Music on My Mind : ⭒˚.⋆ Willing and Able by Noah Kahan✮⋆˙⭒
❤ she/her, 22, INFP-T 🇦🇺
❥ Occasional Interests
╰┈➤ Binge Reading Fics from the fandoms of DC & The Batfam (especially Jason Todd), Marvel, Doctor Who, Spiderverse, Medical Dramas & whatever else I'm into at the time. I'm also a sucker for crossovers - there are never enough.
╰┈➤ Musicals (Hadestown especially has me in a chokehold) currently Next to Normal is on Repeat
╰┈➤ A love for murder mystery film & tv powered by Murder, She Wrote and Only Murders in the Building
╰┈➤ a deep love for reading Before the Coffee Gets Cold series & other books, especially healing fiction.
Check out my Good Reads to follow along at Lana (๑╹ω╹๑ ) ♡
I mainly reblog fics I enjoyed and things I found amusing -- occasionally posting my own stories or musings once in a while
⭐️ I am open to requests (accepting for The Pitt: Michael Robinavitch, Jack Abbot, Brendon Park, Dennis Whittaker and Jesse Van Horn. Also accepting for Jason Todd) feel free to send them through and I might work on those (no NSFW content)
Thank you for the tag @steelandvibranium, @heldbybarnes, @flockoff-featherface, @finco99, @ultimatewolverine, and @luvieriesse! I love getting to know everyone, and here is your chance to perceive me!
Rules: Go on pinterest and type in the prompts down below. Whatever image pops up first is your image. Prompts: Color, quote, character, hobby, accessory, song lyrics, flower.
no pressure tags (ok lil pressure bc I love you all): @icybarness @clarknsun @pinksplace @sparklingsin @theworstwolvie @thceseus @rh1nestcned @st4rfckerz @athenxt @novatheory @snoopysupe @poofieblogs @quiteamessbabes + anyone else!
Rules: Go on pinterest and type in the prompts down below. Whatever image pops up first is your image. Prompts: Color, quote, character, hobby, accessory, song lyrics, flower.
❀ | rules: go on pinterest and type in the prompts down below. whatever image pops up first is your image. prompts: color, quote, character, hobby, accessory, song lyrics, flower.
Find My Jamie Tartt Masterlist here!
Read Previous here!
Jamie asks for help.
All that Roy and Keeley can give as advice. Is to tell the truth.
To be honest.
Turns out that it's better than Jamie could've hoped.
With a few new realisations to be made.
Warnings: Strong Language (sorry Phoebe…just put it on Roy’s tab).
Word Count: ~ 3.4k
Your mind raced with all the reasons Jamie might’ve come back today.
Of all the reasons he had to come back.
And then on top of that.
You were reeling over the text you had just sent.
You: [ forget I said anything ]
The text you had sent to your mysterious confidante.
The belief that one of your closest and yet most distant friends could potentially be out of your life for good. That the relationship was ruined beyond repair.
You had toed a line you should’ve never even approached.
Unaware of the little bubbles that appeared, with a message left unsent. The words, It’s just not a good time for me…like you said its been a day of tough truths. All typed out only to be deleted.
But you couldn’t think about that now.
Couldn’t focus on that now.
Not when Jamie stood there simply waiting for you.
Whilst the silence stretched out for far too long. Too long for Jamie’s comfort.
He continued to fidget with the edge of his shirt. Nerves begin to build within him.
Jamie was by no means a self conscious person.
But with you.
There was something about you that made him want to be better.
Made him want to make you smile, make you laugh, make you happy.
He coughs slightly, “Who am I kidding, you’re probably busy, I’ll uh leave–”
Your hand reaches out upon instinct.
Fingers curling around his wrist before he can walk away. “Wait–”
His brows dip and furrow together, flicking between your grasp and your eyes. A question settling onto his features.
“I have time,” you smiled. Before letting him enter your home once more.
…
In the space of time that had occurred, from the moment Jamie left your home this morning. To the moment that led him back to your doorstep, mere hours after he had left.
Jamie’s mind had been a mess.
Thoughts chaotic.
Cluttered.
Confused.
Unable to tell the difference between up and down.
It wasn’t Jamie’s strong suit confronting his own emotions. It felt foreign to him. Strange and unusual.
He knew he liked you.
He knew he had some inkling of feelings that were more than what one would feel for a friend. That was something he had already confronted.
What he didn’t know however.
Was whether or not it could be something more? Or whether it was even something real to begin with?
Fuck.
He also thought he liked the mystery woman over the phone…
The one who had been privy to his deepest worries and thoughts as of late. Who knew him so intimately and yet had no idea of who he was.
But that one night with you, so soft and comforting. The way you felt entangled in his arms.
You looked at him as just Jamie.
You didn’t pry for anything, you didn’t dig, didn’t make assumptions. You simply listened and understood.
He didn’t know what to think…
So he did the only thing he could think of.
He went to Keeley.
If anyone could decipher his thoughts and feelings it would be her.
And that meant seeing Roy. As soon as he knocked on her door, the grumpy coach opened the door.
Brows knitted, mouth pulled in a thin line. Eyes assessing Jamie.
Narrowing slightly at the sight of him.
“Tartt”
“Coach,” he nodded, before asking, “Can I come in?”
Roy only growled, prepared to shut the door, before Keeley’s voice sounded out.
“Oi Roy, is that Jamie?!”
Jamie watches as Roy’s face twists into dissatisfaction, before calling back, “Yes.”
“What’s he want!”
Roy’s gaze shifts back to Jamie, “What do you want?”
Jamie's brows furrow, “Sheesh, no need to be so hostile–Just was wanting to talk to Keeley is all–”
“About?”
“Hi Jamie,” Keeley appears by Roy’s side, tilting her head as she looks at Jamie.
“Hey Keeley, do ya have a sec?”
“Sure,” she nods, pinching Roy’s side before he can protest. “Come in,” she steps aside while Jamie enters, nodding as he passes by.
Leading to now.
Where Jamie sits across from Keeley and Roy at the dining table.
His hands twist and fidget. Unable to sit still.
The faint tapping on his fingers upon the table.
Not quite able to speak now that he was here.
Keeley glances at Roy before looking back at Jamie. They’d never seen him so, so–speechless before.
“Tartt,” Roy’s stern voice breaks him from his thoughts.
“Right, well er–” he stammers on.
Roy and Keeley share a look, confusion colouring their features.
“Jamie, what’s wrong? You know we’re here for you with whatever you need–if it’s about yesterday–”
“No! Well yes but no. It’s not about that–It’s about, well it is about yesterday–” he sucks in a deep breath before going on, “I spent the night at Y/N’s”
They raise their brows at his statement.
Keeley blinks in surprise.
“Good for you, Jamie–”
“What–” His brows knit together from her words.
“I knew you would be good together–”
“No, Keeley,” He interrupts once more, “Last night wasn’t like that–it was just. Well, I can’t describe it. It felt nice. Um, like warm in me chest,” he rubs against his heart, “But we didn’t do anything but talk and just sit together”
She smiles fondly as she looks at him, her hand lacing with Roy’s fingers.
“Sounds like you like her Jamie,” she says with a knowing look.
Roy tuts, “We told you that ages ago,” his mind wandering back to the boot room where even Will and Issac knew this for a fact.
“Yeah well, I didn’t really realise that until now did I? Had a lot on me mind,” Jamie said defensively. Arms crossing over his chest as he leans back.
Keeley squeezes Roy’s hand with a pointed look.
Before softening as she looks at Jamie once more.
“Jamie”
He glances up to meet her eye.
“You just need to tell her, go back to her place and say it. If she likes you it’ll all work out, and well–if she doesn’t. Then at least you’ll know,” she said kindly.
His shoulders sag, sighing, “Thanks Keeley.”
He moves to stand, beginning to leave, “Well, wish me luck,” he says at the door, where they stand to say goodbye.
“I promise you won’t need it Jamie,” Keeley replies.
While Roy nods, an action so small, that it almost went amiss. The door closes as they see Jamie off.
Keeley grins while looking up at Roy, “You can’t tell me you don’t gossip about this with your yoga group”
He only gruffly huffs in response.
While a cheeky smile slips onto her face, arms wrapping around him, “Come here you big softy”
He melts into her arms, softening just for her.
…
Running on the fumes of Roy and Keeley’s encouragement.
Jamie sat in your drive.
Trying to give himself a pep talk.
When his phone buzzed.
Messages from the mystery woman filtered through, popping up onto his screen. A welcomed distraction. Or simply another added layer of confusion to his day–he still couldn’t decide which it was.
The messages carried a warmth.
A familiarity with them.
Even if it was just as mundane as asking how you were…
But then the message came through.
The one asking to meet.
And he froze in his place.
And in that moment he knew. What he should’ve realised all along, as his eyes lifted to glance at your home.
His response came easily to him.
No longer tempted by the mystery of someone.
He simply wanted to be with you.
His hands knocked against the door. Enraptured by you, whilst you open it. The slight furrow of your brows when you saw him. The confusion flashing across your features.
It took everything within him to not blurt it out right then and there. To not simply say what he was thinking–
“Do ya mind if we talk? Only if you’re not busy?”
Your lips softened into a smile, nodding whilst you stepped aside to let him in.
“Sure”
Trailing after him you lead him to the kitchen, “Do you want a cup of tea or anything?”
You begin to move around the kitchen, needing to keep yourself busy. A nervous energy festering in the room.
He nods, “Uh, yeah only if you’re making one–I can help–”
You hold up a hand, “Just take a seat, it’s ok”
Biting the inside of his cheek, he listens to you while he sits at the counter. Letting the quiet brew between you both.
Not awkward.
Just simply there.
The faint clinking of mugs, the gentle boil of the kettle before it dings.
Sliding a steaming mug over to him, “Milk or sugar?”
“Uh–this is fine,” he says, unable to think about the tea.
“So what did you want to talk about?” you asked, sliding into the seat beside him. Hands folded in your lap, just waiting.
He takes a deep breath in.
“Right, well erm–” He coughs, meeting your eyes, groaning out, “Why’s this so hard,” he muttered.
A small frown slips onto your face, as your hands take a hold of his, delicate and gentle. Being mindful of the light bruising of his knuckle.
“Whatever it is, I’m sure it's fine,” you said softly.
Jamie looked down at where your hands held his.
Careful.
Gentle.
Warm.
His bruised knuckles sat between your palms as though they weren't attached to the same idiot who'd spent the last twenty minutes trying to work up the courage to say three very simple words.
The problem was–
They suddenly felt impossible.
His stomach was in knots. His heart was beating far too fast.
And this was ridiculous.
He was being ridiculous.
He'd played in front of masses of crowds, thousands of people. Had interviews broadcast across the country. Faced down defenders twice his size.
Yet somehow sitting in your kitchen was the most terrified he'd ever felt.
"Jamie?" Your voice pulled him back.
He realised he'd been staring at the countertop for several seconds. He "Right."
Clearing his throat, then immediately coming to regret it, fear flooding into his mind, about what would happen if you didn’t share the feelings he held for you…
"Right."
Mind racing with doubts.
He didn’t know whether he deserved this. Such softness. Gentleness. He was such a fucking prick–what right did he have to deserve you–
A nervous laugh escaped you, "You're making me nervous."
"Sorry."
"No, now I'm definitely nervous."
That actually made him smile.
A small one.
But enough.
He inhaled deeply.
Eyes drifting from the countertop, from the steaming cup of tea, before glancing up to meet your eyes.
Those eyes that quelled his anxieties after tough games.
That seemed to look beyond his exterior.
Knowing and so clear.
And with just one look in your eyes, he decided to stop overthinking.
He just had to try.
"I like you."
The words landed between you.
Simple.
Honest.
Terrifying.
Your breath caught.
Jamie's heart nearly stopped. Whilst the words lingered in the air.
“I–” you began to say, eyes flicking down to where your hands met. How sweetly his hands felt intertwined with yours.
Cut off as he rambled on, “I really like ya actually.”
You feel a warmth bloom in your chest, the rapid racing of your heart. A lump forged in the back of your throat.
"And I know that's probably not ideal because I used to be a massive prick and I've definitely got loads of issues and honestly this sounded much better in my head–"
A laugh burst from you unexpectedly.
