#Declan Nash

[choicesoutofcontext]

open heart | book 1, ch 17

[headoverheelsforramsey]

Just got polls! 🥳

[macapacaalpaca]

I wish the gang took Ethan to Vegas for the heist

He probably would’ve punched Declan again when he caught them with the sound file 😂

[buckaroo627]

911onabc Instagram Story: happy birthday ryan

And 911 characters from getfandom

[gutsfics]

im kinda considering making some of what happens in this not-choices visual novel be canon in Baxter's story? like maybe Baxter's ex from college shows up in Boston, and he's part of the fire department and he wants to get back w Babs but they want nothing to do with him & then a building catches fire or something

itd happen maybe after the start of book 2 but before the baseball game so that way the only connection Rafael has to the relationship drama is that he and Babs are Also Exes, but theyre trying to be more amicable about it even though theyve still got feelings for each other

but Baxter would be lowkey kinda hooking up w a different paramedic to try and ignore their feelings for Rafael. and then their college ex shows up

[911bts]

6x13 "New Sensation" Synopsis

The 118 race to the rescues with emergencies at a spin class; in a hair salon and to a husband and wife in a compromising position; Buck discovers new cognitive abilities post lightning strike; Hen and Karen are concerned when they find out Denny has been seeing his biological father behind their backs; Maddie and Chimney enlist Athena and Bobby’s help with a suspicious neighbor in the all-new “New Sensation” episode of 9-1-1 airing Monday, April 10 (8:00-9:01 PM ET/PT) on FOX. (NIN-613) (TV-14 D, L, V)

Cast: Angela Bassett as Athena Grant; Peter Krause as Bobby Nash; Jennifer Love Hewitt as Maddie Buckley; Oliver Stark as Evan “Buck” Buckley; Kenneth Choi as Howie “Chimney” Han; Aisha Hinds as Henrietta “Hen” Wilson; Ryan Guzman as Eddie Diaz; Corinne Massiah as May Grant; Gavin McHugh as Christopher Diaz

Guest Cast: Tracie Thoms as Karen Wilson; Marsha Warfield as Toni Wilson;  Troy Winbush as Nathaniel Greene; Declan Pratt as Denny Wilson; Romi Dias as Chief Miranda Williams; Ronobir Lahiri as Captain Jeshan Mehta

[cariantha]

Scratching the Itch (1/2)

Book: Open Heart, Book 1 Pairing: Dr. Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Dr. Sawyer Brooks) Rating: Mature Warning: Sexual content Category: Angsty Fluff Word count: 1.5K Summary: Sexual tension builds between Ethan and Sawyer in the weeks following their trip to Miami. A/N: The introductions for both parts of this story have been taken directly from Pixelberry’s Open Heart.

“...I suppose I’m in your debt now.”

“I don’t need you in my debt, Dr. Ramsey. But I need some honesty.”

“What do you mean?”

“Be honest about us.”

“I’m… not sure what you mean.”

“I think you know exactly what I mean.”

Ethan turned away. Sawyer walked up close behind him and rested a hand on his shoulder.

“Please, Sawyer. This is hard enough already.”

“Then why keep fighting it? We both want this. We both feel this. It almost seems… inevitable…”

He turned to Sawyer, his eyes filled with longing… and pain. He reached up and gently stroked her cheek…

“We’re doctors, Sawyer. Fighting the inevitable is our job description.”

A couple of weeks later, at Mrs. Martinez’s send-off party…

“I know you had some hand in this. Perhaps one day you’ll be so kind as to clue me in,” Ethan said.

“Yeah… one day…”

Ethan looked around to make sure no one was in earshot. “How about tonight?”

“What?” The suggestion caught her off guard. They hadn’t spent more than a few minutes alone since returning from Miami. Not since she challenged him to be honest about his feelings. The feelings that were always written across his face but never spoken.

Sawyer wondered how he ever pulled one over on Declan Nash during that card game in Miami because Ethan Ramsey had the worst poker face. One look at him, and you could guess exactly what he felt. Whether it was annoyance for the interns, disdain for the hospital board, or despair for his dying mentor, he read like an open book. 

In the days after the confrontation in the lab, though he tried to avert his eyes whenever their paths crossed, his feelings were obvious in those too-quick glimpses. The desire and longing were still there. After a couple of weeks, he finally gave up faking harsh indifference and let his eyes remain on hers a little longer during each interaction. The pull to one another was much too strong to ignore or deny. 

“I… I could use your assistance. I found a new study and could use your help tracking down some of the references.” 

“Um, sure,” she answered cautiously, trying not to get her hopes up. She paused as a party-goer walked past, then asked, “Same time and place as before?” Before Miami, they always met at his place to work on Naveen’s case.

“Yes. I can swing by Fajitas & ‘Ritas for some takeout,” he offered. Ethan hoped the gesture communicated his gratefulness and not his ulterior motive. He hadn’t lied about finding the new study, and her assistance would speed things along, given the sands in Naveen’s hourglass were running out, but it was honestly an excuse. More than her research skills, he needed her. Her smile. Her laugh. Her friendship. Her ability to calm his worried mind just by being near.  

“Yesss. I swear to God, you are a mind reader. I’ve been craving that all week.”

“Your usual then?”

“Yes, please. But don’t forget to remove-”

“The sour cream. Yes, I remember,” he said confidently with a smile. “I’ll see you later.”

Later that evening, they ate Mexican food and caught up on recent events. Much to Sawyer’s relief, they fell back easily into friendly conversation and teasing banter. The uneasiness that had lingered since their makeout session in Miami had seemingly dissipated. But the air still hummed with familiar electricity, the slightest imbalance threatening to spark white hot.     

Ethan pushed his dinner plate away and shifted in his stool. “Okay, out with it. Tell me about Teresa. What was your part in her miraculous recovery?” he asked as Sawyer took a big bite of her burrito.

When she turned her head and smiled at him with her cheeks stuffed like a chipmunk, Ethan impulsively reached up and wiped a dab of guacamole from the corner of her mouth.

With a lump in her throat from the unexpected touch, Sawyer tried not to choke on her food as she swallowed. “I told you before…” she paused to use her napkin. “It’s better if you don’t know. You already have so much on your plate. I don’t want you to worry about it.”

“I wasn’t so much worried as curious. But apparently, there is a reason to worry.” Ethan scrutinized her profile when she returned her gaze to her plate. “Sawyer, does this have something to do with that magic trick you and your cohorts performed on Nash? I don’t want you mixed up with that ass-”

“Everything’s fine,” she interjected, shifting on the stool to face him. “I promise. Can you please trust me on this?”

Ethan studied her eyes for a beat. She’d never given him a reason not to trust her. He placed his large hand above her knee and yielded, “Fine. But you know you can always come to me, right?”

“Yes, I know,” she answered, covering his hand with hers. She kept her eyes locked on his to assure him, but when the heat from his touch began to scorch her thigh, she broke the contact to look at their hands.

Ethan’s gaze followed hers, and a second later, he stood to clear his plate. “All done?” 

Almost two hours later, after sensing his burning gaze on her for the hundredth time, Sawyer excused herself to use the restroom. Hoping she wasn’t misreading the situation, she checked her makeup and teeth for anything embarrassing. Then, she removed her baggy sweater and let down her messy bun to make herself more comfortable. 

When she returned to the living room, Ethan scanned her from head to toe with an intensity that stopped her in her tracks. Sawyer’s long blonde hair cascaded over her shoulders as she looked down at her tight tank, trying to figure out what captured his attention. Lifting her head, she narrowed her eyes at him and laughed nervously. “What?” 

Shaking away whatever thoughts had occupied his mind, “Nothing,” he answered flatly and resumed reading. 

With her gut telling her otherwise, that maybe his resolve was crumbling, Sawyer sat closer beside him on the couch, with her leg tucked underneath her bottom and knee jutting out. It wasn’t but fifteen minutes later that Ethan subconsciously rested his hand on her leg and began tracing soft circles over her kneecap with his fingertips. 

Sawyer tried to remain deathly still, not wanting to wake him from the absentminded stupor. But a small gasp slipped her lips when the tickle became too much. 

Realizing what he had been doing, Ethan stilled his fingers and looked up. Sawyer was biting her bottom lip while staring back with matching lust and want. “Sorry,” he said, though his fingers did not move. Nor did he attempt to pull away or jump out of his seat.

“It’s okay,” she smiled. 

Feeling confident that, at this moment, he wanted her as much as she wanted him, she bravely made a move. Carefully removing the medical journal from his hand and tossing it aside, she moved into his lap, straddling his legs. As Ethan’s hands found her waist, anchoring her in place, Sawyer’s gaze darted between his eyes. Finding no fight there, she slowly lowered her lips to his. 

As the kiss quickly deepened, Sawyer rocked her hips back and forth while Ethan's fingers slid beneath her tank, seeking the softness of her silky skin.

Sawyer’s hands drifted from his shoulders and down his chest and abdomen until she found the hem of his T-shirt and lifted it off. After retracing her path over the cut lines of his torso, she felt for the bulge in his jeans that begged to be freed. Surrendering to the intoxicating feel of her hand cupping and massaging his hardness, Ethan threw his head back on the couch and closed his eyes.

Nibbling on his neck, Sawyer blindly moved her hands to the waistband of Ethan’s jeans. When she unfastened the button, Ethan lifted his head and opened his eyes. She saw the shift instantly: Desire had been replaced with guilt. 

Sawyer jumped to her feet before the rejection could form on his lips. “It’s getting late. I should get going.”

Reluctantly agreeing it was for the best, Ethan didn’t object as she moved to put her shoes on and gather her things. “Let me grab my keys, and I’ll drive you home.” 

Willing the tears of frustration not to fall, she shook her head no. 

“Sawyer…”

“I’ll be fine,” she answered quietly, referring more to their hopeless situation than getting home safely.  

Raking his fingers through his hair and breathing a sigh of frustration, “Text me when you get home,” he requested. 

She didn’t say anything as she swiftly moved to the front door. 

Ethan followed closely behind, holding the door above her head as she opened it. He gently grabbed Sawyer’s arm before she was over the threshold, twisting her to face him. Then, leaning down, he placed a long and confusing kiss on her forehead. “Thanks for your help tonight. Good night, Rookie.”

“See you tomorrow, Dr. Ramsey.”

Part Two

Tag List: @choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics @peonierose  @potionsprefect @trappedinfanfiction 

@jerzwriter @queencarb @coffeeheartaddict2 @quixoticdreamer16 @jamespotterthefirst 

@liaromancewriter @tveitertotwrites @tessa-liam @youlookappropriate @kyra75

@socalwriterbee @txemrn @midnightmelodiz

[liaromancewriter]

It Happened One Miami Night (4/5)

Series Premise: A work trip to Miami means finally accepting that some risks are worth taking. Or are they?

Fandom: Choices Book: Open Heart Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Cassie Valentine) Rating/Category: Teen. Angsty Fluff Words: 1,750

Series Masterlist

A/N: I'm using Prompt #269 from @creativepromptsforwriting. Tagging for reblog to @creativepromptfills. Submission to @choicesmaychallenge24 prompt "stormy eyes"

Ethan Ramsey let himself into the hotel room with a sigh of relief, the mask of professionalism falling in the privacy of the suite overlooking the gentle waves of the Atlantic Ocean outside.

