Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Again, this book will be mainly CAS Series 36/37, though I'm adding the last Series of Holby this time as well.

Covering:

• Halloween
• Christmas
• Easter
• Valentines Day
• New Years Eve/Day
• (And even though it isn't a "holiday") Pride Month

Will Do: 

• Friendships (Sah & Teddy, Iain & Sah, Jan & Sah, Teddy & Iain, Max & Dylan.... Ect)
• Faith/Stevie romance
• Angst
• Fluff
• Swearing
• Headcanons
• Sick-fic
• Holiday fluff
• Age Regression

Won't Do:

• NSFW content of any kind
• Pregnancy

Ships:

Casualty

Romantic: 

• Faith & Stevie
• Dylan & Ethan, or Dylan & David
• Robyn & Paul
• Rida and Jodie
• Jodie & Cam
• Ryan & Cam
• Sah & Teddy
• Donna & Dylan
• Rash & Paige
• Jan & Ffion
• Multi-ships

 Holby: 

• Dom & Lofty
• Henrik & Russell
• Donna & Xavier
• Essie & Sacha, or Essie & Raf
• Jac & Fletch
• Jac & Kian
• Ollie & Zosia
• Chloe & Cam
• Serena & Bernie
• Louis & Kylie

Platonic/Friendship:

Casualty:

• Sah & Teddy
• Rida & Jodie
• Cam & Rida
• Jan & Charlie
• Ryan & Rida
• Charlie & Jacob
• Dylan & Everyone
• Sah & Everyone
• Teddy & Everyone
• Jan & Everyone
• Everyone & Everyone
• Team Nurse (For those who don’t know, it’s Ryan, Cam, Rida and Jodie)
• Marty & Robyn

Holby:

• Dom & Sacha
• Lofty & Dom
• Fletch & Jac
• Jac & Sacha
• Jac & Emma
• Fletch & his kids (Evie, Mikey, Ella and Theo)
• Ric & Donna
• Essie & Sacha
• Nicky & Chloe
• Dom & Chloe
• Dom & Ange
• Ange & Josh
• Ange, Dom, Chloe & Josh
• Ollie & Zosia
• Louis & Max
• Louis & Kylie

Family (Or Found Family)

• Jan & Teddy
• Iain & Jan
• Jan & Sah
• Jacob & Teddy
• Sah & Kevin
• Sah & Jools
• Jan & Gethin
• Jan & Ffion

More can be added, especially some from Holby City this time.

Request Titles:

The titles of your requests will show up here:

[Title] : [Username]

• "Happy New Year!" : Myself (Helluva_Hazbin_Boss)
• "You’re the only thing in my wish list" : Rabbitking1
• "Christmas Together" : k1m
• ”Our Secret” : Myself

Chapter Text

Fletch stared into Jac and Eli's office. He hated having to walk past this part of Darwin, where he had both good and bad memories of himself and Jac together. He hated leaving her behind. Hated that all the other staff claimed she was distant and aggressive, standoffish and demanding. 

He felt a hand touch his shoulder, and turned around to find Sacha see standing behind him. "Fletch?"

"I miss her." He said quietly. 

"We all do." Sacha nodded. 

Fletch scoffed. "Well, everyone has a funny way of showing it if all they've been doing is saying how much they disliked her."

Sacha frowned. "Did you head to the ED and tell them what happened?"

"Yeah. A put up a few posters, too." He nodded. "God, this is the first New Year's without her. Emma's going to be beside herself."

Sacha nodded again. "We could head to Albies after work, if you want? First round on me?"

Fletch smiled softly. "Alright. I'll see if some of the ED staff would want to join us. Maybe rope Dom into it, too."

Sacha chuckled. "I'll see what I can do." With that, he turned and walked off.

Theodore faultered at the station's entrance. It was unusually quiet, despite the time of day. It was supposed to be full of cheers, laughter and Iain bantering with Jan and Jacob while Sah watched with a mildly amused smile while trying to seem like they didn't want to listen to Iain's terrible jokes.

But, no. There was no laughter, not coffee being spilt, no banter. Silence.

"Guys, it's not Halloween anymore!" He called, stepping into the ambulance bay. Christmas decorations still hung from the steel beams, glitter and streamers littering the floor. There was even a mistletoe leaf above the door, a dare from Teddy himself after he'd seen Iain and Faith kissing one time too many.

He crossed the bay and entered the break room, humming to himself as he looked at the photographs pinned to the noticeboard, and the Christmas tree still standing in the corner of the room, directly beside the hall leading to Jan's office. 

"Good morning, Theodore." Jan smiled brightly.

"Hey, auntie Jan." Teddy returned the smile. "Where is everyone?"

"Jacob's running late, Iain's gone to visit his sister, and Sah's out of town with their Dad for New Years. Said they'd call when they arrived, wherever they went."

"I forgot about that." Teddy snapped his fingers. "And Paige is working nights this week, so I can't get drinks with her later." He sighed. "Looks like I'm drinking alone for New Year's."

"Well, not exactly, love." He looked up. Jan smirked. "You're not too old to go for a New Year's drink at the Anchor with me now, are you?"

"Are you sure?" Teddy asked. "There's no admin you need to work on for Control, right?"

"Did that all yesterday." Jan hummed. "Let's let a move on and head out there. Who knows what well be dealing with today."

Teddy nodded. "I'll be right way the you, auntie Jan. Just let me get changed." He jogged over to the locker room and closed the door.

That evening

Fletch returned home to find Evie had already made dinner, and everyone was at the table waiting for him.

"How was work, Dad?" Ella asked as he threw his bag onto the floor and hung his coat and scarf on the rack.

"It was a long day." Fletch smiled tiredly. He entered the room and affectionately tousled Mikey and Theo's hair before reaching across the table to press a kiss to Ella's temple. He then moved into the kitchen to find Evie plating up what looked like leftover chicken parmesan from the previous night. "Look at you." He chuckled. "Handling dinner like a pro."

