Archive of Our Own

Robby glares at the computer screen as he reads the email in front of him. The email has been sent from CEO Trent Norris to all staff at PTMC, and while being head of the Emergency Department meant he had a heads-up on the content, the warning hadn't lessened his irritation.

"I hate him already."

Dana snorts. "Of course you do."

"You seen this?" He taps the screen.

There's a lengthy bio for the new Chief Medical Officer alongside the announcement of his appointment, listing his many achievements. No photo, though. Robby could Google him, but that feels like a step into creepy territory. He's probably old and boring. You have to be if you prefer paperwork over saving lives.

"He was in the army."

"And?"

"He's going to want to make everything shipshape."

"That's the Navy, you dolt."

Still, Robby thinks, military doctors are a different breed. They like order and obedience and rules. There's no room for shades of grey in the military. There's certainly no room for doctors like Robby. He's been doing this long enough to know their personalities will clash.

"I hate him."

"You don't know him."

"I know men like him, and therefore I hate him."

"You hate change; there's a difference."

"You and I both know he's going to come waltzing in here trying to change things that work perfectly well."

This new guy would be the fourth CMO they've had in six years. Every single one wanted to completely upend his department with changes Robby knew wouldn't work. He'd told them all as much. The only thing standing in the way of catastrophe each time was Robby and a healthy dose of stubbornness.

Robby doesn't hold out any hope that this one won't do the same.

"You read the part where his background is in emergency medicine? Maybe he'll understand better than every other CMO what it takes to run this place."

"Or he'll pay extra close attention and not give me a minute's peace," Robby grumbles.

He can picture it now, some eager know-it-all following him around, suggesting changes and expecting Robby to salute and somehow make it all happen with no money.

"He might surprise you."

"I don't like surprises," he reminds Dana.

Does he need to refresh Dana's memory of the ill-fated surprise party they tried to throw for his birthday a few years ago?

"Right, silly me," Dana rolls her eyes. "Now, if only there were something you could do to keep yourself distracted until he arrives…oh wait! There's a full ED to manage and an ever-growing number of people out in chairs waiting to be seen."

Robby looks back at the screen once more.

We are pleased to announce that our new Chief Medical Officer will be Doctor Jack Abbot.

"Yeah, yeah." He deletes the email, pushes away from the computer and goes to hunt down one of his senior residents.

The email is sent two weeks before the new CMO's first day, and Robby hopes at least that it'll be another week before the new guy finds his way down to the basement of PTMC to bother him. It's more than enough time to put the new boss out of his mind completely.

Dana is right; the Pitt is a good distraction.

Certainly distracting enough that he doesn't clock Abbot's start date.

He's standing at the hub looking up at the board when he notices someone new step up beside him.

"I'm looking for Doctor Robinavitch?"

Robby's whole head swivels in the man's direction as soon as he hears his name.

Holy shit.

The man in front of him is all broad shoulders and compact muscle. He absorbs the sharp jawline and even sharper cheekbones, piercing eyes and tight greying curls, and all brain function temporarily eludes him.

"Doctor Robinavitch?" The man prompts.

Robby's tongue unsticks from the roof of his mouth. "Me, I'm me, Robinavitch."

From her desk, he hears Dana snicker.

"Smooth," she mutters under her breath.

"Sorry," Robby blinks and holds his hand out towards the man. "Let's try that again; I'm Doctor Robinavitch."

"Doctor Jack Abbot, your new CMO." Jack shakes his hand.

The introduction pours a bucket of cold water over Robby.

"Oh, right, of course" He pulls his hand back and sticks it in the pocket of his hoodie.

"Seeing as you didn't make it to the introductory meeting with heads of departments I organised this morning, I thought I would come down here myself and introduce myself."

"Things got busy down here," Robby lies smoothly. He'd had no intention of going to that meeting.

"I'm sure."

Abbot's face doesn't reveal anything. It's hard to tell if his lie is accepted or if he just doesn't care enough to call him out on it.

"Well, consider us introduced." Robby nods, grabs a tablet out of the rack and walks off.

He realises a moment later that Doctor Abbot is just a step behind him.

"You still need something?"

"I didn't think our conversation was over," Abbot says firmly.

