Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“I’ve already told you this multiple times, Bode: I.Love.JAKE. That’s it. Yes, there is some chemistry between you and me…maybe not CHEMISTRY, exactly but a connection…whatever it is I’m not leaving Jake. EVER…and no calls at night: Jake has made it clear that he doesn’t like it.” Gabriela Perez finished her diatribe, lovely bosom heaving.

“Look; I like you. And if you don’t feel the same way why accept my calls? Sounds like trouble in paradise to me…and we both acknowledge the …WHATEVER it is goin’ on between us-your boyfriend’s a jerk; I think you know that…yeah you told me that you.love.Jake: but are you tryin’ to convince me or yourself?”

“OK. You didn’t hear a word that I said just now but you had better HEAR THIS: if I tell my father that you’re harassing me and refuse to stop you’ll get bounced back to el bote : that’s PRISON: before you can blink…how’s that?!”

The expression on the parolee’s face is a cross between anger and hurt; then he composed himself, straightened his shoulders and spat: “You’re a FUCKIN’ BITCH…how’s THAT?! And I’ll stay away from you…don’t you worry!”

Gaby watches him stalk away, and for some reason, she FEELS BAD about the drastic turn the conversation had taken; she’d honestly wanted to help the guy but she has no choice: she’s not willing to risk her relationship with Jake for a guy she barely knows: an ARMED ROBBER, at that…”Don’t stress Gaby,” she mutters to herself. “You did all you could.”

———————

Later, after that day’s training exercises she spots him waiting in the hall outside, hands stuffed in his Jean pockets. Before she can speak he says “I’m sorry for what I said and how I acted, Gabs. I was wrong as hell and I'm sorry. uh; as soon as I catch up with Jake I'll, uh apologize to him as well."

"That would be good," Gabriela says, relieved. "That's a relief, actually! It would get me off the hook with Jake for sure."

"Yeah, yeah; no prob. I misread some things I guess."

She hurriedly says "I'm sorry about that; I'm used to shmoozing sponsors and being helpful to my Dad in the off-season around the
camp and I guess I never realized that someone would take misunderstand my intentions. I didn't mean to."

"Don't sweat it...SHIT! Your Pops is looking this way; I'll see ya Gabs."

"Oh, OK. 'Bye."

"What's that about?!" Manny demands as soon as she's close enough that he needn't shout. "Donovan's an inmate, Gabriela,
¡*y aparte de eso tienes NOVIO o te has olvidado de el?*!" (and apart from that you have a BOYFRIEND or have you forgotten
him)

"NO, Papá: ¿*no me he olvidado de mi novio, lo amo, OK? Lo sigo quieriendo.*" ( I haven't forgotten my boyfiend-i love him and
continue to love him).

"Be careful, Mija. jake already talked to me and I think that he needs reassurance, Sí?"

"Sí, Papá" she agrees, kissing his cheek.

Chapter Text

Here are some suggestions sent to Maya and Carina by Diane Lewis as part of their homework for their next
marriage counseling session:

*Coping with the effects of trauma can feel difficult or exhausting, but there are lots of things that could help. Here are some
suggestions for you to consider: certain experiences, situations, or people might seem to trigger reactions like flashbacks, panic
attacks or dissociation. These can include reminders of past trauma, such as smells, sounds, words, places, or particular types of
books or films. There are those who find significant dates, such as the anniversary of a traumatic experience difficult to cope with.
A traumatized person might find particular seasons or times of the year (such as the holiday period) trying.

[1] Each of you might try recording your moods in a diary (daily).
[2] Lots of people who go through trauma find it hard to open up to others. This might be because you're unable to share what
has happened or can't remember it clearly. But you don't need to be able to describe the trauma to tell someone how you feel
currently.

{3] You're finding it difficult to communicate effectively with one another; you have taken the first step on the path to better,
more efective communication.

“What are we doin’ Carina?” Maya asks plaintively. “I don’t know how we got here; I really don’t.”

“You're kidding me; you must be Maya…’you don’t know how we got here?’ What a JOKE!” Carina fumes. "You will not get
help, you are working yourself ragged, you could not have thought out or planned that extortion plan against your Chief AT
ALL-you are bitter, angry and I would not be surprised if you collapse any minute now. You either accept therapy from Diane
or..."

Angrily, Maya shoots back "Or WHAT , Dr. DeLuca??!"

"Or there's no reason to drag this out any longer." Carina walks out of the room.

