Synopsis: PTMC decides to throw their first-ever Charity Gala Event. You won't go unless a specific attending asks you. Well, what happens when a different attending asks you and uses you to make someone else jealous? In the process, you use this situation to your advantage. The night turns into a fiesta of dancing, jealous doctors, great wine, and steamy kisses in the rain. Sometimes, you have to take matters into your own hands if another won't.
Word Count: 9K tehe... she's a long one... oops
Pairing: Dr. Jack Abbot x fem!reader (left the position open to your deepest darkest desires lol)
TW: jealousy, yearning, reader and jack are stubborn idiots in love, steamy kisses in the rain, SMUT, just a lil thigh riding :P, fingering, unprotected sex (plz wrap it up), piv, a smidge of a praise kink?, MDNI, mentions of alcohol, and per usual, a few curse words! I did not mention Jack's disability. Didn't want to get details wrong. left a lot open for you fabulous readers!
Playlist
The Emergency Department was buzzing with excitement. Not its usual, there's trauma and lots of excitement to save lives. No, tomorrow night the hospital was hosting its first-ever charity gala. The staff of PTMC couldn’t shut up about their outfits in every detail, from head to toe, and gossiping about who was going with whom.
You sat at a computer sipping your coffee while waiting for the day shift to give report for your assigned patients. There was no use in trying to ignore all the whispers and conversations around you. Tomorrow night would be the event of the decade in this area. It’s equivalent to a high school prom, and for some, they are treating it like the Grammys.
“So, what time should I pick you up tomorrow?” Trinity questions you as she takes a seat in a rolling stool and slides it next to your chair.
“Are you talking to me?” You point at your chest as Trinity rolls her eyes.
“Who else? I know you don’t have a date.” Trinity implies which causes you to scoff. You fully turn around in your chair to face Trinity, letting your knees bump together for a second.
“Who says I don’t have a date?” You ask. Out of the corner of your eyes, you see Dr. Robby approaching the desk. He leans on the counter, placing his forearms against it for stability. Carefully, he watches you two.
“You did. Last night.” She replies in an obvious tone.
“Technically, I said I had no intention of going.” You state matter-of-factly. Trinity rolls her eyes at you.
“You HAVE to go.” Trinity latches her hands around your forearm and shakes you slightly to make a point.
“I agree with Santos. Who knows when they will do an event like this again? All of us could use a night out.” Dr. Robby cuts in on the conversation. Both of you look up at him as he talks.
“I already have plans. Besides, those events aren’t really my thing.” You shrug your shoulders and watch the way Trinity sighs at that response.
Truthfully, you really didn’t have any plans for the night. You were hoping that a certain doctor that you work with was going to ask you and not the one that stood in front of you. Unfortunately, he hasn’t, and you think he avoids you like the plague nowadays.
Recently, you had been trying to amp up your flirting game with him to give him a hint. It only made him distance himself more. So, instead of pining over a man all night that obviously wants nothing to do with you, you chose to stay at home.
“What plans do you have that are more important than raising money for the children’s center?” Dr. Robby questions with a tone that almost makes you feel guilty.
The reason for your wanting to miss this event is approaching. Jack parks himself beside Dr. Robby in the same position he was, letting his forearms rest against the counter. You watch the way Jack checks you out from head to toe with just those brown eyes. The glance was subtle, quick. If you weren't so accustomed to his body language, you would miss it. The smirk that appears on his face causes you to blush.
In an attempt to hide your blushing cheeks, you clear your throat and pretend to wipe something off your face. This was the most he’s looked at you all week. Or so you thought.
“Let me guess. You all are talking about the Charity event?” Jack speaks up.
“Yes. She has it in her head she isn’t going.” Trinity points her thumb at you over her shoulder. Almost in that “get a load of this guy” gesture.
“I’m not!” You raise your voice at Trinity.
“Sorry, I don’t understand what you’re saying to me.” She plays dumb with you, and it was your turn to roll your eyes at her.
“Seriously, what are your plans that are keeping you from going?” Dr. Robby reiterates.
You glance at Jack again. There was a glint of curiosity in his eyes as he waited for you to answer. It was a strange look to say the least. Especially after this entire week of acting like you don’t exist.
“Myself and a bottle of wine. With strawberries and melted chocolate.” Your response causes Jack to look down at his watch to distract himself from the thoughts that began forming in his head. And to maybe hide the fact that he was blushing over a simple thought of you.
“Why don’t you come with me as my date? You wouldn’t have to go alone, and I will make sure you get some better wine than what you plan.” Dr. Robby suggests, and you tense up instantly. Your eyes carry over to Jack’s. He’s already looking at Robby with a small sense of hostility.
How can he stand there and look at him like that? Was Jack jealous?
“I thought you were going with Noelle.” Jack says flatly.
“I asked her, but someone already beat me to it. I was going to just go by myself, but this could help both of us.” Dr. Robby’s words left a suggestive tone to them and definitely made you not want to go even more.
Jack tenses up to the point his jaw flexes in that way you know he’s mad, and when he crosses his arms in front of his broad chest, you nearly whimper. The sight of the indents on his forearm muscles would make any woman sweat.
“How would this help me?” You ask.
“Well, you’re a very beautiful woman, and maybe I’d like to show you off.” You’re looking at Dr. Robby like he’s grown five heads. He’s never made any advances towards you. All of this was strange and very abrupt.
However, a thought crossed your mind that you couldn’t erase.
Jack is jealous.
Jack is so jealous right now that he’s practically squaring up with Robby.
But you then realize what Robby was planning, and the words slipped out. “You want to make Noelle jealous.” It was your turn to not sound impressed.
“Well. I-uh- you-“ Dr. Robby scratches the back of his head like he does when he’s thinking or nervous.
You look at Jack and make direct eye contact. “Fine. I’ll be your date.” Jack straightens up his posture even more. He’s looking at you in a way you’ve truly never seen before.
It was hard to tell if he was mad, frustrated, jealous, sad, or all of the above. All you knew was that you had to make Jack notice you now.
“It’s a date! You can pick her up at her place around 630.” Trinity chimes in so fast. She sounded like background noise as your thoughts were being carried away over Jack.
“Perfect!” Dr. Robby taps the table with his pointer fingers and turns before you’re able to say anything else.
You look at Jack and watch the way he stares at you as he slides the chart in his hands across the counter and walks away without another word.
•••••
Later in the night, you were in the med room gathering supplies for fluids and the syringes to pull up the doses. The night was nearly over, and it was that point in the shift when there was a steady lull throughout the department.
The door clicks open after you hear the badge reader allow access. You look up from the syringe to make sure you were not in anyone’s way. Your heart rate picks up so fast you can nearly feel it in your throat.
Jack stands in front of the door, blocking your way to freedom and fresh air. His broad shoulders and chest nearly match the width of the door. He crosses his arms in front of his chest. Your eyes slide up from his torso to his eyes that were already boring a hole through you.
You clear your throat. “Dr. Abbot. Is everything okay?” Being the first to speak was bold for you, but it helped break the deafening silence in this too-small space.
“Tell Dr. Robby you are not going to the charity event with him.” Jack speaks in a very clear and stern voice.
Your eyes nearly pop out of your head and your jaw could have dislocated it fell apart so easily. “Excuse me?”
“Don’t make me repeat myself.” Jack’s eyes do that thing where he’s looking down at you with half-hooded eyes. It’s insanely hot, but more so intimidating in this situation.
“No.” You say, turning to face him. You wanted it to make it feel like you were standing your ground, but how could you? He practically towers over you. With such a small space, his cologne enters your senses so easily that it weakens your defenses.
“No?” He repeats in a questioning tone.
“No. I can say it in different languages if you need.” Your sassy tone makes Jack’s jaw clench.
He takes a step towards you. He was a hand's length away from you now and making it harder for you to breathe. Your hands began to shake.
“Please.” He whispers delicately.
“I’m not canceling on him. You practically acted like I didn’t exist this entire week. So why would I cancel on someone that actually wants to be around me?” You are trying so hard to keep your breath steady as you speak of your frustrations.
“Believe me, all I ever want to be is around you.” Jack says so easily.
You scoff in disbelief. “Is there something you would like to tell me, Jack?” You’re absentmindedly tapping your foot to balance out the nerves this man was putting you through.
Jack wanted to hear you say his name again and again. It’s rare that you say his first name here. There were a handful of times you said it while the Pitt crew was out at the bars. He replays it so often. But he can’t deny how much he wants to hear more of it, and in all different forms.
“No.” He says faintly. You could tell he was defeated, and you were too. Jack knew he should’ve asked you sooner. Hell, he should’ve done it the second he found out about this event.
Everything with you was different. His emotions, his feelings, his actions. He couldn’t think straight when you were around. Jack wasn’t meaning to ignore you this week. He was only trying to work up the courage to ask you to be his date, and afterward maybe more. He feared your rejection more than anything he had ever had to endure in his life. And Jack had seen heinous things.
“That’s what I thought.” You say coldly and brush past his shoulders, exiting the room. You felt your vision be clouded slightly with tears of frustration. Only he has ever made you feel such strong emotions.
•••••
The next day was spent in a blur. Since you originally planned to stay home in pajamas, you had no dress to wear. Luckily, Trinity and Whitaker were in need of some last-minute accessories. They woke you up early, took you to the mall, and helped you find the perfect outfit.
You were back at your place finishing the last bit of your makeup. Each detail accentuated all your favorite features. Your eye makeup was set to make your eye color pop as effectively as possible. Your lips had the perfect shade of lipstick, paired with one of your favorite liners to make them appear fuller. And for once, your hair cooperated and was styled so elegantly for this event. With the amount of creams and sprays you used, you just hoped it would stay.
Your phone buzzes on the counter, and you check it. The time was 620 and there was a message from Dr. Robby.
Dr. Robby: I’m outside. Take your time! Im a little early :)
The smiley face at the end of the message makes you grin. This may not be as bad as you think it might be.
You: be down in about 5!
You look over yourself in the mirror one last time. You couldn’t deny that the entire time you were getting ready, you only thought about Jack. Each extra detail was put into place just for him. Shamelessly, you hoped he would notice those details about you. Even after the interaction that happened in the med room, you only craved his attention. It was so unfair that your heart had chosen him.
You find your lucky stilettos and place them on. When you straighten up, your hands run down your dress to smooth out the creases and wipe a little dampness off your palms.
You take one more deep breath and gather your clutch for the night, tossing it over your shoulder. The cold chain does little to cool off your hot nerves. After locking your door and ensuring your place was settled for the night, you make your way out.
As you walk the little stone path in your front yard, you notice one major detail about Dr. Robby.
He was leaning against his motorcycle.
Your heart slams against your ribcage. Not because of how Robby looked, but because of what he drove. He was wearing a pair of aviator sunglasses, his hair had a small amount of styling gel, and he had trimmed his beard. The black-and-white tuxedo with the black bow tie knocked a couple of years off his age. So, yes, he looked good, but now all your thoughts were thinking of how Jack looks.
When he sees you walking towards him, he stands straight. His eyes carry over yours, and he actually blushes at your appearance. You spin slowly in a circle to show off the fit.
“I know. She does wear things other than scrubs.” You joke about your typical style of clothing. Most of your coworkers have never seen you in street clothes. So you can imagine the stares from everyone tonight, and that included you looking back at them.
He shakes his head as he laughs at your words. “You look great.” He says as he widely smiles. You watch the way his smile softens at you, and your smile from his compliment.
“Thank you. You as well.” You reply. “Besides, I had to amp it up a little so Noelle will go crazy.”
He laughs. “She won’t be the only one.” He mumbles under his breath.
“What was that?” You quickly ask.
“I hope you don’t mind that I brought my bike.” He says just as fast. Ignoring your question entirely.
You shake your head. “It’s not a problem. I’ve just never ridden one before.” It was a slight problem. But you were not going to burst his bubble so soon.
You felt your adrenaline slowly creeping up. The thought of riding one of these death machines was the reason to blame. And maybe because you didn’t want to mess your hair up.
Imagine the look on Jack’s face when you show up riding this.
The small voice in your head echoes as he hands you a helmet. “Don’t worry. It won’t be a long ride. And I’ll make sure you get there in one piece.”
“You better.” It was a small threat. You place the helmet on and carefully make sure the straps are fastened.
Robby helps you get on and ensures your dress is safely secured. He has definitely done this before with women. You find a nice footing, and he explains some simple ground rules just in case.
Your arms wrap around his waist, and he fires up the engine. “Ready?” He asks loud enough that you can hear him through the purr of the engine.
“Ready.” You say nervously. You can see his small smirk in the side mirror.
He pulls out onto the main road and picks up speed. The summer air was warm tonight. You still noticed the occasional slight breeze cutting through and the growing gray clouds off in the distance.
You were holding on to him tightly as he drove through the city. In the distance, you can see the very crowded venue. There were couples exiting their cars and handing the keys to the valet. There were at least 10 news reporters and journalists parked outside. Lights were flashing and reflecting off the glass windows of the surrounding buildings. Backdrops were stationed near the entrance, with the hospital's logo imprinted on them. It truly was the event of the decade.
As Robby approaches the curb to park, you can already see the stares in your direction. You knew your helmet had a tinted shield over it, so they didn’t know what you were staring at.
But Jack did. Your eyes were looking over every square inch of his body. The black-and-white tuxedo on him was devilishly handsome. His hair had just enough styling product to define his natural curl. Your heart rate was speeding up so fast you could barely catch your breath.
Jack stood at the top of the steps talking to Shen. He was fiddling with the cuffs on his sleeve when he saw Robby pulling up on his motorcycle. He wasn’t sure why he waited outside for you to arrive. Maybe, because he was looking forward to seeing you all day. He had so many things to say to you and apologize.
Jack was instantly blinded by rage that Robby would take you on that motorcycle. Does he have no care for your life?
Before you even got off the bike, he knew you were looking at him. Even with the sense of rage clouding his brain, you overpowered it like a tsunami. As if you were in slow motion, he watches you get off the bike and stares at the way your hair falls around your face from taking the helmet off.
Jack looks at Shen, who was already looking at you, too. He subtly elbows him in the side, making Shen groan.
“Eyes.” Jack says threateningly. Shen smirks while playfully rolling his eyes.
Robby extends his arm out for you to take. You tuck your hand underneath his bicep and hold on. He leads the way up the steps, and the whole time you are locking eyes with Jack.
“Fellas,” Robby says to Jack and Shen.
“You clean up nice.” Shen pipes up. It makes you giggle.
Robby steps back to let you show them your outfit. You do the slow little spin you did for Robby. Jack felt his stomach burning in desire. Your soft perfume, paired with your ultra-soft, glowing skin, made him shiver.
“You’re beautiful.” Jack compliments. You see the way his eyes are lighting up to the point that he’s practically smiling with his eyes. It stops you dead in your tracks. Your natural response to breathe is taken away by the way Jack was looking at you.
“Thank you.” You say when you gather yourself. It was obvious you were flustered.
You resume the previous position in Robby’s arms. Carefully, you glance at Jack, seeing his jaw tighten. Robby takes the lead again and guides you inside the venue.
The building was one of the older ones in the city. It was largely used for conferences and pop-up events. In fact, you’re pretty sure you went to a Comic-Con here one year. Tonight, the building was dressed up to match the luxury event.
The tables were covered with an ultra-white tablecloth. Each centerpiece held crystal-clear marbles in a long vase. Tea lights were placed prestigiously around the vases, making the crystals sparkle against the table and glassware. A stage was set up at the front of the ballroom, with a podium displaying the main selling piece next to it. There was enough space for a dance floor and a band setup playing soft tunes as people entered.
You are taking your time examining the luxurious space. Robby stopped you at a standing bar table. He asked what you would like to drink, and you gave him your order. Jack stands beside you at the table. His shoulders were nearly brushing yours as the two of you stood. The feeling of the fabric on his tux would ghost over your skin, making goosebumps appear.
Jack clears his throat and slightly turns his shoulders. You see the way he’s preparing to say something to you until Trinity saunters up close to your body.
“Wow.” She checks you out from head to toe. “Are you sure I can’t convince you to change lanes?” Her joke makes Jack quirk an eyebrow up. You just giggle and shake your head.
You simply shrug your shoulders. “You know I already tried that before.” Jack physically squares his shoulders to give his full attention to you after hearing that. He didn’t think he would ever get his heart rate down to a normal level tonight.
Trinity glances over at him with a smirk. She looks at you, then back at him. “I thought you came with Dr. Robby?” She asks, confused.
“I did. He went to get us drinks.” You say you are a little confused yourself.
“Excuse us for a second, Dr. Abbot,” Trinity says, and she takes your wrist, pulling you away from listening ears.
“What are you doing?!” You ask concerningly.
“I can’t believe it took me this long to realize it. Don’t you see it?” Her voice continues to get a little more excited with each word.
“See what? Have you already gotten into the tequila?” You are looking at her like she’s grown five heads because at this point, she has.
“What? No! Dr. Abbot! He’s totally into you. Like head over heels for you.” She says. “And YOU! YOU-“
“Shush!” Your eyes nearly pop out of your head, and a few stares are coming your way. You move your eyes to Jack. They always were able to find him so quickly. Robby had returned to the table and was sipping on champagne as he talked to Jack. He catches you looking at him, and you quickly turn your focus back to Trinity.
She covers her laugh with her hand. “I was wondering why you were so quick to go with Dr. Robby. You want to make Abbot jealous.”
You ignore her statement. “I’m going back to my date. Feel free to join us.” You brush past her shoulders quickly and find your way back to Robby.
Jack never once takes your eyes off of you as you're approaching. “Did they have anything good?” You refer to the extra drink in Robby’s hand. He passes a glass of champagne over to you, and you take it.
“Champagne for now, but they will serve the wine for dinner.” He replies.
You take a sip of the champagne, letting your taste buds savor the bubbly. You couldn’t deny that champagne was your least favorite. You mask the disdain with a soft smile as you look at Robby.
“Shall we?” He holds his arm out once more to allow you to tuck into his frame.
Robby leads the way again, away from Jack, and any sense of familiarity. The people that Robby spoke with were all from other departments and his old colleagues. There really wasn’t much for you to say or do, and you got the feeling Robby liked that. It did slightly irritate you.
You look around the room for a moment while Robby speaks with Shark, the ortho bro, as you like to call him. Your eyes find him without any intention. They were like magnets. He’s seated at one of the tables with a few other night shift people. The soft glow of the tea lights reflected off his face, making him look softer. It took away his tough exterior for a moment. Especially, as his lips lift into a smile from something Ellis says to the table, which causes his eyes to drift away from yours.
Your stomach forms a pit at the loss of contact. Robby places his hand gently around your waist. The touch was careful, and his hand placement precise. It snaps you out of your daze to look back at him. That’s when you spot Noelle approaching where you two stood.
She was in a forest-green, silky dress that slid down her body so elegantly, dipping into all the right curves. The dress was backless, showing off her gorgeous olive skin. She carried herself with the grace and confidence that you wish you had.
“Robby.” She says softly and grins at him.
“Noelle.” He replies.
“I see you found yourself a date. Not bad on such short notice.” Your whole body straightens up at her words. You were glad that Robby was getting the reaction out of her that he wanted.
“Thank you for that very endearing comment about me, Noelle.” You speak up for yourself. Robby pulls you in just a little closer to his frame, and you allow it.
You watch the way her eyes nearly glare at that slight movement. She did not like you getting closer to Robby.
“Can I speak to you Michael? Alone?” She says through partially gritted teeth.
“I’ll go find us a table.” You squeeze Robby’s bicep and separate yourself from his frame.
Out of instinct, or perhaps the gravitational pull, you find your way to the table with your night shift crew. Jack immediately notices you. You walk behind his seat to the open one next to him. The soft scent of your perfume enters his senses and clouds his brain. Just like every time he’s around you.
Like the gentleman Jack is, he gets up and pulls out the chair for you to sit in. The whole table goes quiet as they watch the interaction between you two. For the 3rd time tonight, you’re a blushing, flustered, and breathless human.
“Thank you.” You softly say as you’re looking down to try and hide the blush from his actions.
“Somebody has to treat you right.” He says so easily.
You almost gave up on your little quest to make Jack jealous at that moment. You knew you had him where you wanted him, so why make him suffer any longer? If it hadn’t been for Robby returning to you, halting your actions from grabbing Jack’s hand and running out of that building. You would’ve.
Robby takes a seat beside you, and he leans over close to your ear. He whispers, “After dinner, all I need is one dance, and Noelle will break.”
You nod in understanding, but look to your side to see Jack furiously watching the interaction. He can’t recall a time in his life when he’s been jealous, and in the span of 1 day, he thinks he’s felt it more than one person ever should.
Jack was just as stubborn as you were, though. He’s had his eyes set on you for a long time. Tonight, only amplified those feelings. He had no intention of giving up. He was also an intelligent man and was catching on quickly to your game.
••
Once dinner was finished and the charity representatives had given their speeches, the dance floor opened. Overall, the charity exceeded its goal. The leftover money would be distributed throughout the hospital to different departments, and you just hoped the ED got a new coffee machine.
“Care to dance?” Robby asks you as he’s getting up from his seat. He holds his hand out for you to take and you do.
Robby places his hands in the dip of your waist, and you place your hands on his shoulders. As Robby begins a soft sway to the music, you keep your eyes roaming the area. Instantly, you spot Noelle at her table with the date she brought. She had her legs crossed, lightly bouncing her calf off her knee. Her eyes were boring into the two of you.
"I think she is enjoying the view." You softly whisper so only he could hear.
He gets into a position where he can see her, and a little smirk appears on his face. Your eyes then travel over to the table you were just seated at. Jack is nursing a glass of red wine as he's watching the two of you dance. The dance floor was pretty crowded after everyone had let their food settle. With Jack's eyes on you, it felt like you were the only one out there.
You lean your head into the side of Robby's neck so that Jack cannot see your face. Jack's stomach twists so hard. What were you doing?
"Lightly laugh and smile like I said something funny." You whisper to him.
Robby does as he's told. You felt him wrap his hands further around your waist. His thumb lightly brushes the exposed skin on the back of your low-cut dress.
When your bodies are back around to where you can see Noelle, she looks furious. You smile at her and watch the way she rolls her eyes. Meanwhile, Robby sees the way Jack looks at him, given the position you two are in. Jack's jaw was clenched so hard. He lowers his eyes to see that Robby's hands barely rest on that exposed skin.
"We make pretty good partners." Robby states. That does make you laugh, in a way that makes you tilt your head back from his space.
"I agree. Thank you for taking me tonight. I hope you get what you wanted." You say.
"Thank you. You've been wonderful. And seriously, you look stunning." Robby replies.
You dance for one more song until Noelle comes up and asks if she can steal him for a dance. You happily obliged and made your way back to your table.
**
Jack believes he could look at you forever. The warm glow from the lights on the table reflected off your skin in a way he’s never seen before. Your cheeks were slightly pink from the glasses of wine you had consumed. Your eyes were sparkling from the crystals in the centerpieces of the table. Jack thought to himself that he’s never seen anything so beautiful, so precious.
“Will you dance with me?” Jack blurts out. He had been fighting the urge all night to get you away. He was desperate to speak to you and apologize. More importantly, he was aching to have you in his arms.
It was just the two of you on your side of the table with Cruz and Ellis on the opposite side. If they heard Jack’s blurt, they chose to ignore it. Robby had finally made Noelle jealous enough that they were probably off in some supply closet together. You were not bothered by it at all, because you, too, completed your mission tonight.
“You think you can handle me?” You joke, a soft grin imprinted on your face. Jack’s heart is pounding at that look you’re giving him.
“I could do it with my eyes closed. But I won’t. Maybe just one eye.” He winks at you. Your face turns beet red. Jack carefully stands and extends his hand out for you to take.
When your hand touches his large calloused ones, you can't deny the spark. Maybe it was your alcohol consumption, or maybe it was truly something beyond your control.
He guides you out to the floor. You felt a shiver roll down your spine the second his hand was on your waist. His other hand connects with yours, and they extend slightly out in a classic dance position. Your eyes travel up until they connect with his, who were already looking at you. He leads the two of you in a gentle sway to the beat of the music.
His thumb soothingly rubs against your waist. Whether it was to calm you or him or both, you’re not sure. But you welcomed the feeling.
You grin in a way that makes Jack’s stomach twist. “What is that look for?” He asks.
“Just can’t believe it took you this long.” You answer.
“Yeah, well, I would have ripped you off that dance floor earlier. But, considering Robby is my oldest friend, and because I knew what the two of you were doing, I waited.” He explains.
“If you knew what was happening then why would you even allow Robby to take me as his date in the first place?” You ask.
“The second that Robby asked you last night, I was livid. He was catching on to my feelings for you and had been trying to get me to confess them to him for a while now. He said he would not take you as his date if I confessed my feelings for you right then. I still wasn’t ready; I was scared. So, when I went to ask you to not go with him, I was going to confess then. But, hearing you say no so easily, it scared me even more.” He confesses, and your heart is beating so fast you feel short of breath.
“Jack.” There it was again. The sweet sound of you saying his name.
“Yeah?” He pulls you closer to him, while you still remain in a gentle sway.
“Can we get out of here?” You’re slowly leaning in closer to him. Your face is tilting up towards his. Jack brings your connected hands in and places your hand against his chest. You bring your other hand, which had been resting on his shoulder, to his chest too, so they are parallel. Your right side fingers fiddle with his pocket square as you look into each other's eyes.
You watch the way his eyes look down at your lips and back up. Just as your lips are about to taste his, he snatches your wrist and pulls you away from the dance floor. You groan at his actions and do your best to not fall. He was moving so fast through the crowd and tables.
The moment you step outside the entrance doors, the summer air has turned a little chilly since you were last outside. In the distance, you hear a rumble of thunder. It was then that you were fortunate to be going home with Jack.
“We have a little bit of a walk to my car.” He announces and waits for a moment to let you catch up to him. He was walking strangely fast for an old man.
