Cemmia

“You’re so sneaky.” You whisper, giggling with the boy when you ‘sneak’ your own strawberry of your husbands plate. You’re interrupted by Daeron’s best friend, Alyssa running over to show Daeron her new dress. The girl being flower girl and very proud of herself. Before both run off to play. “Gwayne where have all your strawberries gone.”

“I have no idea.” He responds sarcastically, adding more to his plate as he knows his little prince will want more when he comes back. “I must of eaten them without realising.”

“How odd.” You laugh, Gwayne not even liking strawberry’s that much but your son loving them. “You really must see a maester about that.”

“He’s having fun.” Gwayne says noticing the boy playing with his best friend. Daeron pretending to fly while Alyssa ‘sneaks’ around some of the tables.

“What are they doing?” Alyssa’s mother asks having joined you while you watch the children.

“Playing dragon princess.” You explain, her mother understanding immediately. It being their favourite game.

“Pardon?” The girls father asks, having planned on speaking with Gwayne about some but getting distracted by you and his wife.

“He’s a dragon who’s trying to rescue the princess who’s also trying to escape.” Gwayne explains, having had to play with them multiple times over the moons.

“Children can be so creative.” Her mother ,Maria, says smiling at the sight of the children. Her noting that Gwayne is looking at the dance floor every so often, knowing you love to dance. “Go mingle, we can keep an eye on the children.”

“Are you sure?” You check, knowing the kids have had quite a bit of sugar.

“Yes, go have fun.” She says squeezing your hand. “Dance, mingle, make Daeron a sibling. I don’t care but have fun.”

“Maria!” You whisper shout in shock, her just shooing you in response.

“Will you dance with me princess?” Gwayne asks you after mounting ‘thank you’ the Maria. Grateful for some time with you.

“I’d love too Ser.” You say smiling while you take his hand.

-

“Muuñaa.” You hear Daeron whine, having ‘snuck’ into your chambers a few moments ago. Him tapping your arm wanting your attention.

“Daaeron.” You mock back, picking the boy up so he can be between you and Gwayne in bed. Your husband pretending to sleep, you having been kissing before getting interrupted by a three year old. “What are you doing out of bed my little dragon?”

“Can’t sleep.” The little boy pouts, him still not liking sleeping on his own.

“That’s not good.” You say, letting the boy snuggle into you. Used to having a three year old in bed with you by now.

“No it not.” He agrees nodding, holding his toy dragon close to his chest. “Need Tessie.”

“Well Tessie is sleeping with her muña, but you can see each other tomorrow.” You say, knowing that Tessarion will be cuddling up with your dragon. Silverwing having a clutch of eggs at the same time Daeron was born, Tessarion hatching and flying in through his window when both were only a few hours old.

“But-.”

“But nothing my little dragon.” Gwayne says brushing the boys messy hair out of his face, the man wanting to sleep. “It’s sleep time.”

“Sleep here.” Daeron says clearly tired but not wanting to admit it. “Scales need muña and kepa.”

“Ok.” You reply not surprised he’s using his toy as an excuse to sleep with you both.

“Love you.” He mumbles sleep catching up on him.

Work had been grueling these past few weeks, shifts seeming to blur into one, back to back consults and surgeries, piles upon piles of unfinished charts that never seemed to get smaller no matter how many you completed, adrenaline highs followed with the crashes and the constant joy of dealing with Robby's never ending shit. 

Your body ached, eyes sagged with exhaustion, mood snappy and impatient. He had noticed, watched as you worked yourself to the bone never taking a break, he saw the way you didn't eat on shift and downed red bulls as if they were water and he saw the way robby had been treating you he watched more worried by each passing day. 

He hated seeing you like this, like a broken shell of yourself, barely keeping it together- that's why he had organised tonight. He knew Saturday was your last shift for a few days so he had invited you over to spend the night, something the two of you hadn't been able to do for a long while and he'd be lying if he said that he wasn't excited to finally have you in his arms again.

He opened the door and took you in for a second, your curls were pulled back by a head band, small bits of frizz sticking out in a way that he adored, you held a small overnight bag over your shoulder and a tank top and what he recognised as his sweat grey sweat pants, the pair he had given to you the first time you guys had hooked up. 

You looked nothing short beautiful, bringing a small smile to the corner of his mouth. 

“Hey sweetheart” his voice sent a welcoming warmth down to your stomach as he reached out to take hold of your bag with one hand, the other pulling you into his chest. You rested your forehead there as he twirled his fingers around your hair, resting his chin atop your head as he spoke again.

“Been a tough few weeks hasn't it” he asked, slowly and carefully walking you out of the doorway and into his apartment. He felt as you nodded against him, a sigh left his mouth a hand coming down to rub soft circles along your back. “ I know sweetheart…you did so good though” you felt a kiss come down to the crown of your head bringing a small smile to your face as you gave a small thank you. 

“You hungry? I've ordered in sushi” you perked up at the mention of one of your favourite foods

“Shushi?” a laugh came from jack as he looked down at the small smile that appeared on your face, one that he hadn't seen in weeks. He pulled away and made way to the kitchen, opening the fridge and pulling out containers of sushi, you watched on - stomach softly growling at the sight of food that wasn't a redbull or energy bar.

“We’ve got salmon and avocado, tuna roll, california roll, sashimi, nagiri…take your pick baby.”

—----------------------------

Jack's bedroom was filled with a soft yet comforting silence,you laid next to him with his arms draped lazily over you. The night had been good, exactly what you needed to ease the tension that had been building up in your body. 

You laid there eyes closed, hand resting on top of his bare chest. He watched you, taking in your appearance once again, your hair laid messy and loose on your back, skin flushed and glowing from the post orgasm bliss. His hands came to your face, calloused from years of rough and hard work, they touched your face gently, fingers tracing small circles along your cheek bones. It brought a tired smile to your face, you reached up without opening your eyes and pressed his hand to your chest, holding it close.

“There she is” Jack's voice was quiet and soft, breaking the silence of the room “thought you had fallen asleep on me sweetheart” you let out a low laugh as you reached out your arms, stretching your limbs yawning in the process. You laid your head back down this time on his shoulder, his arms coming up to hold you.

“Rough few weeks?” he spoke again, soft stubble brushing the top of your head as he pressed a kiss on top of it. You hummed in response, mind in a small happy daze. 

“Yeah I saw sweetheart…you want me to get you some water?” he angled to look down at you.

“No stay” Your quiet command to stay made Jack pause from getting up, he looked back down at you, you're peaceful face and it was more than enough to convince him to settle back down, you wanted him to stay and he wasn't about to argue with that.

There's a long stretch of silence after that, comfortable silence between two people simply existing together, Jack enjoyed moments like this with you, cherished them more than anything. He took in you for what felt like the hundredth time that night, not able to get enough of you, he admired every thing about you, every feature and every small detail. God he doesn't think he's ever seen something quite as beautiful before. It made his heart ache with an all too familiar feeling, a feeling that he hasn't felt in a long time.

“I can feel you staring” Jack pauses at your voice, a smirk pulling at his lips.

“Wasnt staring” he moved his thumb to brush a stray curl from your face. You finally open up your eyes to look at him, eyebrows raising slightly in question. Jack laughed at that, head shaking with a small breathy laugh “okay maybe I was” his voice was low, thumb pushing over your shoulder blade as he let his eyes linger on your own. 

“That's what i thought” you joke, eyes closing again, face pushing further into the crook of his neck. He exhales through his nose, almost laughing once again, he doesn't argue with your words, simply accepting the fact he was caught. He didn't mind though, he never minded with you. Instead he settles for pressing a soft kiss to your temple, a firm kiss that lingered for a second before barely pulling away.

“Better?” he mumbled against the skin he had just kissed, voice low and soft with affection. 

A pleased hum leaves your mouth at his words, your mind silently racing with thoughts, all of which included him.

“Jack” he looked down at your voice, hand stopping their movements in your hair. 

“Yeah love?”

“Why are you so good to me?”

The question was muttered so quietly that Jack almost didn't hear it. It made him pause for a second, wondering what made you ask such a question.

Why wouldn't he be good to you? 

“Because you deserve it and I want to” he paused for a second “plus you're tired out” he whispered the last part, hands coming to play with your hair, gently acknowledging the work that you've been doing for everyone. 

“I'm tired?” 

“Absoulty wiped baby…been working your ass off for weeks” he said it matter of factly, his thumb brushing along your cheek bone. 

“So your soultion to that was to have me wined, dined then fucked for three hours straight?” you look back up at him smiling a little. He laughed at that, slightly shocked at your honesty.

“It worked though didn't it?” a smirk tucked at his lips as his hands moved to pull the rest of the way on his chest “felt good?” your eyes found him once again when his finger lifted your chin up to meet him face to face.

“You always make me feel good” your eyes fell down to his lips, your face starting to feel hotter. “Did you feel good?” you ask pressing kisses along his jaw and mouth.

A laugh escaped him “is that even a question’’ his lips met yours once again in a quick yet meaningful kiss. “You should get some sleep baby…your body needs it” his fingers went back to tracing circles on your cheek. 

“But I like this” you mumble as you fall back into the comfort of his strong arms.

He feels it, the way your body leans into him seeking out his comfort and warmth. How your body had relaxed against his touch over the last few hours. He didn't bother to argue with you, didn't fight your words cause damn does he like it to. He slowly adjusts his position moving so that he is fully lying down on the bed now, trying to make it more comfortable for you. 

Rain pattered against the window outside, the sounds of light traffic driving past filling the room as people went on with their own lives out on the streets. He felt so good in this moment, wishing silently for it to never end. 

