Okay so I want to make a smau but my phone is really annoying so I have to make it on my iPad rather than phone so it would be a bit wider, is that a problem?
I had the realization that a previous request i sent would probably come off as really rude, and im so sorry! I made it really late, but thats no excuse!
Your writing it honestly great, and I was wondering if you could write a story about a ED nurse reader who Park has a crush on, but the reader is engaged, so he never bothered acting on it, or telling a soul.
But one day, he finds out she single, they broke up ages ago, and shes thinking about doing online dating, only for Dr. Park to slide in like, forget that, date me!
Sadly, you werenโt available, if the engagement ring not from him unfortunately you were wearing wasnโt a dead giveaway.
But today youโre not yourself.
Your usually smiley face is in a frown and he couldโve sworn he saw you wipe your eyes a few times.
If you were his heโd make sure to hold you close and wipe your tears for you.
But all he can do is watch from a distance and hope youโre okay.
โโ
Brendon makes his way through the pitt towards Dana to ask her some charting questions when a conversation catches his attention.
โYeah, she told me and Samira that he not only was a cheating bastard but that he also called off the engagement and blamed her for it.โ
Brendon peers around the corner where he sees Trinity who is filling Dennis in on your recent life events.
โDamnโ Dennis says with his eyes wide โHe fumbles one of the hottest nurses and then makes her the problem? Yeah, definitely a bastard.โ
Trinity nods her head rapidly โI feel so bad. Sheโs the sweetest person and deserves the man of her dreams which clearly wasnโt that fucking dickhead.โ
Brendon moves back behind the hallway corner now armed with this new information. He definitely has a chance now.
He goes to walk away when he accidentally bumps into you.
โShit! Sorry Brendonโ you apologize as you use his arm to steady yourself.
His hand had instinctively gone to your waist to help keep you upright.
โNo worries but be careful, I would hate to see you break something and end up in my O.R.โ he chuckles as his hand slips from your side.
You playfully roll your eyes โOh Brendon, I think Iโd be your most entertaining client if that did hapโโ
Brendon gives you his full attention as he takes in every word you say, no matter how simple.
As heโs listening, the movement of your hand on his bicep catches his attention.
Your engagement ring.
It's gone.
Seems like Santos and Whitaker were right.
If that was the case, heโd have to make his move soon enough before someone comes along and gets your attention first.
Itโs been a month since Brendon saw you without an engagement ring. In that time he had mulled over ideas of how he could ask you out.
He had waited a month to give you time to process things and hopefully be willing to open up your heart again.
Heโs leaning on the desk counter lost in thought about you, just writing on a sticky note when a hand lands close on the counter.
The action startles him slightly and he quickly covers the note as he looks up and his eyes meet yours.
โHey Bren!โ you greet him with a smile โWhatcha up to?โ
He can feel his face blush a little hoping you didnโt see the note.
โHey sweetheart, just enjoying some downtime before the next string of consults.โ
Sweetheart? Shit.
He didnโt even mean to use that term of endearment. It had just slipped out.
It obviously doesnโt bother you, if anything your smile grows a little bigger.
He keeps talking to avoid the slip up which he meant for sure.
โHow bout you? Anything new with you?โ
You pull your phone out as you lean your arms across from him.
โNothing much. I did recently decide to jump back into the dating scene.ย
Brendonโs heart skips a beat.
No. No, you canโt.ย
He hasnโt even attempted to ask you out yet.
โTrinity and Samira suggested Tinder or Hinge. Iโm not so sure though, itโs pretty intimidating. Who even wants the girl who couldnโt keep her fiancee happy, right?โ
You try to joke and make light of the events from last month.
It breaks his heart to hear you think of yourself that way.
Luckily, the chance to express his feelings has presented itself and he canโt wait another minute if he doesnโt want to lose you to a dating app.
โWell, letโs think of it this wayโ he says
โYou could make an account and meet a bunch of useless guys orโฆโ he takes your phone and lays it face down to get your full attentionย
โYou could give a real good guy a chance. Maybe one whoโs a pretty good ortho surgeon. One that really fucking likes you. But what do I know, I just feel you should have some choices.โ
Your jaw drops slightly at his words.
Was the Brendon Park confessing his feelings for you?
One of the hottest guys ever, wanted you?
You lean forward a bit with a playful smirk โOkay sooo, if I gave this alleged ortho guy a chance, where do you think he'd take me on our first date?โ
Brendon steps a bit closer to you โI think he'd prefer to keep that a surprise but for your peace of mind I think heโd take you to coffee and would enjoy hearing you talk about any and every thing, he'd love that actually. Maybe take a stroll through downtown Pittsburgh for a bit. Followed by lunch at a surprise location. Then heโd take you home and hope heโd get lucky with a second date. Maybe a kiss too? If not then that's okay, heโs very patient and would hate to mess everything up.โ
You stare at him, completely smitten with a damn near permanent smile.
โI don't think he could mess things up even if he tried. The date sounds phenomenal too. Seems like a real gentleman. Hopeless romantic too.โย
Brendon leans closer to you, his elbows on the counter โOnly for you sweetheart.โ
You bite your lip as your face heats up.
โFlattery will get you everywhere Park.โ
He steps closer and hesitantly grabs one of your hands.
โGood thing the only place I want to be is with you.โ
You cover your face with your other hand trying to hide the giddiness you feel.
โSo, what do you say, gorgeous?โ he asks โGive an old man a chance?โ
You playfully push his chest as you laugh.
โYouโre hardly old Bendon but yes, Iโd love to go out with you.โ
He gently squeezes your hand โMeet me out front after your shift and Iโll walk you out.โ
โIโll be there Park.โ you wave as he walks backwards towards the elevators.
โBetter be!โ he yells as he disappears around the corner.
You smile to yourself as you go to walk away but something catches your eye.
Itโs a post-it note.
โ He mustโve forgotten it โ you think
Picking it up, you turn it over and pause at the words.
Your name is written at the top with some doodles and below, it reads:
โYouโre so damn prettyโ
You hold it against your chest and the smile never leaves your face.
Oh Brendonโฆ I have a feeling youโre going to be a good one.
nearly maxed out tags cus iโm crazy and just have so much love in my heart i wanted to tag everyone but i had to condense so iโm sorry if i missed anyone also but just know i love you all so bad
also a lot of you i havenโt interacted with in a long time and i feel bad abt that๐ and some ppl that i tagged havenโt even been active since last year or longer like omg pls come back soon i miss you guys ๐ฃ๐ฃ
OMG THANK YOU SM BABY I MISS INTERACTING WITH YOU TOO<\3
my most favourite people here๐โโ๏ธ: @cherryvvave @moviecritc @bloomcissa @cryptic-doe @rh1nestcned @lechelovestoyap @luviery @vianawaits @scissorhvnds @dreamersentity @kamislop @batwngs @sakunai @mystiquevoid @1nsignia @patientofarkhamasylum @arfemiz @froggibus @tinafication @bitemysin @torupng @brinawing @biovomit @evilmanhater @gr0und-zer00 (i'm sorry if i didn't tag someone, but know that you're very dear to me too<3)
i feel like i don't say it enough, but i love you all, and y'all are very very dear to me. here on tumblr i found the community i feel sort of belonging to and with who i have experienced peak girlhoodโฅ๏ธ
@irisgrrl and @toruii and @sugurusbeloved @llovelygood thank you for the tags mls i lobe you guys <3
my favorite writers and people on here !! : @1nsignia @bloomcissa @neotoru @vianawaits @mystiquevoid @sakunai @arfemiz @brinawing @batwngs @luviery @kamislop @rengoatku @sugurusbeloved @satoriee @waltzingphantoms @ryomenlettuce @indiewritesxoxo @gyarujo @oncasette @mayhemi @liahcharms @fukiouh @moviecritc @toruii @choivae @chososprettygirl @kireampie @kooriandr @vanillakirstein @honeysucklewatr @infinictus @froggibus @gothamorphosis @rottndeer @pillsatoru @purrtoru @pixelbfs @patientofarkhamasylum @6x-x9 @scissorhvnds @gr0und-zer00 @tokkushin @llovelygood (i most likely missed some but if i follow u i love ur work)
thanking you and the lovely @voidreynolds ! sending heaps of love!
@starburstbarnes @aures-nook @keeryspullman @lovesflourmorethananything @thought-you-knew @nomajdetective @r6ven @quickdeathwritessometimes @cozyvanillacashmere @finco99 @jackys-stuff-blog @kryptidfiles @weird-is-life and many others i am sure i missed! youโre all super duper lovely and add so much joy to this silly little app <3
Wait, this is SO cute and makes me so emo that I'm tagged here ๐ญ๐ญ๐ญ๐ญ thank you so so much for tagging me @of-apollo ! You're a true treasure ๐ฉท Now, here's me doubling and passing on this love! Here are some folks who I cherish in the fandoms I'm in, fandoms that are made better with them in it, and above all, just gold-standard folks:
Awww!! just so adorably sweet of you to include me!! thank you @finco99 ๐ฅฐโฅ๏ธ (literally every time I see one of your fic rec lists pop up I always smile! they're just so well organised too!!)
Here's some lovely people who always bring a smile to my face whenever I see them pop up on my dash or even as a notification ๐ซถ
(and there's plenty of other people out there who I absolutely love seeing pop up but these are a few of the top ones that come to mind for me atm ๐)
nearly maxed out tags cus iโm crazy and just have so much love in my heart i wanted to tag everyone but i had to condense so iโm sorry if i missed anyone also but just know i love you all so bad
also a lot of you i havenโt interacted with in a long time and i feel bad abt that๐ and some ppl that i tagged havenโt even been active since last year or longer like omg pls come back soon i miss you guys ๐ฃ๐ฃ
OMG THANK YOU SM BABY I MISS INTERACTING WITH YOU TOO<\3
my most favourite people here๐โโ๏ธ: @cherryvvave @moviecritc @bloomcissa @cryptic-doe @rh1nestcned @lechelovestoyap @luviery @vianawaits @scissorhvnds @dreamersentity @kamislop @batwngs @sakunai @mystiquevoid @1nsignia @patientofarkhamasylum @arfemiz @froggibus @tinafication @bitemysin @torupng @brinawing @biovomit @evilmanhater @gr0und-zer00 (i'm sorry if i didn't tag someone, but know that you're very dear to me too<3)
i feel like i don't say it enough, but i love you all, and y'all are very very dear to me. here on tumblr i found the community i feel sort of belonging to and with who i have experienced peak girlhoodโฅ๏ธ
@irisgrrl and @toruii and @sugurusbeloved @llovelygood thank you for the tags mls i lobe you guys <3
my favorite writers and people on here !! : @1nsignia @bloomcissa @neotoru @vianawaits @mystiquevoid @sakunai @arfemiz @brinawing @batwngs @luviery @kamislop @rengoatku @sugurusbeloved @satoriee @waltzingphantoms @ryomenlettuce @indiewritesxoxo @gyarujo @oncasette @mayhemi @liahcharms @fukiouh @moviecritc @toruii @choivae @chososprettygirl @kireampie @kooriandr @vanillakirstein @honeysucklewatr @infinictus @froggibus @gothamorphosis @rottndeer @pillsatoru @purrtoru @pixelbfs @patientofarkhamasylum @6x-x9 @scissorhvnds @gr0und-zer00 @tokkushin @llovelygood (i most likely missed some but if i follow u i love ur work)
thanking you and the lovely @voidreynolds ! sending heaps of love!
@starburstbarnes @aures-nook @keeryspullman @lovesflourmorethananything @thought-you-knew @nomajdetective @r6ven @quickdeathwritessometimes @cozyvanillacashmere @finco99 @jackys-stuff-blog @kryptidfiles @weird-is-life and many others i am sure i missed! youโre all super duper lovely and add so much joy to this silly little app <3
Wait, this is SO cute and makes me so emo that I'm tagged here ๐ญ๐ญ๐ญ๐ญ thank you so so much for tagging me @of-apollo ! You're a true treasure ๐ฉท Now, here's me doubling and passing on this love! Here are some folks who I cherish in the fandoms I'm in, fandoms that are made better with them in it, and above all, just gold-standard folks:
Awww!! just so adorably sweet of you to include me!! thank you @finco99 ๐ฅฐโฅ๏ธ (literally every time I see one of your fic rec lists pop up I always smile! they're just so well organised too!!)
Here's some lovely people who always bring a smile to my face whenever I see them pop up on my dash or even as a notification ๐ซถ
(and there's plenty of other people out there who I absolutely love seeing pop up but these are a few of the top ones that come to mind for me atm ๐)
cw: swearing, fem!reader who loves to sleep, crushing! jack perspective mainly, no use of y/n, plot-twist but its kinda obvious????, only physical description of reader is beautiful + soft hands, sheโs a bit of a bitch hahaโฆ sorryโฆ like one off handed comment of perv!jack, medical inaccuracies as always
wordcount: 2.4k
Jack blinked awake when a paramedic shook him awake. โDr. Abbot? Weโre at Presby,โ she said as she helped her coworker prepare the gurney for transport. He nodded and stood up from his seat, exiting the ambulance.
Howard Knox, 52 year old male with abdominal pain and fever. His weight was too much of a risk for the PTMC CT to handle so they had him transferred to Presby for their machine.
Jack had been to Presby once or twice, it was nicer than The Pittโ in terms of medical technology and in patient satisfaction scores. When he rolled in with the paramedics, nurses and doctors all turned their heads as an unfamilar presence entered the space. Jack looked around for the Presby attending.
Peter, a man he once went to school with, came out rolling out of a trauma, throwing his gloves aside. The charge nurse motioned his attention to Jack. Peter nodded in acknowledgment as he stuck a hand out to him. Jack took it nodding at his friend. โPeter.โ
โJack. I heard you guys are going old school at PTMCโ The two men shook each other's hands.
Jack shrugged and confirmed the manโs worries, โNothing me and Robby canโt handle.โ
The smiley dayshift attending turned to Howard, โyou must be Mr. Knox.โ
Howard clicked on the VidaTalk he was given to speak, a robotic voice came over to speak for him. โJust Howard.โ
Peter nodded, as he sympathized with the man. โWell then โJust Howardโ weโre gonna get you up to Radiology. From there weโre gonna get you a CT to see whatโs wrong. Then weโll send you back with Dr. Abbot here to the PTMC. Sounds good?โ Peter smirked down at the bigger man as he explained. Howard nodded as Peter and Jack assisted with rolling him down the hall, thanking the paramedics.
Peter gently slowed; looking across the bed, glancing to a room behind Jack as they were on their way to the elevator. An on-call room. One of the few differences Jack envied between The Pitt and Presby. Where Pitt doctors slept in extra beds and abandoned wings. Presby doctors slept in designated rooms. They were fancy like that.
Peter motioned for him to go. โGo on. Iโll make sure our friend โjust Howardโ gets VIP treatment up there.โ Peter assured him. It wasnโt till Howard himself nodded and told Jack heโd be fine via Vidatalk, that Jack had reluctantly given up. He had already been exhausted from his SWAT team volunteering and his shoulder was killing him.
Jack opened the door to the on-call room and heard the sound of footsteps running towards him. Peter shouted, โJack, hold on!โ As his fingers flicked on the lights, the older man paused. He heard a woman groan and saw the rise of one of the covers in the corner. Once Peter reached the doorway, he cursed as he noticed the rising figure. โOhโฆ damn it, Jack.โ
But it was too late; you had already awoken and groggily glared at both men. โWhat the fuck.โ You simply said to the unfamiliar man and your bumbling counterpart attending who looked panicked. Peter nervously chuckled, introducing you as the nightshift attending.
Jack raised his brows, as you rose from the covers. You were beautiful, like a princess as the covers pooled around your waist. He approached, hand out. โJack Abbot.โ He attempted to make eye contact tilting his head down at you, but you didnโt reciprocate his enthusiasm. Instead, you rubbed your eyes, clearly annoyed. Jack couldnโt help but chuckle at your feisty yet endearing demeanor.