It's probably a terrible idea to piss off the new boss on his first day, but Robby's never cared about sucking up to the higher-ups. He's got tenure; if they want to fire him, they have to really want it.

He glances over his shoulder and finally clocks Abbot's attire.

"Hey, no suit and tie?"

He's in a pair of smart-ish chinos and an outrageously tight-fitting polo shirt. The way the short sleeves stretch around his biceps is almost obscene.

"I'm not really a suit kind of guy," Abbot explains, still keeping up with Robby as he zigzags through the department, glancing in exam rooms to check in on everything.

"I'm surprised they let you get away without one."

"They didn't hire me for my sartorial choices," Abbot huffs. "Look-"

Suddenly there's a hand hooking his elbow, stopping Robby mid-stride. Robby looks down at it in surprise, then up at the new CMO.

"-I don't have any plans to come in and mess around with the way things work, but I do feel like I have some expertise in this particular department, and maybe there are some small things we can do to minimise friction."

"Friction?"

"I'm sure there are some policies that slow things down or some equipment you're missing, things like that. I'm interested in speaking to as many people in your department as I can, get an idea of what those friction points are and see what we can both do to resolve them."

Robby sighs, "That all sounds great, really-"

"But?"

"But I've heard it all before, many times. A lot of promises to make things better. Then I'm being asked to pay for these improvements from my limited budget, then I'm being asked to 'trim the fat'. Of course I don't have any fat to spare, so then I'm being asked to cut a role…fire someone I've probably spent the last decade working alongside," Robby explains wearily. "I've been through this time and time again, cutting and squeezing my budget till there's nothing left to cut…you know I've already reduced my own salary twice to save jobs?"

"I didn't."

"And then the CMO who promised so much leaves, a new one comes in, and the same thing happens all over again."

"Doctor Robinavitch-"

"Let me know when you're ready to take my next pound of flesh. In the meantime, I have an ED to run, and I'm the only attending on duty, so thanks for the introduction; time for you to head back upstairs."

He waves dramatically towards the elevators and lets his long legs put some distance between him and Doctor Jack 'Smokeshow' Abbot.

He doesn't see Abbot for the rest of the day, though Robby's not sure if he should be relieved or worried. He knows he hasn't scared Abbot off permanently; it would take a lot more than that, but maybe Abbot has quickly realised that Robby isn't a pushover either. It's going to take more than an amiable smile and some empty promises to charm Robby. It's actions he cares about, not words.

When he finally slips out of the ambulance bay doors half an hour after his shift ends, he's surprised to find Jack Abbot leaning up against the wall, almost like he's waiting for something. For what, Robby's not sure.

Abbot looks up when he hears footsteps and smiles in Robby's direction.

"How was your shift?"

"Well, I'm leaving almost on time," Robby offers as his answer.

Abbot nods. "I realise pinning you down during working hours might be difficult. Do you mind if we chat on your way home?"

He's persistent, Robby realises. That doesn't bode well.

"No room in my car, sorry."

"You walk home," Abbot replies confidently.

Robby's eyes narrow. "How'd you know that?"

"I asked around about you," Abbot responds bluntly.

"You-" What the fuck?

"Plus, I checked, and you don't have a designated space in the parking lot like the rest of the departmental chiefs, so I assume you must live within walking distance."

Robby sighs, realising he's been backed into a corner and there's no getting out of this one.

He gives in.

"Guess I can't stop you from walking alongside me, can I?"

Abbot grins triumphantly. "That's the spirit."

Abbot pushes away from the wall and steps up beside Robby as he starts his journey home. For a moment, neither of them speaks, and Robby can't help but wonder why Abbot seems to have focused his attention on him.

"You follow all of your employees home?"

"No, just the interesting ones."

Robby ignores the pleasant tingle that slides down his spine. He refuses to like Doctor Abbot, no matter how smooth his lines are or how attractive he is.

"I really don't think I'm that interesting."

"Everyone else has been sucking up to me today, but not you."

"Didn't think it was in my job description."

"You don't care for authority."

"I don't care for people who choose to spend their time in pointless meetings and sitting at a computer all day telling me how to do my job."

"That's…fair," Abbot concedes.