“Why did you park so far away? And when did you get this fast?” That comment makes him stop and turn around to face you.
The streetlight cast a warm glow around both of you. A shiver runs down your body from the chill of the night, and because of the way Jack was looking at you. He picks up on the shiver, taking his jacket off and placing it around your shoulders.
“I like the walk, and I am not that old.” You laugh at that, and Jack holds his hand out for you. Your hands intertwine as you continue the walk through the city.
“I didn’t say you were old.” He is smirking as you look over at him with a playful smile.
“You implied it with that comment.” You’re lightly laughing at that.
“I love the quiet before a storm.” You point towards the sky, and another rumble of thunder sounds off. “I’m glad I am not riding back on that motorcycle.”
He sighs. “Don’t get me started on that fucking motorcycle. That really pissed me off that he would risk your life like that.”
“I did agree to go on it. He’s not completely at fault.” You try to ease the tension.
“He still knew the risks. Let’s just hope the rain holds-“ His words are cut short as a tiny water droplet lands on his cheek and your forehead. More little droplets are heard hitting the concrete.
You laugh. “I think Mother Nature has other plans.”
The rain picks up speed. You both just stopped and faced each other. It was a mutual agreement not to run and try to find cover. Your eyes are fluttering from the rain droplets as you look up at his face.
“You are breathtaking,” Jack says softly while tucking a few strands of wet hair behind your ear.
Your cheeks warm, and you bring your hands up to go around his neck. The rain has completely soaked his upper half. You’re thanking whatever gods that he was wearing a white button-up and that you were there to witness it.
“Jack, are you going to kiss me or not?” You have a mischievous smile on your face that makes Jack dizzy.
His right arm hooks around your waist, and the other steadies you as he pulls you so fast into his body. Your chests collide, and Jack presses his lips to yours. At first, it was rushed and a little firm. You both quickly find a rhythm, and you can feel Jack sigh into the kiss. The rain drips down your faces, making the kiss more heated.
You feel his fingers digging deeper into your sides to steady himself. Once your fingers find their way into his curls, he's losing his breath. The passion behind the kiss is unimaginable. Jack is finding it hard to remember why he ever waited so long.
A loud thunder clap makes you jolt in his hold, and he starts smiling into the kiss.
"I've got you." He whispers against your lips. Your forehead rests against his as you pause to catch your breaths.
The rain is now pounding against the pavement, and both of you are soaked. Neither of you cared as you stared into each other's eyes. Jack was noticing the sparkle in yours, and you were seeing the way the hazel lightened up from the streetlights.
"So, now is probably a good time to tell you that I drove my jeep, and it currently has all the doors off it. Including the top." Jack is trying to hide a smile as he confesses.
"Well, what are we gonna do? Get wetter?" You smirk up at him and wipe the rain from his cheeks carefully.
Jack felt his stomach release butterflies at that look and those words. It all made so much sense to him now. How easy you were to be with him. Every time he was with you, he felt a sense of solace. But even at that hospital, you always found a way to take what was given to you and craft it into good. You just made sense to him.
"Come on!" He takes your hand and leads you away to his car. You take off into a run with him and you are both smiling.
"I can barely see!" You say through a giggle as the rain pelts harder against you.
Jack comes up to his jeep and helps you into the passenger seat. He makes sure your seatbelt is fastened before going to the driver's side.
"I may have to pull over if the rain gets any harder. I will try to find us a cover at least." His voice was a little louder to hear over the rain hitting the hood of the car.
"Do what you have to. I am already soaking wet. It's okay." You tell him. He fastens his seatbelt and pulls out onto the main road. The rain pours down on the two of you as he drives through the streets of Pittsburgh.
You didn't care that your makeup had probably all washed off or that your hair was probably never going to recover from this. All you knew was that Jack was the person for you. This may have been a disaster, but it was fun, and you haven't seen such a bright smile on him like that in so long.
***
The second Jack pulls into his garage, and the jeep is in park, you’re both unbuckling quickly. You’re soaked to your bones at this point. The tension is so thick between you two that you could barely breathe.
You lean across the console while Jack was already leaning towards you. Your lips find his again. It’s like you couldn’t get enough.
“Fuck.” He whispers into the kiss. “Come here.” He helps you climb over the console and into his lap. The feeling of his cold, wet pants pressing against your thighs sent a thrill of pleasure through your body.
Jack’s hot breath is fanning up your neck while he’s placing wet kisses. Your hips grind down against his muscular thighs, sending a wave of pleasure to your core. Jack feels your hands fist up around the collar of his shirt as he slightly guides your hips against him more. You tug him as close to you as you possibly can.
He finds your lips once more, and you begin a steady rhythm together. “Jack.” You sigh into the kiss. That was a new way you said his name, and Jack swore he would do everything in his power to hear it again.
You’re both trying to press closer to each other. As you do, Jack leans up and tilts you back slightly. Your back presses against the steering wheel. The horn blares through the closed garage, making it echo. You jump while in his lap at the loud noise.
Jack starts laughing and you’re shortly following him in the laughter. “Let’s go inside.” He suggests.
“Good idea.” You say and gently climb from his lap down to the ground. Jack holds you so you’re careful not to slip on the wet edges.
Jack takes your hand and leads you to his garage door. You’re slightly shaking from the cold as he fiddles with the key to the door. Once he’s unlocked it, he grabs your hand again and pulls you inside.
“Let’s get out of these wet clothes.” He starts guiding you through the house to get you into some warmth.
A playful smirk appears on your face. “Yes. Let’s get out of these clothes.” You repeat him while unzipping your dress.
Jack hears the zipper and stops moving. All the blood in his body began rushing to one part of him. This man seriously didn’t think he could get any harder than he was already.
When he turned to face you and saw that smirk, he nearly fell to his knees. You walk up to him with innocent-looking eyes that even he knew there were filthy intentions behind them. It was his turn to smirk as you pushed lightly on his chest to get him to back up. He walks backwards watching your every move. When his legs meet the couch, you give him another nudge. He gets the hint and takes a seat. You watch the way he adjusts himself in the seat. The wet pants made things tighter against him, but also made his thick, muscular thighs more evident.
You stood in front of him and slid the straps of your dress down. Your hands push at the neckline and guide the fabric down your body. Jack’s eyes fill with lust and nearly turn black. You were breathtaking with the clothes on, but this was a different kind of breathtaking.
The black balconette lace bra had your breasts looking plump. There were still drops of water running down your skin and into the lace. The matching lace thong defined your hips and perfect legs.
“Your turn.” You say with that little grin that Jack knew he was going to do anything to see it again and again and again.
Since Jack’s bow tie was already loosened and dangling around his neck, he took that and yanked it off. He tosses it somewhere in the living room and immediately goes to his buttons. He’s staring at you from head to toe as he works those buttons loose. You’re patiently watching him. With each button, more and more of his broad chest is exposed. You guessed from the tight shirts and barely fitting scrubs that he was thick. But when the white material slid down his shoulders and exposed him from the waist up, you were awe-struck.
Your eyes carry across his shoulder traps and juicy pecs. The indents of his biceps and the rope for veins carrying down his large arms made your mouth water. Jack unzips his dress pants and swiftly lifts his hips to get them off. He’s now left in his boxers.
You resume your spot back on his lap, and his hands go to your bare waist. The touch sends chills all across your body. This position brushes your most sensitive spot right now.
Jack slides his hands down to your hips. He leans up while you lean in, connecting your lips to his. He presses his hands into your hips, which pulls you down further against his thighs.
You moan into the kiss. The kiss becomes heated quickly. Your lips are wandering down to his neck and eliciting a delicious moan from him. His hands trail down to grab your ass. You grind hard into his thigh, making you both moan. He begins guiding your hips in a blissful motion that hits your aching core perfectly.
He then cups one of your breasts, and his fingers go beneath the lace to lightly pinch your nipple. You tilt your head back and groan.
“God, you are beautiful.” He whispers close to your ear.
More hot kisses trail down your chest. Your breathing is getting heavier and heavier the closer his mouth gets to your hard nipple. His mouth closes around the sensitive area, and his tongue begins swirling.
Your fingers tangle through those salt and pepper curls. You feel his hand creep up to the clasp of the bra. With one hand, he unclasps it, and unexpectedly, he sinks his teeth into the front of your bra. He yanks it down just enough so that he has full access to your breasts.
A little giggle escapes from you at that action. “Did you like that baby? Jack cheekily asks.
“Impressive.” You reply, swiftly remove the bra, and toss it down to join the other clothes.
“Gorgeous.” He compliments once more as his eyes roam all over.
His hand slides down between your warm thighs. “Can I touch you?” He asks.
You nod your head quickly. “I need words, sweet girl.” His voice was deep.
“Yes. Please.” Your hands cup his face. Your touch against his skin lit a fire deep within his soul.
He traces the outline of your panties and swipes the material over. Jack eases a finger between your slick folds, and you suck in a breath. He’s slow at first. It was agonizing in a way, but he somehow knew exactly what you needed. He finds your sweet spot that turns you into a moaning mess.
Your breathing becomes uneven as he slips another finger inside. “Jack.” You moan his name.
“Does that feel good, baby?” He brings your face closer to him by wrapping his large hand around your neck. He lightly presses on your carotid pulses, and he knew just the right amount of pressure to apply. Of course he did. He is a doctor after all.
“Yes. Jack.” You felt the pressure building low in your stomach, letting you know you were close. “Feels so good.”
His fingers curl up in a “come here” motion making your back arch. “God please don’t stop.” You’re begging and your hips begin rocking slightly to match his rhythm.
“Oh, how I love your sweet moans. It’s better than I ever imagined.” He whispers.
You grip onto his muscular shoulders as you feel yourself right on the edge. “Come for me.” His deep rasp and those thick fingers hitting your clit just right push you over.
You moan his name once more. Jack is just watching you as he works you through your climax. He slows his rhythm down, and when it becomes too sensitive, your hands clasp around his forearm, he halts. There’s a small smirk imprinted on his face as you relax into his lap.
“Wrap those pretty legs around me and hold on.” He commands. You do as told. He stands up from the couch and carries you down a hallway.
He pauses for a moment against a wall just to feel your kiss again. Now that he had a taste of your lips, he knew he had to have more. He tastes the sweet wine on your tongue from earlier.
When he presses his bare chest against yours, you moan into the kiss. He carries you away from the wall and into his bedroom. Jack lays you down on the bed, and his body grinds against yours. His hard crotch rubs against your still sensitive core. His arms come up to rest on either side of your face.
“Jack.” You say his name, and he looks up at you. Your fingers comb through those curls again. The blackout curtains had a small crack in them and were casting a warm street lamp glow against his cheek. You could see the subtle pink on both of them.
“I need you.” You cup his face once more. The feeling of his stubble against your hands sent happy little prickles up your arms.
Jack gently takes one of your hands and presses his lips to the palm of it. Your eyes shut at the tender act.
“Yes, ma’am.” He responds. His lips trail down from your hand, to your arm, across your chest, and down your stomach. Your breathing picks up again as he kisses the lace material of your thong. He slides his fingers through the thin straps and works them down your legs.
You lay completely bare underneath him. Jack had to pause for just a moment again to marvel at you. He crawls back to the edge of the bed so he can stand and remove his boxers. Your heart is in your throat again, making it harder to breathe. His dick was so hard, and you knew it would take an extra minute to adjust to him.
He crawls back over you with himself between your legs. You watch him line himself up with your already dripping pussy. He looks back up at you once more for confirmation, and you nod.
His tip enters between your folds, and you suck in a breath between your teeth. He takes it slow, letting you get adjusted and stretching you so deliciously. In one quick motion, he pins your arms above your head and bottoms himself out inside of you.
“Fuck. You feel so good, baby.” He moans as he pulls slightly out, only to go back in. He begins a rhythm to allow him to gain control and for you to adjust more.
“More.” You beg. Jack picks up his pace a little, and that is all you need. He releases your hands, and you grab onto his shoulders. Your nails lightly dig in the deeper he gets.
He leaves wet kisses across your breasts and neck as he fucks you into the mattress. Your nails are now leaving marks, and he relishes the feeling. One hand glides up into his curls again, and you lightly pull, making him moan. His fingers go down between you and he begins rubbing your clit. You felt the pressure building for the second time that night.
His thrusts are getting harder and deeper. You pull him down to press against your chest as you need more of his skin on yours. One hand is pulling the hair at the nape of his neck, and the other is clawing down his back. He picks up speed with his fingers, making you moan directly into his ear.
You place your mouth around the muscle of his shoulder trap and lightly bite into the flesh. Jack nearly comes at that action, but holds on just a little more. He wanted you to finish before him.
“I’m close.” You say breathlessly.
He keeps a perfect rhythm, and your toes begin to curl as you feel you reach your high. You’re clawing and writhing underneath him. He doesn’t stop until he knows for sure you finished entirely. Your breathing slows only a little and he pulls out of you.
“Come on me.” You are looking up at him through those beautiful lashes, and he loses it. He pumps his cock in his hands a few times and lets his cum drip onto your stomach. Jack has to pause for a moment to catch his breath and get rid of the black dots in his vision.
You’re both still breathing heavy but Jack reels himself in. You watch him lean back over you and press a kiss on your lips.
“Let me go start the shower so we can get warmed up and clean.” He gives you one more quick peck and turns towards his bathroom. The light flickers on, blinding you for a brief second. He comes back quickly with a warm washcloth and wipes his cum off of you.
He takes a throw blanket that has fallen to the floor amid your activities and wraps it around your body. You’re softly smiling up at him as he comes beside you to lie next to you.
Both of your faces are illuminating from the bathroom light. He can make out your rosy, flushed cheeks. You were spent and all from him. He softly smiles back at you while tenderly tracing the outline of your swollen lips.
It was then that you realized the outside world exists as a flash of lightning fills the room and a rumble of thunder follows shortly after. The rain was pounding up against the windows. Goosebumps appear on your skin making Jack smile wider.
“Come on pretty girl.” He gets up from his position and picks you up from the bed bridal style.
The bathroom was steamy and oh so warm. But you didn’t need it. You were warm enough as long as Jack looked at you with those eyes. You would never be cold again with him as yours.
Promise I am not laying in a ditch somewhere. I’m in the works with another Jack abbot piece! Can’t wait to share it with you guys!! Here’s a sneak peek using just photos ;) ;)
Synopsis: it’s the morning after spending the night out at the bars with the Pitt crew. Not only did you have a little too much to drink, but you ended up crashing on your favorite attending’s couch…with him underneath you. This was a hangover you never thought possible. Especially when you go out on a simple coffee run and end up in a hostage situation.
Pairings: Dr. Jack abbot x fem nurse!reader
Part 2 of 2: Part 1 here
Word Count: 4.1k - edited/grammar checked using grammarly!
TW: mentions of blood, medical setting, shots/needles, a few curse words, a smidge of dirty talk, alludes to smut, Jack being the most selfless and caring man, make out sesh, this is a no hands to yourselves kinda read *smirks*, enjoy the heat of a new relationship that has been dying to blossom for a lonngggg time
Jack took his time with your staples. He spent a reasonable amount of time just walking you through it. With the lidocaine around the site, it numbed the area to the point that you only felt two little pressure points when he placed them with the staple gun.
“Can I ask you something?” Jack asks, and he just got finished with your last staple and was cleaning up his mess.
“Anything.” You reply. Your hand reaches up to your head to get a feel of the staple. Fortunately for you, this was your first-ever staple, so curiosity got the best of you.
“How do you get your flu shot every year?” Your eyes flash up to him, and he is biting back a smile.
Your eyes narrow into slits at his statement. “That is none of your concern.” You stand from the stretcher, and you’re met with a sense of lightheadedness. Jack notices the way your eyes shut close to maintain a semblance of balance.
“Woah hey there.” Jack rushes to your side and guides you back down to the stretcher. You perch yourself on the edge just to gain control of yourself.
“I’m okay. I just stood up too fast.” Your hands were clasped around his forearms for some stability, and he was holding underneath yours. Gosh, his hands were warm and felt so good against your skin.
“Take it easy. You probably shouldn’t work tonight.” He says, and you shake your head defiantly.
“Do you plan on working? You’re the one who got shot at. Which, by the way, I need to still take a look at that.” Your voice carries a hint of irritation.
“I do. If they weren’t so short-staffed and it was a holiday, I would just say fuck it and call in.” He answers your question, and you see him reach down to begin unstrapping the straps of his vest. “There is nothing more I would like to do than take you home and be your own personal doctor. After this morning, you and I deserve it.” Your eyes were bouncing between his hands and his eyes that were looking down at you with a heart-melting gaze.
“They need me here tonight just as much as they need you. Besides, you can barely do anything without your favorite nurse with you.” A handsome smirk appears on his face from your response. The expression makes your cheeks flush.
Jack pulls his vest off and sets it in a chair at the corner of the room. “I’ll make a deal with you. You can work tonight as long as you remain on light duty. You have a concussion, and I do not want you to overdo it. And the first time I see you wince, or I see you pushing a little too hard, like the way I know you do, you’re going to the chairs.” You open your mouth to protest, and he stops you before you can even begin. “That is the doctor’s orders.” He bends down to give you a quick peck on your lips that halts all your thoughts entirely.
You stand up once more, and this time at a little slower pace. “Take your shirt off and sit down.” You demand. A part of you was turned on even more from him being so bossy, but caring at the same damn time.
Jack tugs his camo pullover up and over his head, and all that was left was that tight black shirt that left little to the imagination.
“Do we have a deal?” He asks and finally takes a seat on the stretcher. You walk around to the other side to see the damage. He takes the final piece of clothing off that was separating you from the wound. You could not lie; you got distracted way too easily when seeing his bare upper half for the first time.
All the daydreaming didn’t hold a candle to the sight in front of you. And you’ve only seen one half. Your fingertips reach out to trace the indents and dimples from the muscles on his back. Your heart begins to beat rapidly as you feel his warm skin beneath your touch.
You watch the way Jack’s skin becomes covered in goosebumps at your soft touch. He glances over his shoulder to get a look at you to make sure you are okay. Your eyes go back to where they are supposed to be, and you grab some clean gauze soaked in saline. The bullet only managed to cause a pretty bruise and an abrasion.
“You and I both know that I do not always follow the doctor’s orders.” You finally respond to him, and you watch the way his shoulders rise and fall as he chuckles. The muscles in his back flex in a way that makes your stomach burn in delight.
You bring the soaked gauze up to the abrasion. Jack nearly comes off the stretcher from the unexpected cold touch. It was now time for you to have your fun after all the teasing he had done towards you just moments ago.
“Oops. It’s going to be a little cold while I clean this.” You say while holding back a grin. Jack looks over his shoulder again, and you reach across to plant a sweet kiss against his cheek. You watch the way his body responds to your touch, and his cheeks slightly pink up.
You clean the abrasion and ensure nothing is left in his skin. Lying on the table was a package of triple antibiotic ointment that you retrieved and began placing over the skin. You place a non-adherent pad on it and tape it down.
“Good as new.” Your hand goes to his shoulder, and you lightly squeeze.
Jack gestures for you to come back around the bed to be in front of him. You comply and find a comfy position between his legs. He places his hands on your waist while you bring yours up to his shoulders. His muscles would slightly flex at each little movement he made.
“Thank you.” He looks into your eyes again to make sure you know how grateful he is for you. He meant every single word that came out of his mouth.
“I have to say, doc, you’ve been hiding from us.” Your hands begin trailing down his shoulders and to his biceps.
He chuckles and wraps his arms further around your waist while bringing your body closer into him. He starts kissing across your face and gently down your neck. Jack was still so gentle with you, and you had no complaints. His scruff would occasionally brush your sensitive spots, making you squirm in his hold. This would only make him pull you closer.
“Ticklish, are you?” He smirks as he plants his lips on the corner of your jaw. He trails down, making sure his chin scruff ever so slightly brushes your skin.
Your body is set ablaze the second he adds his tongue to the kiss against your neck. Your legs turn to jelly from the sensation, but Jack has a strong hold on you. A soft moan escaped your lips as he peels back and blows cold air against the spot.
A sudden, quick knock comes at the door, and you swiftly push away from him. Your heart is hammering in your chest as you turn towards the bedside tray that holds some trash. Dr. Robby pulls the curtain with no warning.
“Can we help you?” Jack asks and you’re collecting the trash on the tray trying to slow the rapid beating. And you are hoping it wasn’t too obvious that you both have broken about 50 HR violations.
“Actually, yes. Both of you. We’re preparing for a cyber attack. Which means, we are going paper.” You turn around to look at Dr. Robby to see if he was telling the truth. Jack is only looking at you, and his stare is making it hard to keep professional boundaries.
“We can help for a little bit. But we need to take a nap at some point. We’re both scheduled for tonight.”
“We’ll take what we can get.” Dr. Robby turns around and leaves the room.
At the same time, both of you let out a laugh and are smiling like a bunch of fools. “He totally knows.” You say through laughter.
“Cleaning up the trash was smooth but a little obvious,” Jack says. You watch him walk over to the curtain again and close it back. “C’mere. Just one more kiss before we go back out there.”
“Mmm. Are you sure we can’t call in tonight?” You walk slowly up to him. Your head lines up with his broad chest and shoulders. Which, by the way, are still bare.
He groans at your suggestion. “I’ve already thought about it more times than I can count now.” He cups your face, and his eyes are glistening while looking at you. You lean up to him and connect your lips to his.
You rest your hands against his chest and can feel his heart beating rapidly behind his rib cage. It was relieving to know he truly felt as strongly about you as you did for him.
Both of your smiles linger as you pull apart. “Get your food and go take a seat with Dana. I’ll meet you out there.”
“You’re really bossy, you know that?” He pulls his black shirt back over his head and looks at you with a smirk.
“You’re really stubborn, you know that?” He quips back, and it makes your smile wider. You turn, grab the food and coffee Dana got you, and make your way out of the room. There was an obvious glow and pinkness to your cheeks. Even after the traumatic events that unfolded earlier.
Dr. Robby was standing by the nurses' station with a new provider you had not seen before. You find a seat in the box that is near Princess.
“You look like hell.” Princess remarks, and you just sigh loudly.
“It’s good to see you, too, Princess.” You take your first sip of coffee and nearly moan at the taste of sweet caffeine.
“But you also have this look to you.” She adds, and you look up at her. “Almost like you have been-“
“Alrighty, everyone, listen up!” Dr. Robby shouts loud enough to get everyone’s attention. The staff of the ED quickly gather around and quiet down to listen. Princess is practically staring a hole through you, and you move your eyes over to Dr. Robby. You did your best to ignore her stare, but she is Princess. She’s relentless.
You try not to make it obvious, but naturally, your eyes gravitate towards Jack. The camo pants with the tight black shirt were leaving you in shambles. You were not sure how he had you so worked up in less than 24 hours. However, this was something in the making for a long time now.
He glances over at you and lowers his gaze to the floor immediately to try to control the blushing smile. You two were like teenagers, and you loved the feeling he gave you.
“We are preparing for a cyber attack. In order to keep us safe, we are going paper.” Dr. Robby announces.
“Wait, we are under a cyber attack?” Dr. Langdon pipes in.
“No. We are preparing our systems for a potential attack, and in order to keep us safe, IT is shutting down the system.” The new doctor replies.
“Does anyone have a picture of the track board? Our track board will now be all on this white board.” Robby continues on, sliding a large whiteboard to the middle.
“Oh, I have a picture!” Whitaker says, then starts scrolling on his phone. “Oh, um-“
“That’s blurry.” A med student says over his shoulder. Whitaker's cheeks redden deeply.
“Sorry, it’s blurry.” Whitaker states, and Dr. Robbery drops his shoulders in disappointment.
“I can remember it.” Another med student says. She was petite with glasses and you notice the way she sways a little nervously.
“Well, that’s great. If everyone can remember their patients' names and write them on the board, then-“
“No, I mean I can remember all of it.” She says.
“What do you mean, remember all of it?” Jack asks.
“I mean, I can remember the names, doctors, and room numbers. I kinda have a photographic memory.” Your jaw drops at those words, and Jack is looking around in shock as well. “Room 12 is…” And Joy goes off, listing the first room.
“Where is Dana?” Jesse asks.
“She’s in a sexual assault case. Can’t leave until she is done.” Princess replies.
“Princess has charge nurse experience.” Dr. Robby says.
“Not really!” She panics. “What about Y/n? She’s charge relief on nights.”
“Keyword, on nights. And no can do. Concussion.” You point to your head.
“That doesn’t mean you can’t-“
“Princess, it is. Y/n and I both have to be back in a few hours. She can at least help you in the meantime make the nursing assignments.” Jack cuts her off, and you couldn’t stop the heat from landing on your cheeks.
“I didn’t think anything could get worse.” Mel mutters.
“That’s how things rolled when I was resident.” Jack adds to Mel’s statement.
“When was that? In the 1900s?” You read the badge on the med students scrub top, Joy, who just jabbed at Jack. You laugh at her jab and Jack looks back at you then to Joy.
“Yeah, when charts were written by candlelight.” Jack fires back at her. Joy retreats back from his strong gaze.
Princess looks between the two of you, and you watch her eyes bounce to the point where a thought is forming in her head. Perlah comes up beside her, and those two together only make the situation worse. You tuck back in your seat and avoid Princess’s gaze. Your hands begin reaching into the snack box to distract yourself and hopefully soften the color of your face.
“Is there something going on between you and Dr. Abbot?” Princess was at your side faster than you expected.
You took your first bite of the sandwich and looked at her quizzically. “No.” You say with your mouth full.
“Remember who raised you.” Princess’s eyes narrowed into a glare as she was referring to who trained you on the days.
“Don’t lie to us. Lena told us about you night shifters going out to the bars with him and the other night shift doctors.” Perlah adds.
“And? We do that at least once a month. If it’s not the bars, then it’s breakfast at the diner across the street. What does that have to do with me and Dr. Abbot?” You were doing a damn good job at selling your story.
