Series masterlists:

You stole my cart (Master List Part 1)

You stole my cart (Master List Part 2)

A glimpse into the future and teenage Lizzie

Jack Abbot x reader

When you went grocery shopping you didn't expect to come home with the number of a very handsome ED doctor

--- --- ---

A Good Reason To Keep Going

Michael (Robby) Robinavitch

A doctor, a Sabbatical, a motorcycle and a deeply unbothered three-legged cat. Or: how Robby tried to disappear and instead got adopted.

(Here's how I picture Mr. Abbot 😍😍😍)

~~~

Fanfictions & One-Shots:

10. P.M

Dr. Michael (Robby) Robinavitch x female character (post-season 1)

Robby comes home and needs some grounding.

~~~

3:26 P.M

Dr. Frank Langdon, Dr. Melissa King, a bit of Robby and Dana

A woman arrives in the ED after running a half-marathon with zero training

~~~

Medical emergency

Dr. Michael (Robby) Robinavitch x reader

A very short one-shot about sending Robby pictures while he’s at work

~~~

Just places along the route

Dr. Michael (Robby) Robinavitch x Dr. Jack Abbot (and honestly: Robby x everyone)

Jack finds a list of names in Robbys apartment

~~~

I’m hearing about this Doctor Michael Robinavitch...

Word reaches a certain president that a trauma doctor from Pittsburgh (who suspiciously looks exactly like Noah Wyle) has criticized him. Immediate outrage ensues.

~~~

2:36 a.m

Dr. Michael (Robby) Robinavitch x Dr. Jack Abbot

While on his Sabbatical Robby texts Jack… with a question no one ever wants to answer

~~~

8 p.m

Dr. Michael (Robby) Robinavitch x Dr. Jack Abbot

Robby finds the worst way possible to tell Jack about his will

~~~

9:15 pm

Dr. Michael (Robby) Robinavitch x Dr. Jack Abbot

Who would get hit on first in a bar? A question as old as time. Robby and Jack decide they need answers. Immediately.

~~~

7:59 p.m

Dr. Jack Abbot x Dr. Michael (Robby) Robinavitch

Dr. Jack Abbot x Dr. Baran Al-Hashimi

A video call, a forgotten panty and a conversation neither of them wanted to have - but probably needed.

~~~

I'll take care of you

Dr. Jack Abbot x female reader

Jack doesn't like the symptoms you're describing - so he goes into full doctor mode.

~~~

That's how people end up broke

Dr. Jack Abbot

Jack meets his financial advisor. It goes... badly.

(Inspired by the Mohan-Jack scene and Jacks very casual "I'll pay for it". This man. Seriously.)

~~~

Nothing beats good pasta and a movie

Dr. Frank Langdon x Dr. Melissa King

Mel thought she was just going out for dinner with a coworker. But between a quiet walk home, takeout pasta and a movie night it turns into something much more special.

~~~

War stories

Victoria Javadis 21st birthday party takes an unexpected emotional turn when a quiet conversation with Jack Abbot reveals more than she expected.

~~~ ~~~ ~~~

Sleeping Beauty, M.D

Jack Abbot x Michael Robinavitch

~~~ ~~~ ~~~

I can't afford any of this

After an exploding light bulb leaves your hand full of glass, a sleep-deprived trip to the emergency department of the PTMC turns into a very long night.

~~~ ~~~ ~~~

Welcome to Pride!

Jack Abbot x Michael (Robby) Robinavitch

Fifty years after thinking he was straight Robby attends his first Pride with Jack.

--- --- ---

I guess that's a pretty good reason

Michael (Robby) Robinavitch x Jack Abbot (Medschool!Rabbot)

A young Jack Abbot sees a cute nerdy guy in a Nirvana shirt - and suddenly everything changes.

--- --- ---

Dr. Shark let me explain something to you

Brandon Shark x nurse!reader

--- --- ---

I can't afford any of this

After an exploding light bulb leaves your hand full of glass, a sleep-deprived trip to the emergency department of the PTMC turns into a very long night.

--- --- ---

So, I tell you what, Mr. Darcy

Jack Abbot x OC

A promising first date takes an unexpected turn when Jack discovers there's far more to his match than he first assumed.

--- --- ---

What are you working on?

Jack Abbot x you

Jack discovers you're writing fanfiction. Unfortunately the main character you're writing about looks suspiciously familiar...

--- --- ---

The Very Secret Diaries - The Pitt

The Secret Diary of Michael (Robby) Robinavitch (6 a.m - 8 a.m)