The moment between you two, or more specifically Jackโs flirty greeting and awe of you, was interrupted as Peter placed his hands on Jackโs shoulders guiding him away. โSorry, Jack. Swan here doesnโt take too lightly to people interrupting her sleep unless someoneโs actively dying.โ You just flicked off your male counterpart as you got up from the bed.
Jack apologized, saying, โSorry to wake you. I didnโt realize someone was in here.โ You brushed him off, muttering that it was fine as you left the on-call room. You grabbed your stethoscope from one of the nightstands and wrapped it around your shoulders as you stalked out. Clearly, it wasnโt.
Before Jack could apologize, Peter placed a hand on his chest. โDonโt worry about her. Sheโs cranky without her coffee or her 12 hoursโฆโ he joked, glancing over his shoulder to ensure you hadnโt lingered to hear him. โShe seems to like you though,โ he said as he fetched blankets and pillows for Jack. The older man raised an eyebrow at the blonde man.
He shrugged, citing, โShe didnโt bite your head off. Did that with one of our nurses.โ
โWow, Iโm so gracious,โ Jack gruffly said sarcastically at the manโs jokes.
After Peter had left to attend to Howard, who heโd left by the elevator doors in his desperate run, Jack twisted and turned in bed. He was restless and couldnโt get you or your glare out of his mindโ if looks could kill Jack wouldโve happily died for you to look at him like that again. He snuck out of the on-call room, curious to see how they did things in Presby, how you did things in Presby.
Jack found you with relative ease as he heard your voice call out in the same no nonsense tone you had spoken to him in. โNeed some hands!โ He was quick to sneak in, entering a trauma room. He crossed his arms as he watched you order around nurses and residents.
โSorry to disappoint kiddos, while the big manโs upstairs youโre under my watchful eye.โ You spoke confidently, now you were awake.
A male resident smirked. โHappy to see you off one last time, Swan,โ he flirted as a young girl was rolled in, cited to have been passed out in her parentโs car.
โFlattery will get you nowhere but my shit list, Rodriguez,โ
The man let out a chuckle as he put on his nitrile gloves, glancing over at Jack. โWhoโs that?โ Rodriguez didnโt recognize the scrubs.
You looked up from your primary assessment, removing the stethoscope from your ear as your eyes met Jackโs. โMy senile alarm clock.โ You said deadpan as you stood up, finishing up. Jack chuckled at your joke.
The man winced at the thought, โYou woke her up?โ Jack shrugged, how was he supposed to know?
โYour diagnosis, Dr. Smith?โ You signaled a fumbling girl, as the nurses read the young girl's stats.
โUmโฆ. Heatstroke?โ She asked softly, you nodded encouragingly. You looked to the med students observing, explaining how heat can cause the muscles to lose strength and cause trouble breathing.
โAnd your treatment?โ You urged her to continue.
โIce. Lots of ice. On the groin and axilla?โ She tried and you nodded but looked at Rodriguez, waiting for him to continue. He fumbled, shrugging in confusion.
โDr. Abbot?โ You called out, your eyes met his which caused him to shift his weight onto his prostheticโhis one actual leg felt like jelly under your stare.
โArctic Sun.โ Jack answered without hesitation and you nodded. He triumphed at your small praiseโ the last time he felt like this was when he was a med student, which was a long time ago. He wondered how you did that to him, but he didnโt mind it. No, not at all. Jack Abbot would happily relive his med student days if it was under you.
โLetโs get his CK levels, rhabdomyolysis from muscle breakdown can damage the kidneys, but Iโm worried about her brain.โ You ordered as an ice bath was prepared. โYou got this?โ
You offered to Rodriguez; he confirmed back to you. โI got this, Swan.โ You nodded as you pushed out the doors.
Jack lingered for a moment before glancing at the male resident. โSwan?โ He asked curiously.
โEver heard of the Swan Princess? A princess who is beautiful at night, but a swan during the day.โ Rodriguez informed Jack as he placed an order for a CK on the computer. Jack raised an eyebrow in response to the reference.
โFits perfectly. I think Iโve heard her hiss in the mornings before. But the night crew swears sheโs the best; must be where the princess part comes in.โ One of the nurse chimed as she filled the tub with ice.
As Jack stepped out of the trauma room, he couldnโt help but ponder the nickname for you. He chuckled at the thought of you being an โED princessโ at night, but a โtemperamental swanโ during the day. With a sense of curiosity, he scanned the unfamiliar surroundings, hoping to find you.
โCareful Abbot, keep following me. I might start thinking you like me.โ You said as you saw his grey curls enter your peripheral. He turned his head to look around like you werenโt talking to himโ feigning innocence at your accusation, but it wasnโt exactly a fact heโd deny after your impressive work in there.
He stood behind you, peering over your shoulder. You sat on the computer for a moment before, out of curiosity, you arched your back and craned your neck backward, looking up at him upside down. He raised an eyebrow at your sudden movement and smirked down at you. You were the most adorable attending he had ever met. โIf youโre the nightshift attending, why are you in the on-call room at 2 p.m.?โ he asked with a teasing glint in his eye. You shrugged and went back to your charts to finish up the last of your work.
โBecause thereโs no rest for the wicked?โ The both of you heard a voice boom down from the hall. Your peer returned from his trip to the CT with Howard who waved at Jack.
You sighed in relief softly at the sight of your smiley counterpart. โMaking my last shift, a shift and a half is wicked, Parker.โ You petulantly pointed out to him. Peter chuckled as he signaled to the paramedics to take Howard. Jack raised an eyebrow at your words, apparently sabbaticals were in.
โItโs not half a shift. It was an hour at most.โ The taller man rolled your eyes at your exaggeration.
โDoes that mean youโre coming in at 6, tomorrow?โ
Parker laughed you off and clapped Jackโs shoulder. โDr.Swan didnโt honk at you, did she?โ
โThatโs geese, you imbecile-โ
โJack. I put your man on Versed for surgical consent, looks like a diverticular abscess that has progressed to a perforation.โ Parker frowned, that caught your attention as you turned to look at the two men.
โThat could lead to peritonitis.. he needs surgery ASAP.โ you called out.
Jack nodded in agreement. โIโll tell them to take the fast lane,โ he joked, as you furrowed your brows in worry. Jack urged to kiss away the wrinkles between you. He would fix everything if it meant that cute expression returned.
The three attendings went to the ambulance bay together for goodbyes, much to your protest and Peterโs insistence. Jack shook Peterโs hand with a firm grip and nod. Brothers in arms. But when it came to you he didnโt know what to do.
โWhereโd you say you worked again?โ You raised an eyebrow at the older man.
โPittsburgh Trauma Medical,โ he said proudly.
A smug smirk graced your features. From the hour Jack had known you, he had a feeling you didnโt smile like that much. But god did he want to see it again after every shift. He held out a hand for you, you took it.
โSee you around, Dr. Abbot,โ you said knowingly.
He chuckled, blushing slightly. โJust Jack is fine.โ You two held each otherโs hands for a long tender moment. If Jackโs were rough and calloused from the constant use, then yours were gentle and soft from constant care. He wanted to guide them to other places.
Peter interrupted the moment with an awkward cough, โWell, just Howard and just Jack. Safe travels.โ Peter wished the two of them, waving to Howard. You and the attending began back into Presbyโ bickering over if you could return to the on-call room.
โBut wouldnโt she count as a nightshift patient if you were the attending on duty?โ
โTell me, when you shake your heads do you hear rocks, Peter?โ
The ambulance ride had been quiet as Jack got in a good 20 minute power nap. He helped the paramedics roll in Howard as the Versed began to wear off. Robby greeted the team with a smile. โHey, welcome back. How was the trip?โ
Jack smirked to himself at the thought of the night shift attending who was quick to anger but equally quick to save a life. โSmooth sailing. Presbyโs pretty nice. I might even have to take on some day shifts there.โ
Before the end of their shift, Jack and John had debriefed on the nightly patients of the ER as they chatted. Shen began what Shen was good at: rumors.
โHey, I hear Al-Hashimi wants two attendings on at a time.โ
The grey haired man glanced over at the man over his spectacles. โSo?โ He gruffly asked.
โWell obviously, with Robby gone sheโs calling in another set of hands.โ Shen began whispering conspiratorially. โSo, youโre gonna pick me right?โ
Jack rolled his eyes. โWhat?โ He didnโt even know what Shen was asking. Shen rolled his eyes, scooting closer.
โWell you and Al-Hashimi, the older-โ Jack shot him a look.
โโฆwell-tenuredโฆโ The raven haired man corrected himself. โ.. attendings will have to choose between me or the newbieโฆ so me right?โ John asked him with a slight nod, urging his peer to choose him like a president asking for a vote.
Jack rolled his eyes, saying, โIf itโs that important to youโฆโ He shrugged, unconcerned. He preferred having Shen, whom he had taught since the man became a resident. They had a harmonious relationship. John applauded his words, giving the older man a fist bump.
โDr. Shen, Dr. Abbot. Glad to see you both.โ Al-Hashimi said with a smile on her face as she came up to them, greeting the two men.
Dr. Shen turned around pretending he wasnโt just talking about her, he wavedโ his watered down ice coffee in hand. Jack nodded in response but didnโt look up from his charting.
โAs youโve probably heard, I wanted to enact a two attending policy per shift.โ The curly haired woman spoke professionally. โIโve brought in a friend to help us cover while Dr. Robbyโs out on his sabbatical. We just need to decide who takes nights and days.โ John chuckled smuggly, already knowing the outcome. Baran continued, motioning to behind her, introducing you and your background as a nightshift attending from Presby. Jack raised his eyebrows at your name, finally looking up from the computer.
You were in casual clothes as you held scrubs to The Pitt, scanning over the area. You locked eyes with Jack almost instantly. Oh. This is what you meant when youโd see him around.
You gave him a grin. โJack,โ you teasingly spoke the name heโd insisted you called him.
He smiled back, his freckles on full display on the apples of his cheeks, a playful glint dancing in his gray eyes. โWe donโt have any on-call rooms here, princess.โ
โEh. Iโll manage.โ You shrugged, smiling back. Your heart skipped a little at the nickname.
John looked between the two of you, noticing the tension. Well fuck. He shouldโve listened to Ellis when it came to jinxes.
authorโs note: hi!!! im really dragging my feet over this pope fic HAHAHAHAโฆ. sorryโฆ iโll stop writing and finish the proofreading on it nowโฆ anyways have this to stave you guys over while i finish that up!! i wanted to add a joke about swans + mating for life so maybe a part two???? depends on how this is received and if i wanna come back to this! okay thanks for your supp weโre almost at 50 followers, i could cry!!!!! kia out!!! also probably no dbf part two bc im pathetic when it comes to smut i apologizeโฆ. kia out.. ๐ฃ๐ฃโบ๏ธ
contents; fem! reader x jack abbot, some hucklerobby crumbs...a little 'friends' ref bc im rewatching it for the hundreth time lol but thats about it.
a/n; i want to thank @plast1cdoll for the AMAZING idea to name the kitten robby and then have them not tell anyone the kitten is named robby and prank them LMAOOO ur mind is wonderful!!!!
a/n: i was going back and forth on making reader an alcoholic but i don't think she'd go that far. it's the metaphor of the cigarette that's so important... wink wink.
summary: you get drunk at your local bar which you have learned is one Abbot frequents with his cop buddies. you need help getting home and he happily obliges. the two of you take some strides in going back to the way things once were.
tags: take a shot every time a cigarette is mentioned, murder-suicide mentioned, you find yourself in a cop bar, angst obvi, a little fluff, abbot being gentle ,its implied you and laura (abbot's wife) are the same complexion
wc: 3.7k
หโเฟเปโ โ
You started smoking about a year after Laura's funeral. It started as a social thing. Abbot stopped talking to you and you needed some consoling. You'd bum a cigarette from a stranger outside of a bar. Then would ask for a light. Chat up the lonely drunk sucker. Take him home for the night. Soon it became a rinse and repeat process.
Then, you started buying your own cigarettes and your own light. Then all of a sudden you were the lonely drunk sucker.
You grew out of the San Francisco bar scene. The tech bros were taking over and all your favorite spots had been closed due to foreclosure and getting bought out. It wasn't too bad in Pittsburgh though.
You found a dive bar close to your house where you could go after work. They allowed smoking inside which was great and the noise level was loud enough to drown out your thoughts. It's only been two weeks and you've been in about 4 times. Only after the hard days. Sometimes you'd drink. Or flirt with somebody. Or take them home. But you were never without a cigarette.
You sit at the end of the bar smoking while you enjoy your drink, a simple negroni with your cigarette. Today was exceptionally rough and you were mentally exhausted. You couldn't leave any faster especially when you didn't have to face Jack for the shift's hand-off.
The night is still early so the bar was not busy. The bartender is chatting with some patrons at the front of the bar. You can hardly hear them but you know they're talking about you because they keep looking at you.
You tap you cigarette into the ashtray and rest it there as you finish the last of your drink. You squeeze your eyes shut as you watch the bartender come over. He slides you another and takes your empty glass. "I didn't order another one," You push the glass away, slightly.
"It's on them," He motions his head to the guys at the end of the bar. You look down the bar and see the men. They raise their glasses to you. "I've seen you a few times recently. Are you a detective?"
You scoff as you pick up your cigarette, "Do I look like one?"
"I've just never seen you before until recently, so I assumed you transferred to the station nearby. This place is frequented by the boys in blue."
Your smile fades as you scan the bar. You swear to yourself in your head. This place was a cop bar. No wonder some of these assholes were easy. They're running from their wives and drowning themselves in alcohol. You laugh aloud, "I'm just new to the neighborhood. I'm no cop."
"They thought so." He chuckles, "They said you were too pretty to be a cop."
You smile and look back raising the drink to them before taking a swig. "It's all good. If it gets me free drinks, we can keep it a secret."
"Yes, ma'am. Your secret is safe with me." He winks as he walks over to some new patrons to get their orders. You take another swig and finish your cigarette. You are slow to pick it up the drink again so you didn't have an excuse to go home yet.
The bar gets livelier as the night goes on. You laugh at yourself as you notice more and more characters looking like off-duty cops, flood the bar. I guess your thoughts clouded your vision enough for you to not notice the past times you came.
"What's so funny?" A man sits down next to you. He puts a cigarette to his lips and lights it. He wasn't bad looking. Salt and pepper hair and stubble to match. Black eyes overshadowed by a strong brow bone and thick eyebrows. He looks at you and smiles.
"Nothing, justโฆ picked the wrong bar to wallow in." You sigh.
"Or the right one. This is the perfect bar for it. Look at all these sad sacks in here." He chuckles, "They're all muttering to themselves how they didn't make the cut for boot camp and now all deadbeats."
"And you're not?"
"Me? No, no I went to school." He chuckles, "I uh, I help these fools out. Special Ops."
"Oh, and that's better?" You tilt your head.
"I help these chumps for the crack downs." He shrugs, "So it makes me aboutโฆ one step above them."
"I see." You laugh, "I wonder where I am on that ladder."
"Dependsโฆ What's your story?" He blows his smoke away from you.
"It won't be that easy." You roll your eyes.
"What? What am I doing?" He acts innocently and leans in, "Is it so bad to be curious?"
"Curiosity killed the cat." You bite back a smile.
"Alright how about this, I'll tell you my story, you tell me yours." He smirks. Then he whistles for the bartender, "Another of what the lady is having and a bourbon."
You don't decline the drink. You rest your elbows on the bar's edge and look at the man, "I hope your story starts with your name."
His name was Nick. He worked as a technology specialist for most tactical teams in Pittsburgh. He was meeting some of his friends for drinks as team bonding. He got off work earlier than they did so he thought he would come in for a smoke before they gave him shit for it.
You take his cigarette from his hand, "You can always say it's mine."
He smiles as he watches you take a drag. You hand the cigarette back. "Alright, your turn. Why are you in this dark and dreadful place?"
"Before I got off work, I had to deal with a major case: A murder suicide."