He had tried to lose himself in intellectually stimulating conversations with colleagues and prepping for the panel. But the urge to march down to the exhibit hall and shake Declan Nash until the smug bastard spilled his secrets never entirely went away.

He needed a break from everything.

For just one night, he wanted to lose himself in the company of a woman who had plagued his lust-filled dreams for months. To pretend they were just two people, dressed to the nines, enjoying passable wine and canapes, and hitting the casino for lighthearted fun.

He deserved to put himself first, even if it was just for a few hours. Naveen wouldn’t begrudge him that. The older man would likely cheer from the sidelines at seeing his mentee let loose.

He walked into the bedroom, noting signs of occupancy. Cassie must have dropped by the room earlier. Her suitcase lay on the luggage rack, closed but unzipped. A makeup bag and hairbrush were on the vanity table, and a phone charging cable was unplugged on the bedside table.

He picked up a tube of hand cream, flicked open the cap and squeezed a dollop on his finger. Rubbing the cream between his index finger and thumb, he inhaled as the subtle scent hit his scenes.

Her.

One night, he thought, taking out his phone to text her. A few hours when he wasn’t Dr. Ramsey, the attending, and she wasn’t Dr. Valentine, the intern.

A momentary game of let’s pretend couldn’t hurt, could it?

Cassie Valentine sipped the fruity concoction and hummed as delicious flavors exploded on her tongue. Wearing a red swimsuit and a white sundress that doubled as a cover-up, she sunk into a beach lounger and adjusted the floppy hat to shade her face and eyes from the sharp rays of the late afternoon sun.

The conference sessions had been engaging, but she deserved some downtime after a long day of travel and running around. And Miami, with its perfect weather and beautiful vistas, was ideal for relaxation. The resort’s pool area, one of two, overlooked the beach below, and this section, with its infinity pool and Tiki bar, was designed for unwinding.

She was loathe to leave but knew she was cutting it close for the casino-themed cocktail reception. Ethan had forwarded her an email about it late last night.

She remembered thinking the man could’ve told her earlier so she wouldn’t have struggled so much with her wardrobe choices. It was fortuitous that she had packed the formal gown before getting his email.

It would be nice to leave the hotel, though. Maybe partake in the nightlife in South Beach or head to Calle Ocho for Cuban food. Should she invite Ethan? It would be strange not to since they were here together.

Would he even want to come, or would his mask of indifference descend again, keeping her at a distance?

Her phone signaled a text before she could (once again) ponder the mystery of Ethan Ramsey’s moods.

Meet me in the suite.

Rolling her eyes at his on-brand brevity, she unlocked the phone screen to reply but stopped. She stared as three dots disappeared and reappeared several times. She waited for those three dots to turn into something, anything, but her screen remained stubbornly blank.

Pursing her lips in disappointment, Cassie finished her drink. She gathered her things and shoved her feet into matching flip-flops.

Time to get back to work.

—

Ethan was about to shower when he heard the beep and click of the door unlatching, and Cassie called his name. The ensuite door was open a crack to let out steam, and now they could also talk.

“In here,” he called back.

He adjusted the temperature and stepped into the tub, letting the warm water from the showerhead batter his tired muscles. He cursed wordlessly when he realized his tux was on the bed instead of hanging on the hooks behind the bathroom door.

He’d have to ask her to step into the other room while he changed. Stripping in front of a subordinate was grounds for sexual harassment, no matter how innocent the reason.

“Dr. Valentine, reporting for duty,” Cassie said from outside the door, raising her voice over the sound of the shower.

Ethan rolled his eyes at the cheeky tone, not realizing a smile hovered on his lips in response. He absently glanced at the bathroom mirror and caught her reflection in the tall mirror overlooking the bedroom area. She leaned over the bed, ass in the air, digging through her travel bag.

“Tonight is not about Nash,” he said, looking away to squirt body wash into his palm. “The reception is about making a good impression. So, dress appropriately.”

“Why didn’t you tell me there was a reception?” Cassie said worriedly.

He narrowed his eyes in concentration as he washed the suds off. He’d been distracted this week but was positive he’d told her.

“I know I emailed you about the reception tonight.” Ethan shut off the shower and reached for the towel. “Naveen always said socializing at these events is essential for young doctors. You’ll make connections that help you advance in your career and secure jobs and funding.”

Cassie swiped mascara over her lashes, smiling at the put-upon tone in Ethan’s voice. She recognized it as one he used when he wanted to exercise restraint but was too impatient to bother. He was either gritting his teeth or pinching the bridge of his nose.

She thought it was most likely the latter. She noticed Ethan doing that during rounds whenever one of them messed up.

Unable to help herself from needling him, she anxiously said, “But it’s a casino theme! I have to look nice!”

“Do you honestly believe I give a damn what you have on?” Ethan growled.

Cassie bit back a grin. It was so easy to rile him up. She finished her makeup by dabbing a shimmering bronze along the lids, the smokey look making her green eyes sparkle.

She looked up at the bathroom mirror's reflection, fully prepared to keep chiding him. But the words got stuck in her throat as he climbed out of the shower, a towel hitched around his hips. She swallowed loudly as lust shot straight to her belly.

Cassie had seen him shirtless before when they tested the fMRI machine. But that had been in a clinical setting with harsh fluorescent lights, not in the intimacy of a romantic couples’ suite, with the soft glow of the setting sun and bedroom lighting enveloping them.

Before she could look away, Ethan glanced up and caught her staring.

“Just throw on whatever you brought with you,” he said, breaking the awkward silence between them.

He entered the bedroom, and Cassie rushed past him into the bathroom, a garment bag clutched in her hand.

Relieved at avoiding further discomfort, he quickly donned his tuxedo, knotting the bow tie with practiced moves. He slipped his feet into dress shoes, bending down to tie his laces.

When the bathroom door opened behind him, he straightened and turned to face her. He did a double take at the sight of her looking so elegant, and his heart stopped for a second.

His eyes trailed over her, unable or perhaps unwilling to look away, drawn to the mysteries in her smokey eyes. The neckline hugged her breasts, the lines of the midnight blue gown accentuated the curve of her hips, and the shimmering cape framed her bare arms.

His hands ached to touch, but he shoved them in his pant pockets instead.

“You, uh, found something.” His mouth was dry, and he tripped over the words.

“Yeah. I always come prepared.” Cassie smiled as she slipped on a pair of high heels.

“Lucky for me.” The words slipped out before he could stop himself. Embarrassed, he cleared his throat, frowning for good measure. “I mean, lucky for you. You look… very… appropriate.”

Cassie spied the splash of red coloring his cheeks and turned away before he noticed her scrutiny. Ethan could pretend he was indifferent, but she’d seen the attraction in his blue eyes.

Feeling vindicated at his reaction, she fiddled with the tiny clutch, checking that her keycard, conference ID and cell phone were tucked inside.

He walked over to stand behind her, and they stared at their reflection in the mirror. They looked like a couple ready to head out on the town.

Cassie thought Ethan in a tux was a sight to behold, and she was glad he was hers, even if it was only for one night. She itched for her phone to take a selfie to capture this moment, but she didn’t want to break the spell cast over them.

A storm was brewing between them, static electricity shooting off tiny, invisible sparks as thunder gathered in the calm before the lightning strike.

“I would say we look ready, wouldn’t you?” he grinned.

Cassie met his eyes in the mirror and grinned back. “Absolutely.”

For tonight, she was Cinderella, and he was her Prince Charming. She was ready to be swept away in the fairytale that was theirs alone.

—

There is a common saying about the calm before the storm, but no one ever talks about the deafening silence after the storm hits.

Later that night, Cassie lay in bed staring at the dark ceiling, the oppressive silence muffling the tears trailing unchecked past her cheeks. Texting with Max had helped calm her down, but now she was morose again, lost in memories of what was.

The thundering of their hearts as their lips met, finally after months of longing. The crackle of electricity in the wake of Ethan’s hands touched her all over. Their palms rested on each other’s hearts, feeling them beat in tandem with their breathless pants.

Her boldness. His vulnerability.

She closed her eyes, willing herself to forget the last few hours. But all she saw was the tortured expression on Ethan’s face and the storm raging in his eyes as she beckoned him to their bed.

He was right to stop things before they went too far. Cassie’s head knew that. But her heart wasn’t as understanding.

How could her fairytale evening have turned into a nightmare?

-------------

All Fics & Edits: @bluebelle08 @coffeeheartaddict2 @crazy-loca-blog @jerzwriter

@lady-calypso @mainstreetreader @peonierose @potionsprefect @queencarb

@quixoticdreamer16 @justyourusualash @tessa-liam @trappedinfanfiction

Submissions: @choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

Ethan & Cassie only: @cariantha @custaroonie @youlookappropriate

[joeyclaire]

what are your monthly aesthetic tags for

been waiting for somebody to ask THEY’RE FOR PLAYLISTS!! :3c i have playlists for each month with an extremely extremely specific vibe but i will describe them as simply as possible here.

january: fancy evil new year’s party (marina, ariana grande, the weeknd)

february: snowy and foggy valentine’s day, winter coquette (fiona apple, lana del rey, gregory and the hawk)

march: a rainy day in the city (tv girl, declan mckenna, cults)

april: urban area covered in flowers (babygirl, frankie cosmos, chairlift)

may: cottagecore esque (haley heynderickx, the head and the heart, sufjan stevens)

june: mermaid vibes :) songs that sound like they’re being played underwater (hayley kiyoko, geowulf, coin)

july: it’s swelteringly hot but at least you’re with your friends and it’s pretty and pastel outside (the motels, maggie rogers, harry styles)

august: summer at the lake shore (rainbow kitten surprise, melanie, john craigie)

september: road trip (cold war kids, alex lahey, kate nash)

october: ghost hunting on halloween night (radiohead, arvid, the smiths)

november: early mornings camping at the national park (lord huron, towns van zandt, mipso)

december: snowball fights outside of a boarding school (billie eilish, the ink spots, nathaniel rateliff)

[shallyne]

Well, anyways, I was bored and made a list with book characters that I like from A to Z (couldn't come up with something for Q)

