'What are you doing to me, angel...'

Words spoken so softly, almost a whisper in the space of the room, had more gravity than I've realized. As a person who always flirted with logic, this must have been one of the most strange situations I found myself into until now.

What did he want to hear?

How did I want to respond to this?

This man, as attractive as he was, managed in a matter of minutes to stir emotions inside me that were dormant for, oh, so long. He was wearing a damn gown, looking ridiculous in a way only hospital gowns could make someone look.

Still...

He sat on his bed, leaving me frozen in place. Finally snapping out of my trance, I reached out for his case file as I tried to fill in any missing information. I wrote my thoughts for a possible diagnosis and therapy-protocols to follow, when the attending, nurses and a few of my colleagues and friends walked in the room.

Just when the feeling of drowning enveloped me, Stella entered the room, followed by Markus. Looking at the man next to me, her eyes widened and she nudged Markus' side, trying to gain his attention. Her surprise morphed into a grin, when Markus had the same expression as hers a few seconds ago.

What was up with everybody today?

Who was this guy, anyway?

Trying to ignore the rest of the gawking people in the room, I proceeded with my patient-presentation.

"Mr. King, twenty six years old, came with dislocation of the left shoulder and probable rotator cuff tear, type A. Caused after a fall, where the patient felt a pop and immense pain in his shoulder. All active movements are limited and passive motion is painful."

I presented Brandon with ease waiting for Dr. Marshall's response.

It was during these moments, when I felt like a badass, a superhero. Seeing the way his eyes noticed me, in a way no one did before, was just the cherry on top.

As confusing as it was, I entertained the warm, addictive feelings for a moment too long. This was getting dangerous, and fast.

"Very well doctor Ricci. The symptoms do describe a muscle tear. How would you proceed?" Dr. Marshall asked with the same stern voice as always.

"I would suggest a CT-scan at first. The patient is not allergic to any medications and shows overall normal body functions." I paused, waiting for Dr. Marshall's approving nod, before I continued. "Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve the pain and ease the swelling... as well as bed rest. For the muscle tear and shoulder dislocation I recommend surgery-"

"Woah, woah... are we still considering a surgery? It will take longer to heal. I need to be back by tomorrow. I can't stay here for weeks," Brandon's anxious voice interrupted me.

Seeing the frantic movements he attempted and the immediate pain it created, bothered me. With a smile I hoped was reassuring, I grabbed his hand in mine; clearly not thinking.

"It's a camera-guided surgery, where the pain is minimal and recovery time is short. You don't have much of a choice, seeing as your case is serious. You are young and since it seems like you're engaged in highly demanding activities, I do recommend surgery."

My words left no room for argument, and with a sigh he calmed down.

"Very well. Nurse Savi?" Dr. Marshall called and the nurse pushed some of the interns to the side, as she came to the front, her gaze concentrated on Brandon. "Give the patient the medication as instructed, along with intravenous fluids. Prep an OR for the day after tomorrow, Thursday morning. Oh, and Dr. Ricci? You'll be scrubbing in with me..." he paused for a second and made eye contact with me.

"You better seize this opportunity, Dr. Ricci."

My eyes widened in realization, excitement activating each nerve ending in my body as I tried to keep my cool. Movement from my peripheral caught my attention as Brandon squeezed my hand that was still in his hard. I held a blank expression as best as possible, since my attending was still in the room, but there was nothing to do about the blushing of my cheeks. I knew it was prominent; Stella's snickering at the back of the room did nothing but worsen my flustered situation.

"Let's move on," he said with his usual stern expression.

"Take care of your patient Dr. Ricci! He seems to have taken a liking to you," he said to me in a low volume, chuckling as he turned to follow the rest.

You better seize this opportunity!

This was it. Everything I've worked for, all the sleepless nights, the tears, the months away from my family... All that, was for this moment. What I've always dreamed of, was finally my reality. Scrubbing in an OR, being a part of something bigger, was finally a reality.

And this was just beginning.

Stella winked at me with a big smile on her face, while dragging a proud Markus by the elbow out of the room. Among the three of us, I was the first to be part of an operating team, and I knew they were just as I excited as I was. I owed them so much; they got me through the worst time and time again, and for that I was more than grateful.

Savi was still looking at the man beside me. I've never seen her look at someone in that way before. Granted, I didn't know her so well, but she was watching him like he was a past loved-one. She eyed my hand still in his, her expression turning sour.

"Remember what we've talked about, Dr. Ricci."

She turned to leave, before directing her last words to my patient, "I'll be back for you, Mr. King."

Once alone in the room with Brandon, I exhaled a deep breath. Unknown to me, his presence was truly soothing in a way I really needed right now. Still, reality was ready to create awareness once again, and so I pulled my hand away, freeing it from his warmer one.

"I need to go with the others and then fill out some paperwork. I'll come back later to check up on you," I said apologetically. I didn't want to go.

"You're joking right?" he raised an eyebrow, piercing me with his green orbs.

"I need to do my job, Mr. King. I promise to come back later," I said, with another sigh.

As a person I avoided taking risks. I preferred meticulously calculating my decisions, overthinking each move.

Split-second decisions were never my strong suit.

"Why don't you try and behave for me, Brandon?" I winked his way, speed-walking out of there.

Split-second decisions could only end in trouble.

I turned one last time towards him, seeing that mischievous smirk on his lips. Realizing the words spoken, I rushed out of the room, closing the door behind me.

Where did all that confidence come from, anyway?

Dio mio, have mercy.

If only meds could tone down sass.

They wouldn't, but still; it never hurt to hope for the best. And seeing as he was on a league of his own, I could only pray for myself and my sanity.

Each will be donated towards .

Side effects like increased teasing from Brandon may arise.

Thank you so much for reading. I take nothing for granted.

Take care and be good to yourselves.