The Secret Diary of Jack Abbot (6 a.m - 8 a.m)

~~~ ~~~ ~~~

Ted Lasso x The Pitt - We Ain't Goldfish

Characters: Ted Lasso, Michael (Robby) Robinavitch, Dana Evans, Donnie Donahue, Samira Mohan, James Ogilvie

Sometimes it takes a few hours in an ER to remind someone that even the best leaders still have something to learn.

Some thoughts about…

... Michael (Robby) Robinavitch:

Robbys sabbatical

Get help, Robinavitch

Robby comes home from his sabbatical (What was wrong with Whitaker?)

I get you Robby (some thoughts about his sabbatical)

Robby going feral on Samira

Robbys motorcycle friend Duke

Robbys motorcycle friend Duke... again

Just some Robby x Dennis smut

Robby introduces the woman he's dating to Jack

Robby on a date with a woman not working in healthcare

A ✨️ sparkly ✨️ panic attack

Robby tries to flirt

Robby's tattoo

Isn't that your motorcycle?

Robby comes back from his Sabbatical... with a magnet

Jack & Robby roleplaying

Robby trying to boost moral with a day shift chant

Fight with Jack

... Dennis Whitaker

Whitaker and the late farmers wife Amy

Okay, skinny white boy...

... Melissa King

Mel as book nook queen

... Becca King

What if Becca...

... Trinity Santos

Santos being Santos ("Was there cake?")

Garcia x Santos

Garcia and Santos arguing in S2 E10

About Dennis and Mel

... Jack Abbot

Dr Al-Hashimi & Dr Abbot

Jack and the fax machine

Jack and the fax machine... again

Jack and the fax machine... again and again

Just a meme

Some thoughts about the naked yoga

Michael calling Jack during his sabbatical

Jack has a conversation with Samira

Petty Jack and his (ex-)wife

"I was promised a pond"

Ready or not - here I come

Jack being jealous of Noelle

How was your meeting with admin?

You're interrupted my very important business for this bullshit?

Season 3 Prediction / Braindump - Part 1

Season 3 Prediction / Braindump - Part 2

Did he just sing "Two in the front, two in the back"?

Little bit of Jack Abbot smut

Jack writing Robby a card for valentines day

... Dana Evans

Dana reacts to a doctor calling her "Hey nurse!"

Excuse me. This is the staff lounge

Dana giving medical advise to Dennis

... John Shen

Rebooting?

Bring me an iced coffee

You're an attending now

Not cool

... Night Shift Crew

Dr. Dunkin

Shen discovers a stain on his scrubs

Did you just say pita?

... other fun stuff

S2 E7

How would each The Pitt character react to an unsolicited dick pic?

Secret Santa at the PTMC

McKay finds Ogilvie sitting in the stairwell

What's in the fucking gift shop? (At Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump)

Duke leaves a very enthusiastic review about his stay at the PTMC

Some thought about Noelle being a stronger person than me

Jack and Jesse - Good girl

Staff Meeting

Team Building Event at the Aquarium

Team Building Event somewhere on a boat

Robby crouched down in front of Mr. Abbot, scratching him behind his ears. He started purring instantly, falling onto his sides, exposing his fluffy belly. He closed his eyes and started treading milk against the chair cushion. 

Robby chuckled. “Okay, cat, I need to get some food and that diner over the street doesn’t allow pets inside. I know, I know-” he added hastily. “You’re not a pet per se, more like an… emotional support cat but they don’t know the difference, okay?”

Mr. Abbot opened his eyes for a second before closing them again, still purring ridiculously loud.

“So, I go over there, eat something, maybe have a couple of beers and then I’ll be back, okay?”

The cat didn’t care.

“Okay, good. Please don’t commit crimes while I’m gone. I filled your bowl and left the bathroom window open. So, no revenge shitting on my bed.”

Robby stood with a groan, holding his back. “I need to look into nicer accommodations” he muttered to himself. “My back is killing me.”

As soon as these words left his mouth he stopped. Perfect choice of words, Robinavitch. He shook his head, then grabbed the room key and left, while Mr. Abbot blinked at him slowly from the chair.

Two hours later Robby was walking back across the parking leg. He felt good for a change - after a burger with fries, washed down with a couple of beers which gave him a pleasant warm buzz in his chest. He was humming softly to himself while the motel sign flickered overhead. Somewhere nearby he could hear a TV blaring through an open window.

He fumbled with the room key, dropping it two times (and picking up with very creative swear words) when he heard it.

A low, ugly yowl.

Another sound followed - higher this time. Sharp. Angry.

Robby stopped and listened.

There was hissing, then another high-pitched cry.

Cats.

“Oh fuck.”

He started walking faster toward his room. He could hear another hiss cut through the night followed by a loud crashing noise.

“Jesus Christ.”

Robby broke into a jog the last few yards and fumbled with the key for a minute before shoving the motel door open hard enough that it slammed against the wall.

The first thing he saw was chaos. Absolute chaos. 

Mr. Abbot was standing on the bed completely puffed up, back arched like one of these silly Halloween decoration, screaming absolute murder at a massive gray tomcat crouched on the dresser.

The fat gray cat screamed back.

Neither of them seemed to acknowledge Robby’s existence because apparently they were seconds away from a duel until death.

“WHAT THE FUCK-”

Both cats froze, the hissing continued low-key. Mr. Abbot was the first to whip around, his enormous eyes flickered to Robby. Then he immediately screamed again - this time directly at Robby like this whole situation was somehow his fault.

“DON’T YELL AT ME!” Robby shot back automatically. “You invited him in!”

The gray cat turned his head around slowly, fixing Robby. He started hissing, slapping his paw into the air towards him. Then he apparently made the decision that this situation was about to escalate and fled through the open door.

A gray shadow, gone in a second.

Mr. Abbot lunged after him with murderous intent.

“NOPE!”

Robby intercepted him mid-flight with both hands before the cat could throw himself out into the night after his new arch enemy. Mr. Abbot lost his mind about this immediately. He twisted in Robby’s grip, yowling dramatically while his tail doubled in size.

“FUCK CAT - it’s over, okay?”

Mr. Abbot disagreed violently, scratching Robby’s arm, trying to free himself.

“HE LEFT!”

The cat craned his head toward the open door. Robby tightened his grip slightly and kicked the door shut. Then he lowered Mr. Abbot on the ground carefully.

“You’re a fucking nuisance” Robby snarled toward him, then looked around the destroyed room in disbelief.

His pillow was on the floor, the fabric ripped. The curtains were half torn down. The motels bible lay on the ground, papers ripped out and scattering around. His bag was thrown over and the contains had fell out.

“How long was this happening?” He turned toward the cat with wide eyes.

Mr. Abbot looked up at him, meowing furiously.

“Oh, come on, don’t lie to me. That’s… that’s a fucking crime scene. Please tell me that gray fucker didn’t pee there.”

Robby stepped closer to a wet patch on the carpet. He closed his eyes for a moment then crouched down and took a whiff.

“Okay, that gray fucker did pee in here.” Robby made a face when the sharp distinct smell of cat urine hit his nose. “That little asshole. No wonder you wanted to murder him.”

He straightened again, rubbing a hand across his face. “We have to sleep in here and now it smells like… like… like a gutter.”

Mr. Abbot was still breathing hard, tiny body tense, ears flicking toward the door every couple of seconds. You could feel the territorial rage and injured pride radiating off of him.

Robby sat down on the bed with a deep sigh. “How you if I’m not allowed to invite strangers into my motel room, neither are you.”

