unexpected love (Leah Williamson)

The Call of Duty

Leah's POV:

It had been only a few days since our trip, and I was still riding the high of reconnecting with Ella in such a meaningful way. There was a new lightness between us—a deeper sense of trust that had been forged from the moments we'd shared by the fire and under the stars. Watching her laugh, feel at ease, and open up was everything I had hoped for, and I felt closer to her than ever.

We were having a quiet evening in, just savoring each other's company after the whirlwind of our weekend away. She sat across from me, a book in her hands as I flipped through some notes for training. Her smile had a relaxed warmth that I'd grown to treasure, and every so often, she'd glance up and catch me watching her. I couldn't stop smiling.

But the peaceful moment didn't last long. Ella's phone buzzed on the table between us, and she tensed when she saw the screen. A slight crease formed on her forehead, and she let out a sigh.

"Is everything okay?" I asked, instantly worried.

She gave me an apologetic look. "It's the hospital. They're calling me in. There's been an accident—a young boy, and they need all hands on deck for surgery."

I nodded, feeling the familiar blend of pride and concern rise up. This was her world, and I admired her dedication, but I also knew how intense these calls could be.

"Go," I said, reaching out to squeeze her hand. "I'll be here when you get back. I'm so proud of you, you know that?"

She smiled, her eyes softening. "Thank you, Leah. I don't know when I'll be done, but I'll call you if it gets late."

She hurried to gather her things, slipping into her scrubs with practiced ease. Before she left, she came over and wrapped her arms around me tightly, pressing a kiss to my cheek. "I'll see you soon."

And then she was gone, out the door and into the night. I sat back down, the warmth of her embrace lingering, already hoping for her safe return.

Ella's POV:

I arrived at the hospital, my heart racing as I prepared myself for the hours ahead. The boy, barely ten years old, had been in a terrible car accident, and his injuries were severe. We needed to act fast if he was going to make it. As I scrubbed in, I mentally prepared myself for the complexity of the operation and steeled myself for the emotional toll.

The surgery stretched on, becoming one of the longest, most challenging cases I'd worked on in months. Hours blurred together as we navigated one complication after another, my colleagues and I exchanging only the most necessary words as we focused on the task at hand.

There were moments when the boy's condition dipped, and I felt a surge of panic rise up, only to force it back down as I reminded myself to stay calm and steady. This was my calling, and I knew I had to be my best self for him, to give him the best shot possible.

By the time we'd stabilized him, the clock read just past 2 a.m. I was exhausted, my muscles aching, but there was a feeling of relief in knowing he'd made it through. I washed up, adrenaline still coursing through me as I made my way to my office for a quick breather.

Sitting alone in the quiet, the intensity of the evening finally hit me. I thought of Leah, probably asleep by now, and felt a wave of comfort. I knew she'd understand if I was late and exhausted when I got back to her, but it still helped to know she'd be there to ground me after a night like this.

After a few minutes of rest, I gathered my things and made my way home, hoping I'd find her waiting.

Leah's POV:

I woke to the sound of the door opening softly, and I sat up, bleary-eyed but immediately alert. Ella walked in, looking exhausted but managing a small smile as she saw me waiting for her.

"You're still up?" she whispered, setting her bag down and coming over to the couch where I'd been dozing.

I pulled her into a hug, feeling the weight of the night as she relaxed into my arms. "I couldn't sleep. I wanted to make sure you were okay. How did it go?"

"It was tough," she admitted, her voice barely a whisper. "A young boy, so much damage, but... we made it through. He made it through. I think he's going to be alright."

I felt a wave of relief, pulling her even closer. "You're incredible, Ella. You know that? I'm so proud of you."

She leaned her head against my shoulder, letting out a sigh. "Thank you, Leah. I needed that. I was thinking about you all night, just hoping you'd still be here when I got back."

"I'm always here for you," I whispered. I kissed her temple, feeling a sense of gratitude that she was in my arms, safe and whole after such a long night.

She sank deeper into the embrace, her exhaustion finally catching up to her. I helped her out of her scrubs, guiding her to bed, where she lay down with a relieved sigh. Curling up beside her, I felt a sense of contentment that went beyond words. She was here, she was safe, and we were building a life together, step by step, moment by moment.

As she drifted off, I whispered, "I love you, Ella." And I knew, without a doubt, that I would be here by her side, through every challenge and every victory, for as long as she'd have me.