Rhekker || Never Let Go

Chapter 8: Me Against My Wish

[Resuming from 4×4]

[Chicago Med, E.D.]

The weekend passed quietly. On Monday, the hybrid O.R. is officially open. It is Connor's first day as chief of the program. Before his shift, he has a number of press interviews. Just after sending away the first group of journalists, he hears a familiar but mischievous voice: "Oh my God, it's Doctor Connor Rhodes. Can I have your autograph?"

Though Ava still doesn't know his feelings, she just couldn't stay angry at him for long. Two days were all she could bear. She couldn't stop herself from taking the initiative to talk to him.

Seeing who it is, Connor plays along: "You're gonna have to get in line. I'm kind of a big deal around here."

Looking at each other, they both scoff and chuckle cheerfully.

"I've gotta admit, this is an impressive space." Ava looks around. Though she only fought for the program because of Connor, she still can't help but be marvelled at how incredible the room turned out.

"Yeah. Feels right."

Ava didn't turn to look at Connor but could hear the high spirits in his voice. At this moment, whatever she had to do to make this room a reality, was all worth it.

"Look, um...now that I'm officially open for business, it's pretty easy to see how jumping the gun last week was a mistake. I'm sorry." Realizing he could have lost all this if things hadn't gone his way, Connor finally understood why Ava was so angry at him last week. She wanted to protect him. Seeing that she only nodded at his apology, he confirms again: "Are we good?"

"We're good." Ava reassures him. Suddenly, her phone buzzes. It's Latham. Taking a look at the futuristic room one more time, she smiles wholeheartedly: "Congratulations Connor."

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Soon, the hybrid O.R. welcomed its first patient after its official opening. While on the table, the patient started showing signs of a heart attack. With an unsuccessful attempt at a minimally-invasive procedure, Connor decides to open him up. He sends a request for a bypass machine and a fellow to assist.

"Dr. Rhodes, the coordinator said the O.R. upstairs is already prepped and the bypass machine's ready to go. Told us it's easier to just move the patient." The nurse who called reports back.

"Alright. Let's move!" Since the case is not urgent, Connor has no objections. Taking his gown off, he follows the team upstairs.

[Chicago Med, CT O.R.]

While he was scrubbing, an unexpected voice came from behind him: "Connor."

"Oh wow. I asked for the CT fellow and I get the attending." Turning to see Ava leaning on the wall, he raises his eyebrows jokingly: "My new title really carries some weight."

Breaking into a smile, Ava shakes her head: "Easy there, tiger. You only got me because the elective CABG I was starting is now on hold because your trauma needs a bypass machine."

"Also maybe because you miss operating with me." He squeezes his eyes at her, "Scrub in."

"Oh trust me, I'd rather not. I'm only here because all the fellows are assigned to other cases." Ava raises a teasing smile. Despite her words, she turns on the water right away.

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"Routine LIMA procedure should do it. Mammary artery's a perfect size match. But, if for any reason it feels off, we'll use the saphenous vein instead." As he explains the procedure for the team, Connor stands on the left side of the patient. Raising his head, he sees Ava frowning at him: "What, you disagree?"

"No, approach is spot on, just wondering why you're in the lead surgeon position." Though it was a question, her tone was certain.

"Because this is my patient." Didn't expect the sentence, Connor knits his brows.

"He was, when he was downstairs, but now he's upstairs." Ava answers casually.

"I've been with Ricky since he entered the E.D. I'm gonna see him through to the end."

"And I have no problem with that, as long as it's as my number two."

"Scalpel please, Beth." Staring into Ava's eyes, Connor extends his hand.

"Stop." Watching Beth reach for the scalpel, Ava orders, stopping Beth's hand on the tray.

"Beth, Scalpel."

"Hand him that instrument and you're off my team. This is my O.R., Dr. Rhodes, you can assist or you can leave. What will it be?" Ava has no intention of backing down. She has to take control of this room. Staring at her for a moment, Connor finally gives in and exchanges places with her.

Standing where she should, Ava lets out a frustrated sigh, "I already told you, the CT cases on the CT floor belong to the CT attending. This shouldn't have even been an issue."

"No, because I wouldn't even be up here if I had a bypass machine downstairs." He should've insisted to do the surgery in his room.

"Well, you don't. Scalpel." No longer looking at him, Ava starts the incision.

[Chicago Med, Hybrid O.R.]

"Hey." Pursing her lips, Ava pushes open the door.

"Hey." Connor turns around.

Finding no trace of anger on his face, she silently breathed a sigh of relief: "About earlier – sorry I had to get rough." She didn't want to embarrass him, but as a new attending, she had to establish her boundaries.

"Don't be. You were just protecting your territory." Connor wasn't particularly angry. He knows where she was coming from. Still, he didn't like it, "So am I." He looks around the room.

Squinting at his actions, Ava pulls a smile, "What are you looking for?"

"About 3 1/2 square feet." In his usual joking tone, Connor looks back at her.

"Ah. Space for a bypass machine." She understood it right away. Staring at his eyes, her smile slowly becomes stiff. "Of course. Big-ticket item. Good luck."

"Good night."

Transition... The show made it look like Ava was intentionally stealing Connor's patient so I changed it. We are almost reaching the more creative part please bear with me!