Authors note: Cue the drama. To mirror the previous chapter, if this chapter has been triggering for you please contact support services in your country or state.
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
The first day of the second year had arrived. Casey awoke. She was equal parts excited and anxious. She got dressed and joined the rest of her housemates for breakfast. She enjoyed the company but she was not feeling the best. She outwardly put it down to nerves about starting the fellowship today but inwardly she was doubting that the medication she had taken the day before was not working.
To Edenbrook she went and the first stop was the Atrium for morning announcements. There was a new class of interns. She had to do a double take when she saw Ethan with his beard. She liked the look immensely and her mind started to stray. She was then annoyed at herself, they were to be colleagues only now and thinking about how his beard would feel against certain parts of her body was certainly thoughts she should not be having.
Meanwhile Ethan’s heart skipped a beat when he saw her. She was still as beautiful as ever. He knew right then and there a relationship with her is what he wanted and he hoped she felt the same way.
Casey’s first meeting as part of the Diagnostics team started. She met Baz and June. They had a patient that was incoming from another hospital and they were all going through the possibilities. Casey felt lost and when she asked a question that had the rest of the team raising their eye brows, well she felt stupid. Ethan stated they had already covered that and that there was non family history. Baz and June came to the conclusion that it was Cutaneous Kutchi disease. Tasks were allocated and the meeting dismissed. Casey stayed back.
“Is everything alright Dr Valentine?” Asked Ethan.
“I thought my days of feeling like a clueless intern were over…”
“Did you notice what June and Baz did?”
“Yeah, they asked questions.”
“That is right, a question, no matter how insignificant could lead to the right question that gets us to a diagnosis.”
Casey nodded.
“Do we diagnose without seeing the patient often?”
“Sometimes yes so it is a good skill to have, in this instance we will see the patient but at least we will have a starting point.”
“Thank you Ethan.”
He took his glasses off, and looked at her, he could tell something else seemed to be troubling her but he did not ask, if it was personal, the office was not the place.
“The beard looks good, I like it.” Says Casey. “Thank you for the pep talk.” She says before leaving. She walks down the hall to a stairwell and leans against the wall. She is annoyed at herself, she knew he knew something was up and she was questioning not telling him about the pregnancy and abortion. She then receives a message from Dr Stone that she is available later that day.
Casey goes about her day, she runs the test for the team’s patient, they had the diagnosis but then he states he was looking forward to eating with out being in pain. Which led to a secondary diagnosis of an ulcer which was also fixed. Casey was congratulated for her work and the diagnosis they missed but personal matters were making her worried.
Two hours before her appointment she started to get really bad stomach cramps. There was still no bleeding and what was happening was definitely signs that the medication had not worked. She powered through but thirty minutes before her appointment she had a really sharp pain. It was so sharp that she felt faint and she slid down the wall. Ethan saw her fall and he rushed over. He was concerned. He called for a gurney and he was about to send her down to emergency when Casey muttered, between shots of pain, “Please page Dr Stone.”
Ethan does as she asks and then it dawns on him. Casey was losing a baby. He thinks that the main reason he does not know is that he was in the Amazon and she was waiting for an appropriate time to meet and discuss. He could not be mad at her for that. Dr Stone arrives. Ethan hops out of the way and lets Dr Stone take charge. Casey tells her her symptoms for the last day and tells her that she did take the medication she was prescribed as stated.
Ethan went from sad to angry. He would have supported a decision to terminate, children was not something he had discussed with her and it was certainly something he had not seen for him but the fact that he was left out intentionally. Yes he was on sabbatical but surely he had a right to know. Did he mean so little to her? Now was not the time though. Dr Stone was looking at an ultrasound screen. There was a fetus still there, but no heartbeat. Dr Stone pages surgery. Dr Stone tells Casey what is happening. She is about to have a D&C. Ethan is angry but he knows that Casey will need rest and to be discharged into the care of someone else and he knew that with her housemates schedules that may be difficult. He tells Dr Stone to page him when she is ready for discharge. She nods and thanks Dr Ramsey for stepping in. He makes his way to the DT office. He sits down seething. He starts second guessing what he meant to Casey. Was she secretly deep down happy that the arrangement was ending, despite her being the one wanting to keep it going until he left. He tried to convince himself that she did not tell him because he was away but he was hurt, hurt that the woman whom he had feelings for did not see fit for him to know. The only thing stopping from the thought of that he knew he was the only one she had been with before he went away.
Several hours later he received a page stating that Casey was ready for discharge. He had already given her some time off for the next day. He made his way to where Casey was. She was shocked to see Ethan. He is given the post surgical speech. He tells Dr Stone and Casey that she is off the next day at least. Casey nods and Dr Stone is appreciative. He wheels Casey to his car. Casey expects to be driven to her house but is surprised when he drives to his house.
They are quiet on the drive. Casey is awaiting a lecture, surely he would have figured out what was happening but it did not come and it terrified her. They arrived back at his apartment.