Mr. Abbot stared at him for a moment, then hopped onto the bed, immediately stepping onto his lap. Robby started scratching his ears almost without thinking. 

“But I’m proud you didn’t back off” he went on with a shrug. “You don’t have to take shit from anyone. Especially not from a bastard coming into your home just to piss on the rug.”

Mr. Abbot shoved his head under Robby’s arm and started purring. The cat pressed his body against Robby’s belly, still bumping his head into Robby's hand.

“Unbelievable.” 

Robby rubbed his free hand over his face, then reached for his phone.

Robby: Came back from dinner and found the cat trying to fight another cat in the motel room. Jack: Is he entertaining an illegal cat fight club?

Robby chuckled softly, then took a picture of the mess that was his room and sent it over. The typing bubble appeared immediately.

Jack: You sure that was a fight?

Robby tilted his head, blinking.

Robby: What else could that have been? Jack: Maybe you interrupted his date?

Robby looked down at Mr. Abbot, who was purring but still radiated homicidal energy. Then he started laughing, scratching under his chin.

Robby: Nah. That wasn’t romantic. Jack: Don’t know. Orange cat courtship probably looks like attempted murder. (It’s the same with all the gingers, honestly.)

Robby laughed out loud.

Robby: Too much information, brother. And honestly - he looked ready to kill for territory.

Jack’s answer came immediately.

Jack: Sounds like typical Abbot behavior. Robby: No wonder you don’t have a girl.

This time the answer took longer. Robby watched the typing bubble for a long time before a reply came.

Jack: Look who’s talking.

Robby frowned, his finger hovering over the screen, unsure what to reply. Another message came in.

Jack: Send me a picture of your murder kitty. Bet he looks proud as hell.

Robby took a picture of Mr. Abbot, who was, indeed, looking pretty proud of himself. Then he sent it over to Jack.

--- --- ---

It was a quiet evening which alone felt weird. Jack had just left for nightshift and you were still sitting at the kitchen table, watching Lizzie eat dinner.

Or more - watching her push pieces of pasta around her plate before dropping her fork with a small sigh. Lizzie had inherited Jack’s appetite and normally treated every meal like she had been starving for several days so… that was suspicious.

You looked her over. “Do you want any more, Bean?”

She shook her head and rubbed both hands over her eyes. You looked at the clock. It was barely past seven.

“Are you already tired, baby?”

She nodded slowly and immediately stretched her arms toward you. “Mommy.”

You lifted her out of her chair and settled her against your hip. Her head dropped onto your shoulder almost immediately.

“Wow, baby huh?” you whispered, pressing a kiss to her hair. “Someone really is tired.”

She felt warm. Not alarmingly hot but warmer than usual. And heavier somehow as if she wasn’t helping hold herself up against your shoulder.

You carried her into the bathroom, somehow managed to brush her teeth (despite her barely opening her mouth) and changed her diaper before putting her into pajamas. She didn’t protest once.

No attempts to run away without pants. No argument about brushing her teeth. No dramatic collapse onto the bathroom floor because you wouldn’t let her take her toothbrush to bed.

That was even more concerning than the warmth of her skin.

“Let’s check your temperature, hm, Lizzie Bear?” you murmered.

100.8°F.

Not too bad. She had probably just caught another daycare virus. Daycares were breeding ground for germs so… not surprising she had caught something.

You gave her some children’s Tylenol, made sure she drank a little water and lifted her onto her hip again. “You want to sleep in Mommy’s bed?”

For the past few weeks the answer had always been yes. Usually accompanied by tears, screaming and her clinging to your neck like she was made of velcro.

Tonight… she shook her head. “Izzie bed.”

You stopped, blinking. “You want to sleep in your own bed?”

She nodded sleepily.

That should have felt like progress. Instead something uncomfortable settled in your stomach.

You carefully placed her in her bed, expecting her to immediately sit up again and demand to come with you.

She didn’t.

She rolled onto her side, hugged her stuffed giraffe against her chest, put her thumb into her mouth and closed her eyes. Within a minute she was asleep.

You stood beside her bed, watching her. 

It felt… wrong.

You placed your hand against her forehead again - she was still warm but not too hot. She would feel better once the Tylenol kicked in.

“Sleep well, baby” you whispered and kissed her hair.

When you left the room you left the door open. Just in case.

Jack: Shift is crazy. Just sneaked to the bathroom to text you. How are my girls? You: Lizzie barely ate and went to sleep in her own bed. Jack: Maybe the peek-a-boo worked? You: She also feels a little warm. Jack: You can give her Tylenol if she’s running a fever. Probably just daycare germs. Keep an eye on her and make sure she drinks. You: Yes, Dr. Abbot. Jack: I’d love some sexting but need to run again. I love you. You: Love you too

You cleaned the kitchen, then the living room. When you glanced at the clock it was barely nine. You sat down, staring at nothing in particular. You had almost forgotten how it was when you didn’t have a clingy toddler stuck to your hip - you really got shit done.

And still… it felt wrong.

You took a shower and washed your hair. You didn’t bother to blow-dry it - you didn’t want to wake up Lizzie and you would take care of them in the morning anyway. After checking on Lizzie again you went to bed, shortly after ten.

You were exhausted. After the last few weeks you should have fallen asleep the second your head touched the pillow - but you couldn’t.

The bed suddenly was too… empty. Jack wasn’t there because he was working. And Lizzie wasn’t there either. It just felt… wrong. It was too quiet.

You turned onto your side and closed your eyes but sleep wouldn’t come. You tried breathing exercises - nothing. You tried counting sheep - nothing. You tried to remember what Jack had told you about that incredibly boring medical article - nothing.

At eleven thirty you went into Lizzie’s room again and placed your hand against her forehead. She was still warm. When you took her temperature it was 102.1°F.

You sat beside her for a while, watching her breathe. You frowned a little. Maybe you were imagining it but she was breathing a little faster than usual. But then… you were tired and probably saw ghosts.

You almost reached for your phone to record a video for Jack, then immediately felt ridiculous. He had told you what to do. Keep an eye on her. Make sure she drinks water. You had given her Tylenol. And in the end… she probably just needed to sleep it off.

You stayed in the rocking chair and closed your eyes.

At some point you must have drifted off because when you opened your eyes again and glanced at your watch it was 2:02 a.m.

You blinked confused then when you heard strange sounds coming from her bed. You reached over and switched on the small lamp, then stood.

“Lizzie?”

She didn't answer. She was lying on her back now, her head turned strangely to one side. And you could hear her breath - fast, shallow… just so terribly wrong.

“Baby?”

Her cheeks were bright red and damp curls stuck to her forehead. You touched her face and immediately pulled your hand back. “Fuck, you’re burning up.”

You lifted her carefully into your arms. “Hey baby. Wake up for Mommy, huh? Can you please wake up for Mommy?”

She opened her eyes but she didn’t seem to look at you. Her gaze was unfocused, glassy. “Mama” she mumbled.

“I’m here, baby. I’m here.”

“No… daddy… Amber… cado…” Her words ran together.