"Wowโฆ that's fucked." He takes a drag with wide eyes.
"Sad part was the victim died and the killer lived." You take a big gulp of your drink when it arrives. "Right on the dot, at quittin' time. He gets shipped off to surgery while she took her last breath."
"Goodnessโฆ and you were there in the hospital?"
You chuckle, "Of course I was. I was the damn doctor who saved him."
"Oh, you're a doctor!" He sits back in surprise.
"Sorry if I'm not one of theses other chumps you thought I was."
"No, no I didn't think that." He smiles, "Admin was my first guess when I saw you over here all dolled up. Then you said case and I thought surely a detective. But if I had a doctor like you, I'd go into cardiac arrest."
You politely laugh as you take another drink. Your head feels like it's floating off your body now. You rest your hand on his arm to steady yourself. "Are you really here waiting for friends?"
"Yeah they're just a little late. If I left nowโฆ I don't think they'd miss me too long." He leans in. You lean closer and feel the ghost of his lips against yours whenโ
"Yo! Nicky!" A sharp whistle calls his attention. A loud group of men arrive in front of the door. You rest your head on his shoulder in embarrassment.
"I'll uh be right back okay?" He leaves your side and weaves through the crowd towards his friends. You sigh shaking off the feeling of humiliation before picking up his abandoned cigarette and taking a drag. You turn in your bar stool and look in the general direction of where he went.
You heart plummets when you see among the group is Jack.
You quietly curse to yourself. You are drunk in a skimpy dress and now the worst person to see you like this was here. You think of what to do as you take some big gulps of air to sober up. You feel sick now.
As you try to slip into the crowd to disappear to the bathroom, Nick is talking you up to his friends. "She is just sitting over there smoking and she tells me this crazy story about how fucked up her day was. It was kinda sexy and then she tried to kiss me." Nick points, "She's right overโฆ there. Where'd she go?"
They all look in the direction of the smoking section but none see a woman matching the description he gave. The other men laugh at him except Jack. The description sounded like you. He heard about the situation on his radio; they were en route to PTMC last he heard. He excuses himself to the bathroom, leaving his friends to continue teasing Nick.
He goes down the secluded hall to the bathroom where it was much quieter. As he approaches the bathroom, he can hear retching coming from the women's room. He waits as it continues once more then some coughing and a little sob. He stands in front of the door and knocks, "Hello? Is everything okay in there?"
Shit, you think. He's at the door after you've just puked your guts out. You're still catching your breath. You can't make him go away. Maybe if you run some water, he'll leave.
You turn on the faucet to gurgle some water and wash your face.
Jack hears the water and knocks on the door, "I just wanted to check on you. Make sure you're okay."
You squeeze your eyes shut as you hear the softness in his voice. You missed how sweet he sounded when you were friends. You've barely spoken to him at work. You nearly gag as you hold back tears.
He knows that it's you. He hears a sniffle behind the door. He chews his bottom lip before he looks down the hall. When the coast is clear, he cracks open the door, "Do you need me to get you anything?"
"Iโฆ" You clear your throat, "I need you to stop being nice, right now."
He lowers his head as he smiles. His suspicions were correct. He stays at the door, "Is anyone else in there?"
"Noโฆ" You sigh.
He enters the bathroom and sees you hunched over the sink. You turn away ashamed but he can see your face through the mirror. You could see yourself. You were a hot mess. In a backless dress that you finally took the tag off after years of it sitting in your closet. Some heels you should have given up a long time ago and make up smeared across your face.
"What are you doing here?" He asks.
"If you're asking if I knew this was a cop bar or not, I'm gonna say no." You straighten up, "Sorry if I'm encroaching on your new life here."
"You're not," He steps closer, "You just never liked going to bars. By yourself, at least."
"You were never a cop." You shoot back. You turn to face him, "What the hell are you doing here? I'm pretty sure none of those guys are your old army buddies."
"I, uh, I joined the SWAT team." He sighs.
"What?!" You're only shocked for a moment before you throw your hands up in defeat, "I gotta stop acting surprised and like I care because honestly, I really don't. I don't care that you joined SWAT, or that you moved here, or why you stopped talking to me. I don't care about you, Jack, like you don't care about me." A tear pricks your cheek but that's the only one, "Have fun tonight."
You try to walk past him but you're still inebriated. You stumble and he catches your arm, holding you up. "I never stopped caring." He says, "I just couldn't face you again. I was never ready." He takes his jacket off and helps you put it on, "Let me take you home."
You could fight him some more. Make him feel worse than he already did. But then again you were tired. You felt horrible after the final poorly made drink you had. You just wanted to go home."
You nod in defeat and lean against him for stability. The two of you walk through the bar side by side. As you pass by Jack's friends, Nick gets up, "Hey, you disappeared. And made a new friend, I see."
"I'm fine, thanks for asking." You mutter, "Tonight was fun but I think I'm just going to go home."
"Jack you know her?" Nick notices his jacket on you.
"I do." He looks at you and hesitates to say more, "Now, move so I can take her home."
You leave the bar and take a deep breath of the fresh city air. Maybe it was the smells inside or the brand of Nick's cigarette that made you feel bad. Now out in the night air you started to feel better. "My car is this way." He leads you the parking lot.
"No, my apartment isn't far." You pull him the opposite direction, "You can make it, right?"
"Sure I can." He helps you walk as you lead him to your apartment.
The walk is silent as it was only a few blocks. You turn the corner and walk up to the door of an old brick apartment building. You unlock the front door and lead Jack through the hall. The building looked like a time capsule and smelled older than the two of you combined with the faint odor of smoke. You stop at a door behind the stairwell and open it for him. It was a closed off apartment. A straight and narrow hall with the kitchen right at the door. Then either through the kitchen or the hall is the living room.
Boxes were all over your apartment making it hard for you, drunk, to walk through, and Jack, who's never been here before, struggle to hold you up. "Sorry about the mess." You say, "I don't know if I'm staying so I thoughtโฆ Why bother?"
"Because it's your home. Even if it's just for right now." He says, "I learned leaving boxes around can be depressing."
"Right. Well, that's what tomorrow is for." You sit on your couch, "My first real day off since getting here."
Jack stands by the coffee table and sees a few bottles of wine sitting there. You struggle to unclasp your shoes in your altered state.
He sits beside you and gently takes your foot in his hands. He unlatches the buckle and helps you out of the shoe. He looks up at you and takes you other foot. You lean back against the cushions and place your foot in his lap for a better visual of the buckle.
"That's a lot of wine." He says.
"A parting gift. Different flavors from a winery North of SF." You explain, "There all unopened by the way. I didn't pick up that many bad habits."
"I didn't say anything." He shrugs, "I just noticed they seem to be the only thing out of a box." He looks around at your barren living room. No pictures, no tv, there was nothing but boxes.
"They're umโฆ for Laura actually." You purse your lips, "I was going to visit her someday and share some. She liked the taste from the brand when you guys came to visit once. She couldn't stop talking about it."
Jack looks at the bottle again. How could he forget? With all of the memories of you stored away, he was forced to put away the ones that included Laura too.
He picks up the bottle and smiles. You watch as he reminisces to himself. You subconsciously smile as he remembers the happy memory. When you catch yourself, you stop immediately, "You just caught me having a bad day, okay?" You roll your ankle and wince.
"Understood. I know today must have been especially hard." He stands up and places a pillow under your foot. He goes to your kitchen and opens your freezer, grabbing some frozen vegetables.
"What? Let me guess, Nick-y told you."
"No I heard over my police radio." He returns and places it on your ankle.
"Yourโฆ police radioโฆ" You scoff, "No, I'm sorry, you sound crazy."
"Whatever keeps me alive, I guess." He smirks, "I thought you didn't care."
"I don't." You sigh, "I justโฆ I can't imagine Laura liking you doing this."
His smile drops at the sound of her name. She would have hated it. The idea of him being back in a fire fight would have sent her spiraling. He has all her letters from when he was in the middle east. She was always thinking the worse and fretting about how she never knew where he was.
You notice his distant gaze and bite your lip. "Sorry, I didn't mean to bring her up like that. That was rude."
"No, you're right. I think the whole reason I do it is because she isn't here to tell me I shouldn't." He sniffs, "You're right, like always."
"I'm sorry anyway." You check your phone, "You should probably get going back to your friends. I can manage getting to bed."
You take off the ice pack and stand up. Although your feet are planted on the ground, the room is spinning. Jack stands up and grabs your hands to keep you steady. "I'd rather be here with you than with those assholes."
You didn't know if you were agitated or endeared by the comment. He was making it really hard to hate him. He chuckles, "I hope that means you're warming up to me."
Your brows furrow, did you just say that out loud? Jack chuckles as he notices the disgust on your face. "You're still pretty drunk."
"Shut up." You grumble. You strengthen your grip in his hands as Abbot guides you to your room. Which was crowded with more boxes. There is a small runway from the door to the bed. You use the boxes for balance as you put yourself in bed. Jack helps you under the covers. You give him a pillow which he tucks under where your twisted ankle was, so it was elevated. As you two work together to get yourself in bed you can help but laugh.
"What?" He chuckles.
"Remember that time we were drunk coming home and none of us could walk straight."
Jack smiles as he recalls the memory, "Second year finals. We looked like were following the yellow brick road the way we were stumbling."
"Laura was the worst. No matter where we put her in the line, she stumbled. On the end closest to the buildings, she fell in a bush. In the middle, she'd fall backwards."
"And I was not going to put her on other end because I was scared she might fall into the street."
"Yeah!" You laugh, "Then we got home and I thought lost my keyโฆ"
Once in the dorms, you dug through your purse and cursed loudly when you couldn't find it. Laura shushed you as she draped herself on Jack. He struggled to hold her up and get his own door open at the same time. "I think I'm locked out." You whisper-yelled.
"Seriously?" Jack finally got his door open. Laura pouted as she watched you slide down your door.
"Baby, help her." She said.
"Let me get you inside first." He ushered her to his bed then came back to see you curled up against the door prepared to spend the night in the hall.
"C'mon you can't stay out here." He put your arms around his neck and helped you to your feet. You go to his room and he sets you on the bed next to Laura. "A sleepover!" Laura squealed.
"Sh!" Jack hushed her, "Ladies, it's time for bed."
"Where will you sleep?" You ask.
"In my roommate's bed." He sat on the edge of the bed as he watched you two snuggle under his small comforter, giggling drunkenly. Sharing secrets and whispering.
"You two fell asleep talking to each other all night." He chuckles.
"Yeah, come to find out I had my key the whole time." You giggle, "Cleaning up after me, like always." You turn over in your bed and sigh as you relax to sleep.
Jack's brows furrow as he remembers a little more of the memory, "Do you remember anything else about that morning?"
In the morning, he woke up with a bone-banging headache. He looked over at Laura in his bed and smiles. You must have found your key and went to your room. He got out of bed and quietly walked over as to not wake her. He rubbed her back trying to coax her but she shrunk under the blanket, covering her face. He leaned over and kissed the top of her head. She groaned and tried to shoo him away. He chuckled and tried again.
Just as he's about to kiss her, his room door opened. "Hi, Babe!" Laura entered the room with coffee and pastries in her hand. Jack immediately moves away from the bed horrified by what he had just done. The covers move, and you stir awake at the commotion, blissfully unaware of what happened just moments prior.
"Umโฆ Julia kissing my head trying to wake me up?" You mutter, "She had just got back from getting breakfast."
Jack thinks to himself, Laura was just coming into the room. He thinks it was possible she had seen what he had done and mistook it as a purposeful act. That didn't seem like her to not say anything in the moment. Then again writing her closest friend on a ridiculous list didn't seem like her either.
"I'll see myself out, okay?" He whispers.
"Mhm." You mumble.
"I'll see you at work." He walks out of your room, turning out the light. As he walks back through your apartment, he bumps into an open box. Inside he sees a picture of you and Laura. When he picks it up, he notices another photo fall over. It was a photo of the 3 of you in San Francisco when Laura was in remission. He smiles at the two pictures. He sets them on your living room side table before he turns out the rest of your lights and leaves your apartment. He locks the door, of course, like the gentleman he is.
Hiiii!! ๐ Can I request a Brendon Park where itโs the day heโs going to propose, but heโs so nervous that he accidentally acts really quiet and distant all day. Then, just a few minutes before heโs about to propose, reader asks if heโs mad at her because she thinks she did something wrong. He brushes it off, tells her everythingโs fine, and then goes through with the proposal a few minutes later please!! ๐ฅน
You prop your head on your hand as you watch Brendon from the nurses station.
Somethingโs up with him.
This morning he barely said a word to you besides โgood morningโ and a brief โsee you laterโ before you both parted ways for your shifts earlier.
Heโs usually decently chatty with you and checking in throughout the day either by text or coming down to the pitt to find you.
But today? Heโs kept his distance. Thereโs been a smile or two if you happened to catch his gaze but otherwise heโs been pretty reserved.
Is he mad at me?
Did I do something wrong?
Maybe it's a bad day?
You let out a breath as you pick up another chart.
Tonight you were having a surprise date night and while you were excited for what he had planned, you still worried about him.
โ--
Later after work you had gotten ready for the date.
You had picked out a dress you had reserved for nicer dates and paired it with wedged heels. Your hair was in a new style you had seen online and you were very proud of how it turned out.
Lastly you had put in some medium sized hoops that had gorgeous crystals lining the outside of them. They matched your bracelet along with a few rings you slid on at the last minute.
They shine in the golden rays of the sunset thatโs beginning as you walk hand in hand with Brendon.
The restaurant he chose was a beautiful steakhouse along the waterfront where you both ate to your heartโs content.
His demeanor was a drastic change from earlier today as he was very affectionate tonight and looked happy as he talked all through dinner.
You had been glad for the change since you hate to see him upset.
Then things reverted back after dinner.
He got quiet again but still held your hand as you both walked along the path beside the river, overlooking the city.
โBren?โ you tug on his hand gently
He turns his head to look at you and mumbles a โHmmโ.
โIs everything okay? Whatโs bothering you? Did I do something wrong? Are you mad at mโโ
โNo, sweetheart. Everythingโs fine.โ he says with a half smile.
He leads you over to a part of the path that has a great view near the river.
โAre you sure?โ
Your question is met with silence as he stares across the water.
โBren?โ
He looks up and rocks back and forth on his heels a bit.
โBaby,โ you grab his hand.
โTalk to me. Whatโs wrong?โ
You see his eyes start to water as he grabs your other hand.
โIโm so nervous. I uh,โ He cracks a smile as a tear falls.
โI never thought in a million years Iโd be lucky enough to find someone who would not only love me so fully but also accept me for me. Loving me despite my flaws.โ
He pulls your hands against his chest and you feel how fast his heart is racing.
โThen I met you, my gorgeous, funny, and perfect girl. Youโre everything I didnโt think I deserved or think I would find. And Iโm grateful every day that when I choose you, you choose me too. When I think of my future, all I see is you in every part of it. I want you there for every part of it.โ
Brendon wipes a tear from your face as it falls.
You hadnโt even realized you started crying.
โI love you so damn much. I love you in a way words will never fully convey.โ
He takes a deep breath and falls to one knee, pulling a small black box from his pocket.
โI donโt want to do this life without you, sweetheart. Not a single day. Soโฆ. will you make my life complete and marry me?โ
Brendon opens the box and you see the most beautiful ring nestled inside.
No way no way no way.
โY-Yes. Of course Iโll marry you Bren.โ Your voice trembles as tears fall but an unshakeable smile never leaves your face.
โThank godโ He mumbles as he gets up and kisses you like itโs the last time he ever will.
When he pulls away he leans his forehead against yours.
Gently, he slips the ring on your finger and kisses your hand as he holds it.
You attempt to wipe tears from your eyes as you stare at the ring.
โIs this why you were so off today, Bren?โ you ask
His face turns a little red as he nods.
โI just wanted everything to go right and Iโฆ I know you love me but some small part of me was scared of you saying no.โ
Your hand cradles his face, the stubble grazing your fingers.