"I just reheated what was left over." Evie rolled her eyes. "I put a beer in the fridge for you, too. And an extra one for tonight."

"Thanks, Evie." Fletch pulled her into a one-arm hug. "Love you."

"You too, Dad."

Theo looked up as Fletch sat down at the table. "Dad?"

"Yeah?"

"Are there any sparklers left?"

"I don't know. I'll have a look after dinner."

Mikey raised a brow. "Are we lighting the sparklers for New Year's, Dad?"

"If you want to, Mikey." Fletch told him. "I'll be drinking a beer when the countdown starts, but you kids can have the sparklers. Just not inside, please."

"We know, Dad." Ella shook her head. "Is anyone else coming tonight?"

"Yeah, what about Ms Naylor?" Evie asked from her spot at the counter.

Fletch sighed. "Jac won't be joining us, no. I-er.... She died a few weeks ago. I didn't want to say anything because I didn't want you kids to know."

Ella frowned. "Did something happen?"

Fletch shook his head. "She was already dying. We couldn't have prevented the inevitable."

"How?" Theo asked, a sad frown on his face.

"Brain tumor." Fletch wrung his hands on the table. "Inoperable. But what killed her in the end was a stroke. Sacha, Elliot and I were in the room when it happened. It was quick; she wasn't in any pain in the end."

"Dad, we don't have to go out for the countdown if you don't feel up to it-" Evie began. 

Fletch shook his head. "Jac wouldn't have wanted me to hold back because she's gone." He took a deep breath. "C'mon, let's eat."

Teddy and Jan arrived at the Hope and Anchor for drinks. It was crowded, TVs blaring the news broadcast for the countdown. People were holding glasses of different beverages in hand, alcohol spilling from the glasses when they were jogged or moved too quickly.

"Maybe we should have gone to somewhere more quieter." Jan frowned as she and Teddy navigated through the crowd.

Teddy hummed. "We can sit out in the beer garden. Sah text me to say they're going to call us soon, anyway."

Jan nodded. The pair ordered and paid for their drinks, and walked out into the beer garden. As they found themselves a table, Teddy's phone rang. He pulled it from his pocket to find Sah was attempting to video call him. He quickly answered, setting his phone up against a beer bottle.

After a few minutes, the call connected. Teddy and Jan could see both Sah and Kevin standing outside what appeared to be a crowded bar. "Hey Jan, Teddy!"

"Heya, love!" Jan waved. 

"Hey, Sah! Hey, Kev!" Teddy added with a chuckle. "Happy New Year."

"Happy New Year." Sah grinned. They handed their phone to Kevin and held their beer glass up to the camera. "How was it today? I hope Dad and I didn't miss much."

Jan rolled her eyes fondly. "Just your typical day, love. I'd expect Iain and Jacob will have their work cut out for them tomorrow morning."

"God, yeah." Sah grumbled.

"How was your day, guys?" Teddy asked.

"Dad and I visited some family this morning that we haven't seen in a while. It's a good thing, too." Sah frowned at the last part, taking a sip from their glass.

Kevin gently patted their shoulder. "It's only once in a blue moon, kiddo. They'll come round eventually."

 "You think do, Dad? Because I don't."

"Wait, what happened?" Teddy asked.

"I came out to them. Let's just say, I'm not going back there ever again." Sah grumpily crossed their arms. Kevin sighed.

"Things got a bit heated, let's just say. Words were exchanged, and simply my side of the family are all transphobic pricks." He ground out.

Jan and Teddy frowned. "Aw, love." Jan gently sighed. Sah shook their head.

"It's fine. Honestly, I should have expected it." They took another drink. "Besides, Dad's supportive, that's all that counts."

Teddy checked his watch. "It's almost time for the countdown."

"I'll go order us another drink./I'll go order us another drink." Jan and Kevin both said at the same time, and left together, leaving Sah and Teddy alone.

"Paige couldn't join you?" Sah asked.

"She's working the night shift." Teddy shook his head. "Jan offered to join me instead."

"Good." Sah nodded. "New Year's resolutions?"

"Nah, I'm not really into making resolutions, I'll just break them. You?"

"Apart from trying to be a bit more open about everything, plus actually start bonding with Mom more now that her and Dad remarried? Not really." Sah shrugged. "What time is it?"

Teddy checked his watch again. "11:59. We should be see starting he countdown soon."

Soon, it began.

Fletch lit Theo, Mikey and Ella's sparklers as the countdown began.

10.

Teddy and Sah watched the fireworks start shooting up into the sky.

9.

Fletch stood beside Evie, an arm around her shoulders.

8.

Teddy took a drink from his glass as Jan returned. Sah did the same with the beer glass Kevin had arrived with. Both Jan and Kevin were carrying shots of tequila rose.

7.

Fletch took a deep breath and looked up into the sky.

6.

Jan checked her phone for any messages from Ffion.

5.

Evie watched Fletch take another drink from his beer can, leaning against the wall with a forlorn look on his face as Ella, Theo and Mikey ran around the yard.

4.

Teddy leaned his head back, downing the last of his drink. He reached for a shot glass, but Jan slapped his hand away.

3.

Theo looked over at his father and older sister, frowning a little at the look on his father's face. Ella tapped him on the shoulder and ran off.

2.

Teddy and Sah looked at each other, grinning ear to ear.

1.

"Happy New Year!!"

Teddy, Sah, Kevin and Jan took their shots as the fireworks boomed in the sky, lighting up the darkness with bright colours.

Fletch smiled as he staggered back, landing on his backside with Ella, Theo and Mikey on top of him.

"Happy New Year, Jac." He whispered, hugging him kids tightly.

Chapter Text

Two Weeks Before Christmas

Cam looked up and down the Christmas gift ideas aisle at Tesco, anxiously trying to find the perfect gift for Ryan. Christmas was only a few weeks away, but he still hadn't gotten his boyfriend a present.