You grabbed the thermometer.

104.2°F.

“Oh fuck.” Your heart started pounding. “Okay, okay. It’s okay. We’re taking care of that. Don’t worry, baby. Mommy’s taking care of you.”

Lizzie just whimpered. That’s when you noticed that her chest moved too quickly. The skin beneath her ribs pulled inward with every breath.

“Oh, fuck, what am I supposed to do?” You glanced down at your daughter, swallowing hard. Then you reached for your phone and called Jack.

It rang.

And rang.

No answer.

You called again.

Still nothing.

Lizzie started coughing against your shoulder. It was deep and wet and afterwards she started crying weakly. Your stomach tightened with fear.

You opened the chat with him - and noticed he didn’t even read the last message you sent him hours ago.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck.”

You called Robby - and it rang until his voicemail picked up.

“FUCK.”

You looked at the bottle of Tylenol on the table.

When had you given it to her? Seven? Half past seven? Could she have more? And if so - how much? Would it make it worse? Could it harm her?

You tried to read the label but suddenly none of the words made any sense.

Lizzie made another strange sound - something between a cough and a cry, too wet, too weak, too wrong.

You looked down. Her eyes were half closed.

“Bean?”

She didn’t answer.

“Lizzie?”

Still no answer.

“Fuck.”

That was enough.

You called 911.

The emergency department was busy. A little more chaotic than usual - nothing catastrophic, but enough to prevent anyone from taking a bathroom break and to make keep Jack from catching his breath between cases.

Jack stood inside a trauma bay, watching one of the interns, Nazely, attempt to insert a central venous catheter in the internal jugular vein. 

“A little farther lateral” he said, nodding along.

She adjusted the probe, sweat building on her forehead. “Like that?”

“Yeah. There. Slow down now. You know the steps. Take a deep breath. What will make you stop?”

Her eyes returned to the ultrasound screen. “If I lose sight of the needle.”

“Exactly. You don’t advance blindly. If the anatomy stops making sense, stop and reassess. There’s no prize for being fast.”

She nodded.

“And don’t just stare at the screen. Pay attention to the patient, too.”

Across the department Lena answered the incoming ambulance call. “PTMC emergency.”

She listened, her eyes darting around the room. “Got it.” Then she looked up, finding John leaning in the doorway of the trauma bay Jack was in. “Hey John - seventeen month old female, high fever, altered mental status. Increased work of breathing, possible pneumonia. Mother accompanying.”

John looked up from the tablet in his hand, slurping another sip of his iced coffee. “Got it.”

“ETA four minutes.”

Jack glanced up. “Need help?”

“Nah” John replied. “Stay here. Just try and don’t terrify Nazely, hm?”

“I’m not terrifying anyone. You’re doing great” Jack added, giving her a smile.

John laughed and walked over to the nurses’ counter, placing his drink on the counter and grabbing a pair of gloves.

A few minutes later the ambulance door opened and paramedics entered, wheeling a gurney. “Seventeen-month-old female. Fever started this evening. Mom found her difficult to wake around two. Temperature one-oh-four point two at home. Increased respiratory effort. Oxygen saturation ninety-one on room air, improved to ninety-five on six liters via face mask.”

John looked up - and stopped dead when he saw you.

Your hair was tied into a messy bun and you were wearing an old jacket over mismatched pajamas. Your eyes were red and you looked exhausted and terrified.

Then he looked at the child on the gurney. “Oh, fuck.”

“John” you said, voice trembling, tears already filling your eyes again.

He moved immediately. “Okay, I’ve got her. Central seven is open.”

Mateo joined them. “Hey Lizzie.” 

John looked up at you. “You’re in the right place. We’ve got her.”

They wheeled her into the room. Lizzie barely reacted when they transferred her onto the hospital bed. They got to work with the effortless coordination of people who’d done this together countless times.

“Okay, Lizzie, let's get you feeling better” Mateo gave you a reassuring smile. 

You stood beside her, not exactly knowing what to do, feeling partly helpless and partly relieved that she was finally getting help.”Where’s Jack?”

John glanced toward the department, while already hovering with his stethoscope over Lizzie’s chest. “He’s somewhere around here.”

“I tried to call him” you whispered. “Twice. He didn’t answer.”

“Yeah, it’s a bit chaotic tonight.”

Lena put a hand on your shoulder, squeezing lightly. “I’ll get him, sweetheart. Don’t worry. Focus on Lizzie.”

Jack was still with Nazely when Lena approached him, Parker in tow. “Jack.”

“Mhm?” He glanced up. “Give me a second. We just need to stitch it in now.”

“Jack.” Something in her voice let him look up properly.

“Yeah?”

“I need you to hand this over to Parker.”

“What? Why?”

“Your daughter’s here.”

He stared at her, stopping mid-movement. He looked like his brain needed a minute to process it - and failed spectacularly. Nazely looked up, her eyes widened, then glanced over to the attending.

“She came in by ambulance” Lena continued.

The color drained from his face. “Why?”

“High fever. Breathing problems. John has her. Central 7”

Jack wasn’t even listening anymore. He was already walking out, yanking off his gloves and tearing off his protective gown.

He entered the room only a couple of minutes later. “Okay, fill me in.” Then his gaze dropped down at Lizzie and he stopped completely. She looked tiny on the gurney. Her face was flushed and barely visible beneath the oxygen mask. EKG leads and the blood pressure cuff attached her to the monitor while Mateo was busy putting a line into her arm. She barely flinched when the needle punctured her skin.

John was listening to her lungs.

“Bean.” His voice cracked. He moved to the bed and touched her hair with shaking hands. “Hey, baby. Don’t worry. Daddy’s here.”

She opened her eyes for a moment, then closed them again.

Then he turned to you. “What happened?”

You took a shaky breath. “I… I told you. She barely ate. She was tired and had a little fever, so I gave her Tylenol. And then I checked on her and she was burning up and babbling and breathing weirdly and I called you, but you didn’t answer and then I called Robby, but he didn’t answer either and then I panicked and I called 911 and-”

“Hey.” He reached for you and pulled you into a tight hug. “Breathe, sweetheart. Breathe. Take a nice deep breath for me, okay?”

You hiccuped and pressed yourself closer to him. You tried to calm down - you really tried - but it was nearly impossible. “I didn’t know what the right thing was” you whispered.

“You called 911, honey. That was the right thing, okay?”

You barely nodded. He stroked your hair for another moment, then pressed a kiss to your forehead and turned around to John, who put the stethoscope around his neck again.

“What do her lungs sound like?”

John glanced over to him, then held out a finger. “Give me a second, Jack.” He turned to Mateo. “Let’s get a CBC and CMP while you’re in there. Blood cultures. Send a respiratory panel and give her another dose of Tylenol - Mom gave the last one around seven thirty. Start a ten-mil-per-kilo saline bolus. Keep her on six liters oxygen and continuous pulse ox. I’ll order a portable chest X-ray asap.”

Mateo nodded. “Got it, boss.”

John watched the monitor for a moment, then turned back to Jack. “I’m hearing crackles on the right and her right lower lung sounds diminished.”

“So-”

“I suspect pneumonia.” He thought about it for a moment, then turned back to Mateo. “Once you’ve drawn the cultures start five hundred milligrams of ampicillin IV. She doesn’t have any allergies, right?” he asked you.