Ethan asked her if she wanted a drink or something to eat. Casey asks for some water. She takes a sip.
“What do you want to know Ethan?” She asks.
What do I want…” he lets out a groan of frustration.
“I do not know Casey? Were you ever going to tell me? Why did you not tell me?”
“What so you were fine finding out via text or voice mail that you got me pregnant? Well guess what, I was not ok with that.”
“What so not telling me at all was so much better? Don’t you think I deserved to know?”
“What and you decide you want to stick around, try to make us work with a baby?”
“If after discussing it and termination was the best option then that would have happened.”
“I did want to tell you but I wanted t do it face to face ok, but given I would have been roughly 8, nearly 9 weeks along now, if it took time to reach a decision and with my schedule, well surgery would have been very quickly my only option.”
“But we could have worked it out together,” says Ethan, trying to not cry.
“Did I not mean anything to you?”
Casey is shocked.
“Of course you do. The time away was hell. There was a rabid faction who thought you influenced Naveen. I was trying to get over my feelings for you and then I find out I am pregnant to you.”
“Casey, it was not easy for me either…”
“Yeah well life likes to deal a crappy hand. Good night Ethan” says Casey as she walks to the guest room.
Ethan lets his emotions out and cries. He does not go to sleep. He stays sitting in the kitchen stewing in his emotions.
He meant something to her. He was not moving pass that comment any time soon. If he meant something to her then why was he kept in the dark about something so important? Casey then emerges.
“Did you sleep?” She asked
“No, I couldn’t.” Said Ethan, “the fact you did not tell me you were pregnant is still eating at me.”
“Why is it bothering you, it is not like you were wanting kids in the first place.” Stated Casey.
“I may have never seen myself as a parent. As I said if we came to the conclusion I would have been fine about that but what is hurting is you did not tell me.”
“I did not want you sticking around out of obligation Ethan, it would be no way to start a relationship and again you deserved to hear it in person, not via a voicemail or text.”
“I get that but I feel so angry…angry and betrayed.”
“It was not my intent to hurt you, believe me…”
“Believe you! Seriously Casey. I am hurt and I am angry, intended or not you have hurt me.”
“Thank you for letting me stay. Thank you for today off. I am going to go back home now. I would hate to think that I am an obligation.”
“You are not an obligation…”
“Then if I hurt you so fucking badly, why am I here? Huh?”
“You fainted at the hospital Casey, clearly something was amiss.”
“Well I can take care of myself.” She states angrily as she heads back to the guest room and gathers her things and leaves the apartment.
Ethan stands there shocked and angry. Anger at the situation and shocked that Casey only sees herself as an obligation. He lets out a guttural scream and cries again. He could not deny how hurt he felt. He had seen first hand how painful the end of something can be and he can not help but wonder if things were now irreparable between him and Casey.
“Why did I get feelings?” he mutters to himself as he continues to get ready for the day. At least he knew he would not be seeing Casey today and he was equal parts relieved and saddened.
Meanwhile Casey was sad, angry and confused. Confused at why Ethan felt so betrayed by her actions. She knows maybe she should have told him, hindsight is always 20/20 but the hurt he felt really caught her off guard. But she also hated that she now felt like he was obligated to look after her and that was the last thing she wanted.
“Well you have your wish Ethan Ramsey” she muttered to herself. After this they were definitely only going to be colleagues, just the way he said they wanted them to be and already Casey was hating it.
———
Authors note: another short but not so sweet, I really wanted to give Ethan’s reaction a chapter to itself. I had a different plan initially but decided this would be more dramatic.
The decision has had an impact already and it does come back in different forms later on. Thus a 16 part series.
For those who read this far thank you and I look forward to providing you more content in 2024.
Book: Open Heart (Beyond)
Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Genevieve McClure)
Format: Text/Edits
Rating: T
Category: fluff
Trope(s): and one of them uses social media
Series Summary: A look into the final eight months of Ethan and Gen’s first year of marriage.
Warnings: none
A/N: You read the dates correctly! It’s the entire month this time! Mostly because it’s a pretty chill month. Enjoy
Series Masterlist
Sunday, January 1st
Monday, January 2nd
{texts between Ethan and Alan}
Tuesday, January 3rd
Wednesday, January 4th (Ethan’s 41st Birthday)
{Texts from Louise to Ethan}
{Pictagram DM’s between Desiree and Ethan}
Friday, January 6th
{texts between Tobias and Ethan}
Saturday, January 7th
Tuesday, January 10th
{Texts between Gen and Bryce}
Friday, January 13th
Saturday, January 14th
Sunday, January 15th
Monday, January 16th
Saturday, January 21st
Wednesday, January 25th
Monday, January 30th
A/N: *cue dramatic music*
K, bye. See you next week (or in two weeks, haven’t decided) with the update!
Description : Ethan receives some news on Father's day.