He looked up and down the shelves, frowning at the lack of gifts in stock. It seemed that the store had purposefully stocked up on women's gifts just to spite him. 

"Can I help you, sir?" He jumped and turned to find one of the store workers looking at him. Cam shook his head.

"Trying to find a gift for my boyfriend." He said. "Not exactly having much luck here."

The worker chuckled softly. "I know the feeling. It's hard to find a good gift for someone. How long have you been with him?"

"A few months." Cam answered. "Our friends locked us in a store cupboard because we were both oblivious to the other's feelings for so long, and he was actually the first to confess."

The worker chuckled. "Good luck with getting him a present. I'm sure he'd appreciate whatever you buy him."

Cam hummed, nervously looking over the gifts again.

A week before Christmas

Christmas was less than a week away, and can still had no idea what to buy Ryan. Jodie and Rida had offered to help, but Cam declined, explaining that the gift had to come from him.

"You've got that look again." He yelped and whirled around to face Ryan, who smiled softly and reached a calloused hand towards Cam's face. "What's up?"

"It's nothing, promise." Cam nervously chuckled.

Ryan hummed but didn't seem entirely convinced. "I was thinking about how we're going to give our presents this year. What do you think?" He asked.

"I don't know." Cam answered. 

"We've got a week to think about it." Ryan hummed softly. "Tell us what, why don't we see if Ri and Jodes want to tag along with us? Sure, they'll probably have their own plans, but we could do something together, as a group." He turned his gaze to the couple in question. "What do you think?"

"S-sounds good." Cam stammered. 

Donna slammed a pile of patient files on the table beside them. "Less chatting, more handling patients, boys. Three of our patients are about to overstay their welcome."

Cam stepped away from Ryan and nodded at her. "Right. On it." He scurried away as quickly as he could. His heart was pounding in his chest, anxiety flooding his veins. It was only a matter of time before Ryan would find out he'd not gotten him a present yet.

He rushed into the locker room, breathing unevenly and heavily. He clutched his chest as he locked the door and his in the far corner of the room, tears streaming down his face. He hated having to blatantly lie to his boyfriend, but what choice would he have? Ryan was excited to spend Christmas with him, it would crush him if he found out that cam hadn't got him anything.

Ryan frowned as he watched Cam rush away. He felt a strange feeling grip his chest, almost suffocating. Cam had been suspiciously distant from him all week, and Ryan was determined to find out why.

He approached Jodie during a lull in the shift. "Hey, Jodes?"

Jodie hummed and looked up at him. "Hey, Ryan. What's up?"

"Have you noticed anything strange about Cam? He's been acting really off with me." Ryan scratched the back of his head. "I don't know if I've done something or what, but he's been really distant all week."

"Huh, that's weird." Jodie frowned. "Have you asked him about it?"

"Tried. He wouldn't tell me." Ryan shook his head. "Actually, do you know where he is? I haven't heard from him in ages, and I'm getting worried."

"Last I heard, he was heading to the locker room." Jodie told him. "That was about an hour ago."

Ryan nodded. "Thanks, Jodes." He quickly left, walking off to the locker room. He noticed the door was closed, and upon trying the handle, found it was locked. He knocked on the door. "Cam? Cam, babe, it's Ryan. Can I come in?"

Inside the room, Cam was silent, chest heaving with every exaggerated breath, shoulders tensed and trembling violently. He could barely hear what Ryan was saying. "R-" he coughed, breathing shakily. "Ryan..."

Outside the room, Ryan was torn between tearing the door down and holding Cam in his arms, hugging him tightly and repeatedly assuring him that he was the best boyfriend ever, and calling maintenance down to help him unlock the door. He could hear the familiar sound of Cam breathing erratically from inside the room. Panic attack. Ryan reminded himself. He took a deep breath. "Cam, love? Can you hear me?"

Inside the room, Cam briefly looked up at the door. "I-er...." He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. It didn't quell the panic he felt, though. "I'm here."

Ryan hummed softly. "Good. I need you to open the door for me, Cam, okay? Can you do that for me?"

Cam grunted and pulled himself shakily to his feet. He stumbled to the door and unlocked it, his legs feeling like jelly. Ryan took the opportunity to open the door and pull him into his arms before Cam's legs gave way and he collapsed against him. 

"I've got you." He whispered, tightening his grip on his boyfriend. "I'm here."

The pair stayed that way for a few minutes longer before Cam found his voice. "I-er.... I'm sorry."

Ryan slowly pulled away and grabbed Cam by the shoulders. "You've done nothing wrong, love." He softly assured, leaning forward so their foreheads touched. "What are you apologising for?"

"I haven't got anything for you for Christmas." Cam avoided his eyes. Ryan frowned.

"Cameron, I don't need a fancy present to open Christmas morning. I've got you, that's all I need." He chuckled. "God, you've put up with my shit for this long, it's a wonder how we've gone this long without needing a break from each other."

"You're my safe place, Ryan." Cam softly told him, quey enough that Ryan almost didn't hear it. 

"And you're mine, Cam." He replied, pecking the tip of the other man's nose. Cam softly giggled, blushing madly. "And like I said: I don't need something big and fancy to open as long as you are right by my side. You're more of a Christmas present than anything I've ever wanted. The only thing I've ever wanted."

Cam had to stop himself from falling into Ryan's arms and kissing him deeply right then and there. "Can we try to get something for you for Christmas, though? I don't care if you'll already know what it is the day you open it. Just as long as you're there to help me look." Cam pleaded.

Ryan smirked. "Only if we get a coffee at the nearest Starbucks first."

"Deal."

Christmas Day

Cam, Ryan, Jodie and Rida gathered around the living room floor of Ryan's apartment. The tree was up in the corner adjacent to the TV, colourful lights glistening brightly across the room. 

Ryan grabbed an armful of boxes from under the three, and set them down in the middle of the circle. "Pick your poison." He declared. Jodie, Rida and Cam immediately jumped in. 