You shook your head. “No.”

“Five hundred?” Jack raised his eyebrows.

“Mom said she’s around twenty-two pounds” John said, crossing his arms.

“Twenty-one point seven.”

“That’s practically twenty-two pounds, Jack. And five hundred is the appropriate dose.”

Jack’s jaw tightened. “Okay.” Then he scanned her vitals. “What do you need me to do?”

“Abbot” John interrupted gently. “I’ve got her medically. Right now, I need you to be her dad, okay?”

Jack looked down at Lizzie and nodded eventually. “Okay. But-”

“No buts. If you see me making a mistake, you tell me. A mistake” he repeated, emphasizing every word. “Not a suggestion. Not something you would’ve done differently. A mistake. You understand?”

Jack swallowed hard and looked sideways. Eventually he nodded.

“Good.” John nodded. “But I think I’ve got this. We’re waiting for the imaging and then we adjust the therapy, okay?”

You squeezed Jack’s hand. He let out a sigh. “Okay.”

Mateo crouched beside the gurney. “Hey Lizzie Bear” he said softly. “Remember me?”

She barely opened her eyes. “Teo” she mumbled, barely audible behind the oxygen mask.

Mateo smiled. “Yeah. It’s Teo. I’m gonna help making you feel better, okay?”

She had already closed her eyes again. 

He began working with quiet confidence - drawing blood, swabbing her for the respiratory panel (she barely flinched which alone was enough to nearly break your heart) and administering another dose of Tylenol via the IV and then starting the saline bolus.

John typed in the orders then gave the room another look around. “Okay, that’s it for the moment. Jack - you can stay here, okay? I’ll fetch you if things go south outside.”

Jack nodded. “Thanks, man.”

John waved his hand. “Sure.” Then he left.

Mateo took the blood samples and gave you a look. “Is there anything I can get for you, mom? Water? Coffee? A blanket?”

You shook your head. “No. Thank you.”

“Okay. Just tell me, if there’s anything I can get you, okay?” Mateo smiled at you again.

“Thanks.” Your voice was quiet.

“Sure thing.” He nodded and left the room, leaving you and Jack alone with Lizzie.

Jack glanced at the monitor. “It’s getting a little better” he said quietly.

You blinked. “Yeah?”

He nodded, then pulled you closer, pressing another kiss onto your hair. “Yeah.”

The chest X-ray showed pneumonia. It wasn’t John who delivered the news. Jack had checked Lizzie’s chart about an hour later and seen the chest X-ray himself.

You glanced at him from your place on the fold-out chair beside her bed. “Are you even supposed to do that?”

“Do what, honey?” Jack asked absent-mindedly while scrolling through her lab results.

“Check her chart.”

He turned his head. “Honey, you know, I’m a doctor here, right?”

“Yeah, but still - you’re her relative.” You shrugged. “I don’t know. It feels kind of wrong?”

“Not to me.” He kept scrolling, then glanced toward the door.

When he saw John approaching, his iced coffee a constant companion, he logged himself out quickly and sat down next to you.

Lizzie was still sleeping but looking better. Her cheeks weren’t as flushed as before and her breathing had become a little calmer.

John knocked and entered the room. “Everything’s okay in here?”

You looked up and nodded. “Yeah, thanks John.”

Jack deliberately didn’t look at him. “Are her results in?”

A brief silence followed. Then - “Jack. Don’t try to bullshit me.”

Jack blinked and turned his head slightly. “What do you mean?”

“You know I can see all the people accessing my patient’s charts when I’m accessing them at the same time, right? And I was not surprised to see the name abbotja come up when I was checking her results five minutes ago.”

Jack cleared his throat. His ears had turned pink and he was trying hard to look innocent. “Well, you know how often our IT system glitches” he said with a shrug. “Happens all the time.”

“Yeah, sure. Whatever man.” John walked over, glancing at the monitor. “Her vitals are looking good. We’re switching to oxygen via nasal cannula and reducing supplementary oxygen to two liters to see if she can hold her oxygen levels with that. Her last temperature was-”

“101.1°F” Jack shot back without missing a beat. “I checked it like ten minutes ago.”

“Okay, boss.” John shook his head. “So, I’d like to keep her for a few more hours. Lets see how it’s going with the reduced oxygen and give her the next ampicillin dose at nine. If she’s doing well off oxygen by then I guess we can send her home.”

Jack nodded quickly. He reached over and squeezed your hand. “Sounds good.”

“Yeah. I’ll be surprised if you didn’t already put all these orders in” John said, rolling his eyes. “So, lets switch her to the nasal cannula and-”

Jack was already standing. “I’ll do it.”

“Whatever.” John glanced at you. “And well, we’ve got a MVC, a code stroke and a MI en route. I could really use another attending out there.”

Jack swallowed hard and glanced at you. You nodded. “Yeah, it’s your job. Go. I’ll watch her.”

He nodded. “Okay, I’ll be right there.”

John gave him a thumbs up. “Great. Thanks.” Then turned toward you. “Do you want anything? Coffee?”

You stifled a yawn. “No, thanks. I think I’ll actually try to get some sleep.”

John smiled. “Good plan. But I can almost guarantee you it won’t work. But never hurts to try.”

“That’s a great pep talk, thanks.”

John smiled, already at the door. “Always happy to help.”

By morning Lizzie’s fever had come down. Her breathing was still faster than normal but she no longer needed a lot of oxygen. Right now it was only one liter and John had decided to remove it completely after shift change. She was still sleeping, her hand wrapped around your finger.

You on the other hand hadn’t slept much exactly as John predicted. Your hair had mostly escaped your bun. Your eyes burned. You could smell yourself - and were painfully aware that you were still wearing the mismatched pajamas.

Jack came into the room after shift change - still in scrubs and looking almost as tired as you felt. “Okay, handover is done. I’m free.” He yawned then checked her monitor. “Robby should be in shortly to take her off the oxygen. If she’s fine without it at ten, then we can take her home.”

You smiled. “Sounds good.”

He then sat beside you and pressed a kiss to your temple. You made a face. “Don’t. I smell horrible and I didn’t even brush my teeth.”

Jack rolled his eyes. “Trust me, that’s the last of my concerns.” He stroked Lizzie’s hand and she stirred, letting go of your finger and grabbing his wrist. She opened her eyes briefly. “Daddy.”

He swallowed hard. “Hey, Bean.”

She smiled a little, then closed her eyes again. You took the opportunity to free yourself and stood. “Okay, I need to pee.”

Jack chuckled. “Romantic.”

“I’ve been holding it for an hour because she wouldn’t let go of my hand and I didn’t want to wake her up.”

“I’m just teasing you.” He looked up at you and smiled. “Go, I’ve got her. You can also ask Dana if we have some toiletries. We usually keep some stuff like toothbrushes, brushes and deodorant here.”

You started to smile, then leaned down and kissed his cheek. “That’s the best idea you ever had, Dr. Abbot.” You stretched and yawned, scratching your side. “Okay, I just go freshen up and then I’ll be right back.”

You stepped into the hallway, passing the nurses’ station on your way to the restrooms. Robby saw you, then walked past a group of med students huddled near the nurses’ station, just a couple of feet away, and stepped into the room, leaving the door open.

“How is she?” he asked, glancing at the monitor.

“Better” Jack said. “Waiting for her repeat labs to come back. But I think we can take her home later.”

Robby stepped to the computer, held his badge to login and started scrolling through her chart. Jack glanced at Lizzie, who was still sleeping, then stood and joined Robby.

The room fell silent.

