Disclaimer :I don't own anyone that you recognise.

Family Matters

Dr Ethan Hardy pulled open the curtains, letting the bright, spring sun stream through the window, immediately wrapping his weary body in a soothing blanket of warmth. He sighed deeply, perturbed by the fact that he couldn't enjoy that feeling this morning, the morning he had been dreading for a long time.

He washed and dressed as normal, then made his way to the kitchen becoming aware that his older brother had not yet made it out of bed. Nothing new there! Since Cal had started living with him, he could count on the fingers of one hand how many times he had been up before him. Ethan glanced at the clock. Cal had five more minutes to get up before he would be late for his shift - for their shift, but Ethan wouldn't wait for him.

"Mmm...morning..." the sleepy voice of his brother broke the silence. Ethan was surprised to see that the older man was not only up, but dressed, washed and shaved. Cal glanced at his watch, "Damn, no time for breakfast...again," he grumbled, as he slipped his jumper on.

Ethan smiled ruefully, "Coffee's in your travel mug and there's some toast wrapped up on the side."

Cal's face broke into a smile, "And that dear brother is why I love you!"

Ethan shook his head and followed his brother out of the flat.

By two in the afternoon, Ethan had finally managed to grab ten minutes for a sandwich and a quick drink of water. He perched precariously on a stool, as he quickly munched on his sandwich, mulling over what he had left to do that day.

"Ethan!"

"Hmmm?" he looked round to see Lofty looking at him, eyes narrow, "Everything ok?"

"Yes, of course. Why do you ask?"

"Well I've been talking to you for the last couple of minutes...you've been starting straight at me, but obviously you're not here," the young nurse explained.

Ethan dropped his eyes, "I'm sorry Lofty. Just thinking..."

"So I noticed. Anything I can help with?"

The young doctor smiled slightly, "Do you know that I've been here a year already?"

"Wow, that's gone quickly," Lofty commented as he made a cup of tea.

"Yes..." Ethan seemed to disappear into himself once more.

Suddenly it dawned on Lofty, "Oh Ethan I remember..."

The young man sighed as he took a gulp of water, "Hmm I wish my brother did - I shouldn't have to remind him should I?"

"How do you know that he hasn't?" Lofty questioned.

"I can just tell. He's just going on about his business as usual."

Lofty could see that the younger doctor was simmering with disappointment, but before he could say anything, Ethan jumped off the stool, rinsed his glass, "I've got to go, I'm leaving earlier so I need to work my time."

Lofty waved as the doctor dashed out of the staff room.

As soon as he had gone, Lofty took off in search of another doctor.

"Hey Cal, you got a minute?" Lofty had found who he was looking for.

The taller man turned round from what he was doing, "Yeah, I've got a few - what's up?"

"Have you spoken to Ethan today?"

"Not really, not seen him much to be honest...why?" He looked directly at the young man, his stomach beginning to tighten with anxiety. Ethan had looked ok that morning...

"You do know what day it is today?" Lofty questioned, "And don't tell me it's Tuesday!"

Cal couldn't help smirking. He blew out a deep breath, "Yes, of course I do," he answered, his smile dropping from his face.

"Have you spoken to Ethan about it?"

"Like I said. I haven't really seen that much of him."

"He thinks you've forgotten Cal. He's really feeling it and he's sure that you haven't remembered."

"Oh god," Cal sighed as he ran a hand through his hair, "Why doesn't he say anything? He really frustrates me sometimes...I'm not a mind reader..."

"I think you need to talk to him. He's leaving early today though," Lofty explained patiently.

"Why? Oh wait, I know why - I'll talk to him after my shift," Cal assured.

Lofty nodded, "Are you ok?" he asked.

"As alright as I can be on a day like this," Cal answered, "Thanks for telling me, I'll sort it." With that, Cal was once again swallowed up in the busy department.

"Ethan it's five o'clock," Robyn told the young doctor. He had asked her to remind him of the time as that was the time that he needed to leave and he didn't want to be late.

"Thank you Robyn - I'm off," he told her as he started to make his way to the staff room. The young nurse stopped him with a hand on his arm, "Just wanted you to know that I'm thinking about you."

Ethan looked at her and felt his eyes begin to fill up. No, he wasn't going to do that here, "Thank you Robyn. I didn't realise..."

"I know, but I did. Just go and see her then have a drink for her."

Ethan smiled slightly as he nodded in agreement.

A few minutes later saw Ethan changed and ready to leave - just one more stop... the florist.

Decided to make this a two chapter story. It's going to be a bit of an angsty piece (surprised?), but hopefully it also shows a closeness of the brothers.