“Can you touch me again” your voice broke through the room in a quiet command startling him slightly. Your request was soft, asking in a way that wasn't demanding and it bring butterflies back to his stomach. His hand shifts from your own slowly trailing up your stomach making a shiver run down your spine, then move on, coming up to firmly cup your left breast, squeezing ever so gently. The feeling made you gasp slightly, your own hands coming up to his face, angling your head higher so that your lips could touch his, mouths connecting in a firm kiss, your lips were soft against his moving together in practiced precision, heat pooled at the bottom of your stomach once again at the feeling of his lips on yours. Your right hand reached up to grab his own, slowly guiding down below the sheet and between your legs. You pull back to watch for his reaction watching his eyes darken slightly as your hand guides him over your folds. Jack watched on, his length hardening once again at the feeling of you on his hand, his movements were soft and controlled, fingers working gently across your clit. He knew how drained you must have been and he didn't want to over do it. 

Your mouth fell open letting out soft moans as the pleasure slowly began to build, your hands pulled at the nap of his neck whilst your hips began to move in sync with the soft circles of his fingers. 

It was too much yet not enough at the same time…you needed more.

“Need you..fuck…need you inside baby” your voice came out if short gasps or air, hand reaching down towards his abdomen just slightly brushing over the base of his dick, he swore under his breath as he felt you wrap around him stroking him softly. “Please Jackie”.

His brain down right nearly short circuited at the sound of you breathy plea, and who was he to keep his princess from getting what she wants, he moved both his hands up to your back and gently flipped you over so that he was on top of you knees between your legs, his arms were placed on each side of your head, he reached his face done slowly and connected your lips - tongue licking your bottom lip silently asking for access. Your lips parted slightly letting him enter your mouth in a passionate kiss, your moans muffled against his lips as his tongue danced with yours.

He pulls away reluctantly and you whine at the loss. He leaned over towards his night stand, hands quickly finding the draw and pulling it open reaching inside and pulling out a condom. You watched him as he ripped it open with his teeth and rolled it on to his length. The sight sends a jolt of arousal to your core, making you squeeze your thighs shut. He then shifted his gaze back to you, placing a quick kiss to your lips as reassurance before shifting lower under the covers. He pulled your knees apart, spreading your legs open for him. You watch him as your heart rate picks up in anticipation once again.

The room is dark apart from a street light that bled a warm glow though his window, painting your body in gold.

“God you're beautiful” he said breathlessly as he leaned down to kiss along the valley of your breasts “so fucking beautiful” his kisses trailed along to your neck, his breath warm as you felt his tip at your entrance, slowly pushing in with welcomed ease. The feeling of being full again had your back arching up into his body, your mouth falling open in a silent moan at the feeling of being stretched around him. He let out his own ragged moan, hips stuttering slightly as he relished the feeling of you wrapped around him. 

He looks up at you taking in the way your eyes fluttered shut as he went deeper, the way your lips parted in a silent surrender.

Beautiful

He took away one arm from resting above you, putting all his weight to the right side as his hand found its way back to your breasts as he bottomed out inside you. He waited for a moment, not wanting to move until you said he could, his mouth soon joined his hand, taking a nipple into his warm mouth softly sucking on the bud. The sensation made you gasp, you reached to tangle your hands into his locks, arching your chest closer to his mouth. His hand came to the other breast, pinching a groping, rolling your nipple between to fingers with just the right amount of pressure, making you wither under his touch. 

“You can move baby…please” His mouth de tachted from you with a loud pop, his eyes finding yours.

“Yeah?” he searched your face for any discomfort and watched as you nodded you head. “Words sweetheart” he gently reminded you. 

“Yes please jack” he smiled, satisfied with your answer. Not needing to be told again jack rolled his hips against you, his thrusts slow yet firm, sending jolts of pleasure throughout your body. 

“Fuck jack” you whispered, pulling his lips down to meet yours in passionate kiss, tongue sliding against your own. You felt as he angled his hips higher, now hitting deeper inside you. You felt as he brushed against that sponge spot inside of you, causing you hands to tug at the hair on the base of his neck, a loud moan escaping you. 

“Jesus sweetheart" he grunted against you, a sound that only sent you closer to the edge “you feel so fucking good baby” you moaned out at the praise, panting against his mouth as his hips moved faster. 

You needed more, your hand snuck down between your bodies and quickly found you clit, rubbing soft circles on the bundle of nerves. The sensation has you throwing your head back against the pillows and heavy pants leaving your mouth. Jack watched as you touched yourself, watched your fingers move with practice ease, the imagine had him swearing under his breath as he, watching you chase your high. 

You felt the sensation begin to build, that familiar band in your stomach growing tighter and tighter with each thrust from him and each flick of your fingers against your clit. God it felt so good. 

“You close sweetheart” Jack grunted out, hips slamming into yours, his hand coming down to replace your own, quickly rubbing his thumb over your clit. You cried out at the feeling, body jolting and nails scratching down Jack's back. 

“Yes! Fuck please jack- f-fuck im gonna come” you stuttered out, the pleasure becoming to much, you were so close, so fucking close. 

“Then come sweetheart” 

That did it, you threw your head back as the band finally snapped, hot white waves of pleasure rolling through your body. Jack watched in awe at the pure sight of you, he felt his own orgasm crashing over hims as your nails dug further into his back. He fucked you both through it, hips slowing down as you ride out your high. The waves of pleasure were soon replaced by pure bliss, your eyes closed as you held on to him tighter, trying to catch your breath.

The two of you stay that way for a while, tangled in the sheets, savouring each other's touch. You felt his heartbeat against your own, skin still damp with sweat, the mixture bringing comfort through your body. 

You felt him shift ever so slightly against you, just enough to press feather light kisses across your face, his hand coming up to brush the hair sticking to your forehead away from your face. You smile at him, a small but happy smile that showed content, he smiled back soft like her own. His thumb traced across your cheek before he gently cupped it and pulled you in for another kiss, a softer one this time, one that held all the emotions that neither of you wanted to say out loud. He pulled back and rested his head on your chest, your fingers running through his hair. 

“I think you have well and truly tired me out dr abbot” he laughed quietly at your word, slowly pulling himself up and out of you carefully, he watched as you softly whined at the feeling. He quickly compromised by lying down and pulling you to lay on top of him. A dull ache began to form between your legs but you couldn't find it in you to care about it, your body too relaxed in his arms to even give it a second thought.

“Good maybe now you can get a proper night's worth of sleep” he mumbled against the crown of your head. You hummed in response, heavy eyes already closed, your body finally letting itself relax in a way that it hadn't been able to in weeks.

Jack stayed there until he felt your breaths even out and body slump into him more, he looked down at your peaceful form and pressed a kiss to your forehead, carefully bringing the covers of his bed further over your body. 

“Good night sweetheart” he whispered gently to you before he let his own eyes finally shut.

Thank you for reading loves! 💕

this is my first fic in a few years so I'm sorry if she's a bit rusty tehe 🤭

i hope you enjoyed this one! reblogs are always welcomed!

“It’s good you came in,” Robby could sense the hesitation in your voice. The kind of hesitation he hears in most unsure parents' voices when they think a trip to the emergency room is unwarranted or unjustified. “A mother's instinct is usually to be trusted.” He smiled softly as he stepped a little closer to the bedside where your six-year-old lay with teary, tired eyes, a clogged nose and some weird-looking skin irritation. 

Robby does a quick visual examination, noting quickly that your son seems to be having trouble breathing. He could practically hear the pneumonia in his little lungs. 

“What’s your name, mum?” Robby asked as he shone a small but bright white light into your son's eyes. He wasn’t perplexed about this ailment at all; it had to be pneumonia with a touch of contact dermatitis from something he’d come into contact with. A plant from school perhaps? or a cream you’d used. 

“Y/n.” You replied. The name rang through Robby’s ears like a beautiful bell bellowing at midnight. The kind of ring that makes little ideas appear out of thin air. If he were a cartoon character…Robby swore a little lightbulb appeared above his head. 

What are the odds? A beautiful woman with a young son who just so happened to have the very same name that not three nights ago, Robby had practically forced out of Jack Abbot's mouth with the threat of a new night shift resident. 

“You look a little worn out too? After we draw some blood and get this little guy sorted, I think there’s a cup of coffee with your name on it at the nurses' station.” He smiled, pocketing his pen light. 

“Oh,” You sighed out a small chuckle. “These bags are permanent, Dr Robinavitch—“ 

“Please, call me Robby.” He replied quickly as he walked around the examination room looking for all the bits he needed for a blood draw. “It’s my treat, there’s nothing I can do for the permanent lack of sleep, but a little caffeine is good for the body, brain and soul.” 

“That sounds great, thank you, Robby.” You shifted in your chair to move closer to your son's side. His little hand now safely placed in yours. 

“I’ll uh, I’ll be right back,” Robby caught the sight of his senior night shift attending heading out at the end of his shift. The very same night shift attending that Robby knew would want more than anything to be informed about this particular patient. “Excuse me.” He held up one finger and was gone before you could even say okay. 

“Abbot!” Robby bellowed as he did a hop, skip and jump action past the nurses' station, where Dana was getting caught up to speed for her shift. “Hey—Jack!” 

Jack sighed softly to himself before he stopped in his tracks. His old army bag was slung haphazardly over his left shoulder. 

“Brother, I am five feet from freedom here, don’t do this to me.” Jack turned with a growl. He was just trying to get home after a long ass night. “I leave this emergency department in your capable hands.” 

“Not so fast,” Robby cooed as he clamped his hand down on Jack's backpackless shoulder. “I need a consult, sick six-year-old presenting with possible pneumonia—“ 

“Nice one, sounds like you already have a clear diagnosis, what the fuck do you need me for, man, I’m off duty till seven!” Jack whisper-hissed through his teeth. His leg had been killing him since three, and Jack could practically smell the bacon and egg roll from Caramels calling his name. 

