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Chapter Nine
Last Updated:
2024-11-26 03:47:04
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BENEATH THE SURFACE : When fire meets ice Chapter Ten
The hospital was back to its usual routine, and Jason was finally beginning to feel like himself again. Moving through the corridors, he threw playful comments to the nurses and even cracked a joke with one of the attending doctors, earning a few laughs. But despite his charm, a subtle weight lingered, evident in his quiet moments. From across the nurses’ station, Bella observed him. She busied herself with sorting through patient charts but couldn’t stop her gaze from drifting toward Jason. Tracy, noticing Bella’s distraction, smirked as she scribbled notes. “You’ve been staring at him for ages. Just go talk to him.” Bella snapped out of her thoughts, frowning. “I’m not staring. And I’m not talking to him.” Tracy raised an eyebrow. “Still holding a grudge?” Bella sighed, her voice low but firm. “He snapped at me, Tracy. Do you know how rare that is? Jason never raises his voice, let alone at me.” “And do you know how rare it is for you two to go more than a shift without
Last Updated : 2024-11-26BENEATH THE SURFACE : When fire meets ice Chapter Eleven
Jason stared at his phone screen, his fingers hovering over Bella’s contact. After the fallout earlier in the week, the weight of it all was starting to hit him harder than before. Their friendship had always been easy and uncomplicated but recently, he had let things slip up. His family situation had gotten out of hand, and he had not been able to hide it. But no matter what, he couldn’t let Bella slip away too. The thought alone made his chest tighten. He was already pacing the living room of Bella’s apartment when he sent the message: “We need to talk. Can you come out to the living room for a minute?” Bella and Tracy had insisted that he moved in, after the argument with his family had made it hard for him to stay anywhere else. It wasn’t much, but it was enough. He didn’t want to waste any more time, things needed to be fixed. Bella appeared in the living room moments later, her eyes scanning Jason’s face before she spoke. “Okay, what’s going on?” she asked, her tone
Last Updated : 2024-11-27BENEATH THE SURFACE : When fire meets ice Chapter Twelve
Jason stepped into the dimly lit hallway of Bella's apartment building, his footsteps light but purposeful. As he unlocked the door and stepped inside, a mix of anticipation and nervous energy swirled in his stomach. He had invited Vincent over for a drink, a gesture that felt like both an escape and a step toward something more. Bella was out for the evening, spending time with Tracy, which left him alone to finally address the emotions that had been building up over the last few days. The kiss that had caught him off guard, the unspoken tension between him and Vincent, it all felt so much bigger now. When Vincent stood at the door, it wasn’t exactly the reunion he had hoped for. The cool night air clung to Vincent’s jacket as he stepped inside, his posture guarded. Jason closed the door behind him, sensing that whatever was about to unfold wasn’t going to be simple. “You really do live here, huh?” Vincent remarked, looking around the cozy, yet empty space. Jason chuckled, moving
Last Updated : 2024-11-28BENEATH THE SURFACE : When fire meets ice Chapter Thirteen
Jason stirred awake, the warmth of Vincent's body a steady weight beside him. The events of the night flickered through his mind like a reel, and a slow smile crept across his lips. He hadn’t expected Vincent to let his guard down so completely, even if it was brief. But as the soft glow of morning entered through the curtains, Jason became acutely aware of the tension that hung in the air. Beside him, Vincent was already awake. He sat upright, his back straight, and his gaze fixed on the far wall. His face, usually so composed and stoic, was a storm of emotions Jason couldn’t quite place, regret, hesitation, and something rawer roaming beneath. Morning, Jason said, his voice still thick with sleep. He propped himself up on one elbow, studying Vincent’s profile. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” Vincent’s jaw tightened. He didn’t respond right away, his silence more telling than any words could be. Jason sighed, reaching out to brush his fingers against Vincent’s arm. Hey,
Last Updated : 2024-11-30BENEATH THE SURFACE : When fire meets ice Chapter Fourteen