That’s when they could hear the med students talking outside.

“That’s Dr. Abbot’s wife by the way.”

“That’s her?”

“Yeah.”

“Huh.” There was a pause. “I thought an attending’s wife would be way hotter.”

Jack slowly lifted his head and went terribly quiet. Robby had gone still too. He immediately looked over at Jack. “No.”

Jack turned his head and stared toward the open door. Robby’s eyebrow raised and he logged off the computer, turning a little.

Jack’s jaw tightened and the look in his eyes was murderous. “Who was that?”

“One of the med students” Robby said in a low, calm voice.

Jack stared at him. “What’s his name?”

“No, absolutely not.”

Jack straightened, sticking out his chest in an attempt to look more intimidating. “Michael, I asked you what his name is.”

“And I’m not telling you” Robby replied, stepping between him and the door. “Sit down.”

“No fucking way. I’m going to talk to him.”

“No, you’re not.”

“I just want to have a conversation.” Jack was still terrifyingly calm.

“No.”

Jack’s jaw tightened even more and he narrowed his eyes, staring at Robby like he wanted to murder him instead. “What do you mean - no? Why not?”

“Because I’m not letting you go out there and create a Code Hula Hoop.”

“I’m not going to assault him.” Still that calm voice.

“Wonderful. An inspiringly low standard” Robby said with no hint of amusement.

“Michael.” Jack lifted his chin. His eyes were sparkling with rage. “He insulted my wife.”

“I heard what that little douche said.”

“He insulted my wife who just spent the entire night sitting beside our sick daughter. My wife who was terrified and sick with worry - and that little asshole thinks this is the right time to judge whether she’s hot enough for me?”

“He was completely out of line for that, I agree” Robby replied.

“Then get out of my way so I can deal with that little shit” Jack snapped.

“No.”

“Michael.”

“No.”

Jack took a step to the side - Robby followed him. He tried to take a step forward - Robby blocked him.

For several seconds, neither of them moved. They were just standing very close together, glaring at each other without blinking. Jack had to hold himself back not to just push Robby to the side.

“Are you seriously blocking the fucking door?” He swallowed hard, his hands curled into fists. His voice was no longer calm but angry.

“Yes.”

“Move.”

“No.”

“Michael, I’m a fucking attending here.”

“And I’m the fucking head of this fucking department. And as your boss I’m telling you to sit down and take care of your daughter.”

Jack instantly looked toward Lizzie. She was still asleep, still looking too tiny for the bed she was lying in. His face softened for a moment. When he looked back toward the hallway where he could still hear the med students talking his face went hard again. “That asshole doesn’t get to talk about her like that. And I’ll teach him that lesson.”

“You’re right. He’s not supposed to talk about her like that. For the matter he’s not supposed to talk about any woman like that.” Robby paused for a moment. “And I’m going to make sure of that.”

Jack stared at him, narrowing his eyes. “You’re going to deal with him?”

“Yeah.”

“Properly?”

Robby raised an eyebrow. “What do you think?”

Jack stared at him for another moment, then exhaled slowly and looked to the side. Robby used that moment to place a hand against his shoulder and gently pushed him backwards until he reached the chair. “Sit.”

Jack, this time, followed this order.

Robby nodded and straightened. “I’ve got this, brother. Trust me.”

Jack nodded slowly. “‘kay.”

Robby rolled his shoulders, then cracked the knuckles on both hands. After he took a deep breath he stepped into the hallway. He looked over to the counter, smiling pleasantly. “Student doctor Morrigan.”

The student looked over. “Yes, Dr. Robinavitch?”

“Come on.”

He blinked. “I’m sorry?”

“We’re going to walk a little.”

“Um… why?” The med student was clearly uncomfortable by that suggestion.

His other students exchanged a look.

Robby didn’t answer immediately, instead glanced back through the open door where Jack was staring directly at them. “Because initially Dr. Abbot wanted to speak to you. Alone. About what you just said about his wife.”

The student went pale and glanced toward Jack with wide eyes.

“And I convinced him that would be a terrible idea. For him and you.” He paused. “So… you get the pleasure of having a nice little chat with me instead.”

“Um…” The student swallowed hard.

“Just to be clear - that wasn’t a suggestion” Robby raised an eyebrow and nodded toward the hallway. “So, let’s go.”

“Um, yes.” The student glanced at his pals, clearly looking for someone to rescue him - and when no one intervened, he walked over to Robby, stiffly, horrified.

Robby placed a hand on his shoulder, squeezing lightly. “So, let’s have a conversation about your view of women, shall we?”

They disappeared down the hallway. 

Jack watched them leave, then turned his head and stared at the remaining students. They suddenly found excuses to leave. Within seconds the space where they had huddled was empty.

Jack exhaled loudly through his nose, then returned to Lizzie.

When you came back - your hair in an actual ponytail, your teeth brushed, smelling slightly better thanks to some body wash and a washcloth and wearing a pair of scrubs, carrying your pajamas in a plastic bag - Jack was already sitting beside Lizzie’s bed again.

He looked up. “Why are you wearing scrubs?”

“Dana gave them to me. You have to return them but she said she can’t have me run around in that outfit” you replied smiling.

Lizzie was awake, sitting upright in her bed and slowly drinking apple juice from a sippy cup. When she saw you, she began to smile. “Mommy!”

You swallowed hard, already teary-eyed again. You put the plastic bag down, then sat on her bed, pulling her close, kissing her head. “Hey baby. How are you?”

“Izzie dwink.”

“Yeah, baby, I can see you’re drinking. Juice, hm? Did Mateo bring this to you?”

“No, it was Daddy” Jack said with a huff. “And I honestly thought she tried to say twink and I was already wondering to whom she was referring to.”

You chuckled, pressing another kiss onto Lizzie's head.

Jack watched you for a moment. You watched his Adam’s apple bob while he tried to compose himself - and for the first time you realized that this had been very stressful for him too. Even when he had dealt with thousands of patients with pneumonia before… it was the first time with his daughter.

He looked up and gave a crooked smile. Then, with a groan, he climbed onto the bed as well, settling on Lizzie’s other side. He slung his arm around your shoulder, pulled you closer and kissed you gently.

“Oh, wow, what’s this for?” you asked with a smile, leaning your head onto his.

“Nothing. It’s just… I love you.” 

You smiled. “I love you too.”

“No.” He pulled back a little to look at you. “I mean - I really love you, okay?”

“Um. Okay.”

“And I’m proud of you. You handled this like a champ.”

You blushed a little and shrugged, your eyes starting to burn. “I was terrified.”

“And you did exactly the right thing. You tried to call me and when you couldn’t reach me you called 911. You’re nailing this motherhood shit, honey.”

You let out a teary laugh. “Thanks.”

“No, I really mean it. You’re such a tough and independent woman.” He smiled, cuddling against you again. “And you’re also beautiful and hot and incredibly competent.”

Lizzie tipped her head back to look at Jack’s face. “Daddy!”

He pulled her towards him with his free arm. She squealed delighted.

“Watch out, Lizzie” you mumbled, smiling happily. “Daddy talks so much stuff that I’m wondering if he’s the one with fever now.”

She let out another squeal.

“Jesus” Jack muttered. “I think her oxygen level is fine again.”

--- --- ---

You wanna keep reading? - Next part is coming soon, I promise.