"How can anyone possibly know what my department needs when they only make an appearance once every other second Tuesday for less than five minutes. And then they have the gall to tell me I'm doing things wrong? Every single day in the Pitt is different; there's no predicting what will happen, you can't plan for shit."

"The Pitt," Abbot huffs, "I haven't heard that. That's clever."

"Gloria wasn't a fan."

"Yeah, I'm not Gloria….I'm also board-certified in Emergency Medicine; you don't have to tell me what an ED is like."

"And every ED you've worked in has been exactly the same?" Robby points out. "I'm talking about this ED, my ED."

Abbot doesn't have an immediate answer for that. Robby feels like he's got his point across, so he drops the subject.

"So, what else have you found out about me today?"

Robby can't help the curiosity. Not that he cares what they think. If he actually cared about what people said about him, he'd never get anything done.

"That you're generally respected amongst other attendings, you're a good teacher, honest, calm in a crisis, hard-working."

Much better than he was expecting.

"You flatter me."

"I also know you hate any kind of paperwork, avoid admin like the plague, are stubborn, sometimes too honest, aren't always good at playing well with others and hate all change…I'm guessing that includes me."

That sounds more like it.

"You really have done your homework."

"And-" Abbot continues, "I'm guessing no family, certainly not around here."

Robby almost trips over a loose paving slab. "Who told you that?"

"Your HR file did."

"Bullshit." Robby knows exactly what his file says.

"It says you've been employed at PTMC for ten years, were promoted to interim Chief during the pandemic. That was made permanent six months later; you've had run-ins with all of the CMOs, and-"

He looks at Robby with an expression that penetrates deeper than Robby likes.

"-You have no emergency contact listed."

He doesn't like this conversation. He doesn't like how quickly Abbot has peeled back his layers, figured him out.

"Well, no current contact. You had someone called Doctor Adamson listed at one point, but looks like his details were removed about six years ago."

Fuck. There's a bitter taste in Robby's mouth. He could explain who Adamson was, but the words don't come out. Jack'll find out eventually.

"Maybe I just never got round to updating it."

"Maybe," Abbot agrees with a shrug, "But you don't seem like the kind of guy who forgets something as important as an emergency contact, especially when you work in the ED."

Robby swallows hard.

"It's interesting, don't you think? The guy everyone wants in an emergency doesn't have anyone to call in an emergency?"

Robby stops suddenly, and it takes Abbot a few steps to realise Robby isn't by his side to stop and turn back.

"Where the fuck are you going with all this?"

"You know I'm not the bad guy, right? I'm good at what I do. I might work for Norris, but I like to think I also work for you."

"And your point is?" Robby starts walking again, fast enough that Abbot has to jog a little to catch up.

"Isn't it better to have me as a friend?

"I don't have any friends."

Abbot huffs. "That explains a lot," he mutters, just loud enough for Robby to overhear. "Okay," Abbot announces, resigned. They're still ten minutes' walk from his townhouse, but Abbot stops walking. "I'm going to get a Lyft from here, I think."

"What, you don't want to snoop through my home too? See what I've got hidden in my underwear drawer?"

Abbot laughs, "Maybe another time… Goodnight, Michael."

"Robby," he blurts out before he can stop himself. He doesn't know why he does it.

"What?"

"Everyone calls me Robby."

Abbot nods, a smile on his face like he's won a small achievement. Robby immediately regrets saying anything.

"Goodnight, Robby."

Robby rolls his eyes. "Goodnight, Abbot."

Every morning for Robby starts the same. His alarm goes off just before six; he sticks his head under the shower head, letting the bitingly cold spray wake him up; then after he's cleaned and dressed, he makes himself some toast and eggs and eats them in front of the small TV set up in the kitchen to watch the morning news while his coffee percolates.

The walk to work only takes about fifteen minutes, longer if he stops at a nearby coffee shop to top up his travel mug, which means he usually arrives just as his shift is supposed to start. Being the chief has some perks, including having no one watching the clock as he arrives.

Or there usually isn't, at least.

When Robby strolls into work, he finds Abbot waiting for him at the main hub. He leans against the counter casually, like he's already made himself at home, and Robby hates it.

Abbot pointedly glances down at his watch.