Jason leaned against the doorframe of Vincent’s office, his smug grin making itself at home. Vincent, seated behind his desk, was consumed by a stack of patient files, his brows knitted in the kind of deep concentration that Jason found both cute and maddening. The intensity in Vincent’s expression made Jason’s chest tighten in a way that scared him just a little, but he wasn’t ready to unpack that yet. “You have been staring at that file for ten minutes, Vinny,” Jason teased, his voice light and teasing. Vincent’s head shot up, his glare cold enough to freeze a lesser man. “It’s Dr. Maloney to you, Miller.” Jason chuckled, undeterred by the frosty reception. He sauntered into the office and perched himself on the edge of Vincent’s desk. “Relax, Doc. You’re wound tighter than a clock. Need some help?” “No,” Vincent said curtly, not even looking up. Jason crossed his arms, adopting a mock-serious expression. Too bad, because I’m not helping unless you kiss me. Vincent’s han
Last Updated : 2024-12-01BENEATH THE SURFACE : When fire meets ice Chapter Fifteen
Bella took a long breath, letting the late afternoon sun warm her face as she stepped out of the hospital. The past few days had been a whirlwind of emotions, with Jason acting out of place. She tried not to let it get to her, but Tracy’s knowing smirks and subtle nudges weren’t helping. “Come on, Bella. You need a break,” Tracy said, appearing at her side. She slid on her oversized sunglasses with a flourish. “Coffee and gossip, my treat.” Bella laughed despite herself. “You mean coffee and your gossip.” “Details, details, Tracy said with a grin. She looped her arm through Bella’s and started down the street, leading them to their favorite café, Brews & Bites. The warm aroma of espresso and freshly baked pastries greeted them as they stepped inside. Tracy made a beeline for the window seat while Bella lingered at the counter, ordering her usual caramel latte. Don’t forget my blueberry muffin! Tracy called out. You mean my blueberry muffin, Bella retorted, rolling her eyes as sh
Last Updated : 2024-12-03BENEATH THE SURFACE : When fire meets ice Chapter Sixteen
Bella adjusted her scrubs as she walked into the hospital break room, still giggling from her coffee meeting with Lucas. Tracy had been too much, hinting at matchmaking and accidental run-ins, but Bella couldn’t deny that Lucas was... fascinating. Tracy, predictably, was already in the breakroom, sipping her tea like it was a royal affair. She spotted Bella and immediately broke into a grin. Ah, Bella, the star of the day! How was your shift? Did you happen to bump into anyone interesting in the halls? Bella groaned, dropping into a chair. “Please don’t start.” Tracy leaned forward, her eyes glinting with mischief. Come on, Bella. Don’t tell me you did not enjoy our new surgical resident’s charm. Admit it, Lucas has potential. Bella sighed, taking a sip of water. He’s... nice. And polite. But Tracy, I’m not....... “Interested? Sure you’re not.” Tracy waved her hand dismissively. But don’t you think Jason would want you to broaden your horizons a bit? At the mention of Jason, Be
Last Updated : 2024-12-06BENEATH THE SURFACE : When fire meets ice Chapter Seventeen
Bella leaned against the counter in the staff lounge, her fingers were absentmindedly tracing the tip of her coffee cup. The buzz of hospital life carried on around her, but her thoughts were fixed on Jason. Watching him put on a brave face over the past few days had been both inspiring and heartbreaking. You’ve been staring into that coffee like it owes you answers, Tracy said, walking in with her signature bounce. Bella smirked but didn’t respond. Still worried about Jason? Tracy asked, sitting across from her and pulling out a granola bar. “Of course I am,” Bella admitted. He’s my best friend, Tracy. And now this surgery… Tracy unwrapped her snack with a flourish. He’s stubborn, but he’ll pull through. You know Jason, he’s the guy who jokes about IV needles just to make patients laugh. Bella chuckled softly. Yeah, that’s him. But it doesn’t mean he’s invincible. Tracy nodded, her usually playful expression turning serious. Well, if you are this worried, you should go
Last Updated : 2024-12-09
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BENEATH THE SURFACE : When fire meets ice Chapter Twenty-Seven
The tension between Jason and Vincent had been building for a while after the sleepover. It wasn’t just the usual distance between them anymore, it was something more palpable, something that seemed to hang in the air. Jason had always been able to joke around with Vincent, but now, every little interaction felt charged. It wasn’t just Vincent’s usual coldness anymore. It felt like he was pulling away in a way that Jason didn’t understand. And to make things even more complicated, Chris, a male colleague, had been around a lot more lately.Chris had always been friendly, a bit of a jokester, but recently, it felt like he was lingering a little too much at Jason’s station. He’d find an excuse to start a conversation, talking about things that didn’t really matter just to keep Jason engaged. But Jason started to notice that it wasn’t just idle chatter anymore. Chris would stand just a little too close, his voice a little softer, his glances a little longer than necessary.It was startin