โBrendon Park, I love you more than life itself. Iโd say yes to you in every lifetime. Especially this one. And this was perfect, everything about it. It was so you, very thoughtful and special. It was everything.โ
He kisses the palm of your hand.
โYou deserve it all and more. Now letโs go celebrate at home.โ he smirks.
need a criminal minds x the pitt crossover where fbi ! reader meets jack during a 5 hour long hostage negotiation while heโs on a swat shift and she eventually saves his life and they end up in the pitt after to check both their wounds but hotch is very protective toward reader in like a fatherly way idk
warnings: implied abusive parents, implied neglectful parents, financial struggles, difficult boss, difficult customers, mentions of needles and implied drug usage (not onscreen and not by anyone at the pitt - you'll see what I mean), difficult landlords,
notes: hello, this is the series I was telling you all about (ooo) I have the next seven chapters planned (on a laptop, I'm not making the same mistake with that whitechapel fic smh. I hope you enjoy it, I'm excited to write the next installment - and while I'm here, I have still been working on where the regret flares, and the way our parents were :)
wordcount: 6.4k
You had the feeling that today was going to be a good day. You couldnโt quite put your finger on why, but you knew it would be. You had woken up a minute before your alarm, actually wanting to get out of bed and face the day rather than curl up into a ball and rot. You ate breakfast, had a coffee, and still felt amazing, everything was going wonderfully. You even had time to grab a few cups of coffee for the crew and a decaf for Jack (not that youโd tell him - heโd probably kill you, but you knew he wouldnโt sleep with caffeinated).ย
Making your way into the ER, your smile and cheery mood still intact, you nod to Dr Robby and Dr Abbot talking at their station. It wasnโt too bad last night, from what you had heard, a little chaotic, sure, but when wasnโt it? And it had definitely calmed down since yesterday (thank God).ย
โHey dad,โ You chimed with a grin, handing him his coffee before patting Robby on the shoulder as you walked past.
โNot your dad,โ Robby groaned, it was a never ending battle with you.
โEh, dad, work dad, same difference.โ You teased, making your way past the nurses station, past Jack. โHey other dad.โ
โHey kid,โ Jack waves, gratefully accepting your offering.
โSee, he doesn't mind.โ You turn back to Robby with raised eyebrows.ย
โYou just gotta let him go on a tangent, brother,โ Jack laughs.
โBe more like him.โ You state, pointing at the night attending.ย
โThereโs a patient waiting in North 4,โ Robby said, you rolled your eyes, โIโll check in on you in a bit.โย
โFine,โ You replied, saluting. โBut Iโll be back to annoy you both after, see you later dads!โ
โStill not your dad,โ Robby sighed, eyes drifting to Jack, who just laughed.ย
โJust let the kid have his fun,โ He replied, patting the other on the shoulder, a smirk plastered on his face.ย
Making your way to North 4, you gave Dana a wave, placing the remaining coffees at the station, watching as she quickly updated some paperwork before getting ready to make it to the next patient.ย
โHey mum,โ You grin. She just smiles back.
โWhereโs my coffee?โ Shen made his way to you, holding his hands up in betrayal. โThis is unbelievable.โย
โRespectfully, I am never saying your coffee order out loud.โ You replied, โIโd rather die.โย
โItโs not that bad-โ
โEight pumps of vanilla, Shen, itโs awful.โย
Robby walked past, ipad in hand before double taking. โ(Y/N), North 4.โย
โGotta go, Chen, you can have my coffee if you want - a good olโ plain latte.โย
โEw, no thanks.โ He scoffed, with a laugh you continued your route to North 4.ย
Drawing the curtain back with your eyes on the ipad, you step in. โHiya, what can I help you with today- Dad?โ You freeze, eyes wide, clutching the ipad hard. โWhat are you doing here?โย
โLooking for you.โ Is all he says.
โDad, you canโt be here if youโre not having a medical emergency.โ
โMaybe I am having a medical emergency.โ Your father crossed his arms, staring at you.ย
โWhy are you here?โย
โFor my medical emergency.โย
โAnd the real reason?โ You asked with a scoff.ย
โIt was the only way I could see you.โ He answered.
You rolled your eyes, โAnd whose fault is that?โ You rolled your eyes, โThereโs a reason I donโt answer your texts and calls, not that you do either of those recently - you only call if you want something from me. So what, exactly, do you want?โย
You knew it was harsh, but he would go weeks on end, months sometimes, without a single message or call and then, out of the blue, contact you in hopes of getting something out of it. Usually money. Your only contact was with your two younger sisters, who you frequently talked to and covered both their phone bills, sending them both lunch money each week.ย
โI need five hundred bucks.โ And there it was.ย
You rub a hand over your face, already feeling a headache coming on. โWhy? What for?โย
โI donโt have enough to pay the rent this month.โ He replied.ย
โWhat about the money I sent you last week?โย
โIt wasnโt enough.โ
โWasnโt enough?โ You clench your jaw, โDad, I sent you two hundred dollars, from each of my paychecks - Iโm a student doctor, an intern. I make no money from my shifts here, I have to pick up shifts at the diner down the road and the cafe-โย
โThen just pick up more shifts.โ He says with a shrug, like itโs the easiest thing in the world. Yes, son of mine, just work nearly sixty hours a week here trying to become a doctor and then work all of your spare time at the diner and a cafe for minimum wage - you donโt need to eat or sleep, no those are optional.ย
โI canโt dad, I canโt. I work here full time and do a ridiculous amount of work there too-โย
โYou could. It couldnโt be that hard.โ He scoffed and you want to scream. Preferably at him. Directly in his face and tell him to fuck off. You should, no one would blame you for it either.ย
โDad, Iโm working like fifty, sixty hours a week here, picking up a shift at the diner every day and working at the cafe when I can-โ
โThen just work at the cafe every day.โ He huffs, arms folding over his chest.ย
โI canโt, I get two days off here which I work at the cafe-โย
โThen just quit medical school.โ Your dad shrugs, โItโs not that hard.โ
You clench your jaw, hard. Donโt yell, donโt yell, donโt yell. โWhere did the money I gave you go?โ
โBills.โ Your dad answers vaguely with a wave of his hand.ย
You know itโs a lie, that thereโs no way all that money didnโt cover the bills. โNo, they didnโt, dad. Where did they go?โ
โI lost a game.โ Your dad shrugged, โI was on a streak.โย
โI canโt keep giving you money if thatโs all youโre going to spend it on-โ
โI owe people money. And if they donโt get the first five hundred by the start of next week, Iโm done for.โ Your dad crosses his arms over his chest. โThey know where I live, which means they know where your sisters live - do you really want them to see that?โ
โDad-โ
โNo, (Y/N),โ He snaps slightly louder, โIs that something you really want?โย
You wanted to cry, to curl up in the corner and disappear. โFine, fine.โ You ran a hand over your face, already trying to plan out shifts you could do. โIโll give you as much as I can.โย
โFine. But if they come knocking, Iโll give them your address.โ Your dad warns.ย
The curtain is drawn back and Robby steps in, โAlright, what seems to be the problem?โ
โNothing doc, the young doctor here works miracles. Iโm all better.โ Your dadโs tone is flat as he walks past the pair of you, clapping his hand against your shoulder a bit harder than necessary.ย
Robby turned to you, eyebrows drawing together, โWhat was that all about?โ
โI donโt know, he just said he was fine,โ You shrugged.
โWho was he?โ
โJust some guy.โย
Ignoring the look from Robby, you grip the ipad tighter and start to make your way back to your station. You had some things you needed to sort. It was going to be a long few weeks until all of this had been sorted - maybe even months depending how much your dad had lost. You knew he wasnโt telling you the full amount, just enough to seem like it wasnโt too much, to draw you in before he dumped the full sum on you.
You were getting paid in a few days and had a little saved up, barely two hundred dollars, most of which being tips. You could spare the other three hundred from your paycheck if you cut down on groceries, walked to work, and didnโt buy lunch. It would be tight, but you could do it.ย
โHey kid, you okay?โย
You looked up, meeting eyes with a concerned Jack and Robby, โYeah, Iโm good.โ You gave a nod and a rather unconvincing smile. โYou two oldies okay?โ
โWe arenโt old,โ Robby rolled his eyes as Jack huffs a laugh.
โI know Iโm not old.โ He replied, his laugh only deepening when Robby smacked his shoulder.ย
โHey, younger dad, isnโt it time you go back to the care home?โ You asked.ย
Jack sighed, turning to the clock, โActually, yeah.โ He grinned, unbothered by the age teasing as he began to make his way to the locker room. Emerging a few seconds later, โIโm off.โย
The rest of the shift passed quickly, a rather dull day all things considered - a few headaches, one kid with the sniffles, and a guy who fell down a flight of stairs and broke his leg. All in all, not a bad day.ย
You were in the locker room before you knew it, heading back out to the nurses station.ย
โAlright, Iโm all signed out, I am running before anything happens.โ You state, your bag already slung over your shoulder. You couldnโt afford to be late to the diner again this week, you might actually be murdered. You had thirty minutes to get to your shift, that was plenty of time, surely.ย
You were a whole three minutes late, which led to a lecture that you weren't sure was actually valid - considering you actually got there at the same time as your boss. But thatโs neither here nor there. You throw your things out back and rush to help, itโs busy and annoying. Fridays were the worst, customers complaining about anything and everything trying to get discounts and free food, some just to seem bigger in front of their dates. You serve table after table, each one blurring into the next. Over the first two hours, three customers have complained about the waiting time to your manager, who happily gave them a discount - which came directly from your payslip. Because of course, oh hospitality, how you loved it.ย
Shoving your bag onto the shitty peg, you pull your phone out from your pocket, going to the group chat you have with your sisters.ย
โNight girls, sleep well. Love you both, call if you need anything xโ You send the text, glancing at the time as you did. Eight. Just before their bed time. Perfect.
โ(Y/N)! Get out there, donโt want you slacking.โ Your manager immediately zones in on the phone. โAnd get off the phone on company time.โ
โYes sir.โ You uttered, heading back out. It was only thirty minutes into your shift. How hard could it be?
Heading out, you're immediately approached by Luke. โ(Y/N), can you take the table that just came in?โย
You nod, โYeah, Luke, of course,โ You give a quick nod, grabbing your notepad and heading over. โHiya, what can I get for y- Dr Robby? Dr Abbot?โ
โ(Y/N)?โ Robby looked up from the menu, โWhat are you doing here?โ
โEr, working?โ
โKid you just finished a twelve hour shift,โ Jack added, sharing a look with his- date?
You shrug, โI'm good, I got a few hours sleep.โ You said, โWhat can I get for you? The lemon chicken's really good, so's the spaghetti. To be fair all the food hereโs pretty bomb - and Iโm not just saying that because I work here, but because Mike's actually a pretty good chef. Just don't tell him I said that.โ
Robby and Jack shared a look, โYou shouldnโt be working right now, kid, youโre working tomorrow too.โย
โIโm good, donโt worry, I can still work my shift.โ You waved off their concern, seeing your manager shooting you a look and motioning to his watch. What a dick. Youโd only been at the table for two minutes, max. โBut yeah, donโt worry about me.โย
โWhen do you finish here?โย
You turn to Jack as he speaks, โEr, about eleven? I might need to stay longer if itโs busy.โย
Jack groaned, running a hand over his face, both him and Robby exchanging looks of concern, โYou start at seven.โ
โYeah, so Iโll get home about midnight, wake up at five, be at work at six, half six, and then be good to go.โ You shrug.ย
โThatโs not-โ
โHey, (Y/N), can I speak to you for a moment?โ
You turn away from the attendings, and to your manager who looksโฆ less than pleased. โOh, er, yeah sure. Um, excuse me, gentlemen.โ You nodded towards Jack and Robby, who held back their grins. โIs something wrong?โ
โWhat happened to take the orders and go?โ Darren asks, seeing you approach with his arms folded across his chest and his eyebrows raised.ย
โI just got there-โ
โI donโt care, work faster. Or Iโll dock your pay.โย
โBut-โ
โI donโt care.โ He grits out. โGo.โย
โYes sir,โ You mumble through gritted teeth and head back over to your attendings. โSorry about that.โย
โYou okay, kid?โ Jack frowns.ย
โYeah, he was just telling me to speed it up.โ You give a shrug. โHave you guys decided what food you fancy? If not, I can come back in like five minutes?โ
โEr, I think Iโll just take the spaghetti, thanks kid.โย
โIโll try the lemon chicken,โย
You nod, โAnd any drinks?โย
โBeer,โ They answer, in sync. You do your best not to laugh.
โGot it, Iโll bring those over when theyโre ready.โ You give them both a smile, making your way over to the bar and kitchen, handing them the ticket before you are motioned by a middle aged woman to her table.ย
You smile politely as they rant about the food, about how the chicken was too hot but the fries werenโt hot enough, the waiting time being too long, the drinks tasting weird, the usual complaints that made you want to smack your head into a table. But, you smiled, replaced their drinks, mentally noting how many you had replaced (four), and apologised for the wait.ย
โI want a new meal.โ She declares, folding her arms over her chest.ย
โIโm afraid I canโt do that,โ You replied, knowing this was already going to go terribly.ย
โAnd why not?โย
โYouโve eaten it all,โ You state, โCompany policy is I can only get you a new meal if youโve eaten less than half.โย
โThatโs ridiculous!โ She exclaims, drawing the attention of the customers around her.
โMaโam, Iโm sorry, the best I can do is a partial refund.โ You explain.
โPartial? I want a full refund and a new meal!โ
โAgain, I am not able to do either of those things,โย
She scoffs, turning to her husband. โThis place is a fucking joke.โ She shakes her head, her husband joining in. โI want both of those things, now.โย
โIโm not able to do that.โ You reply, โAnd even if I did get you another meal, it would be prepared and cooked the same way, and therefore, taste the same.โย
โI want to speak to your manager.โย
โOkay,โ You said with a sigh, avoiding eye contact with Robby and Jack as you passed them to head into the kitchen.
Darren turns to look at you when you pass through the doors. โWhy arenโt you out there serving?โย
โTable twelve wants a full refund and a new meal.โ You sighed, โI explained that company policy doesnโt allow for either of those things.โ
โGet them a new meal,โ Darren shrugs, โItโll come out of your pay.โย
โBut-โย
โDo it.โย
You scrub a hand over your face, turning to the chef (who at least looks at you in sympathy), โCan you remake table twelveโs?โย
โโCourse,โ He says with a nod, grabbing the ticket from the pile of discarded tickets on the counter. โItโll be about half an hour.โย
You nod, knowing thatโs the best you were going to get. โThanks Mike,โย
โNo problem,โ You give a small smile as you head back out. You approach the table, the woman - that youโve decided to call Karen, looks at you expectantly.ย
โWell?โย
โMy managerโs said weโre able to bend company policy this evening for you, you will get a full refund for your meal and another will be sent out in about thirty minutes.โย
Karen smirks until she hears the waiting time, โThirty minutes?โ She scoffs, โThis is unacceptable, weโve already been here for an hour and a half.โ
โThatโs because youโve already had a meal.โ The quip comes out before you can stop it. The too many hours at the hospital starting to catch up to you, and youโre pretty sure you can hear Jack and Robby snicker from behind you. Either way, it makes the womanโs face turn red with rage.