Not mocking.
Just surprised.
Relief flooding your features.
Jamie’s brows dip into a frown, concern morphing upon his face. Ready to face the rejection, hands starting to pull away.
But then your hands squeeze his.
A smile curling at your lips.
Eyes softening as you look at him.
Realising that perhaps your feelings for your mysterious friend through your phone had simply been displaced.
That in fact.
They were simply the feelings you harboured for Jamie.
Leaning in, as you murmur as though it were a secret meant for his ears only,, “I really like you too”
Silence.
Jamie stared.
You stared back.
Simply relishing in the shared comfort of finally having said it aloud.
"Wait,” His eyebrows shot up, "Really?"
You laughed again, with a fondness seeping into your tone, "Yes, Jamie."
A grin broke across his face. The biggest one you'd ever seen.
Boyish and so very charming.
So unlike the persona he portrayed on the field.
So unlike the person he was, mere months ago.
“Really?" He questions once more.
Absolutely stunned.
That the girl he liked.
You.
Had felt the same towards him.
"You're asking twice now,” with a small amused smile slipping onto your face.
"Just checking."
You shook your head.
Smiling helplessly.
God. He looked so happy.
For a moment neither of you spoke.
Simply sitting there, grinning like idiots.
Then Jamie abruptly sat up straighter, determined, "Right."
"What?" a small laugh bubbled out, hands still gently held within his.
Tea now long forgotten. The steam no longer curled into the air.
"We should go on a date,” he said, declared more like it. Hand slipping from yours, as they gesture in the air.
"A date?"
He nodded, "A proper one."
His confidence seemed to be returning now.
Words coming faster, "I know this really great restaurant."
"Oh?"
"Well," He scratched the back of his neck. As he thought more about the idea, it was a place he remembered Sam mentioning, "I've actually never been."
You snorted, while you watched him pause before adding, "But I hear it's good."
Jamie truly hadn’t gone out much as of late, in fact since returning to Richmond, since meeting you. Jamie hadn’t desired it. Not since he met you…
"Jamie."
"I'll call and make a reservation," he begins to slip out his phone.
"Jamie."
"It'll be nice."
"Jamie,” you say once more, unable to get through to him.
"I can wear a suit–"
You reached over and took his hand.
Immediately silencing him.
His eyes dropped to your intertwined fingers.
Then back to your face, "Yeah?"
The softness in his voice made your heart ache. How tentative it was. So new to him. So unlike what he had experienced before.
You squeezed gently, with a small shake of your head, "I don't need anywhere fancy."
His expression softened.
"I just want to spend time with you."
For a moment he simply looked at you. Like he couldn't quite believe you'd said it.
Like he couldn’t believe the sincerity of it all.
"Yeah?"
"Yeah."
"You sure?"
You smiled, before answering,"Yes."
A slow smile spread across his face.
Fuck.
You liked making him smile.
You loved seeing him smile. How the little dimples formed upon his cheeks, how his features instantly softened as he gazed at you.
You said softly, reassuringly, "Okay."
"Okay," he echoed, nodding thoughtfully.
Then after a moment.
After a split second, he asked, "Is tonight too soon?" Excitement flooding his features, the little twinkle in his eyes.
The smallest of laughs slipped from your lips at his eagerness, heart clenching at the thought that Jamie truly meant what he said, "Tonight sounds good."
The smile he gave was so brilliant and bright. It was almost alarming the way it made your stomach flip.
Then suddenly he froze.
"Huh"
"What?" you asked, a worried thought popping up into your mind.
A look of confusion crossed his face, "You know what I just realised?"
You shook your head, with a small furrow of your brow.
Jamie blinked.
"I don't have your number."
"Oh," you stifled back a laugh, "That might help."
"Probably," he nodded, as he chuckled.
Still smiling, you reached for your phone, pulling it from your pocket. Unlocking it before passing it to him, "Here, just type it in."
He nodded, still grinning. Still slightly dazed.
Opening your contacts.
Adding a new entry.
His thumbs moved quickly.
Name.
Number.
Save.
Easy.
Then he paused.
His smile faded. Blinking as he simply stared at your phone.
"What’s wrong?" you questioned.
Jamie's brows furrowed.
He stared at the screen.
Then back at you.
Then back at the screen.
The messages so very familiar. Messages that always seemed to say what he needed to hear.
Messages he had sent to his mysterious friend…
Before his eyes snap back up to look at you, he was at a loss for words. He couldn’t believe it
You tilt your head as you watch him, simply waiting for him to speak. All he can do is turn the phone around, all the messages appearing on screen.
The contact name now updated to say Jamie 💙
The messages you recognised immediately.
It was a number you had messaged hundreds of times.
A number you had vented to.
Laughed with.
Asked advice from.
Shock simply distilled in the air between you.
Neither of you moved.
For several long seconds.
Stretching out as your minds filtered through what this all meant.
"No fucking way,” You snatched the phone.
Looking down.
Heart pounding.
Your own eyes widening.
Fingers scrolling through all the messages. Through everything you had sent, exchanged. All the conversations, big and small.
“You’re–”
You bite your lip. Licking your lips.
Jamie’s number…was the exact same number from the accidental text.
The one you'd sent months ago.
The one that started everything.
Your mouth opened.
Closed.
Opened again.
Like a fish out of water, you had no idea what to do. Stunned by the realisation.
Jamie was already pulling out his own phone.
Frantically opening your message thread.
And then.
Ping
Your eyes glanced down at your phone. A new message appeared in the chat.
???: [ I’m glad it’s you ]
You suck in a deep breath, a shiver runs down your spine. You feel a prickling form at the edges of your eyes.
Feeling choked up.
Your fingers move quickly, before the faint ping sounds out from Jamie’s phone.
You: [ me too ]
Placing the phone down, you barely give him a moment to read it, before your arms are wrapped around him.
Holding him closely.
Smiling so widely.
It felt like a scene from a movie. Despite all the odds. It had turned out the friend you had fallen for and the confidante you had made via messages.
Were one in the same person…
His arms instantly tightened around you, burying his head into the crook of your neck.
Cherishing this feeling of holding you in his arms.
As it turned out.
It was like the movie Ted had mentioned all those weeks ago…A classic ‘You’ve Got Mail’ situation…
Neither of you could believe it.
You were the person who'd spent months giving Jamie advice.
The person who'd told him to get his shit together.
The person he'd texted after every bad day.
Every panic.
Every setback.
Every triumph.
Was you.
And suddenly dozens of conversations crashed together in your head.
"Oh my God," you murmured, feeling a heat creeping up to flush your cheeks.
He murmured so softly, “I’m so glad it’s you”
Whilst you smiled.
"You told me to get my shit together!"
Your softness cracked, as you shook from the laughter wracking your body. Pulling back as you nudged his arm.
"You needed to!"
He chuckled with a small nod of his head, agreeing, “I did,” before softly repeating it once more, “I did”
Eyes simply gazing at you.
The tension shattered instantly.
Months of mystery dissolving in seconds.
"This is insane," you said.
"It really is"
The two of you sat there.
Phones forgotten on the counter.
Staring at each other.
Months of conversations suddenly wearing a new face.
A familiar face.
One that made your hearts skip a beat. A warmth blooming in your chests. Fondness brewing between you both.
And slowly.
The laughter faded.
Leaving something softer behind.
Because now Jamie understood why from the moment he met you it felt as though talking to you had always felt easy.
Why it had felt familiar.
Why everything blurred when it came to you and the mysterious stranger.
Unable to separate the feelings he held for you both.
It was because.
It had always been you.
Every single time.
And judging by the look in your eyes–
You were realising the exact same thing.
Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed part 5! They finally did it!! they confessed! and they realised who the mystery number was!! hope you enjoyed the reveal! super sweet and tender, and funny. Next I'll be exploring them being together, how this impacts the team (how the team finds out) - likely Ted being ecstatic and so bringing up the classic Rom-Com trope of it all haha. Let me know what you think about it, and if you'd like to be tagged ✨
Read, Part 6: here!
Comments, Reblogs and Likes are welcomed and appreciated 💕
Feel free to check out my overall Masterlist here
the best fanfiction you've ever read was written by a woman in her 40s before she made dinner for her kids. it was written by a teenager after school when they should've been studying for a history test. and a barista came up with the idea while they cleaned the espresso machine and busser fact-checked it on their break and the post-doc edited between writing grant proposals and the nurse apologized for typos in the notes after a long shift and behind every drabble and one-shot and multi-chapter fic there is a person with a wonderful and interesting and chaotic life and it is such a privilege that we get to be apart of it because they decided to do this thing we all share, for fun.
Mateo Diaz x Radiology Tech!Reader, Brendon Park x Sister!Reader
Find My Pitt Masterlist here
You were cool. Calm. Collected.
The night shift's very own Shark, as you strolled through the ED.
You had also become the fascination of a certain nurse.
Mateo tried his very hardest to make you crack.
Until eventually you smiled.
Your cool facade shifting ever so slightly.
Before shifting into something a little more...
But not everything can be that simple - not when Park the Shark was your brother.
Notes: strong language. two people just trying to navigate their feelings for each other. medical inaccuracies. injuries. Mateo attempts to become something more with you. overprotective Shark.
Word Count: ~5.4k
Mateo had only ever known you in passing.
Meeting in the overlapping of shifts, as the sun rose and as it dipped in the sky.
While the day shifters dragged their feet to the exit while the night shifters buzzed alive with fresh coffee and tired smiles.
You were one of those faces he recognised without ever really knowing.
A constant.
Always moving.
Always somewhere.
One second rolling a portable ultrasound into Trauma 2, the next disappearing down a hallway with an x-ray machine in tow.
You never seemed rushed. Simply fast.
Efficient.
Like your every move had already been calculated three steps ahead in your mind.
Most people in the department knew your name. Or at least knew of you as the radiology tech of the night who could somehow appear before anyone finished placing the order.
The one who never stood still long enough for small talk.
Mateo had exchanged exactly three conversations with you.
One had been asking if you needed help moving equipment.
One had been asking where Dr Mohan was.
The third had been an exhausted "Morning" at six-thirty after twenty straight hours in the hospital.
That was the extent of it.
Just another coworker.
Polar opposites.
Day and night.
Park.
Your relation to the intimidating ortho surgeon wasn’t unknown to the entirety of the ED.
Perhaps not common knowledge to those who clung to the day shift. But to those who frequented the nights in the ED.
They all knew who your brother was.
And it came as no surprise to them when they saw you side by side.
The way you both held yourselves. It was eerily similar. Almost identical in the way you behaved.
Work oriented and blunt, straight to the point.
Though this was a fact that Mateo had yet to discover.
Not until he had switched over to the ‘dark side’ as he had jokingly named it when talking with Javadi.
From afar at times you appeared calm.
Approachable even.
Which Mateo would come to understand was not to be mistaken for friendliness.
‘Oh, look, a friendly little dolphin – It's a shark! It's a shark, and it ain't friendly! It looks like a dolphin. Tricky fish! Tricky fish!’
At least that was how it seemed when Mateo had begun working nights.
When he was figuring out how it all worked. How everyone worked together.
The environment was the same and yet the dynamic of it all was drastically different from anything he’d known from the day shift.
Like they had warned him, the nights could certainly get…wild.
And then there was you.
Level headed, calm and collected.
It was well after midnight by now, and thankfully was quiet…not that anyone would say that aloud.
So you were taking the opportunity to filter through the imaging requests. Ranking what was most to least urgent.
Ensuring that everything was in order. Cross checking what had been left over from the day shift.
Lips pulled tight into a thin line. Brows furrowed whilst you worked. Patience wearing thin.
And no one knew that better than those on the night shift. They’d worked enough shifts with you to know that when the coffee wore off.
Your tone would become clipped.
Short.
The way your eyebrow would begin twitching whenever someone interrupted you for something stupid.
So to mitigate that. It would be routine for someone on staff to drop a coffee off for you.
Tonight that was Abbot’s duty, while he had walked up to you with a fresh coffee in hand, placing it right before you with a small nod.
As you shot him a thumbs up whilst you took a sip. A small smile forming on your face as a sigh slips from your lips.
Letting the warmth of the coffee slip in.
