Chapter Text
1
MEL'S POV
The Pitt, a teaching hospital, is mostly known for its ER. Great prodigies have emerged from there, while others have remained, many are known as heroes for the lives they saved after the Pittfest shooting.
But despite being heroes—doctors, nurses—they are human. People capable of feeling different emotions, one of which is love. Of course, spending so much time with someone can make you develop feelings for them. But a relationship with a coworker rarely ends well.
It's much worse when it involves more than two people.
Melissa King, a doctor, loves watching lava lanterns on her phone, adores holding newborns, and loves Bobba. She also loves her sister, even though she sometimes lies to her and hides things.
Something she definitely doesn't love is the idea of being alone—not that she can't live without someone, but the fear of being left without friends and the fear of never falling in love. She didn't regret taking care of her sister; she did it out of love, not obligation, but she admitted she'd put her personal life aside to study and give Becca a family. Yet sometimes she felt alone, even when surrounded by people and she didn't like that feeling at all.
The doctor had finally finished her shift at Pitt, she watched the fireworks with her colleagues, and as she watched them, she wondered if she'd ever see a movie with someone, if they would eat pizza, or if she'd ever stay over with someone like Becca did with Adam.
But for now, she will be alone tonight, and who knew how many more.
She was going to karaoke with Santos; she was just waiting for her outside because she'd gone to the bathroom. Although Santos could be a bit complicated at times, she considered her a very good friend and knew her better than she thought.
Even though she didn't entirely agree with her about a certain person.
That person was Dr. Langdon. She couldn't believe he doubted himself, even though she'd only met him for a day ten months ago. What she saw was a doctor with great skills; he'd made mistakes, obviously. But that didn't stop him from coming back, even though he knew nothing would ever be the same, even though he knew everyone's perception of him would change. None of that stopped him from returning, and for her, that was a sign he wanted to improve.
She admired him greatly and also had some affection for him because he was one of the few people who tried to understand her and see her.
-I thought you were going to invite Dr. Garcia to come with us. - she said as she watched her friend walk toward her.
-Well, I believed in Santa Mel, but reality is different.-
-Understood.-
She knew Dr. Garcia would be a recurring topic from now on.
Dennis didn't come with them because he went with Amy, making Trinity even more irritable. They were about to leave until a voice stopped them.
-Dr. King!- It was Dr. Ellis Park. Mel jogged as fast as she could so she wouldn't run too much. She knew Dr. Ellis got tired very quickly when she ran.
-Oh, please!- Santos shouted in exasperation. All her friends were being searched for by someone except her.
-I won't be long!- Mel shouted.
She ran until she was standing in front of Ellis. No one knew how Mel had so much energy. She could run so fast and not even break a sweat.
-Doctor. - she said, catching her breath. -I'm sorry, but I won't see you for a few hours. I just wanted to tell you something before you leave...-
-Okay.-Mel's brain started racing. She felt like she was dying of nerves. What if she had done something wrong? Or what if she scolded her for not being focused today?
-I just wanted to tell you…that you're a good doctor. I know we're not that close, but I know today was difficult for you, and maybe having your sister come the same day you had to give your statement wasn't helpful, but you did well. And…also, I wanted to invite you out for a bite to eat, bobba if you'd like.-
Mel didn't know what to say. Years ago, no one had ever asked her out, and now not only was she being asked, but Dr. Parker Ellis was asking her out. She calmed herself, controlled her thoughts, and tried to coordinate them with her words to say exactly what she wanted to say.
-Yes.-
-Yes?-
-Of course!- she said, trying to sound as calm as possible. -Of course, we have to be discreet so as not to affect our professional relationship. We don't have to tell Dr. Hashimi, but I think we can tell our friends. But yes, I would like to go out with you, Dr. Ellis.-
Ellis just stared at her. Of course he liked her, and he didn't regret ignoring his professional ethics for a second.
-Tell me, Parker. You can call me by my name now. Have a good time, and I'll see you later. Mel.- she said, smiling as she headed back to the Pitt.
Mel smiled back, waiting until the doctor had gone inside the Pitt so she can ran with great energy and happiness toward her friend.
-Wow, Huckleberry left with the woman and the baby, Javadi has Curls, and you get asked out…this Fourth of July couldn't get any better. - Santos said with her characteristic sarcasm.
-YOUR Fourth of July is going to be better because you'll be with your friends. - the blonde said. She knew she was being sarcastic, but she'd learned to recognize it over time.
Mel was very excited; she still couldn't believe what had happened. At least for her, it was harder to ask someone out. She's more reserved, and the fear of rejection isn't something she handles very well, but she thought it was a good sign that Dr. Parker had run out to ask her out.
-Dr. Ellis, huh?- Santos said, now calmer. – I didn't know you liked her.
– Dr. Ellis, I mean Parker, is a very attractive woman. I honestly had no idea she found me attractive, but we'll see if we're compatible on a date, if the attraction is just physical, and if we can go on more dates. –
– I'm glad you're having a date. You look happy. –
– Thanks, so... do you want to talk about Garcia? –
– That ship has sailed. I don't think there's a future with her. –
– I'm sorry to hear that, but you know, I think you'll have a better time with me. –
– I'm starting to think the same. –
...
ELLIS POV
Dr. Parker Ellis loved the night, her hair, and naps. But unfortunately, the day wasn't going to let her have the latter. The damn day didn't seem to want to leave her alone. First, the damn hackers, then she couldn't take her damn nap, and to top it all off, it was the damn Fourth of July.
