Chapter 6: Reunited
SCENE: GREY SLOAN PARK
(Andrew and Amber stand in line at the coffee cart catching up with Sam and Casey)
Sam: (Sips her coffee) So how's your brother doing being head of the morgue?
Andrew: It's not a morgue it's a hospital.
Amber: Honey don't defend Pac-North for me I called it the morgue first because more patients come out dead than alive.
Casey: That's not entirely true I've heard that it's starting to shape up under Dr. Karev and Webber. Hell, even first responders are sending patients there now.
Sam: Then they must have an angel of mercy complex.
(Amber chuckles but stops when Levi and Nico go to them holding hands)
Nico: Morning.
(They all say morning except for Amber who sips her coffee scowling at Nico who notices)
Sam: Hey you know what I was thinking? We should all do like a triple date, maybe go bowling?
Casey: Or laser tag, that's a good way to see who's the best couple.
Levi: (Chuckles) Yeah that sounds cool.
Andrew: I wouldn't mind, Amber?
Amber: (Doesn't hide her disdain) Never, not in a million years.
Andrew: (Confused) What?
Levi: (Knows why and says sternly) Amber.
Amber: (Looks at Nico with barely veiled anger) Dr. Kim's in his final year and he doesn't want anything getting in the way. Do you?
Nico: (Inhales and exhales) No I don't now if you all will excuse me, I have Link's post ops. I'll see you later Levi.
(Levi and Nico kiss and Nico leaves the park. Levi gives Amber a look)
Levi: You know we're back together, right? And you don't see me giving your boyfriend the death stare.
Andrew: Well, that's because she's more expressive in her anger and I speak from personal experience.
Sam: Especially when that someone jokes about her b-r-o-t-h-e-r.
Amber: And still hasn't apologized for it like a jackass.
Casey: You did punch him the face so I think that warrants a no on the apology front.
Amber: No, it does it always does, every human knows that which is why it hasn't applied to Kim.
Levi: Can you at least try to be a little bit nice to him? For me?
Amber: (Sighs) Fine I will try my hardest to be just a little bit less awful to your douchebag of a boyfriend.
Levi: Thank you…maybe start by not calling him that.
Amber: Baby steps Schmitt, baby steps.
LATER AT THE ICU
(Amber and Levi walk side by side heading to the ICU where they meet with Andrew)
Levi: Hey, I'm on your service today.
Andrew: I know.
Amber: I'm on ortho with Link but I just wanted to come by and see my best friend and my boyfriend working together for the first time.
Levi: It's a dream come true for you.
Amber: Exactly, this way you two can get to know each other and figure out what you like or dislike and report back to me. Separately of course.
Andrew: (Chuckles) Of course.
(Nico enters the room and approaches them)
Nico: Hey.
Levi: Hey. What are you doing here?
Nico: I'm not here to see you I'm here to see her.
(Levi widens his eyes as does Andrew as they look at Amber who stands there shocked as well)
Amber: (Rude) What do you want?
Nico: (Glares at Amber) I'm here to tell you you're on my service today.
Amber: …No I'm not I'm on Link's service.
Nico: Link has a thing with Dr. Shepherd he couldn't miss and…he put you with me instead.
(Andrew and Levi look at Amber worried about her reaction)
Amber: (Angry at this change but remains composed) Fine give me your post ops and I'll update you.
Nico: (Holds the tablet) Great here-
(Amber grabs the tablet and walks away without letting him finish)
Nico: They are.
(Nico fumes but follows Amber leaving Andrew and Levi behind to worry about the carnage to come)
Levi: My best friend and my boyfriend are working together for the first time. This is a nightmare come true.
Andrew: We found a thing we can agree on.
LATER AT THE BREEZEWAY
(Amber and Nico stand by to wait for the ambulance arriving in a minute)
Nico: Did the paramedics explain when they called?
Amber: (Cold tone) A guy was pushed by a stampede at the mall when they announced some sale over the intercom. He fell down a flight of stairs, they think it's an open fracture on the tibia.
Nico: All right and if it is what is the approach?
Amber: Debride the wound of any infections, run an ultrasound and increase pain meds until an O.R. opens. I've taken care of broken bones before this isn't my first rodeo with ortho.
Nico: (Sighs) Are we gonna be able to work together Dr. Karev? If not, I need to know so-
Amber: (Hears the ambulance) Heads up.
Nico: All right you go back inside and get a trauma room ready.
(Amber goes back inside and books Trauma 1. Nico wheels the man in, Amber sees the tibia broken and popping out of the skin. She works to debride it as Nico gets an ultrasound)
Nico: Sir are you hurt anywhere else? Do you feel any pain?
Man: (Groans) Do you see my leg? I am in pain city.
(Amber drops her tools recognizing the voice causing Nico to look at her)
Nico: Damn it, Karev get some sterile tools now.
(Amber ignores Nico instead she gets closer to the man's face and recognizes him even from the beard and older eyes)
Amber: (Shocked) Aaron?
(Nico looks at them in confusion)
Aaron: Long time no see sis.
(Amber gapes at Aaron shocked to see him after 9 years)
CUT TO BLACK
LATER IN TRAUMA ONE
(Amber sits in a chair catching up with Aaron as Nico works on him)
Amber: What are you doing here?
Aaron: Work, what else? I had a job moving some electronics for a phone company. They hired me to move some goods into the cell phone kiosks at the mall and…here I am.
Nico: (Ultrasounds the leg) Yeah, we heard you were pushed by a stampede.
Aaron: Vultures.
Amber: Okay well it doesn't take a doctor to see that you need surgery to settle that tibial fracture of yours, do you consent?
Aaron: Yeah, I smartened up six years ago and signed up for those policies when I got the business up and running.
Nico: Business?
Amber: Aaron's a mover, he started his own business seven years ago with a buddy of his. They're based in Cedar Rapids. Do you want me to call Emma and the boys?
