pope cody who goes to the emergency room for some stitches, after a ridiculous amount of badgering from deran
as a non-critical, he has to wait hours and hours, which means he passes the time people-watching
one person in particular catches his eye - you. he's pretty sure you're a doctor of some kind, eyes crinkled as you smile at each of the patients you treat.
he sees them all - kids and adults alike - grow visibly more comfortable in your presence
when it's finally his turn, he makes an offhand comment to the nurse, who tells him that you only handle the paediatric cases in the ER
that's no problem.
lena's had a little bit of a cough recently - she caught it at school, and it hasn't gone away with over the counter medication. he promises her $200 at the toystore if she comes with him to the emergency room for a check-up.
you're even prettier up close than from afar. your hands are gentle as you examine lena, diligently checking her temperature and asking all sorts of questions.
pope is very sure to tell you that he's her uncle, but loves her like his own. that makes you smile.
he feels terrible the following month for the little bit of glee that sits in his chest after lena breaks her wrist at school. that's at least two trips to the ER
before long, he's got your entire schedule down, and soon he's 'bumping' into you on nights out with your friends, just so that he can spend more time with you
he argues that it would've happened eventually
oceanside is a small place
he's just hurrying things along.
