Neil opened the door for her. After the ludicrous amount of hours they worked these past days, she gave him a tired smile. The moment his lips formed a small smile in return, she felt her cheeks flushing. Why again? Memories surfaced of all the flirtation nonsense Shaun came up with, months ago. During working hours she was barely aware of Neil other than an amazing doctor and mentor. Only when he complemented her on a job well done, or ending shifts, and he looked at her she became aware of the man, her cheeks flushing. She remembers his words, you're smart, you're special. Ugh Claire, he was being your mentor. You are a resident. He's your superior. She should stop with these fantasies in her head.

This wasn't the only time he saw her cheeks flush when smiling at her. He had noticed that during the day she was all professional. They were doctors first. But at times like now, when their shift was done and they were ready to go home something was different about her. If it hadn't been for Shaun questioning him about flirting with collegues he might have never noticed. Or have been made aware he did the flirting from time to time. Even before he and Jessica ended things between them. That thought didn't make it better. He was not that kind of man. Now that he was single, he became more and more fond of her though.

Rushing down the stairs she walked in front of the hospital. Contemplating what to do. Directly head to her apartment or drink coffee in the nearest coffee place. She decided on the coffee place and turned left. Fifty meters she walked when she thought it might have been better to head the other way and go home. A suspicious man marched towards her, looking intently at her. She felt panick rising in her. Just when she thought she was going to make a run for it, she felt an arm around her waist.

After the long day he had, he was grateful, nurses and doctors only said their goodbyes in passing. He hurried down the stairs. If he was honest with himself he hoped Claire was still nearby. Maybe they could have a coffee before heading their seperate ways. Probably wishful thinking. On his left he spotted Claire though, just a little ahead. He also noticed the large man marching towards her, and the slight hestitation in her steps. He sprinted to where she was, put his arm around her waist, pulled her into his side and smiled down at her. From the corner of his eye he watched the man fled a sharp right away from them.

Terrified at first by the arm around her waist, she quickly looked up and felt elated when gazing at Neils face. "Let's grab a coffee before heading home." He stated. A bright smile covering both their faces as they strolled to the small cafe.