“I’m pretty sure it’s your Y/n and her son, Oliver? Yeah—yeah, I think I’ve diagnosed that too,” Robby spoke as he rubbed the back of his head casually, like he was still trying to fake like he didn’t know it was you from the second he heard your name. “But I thought maybe you’d wanna come suss it out for yourself in case I’m delusional and can’t put two and two together.” Robby smiled as he watched Jack's entire demeanour change. It softened at the mere thought of you. 

“You said pneumonia?” Jack followed up as he walked into Robby’s shoulder, making sure to make contact just to get back at the dick-like foolishness he had presented with. “And you're sure it’s Ollie?” 

“Oh, you’re already on a nickname basis with her kid?” Robby’s eyebrows raised as he followed his own emergency contact back to the exam room. “I’ll be damned, do I hear wedding bells?” 

Jack didn’t reply; all he did was make strides to where Robby had come from. Worry had already begun to take its rightful place inside his chest. Sure, Jack Abbot knew how to keep a calm and collected composure…but not when it had anything to do with the family he’d started to feel a part of. 

It was casual. Something new. It wasn’t something that you had considered becoming serious or anything more than just two people spending some casual alone time together. 

Casual. It was supposed to be a no-strings-attached thing. No feelings. No baggage. No attachments. 

That’s how it started anyway…it didn’t stay that way for very long. How could it when Jack was all in from day one. He made that decision on his own terms. All it took was one date with you to know he was in this for the rest of his overextended life. One leg down be damned. 

“Hey,” it was the softest hey Robby had ever heard. “What are you guys doin' here?” Jack asked as he walked in with a proud chest and enough confidence to tell Robby everything he needed to know and more. 

This was Jack Abbot's found family. A second chance at all the things he lost when he lost a physical part of himself. 

“I didn’t want to bother you,” You started in a near panic. “He’s been up all night. I made an appointment with our primary for Wednesday but—“ you didn’t get a chance to speak before Jack was dropping to his knees beside your chair. 

“I’m your damn primary now, alright?” 

You knew well enough that when Jack Abbot said something, he meant it with full conviction. All you could do was hold back a small quicker with pressed together lips as Jack placed a hand to the back of your head and drew your forehand to his lips. 

Robby was rendered speechless. He’d never seen this side of Jack before. 

“Uh, not to interfere, but I should probably continue my work up on Oliver here so we can get some sort of treatment plan in action.” 

“I can do that, you go ahead and annoy some other attending for the rest of your shift, I’ve got this handled now.” Jack didn’t let Robby finish, and Robby knew better than to argue. He threw his hand up in surrender as Jack stood and looked around at where Robby had organised the equipment needed for a blood draw. 

“How long did you say he’s been like this?” Jack asked as he looked down at the little boy, half asleep in the hospital bed that made him look ten times smaller. 

“He was fine yesterday, I thought it was just a cold he’d picked up at school a few days ago, but—“ You paused as panic threatened to burst out into tears; you felt like you’d failed as a mother. “But he just hasn’t been himself since yesterday afternoon; he’s been up all night.” 

“Yeah, he’s gonna be alright, I promise,” Jack cooed as he placed a comforting hand on Oliver’s forehead. “We’ll pump him up with some fluids, antibiotics, and we’ll go from there. Good call bringing him in, I just wish you would have called me.” 

“Jack—“ You sighed, it wasn’t that you didn’t want to…it was more like you were afraid if you did…he wouldn’t answer. 

“Anytime, anything, anywhere.” Is all Jack said as he worked on your son. He was locked in like a madman on a mission. Healing hands that worked miracles on patients all night now worked over your sons like he had something to prove. 

And he did have something to prove…he wanted to prove to you that he was head over fucking heals for you. Making sure Ollie got the best care he could was only the tip of the iceberg. 

“Alright, Bud, I’m gonna need you to make a tight fist for me so I can take some blood,” Jack told your son what he was doing. “But you’re gonna need to look over at mum while I do that, alright?” 

“Isn’t my blood supposed to stay inside me?” Ollie mumbled as he felt the man who’d made him feel safe enough to call family tied off his blood pressure. All Jack could do was laugh as a big grin took over his tired face. 

“Yeah, most of the time, but right now I gotta take some so we can run some tests to see what’s making you feel so miserable, alright?” 

“Will it hurt?” Ollie asked as he looked towards you. 

“A tiny little bee sting, but after that? Nope, plus I can do this with my eyes closed,” Jack looked up at you with a teasing wink of self-reassurance. “But maybe just one eye,” He caught himself flirting as he popped in the butterfly needle. “See? Bet you didn’t even feel that, huh?” 

“Nope.” 

“Good, now I need to talk to your mum outside in the hall for a few minutes, but Princess is gonna come in and get some fluids set up to make you feel better, sound alright with you?” Jack asked your son as if the kid had any say in the matter. 

“Is she a real princess?” Ollie asked as he looked over to where Jack was looking at the small vial of blood. 

“Yeah, Bud, only the real deal for you,” Jack replied as he gestured for you to follow him out. You did just that, but not without saying a loving bye to Oliver. 

It wasn’t long before the two of you felt the weight of the entire emergency department’s eyes on you. Jack's day shift peers, who saw him as something of a traumatised enigma, all looked over like a mythical creature had just appeared. A rarity that was someone on a personal level with Dr. Jack middle name unknown, Abbot. 

“He’s probably going to be admitted for a few days,” Jack started as he eyed down whoever he could lock eyes with. First it was Santos…then Dana. “I can assure you he’ll be fine, but I wanna keep an eye on him for at least twenty-four hours to make sure he’s reactive to treatment. 

“Oh,” Your heart sank into your stomach at the thought of your son needing to stay here in the sterile, fluorescent environment. “Um—am I able to stay with him?” You didn’t know how any of this worked. This was all new territory for you. Up until now, Oliver never needed to be hospitalised. Hell, he’d never broken a bone so much as caught a cold. 

“Absolutely,” Jack turned to you, recognising the guilt that plastered itself across your face. “But hey, on a more important note,” Jack tried to lighten the mood. “Who’s running the café this morning if you’re here?” 

“Adam,” You replied politely as Jack reached for his phone. You caught the background clear as day. You, Jack, and Oliver at the park. “Why? And how is that more important than anything that’s going on right now?” 

“Well, I need to know whose handwork I’m gonna fork out the Uber up charge for.” Jack doesn’t look up from his phone. He’s already got Caramels cafe, the cafe you owned, up on his phone. “Two bacon and egg bagels, an iced coffee and a long black coming right up.” 

“I guess you haven’t eaten, have you?” Neither had you. How could you possibly eat when all you’d been doing was worrying yourself sick over Oliver’s battle with whatever flu or cold or illness this was? 

“Honey, it feels like I haven’t eaten since March,” Jack teased as he walked with you over to the nurses' station. Dana, with all her bright joy and glee, waited patiently for Jack to introduce you. “Dana, this is—“ He paused for a moment, girlfriend never felt right. It felt like a title reserved for high school lovers. “Partner, my partner Y/n, her son is just about to start a round of fluids and antibiotics,” Jack updated the woman whose eyes never left you. “Make it known, VIP treatment for the kid in room three until peds has a bed.” 

“Consider it done,” Dana replied. “I wish I could say I’ve heard all about you,” she continued as she smiled your way. “But Abbot here has an issue with personal and professional.” 

“Yeah, I think we both share that same issue.” You replied as you looked around yourself at everyone staring your way. “Do I have something on my face?” 

“No, darlin',” Dana chuckled. “It’s just not every day this department gets to see into the private life of Private Ryan here.” 

“Oh, eat me,” Jack growled as he motioned the two of you back towards where your son's room was. “C’mon, I don’t want these pariahs giving you the creeps any longer.” 

By the time you got back to your son, Princess had started an IV bag of fluids. He looked so small. So tired. But there was a sense of calm that came over you, knowing Jack was taking care of him. 

“You guys hang tight, I’ll be back with our food in a moment.” The pain in his leg hadn’t gone away, not for a moment. But the pain didn’t come close to the sheer amount of love that was pumping through Jack's veins. 

Adrenaline itself couldn’t compare. 

“Hey, Jack?” You couldn’t let him go without a kiss. You reached for his cheeks and danced the pad of your thumb over his greying scruff. “I love you, thank you for being here.” 

Jack swore his heart had skipped a beat. It didn’t normally do that. But when he felt your lips on his in view of all the emergency department to see, he couldn’t help but blush. 

“I’m never gonna hear the end of this, you know that, right?” He whispered in your ear as he drew you in closer for a hug. One of the hugs he reserved just for you. “And this breaks like three code of conduct rules, fraternising with patients.” 

“I’m not the patient,” You clearly reminded him. “I’m your partner.”