Jodie took her presents and placed them each in her lap. She smiled from ear to ear, wistfully glancing to her girlfriend as Rida retrieved her own. 

"Rock, paper, scissors?" She asked, balling a fist. "Winner gets tocopen the first present of the other's choice?"

"You're on, Jodes." Ryan grinned. He wrapped an arm ar his boyfriend's shoulders. Cam nodded. The group played a few rounds on "Rock, Papee, Scissors", and soon it was time to open their presents.

Jodie had recived a bottle of expensive wine from Rida, a new, glittering dress from Cam, and a brand new makeup pallet from Ryan.

Rida recived a pair of crystal earrings from Jodie, a box of chocolates from Ryan, and a set of vodka mixers from Cam.

Ryan received dog toys, collars, leashes, harnesses and treats from Cam, a new pair of trainers from Jodie, and a new video game from Rida. The girls raised eyebrows at Ryan's present from Cam, but chose not to comment.

Cam received a new novel he'd been wishing for from Rida, a mystery note from Ryan, and a watch from Jodie.

"What does the note say?" Jodie asked, peering over Cam's shoulder as he opened the envelope.

The note read:

"I'm horrifying at the whole "love" thing, but this present is really for the two of us.

You questioned why I told you to buy dog supplies when we were out after work yesterday.

"My" present is the answer. 

I Love you 3000, Cameron Mickelthwaite"

Cam tilted his head to the side. "What have you done, Ryan Firth?" He questioned.

Ryan stood up, reaching a hand out for Cam to take. "Come with me." He motioned for Rida and Jodie to follow.

The four walked through the apartment to Ryan's bedroom, and walked in. On the king-size bed, sat a large box. On the box, was a note. Cam slowly walked over and picked it up.

"'Please don't kill me'." He read. Glancing briefly to Ryan, he opened the lid on the box....

And found a Jack Russell Terrier puppy inside the box, yipping excitedly and wagging its tail happily. Cam bursted into happy tears as he picked the puppy up out of the box and held it in his arms.

"His name's "Lucky II"." Ryan explained. "After you said a few weeks ago, I thought you'd love him. I can't replace the dog you had as a kid, but I can at least give you new memories to make with Lucky II."

Cam nodded. "Come here, you amazing idiot!" He opened an arm out wide, and Ryan stepped forward. Cam quickly grabbed him and pulled him in for a deep, passionate kiss.

"Merry Christmas, Cameron." Ryan hummed, pulling away.

"And a happy new year, Ryan."

Chapter Text

Gaynor had been preparing lunch for herself and Theodore when the ten year old came running downstairs, giggling excitedly. "Theodore, no running! You've just come back from the hospital!" Gaynor shouted. Teddy had been Hospitalised for the last two weeks with his Atrial Fibrillation. Gaynor couldn't tell you how often he'd been in and out of hospital because of his heart, or because he got sick.

"Awe!" Teddy bemoaned, slowly walking into the room. "But Mom!"

"No "buts", Teddy." Gaynor sternly told him. Teddy sighed and walked over to the couch, flopping down on the cushions and grabbing the TV remote. 

"Hey, Mom?" He asked after a while.

"Yes, Theodore?" Gaynor replied, looking up from where she'd been stacking the dishes. 

"Can we spend Christmas with Auntie Jan and Ffion?" He asked. "I know you and Jan don't get along, but can we please go?"

Gaynor knew he wouldn't back down when he asked and she'd tell him it wasn't possible. "You can go, sweetheart." She put down one of the dishes she was drying, and walked over to the couch. "But I'm afraid I'm not going to. Things between Jan and I aren't great at the moment. I'm sure you'd still love it if you spend time with your Aunt."

"But can't you just come and say "hi"?" Teddy asked with a frown.

Gaynor shook her head. "I'm sorry, love." 

 Teddy watched from the backseat as the highway scenery gave way to buildings and tall cranes the closer to Wyvern he got. He could barely contain his excitement as he watched the houses and businesses blur past, one step closer to Jan's house.

Soon enough, he and Gaynor arrived outside Jan and Ffion's home. Gaynor turned the engine off, and turned around to face him. "Now, you be good for auntie Jan, Theodore."

"Will do, Mom." Teddy smiled, unbuckling his seatbelt. "Love you."

He climbed out and dashed over to his mother's car door. Gaynor chuckled and wound the window down. Teddy lifted his top half into the car, and gave her a hug. "Merry Christmas, mom."

"Merry Christmas, my baby boy." Gaynor hummed and pecked his nose. Teddy giggled and pulled away. "I'll pick you up Boxing Day."

Teddy nodded and skipped towards the front door. He didn't even need tocknock, as he second he lifted his for to stand on the step, he tripped and collided with the door.

A second later, the door opened. He looked up to see an exasperated Jan staring down at him.

"What the hell are you doing down there, Theodore?" She asked, helping him up. Teddy brushed his hands down his Christmas sweater, grinning.

"Merry Christmas, auntie Jan!"

Jan shook her head. "Merry Christmas, lad." She patted his back and ushered him inside. "Ross is upstairs in his room, but he'll be down soon."

Teddy frowned. His older cousin never really liked him, didn't like anyone, really. Ross was 14, and made Teddy's life a living nightmare whenever he came to visit.

"Who was at the door, love?" Teddy perked up and turned his head as Ffion entered the hall, drying her hands on a tea towel. "Oh, Teddy. I didn't know you were here."

"I came to visit for Christmas. Mom let me come." Teddy answered, walking over to hug her. Ffion reciprocated the hug. 

"I hope you're hungry, because dinner's almost ready."

Dinner soon came around, then afterwards everyone opened their presents. Ross even showed his face, wearing a black and red Christmas sweater and sweatpants.

"You could have gotten a bit more dressed up, love." Jan lightly scolded him. Ross rolled his eyes.

"How about "no"?"

Jan chose to ignore him, and turned to Teddy instead. "Whether you're ready, love."