--- --- ---

--- --- ---

The diner was quite busy which wasn’t unusual for a Sunday morning. The usual crowd. Families, friends laughing over a couple of cheeky mimosas and couples either arguing over coffee or holding hands while looking deeply smug.

Jack sat in their usual booth by the window, one hand wrapped around a mug of coffee while he stared at the stack of pancakes in front of him. Across from him Robby was eating scrambled eggs with the appetite of a man who saw his food as a challenge, not a suggestion.

For several minutes neither of them spoke, which also wasn’t unusual. After all they had known each other long enough that silence didn’t need to be filled. And they saw each other frequently enough - at work and outside of it - so there was no great need to catch up.

But today the silence felt heavier, loaded - different. Different enough that even Robby noticed. 

He glanced up suspiciously. “Okay. What’s up?”

“Nothing.”

“Mhm. Yeah, okay, sure.”

Robby waited. Jack stayed quiet.

“You know” Robby continued. “Most people come to brunch because they enjoy talking to each other. Or at least enjoy spending time together.”

“I enjoy spending time with you.”

“Well, okay, maybe I’d believe you if you didn’t look like your dog had just died when you said it.”

Jack rolled his eyes, taking a sip of his coffee, still quiet.

“So.” Robby tilted his head. “Spill it. What did you do?”

“I didn’t do anything.”

“Okay - what are you thinking about doing?”

Jack stared at him.

Robby smiled slowly. “Knew it.”

Jack exhaled and leaned back against the booth. 

For a moment he watched someone outside walk past the diner with a dog wearing blinking Christmas antlers. 

Then he looked back at Robby. “I haven’t told her.”

Robby frowned. “Told who what?”

“My wife. About the job.”

“What about the job?”

“I haven’t told her that that stupid text you sent her was my idea.”

Robby paused, then shrugged. “Okay.”

Jack narrowed his eyes. “Okay? That’s all you have to say?”

“What do you want me to say?” Robby looked visibly confused now.

“I don’t know. Something useful for a change?”

“Okay.” Robby took another bite of his eggs. “Congratulations on successfully keeping a very boring secret.”

Jack just stared at him.

“What?” Robby asked. “Seriously - it worked out.”

“That’s not the point.”

“Oh, come on, you have to be kidding me.” Robby put the cutlery down and stared at him, stunned. “She got a job in her own field. She’s happy. She’s excited. Her new department is going to be very happy to have her. Everybody wins.”

Jack shook his head and crossed his arms. “She thinks you found the opening and thought of her.”

“I did think of her” Robby shot back.

“After I told you to send it to her.”

“That still counts.”

“No, Michael. It doesn’t.” Jack let out a frustrated sigh. “I feel like I’m lying to her.”

“But you’re not lying to her.” Robby stared at him.

“I’m kind of withholding information. That’s lying. In a way.” Jack swallowed hard.

Robby closed his eyes for a second and took a deep breath. “You went to therapy again, right? That therapist is clearly messing with your head, man.” Robby shook his head. “You don’t have to be a hundred percent perfect all the time, you know that, right?”

Jack shrugged. “I’m not gonna lie to my wife.”

“My man, you’re seriously considering rocking the boat even though it all worked out in the end?”

“It’s not rocking the boat” Jack mumbled. “It’s just… I don’t feel comfortable right now. And no, I didn’t even talk about that in therapy. I came to that conclusion all by myself.”

“Boy, okay, that explains it. Maybe run this by your therapist first then, huh?” 

“You just said she’s messing with my head” Jack shot back.

“Yeah, but that was before I knew that this idea of yours was born in a very strange corner of your brain.”

Jack let out a sigh. “I’m gonna tell her.”

“And what do you expect to happen?” Robby rubbed his temple. “Honestly? What’s the outcome you’re hoping for?”

“I don’t know.”

“Okay, yeah, how can I not be supportive of such an excellent, well-thought-out plan?” Robby replied, dryly.

Jack looked bewildered. “I’m not expecting anything. I just… want her to know.”

Robby watched him. “Why?”

“Because she thanked you.”

“What now?” 

“She kept saying how thoughtful you were. How nice it was that you remembered she was looking for work.” Jack rubbed his thumb over the edge of the table. “And I sat there knowing you only sent it because I asked you to.”

Robby paused. “Okay, so now you’re throwing me under the bus as well?”

Jack groaned. “No!”

“Doesn’t sound reassuring.”

“...I don’t know.”

“Well… okay, I’m making a cultural reference now and you’re not allowed to ask how I’d know about this, okay?” Robby looked at him seriously.

Jack tilted his head. “Um. Okay.”

“Okay, so… when Carrie cheated on Aidan with Big she didn’t keep quiet about it. No, she tells Aidan. And he says to her “I just wish I didn’t know about this.” And then they break up. So… what if telling your wife about this makes you the Carrie here? There’s no need to confess.”

Jack stared at Robby for a long time. “I… um… you know I didn’t cheat on her, right?”

Robby rolled his eyes. “I know. My point still stands.”

“Um.” Jack took a tiny sip of coffee. “I’m honestly a little thrown off track now with you quoting Sex and the City.”

He shrugged. “It was Janey’s favorite show. I watched a ton of it.”

“Mhm.” Jack stared into his mug. “I mean - I get what you’re saying but still… um… no, it’s not the same. I’m gonna tell her.”

“Fine.” Robby groaned. “You’re going to tell her. I’ve clearly got no chance of talking you out of it.”

Jack shook his head. “Nope.”

“Great” Robby muttered into his own mug. “Can’t wait.” He picked up his fork again. “But please, one condition.”

Jack groaned. “I think I’ve agreed to enough of your conditions lately.”

“Good thing I don’t care.” He glanced at Jack. “If you’re going to tell her, tell her before Christmas or after Christmas. I’m not sitting through another Abbot Family Christmas wondering whether you two are about to implode.”

“Since when you are sitting through our Christmas?” Jack raised an eyebrow.

“Um. You remember that you and your wife invited me over on Christmas Day to watch Lizzie open her presents, right?”

“Oh. Yeah.” Jack nodded, pulling the plate with pancakes a little closer. “I mean I have to check with my wife again but yeah, I think that’s still on the table.”

Robby rolled his eyes. “You’re really getting off on that whole wife thing, right?”

“Yep.”

“Great.” Robby threw a napkin at him. “Here, you may need it to clean yourself up if you say wife a few more times.”

Jack caught the napkin, flipped him off, then started eating.

They both ate in silence for a minute.

Then Robby lifted his head. “So… Christmas is going to be completely different this year, huh?”

Jack looked up. “What’s that even supposed to mean?”

“Last year you were one step away from blowing up your relationship because you made a unilateral decision without talking to your wife first.” He shrugged. “This year you’re actually taking time off. You chose to be there. That’s already a hell of an improvement.”

“The bar is on the floor” Jack muttered, then added a little louder: “I’m still keeping something from her.”

Robby sighed. “Yeah, a stupid little white lie that’s eating you alive because you actually give a damn. That’s not the same thing.”

Jack shrugged this time, still not fully convinced.

Robby picked his fork up again. “So this year it’ll only be presents, pancakes and peaceful family time.”

Jack’s eyes narrowed. “You’re counting yourself as part of our family right?”

“Hell yes.” Robby smiled. “Lizzie is my goddaughter.”

“How could I forget?” Jack rolled his eyes. “And I know you’re making fun of me but joke all you want - I learned my lesson last year.”