But everything made sense because she got to see Melissa King, the reason why she'd been trying to get up early for the past 10 months, every single day. She saw her perfectly styled hair, her nerdy glasses, and her beautiful smile. She'd known her for almost a year, and she'd become an addiction to her, like coffee to Shen.
But she hadn't counted on the presence of one person, that idiot Langdon, the blue-eyed fool, who was greeted with the blonde's joy the moment he arrived.
"She's never this happy when she sees me," she thought, trying to hide her growing jealousy that threatened to strike the "prodigy."
Then came her deposition. She knew they had nothing against Dr. King; the procedure had been done perfectly, she'd seen it herself. She wanted to punch the other lawyers, but she controlled herself. She couldn't say anything to Mel, but she wanted to encourage her before her deposition. The fact that she'd told her they couldn't talk about the case seemed adorable and professional. She offered him a few words of support as tactfully as possible. She went to take a nap, or that’s what she wanted, until Dana show up.
Since she couldn’t take a nap, she start doing what she do best (beside being a doctor) and that’s thinking how to talk to dr. Mel instead of actually talking to her.
She could only speak to her formally; she didn't know what was wrong with her. García hadn't hesitated to flirt with Santos, whatever it was that happened because neither of them had any shame in their entire being, but she was more reserved, and Mel was EXTREMELY reserved.
Parker wondered what would happen if she asked Mel out on a date, but for some reason, she couldn't. Her nerves were getting the better of her, and it was the first time she'd ever felt nervous talking to someone.
…
The lack of sleep was making her irritable, and Mel and Langdon spending time together was even worse. She didn't blame him; Mel was the only one who welcomed him with open arms. She felt sorry for the idiot, coming around with such embarrassment, with everyone's eyes on him in disappointment. Of course she talked to him and told him that the last 10 months had been awful for Robby because he felt like HE had let Langdon down. She also wanted to tell him to stop playing the victim; he was the boss's favorite, and Mel's too... but didn't want to sound jealous.
Today was the day of the martyrs, according to her.
Now she had to endure helping with the mess from the day shift, going to the patients who were now hers, and still not having been able to take a nap. But she could handle it; the night shift was her complement, the best shift, and nothing had happened to make her lose control.
She would treat whoever she had to treat, have coffee with Shen, think about Mel, and go home to sleep all the sleep she hadn't gotten during the week. Everything was taking shape, and she was gathering strength and energy.
Until Shen arrived, drinking his coffee as usual, but she saw that spark in his eyes, ready to start a rumor, create chaos; anything to keep himself busy.
-You look tired.-
-I am tired, Shen.-
-I thought you were tired from watching Rusty steal the blonde from you.-
"Steal?"
-What do you mean?-
-I saw those two very close today, and the way they're looking at each other...-Shen nodded toward the entrance.
Parker went there and saw them.
Langdon and Melissa were saying goodbye. They didn't kiss, not even hug. They just looked at each other. The doctor's gaze was one of admiration; she was sure of it, and she knew that Melissa would never be interested in anyone married with a family.
But Langdon's gaze was a different story; his eyes were shining. Being completely objective (in her opinion), that kind of look isn't what you give a friend. He was looking at her lips; you simply don't look at a colleague like that. Parker stayed by the door, waiting until Langdon left.
When Mel was alone, she was about to leave, but her nerves were killing her. She wasn't particularly religious, but in moments like this, she couldn't deny that she needed help from anyone, human or something beyond.
So, at the entrance of the Pitt, with nothing to lose, she asked for a sign, any sign. She had spent ten months watching Melissa from afar, only greeting her politely, but when she spoke to her, she felt like she was in high school; a girl scared to talk to her crush.
It was now or never.
-Dr. Ellis? –
She turned around quickly so she wouldn't notice she was spying on Mel.
-Dr. Santos, hello… finally free?-
-Yep, one more minute in there and I'll have a psychotic break.-
"Things with Garcia are over."
-I'm glad. Are you going to the park?-
-We're going to karaoke, after today's disaster.-
-We're going. Are you going with Garcia?-
-God, no, I'm going with King.-
-Really?-
-What can I say? It's nice being with her, even if she is weird. She deserves a night where she doesn't watch Elf, you know? She has seen that thing more than 100 times.-
Santos waved goodbye and left.
That's all Ellis needed.
Of course she deserved to watch something other than Elf. God, if only I had talked to her sooner. Elf is fun, but watching it more than 10 times would drive anyone crazy.
“Don’t be a coward, Parker.”
Parker let out a big sigh. She needed a few minutes. She went back inside and found Shen, told him she had to make an emergency call, and left the Pitt. She checked that no one was around and ran over to Mel and Santos.
Now he knew why he was so nervous about asking her out. Melissa was special; not because she was looking at the lava lanterns on her phone (something she tried to hide from everyone, but everyone knew about, just like her “musical moments”), or because sometimes she couldn’t choose the right words and ended up making everything super awkward.
She was special because she was sensitive, but she could use that sensitivity to be a great doctor. She was special because there was no other girl like her, not on the day shift, not on the night shift.
There simply wasn’t another like her, and he was afraid that if he messed up, he wouldn’t have the chance to be with this special girl again.
She didn’t know what he would say, she didn’t even know if Mel liked women, but whatever happened, she deserved a night where she didn’t watch Elf. Mel deserves for SOMEONE to stop being a coward and ask her out.