โGet me your manager, now.โ She grits, โI want to make a complaint.โย
โFine,โ You turned, making your way into the kitchen once more, spotting Zoey on your way. The newest hire, only seventeen and working part time on weekends. โShoot me, itโll be easier.โ
She laughs, as does the family sheโs serving. You always ensured she got the easier customers, she was too young to have to deal with the publicโs bullshit.ย
โWhat now?โย
โShe wants to make a complaint to the manager.โย
โFor fuckโs sake, (Y/N), canโt you do anything?โ Darren grumbles, leaving you in the kitchen.ย
โThis is why I work in the kitchens, man.โ Mike says, clapping your shoulder as you walk out.ย
You head over to the bar, grabbing the two drinks for table ten - or Robby and Jack as you know them. โThere we are,โ You grin, โTwo beers.โย
โAre you okay?โ Robby frowns.ย
โMe? Oh, yeah, another day in paradise.โ You shrug, โIโve gotta go before Darren has my ass for slacking, but the food should be out shortly.โย
โThanks kid,โ Jack nods.ย
You make your way over to the bar, grabbing the drinks for the table next to Jack and Robby. Approaching the table and placing the drinks down you smile at them, taking their order - feeling Karenโs smirk despite having your back to her.ย
Having taken their drinks, you're once again waved over by Karen. โWe want another round.โย
Your smile is tight, forced. โSame again?โ When she nods, you jot it down quickly. โOkay then.โย
โWe reached a solution. Their whole billโs coming out of your pay.โ Darren says, making his way towards you, he doesnโt bother to lower his voice and you see Karen smirk when she hears it. You just hope Jack and Robby canโt hear him, youโre not sure you could survive that embarrassment. โIโve told them to order whatever they want.โย
โBut-โย
โDonโt wanna fucking hear it, especially not in front of the customers.โ Darren snaps. You resist the urge to tell him that he was the one to bring it up in the first place. โWith the amount of fuck ups youโve had tonight, youโre lucky if youโve still got your job by the end of the shift.โย
You clench your jaw. You need this job, you need to send money to your dad. You needed to pay rent, buy food, to keep your sisters from seeing the horrors you did when you were their age.ย
โGo serve your tables. Donโt pick anymore up. When theyโre gone, go home.โ
โOkay.โ You mumble, heading over to the kitchen at the slight ping that echoes through the dining area.
Mike turns to you when you walk in, โYou okay?โย
โTheir whole billโs coming out of my pay.โย
โAgain? That fucking sucks, man.โ He sighed, โListen, if you need to pick up an extra shift after this, let me know, you can cover me if you need to,โ
โThanks man,โ You give him a small smile, grabbing the lemon chicken and spaghetti, before starting to head back out. He knew you were a student doctor, that you worked stupid hours there and then as many hours as you physically could here to try to get by - not to mention the cafe in between.ย
Exiting the kitchen, you made sure to smile despite wanting to throw the plates at table twelve, approaching Jack and Robby you keep the smile on your face. โOkay, so hereโs the lemon chicken and the spaghetti.โย
โThanks, kid.โ Jack smiles slightly.
โThanks,โ Robby nods. He sighs after a second, โListen, kid-โย
โItโs all good, Robby,โ You force the smile back on your face, โItโs just hospitality, comes with the territory.โ
โAre you sure? But this isnโt okay-โย
โEr, my managerโs starting to get pissed,โ You say, a sigh leaving your lips.
Jack screwed his face up, โWhy? Youโre doing your job.โย
โYeah, but we have this stupid one minute per table policy.โ You reply, โSo Iโm going to have to love you and leave you,โย
Snorting, Jack nodded, โFine,โ He shooed you away. He didn't like it, but he wouldn't jeopardise your job. Even if it was a stupid shitty one.
Robby and Jack stayed, watching as you continued to wait on your remaining three tables - theirs, Karen's, and a lovely family on the table next to them.ย
โDo you know the waiter?โ The mother had asked, leaning over.ย
Robby gave her a smile, nodding. โWe do, yeah.โย
โIs he your son?โ The questions is innocent, she had spent the last half an hour watching them interact with you, even heard you jokingly call them both dad as you walked past (โold dad, even older dadโ) and Robby couldn't correct you before you had disappeared.ย
โWork dads,โ Robby provided.
โOh? Where do you work?โ
โWe're doctors, at the Emergency Department at PTMC,โ Jack said, โ(Y/N)โs our student doctor.โย
The woman nodded, smiling, โSo he's going to become a doctor?โย
โHeโs well on his way to it, yes,โ
The lady nodded, turning her attention to the Karen. โThat woman's treating him awful.โ She scoffed with the shake of her head.ย
Eventually, the lady and her family left - kindly giving you a generous tip, Jack and Robby watching as you froze slightly when she slid the money into your hand and wished you good luck at becoming a doctor, watched as you stuttered out your gratitude. You stared down at the fifty dollars in your hand as the woman told you firmly that it was yours and that you werenโt to share with your colleagues - especially the manager. You gave a tight nod, shoving it into the front of your apron before anyone could see. You uttered out one last thank you as they left, giving them a small smile.ย
Eventually, after racking up a two hundred dollar tab, the Karen and her (toad of a) husband left - shooting one last smirk in your direction before grabbed her bag from the floor, flinging it over her shoulder โaccidentallyโ knocking the glass half full (because you were an optimist) across the table. You sighed but grabbed a roll of blue roll.ย
And so, Jack and Robby was your only table left, you handed them their tab when they asked and you resisted the urge to pull up a chair and plonk down next to them. Before you could, Robby beat Jack to the card machine and Jack repeated the same sentiments as the woman before, handing you another fifty dollars, with a shrug. โYour managerโs a dick and the woman was taking the piss with her tab.โ And when you tried to protest, โJust shut up and take the money, kid.โ
โHow're you getting home?โ Robby asks as you made your way over to them - the table now spotless, relaid, and ready for the next customer.ย
โThere's a bus stop not far from here.โ You shrug, โIt stops practically outside my apartment.โ
โCome on, we'll drive you home.โ Jack smiles, lightly clapping your shoulder. They both pretend not to notice your slight flinch.ย
โNo, no, its okay really-โย
โ(Y/N), stop talking to customers and go home.โ Darren makes his way past you, to the kitchen. โAnd clock out, Iโm not paying you to gossip.โย
โYes sir,โ You mumbled, before turning back to Jack and Robby, โIโm just gonna grab my shit, Iโll see you at work tomorrow.โย
โWeโre driving you home, stop trying to argue it.โ Jack stated, โWeโll wait outside.โย
โOkay then. Guess thereโs no way of telling you no.โ You mumbled, heading into the shitty staffroom and plucking your bag and hoodie from the peg.ย
As promised, they were waiting by the door. โYou arenโt going to let me take the bus, are you?โย
โNope.โ Robby replied.ย
You sighed, โFine, but at least take the tip back? Itโs way too much-โย
โNope.โ Jack chimed in this time, โGet in the car.โย
You looked around you, at the car you were now stood in front of, you hadnโt even realised you started walking. It would save you a couple bucks. And the tip money could help a lot to pay your dad.ย
The journey is silent, except from the soft hum of the radio and the occasional direction you hand out. Robby and Jack exchange a glance as they get further and further into the bad part of town.
โUm, anywhere along hereโs fine.โ Your voice fills the car once more.ย
โWhich onesโ you?โ Jack asks.ย
You pointed to the one at the end of the road, paint dulled, filled with various graffiti, and a few windows on the bottom floor cracked. You say nothing about the look you catch between the two attendings. It wasnโt much, but with your budget, it was all you could afford.ย
โYou know what? Change of plan, you're spending the night at ours.โ Robby says, Jack nodding in agreement. You shake your head from the backseat, not even hearing the โoursโ.ย
โNo, I can't ask you to do that-โ
โYou're not.โ Jack states. โWeโre offering. Thereโs a difference.โ
You sighed, you were starting to learn that once the attendings had made up their mind, there was no convincing them otherwise. Instead, you just unbuckle your seatbelt, hearing Robby and Jack do the same. โOh, you guys donโt need to come in-โย
โToo late, kid, weโre already unbuckled.โ Robby says, already killing the engine and stepping out, Jack hot on his toes.ย
Drawing in a deep breath, you head towards the building. This most definitely was not going to go well, your apartment wasnโt exactlyโฆ the most comfortable place you could live, but it did the job - it had walls and a roof. Everything was going relatively well all things considered as you stepped into the hall - not noticing the slight grimace from both of the attendings at the stale smell emitting from the stairwell, a scent you were relatively used to by now.ย
โSorry, thereโs no elevator,โ You said, you were really hoping Jack wouldnโt mind climbing the stairs, or even deciding to wait in the car. Instead he gave a shrug.ย
โDoesnโt bother me.โย
And so, in silence you start your ascent, up three flights of stairs. Each turn, the stairwell gets slightly worse for wear. It starts out simple, trash here and there, nothing Robby or Jack werenโt expecting. Trash here and there becomes an abandoned sleeping bag in the corner, and soon enough, youโre pointing to a patch on the floor.ย
โEr, careful,โ You said, motioning to the floor where a small pile of used needles lay. You pointedly avoid eye contact with both of the attendings as you continue to walk.ย
They follow you out of the stairwell and down a hall, you shrug your backpack off, rummaging about for your keys. Its not until your keys are in the lock that you hear footsteps, you look up automatically - something that was done more out of necessity than curiosity.ย
โOh, (Y/N).โ You force your shoulders down into their usual relaxed position as your landlord, Jackson, approached. โJust the man I wanted to see.โ
โI'll meet you in there,โ You give your attendings a smile, not missing their concerned glances.
โWe don't mind waiting,โ Jack said, eyes flicking between you, Robby, and Jackson.
โItโs okay, really,โ You give the older men a smile, watching as they both reluctantly agree and head inside, you close the door behind them.ย
โWhatโs up?โ You give Jackson a smile. You know the conversation - whatever it may be (though most definitely about your lack of rent paying this month) isnโt going to be good.
โWhere the fuckโs my rent money?โ He wastes no time with pleasantries, as usual.
โSorry, Iโm getting paid in two days-โย
โI want one-fifty now.โ Jackson says, holding his hand out.ย
โNow? But I-โย
โOne-fifty now or pack up your shit and leave.โ He states, โItโs up to you.โย
You falter for a moment before digging through your bag, pulling out the tip money from Jack and the family, handing it over, guilt coursing through your chest. So much for using it to send to your dad. โI can get the fifty. Can I get like, ten minutes? Please? Iโll come straight over I swear.โย
โFine, but if you donโt, Iโm changing the locks.โย
โI swear man.โ You give a quick nod, he does the same. Heading back in, you smile, โSorry โbout that.โย
โEverything okay?โ
โYeah, all good.โ You said, โAnd are you sure about tonight? You honestly donโt have to-โ
โOf course we are kid.โ Robby says, furrowing his eyebrows as your eyes flick around the room before you make your way over to the chest of drawers, rummaging in the second one down. You see the pair of socks, the blue and yellow pair and your shoulders relax, you stuff it into your pocket. โYou looking for something?โ
โHm, oh, yeah,โ You nod, โJust a pair of socks. Jacksonโs ran out and hasnโt done laundry yet.โย
โUh-huh.โ Jack frowned, his arms crossing over his chest. โYour landlord wanted to talk to you about socks?โย
โYeah, you know, landlordingโs a busy job, check this house, check that house, check rents, thereโs hardly any time for laundry.โ You replied, already making your way to the door.ย
โKid, what the fuckโs going on? Youโve been acting off since that patient in North 4.โย ย
โNothing, why would you think somethingโs going on?โ You frowned, opening your door. Jackson blocking your path. โOh, hey, here's those socks you wanted.โย
You placed them in his hands before he could question it, he looks at it for a moment before peeking inside the socks and nodding, leaving the door. Well so far your plan of saving was in absolute shambles.
Shutting the door, you take in your apartment, it was a shit tip - textbooks littered all over the place, a few of your sistersโ clothes thrown over the armchair from when they last visited, dishes stacked carefully in the sink. Yeah, not exactly ideal for your bosses to see. Although, Robby and Jack didnโt exactly look eager to comment on it.ย
You avoid eye contact (something you know both of your attendings picked up on) as you make your way back to the dresser. You throw a new pair of scrubs into a duffel bag, grab some underwear and socks, and then flannel pants and a random graphic tee. Thatโll do. After a second thought, you grabbed one of your textbooks and shoved it in for good measure.
The drive was quiet, the radio playing gently in the background. Up front, Jack and Robby spoke quietly about their day, Robby about his shift and Jack about the damn hedge heโd been wrestling all day. You just half-listen, mostly watching the streets pass the window.ย
Eventually, they pull into a driveway, a decent sized house, homey before even stepping inside. A small porch with a swinging chair, boots lined up by the front door - which you assume belong to Jack. The porch itself has been painted green, but the house is a light brown, not quite tan.ย
โCome on, kid, you look beat.โ Jack states, opening the door, Robby doing the same. You grab your backpack and the duffle bag, following them out. The inside matches the exterior, homey, photos of Robby at Jack lining the walls, their college photos, their family, their friends, thereโs even a fucking plant on the shoe caddy. It makes your chest sting.ย
Without a word, you copy Jack and Robby, toeing your shoes off. You really should get another pair - they were held together by duct tape on the inside and prayers. Keeping your bag on your shoulder, you follow them through when Jack motions for you to. The rest of the house follows the theme of comfort, crutches lay by the couch - presumably for Jack, and various medical journals are spread across the cushions. And were those reading glasses?
โI think this is the coziest house Iโve ever stepped in,โ You joke lightly, giving your attendings a small smile.ย
Robby just shrugged, โJack likes decorating,โย
โItโs fun,โ Jack added.ย
โFeel free to decorate my place,โ You snorted, the pair giving a small laugh.ย
โHave you eaten since you got off shift?โ Robby asks, already making his way to the fridge as Jack sits down, pulling up his pant leg to finally free himself of the prosthesis.ย
โOh, yeah,โ Nope. Your stomach clenches in protest at the lie, having not eaten since this morning.ย
โIโm going to put something on anyway - itโll only take about three minutes,โ Robby says, already putting the container into the microwave before you can protest. โJust eat what you can, itโll make me feel better.โ
โItโs true,โ Jack said, โHeโs such a feeder.โ
Three minutes later, a tub is placed in front of you, the sight alone enough to make your mouth water. Both of your attendings pretend not to watch as you pick up the fork to eat. You resist the urge to moan when you taste the food, it was only pasta, but god it was heavenly. It was a well known fact between you and your sisters, that you could not cook for shit - you could manage eggs, toast, and some pasta with store bought sauce. That was about it. Thinking back, the last time you had a home cooked meal was probably when Lily was about two - coming up to four years now.ย
When youโre finished (which takes an embarrassingly short amount of time), Robby wordlessly takes the tub from you, but does shoot you a smile. Jack is less subtle, reaching across to squeeze your shoulder. You donโt have time to think about the lump that forms in the back of your throat at the gesture.ย
โI can do that-โ You say, already standing.
โNope.โ Robby chimes.ย
โRobby likes playing house maid,โ Jack snorts, ignoring the unimpressed look that Robby shoots his way, clearly used to them.
โYou must be wiped,โ Robby says, drying his hands on the tea towel, โGo get some sleep, weโll talk in the morning.โย
With a full belly and the reminisce of a long day, you give a nod, battling off a yawn. โIโll show you the guest room,โ Jack says, grabbing his crutches.ย
โThis is our room,โ Jack nods towards the door at the base of the stairs, โJust give us a knock if you need anything - no matter the time.โย
You nod, already thinking you would rather die than disturb them while they were relaxing after the shift Robby had - and the fact that Jack was working tomorrow night.ย
โAnd this is the guest room,โ Jack motions for you to go inside.ย
The guest room is small, but still comfortable. The bed sits against the wall on the left, in the centre, a bedside table either side, a desk opposite, and a chest of drawers and a closet on the wall directly in front of the door.ย
โThereโs no ensuite, unfortunately,โ Jack jokes, โBut thereโs a bathroom right across the hall. Do you need anything? Youโre more than welcome to shower- clean towels are under the sink, do whatever you need to kid. Just make sure you get some sleep.โย
โI will,โ You gave a small smile, โThank you.โย
โOf course, kid,โ Jack said, squeezing your shoulder once more before starting to make his way down the hall, โHoller if you need anything.โ
You make use of the shower, the water pressure and the constant temperature makes you envy your attendings heavily. Although, after this shower, you were definitely going to struggle going back to your leaky lukewarm (at best) shower.ย ย
When youโve reluctantly stepped out of the shower, you make your way back to the guest room, throwing your pajamas on and perching on the edge of the bed, notebook and pen now in hand.ย
Okay, so, you were going to get your usual pay (a mere 1640), that was fine, doable. Minus what was left of the rent, bills, and the girls lunch money, that would leave you with $370 to get you through the month.ย
If you sent the savings you had gathered to your dad (200), your usual budget you kept to the side for when your dad asked for money (100), and the 150 left that you would get from the rent you paid Jackson earlier, youโd reach 450. And you could probably spare fifty bucks, that would be doable to reach the 500.ย
Seventy dollars for the month. That was doable. You could do it, youโve dealt with worse. It will be fine. You barely needed any groceries anyway (that was a lie).