─── ⋆ CHAPTERS ⋆

PART ONE 𖤓♡ — Jack Abbot values his routine and structure. Work, SWAT, gym... and for the past six weeks, spending his Sunday mornings admiring the enigmatic single mom who's apartment balcony sits across from his. [3k]

PART TWO 𖤓♡ — A scuffle in the hall causes Jack to accidentally take Phoebe’s wallet to work instead of his. He gains himself a new nickname amongst the Pitt and finally learns a thing or two about you and your daughter. [7.3k]

PART THREE 𖤓 — A trip to the ED, a retirement meal, and a phone call with Robby. One leaves you up close and personal with your neighbor, one has Phoebe spilling secrets like it's an Olympic sport, and another has Jack realizing he's got a fucking crush on the single mom in apartment seventeen. [7.1k]

PART FOUR 𖤓♡ — Phoebe's birthday party consists of four sets of eyes ogling Jack from the second he enters your apartment, screaming children, your mom noticing something rather interesting, and a night on the balcony that changes the trajectory of everything. [8.7k]

⤷ PART 4.5 𖤓 — You don't hear from Jack for three days after the kiss. But despite being swamped at the hospital, after he reaches out via text, he doesn't stop. [SMAU]

PART FIVE 𖤓★ — When Jack offers his company in the form of a date to celebrate your book release, he gets to understand the inner workings of your mind a bit more. Unfortunately, it does leave him with an ache he has to tend to using nothing but his own imagination. [7.8k]

PART SIX 𖤓★ — Three months of dating with no label and no real sense of security has you spiralling a bit when Tom demands to meet Jack. And you quickly start to realize that despite your attempts of keeping Phoebe and Jack apart, some bonds form whether you intend for them to or not. [8.2k]

PART SEVEN 𖤓★ — When the double date from Hell roles around, you're left with a new friend while Jack is struggling to come to terms with the type of person Phoebe is stuck with as a father. But despite that, it doesn't stop you and Jack from ending your evening with a bang. [12.2k]

PART EIGHT 𖤓★ — Pizzas, karaoke, movies and a sleepover. All at Phoebe’s request, of course, for Jack to spend Saturday night with them. And when Sunday morning rolls around, she’s got some things that she needs to get off her chest. [7.1k]

PART NINE 𖤓♡ — When Phoebe's field day goes nowhere near as planned, Bella is left to pick up the pieces of your broken heart while Karis goes into labor and Jack and your father have a heart to heart. [10.1k]

PART TEN (FINALE) 𖤓♡ — Jack Abbot was a creature of habit. Structure and routine were infused within the very makings of him, written in bloodwork and DNA if anyone looked close enough. But that was before he met you and Phoebe. Before he fell hopelessly and irrevocably in love with the chaotic girls in apartment seventeen. [13.4k]

─── ⋆ BONUS CONTENT ⋆

TBA

─── ⋆ MISC ⋆

#APT.17 (a tag for anything related to this series)

SUNDAY FUNK DAY SPOTIFY PLAYLIST

He was scrubbing a drink stain. Hearing the door, he stiffened slightly, his eyes darted up to meet yours.

"Oh," you said, tossing your bag onto a high stool. "Hey, Andrew. I thought Deran was closing tonight."

"He... had something to do, and I can't clean tomorrow," Andrew said and paused his scrubbing. "Bar is closed, you know?"

"I know, I just got off a brutal ten hour shift and needed five minutes before heading back to my apartment," you said with a sigh, rolling your shoulders to work out a knot. "Do you mind if I just sit here for a little? I won't get in your way."

Andrew looked at you, his eyes scanning your tired face.

"It's fine," he said as he walked into the kitchen. "You can stay."

"Thanks." You smiled.

For a few minutes, the only sound was the sound of his hands working. Most people found silence around Andrew Cody intimidating, but you’d known the Cody family long enough through Deran to know better.

Andrew was a man of few words, but he was grounded, precise, and surprisingly thoughtful.

"Rough day?" Andrew asked quietly, trying to break the silence.

"You have no idea," you chuckled, leaning your chin in your hand. "Every customer today seemed to have agreed on being as difficult as humanly possible. I think I lost half my brain cells by noon."

"People are noisy," he offered. "Don't know when to turn it off."

"Exactly," you agreed, brightening up. "That's why I came here. And it's a good thing you're here. You're the only one who actually respects quiet."

Andrew’s hands paused and he cleared his throat. "Yeah. Well. Quiet's good."

He turned back to the counter, reached for a stack of clean towels beside you, and his fingers brushed against yours for a moment. A sudden surge of static electricity seemed to pass between you.

Andrew quickly withdrew his hand, his shoulders tensing again as a faint blush crept up the back of his neck. He turned his back to you to wipe down the prep table, his movements a little more rigid than before.

"So," you began gently, watching him work, "did Deran leave you with all the cleaning duty, or are you just being nicer to his bar than he is?"

"He doesn't clean the grease traps right," Andrew said. "Leaves 'em sticky. Bugs get in."

"Good thing you're here, I reiterate. He'd probably let the place burn down before he deep cleaned a grease trap."

Andrew turned his head slightly, giving you a half smile. "Probably."

Then, he stood for a second, rubbing the back of his neck, seemingly searching for what to say next.

He wasn't used to small talk, especially not with you; not when every time you smiled at him, he felt his heart beat faster and he didn't exactly know what to do with that feeling.

"You... wanted something to drink? You said something about lemonade," he asked as he gestured vaguely toward the bar. "I think we have some pink lemonade left. Or water."

"A cold glass of pink lemonade would actually save my night," you said softly.

He nodded quickly, took a tall glass, and filled it with ice before going to the kitchen to get the lemonade pitcher. He offered it to you, careful not to touch your fingers this time, though his eyes remained fixed on your face as you took a long sip.

"Good?" he asked.

"Really good, oh my," you nodded.

"Deran will be here soon," Andrew said quietly, his eyes dropping to the polished surface of the counter. "He went to pick up something. Should be back any minute."

You set the glass down, tracing the condensation on the side with your index finger. "I'm not really in a rush for him to get back, you know?"

Andrew blinked. "He’s got the keys to the back room. If you needed something from his office-"

"Andrew," you interrupted gently, catching his gaze and holding it. "I like your company. You know that, right?"

The words seemed to surprise him. Andrew froze completely, his hand still resting on the counter. His eyes widened just enough for you to see the genuine shock behind them.

"My... company?" he repeated, almost a whispering. He looked at you like he was trying to figure out if you were pulling a joke, scanning your face for any sign of insincerity.

"Yeah. Yours," you smiled with honesty.

Andrew shook his head slightly, a furrow forming between his brows as he looked down at his own knuckles. "I don't... You don't have to say that to be polite."

"I'm not being polite."

"It's just... Weird to hear that," He cleared his throat, struggling to find the right words. "You are Deran’s friend. He is... easy to talk to. People... people like people like him. Not my company." He paused, his jaw tightening slightly.

"Well, they're wrong," you said and you were dead serious. "Do you know that If I have to choose between all of you, I'd choose you? Every single time. I love Deran but he's too much sometimes."

Andrew stared at you, utterly motionless. For a second, it felt like the entire room held its breath. Andrew’s mind was clearly racing, trying to process what he’d just heard.

"Me?" he rasped out.

He swallowed hard as a flush creep up his neck into his cheeks.

"Yeah, you, Andrew," you confessed softly, giving him a shy smile.

Andrew opened his mouth, but made no sound. His hands trembled on the counter before he withdrew them, leaving them at his sides, as if trying to control a sudden feeling he hadn't felt in a long time.

He looked away for a brief second, a helpless smile breaking through his face before he looked back at you.

"Okay, that's... nice," he admitted softly.

After that night, your days turned into a something you didn't know you needed.

It started with small things: you dropping by as he was finishing up, or Andrew hanging in the bar long enough after your shift just in case you walked through the door.

Then it was quiet late night drives along the coast after picking you up from work, sitting side by side in his truck, watching the dark waves roll in without the need to fill every second with noise.

With Andrew, everything felt deliberate, real and honest.

Those quiet drives and stolen moments at closing time slowly redefined everything between you.

What had started as comfortable friendship had shifted into something far quietly blooming under the surface.

Neither of you explicitly labeled it; it was written instead in the lingering touch of his hand as he passed you a glass of pink lemonade, the way his jaw softened whenever you walked into the room, and the rare smiles he saved for you.

You found yourself looking forward to his presence more than anyone else's, while Andrew silently guarded his growing feelings, convinced that someone like you could never truly look at him that way.

You began noticing the way his eyes tracked your every movement, and Andrew began to realize that your frequent visits weren't just about passing time in an empty bar.

You were both tiptoeing around a secret that neither wanted to ruin, yet neither could suppress for much longer.

It was a slow dance between two people who had seamlessly fallen from comfortable companions into being completely undone by one another.

Tonight, the bar was closing after a long day. You were sitting on top of the stainless steel prep counter in the back kitchen, swinging your legs casually while Andrew moved around the small space, putting away the last of the rags. You planned to have breakfast together tomorrow morning so he had to close the bar clean tonight.

Even after days of seeing each other, there was still an nervous energy between you two.

He finished and walked over, stopping between your knees. He looked up at you, his eyes scanning your face with that intense gaze that used to intimidate people, but now just made your pulse race.

"Deran asked me earlier if you are always coming around for him or for the free pink lemonade," Andrew said softly. "Said you never used to stick around this much after closing."

You tilted your head, watching him waiting for your answer.

"Maybe I only come for you," you murmured, letting the words drift softly between you.

Andrew froze.

"You what?" he rasped out.

A smile tugged at your lips.

You didn't break eye contact.

"You heard me, Andrew Cody."

The air between you grew thick, charged with tension. Andrew looked at you, his chest rising and falling in uneven breaths. He swallowed hard as his gaze dropped to your lips before snapping back to your eyes.

"Do you want me?" he asked, whispering, rough with exposed vulnerability.

You let your eyes soften, leaning forward, bringing your face closer to his.

"Maybe," you whispered back, teasing, but with enough heat in your voice to leave no real doubt.

That single word shattered whatever restraint Andrew had been clinging to.

He leaned down and pressed his mouth to yours with hungry intensity.

"Maybe, huh?" He whispered with a raspy voice and an exhale escaped him. His hands came up to frame your face, his palms were warm and trembling just a tiny bit against your cheeks.

The kiss was hard and possessive, his lips were firm, moving against yours with desperation.

You let out a sigh into his mouth, your hands flying up to wrap around his neck, tangling your fingers into the short hair at the nape of his neck.

At your response, Andrew let out a rough sound. One of his hands slid down from your cheek to cup the back of your neck, his fingers tightening gently to hold you right where he wanted you, while his other hand gripped your waist, pulling you so close there wasn't an inch of air left between you.

He kissed you deeper, his tongue parting your lips, taking control in a way that set your skin on fire. Every touch was heavy and deliberate.

To Andrew, you weren't just someone passing through.

In the dark mess of his life, having you here, choosing him, wanting him, felt like a miracle he was holding onto with everything he had.

