Work Text:
*Later that night*
-
“Jeez that was so good. I can barely move.” You exclaimed, setting down the cutlery.
“I told you, it’s the best Chinese place in town.”
You let out a deep breath, slightly sliding downwards in your armchair and making yourself more comfortable. You shuffled left and right until you found that sweet spot, Jack’s gaze was fixed on you the entire time. You could tell he was eyeing you all evening, here and there - doctor’s quirk – you thought to yourself.
Even though he was at his own place, there was something in his demeanor that was exposing his nervousness. His usually steady hands trembling a bit, the need to dry off his moist hands against the dark material of his jeans, the head scratches. So cute, isn’t it? A great, sure-footed, educated and almost never scared doctor being uneasy in the presence of his colleague. Very adorable.
Truthfully, you can’t pretend you’re not a little jittery and excited as well.
The whole situation with Abbot was quite dynamic, he pops in one day like he’d normally do if he was craving human contact. Nothing out of the ordinary, when things slow down in the ER, but sleep can’t quite take it’s toll on his tired eyes. Social nature of pack animals. The next couple of minutes later you get asked out on a dinner date, as simple as that. Fast forward to today and you’re relaxing in his sacred place known as his home, where – you’re guessing – none of the Pitt’s workaholics had a chance of being. Even though you are both technically on a call, the universe is being kind by sparing you any disturbances so far.
He lowered his eyes with a smile tugging on his lips, before sighing himself.
“I don’t want to jinx it, but I really hope they’re not gonna call us tonight.” He finally added.
“Why’d you say that, you always jinx it.” You reprimanded him with laughter.
“Well maybe not always, but I’ve witnessed the outcomes before.”
“It happened once, twice tops Y/N.” Jack responded, rolling his eyes at the importance of the matter.
“--If they do call us in, I’m blaming you.” You said.
“--But I hope so too. I’d get in a wreck if I were to drive this full.” You continued, smoothing out the material of your clothing over your stomach. You grabbed a cushion that was tossed beside you and pressed it over your stomach. Finally, you let your head fall back to rest on the chair.
Truth be told it was a while since the last time you felt so comfortable at someone else’s place, especially the first time hanging around. Everything so far has been going smoothly and comfortably, and you could tell that Jack was just as content as you were now. There’s something very special about being able to sit around, hang out and do nothing under the veil of pleasant silence and understanding. Besides, is there a safer place to be in other than a doctor’s home? Maybe a bunker. With a doctor inside.
“Did you tell anyone at work we’re gonna see each other?” Jack blurted out, making you sit up straighter – just as though it was going to make you think more clearly. You propped your head on one hand, bringing your knees closer and turning completely towards him.
“Nope. None of their concern. Why? Did you?” It’s not like you minded. Two grown-up people seeing each other should not be taken as a big deal, but the tone of his voice was telling you that it indeed was something in the back of his mind.
He clearly hesitated for a second, wide eyes speaking for him and a bit of regret creeping into his expression.
“I- uh did. Just…Robby. Didn’t really mean to, but yeah.” He twiddled his thumbs, still sitting at the edge of his armchair. After a bit, he followed your manner and also readjusted to sit more comfortably. He shuffled to the side, letting his right leg straighten out in front of him and resting his good leg on the seat, knee hugged loosely to his chest.
You nodded, waiting for an explanation.
“He’s one of the best people out there. I mean my people. Let’s just say he knew that I had some rough days leading up to today-- and on my last shift I…assume… looked a little more cheerful than usual?”
“Mmm so that’s what’s up. Are you trying to tell me you don’t smile out there? Am I the privileged one when it comes to seeing happy Dr. Abbot?” Jack scoffed at the title.
His clarification made you feel warm inside, butterflies turning in your stomach just like they did back in preschool when you saw your smiling best friend. Or when a patient thanks you for your service, help or sympathy. When an elderly woman on the street randomly calls you honey, or when kids cheer up seeing their ‘the bravest patient’ stickers after their examinations.