BENEATH THE SURFACE : When fire meets ice Chapter Twenty-six
The week had been dragging by, with Jason counting down the days until he could officially return to work. He had healed nicely, but the strain of staying away from the hospital and his little escapades in Vincent's office was wearing on him. When Bella and Tracy suggested a sleepover at Tracy's apartment to unwind, Jason rejoiced at the idea."I’ll bring the wine," Bella had declared, glancing at Jason with a knowing smirk."Count me in," Jason said. Then, with a mischievous grin, he added, "And I’ll make sure Vincent comes too.""Good luck with that," Bella said, shaking her head.Jason took it as a challenge.Jason found Vincent in his office, going through some files on the shelf. His usual cold demeanor was firmly in place, but Jason had learned to read him better."Hey, Vinny," Jason said, leaning against the door as he locked it behind him.Vincent didn’t even look up. "Don’t call me that."Jason chuckled. "Come on, loosen up. There’s a sleepover at Tracy’s tomorrow night. You’
BENEATH THE SURFACE : When fire meets ice Chapter Twenty-five
The hospital buzzed with its usual energy, but Bella felt out of sync. Her thoughts roaming like a storm, replaying the kiss yesterday with Lucas. She had not been able to focus all day, and Jason’s unusually lively aura since morning only made things worse. It was as if he knew something was up, though she hadn’t told him a thing.Carrying a stack of files into the break room, Bella hoped for a moment of peace. But as soon as she stepped inside, Tracy’s sharp eyes locked into her.“Bella,” Tracy greeted, her tone carrying an edge of mischief. She closed the magazine she’d been pretending to read and leaned forward. “You look...distracted.”Bella froze for a second before forcing a smile. “Just tired, that’s all.”Tracy arched an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. “Tired, huh? Does this have anything to do with Lucas?”Bella nearly dropped the files. “What? No! Why would you say that?”Tracy smirked, crossing her arms. “Oh, come on. I’m not blind. The way he looked at you yesterday was s
BENEATH THE SURFACE : When fire meets ice Chapter Twenty-four
Jason strolled out from the shower into the morning sun filled living room, his wet hair been dried off with a towel as he watched Bella laying on the couch with a steaming mug of coffee in her hands. The smell of freshly brewed coffee mixed with the faint aroma of breakfast pastries still lingering from their just concluded breakfast.Bella seemed lost in thought, her fingers absently tracing the rim of her mug. Jason sat down beside her, nudging her playfully with his shoulder.“Still thinking about Lucas?” he asked, his grin wide and teasing.Bella rolled her eyes, but her cheeks betrayed her with a slight blush. “You’re so impossible.”“I’m just saying,” Jason continued, leaning back with an exaggerated stretch. “The way you two were talking yesterday, I half-expected you to start planning your future kids’ names.”Bella glared at him, though there was no real hate behind it. “Lucas and I are just friends, Jason. You, of all people, should know that.”Jason smirked. “Sure, keep te
BENEATH THE SURFACE : When fire meets ice Chapter Twenty-three
The evening breeze was cool as it drifted through the apartment, together with the sweet aroma of Bella’s cooking. Jason was balled up on the couch, flipping through a magazine he was reading, while Vincent sat next to him, scrolling through his phone. Bella roamed about in the kitchen, humming softly as she prepared dinner.The peaceful atmosphere was disrupted when Bella’s voice called out from the kitchen.“Jason,” she began, her tone teasing, “what do you think about Lucas?”Jason froze mid-page, then slowly looked up toward the kitchen. “What do you mean?” “Why do you ask?”Bella poked her head out, raising an eyebrow. “You know what I mean. He was here earlier. He’s been coming around a lot lately.”Jason smirked, closing the magazine. “Why? Do you like him or something?”Bella scoffed, though her flushed cheeks gave her away. “I’m just saying he’s… nice.”Vincent looked between the two, clearly intrigued but staying silent.Jason chuckled, leaning back on the couch. “Nice, huh?