Robby ignores him, choosing not to say anything as he places his backpack on the countertop and digs inside for his stethoscope. Abbot watches patiently, and out of the corner of his eye, Robby sees him shake his head in amusement.

"You waiting for any particular reason, Abbot?" Robby finally asks, bringing his coffee to his lips and taking a swig.

"I've been thinking about our conversation last night."

"And?"

"Put me in, coach."

Robby isn't expecting that.

"What?"

"I like to keep my skills up; my board cert is current, so if you have any gaps in the schedule, I'm your man."

Interesting.

"You don't mind doing a night shift?" He tests.

"Nope, though a weekend would be preferable."

"Huh."

It's only the second day, and yet Abbot has surprised Robby more than once. He can't get a handle on this man. He's not at all like the hardass military doctor he pictured.

"You were right last night. I don't know how this place works, but the only way to learn is to see for myself."

"Okay then," Robby nods, making a mental note to look at the schedule during a quiet moment to add Abbot to it.

"And by the way, Robby," Abbot begins, putting extra emphasis on his name, "If I'm calling you that, maybe you should call me Jack?"

"Why?"

Jack blinks. "Because it's my name?"

Robby holds back a smile.

"Hmm, wouldn't want people to think I like you, though." Jack's jaw drops. "Have a good day at work, Doctor Abbot."

He slaps Jack on the shoulder and uses his shock to disappear off down the other end of the department.

Robby was right to be worried. Jack is just as attentive to the ED as Robby predicted. Despite Robby reporting very little upstairs, somehow Jack hears about it and comes downstairs to investigate for himself.

Like the rats that scurry out of a homeless man's clothes and escape down the corridor.

It doesn't take long for Jack to appear by his side, matching Robby's fast pace with ease.

"I hear there are rodents in the ED."

"Okay, who ratted me out?"

"Nice try," Jack replies, ignoring Robby's pun. "I'm not revealing my sources."

"Then I can neither confirm nor deny that there are rats in the ED."

"Okay, say there are hypothetically rats loose in the department; what do you plan on doing about them?"

"Admit them for observation?" Robby offers.

"Robby-"

"What the hell do you want me to do, Jack?"

"I don't know, maybe call an exterminator?"

"You know I wanted to, but-"

Jack's eyes narrow in Robby's direction. "But what?" He asks through gritted teeth.

"I checked their advance directive, and it turns out they want to live," he shrugs.

"Jesus Fucking Christ," Jack mutters to himself, eyes aimed up at the ceiling like he's praying for the strength not to hit Robby. Robby appreciates the restraint.

"I'm sorry, I realise I could be more helpful."

"Thank you."

"If I see one, I promise I'll check if they have insurance."

Jack stares at him for a beat, then turns and walks away without another word.

"Oh, will you relax!" Robby chases after him. "I've got a med student on the case."

Jack doesn't look convinced. "And what experience exactly does your med student have in rat-catching?"

"He's from Nebraska."

"I hate you so much right now."

"I know." Robby nods, doing his best not to smile too smugly in Jack's face.

Jack has a habit of tracking Robby down at the most inconvenient moments. Like when he's just come out of a double trauma, three residents have all requested his help with their patients at the same time, he's starting to get a little hangry, and he's needed to pee for the last hour.

That's exactly when Jack appears, catching up to him mid-stride.

"I need to talk to you about something, and I have a feeling you're not going to like it."

Robby groans, "Fuck, okay, what is it?"

"Press-Ganey scores," Jack winces, waiting for Robby's reaction.

"Are you fucking kidding me?"

"Look, I get it, okay, this is an emergency room, not a Taco Bell-"

"You took the words right out of my mouth."

"-But I can't pretend your scores don't suck."

"You can if you really try."

"Robby-"

"What?"

"I hate this as much as you do, you know."

"If you did, you wouldn't be talking to me about it."

"I need some kind of plan of action here. Can you give me that?"

Robby gives Jack a sloppy salute. "Sir, yes, sir."

"Robby-"

"Yes, Captain Abbot?"

"For fuck's sake," Jack mutters.

Suddenly, Robby is dragged roughly into the staff lounge, Jack kicking the door shut behind them.

