Mia's Open Heart (Choices Open Heart AU)

Chapter 25: Together

"Are you sure you want to go on the date?" Ethan asked, as the two of the snuck out the back of the hospital. "I know it's been a crazy day, and if you want to take it easy..."

"Oh please, I kicked ass in there." Mia said. "Plus I'm curious to see what you put together." she said with a smile.

After leaving the hospital, they dropped by their apartment so Mia could quickly change out of her power suit, because it was gorgeous but it was uncomfortable. She changed into a gray turtleneck shirt with black jeans, while Ethan matched in a navy blue turtleneck and gray jeans. They left to their first destination, where Ethan parked in a parking lot with nothing around.

"Is the first surprise me getting kidnapped?" she asked, looking around the abandoned parking lot with practically nothing interesting in sight. Ethan pinched the bridge of his nose as he took in a deep breath.

"As I was going to say, we have to walk to our destination, it's not far from here." he said. "But I have a gift first." Ethan leaned over and opened the car's glove compartment, pulling out a pink box wrapped in a white bow, handing it to Mia. She excitedly ripped it open, pulling out a tiara that said "Birthday Girl".

"You got me a birthday tiara, and you even wrapped it and made it all pretty?" she asked, looking up at him with a sparkle in her eyes. He took the tiara and placed it atop her head, securing it on top of her long hair. He leaned back to get a full look at her, involuntarily smiling widely.

"You look beautiful." he said simply, making her blush and look at the ground under the scrutiny of his gaze.

"Still can't believe you actually went through the pain of getting a tiara and wrapping it and making it look all pretty." she said. "You're the type to give a gift in the plastic bag it came in."

"I take back what I said, you're infuriating." he said, as she leaned up and kissed him.

"And that's why you love me." she said. "Besides, you're not too bad looking yourself Ramsey. Smiling makes you look like 20 years younger."

"Sure." he said, the two of them walking out of the car and making their way to the destination. As they walked, the cold Boston air blew, and Mia walked close to Ethan, putting her arm around his as they walked. Ethan tried hard to hide his smile, bringing her close as they reached their destination, a Winter Carnival. Mia's face lit up at the sight of the games, rides, and food.

As they entered the carnival, they went to line for the wristbands. While in the line, Mia felt the glances of some people on her.

"What the hell," she asked. "Is this because of the tiara?"

"I don't think so." Ethan said, pulling out his phone to show her the group chat between them and their friends. It was a thread of everyone sharing articles, all about the interview with the Senator. 'Edenbrook Doctor Exposes Senator', 'Corrupted Politician Brought Down By Activist Doctor', and many other headlines were there.

"Woah, I'm trending." she said, scrolling through all the articles, all saying good things about what she said. It was their turn to go up to a booth for their tickets and wristbands, Ethan paying despite Mia's protests.

"Are you the doctor who exposed Senator Farrugia?" the ticket seller said, making Mia put her head down.

"Yeah..." she said reluctantly.

"Well then, I guess we owe you a thank you." he said, handing Ethan and Mia their tickets. "and Happy Birthday." he said with a laugh.

Ethan and Mia went around the carnival, going on the different rides, playing games, and getting tons of food. After he gave in and she got a big thing of cotton candy, Mia's eye lit up as she saw one of the games they walked by.