BENEATH THE SURFACE : When fire meets ice Chapter Twenty-two
The morning went on lazily in Bella’s apartment. Jason sat on the couch with Vincent beside him, their hands occasionally brushing each other as they shared quiet smiles. The breakfast Bella brought earlier was on the coffee table, the pastries half-eaten. “You know,” Jason started, his voice light, “this place was so boring before you showed up.” Vincent raised an eyebrow. “I’m pretty sure Bella would disagree.” “Bella loves me too much to ever think I’m boring.” Vincent smiled softly, shaking his head. “You’re unbelievable.” The sound of dishes clinking together in the kitchen caught their attention. Bella had stayed in the kitchen after breakfast, claiming she needed to clean up and “let the lovebirds breathe.” Jason leaned closer to Vincent, his voice low in a whisper. “Do you think she’s still mad about this morning?” Vincent gave him a small smile. “Mad? No. But I think she enjoys teasing you.” Jason groaned dramatically. “Great. Just what I thought, two people g
BENEATH THE SURFACE : When fire meets ice Chapter Twenty-one
Jason was sprawled out on Bella’s couch watching TV, his legs raised up on a pillow as usual, this has been much of his life lately. Recovering at home was so much better than at the hospital, but he still felt a bit lonely and restless. Vincent was not around and Bella had left a note indicating that she's off to buy groceries they would use at Tracy's, leaving him alone to his thoughts. He smiled as he thought about Vincent. Their relationship had shifted so much in the past weeks. It was still surprising to think that Vincent Maloney, the man who once seemed so distant and cold, was now his boyfriend. The sound of a key turning in the lock pulled Jason back from his thoughts. He sat up, excited when Vincent stepped inside holding a bag in one hand and a small bouquet of flowers in the other. “Vincent?” Jason asked, his voice warm with surprise. “Hey,” Vincent said, his tone soft as he walked over. I thought you could need some company. Bella let me in. Jason smiled. “You broug
BENEATH THE SURFACE : When fire meets ice Chapter Twenty
Jason was lounging on the couch, his legs elevated, feeling surprisingly relaxed for someone who had just undergone surgery. The pain was still present but manageable, and with the support of his friends and family, the healing process was moving well. What made him feel even better was the presence of Vincent who was always there, always patient, always by his side. It was a strange feeling, but one he welcomed. After years of unspoken tension and frustration, things between them had finally shifted. The walls that Vincent had built around himself was crumbling, and Jason couldn't be happier. They were finally moving forward, and it felt like everything was falling into place. Jason's thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. He glanced over, his heart giving a little leap when he saw Bella and Tracy standing in the doorway, both carrying bags of takeout. “Guess who brought food for the world’s best patient?” Tracy said with a playful smile as she walked inside, followe
BENEATH THE SURFACE : When fire meets ice Chapter Nineteen
Jason adjusted the pillows behind him, groaning as the ache in his abdomen reminded him not to move too quickly. The faint smell of Bella’s lavender-scented diffuser filled the room, making the space feel warm and inviting. Do you need anything else? Vincent asked from the doorway, his tie slightly loosened after a long shift. Jason gave a crooked smile. Other than you in an apron serving me breakfast in bed? I’m good. Vincent rolled his eyes but walked over, setting a glass of water on the bedside table. “You are impossible.” Jason grabbed his hand before he could retreat. “But you like it.” His tone was teasing, but the smile he gave Vincent was softer, more genuine. Vincent’s lips twitched, but before he could respond, the sound of loud voices echoed from the living room. Jason! Why does it sound like a stampede? Vincent muttered. Jason groaned. “Oh no. That’s Nate.” --- Before Vincent could escape, Nate burst through the door, his arms filled with snacks and fl