“I didn’t realize his place was included in that,” Princess says, and you nearly choke on your sandwich. A coughing spell erupts from you.
“Princess, where the hell did you hear that?” You say after clearing your throat.
“Who do you think?” She is smirking at you now, and so is Perlah.
“Nothing happened, and nothing is going on between us.” You lie straight through your teeth.
She’s glaring at you again, and you almost squirm in your seat. “Do you have the assignments?” Dr. Robby comes up to you all, and you nearly jump out of your seats. Princess flinches back.
“Not yet. We are working on it.” You say quickly to get him as far away from this conversation as possible. You knew that he already had his suspicions. You didn’t want any more growing on him.
Princess and Perlah thankfully steer away from the conversation, and you help them make assignments. Once that was completed, you rounded up the nurses and pulled them into a huddle to go over the plan.
Princess explained how orders would be placed, where to find charts, who to speak to for new assignments, and, basically, the flow of the absolute chaos. Unfortunately, the ED is in disarray.
You were being a float (basically a glorified nursing assistant or, in the ED, we call them techs) for the other nurses. Jesse requested that some supplies be set up in one of his rooms while he gave meds to another. You were in the stock room collecting those items, and you heard the door open.
Jack quickly moves inside and finds you behind a row of items. “There you are.” He sighs in relief.
“Here I am.” You smile and turn around when you hear his voice. He has this very worried expression on his face. “What’s wrong?” You ask concerningly.
“Nothing. Nothing. I just got distracted with helping the other docs and residents and lost sight of you.” He starts backing you up until your back hits a few boxes of supplies. His forearm rests above your head, and his other hand goes to your waist. He presses his body against yours and uses his hand on your waist to press further into each other.
“Dr. Abbot.” You whisper softly and look up at him with a grin.
“Watching you walk around here like the bad ass nurse you are and in my clothes really does it for me.” He confesses. He lowers himself down to meet your lips. You reach up and the second his lips touch yours, you sigh contently.
“Okay, okay! Before we get carried away.” You gently place your hand on his chest to push him back slightly. “Are you almost ready to go? I can drive us. My car is still here from the last shift.”
“You’re funny if you think you’re going to drive anywhere with that concussion.” He says and starts to back away slowly. His hand drifts down to hold yours.
“Fine. You can drive my car.” You rephrase the statement.
“Would you want to stay with me?” He asks a little nervously.
“How about…” You step closer to him again and place your hands around his waist. “We'll stop by your place, let you get some of your things, and you stay with me?”
“Are you sure?” His voice sounds a little shaky.
“I am. If you are?” It was your turn to get nervous.
“I just don’t want to rush you or us or make things feel pressured. All I know is that I’ve wanted this for so long, and now that I have you, I want it to be right for you.” He says.
You just nod your head at his words. “I will let you know if something is wrong. I always will.”
“I’ll go tell Robby we are leaving. Meet me outside in the bay in 5.” Jack reaches down and places a kiss on your cheek.
••
You waited for Jack like he asked you, and before you knew it, you both were walking to your car. He subtly reaches for your hand and intertwines them. Your hands sway softly as you walk through the garage.
Once you get in the car, after Jack opens the car door for you, you both settle into a comfortable silence. You were trying to contain your smile but also stay awake. The exhaustion from the adrenaline crash was seeping into your bones.
Jack parks outside of his place. “I’ll be quick.” He reaches for the door handle, and you reach across the center console to his bicep. You squeeze his bicep, and it makes him stop what he was doing and look directly at you.
“Make sure to grab an extra shirt.” Your eyes bore into his with a devilish look.
“Oh, honey. My plans do not include extra clothing.” He pecks your lips and steps out of the car without another word. You felt your insides flip upside down.
Whenever Jack came back, he had all of his things to stay over with, packed into a duffel bag. “Think you got everything?” You ask to ensure him.
“I do now.” He says, reaching to intertwine your hand with his. Your heart flutters at those words and his actions.
You give directions to your place, and you two occasionally look over at each other with blushing smiles. When he pulls up into your parking space, he gets out first. He was at your door to open it up and help you out. You led him up to your door once he had his things.
“I have two bathrooms, so you can use my guest bathroom. It should be stocked with everything in case you forgot something.” You tell him as you unlock the door and step inside.
The smell of salted caramel and vanilla hits your senses and instantly calms you. “Welcome. Make yourself at home.” You guide him further, and Jack is looking around your space. He has this soft smile playing on his lips as he soaks it all in.
Your kitchen has an island, and you set your keys down on it. Jack walks up to you after setting his bag down beside the entry wall. His hands find your waist and guide you back until you’re leaning against the island.
“Now that there are no distractions and no one we have to hide from. Can I kiss you and this time only stop until you tell me to or to breathe?” Jack’s eyes turn dark in lust, and he is looking at you like you are about to be his last meal. Who were you to deny this man his wishes?
“I’m not getting any sleep, am I?” You joke with him, and he starts shaking his head.
“You’ll get some sleep. After I’ve made you come a few times.” Jack whispers in your ear. He lifts you up and sits you on the island counter, where you were, even with him now.
“Dr. Jack Abbot.” You say his full name. You knew the effect of saying his name had on him. Jack scoots you closer to the edge, and your legs wrap around his waist.
“Fuck I love it when you say my name.” Jack cups your face while your hands found their way up into his curls.
The second you lightly tug at the hairs on the base of his neck is when he loses control. His lips smash onto yours, and you both quickly find a rhythm. He runs his hands down from your face to your body. You slide one hand down and underneath his shirt. Your fingernails lightly scratch against his skin on his chest, leaving goosebumps across his body.
Jack teases his tongue, and you accept his offer. You both are exploring each other’s bodies while your lips and tongue continue their fight for more. You feel him sneak one hand under your shirt, and his touch on your skin makes your body burn.
He departs his lips from yours and begins a trail at your jawline down to your neck. Your breath quickens as he kisses the ligature mark across your neck. He was walking that fine line of being gentle but rough with you. Your head tilts back to give him more access. A soft moan escapes you when his fingers, which were under your shirt, begin tracing the outline of your bra.
“Jack.” You whisper his name to let him know what he was doing was working well for you.
Your body was getting hot from his touch. Jack notices your rising temperature and helps you slide his jacket off your body. You tug his shirt upwards, and he swiftly takes his shirt off. His shoulder traps were the first thing you went for. Your lips plant small kisses all around his shoulder and collarbone.
Jack guides your mouth back up to his, where he gives you a passionate kiss. You moan again from the searing kiss. Without another thought, you reach down and pull his shirt you wore over your head and toss it down somewhere.
“Fuck, you are so beautiful.” Jack says breathlessly. Your face reddens even more, if that was even possible.
Jack connects his lips with yours again. He hooks his finger around your bra strap and delicately traces the fabric. The strap is pushed off your shoulder, and he begins kissing that open space now.
“Jack, the bedroom is down the hall and to the left.” You say.
“Noted.” He whispers against your skin. You feel him kiss your collarbone and then suck on the spot. You gasp at his schoolboy antics, but you couldn’t deny how much you loved that he was leaving his mark on you.
Once he leaves his mark, he scoots you all the way off the island table, and you hold on to him. You lightly squeal as he lifts you and carries you away in the direction you just told him.
Let’s just say, you got a good 3-hour nap before your shift. Neither of you cared. Because after your shift, you both had several days off. Plus, the entire shift was filled with you two sneaking glances and subtle touches.
I was in the middle of writing part 2 for Fourth of July (ya know minding my own business) and I’m watching Criminal Minds reruns like usual. I look up at my screen and go “hey that looks like Shawn.” Had to fact check myself.
WHO WAS GONNA TELL ME THAT SHAWN HATOSY WAS FT IN AN EPISODE!?
For anyone wondering it’s Season 7 Ep 10. “The Bittersweet Science” It’s also a sad one :/
Just thought that was crazy and had to share in case anyone else wanted to experience💀
BesidES him being a serial killer….look at those MUscLes
Synopsis: it’s the morning after spending the night out at the bars with the Pitt crew. Not only did you have a little too much to drink, but you ended up crashing on your favorite attending’s couch…with him underneath you. This was a hangover you never thought possible. Especially when you go out on a simple coffee run and end up in a hostage situation.
Part 1 of 2
Word count: shamelessly around 5k
Pairing: Dr. Jack abbot x nurse!reader
TW: mentions of blood and lethal weapons (a pew pew), mentions of a hostage situation, brief mention of choking, a little medical jargon, needles/shots, protective jack!!!, reader is younger (kinda mentioned but can be reimagined differently to your preference), fem reader, make out sesh, a sprinkle of curse words, mentions of alcohol, soft fluffy Dr. Jack Abbot
*Navigation for sensitive readers regarding the hostage situation: I have left a ** in the text to let you know when the situation begins and ends. Can be skipped entirely !!
•••••••••••••••••••••
You heard the sound of a phone ringtone going off before you felt the vibration at your feet. Your head felt full and so did your body. It was a familiar feeling you had before. The feeling of being hungover after a night out with one too many green tea shots.
The buzzing continues as you try to collect your racing thoughts. The ringtone comes to an end and suddenly you felt the couch beneath you move. The unsettling feeling of the couch moving brings you to an upright position quickly. Too quickly for your brain to process it. Your head instantly swims as you look around at your surroundings.
Your eyes dart around the space trying to find a sense of familiarity. There was no brown coffee table, no gold picture frames on the wall, no curvy lamp, or even your favorite book that you liked to display. Mostly because it was a special edition and only the ones that have read it would understand its importance.
The couch beneath you twitches slightly and draws your attention towards the movement. The very second your eyes connect with a tan, freckled, salt and peppered silhouette you lost the breath in your lungs. You never thought your heart could beat this fast, so fast you could hear it in your eardrums.
You’re suddenly met with a rush of memories from the night. The split decision to either go home alone after your shift or go with your night shift crew. You had no idea you’d end up spending the entire morning and evening with them bar hopping. You most definitely did not expect to be perched in Dr. Jack Abbot’s lap either.
“If you are wanting to make a run for it, now is a good time. I don’t have my leg on.” His raspy voice breaks the silence and your internal panic.
His comment makes you let out a belly laugh and you quickly shake your head. You look back at him again and see he’s got his eyes open now. A corner of his lips was turned up in amusement.
*last night*
“Did you always want to be a doctor?” You ask him as you sat in the floor next to his coffee table. You were positively floating and vaguely remember the reason you ended up in his place. You knew one reason was because you lived close to his place and the other was because you spilled some strange liquid on your scrubs that required a changing. He ended up making a pit stop at his place when you had to puke on the side of the road. He was thankful you didn’t do it in his truck and so were you. You were mortified, even in the state you were in.
“I think most doctors always had a calling for it. There were some days that I wasn’t sure where I wanted to be. Which is mostly why I joined the military. You kinda just find your route from there.” He was nursing a glass bottle of beer as you two spoke to another. The questions were sometimes meaningful and sometimes so out of pocket.
“My turn. When was the last time you were held by someone?” The question catches you off guard so much so that you felt yourself sobering for a split second.
“I-I would have to say like what 3 years ago.” You were trying to think back and truthfully all you could think of was your ex boyfriend from senior year of college.
Jack’s face falls at that response. How had it been so long for someone as beautiful as you were? It made him wonder if you felt the same connection he had toward you. It was a pull, a spark, an invisible string that even he could not understand. He had his first real smile when he met you. A smile that he hadn’t felt in a long time. It stemmed from you and you alone.
“Why do you ask?” You nervously twist the hem of the black t shirt that he let you borrow. Truthfully, he had no intentions of ever wanting it back from you. He hoped that you would continue to wear it and possibly catch you in it. The way you looked now, painted such a master piece in his head.
“I’ve been around a while. You kinda pick up on the little things.” He says as he shrugs his shoulders, nonchalantly. Your ears start to feel a little warm and your cheeks turn a tinge of pink. Have you really been that obvious?
“Oh.” You manage to say. Your eyes look down at your hands as they continue to twist at the hem of the shirt.
You knew it had been a while since you had felt the touch of man. There was occasionally some dates after you graduated and started at PTMC. But never one to amount to anything.
There was especially none that gave you a spark like Jack did when you first locked eyes. Being new and making googly eyes at the night shift attending was not on your to do list to make new friends. In fact, you avoided close interactions with him for the first few months. But fate had other plans for the two of you. You were always paired with him for traumas and he did his best to make sure he signed up for patients that were yours. He asked for you for help on any of his bedside procedures. Sometimes he really didn’t need the help, he just wanted you in there with him while he sutured. You were a calming presence to him.
“It’s not a bad thing. Please don’t think the worse.” He realizes how that sounds and tries to correct it quickly.
You scoff. “Easy for you to say. You’re not the one that hasn’t felt the touch of another in years.”
Jack’s face heats instantly. “Then come up here and let me hold you.” He anxiously awaits your reply and it makes his stomach burn with nerves.
“Urm- uh- are you sure?” You hesitate. Maybe you were hearing things.
He nods his head and motions for you to come sit in his lap. His arms open up in a gesture of invitation. Your legs turn into jelly as you stand to make your way to him on the sofa recliner. You place your hands on either side of his shoulders to brace yourself. God how you always wanted to feel them and just bite into those beautiful muscles. Your hands were trembling as you adjusted yourself side ways on his lap. Your legs stretch out towards the couch and your back was against him and the arm rest. You nestle into his hold and he instinctively wraps his arms around you. Your head goes in between that cozy spot of his shoulder and neck.
"Comfortable?" He asks and his voice was dangerously delicate. He was afraid any slight movement might scare you away.
"Yeah. Thank you." You tilt your head up just enough that you could see his eyes.
"What are you thanking me for?" Jack brings a hand up to cup your face. The pads of his thumb begin gently rubbing your cheek as he looks into your soft, beautiful eyes.
"For being a gentleman and being so kind to me." You reply. Jack cocks his head to the side and looks at you so innocently.
"You deserve it." His response surprises you in a good way.
You two end up talking a little more and asking questions about the world and yourselves. Eventually, the green tea shots ran their course, and you passed out right in Jack's arms as he was talking about his opinion on the moon landing. You vaguely remember feeling a blanket being draped over your body, and Jack leaves the faintest kiss on your temple.
“I’m sorry. It took me a minute to remember everything.” You say as you start to rub the sleep from your eyes.
“Did you sleep okay?” He asks and you felt his hand go to your back where he soothingly starts to rub it.
“Yeah. Really good. You?” You lean back into him again. Even after you woke up in such an unexpected way, you were relaxed around Jack.
“The best.” He replies with that sly grin on his lips still. Jack reaches his head up and plants a delicate kiss on your forehead. Butterflies instantly spread through your stomach.
“Can I make you some breakfast?” He asks you and you thought you must be dreaming.
“I think I have overstayed my welcome. I can’t take your food now.” You say with a light-hearted smile to let him know you were not trying to bolt.
“It’s really no trouble. Besides, I remember how much you drank last night, and you could use some carbs.” Right as he says that, your stomach makes its loudest whale noise.
You lightly laugh. “Okay. But at least let me make us coffee. Probably won’t be as good as the ones I bring to you at work.”
He sucks in a breath at your words. “As much as I would love that. I used up my coffee beans the night before. I’m out. But-“
“Please allow me to get you some more!” You cut him off in excitement. “Sorry, didn’t mean to interrupt you. I just have this thing where I need to be a perfect guest and this will make me feel so much better. Besides the grocery is a short walk, and I can make you a really good coffee.”
Jack chuckles at your excitement. “Are you sure? I’m the host and I should be the one to get you coffee.” His statement makes you shake your head.
“While you find that rule in the host book I’m going to grab us coffee!” You gently get up from his warm lap and instantly felt the chill of the air hit you.
“Fine. But take my jacket with you. It’s a little chilly this morning.” He points to his jacket hanging on the hooks by the door.
The upper half of your body was sponsored by Dr. Abbot. Thankfully, you kept a pair of leggings in your backpack just in case at work. Sometimes changing out of your scrubs was a necessity on some shifts. You learned your lesson on not bringing spare clothes.
You grab your phone and wallet and slip on his jacket that he insisted you wear. You were not going to argue. Not after more of his clean scent envelopes you more.
As you make your way to the store you pull up your phone and see text messages from the night shift nurse group chat. You nearly choke on a few of the responses.
‘Lena: y/n let us know if the old man is packing or not.’
You shake your head at her text and scroll through the others. Most of them were making bets on you and Jack.
‘Y/n: You all think so little of me ;)’
You send the message, close your phone, and put it in a pocket. This old man really enjoys his pockets. Even the T-shirt he let you borrow had a chest pocket.
Your mind wanders to Jack and sleeping in his arms as you turn into the grocery store. You were subconsciously smiling, and you probably looked like an idiot to others. It was 8 in the morning after all. You find your way to the coffee aisle and go straight for the bag of beans you think both of you will like. While you were there, you grabbed a bottle of flavored syrup you knew Jack liked the most.
Once you pay for the items, you stroll out of the store and begin your walk back to his place. You look around at the street and see all the 4th decorations on the city lights and stores. You occasionally do some window shopping and see a really cute reading chair in a Goods Warehouse.
You slip inside for a second to check it out a little more closely. The sign out front had a discount for the 4th on the items in the store. You were getting a feel of the cozy chair and thought about how it would look in your reading room.
**
Suddenly, there was a loud bang that caused you to jolt and duck down next to the chair. You hear a faint scream from the back of the store and then came more loud bangs. Your heart suddenly stops beating at the realization of what those noises were. Gunshots.
You look around at your surroundings and for a possibility of escaping. In the distance you can seen the outline of a a few men in thick outwear at the entrance of the store. Some wore dark sun glasses and others the infamous ski mask. You cover your mouth to hopefully calm that erratic sound of your breathing.
Quickly you look behind you to see a few tall rows of large metal shelves that held more furniture displays. Can’t escape, so hide. Your survival instincts kick in overdrive and you take off in a sprint to the shelves. You find a small space to hide and hopefully not be seen. You fumble with your phone and through shaking hands and glossy eyes you dial those 3 emergency digits.
In fear of being heard you use the text feature to communicate with the operator. You hear more shots being fired and you tremble in fear of them finding you. There was sounds of furniture scraping against the concrete flooring as they shuffled through the place.
You pull up Jack’s contact and see he’s already texted you.
‘Jack: Got called in for a SWAT order. I left my key under the mat. Help yourself to whatever. I should be back to see you. If not, I’ll see you tonight at our shift together.’
Your mind races with the best way to send this message.
Y/n: ‘I’m stuck in that warehouse. I’m hiding behind some shelves. Safe for now.’
It was difficult to form a proper message to him in this situation. You hear a loud scream from a woman that causes your heart to skip a thousand miles. There was a sound of another gunshot, and the woman screams more. You couldn’t hide here knowing you could help her in some way.
You peeked around the shelf and see her up ahead next to the same chair you were looking at. You noticed the small amount of blood pooling around her thigh. She tries to apply pressure, and you wait for the man to take off running in another direction. You sprint towards her, and she looks at you in fear that you might do something else.
She glances down at the writing on Jack’s jacket and notices the logo of PTMC. She doesn’t say anything, only nods her head at you as you start to assess her wound. She’s a trembling and crying mess, and if it weren’t for you trying to focus on anything else, you’d be right there with her. Fortunately, you do thrive in trauma areas.
“Don’t move!” A deep voice stops you in your tracks. You swallow thickly, and the woman starts to cry harder.
“Please just let me help her.” You don’t raise your voice, you don’t even let it falter for a second. You keep it as neutral as possible.
The doors of the entrance are broken down. You see the green camouflage and nearly burst into tears at the sight. The man swiftly takes you by the collar of your shirt and pulls it up tightly around your throat. You felt the burn of the fabric into your windpipe, and you then feel the hot metal of the gun press against your temple.
Your breath comes out shaky, and you close your eyes. Think about Jack. Think about the best night you just had. Think about being in his arms.
“Don’t come any closer or I will shoot.” He pulls harder and changes his grip to a choke hold. You try to curl up your shoulders and claw at his arms to get some more airflow.
“Put the weapon down or we'll shoot.” You notice more members of the SWAT coming in, and you see more of the bad guys circling around. Your eyes lock with Jack’s. He keeps eye contact with you in a way to let you know it was going to be okay. Inside himself, Jack was going through his very own war. A part of him broke at the sight of you in harm's way.
You feel a dizzy sensation as he squeezes harder, and you whimper. Jack nearly breaks formation at that sound. Another shot is fired, and all hell breaks loose. The grip on your neck loosens just enough that you can gain leverage and hit your head back against your attacker. You felt the crunch against your skull and even felt a little skin break on your scalp. You knew you hit his teeth. The guy hunches down, and you smash your elbow into his groin. He drops his weapon, and you kick it as far away as possible from him.
Another SWAT member runs to the two of you, and shots are being fired in every direction. You flip into protection mode and use your body to cover up the woman beside you. She was now passed out from the blood loss. Your fingers go to her carotid, and you feel a weak pulse. You needed to stop that bleeding before it was too late.
“Come on, let’s-“ You turn just in time to see the SWAT member topple over after being shot in the neck. The blood seeps out of his wound, and you nearly scream at the sight. You get up and sprint to him just in time to catch him from face-planting the floor. He lands in your lap, and you manage to get him turned over. Your hands instinctively go to his neck, and you apply the hardest pressure you could and hold on tight.
More bullets are ricocheting off the shelves and walls. You keep yourself low, and you suddenly feel a body press close to yours.
Jack
He looks at you with an immeasurable amount of fear. “GSW to the neck. I’m holding as hard as I can.” You say, and still your hands were not quite enough. The blood was starting to seep through your hands.
He cups his hands around your face so that you look at him. "I am okay. Right now, he needs you." You search deep in his eyes and hope that your words came out strong enough to convince him that his priorities lie elsewhere right now.
Jack nearly tears up, but he quickly gains control over himself. He looks down to assess the man, and you can see the way his thoughts are racing to find a solution. “I’m going to have to intubate before it’s too late.” He says calmly and starts to dig through his equipment. You nod and try to focus on him and what he needs.
“When I say when. You move your hands. The bulb in the tube will apply enough pressure to keep the bleeding under control until we get to the hospital.” You nod your head again and wait for his command. He goes to the front of his head and uses a laryngoscope to access his airway.
You watch as he slides the tube in. “Release pressure!” He commands. “Grab some gauze and bandages from the kit.” He points to his bag, and you reach over to find what he needs. While he secures the tube, you begin placing the gauze and ABD pads on the wound. Jack began bagging him, and you were hyper aware of him still staring at you.
“GET DOWN!” Someone yells, and Jack tilts his body toward yours and shields you from incoming fire. You hear a small grunt leave his mouth, and you panic.
“Jack!” You shout his name.
“I’m okay! Are you hit?” He asks and checks you over.
“No. Are you?” You ask and check him over, too.
“Just grazed me. I’m okay.” He says calmly, and a few more people are able to come over. One has a backboard, and another has a second. Another medic takes over bagging for Jack.
You watch as they lift the member onto the board, and you go over to the woman. You check her pulse again, and it is still weak, but she is alive.
Jack grabs your arm in a gentle but stern way, and he tucks you into his frame. “They got her. Come on, we are getting out of here.” He uses his arms to shield your head as he guides the two of you out of there. His arms were wrapped securely around you. Jack’s mind was racing with you and how you ended up in this situation.
**
There were a ton of people behind barricades and news reporters shouting as we ran out of the building. Jack helps you climb inside the ambulance with the SWAT member he just intubated. The doors shut, and Jack goes over to you. The ambulance takes off with sirens blaring.
He cups your face and gets a good look at you. His hands go behind to the back of your head, and he feels the blood dripping from your laceration.
“Can I get some gauze?” Jack asks the paramedic. The medic nods and hands him a pack. He opens it up and gently places it on the back of your head.
You place your hand on top of his that was covering your laceration. He leans forward and connects his forehead against yours. You place your hands on his shoulders, and you squeeze.
“I forgot the coffee.” You whisper to him, and it makes both of you laugh. His eyes fog over with tears again as he looks into your eyes. He wipes away a few tears that finally fell from your eyes after the adrenaline began to wear off.
Your head was throbbing, and your neck was sore. You knew there was a ligature mark from the collar of the shirt. The ambulance speeds up and causes you to lean forward closer to Jack. His hand was still holding on to your head. He was so close to you, and without another thought, you lean forward more to where you could connect your lips with his.
It was a soft and gentle kiss. A silent thank you to him. He understood what you were doing. But the next kiss that came from him? It was desperate and full of passion. A silent plea to never leave him. That he was sorry for what happened. You had him hooked, and you had him for so long now.
The paramedic clears his throat, and you two slowly pull back. “We are 2 mins away.” The EMT driving announces.
“Please go straight to a room, and I will meet you in there as soon as he is patched up enough for surgery.” You don’t argue with him. When the doors open to the ambulance, Jack steps down first, and he lifts you down. He takes his spot next to the stretcher, and you walk in beside him. Dana and Dr. Robby stood by the doors as you both entered.
You see the way the two instantly freeze up in their tracks. Dr. Robby sees the bloody gauze in your hands. Dana notices your hands are covered in blood before she sees your injuries. Both of them rush to you, and Dr. Santos worriedly joins.
“I’m fine. Go with him. He needs attention. Dana, is there a room where I can clean up in?” You collect yourself quickly so your team can help the one who needed it the most.
Dr. Robby turns to Jack, and Jack begins firing off a report. You watch Jack take one last look at you before entering the trauma room. He wanted to be with you so badly it hurt him.
Dana comes to your side and hooks her arm around your shoulder. “Come with me, beautiful.” She guides you into 15 and shuts the door behind you two. She sets the head of the stretcher up and starts to grab supplies out of the cabinets for you. While she prepares the supplies, you go to the sink and start to scrub the blood off your hands and arms.
“Let me look at that head.” She says, and you take a seat on the stretcher. Suddenly, you are hit with nausea. You had never been in this position before. And you already did not enjoy it.