Aaron: Call them after the surgery they'll just freak out and pace the living room while I'm on the table.
Amber: (Stern) Aaron.
Aaron: I know you're the second doctor in the family but if you could do me just this one thing…please.
Amber: (Sighs) Fine but I'm calling Alex and Jo they need to know.
Aaron: Mom told me about the wedding. Did they really do it next to a dead guy?
Amber: (Chuckles) Unknowingly and in the dark yes. Do you need anything for the pain?
Aaron: No pain meds, I don't need a drug problem god knows I've got enough problems to take care of.
(Nico presses his lips knowing the story)
Amber: I had to ask; I'll get to work on debriding that leg and don't bitch to me about the pain.
Nico: (Finished the ultrasound) No you won't.
Amber: (Stands up) What?
(Sam enters the trauma room ready)
Sam: You paged me Dr. Kim?
Nico: Yes, you will switch with Dr. Karev for the rest of the day.
Amber: (Glares at Nico) No she's not, you can't just-
Nico: Family doesn't operate on family you know that and that applies to your brother.
Sam: (Eyes widen) Wait, Dr. Karev is here?! Is he okay?!
Amber: No, he's fine, he's talking about my other brother.
Sam: Your other brother?
Aaron: (Raises hand) I'm the other brother.
(Sam looks at Amber confused)
Amber: Dr. Sam Bello meet my brother, Aaron Karev.
(Sam's eyes widen as she instantly recognizes the name freezing on the spot until Nico calls her)
Nico: Don't just stand there Bello get to work on debridement.
Sam: Yeah.
Aaron: Hey speaking of which, where is Alex? I thought he would come down here by now when he heard.
(Sam and Nico look at Amber in worry as she comes up with an excuse)
Amber: He works at another hospital in Seattle now.
Aaron: Oh, the golden boy got a better job?
Amber: (Composed face) …Yeah that's it.
Nico: Karev you can go we'll update you as soon as we can.
Amber: (Exhales) Fine I'll go check on patients that aren't biologically related to me. I'll be back Aaron.
(Amber turns to leave and Sam whispers to her)
Sam: He's on his meds, right?
Amber: Last I checked yes. Aaron no embarrassing stories or your gonna have another open bone.
(Aaron chuckles and Amber leaves them to attend to him)
MEANWHILE IN THE ICU
(Andrew and Levi update Kenya on her father's status)
Levi: Your father's blood pressure is still running low from dehydration. We're gonna place a catheter in his thigh to deliver fluids and meds.
Kenya: A cath-Uh, will there be blood? 'Cause, see, like, I got a thing about blood. I can't-
Andrew: Kenya, why don't you give yourself a break? Go get something to eat, grab a shower, and come back, and by the time you do, we'll be done. It's a very simple procedure.
Kenya: (Calmer) Okay. Um…Daddy, I'm gonna go for a little bit, but I'll be right back, okay? So, you better be here when I get back. (Chuckles Lightly) Okay. Thank you.
(Kenya leaves the room)
LATER IN AARONS ROOM
(Sam and Nico update Aaron about the surgery)
Nico: Once your under anesthesia Dr. Bello will clean the affected area and after I will go in and put your tibia back in place, that's called a reduction. Then I will use screws to set it in place.
Aaron: Screws? How do you get them out?
Sam: We'll contact your physician from Iowa and get in touch with an orthopedic surgeon where you're from. It's an incision on the numbed area and he takes out the hardware, it's barely a surgery.
Aaron: (Exhales) Not to me. Fine I consent.
Sam: (Nods) Can I ask a question? How did you manage to fall down 30 flights of stairs and only break your leg?
Aaron: Karev's are tough, I guess foster care made sure of that.
Nico: (Confused) Foster care?
Sam: You and Amber were in the system?
Aaron: Yeah, we were in and out mostly because our mom was uh…you know. I was 18 and Amber was 12 so I could take care of her which is a good thing because uh she went to juvie after her last foster family.
(Nico and Sam look at each other shocked)
Sam: I'm sorry did you say Juvie in regard to Amber Karev?
Aaron: Yeah, it wasn't a murder or anything she uh she smashed her foster dad's windshield and neighbors called the cops. She did a month in the center and I moved in right after I got a job.
Nico: Amber was 12 when she did that?
Aaron: Yeah, but if you know my sister then you know the son of a bitch probably deserved it.
(Sam tries to process this new information seeing Amber in a new light)
CUT TO THE NURSES STATION
(Amber is on the phone with Alex informing him of the situation hearing yelling in his background)
Alex: How bad is it?
Amber: It's an open fracture of the tibia, he fell down a long flight of stairs so he was lucky. Kim and Bello are working on him now. Emma doesn't know so I don't think he'll appreciate it if you tell her. I'm on the sidelines because of stupid HIPAA and Jo is in surgery doing an ALPPS procedure.
Alex: (Grins proudly) Badass wife of all time. I'm a little preoccupied because my patient in a coma has two sisters who can't talk without yelling for two seconds.
Amber: That explains the background. It's okay I'll let him know when you can come here, and don't worry I didn't mention you were fired I said you moved on to better things.
Alex: That's good, that sounds vague.
Amber: Thank you.
Alex: Um…Are you okay? I know this is a lot especially since what happened-
Amber: When that happened, he wasn't diagnosed, now he is stable, he is making jokes and being the brother, he was before that night. I am fine Alex; you don't have to worry about me.
Alex: I'm still gonna worry. I'll let you know when the Charmed sisters make a decision, keep me posted.
Amber: Will do, bye.
(Amber hangs up and Sam approaches her with a look on her face)
Sam: I just wanted to come by and tell you that the surgery will be in a few hours. Kim is doing an ORIF and I'll have a nurse be on the gallery texting you at every step of the way, even if Kim doesn't want it.
