Reader x Jude.
Part I
Warnings: none
Part 2
Part 3
You had just started your shift when Jude walked into the practice carrying his son Andrea. You were on friendly (borderline flirty) terms as his son was a regular patient of Dr Ross, the pediatrician whom you assisted as a nurse specialist.
Jude noticed you and offered a small smile.
”Hi Jude” you said, smiling warmly, ”How is my wee friend today?”
Jude sighed, “oh, the usual, still having big problems with his digestion.”
You gave a sympathetic smile. Jude looked tired, dark circles graced his undereyes.
Andrea squirmed and Jude let him down and he toddled towards you, you were good friends as he had been at the practice almost weekly for the last year.
Jude smiled warmly and shook his head in disbelief as you squatted down and started chatting to Andrea, who babbled away. There were very few people Andrea liked and you were one of them. Andrea had exhibited some social and cognitive delays after he was put through an ordeal by his mentally ill mother. The details of the case always made you shudder and your admiration for Jude was sky high.
Andrea motioned to be picked up, resting him on your hip you winked at Jude, “I will let Dr Ross know her favourite patient is here”.
———
A week later your were out walking your dog Bil in Central Park. A slight chill was in the air as summer drew to a close. Sitting on a secluded bench, soaking in the last of afternoon sun, you lazily threw Bil’s ball, which he scampered to retrieve enthusiastically, even after the twentieth time.
You suddenly felt something tug the bottom of your skirt, looking down you saw the familiar face of Andrea. You whipped around looking for Jude but not locating him. “Buddy, what on earth...” you muttered as you scooped Andrea up and sat him on your knee, Bil looked at you bewildered. Not a second later Jude tore around from behind the trees to your right, looking in complete panic.
“Jude!” You yelled, waving your arm frantically.
You saw the acknowledgement and then immense relief flood his face and he started to stride towards you.
“Oh my God, I just turned my back for a second, and then, I mean, shit, he just-” Jude rambled.
You waved your hand dismissively, ”It happens, don't worry” you soothed.
”You must think I am a terrible father oh my God, thank God you were here, I just can't even imagine...” he trailed off as he raked his hand through his hair and drooped his head as he sat down next to you. ”Christ, it took me a moment to recognise you in normal clothing” he admitted as he ran his eyes over you.
Admittedly he had only ever seen you in a variety of brightly coloured scrubs. Today you were in a black high waisted chiffon maxi skirt and a tight white cropped tee. A stark contrast.
”Jude, you are one of the most dedicated fathers I have ever met,” you said, placing your hand on his arm, ”you need to cut yourself some slack.”
He gazed at you, seemingly not sure if you were genuine in your assessment of not. You smiled reassuringly and passed Andrea to him, ”i believe this little man belongs to you?”
Jude held Andrea at arms length and looked him right in the face and said, ”Buddy, you scared the life out of Daddy!” before bringing him to his face and kissing the top of his head gently.
You watched on, silently turning into a puddle at the sweetness and slight sadness of the whole scene.
”Who is you friend?” Jude asked, nodding towards Bil.
”Oh! This is my spoilt, furry child Bil, huh buddy” you cooed, scratching his chin.
”Bill? That's a unique name for a dog” Jude quipped, smiling slightly.
”Short for Bilbo, I'm a bit of a bookworm” you admitted with a shy smile.
”Oh! Yeah! I read Lord of the Rings as a kid and love the films, damn great name actually” he said and he reached down to pat Bil. ”i miss having a dog” he continued ”havent had one of my own ever - just a family one growing up”.
You nodded, smiling ”He is a great companion, even if he hogs most of the bed.”
”No husband?” Jude, asked, raising his eyebrows in surprise.
”i am very flattered by your suprise!” you laughed ”Just Bil and I.”
Andrea started grizzling and squirming, Jude sighed ”i better get the explorer home, he will be tired, thank you y/n, not sure how I will repay you, but maybe coffee sometime?”
”Oh! Sure, yeah, that would be lovely” you said nodding.
Jude grinned and strode away, carrying Andrea.
Shit, you thought.
------
Just a storyline idea that has been rattling around in my head. If you want to hear more let me know! I love soft, sweet Jude.
PART 2