She brings the light over and angles it to where she can see. She gently moves some strands of hair away, and you feel her hit a sensitive part. Your body jolts at the touch, and you take a deep breath.
“Jesus, Dana. You touch all your patients that roughly.” You partially joke, and she snickers.
“Only the ones that I know can handle a little pain.” She winks at you and you roll your eyes.
“Is there anything I can grab you while you wait for a doc to suture that lac?” Dana asks nicely. She tucks a few strands of your hair behind your ear.
“A coffee and a turkey box.” The request takes her off guard.
“Leave it to ER nurses to be able to eat after a traumatic event.” You snort at her response. Only she didn’t know you were hungover and still without caffeine. Not that you should drink any after so much adrenaline has been coursing through your system. But maybe it would help ease some of your headache.
She walks out and shuts the door behind her. You lean back against the stretcher and let your head rest as comfortably as you can. You close your eyes and take a couple of deep breaths.
You kissed Dr. Jack Abbot. You think about his lips on yours. The gentleness of the first one and the desperation of the second. There was no doubt about his feelings towards you anymore.
“Hey.” You hear a familiar voice whisper as they enter the room. A soft smile lands on your lips, and you feel him come over beside you. He places a soothing hand through your hair. Your eyes remain shut, but you know they are rolling back in pleasure.
Jack takes a seat bedside and you open your eyes to look at him. “As much as I love you in that uniform. I need you to take it off so I can look at that shoulder.” You state.
“Mmm, how about a first date before taking my clothes off?” He smirks at you.
“Dr. Abbot.” You warn.
“I will let you take my clothes off after I patch you up first. Let me see that noggin.” You lean your head forward so he can look. Jack grabs some pads and towels to place around your neck. “I gotta clean it really good. So I’m sorry for how bad this will hurt.”
Jack starts with the bottles of saline to rinse it. You instantly got dizzy at the feeling of the cool fluid in your lac. Your hands grip the sides of the bed to try to power through the stinging pain.
“Just a little more, baby.” His words made butterflies release in your stomach. You were picturing him saying those words in totally different circumstances.
“As much as I like hearing those words come out of your mouth. You should be careful who you say it to.” You felt a chill roll down your spine from a little saline getting underneath your shirt.
“Oh yeah. And why is that?” He asks, and you watch him come around to pull up the lidocaine. Yes, you work in healthcare, but you were traumatized at a young age by shots. Getting your blood drawn? No big deal. Give you a shot? Sorry, you can’t tell the difference between having a gun pointed at you and getting a shot.
“Don’t you know? ER people are dirty-minded.” Your hands start to shake as he comes back around to your head with the lidocaine and needle in hand.
He chuckles. “Considering you have been trying to take my clothes off since I got in here, I will take your word for it.” From your peripherals, you can see his arm start to angle up and prepare for the injection.
You instantly panic and move off the stretcher in lightning speed. “Must we move so fast with that needle, Doc?” You were facing him, and you could see the curious look on his face. He’s seen this behavior before in many of his patients. You were breathing heavy and starting to wring your hands together anxiously.
“An ER nurse who is afraid of shots,” Jack says with the most playful grin on his face.
The door swings open and interrupts the stand off between the two of you. Dana has a turkey box and cup of coffee in her hands and she looks between the two of you with curious eyes.
“What do we have here?” Dana asks as she sets the items down on the counter.
“One of our toughest soldiers has a fear of shots.” Jack was having way too much fun with this.
“It’s a slight fear.” You try to argue, but you didn’t have a leg to stand on. Who were you kidding?
Dana grabs your hand gently and guides you back to the stretcher. She pulls up a chair beside you and squeezes your hand reassuringly. “I won’t tell. And neither will you, Dr. Abbot.” Dana looks over at him with that mom look, and Jack is just smiling.
“Oh my lips are sealed.” He says and then whispers under his breath so only you can hear him. “In more ways than one.”
Your hands were shaking like a leaf as Jack steadily holds your head and prepares to give the lidocaine around the laceration. “Gonna feel a sting in 3, 2-“
“For fucks sake!” You cuss from the impact of the stinging and the needle hitting such sensitive skin.
A few tears gloss over your eyes, and you do your best to keep your composure. He injects a few more spots, and each time you screw your eyes shut and tense up so hard. Eventually, the medicine kicks in, and Jack tests the area to make sure it’s numb.
“If I need to give more, just tell me. I really only need to staple these two spots-“
“You did all that just so you could put 2 staples in me?” You irritably question.
“You’ll appreciate that lidocaine here for a few hours.” Dana pats your thigh, and you see her make her way out of the room again.
Jack walks around again, and you see him reach for the curtains to pull them. He keeps eye contact with you as he comes over and stops right in front of your legs that were dangling off the stretcher.
You were still shaking from the adrenaline that shot back up through you from the injections. He places his finger under your chin and lifts it up to get you to look properly at him.
“What can I do to make it up to you?” Your cheeks were set ablaze, and the way he was looking down at you almost made you squirm.
“Kiss me.” You whisper, and your eyes sparkle as you look at him through your lashes. Jack felt his heart hammer in his chest. Whatever he did last night to finally get you, he was thanking every god and hisself.
Jack puts his hand down against the arch of your back and lightly pushes up. The movement tilts your head up for him to have better access to you. He was careful to avoid your head and neck. The second his lips are on yours again, you only feel pure bliss. You reach your hands up to hold on to his neck. You kiss him back with a little more need this time, and he returns the favor.
You scoot your way to the edge of the stretcher and find your footing before standing. With you standing, it makes it a little easier for Jack. But you want more of him. After the experience you just had, Jack felt like a fresh breath of air. You turn the two of you around so he is against the stretcher now. You push a little on his waist as a hint for him to take a seat. He complys and you position your body between his legs and return your lips to his. His hands were large when pressed against your waist and hips. He held on to you for dear life, afraid you might slip away.
He trails a line of kisses down your neck and ever so lightly places the softest kiss against your ligature mark. The feeling left you in shambles.
You two were too lost in the moment to even care if someone were to catch you guys. All you cared about was his lips being on yours. He made you feel so alive. From the very moment you met him, you knew there was something different about him. It made you ache more that it took 2 years for this to even happen.
“Jack.” You pull away from his lips very unwillingly. “Is it safe to say that we are a thing now?” You had to know for your sanity.
“It is very safe to say that we are together. I would like to explore this relationship with you and only you if you’ll have me.” Your entire body was warm at his words. He was slightly out of breath from the little make-out sesh.
“I would like that very much.” You reply happily, and your small hand cups his face. He leans into your touch.
“Before you distract me again with those perfect lips. Let me finish up with that pretty head of yours.” You were a red-hot mess at his words.
“Go easy on me, doc. It’s been a long day already.” Jack laughs at that and returns to his spot behind you. Before he begins, he reaches down beside you and plants a kiss on your cheek. You felt a shock wave at that simple touch.
Synopsis: Life as a healthcare worker comes with its prices. You see all the phases of life in one setting when you work in an emergency department. From the very beginning to the very end. From the first diagnosis to the very last. This night shift had took its toll on you. Dr. Abbot finds you on the roof after a terrible loss of a patient. He’s never seen you lose your emotions like that before ,and all he can do for you, is be there. And that is enough sometimes.
Warnings: ANGST, a little TLC, smidge of fluff, slight panic attack, hospital setting, mentions of blood and medical supplies, and mentions of death/dying (not grammar checked sowwyy)
a/n: being an ER nurse myself, this one hits hard! I hope I can do it justice! This is also short, I knowww! I’m testing the waters with this character hehe
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Your hands were trembling slightly as you stared at them. Your mind was racing from the last few hours of your hellish shift.
Did you do everything in your power?
What if you had given that medication faster?
You should have spoke with them longer.
As your mind fills with endless thoughts of what you could have done for the patient you just lost, your eyes began to gloss over with hot tears. Your hands were hovering over the keyboard trying to form a sentence for the chart you were on. You honestly forgot what you were supposed to be charting. You knew it was important, it always was.
Your eyes glance up over the computer screen and you see the beige curtain pulled to conceal what lies behind it. Inside the room it was still complete chaos. Syringes, bloody gauze, used flushes, boxes of medications ripped open in a haste, and the ominous blue crash cart. Lying on the stretcher was a deceased patient. The white sheet was delicately pulled up over to give this person dignity.
You did this every shift. It was not uncommon to have a shift where a patient is lost. Tonight however, was different. This patient had been assigned with you for most of the shift. You knew a good amount of personal things about this patient. She found comfort in you from the moment you introduced yourself as her nurse. You never take that trust for granted.
But you can’t help feeling guilty that you may have broke it. You told her that we would do everything we could to help her. It wasn’t supposed to be like this.
“Hey kid, you here with us?” Lena breaks through your disassociating. Her voice sounded a million miles away, but it was her gentle hand on your shoulder that makes you look away from the trauma room just ahead.
“Y-yeah. Just trying to remember what I was charting.” You look up at her and hope that she ignores the glossiness on your eyes.
She leans down next to your ear so only you can hear. You fix your gaze and land on a pair of black scrubs with broad shoulders. From here you can see a peak of the farmers tan and sun kissed freckles.
“Why don’t you step away for a moment? I’ll cover your people.” Your eyes travel up those shoulders and you make direct eye contact with Dr. Abbot.
Lena gently nudges your shoulder and snaps you out of another daze. You were not meaning to stare at him or at anything for that matter. You were mentally taxed after that code. But you couldn’t lie, seeing him brought a comfort to you. It was a sense of calm in the chaos. He was a buoy in these rough waters.
When you move your eyes away from his and look at Lena she was looking at you with concern. In her defense she had never seen you so distracted. You were an ER nurse. You do not freeze and you especially don’t lose control here.
She swipes her glasses off her face and takes a seat beside you. “It was not a request. Go get yourself a snack and some water.” She pats your thigh and you stand without a word. You look back over at Dr. Abbot and he was still staring at you. His eyes were filled with concern too.
How could they not be? You were one of his favorite nurses to work with. You were always prompt, eager to learn, and a damn good nurse. What he saw when he caught you staring at him was different. He had never seen you so distant. Your eyes were glossy from tears and he knew what was the cause. He was the attending for that code and he saw the look on your face the moment he called time of death.
He watches you walk quickly towards the hallways that lead into the hospital. For a moment he hesitates on going after you. You probably wanted to be alone right now. Right? He wanted to find out for himself if that was the case.
Jack takes off in the direction you went. He pushes through the doors in a rush to find you. Something deep inside of him told him that you needed someone there with you. He wasn’t sure what he would do if that was false.
You made your way up the staircase to the rooftop. Ahmad had given your badge access after he got tired of you asking him. And besides, he owed you a favor, The sunrise from that rooftop was special to you, in ways you couldn’t quite explain.
The very second you open the doors, the early morning air hits your lungs. In a way the cold is a relief. You did not realize how anxious and warm you felt on the inside and out. The fresh air enters your lungs and you take a deep breath. A weak little sob escapes your body without a single warning. The tears that were threatening to spill earlier came down in a rush. You stumbled over to the rail as the tears fog your vision. Your hands grip on to the cold rail as you bend over slightly to let more sobs out of you.
A pair of hands lands on your back unexpectedly and you jolt from the touch. You lift your head up to see Dr. Abbot. Your hands quickly come off the railing to wipe away the tears that kept falling freely. He backs away to give you space.
“Dr. Abb-“
He cuts in quickly, “I think we have known each other long enough to skip the formalities. Jack please.”
“I’m s-sorry.” You were actually hiccuping from such strong crying. His eyes were so soft. Softer than you had ever seen them. Not to mention they glistened with the city light reflecting off them.
“You do not need to apologize. I came to check on you. I can leave you alone if you would like.” He swallows thickly and prays to God you don’t send him away. Seeing you like this made him want to hold you, desperately.
You back away from him and try to catch your breath from the sobs. Your chest begins to tighten and the breath in your lungs becomes shortened. Were you actually having a panic attack?
“Pl-please stay.” You managed to get out between breaths.
As soon as you said those words he rushes up to you. He grabs ahold of your biceps gently and you lock eyes with him. “Look at me. Listen to the sound of my voice.” His voice was steady and calm. He was that buoy in these rough waters.
“Ever been to the aquarium?” He asks and for a second you were puzzled. You nod in reply.
“Close your eyes for me.” He asks nicely and you listen. Your rapid breaths startled him more than he realized.
“You are walking through an aquarium. The water is that beautiful calming blue. Inside the water is all sorts of fish.” You focus on the sound of his voice and imagine what he is saying. You see the colors and can hear that peaceful quiet.
“You see the colors of the fish and you watch the way they swim through the water. Below them is the rocks and reefs. Occasionally there are more fish coming out behind those rocks.” You felt your limbs start to release the tension they just held. Your breath starts to slow and your heart rate drops back to its normal rhythm.
When you open your eyes and blink a few tears away from your sight, Jack stands in front of you with the calmest expression. He brings the pads of his thumbs up slowly and starts wiping away the tears.
“Thank you.” You whisper.
You find the railing again and lower yourself down to the ground. Your legs still felt like jelly after that little panic attack.
“Is this about the patient we just lost?” He asks and you knew and he knew it was. He just wanted the confirmation.
You quickly nod. He comes beside you and takes a close seat next to you. His shoulder brushes yours. If it wasn’t for the panic attack you had mere minutes ago, him being this close to you would cause you to freak out. You were not going to deny your crush for him. Most of the nursing staff talks about him and his silver fox appearance.
“I have to ask, why this one? I have never seen you this emotionally taxed from a patient death before. Don’t get me wrong, a death is a death. It’s going to hurt all of us in some way. But you? You never get this shaken.” He admits to you.
“Her story was similar to the reason I became a nurse in the first place.” You answer his question.
He sighs at the response and he doesn’t think about his next action. He just does it. Because he knew exactly what you were going through.
His arm swings around your shoulder and he pulls you into him. You welcome the action wholeheartedly. Your head nestles itself on his shoulder and he rests his chin atop of your head. His eyes gloss over with tears, but he would never let them fall. Right now, he knew you needed stability. He was more than happy to be the one to give it to you.
“Do you remember your first?” You ask. He begins to rub your back shoulder in a comforting motion.
He knew what you were implying. His first patient death. The one that really hits home for a health care worker.
“Like it was yesterday.”
“That must have been many moons ago.” Your sense of humor returns and it makes Jack chuckle.
“Hey!” He tries to sound offended, but ends up chuckling more. Hearing you poke fun at him let him know that what he was doing, was helping you.
“How did you get through it?” You question.
His thumb was now tracing shapes on your arm as he still held you closely. “You remember that you did what you could, with what you had. Sometimes it’s never about you and your skills. You tell yourself that you don’t have to get over this. You just have to get through it. So if crying, or taking a drive through the night, or having a beer, or even blasting some sad music is what it takes to get through it, you do it.” His words touch a cold part of your heart that you did not know was in need of that warmth.
You slowly lean your head up and look at him. He stares into your eyes and you watch the way he actually looks at you. As if he sees you, truly you. “Thank you, Jack.”
“You don’t have to thank me.”
“Where did you learn that aquarium talk?” You ask him.
“I occasionally listen to my therapists suggestions.” You laugh at his response.
“It’s been years since I visited.” You admit.
“We should go sometime.” He says nonchalantly. Your body sends a shock wave at that. Your stomach releases butterflies at the idea of seeing Jack outside of the hospital.
“Are you sure about that? I mean, going with me?” You felt yourself going back into your shell. In fear that he may just be joking or probably doing anything to keep you from crying the way you just did in front of him.
“Yeah? Is that a lame thing to do for you kids these days?” He starts to panic internally.
“No. It’s not lame.” You felt your cheeks turning a shade of pink at the idea. “Yeah, let’s go to the aquarium sometime.”
You and Jack sat on the rooftop for a few more minutes before heading back in to finish the shift. Little did you know of what surprises would come next with Dr. Jack Abbot.
vignettes of your relationship with jack abbot told through the five love languages.
word count: 13k+ ~ warnings/tags: 18+ only mdni, canon level description of injuries, lack of medical knowledge lol, nurse!reader, some angst, fluff, reader has a workplace stalker, no use of y/n, fem reader, heated kissing and implied smut, every cliche jack abbot trope crammed in one fic, some emotional hurt/comfort, ever so slight sugar daddy vibes but not really, slow burnish until it’s not !
author’s note: wrote this same concept for bucky and adrian too. can’t control myself, clearly. here’s my version for jack! big shoutout to my girl @fru1t4fr0gs for reading this 87 times for me over the course of the last month xoxoxo <3
✧˖*°࿐⭒.⋆˖࣪⭑
Words of Affirmation
“Where the hell is Jack?”
A fellow nurse you had asked moments ago only shrugged in response, and Dr. Walsh barely looked up from her computer to mumble your guess is as good as mine.
If anyone were to ask why you’re curious of his whereabouts, you would spew some excuse about needing to ask him a question about the patient who got her hand stuck in a garbage disposal.
But that wouldn’t be your true reason for asking. No, Mrs. Sawyer is currently snoring after maxing out her morphine drip, so for the time being, she’s not your concern.
Jack is your concern.
He’s been quiet. Withdrawn. Solemn in the way that he gets sometimes, but tonight it’s worse than you’ve seen before. He isn’t exactly the most chipper person even on his best days, but you picked up on the minute change in his demeanor from the moment he greeted you at the beginning of the shift.
No one else seems to have noticed. If they have, they haven’t pointed it out.
But you’re hyperaware of him in a way that you have no business being. It isn’t your place to take such notice of him, and yet you do. Sometimes you think that your job would be easier if you only paid as much attention to him as you do Shen, or Robby, or Whitaker, or Santos.
Quite literally anyone else.
“He asked me to keep an eye on the patient in bay three and then wandered off,” Shen sighs. “Saw him going in the direction of the west stairwell when I was on my way back from the break room if that helps.”
“West stairwell?” You mumble under your breath. There’s only one reason he would be walking in the direction of the west stairwell that you can think of.
It wouldn’t be the first time he’s gone up to the hospital rooftop to clear his mind, though you can’t say you’ve ever known of him to do so in the middle of the night.
Especially not without his coat when it’s 25 degrees outside.
Call it a hunch. Something in your gut telling you that he isn’t in the staff lounge, or bathroom, or an empty on-call room. The grating voice in the back of your mind is telling you he’s on that damn roof.
“Hey, I’ll be right back,” you call to Shen as you grab the black Columbia off the back of Jack’s desk chair, walking away before Shen can ask where you’re going.
Before you can think of grabbing your cardigan. Before you can think of anything, really. You haven’t the vaguest idea what you’ll say if your suspicion is confirmed when you open the stairwell door and find him on the rooftop, but you don’t let that stop you from putting one foot in front of the other until you reach the top of the stairs with his jacket clutched to your chest.
When you start to open the door, you pause with your hand on the knob. It crosses your mind that it isn’t too late for you to turn back - to walk back down the stairs and hang his coat on his chair and resume your job before he can ever know that you came up here to check on him.
That would be the smart thing to do. Then you wouldn’t risk crossing any professional boundaries or potentially blurring the lines between the level of concern you would show towards any random coworker, and one that makes your brain turn to static anytime you find yourself in his general vicinity.
But then you recall the forlorn look on his face as he typed up discharge papers at his desk when he thought no one was watching. The way he kept rubbing the bridge of his nose like he had a headache that just wouldn’t go away. How he hasn’t cracked one sarcastic comment in the last eight hours.
That pesky, persistent voice in the back of your mind tells you that he would do the same for you, though you doubt her reliability. She’s been known to tell you what you want to hear.
You listen anyway, and open the door.
He doesn’t turn around or glance over his shoulder at the sound of the creaking door - he doesn’t even flinch, and you have to wonder if he heard you at all over the low howl of the wind. You step out into the cold, mentally cursing yourself for not taking the time to grab your cardigan.
You stop when you reach the guardrail. He stands just beyond it, several feet from the ledge of the building with his hands in his scrub pockets. Light from the full moon reflects off his salt and pepper curls and even from here, you can see goosebumps on the skin of his neck.
“Beautiful moon tonight,” you muse. “Pretty sure it would look just as nice from behind the rail, though.”
His shoulders lift with a faint, amused chuckle. “I can’t give Mrs. Sawyer anymore morphine,” he says without turning to look at you.
You huff a laugh, crossing your arms over your chest to attempt to shield yourself from the cold night air as you will your teeth not to chatter. “Mrs. Sawyer is sound asleep. I’m here for you.”
He finally glances over his shoulder, an expression that you can’t quite read on his face. “How’d you know I’d be up here?”
“Just a lucky guess.” You shrug, then duck between the railing to come stand beside him. He glances down, noticing the coat in your arms at the same moment you hold it out to him. “Thought you’d be cold.”
He stares at you for a moment before accepting it, but he doesn’t put it on as you expect him to. Instead, he takes a step in your direction, stopping right in front of you, and drapes the coat around your shoulders.
Your breath catches in your throat.
“You’re shaking like a leaf,” he murmurs. He reluctantly drops his hands back down to his sides, but doesn’t step away from you.
“That does tend to happen when it’s below freezing outside, doctor.”
He looks like he’s fighting the urge to smirk, but then he looks away, back to the full moon and city lights in front of you. He’s silent for a moment and then sighs. “Today is the anniversary of losing my leg.”
You exhale, your breath clouding in front of your lips. He continues to watch the night sky before him as you watch him. His jaw tenses and he seems to try to swallow down whatever he’s feeling. “Oh, Jack,” you murmur. “I’m sorry. I had no idea.”
He never talks about his leg. Never calls any attention to it, if he can help it. Doesn’t let it define him. Hell, you didn’t even learn that he’s an amputee until three months after switching to the night shift, when you walked into the break room to find him adjusting his prosthetic.
This is the same man who didn’t hesitate to use one leg to donate his own blood while actively working on a critically injured patient, while his other is in a prosthetic. Of course he hasn’t mentioned the anniversary of the day he’d lost his leg before.
So for him to confess this to you now…that’s not something you take lightly.
Jack shakes his head, still not meeting your gaze. “Most years, it doesn’t even cross my mind. It’s just another day to me. But tonight, when Mrs. Sawyer wakes up, I have to tell her that she’s going to lose her hand. That it isn’t salvageable. I have to deliver the same news that I received on this same day.”
You glance down at the ground. The news doesn’t come as much of a surprise to you. You had seen Mrs. Sawyer’s mangled hand with your own two eyes when she first arrived earlier tonight. She’d dropped her wedding ring down the disposal, reached in to try to grab it without thinking, and the disposal turned on all its own. A stuck switch, electrical shortage, faulty wiring…who knows. In the blink of an eye, her life is changed by one freak accident.
You don’t know the specifics of how Jack had lost his leg, but you wonder if that’s how he had felt, too, all those years ago.
But you don’t ask. Instead, you grab his hand in yours and give it a tight squeeze. The warmth of his palm against yours offers the smallest reprieve from the cold and his hands are far softer than you would have ever expected, but you force yourself to let go when his gaze snaps back to yours.
“I’m sorry it has to be you,” you murmur. “But for whatever it’s worth…if it were me, I wouldn’t want it to be anyone else.”
He exhales, the cold air turning his breath to fog. His lips part, then press together again like he wants to say something but can’t find his voice. The look on his face says it all, though.
I don’t know if I can do this. Not tonight.
“I mean it,” you implore. “It’s going to suck for you to say and it’s going to suck for her to hear. But she has you, and that’s one thing going right for her tonight. There’s only so many people in this world that can relate to what she’s going through, and she gets to have one of them as her doctor.”
He’s quiet for a moment as your words settle over him. Then, the corners of his mouth turn up ever so slightly. It doesn’t quite reach his eyes, but it’s something. “You know, I think the world of you as a nurse…but if for some reason you ever decide to change career paths, you should consider motivational speaking.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” you snort, your cheeks warming at the compliment. “But until then…” You trail off, contemplating your next words. Not wanting to come on too strong while also needing him to know that you mean what you’re about to say from the bottom of your heart.
“Until then, you don’t have to do it alone. I’ll be there when she wakes up. I’ll stay with you while you tell her. If you want, that is.”
Not just tonight, you almost add. Any night. Every night. If you’ll let me.
“And as much as I appreciate this—” You glance down at his coat that still hugs you, “I’d appreciate you coming back inside with me a lot more. She’ll be waking up soon. She needs you. I need you.”
He huffs out a quiet laugh and nods. “Alright. You win. Let’s go inside before you get hypothermia and I have to fill out an incident report.”
He starts to turn towards the guardrail behind you when he pauses, placing a tentative hand on your waist. It's barely there, a featherlight kind of touch - the kind you probably wouldn’t even feel if you didn’t glance down for visual confirmation.
“Thank you,” he murmurs. “For looking for me.”
You shiver. You tell yourself it’s because of the wind.
“Yeah,” you breathe. “Always.”
✧˖*°࿐⭒.⋆˖࣪⭑
Gift Giving
“What are you doing here?” Cassie muses the second she sees you walk through the emergency department’s doors - just loudly enough to draw the attention of Dana, Santos, Whitaker, and everyone else within twenty feet of the nurse’s station. “You haven’t worked on your birthday once the entire time you’ve been here.”
You glare at her, making a mental note to get her back for that the first chance you get.
She knows exactly why you chose to work tonight - and right now, you’re just relieved that he has yet to arrive for his shift and therefore isn’t here to witness this conversation.
“I didn’t know today’s your birthday,” Santos says, seemingly intrigued by the teasing expression on Cassie’s face and the annoyance on yours.
“It’s not my birthday.”
“It’s not her birthday yet,” Cassie clarifies, glancing down at her watch. “But it will be her birthday in approximately five hours.”
“Jesus,” you sigh, staring up at the screen above you to see what kind of shitshow you have willingly walked into by agreeing to cover a shift for Perlah earlier this week. “I’m a big girl. Sometimes big girls have to work on their birthdays. Perlah needed her shift covered, so here I am.”
