of you I do say it is consensual.”
“How–“ Ethan flinched while Naveen just smiled back.
“Well, Lin came in here with a similar matter to discuss just this morning.” Naveen chuckled at Ethan’s changing expression. It was becoming more and more amusing to tease him. “You might’ve missed her by…” he trailed and slowly reached to take up his tea mug and took a long sip. “A few moments?” Naveen glanced somewhere behind his back. “Suppose you didn’t see her when you rushed in here.”
There was another thud. Hushed cursing, and then the folding screen fell down.
To reveal Dr Lin Lee balancing on one foot, the other stuck in between the boxes, some folders in one hand above her head, the other pulling on her ID badge… stuck on the folding screen.
“Uh.” She pulled an awkward smile. “Hi? Dr Ramsey.”
Naveen smirked.
Ethan sighed and closed his eyes. He was still to decide whether he should be happy he’ll never hear the end of it or not.
“Love you too,” she beamed and mouthed silently, as Naveen, quite obviously, turned to look out through the window.
Authors Note: This is just a little bit of silliness inspired by a conversation with @walkerismychoice about this week’s Open Heart chapter. Bryce and MC are dressed for two very different evenings, and my crazy little brain decided I knew why. Written in literally a minute and a half, while my coffee brewed.
That Black Dress
Kim hesitated. The only outfit she’d brought with her was the sheer black dress for her “date” that night. She knew she shouldn’t risk sullying it with the smoke and sweat of a club, shouldn’t jeopardize a relationship with a wealthy client. Not while $250,000 in student debt hung over her head.
Still, there was something irresistible about the idea of Bryce’s hands clutching at the fabric that would later be discarded on Mr. Donnley’s hotel floor...