-'🖤⛓ ⁠*⁠.⁠‧₊˚

After the day Bug had called Jack ‘dad’ for the first time. It felt like things were moving in a great direction. Your ex stayed silent over the phone and at this point you had no idea if he’d ever show up for Bug anymore.

Him seeing her wasn’t a court agreement but more of a courtesy from you to him to still be in her life if he wanted to. Obviously the courtesy went to waste as he was never consistent on his promises or even making a call to talk to her. This was probably for the best anyways. Now she could put her full attention on Jack who was everything a good dad was and more.

——

Today Bug had a talent show program today and she was more than excited to show you and Jack what she had been practicing. She insisted she didn’t need help and wanted you both to see it at ‘the magic show’.

You walk into the school with Bug on your hip and Jack's hand around your waist, guiding you in through the doors.

One of the teachers comes up to you and takes Bug to her other classmates to get everything ready.

“What d’ya think she’s got planned?” Jack leans in to talk to you after you find your seats.

You grab onto his bicep “Beats me. She would not let me see anything.”

“As long as it’s not another magic trick where our wallets and keys go missing then I’m all for it.”

Jack chuckles at the memory. 

Bug had hidden both of yours and Jack’s wallets and keys two weeks ago and it took 3 days to find them. Eventually they were all found in a hidden spot in the backyard where Uncle Robby had convinced her to hide the items. It’s safe to say Uncle Robby was banned from getting into cahoots with Bug again.

You shake your head in amusement at the look on Robby’s face that day when his partner in crime sold him out.

It was only a few minutes later the lights started to dim a bit with a brighter light illuminating the stage to see each student better.

﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌

To your and Jack’s surprise, Bug had done a ribbon twirling routine. No wonder she liked to play the routine music at home a lot. It was cute and she got a lot of smiles and laughter from the crowd as she had fun.

When the show is over she runs up to you and Jack.

“Daddy! Mama! Did you see? Did you see me?”

Jack picks her up as you grab her cheeks and kiss her on the nose.

“Yes baby, we saw you. You did amazing!”

She giggles and tries to fend off the kisses you attack her with.

“Alright my little ribbon dancer,” Jack says “a little birdie told me theres a yummy snack table somewhere.” Bug perks up at the word ‘snack’. 

“Daddy, I want a snack! Pretty pretty please?” she pleads with her arms around his neck.

“Of course sweet pea, lets go.”

You grab Jack’s wrist lightly to get his attention. “I’m gonna use the bathroom real quick and I’ll meet you at the table.”

“Sounds good, be careful.” he kisses your cheek and then heads in the opposite direction with Bug.

——

Once you’ve finished in the bathroom you walk out of the door when suddenly you get crowded by a body against the wall.

“Wanna explain who that old fuck, holding my daughter is?”

It's your ex. Shit.

You had invited him to the talent show weeks ago and never got a response. You didn't expect he'd actually show up to an event.

“He’s my boyfriend. I’ve told you that several times. He’s part of her life too. And I don’t answer to you,” you say as you go to move around him.

He blocks your path and keeps you trapped at the wall.

“She’s MY daughter. She doesn't need any other man pretending to play dad when she has ME. Understood?”

“Look if you want to see her for a bit, decide n–”

You're cut off as his hand grabs your face, pushing your head against the wall and squishing your cheeks hard.

“You listen here bitch, that’s my kid and I’ll do as I fucking please.”

A whimper escapes you as the grip he has on your face starts to hurt.

﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌

Jack had taken Bug to the snack table where she decided on skittles and a bag of chips. She convinced him she ‘would share with mama’ knowing good and well she intended to keep both snacks.

“Okay baby girl, let’s go find mama.”

He starts walking towards the bathroom where the signs lead to and the sight he’s met with makes him go still.

He had never seen your ex in person but you had shown him pictures so he could recognize him.

Jack grips Bug a little tighter and goes to intervene when he sees him grab your face.

The anger in Jack’s chest flares big enough to burn.

He quickly walks back to a teacher and asks her to watch Bug for a bit.

“Stay with her, Bug. Daddy’s gotta do something real quick.”

And then he runs back to you and fixes his gaze on the dead man.

“I suggest you get your fucking hand off of her.”

Your ex lets go of you and you cradle your face, slowly moving towards Jack.

“This doesn't concern you” he sneers at Jack.

“I’m her boyfriend. So yes, it does concern me.”

He chuckles and moves in front of Jack.

“Oh so you’re the fucking guy taking my girls from me.”

Jack doesn't waiver.

“They're my girls. And I can’t take something from you that you abandoned to start with.”

Your ex balls his fists “You son of a bi–”

“Daddy!”

Both men turn to look in the direction of the small voice and see Bug running towards the mess at hand.

Crouching down, your ex holds his arms out to her “Hey, look at you! Come give dad a hug.”

She briefly looks at him before going up to Jack who picks her up swiftly.

“Daddy, I want mama.”

“What did she just call you?” He spits out “No, listen B, I’m your dad. Not him. Come here, now.”

Bug buries herself harder against Jack and whimpers.

Jack looks at your ex “Not happening.”

“That’s my kid.”

Jack turns and hands Bug to you and points towards the area where people are socializing.

“Go over there. I’ll handle him.”

You nod shakily and go to walk past the men when your ex makes a grab at Bug.

You move quickly as Jack gets between you both.

“I suggest you back the fuck up, don’t ever lay a hand on my girlfriend or daughter.”

He gives a sarcastic smile “Your daughter? Hah, fine. You can have the slut. Take the stupid fucking kid too. I’ll k–”

His words are stopped by a solid punch to the face, causing him to stumble to the ground.

Jack grabs him by the shirt collar and pulls him close.

“Don’t ever disrespect my girls. Now, what you’re gonna do is walk the fuck out of here and not cause a scene. Then, you’re never going to come back to Bug’s school. Not near her or her mom. If you think I’m joking, I’m not. My lawyer will be in contact with you by the end of tomorrow. Do you understand?”

He looks at Jack like he wants to fight back but slowly nods and leaves quickly.

You see him leave the building and make your way back to Jack with Bug securely in your arms.

Jack gives you a brief hug and then examines your face gently.

“I’m okay baby. Promise.” you assure him

He shakes his head a little before kissing you and then kissing Bug’s cheek.

You bury yourself into his chest, holding him and Bug close.

“He won't be back sweetheart,” he mutters against the side of your head “I’ll make sure of it. Not for you and not for our Bug.”

・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・

Being the youngest of the Robinavitch family came with it's pros and cons.

On one side your brother, Michael, the brilliant, steady physician who had built a life with ironclad predictability in Pittsburgh.

On your side, the black sheep: thirty five years old, navigating life through a patchwork of temporary contracts, seasonal trips, and a passport stamped so full it was practically falling apart at the seams.

You didn't mind.

It was why long term relationships never quite worked out, and why your stays in Pittsburgh were always short term.

You had just returned from an incredible month long trip across Mexico.

As was tradition whenever you landed in Pittsburgh you stayed at Robby’s place.

Knowing his shift at the hospital would leave him exhausted.

You decided to skip his usual routine of greasy Chinese takeout and make him an actual, home cooked meal.

Barefoot and humming a song and dancig around the kitchen.

Until a sharp, blinding white pain shot straight through your foot.

"Fuck" you hissed, collapsing onto the nearest chair, clutching your ankle.

Robby had recently repaired a squeaky pantry door, leaving behind a rogue, rusted screw on the hardwood floor.

You step on it with enough force that the head was completely submerged beneath your skin, buried too deep for any self treatment.

Refusing to be dramatic enough to call an ambulance, you called an Uber to the emergency department.

When you arrived, the driver kindly helped you out, catching the attention of a triage nurse who immediately wheeled out a chair.

She pushed you into the intake bay, quickly taking your vitals and opening a new patient file.

"Name?" she asked, her fingers hovering over the keyboard.

You hesitated, desperately wanting to avoid the inevitable commotion, but you gave in.

"_________ Robinavitch"

The nurse stopped typing.

Her eyes widened, snapping toward you. "Robinavitch? As in Dr. Robby Robinavitch?"

Before you could ask her to keep it quiet, she was already on her feet, hurrying down the wide corridor toward the main trauma bays to hunt down your brother.

A few minutes later, you were wheeled into a quiet treatment room.

But when the curtain pulled back, it wasn't Robby who walked in.

It was Dr. Jack Abbott.

He entered with calm, holding a digital tablet under one arm.

His posture carried the authority of someone entirely at home amidst the chaotic rhythm of the hospital, yet his sharp eyes held a distinct warmth as they settled on you.

"Well" Jack began, a low, smooth cadence to his voice as he looked down at your chart "I sure you wasn't expecting me, but Robby is currently tied up in an emergency procedure in Bay 3. He sent me to make sure his sister doesn't try to suture herself and escape"

A small, amused smile tugged at your lips despite the throbbing ache in your heel "I considered it, honestly. But the screw won't budget, and I figured Robby would never let me live it down if I got tetanus in his own kitchen"

Jack set his tablet on the bedside tray, his gaze lingering on your face for a moment longer than strictly necessary.

"Im Dr. Jack Abbott"

"Pleased to meet you Dr. Abbott"

You said in a flirty tone "I usually prefer meeting handsome doctors over dinner, but I suppose an ER bay will have to do for now".

As a free spirit, you also didn't care to take your shot when you found someone atractive.

Migth be a date, dinner, one nigth stand, who knows, but you like the feeling of getting trougth it.

Jack’s lips curved into a slow, with a soft laugh and devastating smirk as he snapped a fresh pair of sterile gloves onto his hands.

"Carefull there, sweetheart" Jack said gently, pulling up a rolling stool and putting on a pair of sterile gloves "Let's take a look".

He carefully lifted your foot, his large, warm hands holding your ankle with precise, incredibly gentle support.

As he evaluated the entry point, his fingers were cool and steady against your skin, instantly easing the tension in your leg.