A/N : In this fic, Ethan and Olivia are married. No beta, so all mistakes are mine. Unedited (and written at 2am) and might review in the future for changes (honestly it needs lots of work but I wanted to share this). English isn't my first language so please don't mind the mistakes.
Enjoy!!!
Masterlist
-/-
*3 years ago*
Olivia was anxiously pacing in the big bathroom in her home, waiting for the sound of the timer she had set. In 2 minutes she would know whether her and her husband's lives would be changed forever. At the tell-tale ring coming from her phone, she rushed to check the results.
"Oh my God." That was her very first thought when she saw the word 'pregnant' on the white little stick. Tears of happiness welled up in her eyes, her hand unconsciously pressing against her flat, at least for now, belly, smiling softly.
She and Ethan had decided since the second month into their marriage that they were ready to have a child. They knew each other well, having been through high and low in their years together, and they were sure about this. Olivia has always wanted to have a family of her own and Ethan, after meeting and being with Olivia, could see himself as a father. He wanted this with her. A little child running around their home, a perfect combination of the two of them. Now three months later, the baby they have been waiting for is a reality.
Stepping out of the bathroom, Olivia hid the test in the back of her closet, wanting to visit her gynecologist before she told Ethan.
****
Four days later she came out of her doctor's office, wearing a huge smile on her face, the first photos of the baby safely put in her bag.
After a short trip to the mall downtown, she went home, knowing Ethan wouldn't be there yet since his shift wasn't over. She bought a mug with a huge green #1 dad printed on it, a pair of white tiny boots and a onesie saying "Hello daddy".
Staring at them, she couldn't help but think what an amazing dad Ethan would be. She could see him talking to a baby boy or a little girl while rocking them to sleep, chasing them around the backyard of their home, making crafts and art with them, being the sometimes stern but loving and caring father they would need. If one thing was certain, it is that their child will be showered with love. Lots and lots of it.
Shaking her head lightly, she put the photos in the bottom of a box, then the mug, boots and the onesie. She wrapped the box in yellow tissue paper and put a white ribbon on it.
This year's Father's day would be a special occasion for both of them.
****
* Father's day morning *
That morning Ethan woke up to the smell of coffee and pancakes coming from the kitchen. It was a rare occasion that Olivia would wake up before him given that she was definitely not a morning person, but when she did, he always found her either silently looking at his sleeping form or making breakfast. Getting up and after freshening up in the bathroom he made his way to her.
Olivia always looked beautiful to him but in the mornings there was a way her skin always glowed, her eyes sparkling a little more than usual, her smile the perfect start to his day. Now standing silently behind her, leaning against the wall, he was marveling at the way the sun coming from the window, made her hair in her messy bun seem brighter, how her voice humming along the slow jazz song coming from the radio sounded positively heavenly and how utterly adorable she looked in her pink, cotton pajamas and fuzzy slippers.
Slowly coming behind her, Ethan wrapped his arms around her waist, kissing her neck, making her giggle in response.
"Good morning, love ", he told her, turning her towards himself.
"Good morning, handsome. Breakfast is ready. Pancakes, bacon, toast, eggs and coffee", Olivia replied, taking his hand and leading him to sit down.
She finished eating first and quickly sprinted to their room to get the box she had prepared for him.
"This is for you, Ethan.", she said, giving it to him.
Ethan sat there confused, wondering what it could be for. Glancing at Olivia nodding at him to open it, he took off the ribbon and paper and opened the box. He gingerly took the little boots and the mug out, running his hands over the tiny onesie.
"Liv?"
"Take out the last item babe", she urged him, tears appearing in her eyes.
There in the bottom of the box he found two small pictures. It all clicked in his mind then.
"Happy father's day, my love. You are going to be a father."
" You -- we are going to be… parents?", he asked breathlessly, his eyes widening at the thought dawning on him. In one swift move he picked Olivia up and spinned her around the room, kissing her lips lovingly, both of them laughing and tears coming down their faces.
"I'm going to be a dad!", he exclaimed to no one in particular, carefully putting Olivia down, his heart filled with so much joy he felt like he could burst.
"I love you Liv. And you too little one. Always.", he whispered his arms still around her, one of his hands pressing softly to her belly.
"We love you too, Ethan", she replied, reaching again on her tiptoes to pull him into another kiss.
****
* Present day *
Ethan woke up to the feeling of his wife's lips on his cheeks. Stretching his arms out he pulled her to his chest, relaxing against the fluffy pillows on their bed.
"Good morning", Olivia said looking up at him.
"Good morning, beautiful. Did you sleep well?"
"As well as can be expected at 7 months pregnant. Your daughter is having the time of her life in my womb"
Ethan placed his hands on her shoulders rubbing them soothingly.
"Hello darling, it's daddy here. Please relax a bit, your mother needs her sleep too, sweetie. Do we have any special requests today?", he whispered in Olivia's ear.