Book Characters List

A

Aemmory Percyval Taxus

Aelin Galathynius

Andarna

Amara Maroni

Alpha Villanova

Abraxos

Annaleigh Thaumas

Aedion Ashryver

Alexis

Asterin Blackbeak

Aaron Warner

Apollion

Aidas

Ansel of Briarcliff

Ash

Addie LaRue

Avery Kylie Grambs

Ash Maddox

Alex Volkov

Ava Chen

Alessandra Davenport

B

Bryce Quinlan

Bryaxis

Bone Carver

Brie

Barney Fitz-Amobi

Bel Price

Bridget Van Ascheberg

C

Corvina Clemm

Cassius

Cardan Greenbriar

Chloe Green

Camila Dunne

Cinnamon Hotpepper

Cormac Donnall

Catherine Pinkerton

Cara Ward

Cal

Carter Price

Chrstian Harper

D

Danika Fendyr

Dante Maroni

Donatella Dragna

Declan Emmett

Dorian Havilliard

Dante Russo

Dominic Davenport

E

Elide Lochan

Evangeline Fox

Emilia DiCarlo

Envy

Evelyn Hugo

Ember Quinlan

Elspeth Spindle

Evangelina Sage

Elm Rowan

F

Feyre Archeron

Fenrys Moonbeam

Fallon

Felix

Fleetfoot

G

Gavriel

H

Hunt Athalar

Helion

Hannah Rooney

I

Imogen

Iris Winnow

Ione Hawthorne

Isabella Valencia

J

Jacks

Juliette Ferrars

Jude Duarte

Jesiba Roga

Jurian

Jest

Jack Brunswick

Jespyr Yew

Josh Chen

Jules Ambrose

K

Kenji Kishimoto

Kaltain Rompier

Kai Young

L

Lilith

Lyla

Lorcan Salvaterre

Lidia Cervos

Legend

Lysandra

Lehabah

Liam Mairi

Luc

Luna Caine

Libby

M

Manon Blackbeak

Morrigan

Morana Vitalio

Meghan Chase

N

Nesryn Faliq

Nazeera Ibrahim

Nash Hawthorne

Naomi Ward

Nightmare

O

Oraya

Oak Greenbriar

P

Pippa Fitz-Amobi

Purrcival

Q

R

Rhysand

Raihn

Ruhn Danaan

Rogan

Rowan Whitethorn

Randall Silago

Rhiannon Matthias

Razor

Ravi Singh

Ravyn Yew

Renelm Yew

Roman Kitt

Rachel Price

Rhys Larsen

S

Shara Wheeler

Scarlett Dragna

Stryga

Suriel

Sartaq

Syrinx

Sgaeyl

Sal Singh

Stanley Forbes

Stella Alonso

Sloane Kensington

T

Tristan Caine

Tristan Flynn

Thea Delion

Tairn

Thimble

Tandri

Trystan Maverine

U

Usha

V

Violet Sorrengail

Vale

Vincent

Vittoria di Carlo

Viv

Vivian Lau-Russo

W

Wrath

Wren

X

Xaden Riorson

Y

Yrene Towers

Z

Zephyr Villanova

[breaniebree]

Kismet Characters & Family Trees Part Twelve:

Remus Lupin (10 March 1960) GRYFFINDOR m. Nymphadora Tonks (18 May 1972) HUFFLEPUFF (1995): 1. Harry Potter (31 July 1980) m. Ginevra Weasley (11 August 1981) (2000): i) James “Jamie” Sirius Potter GRYFFINDOR (5 April 2004) m. Hadley Grace Pritchard (2005) RAVENCLAW (2029): a) Rhysand James Potter (28 May 2032) GRYFFINDOR b) Emerson Fleamont Potter (11 March 2035) GRYFFINDOR c) Flynn Harry Potter (2 July 2037) GRYFFINDOR d) Grace Ginevra Potter (18 December 2040) GRYFFINDOR ii) Albus “Alby” Fleamont Potter (1 June 2006) SLYTHERIN m. Scorpius Malfoy (6 January 2006) SLYTHERIN (2031): a) Lyra Astoria Malfoy (1 June 2037) RAVENCLAW b) Celeste Ginevra Malfoy (5 March 2039) RAVENCLAW c) Archer Kai Malfoy (6 July 2044) SLYTHERIN iii) Lily Luna Potter (3 November 2007) GRYFFINDOR m. Oakley Wood (8 January 2007) GRYFFINDOR (2028): a) Nash Oliver Wood (31 July 2030) GRYFFINDOR m. Nixie Sparks (2032) RAVENCLAW (2058): aa) Sirius Harry Wood (25 December 2061) GRYFFINDOR bb) Remus Oakley Wood (25 December 2061) GRYFFINDOR b) Noah Harry Wood (31 July 2030) GRYFFINDOR  c) Magnolia “Lia” Katherine Wood (2 May 2033) RAVENCLAW d) Zinnia “Zin” Ginevra Wood (11 August 2035) HUFFLEPUFF  e) Zahira “Zee” Sorcha Wood (11 August 2035) HUFFLEPUFF iv) Cedrella “Ella” Theodora Potter (21 October 2010) SLYTHERIN m. Spencer Kane-Nott (3 July 2010) SLYTHERIN (2036): a) Logan Theodore Kane-Nott (23 March 2040) GRYFFINDOR b) Zeke Harry Kane-Nott (21 January 2042) SLYTHERIN  c) Nolan Everett Kane-Nott (11 November 2044) RAVENCLAW d) Westley Sebastian Kane-Nott (9 December 2046) GRYFFINDOR v) Everett Arthur Potter (21 October 2010) RAVENCLAW m. Xara Scamander (13 September 2016) RAVENCLAW (2039): a) Hazel Ella Potter (2 September 2040) HUFFLEPUFF  b) Galina Xara Potter (28 April 2042) RAVENCLAW  c) Landon Everett Potter (19 June 2044) GRYFFINDOR d) Waverly Luna Potter (7 February 2046) RAVENCLAW vi) Genevieve “Evie” Zahira Potter (9 May 2012) HUFFLEPUFF m. Christian Lyon (2008) RAVENCLAW (2033): a) Leif Christian Lyon (1 October 2035) GRYFFINDOR b) Autumn Ella Lyon (21 September 2038) HUFFLEPUFF c) Winter Willow Lyon (21 December 2041) RAVENCLAW d) Summer Lily Lyon (21 June 2043) GRYFFINDOR e) Spring Rose Lyon (21 March 2047) HUFFLEPUFF vii) Henry Remus Potter (31 July 2020) GRYFFINDOR m. Daniella Zabini (7 July 2018) RAVENCLAW (2049): a) Cameron Blaise Potter (1 January 2052) GRYFFINDOR b) Aidan Hunter Potter (23 July 2055) GRYFFINDOR  c) Jameson Henry Potter (14 March 2058) GRYFFINDOR  d) Emilia Ginevra Potter (17 August 2060) RAVENCLAW viii) Hunter Colten Potter (31 July 2020) GRYFFINDOR m. Sloane Hart (2023) GRYFFINDOR (2046): a) Simon Hunter Potter (14 February 2049) RAVENCLAW b) Shay Cedrella Potter (14 February 2049) HUFFLEPUFF  c) Colin Fleamont Potter (7 March 2053) GRYFFINDOR  d) Beckett James Potter (19 June 2055) HUFFLEPUFF  e) Parker Harry Potter (24 September 2059) SLYTHERIN f) Noelle Ginevra Potter (25 December 2061) GRYFFINDOR 2. Edward “Teddy” Remus Lupin (11 April 1998) HUFFLEPUFF m. Victoire Weasley (2 May 1999) RAVENCLAW (2020): a) Liam Remus Lupin (6 February 2022) GRYFFINDOR m. Naomi Winston (2024) HUFFLEPUFF (2048): i) Andromeda Lupin (2050) HUFFLEPUFF ii) Hope Lupin (2054) RAVENCLAW iii) Lyla Lupin (2058) SLYTHERIN b) Charlotte “Charlie” Dora Lupin (9 June 2024) RAVENCLAW m. Luke Logan (2024) SLYTHERIN (2050): i) John Logan (2054) SLYTHERIN ii) Declan Logan (2059) RAVENCLAW c) Kingston Harry Lupin (17 April 2027) GRYFFINDOR m. Lorelai Robards (2030) GRYFFINDOR (2057): i) Thomas James “TJ” Lupin (2060) GRYFFINOR

Thanks to @ellieoryan7447 for taking the time and effort to create these!

[broekhart]

kate nash was sooooooooooooooooooooooo good <3 she didn't do honesty policy but it's okay. not everyone knows about declan and that's OKAY!

[coffeeheartaddict2]

When life has other plans (2/16)

Deal with the devil

Characters: Ethan Ramsey, Casey Valentine.

Word count: 2575

Category: Smut

Rating: Explicit 18+

Warnings: sexual content, language

Summary: The competition continues and Casey keeps Ethan’s secret. Casey takes over the top spot and earns a trip to Miami but all is not as it seems.

Disclaimer: Characters belong to Pixelberry.

Authors note: How I love writing Miami and how I love adding into an AU where things can be different. Enjoy another smutty Miami fic.

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

The competition was still running and Casey was on the improve. So much so that she found herself with some more difficult cases and just as difficult patients. She wanted to confront Ethan about one but she had not spoken to him outside of assisting him secretly with Naveen and if Casey was being honest, she felt that a showdown would be more to do with the kiss they had shared and she did not want that to be hospital gossip. So she persisted, copped the patient's criticisms. She was exhausted that even Kyra, her patient now friend, had become concerned. She was taken to a local ice cream parlour. She had the death by chocolate and it was delicious. Casey appreciated the break. Kyra then stated there must be twelve things wrong with you if you turn down ice cream. That switched a lightbulb and Casey’s brain. There was multiple things wrong with the patient. He was not happy as he was told he would be having surgery then to Casey’s surprise the patient got a dressing down from Ethan. When he was gone Ethan came upto her.

“Congratulations on solving the case, there is plenty to learn from all patients, not just the pleasant and easy ones. That is why I assigned him to you.”

Ethan did not want to tell her because he had been accused by Harper, no less that he was showing favouritism towards Casey. He did not appreciate the insinuation and there was no telling her otherwise. Casey thanked Ethan for the feedback and continued on with her day.

The Medical Symposium was fast approaching. With how bad Naveen was, he was reluctant to go but he was frustrated with the lack of progress from dealing with the research and development department of Panacea. They had been doing some research into treatments for Sepsis and he wanted more than anything for more information so he could try the treatments on Naveen. He had no response and this now meant drastic measures, and that was to deal with an individual he would rather not deal with in Declan Nash but now it appeared that his hand was to be forced. Casey was certainly the most improved intern but her well earnt rise to top position thankfully coincided with the Symposium. He needed Casey there, he knew that taking her would raise several eye brows, some of the lower ranked interns had speculated if she is getting special treatment among other things, they were wrong of course, it was senior resident and other attending feedback that influenced the rankings, he only collated the data and posted the final results. Ranking release day came, and all the interns were abuzz with the news that Aurora Emery was not in top spot. He announced at morning announcements that he would be taking her to the symposium. Harper was stunned, he stated that it would be a good opportunity for Casey to get valuable insight to the industry. Harper did agree but she was skeptical. She had seen Dr Valentine and Dr Ramsey together often in conversation. She had seen an arm squeeze which looked more than congratulatory but Ethan had said to her that he was not playing favourites and she chose to believe him.

Meanwhile, Landry was fuming. He presumed that Aurora was on top spot as there would be people wanting to be on Harper’s good side but he could not believe Casey was on top. Sure she had a good solve rate but to him, the cases seemed lackluster. He had also seen Dr Ramsey conversing with Casey numerous times, especially late at night. He was convinced that her being top of the rankings was because she was sleeping with him. He knew that some of the lowly ranked interns suspected something was afoot but rumour was clearly not enough, he needed to sabotage her but how to do so and to get away with it, well that was going to provide extra planning.