"Are your hands always this gentle, or am I just getting special treatment?"

"You're definitely getting special treatment"

He whispered while looking at your injury.

"Is it for me? Or because of my brother?"

Jack let out a low, smooth laugh, his fingers gently adjusting their grip on your foot, his grip firm and impossibly warm against your skin. He didn't look back at the screen once.

​"As far as I'm concerned, I just see a very intriguing and beautifull woman who made the mistake of stepping into my ER"

"I don’t se the mistake Dr, Abbot. In fact, this migth be the best accident if that got me to meet such a charming men"

"I might start thinking you stepped on that screw on purpose just to get my attention"

​"Maybe I did" you murmured back, holding his gaze with a spark of pure defiance "Would it have worked?"

​"Instantly" Jack breathed out with a low laugh, his warm fingers resting gently against your ankle once more to steady your foot. "Now... stay still for me for just a second"

You enjoy that.

The way his eyes lighted at your comments.

His smile.

His hair.

His hands.

His answers.

Everything was getting you the attention that you needed, the rush, the risk and dangerous game that made your heart race.

"You've got a clean entry, but it's lodged deep" Jack noted, looking up to meet your eyes. "It's going to require a small local anesthetic and a minor extraction. Nothing we can't handle, but you'll have to keep off it for a couple of days"

"Sitting still isn't exactly my specialty"

Jack paused, his dark eyes twinkling with a quiet, intriguing curiosity.

"Robby mentioned he had a sister who was a free spirit"

"I like to keep things interesting"

"Fair enough. Let's get this screw out so you can get back to planning your next escape"

Jack’s hands were methodical, but every touch carried a subtle, deliberate warmth. As he prepped the local anesthetic, his eyes kept drifting up to yours, measuring not just your pain tolerance, but the sharp, easy charm you wore so effortlessly.

"So, where did you go this time" Jack murmured, tapping the syringe lightly to clear the air bubbles.

"Mexico, first for the food, then down to Puerto Escondido for the coast"

"A rolling stone" Jack said, his voice dropping into a low, smooth register as he looked up, holding your gaze for a second too long.

"A little pinch" he warned softly.

He injected the anesthetic with expert precision.

Jack kept his hand resting gently on your ankle, his thumb absently stroking the side of your foot as the numbness began to spread.

"There" Jack whispered, his lips twitching into a playful smirk. "Now, while we wait for that to kick in... tell me, does younger in the Robinavitch family have a favorite country so far, or do I need to get you with better hospital coffee to get the full list?"

"Hospital coffee won't cut it, Dr. Abbot. I have very high standards. You'd at least have to offer a decent dinner"

Jack’s eyes gleamed with an undeniable spark of interest. "A dinner. I think I can manage..."

"What the hell is going on in here?"

The privacy curtain was ripped back with enough force to rattle the metal rings along the ceiling track.

Michael stood in.

His eyes darted from you sitting comfortably on the bed, to Jack sitting on the low stool, and finally down to Jack’s hand, which was still resting casually on your bare ankle.

Robby’s jaw tightened. "Jack. Why are you holding my sister's foot like it's a prized antique?"

Jack didn't flinch. He slowly stood up, grabbing a pair of sterile instruments from the tray with an infuriatingly calm grace, though the quiet amusement in his eyes was impossible to hide.

"I'm performing a minor procedure on a patient" "A patient who happens to be my sister"

You looked at Jack confused.

He looked back at you and winked.

Jack might have tell the nurse who said was looking for Dr. Rabinavitch for his sister, that he would tell him that she was there.

He might, have not done it. Taking the case himself so he would meet you out of pure curiosity.

"I didn't knew she was here, why didn't you tell me?" Robby snapped, stepping fully into the room and practically placing himself between Jack and your bed.

He looked at you, pointing a finger accusingly. "And you! You've been back in the country for less than forty eight hours and you're already making a disater?"

"I am the victim here, Michael"

"I had to track down my own sister's chart because somebody forgot to mention she was occupying Bay 3"

​Jack didn't even have the decency to look guilty. He casually set the sterile tool down, stepping back with an easy, infuriatingly handsome grin.

​"My apologies" Jack said smoothly, not taking his eyes off you for a second. "I got pulled into a critical case. Highly delicate, requiring my attention."

​"It's a screw in her foot, Jack" Robby groaned, rubbing the bridge of his nose.

​"And it requires expert hands" Jack shot back effortlessly, flashing you another, quick, winking smile that sent a warm pulse straight through you.

Robby narrowed his eyes, switching his protective, overbearing brother glare back to Jack.

"She's temporary, Jack. She stays in town for three weeks, steals my groceries, and vanishes to another continent. Don't let her charm you into thinking she's staying"

Jack picked up the tools, looking past Robby directly at you with a slow, devastatingly handsome smile that made your pulse spike far more than the injury had.

"Some things are entirely worth"

Robby crossed his arms, looking between the two of you with pure, unadulterated suspicion. "I'm staying right here for the extraction"

You rolled your eyes at him.

"I'm not five"

"You stood on a screw, you are worst than five"

You just let your midle finger rise for Robby.

"Someone has to make sure Abbott here actually focuses on the foot and stops trying to charm his way into your bed"

​"Too late for that" Jack murmured smoothly.

Robby’s jaw dropped.

He blinked once, twice, staring at you before his eyes snapped back and forth between you and Jack in absolute, horrifying realization.

"His bed?!" His voice in a tone of older brother panic. "Jack, I swear to God, if you touch a single hair of her...."

"I didn't invite him to!" you shot back with a sweet, totally unbothered smile, adjusting yourself on the exam table "I told him to take me out to dinner!"

Robby just roled his eyes at you.

"I wouldn't mind the other option, though..."

Jack choked back a sudden, dark laugh, his shoulders shaking as he tried, and failed, to maintain a professional demeanor.

"Noted" he murmured, his eyes locking onto yours with a heavy, thrilling heat that completely ignored your brother's rising blood pressure.

"I am right here!" Robby yelled, throwing his hands up in total defeat "That's it. I'm taking the screw out myself. Abbott, step away from my sister before I report you to HR for gross flirting with patients!"

"I would never"

Robby let out a frustated growl as he stepped out of the room.

​"Now that your bodyguard has left the rom..." Jack murmured, his voice dropping into that low, intoxicating register as he look closer at your injury. Taking the screw out.

​"See? Easy" Jack murmured, tossing the metal into a stainless steel tray with a quiet clink.

"Where were we? Ah, right. You telling me you wouldn't mind coming back to my place" he shot back.

"I said I wouldn't mind the option. A girl likes to keep her options open"

​"Fair enough" Jack said with a low laugh, his dark eyes sparkling as he held your gaze. "I like a challenge"

"Glad you do"

His lips curving into a slow, entertained smile.

"Alright, let's wrap this up before your brother decides to send security"

He pulled a roll of clean, white bandage from the tray, keeping his movements smooth and practiced. His fingers were surprisingly gentle as he expertly secured the gauze over your heel, wrapping the flexible tape around your foot with precise, even pressure.

He finally stood up to full height.

"Clean, patched up, and officially cleared for light activity."

"Light activity, huh?" you asked, raising an eyebrow playfully "Does that include going out for drinks, or am I strictly confined to sitting at a restaurant table with a handsome physician?"

Jack snapped off his gloves with that same crisp, effortless sound, tossing them into the trash bin without taking his eyes off you.

A dangerous, intoxicating warmth flickered in his dark gaze as he stepped closer to the edge of the bed, resting one hand on the mattress right next to your thigh.

"It explicitly requires a quiet table, good food, and zero interruptions from hospital staff"

He pulled a small pen from his scrubs pocket and slid a fresh index card off the bedside counter.

​"Here" he said, handing the pen directly to you with a slow, devastating smirk "Write it down"

You them writing your phone number, giving it back to him.

​"You and me. Dinner at 8 on Friday" he said, his tone leaving absolutely no room for debate,"I'll pick you up."

"Don't be late"

--- --- ---

“DADDY!”

Jack groaned.

“DADDY! DADDY! DADDY!”

Something soft landed squarely on Jack’s face making him open his eyes slowly. “What…?”

Lizzie stood next to the bed, wearing pajamas, holding her stuffed giraffe above her head. “Daddy!”

You leaned against the bedroom door, coffee mugs in both hands, smiling. “Lizzie, what did we just talk about? It’s Daddy's special day, so we need to be extra nice to him. Assaulting him with Titu isn’t really nice.”

Lizzie turned around to you, looking at you with big eyes, her thumb already in her mouth again, the other arm still raised. Then she turned around to Jack, who was still trying to process what just happened to him.

“Titu” she whispered then climbed onto the bed with surprising ease and sat down in front of Jack. “Daddy - Titu, pet.” She nodded and held the stuffed giraffe toward Jack. “Pet.”

Jack tilted his head. “Titu assaulted me. He should pet me.”

You huffed a laugh. “I don’t think that concept will convince her.”

Lizzie shoved the stuffed animal more into Jack’s face. “Daddy, pet Titu!”

Jack closed his eyes for a moment then planted a kiss on the battered head of the giraffe. “Here, see? Daddy pets Titu. He’s fine now.”

She squealed delighted then snuggled up on top of him, kicking lazily with her legs and pressing sloppy toddler kisses onto his chin while playing with his curls.

You put one of the coffee mugs down onto the nightstand before sitting next to them. “Happy Birthday, Jack.” You leaned over and kissed him.

He groaned quietly into your mouth. “I remember birthdays in previous years involving significantly more sleep.”

“Your life involves significantly more toddlers now” you reminded him with a grin.

“... yeah, okay, fair.”

Lizzie tugged on an unruly curl right over his ear, which made him flinch. 

“Lizzie, please, a little more gently, huh? Daddy’s old now.” You shook your head, smiling. “Or maybe just stop playing with Daddy’s hair entirely. We still need to make him breakfast.”

