Chapter Text
Something ripped past him, someone screaming for help. He needed to move but he couldn’t move? Why couldn’t he move?
His leg wasn’t moving, why wasn’t his leg moving?
Someone else called his name, sharp and clear. Jack. Jack. Jack.
Something shattered near him, his arm wrapping around him. Something twisted in his chest. He needs to move. He needs to move. He needs to move now.
Another shout for help. Another plea for life. Was it him? Was he talking?
He needs to move. He needs help. He couldn’t do anything. Pathetic Jack Abbott had nothing-
His eyes snapped open, hands slamming down on the mattress to sit himself up. He let out a long, shaky breath, eyes flicking around the room. It was dark. It was too dark.
He managed to snag the lamp, flicking it on. The room filled with dim light and he managed to suck in a breath. His ears strained to try and hear anything, anyone who needed help. Nothing. Silence. Of course it was silent. It was his brain playing mean tricks on him. It was dark. The blackout curtains were down. Of course they were, he’d been on shift all night.
The sheets were damp with sweat as he lay back down, closing his eyes and trying to calm his breath. Come on Jack. He shifted the blankets around him, feeling pathetic. He would change the sheets before his boys got home. They wouldn’t suffer because of him. He should get up now and get started with his afternoon.
It felt impossible. Not for the simple challenge that his crutches were too far away. He’d been dead on his feet when he came in last night and had hopped his way into bed. His hip was killing him for it now.
He made a mental note to do his physio exercises before he left for work. It wasn’t fair. It didn’t feel fair. He came home and couldn’t get himself into bed. How pathetic was that? His phone buzzed from the nightstand and he debated looking at it. If his alarm hadn’t gone off yet then it wasn’t six hours since he went to bed. He should try and go back to sleep.
His phone buzzed again. Jack reached over, flicking the screen on. 1312. Five hours of sleep. Not too bad. The texts were from Dennis, which didn’t completely surprise him. Since the injury, Dennis checked in with Robby during his shifts and texted Jack whenever he could. It was the only was they felt okay about him returning to work.
From Den💚: hey cutie pie. left some food in the fridge for you. forgot to tell you at handover.
From Den💚: I love you <3
Jack let out a little sigh. He truly didn’t get it.
When he and Robby first got together, his first nightmare he expected Robby to run for the hills. He was damaged goods. But Robby had held him and told him he was loved. It felt stupid that they did, but Jack wasn’t going to complain. It felt like the same with Dennis. Worse maybe. He was so young and he chose to be with them.
Again, definitely not complaining.
To Den💚: Love you too.
From Den💚: oh youre awake!
To Den💚: Well into the afternoon, baby bear.
From Den💚: early in the morning for you. Selfie?
Another thing Jack didn’t understand. He sighed, looking down at his pillow. It looked gross. He grabbed it, tossing it across the room and sliding Robby’s over. He dragged his fingers through his hair, trying to get it to sit nice. It might be too late, or maybe a little pathetic to try and look good for Dennis in every selfie.
Sue him, he had a gorgeous young boyfriend and Jack wanted to impress him.
To Den💚: *photo attachment*
From Den💚: yum
Jack rolled his eyes affectionately, a small smile creeping onto his face.
To Den💚: Go save some lives.
From Den💚: okay cutie
From Mikey💙: Stop distracting my staff.
To Mikey💙: *photo attachment*
To Mikey💙: I’ll distract you instead.
He let out a sigh, putting his phone away. Jack would forever be grateful for his boys. They care for him at every turn. Make his shitty days all a bit better.
Okay. To do list: change sheets, eat food, physio exercises. He can do this. His body was not filled with lead. He was not too weak to move. He can do this.
He managed to prop himself on the edge of the bed, stretching his arms above his head. Okay, first he had to get his leg. Pulling the sheets off the bed balanced on one leg was too hard in his experience. So before that he had to get his crutches. He shifted to the end of the bed, the closest seating point to the chair. He managed to push himself up, taking a moment to let his blood pressure settle, before doing a little hop to the chair.