The next day came and Casey made her way to Logan Airport. She just made it in time. They board, and settle down into first class. It was a pleasant flight, they mainly discuss Casey’s career ambitions. They arrive at the hotel and Casey is sent to check them in. Needless to say Casey was mortified that they were to be sharing a room, with it being a conference she knew there was no chance that it would be able to be changed. Casey advises Ethan and he is annoyed. They make their way up to the room, discussing who will be taking the couch.

They make their way down to the floor and Casey is blown away by all the innovation at first then realized that it will be swallowed up by the profit driven agenda of the very broken system that they work within. They wander the floor then they find themselves at the Panacea booth. Casey could sense Ethan’s apprehension and annoyance.

“That is Declan Nash.” He said “Panacea have been doing research into sepsis treatments and he had contacted the research department but was getting nowhere but I do not want to deal with Declan. He has had it out for me since I punched him at another conference.”

Casey is stunned.

“Am I truly on top this week Ethan or did you doctor the rankings so I was on top?”

Ethan was annoyed at the insinuation but could see how it looked.

“You being on top is genuine, even if you were not you certainly have been the most improved so I would have found a way to bring you regardless,” stated Ethan, “ This research could really help Naveen, I need to know more.”

“Ok,” says Casey as she places a hand on his arm. “I will try to get the information, for Naveen’s sake.”

Ethan nodded. Casey made her way to where Declan was gloating and waited to make her self known. He started talking about the research into immune responses. Casey segued her way into the spiel, by lying about her position and wanting to know what the laboratory that she worked for needed to be kept abreast of. Declan however, saw through her ruse, yes there has been an interest in some of our research by a doctor of some repute, Hello Ethan, since when do you let your latest follower do your dirty work?”

Ethan was furious, this was his only hope to get the information and it was being held hostage by this man’s ego. He wanted to punch him again but left, Casey followed, apologizing for not being able to get the information.

“It is not your fault rookie, he has been humiliated by me before and holds a grudge. There is not much I can do except drown my sorrows at the conference gala.” They arrived back at the room to get ready. Ethan went to shower while Casey got changed. She was thankful that she had brought this gown. It was midnight blue, strapless and hugged all the right curves. Perfect for a gala. Casey was admiring herself in the mirror when Ethan came out of the shower.

All the thoughts of impropriety went through his head, how he did not act right then and there he does not know.

“You look… hmm… appropriate.” Said Ethan, struggling to find words that described how Casey looked but would not show how lustful his thoughts were.

Casey chuckled. “You should have been a poet, Dr Ramsey.”

Ethan blushes and gets ready in the dressing room.

They head down together, Casey wishing that he did not look so god damn handsome and absolutely fuckable in a tuxedo. They separate after the first glass of champagne. They both wander and Casey finds herself at the poker tables. Declan Nash is there. Casey decides then and there to make a play for the information. She joins the game. Declan is surprised she is playing, he makes a quip about not being able to afford it. Casey ignores him and they play. Casey wins the first hand. This gives her some confidence so she starts to lay down some terms to get the information that she was unable to get earlier.

“And what if I win?” Asked Declan, eyeing the curves of her dress. “You are an intern, what possible thing could you have to offer, although, I am sure you would be willing to do whatever it takes…”

Just then Ethan walks by. He is pleased to see Casey using her initiative but then he hears the intention laced way he was speaking. His blood began to boil. He knew that Casey was a grown woman and was more than able to make her own decisions about her body, he certainly did not own her but the thought of Declan Nash wanting to touch her in that way was infuriating to put mildly. He wanted to punch him again but managed to contain that urge. In that moment he knew that drastic times called for drastic measures.

“How about I give you what you always wanted, using the team as a vehicle to identify people for drug trials.” Said Ethan.

Declan was very interested all of a sudden. He had been trying for ages to get into Edenbrook but had been blocked many times, mainly by Naveen and Ethan.

“You are on, Dr Ramsey.”

Ethan sits where Casey is. The game is close and finally it was time to reveal his cards. Casey could see that Ethan was torn for a split second before he said that he folds. Declan looked so smug because he won. Declan came over to thank him for the game and gave him the information he so desperately wanted. Ethan was astounded at how easily he gave it then Declan said, “Consider it a sign of good faith going forward.” As he walked away.

“Thanks for the save Ethan but why do the deal with Panacea, I know how hard you have worked to keep them out.”

“If there is a way to keep them out there will be one.” Said Ethan as he stands up to go to the bar. Casey comes with him. They both get a drink. Ethan takes a sip, and looks at Casey and how stunning she looks. “In all honesty, the thought of him with you was infuriating. I know you are capable of making your own decisions, as am I.”

He leans in and kisses her hungrily.

“Ethan” says Casey breathlessly before returning the kiss. They decide to then go to their room. Once they are in the lift he kissed her again, running her hands along her curves. “Fuck you are gorgeous” he whispers in her ear as he kisses down her neck. They make their way to the hotel room. They enter and he guides Casey to the door. He kisses her again and hoists her around her waist. He runs his hands up her thighs to her centre and she is drenched. Casey moans as she undoes his belt and let’s his penis free. Ethan is impatient and he enters her.

“Fuck Ethan” moans Casey as he sets an arduous pace from the get to.

“You’re so fucking tight” says Ethan. He goes harder and Casey moans. It does not take him long to get close but Casey is close also. He hungrily kisses her again and thrusts in hard. He comes hard and it triggers Casey’s climax. He gently eases Casey down and they make their way to the bed. He unzips her dress and she disrobes him fully.

“Gosh you are beautiful” he says huskily, “let me enjoy all of you.” He kisses her again. Casey lays down on the bed and Ethan lays down on top of her. He kisses her gently on the mouth then he kissed her neck and starts to massage her left breast. He can feel how fast her heart is beating. He squeezes her breast before starting to kiss her breasts. He continued down her body to her glistening centre. He runs his tongue around her clit, causing Casey to shudder and moan. He teases her clit before running his tongue through her folds and entering her, causing Casey to arch her hips up off the bed. Ethan can not believe how sweet she tastes. He then goes back to pay attention to her clit. He grasps her waist, holding her to the mattress and his tongue enters her again. Casey wants to arch again but she can not and it arouses her more. She feels close again and Ethan knows it to. He goes harder and Casey again comes, he laps her up as she comes down from her high. He comes up and kisses her, she can taste herself on him and it is intoxicating. She rolls Ethan over so that she is on top. She runs her centre along his throbbing length. He hisses in anticipation. Casey then slowly eases her way down. When Ethan is fully sheathed in her once again she starts to rock her hips. Ethan groans and Casey speeds up. He hits the spot with even more vigour from when he had her against the door. He starts to massage both her breasts, gently pinching the nipples, causing Casey to moan. They go faster and faster and Casey is close, she clenches him, harder and harder until at last she succumbs to her climax screaming. Ethan grunts as he empties himself inside her. She eases herself off and lays down in his arms.

“WOW….just wow” says Casey.

“Indeed,” said Ethan, “definitely a good way of celebrating of getting the information to treat Naveen.”

Casey nods. “It will be great if the treatment works but is a celebration all this is?”

“No, I never could use you for a one night stand but a relationship will have its own complications.”

“I know but if I drop out of the competition now, it will only fuel the rumours, some of the lower ranked participants already think I am sleeping with you.”

“Well the mill would be now correct but it will not affect the rankings.”

“So what do we do?”

“I do not want to treat you like a dirty little secret, but being open and your standing…”

“How about an arrangement? Not a relationship in a strict sense but you are not having to keep it secret.”

“It would take pressure off and I see you outside of work enough already.”

“Precisely, so an arrangement then?” Asks Casey.

Ethan kisses her deeply. “Shall we partake in the arrangement?” He asks before kissing her again.

“Most definitely” whispers Casey before being kissed again.

They enjoy the rest of the conference. Hopeful of an improvement and maybe a breakthrough with Naveen and more importantly a clear sense of where they stood with each other.

Meanwhile, in the halls of Edenbrook, Landry was looking at the pager system. He found Casey’s and noted that she had hers currently switched off but was due to be switched back on automatically at 6.00am on the Monday, two hours before her shift started. Landry turned the auto switch off, leaving Casey off in the system.

“Let’s see you keep top spot with no one able to page you” he said under his breath with a slight chuckle. He then continued with his rounds

————-

Authors note: some of my changes also involve Landry and the locker scene where he is confronted. He always felt that Casey benefitted from some type of favouritism however I do not put it past him to have assumed that MC was sleeping with Ethan.

Tagging: @jerzwriter @jamespotterthefirst @genevievemd @potionsprefect @liaromancewriter @cariantha @tessa-liam @zealouscanonindeer @alj4890 @trappedinfanfiction @youlookappropriate @bex-la-get @crazy-loca-blog @a-crepusculo @socalwriterbee @binny1985 @schnitzelbutterfingers

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

If there is anyone I missed or you wish to be added please let me know, this goes for removal also

[gcddamnvampirea]

( okay bc tumblr is being a butt, this is what i currently have queued and in my drafts. if I'm missing something, please let me know. <33 )

@dozenzofrozez

maxwell & scarlett

kennedy & onyx

@mccntower

lydia & ace

jackson & leanne

harley & iridescent

@vicletnight

parker & trenton

elliot & iris

taylor & saige

grace & river

@siiinfully

malachi & eve

@foolishonewriting

elliot && adelaide

regina & harper

dylan & hadley

norah & carter

roxanne & diego

tbd & sophie

vittoria & elle

ismail & tabitha

dallas & rose

levi & chloe

cameron & nathan

james & matilda

charles & jasmine

savannah & james

jackson & daisy

sebastain & aurora

kathryn & isabelle

@emeraldhazes

serenity & rhea

@popcultr

tbh & riley

@mantlehold

rosalie & regina

@desiredisgvst

james & freya

@dishonaesty

james & bianca

@sinistersxns

river & loren

@twistxdtales

brooklyn & emin

@hxtties

yesenia & raul

cassandra & stefan

@mndstom

cheyenne & chloe

phillip & lydia

elliot & maia

charles & naeun

@everyoneisagame

angelica & felix

@bloomswilds

yesenia & alberto

malachi & aubree

@thewolfruns

shiloh & salem

@everettandersonandmuses

norah & everett

@blushdrunks

tbd & natasha

charles & erin

javier & jocelyn

@troobelliever2ndgig

valeria & tyler

dallas & tyler

@cruelangcls

xiamara & blair

@somebrokenfate

sebastian & shay

jacob & maggie

@purehoneybees

bianca & dennis

@thewxnderer

olivia & brenton

@talesfromthevoiid

valeria & dani

@fangsandmagic

riley & nicola

@loyaltybroken

samuel & isabelle

grace & yvonne

@camilish

brooklyn & michael

@huntrcssqueen

sebastian & skylar

phoenix & sebastian

norah & austin

elliot & willow

brooklyn & reid

william & taylor

hope & jacob

georgia & nathaniel

jackson & kassandra

giovanni & phoenix

wesley & liliana

jacob & bridget

micah & elizabeth

naomi & joshua

@missmvrder

kennedy & declan

maxwell & shiloh

@tearfest

nathaniel & penelope

@seolinah

samuel & liz

@lellarps

tbh & cassian

@bitemescftly

theodore & anna

@agentwicked

savannah & alastair

@lostxones

micah & carsyn

@headofrdi

xiamara & rick

evelyn & rick

@whileurmine

olivia & liam

tbd & santiago

tbh & johnny

cameron & nash

georgia & xander

@intcxications

charles & kat

@mysteryoflovc

shiloh & freddie

[peonyblossom]

mc should be able to punch declan nash in the face in every single book actually

[silver-rings-and-rabbits]

Open Heart - Chapter 16

The Oath

Chief Emery was sat directly facing Matthew but she didn’t look up as she scanned her notes. Matthew’s eyes flicked around and he grimaced when he spotted Declan Nash sitting a few seats away, looking as smug as ever.

