Rhekker || Never Let Go

Chapter 12: Made Of Glass

[Chicago Med, E.D.]

Several days later, Ava has finally recovered from the blood transfusion and has gone back to work. This day after her shift, she came down to the doctor's lounge to look for Connor. He's been living at her apartment for the past few days and they've been going home together. He said it was to take care of her — but both of them know what they've been doing behind closed doors.

Ava looks around the lounge, there is no sign of Connor. His backpack is still in his locker and his coat on the hook. On the back hanger, there's also something she can't see clearly. It seems like a large fabric bag. She tilts her head, considering if she should take it out for a look. She doesn't remember Connor bringing anything like it in the morning. Shaking her thoughts away, she decides to go ask around in the E.D.

Turning around, she immediately bumps into a bundle of fragrance. Connor is standing right behind her, holding up a small bouquet. Her eyes curve as her face lits up in surprise: "What's the occasion?"

"Do I have the honour to take you on a date, Dr. Bekker?" The man raises his eyebrows, stepping forward and handing her the bouquet.

"Of course, but—" Holding the flowers in her hand, Ava looks him up and down. He looks especially formal today: His white shirt is pressed without a wrinkle, his shoes are shiny to match the collars of his tuxedo, and the end of his tie concealed behind the fastened top button. She meets back with his eyes, "I don't suppose I'm gonna go in this?" She points to her scrubs.

Connor chuckles. "Don't worry. I came prepared." He walks in front of his locker and takes out the thing on the back hanger. It's a garment bag. He unzips it, inside, there's a beautiful white silk dress.

"Wow." Ava gasps slightly. She looks up at Connor with her sparkling eyes: "It's beautiful."

"Not without you in it." Smiling at her reaction, Connor says softly in his deep voice. He takes over the flowers and drapes the dress in her arm, "Now go let it live up to its potential."

Breaking into a wider smile, Ava takes one last look at him and enters the change room. She gently slips into the thin dress, feeling its soft fabric slide against her skin, just like the tenderness of his touch. She takes a look at herself in the mirror, then bends down and rummages through her backpack — At this moment she's extremely grateful for the makeup she had left in there. Quickly touching things up, she reorganizes her belongings and turns the door handle.

Connor feels his breath being taken away. He stares at the radiant woman across from him, for a long while, before remembering to blink his eyes.

The dress fits just right, unsurprisingly — after all he measured the size with his arms. It is a slip dress, hung on her only by two thin straps. Her pearly shoulders are fully exposed, reflecting the soft light. Her collarbones move slightly as she lifts her arms, like a silent invitation for his kiss. Against the lustrous fabric stacked on her chest, her skin appears even smoother and fairer. The dress is quite long, only revealing the lower half of her calves and her thin ankles. The thin silk wraps around her body, not too tight nor too loose, showing her perfect curves. Because of her slightly rushed change of clothes, her golden curls are a little ruffled, but still reflecting a luscious shine. Her retouched eyelashes are long and dark, tickling his heart with her every blink. Her lips, fresh from lipstick, look even rosier, their corners now raised with delight.

Fixing her eyes on Connor, Ava spreads her arms slightly and stands, silently waiting. The room becomes so quiet they can hear each other's breaths. She can't help but finally chuckles out loud at his long silence and stunned expressions.

Her laughter seems to suddenly push him back into his senses. He strides forward, takes her into his arms, bends over and presses his lips against hers, tasting their sweetness. Responding eagerly to him, Ava closes her eyes, feeling the palm of his hand on her neck.

"You look perfect." Separating from her tempting lips, Connor whispers into her ear. He gazes at her, his eyes glowing with so much affection that she's drowning in them.

Now it's Connor's turn to be stared at blankly. He waits patiently for a while, but she seems to show no sign of coming to herself. Taking a look at the clock, he has to call her softly: "Let's go now," He loosens his arms reluctantly, "We don't wanna be late to the reservation."

Putting on the white heels he brought her, Ava is led by his hand out of the lounge, flowers in arm and flush on cheeks. In the E.D., Maggie, Will and Natalie have witnessed the whole scene. The women smile and nod to Ava while Will winks at Connor. Ava's face grows even redder. Throwing a look back at Will, Connor grabs her around the waist and walks her out of the E.D.

[Downtown Chicago]

Ava looks up at the high-rise hotel building in front of them, then turns aside to Connor: "I thought we were going to a restaurant?"

"We are." He smiles mysteriously. Handing his keys to the valet, he takes her hand and leads her into the revolving door.

The elevator door opens on the top floor, and Ava's eyes are slowly lightened up. A rooftop restaurant. They are standing at one side beside the reception desk, covered by a concrete ceiling. A few steps from them, the space opens up with glass on every side. Small tables scatter far apart from each other, the light from the buildings around shines on every one of them. The late autumn nights in Chicago are already chilly, but this transparent paradise is warm as spring.

"Like it?" Watching her glowing face, Connor pulls her closer and lowers his voice.

"I love it." Ava turns her head and stares back at him with her eyes, now sparkling with amazement. She takes another look around: "But...how did you get the idea to bring me here?"

Connor chuckles with please: "We haven't had a proper date yet." He pauses, hands on her waist, "And you, my perfect, you deserve one."

Ava was almost going to kiss him in public when the waiter interrupted the scene. Watching him pull a long face in slight displeasure, she giggles and takes the lead after the waiter.

Their seat is at the outermost corner. They sit at the candlelit table, across from their lover, surrounded by the dazzling night of Chicago. Looking to her side, Ava seems to fall into a world woven by lights; Looking back, she falls into Connor's soulful eyes. She likes this feeling — being on top of the world — but when she turns back, that's her safe harbour.

She hasn't been this merry in a long time. It's unbelievable to think that her most carefree time after moving to this city was when she was at rivals with Connor. When she finally became aware of her affections for him, he was leaving for the Mayo Clinic. She risked everything to make him stay, negotiating with his despicable father for the donation. Then, the secret weighed on her, squeezing her heart every day, forcing her to hide her feelings. But now, everything's settled. He didn't blame her. He also likes her. That's enough.

Connor suddenly has a vague feeling that something's been lifted from her. He watches the candlelight dance on her delicate face. She looks the same, yet seems different. He meets her eyes, inside them is the same light as when they first met, equally bright but incomparably devoted. He picks up her hand, stroking it gently with his thumb, "Avey." He murmurs out of the blue, "I love you."

It's the first time she's heard him say those three words. She blinks for a second, the feels her heart overflow uncontrollably with happiness. Slowly, she raises a brilliant smile, "I love you too."

Sorry guys for being late I had 3 midterms and an assignment this week! I hope you guys are all doing well at school or work! Please enjoy and share your thoughts!