Lizzie shook her head, cuddling even closer. “Daddy sleep.”

“Daddy would still be sleeping if you hadn’t battered him with your giraffe” he mumbled.

Lizzie stared at him, her hands tracing his cheeks, being utterly fascinated by the rough feel of his stubble against her hands. “Daddy, ouch.”

He chuckled. “Okay, so my one girl calls me old and the other one tells me in a roundabout way that I need to shave after she tried to beat me to death.” He let out a sigh. “What a way to start a new year.”

Eventually you were all gathered around the breakfast table. Lizzie was already munching her way through a stack of pancakes before you even finished your first coffee.

“You made these just for her, right?” Jack asked with a smile.

You grinned. “Yeah - I couldn’t risk another pancakes-disaster, honestly.”

“Fair.”

“So, birthday boy.” You placed another plate in front of him. “It’s a special day, so you’ll get a special breakfast. Two medium-rare steaks, over-hard eggs and breakfast potatoes.”

“Oh, wow, honey, that looks amazing.”

“Thanks. But it’s nothing, really.” You shrugged. “I’ll refill your coffee in a second. Anything else you want?”

He looked you up and down, then winked. “If you ask like this…”

You laughed. “Behave, Dr. Abbot. Your daughter is present and she is very determined to repeat everything we’re saying. I don’t want her using dirty words in daycare. Again.”

“Fair.” He took the first bite and let out a very content sigh. “That’s amazing. Steak for breakfast. If I tell Robby about this, he’ll be so jealous.”

“Probably.” You sat down and helped yourself to pancakes. “He’s coming over around four, taking Lizzie for the night.”

Jack was still chewing but now looked up with new interest. “Huh?”

“Yeah. We’re going out. I made a reservation in a nice restaurant downtown, so we’re having a proper date night.”

He swallowed, dabbed his mouth with his napkin then grinned. “You mean… a proper-proper date night?”

You blushed. “Um, yeah. Like… really proper.”

“That would be the first time since…” He paused and really had to think about it. “... um… last year?”

You scrunched up your face and nodded slowly. “Yeah. It’s a shame, really. But with her being all clingy and refusing to sleep in her own bed and me working all the time, coming home exhausted…” You shrugged, feeling guilty immediately.

His face fell a little. His hand reached out immediately, taking your hand and bringing it to his mouth, kissing your knuckles. “It wasn’t meant as an accusation. I was merely stating a fact.” He lowered his voice. “And honestly… I can’t wait for tonight.”

You smiled. “Me neither.”

Lizzie took one of her pancakes and started hitting it against the table, shrieking delightedly when it made a satisfying slapping noise. “PANCY!”

You started laughing. “Hard to maintain the… romantic mood when she’s making noises like that.”

“Honestly? That slapping noise sounded just like you and me when we’re-”

“JACK OH MY GOD, NO!” You blushed and laughed so hard that Lizzie shot you a confused look. “It’s your birthday and I love you but that’s not a topic for your daughter.”

He let out a dramatic sigh. “Repression. That’s all I’ll always get - repression.”

After you cleared the table and loaded the dishwasher, it was time for presents. You were sitting on the ground in the living room while Lizzie played with the miniature play kitchen she had gotten for Christmas. She clearly wasn’t in the running for a Michelin star because she mostly hammered the toy-pan against the toy-stove, shrieking delightedly before doing exactly the same with the toy-eggs and the toy-sausages.

You were really giddy about giving Jack his gift so you watched him very closely when he ripped off the wrapping paper. Inside was a box.

Jack’s eyebrows shot up, then glanced at you. “I do know this logo.”

You shrugged while smiling like a madwoman. “Open it.”

He opened the box and stared at the watch inside for a moment. “Honey.” His voice was hoarse. “That’s an Omega.”

“Yeah” you replied nervously. “Happy Birthday! I hope you like it. The woman in the store said it’s very popular by men your age.”

He looked from the watch to you and back to the watch. “Honey, you didn’t have to do this - spending so much money on me.”

You shrugged. “But I wanted to. You took care of me for almost two years. You worked extra nights, never complained… It just felt right to spend my first paycheck on you.”

Jack swallowed hard, blinking a little more often than usual, then reached over and pulled you into a hug. “Thank you, sweetheart. It’s beautiful. I really, really like it.”

You smiled. “You’re welcome.”

He gave you the kind of kiss that probably wasn’t quite appropriate when your toddler daughter was sitting two feet away but it was… exceptionally nice. When you finally pulled away you smiled and tucked a strand of hair behind your ear. Then you turned slightly.

“Lizzie, do you want to give Daddy the gift you made for him?” 

She looked up. “Daddy gif?” 

You nodded. “Yeah.” 

She dropped everything and toddled over, reaching for the wrapped gift you held out and walked over to Jack. She dropped herself into his lap and smacked the box into his face. “Daddy!”

“Thank you, bean. Is that for me?” He took the present from her, smiling and hugging her. “Thank you.”

She nodded enthusiastically. “YES!”

“She made it all by herself” you said in a serious voice.

Jack shot you a look. “Mhm.” He started pulling on it. When he peeled away the last of the wrapping paper before lifting the lid.

Inside was a wooden frame… and it was chaotic. Glitter covered nearly every inch of it. Crooked stickers were scattered randomly across the border - a flower in the corner, a heart upside down near the bottom, a bright green dinosaur stuck to one side.

Jack started laughing. “That’s definitely Lizzie’s work.” He pulled his daughter closer, kissing the top of her head. “And I love it.”

You nodded. “Yeah, she has the soul of an artist and the motor skills of an orthopedic surgeon.”

Jack looked up, appearing partly surprised and partly aroused. “Did you just diss orthopedic surgeons?”

You nodded again. “Yeah.”

“Oh my God, I swear to God if Lizzie wasn’t here I’d drag you into this bedroom and wouldn’t let you out for the next couple of hours.”

You started laughing. “Good to know.”

Jack shot you another look then carefully picked up the frame and looked at the picture inside. It was a photo of Lizzie and him, asleep in bed. Both were lying flat on their backs with one hand resting on their stomachs and one arm stretched above their heads.

Jack stared, his face softening slowly. “Well…”

You slipped closer, resting your head against his shoulder. “I’d say… no paternity test needed.”

A surprised laugh escaped him. “I had no idea we slept like that.”

“You both do. I think that just happens when you produce a miniature version of yourself.” You smiled at him. “She clearly is an Abbot.”

Jack smiled at the picture quietly, tracing the lines of Lizzie’s face. “I’ll put this in my locker.”

You tilted your head. “You don’t want to have it at home?”

He shook his head slowly. “No.” His eyes never left the picture. “I want to look at this every time I’m at work to remind me what’s really important.”

You smiled and nodded. “Good choice, birthday boy” you said before kissing him.

An hour later you were walking through the Children’s Museum. Jack had claimed this trip was for Lizzie, obviously. Then he had pointed out that, as a retired veteran, he got free admission. And then he had produced a whole bag of food - pasta, rice, oatmeal, canned soup and vegetables - and said that the museum was collecting nonperishable food items for the foodbank with their A Year Of Kindness campaign and one of you would also get free admission so you only had to pay for Lizzie… and well, you’d kissed him first and then the three of you had gone to the museum. Because how could you say no to a man who, even on his birthday, thought about other people?

Ten minutes after arrival Jack had rolled up his sleeves and was kneeling beside the water play table. He carefully launched a little wooden boat downstream, which made Lizzie squeal. Another boat followed. Lizzie clapped her hands. “DADDA!”

You grinned. “Jack, what are you doing?”

“I’m demonstrating fluid dynamics to our little daughter” he said with a serious face.

“You’re splashing water” you replied dryly.

He started to smile. “For educational purposes only.”

“Yeah… sure.”

“I’m the birthday boy - you cannot scold me.” He stuck out his tongue

You narrowed your eyes. “I know but I can remember and make you suffer after midnight.”

His smile widened. “Oh, I’m betting on that, honestly.”

At the giant bubble station Lizzie stared in complete fascination as a bubble surrounded Jack from head to toe.

“Daddy bubba!” she squealed, jumping up and down. “BUBBA!”

Jack grinned. You immediately took out your phone.

“Oh no.” He pointed. “No, no, no.”

“Oh yes. It looks way too adorable.”

“Honey.”

“And it’s going straight to Robby.”

“You’ll regret that” he said with a half smile.

Click.

“I’m betting on that” you said with a wink.

The pretend grocery store was heaven for Lizzie. She kept placing wooden bananas and avocados into Jack’s shopping basket. He took every single avocado out again - until Lizzie noticed and started giggling before she picked every single one up and handed it back to him again.

He let out a sigh. “Even on my birthday, I have to bear these things” he said, shaking his head like he was disappointed in his entire life.

You made a face - and took them away from him. “I’ll be carrying them. Do you feel better now?”

He shrugged slightly. “Honestly? I want them destroyed. But as that won’t happen, I guess this is the second best option.”

“DADDY VODADO!” Lizzie screamed, looking into the shopping basket. “CADO!”

“Mommy has the avocados, Lizzie” he said and nodded toward you.

Lizzie stared from him to you - and back. “NO! DADDY CADO!” She started tugging on your jeans. “MOMMY! DADDY CADO!”

You glanced over. “Lizzie, you want Daddy to carry the avocados?”

She nodded enthusiastically. “YES!”

Jack let out another sigh. “But Lizzie, Daddy hates avocados and it’s his birthday.”

She stared at him with big eyes - and her eyes filled with tears. “Daddy no cados?”

Jack blinked. “Oh.” Then his eyes widened. “Um, no, no, I’ll take them.” He grabbed them from your arms. “You see, Daddy’s carrying the avocados. No need to cry, okay?”

Her lip wobbled for another second - then she started smiling. “Yes.” She took your hand and led you toward another shelf filled with toy groceries. 