You just had to wait for payday, and then you could give your dad the money. It was just two days away. And then his debts would be paid and Chloe and Lily would be safe, and it would all be okay.
It doesnโt take long for you to fall asleep once youโve got your budget in check with strict instructions to walk to work and have limited lunches, cheek smushed against your workings out, pen gripped tightly in your hand.ย
You wake with a gasp, blinking away the memories, you push away the covers, sitting up. This wasn't exactly unusual, in fact it happened more often than not. You flick on the lamp on the bedside table before reaching for your duffle bag, you pull out your textbook and start reading, flipping your notebook over to the next clean page to make notes. May as well be productive if you couldnโt sleep.
โMy pain fits in the palm of your freezing hand. Taking mine, but itโs been promised to another. I canโt stop you putting roots in my dreamland. My house of stone, your ivy grows, and now Iโm covered in you.โ
Michael Robinavitch and Jack Abbot have always been something impossible to define. Youโre a nurse who has become one of the only comforts and constants in their lives, watching them orbit around something neither of them has ever been brave enough to name. When those boundaries begin to blur, the three of you have to decide what happens when the thing youโve been avoiding is maybe also the thing you need most.
5. Easy For You To Say
โLast night I lied, I looked you in the eyes. Iโm scared to find a piece of peace of mind. I swear to you each and every time Iโll try to change my ways.โ
You can find the masterlist to this ongoing series here.
This is canon divergent set between season 1 and 2, aspects will be kept and referenced, but this is largely set in a fictitious season 1.5 or so. Keep that in mind if you notice differences!
If you see a typo, no you donโt. Please pretend itโs not there, Iโm not going back to find and fix it. Your girl is too tired.
Comment or message me if you want to join the taglist :)
Summary: Jack is so close to having you back in his arms, but is luck ever on his side?
I really want this all to be a surprise so i'm not writing a proper summary!! But its a happy ending <3
Word count: 5.8k
Notes: i'm blown away by how much engagement the fic had!! thank you so so much it means the world to me! I stayed up late and woke up early to write this. Not very well proof read.
โBugโs asking for you, mumbling something about a wishing tree.โ
โRobby what are you saying?โ Luck was never on Jackโs side, so to think he got this lucky? He refuses to believe it.
โIโm saying you need get to the ICU right this second.โ
โAre you sure-โย
โAbbot. Itโs her. Itโs been confirmed.โ Jack is about to get his happy ending after all.ย
Jack ran down the stairs to the ICU, ignoring the stabbing pain in his leg because pain did not matter anymore. Knowing that you are here, alive, with him, is all that mattered. He held onto that flicker of hope in his heart like a lifeline.ย
He doesnโt catch his breath as he charges into the ICU but heโs met with at least four security guards. โItโs best if you leaveโ, the guard says.
โI need to see her!โย
โOne more step and youโll get arrested.โ
โThereโs been a mistake!โ He begs, โthatโs not Meg thatโs the love of my life in there, I need to see her!โ
โDr Abbotโ one of the ICU nurses steps out behind the guards. โThe family has put in a request for you to be nowhere near her.โ
โNoโ Jack is so close to having you in his arms, โno, they canโt do that! Thereโs been a mistake!โ
โDr Abbot donโt make this any harder than it needs to be. Youโre not next of kin and you have no right.โ
โWhat did she say! She- she asked for me! She wants me!โย
โSheโs been put back to sleep." The nurse can see the hurt in his eyes, but there is nothing she can do. She takes a few steps toward him and whispers, โShe was confused and agitated so sheโs being moved home; the family arranged for home care. Iโd suggest keeping the peace and leaving right this second.โ
"Please can I just see her one last time." Jack doesn't care that he's crying and pleading in front of the entire unit.ย
"I'm sorry."
Maybe Jack wasnโt so lucky after all.ย
The plan
โAbbot where the hell have you been!โ Robby, along with the team were waiting anxiously after Jack not picked up anyoneโs call after going to the ICU.ย
โClearing my head.โ Coming up with a plan. โThey wouldnโt let me see her. The bastards are moving her!โ
โI know, I called Sharon at ICU; they said you lost your shit!โ
โAt Meg I did! And now theyโre saying itโs not Meg. What the hell, Robby!โ
โLetโs all talk in the family roomโ
โIโm going back to the ICU, Iโm breaking her out of there.โ
Jack does not wait any longer until he sees you. His emotions are all over the place; was he happy? excited? sad? He is confused. Jack is a confused man, but one who is madly in love.
โFamily Room. Now!โ Robbyโs yells were loud enough for everyone to stop what they were doing and look over at the two men. One was angry, and the other was crying.
In the family room, gathered Jack, Robby, Trinity and Parker.ย
Jack paced around the room, limping with every step, but the pain in his heart was much worse.ย
โThe family is threatening to sue the hospital because of the error the lab did.โ Robby states. โSo sheโs being moved to home care at their manor.โ
โThe hell they are!โ
โDr Abbot, calm the hell down right this second.โ Trinity cuts in firmly, and Jack immediately stops pacing. โWe came up with a plan.โ
โWhatโs this plan then?โย
โSharon is the charge nurse upstairs, said that she was incredibly agitated and yelling, so theyโve put her back to sleep. Once she's awake again, they need to do their checks and clear her for discharge.โ Robby says calmly, โIf the accident has not affected her capacity, then she can legally consent to do whatever she wants.โ
โThereโs a but comingโ Jackโs patience has run out, ages ago.ย
โBut they are threatening to sue the hospital, so they might have to let her go, whether she likes it or not.โ
โNo! Absolutely the fuck n-โ
โJack, I swear to God if you donโt calm down right this second weโre gonna have an issue.โ Robby cuts in firmly. โThe funeral is in three days. So weโre hoping that in three daysโ time, sheโs going to be awake, with capacity to make her own decision. At home as per her parentsโ wishes.โ
โWhy three days?โย
โBecause thatโs when weโre gonna break her out,โ Parker adds.ย
Jack refuses to feel any more flickers of hope until youโre with him. โHow do you plan on doing that? The manor has locked gates; there will be nurses and carers. Plus the family.โ
โThe familyโs all gonna be at the funeral. Thatโs when we go in.โ
โAgain, how?โ
โItโs a good thing weโre all doctors. One thing the nurses wonโt question is a home visit.โ
Another flicker of hope that Jack ignores. โIโm going with you.โ
โOh boy, heโs not gonna like this,โ Santos mutters under her breath, and Jack shoots her a look. โYouโre going to the funeral.โย
โWhy the hell would I do that for?โย
โThe family isnโt stupid, Jack. Your picture is probably plastered all over the manor with a warning label. So while you're at the funeral, acting sad, we'll be at the manor."
โYou guys would do this for us?โ Jackโs tears havenโt stopped since leaving the ICU. He looks more broken than when he thought you were dead.ย
โIโd do anything for you, brother.โ
โEven kidnapping?โ Jack asks.ย
โNot kidnapping if she consents to it.โ Parker adds with a big smile. โLetโs get planning!โ
Home care - day oneย
โCan you eat something, please?โ Your mom asks you, holding a plate of mashed-up food.
โI want Jackโ you mutter weakly.
โEat and then maybe weโll call him.โ
โI want Jackโ you repeat. โI want to speak to him.โ
"He's at work, we'll call him later this evening?"
โI want Jack, I want Jack, I want Jack, I want Jack" you repeat to yourself. She leaves the room, leaving you dealing with a broken heart. If only you were able to move, youโd run to him.
Hours later, she returns and asks the nurses, โHow has she been?โ
โSheโs refusing meds and food. She keeps asking for Jack.โ
โShe wonโt be speaking to that man ever again. Administer the sedating meds.โ
โBut-โย
โGive the meds or I swear youโll never practice nursing again.โ
โYes maโam.โ The nurse stutters.
Another few hours pass, another check in.
โHey sweetheart, youโre awake.โ
โScrew youโ you spit out โLet me out of here.โ
โYou canโt move baby. Where will you go?โ
โBack to Jack! Let me out, let me out, let me out!โ you scream at her until your throat burns and your voice breaks.
โHow about we give you some more meds, hmm?โ
โNo, no more meds no more meds!โ You yell at the nurse, โI have capacity and Iโm saying no!โ
The nurse mutters a sorry as she approaches you. If only you had the energy to fight her.
You repeat Jackโs name quitely to yourself as you fall back to sleep.ย
Home care - day two
โShall we try and eat something today?โ Your mom sat by your bed with yet another plate of mashed-up food.
โI want Jack. I keep telling you I want Jack,โ you cry quietly.
โI promise weโll give him a call, only if you eat something.โ
โAnd Iโm telling you, I want him and only him.โ
โShe said some hurtful things to you when you were in the ICU.โ She says softly, โhe was almost arrested-โ
โNoโ you cut in.
โHe yelled at you, babyโ
โIโm not your baby!โ How dare she.
โThe hospital said he was aggressive-โ
โNo no no no no-
โ- He blames you for Meganโs death.โ She lies.ย
โno no- what?โ Jack, your Jack, would never blame you.ย Your heart refuses to believe it, despite her hurtful words.
โHe lost the love of his life, who do you think he was going to blame?โ
โYouโre lying! He wouldnโt do that!โ
โThe entire hospital knows. You were driving, after all.โ
โYouโre lying! I want to speak to him, Mom, please!โย
โYour sister is dead, and all you care about is that piece of shit-โ
โFuck you! Fuck all of you for what you did to him!โ Your heart thumped in your chest so aggressively, you could hear the machine near your bed blare across the room. You knew the next step would be administering meds against your wishes. If only you had the energy to strangle her right this second.ย
โWeโll try food in a few hours. Meds please.โ Your mom says calmly before leaving the room.ย
โPlease, Iโm begging you, no.โ Your arm reaches slowly over to the nurse's hand. โPlease, I have capacity, and I am telling you no.โ
โShe threatened me....โ
โI promise iโll pretend to sleep. But please no more meds.โ
โI-I canโt iโm sorry.โ
โNo please, I beg youโ you cry out, โplease, Iโll be good. I promise you please, i'll behaveโ
โYou promise?โ
โI promise.โ You say calmly.
Maybe acting like a good girl would get you reunited with Jack.
Home care - day three
โHey sweetheart, weโre going to the funeral.โย
โOkay mom.โ You thought to yourself, have fun, you bitch. But being the good girl you are, you opted for, โiโll be thinking of you all today.โ
โOh, Iโm sorry, baby.โ She says softly, one hand resting on your bruised-up and bandaged cheeks. โIโll light a candle for her, from you.โ
โThat would be lovely.โ You hoped they would all burn in hell. โWhen will you be back?โ
โLater this evening baby.โ She presses a soft kiss to your head that makes your stomach turn. โLucy here will take care of you.โ
You force a small, sad smile. โSay hi to grandad for me.โ
The moment she leaves the room, you beg Lucy, the nurse, to give you her phone so you can make a phone call. You don't tell her it's Jack you are calling. After so much crying and begging, she eventually agrees. She dials the number for you and puts it on loudspeaker, but Jackโs phone is switched off.
โTry again, please.โ Youโre so close to hearing his voice. So close.ย
โOff.โ
โPlease again.โ
She tries again, and again, and again, but his phone is switched off.ย
You wonder if Jack indeed hates you after what you did to Meg.
The Funeral
Jack opted for a seat at the back of the church, nowhere near the family. Robby insisted that he should act sad and heartbroken, which Jack felt but not for Megโs death.
It had been almost 72 hours of pure hell and evil. Knowing that you are alive, after he had lost you for days and not been able to reach you, was the most evil type of torture.
He said a prayer, not for Meg or anyone else to find peace after what they had gone through. But for Robbyโs plan to work. If it works, Jack will be coming home to you this evening. Because if it works, then Jack is never letting you out of his reach ever again.
Maybe he should now hold onto that flicker of hope that lingered in his chest.
The Escape
Robby parked up outside the manor entrance with Trinity in the car. โHave you said a prayer?โ
โMe? Robinavitch? No I didnโt.โ
โWe need faith on our side, kid.โ
โYou have me and my brilliant mind.โ She chuckles, โLetโs go, Dr Robinson.โ
They get out of the car and ring the bell, and are greeted by one of the housekeepers.ย
โGood morning.โ Robby smiles, โIโm Dr Robinson, and this is my assistant, Dr Smith. Weโre here for a home visit.โ
โIโm not expecting youโฆโ
โOh, have they not told you?โ Robby frowns. โItโs protocol for us to come visit 72 hours after discharge.โ
โIโm gonna need to check with the familyโฆโ She doesnโt let them in and asks them to wait outside.ย
โWeโre screwed,โ Robby mutters.ย
โHave some faith. Robinavitch. Whoโs going to answer their phone at a funeral?โ
Minutes pass, and with every clock tick, Robby was sweating more and more. The door opens, and he stiffens. โTheyโre not answering.โ
โItโs Meganโs funeral today, isnโt it?โ Santos says softly, โWhat a sad, sad day. Itโd be a shame if the other twin doesnโt get checked and something happens to herโฆโ
The housekeeper freezes for a second, thinking about it. โYou have 10 minutes.โ
โSure, weโll be as quick as we can.โ Trinity pushes past her and wastes no time. She takes them to a room located on the ground floor, luckily not too far from the entrance. She goes inside first, and informs you that there are two doctors here to speak with you.
"Tell them no." You blurt out, if it's not a name you know then there's no chance on earth they're coming anywhere near you, "No more doctors. I only care about one person."
The housekeeper informs them that you're refusing any more medical treatment.
"No problem", Trinity replies, and Robby shoots her a confused look.
You can hear mumbling outside and chatter, but what caught your attention was one of the doctors mentioning bringing you the wishing tree book you asked for. There is no book labelled The Wishing Tree. The housekeeper walks back, and you instantly blurt out, "Let them in. I changed my mind."
The moment you saw Robby step into that room, accompanied by one happy Trinity Santos, was the moment you could finally breathe. You thought your heart was about to give out at how happily it beat. You remained composed as they introduced themselves with alias names, and you let Robby carry out his fake checks.
"Hey, Lucy?" You turn over to her with a soft smile. "I feel like having some food. Do you think you can make me some of Mom's famous mashed-up food?"
"Sure. I won't be long."
You wait until the door clicks shut behind her, and you burst into tears. Robby takes you into his arms, hugging you so tightly you thought he was going to shatter your already broken bones.
"Robby-" you choke out, "Robby is Jack with you!"
"No, sweetheart, he isn't. He's at the funeral. Listen, we don't have time, we're here to-"
"Kidnap you!" Trinity claps her hands. "We're here to kidnap you! Is that okay!"
"Yes yes, please!!" you try and shift on the bed but your bandages and broken bones don't allow it. "But how?"
"We need a distraction." Robby says, "Something to occupy them while we take you to the car."
"Start a fire." You say quickly, "start a fucking fire."
For all the pain they caused you, a fire is nothing compared to what they deserve. Burn this entire manor down, along with everyone in it. A small part of you wonders if the universe would be upset with you over how angry you are at them. But what they have done to you was much worse.
"A-a fire?" Robby stutters.
"Fuck yeah!" Trinity adds, "kitchen?"
"Trin, how do you feel about microwaving a spoon?"
"Physics was never my strong point anyway." She blows you a kiss before running to the kitchen.