You omit the fact that you were more than happy to do so because it meant having an excuse to spend part of your birthday with a certain attending that you knew would be on shift, as per usual on Monday nights/Tuesday mornings.
It’s not as if you had any major birthday plans to begin with. Other than getting dinner with Cassie and Samira tomorrow evening, your only plans include binge-watching and bedrotting. Picking up an extra shift tonight interferes with none of that, but…
You do feel a little silly. You wouldn’t dare ever admit it to Cassie, but she’s right. You don’t normally work on your birthday. Someone else more than likely would have been willing to cover Perlah’s shift. You don’t have to be here right now.
But you want to be. As silly - and maybe even a little bit pathetic - as it may be, you want to be.
Unfortunately for you, by the time the clock strikes midnight and it’s officially your birthday, you’ve barely even had the chance to exchange a handful of words with your entire reason for agreeing to work this shift.
Jack has been in the middle of an emergency splenectomy for the last three hours, and you? Lena assigned you the time-consuming, meticulous task of removing hundreds of bits of gravel from a severe case of road rash.
Isn’t that how everyone dreams of kicking off their birthday?
It succeeded in keeping you occupied for a few hours, at least - even if it is the type of mindless work that allows your thoughts to venture into territory they absolutely fucking shouldn’t when you’re picking tiny rocks out of a bloody crater on someone’s leg.
The feeling of Jack’s fingertips on your waist as he stood mere inches away from you on the rooftop what feels like just yesterday.
Him walking you to your car damn near every morning since even though you’re parked farther from the hospital entrance than he is, and the way he hesitates a little longer to say goodbye each time.
All of the times he has shown up to work with two coffees instead of one, and one just so happens to be your go-to order.
And, most recently, the elevator incident just yesterday - when he had oh so casually asked what your plans for your next day off are.
Friday, you had told him. Your next day off is Friday, and you don’t have any plans other than deep-cleaning your apartment and catching up on laundry. He had leaned back against the elevator wall, looking at you in that way that makes your heart behave erratically.
“That’s too bad,” Jack sighed. “Someone should give you something to actually look forward to on your day off.”
Then the elevator came to a stop, the doors slid open, and he walked out like he hadn’t just made you forget how to string two words together.
It wasn’t until hours later, on the drive home after your shift, that you were able to think of what you should have said instead of staring at him with your mouth agape like a fish out of water.
Oh, yeah? And who is someone?
Is that your professional opinion, or personal one?
Let me know when you think of something that I can actually look forward to, then.
But no. You said none of those things, and then found an excuse to stay for nearly an hour after your shift had technically ended so that you wouldn’t make an even bigger fool out of yourself when he would inevitably offer to walk you to your car.
You replay the interaction over and over again in your head the entire time you’re removing gravel from the wound, but finally, you finish.
You’re pulling the bloody nitrile gloves off of your hands when Jack appears in the doorway, still wearing a scrub cap and looking like he could use a few shots of espresso.
“Hey,” you breathe, unable to stop the smile that blooms across your face as soon as you see him. “How did the splenectomy go?”
“He’s going to be okay,” he exhales, tugging off his cap and revealing tousled salt and pepper curls. “He’s in recovery now.” Then, he glances around, as if making sure no one is paying any mind to either of you. “Do you think you could sneak away for a few?” He asks, voice low. “Meet me in the empty on-call room in about ten minutes?”
Your heart thuds in your chest. He’s smirking, but there’s something in his hazel eyes that makes you think he looks a little nervous.
“Yeah,” you nod without missing a beat. “Yeah, of course. Just let me get him some more pain meds and I’ll be right there.” You nod towards the road rash patient scrolling on his phone behind you. “Is everything okay?”
He takes a step back and winks. “Everything’s just fine, birthday girl.”
And then he turns, walking away and leaving you speechless for the second day in a row.
You haven’t even had a chance to remind him of your birthday tonight. In fact, you don’t recall mentioning your birthday to him at any point recently. A few days ago, you told him that you would be picking up Perlah’s shift tonight, but you hadn’t said a word about it being your birthday.
Did Cassie say something to him? Maybe a playful comment as she was leaving earlier about you deciding to work on your birthday? But even so, why would that result in him asking you to meet him in an empty on-call room?
By the time you give road rash guy a maximum dose of Toradol and blurt out some excuse about needing to use the bathroom as you powerwalk past the nurse’s station, your palms are drenched in sweat and your stomach feels like it’s swinging on a pendulum.
You raise your hand to the knob, hesitate for half a moment - just long enough to recall the lilt in his voice when he practically cooed birthday girl - and then, before you can chicken out, push it open.
The first thing you notice is how dim the small room is. Aside from the pale orange glow of a lamp next to the bed, the room is dark.
But not so dark that you can’t see Jack sitting on the edge of the bed, holding a cupcake in one hand and a pocket lighter in the other.
“I would sing to you, but I don’t want to torture you on your special day.” He ignites the lighter, holding the flame to the singular candle until it catches fire. “Don’t tell Dana,” he murmurs, standing up to walk the few feet to where you stand frozen in shock. “I took her spare lighter from her desk.”
You’re at a loss for words - which is quickly becoming the norm for when you’re near him. The only coherent thought you can manage to formulate is that right now, you’re so grateful that Perlah asked you to cover her shift.
You take a step closer to him now that your brain seems to be remembering to send signals to your limbs to move. “Do you always bring the nurses cupcakes on their birthdays, or is this something new you’re trying out?”
He hums a laugh. “Only my favorites. Now go on,” he encourages gently. “Make a wish.”
You hesitate, pursing your lips as you wait to see if he’s joking.
The look on his face makes it clear that he’s not.
And you’re not about to tell him no, so you close your eyes, lean in closer, and blow out the tiny flame while silently wishing for the only thing you have really wanted since you met him.
He hands you the cupcake as soon as you open your eyes. “I don’t suppose there’s any way I could persuade you to tell me what you wished for?”
You huff a breathless laugh. “I don’t think so. Gotta do everything I can to ensure that it comes true.”
“I didn’t take you to be superstitious.”
You shrug, thinking of your wish. Thinking of what he said to you in the elevator yesterday. Thinking of the way he’s looking at you right this second. “I’m usually not.”
It’s true. You’ve never considered yourself to be superstitious. But you aren’t going to take any chances with this wish.
Jack’s gaze lingers on your face for one impossibly long moment before he glances over his shoulder at the bed behind him. It’s only then that you see something that you had been too distracted to notice when you first entered the room and found him holding the cupcake and lighter.
A small gift bag with white tissue paper sticking out of the opening sits on the bed.
“Jack, you really didn’t have to get—”
“I know I didn’t have to,” he laughs lowly, cutting you off before you can finish protesting. “But I wanted to, so I did.”
The already tiny room suddenly feels infinitely smaller. The cupcake alone was thoughtful enough to have your heart performing cartwheels in your chest. Hell, the fact that he even remembered your birthday without you directly mentioning it to him is enough to make you swoon. But all of this?
You’re so fucked. Entirely and irrevocably fucked.
You don’t remember the last time you felt so nervous to open any gift. Not at any childhood birthday party or family Christmas when dozens of eyes were glued to you.
It’s just Jack. There’s no reason to be nervous, you think to yourself as you place the cupcake on the bedside table and take a seat on the edge of the mattress.
Exactly. It’s Jack. Jack, who went out of his way to …bake you a cupcake? Or stop by a bakery on his way to work and buy you a cupcake? And personally pick out a gift for you? And find you the second that he finished performing an emergency splenectomy so that he could give you the aforementioned cupcake and gift in private?
You will your hands not to tremble as you delicately pull the tissue paper from the bag. Jack takes a seat beside you, and even though you don’t meet his gaze, you can feel his stare locked onto your face as he awaits your reaction.
You peek inside the bag, and you see it. Already unboxed. A stethoscope.
But not just any stethoscope. A really fucking pricey stethoscope.
The tubing is your favorite color and your initial is engraved into the bell in cursive lettering.
“Oh,” you breathe, too stunned to remember any of the other hundreds of thousands of words in the English language.
He clears his throat and gives a tiny shrug that does little to conceal how intently he’s watching you. “I know you’ve been using the same one since you first started working here,” he murmurs as you pull the stethoscope from the bag and hold it in your hands as if it’s made of glass. “This one should last you a while.”
You trace the engraved letter with your fingertip. “It’s beautiful,” you whisper, finally looking up at him. “But this…Jack, this is too much. You shouldn’t have spent this much money.”
“It’s not.” He shakes his head, gently shushing you, soft but firm. “I wouldn’t have spent it if I didn’t have it, but I do.”
He smirks, pausing for a second as he takes the stethoscope from you. He leans in, lifting the tubing over your head and looping it around your neck. His knuckles faintly brush your collarbone as the bell settles just over your heart.
“And maybe, selfishly, I’ll enjoy seeing it around your neck knowing that I put it there.”
You exhale a breathless laugh, your skin ablaze at both his words and the timber of his voice. “I’ll wear it every day, then.” Then, feeling brave, you scoot closer to him, closing the remaining distance between you and him until the side of your leg rests against his. “How’d you know my favorite color, anyway?”
Even in the dim lamp lighting, you can see a hint of pink bloom on his cheeks. He grins, the lines around his eyes crinkling. “Oh, I don’t know. It’s only the color of your water bottle, your phone case, your lunch box…”
You laugh to play off how it makes your heart swell that he noticed any of those things.
“And I might have asked Cassie,” he sighs, shaking his head. “Just to be one hundred percent sure.”
The look on Cassie’s face and her teasing comments when you’d first arrived for your shift earlier tonight suddenly pop into your head.
Of course she had known. Damn her.
At least she can keep a secret.
“It’s perfect,” you hum. “I love it. Thank you.”
“You deserve it. Especially since you’ve gotta be here on your birthday.”
You chuckle nervously, looking down at your hands in your lap to avoid his stare. “Yeah, about that…”
You hesitate before continuing, briefly considering regurgitating the same excuse you had tried to feed everyone else about only working tonight because Perlah needed her shift covered.
It isn’t a lie. But it also isn’t the truth.
The stethoscope hanging around your neck suddenly feels like it weighs fifty pounds. It serves as tangible proof that you don’t need to hold back, that he cares about you as much as you do him. That he isn’t going to make you feel silly. That, for whatever reason, he wants to be near you as much as you want to be near him.
“I was happy to say yes when Perlah asked me to cover her shift. I wanted to be here on my birthday. Well…wanted to be with you on my birthday,” you quickly amend.
Jack places his hand over yours with a heartfelt laugh. “I wish you had told me. I would have rearranged my shifts so I’d be off tonight,” he sighs. “I’ll remember that next year. But in the meantime…”
Next year. The words seem to ping pong around in your brain. You glance up at him to find he’s already looking at you.
“You said that your next day off is Friday?”
He’s so close that it’s dizzying. All you can manage is a small nod of confirmation.
“Here’s what I propose, then,” he starts, his thumb rubbing slow circles over the top of your hand, “Friday evening, you let me give you a birthday redo. Unless you’re too committed to catching up on your laundry, that is.”
The words you hadn’t said aloud when you made your wish just moments ago echo through your mind.
“I’m off on Saturday as well,” you hum. “I’m sure the world will keep spinning if I put it off for one more day.”
“Then it’s settled,” he says simply. “Friday night. Birthday redo. You and me.”
“Don’t you…always work on Friday nights?” You ask hesitantly. Every part of you wants to say yes, yes, yes, duh, of course - but in the entire time you’ve worked with Jack Abbot, you’ve never known him to be off on Friday nights.
Something about weekend shifts being more exciting than weekday shifts.
He huffs a quiet laugh that you feel the soft vibration of from where his hand rests atop yours and your thigh brushes against his.
“That’s not for you to worry about,” he murmurs. “Just get through these next few shifts and I’ll take care of the rest.”
✧˖*°࿐⭒.⋆˖࣪⭑
Acts of Service
The following seventy-two hours drag.
You would think that twelve hour shifts would make the days go by quickly, but no. Not when your first official date with Jack awaits you at the end of the week, occupying your every waking thought at work, at home, and in your fucking sleep.
It certainly doesn’t help that Jack refuses to tell you what he has planned for said date. You’ve asked, but every time you do, he just smirks and says he doesn’t want to ruin the surprise.
Anticipation alone, you could probably handle. But anticipation and curiosity? You’ve been slowly losing your mind since Tuesday night.
Now, finally, it is officially Friday. It’s just after midnight, which means you just have to finish the remainder of this shift, go home and get some sleep, and when you wake up it’ll be time to get ready for your date with—
“Your admirer is back.”
Your fingers freeze over the keyboard as you’re working on charting for a patient who came in complaining of urinary pain. You glance up to see Lena looking down at you with what can be best described as an amused grimace.
She steps aside, giving you enough space to look over your shoulder to where an annoyingly familiar face is grinning at you from the bed in bay two.
“Jesus,” you sigh, turning back to your computer screen. “This is his third visit this month. What kind of insane health insurance does he have?” You grumble, more to yourself than Lena.
“Small laceration to the left palm,” Lena explains. “Says he cut it cleaning up glass from a broken liquor bottle. Judging by the way he smells, I’d say he’s telling the truth.”
Now it’s your turn to grimace. Trey - your admirer, as Lena had referred to him - has a habit of stumbling into the ER late at night after drinking too much and sustaining minor injuries that hardly justify a trip to the emergency room.
And every time, he asks for you.
He uses the same pick-up lines every time, stares a little too much, and reeks of whatever alcohol he’s been drinking that night, but he’s always been harmless enough.
This isn’t your first day on the job. You’ve had your fair share of Treys throughout your years working in the emergency department.
“It’s small and shallow,” she continues. “Doesn’t need stitches. Should be fine with some steri-strips, but I can ask Mateo to do it if you don’t wanna deal with him.”
“Mateo has his hands full with the lady with the dog bite that came in about ten minutes ago,” you sigh resignedly, pushing your chair back to stand up. “I’ll just get it over with. If I don’t, he’ll find some other way to fuck himself up enough to come right back here.”
You glance down at your watch. 12:36 am. Just six hours and twenty-four minutes left in this shift.
“Hey, gorgeous,” Trey greets you with slurred words and a shit-eating grin as soon as he sees you approaching his bedside. “I had a feeling you’d be here tonight.”
“This is my full time job,” you quip, not caring enough to try to conceal the annoyance from your voice or facial expression. Even from several feet away, you can smell the stout stench of liquor on him. “So, what is it now, Trey? Lena said something about you getting cut when you tried to clean up glass from a broken bottle?”
“Yeah,” he laughs, drawing out the word. “Clumsy me, right? Total accident.”
“Right,” you deadpan, sliding your hands into nitrile gloves. “Well, let me take a look.”
You take his hand as firmly as you can without technically being rough and turn his palm upwards. It’s exactly as Lena had described - short, shallow, already clotting well - and definitely not worth a trip to the fucking ER. He winces anyway, milking it.
“Ow,” he drawls. “Be careful with me, sweetheart.”
You ignore that, because you’ve become a professional at ignoring Trey and other men like him. You lean in slightly, inspecting the wound for any shards of glass.
“Okay,” you say, all business. “I don’t see any glass, so that’s good. I’m just going to clean it and then close it with steri-strips.”
“Whatever you want. I like when you take charge.” His breath wafts into your face in a thick cloud of cheap vodka and something soured - judging by the mystery stain on the neckline of his t-shirt, you wouldn’t be surprised if it were the stench of his own vomit. You purse your lips in a straight line to keep from making the face you really want to make.
You ignore that comment, too. You reach for the saline, starting to irrigate the laceration. He hisses dramatically.
“Oh, come on,” you mutter. You know you aren’t being professional, but you can’t find it in you to really care. “I’ve had cat scratches worse than this.”
“You could kiss it better,” he slurs, head lolling slightly in a poor attempt at a flirtatious grin.
“Not happening.”
You keep your eyes on the cut as you blot it dry, mentally counting down the minutes until you’re away from him. Mentally counting down the minutes your shift is over and you can go home and crawl into your cozy bed and sleep for hours, and then wake up and take a hot shower and put on something cute for Jack. The only issue with that is you don’t know what you should wear, because you don’t know where you’ll be going or what you’ll be doing—
A flash of silvery curls in your peripheral vision catches your attention. You glance over your shoulder and see Jack standing at the nurse’s station, leaning forward on his elbows, his expression unreadable as he watches you work. He must’ve just come out of trauma, or maybe he’s waiting on lab results; but either way, at this moment, he’s focused on you.
Warmth blooms on your cheeks.
“So…” Trey says, his voice dropping low. “What time do you get off?”
“Not soon enough,” you grumble under your breath, applying the first steri-strip.
“Maybe I could swing by your place later,” he continues, completely ignoring your uninterested, bored tone. “Y’know…hang out. You live at—” He pauses, face scrunching together as he tries to piece the thought together, “—at Carriage Park Apartments, right? In South Hills? You’re…what is it…unit 3B?”
Your blood goes cold and your hands stop moving.
“How the fuck do you know that?” You ask sharply, yanking your hands away from his.
Trey just grins. “Lucky guess, baby.”
It’s not a lucky guess. It’s spot on down to the exact unit.
Instinctively, you take a step back, but he immediately reaches toward you, clumsy but quick, grabbing the tubing of your new stethoscope where it’s draped across your chest.
“Hey—” You jerk backwards, but he doesn’t let you, inspecting the engraved initial on the bell of the stethoscope.
“This is nice,” he slurs. “You always wear this one? Or is it new? I saw on your friend Cassie’s Facebook page that it was your birthday the other day. Maybe it was a gift—”
“Let go,” you snap, trying to keep your voice even. You don’t want to draw the attention of any other patients, but you can literally feel your pulse spiking, hot bile churning in your gut—
But Trey doesn’t let go. His grip only tightens, and at that exact moment, Jack moves.
One second he’s watching like a hawk from the nurse’s station, and the next, he’s at your side, stepping in so quickly and decisively that you barely have time to register what’s happening. His hand clamps around Trey’s wrist - not hard enough to seriously injure him, but with enough strength that Trey’s face contorts in discomfort and he attempts to pull away.
“I suggest you take your hand off of her,” Jack’s voice is low but lethal.
Trey’s glassy eyes blink rapidly up at Jack. “Hey - hey, man,” he stammers. “I wasn’t - I wasn’t doing anything. Just talking to her and - and looking at her—”
“She told you to let go.”
You stand frozen as the interaction unfolds in front of you, your heart feeling as if it’s going to beat right out of your chest and onto the hospital floor.
“I was just joking around.” He says the words so quickly that they all run together. “You don’t gotta - hey, seriously, it’s fine. I’ll go—”
“Dr. Abbot, we’ll handle it from here.”
You vaguely register a security guard’s voice cut through the tension. Two officers appear at the entrance to the bay. You aren’t sure who even called them - knowing Lena, she probably had them on stand by when Trey stumbled in here drunk as a skunk and smelling like one, too.
Jack reluctantly releases Trey’s wrist. The moment he does, his hand finds your shoulder and he begins to guide you backwards, away from the bed and out of Trey’s reach.
“What’s going on here?” One of the guards - a new guy who you’ve never spoken to before - asks no one in particular.
Trey slumps back against the pillows, suddenly appearing very small. “I didn’t fuckin’ do anything,” he mutters, but even he doesn’t sound convinced.
The guards look to you and Jack for a legitimate explanation, which Jack quickly provides. “He grabbed her. She told him to let go, and he didn’t.”
The guard nods. “We’ll take care of it.”
Jack doesn’t wait for the rest. He already has his hand at the small of your back, steering you away from the bay and down a hallway until he reaches an empty consult room.
You don’t even realize just how hard your heart is still pounding until the door clicks shut.
Jack takes a step towards you, but doesn’t crowd you. He raises his hands like he’s going to touch you but stops himself, hands flexing awkwardly in front of him before dropping them back down to his sides.
“Are you okay?” He asks softly, his eyes searching for any obvious signs of physical or emotional distress.
You can’t think clearly enough to answer him right away. Instead, you turn away from him and walk the short distance to the loveseat in the corner of the small room. You take a deep breath in and then exhale, wringing your hands together as you normally do when you’re particularly anxious.
“He won’t be back here,” Jack assures you, watching you carefully from where he stands a few feet away. “Not if I have any say in it. He can risk bleeding out while driving to UPMC Mercy or Presbyterian for all I care—”
“He knows where I live,” you say quietly - barely a whisper, but it shuts him up.
“What?” He asks, though his tone of voice indicates he heard you perfectly fine. “He knows where you live? You’re sure?”
You nod, a fresh wave of nausea washing over you as you recall the satisfied smirk on his face when Trey witnessed your reaction to learning he knows your address.
“Positive.” You grimace. “I don’t know if he has followed me home from work before or what, but he knows where I live. Exact apartment number and all.”
Jack doesn’t say anything for a moment. He rakes a hand down his face, perhaps as stunned by this as you initially were. Your thoughts are reeling, thinking of all of the safety measures you’re going to need to take. You already have a doorbell camera, but you should set up some security cameras inside your apartment, too. An extra front door lock and additional window locks, for sure. A restraining order certainly isn’t a bad idea. There may be a way to terminate your lease early if stalking and harassment are involved - you aren’t really sure. You’ve never fucking been stalked before.
“Okay,” he sighs, sitting down next to you and interrupting your trainwreck of thoughts. “You can’t go back there. Not alone, anyway. After work, you can come back to my place. You can stay as long as you need. As long as you want. We’ll both go to your apartment and get some of your things—”
“Jack, don’t be ridiculous,” you say with a humorless laugh, turning to face him. There’s no hint of uncertainty on his face. You know he means every word he says, but you can’t just take up temporary residence in his home - as tempting as that may sound to you, the last thing you want is to be such an inconvenience before you’ve even gone on one date with the man.
“I can’t - won’t ask that of you. I can get a hotel room for the time being, until I figure out the terms of my lease. Hell, I could stay in an on-call room here for a few nights and I’d be perfectly safe. I know Whitaker did that at one point—”
Jack laughs. Not a humorless, half-hearted chuckle, but full, deep belly laugh. “Honey, you don’t know me if you think I’m going to have you sleeping on a cot in an on-call room or at a hotel where that fucker could follow you just as easily as your apartment.”
He shifts slightly on the loveseat, angling his body toward you. “You staying with me isn’t ridiculous,” he says, quieter. No longer laughing, but his expression is still soft. “It’s safe. And you’re not asking anything of me. I’m offering.”
You drop your gaze down to your hands in your lap. “I’d just…feel bad. I don’t want to intrude. We haven’t even gone on one date yet.”
He shakes his head. “That’s not the point. I don’t care if we’ve been on zero dates or a hundred. A drunk asshole grabbing you and telling you he knows where you live isn’t something that you sleep off in an on-call room.”
You swallow hard. “I don’t want to be a burden,” you murmur.
Don’t want to be a burden, but don’t want to stay anywhere else, either.
You can’t deny it, even to yourself. The second that Jack intervened, you felt safe. Sitting here beside him right now, you’re surprisingly calm given what just transpired. And the thought of going home with him, rather than sleeping in an on-call room or the first hotel you can find? Rather than going back to your apartment where Trey could be waiting for you after your shift? The thought of that brings you more comfort than you’re willing to admit.
His eyebrows lift in disbelief. “A burden?” He leans forward, forearms resting on his knees and his face just inches from yours. “Sweetheart, making sure that you’re safe doesn’t burden me. It matters to me.”
Sweetheart. When Trey had called you the petname, it made your skin crawl. But hearing it from Jack…it’s a term of endearment. Instead of making your skin crawl, it makes your stomach flutter with an entire kaleidoscope of butterflies.
It’s that very feeling that gives you the gentle push you need to say yes.
✧˖*°࿐⭒.⋆˖࣪⭑
Jack and Lena each ask upwards of a dozen times if you’re sure that you’re alright to work the remainder of your shift.
Lena tries to insist that you take an extra long break and eat something. Jack offers to leave work long enough to drive you back to his place so that you can decompress in peace, but you refuse. You don’t have an appetite, and you don’t really want to be alone. You’re sure you would be completely safe at Jack’s, but you don’t want to be left alone with your thoughts. You just want to finish out the last few hours of your shift.
The best thing for you right now is to keep yourself busy, so that’s what you do. You take five minutes to freshen up in the employee bathroom, make yourself a coffee, and get back to it.
That is until the police show up and you, Jack, Lena, and the security guards all have to give statements as to what happened with Trey. You explain his multiple ER visits over the last month alone, how he always asks for you by name, and everything he said and did tonight. They take your statement, and ask if you want to press charges for stalking and harassment - to which you say yes, even though part of you is terrified of how Trey could react once he learns of this. You know it’s the right thing to do.
By the time it’s all said and done and seven o’clock rolls around, it feels like one of the longest shifts of your entire career and you’re beyond relieved for it to be over. So relieved, in fact, that you don’t even feel nervous about going to Jack’s condo until you’re literally walking through his front door.
You hadn’t let yourself dwell on it too much as he drove you to your apartment to collect some of your things. You swore that you were fine to drive your own vehicle and let him follow you, but he had insisted on driving you himself, and you were too tired to put up much of a fight.
As quickly as possible, you threw essentials into a duffel bag while Jack waited patiently in your living room. Hair care products, body wash, toothbrush and toothpaste, a few changes of clothes. Skincare and makeup essentials, perfume, and something cute to wear tonight - you do still have a date this evening, after all.
You were in and out in less than ten minutes.
Jack carries your bag up to his condo for you.
To no surprise, it’s significantly nicer than your apartment. Although you make decent money as an emergency department nightshift nurse, Pittsburgh rent prices are astronomical and you live alone, so you took the first apartment you could find that wasn’t going to completely break the bank every month.
You don’t even want to think about how much this place costs.
It’s damn near exactly how you had envisioned his home to be. There’s very little decor, but there’s still touches of him throughout the space. The large windows have thick blackout curtains - a telltale sign that someone who works at night and sleeps during the day lives here. The espresso machine that he’d been bragging about just last week sits on his kitchen counter. His coffee table is littered with random medical journals and books. It’s the perfect balance of clean and simple yet lived-in and domestic.