Amber: Okay an ORIF it's simple and quick, tibia isn't infected right?
Sam: Blood test came back negative for infection and we already put in a splint until the surgery.
Amber: Great thank you.
(Sam still stands there with a look on her face that Amber recognizes)
Amber: (Annoyed) What did he tell you?
Sam: (Tries to save face) Nothing, nothing at all.
Amber: (Threatening) Samantha Bello.
Sam: (Sighs) There might have…sort of been a mentioning of the word juvie.
Amber: (Frustrated) I am gonna kill him. You want details now okay here they are.
Sam: You don't have to-
Amber: I'd rather they come from me and not him. My foster dad at the time didn't like girls lucky for me unlucky for the little boy also living with him. I saw the way he looked at the boy and I heard something one night and…I walked in and I saw him on top trying to…I tried to push him off but he was bigger and stronger so out of desperation I grabbed his bat, went outside and smashed his windshield alerting the neighbors who called the cops while the man came out in his underwear with the boy behind him crying. He got time obviously and I got a month in juvie for destruction of private property. There now you know and if you will excuse me.
(Amber heads to Aaron's room greeting him with a smack on the head with the nurse as a witness)
Aaron: Ow! What was that for?!
Amber: I told you no embarrassing stories!
Aaron: It wasn't embarrassing it was a badass story I didn't think you would mind.
Amber: Dude I work here.
Nico: (Appears in the doorway) Then go work She-Karev, you're on neuro so go.
(Amber glares at Nico over his timing. Aaron notices the nickname)
Aaron: She-Karev?
Amber: (Turns to glare at Aaron) Just shut up Aaron or I will sew you mouth shut like they do on The Handmaid's Tale you love so much.
(Amber leaves the room with Nico looking at Aaron who shrugs it off)
LATER AT THE ICU
(Andrew and Levi work to insert the catheter into Mr. Hill. Andrew tries to gain access to the femoral vein while Levi worries)
Levi: So, uh how do you think Amber is doing? Working with Nico I mean.
Andrew: I don't know I haven't talked to her but you know Amber she's angry in private and semi public but not with her boss well at least when he's being her boss. I'm sure their both respectably cold towards each other and the bloodbath is to a minimum. Okay, I've accessed the femoral vein for you. Now, feed the guide-wire in and hold it. Take your time, don't rush, get it right. Don't let go of it.
(Andrew steps out of view to get tools)
Levi: And, um…what if the wire slips?
Andrew: Why?
Levi: Because it slipped.
Andrew: (Alert) Slipped? Slipped where?
Levi: Inside the patient.
Andrew: Schmitt! Okay, hold pressure over the wound and do not let go whatsoever, okay? We need some help in here. We need to move the patient to the cath lab right now.
Levi: Oh, my God. Ah.
Andrew: Let me see.
Levi: I-I'm sorry. I'm sorry.
(Andrew and Levi work)
THREE HOURS LATER ON THE SURGICAL FLOOR
(Amber quickly approaches Sam who is in a scrub cap carrying a tablet)
Amber: (Nervous for her brother) Are you starting?
Sam: Yeah, he's being prepped and we'll take him to O.R. 5. Aren't you supposed to be in neuro?
Amber: Yeah, I already did Shepherd's post ops I just wanted to come by and see him off. How is he so far?
Sam: Vitals are stable and the tibia is still in the splint.
Amber: I want to see his chart, see if anyone missed anything.
Sam: Amber you know I can't do that, because one, you are not a doctor right now you are a family member and two, I don't want Kim to yell at me out in the hall again. I know you have problems with Nico and you don't like him with Levi but-
Amber: This isn't about Nico this is about Aaron; this is about my brother. (Sighs) Look I know you see him as the crazy guy that stabbed his sister and I saw him that way too for a long time but…he was there when Alex left, he got me out of foster care and dealt with mom's outbursts because he knew I couldn't. He has a wife and two sons and they deserve to have another loved one know for sure that he is gonna make it out of this surgery. Please I am begging you just let me see for myself that there is nothing for me to worry about.
Sam: (Sighs) …You are lucky that I have a big sister I admire.
(Sam hands her the tablet containing the chart)
Amber: (Reads) Okay things look good, ORIF is described in the standard approach, his pain levels are okay and-
(Amber stops as she read something she doesn't like. Amber walks past Sam heading to the room)
Sam: Damn it! Amber!
(Amber enters the room just as they fit Aaron in a disposable scrub cap. Nico looks up from where he's standing)
Nico: Karev you need to-
Amber: You haven't taken into account his anti-psychotic drugs when talking to the anesthesiologist?
(Nico sees the chart in her hands and glares at Sam behind her)
Nico: Karev you need to wait in-
Amber: He's on Thorazine and Prolixin, the typical drugs for schizophrenia.
Nico: I know that.
Amber: Clearly not because you didn't bother to put it in his chart. Did you even talk to the anesthesiologist before prepping him?
Nico: (Closes his eyes) …I forgot.
(Amber gapes at him and gets a scowl that only Aaron recognizes)
Aaron: (Under his breath) Oh no.
CUT TO OUTSIDE THE CATH LAB
(Andrew meets with Bailey after getting the guide-wire out)
Bailey: How did you let your resident slip a guide-wire?
Andrew: I turned my back for like two seconds and when I-
Bailey: You don't turn your back for a millisecond DeLuca. Residents like Schmitt need to be watched at all times or else they make colossal screw ups that will spell liability for this hospital. Learn that and maybe next time Schmitt won't mess up this bad again.
Andrew: Understood Chief.
Woman's voice a few rooms away: How can you forget the simplest of things?! Did you even go to medical school?!
Bailey: What the hell?
(Andrew and Bailey head to the room where they find Amber yelling at Nico with Sam and Aaron as witnesses)
Amber: You know that typical anesthetic agents combined with anti-psychotics can cause beta blockage, do you know what happens then?!