The reunion
"This is gonna hurt so much, I'm sorry.." Robby whispers as he carries you into the wheelchair. But your physical pain was nothing compared to the pain in your heart.
"Robby I called Jack so many times and... mom said he hates me."
"No offence kid, but your mom is a bitch and a liar."
You didn't think you were going to laugh this soon after going through so much trauma, but you found yourself hysterically laughing and crying.
"I owe you my life."
"You owe me nothing kid. Jack can't wait to see you."
And that's when you finally let yourself hold onto that small flicker of hope. Seeing Jack and finally telling him how you feel. Because if facing death taught you one thing, it's to never take advantage of time. Time is precious, and you have lost enough of it without being with the man you love so much.
The escape plan worked, thanks to Trinity skipping physics class, and just as you drove away, you saw the fire brigade drive in the opposite direction. They drove you back to your apartment, and with every minute that passed, the excitement in your chest grew bigger and bigger. They wheeled you into the lounge, which was now changed. A hospital bed sat in the middle of the room, alongside monitors and equipment laid out neatly around it.
You are greeted by one happy very happy Parker and Mateo. "Oh my God!"
"You still need home care, kid." Robby says softly. "We're all taking turns to help."
"You guys... I don't know what to say."
"Save your words until Abbot gets here." Parker chuckles, slipping her arms under your back, while Robby takes your legs to move you to the bed. "He'll be here any minute."
"He's not here yet?" You have no more patience left.
"He was at the wake when we left but he should be here any minute. Told him not to drive fast."
"We don't want any more car accidents." Trinity jokes and for a second, no one laughs at the joke. Until you start hysterically laughing again and they all join in.
The front door burst wide open, and one very anxious Jack stood by the entrance.
That flicker of hope he was scared to hold onto? It burst in his chest like a firework. But now that he's here, standing in front of you, he chokes up on his words and freezes.
"Let's leave you two for a minute." Robby says quietly, ushering for everyone to leave the apartment.
"Is he gonna move or..." Trinity adds sarcastically but Robby holds onto her arm and drags her out.
"Hey, bunny." You say softly, "I'm back from the dead."
"Not funny..." Jack takes a small step toward you. He's too scared to move any faster, in case this was all a dream. Because if it is, he wants it to last as long as possible. "Hi, Bug."
"Your wish worked."
"I should have never doubted it." Jack blurts out before running over to the bed and taking you into his arms. "I never should have doubted that stupid tree."
The feeling of his warm and strong body against yours was everything you had ever wished for, the last 72 hours more than any other days.
"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry about everything." Jack murmurs, his voice shaky and broken, "i'm sorry for not doing more and for no-"
"Jack, shut up," you push him off you gently, "just shut up and-"
His lips crash on top of yours before you even get the chance to finish your sentence. You felt his desperation in the way he kissed you -- like a man who had been starved of love. His hands never moved away from your face, holding it tightly as if you were about to disappear again.
When he finally pulled back for a breath, his eyes were glossy and tired, like he hadn't stopped crying.
Jack hasn't stopped crying, and he doesn't think he ever will.
"I'm here, it's me," you blurt out.
Jack nods shakily before pressing his lips against yours again, a bit more gently this time. He takes in every touch and feeling, holding onto it as much as possible. He pulls back just slightly this time, leaving his lips just inches away. "I have so much to tell you."
"And we have all the time in the world," you mumble, one bandaged hand gently resting on his cheek.
"But first we have to do something.." Jack rasps out, "we have to call your parents."
The aftermath
Everyone was now back in the apartment, Jack sitting on a stool next to your bed, both hands holding yours.
"So now that you've been 'kidnapped'..." Robby attempts to air-quote, and Trinity snorts out loud, "The police will be informed."
"And they might be coming here." Jack adds, "But.. if we call your parents then that will save everyone the trouble."
"Call them." You say quickly, gesturing for someone to give you a phone. "Call the fuckers I have things to say."
Years of being treated terribly by them, being the spare child, the forgotten child, the mistreated child... it all came out the moment your mom picked up the phone. You don't even let her speak. She can't hurt you now; actually, no one can. Because as long as you're in this room, with Jack, then no one can.
"Shut up and let me talk." You interrupt her, yelling, "I never ever want to see you again. I never want to hear your voice or dad's. Do you understand what i'm saying?"
She continues yelling, but you cut in once more, "Congratulations, Mom. You lost both of your daughters. Enjoy living in guilt for the rest of your lonely and miserable life."
And with that you hang up the phone, closing a chapter of your life you never want to see again.
Loving you
"Do you want to go to sleep? Or stay up and watch a movie?" Jack's lying next to you on the hospital bed in your apartment, one hand draped over your stomach. He hasn't left your side since everyone left the apartment.
"I don't want to go to sleep... I've had enough of that, Jack. But I do want one thing."
"Anything" Jack murmurs, "I'd do anything for you."
"Please, can you move me to my bed? I've had enough of hospital beds and-"
"You don't need to explain yourself to me." Jack shifts on the bed, pressing a kiss to your temple. "Anything you need."
"Oh, and one more thing." You turn your head to face him, "I need you to never leave me, Jack."
Jack smiles softly, whispering against your lips, "I promise to never leave your side. I promise to always be there for you. And I promise you one more thing... you might think i'm crazy..."
"We're all a little bit crazy.."
"I love you, bug. Iโm sorry it took me so long to realise it. Iโm sorry it took losing you for me to finally understand whatโs been in my heart this whole time. And Iโm crazy for saying this now and here and somewhere more romantic but..โ
โI love you too Jack,โ you whisper back, not taking your eyes off him for a minute. You take in all his features, and that sparkle in his eyes that was lost? It was back. Your Jack was back.
"I'm proud of you for fighting to stay here, especially with me."
"When they told me that I was allowed to see you... I don't ever want to go through that again."
"And you never will have to. Because as long as I'm here, you are too."
"There's no breaking us now."
"Exactly, Bug. Exactly."
The wishing tree once again did not fail you.
Three months later
You woke up to the sound of music, playing from the kitchen, and you couldโve sworn Jack was singing. You move slowly out of bed, joints still protesting movements, and bones still recovering from the fractures, and eventually stand up on your own. Slowly and carefully, you make it over to the kitchen and stand silently watching Jack sing to himself as he made breakfast. He has joggers on with no T-shirt, and a kitchen towel draped over one shoulder. What a beautiful sight to wake up to, you thought. He looks happy, matching that same feeling youโve had in your chest these past few months.
โMorning sunshine.โ You say, startling Jack mid dance move.
His face lights up the moment he sees you, a big smile breaking across his face. โMorning, my love. Sorry, was the music too loud?โ
โNever.โ If facing death taught you another thing, is that happiness can never be too loud. โNeed a hand?โ
Jack smirks as he approaches you, eyes scanning you from head to toe. Without a warning, he picks you up with both hands and walks you over to the counter. โYou can sit and supervise.โ
โBut-โ
โNo buts, sweetheart, no buts.โ
โBut I wanted to danceโฆโ
โWe are going dancing. Later tonight, actually.โ Jack had a date planned for the two of you, but he refused to spoil any details, despite your begging.
โYou still wonโt tell me where weโre going!โ
โItโs called a surprise.โ
โI love surprisesโฆโ
โYouโre terrible at waiting for them though. No questions!โ
โBut-โ His lips find yours, a quick and efficient way of keeping you quiet. It worked; it always worked. Every day, his touch doesnโt fail to amaze you. You havenโt felt love like this before, or have known love to be this electric or exciting. โIโm gonna keep asking.โ
โAnd Iโm gonna keep kissing.โ
โExactlyโ you giggle, โmore protesting means more kissing.โ
โSneaky.โ He murmurs.
โIโd say clever.โ
โThat you are, baby. Hungry?โ
โIs that a euphemism?โ You tease.
โI meant food, but I have all day soโฆโ his kiss is hungry, and certainly not for food.
Later that day, as promised, Jack was going to take you dancing. But first, he doesnโt let you leave the house because he canโt keep his hands to himself.
โJack stopโ you giggle as you push him off, โcan you help me with shoes please?โ
โIโll get down there, sure.โ He smirks, moving away from your neck slowly, which is red and wet from the way he had devoured it like a dessert.
โNot like that!โ
โWe have timeโฆโ
โYouโve been satisfied plenty.โ
He moves back to your neck, whispers slowly against your skin, โbut I canโt get enough.โ
โJack weโre gonna miss the reservation!โ
โFine, but Iโm picking up where we left off when we come home tonight.โ He kisses your neck once more, before finally moving to help you out shoes on, โHave I told you how beautiful you look tonight?โ
โI donโt think you didโฆโ you tease him.
Heโs down on one knee, slipping your shoes on, he murmurs โyou are what dreams are made of..โ
You giggle, โyou look like youโre about to propose.โ
โWhat?โ Jack looks up at you, colour draining from his face immediately. Like he had seen a ghost.
An awkward pause, then Jack shifts his attention back to the shoes, and you frown at his reaction. โItโs a joke, Jackโฆโ you mutter under your breath.
The car ride to the secret date location was painfully quiet, and despite your pestering about what was wrong with him, he insisted he was fine. Maybe joking about getting married, this close to what he had gone through, was not the best idea.
He pulled up outside a small house, not a restaurant like you expected, and you sat in the car for a minute.
Another awkward stretch of silence follows.
"Shall we get out of the car or....?"
"Uh- yeah sure." Jack clears his throat before unclipping the seat belt and getting out of the car. You watch him as he puffs his cheeks out and shakes his head as he walks around the car to your side.
Yeah, mentioning marriage was definitely not a clever idea.
He carefully helps you out of the car and walks you over to the door. "Whose is this?" You ask him.
"It's uh... let's take a look inside. Then you can tell me what you think."
He pulls out keys from his pocket and walks in first, flicking the light switch on.
"This is beautiful." The house is the complete opposite of the manor. "Jack, did you-"
"Yeah, I did. I got it for us." Jack says nervously. "It's small but I figured.. a smaller house is much nicer than a manor."
"Oh Jack..." Your hands hover over your mouth in surprise at how simple and cosy the house felt. You're speechless at how well he had pulled this off. And absolutely blown away by how much love he has for you. "Does it have a garden?"
"A beautiful one, actually." He pulls out an eye mask from his pocket. "Let's see the garden first, then we'll go upstairs."
He gestures for you to turn around so he can put the eye mask on.
โAre you kidnapping me again?โ
โBeen there done that. And Iโd do it all again if I have to.โ
"Do I have to put it on?"
"It's part of the surprise." He stands behind you, carefully helping you put it on. His hands wrap around your waist, puling you flush against him. He trails kisses down your neck and shoulder, his beard stubble tickling your bare skin, sending an electrifying shiver down your spine.
You melt at his touch, at the way he always takes his time kissing your neck. How he doesn't suck too hard, but enough for you to moan something in response. "Ready, bug?"
"Always," you whisper weakly, still recovering from his kisses.
He guides you somewhere slowly, telling you to be careful of steps and turns until you're standing still. As he takes the blindfold off, the violin starts playing.
You are standing under a big tree, with the grounds covered in candles and white roses, and fairy lights hanging down from the tree and all around the house. A man sits on a chair, playing Canโt Help Calling in Love with You. โOh my Godโ you whisper. โYouโre-โ
โPlease just this once.. let me do the talking?โ Jack whispers back.
He takes his hands in yours, and softly says, โMy whole life Iโve searched for what it means to be loved, and be in love. It has taken me a very long time โ a lot of grey hairs in fact, and so many tears to find it. But Iโm so happy I finally did.โ
โMy love for you grows with every beat of my heart and every second that passes. Iโm crazy about you, but Iโm also crazy in general." He jokes, and you nervously giggle in response. "I love you with every fibre of my being."
โI promise to love you every day for the rest of my earthly life, and for whatever comes after. I promise to never leave your side, and to always worship the ground you walk on. Because you deserve it, bug. You deserve all the happiness and love in the world, if you let me show you. I promise to find you in every lifetime, and love you more and more each time.
He carefully gets down on one knee, "Please make me the happiest man in this universe and marry me?"
A screech escapes you, and you immediately drop down to your knees, "Yes, Jack, yes yes yes!!"
6 months later
Jack's sitting on the kitchen barstool, holding onto a piece of paper from his doctor that he never thought he'd see. A life-changing result. He hears you approach and quickly tucks it into his scrub pocket, deciding he will tell you about it after your shift tonight.
"Ready to go Dr Abbot?" he asks you.
"Still not used to the name," you giggle. "But i'm so happy I never have to use my own name again."
"I'm happy you're happy." Jack murmurs, "That's all I ever wanted."
"And that's all you'll ever get."
He holds onto that promise, along with a small flicker of hope he hadn't felt since your accident.
Hours later at PTMC, you start to feel unwell. It could have been the long hours, or the long recovery from your accident, or a million other things, but you brush it off and carry on with the night. Until you're in the room with a patient, mumbling gibberish at them, gripping onto their bedside to stop you from falling to the ground. The patient, who lucky was mobile, manages to get hold of you before falling to the ground and yells for help.
The moment Jack sees you slumped over, he's convinced he's about to lose you again.
"Hey Dr Abbot?" Parker asks you the moment you're laid onto a bed in one of the rooms, "wanna tell me what's going on?"
"The... world is spinning Parker." you whisper, "I feel so sick."
Jack's in shock, standing in the corner of the room watching Parker do the assessment. He has been down this road before, and he literally lost you and had you again. He's convinced someone's gonna come through the doors and steal you away.
"When did it start?"
"Dunno... keeps coming and going." you sob at how ill you feel, "J-jack?"
"He's in shock; give him a minute." Parker forces a smile; Mateo's on the other side, taking your bloods. "Any other symptoms?"
"I feel sick, like i'm about to vomit."
"How long for?"
"Again comes and goes...Please, can you just check on Jack"
Parker doesn't ask about pregnancy, given that everyone's aware of Jack's history with infertility. Instead, she says, "Dr Abbot, wanna hold your wife's hand?" Jack doesn't respond. Instead, he's seeing flashbacks of you in the ICU bed. He's back in that room, and this time, people are yelling at him instead of him yelling at the body on the bed. What was real and what was not? Are you really here? Is someone about to kidnap you? Is this all a dream? "Guess not."
"Jack please-" you cry out for him but he still doesn't move.
Parker abruptly stops what she's doing and walks over to him. Without a word, she slaps him, loud enough for it to make a noise that echoes, hard enough to wake him out of his flashback.
"S-sorry" Jack blinks a few times, looking around the room, "did- uh- did- shit."
"Hold her hand now. Otherwise i'm slapping you again."
He nods shakily and walks over to your side, "sorry baby just uh- it's um."
"I know Jack, but we're here. I'm safe and no one can get to us now."
He manages a nod, takes your hand in his hands, resting it just in front of his chin, kissing it gently.
"Stats are fine, BP a bit low but it could be for many reasons. Let's wait for bloods. In the meantime, stay here."
"Uh, Parker, what about pregnancy?" Jack asks.
You look at Parker in surprise, matching her same exact reaction. "I didn't ask because you know..."
"Jack, I'm not Meg - I would never-!" Your eyes are immediately tearing up; he thinks you'd cheat on him? "I promise you I would never cheat-"
Jack cuts in, "it's me."
You immediately pull your hand away from him, eyes glancing over to Parker, who has the look of rage on her face, "You fucking cheated?!!?"
"What! No-no I didn't! The pregnancy I uh-" Jack reaches into his scrub pocket and pulls out the piece of paper. "This came in the mail this morning."
Parker snatches it out of his hand, saving you the heartbreak of whatever is in the piece of paper. She reads through it quickly, then smirks, "Oh damn. Dr Abbot is one happy and healthy man."
"Can someone tell me what the fuck is going on right this second!!" you snap at them.
"Girl I think you're pregnant." Parker chuckles.
"Again I did not cheat-"
"It's Jack. His sperm count is in the millions."
"What...?"
Jack nervously chuckles, "I uh... saw my doctor last week. I wanted to retest... just to be sure. It turns out all I needed was to be happy for the little guys to get to work... "
"I'm pregnant?" you ask both of them in rage, "get me a fucking machine right now!"