"No mister, today is all about you. Happy Father's day, Ethan.", she carefully rose up from his embrace leaning against the headboard and pulled him into a sweet kiss.
They broke apart at the sound of tiny feet running across the hallway. Their 2 year old daughter Victoria Dolores or Vicky as they liked to call her, opened the door to their room and immediately ran to her father's arms.
"Daddy! Happy Father's day!", said little Vicky, her face buried in her father's neck.
"Thank you sweetie. I love you so much.", Ethan responded, kissing her forehead.
"Love you too, Daddy!" , Victoria told him hugging him tighter.
Olivia's heart swelled at the sight. Victoria was every inch a daddy's girl and she had Ethan wrapped around her little finger too. She was smart for her age and full of energy. There never was a day that she didn't smile, her big blue eyes, identical to Ethan's. Her hair, though, was the same color as her mother's. She was excited to become a big sister, already figuring out what games she wanted to play with her little sister when she would come.
"Daddy can we go to park?", her cheerful voice broke Olivia out of her thoughts.
"Of course, princess, after we have some breakfast. We can get some ice cream too, if you want."
"Yayyyyyy! Mommy you coming?" Vicky's big blue pleading eyes turned to Olivia.
"Sure thing sweetie. But mommy can't run so I'll just have to watch you, okay?"
"Okay! Daddy, you play with me pleasee?"
" I will, I promise. Now let's go have some breakfast so we can start our day in the park!" Ethan said, chuckling, picking Victoria in his arms and spinning her around a little, making her giggle happily.
With that, the happy family went to their kitchen, ready to start their day and make many new memories together.
-/-
If you made it this far, thank you for reading! Every comment, reblog and like is deeply appreciated and keeps me going! 💜
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I honestly don't know how consistent i will be (😬 i kno i am the worst when it comes to series) buuuut I'll try to update it every week. Key word being try
Anyway, I present to you a shiny new au
Ethan x (f!mc) Alishka Roy | General / fluff
Set past book three
Heads up: my mc did not take the position of being the head of diagnostics team so its a temporary deal
I'll sing you home
Prologue
Deep thunder rumbled through the darkened sky, but she barely noticed it over the noise of her own thoughts.
She pulled her covers tighter around her, thinking about the hypothetical, the experimental, and the real things all at once. While the excitement of the day had lingered long enough to feel tiresome towards the night, it still didn’t seem enough to put her to sleep. She felt like too much had happened all at once. And her thoughts weren’t helping either. And while other, better thoughts were quite welcome, one singular sent her mind racing. The responsibility felt overwhelming. And though she had taken up the position of being the head of the diagnostics team only temporarily, it still made her weirdly nervous.
That had been a mutual agreement. Harper had decided to go back to surgery completely, and the team was down to two members only. Tobias had agreed to take full charge of the team once they had all four members, but until then, she had to fill his shoes.
And almost three hours ago, when she sat at Donahue’s with her friends, it still seemed okay.
But now...
Well, now she didn’t know what she was thinking.
And she couldn’t even sleep.
She tossed and turned, closing her eyes, keeping them shut, but to no avail. It just wasn’t happening, and she knew better than to keep lying around in bed, hoping that sleep would come. Sitting up, she reached for her phone, hesitating only for a moment before texting Ethan. She felt foolish; it was not like he was going to reply in the middle of the night, and yet, she hit the send button.
Alishka: I can’t really sleep.
There is just so much to think about…
She stared at the screen for a while, before tossing her phone aside. Just when she was about to get out of the bed, it buzzed.
Ethan: I can’t either.
Whatever you are thinking about, there is not much we can do about it.
If we could, we would not be standing here.
Alishka: Yet…
Ethan: Alright; from your tone, it’s evident you require a distraction.
Alishka: Humour me.
Ethan: There is a great place, not far from here that could offer a distraction
We could go there.
Alishka: Now? It’s the middle of the night!
Ethan: So? It’s not like any of us are sleeping anyway.
Alishka: Okay.
Ethan: Give me ten minutes; I’ll come pick you up.
She rubbed her eyes, sighing before pulling her hair back in a messy ponytail. Putting on a bomber, she padded outside in the darkness softly, trying not to bump into any furniture. She had to admit she needed a distraction; she definitely had to stop thinking about the team, about Ethan being chief ... about everything. Just over a year ago, she had thought she didn’t have a job to worry about. And now here she was, contemplating the past, present and future like an 80-year-old would do.
Guess time really did change everything.
By the time she made it outside, Ethan was sitting on the front porch, leaning back against the railing. The porch light spilled on his handsome face, liquid and warm. On seeing him the weight lifted off her chest, if only temporarily.
‘I thought you changed your mind,’ he said.
She sat down beside him, the step cold through her layers. ‘I am only three minutes late.’
‘Doesn’t matter. How long have you been awake?’
‘A while now. It was not like I could just sleep, with all that happened today.’