“You’re finished, Valentine,” he hissed. “Once you’re booted out of residency, I’ll make sure the state board revokes your licence.”

“I’ll answer to my colleagues, not you,” Matthew growled. Nash sniggered.

“Fun fact, your colleagues are my colleagues too. I’d even call us friends. For example, Dr Cyrus and Dr Wen were having dinner at my penthouse last night and, boy, did we ever talk about you…”

He sat back in his chair with a vindictive glimmer in his eye. Matthew glanced down at the podium. He didn’t want to admit that Nash was getting to him…but he was. He glanced back at his friends, who sat in the third row, and they gave him big smiles. Furthermore, a number of his previous patients were along the front row with their prepared statements.

“Good morning, Dr Valentine,” Harper announced, finally looking up. Her voice carried to the back of the hall. The hum of chatter fell silent as she banged her gavel. “Let us begin.”

Matthew took a deep breath and lifted his chin slightly. He lightly held on to the edges of the podium as the board members looked back at him, expressions ranging from professional neutrality (Dr Tanaka and Chief Emery) to outright disgust (Dr Cyrus and Dr Wen).

Cyrus took over the speech.

“A patient is dead. Teresa Martinez. By your own admission, you stole a sample of a drug and administered it without hospital approval.” He glared at Matthew over the rim of his glasses.

“I had Mrs Martinez’s approval and she understood the risks.” A little too late, Matthew wondered if he should have had Mrs Martinez sign kind of agreement.

“Before we vote on whether to rescind your privileges and terminate your residency,” Tanaka said. “You have the opportunity to defend your actions.”

“I understand you brought witnesses to testify on your behalf, including former patients,” Harper said. She had a long list in front of her, and called them up one by one.

Willow was called up first. She looked much healthier and stronger than when she came in for Hep C treatment, and despite her nerves, she told the panel about how much of a burden had been lifted off her and her brothers shoulders since Matthew had found their insurance loophole. Matthew felt a small rush of pride when she named Matthew as the reason Edenbrook was her favourite hospital. Of course, Cyrus preferred to focus on the insurance loophole, but Rosario’s eyebrows had gone up and he was nodding along with Willow.

Mrs Turner appreciated the justice system within the hospital as  she took her place, cheerfully regaling the time Matthew had panicked when she was unconscious.

“A little heart-to-heart was all it took, and when further complications sprung up, he was much better prepared. Dr Valentine’s the reason I’m still breathing.” Then she frowned at the panel. “If anything, it made me think that you lot aren’t doing a very good job at the ‘teaching’ part of this teaching hospital, but fortunately I’m very good at suing for—”

“That won’t be necessary, Mrs Turner, but thank you for your time!”

Matthew pressed his lips together, hiding a smile. Mrs Turner winked at him as she took her seat.

Remy had made the journey from Southern California to Boston to tell the panel that he had a new perspective and appreciated every single minute on the waves. Not even Wen and Cyrus had a response for that. But even better was the PITA himself: Mr Nigel Platt claimed that Matthew was “the only doctor with half a brain” and admitted that he had been a jerk but Matthew still took good care of him. Most of the panel seemed pleased to hear that.

Tommy’s mom, Sharon, also talked about how Matthew had cured Tommy despite the distractions he was dealing with at the time. She was then overshadowed by none other than Jake Sandberg. As soon as he stood up, a stream of excited gasps filled the room. Even Dr Tanaka struggled to stay calm.

“Mr Sandberg! You…you know Dr Valentine?”

Jake grinned.

“He only saved my life. He and some others figured out my medications were interacting after I collapsed in the middle of the game. In fact, without Dr Valentine, we wouldn’t be on track to win the World Series. He’s welcome anytime as honorary captain.”

“Thanks Jake!” Matthew said suddenly. There was some kind of smothered moan from behind him: Elijah was fanboying.

The crowd broke into applause as Jake Sandberg returned to his seat. Harper turned towards Dr Tanaka and said something that sounded like: “Am I supposed to know who this guy is? Is it a sports thing?”

It took a few minutes for the buzz to die down again before Alma – Dolores’s sister – stood up to speak, and Matthew had a pang of sadness as he remembered the long night in the NICU. Alma spoke about it now: she had since adopted her nephew and she still strongly believed that Matthew rescuing the frog toy and keeping vigil that night had kept him alive. The frog still brought the baby so much comfort. Matthew discretely wiped away a tear. Dr Chandra beamed at him.

“That’s remarkable dedication, Dr Valentine,” she said. Even Dr Lozoya looked moved.

On the other hand, Cyrus and Wen were whispering furiously to each other: everything had been far too complimentary for their liking. For the first time in this debacle, Matthew felt like he may just have a chance.

The last person to give testimony was Annie – Matthew’s first patient. She hadn’t realised she was the first patient until now and it seemed exciting to her. She was equally pleased that Matthew had emailed her a few times to check on her recovery, and that she was settling in, which was all well and good until Cyrus jumped in again.

“Dr Valentine administered the antibiotics that nearly killed you. Dr Varma had to rescue you.”

“Hey, keep my name out of your mouth, pal—”

“Jackie, ssh! You’ll make it worse!”

“That may be,” Annie said, firmly to Cyrus, “But I didn’t know I was allergic, and it was still Dr Valentine who realised what was happening and stabilised me. How many of you could have done that on your first day?”

She eyed the panel. Dr Lozoya had to quietly admit that she made a good point.

“Enough of this!” Cyrus cried out. Nash had been making a slashing motion at his neck. “These patients can’t possibly know enough about Dr Valentine to make a decision!”

“Agreed,” Wen said. “The panel should be asking doctors who are familiar with the profession.”

Nash, Cyrus and Wen freaking out had to have been a good sign, and when Matthew sneaked a glance at his friends, they were all grinning.

Calling the doctors forward didn’t seem to have the effect Nash hoped. Dr Mirani didn’t look at Matthew as he was called forward, confirmed Matthew was a colossal pain in the ass, but he wouldn’t hear a bad word about Matthew after the day of the triage. Triaging three dozen desperate, pleading crash victims would have been tough for any doctor, let alone an intern, but Matthew had been stellar and had saved many lives. Even better was Chief Emery’s addition that Matthew had stepped up to assist on an emergency surgery with no training. Nash looked like he might be sick.

They got their revenge by tearing into Ines as soon as she described Matthew as a friend, pointing out that someone going behind her back to deliver an illegal treatment was probably not something a friend would do. Ines didn’t have a good response to that. Matthew felt incredibly guilty. He’d never dream of taking advantage of Ines…but perhaps, despite the best intentions, he had.

The hearing was beginning to wear on him and he suddenly wanted to shout at the panel to hurry up and make a decision. The odds seemed evenly stacked at this point: he’d had good testimony from his patients, but there was still too many negatives for his liking.

He perked up a little when he received glowing testimonies from the senior physicians. Dr Myles gave a strong report on how well Matthew had handled the challenges of his intern year. Dr Yannick confirmed that Matthew had put plenty of research behind the cure, and this mistake shouldn’t be considered statistically significant in a sample size this small. Dr Calais, for some reason, suggested that golf was a good judge of character and Matthew’s swing was very promising. Matthew didn’t understand, but was willing to take whatever he could get.

“Alright,” Harper called. “This hearing will take a short recess and then—”

“Don’t I get to speak?”

Matthew jumped in surprise and turned to see a man walking down the steps. He was looking at Matthew, but Matthew had never seen her before.

“That’s Luis Martinez, the son of the woman you killed,” Nash chortled. “You’re so toast, it’s making me crave breakfast.”

Matthew resisted the urge to push his hair back as he watched Mr Martinez approach. Somehow, facing the panel had been less scary than this. But he didn’t have time to regret any of it now, and was going to stand his ground until the end.

Mr Martinez paused at Matthew’s podium. His expression was troubled.

“You…are you the one who did it?”

Matthew braced himself.

“I am.”

Mr Martinez bit his lip…and then his eyes filled with tears and he hugged Matthew tightly. Sounds of surprise erupted around the room. The panel certainly didn’t know what to say, and Matthew didn’t know what to do except awkwardly pat him on the back as Mr Martinez whispered his thanks.

“But…what in the…” Nash spluttered.

“Mr Martinez, this doctor is the reason your mother is dead!” Cyrus cried. Mr Martinez pulled away from Matthew, wiping his eyes.

“He’s why my mother lived. Don’t get me wrong, I was so upset, furious even, but then someone showed me the photo of her in Paris.” He smiled at Matthew. “I hadn’t seen that look on her face since I was a boy. And I knew why Dr Valentine did it.”

“I’m just glad I could help a patient,” Matthew said, returning Mr Martinez’s smile. A small part of his guilt was dissolving at the validation.

Mr Martinez chuckled. “You helped her in ways that no doctor ever could. That’s why I’m dropping my lawsuit,” he added, and the hall erupted. Matthew could hear his friends voices in particular sounding hopeful…but he wouldn’t let himself get excited. He was in too deep for the panel to just let him off.

Meanwhile, Mr Martinez took his seat…next to Dr Ramsey. His comment about not being out of tricks suddenly made a lot more sense.

“Yes, yes, this is all wonderful but it has no bearing on the matter at hand,” Cyrus barked, shutting the hall up.

“Dr Cyrus is right. As much as this is good news, Dr Valentine still breached hospital ethics,” Harper said. “We will take a short recess, and then Dr Valentine will make one last statement before we vote.”

She banged the gavel and the atmosphere relaxed a tiny bit as spectators started chatting to each other. A number of people were catching up with Jake Sandberg in the hope of getting a selfie. Feeling slightly light-headed, Matthew made for the door. His friends followed.

He couldn’t even relax outside the room. Somehow he felt worse than he had before he went in.

“One last chance to save my skin. What do I even say?!” he gasped, pacing around.

Bryce said he would have voted for him and Jackie said she would tell everyone to kiss her ass, which she knew wouldn’t go over great. Matthew glared at them both.

“Anyone got any real suggestions?”

Elijah quickly rolled forward, making Bryce and Jackie step back. “Stick to your guns and say what you mean.”

Rafael gently touched the small of Matthew’s back. “You confessed so you could have the truth on your side. Let it fight for you.”