The more confident part of you wanted to ask whether it was his first time seeing one of his co-workers outside of work. But at the same time a worry of being too pushy, or too witty if you will – took up some space in the back of your mind. The atmosphere and the overall vibe were just too nice to be killed with a question that surely can be asked on a different occasion.
“Ah maybe not at all but it definitely is a rarity.”
“Well then, I consider myself very lucky. I’m special obviously.” You added with a playful wink.
“My therapist told me I should smile at my reflection when I get ready for work. It’s like—supposed to improve your mood by tricking your brain and what not. That’s at least what he told me.” Jack shook his head, clearly questioning the results of said method.
“I told him – so will calling in sick, he didn’t like that one. Maybe cause it was at the very end of our session.”
“Oh that’s bullshit.” Your smile at the anecdote was just enough to make Jack smile once again, unveiling his dimples and making you smile even more as a result.
“Honestly…” He paused, then chuckled at himself.
“I was kind of worried you’d say no to coming over.”
“Why would I? Free food and questionable company? That’s my type of night.” You said with a growing smile, if there was even a space to smile any harder than before.
“I get that, but I wanted our first date to be a more conventional one. We’ll make up for it though. Once again thank you for coming over, today might be the highlight of my week.” His grin added to the genuinity of his sentiment.
“It’s only Monday doc, don’t get tooooo ahead of yourself.”
“Hah- very funny. First of all- stop with the doc…please. Second of all, you think a falling off-- diabetic foot getting eaten away by gangrene is gonna be better?”
“Well maybe not that…”
“Yeah I thought so! Glad we agree.” He chuckled.
“Out of all the things, why the fuck would you bring up gangrene?” You grimaced at the thought, not knowing whether you should laugh or cry.
“No wonder you’re in therapy-- jeez. Do you ever think about unicorns and sunshines—and shit?”
“I don’t know. I haven’t seen one in a while, I’m speaking it into existence like I usually do. I hope we get one, minions would have fun with that.” You were glad about the fact that your made up nickname for the ER kiddos stuck and made its way into his usual dictionary.
“In a while being…?”
“Like 3 days. But they didn’t catch it this time around.”
“Literally or figuratively?”
“Oh shut up…” He couldn’t help but bury his somewhat flushed face into his hands – maybe talking about gangrene isn’t the best choice on the first date. He shook his head at the thought.
He wouldn’t admit it out loud, but Jack loved the way conversations flowed when speaking with you. If Robby were to witness it all first handed he’d comment saying that the best way to cure Abbot of his worries would be to speak his own language. And that’s what you were doing. And the best thing about it – you didn’t even have to try.
Jack sat higher up in his chair, propped on his hands to stand up if needed.
“Do you want something to drink?” He motioned towards your now long-gone beverages or rather the left-over glasses on the coffee table.
“A cup of tea would be nice.” You responded and he stood up before grabbing and cleaning up the empty glassware.
“But only if you’re gonna make one for yourself too.”
He nodded and slowly made his way over to the kitchen. “I will”.
“Are you up for a little game?” you suddenly suggested, following his steps.
“What game?”
“Something to get to know each other better? Two truths one lie? Never have I ever?”
“I’ve never played these two before.”
“There we go, that’s how you play never have I ever Jack. Never have I ever – gotten a speeding ticket? I have.” You said.
“Okaaaaay now I see. I have too. I was going back home from my shift and hmm… my leg was too heavy.”
“Tell me about it. Good enough. Now your turn!”
You could see and hear he was hesitant about your suggestion, but after seeing you with a genuine grin on your face he instantly softened and complied. After putting on a kettle he turned around to face you properly and he leaned back on his counters, arms crossed on his chest. His lips puckered as he tried to come up with something to ask.
“Mm’kay. Never have I ever – stayed up for more than 48 hours?”
You paused, actually trying to think of a scenario when you did something of this nature.
“Not really, around 30 – easily yes, buuut I don’t think I did more than 40. Don’t tell me you did?” You questioned with worry.