He turned to glance at her as she blankly stared at the empty street. Reaching for her hand, he laced his fingers tightly with hers.
‘I know. But now that you are here, let’s go.’
‘Where?’
‘You’ll see,’ he said, standing up and pulling her to her feet.
‘I was fine in my bed, you know. You didn’t have to come all this way.’
‘Don’t lie. And not being able to sleep over-qualifies. Besides, it took me only ten minutes.’
‘Ethan…’
‘Just come with me. We can talk, and I’ll make sure you feel better after this little trip of ours.’
‘Alright fine.’
He drove toward the fire-station, and when they were getting close, he turned right, then, two blocks later, made a left. Alishka barely ever came to this part of the city, which was why she had no idea what was going on until he pulled to a stop next to a gate that was bordered by wooded lots on either side. Before them stood the water tower, and when Ethan got out of the car, she followed him.
‘You are not serious,’ Alishka said as she hurried around the sedan to catch up.
‘I am.’
‘It’s illegal to climb the water tower.’
‘It’s always been. That never stopped me before.’
‘What?’ she asked, surprise etched onto her beautiful face. It drew a soft chuckle from him.
‘A few times, actually. I come out here when I need to get away from the hustle and bustle of the hospital, nosy interns, when I need air, when I need to think. I come out here quite often.’
He ducked back in the car for a moment before joining her outside, a half-empty bottle of Scotch in his hands. When he caught her staring, he threw her an amused glance.
‘Alright come on Rookie. Get climbing.’
She glanced at the water tower, looming impossibly high, before starting toward the steel maintenance ladder – the only way up.
After what seemed like twenty-five thousand steps with metal rungs that were cold enough to stiffen up their hands, they stood at the top, wheezing. For a moment, both of them said nothing, looking out over the neighborhood – rooftops, scattered white lights and black pockets of trees. It was too cold for the nighttime sounds of frogs and crickets; instead, she caught the faintest murmur of wind-chimes and sound of breeze as it rustled the branches of trees, bringing with it the scents of rosemary and jasmine. She inched closer to the edge of the water tower, taking a seat there, letting her feet dangle over the narrow walkway, and Ethan quickly moved to her side, watching their breaths come out in small puffs. He put an arm around her, setting the bottle beside him.
‘You must be feeling the cold,’ he said.
‘Speak for yourself,’ she retorted. ‘I am not the one who brought that fancy Scotch bottle.’
‘Fine. Then slide your butt closer to me so I can get warm too.’
She giggled before moving closer.
‘I see why you like it here,’ she said, smiling up at him. ‘It’s beautiful.’
‘Yeah it is.’ And so are you.
Wisps of her hair were falling down on her face. He resisted the urge to tuck a piece behind her ear.
She sighed and leaned into him. She said nothing more, and he decided not to speak either, waiting her out. After a several moments of silence, he said, ‘What were you thinking about?’
‘Edenbrook. Tomorrow. Everything. It all just feels so fast…’
‘I know, but I also know you are gonna do great.’
‘My position is temporary Ethan,’ she said with a small smile. ‘The deal is only till we find people to fill the empty positions. And then it’ll go back to normal. But as for you…’
‘I know,’ he said again.
He knew. The responsibility was great. But he felt ready.
‘I know you are gonna do great, but it won’t be the same without you. I’ll miss you too much you know.’
‘Change is the nature of time, Alishka. You’ve seen too much to know that’s true for a while now.’
He sighed, nodding. He knew what it felt like – just last year he had spent a lot of nights agonizing about it – to think his second home, Edenbrook, to be owned by Leland. But there wasn’t a choice here. It was all out of control. Ethan hated the political drama in the hospital, and this, no matter how he considered it, was an addition to that drama. He despised it, and he wanted to stop thinking about it. And now, an even greater change awaited him.
But like she had said, this was different. Being the chief meant a lot of things. Good things could be made possible. That is what he wanted to do.
He sighed and reached for the Scotch. They passed the bottle back and forth, just sipping in silence for a few moments.
‘I don’t care what happens. I don’t care what this next chapter brings. Whatever it does, promise me we’ll get through it together,’ she whispered into the night.
At that moment, he couldn’t help himself, even though she sounded disappointed in him. He pulled her in and kissed her, pressing his lips softly to hers. He could feel her tense at first, but she melted into him as he melted into her in the cool silver moonlight. She was still here, and she was not leaving, and they were going to be okay.
‘Together. I promise.’