Teddy grinned and all but dove into his presents, tearing wrapping paper from the gifts to reveal new toys, video games, and even some clothes and bath accessories. "Thanks guys." He smiled warmly, standing up to hug his aunts. Ffion and Jan hugged him back, chuckling.

"Merry Christmas, Teddy." Ffion whispered in his ear.

"Merry Christmas, Theodore." Jan announced, pulling away to tousle his hair. Teddy giggled and swatted her hand away.

Chapter Text

Paige opened her locker and found a plethora of valentine's cards and notes shoved inside. With a chuckle, she grabbed the entire handful and dumped them on the counter as Faith walked in.

"Someone's popular." She teased.

"Someone has also gone over the top this year." Paige chuckled, ripping open one of the many cards. 

To the most amazing doctor in my life,

I love you more than words can express.

love,

Your secret admirer

Paige rolled her eyes fondly. "I've been getting these for weeks now, can you believe it?"

"They're definitely eager to get a head start." Faith grinned. "Who's the lucky one?"

"Not telling." Paige smirked, shoving the pile back into her locker. "You'll have to wait until the 14th." It was only a few days away. Paige knew Sah had a plan, a surprise. They did the same thing every year.

On Valentine's Day, the quest began. Paige had been focused on her patients when a note found its way into the pocket of her scrubs. She'd turned around as Teddy rushed out the room. It was clear than Sah had roped him into whatever plan they had come up with. 

Stepping away from her patient, Paige opened up the note. Go to the store cupboard. It read. Paige grinned, shoving the note back in her pocket. 

Before she could walk over there, Cam came out with a slip of paper in his hand. He handed it over to Paige. "I found this is the store cupboard." He said.

"Thanks Cam." Paige opened it up. Before she could read the note, Cam asked, "what's with the notes and everything?"

"It's a Valentine's thing." Paige told him. "Sah does it to me every year. They're worse when neither of us are working."

"How so?" He asks.

"They'd have me go all over the place for the whole day, while they hide at home and surprise me with a romantic dinner under candlelight." Paige explained.

"I didn't think Sah was the romance type." Cam chuckled. "It's sweet, though."

"Yeah." Paige nodded. "Now, excuse me while I follow this wild goose chase." She handed over the patient's file to Cam and opened the note. Head to Charlie's office. The next note is on the door.

Paige continued following the notes, gaining odd looks from her colleagues as she ran circles around the ED. None of them seemed bothered in the slightest, with Stevie at one point commenting, "it's that time of year again, huh?" Finally, after what felt like hours of chasing down the notes and figuring out clues, Paige arrived outside the on-call room. Stuffing the notes into her pockets, she pushed the door open and turned on the light.

Sah stood in the middle of the room, wearing a black velvet suit over their paramedic shirt, as well as their uniform boots. "Happy Valentine's Day." They chuckled, lifting their arms and hugging Paige, who simply responded by kissing them passionately on the lips.

"You're amazing, you know that?" She laughed, pulling away. 

"So you've said." Sah teased with a cheeky grin. "There's another surprise for you downstairs. Stevie and Faith helped." Wordlessly, they pulled Paige into their arms, carrying her bridal style out of the room and downstairs. It was a miracle Sah hadn't missed a step, dropped Paige or something else. Arriving at reception, Sah finally set Paige back on her feet, and grasped her hand. 

"What's this suprise?" Paige asked, following Sah as they marched through the doors and into the staff room. The whole room was littered with balloons shaped like love hearts, all coloured red, white and pink. A large banner sat against the opposite wall, and all the blinds were shut. 

Suddenly, the lights all went out, and music started playing. It wasn't any old music, but Toploader's "Dancing in the Moonlight". Paige and Sah's favourite song.

"Oh my gosh." Paige blushed as Sah got down on one knee and produced a red velvet box from their pocket.

"Paige, we've been through so much together. With your support through my identity journey, and my support with your BRCA test and everything afterwards, you make me feel like the luckiest person in the world. We've had our ups and downs, but who doesn't? You're kindness and empathy inspire me every day. And I hope we can spend the rest of our lives together." Paige's eyes clouded with tears. "Paige Allcott, will you marry me?"

"Yes!" Paige bursted into happy tears, jumping forward and wrapping her arms tightly around Sah, the momentum causing them both to fall over. "Yes, yes, yes!" Paige cried, reaching a hand up to cup their cheek and pull them in for another passionate kiss. 

"I love you." Sah smiled widely. The couple stood up as the song changed to "Wonderwall" by Oasis.

"I love you more." Paige responded. 

Chapter Text

Halloween was only a week away. Stevie, Faith, Dylan, Cam, Jodie, Rida, Rash, Tariq, Siobhan, Ngozi and Nicole were busy preparing for the festivities.

"Okay." Siobhan cleared her throat, looking over at the blueprint for the ED. "Are we all 100% sure about this?"

"Iain's been scaring the kids with horror films all week. They want justice." Faith nodded, turning to her friends and colleagues. 

"Any objections?" Dylan questioned. "Any questions?"

"Are our surprise guests still coming?" Jodie asked.

"As far as I'm aware, yes." Stevie nodded. "Everyone bought their costumes, right?" Everyone hummed and voiced their agreement. "Good. Control are already aware of what we've planned, so the paramedics are diverting all ambulances to St James's until we're ready."

"Good." Siobhan grinned, clapping her hands. Let's get decorating. This department won't spook itself." The team split up into pairs, each taking a different room and area of the department to decorate. 

Stevie and Faith ventured into Triage, where they were tasked with setting up a "Death Row" scene, where one of their "special guests" would later scare Jacob, Teddy, Iain and Jan. 

Jodie and Cam took over Resus 1, turning the room into a mortuary filled with CPR dummies on the beds, fake blood streaks on the floor, printed hand prints on the windows and fake cracks and holes in the glass. They also added cotton wool cobwebs, spiders and an animatronic dead body, which would jump up and try to attack the paramedics. For further effect, Jodie had asked maintenance to "break" the lightbulbs and fuses to give the room a decrepit effect.

