Open Heart One Shots (Choices)

Labyrinth

Summary: All it takes is one moment and a single glance to fall into the promise of always.

A/N: Takes places the night before the opening scene of Come Back To Me.

Intern year, before Amazon

The dim lights at Donahue's hid many sins, from spilled beer to forbidden glances full of longing. Ethan Ramsey sat at his usual seat at the bar, absorbed in the single glass of scotch he allowed himself to unwind after a long day. His airlock between work and personal.

Unwittingly, his eyes drifted to a group of interns in a booth that was always just in his line of sight. And there she was. Her blonde hair shone like a beacon. Her head was thrown back in laughter, the joy infectious as her friends joined in. He was too far away, but he knew her green eyes would be sparkling, a teasing twinkle he thought was uniquely hers.

He smiled into his drink, unable to help himself.

In the last few days, he had spent hours staring into Cassie Valentine's eyes, memorizing their shape and color, watching them come alive with passion and love. He'd pondered the mysteries hidden in the labyrinth of her mind, what waited for him in the center. Was he brave enough to take the risk?

Everything between them was new and exciting but also terrifying. Ethan remembered a moonlit night in Miami, the sound of waves crashing in the distance, and the promise of something marvelous just out of reach. Now, he held it in his hands and wondered if he could ever let go again.

Suddenly, her eyes met his, and he saw his entire world in them. He forced himself to look away, just in case someone caught them in that single moment of vulnerability and need. There was always someone watching at Donahue's.

Ethan finished his drink, settled with Reggie and nodded a quick goodbye. He weaved his way past the throng of surgical residents playing darts and out the back door into a semi-lit alley.

Once outside, he took a deep breath of fresh air and shoved his hands into the pockets of his windbreaker. Eyes closed, he just stood there enjoying the relative peace and quiet. When the door slammed open behind him, he turned on his heels to face the woman he subconsciously knew he'd been waiting for.

They stared at each other across the alley. And then Cassie was in his arms, her hands circling around his neck while his hands slipped around her hips, keeping her locked against him.

Her green eyes gazed into his blue ones, softening with each passing moment. There was so much to say and nothing that needed words.

Cassie tugged his head down and brushed her lips over his lightly once, twice, teasing and tantalizing him. He parted his lips, deepening the kiss, giving her everything he was and taking all she offered.

The night air washed over them, the booming sound from the bar muffled by brick and wood. Tiny particles caught in the pale glow of the city lights sprinkled above them like fairy dust.

And at that moment, little did he know, he who had never given credence to magic or fairy tales took that first step and started to believe in the promise of always.