Thank you all for sticking around and reading
Chapter 1 - Development
Okay i was totally lying when i said this is a shiny new au. I wrote it last year before i joined here but did not release it. It is now undergoing major edits 😂🙈
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the
Organization for Transformative Works
ᴛᴀɢ ʟɪꜱᴛ: @lilyofchoices @usuallyamazinglyaverage @perriewinklenerdie @furiouscloddonutpeanut @amillionmoonsred @hopelessromantic1352 @msjpuddleduck @anxious-arliah @annekebbphotography @yesimacerealkiller @playchoicesficidea @desiree-0816 (special dedication to @lilyofchoices and @perriewinklenerdie if you wish to be tagged let me know or taken off)
ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: ᴍ 18+
ᴘᴀɪʀɪɴɢ : ᴇᴛʜᴀɴ ʀᴀᴍꜱᴇʏ x ᴍᴄ (ʙɪᴀɴᴄᴀ ʜᴇᴍɢʀᴏᴠᴇ)
ᴀ/ɴ: this a horror AU / dark!mc AU and does not reflect anything in canon
Summary: the fallout continues from the death of Mrs Martinez. Casey makes a decision that will put her in the fight of her career. There is also fallout from the confrontation with Landry and inspiration from an unexpected source leads to a cure for Naveen.
Disclaimer: Characters belong to Pixelberry.
Authors note: well a lot happened last chapter and it sets up a bit for coming chapters.
👩⚕️👩⚕️👩⚕️👩⚕️👩⚕️👩⚕️👩⚕️👩⚕️
Casey and the gang had been in emergency when it was busy before but this had not prepared them for what they were greeted with. There had been a train derailment on the underground T network. Triage had not been done on site as they were getting people out as they were able. Zaid went through the triage tags and away they went. The first patient that Casey came across she had to assign a black tag and that was upsetting. She kept on, trying to be quick but when she was speaking to the patients, finding out more to reach the diagnosis accurately was a hard habit to drop. Casey had never seen the emergency department that hectic, even Dr Harper Emery was down there assisting. A doctor suggested calling Dr Ramsey but Harper said he was out of state. It was a large-scale emergency, not just in numbers but with how long it was taking to get passengers out. Then news came through of a collapse in the tunnel. Just then an ambulance arrives. A little girl with some scratches arrived and was asking about the paramedic that saved her. Casey found out that the girl was the daughter of a man whom she had not long seen too. Then she was startled. The ambulance doors swung open and in on a gurney came Raf. He was badly injured and required surgery. Casey was seconded to assist with the surgery with Harper and Bryce. Raf thankfully pulled through but at the end Casey was alone with Harper. She stated that she knew she was involved. Casey stayed quiet. Not wanting to do or say anything stupid on fatigue’s doorstep. She is dismissed and makes her way to the locker room. She is met there by Sienna and Jackie and they go to a local diner for some much needed sustenance and caffeine.
“Ok so big elephant in the room, Dr Ramsey…”
“Dr Ramsey has been secretly treating Dr Banerji since before Dr Banerji quit. I stumbled upon this fact and since then we had been treating him in secret. The day Dr Ramsey quit is when he had to tell Naveen that he only had a month at most to live…”
“What Jackie is meaning is the other allegation…” said Sienna
“Yeah I had heard rumours but the people who said them were quite lowly ranked…” said Elijah as he wheeled up to the table.”
“After Miami they were actually stating fact. Ethan was keeping my work with Naveen out of the rankings. Nor did our extra curriculars affect the ratings either.” Said Casey adamantly.
The gang sat quietly to process what they had heard.
“Given the steady rise that does track, but what will happen if you win?”
“Can we not take for granted I will win.” Says Casey. “There is the Mrs M investigation cloud hanging over me. With Ethan having quit, who knows what is happening with the competition.”
“Yeah but with Ethan gone and if you maintain top position then there would be no room for accusations.” Said Jackie, “And besides keep your head down and bum up, they will find it difficult to pin this on you.”
“Yeah and what if the family organise a full autopsy? What then Jackie? Huh? The tip that the family received detailed a lot and that son of a bitch knew what was going down and when.” Said Casey, trying to hold back the tears.
“I just wanted to help her.”
“You did,” reassured Sienna, “You saw how happy she was to finally leave the hospital and do all the things she wished to do.”
In that moment Casey knew what she had to do.
“I am going to request an Ethics hearing. You all know I went through proper channels, yes I did what I had to do but it was for the right reasons at the end of the day.”
Her friends were shocked but they, like Casey, knew that an investigation led to very little scope to defend her actions. Casey knew she was in for a fight of her career but a wise mentor had always told her to never give up and that is what she was going to do, Never give up.
The next day came. She was nervous. She had never expected to be up for an ethics committee this early in her career but she knew she did what she did for the right reasons. She made her way to the executive floor to Harper Emery’s office. She asked her assistant if she was in. Casey then waited to be seen. She was then seen. Harper was surprised to see her and was even more surprised.
“It was me that gave Teresa the medication. She was aware of the risks but she still wished to have the treatment. I am aware that what I did was wrong but I would like to request an Ethics hearing to defend my actions.”
Harper thought on Casey’s words for a moment.
“Yes, many of us knew how much she resented being stuck in the hospital. But yes, what you did was wrong.”
“Which is why I am requesting an Ethics hearing.”