Nico: I-
Amber: Don't answer I'll save you the trouble, it can cause postural hypotension, seizures maybe even death! Did you consider that or did you forget?!
Aaron: Amber let's just calm down please.
Amber: (Chuckles darkly) Oh I am calm; I am so calm. I am the freaking queen of calm!
Aaron: (Winces at the yelling) Yeah, I can tell.
Bailey: What is going on here? Kim?
Nico: She-Karev is She-Hulking out and-
Amber: (Yells) Wrong! I am not She-Karev or She-Hulk and I am not a resident right now. I am a sister trying to keep my brother from dying because of your stupidity!
Andrew: Wait a minute, your brother? Alex is here?
Sam: (Stading next to Aaron) No, other brother with the broken tib.
Andrew: (Confused) Wait what? Can someone please tell me what the hell is going on?
Nico: (Looks at Amber) You haven't told him about Aaron?
Andrew: Aaron? Your brother Aaron?
Aaron: That would be me and who are you exactly?
Sam: (Mutters) Oh this gets better and better.
(Andrew stands there shocked at seeing Amber's brother for the first time but Amber barely notices it)
Amber: (Rushed) Aaron Karev my boyfriend Andrew DeLuca. Andrew my brother Aaron there you met, now let's get back to the matter at hand. Chief I want Dr. Kim off my brother's case right now.
Nico: (Gapes at her) You can't just do that!
Amber: (Angry) I most certainly can because I'm his sister and I have the right to choose whose care he is under. He is a father and a husband and he needs his mobility to make a living so step the hell back Kim before I give you a broken tib!
Nico: (Assumes this is about Levi) You know what, I know that you don't like me but that doesn't give you the right to barge in here just because you don't like that I'm with Levi.
Amber: This has nothing to do with Levi you stupid son of a bitch! You would know that if you spent the past five minutes listening which requires you to get your head out of your ass!
Bailey: Amber, quiet. Aaron nice to see you again.
Aaron: Hi Dr. Bailey. (To Amber) Wait so your dating guys again? I thought you were more into girls.
Andrew: (Still trying to process) Funny that's what your mother said when I met her.
Aaron: (Eyes widen) Wait mom visited? What happened to her routine?
Andrew: Oh god I just made this worse.
Amber: (Tries to get to the point) Mom is fine she visited, we welcomed her, I forgave her, she went back home. Now let's focus on the dumbass fellow who doesn't know the basics of patient care and who clearly doesn't have two IQ points to his name.
Nico: (To Aaron) Dude you grew up with her so maybe you can answer this, was she always this much of a walking migraine?
Aaron: (Snorts) Oh yeah, she has a worse temper than me and Alex combined. That's why I stayed on the road when she was in PMS mode.
Amber: (Grins mockingly) Yeah well that's what happens when I have two ticking time bombs, I call brothers.
Aaron: See.
Bailey: Everybody stop talking!
(They all quiet down)
Bailey: Amber I understand that your worried about your brother but I assure you Dr. Kim is more than capable of performing a routine-
Amber: (Angry) Chief, the last time he did a routine procedure a healthy young man died on the table because of his screw up.
(Nico's eyes widen in shock over her comment as well as everyone who watches the tense scene)
Amber: I don't want him as my brother's doctor Chief. I want Dr. Lincoln on this case and I want only him.
Bailey: Okay Karev, this isn't just your decision. Aaron is the patient here and it's also his word on whether he wants Link instead of Dr. Kim. Aaron what do you say?
(They look at Aaron who considers his options and knows not to get Amber angry)
Aaron: Whatever my time bomb of a sister thinks is best for me I'll do it.
(Nico glares at Amber who looks at him in equal anger as well)
Bailey: Dr. Kim go get Dr. Lincoln and tell him he will be the primary on Aaron Karev's surgery.
(Nico exhales but obliges storming out in anger)
Amber: Thank you.
(Amber sits next to Aaron waiting for Link while the others leave. Aaron gives Amber a look)
Amber: What's that look for?
Aaron: I see you haven't changed at all.
Amber: Shut up.
(They sit in silence and wait for Link)
LATER IN ORTHO
(Levi exhales and finds Nico demolishing casts with a hammer in anger)
Levi: You probably won't want to date me anymore after you hear this.
Nico: (Still angry) I'm busy.
(Nico yells before smashing a cast so hard it breaks on one side causing Levi to jump)
Levi: Clearly. What's going on?
Nico: (Angry) I'm not talking about it especially with you.
Levi: What do you mean especially with me? Tell me.
Nico: It's about Amber. (Hits cast) You know what's the worst part about working with your boyfriend's best friend? It's that they can be as awful as they want and your boyfriend still defends them even after they humiliated you in front of the chief and your patient.
Levi: I'm sure you're just oversimplifying it. Did something happen to Amber? Something to make her especially awful?
Nico: And there is it.
Levi: What?
Nico: You always always try to defend her to me, telling me that I need to be easy on her even when she's being a complete bitch to me.
Levi: Watch it okay, I'm sure that Amber-
Nico: I don't want to hear this anymore.
Levi: So, what is this? You think she's plotting to tear us apart so she can have me all to herself? That's crazy.
Nico: No what's crazy is that Amber doesn't respect me let alone our relationship. A few months ago, she told me, a fellow, to go away when Link was talking to her like I was some dog she needed to shoo away.
Levi: She was going though a lot that day if you knew what-
Nico: I don't care what she went through unlike you who makes her your number one priority even when she insults me in front of you. Do you have any idea how little that makes me feel?! Like you don't even care about me!
Levi: I care about you! Even after you were being cold and mean to me, I cared about your wellbeing and I decided to give us another chance. It's no different than me caring about Amber after she broke up with DeLuca and her sister was in a mental state and-
Nico: So, what? All the crap she went through is a good excuse for her to take it out on me and punching me in the middle of the surgical floor?!