Rida and Nicole took over the staffroom and corridors surrounding it, throwing white wheels over the furniture, purposefully making the faucet drip, dirtying the items on the drying rack and filling the fridge with fake eyeballs, blood bags, and a mangled fake head. They also decided to add a Five Nights at Freddy's "Springtrap" suit and "Nightmare Foxy" animatronic in the room, the former in the locker room, and the latter beside the door, ready to jumpscare whoever entered the room.

Dylan and Ngozi tackled Cubicles, putting fake corpses, blood, vomit, grime and bullet holes all over the place, a fake knife embedded in a select few beds, an axe Inthe wall, and leather face and Slender Man animatronics in the store cupboard and side room respectively.

Rash and Tariq oversaw reception, purposefully covering the chairs with "grime", seating plastic skeletons on chairs, wheelchairs, and a Ghostface standee at reception, with zombies occupying the security posts. Empty files were strewn about the floor and reception desk, which dripped with slime and more fake blood. The lights were all off, rash having asked maintenance to turn off the mains power to the reception and giving the zombie security guards two flashlights each for the paramedics to take. Chairs, wheelchairs, walking aids and Gurney's were overturned, walls smeared with fake blood and vomit. Even the elevator was offline. 

And finally, Siobhan had tasked herself with decorating her office with police caution tape and a hanging ghost which, when the door is opened, will swing down from the ceiling and scare the unsuspecting paramedic.

"Our special guests should be here now." Stevie checked her watch. The team were outside in the brisk evening air, sheltered by the roof of the ambulance bay. A moment later, they all watched three cars pull up in the parking lot. 

"I can't believe we're doing this." One of the new arrivals grinned. Sah, Ryan and Charlie stepped out of the first car and approached the group. 

"Welcome back, guys." Siobhan smiled. 

From the second car, Marty and Ruby stepped out and grabbed their costumes for the trunk before walking over. Lastly, Dizie exited the third and final car, grinning from ear to ear.

"I can't wait to actually scare the daylights outta Iain." She smirked. 

"What are we waiting for, then?" Siobhan clapped her hands, then ushered everyone inside. 

"God, I hope this ends soon." Iain complained, shifting in his seat at the steering wheel. He and Jan had just been on a shout to an elderly woman who had a suspected angina attack. "Any word from Holby, Jan?"

"Nothing yet, love." Jan shook her head, scrolling through her text messages. "Nothing at all."

Across the town, Teddy and Jacob were on their way to St James's with their newest patient, a young man with a dislocated shoulder and broken nose from a wrestling match at the local gym.

"Don't you think it's strange," Teddy glanced up and the rearview mirror, watching Jacob gently dab a sterile swab against the man's nose. "That the ED only wanted this divert since this afternoon? What do you think, major incident?"

"Who knows, mate." Jacob shrugged. "Could be anything."

Back at the ED, the team had finally gotten into their costumes and grabbed their props:

Sah: a Demogorgon from Stranger Things

Ryan: Lucifer Morningstar from Hazbin Hotel

Charlie: Dr Hannibal Lecter from Hannibal

Dylan: Georgie from IT

Faith: Sidney Prescott from Scream 

Stevie: Bee from The Babysitter

Cam: Pennywise from IT

Dixie: Tiffany Valentine from Child's Play

Jodie: Allison from The Babysitter (dead)

Marty: Vecna from Stranger Things

Rida: Lute from Hazbin Hotel (exterminator costume)

Siobhan: M3GAN from M3GAN

Ngozi: Sienna Shaw from Terrifier

Once everyone had exited the restrooms in their chosen costumes and donning any horror makeup and effects, they all gathered in the corridor by Resus.

"Your costumes look so cool!" Commented Cam, gesturing to everyone around him. "Sah, Marty. Yours almost look realistic!"

"Well, I wasn't going to get a cheap fabric costume online." Sah hummed, adjusting the headpiece they were wearing. "Plus, the head even upens and closes like it does in the show."

"Wicked." Ryan whistled. 

"I had a friend who worked in the visual effects and costume department for a film. They  helped design the costume and get it milder to me." Marty added. Everyone then complimented each others costumes before splitting up into different areas of the department. Marty and Sah headed for reception, with Sah standing in the elevator, and Marty adorning a role harness and being lifted into the air above the stairs. Siobhan, and Dixie stepped into Resus and took their positions around the room, with Siobhan standing parallel to the main doors, and Dixie lying on one of the unoccupied beds like a ragdoll. Charlie entered the Triage room and strapped himself to the upright table. Everyone else found their own hiding places, either in the corridor, in plain sight, or crouched behind/beside beds, curtains and desks. Finally, it was Time.

After Siobhan's text message, explaining that something strange was going on at the ED, Jan, Iain, Teddy and Jacob drove over. They parked their ambulances in the loading bay, and stepped out. 

"Did Shiv say anything else, Jan?" Jacob asked at the four approached the doors. Iain expected them to automatically open, and was confused when he walked straight into them. 

"Power's out?" He asked, looking around. 

"Weird." Teddy scratched the back of his neck. "Do you see anyone inside?"

"Nope." Iain shook his head. "It's too dark, anyway. We should find another way in."

Suddenly, the automatic doors opened, just side enough for them all to step through. They closed again with a harsh thumk as Teddy slipped inside. 

"That's not freaky at all." He chuckled nervously. Jan threw him a flashlight. "What's this for?"

"Us to see where we're going." Iain scoffed. "It's pitch black in there."

They all jumped at a screeching noise coming from inside the reception area.

"W-w-what was.... T-that?" Teddy stammered, gripping Jan's arm tightly. 

"Probably the pipes settling." Jacob nodded towards the ceiling. Teddy's relaxed a little, before jumping again as he heard something being thrown at the door with a loud Bang!

Iain stepped back. Let's go this way." He shined his flashlight towards the other entrance. The others nodded.