“You’re currently asking me whether you should tell your wife about something you deliberately didn’t tell her.”

Jack stared at him. “That’s different.”

“Yeah. Sure.”

“I’m going to tell her beforehand.”

“Okay.”

Jack took a bite of his pancakes. “It’s gonna be the perfect Christmas this year.”

“Mhm.”

“Really” Jack added, a little quieter.

“Repeat it a couple of times more and you’ve got me convinced” Robby muttered into his mug.

--- --- ---

You wanna keep reading? - Next part is coming soon, I promise.

--- --- ---

--- --- ---

You were sitting at the kitchen table, the remains of lunch with Lizzie lunch still scattered around you but you were actually too lazy to clean it up right now. You still had the whole afternoon - or at least another hour before Lizzie would wake up from her nap, demanding some fun activities. You had actually planned to go to the shopping center with her, so she could see the pretty Christmas decorations they had put up and maybe see the Santa Claus the store had hired. A picture of the two of them would be the cutest - and maybe a good Christmas gift for Jack.

You were nursing a cup of coffee and scrolling through your phone when it buzzed with an incoming email.

You could only read the subject line - and your stomach dropped:

Regarding Your Application - Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center

You closed your eyes for a moment and took a deep breath, bracing yourself for the rejection that was almost inevitable hiding behind that line. You already felt disappointment creeping in - you had thought you had done really, really well in the interview with the director of Facilities and Campus Planning. You had also learned that you went to the same university, just a couple of years later than him. It had felt less like an interview and more like a chat with a new friend.

It had been too good to be true.

You almost deleted it without reading it - but you knew you would regret it. Maybe they had included an explanation, something you could do better next time.

So you opened the email.

Dear Mrs. Abbot We’re pleased to offer you the position of Facilities and Campus Planning Coordinator, starting on January 1st…

Your hand flew to your mouth and you let out a scream. Not even a muffled one. A loud, surprised scream that was probably heard by your neighbors. You didn’t care one bit. You jumped off your chair and threw both arms into the air like some sort of victory pose. You probably looked ridiculous but it just felt so damn right.

“Fuck, yes, yes, yes!” You started giggling uncontrollably while you read the email again. “Fuck.”

You bit your lip, trying to compose yourself - and failed tremendously. You looked around - and nearly jumped when you saw Jack’s disheveled figure in the doorframe, holding on his crutches. A rare sight - he usually took the time to strap on his prosthetic leg before getting up. He leaned against the doorframe and ran a hand through his hair, trying to balance. “Babe, you alright?”

“YES!” Another giggle.

“I heard you scream” he mumbled, rubbing his eyes. “I thought maybe something happened.”

“No.” You giggled again, then crossed the room and pulled your arms around him. “I got it!”

“You got what?” he replied, one arm slung around your waist while he kept the other hand on one of his crutches to help him balance.

“THE JOB!”

Jack blinked. His tiredness was instantly forgotten. “What?”

“I GOT THE JOB!”

His face changed immediately. A wide grin spread across his face. “You did?”

You nodded so hard your ponytail bounced. “Yes, I did.”

“Oh, baby.” He hugged you tightly. “That’s amazing! I knew you would.”

“I can’t believe it” you whispered against his shoulder, smiling so hard it almost hurt. 

“I can.” He kissed your temple. “Because you’re amazing and talented and you deserve this. And hey - now my wife is also working at the Pitt.”

You laughed. “Well, at least at the PTMC.”

“You’ll be in the department three mornings a week. We could have coffee together, catch up for a couple of minutes.” He smiled, pressing his cheek against your hair. “That’ll be a lovely end to my night shifts.”

“Um.” You pulled away slightly. “Not exactly.”

Jack blinked. “What do you mean?”

“I know I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want to jinx anything but… they offered me a different position.”

“A clerk position in a different department?” he asked, brows furrowed.

“No.”

“Babe, help me out, I’m exhausted and confused and this doesn’t make any sense to me.” You could hear that he was trying to be patient.

“I’ll be the new Facilities and Campus Planning Coordinator” you replied giddily, already giggling again.

“You are what now?”

“The HR woman thought I wasn’t the perfect fit for the ward-clerk position and they happened to have that opening in Facilities and Campus Planning. So she forwarded my resume after the interview and well… I got it.”

Jack’s eyebrows slowly rose as his brain caught up. “Wait. That sounds a lot like some kind of urban planning job?”

You smiled. “Yes.”

“In a hospital?” He paused briefly. “What are you going to do?”

“Well, they’re apparently planning a new outpatient building and several renovation projects.”

Jack stared at you. “Honey, that’s-” He paused again. “That’s your actual field.”

You nodded, lips pressed together to hide another excited giggle. Jack pulled you flush against him again. “Oh my God, honey, I’m so fucking proud of you.”

You couldn’t hide it anymore. You snuggled yourself closer to him, giggling helplessly against his shoulder. “Thanks.”

“When do you start?”

“January first” you whispered. There was no need to whisper - just the superstition that the happy little bubble was about to burst if you said it out loud.

You could feel Jack shift. “The hospital is making you work on New Year’s Day?”

“No, silly.” You huffed a laugh. “You really have no clue about working outside of the emergency department, huh? That’s just the official start date. The date on the contract. My first actual day is January second.”

He nodded slowly. “Good. I was already preparing a strongly worded email.”

“To whom exactly?” You looked up, amused.

“I don’t know? HR? Your boss? Whoever that is I’d have found out - I’ve got connections, you know?” He puffed his chest. “Your husband is very well connected within the PTMC.”

“Okay, good to know, Mr. Mafia Boss” you replied dryly. “But please don’t contact my new employer.”

You squealed giddily. You actually had a new employer. After more than two years of unemployment you finally had a job again.

“Our employer, babe” Jack replied, then pulled slightly back. “Can’t wait to show you off to everyone at the annual summer party.”

You blinked. “You never go to the PTMC’s summer parties. You told me just a couple of months ago that you thought they were stupid and that you’d rather lose another leg than let your employer make you spend time with coworkers in your spare time.”

Jack lifted his hand from your hip and ran it through his hair. “That was in the past. You know that there are no plus-ones allowed at these events.”

“Yeah…?”

“Now you’re an employee too, we can go together. And I can show you off to everyone. And then we can have a slightly inappropriate but very hot make out session in one of the elevators at two in the morning.”

You started laughing. “Okay, that escalated very quickly. Let me start my job first, huh, before I do something that could possibly get me fired.”

He huffed. “Well, okay.”

“And you’re going back to bed now. Go get some more sleep. Tonight… we’re going out. Celebrating.”

Jack pulled you closer again, pressing another kiss to your hair. “Deal.” Another kiss followed. “I’m so fucking proud of you, kiddo. So fucking proud.”

--- --- ---

You wanna keep reading? - Interlude: Congratulations on successfully keeping a very boring secret

--- --- ---