Levi: (Fed up) You made fun of her being stabbed by her brother! Can you not see that? Or are you so focused on your side of this argument?
Nico: You never see my side! You only see hers!
(Andrew stands out in the hallway to get Schmitt but stops and listens to the argument)
Levi: I don't, I see both sides but I side with her on this because I'm her person!
Nico: (Confused) …What?
Levi: I am her best friend but I am also more than that, she said it herself the day of the fog that we are each other's person. It means we're there for each other when things are messy or when we have a fight with our boyfriends. I side with her on this because I know better than anyone what a touchy subject her family is and you throwing it in her face didn't help. She's the only one I feel like I can count on in this life.
Nico: (Offended) She's the only one?
Levi: That's not what I mean I just (Groans) …She stood by me when you ignored me and I was the only one who reached out when Roy alienated her. No matter what happens we are in each other's lives and-
Nico: Yeah well, she's not the only one in your life anymore, is she?
Levi: …What are you saying?
Nico: I am saying that you need to-
Andrew: (Goes inside quickly) Schmitt, go check on Amber she's in the family room and she needs you right now.
Levi: I was just-
Andrew: Now.
(Levi leaves to go to Amber leaving Andrew alone with Nico who continues smashing the casts harder)
Andrew: Look man I don't know you that well but I want you to think about what you were gonna say to Schmitt before-
Nico: (Angry) I was gonna tell him to choose between me or Amber and he was gonna choose me because Amber doesn't have sex with him.
Andrew: (Looks at him) You really believe that after what he just told you?
Nico: They're not gonna be in each other's lives forever it's naïve that they think so. I don't expect you to understand since Levi likes everyone including your girlfriend who made fun of me killing a man.
Andrew: She didn't make fun she was trying to do everything she can to get her brother the treatment he needs. And let's not forget you neglected to add Aaron's anti-psychotic meds in his chart.
Nico: I was going to but then-
Andrew: And as for Amber and Levi, we can't ask them to choose because they would choose each other in a heartbeat.
Nico: (Doesn't believe him) Really?
Andrew: (Rubs his face in frustration) …Okay have you ever seen the movie Jennifer's Body?
Nico: What does that have to do with-
Andrew: Just tell me.
Nico: (Sighs) Yeah years ago when I thought I still liked girls, why?
Andrew: Okay Levi is Needy, the shy and sweet nerd that everyone walks all over and Amber is Jennifer, the cool and popular girl nobody would think Needy would be best friends with.
Nico: And let me guess I'm the poor boyfriend that got eaten alive after Jennifer turned into a demon?
Andrew: (Chuckles) No you wish, see you and I in this scenario are the cultist band that tries to separate them so we can sacrifice one to the devil for fame.
Nico: Oh well I'm glad to know that I matter that much in my boyfriend's life.
Andrew: My point is that if we try to split them up it just spells out trouble for us and we end up brutally murdered by one of them in a hotel room.
Nico: And you're okay with that?
Andrew: I love Amber but I also know that there was a time that I didn't and she had Levi during that time. We love them and date them but the fact is they were in each other's lives longer and that bond…it can't be broken, it shouldn't. If you ask Levi to choose, he's gonna choose Amber and he's gonna be sad that the man he loves asked him to do something like that in the first place.
(Nico ponders Andrew's words)
Andrew: And you could try and be more empathetic to Amber, remember that you made fun of her being stabbed by her own brother in the middle of the hall before she KO'ed you. Also keep in mind that the reason she's acting especially crabby today is because that same brother, who she hasn't seen since high school, showed up at her work with a broken leg and the doctor in charge didn't take the time to consider his anti-psychotic meds. Think on that and make a reasonable choice where you and Schmitt can be happy, I gotta go.
(Andrew leaves the room and Nico puts the hammer down as he considers his next actions)
AN HOUR LATER IN THE FAMILY ROOM
(Amber stares at her phone waiting for an update when Levi walks in)
Amber: (Stares at her phone) Your boyfriend is a terrible doctor as well as a terrible person. I just thought you should know that.
Levi: (Ignores the insult) I just talked to Sam. Aaron is here? He just came in with a broken leg and you didn't know?
Amber: (Looks up from her phone) Yeah it was a great way to wake up this morning.
Levi: Why didn't you come to me? I know more about this than anyone else you know that.
Amber: I…I guess I was just preoccupied with…with all of it.
(Levi takes a seat next to her on the couch)
Levi: Are you okay?
Amber: (Looks away and stares at the coffee table in thought) Do you know how I got my car?
Levi: Um I assumed you bought it or made it.
Amber: Aaron gave it to me; he gave it to me when I graduated at NYU.
Levi: I thought you guys weren't speaking then.
Amber: We weren't but as per my Instagram account he found out I was on a Keanu Reeves binge and that of course included John Wick.
Levi: (Exhales) I love that movie.
Amber: Me too. He saw the movie and liked the car that was in it. He saw a cheaper and rustier model at a used car lot and bought it. After that he uh got his mechanic buddy to replace the engine and a body shop to upgrade the look. It cost him 60 grand buying and renovating it to get it functional. He's a mover so that was basically his life savings he spent on me. He shipped it out to me the day I graduated, so he wasn't there to physically hand it to me. I found it in front of my dorm building with a note inside saying, 'Now you can drive like the badass you are all over Seattle, mini-Reeves.'
(Levi grins at that memory)
Amber: I…I didn't even call him or text his I…I didn't know what to say or maybe I did I just…before he was diagnosed, he wasn't just my big brother, he was the reason I got up in the morning. When Alex left, he was there even if he didn't have to be he was there. Do you know how many volleyball games or debates my mom has been to? None not a single one. But Aaron never missed a single important event in my life even when he was on the road. He even went to my eighth-grade graduation which let's be honest is not real. I wasn't embarrassed or ashamed of him even when people laughed when I told them he moved stuff for a living all he was to me was my big brother who I loved and admired. All that pride and sisterly love somehow…shifted that night. It shifted so much that I couldn't bother to send him a thank you text.