Those on the night shift shared an understanding that so long as you were caffeinated he could stop you from biting someone’s head off until at least 4 am…
Definitely made it easier to request imaging when you were in a more agreeable mood.
And from a far, Mateo had looked up catching a glimpse of your smile.
The rarity of it all.
Not once had he ever seen you smile before. And then–
He heard your laugh.
Melodic and almost displaced coming from you. Moreso a chuckle, but it was a laugh nonetheless.
As Abbot joked with you, just trying to pass the time until the ED would inevitably be thrown into chaos once more.
But then your demeanour shifted once more. Whilst Abbot walked away headed onto the next case.
You were headed towards yours.
Shoulders pushed back. Steely eyes.
An air surrounding you. One that screamed do not disturb. A woman on a mission.
No longer smiling, just simply there, working.
“Did you check the vitals for– Mateo?” the faint clicking of fingers snap in his face, “Mateo”
“Yeah?” he’s broken from his daze, gaze drifting down to meet Lena’s. Her brow raised as she looked at him expectantly.
“Barely midnight and you’re already dozing off”
He grins with a shake of his head.
“Well good, can’t have you shifting back onto days, they’ll start thinking we did something terrible to you,” she continued to joke.
He rolled his eyes. Before changing the conversation, “So what’s Y/N’s deal?”
“Y/N? Oh, you mean Park?” Her eyes follow to find you across the room, as you wheel in a portable x-ray machine. Professional and polite as you work diligently.
He questioned, “Park?” catching the attention of Ellis as she passed by.
“You didn’t know?” Lena tilted her head.
“Know what?” Mateo’s brows knitted together.
Ellis grinned, jutting her head towards you, “Y/N’s our very own resident shark”
“Shark as in, ortho’s shark”
“That’s the one,” Ellis and Lena nod.
“No”
Ellis nods, “Oh yes”
“But–”
She shrugs, “But what? Haven’t you seen them, they’re almost carbon copies of each other”
While Lena heads back to the nurses station with a small smile.
Ellis lets out a small chuckle, clasping her hand on Mateo’s shoulder, “Just be lucky our shark’s more agreeable with a bit of coffee in her, and just hope she won’t bite your head off”
And so. Mateo had developed a little personal goal.
A goal to make you smile.
He knew it was possible. He had seen it done.
He just didn’t know how.
One evening he had simply come up to you, cheerful as usual. The exhaustion of the night had yet to seep in.
“What do you want?” you asked, barely even looking up from the scans you were assessing.
Stunned by your clipped tone, he tries to shrug it off, “Nothing, just wanted to say hi”
You look up at him.
Unimpressed.
You hum with a small nod.
“Well, hi,” he follows up awkwardly.
“Hello,” your voice was steady. As your attention turns back to your work.
That attempt had quickly been determined an utter failure.
Unaware of you flipping the fuck out inside...
No matter what he tried, he was never quite able to push past your boundaries.
Not that he didn't try.
God, he tried.
You weren't rude.
That was the thing.
People assumed you were rude.
They assumed the clipped responses and professional distance meant you disliked everyone equally.
But Mateo had learned that wasn't true.
You were polite.
Helpful.
Reliable.
You'd answer questions.
Show your colleagues and explain how the equipment worked. You’d help them track down scans.
But the second things threatened to become personal? Your guard went straight up.
There was no getting through.
At least not for most people.
Your resolve only ever cracking for a select view, and only ever briefly. Whether it be Shen passing by with a sarcastic remark. Or when Ellis would come by to tease you whilst you worked. Abbot would always check in, his humour never failed to make you crack a smile.
Especially when Abbot would drop off a coffee to you.
With that in mind.
Mateo had convinced himself he could speed up the process.
One particularly miserable shift, Abbot had been making his usual coffee delivery rounds.
A sacred ritual at this point.
Everyone knew your caffeine schedule better than some of the patients' medication lists.
Mateo had looked up from his charting, catching Abbot before he could walk past, "Let me take it."
Abbot blinked, "What?"
"The coffee,” Mateo gestured to the cup in his hand.
"...Why?" Jack raised a brow while he looked towards you.
Mateo immediately regretted asking. Several heads lifted from nearby computers. Nurses exchanging looks.
Mateo ignored them. While Abbot’s grin widened.
Dangerously so.
"Mateo."
"Just give me the coffee."
"Mateo," Abbot probed once more, with a knowing look in his eyes.
Mateo does his best to ignore Abbot’s tone, while he asks once more, "Give me the coffee."
The look Abbot gave him could only be described as deeply entertained. Still, he'd handed it over.
Mateo walked across the department.
Coffee in hand.
Trying very hard not to feel like everyone was watching. Because they absolutely were.
You barely looked up when he arrived.
"Abbot's outsourcing now?" you asked dryly.
He set the cup down beside you, "He was busy."
A lie.
A terrible lie.
You looked up at him. Just for a second. Then at the coffee. Then back to your work.
"Thank you," you nodded. Hand curling around the cup as you take a sip.
That was it.
No smile.
No conversation.
Nothing.
Shoulders slumped in defeat, Mateo returned to the nurses' station under a chorus of barely concealed laughter.
Abbot looked insufferably pleased.
And somehow that almost made Mateo more determined.
Because there had to be something under all that professionalism.
There had to be.
Turns out the answer was sleep deprivation.
Or maybe shared suffering.
Possibly both.
The shift had been horrific. One of those nights where every ambulance in Pittsburgh seemed determined to arrive simultaneously.
Too much had happened that night. Too many things that had piled up. A sea of chaos that you all worked to control.
Until soon it steadied. Adrenaline wearing thin, the coffee barely able to tackle the fatigue from your bones.
That was when Mateo had started humming, quiet enough that it didn’t disturb anyone, just amusing his tired mind. Something to take it off the shit it just went through.
Even for just a moment.
It just so happened that his humming had coincided with you passing by, the squeak of the rolling wheels and the shuffle of your feet filling the air.
Then the tune hits your ears.
Familiar.
Iconic.
"Dun... dun... dun... dun... dun-dun-dun-dun…”
Mateo hummed with a small grin.
And instead of snapping or telling him to quit it. He had instead caught a glimpse of the quirk of your lip.
The small airy laugh slipping from your lips with a shake of your head.
And that was his way in.
After that, the joke never died.
Each time you passed him, or entered the room. Mateo would flash you a smile as he’d start humming the tune of Jaws.
And it never failed to bring a smile to your face.
Even as you groaned when you heard the first dun, leave his lips.
Even as you grumbled to complain.
“I’m literally carrying imaging equipment,” you said.
“Dun–dun, dun”
“You’re how old again?”
He shrugs, “What’s it matter, you can’t tell me its not catchy”
You’d huff, biting back the grin forming on your face. Even as you complained. Deep down, his humming never failed to amuse you.
He didn’t know what to expect from you.
All he had known when starting was that you were;
The radiology tech on the night shift.
Park the Shark’s sister.
And well.
You had a beautiful smile. Whenever it appeared.
Especially when he was the one to make it happen, it elicited a feeling of warmth to settle into his chest.
It was surprising to him the way you affected him
But the thing that surprised Mateo the most wasn't your smile. It wasn’t the fact that the theme tune of Jaws made you laugh.
No, the most surprising thing he had discovered was just how funny you were.
Because nobody warned him about that. Not a single person on the night shift had given him a heads up, that you were hilarious.
But only with those you let into your inner circle.
The first time it happened he nearly choked.
Someone was complaining loudly.
Being dramatic. Making everyone's shift harder. Making their problems, everyone else’s problem.
The second they walked away Mateo sighed, "Difficult patient."
Without missing a beat you retorted, "Patient implies patience."
Mateo laughed so hard he snorted.
You looked mildly horrified. Then immediately started laughing too.
After that he began paying attention.
And realized you'd been making jokes the entire time.
Jokes that were dry.
Sharp.
So perfectly timed.
The kind that arrived so deadpan people needed a second to realize you'd said something funny.
You'd mutter things under your breath.
Offer one-liners that made his belly ache from laughter.
Completely dismantle someone's nonsense with a single sentence.
And every time. Mateo laughed.
Every single time.
The sound echoing through the department.
Warm and genuine.
Which only encouraged you.
Though you'd never admit it. You were developing a soft spot for the nurse. Each time you saw him now, it took everything within you to stifle the smile that threatened to grow.
The changes between you had happened so gradually.
Shifting.
From mere colleagues.
To friends.
To something that neither of you could quite name.
You’d let yourself linger for a few moments after your conversations. Seeking him out if something made you laugh. Tucking little stories into the corner of your mind for the next time you’d see him.
With each coffee delivery, instead of Abbot or Lena, it would now be Mateo’s smiling face that would greet you in the twilight hours. Warm coffee in hand.
It did not go unnoticed by those that worked with you.
Watching as you’d soften around Mateo.
How your eye lines would drift over to meet the other.
It was obvious.
That you two were catching feelings for each other.
Even those from the day shift had begun to catch on. In the overlapping of shifts, as you waved goodbye, curt, a small nod towards your colleagues.
But Cassie noticed how you wouldn’t leave. Not until you said your goodbye with Mateo.
And she grinned from afar as she watched you two talk, how Mateo seemed to have this look in his eyes. Sparkling. Alight.
There was something there.
And one evening, as he walked in to start his shift, just as Cassie was ending hers.
She decided to let him know just what she thought was happening.
“Anything you want to tell me?” she has questioned, with a small arch of her brow.
He looked at her in confusion, “Uh–No?”
“You sure?” she continued.
“What’s this about?”
She hums with a small shrug, “Just noticed you’ve gotten pretty cosy with Y/N and was wondering if anything was happening–but if not, just tell me to back off and I will”
His mouth twists, mind racing as it flicks through the memories he shares with you.
“Ok. Maybe,” he relents.
“And?”
“And there’s nothing else. Really”
“But you’d like there to be,” she follows up.
He takes a moment, unable to verbalise the mess of feelings cultivating inside, how you had managed to make his head spin.
“Just don’t know if she’s interested”
Truly, he still couldn’t get a read on you. Not able to decipher whether your friendliness could lead to anything more.
At first he'd dismissed it. Dismissing how your presence made his heart race. How he’d turn in an instant at the sound of your voice.
You were his friend.
One of his favorite people to work with.
The person who could make a twelve-hour night shift feel manageable.
The person whose dry comments could have him laughing in the middle of absolute chaos.
That was enough.
It should’ve been enough.
And yet.
Mateo couldn’t help but wonder…what if it could be something more….
Cassie elbows his side, as she praises him softly, “Don’t sell yourself short. You’re funny, kind and completely into her–look the most you can do is try, otherwise you’ll never know”
He nods, taking her words to heart.
“You should get home, get some sleep before those eye bags become permanent,” he joked. Trying to alleviate the emotions he was feeling.
Cassie let out a small huff in laughter, rolling her eyes. “Have a good night”
“Always do,” he grinned, while she walked away.
That conversation had planted a seed in his mind.
Perhaps.
With every passing moment as you and he grew closer, the conversation would creep back into his mind. The possibility. Growing more and more appealing.
Until he had finally said it out loud.
He had rushed to catch up with you, as the morning sun hung in the sky, the air crisp. A slight chill still lingering from the night. Not yet warmed by the sun.
As you shrug on your jacket.
“Hey, wait up–”
Mateo’s voice slipped past your headphones, just as you were about to pop them in. You turn around, tilting your head at the sound of his voice.
Brows furrowing as he comes to stop before you, “Did I forget something?”
“What–No. I just.”
You asked, “What?”
Why was this so hard? It really shouldn’t feel this difficult.
He dealt with trauma patients. Critical emergencies. Life or death situations. And yet somehow.
This was so much harder.
Here goes nothing.
“I was wondering if…” His voice cracked. Great. Fantastic.
You tried very hard not to smile, amused and curious all at once, “If?”
Taking in a deep breath, he built his courage once more.
“If you’d maybe like to go out sometime…With me?”
Silence.
Not a long silence. But long enough for panic to brew within Mateo. Preparing for rejection.
You blink.
Surprise flooding your features.
For once your calm, controlled expression cracks. Fracturing into one of complete shock.
“Oh”
Oh. Mateo’s stomach sank.
