Open Heart AU

Truth Hurts

There he was sat at Louise's bedside, talking.

Josie turns her head to look at Ethan but he wasn't there, he was already walking through the door.

"What are you doing in here? I strictly said no interns on this case". Ethan says, glaring at Marcus.

"I'm not an intern. Well I am an intern but I'm not-"

Louise sits up silencing Marcus as he rushes to her side, checking her over. "Boys, sit down we all need to talk." Louise says in a pained, breathless voice.

Ethan and Marcus stare at Louise and then at each other. Marcus' gaze shifts to Josie, not going unnoticed by Ethan.

Josie breaks her gaze from Marcus. "I should go, let you all talk". She begins to walk out of the room but Ethan gently wraps his hand around her wrist, stopping her.

"No". His eyes meet hers, pleading. "Please stay". Josie just nods and sits down in the chair next to Ethan, her hand enclosed in his. Marcus' eyes are locked on their joined hands.

"I didn't want you to find out this way, but..." Louise reaches out for both their hands Marcus immediately taking it but Ethan remaining completely still, ignoring it. Louise recoils her hand from Ethan. "You two are both my boys, you're brothers. Family".

Marcus and Ethan's eyes immediately dart up to each other, picking each other apart.

"No". Ethan gets up and leaves, Josie following close behind him

"Ethan, wait!" Josie pleads, having to run to keep up with his long strides. He turns around to face her but refusing to meet her eyes. "What are you doing?"

"That man is not my brother! I don't have a brother, hell I don't even have a mom. She is not my mom and he is not my brother. Blood doesn't mean anything, blood doesn't make someone your family. You're my family Jo, we aren't related you are my family.

"It would be a little weird if we were related". Ethan gives her an annoyed look. "Okay sorry, that wasn't the point. But Louise may not be your family, she doesn't have to be. If you never want to see her again I completely understand but don't you want to hear her out? Learn the truth? I know I would. You don't need to forgive her, you can just walk away and never talk to her again and I'd completely understand. But you deserve to know the truth, and she is the only person that can give it to you."

Ethan signs softly, rubbing his hand on his stubbles chin. "You're right. A part of me wants to know but the other part..." He trails off.

"Yeah I know". She takes his hand, running her thumb over his knuckles. "Just know that I'm here for you, no matter what you decide".