Levi: (Understands her) You still resented him for what he did. And you think saying it makes you sound awful.
Amber: Does it? Does it make me an awful person to hold a grudge against someone who was cursed with a genetic trait that caused him to go crazy one night?
Levi: (Holds her hand in comfort) No it doesn't its just makes you you. Amber, I love you and I will always be here for you but I'm not gonna deny that you have a problem when it comes to grudges.
Amber: (Chuckles) Yeah, I think Nico and Andrew would agree with you there. I…I want to tell him I forgive him because I do. A small part of me does hold a grudge but mostly I know that after that night he never missed taking his meds even when it killed him. I want to tell him it's just…what if it's too late?
Levi: It's never too late. Your brother is here and you have a chance to have both him and Alex in your life again and that's…that's more than most people have.
(Amber nods and Andrew enters the room)
Andrew: Are you okay?
(Amber nods and Levi getting the message stands up and leaves. Andrew pats his back in thanks and sits next to Amber)
Amber: I'm sorry you had to find out like that I was-
Andrew: It's okay.
Amber: No, it's not. That was not how I envisioned you meeting one of the four most important men in my life.
Andrew: Amber, you were going through a lot today and honestly, I think that meeting went better than expected for us.
Amber: (Grins) I don't deserve you.
Andrew: I know but I still love you anyway.
(Amber chuckles for a moment before going quiet as she gets a text)
Amber: Link just put the tibia back into alignment and their gonna place the screws now.
Andrew: What do you need me to do?
Amber: Just-Just hold me please and tell me everything's gonna be okay.
(Andrew pulls Amber against him and she places her head on his chest while he rubs her back)
Andrew: Everything's gonna be okay.
LATER IN O.R. 5
(Link and Sam work on the final screws)
Link: All right tibia is secured and the screws are in place, what's the aftercare Bello?
Sam: Keep the leg immobilized and in a brace for several weeks and PT after brace and screws are removed.
Link: Very good.
Sam: …A junkie dad, a crazy mom and a brother that went crazy too all the while suffering in foster care. And somehow Amber ended up a doctor.
Link: Yeah, I know. I'm not easily wowed but Amber, wow.
AN HOUR LATER IN THE WAITING ROOM
(Link and Sam enter the room to find Amber in Andrew's lap asleep with her head on his shoulder and Andrew sleeping too as he holds her)
Sam: (Pokes Andrew's head and whispers) Wake up.
(Andrew wakes up and sees Sam and Link out and in their scrub caps with Amber still asleep)
Andrew: I don't want to wake her if it's bad news.
Link: (Grins) Wake her up.
(Andrew exhales in relief and gently wakes up Amber)
Amber: (Groggy) Aaron?
Link: He made it. He's in a private room now and his leg is elevated. He should be waking up soon if you want to see him.
Amber: (Stands up) Thank you both so much and sorry for this but I'm just so happy right now.
(Amber hugs Link then Sam before leaving the room)
Andrew: All right if you guys are good, I'm gonna head back to the ICU and yell at Schmitt.
LATER AT THE ICU
(Andrew walks out of Mr. Hill's room after examining him)
Andrew: Okay, no PVCs, and his blood pressure seems to be responding well to the IV fluids.
Levi: Why didn't you tell Bailey it was me?
Andrew: (Scoffs) Please. She already knew.
Levi: So, what? She just likes yelling at you, or...?
Andrew: Schmitt, I was in charge, and what happens on my watch is my responsibility, even colossal screw-ups I would never make. Personally, I like you and I'm glad Amber has a friend like you in her life but that's not gonna stop me from doing my job. (Pulls out a guide wire) This is a guide wire, what almost killed our patient today because you couldn't hold onto it. So, you know what you're gonna do? You're gonna hold onto it. (Levi takes wire) For a week. It's going with you everywhere; on rounds, while you sleep, while you eat. And hopefully, it'll put you in the simple habit of not letting go of it.
Levi: (Shaky breath) Oh, God. It's his daughter. Do we tell her?
Andrew: No, you're telling her.
Levi: What? I thought it was your responsibility.
Andrew: Yeah, with Bailey. This is all you.
Levi: (Panics as he walks inside the room) Oh…Oh, God.
AN HOUR LATER IN AARONS ROOM
(Amber charts in her chair next to Aaron's bed while he sleeps with his leg in a cast. Aaron wakes up)
Aaron: (Groggy) Amber?
(Amber puts the tablet down and grins at Aaron holding his hand)
Amber: Hey, Link and Bello said the surgery went great and your cast is now set.
Aaron: Good, now you can stop yelling at doctors around here.
Amber: (Chuckles) Yeah…I live with a boy.
Aaron: (Wide awake) What?
Amber: Um not a boy a man, the man that I'm dating, Andrew DeLuca, I uh I just moved in with him and I'm in love with him and for some reason he loves me too crazy right? (Chuckles nervously) Before him I was dating well sort of dating this firefighter named Maya, she was hot but also emotionally unavailable so that went kaput. And um what else, what else? Oh! I got mugged two years ago by a junkie who abandoned his daughter so uh that was triggering for me of course but uh I'm good now I'm good he was actually pretty nice…for someone who was trying to rob me. Mom visited a year ago she said she wanted to explore new horizons but she went back after a week because of her routine. And um Alex is now working as chief of surgery at another hospital-
Aaron: (Blank face) Yeah you told me that.
Amber: Right but you don't know the reason why and I'm not going to because Alex would kill me if I did. And uh…I think that's pretty much it on the guidelines of my life that are important to share with you.
Aaron: (Processes) Sounds like you've been busy.
Amber: (Chuckles) Yeah.