Chapter Text

Ethan Choi reviews the names of servicemen or women etched into the black granite wall of the Vietnam
Veterans Memorial honoring service members of the U.S. armed forces who served in the Vietnam War or deceased
as a result of their serving in a combat zone, including those who died later from complications from the carcinogenic
and toxic chemicals sprayed on the incredibly dense foliage for increased visibility for helicopters, planes, and ground
ground troops.

Ethan locates his father's name etched into the black granite: Choi, Patrick Lt. Commander, USN...placing his palm
over the etching the grieving son reflects on the man he thought he knew in contrast with the secret life and secret
love he kept hidden for over forty years: Gerald Simmons, who served with him in Southeast Asia. Ethan leans close
to whisper "Ije jung-wi salyeong-gwan ", then starts to walk away, brushing away a tear. "Ethan!" a soft, wonderful
unmistakably beautiful voice can belong to no other...already smiling, he turns to say "SO, Stranger!"

Their embrace is as natural as it has ever been...almost as if they never parted. "Mmmm; you smell GREAT like always."

April's ace tight against his chest she returns the compliment: "So do you...still using my all-time favorite cologne."

He grins and pulls back a bit. "Because it's your all-time favorite."

"Stop looking at me like that!" April admonishes. "I can't resist you when you do that."

(And yet you resisted me enough to leave me) he thinks and quickly pushes the idea away. "It's a few days before
Christmas so I can guess why you're back in Chicago" he probes gently.

"What did you call that...'probing rounds'? Nice job, ElTee!" she laughs. "Yes; Noah's back as well...we're both here at
until January 2nd" and immediately wonders why she felt it necessary to add that last bit.

"Excellent. Are you free for dinner tonight or tomorrow?" Ethan decides that he may as well 'go for it'.

"I'd like that. Tomorrow night-I'm meeting Maggie, Doris, and Trini for dinner tonight. If your cell number is the same
I'll text my parent's address to you; with your bad memory you probably don't remember it!"

"Yeah; you're right! I'll wait for your text."

"Okay; 'bye Ethan." This time they not only hugged they KISSED...lightly but with loads of emotion.

"'Bye, April." Starting off in different directions, they kept hold of one another's fingertips, both want to
prolong the physical contact as long as possible. "Finally Ethan suggests walking with her as far as the
subway and she agrees...from that point, they walk hand in hand...

/////

[SIX-MONTH TIME JUMP-AFTER THE WEDDING: AND IN THE PROCESS OF FINDING, PURCHASING, AND STOCKING A MOBILE MEDICAL:
CLINIC:

"Babe"...April moans sleepily. "Your phoooone!"

"Hmmm; what?" Ethan turns to face the opposite direction. Seconds later his phone burrs again: LOUDLY.

"ETHAN!-C'mon, Babe!"

(sounds of fumbling): "Etan Choi...Ms.Goodwin, no worries-I was sleeping...um, sure we can be at Med this afternoon...yes, thank you.

"Did you say Ms. Goodwin?" April mumbles into her pillow.

"I did-she wants to talk to us later; it might even be about the mobile medical clinic. She did offer any assistance we need."

April says "Let's get out of this bed, shower, eat, and get ready!"

//

As the couple walk in through the ER entrance they are met with a cacophony of greetings:

Will-"Ethan-what's up, Man!"

Maggie-"April-lookin' good, Gurl-I LIKE IT!"

Crockett-"The CHOIS! Congrats guys and APRIL, you are STILL a beautiful bride!"

'Daps, hugs, and 'good to see yous' follow them all the way up to Sharon Goodwin's office. Once there, Goodwin gets right to the point:br />
"I have a cheque here for $300,000 dollars-our investment in the mobile clinic."

"Ms. Goodwin...we can't"-April says.

"I...we really CAN'T"-adds Ethan.

"You CAN, if you want to remain in my 'good books', Mr. and Mrs. Choi," The older woman says easily. "This way there's no need to apply to a
bank, putting yourself and the clinic in hock from the beginning, which is important in not-for-profit medicine. We at Med know what the two
of you-AND Dr. Scott can do. We're banking on it, so to speak."

"Sharon...I don't have the words to THANK YOU."

April turns to face her husband: "SHARON? Really?!"

"She said to...and I'm kinda scared NOT to," he replies sheepishly.

"I did. I DO," Sharon says to April.

"Well...thank you," April says. "Thank you so much."

"Yes. We're so grateful." Hugs all around, and the Chois depart.

/

~I will certainly continue this chapter