Robby blinks in shock. "What the-"

"This back-and-forth we do is fun, don't get me wrong, and I don't like talking about this shit any more than you do, but other people care about it, so I have to care about it, and that means you need to care about it, okay? And by the way, when I come down here I need you to at least act like I'm your boss and treat me with some fucking respect."

Robby's struck dumb by Jack's rant, and as he tries to figure out what to say next, he hears a rustling sound, and his head turns sharply to find Princess sat at the table, eyes wide with interest as she snacks on a packet of chips. She grins at them, realising the gossip she's just acquired.

Jack sighs. "I have a meeting upstairs; this conversation isn't over."

He swings the door open sharply, stops and glares at Robby. "And it's Major Abbot, by the way," he adds before he disappears out of sight.

Robby slowly turns back to Princess.

"What's it going to cost me to keep this quiet?"

"Thanksgiving."

"Done."

Throughout the rest of his shift, Robby finds himself thinking about the resigned look in Jack's eyes as he left the room. Maybe he had pushed things too far with the military crack. He gets carried away sometimes, and apart from Dana, there aren't many people in his life who take him to task for his dickish behaviour.

When Shen appears at shift change, Robby offers a brief handover, then ducks out to a nearby restaurant to pick up food. He returns to the hospital, heading upstairs instead of down, not surprised to find Jack still working at his desk. He stands in the doorway watching for a moment before knocking on the doorpost.

Jack's head pops up, his eyes immediately narrowing when he sees it's Robby.

Robby holds up the bag in his hand. "Apology Chinese food."

Jack's expression gives Robby nothing as he leans back in his chair and folds his arms across his chest.

"What if I have plans?"

"Then more noodles for me." Robby shrugs. "You want or not?"

Jack exhales, and Robby knows he's been forgiven. "C'mon then."

As Robby enters the office, Jack stands up and moves from his desk to the compact seating area on the other side of the room. It's just a couple of soft chairs and a low coffee table, but it's better than nothing. Robby sets himself down in the empty chair and begins decanting containers of steaming hot Chinese food onto the table.

He offers Jack a packet of chopsticks.

"Thanks," Jack says gratefully, taking the packet and separating the two wooden chopsticks with a deft snap.

"Maybe while we eat we could talk about those ideas you have?" Robby offers carefully, not meeting Jack's eyes as he digs into the food.

Jack pauses mid-bite. "You're actually going to listen and take my suggestions on board without snark, sarcasm or a certain level of stubborn resistance?"

Robby thinks carefully before responding, "I will try my best not to roll my eyes."

"I guess that's better than nothing, I suppose," Jack replies, resigned. "You know you're a dick, right?"

"Yeah, I know," Robby agrees. "But if it's any consolation, I'm only a dick to people I don't like."

Jack snorts, "Fuck you."

Robby grins.

"You know all this bullshit you spout would be more believable if you hadn't bought me dinner."

"I don't know what you're talking about." Robby stuffs half an egg roll in his mouth.

Jack narrows his eyes at Robby and points at him with the end of his chopsticks. "The doctor doth protest too much, methinks."

"Shut up and eat your lo-mein."

Robby notices when Jack hasn't made an appearance downstairs in a few days. He doesn't know when he started noticing, but spotting him across the department has become such an integral part of his days that no visit from Jack feels wrong.

He doesn't go up to Jack's office because he hasn't seen him since Monday; that would be crazy. There's a very good reason why he needs to go see Jack.

 "You're not so subtle, you know," Dana says when he mentions needing to find time to speak to Jack during his shift.

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

"I have eyes."

"Yes, and?"

"And I know you far too well."

"And?" Robby asks again, purposefully obtuse.

"Your ability to avoid the CMO's office has become legendary around here; now you're going up there… on purpose."

"So?"

"Last time, Gloria asked to see you; she had to send someone down to escort you to make sure you actually turned up."

"You and I remember very different versions of events."

"You're avoiding the question."

"Go do your job somewhere far away from me, will you?"

Thankfully, she leaves, though Robby senses the conversation topic hasn't been dropped just yet.

When he finally finds a moment to duck out and head upstairs, Jack's assistant looks surprised when he appears in the outer office. Her eyes widen, and her mouth falls open like a cryptid has just walked through the doorway, not the ED Chief.