(Amber and Aaron sit there for a silent moment until Amber speaks up)
Amber: I never thanked you for the car.
Aaron: You don't have to do it I get it.
Amber: No, I do I really do I…after that night I pushed you away, I found out you got married through an invite that I didn't respond to. I have nephews that I only heard about through mom and I ran from home the second I got the acceptance letter.
Aaron: (Nods solemnly) I get it, it's hard to be around me and I never held it against you. I understand that you can't forgive me, I can't forgive myself for what happened. I was supposed to protect you from mom and instead I became her.
Amber: (Shakes her head) No you are nothing like her when she was your age.
Aaron: I think the voices and hallucinations would disagree with you.
Amber: You're in recovery, you take your meds every day, you see a shrink I know because I get updates from mom after she got better. I…I know it wasn't you that night Aaron, I know that. My uh best friend Levi says that I have a slight problem with holding grudges.
Aaron: Slight?
Amber: Okay it's a start to me admitting one of my flaws. I held a grudge against you that night even though I knew you were unwell. I shouldn't have made you feel like it was your fault, I know it wasn't easy for you.
Aaron: (Tears form in his eyes and he sniffles) I'm sorry I missed your high school graduation. I'm sorry I missed your mugging.
(Both of them laugh at the last apology)
Aaron: I'm sorry that things don't go normal when mom is involved.
Amber: It's fine, normal is overrated anyway. You and I had Alex in the beginning but you were there after he left, you never made me feel like I was unwanted, you made sure that I had at least one person cheering for me on the stands…I took you for granted. And I'm sorry for that. Aaron, you need to know that I forgive you, I've always forgiven you for what happened I just…I just hope that maybe now you can forgive yourself and we can move on from that awful night once and for all.
(Aaron sniffles as a tear slides down his cheek. He holds his hand out and Amber puts hers in it signifying their repaired relationship. Alex walks in wearing his suit)
Alex: Did I miss something?
Amber: (Pulls back and wipes a tear away) No, just some sappy family moment that would normally repulse me.
Alex: Ha, that explains Aaron crying like a baby.
Aaron: Shut up man.
Alex: I'm glad you're okay. You got old man.
Aaron: Look who's talking.
(Alex and Aaron share a quick hug before Jo slowly walks in with flowers)
Jo: Um is it okay if I come in?
Alex: Yeah of course.
(Jo nervously puts the flowers on the table)
Jo: (Smiles) Hi I'm Jo, it's nice to officially meet you, Aaron.
Aaron: (Shakes her hand) Nice to meet you too, are those for me?
Jo: I uh I didn't know if you liked flowers so I got you a gift card with it. I hope you like steak.
Aaron: I love steak. (To Alex) Wow she's pretty and nice how that hell did you get her?
Amber: (Grins) I ask myself that every day.
Alex: Yeah, you two can suck it.
(Jo smacks his arm causing Amber and Aaron to laugh at Alex's expense)
LATER THAT NIGHT AT THE RESIDENCY LOUNGE
(Amber enters the room to find Andrew changing out of his scrubs alone)
Andrew: Hey how's Aaron?
Amber: He's uh he's good, he's stable. He's gonna be kept here for observation but he should be back on the road tomorrow. Alex and Jo are with him now.
Andrew: That's good and how are you? You look like you've been crying.
Amber: I have, I made up with him. I forgave him for what happened and it's not like we're back to what we were but it's a start you know?
Andrew: That's great I'm really happy for you.
Amber: (Grins) Yeah, I didn't think I would need this but I did…I want you to meet him.
Andrew: (Raises eyebrows) What?
Amber: Alex and Jo want me to get Chinese because Aaron hated the food, they had here last time he was a patient. We're gonna have a little family dinner in his room and uh I want you to come.
Andrew: …Oh um oh.
Amber: I mean I figured if my mom loved you after your first meeting Aaron would do the same. I kind of owe him an actual meeting since that last one was barely a meet. I know he's gonna love you once he gets to know you, you have nothing to worry about.
Andrew: (Sighs) I guess it's the least I can do seeing as how I convinced you to come to my awkward family dinner.
Amber: Yeah, so you'll come with me and help me pick up the food?
Andrew: Yeah, I'll drive.
(Amber smiles but it falls when she turns to see Nico at the doorway)
Nico: Can I talk to you for a minute?
Amber: I have nothing to say to you.
Nico: Please, I'm not here to fight or anything I swear.
Andrew: (See's that he's trying to make right) I'll uh pick you up at the driveway.
(Amber glares at Andrew who grabs her keys and leaves the room)
Amber: I'm not gonna apologize for trying to do what was best for my brother so if you want to yell at me then-
Nico: I'm sorry.
Amber: (Shocked) …What?
Nico: I know now that I never apologized to you for what I said to you that day. I just moved on and excused it as me being rightfully angry about what I did but…but I know that it wasn't that way for you. I know you've had a hard life and I took it and just made it into a joke to hurt you and I deeply apologize for that. I hope you can forgive me and we can move on from that.
Amber: (Exhales in satisfaction) Thank you…and I guess I am sorry too for punching you in the face that day.
Nico: I fully deserved it.
Amber: Yeah, you did but you kind of didn't deserve me making fun of your pain either, so…I'm sorry.
Nico: (Nods) It's okay it was a tough day for you. I know you hate me and I know that there is nothing I can do to keep you out of Levi's life and in extension mine so how about we make a deal?
Amber: I'm listening.
Nico: I'll treat you with as much respect as you deserve and you do the same from now on. We don't have to be close friends or anything but we do have to accept each other because I'm not gonna be out of Levi's life anytime soon either. What do you think?
Amber: (Thinks) …Deal.
(Nico turns to leave until Amber speaks up)
Amber: For the record I don't hate you, Kim. I hate how you treated Levi.
Nico: (Nods) Me too.