“Make yourself at home,” Jack murmurs, placing your duffel bag on the large sectional couch that you’re hovering beside awkwardly. Your heart skips a beat at the word home.
That’s just a thing people say. Make yourself at home - make yourself comfortable. He’s not being literal.
“Tell me what you need,” he says, voice low and warm. “Food? Sleep? A shower? I can make you coffee, breakfast, whatever you want. I don’t normally go to sleep until a few hours after I get home.”
Your stomach all but vibrates at the offer of food. You didn’t eat anything your entire shift. After Trey happened, the thought of eating was entirely unappealing. But now that some time has passed, and you’re away from the hospital, the hunger pains in your belly are becoming hard to ignore.
“At the risk of sounding needy…” You start with a breathy laugh. “All three of those things sound incredible right now.”
Shower, food, sleep. Preferably in that order.
“I’ll make us something to eat while you take a shower,” Jack hums, as if reading your mind. Your stomach does that erupts into hundreds of butterflies thing again that cannot be blamed solely on hunger. He takes a step towards you, placing a light, tentative hand on your waist. “How does that sound?”
It’s a simple question but it makes you lightheaded. You aren’t used to this - having someone take care of you in such mundane ways. Driving you around. Carrying your bag for you. Making you food. Getting you thoughtful, personalized gifts.
Part of you wonders if you’re even deserving of it. Any of it. Especially coming from him. But Jack’s a smart man. Rational. Self-assured. The kind of man who knows what he wants and doesn’t settle for less than that. And though you may not fully understand why…you’re the person standing in front of him with his hand on your waist right now.
You give a small nod. “That sounds good. Thank you.” You smile up at him. Then, remembering you don’t actually know your way around this place, you ask, “Where’s the guest room? I’ll take my bag in there.”
He sucks in air through his teeth. “About that…” He trails off with a shy laugh. “My guest room is currently functioning as a storage unit. You’ll be staying in my room. I’ll take the couch.”
“What?” You exclaim, eyes going wide. “No way. I’m not kicking you out of your bed in your own home, Jack.” You look at the giant sectional beside you. “There’s more than enough room for me on the couch. Get me a pillow and a blanket and I’ll be fine.”
“No way,” he snorts. Then, his other hand finds your waist, too. His chest is just inches from yours and you catch a whiff of something musky. You can’t argue back because you’re too busy remembering how to breathe. “Not happening. I end up falling asleep on the couch more than half the time, anyway. You aren’t kicking me out of anywhere.”
“But—”
“But nothing,” he interjects, gentle but firm enough to make you close your mouth. “You’re my guest. You’re sleeping in my bed. That’s final.”
Maybe it’s his tone of voice, or maybe it’s the look on his face - his words hit you straight in your core. You’re grateful that he can’t feel your skin through the material of your scrubs, because as soon as the words you’re and sleeping and in my bed left his lips, goosebumps bloomed across your flesh.
You dig your teeth into your bottom lip in an attempt to keep your composure. “You need to be careful,” you exhale, grabbing your duffel bag off of the couch. “You’re going to spoil me rotten.”
He smirks, turning to take you to where you’ll be sleeping. “Would that really be such a bad thing?”
✧˖*°࿐⭒.⋆˖࣪⭑
Physical Touch
As if you needed anything else to add to the ever growing list of reasons that you believe Jack Abbot might be too good to be true, he also makes a killer breakfast sandwich.
You’re not ashamed to admit that you took your sweet time in his walk-in, fancy-pants shower, scrubbing every microscopic trace of hospital off of your skin and letting hot water soothe the aching muscles of your back before rejoining Jack in the kitchen.
When you do, bare-faced and donning the first clean pair of sweatpants and t-shirt you could find during your brief trip to your apartment, Jack is already plating up breakfast for you.
You aren’t even really sure what you had been expecting - cereal, maybe? A protein shake? Instant oatmeal? You were so hungry that you hadn’t been very worried about what, but you were still pleasantly surprised when you entered the kitchen to see what he had managed to put together while you were in the shower.
Bacon, fried egg, Gouda cheese, and avocado slices all piled high on a bagel with hash browns on the side.
He watches in anticipation as you take your first bite. Your eyes flutter shut and he lets out a soft laugh.
“Good?” He slides a cup of coffee across the kitchen island to you (decaf, he said, because he knows you’ll be going to sleep soon).
“That’s an understatement,” you mumble around a mouthful of bagel. “Divine.”
You can’t help but think he looks pleased with himself.
He stands directly across from you, eating his own breakfast that mirrors yours. You’re so hungry, and it’s so delicious, that you barely say a word until you take the very last bite. The silence between you isn’t uncomfortable. It feels natural, easy. Like you’ve sat on this very barstool eating breakfast with him after long shifts dozens of times before.
When you’re both finished, you offer to clean up - which earns you an incredulous look, like he can’t tell if you’re joking or not.
“It’s just a few dishes,” Jack snorts, walking around to where you’re sitting. “I think I can handle it.” He leans with his back against the counter, standing right beside you. “You should go lay down. Get some rest. We’ve got plans tonight, remember?”
“Of course I remember,” you laugh. “Although, I still don’t know what said plans are…” You trail off, looking up at him with raised brows and pursed lips, a silent plea for him to finally tell you what tonight’s agenda is.
He laughs, the lines around his eyes crinkling in the way that always makes you feel fuzzy inside.
“And you’ve been so patient.” He shakes his head and grins down at you. “You’ve made it this far. Why would I ruin the surprise now?”
You suppose he’s right. If you’ve made it all week without knowing, you can wait another eight…ten…twelve hours.
Jack walks you to his bedroom door even though you already know the way. He pauses just at the doorway, one hand braced lightly against the frame like he’s debating whether to stay or go. You hesitate too, your fingers grazing the doorknob but not yet opening it.
“Get some rest,” he murmurs. “And if you need anything - anything at all - I’ll be right in the living room. Just say the word.”
For a split-second, you swear he’s leaning in. Just enough to make your heart stutter and breath catch in your throat at the thought of his lips landing on your temple, your cheek, your mouth.
But then the moment passes. He pulls back instead, offering a gentle, almost apologetic smile. “Sleep well,” he whispers.
All you can manage is a small nod before you open the door and slip inside, closing the door behind you. You hold your breath until you hear his footsteps begin to retreat down the hallway. When the soft thuds fade to silence, you release a shaky exhale.
How the hell are you supposed to fall asleep after that?
The answer to that is you don’t.
Though Jack’s bed is plenty comfortable, you toss and turn for well over half an hour and still find yourself wide awake. You’ve been awake for sixteen plus hours at this point. Those sixteen hours have included working a twelve hour shift, learning that you have a stalker and getting harassed at your place of work, and answering dozens of questions from the police - you should have crashed the second your body hit the soft cotton sheets.
But you find that fucking impossible when his pillow smells so much like him.
You can’t stop yourself from inhaling the light, clean scent of whatever detergent he uses mixed with a faint essence of him - something earthy and masculine like aftershave or remnants of his cologne.
It makes the pitch black room feel like it’s spinning around you, the last words he’d said to you echo in your mind.
If you need anything at all, I’ll be right in the living room. Just say the word.
You can admit that it’s more of a want than a need, but he did say anything.
Before you can overthink what you’re about to do, before you can chicken out, you swing your legs over the side of the bed and stand. Then, putting one foot in front of the other, you ease down the hallway as quietly as you can in case he’s already asleep.
He’s not.
Jack’s profile is illuminated by the glow of the television in the otherwise dark room. He’s changed out of his scrubs, wearing sweatpants and a t-shirt that mirrors your own attire. His prosthetic is now detached, resting on the floor beside the couch.
“Hey.” He sits up a bit straighter, curiosity and concern etched across his features and in his voice when he notices you stop near the edge of the hallway. “Is everything okay?”
You just nod, and give him a small smile. You can’t bring yourself to speak for fear that you won’t recognize your own voice. You take a few slow steps towards the couch and he glances down to where you twist your hands nervously in front of you. His brows furrow in worry, though his hazel eyes can’t conceal his curiosity.
“C’mere,” he murmurs, patting the empty space right next to him.
But instead of sitting beside him, you stop directly in front of where he’s lounging. His eyes trail upwards, confusion merging into something akin to amusement when you lift one knee onto the couch, and then the other, hovering just over his lap. Your palms land lightly on his shoulders for balance, not yet putting all of your weight against his thighs.
He goes completely still the moment you settle over him, as if the slightest movement from him might send you running back down the hallway. His hands hover at your hips but don’t quite touch. You pause for a heartbeat, giving him the opportunity to stop you if he wants.
But he doesn’t. His normally hazel hues stare up at you, pupils blown so wide that his orbs appear onyx.
That’s all the confirmation you need to close the distance between you.
You lean forward slowly, your nose brushing against his. Your lips ghost over his in the barest tease of a touch that makes wildfire bloom across your neck and down your spine. The anticipation feels like electricity, your pulse thundering in your ears. You can feel his breath fan across your lips, shaky and uneven.
The initial press of your lips against his is feather soft, though his response is anything but. Something between a sigh and groan escapes the back of his throat, kissing you back with a tenderness that makes you melt into him. His hands finally settle against your waist, fingertips gripping the fabric of your t-shirt. Your hands trail from the broad planes of his shoulders to the nape of his neck, tips of your fingers intertwining in the short tufts of silvery curls.
His lips collide with yours in slow yet fervent kisses that could easily get you drunk off him. The faint stubble along his jaw tickles your skin in a way that makes you feel delirious. You think that you would be content to sit here and kiss him all day long, but you also don’t want to seem too eager.
Even if you are.
When you pull back, your lips tingle. Jack follows the movement for a fraction of a second, as if he can’t stop himself from trying to kiss you more. Your forehead rests against his and you exhale a shaky laugh.
“I tried to sleep,” you breathe, voice unsteady. “I really did. But your pillow smells like you and it was driving me fucking crazy.”
Even with only the light pouring from the television, you can tell that he’s blushing. His hands run up and down your sides. “I take it that’s a good thing,” he laughs, voice low.
“Mm-hmm,” you hum. “Indeed. You smell even better up close, though.” You close the distance between you once more. This time it’s the ghost of a kiss, your lips faintly brushing over his just enough to tease.
He peppers light kisses along your jawline. “Is that right?” The words are murmured against the skin of your throat.
Your eyes flutter shut and his name tumbles from your lips.
“Yeah, honey?”
You cup his face in your hands and pull back to look down at him. “Come to bed with me.” It’s intended to be a question, a request - but it comes out more of a breathless command.
His fingertips freeze along your spine. He looks up at you, hesitant. “You sure that’s what you want?”
You nod, the pad of your thumb brushing along his cheekbone. Another small peck to the tip of his nose this time. “I’m sure.”
He seems to search your face for signs of uncertainty. When he doesn’t find any, he exhales a laugh through his nose. “As much as I wish I could sweep you into my arms and carry you down the hallway…” He trails off, wiggling his leg beneath you. “I’m the one who needs a little assistance getting there.”
You follow his gaze to where his prosthetic sits a few feet away. It’s then that you notice a pair of crutches propped against the recliner, undoubtedly for getting around his place when he doesn’t feel like wearing the prosthetic. You ease off of his lap, standing up to retrieve the crutches for him. He pushes himself off the couch as you hand them off to him.
Once he’s balanced, he nods towards the hallway with a small smirk. “Lead the way.”
You do, walking slow enough that he can keep pace with you. Your heart thuds against your ribcage with each step you take, but it’s due to excitement rather than nerves.
Excitement at the prospect of simply listening to his heartbeat and inhaling the scent of his t-shirt as you both drift off to sleep.
Twelve hours ago, you never would have predicted that this would be happening right now. That you’d be in Jack’s condo. That you would shower in his bathroom while he makes you breakfast. That you would sit on his lap and kiss him and crawl into bed together.
It feels surreal. Like you’re dreaming and fully expect to wake up in your own bed at any moment.
When you reach the edge of the bed, you pull the covers back and lie down, scooting towards the middle of the large mattress so there’s plenty of space for Jack to crawl in next to you. He leans the crutches so that they’re within reach of the bed and then lowers himself onto the mattress with practiced ease.
He lies flat on his back, the mattress dipping beneath him. His arm extends outwards in a wordless gesture that opens the space closest to him for you.
“C’mere,” he coaxes, and just like when he’d said that to you minutes ago in the living room, you do. You slip into the space under his arm, tucking yourself into the solid warmth that is his chest. Your cheek settles just over his heart and his arms curl around you, cocooning you against him.
It’s too easy to melt into the embrace that is so new yet already feels so familiar.
You’re both asleep within minutes.
✧˖*°࿐⭒.⋆˖࣪⭑
Quality Time
“All I’m saying is that it would be a lot easier for me to pick an outfit if I know where we’re going.”
Jack’s chest vibrates with laughter against your cheek.
You aren’t sure what time it is. All you know is that you woke up in the exact same spot that you had fallen asleep - in his arms. That, and you feel incredibly well rested.
“How many outfits did you bring with you?” He asks, lips pressed against your temple and voice still raspy with sleep. It’s a sound you could very quickly get used to hearing when you wake up, you think.
“Three.” You lift your shoulder in a small shrug. “Option one is casual. Two is semi-formal. And three is a little bit fancier than two.”
You did the best you could on such short notice and with no knowledge of what tonight’s plans entail.
He hums in contemplation, running a hand up and down the expanse of your arm. “Do you trust me?”
You shift enough to look up at him. He’s smirking down at you. “Of course I trust you.” You roll your eyes. It’s true. You do. Though you can’t say you aren’t suspicious of where he’s going with this.
“How about you show me options two and three and I’ll tell you which I think is the better choice? That way you don’t have to guess what you should wear and you still get to be surprised?”
So that’s exactly what you do.
An hour later, you’re wearing option number two in the passenger seat of his truck. Semi-formal. On the nicer side, but nothing crazy fancy - though you would think it’s the nicest thing Jack’s ever seen by how he’s complimented you no less than a dozen times since you first walked out of the bedroom wearing it.
Just before sunset, he pulls into the parking lot of a cute Italian bistro that you’ve never heard of in a quiet part of town. Osteria del Cuore reads the sign - Tavern of the Heart.
“Ever been here before?” Jack asks, curious lilt to his tone.
“No.” You shake your head. “I haven’t. Have you?” You glance over to him in the driver’s seat to find him already smirking at you with a twinkle in his eyes.
“I have not. No one has, actually.”
You give him a confused look, but before you can question him, he’s opening his truck door and hopping out to walk to the passenger side. Ever the gentleman, he opens your door for you and offers you his hand.
“And that’s because we are the first customers,” he continues when you place your hand in his as you step down.
“First?”
“That’s right. They don’t officially open until tomorrow night, but I called in a small favor.” He opens the front door for you and waits for you to step inside.
Your eyes scan the room. There’s maybe a dozen or so tables in total. Sconces line the brick walls and strings of fairy lights twine around ceiling beams, illuminating the space in a muted amber glow. Each table is adorned with tiny flower bouquets and flickering candles inside glass holders. Bundles of dried herbs hang above an open kitchen window - rosemary, bay, thyme - filling the air with a faint earthy scent in addition to the aroma of fresh baked bread.
It’s warm. Cozy. Homey. Perfect for a first date - but all you can think about is the fact that Jack was not kidding when he said that you’re the first customers. There’s no other patrons to be seen anywhere.
A young woman, presumably the hostess, appears from around the small bar and welcomes you both.
“Dr. Abbot.” She smiles, greeting him by name. “Mr. Moretti is so glad you two could join us tonight. Come with me and I’ll show you to your table.”
Jack motions as if to say after you. You follow her, expecting her to take you to one of the smaller booths for two, but she walks right past them. And then right past all of the tables for larger parties, as well. You glance at Jack in curiosity, but he only places a hand on your lower back in response, giving nothing away.
She leads you both past the bar and down a small hallway, then opens an unmarked door without looking back. You aren’t sure if Jack even knows where she’s taking you, but he makes no objections, so you keep quiet, following her up a short stairwell.
You aren’t entirely sure what you’re expecting - another dining room, maybe. But what you aren’t expecting is the breeze of cool evening air when she opens a door at the top of the stairs.
If you thought the inside was lovely, then the rooftop is something straight out of a fairytale.
It feels like stepping into a secret garden above the city. Like inside, string lights zigzag overhead and candles twinkle on every flat surface. There’s an abundance of lush planters and flowering vines, their leaves rustling in the light breeze. Several tall, outdoor style heaters line the perimeter of the tables, radiating enough warmth to ward off the chilly night air.
In the center of it all, there’s only one table set tonight.
One round, intimate table draped in ivory linen and graced with a small glowing lantern, a mason jar of wildflowers, and two empty wine glasses.
“This is what you consider to be a small favor?” You laugh breathily as he pulls your chair out for you. The hostess places menus on the table before wordlessly departing, leaving the two of you alone momentarily. “A private rooftop dinner at a restaurant that isn’t technically open yet?”
Jack takes his own seat with a small shrug, though there’s a pleased look on his face at the awestruck expression on yours. “I treated the owner’s wife a few months ago. She’d been experiencing on and off again leg pain that her primary care doctor had dismissed as a strained muscle. They came into the ER one night, begging to be taken seriously because she knew something was wrong. Long story short, she wasn’t being dramatic. An ultrasound showed the beginning of a DVT. We got her treated before it turned into anything life threatening.”
Mrs. Moretti - you vaguely recall overhearing Jack tell Robby about the case.
“Her husband was so grateful.” Jack shakes his head with a soft smile. “He told me all about this restaurant that they were in the process of opening - insisted that he owes me a favor and gave me his business card. He made me promise to come by for a free meal as soon as they opened. Which isn’t until tomorrow, but…” He trails off, taking in the scenery around you.
“I suppose saving people’s lives does have its perks sometimes,” you tease, nudging his calf with your foot beneath the table.
A faint dusting of pink appears along his cheekbones. “I wasn’t planning on ever cashing in on that favor, but I drove by here a few days ago and saw the grand opening sign…” Another small shrug, and you can’t help but giggle at how bashful he seems right now. “I’m going to insist on paying for the food, of course. Them letting us have the place to ourselves the day before opening is already more than enough.”
Your entire body is buzzing at the revelation. At all of it - at the thought he put into planning this, at the ambiance, at the romance of it all.
It’s perfect. Absolutely perfect. And so much fucking better than spending your Friday night alone doing your laundry.
“I don’t even know what to say,” you breathe, reaching across the table to take his hand in yours, giving it a gentle squeeze. “No one has ever done anything like this for me.”
Not just this, you think. Everything he’s done for you, big and small. The engraved stethoscope he got you for your birthday, and the coffees that he always brings to work for you without asking. Defending you from a creepy jackass and then inviting you into his home without a second thought. Cooking you breakfast, caring for you, making you feel more safe and loved than anyone else has ever made you feel.
“You don’t have to say anything,” he murmurs. “I just thought it might be nice to be on a rooftop together again. Only under much happier circumstances this time.”
The memory replays in your mind instantaneously - the hospital rooftop, much different than the one you’re on right now. It wasn’t all that long ago, in the grand scheme of things, even if it does feel like a lifetime ago.
Like that night on the hospital rooftop, the moon above you now is also bright and full. And like that night, there’s no one else you’d rather be with.
But now, when Jack smiles, it reaches his eyes. And now, as you hold his hand in yours, it isn’t to console him because he’s having a hard night. It’s simply because you can - simply because you want to hold his hand.
Yes, much happier circumstances indeed.
✧˖*°࿐⭒.⋆˖࣪⭑
Epilogue {….a little more physical touch}
You aren’t quite sure how one night at Jack’s condo turns into two, and then three, then four…but you aren’t complaining.
He certainly doesn’t seem to mind, either.
You’d mentioned going back to your place multiple times. The last thing you want to do is overstay your welcome so early in your relationship, but Jack isn’t having any of that. He has assured you time and time again that the only reason for you to go back to your apartment is to get more of your belongings.
You put very little energy into objecting. You want to be here with him every bit as much as he seems to want you here.
Despite the fact that you’ve been sleeping in his bed for nearly a week, it feels as if you’ve barely seen each other the last few days. Your work schedules normally match up pretty nicely, but due to some people being out on vacation, or sick, or on maternity leave, your shifts have been all over the place this week.
So you’re beyond happy to hear him enter his condo not even ten minutes after your morning alarm wakes you up, knowing that both of you are now off work until tomorrow night.
You’re still laying in bed when he opens the door. Light pours in from the hallway, just enough to illuminate his silhouette.
“Good morning,” you breathe, voice still tinted with sleep. He walks to the edge of the bed and sits down beside where you lay.
“Good morning,” he whispers, leaning over to give you a tender kiss, the faint essence of coffee on his lips. “Did I wake you up?”
“No.” You shake your head, raising a hand to the back of his neck where you lace your fingers through his short curls. “I set an alarm so that I’d be awake when you got home. I missed you.”
You pull him down to you by his neck until his mouth is on yours once more. This kiss isn’t quite as tender as the first - you open to him right away, his tongue slipping between your lips. He braces one hand against the headboard, and the other comes to cup the side of your face, deepening the kiss. You can’t help but release a small moan into his mouth, your thighs clenching together beneath the covers.
He pulls away, as if reading your mind, planting a small kiss to the corner of your mouth with a shaky exhale. “I should probably shower off first, honey.”
You shake your head again like a petulant child being told no. “That can wait.”
Jack doesn’t need any further convincing.
He yanks the comforter away from your body, revealing you to be in only your underwear and an oversized t-shirt. You pull him back to you, crushing your lips to his. His hands grab at your waist, bunching the fabric of your t-shirt around your stomach. He smells sterile, just like the hospital he’s been at all night, but beneath that there’s the familiar scent of his body wash that you’ve quickly become obsessed with.
“Lay down,” you command gently.
He has worked twelve hours while you have been asleep in his bed, after all. You figure taking care of him is the least you can do if you’re going to jump his bones the second he walks through the door.
He looks like he’s about to object, his fingers toying with the waistband of your panties, but you pat the empty space on the mattress beside you and he gives in. Maybe it’s the pleading, eager look on your face or maybe it’s just exhaustion creeping into his bones, but he does as you ask without putting up a fight.
That alone makes you melt. You know that Jack isn’t used to being cared for - in any sense of the word. He’s been alone for a long time. Self-reliant and solitary.
But so have you. And just as it comes naturally to let Jack spoil you, he seems content to let you do the same for him.
He’ll more than make it up to you soon enough, you have no doubt.
He trades places with you, sinking down against the mattress and pillow with a soft exhale. You sit up onto your knees, smoothing a hand down his chest until you reach the hem of his scrub top.
“Can I..?” You ask, tugging lightly at the fabric.
He nods, sitting up slightly and lifting his arms so that you can maneuver both his scrub top and undershirt off in one go. You glance down, noting that he has yet to shed his shoes.
You crawl to the foot of the bed, making quick work of yanking off one, and then the other - leaving one foot and the base of his prosthetic exposed. He shimmies his pants down his thighs, letting you pull them the rest of the way off, tossing them to join his shoes somewhere on the floor.
Your gaze settles where his prosthetic meets flesh. You hesitate, not wanting to assume, not wanting to do something wrong or make him uncomfortable in any way. He notices your hesitation right away.
“I can walk you through it,” he says softly, thumb brushing your cheek. “If you’d like to learn how to remove it.”
The offer hits you square in the chest. It may seem small, but he isn’t just offering to teach you something - he’s showing you that he trusts you enough to let you into a part of his life that most people never see. That he trusts you enough to be vulnerable with you. That you mean enough to him that helping him with something like this could easily become a regular occurrence, so it only makes sense for you to learn how to do it.
You realize, right then and there, that you’re in love with him. And, wholeheartedly, you believe that he’s in love with you, too.
You smile, blinking away happy tears that threaten to spill over.
“Yeah,” you nod. “I’d like that.”
✧˖*°࿐⭒.⋆˖࣪⭑
thank you so much for reading! i love you forever if you comment/reblog <3
Synopsis: You are a princess with royal duties. When your father assigns you a bodyguard against your wishes, you have no choice but to make the most of it. What you didn’t expect was to fall in love with your bodyguard.
Pairings: Bodyguard Joe & Princess Reader
TW: a few curse words, consensual oral/fingering smut, mentions of alcohol
A/n: This concept came to my head a few weeks ago and I have been working on the best way to deliver it. May turn this into a series if you guys like this! Please let me know if you would be interested in more bodyguard Joe! I’d be open to blurbs and other pieces like this one.
•••••••••••••••••••
The base of the 1920s themed club thumped hard in your chest as you stood on the dance floor with your close friends. Your hips gently swaying to the beat of the music. One hand had your martini cocktail perched in it and the other was resting by your side.
Tonight’s special party was for being thrown for your best friend. She’s been by your side since boarding school days. 10+ years of telling each other every secret and never telling another soul. 10+ years of laughter, smiles, and love. And all of the ups and downs life brought you two.
“Is the theme up to your liking?” You lean over to her ear and ask loud enough that she can hear through the music.
“It’s perfect. Thank you for you putting all of this together for me.” She says genuinely.
“You know how much my dad loves you like you’re his other daughter.” You reply with a gentle smile. You notice the flush in her cheeks from the alcohol and the way she seems so content in this moment.
You watch your friend tear through the crowd and appear next to you. “You’re not drunk enough!” One of your other friends says to the both of you and you shake your head.
“I can’t handle much more tonight!” You reply with a little laugh at her antics.
“Oh yes you can! Come on princess let loose!” She responds as she hands you both a lemon drop shot. Instead of arguing anymore you clinked the glass together with the others and take the sour liquid down.
The only reason you did not want to get too wild is because you had a reputation to keep. As the princess of Spain there was no room for errors. You had eyes on you at all times. There were a few good reasons you didn’t care to indulge a little more tonight than usual.