He managed to snag his crutches, making his way into the bathroom. Should he have a shower? Robby always insisted he had a shower and he usually felt better but- no. Strip the bed first. He found the discarded limb in the bathroom, pulling the sleeve on first. He stood, feeling only a little sore and shaky, before moving back into the bedroom.
He made a conscious choice every week to remain on the night shift, but sometimes he got so lonely. He silently wished to have Robby or Dennis here with him down. Just to sit in the corner and make silly jokes. Instead he focused on his checklist. Change sheets, eat food, physio exercises.
Before he knew it, it was time to head off. His leg was already aching, so he grabbed his car keys to drive instead of his usual walk. The ‘Night Time Cool Kids’ group chat, that Jack tried to insist should be professional, was buzzing with coffee orders, so Jack added his in.
Can’t hurt to have a nice drink to start the shift. He climbed into his truck, the food Dennis had made tucked into his backpack. Muscle memory helped him park on the staff level and he eyed the disabled parking. If he ever drove, he usually parked in a regular spot. He doesn’t like to crowd the entrance.
His hip seemed to pulse with pain in a gentle reminder, so he pulled in and took out his tag. Fine. Just for today. He grabbed his bag and made his way down to the Pitt. It was the typical level of chaos and he wasn’t able to spy either of his boys.
“Evening!” Dr King greeted him.
“Hello Mel.” He smiled. “How are you?”
“I’m well thank you Dr Abbott. How are you?”
“I’m well thank you.” She was so delightful.
“Evening, old man.” Trinity offered from the opposing desk.
“Evening, punk. Enjoying your shift?”
“Does anyone really enjoy this?”
“I do!” Mel added, a pep in her step that didn’t seem to diminish. Trinity sighed, rubbing her temples.
“Get your charting done and go home.” Jack chuckled. “Both of you.”
“And miss spending time with you?” Trinity sarcastically asked.
“Ah, with that attitude I’ll keep you.”
“You wouldn’t dare.” She pouted, looking so similar to Dennis for a moment. He would believe they were siblings if they didn’t know any better. He approached the breakroom, running into Dana.
“Evenin’ Sunshine.” She greeted, looking over her glasses at him. He shifted his weight onto his left leg, taking the weight off the prosthetic.
“Don’t give me that look.” He teased. “I’ll fall in love with you.”
“Two day shift staff I’ll allow.” Shen announced, coming up behind him and offering a coffee out of the tray. “Three is just greedy.”
“I agree.” Dana hummed as she walked away.
“Your leg okay?”
“Pardon?”
“You’re leaning.”
“Eh, just the usual.” Jack dismissed, taking a sip. “Ah, shitty coffee.”
“Anything more beautiful?” They dumped their bags and moved towards the nurses’ desk. They looked around for Robby to hand over. There were no traumas and Dana confirmed he was on the floor, so he must be caught up with a patient.
“Hey.” Jack turned at Dennis’ voice, a soft smile taking over his face.
“Hey.” He greeted him.
“How are you?”
“I’m good darlin’, how are you?” Dennis glanced over Jack’s shoulder to confirm Shen was appropriately distracted by coffee and the board.
“I’m good. Are you sure you’re okay?”
“Of course.”
“I just mean you didn’t text as much as normal and you’re leaning a little.”
“I wish people would stop telling me that.” Jack sighed. “I’m fine, promise.” Dennis hummed, not looking convinced. “Looking forward to coming home and cuddling with you. You’re home tomorrow, right?”
“No I uh- Trin needed a cover.” Oh.
“Ah, then I’ll see you at the handover. Lucky me.” Jack winked at him again, before seeing Robby approaching them. “Brother, ready to handover and get out of here?”
“Please.” Robby sighed. “Okay, bed one.”