Author's Note: The one-shots I was writing were somehow aligning themselves to the letters of the alphabet, so I've decided to just create one big collection. There will (obviously) be 26 installments. I'll update as often as I can. I will also be moving "Hospital Visit" and "Interns" into this collection.

Dr. Gina Bandari is sitting at her desk doing paperwork when Micah enters.

"You wanted to see me?" he asks, standing just inside the door. Her page had come at an inconvenient moment. He had been hoping to catch Emily before he scrubbed in on his next surgery. If this meeting didn't take very long, he might still have time.

Dr. Bandari glances at him once before finding a stopping place in her work and putting down her pen. She sits back in her chair, staring at him penetratingly.

"Are you sleeping with Emily Owens?" she asks bluntly, eyes narrowing slightly.

Micah's mind races for a moment as he tries to decide how to respond. He had been expecting his relationship with Emily to become a part of the rampant gossip in the hospital. He had also expected his actions as a resident to be scrutinized for biased behavior by the other interns. However, having double and triple checked the hospital's policies regarding workplace relationships, he had not expected Gina Bandari to summon him to her office to discuss the matter. She barely tolerated most professional interactions with interns; she certainly wouldn't be expected to take an interest in their love lives.

Despite his initial confusion, Micah remains calm. Showing weakness in Dr. Bandari's presence is not an option. By now, he is a 5th year resident and a confident surgeon. He has established a reputation at Denver Memorial as a knowledgeable yet likeable professional. Most importantly, he has learned to no longer be intimidated by the woman sitting before him. It helps that their relationship has changed over time. While she is still his superior, the constant chastisement has ended and she has shown additional trust in his skill recently by letting him handle more cases and showing preference for his assistance in the OR. Their respect for each other as colleagues has finally become mutual. Micah is certainly not going to jeopardize that by cowering before her now.

"Professionally, I don't know that my relationship status is any of your business" he says coolly. "And if you are finally taking an interest in my personal life, you could have at least invited me out for a beer instead of summoning me to your office."

He can tell by the slight lift of her eyebrows that she is surprised by his boldness. However, she merely continues to stare him down.

Micah really doesn't have time for this right now. He looks away momentarily, exhaling in exasperation before trying again.

"Dr. Owens and I are maintaining professional behavior in the workplace, and there is no policy in this hospital that prohibits romantic relationships between colleagues." He says finally.

"And as a resident, carrying on a romantic relationship with one of your interns didn't strike you as being at all questionable?" She asks sarcastically, raising an eyebrow.

"I think we both know it wouldn't be the first time something like that happened in this hospital" he throws back at her.

While she tries to hide it, his reference to her affair with Dr. Aquino affects Dr. Bandari more than he expected. She pales slightly and looks away.

Feeling slightly guilty, Micah sighs and throws his hands up in surrender. "Gina, why am I here?"

She takes a cleansing breath and picks up her pen again before finally looking at him. When she speaks, her voice holds nothing but its usual cool professionalism. "I wanted to let you know that, beginning tomorrow, Dr. Owens will be answering directly to me at all times. As my research assistant, she will only be put under your supervision when and if I have time to share her."

Micah stares at her incredulously for a minute before nodding his head in mock understanding. "You think I can't remain unbiased in my duties as resident." He accuses her.

Dr. Bandari puts the pen down forcibly and looks at him sharply. "You want to know what I think, Dr. Barnes? I think that, if you can continue to stay focused, you are well on your way to becoming an exceptional surgeon. I think that of all of this year's interns, Dr. Owens shows the most potential. I think that in the future, both of you would be valuable additions to this hospital staff. And I think I would rather not jeopardize the future success of this institution, not to mention my personal research, by losing one or both of you to a failed case of puppy love. So what I think, Dr. Barnes, is that it is well within my job description as an Attending to decide how Emily Owens spends her time in this hospital."

A long moment passes as the two surgeons look at each other. "Understood," Micah says finally. Somehow he manages to keep his voice apathetic sounding despite the fact that his mind is still reeling from everything she has just admitted in her outburst.

Calmly, Dr. Bandari picks up the pen again and goes back to writing. "I expect you to explain the new arrangement to Dr. Owens. That will be all, Dr. Barnes."

Micah nods his acquiescence and turns to go.

"Micah."

When he turns back, Dr. Bandari is looking at him, her expression unreadable. "I'm not as cold as everyone thinks. Don't screw it up."

Micah feels a sudden wave of affection wash over him. She may not always be good at showing it, but she really does care. "Have a good afternoon, Gina." he says sincerely before walking out the door.

A glance at the clock shows it is too late to see Emily before surgery, so he sends her a quick text asking her to meet him at the bar after work. They are going to have a lot to talk about.