It helped Matthew a little bit, and then Aurora’s voice rose up, distracting them.

“Everyone else is watching the hearing, why can’t I?”

“Because, Aurora, this is the perfect chance for you to pick up some extra cases.” Harper had an excited smile, but if she had paused for a second she might have realised she was the only one. “Report to Dr Alondra, then Dr Mirrielees. Tell them I sent you—”

“God, Aunt Harper, would you just STOP?!”

Matthew glanced at his friends, who all looked shocked, but after he had seen Aurora in the supply closet, he wasn’t surprised. However, Harper looked stunned. The argument had drawn the attention of literally everyone in the atrium.

“You don’t listen to me! Ever since I got here, you’ve used me to feel like you’re still practising!” There was something in her fast-paced speech that was eerily similar to how Sienna broke up with Wayne.

“That-that’s not true…”

“No? Then tell me how much you love being chief. Tell me that you don’t miss being a surgeon and that you love paperwork and kissing up to scumbags like Nash. Tell me how much you didn’t care about getting back into the OR the other day!”

Harper spluttered, trying to regain her composure.

“Aurora, you can’t talk to me that way!”

“You know what the hilarious thing is?” Aurora groaned, ignoring her. “Of all people, Valentine is the kind of doctor that you’ve always wanted me to be…and you’re letting Nash railroad him out of a fair hearing.”

Aurora stormed off with the final word, leaving Harper completely shell-shocked. No one had ever seen the Chief of Medicine so lost for words and as such, no one knew how to react. People watching the hearing awkwardly shuffled past to get back into the conference room, people not watching the hearing scurried down the halls.

Aurora was making a beeline for the stairs. Matthew hastily caught up with her and she whipped round to glare at him.

“What?”

“It’s about damn time.” Matthew couldn’t help smiling a little as he wondered how long Aurora had dreamed of saying all that.

Aurora jutted out her chin.

“Yeah. It was.”

She nodded at Matthew, then continued to march up the stairs but rather than going to chase up cases, she entered through the upstairs doors to the conference room.

Matthew returned to his friends who were, of course, asking questions, but the hearing was about to start again; Harper had already gone marching back inside. They didn’t have much more time to do anything more than give encouraging hugs before returning to their seats. Matthew didn’t know what was about to happen. But Aurora Emery had made an argument for him which he wasn’t sure he deserved, Ethan Ramsey had come through and brought Mrs Martinez’s son onto his side, and as much as he was trying not to get too confident, he believed it would all mean something.

And now it was crunch time. He took a deep breath, like Mrs Turner had taught him, as he returned to the podium and stood tall. Dr Wen glared at him. He held her gaze.

“Dr Valentine, you stand accused of not just breaking Edenbrook policies, but the Hippocratic Oath.”

“First, do no harm,” Cyrus quoted. “You broke your vow as a doctor.”

“I don’t believe I did.”

“I see.” Tanaka frowned. “Might I ask what you think it means to be a doctor then?”

Matthew had had ample time to think about this.

“It means fighting the inevitable. They say that, as doctors, we are just buying time. We all die eventually. But time isn’t what we need.” He remembered Mrs Martinez picking up her suitcase, her face alight with joy. “Mrs Martinez would have rather spent ten days doing what she loved than ten years cooped up here. Since we all lose the fight eventually, I’m going to make sure my patients fight on their own terms.”

His statement was met with a burst of applause from behind him. He suddenly felt like he was leading a revolution…maybe, in some small way, he was.

Cyrus and Wen, however shared a panicked look before Cyrus hissed at Harper to do something. It took her a second to bang the gavel; she seemed distracted. And when Dr Chandra asked if he regretted his actions, he didn’t. He regretted the pain caused to the Martinez family, and he regretted the time wasted on the investigation, but what he was able to do for Mrs Martinez was worth everything.

With everything said and done, he gripped the edge of the podium, trying not to shake, as Chief Emery called the vote.

“You weren’t going to start without me, were you?”

Matthew jumped and whipped around to see none other than Dr Banerji, leaning heavily on a walking stick and being assisted down the stairs by Landry. He still looked weak and pale, but very pleased to have turned up for the most pivotal moment of the hearing. He did love the drama, after all.

Landry looked pleased too. “As soon as he woke up, I drove us here as fast as I could,” he explained as Naveen shook hands with Ethan, who suddenly looked the happiest Matthew had ever seen. The panel were all speechless, and the crowd was gawking and murmuring in confusion…except for Matthew’s friends who were exchanging subtle high-fives and fist-bumps.

“I…Naveen, what are you doing here?” Chief Emery stuttered. “You said you were retiring.”

“I should have said I was expiring,” Naveen chuckled, slightly raspy. “Until yesterday, I was on the verge of death by sepsis of unknown origin. Unknown, that is, until Dr Valentine gave up his last day of preparation for this hearing to solve my case.” He winked at Matthew, who smiled warmly. “Now then, I believe that seat still has my name on it.”

Nash made some kind of signal as Naveen made his way to the eighth seat and Cyrus jumped up.

“Uhh, that’s fantastic news, Dr Banerji, but…er…protocol dictates…”

“You were never a good liar, Cyrus,” Dr Banerji said, coldly. His smile returned when he looked back at Matthew. “Now, given the circumstances of my resurrection, I think we all know what I’m about to say. And when it comes to revoking your licence, that’s going to be a ‘nay’ from me.”

“Nay,” Dr Lozoya agreed.

“Nay for me as well,” Dr Tanaka nodded. Dr Chandra also voted ‘nay’ and turned to Chief Emery. Silence suddenly fell. She had the casting vote. Matthew gripped the podium again, his nerves rushing back ten-fold. Beads of sweat dotted his forehead and time seemed to stop as Chief Emery gave him a long, measured look. Her eyes flicked once to the back of the room, where Aurora stood.

“Think about this, Harper…” Declan Nash growled.

“Dr Valentine,” Chief Emery said, calmly. “You’ve proven you’re someone who focuses on what a patient wants as much as what their body needs…but we’re not here to save bodies, we’re here to save lives. I vote nay.”

Her voice rang out, clear and decisive, as Matthew’s breath came out in a rush as his knees went weak and he hung onto his podium to keep from collapsing.

“Ohmygod I get to stay!”

Dr Rosario reluctantly voted nay, as did Cyrus and Wen, realising there was no use arguing now, and then the cheers went up.

“Hell yeah! Unanimous MVP!” Bryce cried from somewhere behind him, a scalpel jockey through and through. The crowd continued to applaud as Matthew went down to shake the hands of each of them, even Cyrus and Wen who barely looked at him. Harper politely told him to keep the ethics hearings to a minimum in the future, and Naveen held his hand tightly and said that he should be thanking him.

“This hearing is officially adjourned,” Harper announced with a victorious bang on the gavel.

“Emery!” Nash stormed over and placed both hands on the desk in front of Harper. “This is unacceptable. Valentine will be punished, or my company will—”

“Your company won’t do a damned thing,” Harper snapped. “Or I’ll make my next keynote speech about why you buried research on a cure for Rhodes. Speaking of which, you’d better get that R&D back up and running.”

She swept away as Ethan joined Matthew at the bottom of the stairs.

“Good job, Valentine,” he said, casually. Nash whipped round to glare at them.

“This isn’t over,” he cried, sounding ridiculously comical. “I still have that deal you signed, Ramsey. You’ll be seeing a lot more of me around here.”

“We’ll burn that bridge when we get to it, Nash. Go home.”

“And if I don’t?” Nash attempted to square up to Ramsey. “What are you gonna do, punch me again?”

“I think you’ve been embarrassed enough for one day,” Matthew said, patting Nash’s cheek condescendingly, as he and Ethan walked towards the exit. Nash was so incensed that he shouted after them that he could take way more embarrassment, and they both started laughing. Jake Sandberg was nearby, taking more selfies with fans under the watchful eye of a bodyguard, and gave Matthew a smile and a wave.

“Ramsey!”

Harper was calling Ethan over, with a steely expression. Ethan sighed.

“Looks like I have some explaining to do.” He was smirking. “Enjoy the rest of your day, Matthew.”

As Ethan strolled over to where Harper was standing, Matthew scanned the atrium and spotted his friends lurking by the corridor. He rushed over to them, barrelling straight into Rafael but pulling back immediately, remembering his injuries. But Rafael pulled him straight back into a hug, laughing joyously, then Bryce was hugging both of them, Sienna’s arms were round Matthew’s waist, and then Kyra joined in, and Elijah joined in, and Jackie stood off to one side, rolling her eyes, and all of them were laughing.

“I can’t believe all of that just happened,” Matthew said, when they broke apart. He was buzzing with adrenaline, and felt so good he could lift a car.

“Never doubted you for a second,” Bryce said, ruffling Matthew’s hair.

Sienna was still squeezing Matthew like she didn’t want to let go. He squeezed her in return.

“Hey, you OK?” he asked her. She smiled at him and nodded, though she was a little teary.

“So, um, not to break up the party,” Elijah said. “But we should probably start work before the attendings come looking.”

“Oh, I guess I should confirm when I start again too,” Matthew remembered.

“Donahue’s tonight?” Bryce eyeballed the rest of the group, including Rafael and Kyra, and was met with a cheer.

Rafael and Matthew got something to eat together at Edenbrook cafeteria where they recounted the trial. Matthew thought he was doomed when the panel asked Annie about the antibiotics she was allergic to, and when Ines had been questioned, but Rafael insisted he never gave up.

“I heard people talking beforehand as well, and they all hoped you would win,” Rafael said. “Guess people weren’t judging you as much as you thought.” He reached for Matthew’s hand and squeezed it. “I’m really proud of you.”

“Thanks.” Matthew blushed and squeezed his hand back. “That means a lot…more than you know.” He finished up his coffee. “Will you come with us to Donahue’s later?”

Rafael kissed his hand.

“If you want me there, I’ll be there.”

Matthew caught Chief Emery in the hallway—still looking a little dazed—and she told him to be in the next morning at 8AM and to report to the reception desk first thing for his badge and his charts. Matthew had never been happier at the prospect of waking up early.

He made the most of his remaining afternoon off by lounging in bed, wearing pyjamas, watching Netflix, and having a long call home where Holly screamed in delight that he was keeping his job. She repeated what Chief Emery had told him: keep the ethics hearings to a minimum in the future.

That evening, Matthew arrived at Donahue’s to a deafening cheer. It was even more packed than usual, stuffed with interns, residents and attendings.

“Someone buy that man a drink!” Someone – probably Bryce – shouted.

“Way ahead of you!” Someone – probably Jackie – replied.

“Speeeech!” Someone completely unknown called.

“Oh gosh, er…” Matthew gulped as he realised every eye in the room was on him. He wasn’t keen on the spotlight, and decided to keep it short and sweet.

“Well…I wouldn’t be here without each and every one of you, so genuinely, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.”

This got him an ‘aaaaw’ followed by a loud cheer as the patrons returned to their drinking. Matthew sidled up to Sienna and Jackie.

“Such a sap,” Jackie smirked. “Here.”

She passed Matthew a large, frosty glass of beer, and Matthew downed half of it immediately.