"Nice to see you join us." A voice spoke, crackling and eerie. 

"Who goes there??" Shouted Jacob. A moment of silence swarmed the group before they heard the elevator door slammed open. A large, towering figure leapt out. Iain shone his flashlight over the figure, which seemed to catch it's attention.

"A Demogorgon?!" Teddy shrieked, jumping in Jacob's arms. The figure, a Demogorgon, as Teddy had identified, lunged for them. "Run!!"

Jacob dropped Teddy as the others springed across the room and towards the stairs. Teddy screamed at the Demogorgon looked over him, it's head splitting into five sharp teeth-covered appendages. Teddy cowered against the wall, hugging his knees to his chest.

"Ted!" Cried Iain before throwing his flashlight at the Demogorgon. The beast turned around before collapsing on its side from the impact of the flashlight against it's ribs. 

"You shouldn't have done that." Sneered the same voice from earlier. Iain felt something drip on his shoulder, and slowly looked up. Above them, suspended in the sir, stood another figure, it's body glistening and dropping with fluid.

"Holy-"

"It's Vecna!" Barked Teddy, tackling the others to the floor and ducking behind the reception desk. He then scooted back against the corner of the desk when Ghostface turned to attempt to stab him with the bloodied knife in his hand.

The Demogorgon was back on its feet, snarling as it swept everything off the desk, hunting for the four hiding just out of sight.

Jan noticed a slither of light dancing across the floor by the wall. "Look, over there." She whispered, gesturing to where the light shine. The boys followed her gaze, and turned around to each other.

"Looks like it's coming from Resus." Jacob observed. "But how would we get there with the Demogorgon and Vecna hunting us?"

"Distract the Demogorgon." Teddy told them. "Draw it's attention away from us. Vecna probably doesn't even know we're here." But we can hear him talking to us?" Iain pointed up.

"But, he's not moving his lips." Teddy gestured to Vecna. His lips hadn't moved at any point he'd spoken.

"It's all in our heads, then?" Jan asked. "It's could be, we'll just have to hope we can't hear him anywhere else in the department." Teddy quickly glanced over the desktop to find the Demogorgon batting chairs our of its path as it walked around the room. It's head was still partially open. Teddy signalled to jscob to throw his flashlight. Jacob did so, tossing it across the room and listening to it roll a Ross the floor until it hit the overturned gurney.

"Run." Teddy whispered, crawling away behind the wall. The others followed behind him.

Teddy entered tbe staff room first, trembling from head to toe. They'd managed to evade M3GAN and Tiffany, and remained out of sight of the others in Cubicles. 

"Let's just look around. Maybe we're okay in here." Jacob observed. He stepped into the room, and immediately leapt back when Foxy lunged for him. He screamed, catching Sienna and Bee's attention from across Cubicles. They slowly approached the group just as they threw themselves into the staffroom and locked the door. 

"Phew, were good." Iain wiped his brow. 

"Tasty, tasty, beautiful fear." Everyone jumped and turned around as Pennywise appeared in the locker room doorway, holding a red balloon.

They all jumped as the shadow of another figure's show loomed over them from behind. Jan looked behind her as a yellow-clad figure, holding the same red balloon, stood in the doorway. "You lied, and I died." The figure stated, it's voice growing louder and louder. "YOU LIED, AND I DIED!"

"Through here!" Shouted Iain, tearing the other staffroom doorvopen and running. 

After surviving and evading Resus, the staffroom and Cubicles, the team found themselves outside Siobhan's office. The doir was slightly ajar, and there were flashing lights inside. Jacob gently pushed the door open, heart leaping up his esophagus as a ghost swung down at him, barely missing contact with his face as it swung forward. He screamed loudly, tripping over and landing in the nurses station, pressing a hand to his chest. 

"Jes-jusis Christ!" He helped, shakily standing up and leaning on Teddy. "Is that the last room?"

"There is but one last room to visit, Jacob." Vecna's voice, which had continued to follow then through every room of the department, spoke again. 

"Hey, look." Iain gestured for them to approach him. He took Jan's flashlight and waved it over the door handle leading to the Triage room. "Blood."

"Should we...?"

"This is apparently the last room." Jan hummed. "What else could there possibly be?"

The group stepped inside, and immediately jumped back as Hannibal three himself at them, tugging at his restraints. Blood covered his mask, eyes wild and deranged. He said nothing, but Teddy could hear the restraints groaning as he tugged.

"Go, Go, go!!" He shoved them all through the door and sprinted towards the exit, back where they'd come from. Only, this time, the doors wouldn't open at all.

Teddy closed his eyes and sank to the floor, pounding his fidts against the glass. Nothing happened for ba few minutes, before a psirvof arms wrapped around his shoulders. "Happy Halloween, Ted."

He jumped up in alarm, only to come face to face with Sah. "You idiot!" He barked half-heartedly, wrapping his arms around them. "You get this up?!"

"Siobhan did, actually. It was Faith's idea, and we all just went along with it. Sorry for attacking you."

"It's fine. Sorry for throwing that flashlight at you." Teddy sheepishly chuckled.

"The suit's made of rubber and latex, I didn't feel it." Sah brushed him off, chuckling. 

After everyone took down the added decorations and restored power to the department, they all celebrated with a drink at the anchor.

"I'm so keeping this!" Jodie teased Teddy, showing him the video of him screaming when Sah had attacked him.

"Screw off." Teddy grumbled not unkindly. He turned to the others. "That was the best haunted house I've ever been to. He cleared his throat. "Well, haunted Hospital."

"Damn right." Jodie giggled. 

Across the bar, Iain and Faith were talking about their own blackmail. "Maybe that would teach you for letting the kids watch Horror films." Faith crossed her arms.

"Combine every horror flick ever made into a haunted Hospital. You've upped your game, Cardigan." Iain raised a bemused brie. "I'm impressed."

"Shut up and drink." Faith rolled her eyes.