“Preeetty sure I did. At the very beginning of my ER shenanigans. I just couldn’t sleep after a 24-hour shift. Maybe it wasn’t full 48 but almost this long.”
“Damn that’s awful, but also kinda impressive if you ask me.”
“’kay my turn again. Ummm… never have I ever, hmm – broken a bone? I broke my arm cause I slipped on a puzzle piece.” There was nothing but pure innocence in the question itself.
Jack pressed his lips together, baffled with the lack of your awareness on what he’s going to say next.
“Um my leg was blown off, guess that counts as a fracture or two huh?” He chuckled.
“Oh. My. God…” You choked on your own breath.
“--Jack I’m so sorry. I fucking forgot!” He laughed so hard he had to wipe a tear out of the corner of his eye before fully composing himself.
“You’re good hon. No offense taken. I didn’t know puzzles were lethal though.” He said with a raised eyebrow, seconds away from bursting into another chuckle, this time with a hint of judgement.
“Yep, colles’ fracture. Takes a talent.” You added, trying to recover from the unlucky question.
“I’ve got a good one!” Jack said, turning around to take care of the tea situation.
You were glad Jack went along with the game, considering you can learn some pretty interesting facts about others fast. Not to mention that the format usually forces you to dig out some funny and chaotic stories at times. But you were sure that the last question would steal your sleep at night at least for some time in the future.
“Whatcha got? You always come up with good ones. I liked the one when you asked me out.” You said with a soft giggle.
Jack was carefully pouring the boiling hot water into the picked-out mugs, not lifting his gaze from the task. Upon finishing, he grabbed them and set them down on the island separating the kitchen from the living area before sitting down on the bar stool across from you.
“Thank you. So what’s the question?”
Before he said anything he looked through one of the smaller drawers in order to find some coasters for your hot drinks.
“Never have I ever…”
“–-kissed someone on a first date?”
Let’s just say you were glad the tea was way too hot to be sipped on. Otherwise, you’d have to sincerely apologize for spitting the liquid all over the very attractive man facing you.
“I really. I really like the confidence. I must admit. I have not, but I’m more interested in your answer Jack.”
“I—have not. Though-- If I were given a chance…I’d love to change that… – tonight?”
His voice was quiet and soft, with a trace of rasp when he’d asked the question. His warm hazel eyes were glistening under the artificial kitchen light, occupied with your image. There wasn’t any sign of desperation or pressure in his appearance. He was just awaiting a genuine answer from you.
After a minute, he half-defensively threw his arms up.
“Look I know I probably went too far I’m sor—”
He wasn’t given the opportunity to vocalize the nonsense explanation that was clearly influenced by panic. Instead he got exactly what he wanted in return.
His thin lips were soft and warm against yours. It was hard concentrating, with your heart thudding heavily inside your chest and radiating all the way through your throat. Jack’s strong hands hovered over the small of your back, until his face was cupped into your trembling hand, now tilting his head upwards with a sudden rush of adrenaline-driven confidence. A wave of pleasure flowed through your stomach, stronger than never before. His delicate stubble pricked on your fingers, letting you know that this is in fact happening and not a part of an inappropriate dream about your workmate. He fully put the weight of his hands on your lower back, deepening the kiss, making your knees buckle slightly in the process.
You finally pulled away, needing to take a proper breath in. So did he, with his eyes closed and mouth open in awe, on the verge of a smile.
“Don’t act so shy now, show me that smile of yours.” He smirked at your remark.
Once again, you closed the distance by placing your knee in between his legs and resting it on the empty spot of his chair, sliding your arms down his shoulders and back. A shiver run down his spine, almost palpable under your fingertips. The closer you got the more his musky scent danced around your face. The thrill of it all made you bow down, just enough to whisper into his ear.
Jack adjusted to the change, his fingers ever so lightly tracing down, all the way to your thighs. His breaths were shallow and manifested as warm puffs of air against your hot skin.
“I’ve got a counter question Jack--, have you ever agreed on a second date before the first one even finished?”