“That’s the best thing I’ve ever tasted,” he gasped. “Besides Sienna’s cooking, obviously.”

“Right answer,” she giggled. She looked much happier now that the shock of the hearing was wearing off, and she ordered a vodka raspberry from the bartender. “Do you think the rest of our residency will be this crazy?”

“I sincerely hope not. I’m pretty sure I’ve gone prematurely grey.” He leaned a little closer. “Are you sure you’re OK?”

“I’m fine. I was just so worried about what might happen if you lost your job, and then I was so relieved I couldn’t speak!”

Meanwhile, Jackie had been ordering a cosmopolitan from the bartender, and she turned back to the other two with the drink in hand.

“Do you think Banerji will return to work?” She asked. “Ramsey too…maybe there’s still hope for the diagnostics team.”

“All that drama for nothing, huh?” Matthew sighed, though he was still riding a high to be disappointed. If nothing else, the competition had shown who his true friends were.

“For what it’s worth, Matthew, you’d have won the competition…probably,” Jackie said, dragging out the last word. Sienna started laughing again as Matthew put his hands on her shoulders.

“That must have been really painful for you to say,” he teased. There would truly never be another day like this. He couldn’t help feeling smug as Jackie made a face and washed her mouth out with cosmo. Sienna patted Jackie’s back in mock sympathy as Rafael joined them.

“How are you doing?” Matthew asked, hugging him around the waist. “Do you want to sit down?”

“No, I’m fine,” Rafael said, putting his arm around Matthew’s shoulders as Bryce, Kyra and Elijah rolled over.

“Hey, big guy, you’re looking better,” Bryce said, with a mock punch to Rafael’s shoulder.

“I’m feeling better. I actually saw my supervisor this afternoon and asked about returning to work, but she said I should take another month off.”

“You’ve got to enjoy your free time while you can!” Matthew said, as the others laughed. Still, he was relieved that Rafael wasn’t diving straight back into the fray.

“You’re welcome to come hang out with me if you ever need company,” Kyra said to Rafael. “Chemo is super boring.”

“How’s that going, by the way?”

“It absolutely sucks…but I’m not quitting yet!”

Matthew smiled to himself when he heard that, and had to turn away for a few mouthfuls of beer.

“Matthew!”

Ines hurried through the crowd to give him a big hug whilst Zaid rolled his eyes.

“I’m so, so glad you get to stay!” she said, squeezing him so tightly that he could barely breathe. He didn’t even care; he was just glad they were still friends.

“I must admit,” Zaid said. “It would be very sad if you didn’t make it to your second year of residency—”

“Aw, thanks Zaid!”

“—And never had your own interns annoying the crap out of you and finally understanding my pain.”

It was too much to expect a tender moment with Zaid.

“Thanks for believing in me…I suppose we’ll be equals soon.”

“We most certainly will not!”

“I dunno…I’m pretty sure Valentine’s right,” Jackie grinned, as the others stifled giggles.

“You know, as equals, we’ll be able to hang out more often!” Ines said cheerfully, hugely enjoying Zaid’s discomfort. It was the last straw for the interns, who started howling with laughter as Zaid groaned dramatically. Ines winked at them and then pulled Zaid away, saving him from further torment.

The group started peeling off, with the boys going to play pool and Sienna wanting to dance. Matthew was just losing to Elijah when he felt a light touch at his elbow and turned to see Kyra.

“I’m calling it a night,” she said.

“Oh, OK. Are you feeling alright?”

“Just a bit tired and bleh. Probably fine, but best not to push it. And I start treatment again tomorrow, so…”

“See you tomorrow?” Matthew smiled. “As a doctor, not a visitor.”

“Damn straight!”

They laughed and hugged each other tightly before Matthew turned back to the game.

“Another round?” Elijah grinned, but then his face fell. “Scratch that, the traitor just came in and he looked this way.”

Matthew sneaked a glance over his shoulder to see Landry standing awkwardly at the bar, pretending he hadn’t noticed them. Whatever he had to say, Matthew didn’t need to hear it. His trust in Landry had broken beyond repair and, despite working together for Dr Banerji, there were plenty of people who really mattered standing beside him. There was no reason to let Landry back in. He had saved his job without Landry’s help.

“Just keep him away if you can,” he said to Elijah, who nodded.

More interesting than Landry was Aurora, sitting alone in a booth, sipping a beer and scrolling on her phone.

“Hey,” Matthew said, sliding into the booth opposite her. She blinked in surprise, dropping her phone on the table. Matthew spotted apartment listings on the screen.

“You don’t have to check up on me. I’m used to being alone,” she said, a little too casually to be believable. He nodded at the phone on the table.

“Moving?”

“I’ve been living at my aunt’s place since I finished med school but I think it might be good to have some space.”

Matthew sat in thought for a minute.

“You know, we have a room opening up.”

Aurora looked at him sharply, extremely suspicious, and then disbelieving as she read Matthew’s face.

“Are you saying what I think you’re saying?”

“I am,” Matthew said. “I mean, I’d have to ask the rest of my roommates, but we can’t have an empty room. So…think about it?”

A smile was pricking the corners of Aurora’s mouth.

“I will.” Matthew could tell she meant it.

Matthew left her to her thoughts and spotted Sienna, still tearing up the dance floor. She waved him over eagerly and they started dancing together wildly, no cares in the world.

“You seem happy,” Matthew said in her ear. “I mean, compared to, y’know…”

“Than when I wanted to quit?” Sienna supplied. “Yeah, I am. I know it’ll be hard sometimes, but we’ll help each other through it, right?”

“You know I will,” Matthew said, lifting her off her feet and spinning her round to make her squeal.

“You know, I didn’t think I could do it without Wayne!” Sienna gasped when Matthew put her down again. “We’d been together so long, it was almost like he became the default!”

“Look at you now!!”

“I know, right!” Sienna’s eyes darted to one side and then back to Matthew. “It’s quite nice to have a crush again, though.”

Matthew’s eyes followed hers to where Danny was hanging out at the edge of the dance floor, stealing glances at Sienna when he thought she wasn’t looking.

“Ooooh.” Matthew raised his eyebrows. “Should I leave you to it?”

“Only if you want to,” Sienna grinned. “I’m not rushing into anything. I like the idea of some quality time to myself first.”

The two of them moved off the dance floor and rejoined Jackie at the bar.

“The snake was looking for you,” she said to Matthew. “He’s lucky I didn’t knock his brains out.”

“I didn’t want to talk to him,” Matthew shrugged. “What did he want?”

“Said he’s transferring to Mass Kenmore, or whatever. Good riddance.”

“Damn.” Sienna bit her lip, looking slightly disheartened. Maybe she was remembering how they had once been a united group, but before he could ask, Jackie gave a wicked grin.

“What the hell are you still doing here, Matthew? I think if I’d just survived an existential threat to my livelihood, I’ll be going home with the hottest person I could find.”

Sienna brightened instantly as Matthew blushed.

“I’m with Jackie on this one. I hope you’re not sticking around to keep me company.”

“There’ll be plenty of time for that…”

Matthew glanced around the bar. Jackie nudged him.

“If you’re looking for Rafael, I think he’s leaving.”

“Wait, what?”

Matthew spotted him, at last. He was pulling on his coat and did indeed look like he was about to leave. Matthew jumped to his feet, told the girls not to wait up, and left them giggling behind him as he made his way through the crowded bar, catching up to Rafael just as he walked through the door.

“Hey, you’re not leaving without saying goodbye?”

“You looked like you were having fun. I didn’t want to interrupt.”

Rafael looked extremely pleased that Matthew had stopped him. Matthew smirked and stepped closer, close enough for his breath to tickle Rafael’s lips.

“Maybe I wanted you to interrupt.”

“Oh? And what did you have in mind?”

Ten minutes later, the two of them stumbled through the door of Matthew’s apartment, passionately kissing.  Their hands were roaming over their clothes, and their hair was equally messed up where the other had been running their fingers through it.

“Raf…” Matthew gasped, trying to regain an inch of sensibility. “You’re still hurt…you should…mmmm…you should be careful.”

Rafael was thrilled that Matthew had picked up on his nickname. It seemed to turn him on even more as he captured Matthew’s lips with his own.

“I’m tired of being careful, Matthew,” he moaned. “And I know what I want.”

“And what do you want exactly?” Matthew’s eyes were twinkling.

“Right now?” Rafael leaned in to whisper in Matthew’s ear. “I really, really want to see your bedroom.”

For a split second, Matthew looked like all his dreams were coming true before he was kissing Rafael again, and they were stumbling down the hallway together, into his bedroom and collapsing onto the bed.

“Well, here it is, in all it’s glory. What do you think?”

Rafael made a big show of ignoring his surroundings and only looking at Matthew.

“Amazing.”

Matthew’s cheeks warmed as he looked back at Rafael. He was so beautiful, his curly hair ruffled and fluffy, his eyes that were always so warm were eager and full of desire, without losing a touch of their tenderness. It was about time they had sex, and Matthew was sure he was in for a good time. He shivered pleasantly as Rafael peeled off his suit, his hands caressing his bare skin, his lips brushing his neck made Matthew dizzy with anticipation. He felt so loved, it was the perfect medicine for the last several weeks.

His breath caught when he saw Rafael pulling off his own t-shirt. His eyes lingered on his strong arms and washboard abs as he wondered what took them so long to get here.

Matthew traced his fingers along Rafael’s skin, but hesitated when he got to the surgical scar down the middle of his chest. The stitches had been removed but it was still fresh and red.

“Does it hurt?” he asked.

“Right now I can’t even feel it.”

That was all Matthew needed to pull Rafael close to him, touching him everywhere he could. Rafael responded in kind, and soon they were both gasping with delight, moaning in pleasure, and when they came, they came together.

They lay intwined, basking in the afterglow, still sweating and breathing hard. Matthew gazed at Rafael, sharing a smile when Rafael caught his eye.

Matthew didn’t have much romantic history. He started having casual dates in college, hooking up occasionally, but he told himself his job was the most important thing in his future which had made him think he shouldn’t be pursuing relationships.

It was different with Rafael. Talking with him had always been so easy, and always left Matthew wanting to know more. Going into work knowing Rafael would be nearby put a spring in his step. If they ran into each other, no matter how briefly, it rejuvenated him when he returned to work. And now he realised – after the best sex he had ever had – lying in Rafael’s arms was his favourite place to be in the whole world.

He propped himself up and smoothed Rafael’s hair off his forehead and kissed him tenderly.

“Do you want a cup of coffee or anything?” he asked.

“Tea would be great if you have it?”

Matthew grabbed a pair of sweatpants from the floor before he went to the kitchen. His roommates weren’t back yet and he enjoyed a rare moment of stillness as he boiled the kettle. He found the teabags hidden at the back of the cupboard and, after a moment’s consideration, decided he would join Raf. He dropped a tea bag into both mugs. It was a drink for relaxation, and he had definitely earned that.

He hummed to himself as he brought the mugs into his room, where Raf was sitting with his back against the pillows, gazing around with interest. Matthew couldn’t help wishing he’d had the foresight to tidy up at some point as he handed Raf his tea.

