Rabbot ‘together since the start’ social media au
Part 21/? | the sentimental pride post
“Dr. Abbot,” Javadi asks, clearing her throat behind him. He’s just about to leave, eyes still tracking Robby where he’s chatting with Dana.
“Javadi,” he says, finally tearing his eyes away from his husband to look at her. “What can I do for you?”
“Um,” she starts, shifting awkwardly. “I just - do you have a second? I was hoping I could talk to you.”
Jack nods, gesturing for her to lead the way somewhere quieter.
She leads them to the break room, closing the door behind her.
“Everything okay?” He asks, leaning against the counter. He and Javadi have struck up what Robby calls an ‘unlikely bond’ - it’s gotten especially strong after the alley debacle on their night out.
She’s a good kid - desperate for approval and hating that she’s desperate for approval, wanting a role model and only ever getting marching orders from her own parents. She’s come to Jack a few times for advice, and he’s flattered that she trusts him.
“Um, yeah,” she swallows. “Yeah, I just. I don’t know if this is - if I’m like allowed to do this -“
“Javadi,” Jack says patiently.
“- or if it’s like, a problem or a workplace thing or-“
“ - but I don’t know what else to do, and I think - I mean I know we joke but you’re obviously not my dad but -“
“Victoria,” Jack says, stepping forward and putting his arms gently on her shoulders, squeezing. “Talk to me, kid. It’s all okay.”
She looks up at him, her eyes wide and scared.
“I think I might be gay,” she blurts, immediately covering her mouth with her hands. Her eyes well.
Jack feels his heart break a little for her, because he knows how scary it is to say those words out loud for the first time.
“Hey,” he says gently, ducking his head to meet her eyes. “Hey, look at me. Is it okay if I give you a hug?”
She nods, immediately pushing forward against his chest. He wraps his arms around her, chuckling softly as he rubs her back.
“Oh kid,” he says softly. “I’ve got you. Thank you for telling me. Have you told anyone else?”
“Just Trin,” she sniffs, hands curled tight in the back of his scrub top. “I was gonna tell Robby first but I didn’t think I’d be able to handle it without crying because he’d give me those big ‘I’m proud of you’ eyes, but turns out I can’t do it without crying no matter who it is.”
Jack laughs, knowing exactly what eyes she’s talking about. Robby is also a sympathy crier - if Javadi had started, Robby would’ve too.
He rubs her arms, gently pushing her back so he can look at her.
“Well, I’m really proud of you too,” he says, smiling softly. “And I’m glad you felt like you could tell me.”
She shrugs, smiling a little as wipes her eyes.
“I just - I wanted to tell like, my parents but I don’t - it’s not… like that, with us.”
Jack nods, sympathetic. He remembers how badly he’d wanted that parental support, that approval from a trusted elder. He never got it.
“Well,” he says, voice gentle but firm. “That’s their loss. And Robby and I are more than happy to stand in, if you want us.”
She gives him a watery smile, hugging him again.
“Thanks,” she whispers, voice muffled against his scrubs.
“Any time, kiddo,” he says, blinking away the burning in his own eyes as she pats her back. “And go easy on Robby if he gets misty eyed, he’s a big softy.”
She laughs, wiping her eyes. “Yeah, world’s worst kept secret.”
Jack laughs. “Hey, you’re the one that picked emotional middle aged gay dads.”
The smile he gets in return is nearly blinding.
Yeah, he thinks. The kids are alright.
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