Your eyes flickering down before meeting his once more, “You’re asking me out?”
“Yes,” he swallowed the lump that had grown in his throat. All confidence dwindles with each passing moment.
“Like–” your mind races as you try to process this all, your hand gestures between you both, “on a date?”
“I’m hoping so, yes,” he nods. “Unless you don’t–”
You cut him off, “No, no, it’s not that. It’s just. Uh–”
You were speechless.
Your cold demeanour kept most people at arms length. Had made most people double guess themselves.
It meant that most of the time you were left alone.
Never once really being the first choice.
Not until now.
“I’m just surprised. I’m not usually the one people ask out,” the words came out so casually, almost jokingly. And yet there was an undertone of something deeper to the words, something honest. Raw.
Mateo stared at you.
Then frowned.
“What?”
All you can muster is a small shrug, “I don’t know”
“You don’t know?”
His question only makes a small laugh bubble from you, airy with no weight to it, tone dry as you remark, “Guys don’t exactly line up”
His response had come out instantaneously.
He simply couldn’t help it, as he replied, “Then it's their loss” his voice soft.
Your eyes snapped back up to his.
He hadn't meant to say it so quickly. Hadn't meant for it to sound so sincere.
But it was.
Every word.
"Because you're smart."
You blinked, "Mateo–"
"And funny."
You laughed.
He kept going, "And you somehow make the worst shifts bearable."
"That's a low bar."
"Still counts,” The smile threatening your lips grew.
“So–how about that date?” he smiled, “Is it still an ‘I don’t know’? Or is it a yes? Because I really hope it's the latter”
“Yeah”
“Yeah?” The look in his eye was so hopeful.
“Yeah,” you confirmed once more.
The grin that broke out across his face was immediate. Unrestrained.
And in light of that. It had made the soft smile on your face widen.
It was the beginning of something new for you. He balanced out your sharp edges. Breaking past your steely facade. Knowing the real you, with each passing date.
And just as he learnt more about you.
You learnt more about him.
More than simply the happy guy that looked out for those he worked with, more than just a nurse who took the extra mile when it came to his work. More than just the guy that never failed to leap at an opportunity to make a joke.
No. Mateo was more complex than that.
And you were privy to learning about it all.
It felt natural. Familiar.
Like you had both somehow been building towards this for months without ever realising it.
You learned Mateo talked with his hands when he got excited.
That he sang terribly in the car.
That he could never remember where he parked. Despite that he was always so reliable.
And so much more.
All of which you were growing to love.
While you’d catch his eye from across the room, already looking at you with a softness that made your stomach flutter.
Already wondering how he'd gotten so lucky.
Because somewhere between humming the Jaws theme and sharing coffee after night shifts–
You had become his favorite part of the week.
And judging by the way your smile appeared whenever he walked into a room.
He was becoming yours too.
There was just one thing you hadn’t quite arranged yet.
While Mateo was growing to love you. And all that made you, you.
You hadn’t quite managed to arrange for him to meet your brother…in fact. You were definitely avoiding that.
While you knew you could be clipped at times.
Could be blunt.
Standoffish.
Your brother was in a whole other league.
And the ED certainly had stories to tell when it came to your fearsome brother.
In fact the topic of your brother had taken up a good chunk of one of your dates with Mateo, as you worked to reassure him that–
“Brendon won’t kill you for dating me,” you had huffed, leaning against him as you laid across the couch, brows furrowing as you tilted to look up at Mateo, “–It feels like we’re a few too many dates into this to only now be talking about it.”
To which Mateo replied, “Just thought I should check, baby–I don’t really want to become a patient in the ED, because your brother decided I’m not good enough for you”
That had earned him a shove from you from his joke.
“You’re ridiculous,” you huffed.
He argued, voice muffled as he buried his face into the top of your head, "I'm serious."
"You work in emergency medicine," you said with a raised brow.
"Exactly"
"You see horrible things every day," you added.l
“Yup,” he agreed.
Shifting slightly, you move to face him, "And you're scared of my brother?"
"Have you met your brother?"
You opened your mouth.
Paused.
Closed it again.
It had done very little to quell his worries when it came to your brother.
He remembered crossing paths with him during his time on the day shift. How easily he could reduce a med student’s confidence into complete rubble.
And that was to someone who wasn’t dating his sister.
The man could reduce someone's confidence to dust with a single raised eyebrow.
And somehow he rarely raised his voice.
Which made it worse.
Far worse.
So it was fair to say that you weren't necessarily eager to throw your boyfriend into that particular shark tank.
But sooner or later.
Mateo was to be thrown into the deep end.
The department was in the midst of a shift change, as the slough of day shifters stepped into the ED, those on the night shift just starting to hand over.
When all of a sudden.
An MVC was called through.
A report of only one victim. Thankfully just one.
But it was certainly a very close call.
A female, conscious. Barely.
Suspected femur fracture and multiple orthopedic injuries.
Everyone moved with practiced ease, a trait that came with far too many shifts dealing with this sort of chaos.
Mateo found himself assigned to the incoming patient alongside Abbot.
The woman arrived pale and shaking, tears streaking down her face as EMS rolled her through the trauma bay.
Pain radiated from every movement.
One leg visibly deformed.
The possibility of additional fractures hanging over everything.
"Alright, ma'am, we're going to take care of you," Abbot’s voice was steady as always.
The patient nodded weakly. A small cry broke out from her.
Going through the motions as they checked everything.
Ensuring she was stabalised.
“Page ortho,” Abbot called out.
Robby slipped to work alongside him, “and get Y/N in here”
From the moment your name was called, you were hot on their heels, as you wheeled in the portable imaging unit, slipping in as you tug a set of gloves on.
Eyes assessing, observant.
Analytical as you pin point what was needed of you.
Efficient as you do your job while they do theirs.
Mateo always loved watching you work. How you moved with certainty. Confidence rolling off of you in waves.
As the chaos began to settle ever so slightly. Mateo shuffled by your side, with a small quirk of his lips as he hummed lowly.
But his little tune got caught in his throat when he looked up.
Meeting the piercing eyes of your brother.
Brows furrowed while he met Mateo’s eyes.
You stifled the grin threatening to form on your face, biting the inside of your cheek, looking back down at the scans to hide your face.
Brendon clicked his tongue before observing the scene before him, gloves pulled onto his hands.
Firing off questions, straight to the point.
Barely wasting any time.
Before striding to stand beside you, sending Mateo a pointed look. Whilst you discreetly elbowed Brendon.
A narrowing of your eyes as you looked at Brendon.
He relented, ever so slightly, bending to your will. Eyes shifting to scan over the imagings.
And that was when Mateo really saw it.
Not just the resemblance.
But the similarities between you both.
The way both of you carried yourselves.
Your posture, the pushed back shoulders. The expressions, near identical analytical focus.
The way neither of you tolerated unnecessary nonsense once work started.
Standing side by side, nobody could have mistaken you for anything but siblings.
The same sharpness.
The same intensity.
The same tendency to cut straight to the point. The way you both behaved as though anticipating the other’s next move.
Everyone knew of Park’s reputation. They knew of his fierce domineering presence. The way the room would silence as he entered, voices hushed when he moved through the room.
But in this moment now.
Mateo watched as Brendon’s demeanor shifted, almost imperceptibly.
How his sharp edges softened. Tone not quite warm, but lacking a biting edge when speaking with you.
Even your own behaviour morphed from your usual clean cut approach, to something a little more akin to what Mateo had seen outside of work.
“It’ll need surgery,” Brendon commented, eyes flicking between the scans and the woman’s leg. Whilst Mateo does his best to calm her nerves.
Stood beside Brendon, you muttered ever so quietly, “No shit, sherlock”
He scoffed at your words.
“That femurs halfway to another zip code,” you added. Quiet enough that it doesn’t reach the patient’s ears, but it doesn’t go amiss by Mateo.
A small lilt of his lips holding back the chuckle from your little joke.
An icy demeanor slipping back into place, professionalism taking over once more, as he directs the shift for them to prepare for surgery.
As the other ready the patient for surgery, Brendon begins to exit the room before turning to Mateo, pointing at him, “You–”
Mateo points at himself with a raise of his brow.
“–With me,” Brendon jutted his head.
As a low hum of oohs, sound out from those nearby.
You roll your eyes, packing up your equipment, reaching for Mateo’s hand as he passes, murmuring softly, “You’re going to be fine”
Your encouraging words do little to stifle his growing nerves, but he does his best to conceal it, while his feet carry him out of the trauma room.
Finding Brendon standing by the elevator.
Eyes observing him.
Silence stagnant between them.
His arms crossed over his chest as he simply watched Mateo, waiting.
Mateo wouldn’t say he was easily intimidated. But right now. Standing before Brendon, Park the Shark – your older brother.
He’d be lying if he said he wasn’t nervous.
He almost flinched when Brendon opened his mouth.
“How serious are you?”
Standing straighter he replied, “Very serious,” the instinct to say sir was definitely one he had to suppress.
For a moment all Brendon did was look at him.
Eyes narrowed.
Lips pulled taut.
“Good”
Brendon offered a small nod. Satisfied by what he saw. There had been many conversations between you and Brendon before this moment, and he had heard the way you softened when speaking of Mateo.
How Mateo had made you feel so comfortable.
How he made you feel free to be yourself.
How you loved the way he made you feel.
Mateo paused, blinking in surprise "...That's it?"
"No"
Of course not. Of course it wasn't. Of course there was more–
Brendon sighed, his cold resolve shifting whilst he scratches at his jaw, "Look."
His tone softened slightly. Not by much.
But just enough.
"My sister doesn't let people in."
Mateo smiled faintly, the memory of when he first met you coming to mind, "Yeah."
"You know that now."
"I do."
Brendon nodded. For a moment his gaze drifted back toward the department. Toward where you had disappeared.
"She's always been like that,” A small smile graced his face.
It almost felt out of place to see the man smile. The kind of look siblings got when remembering someone long before anyone else knew them.
Catching Mateo off guard.
"Even when we were kids."
Mateo listened quietly, taking in Brendon’s words.
"If she trusts someone, it's because they've earned it,” Brendon glanced back at him, tone sincere, "And she trusts you."
That one hit harder than Mateo expected.
Because coming from you, it would've meant something. Something soft and so revealing.
But coming from your brother–
The person who'd known you your entire life–
It somehow meant something even more profound.
Especially when Brendon was only ever known for his blunt roughness.
However Brendon immediately ruined the tender moment, "If you break her heart, though–" the firmness in his voice reappearing.
As Mateo chuckled sheepishly, with a nod. “Yeah, yeah. I understand, you’ll probably break my bones”
Brendon only hummed in agreement, before disappearing into the lift.
You slip beside Mateo, arm wrapping around his waist, while he tilts his head down to press a kiss to your temple.
“Told you he wouldn’t kill you,” you grinned cheekily.
He let out a small chuckle, as he pulled you closer to his side, feet moving as you begin to walk towards the lockers.
“He did threaten to break my bones”
You scoffed, “Yeah, but he’d be the one who’d have to fix them–besides, I wouldn’t let him hurt you”
Mateo smiled softly, remarking, “Glad I’ve got one shark by my side at least”
“You’re lucky you’re cute,” You roll your eyes from his words.
He nods, “I am pretty lucky”
You let your lips curl up into a smile, twisting him as your hands shift to reach around his neck, fingers twisting through the ends of his soft curls.
Reaching up to place a soft peck upon his lips before pulling away.
“How does getting some breakfast sound?”
“Sounds perfect”
Leading you and Mateo to leave the ED.
Hand in hand. Your composure softens just for him. Just for Mateo. Admiring him in the early sunlight as the city awakens.
Happy that your brother approved.
Not that his disapproval would’ve stopped you anyway.
Not when Mateo never failed to make you smile.
Not when he made your heart flutter in your chest while his hand intertwined with yours.
Not with the sweetness of his voice, or how he never failed to make you laugh.
Pushing past your steely facade.
And Mateo wasn’t going to be dissuaded from seeing you – even if your brother could be intimidating.
He just wanted to be the one to make you smile.
That was all he could ask for.
Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed my very first fic featuring Mateo, tried to keep it quite sweet. Also loved the idea of him knowing your relation to Brendon and still trying his luck anyway, unafraid of your brother. (I imagine it's a sweet thought for you) and these Park siblings are total softies deep down. and if you're wondering the idea for the name tricky fish, came from a lilo and stitch quote as said by Pleakly - it really just amuses me
Let me know what you thought ✨
There will be more to come for the Shiver Collection!! Let me know if you’d like to be added to the taglist ♥️
Next up will feature Jesse Van Horn x Reader: Just Keep Swimming
Comments, Reblogs and Likes are welcomed and appreciated 💕
Or check out my overall Masterlist here
thank you for the mention! glad you loved Life is Sweeter When It's Shared 💗 it's super flattering to be mentioned alongside this other amazing fics! (especially when some of the other authors are ones I love and admire!!)
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Jack could be relentless when it came to stirring up trouble.
Especially when it came to poking a little fun at PTMC's Shark.
What no one could quite understand was why? Or how Jack managed to get away with it.
Not until you, Jack's fearless firefighter of a wife, comes rushing into the ER.
Turns out your presence worries more than just Jack.
Notes: strong language. established relationship. medical inaccuracies. injuries. Jack being relentless when it comes to teasing his brother-in-law. overprotective Shark.
Word Count: ~4.5k
Jack was known to poke a little fun here and there.
Known to keep a steady head, a calm resolve.
Keeping things light hearted despite the weight of the work. Whatever troubles he had he buried them deep inside, something very few people knew..
It was a trait most carried whilst working the night shift.
An air of indifference, so polarising from the dayshift’s tightly wound energy, it could give someone whiplash.
But one thing remained the same between the day and night shift.
Was its need to feed on gossip.
Gossip was what made the ER spur on. Or at least, simply helped maintain a little sanity for those who worked there.
He loved stirring up a little humour.
His therapist had told him more than once that it was a coping mechanism – but he countered that comment by asking what harm could a little laugh here and there really do?
Whenever someone new came aboard.
One of the inevitable questions that came to their mind was – How did you lose your leg?
Now it wasn’t like everyone outright asked him, most skirting around the topic, too afraid to ask, too timid to broach such a personal topic.
But there were times where some intern or student let their curiosity get the better of them.
Had let the question pass by their filter.
And that such time was now.
As Ogilvie raised a brow, pointed at Jack’s leg and straight up asked, “How’d you lose it?”
A hush falling over those nearby, a huff of annoyance at his blunt question. The insensitivity of it all.
But in Jack’s eyes, the timing couldn’t have been more perfect.
As Jack catches sight of PTMC’s Shark. The chilling orthopedic surgeon that made everyone’s blood freeze at the sight of him.
That made people part and duck their heads, averting their gaze.
Only a select few found the ability to stand toe-to-toe with him. To not waver in his presence.
And one of those few, was Jack Abbot.
A grin slipping onto Jack’s face as he answers dryly in response to Ogilvie's question, “Bitten off by a shark"
Jutting a finger over towards Park, "That one, that one took my leg,” the words were so blatant, and dry.
An expression of complete seriousness taking over Jack’s features as he spoke.
One that Ogilvie honestly couldn’t decipher from being real or false. His mind knew it was a joke, and yet Jack’s delivery couldn’t have sounded more honest.
Catching word of the joke, Park merely scoffed with the slightest shake of his head, concealing the faintest chuckle beneath his breath.
It wasn’t the first time Jack had made that joke.
And both knew it certainly wouldn’t be the last. The joke never once got old, for either of them.
Jack often brushed off questions about his leg with a simple, before you ask…it was a shark. It was one of Jack’s favourite jokes when avoiding the topic.
Jack shot a look back at Ogilvie, “Now shouldn’t you be helping with hand-offs?”
“Uh–yeah, course,” His eyes widened, stammering slightly with a nod of his head, ducking away.
Jack clicks his tongue, turning to face Park, “I swear that kid is going to make a fight break out in here if he doesn’t learn to bite his tongue”
An air of mutual respect hangs between them. A silent understanding between the two.
“And this is why I chose to go into surgery and not emergency med”
“Hm, and why’s that?”
“The patients tend to be less chatty,” Brendon’s eyes glance up at the clock, eyes furrowing as he simply nods towards Jack. “Makes it easier to talk shit”
Jack merely chuckles from his response, patting his back before Park disappears back upstairs.
It was rare.
But not an uncommon sight to see Jack and Brendon get along.
Whenever they passed each other, every one could tell that there was a friendliness between their interactions.
No one could quite pinpoint why.
Or how.
But it was clear that Brendon tolerated Jack.
But this mutual respect didn’t mean Jack didn’t divulge himself in a little gossip here and then about the Shark.
Whether he’d be passing by as his colleagues spoke, catching wind that the topic was about Park.
He’d add certain little things, “I heard he only ever listens to the soundtrack of Jaws whilst he operates” True or not, he liked to poke fun at the man.
“And how do you know that?” Santos would raise a brow in question.
Jack would simply shrug, “Heard it from someone I know”
It’d be simple things, small things that amused Jack.
Slipping in little truths here and there.
The information always chalked up to having heard it from someone he knew.
Now this someone as far as anyone knew could’ve been anyone, from admin, to a scrub nurse to a fellow doctor in the hospital that Jack was friends with.
No one any wiser to the fact that he was, in fact, referring to his wife.
Brendon Park’s sister.
You.
It was no secret to the staff of PTMC’s emergency department that Jack was happily married.
He proudly wore his wedding ring for all to see.
Speaking highly of you, a clear pride and deep devotion in his tone as he spoke of you.
He kept a photo of you in his wallet, and his camera roll was filled with photos of you and him, simply happy. Just waiting to be pulled out and scrolled through.
The sight of you never failed to bring a smile to Jack’s face.
Slipping you into the conversation with ease. Without even realising it, he could easily spend minutes talking about you to anyone that would listen.
On occasion even doting about you to his patients whilst he worked.
Going on and on about how strong and courageous you were. Fearless. Compassionate.
…
From the moment Jack had laid eyes on you.
His first thought was that you were smoking hot.
Literally smoking as you brushed away at the ashes from your suit, smoke curling from behind you.
Whilst you walked out of the building you and your team had just wrangled with, containing the burning embers until they were out.
He was on the scene assisting the SWAT team as a medic.
And he simply couldn’t take his eyes off of you as you carried yourself with confidence. Words firm as you made the next orders for your team. You were captivating. As you took control of the chaos around you.
How you had taken the time to crouch down and console one of a young boy who had gotten caught up in this mess.
It was that little boy that had brought you over to him.
Having tugged off your glove, your hand was wrapped with his, as you stopped before Jack. The slight dusting of embers on your cheek.
“Do you mind checking up on him? Just want to make sure he didn’t inhale too much of the smoke,” you had asked. “I’d go to the EMTs, but they’re all a bit preoccupied at the moment”
Jack nodded, “Of course,” his eyes moving down to the boy, whilst he crouched before him, to appear a little more friendly.
“What’s your name, kid?”
“George”
“Well George, I’m Dr Abbot, but you can call me Jack. Do you mind if I take a look at you, make sure everything’s ok?”
George nods, “Ok,” his hand never lets go of yours. Clutching it tightly.
“You were pretty brave in there,” Jack said whilst glancing up at you.
You shrugged slightly, “All part of the job, isn’t it?”
Eyes drifting down to the little boy by your side, “Though I think you were braver than me George, maybe you’ll be a firefighter one day huh?”
“Or you could be a doctor?” Jack added.
While George’s nose scrunched up laughing at the two of you. His mind drifted away from the stressful events, as he focused on you both.
“Saving lives, and helping people,” Jack continues to say.
While you twist your mouth, debating his words, “Firefighters do all that too, and we get to ride in a pretty cool truck, what do you say George?”
Whilst George tilts his head in thought.
Jack chuckles, feigning defeat, “When you say it like that, being a firefighter does sound pretty cool”
“Then I’ll count on seeing you at the sign ups,” you remark jokingly.
Jack’s hands moved swiftly, announcing anytime he did something, and what he was checking for. From checking his pupils, to listening to his heartbeat, Jack was thorough.
“Can you take a deep breath in for me George?” Jack asks, while George agrees, “One, two, three, and out, that’s it.”
Your eyes watch as Jack continues to be gentle, humorous as he makes the young boy laugh.
There was something soothing about Jack.
Something that made the adrenaline coursing through you begin to rest and settle. Heart steadying.
“Seems like everything is in order, George, I’d offer you a lollipop but it seems like one of the only things I don’t have in my pockets,” Jack jokes.
“Hey Park! We’ve located the kid’s mom,” one of your colleagues called over. Whilst you nodded in acknowledgement, before looking back at Jack.
“Thanks again for the help, doc”
“That’s what I’m here for,” Jack nodded.
You both hesitate for a moment, not yet wanting to part. “I don’t know what it is about you Abbot, but something tells me you’re trouble”
“Hopefully the good kind,” he replies, with a small quirk of his lip.
“–Park, c’mon!” you’re urged once more.
“I’m coming,” You hum, with a small nod of your head as you wave at Jack. “I’ll see you around”
“See ya”
One of his colleagues comes up to his side, as Jack’s eyes follow you. “Who was that?”
“I don’t know, but I’d like to,” he replied.
Clapping his shoulder, Jack’s attention snapped to the side, “Maybe next time Romeo,” and with that Jack is pulled away to attend to another injury.
From that moment on.
It felt like each time Jack saw a fire truck or a cluster of firefighters, he always, without meaning to, searched for your face in the crowd. Had kept an eye out just to see you once more.
Until eventually it had faded.
His hope had begun to dissipate. Pittsburgh was a big city afterall. The chance of seeing you again was slim to none.
Days turned into weeks, which had turned into months.
Until you had become a distant memory, simply a nice idea.
Well.
That was until you had tapped on his shoulder. Whilst standing in line at a coffee shop one late afternoon, smiling as he met your eye.
You would be lying to say your mind didn’t drift to the memory of the medic you had met all those months ago.
The image of him flitting into the forefront of your mind. How his eyes held a depth to them, unwavering, calculating. The way he held eye contact with you. Softening ever so slightly.
There was a story behind those hazel eyes.
A story you wanted to know.
Eyes tracing his features, as you took in his appearance. No longer wearing the camo tactile suit of a SWAT medic, instead simply in a black t-shirt and cargo pants.
Upon meeting your eyes, they blinked in surprise, before a smile graced his features.
“Well if it isn’t Pittsburgh’s finest firefighter,” he tilts his head, “It’s good seeing you again”
“I see I made quite an impression,” you grinned. With this look in your eye that had him enthralled.
“As if I could forget, Park wasn’t it?” he said.
With a smile you nodded in confirmation, “But you can call me Y/N”
“Well if you’re not busy, how about you join me for some coffee?”
You pause for a moment, letting the offer stand in the air. Before you eventually nod, “I’d love to”
“Great,” a twinkle sparked in his eyes.
Intrigue developing.
Laughter and smiles shared over coffee. Swapping stories from your own funny moments as a firefighter to Jack’s own mishaps in the ER.
A friendship gained, with the feeling that something more could develop.
When schedules aligned. You’d share a coffee or tea, or whatever you felt like, maybe even breakfast before your shift started and after his shift ended.
You had grown closer until soon, the line between friendship and something more had become blurred.
As Jack leaned in, hand caressing your cheek gently. Waiting, tentative, longing to cross that line. Until you tugged him down, crashing your lips against his, melting into his embrace with a sigh.
It was messy at first, clumsy and new.
Trying to find your rhythm together. But once you did. It was absolute bliss. A peace harbouring between you both.
Understanding one another, even in the silences when words felt too difficult to say.
That wasn’t to say it was all perfect.
That there weren’t times you wanted to pull your hair out in frustration as he’d shut you out. Or times where you would be reckless coming home worn out from a shift as Jack would incessantly worry over you.
But you both pulled through.
You learned to grow, to be better. For yourselves. And for each other.
Jack should’ve known that a life with you would always be full of surprises.
Especially when you insisted he meet your brother.
The brother you had mentioned a handful of times, how he was scary but a real softy once you got to know him.
Imagine Jack’s surprise when he opened the door to your home, only to be confronted by the sight of Brendon Park.