“Thanks,” Rafael smiled. “By the way, I do really like your room.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. It’s nice to see this side of you.”

Matthew smiled, taking a sip of tea to hide his blush, when Rafael nodded to a photo on the bedside table.

“Is that Casey?”

The small double-photo frame held a photo of his twin on their tenth birthday – before she got sick – on the right side of the frame. The left side was his drawing of her. Matthew’s expression softened as he picked up the frame; he realised he had forgotten that she’d had a dimple. It was captured on her cheek as she laughed at something off-camera, her eyes bright and her curly hair bouncy and strong. That particular genetic coding had bypassed Matthew. He handed the picture to Rafael, who examined it closely.

“I wish you could have met her,” Matthew said. “Although she probably would have tried to embarrass me.” He rested his head against Raf’s shoulder.

“I wish I could have met her too, and that you could have met my uncle and my grandfather.” He leaned into Matthew. “But they definitely would have tried to embarrass me, too.”

They both chuckled at that, washing the room with peace. As Rafael passed the picture back, there was a scratching at the door; Spooky had been dozing in someone’s room, but now she sensed their presence and wanted in.

“Raf, have you ever met a chinchilla?”

“No.”

“Would you like to?”

“Yeah!”

Matthew laughed as he climbed out of bed.

“Just make sure your chest is covered, you don’t want her claws in your scar.”

Rafael covered his chest with the duvet and Matthew opened the door a crack and scooped up the chinchilla. Rafael gasped when he saw her.

“Oh my god…she’s like a fluffy cloud!”

“Right?! OK, I’m gonna put her on the bed. Just let her come to you.”

Matthew placed Spooky on the bed and slipped back in beside Rafael. Spooky enjoyed roaming free, hopping back and fourth several times, before she finally hopped over to his face and gave him a delicate sniff. Rafael laughed as her whiskers tickled him. Matthew’s heart practically exploded with adoration, especially when Spooky decided to nestle in Raf’s shoulder. She liked him, though it wass hardly surprising.

Raf loved her fur. He constantly petted her as he and Matthew finished their tea and fussed over the chinchilla. Raf talked more of his old cat, Coco. Matthew admitted he had never had a pet before, and was now a fully-converted chinchilla lover.

Good things came to an end, and sure enough Matthew’s roommates returned home and Spooky rushed out to greet them. Matthew quietly closed the door after her; just because his roomies knew he had taken Raf home didn’t mean they needed to see.

They cuddled again as soon as he was back in bed. Rafael’s fingers lazily traced patterns along his arm.

“You look tired, Matthew.”

“Cut me some slack. I almost lost my job today.”

“I know. But you don’t have to worry anymore.” He smiled. “So when are they letting you back in the hospital?”

“8AM tomorrow.”

“Just a few hours of freedom left. How do you want to spend it?”

Matthew cuddled closer, feeling safe and warm.

“This. Exactly this.”

Of course, it was exactly what Rafael wanted to hear. He lifted Matthew’s chin just to kiss him.

“It’s so good to see you smiling again.”

Matthew had never dreamed he would meet someone like Rafael, but he had. And so soon after arriving in Boston. It seemed too good to be true that Rafael would like him as much as he liked Raf. He ran a hand over Raf’s chest, making sure he was there. He was…and he was still there when Matthew woke up the next morning.

It was always going to be a good day when you woke up next to someone so beautiful. Rafael smirked as he traced his fingers along Matthew’s cheek.

“Excited to return to work?”

“I am…although I wouldn’t say no to one more day…”

“Maybe your next day off,” Rafael teased as Matthew kissed his fingers.

Matthew grinned and pulled himself out of bed and over to his closet, satisfied at the prospects of more nights like the last one…but he was instantly distracted by the sudden cry of pain as Rafael tried to sit up and fell back against the pillows, rubbing his scar cautiously.

“What’s wrong?” Matthew asked in alarm, rushing to his side. “Are you OK?”

“Yeah.” Rafael let out a slow breath and glanced guiltily at Matthew. “But maybe I pushed a bit too much last night.”

Matthew tried and failed to hide a smile.

“See, as a doctor, I should probably feel bad about that. But as the person who took you to bed, I can’t bring myself to.”

Raf laughed. “Good. Me neither.”

He sat up much more slowly, and dressed cautiously, under Matthew’s wary eye.

“Raf? In all seriousness, please take it easy today.”

“I will.” Raf kissed his cheek. “I’ll go visit my avo later. She won’t let me lift a finger.”

“Sounds perfect.”

Once fully dressed, Matthew took Raf by the hand and led him into the kitchen where some of his roommates were already sitting down for breakfast. They seemed completely unfazed at the sight of Rafael in their living room.

“Hey guys!” Sienna said, cheerfully. “I’m scrambling some eggs if you want some?”

“That would be great, thanks.”

Rafael settled carefully into the chair opposite Elijah, who gave him an easy smile. Meanwhile, Matthew helped Sienna dish up the food and put on a pot of coffee. She looked over, questioningly.

“Good night last night?”

“Yep.”

Matthew glanced automatically at Rafael, who was in animated conversation with Elijah, and his expression told Sienna everything she needed to know. She gave him a happy squeeze before they took plates of eggs and sausages to the table.

The four of them ate companionably. When he was done, Raf leaned back and rested an arm on the back of Matthew’s chair in a gesture that felt completely natural and set off fireworks in Matthew’s stomach. He always knew that Rafael would fit in effortlessly.

Jackie came in a few minutes later, her hair still slightly damp from her morning shower. She greeted the other four with a slightly mumbled ‘morning’ before pouring herself a cup of coffee and taking a seat.

“What are we going to do about the fifth bedroom now?” she asked at the next break in conversation.

“Bryce?” Elijah suggested.

“Hard pass.”

“We can put an ad out, I’m sure we’ll be able to find someone willing to take it,” Sienna said, trying to be helpful. Matthew cleared his throat.

“Actually I mentioned it to Aurora last night. She said she would think about it.”

There was a sudden silence as the group took this in. Sienna broke it first.

“You know…that doesn’t sound so bad. It would be great to start again with her,” she said. “I feel really bad that we judged her the way we did.”

“Agreed,” Elijah said. “And she stuck up for Matthew during the hearing.”

“She probably actually did me a major help,” Matthew muttered as Rafael leaned forward.

“I don’t know if this will help, but I’ve spoken to Aurora a few times. She’s quite reserved but she doesn’t strike me as a nasty person. I think she just takes a while to come out of her shell.”

He had ended up being right about Landry. Matthew didn’t need any more convincing. He looked over at Jackie.

“I’ve got nothing against it,” she shrugged. “I wouldn’t know what to say to her though.”

“How about ‘hi, how are you?’” Matthew suggested. Jackie narrowed her eyes at him.

“You’ve gotten real cocky since yesterday, Valentine.”

The atmosphere relaxed again as Jackie finished her coffee and they piled onto the T. Raf seemed completely at ease with his roommates now and agreed to come over again soon when they said goodbye at the hospital, promising Matthew he would text when he got home safely.

As his friends peeled off to the staff entrance, Matthew went straight to the main entrance to retrieve his staff ID. Ines was already behind the desk and she gave him another big, welcoming smile.

“Welcome back, Dr Valentine!”

She dug his badge out of the box and handed it to him proudly. No sooner had Matthew put it on when there was a sudden thud from behind them. They jumped around to see someone had passed out.

“I’ve got this,” Matthew said calmy, as he strode over to the patient.

When he made it to the atrium, fifteen minutes later, Bryce and Jackie were already there, waiting for him with raised eyebrows.

“Are you seriously late on your first day back?”

“Sorry. Had to resuscitate a guy in the waiting room.”

“You get to have all the fun.”

Meanwhile, Harper was marching towards the group. Matthew was surprised to see Ethan several paces behind, keeping up with Naveen who walked with a stick. They were both wearing white coats.

“Thank you for meeting here, interns,” Harper said. “There will be several changes to staff over the next few months for you to be aware of. First of all, though I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as Chief of Medicine, I will soon be returning to my previous post as head of neurosurgery.”

“I get to do surgeries with Dr Emery all the time now?” Bryce gasped, looking like his dreams were coming true. “I am blessed.” He practically sang the last word. Across the room, Aurora was looking genuinely pleased.

“Following completion of his recovery,” Harper continued. “I will be handing the reins over to none other than our own Dr Banerji.”

“No way,” Matthew gasped, applauding loudly with everyone else. Naveen looked very touched at the interns reaction, but Ethan could barely contain his shock. He hadn’t been completely filled in.

“Thank you all,” Dr Banerji said. “I am eager to recover and get back to work. Now, I’m sure you’re wondering about the diagnostics team, and I will be leaving it in the very capable hands of Dr Ramsey.”

The interns applauded again, sniggering at Ethan’s poorly concealed shock, and then Harper dismissed them to their rounds. Ethan instantly rounded on Naveen.

“Administration, really, Naveen?” he growled. “You hate administrators.”

“No, my friend, you do. But now that I am one, I’m sure you and I could strike a balance.”

“Good luck with that one, Naveen!” Harper called over her shoulder as she headed for the stairs.

Matthew was about to leave and start his rounds when Naveen called him over.

“As there will be an empty slot on the diagnostics team after all, I’ve decided who I want to fill it.”

Matthew blinked.

“You mean…me?”

Naveen nodded once, offering a handshake with a smile. Matthew’s heart started beating fast as he took it, trying not to tremble.

“I…wow…thank you, it’s such an honour!”

“It’s not an honour, Dr Valentine, it’s an opportunity. One that I think you’ll shine in, don’t you agree, Dr Ramsey?”

“Of course, but the competition was cancelled…”

“Then it’s a good thing I’ll be top dog and can make new rules!” Naveen declared. “So, Dr Valentine will spend his second year of residency on the diagnostics team under your supervision. Congratulations Matthew,” he added, with a wink as he walked away.

Matthew’s head was spinning and he half-expected to wake up and find the whole morning had been a dream as he looked up at Dr Ramsey.

“Well.” Dr Ramsey scratched the back of his neck, then turned to Matthew resolutely. “Better get to work then, Rookie.”

“Yes, Dr Ramsey.”

Matthew was practically bouncing as he walked towards his first patient of the day. Dr Ramsey working again, Dr Banerji coming back, Dr Emery doing what she did best, Aurora considering their spare room. And now he had the spot on the diagnostics team. Who knew that real life could take such a good turn?

He couldn’t wait to tell Rafael and his friends, even Jackie, who he was sure would take it in good stride. If anything, it would motivate her to work even harder than she did now. Matthew firmly believed that she would soon be recognised as the talented doctor she was. Nothing but good things were ahead of them now. Suddenly he couldn’t wait to start his second year, which was over seven months away.

Matthew approached the patient’s room, fondly remembering the nervous, awkward doctor who had walked through the doors on his first day. If only he had known what was to come. That young man wouldn’t have believed that, in just a few months, he would be strolling down the corridors, holding his head high and greeting everyone he met.

He quickly scanned the details on the patient chart before he opened the door.

“Hi there! I’m Dr Valentine, and I’ll be your doctor for today.”