One, you were inside a rented club house that your father personally hand picked for security purposes.
Two, you were surrounded by other monarchies that held greater titles you ever could. Which meant security teams surrounded the entrances and every four corners of these walls.
Three, you had your very own security team with you as always. But, most importantly, you had him with you at all times. Your personal bodyguard that your father hand picked for you 3 years ago.
3 years is a long time for someone to be by your side almost every waking minute. You grew close with him very quickly and both of you began to learn each other thoroughly. Especially when you spent weeks trying to argue with your father that you didn’t need anyone by your side at all times. It seemed crazy to you! In between you trying to get your father to understand you gave your new bodyguard the coldest of shoulders.
Joe. Funny enough Joe was the name of the bodyguard for the Queen of Genovia. He was featured in one of your favorite movies growing up and when your father told you his name the first time, you couldn’t help but snicker.
To no avail your father refused your requests. So you and Joe didn’t speak to one another for an entire week. You were annoyed he was at every corner, by every door, or even right at your back keeping himself between you and another person.
The first time you had a date with him as your bodyguard was nothing short of a disaster. Every time that poor boy moved, Joe was reaching towards him. The worst was when he reached to grab his glass of water on the table and Joe knocked it from his hands and took your dates hand back behind his back. The only thing you could say about Joe that night was that he had some fast reflexes. The rest of the night when he kept trying to apologize to you in the car, after your date ran off for a “bathroom break” never to be seen again, you did not say a word to him.
As the months passed on you slowly became more tolerable of him. It did help that after that first date, the next morning when Joe came to pick you up he brought you a single flower. It was a small gesture and a nice one. You were still so mad about the situation that you didn’t thank him. Just took the flower and tucked it away.
Now, here you two were with a very strong relationship. It wasn’t your fault you fell for the one person you shouldn’t be with. Actually, it’s more like you can’t be with.
“Where did you just go right there?” Your best friend asks you. Her hand gently reaches out and clasps around your wrist and holds on to you.
“Nowhere.” She grins at you and you watch her eyes travel behind you to the one person you were thinking about. You didn’t even have to tell her how you felt about him. She saw the way you looked at him. You were always to afraid to ask her if he looked at you that way.
“Chelsea! Bring Y/n and I another one of those shots please.” You start frantically shaking your head.
“You know I can’t.” You were begging her with your eyes to not do this. You couldn’t say no to the birthday girl.
“Yes and you must! We are safe in here. Every one signed a paper. The consequences would be astronomical if someone broke the contract.” She had this evil smile appearing on her face that honestly made you sick to your stomach. She’s only ever looked at you like that once before and the consequences of those actions afterward were astronomical. They were worth it, even though your mother did not speak to you for a week after it happened.
Chelsea comes up to you two and hands you another round of shots. This time you turn around and glance at Joe. He was already looking at you. His facial expression was neutral but his baby blues gave it away. He knew trouble was on the rise. Ever since you two left the castle he had been off. Barely replying to you and only looking at you when necessary.
You turn your head back around and take the shot without another thought. Regardless you knew Joe would protect you.
~~~~~
A little while later after another shot and two more cocktails you were past the point of buzzed and in that in between of feeling good. The floating feeling took control in your head and your thoughts were loose.
Your body was sweating from all the dancing and singing you were doing. Every time you glanced in Joe’s direction he was already looking at you. You knew it was part of his job, but his gaze was intense tonight. It was a different intensity that you couldn’t quite figure out.
A man came up to you breaking your eye contact with him. He was tall, muscular, dark haired, and covered in ink. A recipe for a disaster in the state you were in and right now you craved a disaster. Keeping up this good girl princess facade weighs on you more than you realized. It had been so long since you had been touched by a man. You were practically starved.
“Hi.” He casually says with this cute and simple smile.
“Hi.” You reply. He starts inching closer to you making you slightly nervous. His hand starts to reach out towards you and before he can reach your waist his hand is snatched away by Joe. You groan in frustration.
“Stop it Joe! Let him go.” You command and Joe was in between you and what he thought was danger. His back was facing you, but you saw his shoulders tense from the way you spoke his name.
“I’ll let him go but you are not allowed to be with him.” He says loud enough for you and the man to hear clearly. You scoff as your eyes practically pop out of your head.
“Excuse me?” Your temper was rising and the effects of the alcohol was tampering off quickly.
“What are you to her? You can’t tell her what to do.” The guy says to Joe bravely. Joe was staring down at the guy with an intense gaze.
“It’s not any of your business what I am to her. You need to get lost.” Joe responds. This time you step around to face Joe and insert yourself between the guy and him.
“What the hell are you doing?” Your eyes narrow up at him as his eyes travel to you. For a brief moment they soften, but you watch that cold stone mask reappears.
“My job.” He replies. Your hands began to shake from the anger that courses its way through you.
After the first date you had, Joe swore to you he would never insert himself into your potential relationships. He was there to protect you. For him to do this right now left you frustrated to the point of breaking down. You needed a distraction tonight. You needed to be touched and wanted. This guy was not who you wanted, but it kept those feelings at bay for the man that stood in front of you. It kept you from feeling lonely. Being a princess came with prices.
“This is not part of your job description and you know it.” This time his eyes narrow at your response.
“You don’t know half of what my job description is.” He states coldly. You had never heard that tone come out of him before nor has he ever spoke to you that way.
“What’s going on?” Your best friend appears beside you and looks between you all worriedly.
“I need some air.” You say and quickly push through Joe to get around him. You squeeze through the large crowd and rush to the hallways. You do not dare look behind you. You wanted to get away from him and just let it all out.
Instead of heading towards the bathroom you take a sharp turn through a set of doors that lead to a staircase. You softly close the doors behind you so Joe could not hear it and find you quicker. You knew he would find you, but you wanted to delay it as long as you could.
A sign on the wall shows directions to a pool. You walk down the stairs until you find the door that leads to it. When you open the door to the indoor pool area, a blast of humidity and chlorine rushes your senses. There were lights in the pool that casted a dim glow on the walls. Above was a skylight that clearly showed the twinkling stars of the night.
You were still floating from the alcohol, even after what just happened. Instead of being responsible for once, you impulsively strip out of your party dress. Underneath you wore your black lingerie set that left little to the imagination. Once you got your heels off, you dip your toe in the pool testing the temperature.
A slight little giggle escapes you and you take a running leap directly into the deep end of the pool. The water was a shock to your system that you welcomed happily. It felt good from the anger and sadness you were simultaneously feeling.
When you came up for air, you heard the door clicking shut. You don’t bother looking to see who it was, because you already knew. It brought more anger to you knowing that he was that good at reading you to find you so quickly.
“Princess can you please get out of the pool?” Joe was standing by the edge. You spin around slowly to look at him.
“No, I don’t think I will.” You respond nonchalantly.
His words catch in this throat from your response. You are normally compliant. You follow the rules and do as your told. Joe has never acted this way before to you. He’s only ever once asked you to leave a place and it was for your safety. Right now, you were not in danger.
“We need to leave. It’s late. You have a meeting with parliament in the morning.” You watch him cross his arms in front of his chest making his suit jacket bunch up. It did little to hide his muscular chest and biceps.
“If you want to leave, you can wait in the car and I will be there when I’m done.” In your voice there was a tone of annoyance and frustration. It made Joe’s skin crawl. You were mad at him and he did not like that.
“I’m not leaving you here alone. Come on princess. Get out of the pool.” The muscle in his jaw clenches when you bring your middle finger up.
“If you want me out of this pool, you’ll have to come and get me.” You had this look in your eyes that made Joe weak in the knees.
Joe swiftly slides his suit jacket off and begins unzipping his pants. Your heart beat was pounding in your ears and the air in here gets thicker. He pulls his black undershirt over his head and sets it next to his clothes. You watch him disconnect his ear piece and cover it with his clothes to keep it from getting wet by accident. Joe stood there in his boxers and toned chest. A Greek statue did not hold a candle to his gorgeous body. It slightly annoyed you how amazingly built he was. As Joe dives into the pool you begin swimming towards the other end of the pool to get away from him.
By the time he comes up for air you were already in the shallow end and able to place your tip toes down. You hear the splashing of Joe as he swims towards you. You felt nauseated so very quickly. When you were able to set your feet down flat, Joe was already within distance of you.
“Princess. Let’s go.” He sternly says as you turn around to face him. His chest was dripping water and he was tall enough that the water came to his sternum. For you the water sat right at your collarbones. He combs his fingers through his wet hair to get the fallen strands out of the way. Your stomach burns at the action.
You see the way he keeps his eyes on just your face. He was trying to be respectful, but his sanity was chipping away. You slowly shake your head no to his demand. He sighs softly in frustration.
“What will it take for you to get you out of the pool?” He asks. You tap your finger on your lips to playfully act like you were thinking. He cocks his head to the side at your antics.
A single thought appears in your head. You knew it was a drunk thought and a bold one at that. But this could be your only opportunity.
“Kiss me.” You whisper. If he rejected you, you could blame it on being drunk and that it was just a silly joke.
“You’re drunk.” He says, but he was gravitating towards you. You desperately wanted his hands on you.
“Not drunk enough that it would be taking advantage of me.” You reply and start to inch closer to the point your chests could touch.
“Princess. You know I can’t.” He realizes what was happening. He starts stepping away from you and something inside of you cracks.
You put the walls back up and try to hold it together. “Just give me 15 minutes and I will meet you in the car. Please.” Your voice was shaky. You turn around as a few tears began clouding your vision. Never let anyone see you break. Those were the rules.
“Don’t hide from me.” His hands were on your waist in seconds and the touch was electric. He spins you around to face him again.
“Joe.” You say his name as he pulls you to him. Your legs wrap around his torso. The muscles on his abdomen tense at the action. The feeling of your skin touching his made you both tremble.
“Why do you want to kiss me? I’m just Joe. The same Joe who just made a fool out of himself because another guy was trying to touch you.” You could see the way he was questioning himself from the way he looks at you.
“I think you know why Joe. You see the way I look at you.” You simply say.
“We can’t.” His voice sounded frustrated.
“Tell me why not. Especially after you wouldn’t let me be with that guy.”
“I’m your bodyguard and you are the princess I’m assigned to protect. If someone found out I would be dismissed and you could never be with someone like me.” He replies.
“This isn’t the dark ages. I do not have to be with someone from royalty.” You start inching back towards him and this time he doesn’t retreat.
“We shouldn’t.” His voice sounded weaker and weaker the closer you got.
“Then stop me.” You whisper and slowly bring your lips up to his. Your hands went around his neck and your chest clashes against him. He pushes his hands into your back to bring you closer as your lips collide.
It was a soft touch at first and slowly turned into more. Your hands went up into the hairs on the nape of his neck while his worked around in all your curves.
“Princess.” He whispers in between a kiss and you use that as an opportunity to trail your lips down his neck. His fingers grasp on to your hips and you feel him step towards the wall of the pool. Your back hits the rough surface and before you knew it you were being lifted up to where you sat on the edge.
You were now level with him, but this gave Joe better access to you. Your legs tighten around him to get as close to his warm chest as possible. The air was now cold from being out of the water. It made your nipples harden more and as they brush against Joe’s skin he groans in desperation for more.
This was what you needed. Only his touch. It was his touch your body was so desperate for. Now that you knew what it felt like, you don’t ever want it to go away.
He brings his lips back to yours and kisses you with a hunger that leaves you dizzy. “This is not a good idea.” Joe says breathlessly.
“I don’t care. Not when it feels this good.” You reply. Joe moans and kisses you hard this time.
His hand comes around to cup your breast and he pinches your nipple. A moan releases from you that makes Joe’s stomach burn in desire. So many nights he dreamed of this. What you sound like. What you taste like.
He unclasps the lace bra and pulls it off you. His lips trail down and he cups your left breast while his mouth goes around the right. His tongue swirls on your nipple eliciting another moan from you as your back arches. He sucks and bite until he’s satisfied and moves to the other breast. You were restless underneath his touch and panting with the sensations.
Joe brings his lips back up to yours for a sweet peck that made you tremble. “Joe I need you.” You say desperately. He cups your face and looks deeply into your eyes.
“I want to take you right here in this pool. But I still have morales. The first time I have you, I want it to be special.” You nod your head in understanding of what he was saying. “There are other ways to make you come and I plan on doing those if you’re okay with that.”
You nod your head again. “I need words, Princess.” Those words made your stomach burn more.
“Yes I am okay with that. Please Joe.”
The word please and his name coming from your pretty little mouth drove him wild. He softly trails his hands down your body to your waist. He traces the edges of the lace trim before hooking them between his fingers. You swiftly lift your hips up and he drags the material down your soft legs. You were completely exposed in front of him and suddenly you are very aware of what was happening.
“God. This can never compare to what I thought of.” His eyes roam across your body and you shiver. “You’re beautiful.” He kisses your lips with more hunger. You feel his hand come up to your throat and he lightly adds a little pressure where you instantly got lightheaded.
“Joe.” You moan his name. He scoots you closer to the edge of the pool and with his other hand begins pushing your thighs apart. His fingers were delicate against your skin. No matter how soft he tried to be it still left a blazing fire in its wake.
Joe tests you first with one single swipe between your entrance. You were slick and ready for him. He fights back a grin at how wet you already were for him. He places a finger inside of you and begins a sinful rhythm that elicits more moans than ever from you. You were squirming and trying to position your body just to get as much of this pleasure as possible. When he places another finger inside of you your breathing picks up. Your heart was thudding so loudly in your chest that you were sure Joe could feel it too.
Within a flash Joe unwraps your legs from his torso and shifts you right on the edge of the pool. His head dips down and he kisses your stomach first. He brings your legs up to rest on his shoulders. You look into his eyes and he looked like a starved man. He kisses down your thighs making your whole body burn with more desire.
The second his lips kiss directly on your clit you let out a loud moan. Your head rolls back and you look up to see the skylight. The stars above mirrored the way you felt in your head at the pleasure. Joe pleasures you so blissfully with his mouth. He sucks and licks like a starving man and you were his last meal.
He finds that perfect rhythm and inserts a finger inside you. You were so close and every few seconds his 5 o-clock shadow was brushing against your thighs. The sensations coursing through your body was making you come undone.
“God Joe. It feels so good.” Your moaning and he lets out a groan in between your legs that sends more waves of pleasure through you.
“You taste so good Y/n.” When he says your name instead of princess it does more to you than you ever thought imaginable. You wanted your name to roll off his tongue forever now.
“Fuck. Joe. I’m going to come.” You felt the pressure coming to its peak. The second he tips you over the edge you let out a moan and push your fingers through his hair. Your nails lightly comb through those soft waves as he guides you through the rest of your high.
Your legs were shaking as he gently leaves more kisses across your thighs and stomach. He brings your legs back down to around his torso and brings you back into his chest.
Your heart was pounding in your chest as you focused on your breathing. Your body jolts when you hear the sound of the metal door clicking open. Out of instinct Joe straightens himself up and places his arms around you protectively. You wrap your arms around his neck in an attempt to hide him. You couldn’t lose him after you just got him.
You look across the pool and see your best friend. She has this shit eating grin on her face that makes you burst out laughing. Thank fuck it was her. “Finally” she mouthed to you and you shake your head.
“It’s just Y/f/n.” Joe relaxes his shoulders, but still keeps you covered in his arms. He couldn’t deny how much he loved this feeling. You were safe in his arms right now and that made him feel on top of the world.
“I’ll let everyone know you were not here.” She says loud enough for both of you to hear. You nod your head and she quickly walks back out the door she came in.
“Shall we get out of the pool now?” You ask and Joe looks at you with a smirk.
“So now you wanna get out of the pool?” He asks.
“Not really. But my bodyguard kept asking me too so I thought I would listen to him now.” You had a wide smile on your face that made Joe’s stomach release butterflies.
“Well, my stubborn princess had other plans that could not be ignored.” You were so happy that the thought of stepping out of this building and having to hide the two of you left you with a dread like never before.
You were determined to make this work and find a way to be together.
I never thought I would be back to this, but a few coworkers have inspired me to continue writing and posting. So, to kick off my return here is a piece that was left in my drafts from FOREVER ago!
Pairings: Joey b x reader
Synopsis: Every year, you and Joe go to a fundraiser for charity. This year, Joe realizes there is more to his feelings for you and decides to ask someone else to avoid his feelings. This causes you to find another date and brings out that little green monster in both of you.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It was something that every NFL team would do to help small and large charities. When it came to these events you expect no detail to be left out. That is exactly why you made sure to leave no detail left out on your appearance.
You have been going to these events since you were old enough to walk on your own. Your parents have been involved with the world of sports before you were even born. And not just the NFL. Eventually, you started to make your mark in that very same world. It just so happened that the NFL became your area of interest.
So you kept your head in the books throughout high school and even more in college. You did your undergraduate at Xavier University in Sports Business and your Masters at UC in health administration. Both of those degrees carried you long and far into the franchise.
You wanted your name to be heard, not your parents, and so you did just that. It started with your first summer internship with LSU’s football team. It was your summer before your second year in the Master's program. You were able to see all the healthcare perks that came along with college sports.
To no one’s surprise, that is where you first met Joe. Yes, Joe Burrow. You two have known each other for a while now and have created a special bond. Somehow, you managed to pull yourself into the Bengals franchise. You are the director of the athletic department of the Bengals. In other words, you are responsible for hiring, management, and all other activities related to it.
Of course, that means you are a big deal when it comes to these charity events. It was great for networking, and you didn’t mind dressing up. Gave you an excuse to put on a pretty dress.
This year was different. For the last three (since you met him), you asked Joe to take you and be your arm candy. But when you asked again this year, he denied you. You weren’t going to lie it actually hurt a little. Somehow, Joe made that night special to you. He made sure that you were comfortable, he held your hand when you needed it, and when your family asked about any potential love interests, he made sure to step in. Most importantly, when the night ended, he would take you to Queen City Pizza. That’s where you two would eat so much pizza that you were practically slap-happy from the grease and cheese.
Your doorbell rings letting you know that your new date arrived. He wasn’t someone you were new to. You had known this guy a little over a year when Joe introduced you two. And so he overheard Joe turning you down a couple weeks ago and stepped in place. You were shocked that he would even want to go through such a boring night. Shaking hands left and right and making that casual conversation to seem relevant. Don’t think you didn’t warn him either, because you did. With a big smile and a ton of assurance he chose to be your date.
“Coming!” You call in hopes that you were loud enough to hear. That’s when you swipe the remaining mascara on your lashes and give yourself a good once over.
The second you were ready, you found your way to the front door. You swing the door open with a big smile on your face and see Sam Hubbard standing at the door. In his hands was a bouquet of assorted flowers. A little cage of butterflies releases from your stomach at the sweet gesture. Not to mention, Sam was looking handsome in his navy tux.
He halts his movements once he lays eyes on you. Something inside of him lit up like the Fourth of July. “Uh w-wow.” He stutters with this boyish grin that slowly appears on his face.
“Come on in.” You open up the door for him and he steps through. Sam leans down giving you a kiss on the cheek that makes you blush instantly.
“I overheard you were not a roses gal so I got you an assortment.” Sam hands over the flowers and you couldn’t hold back an even bigger smile.
“Thank you. This is sweet.” You thank him and take the flowers from his hands. That’s when you step away to get a vase from the cabinet to put them in. “Let me go grab my heels and I’ll be ready.” You tell him as you’re walking towards your room.
You go get your heels and make your way back with them in hand. “The fun part will be getting these on and then walking in them.” You joke with Sam as he was standing at the kitchen island looking around the area.
“Let me help you put them on.” Sam offers and you were taken aback with his words.
“Really?” You make sure you heard him right.
He chuckles. “Sit and I’ll put them on for you.” So you did just that. It was a small Cinderella moment that made you all giddy inside. You did your best to hold back the goosebumps on your legs but pretty sure after he fastened the last strap around your ankle it was a dead giveaway.
“Thank you, Sam.” You could feel the heat on your face from such a strong blush. Sam was really no different. Honestly, it was comforting seeing him blush just as much as you.
“Any time.” He holds his hand out to help you stand from the chair. “Let’s go have some fun, shall we?” You nod your head in agreement.
Sam makes sure you safely lock up your house and walks down with you to his truck. With his lifted truck you already knew how much of a challenge this might be for you. Especially in a dress and heels.
“Just bear with me here.” You slightly giggle and start to reach for the door handle to boost yourself up. That’s when you felt Sam’s large hands grip your waist and easily hoist you up into his passenger side with ease.
“Thank you…again.” You could not stop the blush on your face from how sweet Sam was being to you. Alas, no matter how kind he was to you, there was still someone else who had your thoughts.
He chuckles. “It’s not a problem,” Sam assures, and makes sure you are situated before closing the door.
Considering that you knew of Sam and not really a lot about him, the drive to the venue was filled with different topics of conversation. You've got to hear him open up a little bit and tell you small details about himself.
“Sam, I really can’t thank you enough for coming with me. I hope this isn’t too boring for you.” You say to him once more. Sam just couldn’t hold back his smile at you words.
“When Joe told me that he couldn’t take you, I knew I couldn’t pass up the opportunity. I know it had been your tradition. I just hope I can uphold the fun.” He replies, and your ears perk up at the mention of Joe.
“Joe told you that he couldn’t take me?” Your tone suggested a question.
“Well, yeah. Didn’t he tell you why he couldn’t come?” Sam continues, and you look at him with such confusion on your face.
“He never gave me a reason. I wouldn’t have thought anything of it until you just said that.” Your body turns slightly to get a better look at Sam. You could see the panicked look on his face from miles away. “What are you not telling me, Sam?” Your hand gently reaches over, and you lightly place it on his forearm that was resting on the console.
“I genuinely thought that Joe would have told you. I apologize if this comes as a shock to you. I didn’t mean for it to come out this way.” Sam pauses and you could feel the slight increase in your heart rate. “Joe got asked by someone else to go to this event tonight. So I suppose I should warn you that he will be here tonight.”
He got asked by someone else.
He will be here tonight.
Just not with you.
“Well, I appreciate you telling me. If Joe wants to go with someone else, then that is his choice. I’m glad to be here with you and even more glad that you wanted to go with me.” You say to Sam. It was true that you were happy to be with Sam and that he stepped in at the last minute. However, you couldn’t deny the dull ache in your stomach from pure dread of seeing Joe with another woman.
“Let’s do this, yeah?” Sam flashes a smile at you.
“Let’s!” You reply excitedly.
Sam parks his truck and gets out first to open your door for you. He lifts you out of the truck almost the same way he got you in there. You hook your arm under his and begin walking into the event. Cameras were flashing at the entrance for the big pros that would be appearing. You two stopped for some casual poses and got inside to begin the festivities.
As time passed by, you anxiously awaited Joe to appear with his new date. Everything in you was trying not to bust at the seams and just keep your cool. You’ve already had two encounters with representatives that you were not expecting to see. In which you had to prepare a marketing deal on the spot for your upcoming collaborations for sports drinks. It only increased your anxiety.
“Would you like a drink?” Sam asks. In his eyes, you could tell that he was a little anxious himself.
“Shirley Temple, double. Please..” Your voice slightly cracks in desperation. Sam could tell you needed it for the nerves. He looks past your head and pauses for a moment.
“I’ll be right back.” He reaches down, planting a kiss on your cheek, unexpectedly. The action made your face heat up, and a small smile landed on your lips.
You turn to watch him walk away, and that’s when your eyes align with familiar blue ones. Joe was already looking at you with a stunned expression. Was that why Sam just kissed your cheek? You shake the thought before you overthink it.
You adjust your eyes to the woman standing directly next to him, practically attached to his hip. She appeared well put together. Blonde hair, maybe blue eyes, with a nice complexion. Her black dress hugged her body tightly and was possibly a little too short for the event. It was too easy to judge her when she had him as her date.
Joe chose a maroon suit. The suit was form fitting to him and all it did was make him look tall and buff. You never realized how nice of a color that fit him. Of course, to pair with it, was matching Cartier glasses. It’s a shame he chose to hide those baby blues behind those shades. He had all the combinations needed to make your night a living hell.
You move your eyes away quickly and turn back around. Just as you did, one of the chairs of this event approaches you. He was a younger guy, probably in his mid 30s. This man was one of the reasons charities get some hefty funds from tonight.
“To my surprise you didn’t bring a date with you tonight. Does that mean I could have a chance this year?” He tries to joke with you but this was an every year thing. The joke was getting old for you.
“My date is getting us drinks. Hate to break it to you Carter.” You keep short in hopes that he will get the hint that you were not in the mood tonight.
He rolls his eyes at your words. “Did you bring another airhead football player?” He boldly asks. Your mouth parts open slightly in shock.
“Carter, I suggest you watch your words around me. I will not let you talk about those men like that. They are more than you ever will be.” This time, you hold your ground and step forward closer to him. He slightly steps back and lowers himself down.
“Don’t be that way now. They are not real men. I can show you what a real man is like.” He leaned forward, and all you felt was anger making its way up. Your blood pressure was beginning to skyrocket.
“Hey, sweetheart, can I see you for a moment?” You felt a hand clasp around your bicep and push you away from Carter. That cologne was all too familiar to you, and when you look up to see him, a rush of emotions clouds your mind. Just like that, everything you were prepared to say to that asshole got lost in your synaptic gaps. Your neurons knew when to flee when it came to him.
“Don’t call me sweetheart. You know I hate that.” Your jaw was tight as you spoke to Joe in a hateful tone. Joe takes steps, gently pushing you backward away from Carter, and makes sure his body is blocking the sight of you from him.
“Hm why do you think I said it?” He was looking deeply at you. You did everything to avoid eye contact with him. “Let it go. You know he is only trying to get a rise out of you.” He leans closer to whisper to you.
“Is everything okay here?” Sam’s voice interrupts Joe from getting any closer to you. You let out a sigh of frustration when Joe backs away. You wanted him to be closer, not further away.