"Oh I don't need to scan you, the pregnancy rage is all over your face, girl."
"Dr Ellis I swear-" you start to yell, then stop. Oh fuck. That explains the mood swings. The nausea. Why eggs tasted like snot all of a sudden.
A few minutes later, Parker's scanning your lower abdomen, Jack watching your face instead of the screen, admiring the woman he loves so much.
"Jack" you whisper, lips parting slightly in surprise at the little blob on the screen, "Jack, look!"
"It's a tiny baby" he chokes out after finally looking at the screen, "it's our baby."
Itโs another day in the pitt for Jack. Back to back traumas, patient complaints, chaos and much more.
So when there was down time, people often used the lulls to not only catch up on other tasks but also gossip.
Todaysโ topic and usually a topic brought up every day was that of love lives.
It was one that Jack didnโt participate in or even indulge in listening to.
It hurt to hear how others had people in their lives to love, be around, or go home to and he didnโt.
He used to but not anymore.
The staff knew Jack had a great love of his life and that now he didnโt.
No one knew who she was except Robby.
No one knew if she had been his fling, girlfriend, or wife.
Or if she was even alive.
They just knew to not bring it up.
โ--
Itโs halfway through his shift when Jack makes his way towards the nurseโs station. His nose is buried in a chart examining information when he hears a familiar voice.
โHi, I need help looking for someone.โ
He feels like he canโt breathe.
It canโt be you.
It canโt.
โCan I get a name for this person?โ Dana asks
He holds his breath.
โJack. Jack Abbot. Iโm not sure if he still works here but I thought I'd try.โ
Youโre here for him?
But why?
He had ruined things.
He broke your heart.
Heโs gotta find Robby and tell him youโre here but before he can sneak away he's stopped by one word.
His mind is racing over the fact heโs hurting you by not getting help. By letting his unresolved trauma fester until it explodes with you in the crossfire.
It cant keep going on like this.
He canโt keep seeing you cry and watch your heart break over him.
What heโs going to do next is going to break you both but he canโt let his words and actions continue to hurt you.
You look at him โ๐๐ข๐ฏโ๐ต ๐ฅ๐ฐ ๐ธ๐ฉ๐ข๐ต?โ
He looks up as he gears up to say it.
โ๐๐ฉ๐ช๐ด.โ he says as he point back and forth between you two.
You shake your head โ๐๐ฐ. ๐๐ข๐ค๐ฌ, ๐ฏ๐ฐ. ๐๐ญ๐ฆ๐ข๐ด๐ฆ ๐ฅ-๐ฅ๐ฐ๐ฏโ๐ต. ๐๐ฐ๐ฏโ๐ต ๐ฅ๐ฐ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ช๐ด ๐.โ
You step forward to grab his hand but he takes a step back.
He still looks the same as he did the last night you saw him. Soft eyes, grey curls, some stubble on his face, and just as handsome as ever.
โHey.โย
Itโs all you can get out.
You didnโt know if he even worked here anymore. You were going to check and then keep trying elsewhere, hoping he hadnโt left Pittsburgh. Let alone the state .
Heโs still staring at you in shock.
โSweetheartโฆโ he softly mutters
The endearment grips your heart.
You hadnโt heard his voice in so long.
โC-Can we talk?โ you ask with hesitancy but hope.
He nods as he moves forward and places a hand on the small of your back and leads you to an empty room.
Jack hopes you donโt feel the tremble of his hand that guiding you.
He remembers the last time he ever saw you. He remembers that emotionally charged night. The one where he broke your heart.
After he left that night he crashed at Robbyโs place and only went back to the apartment when he knew for sure you had moved out.
It took a about a year before he decided to try therapy. Thank god he did because things started feeling a little better and he was finally able to start processing his emotions and trauma.
He quickly realized you had only suggested this to help him and not make him feel inferior. That you loved him enough to bring it up.
And what did he do? He pushed you away.ย
The love of his life.
Jack never got over you. He regretted breaking off the engagement but was too ashamed to contact you.
So he waited.
After two years of therapy, two years of doing the work to take care of himself, he vowed that if he ever saw you again heโd get you back.
There wasnโt anyone else for him but you.
โโ-
He swallows hard as he pulls the curtain shut behind him.
Youโre here.
Still the most gorgeous woman heโs ever seen. Even more gorgeous than that night if it was even possible.
He watches as you stand a few feet from him, wringing your fingers in your hands.
You always did that when you were nervous.
โYou look good J.โ you say with a small smileย
He shakes his head lightly, hands in his pockets.
โYouโre still gorgeous as ever, sweetheart.โ
Thereโs a few moments of silence before he speaks again.
โIโve missed you...โ his voice breaks a little at the end.
โI missed you too Jack. So much.โ
He takes a step closer.
โWhat are you doing here? I know I overheard you tell Dana you were looking for me.โ
He watches you swallow hard.
โI uh, this might seem a little too late or dumb orโฆ I donโt know. But Jack, I still love you.โ
His heart feels like it skips a beat.
You love him? Still?
You donโt hate him for that night?
This was the opportunity he had waited years to have.
โY-You do?โ he asks nervouslyย
Your head nods as you take a step forward and you grab one of his hands.
You pull your necklace from under you shirt and his eyes immediately see it.
Itโs the engagement ring he gave you.
He immediately starts tearing up.
โI didnโt understand what you were going through. I know Iโll never truly know but I see that I didnโt handle things the right way back then. But I found people,โ
You take a pause.
โPeople who could relate. To you and to me. They listened and they helped me learn how to be there for you.โ
Jackโs heart races as he listens, trying to hold the tears back.
God he didnโt deserve you.
โI wanted to be ready to be there for you better before I found you again. Iโm sorry it took so long.โ
You look down and wring your hands again.
โI understand if itโs too late. I donโt know if you even have someone elโโ
โNo.โ he interrupts you โThereโs no one else. Thereโs no replacing you.โ
Your heart beats faster at his words.
โI went to therapy.โ he starts
โYou were right. Itโs what I needed and I was too angry to see it then. I wish I had seen it earlier . Saved us all of this. But Iโve been doing the work. I wanted to do better, be better if I ever got the chance to see you again. If thatโs an option...โ
Your hands gently hold the sides of his face.
โJack Abbot, thereโs never been anyone else for me. Never will be.โ
A tear falls down his cheek as he leans closeย
His lip trembles as he gathers the words.
โCan you forgive me, sweetheart?โ he whispers through tears.
โWill you still marry me?โ
A few tears fall from your eyes as you let out a small laugh โYes and yes but no take backs, Abbot.โ
That one pulls a full smile from him
โYeah, no take backs sweetheart.โ
You lean in and kiss him hard. When you pull apart, a breath away, he hears you whisper
Anyone interested in an Omegaverse hucklerabbot au where:
omega Dennis one day never shows up to work and everyone is later informed by his alpha that he is quitting to become a house omega. No one hears from him for just over a year until one day he shows up at the pitt malnourished and with a small surprise. Rabbot helps him recover during this time and looks after him, and help him become himself again.
I have not finished it yet, when I do I will post it to ao3, but for now here is the first chapter(? Ish?)
(I am not a doctor so take any medical shit in this with a large grain of salt and a dash of imagination lol)
(it may change a lil bit cause I haven't edited it much, and I may fix it a lil bit as I go, but consider this a sneak peak?)
Also please let me know if y'all have any ideas or wanna keep reading more cause it really helps with my motivation :)
โ ๏ธTrigger warning for implied neglect and abuse and suicidal ideation/ thoughtsโ ๏ธ
Dennis had lost everything.
His mate, his home, his nest, his belongings, his safety.
Everything.
He instead was left with a yearning, aching emptiness for someone that he had chosen to leave, and a mark he could never get rid of.
He tried to ignore it, to fill the hole with suppressants and scent patches, to cover the ache in his soul, not nothing could quite reach.
He was left as nothing but a husk of what he once was.
But he was determined to not let that consume him.
He noticed the change in his resident slowly.
First he noticed the ever-present eye bags under the boys eyes, growing, deepening, until they looked like pits trying to swallow half his face.
Then came the eyes. The young omega's once beautiful and lively eyes now always seemed to shine with unsshed tears, glancing frantically around him, as if something or someone would come out of the shadows to attack him.
Then was the scent. Robby had always found himself drawn to the boy's beautiul earthy and sweet scent, like a freshly baked apple pie, and dirt right after it had rained.
But now the boy's once vibrant, addicting smell seemed permanently soiled, like rotting fruit and manure, and a swirling ever-constant scent of cigarette smoke.
Fear and anxiety stuck to the scent like glue.
The smell made Robby's inner alpha howl and scream and scratch. It made him want to scoop up the boy, take him to his and his mate's den, and never let him leave. To protect, and care for and nurture him.
But alas, he couldn't.
Dennis wasn't his Omega, and never could be. The boy already had an alpha, and a claim on his neck to prove it.
Robby and his mate had discussed it before, courting Whitaker, and inviting him into their lives. They'd both imagined that beautiful, sweet scent in their den, the young omega's nest covering their bed, the three of them happily snuggled on the couch reading or watching movies.
But then Dennis had come in wearing a new mark and a new scent, and the world had flipped on its head.
The alphas had simply stood there dumbly for a long time, holding a box of chocolates and an item of clothing they'd each scented for the omega's nest.
The alphas had spent longer on the roof that day than they ever had.
After that they had tried to move on.
The man had seemed happy enough at first, smiling and laughing with his coworkers, showing off his ring and mark to his friends.
The alphas were happy for him.
Really, they were.
The boy deserved a loving, kind alpha his own age.
They tried to distance themselves from him. It wasn't fair to Dennis that the two old men were left yearning, and wanting the already taken omega.
If they hadn't, maybe they would have noticed the change sooner, as the boy began to close himself off from his friends and coworkers.
ย
It all came to a head when one day, on a Tuesday like any other, Dennis didn't come into work.
There was no email.
No communication.
He wouldn't answer anyone's texts, not even Trinity's.
When they tried to contact his alpha, he told them the young omega would no longer be working at the hospital, and that he would be staying home, with him and their pups to be, and that they needed to stop contacting the boy.
Everyone was furious, especially Trinity.
She knew what being a doctor had meant to Dennis, and that there was no way he would willingly give that up for anything. That he would have tried to find a way to continue his residency and raise the pups if given the option.
But the man was right.
There was nothing anything could do about it but wait, and hope the omega would reach out to one of them eventually.
ย
The hospital seemed colder, less vibrant without the omega. Everyone felt it. Especially Robby.
His absence felt like someone had reached into the alpha's soul and snatched something vital to his very being.
Everyone started avoiding him, giving him a wide berth in the halls, presenting to Al-Hashimi or the senior residents when possible.
Even Jack could feel the distance between the two of them since the omega disappeared.
A week after they got the news, Jack started sleeping in the spare room.
It was slow a first, only one or two nights in a row. But then the time apart grew until they hadn't slept with each other in over a month.
Everything was falling apart in front of Robby, and all he could do was stand and watch.
He barely had the energy to get out of bed in the morning.
And then one day, seemingly out of nowhere, he smelled that sweet scent of wet earth and apple pie he had missed so much coming from the waiting room.
At first he thought he must have been hallucinating. The depression and loneliness was surely, finally getting to him.
But then he saw him.
The boy seemed so much smaller than he remembered, his scent sour and bitter, warning off anyone who may try to harm the young man.
As he approached the omega, he noticed a small bundle in his arms and felt his stomach sink.
"Whitaker?" His voice was small and hoarse, the word felt rough against his throat.
The omega's eyes widened, his scent spiking as he looked up, as if searching for danger, when his eyes landed on Robby. His shoulders lowered slightly as he relaxed at the familiar face, shame instead taking hold as he stood and walked towards the larger man.
"Dr Robby I- I want to apologize f-for leaving like that, I-I justโฆ" his voice trailed off, eyes downcast as he avoided eye contact, the bundle in his arms held tightly to his chest. "Iโฆ I know you all probably hate me now but Iโฆ she- she's sick and I justโฆ I can'tโฆ I don't know what's wrongโฆ I can't- I can't l-lose-" his rambles cut off sharply as he began to sob holding what Robby now recognized as a young baby tightly to his chest.
He tried gently calming the omega as he led him to a quiet room, exchanging a glance with Dana along the way.
He could feel all eyes on them as they walked, curiousity and concern in his coworkers' faces.
Gently, so as not to startle the boy, Robby guided him to sit down, sitting across from him as he spoke softly.
"Dennis, I'mโฆ I'm glad I get to see you again, we all thought we'd never get that chance againโฆ"
Dennis looked up at him then, tears staining his cheeks and blurring his vision, "I'm sorry Dr Robby, I didn'tโฆ I didn't want to leave you all like that it justโฆ I couldn'tโฆ" he struggled with the words, voice tight.
"It's all right Whitaker, you're here now and that's all that matters" his smile was small and sad. He had drempt of this moment, of the omega returning one day, of their reunion, but never did he imagine this. The young man shaking as he sobbed, holding a baby tightly to his chest.
The older man could see the boy's ribs through his shirt, he had lost so much weight since he'd seen him last, which he hadn't thought was possible.
He could feel his heart aching for the man in front of him.
The once confident, strong person who had once pulled him off the floor and out of a dangerous place in his mind. The person who he loved so deeply and has missed so much over the last year he'd been absent.
He startled slightly at a light knock at the doorway, Dana's soft voice filtering through the space as she entered, "Hey sweetheart, how are you doing? It's been a while since we've seen you here?" The alphas soft dark chocolate and honey scent wrapped around the room, helping the omega's shoulders relax slightly again.
Dennis sniffled slightly before answering, his voice shaky, "I don't- I don't know what's wrong with her, her temperature is so high and she won't eat, and her breathing sounds off. She's crying so much I justโฆ I don't know what to do, I can't even afford children's ibuprofen to try lower the fever and I just- I don't know what to do!" His voice cracked at the end as he spoke, along with both the alpha's hearts.
They gently started a physical exam, taking blood samples to send off to be tested, and asking questions about her symptoms. He earnestly and eagerly answered them until they got to questions about home life.
"Has she been around anyone sick lately, maybe you or your mate, or any friends?"
Dennis froze slightly, stuttering as he answered, "uhโฆ n-no? I don't think soโฆ but i-it's hard to sayโฆ I h-haven't been exactlyโฆ living with my mate the past week or so?โฆ" His voice trailed off.
Confusion flooded the doctor's expression, "Oh? Have you been living with any friends or family then that may have been sick or given her any sort of sickness recently then?"
"Ummโฆ s-someone at one of the shelters we were staying at might haveโฆ but like I said i-it's kind of hard to sayโฆ"
Robby felt sick, the urge to vomit heavy in his throat as he swallowed.
"Oh"
It's all he could say. What was he supposed to say to that? To hearing that the young omega in front of him, the omega he had loved so desperately for so long had been homeless with a pup just barely 3 months old.
The silence was loud as they sat there, the truth heavy in the room. When it was clear he wasn't going to add any more Dana broke the silence with a sigh.
"Ok hun, we aren't going to push if you don't want us to, but just know, you can talk to us ok? We care for you, and you're still one of us, you're still our bloodhound ok?" Whitaker's returning smile was small but genuine as they handed the baby back to him.
"Alright, she seems alright for now, it seems to just be a case of the flu, but we'll have to wait for the test results to get back to be sure-"
She was cut off by a bang as the door was shoved open, and a loud voice, "What the fuck huckleberry?!" Trinity's angry tone was only overshadowed by the absolute look of panic and worry on her face, "where the fuck have you been? You never answered any of my calls or texts, and you just disappeared one day, I thought you'd been abducted or somethโ is that a baby?"
Robby fled then, under the guise of giving them some privacy.
After emptying the contents of his stomachโ which was admittedly not much, as he hadn't been eating nearly enough latelyโ he sat slumped on the bathroom floor, and called his mate.
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