Jack shook his head. “She’s a master at manipulating my feelings” he mumbled.

You chuckled. “She is.” You looked him up and down. “But to be fair - you’re a very easy target, Jack.”

On your way home, you insisted on stopping at a small cafe. Jack didn’t even ask - he simply assumed that your thirst for coffee was the reason. And so a few minutes later you sat at a table, two steaming mugs of coffee in front of you and a small cup of hot chocolate in front of Lizzie.

It was way past her nap time - and suddenly she was losing patience. She rubbed her eyes and yawned.

“Are you tired, baby?” you asked, stroking her hair.

She shook her head. “No.” But the words came out sleepy. “Chocy.”

Jack smiled. “Yeah, she’ll fall asleep halfway through. Wanna bet?”

“Nah.” You narrowed your eyes. “I don’t like betting when I know I’m gonna lose.”

You ordered a slice of chocolate cake while Jack was watching you closely.

“If anyone’s gonna sing Happy Birthday, I’ll leave and never come back” he mumbled.

You smiled. “No, I know you don’t like being fussed over. So - no one’s singing.” 

He looked relieved when the waitress brought the cake without any further comment - just a piece of cake and two forks.

You reached over and squeezed his hand. “Happy Birthday, love of my life. Thanks for being here and thanks for being you.”

“Oh, stop it” he whispered, blushing. “But thank you.”

By the time you got home, Lizzie was completely overtired and unbearable. Jack had to carry her upstairs because she threw a tantrum in the stairwell, screaming her lungs out and sobbing so hard she hiccuped.

You glanced at your watch. “I hope Robby’s early because she really, really needs a nap.”

Jack nodded, while lowering her carefully on the ground of the living room. She dramatically lay on her stomach and covered her face with her hands.

“He won’t have a lot of fun with her tonight, I’m afraid.”

You shrugged. “Yeah, probably. Or maybe she’ll calm down. He’s the toddler whisperer.”

“Huh?” Jack looked up. “That’s the first time I’m hearing about that.”

“Yeah, really. I don’t know what it is, but he has this really quiet aura that toddlers seem to respond really well to. She nearly never throws a tantrum when he’s around.”

Jack narrowed his eyes and huffed. “People say I have a calming presence too.”

Before you could respond, the doorbell rang.

“Perfect timing.”

You opened the door and Robby swooped in. “Sorry, I was around and thought I’d get her a little earlier so you two can do whatever you do on birthdays.”

He pulled Jack into a brief hug. “Happy Birthday, brother. Can’t believe you’re like fifty when I’m still thirty-one. That age gap is huge.”

Jack started laughing. “Tell that to the lines on your face” he replied dryly. “Thirty-one my ass.”

Lizzie was still wailing in the living room. Robby glanced over at her. “Is she okay?”

“Well, depends.” You shrugged. “She’s completely overtired, full of sugar and probably overstimulated by three hours in the children’s museum. Soooo…”

Robby furrowed his brows. “Great. You really hate me, right?” He walked over and crouched next to Lizzie. “Hey, Elizabeth, let’s get going, huh? Your godfather will make you a some amazing pasta tonight and we’re going to watch Frozen like a dozen times.” He gently rubbed her back. “But before we do anything, we both are going to take a nice long nap, huh?”

Lizzie looked up, teary-eyed and nodded slowly. “Rara” she whispered, standing up slowly and falling into his arms. “Rara.”

He scooped her up and walked back into the hallway where you and Jack were standing.

“Do you need anything? Clothes, nappies, toys?” you asked.

He shook his head. “No, I think I’ve got everything. I also bought her a new bed - like one with the mattress near the ground, so she can climb out herself. I think she’ll appreciate her new freedom.”

“Did you babyproof your apartment? Like the sockets and your cabinets?” Jack asked immediately, his face serious.

Robby laughed. “Yes, sir, I did. I spent the whole weekend with stuff like that. Don’t worry, she’s safe with me.”

He watched him a moment longer, then nodded. “Okay.”

You leaned forward and kissed Lizzie's forehead. “Have fun tonight, my sweet little princess.”

She barely opened her eyes. “Mommy…”

Jack also gave her a kiss. “See you tomorrow, Bean. Be nice to Robby.”

“Rara” she whispered, her hand clutching Robby’s jacket.

“Okay, let’s get going, Elizabeth.” Robby opened the door. “I’ll text you updates. But don’t worry and please, enjoy your evening. And your empty apartment.” He grinned.

Jack rolled his eyes. “See you tomorrow.”

And then they were gone.

The apartment suddenly felt strangely quiet.

“Well…” Jack said, looking around.

You did the same. “Well.”

“We should probably clean up a little.”

“Ugh.” You took his hand. “I’ve got a better idea.”

You led him into the bedroom. His whole face lit up when you started to undress.

“Let’s take a nap.”

His grin widened. “That’s the best goddamn idea you’ve ever had.”

You started laughing, then reached for your phone, setting an alarm. “An hour.”

“An hour. Deal.”

After he had undressed himself and unbuckled his prosthetic leg, he wrapped his arms around you, pulling you close. “That’s the best birthday I ever had.”

You chuckled softly, already drifting to sleep. “I’m glad you like it.”

The next thing you knew was your alarm blaring into your ear. Jack, next to you, groaned, turned away and pulled the blanket right over his head.

You turned the alarm off and rubbed your eyes. “We need to get up and get ready.”

Another groan. “Can we not just stay here and sleep?”

“Oh no.” You chuckled. “I didn’t spend an awful lot of time to finally get a reservation at that place just for you to skip it because you want to stay in bed.” You turned toward him and started planting small kisses on his back and neck. “And I really want to show off my gorgeous husband on his birthday.”

He started wiggling under your kisses. “If you continue like that, it actually lowers the chances of me getting out of bed” he whispered hoarsely. “But it does raise the chances of you getting thoroughly fucked by your gorgeous husband on his birthday.”

He turned around with surprising speed and pinned you down on the bed, pressing himself against you. “Would that be a better option to skip dinner?”

You looked at him, breathless. “Honestly? No.” You started grinning. “I really want to try out that place. And we still can have mindblowing sex afterward.”

He groaned disappointed and buried his face into the crook of your neck. “You’re incredibly strict with me. I’d hate it but surprisingly it’s quite the turn-on.”

You started laughing. “With you everything is a turn-on, so… let’s get up, take a shower and then go and slip into something nice.”

He raised his head again. “Like… you?”

“Oh my god, Jack Thaddeus Abbot!”

“That’s not my middle name” he shot back instantly.

“Jack Thaddeus Abbot” you repeated like you haven’t heard him. “You go up now and take a shower or sex is off the table for the whole day.”

He stared at you in horror. “That’s not fair.”

You shrugged.

“It’s my birthday.”

Another shrug.

“Wow.” He blinked. “I get Lizzie now. Even I want to throw a tantrum now.”

You gave him a playful slap on his butt before kissing him. “Get up.”

Half an hour later, you were sitting at your vanity table fastening an earring - one of the hoop ones you never wore around Lizzie anymore after she had ripped one out - while Jack stood in front of the mirror, struggling with his tie.

You watched him for a moment, smiling, then walked over to him.

“Let me.” You loosened it and retied it properly. “There.” You put a hand around his neck, the other one was still pressing against the tie on his chest.

“I could’ve done that” he said, a slight protest in his voice.

You shrugged. “I know. But I do like to do this for you. And you look incredible in this suit. Is it new?”

“Yeah. My old one was getting a little tight and… well…” He swallowed. “I just want to look good.”

“Babe, you look hot.” You stood on your tiptoes, kissing him. “And I can’t wait to come back home later.”

He smiled. “Me neither.”

The restaurant had been worth every bit of effort it had taken to get the reservation. Candlelight reflected off polished glass, soft music drifted through the room and for the first time in ages the two of you enjoyed an uninterrupted dinner. The bottle of wine you shared also helped to loosen the mood just right enough. You talked, laughed, stole bites from each others plates and lingered over dessert and another cup of coffee. Neither of you could remember the last time you’d felt this relaxed together. 

By the time you slid into the taxi, Jack couldn’t take his hands off you. He nibbled on your earlobe while his fingers played with the zipper of your dress. You had to remind him a couple of times that you were not alone yet and he had to behave.

He did - until the apartment door closed behind you. He practically dragged you into the bedroom, unzipped your dress and unhooked your bra with the focus of a man on a mission. You laughed breathlessly. “Jack, I need to take off my shoes and-”

“No. The shoes stay on” he mumbled while he got rid of his own clothes. He sat down, unbuckled his prosthetic leg and was on you in an instant. He started kissing you - hot, open mouth kisses over your whole body - while mumbling praises under his breath.

When he finally reached over to the nightstand, still kissing you, he noticed the box of condoms was empty. That sobered him up instantly. “Oh, fuck.” He pulled away from you, sitting up, reaching into every corner of the drawer. “Oh for fuck’s sake, I thought we still had some.”

You groaned. “I didn’t check either. I’m so sorry - I didn’t even think we could have run out. The last time we had sex was… I don’t know… on Christmas?” You grimaced. “Oh fuck, that sucks.”

He sat down on his heels, thinking. “Well…” he said slowly. “You know I have my follow-up appointment for the snipping in like three weeks. It should be safe by now.”

You stared at him. “Really?”

“Yeah.” He shrugged. “It’s extremely unlikely that anything could happen.”

“You sure?”

He nodded. “Yeah, I mean - that’s the whole point of getting a vasectomy, right?”

Your heart started beating faster and suddenly the whole missing-condom situation had become your favorite part of the day. You started to grin. “Oh, well, then I guess… Happy Birthday to you, huh?”

He lowered himself onto you again, pulling you close and kissing you. “Oh, Happy Birthday indeed.”

--- --- ---

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

--- --- ---