“I will grant you the request, it will not be easy though.”
“I know,” says Casey.
“You will continue to work until your preliminary hearing. I will notify you when that will be.”
“Thank you, Chief Emery.” Says Casey as she leaves.
She makes her way down to the main hospital and continues with her work.
A few hours later, Harper receives a call from Ethan, wanting to sort out exit paperwork. Harper stated she would do so but things were busy, stating that there was a rather large emergency and that Dr Valentine had requested an Ethics hearing.
“I can testify for Case… I mean Dr Valentine.” Stated Ethan.
“Absolutely not Ethan.” Said Harper. “Firstly you do not work here anymore. Secondly, I heard some of the rumours, I do not know for sure if they are true but I have seen you two interact and it certainly was not your usual interactions with staff, let alone interns. It is clear that you favoured her in some way. I can not let you do it.”
Ethan groans and pinches the bridge of his nose.
“Fine Harper, I just hope she can get a fair trial.” He hangs up and lets out a frustrated scream. Alan walks out with a cup of coffee.
“Is everything alright Ethan?” He asks.
“No, it’s not. Casey has requested an ethics hearing and I know she will be hard pushed for a fair trial.” Said Ethan, frustrated.
“Furthermore, I am not allowed to testify for her!”
“Why not?” Asks Alan, confused. “You worked with her, you know how capable she is…”
“I was accused of favouring her and deep down I know Harper is right.” Said Ethan.
“I know you kept your relationship…”
“It was not a relationship dad, it was two consenting adults who chose to partake in activities.”
Alan took Ethan at his word but he knew his son was lying to himself. He had not seen Ethan this enamored with anyone in a long time. They sat and they had their coffee. Alan knew that there was a lot on his son's plate and he was saddened to hear about Naveen. He had met Naveen several times over the years and they had become quite good friends. He also knew that his son would have thrown everything into trying to cure him. He knew that losing Naveen would be a shock and he was not looking forward to that. He left Ethan alone to think.
Ethan knew he could not testify and it frustrated him. He knew Naveen’s spot on the committee had not being filled but he knew that some of the members were close to Declan Nash. He was again rueing letting Panacea into the hospital. Then he had a thought. He had the details for Louis, as well as the photo of Teresa standing out the front of Sacre Du Couer. He decided to email him. He also contacted Alma. He knew she was appreciative for what Casey tried to do for Delores and he knew she would testify for her. He did not know which other staff members would testify for her but he hoped what he could do in the background will give her a chance.
Casey had hear preliminary hearing. It was short, basically telling her that she was suspended. Declan was in the room. Looking smug. How she wanted to give him a piece of her mind but she refrained. She knew she had a fight on her hands. She was already buoyed that Alana Hudson had been touch already and mentioned she had been made aware of proceedings and would happily testify for her. She had already contacted Annie, her first patient as well as Shonda. She went home and went to start research for her trial.
Next day came and Casey needed a break. However she was struggling with what to do. It had been so long since she had so much free time. Then the door to her apartment opened with the gang including Bryce and Raf. They had brought food and drinks. She was surprised and Sienna said we are here to help and support you. After a few minutes there was a knock at the door. It was Zaid and Ines popping in to see how Casey was. They asked about who she had to testify for her. They then told her that a few doctors have a regular tee time at the country club and they should go and impress them. They go and get dressed for the part and make their way. They found their targets easy enough. Dr Calais, Dr Yannick and Dr Lazoya. They caught up with them and discussed their work and then Casey admitted that she was the one who administered the medication to Mrs Martinez. They were shocked and of course wanted to know why. Casey had the information that her and Bryce had found and she forwarded it to Dr Yannick. He was impressed with how thorough she had been. She also stated that Teresa was aware of the chances of it working or failing and that she still chose to try the treatment. Dr Lazoya stated that the hospital was at war over this situation. There was people who wanted Casey made an example of and then there were others of she did the wrong thing but it was for the right reasons. The trio agreed to testify for Casey at the hearing. They finish the round and head back home. Casey was asked by Sienna if she should ask Dr Ramsey to testify, given how fractious the hospital was over it. Casey said she would ask but she had not heard from Ethan for a few days. She was pleasantly surprised to receive a message from him when she reached out. She went to his house, somewhat apprehensive. Ethan greeted her at the door, looking disheveled. He asked if she had joined a cult. Casey said no, a country club to which Ethan said same thing. He offered her a scotch which she took. Casey came right out and asked if he would testify for her.
“I would if I could. I asked Harper and she forbade it stating I was biased and she was right. I am too biased.”
He so badly wanted to tell her that he was responsible for Alma testifying and how he had reached out to Luis Martinez but he was not sure if the plans would work. Casey however was frustrated.
“So what, are you giving up? Is what you told me about never giving up bullshit?”
“No it is not, it has been so fucking hard not being able to save another person that I give. Damn about.”