You pull your arm away from Joe’s grip and move beside Sam. It was obvious how flustered you were in the moment. Sam looks between the two of you, and you take your drink from his offering hand. That’s when Sam moves his hand around your waist to get you closer to his side.
Joe’s jaw locks up at the sight before him. The daggers that were in his eyes were lethal. You still refused to lock your eyes with Joe’s. Everything will crumble the moment you do.
“It’s all good. Thank you for the drink Sam.” You take your first sip of the night and focus on cooling yourself down.
“Where’s your date, Joe?” Sam asks, and on cue, she returns with a giddy smile on her face.
“Perfect timing.” Joe says and places his arm around her shoulder. He slightly tugs her into his frame, and you glance in another direction. The urge to roll your eyes became nearly impossible. The thought of you being jealous made you feel like a middle school girl.
“Sophie, meet Sam and Y/n.” You turn your head back from Joe saying your name. Sam holds his hand out to shake hers gently. You quickly do the same with a small smile planted on your face. More so, a fake one. You had to get it together. You were beginning to act like a child who did not learn how to share toys in kindergarten.
“Nice to meet you, Sophie. How did you and Joe meet?” You start the conversation off with.
“Oh. Well, I heard about Joe from mutual friends, and it just so happened that this year I made a move. I’m pretty sure every year he’s always taken for this event. I made sure to ask early this time.” Your lips turn into a straight line at her words. “Good thing I beat that other girl to it.”
So much for lowering your blood pressure. “I know I’d be upset about losing him as my date.” Joe’s eyes almost pop out of his head from all of her words.
“Oh, I say she’s doing alright. Someone better stepped up for her.” You knew the words would affect Joe in more ways than one. His eyes narrow and focus on you now.
“How can it get any better than Joe Burrow?” She leans forward and whispers to you in a playful tone.
You glance up at Sam, and he has an uncomfortable look on his face at the woman’s words. When the small audible laugh escaped you, you had to instantly cover your mouth in shock at your actions.
You cleared your throat. “If you guys will excuse me, I need to run to the ladies' room.” Before anyone can reply, you rush out of Sam’s hold and off to find the hallway towards the bathrooms. In one quick action, you chug down your drink and set the glass on a waiter’s empty tray that was passing by.
Once you got yourself freshened up and collected you make your way back out. Your stance was a little taller and you make sure to not let anyone see you falter. Nothing was different tonight other than a different man. It should not be a problem.
Sam spots you first and makes his way over to you. “We can leave if you want?” He suggests and you smile at that.
Your hands play with his bow tie to straighten it up a little. “No, I promise everything is fine. I need to talk to a couple more people. Some of them are my parents.” You knew someone was watching the two of you, and you reached on your tiptoes, giving Sam another kiss on his cheek. When you glance in the direction that Joe was standing, you saw him start to step towards the two of you, but Sophia grabs his arm, taking him in another direction.
“Alrighty. Let’s go find us a seat, shall we? I think they are preparing the dance floor for after dinner.” Sam wiggles his eyebrows playfully. You shake your head, letting out a small laugh.
You two go off towards the main dining area. Tables were alongside the edges of the room. In the middle sat a dance floor, and in the center front of the room was the stage. Displayed on the stage were a couple of pieces that would be auctioned later. Some were limited-edition signed jerseys from players or other unique autographed items.
Sam found some seats that were easily accessible. He pulls the chair out for you and helps you in. His chair was close to yours and your knees almost touched under the table. You two engaged in your own conversation as others started to fill up the tables.
Just as the first course was coming around, someone tapped your shoulder lightly. You look up to see none other than Joe Burrow himself.
“This seat taken?” He asks, and before you answer, he takes a seat beside you anyway.
You huff out in annoyance. “Nope.” A little mumble came out of you. More drinks were handed out, and you gladly take one and begin sipping on the bubbly liquor.
To your surprise, Joe behaved himself throughout most of the dinner. The conversations were level-headed, and they even had some stories from previous seasons. Ones that made you laugh.
When dessert was handed out, is when things started to heat up. At first, you thought you were hallucinating. A single finger tip grazed the bare skin across the outer part of your thigh. It was subtle and maybe accidental. Of course, Joe was seated on the side of your dress’s slit. Sam was talking to you about his cupboard when you really felt it. This time, the finger began to trace shapes across the smooth skin.
Your stomach had an army of butterflies being let free, and some were beginning to catch on fire from his simple touch. You didn't realize how much you craved his touch.
You swallow thickly and do your best to focus on Sam. The second you feel his entire hand glide around your thigh to the inner part, everything in your body lights up. You shift quickly in your seat and slide your hand under the table cloth to grab on to his hand. Subtly you take his hand and detach it from you. What game was he playing?
“Wanna try a piece of my cake?” Sam kindly asks. You were thankful for the question so that it could tear your thoughts away from the boy seated on the other side.
“Mmm, I thought you’d never ask.” You smile at him and Sam blushes. As you start to reach your fork across to cut your piece off, Sam stops you. He takes his own fork and cuts off a piece for you, and holds the fork up. You look up at Sam with the giddiest expression written all across your face.
You lean forward and he meets you so he can feed you the piece. The cake was absolutely delicious. A hand lands back on your thigh again and this time it tightly squeezes you. Your body jolts from the sudden contact and the table lightly rattles from it. Everyone glances your way.
You clear your throat to ease the tension. “Sorry about that. The cake was just so delicious.” You look directly at Joe, who was being a smug little bastard. He starts to rub circles into the inner part of your thigh as if nothing was wrong.
“I might need to try some of that cake then.” Joe finally speaks. You take in a deep breath and roll your eyes.
“Y/n you want to dance with me?” Sam asks you. He was not dumb, and he could see the tension going on between the two of you. However, he was going to make sure that you had fun tonight. It was obvious jealousy was in the air.
“I would love to!” You swiftly brush Joe’s hand off your thigh again before scooting your chair out to stand up. Joe’s jaw was clenched tight.
There were a thousand thoughts racing through your brain. Why would Joe do such a thing? You two have been friends for so long, and now it was like he was trying to prove something. It’s like he was jealous. That did not make sense to you for the fact that he chose to go with someone else tonight. If he wanted to go with you, he would have. He would have told that woman no and gone with you like all those times before.
Sam leads you out to the dance floor, where other couples are freely swaying along to the music. Everyone was high off the energy in the room and the night itself. He places one hand around your waist, and the other holds your hands out. It was no joke how much taller Sam is than you. Even the heels you wore barely helped you reach his chest.
He leads you two in a soft sway to the beat of the music. Your hand rested on his shoulder, and you guys were honestly just in your own world for a moment. You look up at him with a soft smile, and he grins down at you.
“You’re actually a pretty smooth dancer.” You say to Sam.
He scoffs. “You sound surprised.”
“Maybe i am just a little.” You lightly giggle and Sam smiles with a blush.
You felt another pair of eyes on you two, and you glanced ever so slightly. Joe was turned in his seat, watching the pair of you swaying. His blue eyes never looked away, and there was definitely some jealousy playing within them.
“There are a lot of things I could surprise you with.” He says, and your stomach turns into knots. You couldn’t form words, so you just looked away to regain your composure. “But it’s clear you belong to someone else.” Your head bolts back up to look at him.
“Sam.” You try to explain yourself, but he stops you.
“You don’t need to explain yourself. It’s not you or your fault. Call it bro code. Or perhaps, reading the room.” Sam says, and you felt your heart ache at his words.
“Care if I steal a dance?” Joe appears next to you two with his date beside him. You look at Sam and he pulls away from you. Joe steps in place and Sam switches to Sophie.
There was a tension between you two. Anyone in the room could see it. Joe starts his hand on your abdomen and snakes it around your waist giving you chills. Instead of feeding into his boyish tactics you keep your head slightly turned to avoid eye contact.
“You’re looking a little tense, sweetheart.” Joe lightly tugs you forward into his body. The gap between you two was thinning. It was making it harder for you to breathe. Thinking straight was so far in the distance at this point. Being so close to him and breathing in his scent made you feel like fire was coursing throughout you.
“Don’t call me sweetheart.” You sharply reply to him.
His head tilted down so he could talk directly into your ear. “Relax and listen to what I have to say.” The sound of his voice in your ear sent chills down your back. Your chest burns, and what you would give to check your blood pressure right now. You would make an experienced doctor nervous about a stroke.
“Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t knee you in the crotch right now and call you an asshole for your behavior tonight.” You say as you scan your eyes around the room. Sam locks eyes with you for a moment.
“Don’t look at him. Look at me.” Joe commands. You don’t cave in to his request.
“That’s not a reason. Better think quick. My knee is beginning to ache.” It was obvious from your tone how upset you were with him. But you knew deep down, looking at him right now would cause you to cave, way too easily for your liking.
“I need to see your eyes when I tell you this. Look at me.” You still don’t budge at his commands. “Please, Y/n. Will you look at me and listen?” His voice becomes softer with that, please. The sound made you weak as he begged for your full attention.
“Well since you said please.” Your eyes carry up to meet his. As much as it pained you to see those baby blues.
An audible sigh leaves his lips once you finally cooperated with him. What you didn’t expect was for him to take his hand that was on your waist up to your face, where he gently cups your cheek. His thumb begins to rub the soft skin there. Joe was getting lost in the color of your eyes and just you in general.
“This was not how I wanted the night to go. Especially this one.” He breaks the silence.
“How did you want it to go then?” You ask, and you were staring into his eyes for any kind of ill intentions.
"I wanted you to be by my side, all night. I wanted to show you off to everyone, and tonight I wanted you to be mine. Truly be mine. I wanted to dance with you and eat so much cake that we could barely walk. Once we were done here, I wanted to get pizza and the worst kind of wine that we could find in the liquor store because we thought it looked good. Even though neither of us knows a damn thing about good wine. " The last sentence makes you huff a little laugh, and Joe pulls you even closer into his chest.
"What changed your mind from doing all of that?" You ask.
"I was afraid you would not feel the same about me. I have spent so long trying to deny my feelings for you. When Sophia asked me to go with her, I saw it as an out. A way that I could avoid my feelings a little longer."
You reach up slowly and place one hand against his cheek. Your hand was warm against his skin, and he relished the feeling. He places his hand around your wrist to hold your hand there a little longer. It was your touch that he craved and only yours. There were so many times he would find little ways to get a simple touch from you.
A grin appears on your face as you look up at him. "Was that jealousy I saw on your face tonight?" Joe's cheeks blush as he continues to stare at you.
"Sam is one of my closest friends, and when I saw him kiss your cheek when I first got here, I lost all morals. You make me go insane and question everything. So yes, I was jealous. Jealous that he got to hold you, see you like this, touch you, dance with you, and do not get me started on sharing that cake." You begin to laugh again at him, and it was not to mock him. It was just so sweet and comforting to know that you were not going crazy. You noticed the way he looked at you recently. Something shifted in his stance and his stares when you were around.
"I am still mad at you for that little hand thing under the table." I move my hand from his cheek and take my other hand and latch them together behind his neck. He leads us in a gentle sway to the beat of the music.
"I am still mad at you kissing Sam on the cheek when you knew I was watching." He adds.
You just roll your eyes. "Just say I am yours already, and I will make you forget that kiss with a better one." Joe rests his head against your forehead and looks at you with a sparkle in his eyes.
"You are mine. Only mine." Your heart flutters in your chest, and the air is knocked out of you from hearing those words leave his mouth.
You reach up and connect your lips with his ever so softly. It was a slow and tender kiss filled with passion. Joe pulls you flush against his chest to have you as close to him as possible. He still needed more.
"Is that more how you envisioned the night going?" You ask and you were still so close to him that your lips brushed against his.
"We still have pizza and cheap wine ahead of us," Joe replies and kisses you again. His lips pressed against yours lit your whole entire world up. This was not like any feeling you ever had before. You never wanted this night to end.
*THE END*
If you want some smut to go with this piece, let me know in the comments. I'll make a part two :)
*picture is not mine-found on Pinterest by Lost in Amnesia*
Draco x reader
Synopsis: you and Draco are close friends and have been since third year. That is until you decide to risk it all and test Draco’s feelings for you. Things take a turn for the worst after a special night.
*Inspired by Billie Eillish* - I would recommend listening to her song while reading this to set the mood!
•••••••••••••••
Light peaks through the common room windows. There you laid on one of the window benches curled up trying to accommodate the small space. As you slowly open your eyes you begin to make out shapes of your friends sleeping bodies. You felt the heaviness in your head and neck as you slowly sit up. The stiffness and aching from being in such an awkward position for hours was felt and was going to be felt for the rest of the day, maybe another.
A dizziness fills your head up as you sat up straighter. The memories of last night start to replay and far too quickly to manage. You needed coffee and you needed it now.
You quietly tip toe around your sleeping friends careful not to wake them. As you make your way up the light colored wooden staircase another memory enters your head. One that you don’t think you could ever forget, no matter what memory charm was used on you. A flutter in your chest causes you to pause on the staircase and take in a deep breath.
“Can I ask you something Draco?” You look at him from across the table. You two were tucked in the far back of the library in between two tall book shelves. In the background books were replacing themselves back into their designated spot and others were floating off the shelves to be used. The table you both sat at was meant for six. Both of your school items were scattered across the table and in chairs.
It was nearly empty in the library and it was dark outside. A lamp was lit on either side of you two and there was a lamp placed at the end of your table. A few floating candles were placed above. This was your favorite time to be in the library for very many reasons.
Draco glances up from his book and looks at you. He was so tired. His eyes were dull and his heart was hurting. He was fighting demons that you couldn’t possibly begin to imagine. But Draco would not let you help him. You knew he needed you though, he just won’t say it.
“Depends. If you ask me to help you out with one of your magical creatures again, no.” He says and you roll your eyes at him.
A slow little grin forms on his face as he watches you from across the table. “Have you performed a patronus charm yet?” He raises his eyebrows in surprise by the question.
“I have.” He replies to you and he tilts his head slightly to get you to elaborate.
“What is your patronus?” You continue.
“A dragon. Why are you asking?” You felt the air being knocked out of you but you keep your composure.
“Just curious. The book I am reading talks about a patronus and uh just some hogwash about soulmates.” You rush out the last few words in the sentence and Draco raises that brow again.
“You and your romance books are going to be the death of me.” He rolls his eyes at you this time and you let out a sigh of relief when he doesn’t ask anymore questions.
A shiver rolls down your back and you lean back into your chair rubbing your arms to create some warmth. You look to your left for your jumper that you thought you brought. Draco doesn’t even glance up from his book as he hands you his. It was not your first time wearing one of his jumpers and every time you did it felt like the first time. The smell of Draco fills your nostrils as you slide the clothing over your head and down your body.
“I always like the smell of your rich boy cologne.” You leave a back handed compliment. Draco looks up from his book again at you.
“Thank you for that back handed compliment.” He says nonchalantly. You stand up from your seat and he watches as you walk around the table where you stop next to him.
“What is it?” He asks as his looks up at you. You were beautiful standing there looking at him. He secretly loved it when you wore his jumper. Which is mostly why he carries it with him, just in case. He really loved it when you wore your skirt and stockings with those flat slip on shoes. His heart was pounding in his chest as he saw the little glimmer in your starry eyes. You were up to something by that playful look.
“If I tried something off the wall and after it is done and you think it is totally crazy can we agree to forget about it?” You ramble quickly. Your confidence was slowly fading. This was something you had been preparing for all week.
“I suppose. What are you going-“ You swiftly cut him off and reach down to place your lips against his. It was fast and you briefly felt his soft lips against your very own. Something you have thought about since your third year.
Draco leans his head back in a surprise and you lean your weight against the table. Your legs felt like jelly as your adrenaline makes waves up and down your body. The sound of the chair scratching against the wood floor is heard and you felt your dinner making its way up your throat. He stands swiftly and positions himself in front of you.
Now he towers over you with his broad shoulders and lanky build. The air around you became hard to breathe in. His house colored tie was loosened around his collar and two of his buttons on his white shirt were undone at the top.
This time he leans down to kiss you again. He was slow and tender with this one. Unlike yours that was well rushed and purely from adrenaline. You kiss him back and enjoy this magical feeling. Draco gently pushes you until you are sitting on the wooden table. This creates an even better angle to allow the kiss more passion.
His hands are around you tracing your neck and shoulders. Then his finger tips trace your jaw line and then around into the hairs at the nape of your neck. He pauses for just a moment to look at you in your eyes. Your eyes are his favorite thing about you.
“Fuck.” You both whisper at the same time.
You come back down from your day dream and continue up the stairs to your room. Only your roommate managed to make it back to her bed last night and you were surprised it was her. She was passed out in an even more awkward angle than you were. She was going to feel that later. As you rummage through your trunk to find some comfortable pants you saw a glimpse of yourself in the bathroom mirror.
There you stood with wavy hair and a hungover face. You had on last nights clothes. Including Draco’s jumper. Your heart pounds in your chest again and you feel your lips with your finger tips. A tingling sensation is felt all across them as you think about his kiss.
You snap out of it again and change quickly into a pair of gray track pants and a white tank top. You find one of your cardigan sweaters and place it on. Instead of taking Draco’s jumper with you to return it like normal, this time you placed it on your bed. He never asks for it back anyways.
Your roommate stirs in her bed behind you but falls right back into her slumber. You leave the dorm room and make your way through the common room. Some of your friends were starting to wake up. A couple of them saw you heading out and followed you to the great hall. They too were on the hunt for some coffee.
Once you make your way into the hall your friends find a seat close to the fire place. We begin in a conversation about last night and all the games we played. Everyone that was in the great hall right now was severely hungover. Your house was not the only one that had a party last night.
The hairs on the back of your neck stood up as you look over at the entrance. The mug in your hands was raised to your lips. Draco stood at the entrance and you froze mid sip at the sight of him. He was also in last nights clothes and there was a look of terror written across his face. He stared directly in front of him at Harry as Harry stood midway by the tables. You lower your mug and place it on the table.
As you watch closely you notice Draco turn around in a panic and rush out of the great hall. Without another thought you get up quickly and follow behind Draco. Harry was hot on his trail. Something was wrong.
Harry turns a corner and you follow in behind him knowing that he’s going after Draco. Harry runs into the bathroom after him and you have no choice but to stop abruptly. You listen intently from the spot you stood. That’s when you heard a faint sob break out and knew the source. Your heart shatters into a million pieces.
“I know what you did Malfoy. You hexed her didn’t you.” Harry says angrily. There is a moment of silence before you hear a spell being casted and it hits off the walls. A rush of water is heard and you decide to say screw it. Something was very wrong.
“Sectumsempra!” Harry shouts a curse that you have never heard of. Your heart jumps into your throat as you turn the corner of the men’s bathroom.
A shriek of terror leaves your mouth as you see Draco lying on the ground with puddles of blood beginning to stain through his white button up. Harry stood there in just as much shock but he did this you heard him shout the curse. You shove him out of the way and run to Draco’s bleeding body. Draco begins to let sobs of pain out of his mouth and you get down to your knees to his side. Your mind was racing as you take your sweater off and apply pressure to his torso.
There was so much blood. So much of his blood.
“HARRY GO GET HELP!” I shout at him. My voice was cracking in pure fear at the situation. Harry just stood there staring at us, staring at his classmate as he bled out. This was not the Harry you knew.
“Draco.” You look at him in the eyes and he looks back at you. He was so terrified. No boy should ever have to be this terrified. Fear for his life. My eyes cloud over with tears and I cup his face with one of my hands while the other is holding the pressure.
You hear footsteps enter the bathroom and you see Professor Snape. He pauses for a split second in shock at the scene in front of him but quickly rushes to the other side of Draco.
“Professor please help him.” You beg and there was a sound in your voice that shocked even Professor Snape. He knew there was more to you two than he thought imaginable. He knew what it was because he had once felt it before too.
“Go get Madam Pomfrey. Hurry!” He commands you and you don’t waste another second and run out of the bathroom in a full on sprint. Students stop and stare at you as you ran through the halls. Professor McGonagall sees you and she yells after you.
“Go to the men’s bathroom next to the great hall! I must get Madam Pomfrey Professor!” You urgently say as you continue your run through the halls hoping she heard you.
You run up the stairs to the hospital wing and find Madam Pomfrey in her office. She sees you running towards and gets up quickly.
“There’s been an accident. Please. Hurry.” You breathlessly say and rush back out of her office and see her following hot on your trail.
You both run back through the hallways as a crowd was beginning to gather by the bathroom. You run back inside and Snape had managed to control the bleeding, much to your relief. Harry was no longer in the bathroom and the bloody water was fading away to little puddles.
Madam Pomfrey begins her spells to help with the pain as they prepare to transport Draco back to the hospital wing.
“What happened here Miss Scamander?” Professor McGonagall asks.
Professor Snape jumps in before you could answer. You stood there with blood soaked hands and your white tank top was never going to recover from this. Not that you wanted to keep it after everything that just happened. Clothes hold memories.
Madam Pomfrey appariates with Draco before you could see him again. And just like that your walls came crumbling down so quickly you could not hold back the pain. Professor McGonagall sees you drop to your knees and she rushes to you and catches you in her arms. You let out the loudest cry you ever had and it was all from pure fear.
It was in that moment you knew. You were hopelessly in love with Draco and you just witness the scariest thing your life. Losing the love of your life.
“Let’s get you cleaned up and I will personally take you to the hospital wing so you can wait for him. Okay?” Professor McGonagall suggests.
You nod slowly and she helps you upright. A few professors had managed to clear the area so the crowd was no longer outside the bathroom. She walks you to your dorm and waits for you outside while you washed off. You were numb. You couldn’t speak and you could barely breathe.
Draco please be okay.
When you are ready you take Draco’s jumper with you to the hospital wing. You were outside in the waiting area by yourself at first. But then his friends started to arrive.
Pansy, Theo, and Blaise saw you curled up on the wooden bench in his jumper. Your tear soaked cheeks gave them a fright. They had never seen you let your walls down like this. In fact none of them had seen you show emotions like this. You were their bright and sunny hufflepuff.
Pansy rushes over to you and she lifts your head placing it on her lap. She brushes the hair out of your face and rubs the rest of it back in a soothing motion. All three of them knew how Draco felt about you. They were his closest friends. They love you and rooted for you since you got closer in third year.
“He’s too stubborn to leave us salamander.” Theo says and it does make you smile a little. Theo thought your last name sounded too much like salamander and since your first year that’s been your nickname for him.
“There was so much blood.” You say after another moment of silence.
“Snape said if you hadn’t of been there he would be a lot worse right now.” Blaise comments.
“I could have done more. Madam Pomfrey has taught me how-“ Pansy cuts you off.
“You reacted how anyone would in that situation. You stopped the bleeding and called for help. Draco is alive because of you. Do not worry yourself sick on what could have been done more. You did the right thing.” She says and you sigh and you had to agree with her.
“Miss Scamander.” Madam Pomfrey peaks her head out of the door frame. You sit up quickly and go over to her.
“He’s been sedated so his body can have time to heal properly. You can still see him, only you for now.” You nod and follow Madam Pomfrey into the large room. Rows of beds were aligned on each side. There were no other students in any of the beds. Only Draco who was laid at the very last bed. A sheet was pulled across his waist neatly and he was wrapped in bandages all across his torso.
Instantly you felt your heart shatter and the air became thicker around you. Madam Pomfrey leaves you alone and goes back to her office. You take a seat next his bed and pull the chair as close as possible. It was sickly silent in this huge room.
You take Draco’s hand in your hand and softly rub your thumb against his smooth skin. You gently bring his hand up and kiss it. He was handsome and he looked so peaceful. He was finally get the rest his body and mind so desperately needed.
•••••
It was the next morning before you felt him beginning to stir. Your head was resting next to his side where his hand rested. You were exhausted but you were not going to leave him. He couldn’t wake up alone. Not after what he went through. Our friends had stopped by and sat with him for a little bit. We talked about our crazy stories together with him.
When you lifted your head from the bed and saw his eyes opening you let out the biggest sigh. Draco slowly turns his neck to look at you.
“Thank you.” His words come out weak and hoarse.
“Thank you for not dying.” Draco lets a big smile appear on his face at those words.
“And leave you alone salamander?” It was hard for him to get words out.
You huff out a laugh and cup his face with your hands. He holds on to them for dear life. You watch him close his eyes and a single tear falls down his cheek.
“Draco.” You felt your heart drop.
“Don’t you know I’m no good for you.” He whispers so faintly that you almost didn’t catch it. You leaned up and rested your forehead against his and your eyes clouded over with tears.
“That’s not true.” You whisper to him and he tugs you to him. You position yourself next to him in the tiny bed and instead of him cradling you, you cradled him. His head rested against your chest as he began to sob.
“I didn’t want to do any of those things. I hurt so many people.” He begins to confess everything that you already suspected.
“You did it because you were told. You were threatened Draco. You’re just a boy.” You pull him closer to you and softly run your fingers through his hair. “We are going to figure this out together Draco.”
“No. I can’t bring you in to this. Not now. Not ever. If I lost you, I would lose the only thing that’s tethering me to this world.” He leaned back and looked at you with teary eyes and so much fear.
You shake your head. “I’m not losing you. Not now. Not ever. I make my own choices. Besides I’m the smarter one and you need me to figure out how we’re all getting out of this.”
He was a teary and snotty mess as he looked at you. “Do you trust me?” You ask and stare directly into his eyes.
“With my whole life.” He says.
“Then trust in me that I am not leaving you.”
“Things are going to change around here very soon.” Draco says and he tucks a fallen strand of your hair behind your ear.
“Let’s not worry about what’s to come tonight. Tonight you rest and heal. We will take it one day at a time.” A few stray tears fell from your eyes because deep down you knew things in the world were going to get scary.
Draco pulls closer to him and you two hold on tightly to each other. Madam Pomfrey steps out her office and looks at the two of you. Her eyes glazed over at the sight before her. She doesn’t say anything and only goes back to her office to prepare Draco’s next dose of medicine. Everyone’s thoughts were racing in that room.
At least the two lying in the tiny bed had each other and would always have one another.
