Sparks Fly (Kaimelia)

Part 2

When the plates are collected and the room is filled with light conversation and laughter, another man takes the stage.

"Good evening everyone. I hope you all enjoyed your meal. This is a hospital gala, so we ask that you take this time to get to know your colleagues."

"This is my least favorite part of these things." Kai laughs gently, turning in their chair to face Amelia. She watches as David approaches a particularly wealthy-looking group of people and begins selling them on the promising young doctors they have at the Mayo Clinic.

"Well I am your colleague so technically, you could just talk to me" Amelia smiles, reveling in the light banter that she and Kai have. It's unlike anything she's ever had before and it has quickly become one of her favorite things.

"You know that everyone here knows who you are right?" Kai says it like it's obvious, but Amelia just looks at them curiously. "When you operated on Dr. Herman, the doctors here talked about it for weeks."

"Ah, that." Amelia scoffs. "You know she's blind, right?" She looks away, bad memories flooding back to her.

"Yes, but you saved her life."

She looks up to meet Kai's eyes and sees nothing but amazement and support there. No judgment. It feels good, to have someone look at her that way.

"I guess I did." For a moment, gentle silence falls over them and Amelia glances around the table. A few people are still seated, talking about work and their children.

Amelia finally sighs and gets up. "I guess I should be social. That is the point of this thing after all."

Kai laughs and joins her, running their hands over the front of their suit. "Then I probably should too."

The two go their separate ways, and she watches as Kai approaches a group of doctors they obviously have history with. They all smile and laugh and Amelia pushes her jealousy away. Not appropriate, Shepherd.

Amelia gets to know a few neurosurgeons and doctors, one of whom is running a thrilling clinical trial involving gene therapy. She moves to talk to someone else, but Dr. Farrugia steps in front of her.

"Dr. Shepherd? I just wanted to let you know how amazed I am with your work. I know you aren't allowed to discuss it, but you really are changing the world." That was true. Their trial was mostly secret, but of course he knew. He was the president and CEO after all. Which you didn't know until a few hours ago.

"I appreciate that. It wouldn't be possible without Dr. Hamilton and Dr. Bartley of course, and I can't forget my sister. She wanted to be here tonight but had to stay in Seattle with her children." You just had to mention Kai.

"Ah. I completely understand. Speaking of Dr. Hamilton, do you know where I could find him?" Amelia points him to the other side of the room and he thanks her again for her work before leaving. After speaking with the president, Amelia decides she can take her seat. She finds Kai already sitting down and a gorgeous piece of chocolate cake on her plate.

"Dr. Bartley." Amelia pauses for dramatic effect, her eyes locking with Kai's. "Did you get me cake?"

"I did." They say in between bites, and her heart skips a beat. "It's really good."

She sits down and takes a bite, humming as the chocolate melts in her mouth. Really good is an understatement. Kai smiles at her before their attention is pulled to the front of the room, where a woman takes the stage and clears her throat.

"Good evening everyone. I hope you all enjoyed your meal and desserts. I'm here to let you know that the ballroom doors are being opened as I speak. Inside you will find a dance floor, of course, along with refreshments, music, and an area to watch the countdown."