Because I want more Cal/Ethan stories I'm going to try to upload stories after every episode using what happened in the episode as a prompt. Not sure how or if it will work and I'm not sure I can upload quickly after the episode, but I'll try. So this is a slight continuation of last nights episode "Something to Live For". It may be out of character, but I'm sure you will tell me if I get it completely wrong!
Obviously if you've read any of my stories before, I don't own anyone that you recognise.
To Be The Best That We Can Be
"All work and no play makes Cal...just like you two really," Dr Caleb Knight casually threw the remark over his shoulder at his two colleagues, who were walking out behind him. One of said colleagues was his younger brother, Dr Ethan Hardy, "Oh ha ha," he replied to his brother's veiled insult.
The junior doctors had all been knocked for six by Connie's new work and study rotas. It didn't leave much room for anything except maybe a little sleep, if you were lucky. Lily had relished the chance of being able to do more work and study more - his brother, on the other hand, was more than a little perturbed by the rota. While Ethan himself was always striving to be a better doctor, he agreed with his brother about not having much time to themselves, but as usual, he had not spoken out against it like his brother had. Cal had gone up to Connie to voice his concerns, only to be shot down in flames as per usual at the moment.
At the end of the shift, Cal had mentioned the pub, but looking at the new rota, it didn't leave any time for that, as he and Lily had reminded the older man, to which he had made his quite scathing remark.
As Cal let them both, Ethan followed his progress, his stare burning into his brother's back as he entered the pub. Although Ethan had laughed off the remark, he had actually felt rather put out by the comment. He knew he was being overly sensitive about it, but Cal's cutting remarks always seemed to get to him, even though he knew he meant no harm.
Suddenly, he felt his arm being shaken, "Are you even listening to me Ethan?" Lily demanded.
"Huh? What?" He stuttered.
"I've been trying to get your attention for a while," she huffed impatiently, "What's wrong?"
"Oh nothing - I'm just over thinking..."
"Are you going to join Cal at the pub?" Lily enquired.
Ethan shook his head, "No I don't think so - he'll only try to get me drunk or something, then say something equally as flattering as his last comment to us," he spat out bitterly, causing Lily to stop in her tracks.
"Are you alright?" She asked with concern.
Ethan flashed her a half hearted smile, "Yes I'm just tired...look I'll see you tomorrow yeah?"
"Yes ok. Get some rest," Lily knew she had been dismissed.
"You too," Ethan replied.
Three hours later, Ethan heard the key in the door and his brother's loping footsteps making their way into the dining area.
Ethan had been sat at the table for the last two hours with his book open, having read the same paragraph more than a few times. He couldn't concentrate. His insides were churning with anxiety and anger. He knew full well that his brother would lumber in and fall straight into bed without any studying and yet would still be able to function like a fully experienced doctor and still be better than him.
"You been reading all night Nibbles?" Cal asked, causing Ethan to roll his eyes in frustration, not just at the fact that his brother was stating the obvious, but also at the use of the hated childhood nickname.
"No I just thought I'd put the book on the table and try to absorb the information through Osmosis..." he grumbled.
"Oo someone's a little touchy tonight," Cal teased, slurring his words slightly.
"Yeah well, it certainly looks like you managed not to morph into me tonight," Ethan growled as he began to scribble some notes.
Stunned by his brother's tone, Cal sat silently, watching the younger man scribble ferociously.
All of a sudden, it hit Caleb like a ton of bricks - he had hurt his brother's feelings by his earlier banter.
"Hey Ethan, I'm sorry if what I said earlier upset you. You know what I'm like - open mouth before engaging brain..." He watched the younger man as his writing slowed down a little. Cal waited to see if his brother was going to say anything else, but when there seemed to be nothing more forthcoming, he made his way into the kitchen, returning with a couple bottles of beer. He offered one to Ethan, who took it with a mumbled "Thanks."
"Are you ok?" Cal asked as he watched the younger man's forehead furrow.
Ethan sighed as he took a drink from his bottle, "Yes I'm fine. I'm just...being me again," he told his brother.
Cal relaxed back into his chair, aware that there was more to it, "This may be the one and only time you hear this Cal, but I wish I was more like you..."
Cal nearly choked on his beer, causing Ethan to smirk, "You're never afraid to voice your feelings and opinions. Earlier today with Connie, I was on your side but I was afraid to say so in front of Lily and Connie..."he dropped his head and began peeling the label off the beer bottle, "I should've backed you up - but I didn't."
For his part, Cal was surprised by this admission. Suddenly, he began to chuckle. Ethan looked up at him, startled by the fact that he was laughing, "I'm sorry Ethan - it's just funny..."
"I should've known that you would find something like this hilarious."
"Woah, wait a minute, don't get your knickers in a twist - what I mean is when I was sat in the pub, I was wishing that I was more like YOU, happy to go home and study to make yourself a better doctor - I envy you for having that dedication," he finished honestly.
Now it was Ethan's turn to look surprised, "But you always seem to know exactly what to do...what to say," Ethan said, "You've always been able to do that. It was one of the things that annoyed me about you. I wish I had your confidence," the younger man finished as he emptied his bottle.
Cal smiled kindly at his brother as he leaned forward on the table, "Listen Ethan, you are a good doctor, with the potential to be one of the greatest - how about we help each other to be the best that we can be. I'm up for that - what do you say?"
Ethan looked at his older brother, feeling for the first time in a long time that there was a possibility for them to become equals, finally.
"I'm up for that," he smiled at the older man.
"I do have one condition though, we pencil in at least one pub night per week!"
Ethan rolled his eyes.
Hope it was ok.