Chapter Text

Two weeks until Christmas. Two weeks to pick up secret Santa gifts. Two weeks to come up with something to give their secret Santa. Time was ticking.

Max had known Dylan since they were in Med school together. He also knew how much Dylan loved his dog, Dervla, treated her like his own kid. The problem was, he had absolutely no idea what to get Dylan for Christmas. Alcohol? Dylan had been sober for years. Dog toys? He'd think it was a joke. Keys to his house so Dylan would move in instead of living in his boathouse? 

Max groaned annoyedly, slamming his head against his desktop. He'd just have to question Dylan and make it seem like he was genuinely asking, not trying to reveal that Max was his secret Santa. That would be hard.

Sah hoped to have gotten Teddy for their secret Santa, but was both frustrated and disappointed when opening the small slip of paper and finding Jacob Masters scrawled on it. Then again, Teddy was also the worst person to find a gift for so good luck to whoever got him as their secret Santa.

Teddy was over the moon when, upon opening the slip of paper in his hand, Sah's name was revealed. His best friend, his teammate and partner in crime. A million ideas whirled around his head, ideas for the perfect gift. 

Iain wasn't surprised when he found himself as Charlie's secret Santa. In fact, he knew that he'd get the most senior member of the ED staff. He just needed to purchase and set up his gift, the perfect gift. 

Faith had pretty much figured out who Stevie's secret Santa was from the moment she saw her eyes flicker to Iain. She figured out right away they Stevie had gotten him as her secret Santa, and internally laughed at her expense. 

"So, any plans for what you're getting your secret Santa?" She'd asked after everyone had left to get back to their day jobs. Stevie grumbled.

"No, but I've got an idea." She turned to face Faith, hand on her hip. "What about you, Cadogan? Any tips or suggestions?"

"As if I'd tell." Faith rolled her eyes. Stepping past, she leaned down to whisper in Stevie's ear, "Iain loves his dad jokes."

Stevie blanched as Faith walked away. 

Two weeks later.

Everyone was gathered at the Anchor, gift bags and wrapped boxes in one hand, glasses of liquid gold in the other. Jan clapped her hands.

"Ready, loves?" She questioned. Everyone looked at each other. "Stevie, you picked first. You've got the floor."

Stevie took a sip from her wine glass before standing up. Everyone else closed their eyes as she picked up the smallest gift from the pile on the table, and planted it on Iain's lap. Iain immediately opened his eyes.

"Merry Christmas, Iain." She grinned, taking her seat between Nicole and Faith. Iain nodded and tore open the wrapping paper. Inside, was a small box. He opened the box to find a keychain and a dad joke book. 

"What's the keychain...?" He trailed off, looking at the keychain again. He then burst into laughter, almost spilling his pint glass over his lap.

"Oh, this is amazing!" He cackled, grinning from ear to ear. "Just in case. I get it now!"

Before he could further spill the contents of his glass, Max grabbed the pint of Iain's hand, and set it down on the table. "Who's going next? I mean, after Iain's recovered from his laughing fit."

Faith raised a hand, taking a swig from her wine glass and setting it down with the other. "That'll be me." She rolled her eyes at Iain, and grabbed a small, square gift box before depositng it on Stevie's lap while she wasn't looking. "Merry Christmas, sweetheart."

Stevie hummed, eyes glistening with excitement as she grabbed hold of the gift and tore open the paper to reveal a small set of liqueurs, two shot sets of tequila rose, and a small bottle of Bailey's. She turned to faith, smirking. "Do a little research, hmm? Cadogan?"

"Just years of us drinking our lives away, Stevie."

A few more presents were handed out, until all that was left were Sah and Teddy's gifts. Both of them had opted to go last, which no one objected to.

Sah picked up their secret Santa gift first, and handed it to Jacob. "Here. Merry Christmas, I guess."

Jacob eyed them as he took the gift, unwrapping the paper to reveal a framed photograph set, one of the photos containing the whole team, and the other revealing Carter, Blake and Jacob.

"I... How...?"

"I had a bit of help from Jan with the second one." Sah admitted, glancing over to Jan, who gave them a thumbs up in return. "I know we haven't been on the best terms since Robyn died, and I wanted to apologize. It was a bad day for all of us, and I shouldn't have blamed you for what happened to Robyn. I'm sorry, Jacob."

Jacob was silent for a moment, then stood up with his arms open wide. "I'm sorry, too. I needed taking down a peg or two that day." Sah stood up and hugged him. "Merry Christmas, Sah."

"Merry Christmas, Jacob." The pair stayed that way for a few minutes before Sah pulled away and returned to their seat. As soon as they sat down, Teddy shoved the last present in their hands. 

"Best 'til last, eh?" Teddy grinned, taking a swig from his near-empty glass. Sah eyed him suspiciously.

"What have you done now?" They asked, looking at Teddy's messy wrapping.

"Oi!" He giggled. "That's some of my best wrapping right there."

"Sure, Ted." Sah chuckled, rolling their eyes. They carefully unwrapped the gift to reveal a scrapbook, and an envelope. 

"So we can all make some unforgettable memories. I've already started putting things in, but I left a couple of photos for you to add in yourself." Teddy explained as Sah opened the book to its first page. 

The first page was decorated with glittery stickers, and the words "First Day on the job." In bright red paint pen. Below sat a photograph of each of the Paramedic team from their first ever day working, of which also included Iain and Jacob's photos from their first day in the ED.

"How did you get these?!" Iain, Jan and Jacob asked loudly, turning to Teddy in shock.

"It wasn't hard." He shrugged. "I sourced Iain's and Jacob's, and asked for any of Jan's from Ffion."

"Sah closed the book, smiling softly. "Thanks, Ted. This is a great present."

"Just great?" Teddy teased.

"Alright, an amazing one. Merry Christmas." Sah raised their glass.

"And a happy new year."

Everyone else joined in, while Jodie walked off to request a song from the DJ in the corner of the room. A few minutes later, Merry Christmas by Ed Sheeran and Elton John started playing.