The orthopedic surgeon known as the Shark of the very hospital that Jack worked at.
It definitely started out as a tense meeting.
Whilst you tried your best to melt the tension. It didn’t go past you to see how Brendon’s jaw clenched, eyes narrowing at Jack. How Jack held his gaze. Cool. Unflinching.
Both simply, polite. But nothing more.
A stale mate.
Only once you slapped him in the arm did his cold facade begin to fracture. “Cool it,” you muttered to Brendon with a pointed look.
Jack watched as Brendon relaxed, how it was clear he cared for you. The way you both interacted with ease. A clear bond.
A side to Brendon he never thought he would get to see.
Jack followed your lead as you teased Brendon, whilst Jack would add his own quips, growing bolder with each passing meeting.
And though Brendon was never one to reveal the cards closest to his chest.
He was glad to see you so happy with Jack.
And even happier when he watched as you and Jack had exchanged your, I Dos, words of cherished promises and love. Brendon couldn’t believe it, the little girl he once grew up with was now grown and married.
Hell, Brendon still couldn’t believe the risks you put yourself through day in and day out as a firefighter.
Even if at times all Brendon wanted to do was wrap you up in bubble wrap and ensure you were ok. He knew that wasn’t a solution.
But no matter what, no matter how much time would pass he would always worry over you. It was part of his job as your brother.
Even if you were confident and able.
Fearless. Bold.
When you walked into a room it was as though you would gain control of it. Eyes would look to you. Your shoulders pushed back, a keen look in your eye.
You and Jack made quite the pair.
That was the you that those in the ER had grown to know. In the fleeting moments when you’d drop by, You’d always take a moment to say hello to everyone whenever time allowed.
Even sometimes bringing in a little something for everyone to eat – knowing all too well the negative impact an empty stomach can have on morale.
You were always a welcomed sight.
Unfortunately.
Tonight was one of those nights they wished they didn’t see you. On the cusp of changeover, just as the night shifters had begun to filter in as those from the day began to file out.
A trauma had been called through.
Another trauma.
Nothing out of the ordinary, especially for those in the Pitt. Barely batted an eye at the information, simply going through the motions as they prepared for it.
Female, a firefighter that had simply got caught in a bad accident.
What no one had expected however.
Was you.
The moment the gurney rolled through the doors it felt like everyone had their breaths caught in their throat.
Snapping back into motion as they hear your muffled groans.
Jack felt like he couldn’t move.
It felt like his heart had stopped.
You were lying there.
Covered in soot. Your gear, partially cut away. A cervical collar wrapped around your neck. One of your legs securely stabalised in an inflated splint.
Bruises already blooming across your jaw.
Yet somehow.
Somehow.
You still managed a grin, running high on adrenaline or on the medications, that was something you couldn’t decipher.
“Hey–” you managed to choke out, voice strained.
“Jesus Christ," Jack had muttered, feet moving fast as he moved beside you. Eyes flickering to everything and everyone as they work around you.
You pull his attention back to you, as you grasp his hand. “Look at me,” you said firmly.
His brows knitted. Worry plastered all over his face.
“Don’t do that”
“Do what?”
“That face, that terrified look doesn’t suit you,” you mumble out, breathing short between your words. “Especially on your handsome face”
A few of the others in the room stifle a laugh.
Jack bites his lip, before sucking in a harsh breath, “I’m sorry love,” his hand clasps yours tighter. Unable to shake the worry from his features.
“I’m going to be fine”
No matter how many times you might say that to him. Jack’s shoulders remained tense. On edge. His attention flickers between you and your vitals. Doing his best to keep you alert.
To keep you talking.
To keep you breathing.
To keep you smiling.
Because smiling meant that you were okay. At least, okay by your standards.
Robby moved fluidly, quick and efficient, doing his very best to ensure you were going to make it through this. He was not going to be the reason Jack lost another wife…
“Page ortho,” he had directed, eyes assessing your leg. No signs of broken skin tissue, which was good, less risk of infection. But there was clearly something wrong with your leg.
Ordering scans as they assess the damage.
Shit.
That was the thought that had crossed Jack’s mind once the word ortho filled the air. Eyes glancing down to his watch.
There was no way Park would still be here.
No way that he would be the surgeon called down.
A wave of relief had washed over him as the orthopede that had appeared, was instead one of the residents.
Watching intently as they worked upon you, feeling the weight of Jack’s eyes.
It seems.
That Jack’s slight relief was short lived.
“What’s the verdict?” Park’s deep voice echoed in the room.
The universe has a strange sense of humour.
The room stilled.
As Brendon appeared at the door. Eyes stern, cold, calculating as he glances at those around the room.
But once his eyes land on you.
He freezes.
Eyes widening, a lump forming in his throat. Dana might have called him down here.
But this was not what he had expected to see.
Not who he had expected to see.
When she had said the words urgently. He imagined a lot of different scenarios. But he never once expected to see you here.
“It appears to be a fractured tibia,” the resident reported.
You snorted, “Think it’d be okay if I borrow your crutches?” you teased Jack.
“Do you really think this is the time to be joking?”
“You could teach me how to use ‘em,” you continued.
Those around you laugh lightly from your jokes.
All except for Brendon and Jack.
“What happened?” Brendon’s face hardened.
Just as the resident was about to speak up, about to explain the details of your fractured tibia. They stopped short, noticing that his attention was directed at you.
“I’m fine,” you replied.
Brendon shook his head, moving to assess the imaging himself, “Fine people don’t get wheeled into the ER”
“Everyone has a bad day,” you shrug, wincing slightly from the movement. Jack’s hand grips yours tighter.
“And what did your bad day include?” he asks, words clipped.
“Building collapsed, that’s all,” you murmured. Your other hand waved lazily, trying to decrease the situation.
“Y/N?” he asked once more.
You simply complained, “Oh my god, you’re hovering”
His brows knit at your words, “I’m not hovering, just worried. Right Jack?”
“Right,” Jack nodded.
Brendon crosses his arms over his chest, lips pulled taut.
"I am making sure you're okay."
But there was this glint in your eye, one that Jack had seen far too many times to count. One he had recognised immediately.
Oh no.
Robby arching a brow at the sight.
Whilst the others watch in confusion, completely left in the dark as to what was happening. Never had Park shown such interest in a patient.
Before Jack could stop you, your arm had reached up.
Your finger pressing against Brendon’s nose.
As you booped him.
You had fucking booped Shark’s nose.
Everyone held their breaths, waiting for his reaction, waiting to see what would happen.
The look on Brendon’s face was one of blinking shock.
Whilst you bore a delighted grin.
“What the fu–” he had grumbled out.
Until you had booped his nose again, his hand catching your wrist. Firm but not harshly.
“What are you doing?” he raises a brow as he looks to you, eyes narrowed.
Whilst Jack pinched the bridge of his nose.
“I read somewhere that sharks back down if you bump them on the nose,” you had explained, a small laugh escaping you before forming into a harsh cough.
Instead of a growling rage. Instead of a harsh retort.
The whole room watched as Shark, PTMC’s fiercest orthopedic surgeon. The very man that could make medical students and interns cry with a simple click of his tongue.
Any harshness had been bitten back, as he instead crouched by your side, grasping your free hand.
Here he was.
Softening.
“Are you ok?” he asks you, softly.
“I will be if you let anyone here do their job,” you squeeze both of their hands, eyes moving to glance between them both.
“It’s not my first broken leg, and you know it,” you looked at Brendon.
He remarks, “Don’t blame me for worrying over you”
Your hand slipped from his, as you pinched his cheek, “I know you’re just being a good brother”
Brother.
The word travelled through to the ears of those nearby. Eyes widening in shock. As if today couldn’t have brought any more surprises.
“As the break is clean and transverse, surgery isn't necessary,” someone had announced. “It’ll likely be a cast for several months to allow it to heal”
You sigh.
Whilst you had been putting on a brave face you had a genuine feeling of relief rush through you. No surgery was a good sign.
Even if you were feeling good now. Anything could happen.
“I love you both, a lot–” you had begun to say.
Jack clenched his jaw, shaking his head, “Don’t speak like that”
You send him a look, “I’m just saying I love you”
“That tone says something else,” his words hang between you.
“I love you too,” he leans down to press a kiss to the side of your head.
Robby lets out a chuckle as he catches a glimpse of outside the trauma room. Knowing that this incident had added fuel to the flames, gossip spread like wildfire.
Just outside of the trauma room, where you laid, Brendon on one side, as Jack stood on the opposite.
The second it became clear that you weren’t dying.
That you were in the clear.
The second everyone realized your injuries amounted to a cast, a handful of bruises, and a mandatory period of sitting still that would undoubtedly drive you insane—
The gossip began.
Dana bit back a grin as she overheard the murmurs that passed through. This was something that was definitely going to stick around.
“Well this explains it.” Santos said arms folded over her chest.
Whitaker raised a brow, “Explains what?”
She elbows him as though it were obvious, “Explains why Abbot and Shark get along”
“They’re obviously playing civil for her sake,” Princess comments, nodding in agreement. “Seems like Mrs Abbot was once Miss Park”
“They’re always acting like this” Ellis stated as she came up to check up on charts.
“Did you know?”
Ellis stared at them confused. “You didn’t?” her eyes scanning those before her. The dayshifters who had gotten caught up once more with overtime.
And those who simply didn’t want to leave until they knew you were ok.
“No,” Santos exclaimed.
Javadi shook her head, “Had no idea”
“Why would we know that?”
Their shock had only worsened once Mel joined the conversation. “What’s everyone talking about?”
“Y/N, Abbot’s wife, the firefighter” Mohan began to explain.
“Yeah?”
“She’s Park’s sister”
“Oh,” Mel said.
“Oh?” Santos raised her brow.
She tilted her head, brows furrowing, “I thought everyone knew that?” her eyes glanced around at those standing there. Meeting Ellis’ eye who nods, believing the same thing.
“How did you know this?”
“Dr Abbot mentioned it,” Mel explained. It was in passing and so small, to the point that Mel didn’t think anything more of it.
“Of course he did,” Javadi sighed.
Questions brewing in their mind. Their thoughts run wild.
Questions about what it was like having Park as a brother?
What was it like having Park as a brother in law?
How did Abbot not cower when he realised?
Did Park give an overprotective brother talk?
Everything and anything that came to mind.
They would simply have to wait for their questions to be answered just until you were feeling better.
Your hand not once leaving Jack’s as he stood by your side. Soothing you and consoling you.
The worry that had pent up within him now finally was able to settle.
You were safe.
That was all that mattered to him, and to Brendon.
At least now everyone could say that one thing was for sure.
While a shark might not have taken Jack’s leg.
It was true.
That a shark’s sister had taken his heart.
Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed. I just loved the idea of Jack using the excuse of a shark biting his leg off, only to tease his brother in law Brendon. Both finding a middle ground when it came to joking about the other. and I totally picture most of the night are already in the know about your relation to Shark as well as Mel!! catching everyone else off guard about it. Just know that no one can look at Abbot or Park the same after this interaction haha
Let me know what you thought ✨
There will be more to come for the Shiver Collection!! Let me know if you’d like to be added to the taglist ♥️
Next up will feature Mateo Diaz x Reader: Tricky Fish
Comments, Reblogs and Likes are welcomed and appreciated 💕
For more Jack Abbot Works check out my series below!
Such as my Dr Jack Abbot x Reader Who Would've Thought series here💖
Or my fic Based on Waitress the Musical, Dr Jack Abbot x Waitress!Reader Sugar, Butter, Flour series 🥧
Or for a lil bit of hurt with eventual comfort check out Jack and the reader create a bond through being widowers, I Know You're Hurting series
Or check out my overall Masterlist here
Keeping things light hearted despite the weight of the work. Whatever troubles he had he buried them deep inside, something very few people knew.. It was a trait most carried whilst working the night shift.
I think you need that ro work rhe night shift
But one thing remained the same between the day and night shift. Was its need to feed on gossip. Gossip was what made the ER spur on. Or at least, simply helped maintain a little sanity for those who worked there.
Lmao facts
His therapist had told him more than once that it was a coping mechanism – but he countered that comment by asking what harm could a little laugh here and there really do?