Then he kisses her hard and hungrily. He lifts Casey and she wraps her legs around his waist and he walks to his bedroom. Only breaking the kiss to remove Casey’s dress. He walks her over to the window and puts her against the glass. The coolness makes her shudder. He kisses down the column of her neck and lays waste to her bra. He whispers huskily in her ear
“The view is so much better when you are here.”
He kisses his way down to her core. He worships her at the altar of her sex and she succumbs to her climax screaming. They make their way to his bed, and he enters her and they have an emotionally intense session. They reach another high together. After awhile they lie intertwined in his sheets.
“What happens if I lose the ethics trial?”
“I do not know, we will figure it out, there is the question of if you can still practice.”
“That is true, what about you?”
“I have put in an expression of interest to work as part of a team with WHO. There is that pandemic down in Brazil.”
“That would be challenging.” Says Casey.
“It would but it is the mission and how Naveen found the team. Giving those who had nowhere to go access to medical care.”
Casey nods. So if you get selected you will go, so should we wait until you come back and decide then?”
“Well if we are not working together it does take that out of the equation.”
“True, we can not stay in an arrangement forever..”
“No but if you do make it through the hearing I will stay and find work in Boston.”
“Really?”
“Really, as I said before, there is not that major impediment of you working under me. What we get upto will not have any impediment on your career..”
He kisses her, sweetly and full of promise of what is to hopefully come. They go another two rounds before falling asleep.
Casey awakens first the next morning. She lets Ethan sleep and makes her way out of the apartment and back to her own. She stops off and grabs a coffee and makes her way to her apartment, only to receive a shock of seeing Landry there. He was also surprised to see her. I thought no one would be here.
“Yeah well, in case you were not aware I am suspended pending an ethics committee hearing.”
Landry deflates.
“Can’t you accept that you did the wrong thing?”
What is wrong about alerting a patient to an alternative treatment that had a chance of working? She knew the risks and chances of it working or not and chose to take her chances.”
“You needlessly took a mother from her family.”
“She resented what her existence had become. Are you telling me that you only want your patients to merely exist and not live fully?”
Landry looked affronted. Casey makes her way to the bedroom to get changed. She comes out and gets to building her case. She is interrupted by Landry unable to get his books into a box. She decided to help him. She packs the books in such a way that the weight is distributed evenly. Landry marvels at how he had packed them differently and still fit. Then Casey has a lightbulb moment.
“I think I know what is wrong with Dr Banerji.”
She messages the gang to meet her at the library. Landry looks confused.
“Dr Banerji has had an illness but what if it is two illnesses fighting and using his body as a battlefield.
The gang finally meet her at the library and are shocked and annoyed that Landry was there.
“It was his packing that gave me the thought.”
Everyone knuckles down and they realise that there must be a phage fighting an infection but they needed to find out what.
Landry stated that no one would suspect him and he went to get a testing kit as well as Naveen’s address. The gang was not happy with the turn of events, especially since he could just blab what has been happening but Casey said sadly he is our only choice.
He came back with the equipment and the address and they headed out. Casey hoping against hope that there was still a Naveen Banerji to save.
—-
Authors note: Not at all sorry for ending it there. Chapter 3 was a marathon and if I added the whole saving of Naveen it would have been another one and well I did not want to do that to you.
I will take a mini break, I have a Christmas fic that I want to get done before Christmas and then I will come back to this AU. It is also summer here in Australia which means summer holidays so I do lose some writing time so please be patient.
Book: Open Heart (Beyond)
Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Genevieve McClure)
Format: Text/Edits
Rating: T
Category: angst, fluff
Trope(s): and one of them uses social media
Series Summary: A look into the final eight months of Ethan and Gen’s first year of marriage.
Warnings: none
A/N: just a quick and fluffy update! Happy New Year babies!
december part 1 ~ december part 2a ~ december part 2b ~ Series Masterlist
Monday, December 26th
Tuesday, December 27th
Wednesday, December 28th
Thursday, December 29th
Friday, December 30th
Saturday, December 31st
Sunday, January 1st
A/N: Hope you enjoyed that little update! Any guesses as to what the gang will get up to in the new year??
Hope you all have a safe and happy New Years. Love you guys
Book: Open Heart (Beyond)
Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Genevieve McClure)
Format: Text/Edits
Rating: T
Category: angst, fluff
Trope(s): and one of them uses social media
Series Summary: A look into the final eight months of Ethan and Gen’s first year of marriage.
Warnings: none
A/N: and we’re back! Enjoy the rest of part 2, peanuts!
december part 1 ~ Series Masterlist
Wednesday, December 21st
Thursday, December 22nd
Friday, December 23rd
{Texts between Ethan, Tobias, and Naveen}
{Email from Leland to Ethan}
Saturday, December 24th
{Texts between Ethan, Naveen, and Tobias}
Sunday, December 25th
A/N: and just like that Ethan is home and everything is good again.