(Nico leaves the room. Amber grabs her purse and heads to the driveway)
LATER AT AARONS ROOM
(Amber walks inside to find Jo laughing as Aaron explains a story from Alex's childhood while Alex smirks in embarrassment)
Jo: So, wait, he found a possum on the street and took it home thinking it was a dog?
Aaron: (Laughs) Yeah and you should've seen how he was with it before mom came home, he was hugging it and kissing it.
Jo: (Groans in disgust and laughs) How did you not know if was a possum?
Alex: It kind of looked like a dog to me at the time and I wanted a pet but our parents refused.
Aaron: Dude even I knew it was a possum it had a rat's tail!
(Alex shakes his head grinning as Jo laughs more)
Amber: Looks like I found the right party.
Jo: Hey did you get the dumplings?
Amber: Yes, and enough steamed buns, spring rolls and noodles to feed these two hungry hungry hippos.
Aaron: You know you would think getting an MD would make her more tolerable to us.
Alex: Yeah, you would think that.
Amber: Shut up or I'll only give you guys the veggies. Andrew's coming with the food so be nice.
(Amber opens the door and lets Andrew in carrying bags of takeout. He sets it on the table and stands in front of Aaron nervous but composed)
Amber: I don't think you have been properly introduced, Andrew, this is my brother Aaron. Aaron this is my boyfriend, Dr. Andrew DeLuca.
Andrew: (Grins and shakes his hand) Hey it's great to meet you man. Sorry we uh met under less than normal circumstances.
Aaron: Don't apologize my sister was the one who choose yelling at people over introducing family members.
Amber: Okay thank you for that I already apologized.
Andrew: (Holds up a paper bag) I uh also brought wine in case anyone wanted to drink.
Alex: Thanks, a drink is just what I need after the day I had.
Aaron: Or the month from what you told me. Sorry you got canned dude.
Alex: Yeah, thanks now pour me a glass DeLuca I need it.
(Andrew pours wine into the plastic cups for them all)
MEANWHILE AT THE RESIDENCY LOUNGE
(Nico finds Levi alone at the lounge holding a guidewire getting ready to leave)
Levi: I have had a day from hell.
Nico: Yeah, me too…I apologized to Amber.
Levi: (Looks at Nico) You apologized to her?
Nico: (Confused) Yeah isn't that what you hoped would happen?
Levi: It is it's just…I didn't think you would especially after what happened.
Nico: (Sighs) Yeah well, she's your person, whatever the hell that is and I can't make you choose or we'll both be miserable so…she and I agreed to be civil for you and DeLuca's sake.
Levi: (Exhales in relief) Thank you, I was worried Amber was gonna murder you in our sleep.
Nico: (Chuckles lightly) Yeah, she's made it clear she could.
(Nico notices the wire Levi is holding as he ties his shoes)
Nico: Why are you holding a guidewire?
Levi: Because DeLuca punished me for slipping a guidewire while we were placing a catheter in a man.
Nico: (Blinks) I'm sorry what?
Levi: I dropped it; I-I dropped the guidewire on my first case with DeLuca.
Nico: (Confused) But I don't understand what you mean by "dropped it." How do you drop a guide wire?
Levi: Because I screw things up. It's what I do.
Nico: Don't do that. Don't dismiss yourself.
Levi: I know, I know. I should be…more positive.
Nico: No, no, that is not what I mean. I mean…demand more from yourself, Levi. Come on.
(Nico stands up
Levi: Where are we going?
Nico: Skills lab. You're gonna thread that wire through a simulator at least a hundred times without messing it up.
Levi: What kind of boyfriend are you?
Nico: The kind that doesn't want to date someone who can't do a central line. (They both head to the door) All right? We'll order some pizza, and we're not gonna leave until you get it right, okay?
Levi: You're staying with me?
Nico: Well, yeah. I'm not dead inside.
(They both grin and leave to go to the lab)
LATER IN AARONS ROOM
(Amber laughs as Andrew explains what happened with Levi as they all sip wine from the plastic cups)
Andrew: I-I wish I could've, I wish I could've filmed Schmitt telling this guy's daughter, honestly. He gets all serious, and he asks her if she's ever heard of Sven Seldinger.
(Amber and Jo laugh)
Aaron: Who?
Aaron: He invented the guide wire, apparently, in the 1950s. Then he proceeds to explain how the process should have worked. I wanted to let him keep going, but, I mean, I had to put this woman out of her misery.
Alex: (Chuckles) Still beats my day.
Amber: Yeah, honey as bad as it was, I don't think your gonna beat unplugging the wrong woman.
(Amber cackles at mentioning it to Alex's annoyance as Jo chuckles rubbing Alex's back in comfort)
Amber: (Takes a breath) I'm sorry I know it's not funny it's horrible.
Aaron: (Smirks) I'm not a doctor and I think it's pretty funny.
Amber: Yeah Alex, I mean forget morgue, you're working at Dignitas.
Aaron: Only the people don't ask you to off them you just do it.
(Amber almost chokes on her wine as she and Aaron laugh)
Alex: Again you two can suck it.
Jo: Yeah, out of all of you I think I had a pretty normal day.
Amber: You successfully did an ALPSS procedure you had an amazing day.
Alex: Which is just right for my amazing wife.
Jo: (Smiles) Thank you, I am pretty amazing.
(They kiss)
Andrew: (Sighs) Sorry babe I know this isn't how you envisioned your boyfriend and best friend working together.
Amber: Are you kidding me? It went way better than I thought it would.
Aaron: Better than almost killing a guy?
Amber: Yeah, I love the guy like a little brother, he's sweet and funny but as a surgeon I would not trust him to treat me. Honestly, I thought he was gonna accidentally kill someone and you would yell at him until he pees so this is the best-case scenario.
Andrew: (Chuckles) I'll drink to that.
(Amber kisses Andrew on the cheek and they continue to have dinner)
CUT TO BLACK