Fair🤷🏻♀️
A grin slipping onto Jack’s face as he answers dryly in response to Ogilvie's question, “Bitten off by a shark" Jutting a finger over towards Park, "That one, that one took my leg,” the words were so blatant, and dry.
Iconic answer 🤭
“The patients tend to be less chatty,” Brendon’s eyes glance up at the clock, eyes furrowing as he simply nods towards Jack. “Makes it easier to talk shit”
Good point 😅
But this mutual respect didn’t mean Jack didn’t divulge himself in a little gossip here and then about the Shark. He’d add certain little things, “I heard he only ever listens to the soundtrack of Jaws whilst he operates” True or not, he liked to poke fun at the man.
Just a little harmless and fun rumor 🤭
Now this someone as far as anyone knew could’ve been anyone, from admin, to a scrub nurse to a fellow doctor in the hospital that Jack was friends with. No one any wiser to the fact that he was, in fact, referring to his wife. Brendon Park’s sister.
Hahah so quite the someone😅
Speaking highly of you, a clear pride and deep devotion in his tone as he spoke of you. He kept a photo of you in his wallet, and his camera roll was filled with photos of you and him, simply happy. Just waiting to be pulled out and scrolled through. On occasion even doting about you to his patients whilst he worked. Going on and on about how strong and courageous you were. Fearless. Compassionate.
That's what I like to hear 😌
And he simply couldn’t take his eyes off of you as you carried yourself with confidence. Words firm as you made the next orders for your team. You were captivating. As you took control of the chaos around you.
He is transfixed
“You were pretty brave in there,” Jack said whilst glancing up at you. You shrugged slightly, “All part of the job, isn’t it?” Eyes drifting down to the little boy by your side, “Though I think you were braver than me George, maybe you’ll be a firefighter one day huh?” “Or you could be a doctor?” Jack added.
Game on 🤭
Jack chuckles, feigning defeat, “When you say it like that, being a firefighter does sound pretty cool” You both hesitate for a moment, not yet wanting to part.
We have a winner 🏆
“I don’t know what it is about you Abbot, but something tells me you’re trouble” “Hopefully the good kind,” he replies, with a small quirk of his lip.
🤭🤭🤭
One of his colleagues comes up to his side, as Jack’s eyes follow you. “Who was that?” “I don’t know, but I’d like to,” he replied.
Oh I bet he does
It felt like each time Jack saw a fire truck or a cluster of firefighters, he always, without meaning to, searched for your face in the crowd. Had kept an eye out just to see you once more.
Cute
A friendship gained, with the feeling that something more could develop. You had grown closer until soon, the line between friendship and something more had become blurred.
Oh 👀
As Jack leaned in, hand caressing your cheek gently. Waiting, tentative, longing to cross that line. Until you tugged him down, crashing your lips against his, melting into his embrace with a sigh. Trying to find your rhythm together. But once you did. It was absolute bliss. A peace harbouring between you both.
🥰🥰🥰
Understanding one another, even in the silences when words felt too difficult to say. Imagine Jack’s surprise when he opened the door to your home, only to be confronted by the sight of Brendon Park. The orthopedic surgeon known as the Shark of the very hospital that Jack worked at.
Plottwist haha🤭
Jack watched as Brendon relaxed, how it was clear he cared for you. The way you both interacted with ease. A clear bond. A side to Brendon he never thought he would get to see.
Good for them! And probably makes Brendon happy to see his sister happy too
And even happier when he watched as you and Jack had exchanged your, I Dos, words of cherished promises and love. Brendon couldn’t believe it, the little girl he once grew up with was now grown and married.
🥹🥹🥹
Even sometimes bringing in a little something for everyone to eat – knowing all too well the negative impact an empty stomach can have on morale.
So true!
“Don’t do that” “Do what?” “That face, that terrified look doesn’t suit you,” you mumble out, breathing short between your words. “Especially on your handsome face”
Still up for jokes is a good sign
Because smiling meant that you were okay. At least, okay by your standards.
Fair enough
Yikes 🫣
That Jack’s slight relief was short lived. “What’s the verdict?” Park’s deep voice echoed in the room. The universe has a strange sense of humour. But once his eyes land on you. He freezes. Eyes widening, a lump forming in his throat. Dana might have called him down here.
You snorted, “Think it’d be okay if I borrow your crutches?” you teased Jack. “Do you really think this is the time to be joking?” “You could teach me how to use ‘em,” you continued.
Haha love her 🤭
“And what did your bad day include?” he asks, words clipped. “Building collapsed, that’s all,” you murmured. Your other hand waved lazily, trying to decrease the situation.
Eh, so just an ordinary not so good day lmao
His brows knit at your words, “I’m not hovering, just worried. Right Jack?” “Right,” Jack nodded.
Suuuure
Your finger pressing against Brendon’s nose. As you booped him. “I read somewhere that sharks back down if you bump them on the nose,” you had explained, a small laugh escaping you before forming into a harsh cough.
This cracked me up 😂
“I will be if you let anyone here do their job,” you squeeze both of their hands, eyes moving to glance between them both.
Fair enough 🤷🏻♀️
“I love you both, a lot–” you had begun to say. Jack clenched his jaw, shaking his head, “Don’t speak like that” You send him a look, “I’m just saying I love you”
😂😂😂
Robby lets out a chuckle as he catches a glimpse of outside the trauma room. Knowing that this incident had added fuel to the flames, gossip spread like wildfire.
Oh this is gonna be good 🤭
“They’re obviously playing civil for her sake,” Princess comments, nodding in agreement. “Seems like Mrs Abbot was once Miss Park”
Ding ding ding! 100 points👏🏻
“They’re always acting like this” Ellis stated as she came up to check up on charts. Ellis stared at them confused. “You didn’t?” her eyes scanning those before her. The dayshifters who had gotten caught up once more with overtime. And those who simply didn’t want to leave until they knew you were ok.
Hahaha this is too good 😅
Their shock had only worsened once Mel joined the conversation. “What’s everyone talking about?” “Y/N, Abbot’s wife, the firefighter” Mohan began to explain. “Yeah?” “She’s Park’s sister” “Oh,” Mel said. “Oh?” Santos raised her brow. She tilted her head, brows furrowing, “I thought everyone knew that?” her eyes glanced around at those standing there. Meeting Ellis’ eye who nods, believing the same thing.
Hahaha I'm obsessed that it basically was an open secret and so many people casually know and for the others it's such news 😂
Questions brewing in their mind. Their thoughts run wild.
Of course lol
They would simply have to wait for their questions to be answered just until you were feeling better.
In the end they are still doctors 🤷🏻♀️
While a shark might not have taken Jack’s leg. It was true. That a shark’s sister had taken his heart.
You were safe. That was all that mattered to him, and to Brendon.
I am so so glad that this fic managed to have so many highlights for you!! ♥️
especially about all the parts you found cute and sweet, as well as all the bits that made you laugh! 💕
and transfixed is the perfect definition for how Jack was with you!!
and I couldn't picture this being so secretive that no one knew, (it's also so much funnier thinking that it was just the day shifters that had no clue 😂) esp. the night shift. I'm of the opinion that if anyone just asked point blank you and Jack would answer truthfully haha
And I am so glad you loved the little shark stole his heart line!! it was so cheesy that I couldn't help it 💖 especially to juxtapose the earlier joke about Brendon being the shark that took his leg.
(*ugh re-reading my own fic, and now I just want to be at a dinner table with them and this dynamic)
Thank you again!! for your sweet little commentary - it has got me grinning non-stop
thank you for the mention! glad you loved Life is Sweeter When It's Shared 💗 it's super flattering to be mentioned alongside this other amazing fics! (especially when some of the other authors are ones I love and admire!!)
Find My Pitt Masterlist here
This is a little fic for @domaystic
Based on day 31: Going Home Early
You and Brendon simply needed a little push.
A little nudge for your relationship to shift into something softer.
Both unable to approach the idea of that - fearful of what the other might say. Fearful that you thought it was more than what it was.
Who knew all it would take was a cold plunge to make you both see, perhaps there was a home to be found within each other's arms.
Notes: wholesome fluff. just two people falling in love. established relationship. comforting.
Word Count: ~2.8k
You loved being a doctor.
You loved the ability to help others.
A true privilege to be able to aid others during the worst of times. To hopefully make a bad day better.
Even if it didn’t always work out.
You could never say you didn’t try.
It was also your career that had brought you to PTMC. Where you had eventually crossed paths with your now partner. Brendon Park.
Well.
Partner feels a bit too formal.
A bit too...
You weren’t really sure what you both were.
A few dates here and there, going for drinks after work or for a bite to eat whenever schedules aligned.
An air of tension hanging between you both.
One that had led you both to your first ‘date’, a long shift where neither of you felt like going home just yet. Neither of you had wanted to be alone.
You remembered it all too well, as you stood outside the hospital, the evening air simmering with the early summer heat. The gleaming moon above.
You simply stood there.
Arms crossed over. Bag slung over your shoulder, feet tired, eyes dry.
And yet.
You couldn’t will yourself to go home.
You just couldn’t do it.
That was where Brendon had crossed paths with you. Where he had offered to go get something to eat together.
The start of something.
Something that you had yet been able to name, label. Comprehend. Simply relishing in his company, not wanting to spoil the good thing you had going between you both.
It had become habitual, you and him going out after shifts.
But there was always a feeling of doubt planted in the back of your mind. Never quite sure whether he wanted this to be more than what it was.
Never sure if he wanted anything more with you.
Tonight was another one of those nights.
Whilst you clipped in your earrings, smoothing your hair as you admired yourself in the mirror.
Hands shifting to smooth out your dress. While it clung to all the right places, and cascaded delicately down to the floor. Flowing as though it were the ocean waves themselves.
The image of elegance.
You felt gorgeous.
For once you weren’t in your scrubs, your runners now traded in for heels. The bags beneath your eyes now concealed with a swipe of concealer.
Cheeks powdered with a hint of colour, whilst your lips popped with a vibrant lipstick. The slight shimmer patted onto your eyelids, as it twinkled beneath the lowlights.
For a little moment you would enjoy the way you looked, you would enjoy the way it made you feel.
…Before discomfort would eventually settle in
Before you’d be elbow to elbow with people you’d rather not talk with.
With people you had to play nice with. Whilst you pampered their egos, laughed at their hollow jokes, and amused them. Just to convince them that donating to the hospital is a worthy cause.
Justifying the work you did to people who didn’t truly understand it – as if it weren’t essential, as if your job didn’t revolve around saving lives.
…A real headache as it were.
Your mood only quelled slightly by the fact that these events often had food and drinks on offer.
You liked dressing up, you simply didn’t enjoy why you were dressing up.
You loved being a doctor.
The galas were simply an unfortunate string attached to it.
And tonight’s gala.
Was nautical themed. An evening soiree, held on a boat cruising down the river.
Unfortunately you were running late. Your uber had gotten stuck in traffic, leading to you missing the boat as it shipped off from the pier.
Stumbling slightly as your shoe catches the bottom of your dress. Maybe you should’ve gotten it altered…
Arms curling around yourself you stand at the edge of the pier. Watching as the boat heads off in the distance.
The sound of footsteps catches your attention. Not yet turning your gaze.
“Looks like you’re late,” the deep voice echoes from beside you.
Tutting you look up at Brendon with a raised brow, “You’re standing with me too–guess you were late too”
He shrugs, “I was waiting for you”
For some reason that sparked something in you. Warming and sweet.
Jutting his head, he begins to turn back, “There’s a dinghy boat that’ll take us and a few of the other late comers,” he glances back at you, simply taking you in. The simple admiration of you.
You looked so beautiful tonight.
In Brendon’s opinion you looked beautiful each time he saw you. But tonight. There was something so magnetic about you.
Smiling you catch up to him, almost tripping over once more as your heel catches onto your dress, “shit”
His arm reaches out to steady you.
“Thanks,” you nod. Standing straight to smoothen your dress once more. That damn dress, as beautiful as it was. It was going to be the death of you if it keep this up
He offers you a small smile, linking your arm with his. As you looked at him with a questioning glance.
“Can’t have you falling off the pier now, can we?” he joked, “Besides, I’d hate to go to the gala alone”
Grinning, you lean against him, as you playfully tease, “Careful Shark, someone might think you had a soft spot for me”
He doesn’t reply, but the faint quirk of his lip, how his smile doesn’t fade.
Let’s you know that what you said, might’ve had a semblance of truth to it.
He helps you step down into the little boat.
The little motor sputtered to life as the driver pushed away from the dock.
Ahead of you, lights glittered across the harbor where the gala boat floated like a palace on the water.
You and Brendon sat shoulder-to-shoulder on the narrow bench.
His suit was immaculate, pressed to perfection, not a single crinkle in sight. Hair gelled back. A gleam in his eye.
He looked so handsome tonight.
The evening stretched ahead with promises of expensive champagne and boring speeches.
Neither of you looked particularly excited.
"You know," you said quietly, not wanting those around you to hear, watching the city lights reflect off the water, "If we're lucky maybe we'll miss the speeches."
"We're not that lucky," he murmured into your ear.
You laughed.
The sound lingered between you.
Then the larger vessel came into reach. Deckhands tossed down a rope, while the dinghy bumped gently against the side.
One by one, the handful of late arrivals began climbing aboard.
And then you were next. Brendon standing just behind you, hands out in case you fell backwards.
What neither of you had anticipated. Was the passing boat causing waves to ripple out.
Straight towards you and the little dinghy boat.
A wake rolled through from a passing boat.
The dinghy lurched violently.
Your heel slipped, catching the fabric of your dress. And not the step of the boat.
And then suddenly there was nothing beneath you.
The freezing harbor water swallowed you whole.
Plunged into the cold depths of the water, the faint muffling of loud voices from above the water.
Whilst your arms move, legs kicking as you try to resurface. The weight of your dress, fighting against you.
You really should’ve had it hemmed.
Then a hand comes into your eyeline, blurry and shadowed in the dark lighting. Your hand clasps onto him as it pulls you back onto the boat.
You sputter out, eyes clenched shut as your teeth chatter from the chill seeping into your very bones.
Strong arms wrapped around you. Hands rubbing your back, doing their best to keep you warm.
“I got you”
Brendon.
Of course it was.
“I’m okay,” you coughed out. Shivers wracking your body.
You were drenched to the bone, dress clinging to every inch of you, one heel now long forgotten in the depths of the water. Your makeup almost definitely running.
The water seeping into the fabric of his suit as he held you, he informed the driver to turn the dinghy around.
In a matter of minutes you were sat miserably in the passenger seat of Brendon’s car. Wrapped up in his suit jacket, trying to hold onto any feeling of warmth.
Water still dripping off of you.
Seeping into the very expensive and plush leather seating beneath you. Which you were undoubtedly ruining.
Biting your lip in embarrassment.
Wincing as you hear the slight squelch as you shift, “Your car is going to smell like harbour water forever”
“It’s fine,” he shakes his head, hand adjusting the fans, as he turns on the heater.
“It’s not fine,” you claim.
He sighs, “It’s just a car”
“A very expensive car,” you said pointedly.
“It’s still just a car”
For a moment you just sat there in silence.
The engine roared to life, while Brendon began to drive.
Eyes tracing his features, as the streetlights drifted across his face.
You noticed the damp curls at his temples. The dress shirt sleeves now rolled up to his elbows.
The way he still hadn't complained once.
Not about missing the event.
Not about the ruined suit.
Not about his ruined evening.
Not about dragging you out of a harbor.
Not about anything.
But then you sit up as you realise something, “Hey do you even remember where I live?”
“I was driving you to mine–”
“And why?” you asked.
“It’s closer…” he explained, a tinge of vulnerability bleeding into his words, of the care he felt for you, “And you need dry clothes before you’re at risk for hypothermia”
You nod.
Even if you knew you were going to be fine, that the risk of hypothermia had decreased exponentially for you.
It simply meant he cared.
And that was a sweet thought.
“Fine,” you hummed in agreement.
Noticing the faintest twitch at the corner of his lip.
Soon you’re pulling into his driveway. He walks around while you open the car door, his hand held out to you.
“What a gentleman,” you teased, grasping onto him, still wrapped up in his jacket. Still dripping.
He grumbled lightly in response.
Guiding you up to his front door. The small click as he unlocks it. Welcoming you inside.
Into the peace of it all.
Warm.
Quiet.
Safe and inviting.
His arm slips from yours, holding up a hand, “Wait, just one moment,” as his figure disappears down the halls.
You wander into the lounge, leaving your remaining heel by the door, still clinging onto his jacket, as your eyes trace along the features of his home.
Sleek and clean lines, but with touches of comfort.
It was exactly how you pictured it to be.
You’d been here a handful of times, no more than 3. But not once had you really taken the time to fully appreciate his home.
How it revealed all the little things Brendon kept tucked inside.
Truthfully.
You were a little preoccupied the last few times you had come over. And leaving just as quickly to be at work in time.
But here now.
There was no rush. No urgency.
Just stillness.
A slight cough sounds out from behind you, catching your attention. Neatly tucked in Brendon’s arms were a bundle of clothes, and a towel.
He held them out to you.
Taking them from his hands, a soft smile on your face.
For a moment neither of you moved.
The air felt strangely still.
Brendon's gaze lingered.
Not on the ruined dress.
Not on the dripping water.
Simply eyes trained on you.
Checking.
Making sure you were okay.
His expression softened almost imperceptibly, "There'll be tea when you get out."
Your heart did an annoying little flip.
The kind you tried very hard to ignore.
Because Brendon Park wasn't exactly known for softness.
Yet here he was.
Standing in a ruined suit.
After abandoning a fancy gala.
Bringing you home instead.
Making you tea.
Worried you might catch a cold.
“Bathroom’s down the hall,” he added with a small nod from your thanks.
Smiling you reply, “I remember–” raising a brow in jest, “Unless you did some major renovations”
“Just checking you didn’t lose anything else in the water,” he chuckled.
Shoving him lightly. “I should’ve pulled you in with me,” you retorted, while walking down the hallway.
The sound of his soft laughter drifts into your ears.
And as you disappeared toward the bathroom, you couldn't help but smile.
Peeling the cold dress from your body, laying it down. Groaning as you look at the sad sight.
Stepping into the shower as the warm water and steam envelopes you whole.
Sighing in relief.
Finally retaining the warmth you had lost.
Scrubbing away the musky smell of the river water that clung to you, replaced by the deep scent of Brendon’s body wash as it enters your senses.
Stepping out as you dry off, tossing your wet hair up, twisting it into the towel.
Tugging Brendon’s shirt over you. Pulling up the pants he had given you, pulling at the strings to prevent them from falling off.
It wasn’t perfect, but it would do.
And you would be lying if you said you didn’t enjoy the softness of his shirt.
Stepping back out into the hallway, you immediately noticed the warmth.
Not just from the shower. But from the house itself.
The soft amber glow of the lamps.
The distant hum of the heater.
The faint clink of ceramic coming from the kitchen.
Home.
Or at least something that felt remarkably close to it.
You padded down the hall barefoot.
Before coming across Brendon, as he stood damp suit now swapped for something softer, more homely. Hair fluffy and no longer slicked down with gel.
And for a split second he freezes at the sight of you.
At how right it felt to have you there.
Before he clears his throat, looking back down at the pan, “Feel human again?”
“Mostly,” you grin, while slipping down to sit on a barstool. Propping your head up with your hand, tilting slightly, “What are you making?”
The warming smells entering your nose.
A smile forming upon your lips.
“Just some pasta–”
“Is that–are you making carbonara?” You ask, peering around his broad shoulders.
“Maybe”
Shaking your head, “Nothing, I’m just surprised to see you cook”
“I can cook”
“Great. That’s good to know,” you replied. Eyes softening whilst you watch him move around the kitchen, moves precise and as fluid, as though he were in the operating room.
Then his lip quirked up as he looked over at you, “I know you hate galas, but did you really need to jump into the water to get out of this one?”
You laughed tilting your head back as you rehash the memory.
“You know, if you wanted to stay back there, I could’ve made my own way home–”
“And miss out on being here with you?” he said, voice softening as he gazed at you. “Never”
Your cheeks began to ache with how widely your lips stretched across your face.
He places a plate before you as steam wafts up. A warm cup of tea placed alongside it, soothing and warm, just for you.
While he leans upon his elbows, his own plate of food in his hands.
In this moment now, beneath the dim lightening, hair wrapped up in a towel, as you're sat across from him. The image of softness.
An absolute picture of homeliness.
That was how your night carried on. Grinning and smiling, as you laughed together.
Talking freely.
The way Brendon would laugh.
So genuine.
Low and warm.
The kind of laugh that made your chest tighten.
So different the man everyone assumed him to be. So different from the standoffish surgeon, who kept everyone at arm’s length.
Here he was, letting you into his home.
Into his life.
And you were more than ready to dive right into the deep end with him. So long as it meant more nights like this.
Save for the cold plunge.
You’d be perfectly content spending your evenings with Brendon like this.
As you move to his couch, curling up in his arms. Head tucked against his chest, soothed by the gentle cadence of his beating heart.
While he pressed a soft kiss to the top of your head.
Your eyes drifting shut, gently closing.
But not without catching the gentle sound of Brendon’s voice as he whispers so sweetly.
“I love you”
Mumbling back as a smile curls at your lips, “Love you too”
Whilst you shuffle further into his hold, his arms tightening around you.
If going home meant going home to you. To this.
Then Brendon would gladly leave early.
Just to enjoy having you in his embrace.
Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed this little fic, the final instalment of my domaystic 2026 writing journey ♥️ I just loved the idea of Brendon being so soft and considerate. (and sure a little fall in the water might be a little tropey - but I just loved this idea) as you two grow closer from this little mishap. Something a little homely developing between you both. Let me know what you thought.
Comments, Reblogs and Likes are welcomed and appreciated 💕
Help yourself and check out my other Pitt Works on My Masterlist Here!
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*just a small little snippet of what's to come
FULL FIC NOW POSTED HERE!!
Mateo had only ever known you in passing.
Meeting in the overlapping of shifts, as the sun rose and as it dipped in the sky.
While the day shifters dragged their feet to the exit while the night shifters buzzed alive with fresh coffee and tired smiles.
You were one of those faces he recognised without ever really knowing.
A constant.
Always moving.
Always somewhere.
One second rolling a portable ultrasound into Trauma 2, the next disappearing down a hallway with an x-ray machine in tow.
You never seemed rushed. Simply fast.
Efficient.
Like your every move had already been calculated three steps ahead in your mind.
Most people in the department knew your name. Or at least knew of you as the radiology tech of the night who could somehow appear before anyone finished placing the order.
The one who never stood still long enough for small talk.
Mateo had exchanged exactly three conversations with you.
One had been asking if you needed help moving equipment.
One had been asking where Dr Mohan was.
The third had been an exhausted "Morning" at six-thirty after twenty straight hours in the hospital.
That was the extent of it.
Just another coworker.
Polar opposites.
Day and night.
Park.
Your relation to the intimidating ortho surgeon wasn’t unknown to the entirety of the ED.
Perhaps not common knowledge to those who clung to the day shift. But to those who frequented the nights in the ED.
They all knew who your brother was.
And it came as no surprise to them when they saw you side by side.
The way you both held yourselves. It was eerily similar. Almost identical in the way you behaved.
Work oriented and blunt, straight to the point.
Though this was a fact that Mateo had yet to discover.
Not until he had switched over to the ‘dark side’ as he had jokingly named it when talking with Javadi.
From afar at times you appeared calm.
Approachable even.
Which Mateo would come to understand was not to be mistaken for friendliness.
‘Oh, look, a friendly little dolphin – It's a shark! It's a shark, and it ain't friendly! It looks like a dolphin. Tricky fish! Tricky fish!’
At least that was how it seemed when Mateo had begun working nights.
When he was figuring out how it all worked. How everyone worked together.
The environment was the same and yet the dynamic of it all was drastically different from anything he’d known from the day shift.
Like they had warned him, the nights could certainly get…wild.
And then there was you.
Level headed, calm and collected.
just a little taste of what's to come.
no full fic posted yet, but I hope you're excited.
and if you're wondering the idea for the name tricky fish, came from a lilo and stitch quote as said by Pleakly - it really just amuses me