"Is he free?"

She offers a bewildered nod.

"Thanks."

Jack's door is ajar, and when he knocks and pushes it open, Jack looks up from his computer. It's a shame, really, to hide that man and those biceps behind a desk. The sight of him temporarily diverts Robby's attention. Robby forgets sometimes how attractive Jack is.

"Robby?"

Robby remembers what he's up here for and jumps straight into things.

"So I need the rest of the week off…I know it's sudden, but I wouldn't be asking if it wasn't necessary, and I've already sorted cover for the rest of my shifts, so there's no real reason to say no. And to be honest with you, even if you do say no, I'm probably going to go anyway."

Jack just stares at him.

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

"Maybe because I've been reliably informed you'd rather have surgery without an anaesthetic than visit this particular office, and this is the second time you've visited me in two weeks."

"And?"

"And your request for time off could have absolutely been an email"

He's tired of everyone implying things.

"What are you implying?"

Jack's lips purse as he holds back a smile. "Nothing."

"So we're all good?"

"We are all good," Jack confirms with a nod.

Robby turns to leave, but Jack's voice stops him.

"Hey Robby?"

Robby looks back at Jack expectantly.

"I know I'm probably not supposed to ask, but I'm curious. Why the sudden need for time off?"

"Worried about me?" Robby asks with an arched brow.

"Maybe," Jack replies with a soft shrug, and Robby's surprised by the honesty.

"I volunteer sometimes at a free clinic in my neighbourhood. The guy who runs the place dislocated his shoulder; I said I would cover for him for a couple of days."

Jack stares at him for a moment without saying a word. It's a little disconcerting.

"What?"

"You are taking time off from running an emergency room to run a free health clinic?"

"And?"

"You're just…one of a kind, Robinavitch."

Robby tilts his head to one side in confusion. "How so?"

"You're supposed to switch off from work on vacation, not do more of it. Someone needs to teach you about work-life balance."

"Like you wouldn't do the same." Robby gives him a knowing look.

Jack sighs, "Fair."

"I'll see you next week?"

Jack nods, "See you next week."

The first time Robby gets to see Jack in full doctor mode is on a Friday night. Instead of handing over and heading home like normal, there's a stack of paperwork waiting for him that can't wait any longer. While he has an office, he much prefers working in the middle of the hub of the ED. It might be more distracting and take him longer to finish his work, but his office is the most depressing room in the whole hospital, with no windows and a faint smell of mold that's more than a little concerning. He tries to spend as little time as possible in those four walls.

Sat hunched over a computer, his glasses perched on his face, is where Jack finds him.

"Well, well, well, what do we have here? Shouldn't you be home by now?"

Robby peers at Jack over the top of his glasses. "Some taskmaster is demanding the quarterly reports by the end of the week."

Jack blinks. "Robby, it's Friday."

"And?"

"It's the end of the week already."

"I've been a little busy," Robby defends himself. "And hey, end of the week is technically Sunday."

"You were the kid that handed in homework at the last possible minute, weren't you?"

Robby smirks but doesn't confirm anything. "I'm not used to seeing an actual stethoscope around your neck; you sure you remember which bit goes on the patient's chest?"

"I'm starting to understand what Shamsi has against you."

Robby feigns outrage, pressing his hand to his chest. "Go keep my patients alive, will you?"

Jack offers a mock salute in return and strolls off towards one of the exam rooms.

Surprisingly, Robby manages to power through a lot of his work, his focus only pulled when his advice on a treatment plan is sought and when he briefly has to step in when two young residents get caught with a STEMI and Jack's otherwise occupied.

The only other thing distracting him from completing the admin is Jack himself. Robby glances up surreptitiously when Jack is in view in the open-plan department. He appreciates how in-control Jack always looks, never fazed by whatever comes through the ambulance doors. It allows him to relax and let Jack handle things.

Jack returns to his side an hour later, a surprising pinkness to his cheeks,

"So uh, anything I should know about my patient in seven? Get the sense she's been here before."

Robby glances up at the screen and sees the name against room seven. He snorts. "Myrna's going to eat you alive."

"Perfect," Jack mutters.

"Just try to avoid getting within arm's reach; she's handsy."

"And how am I supposed to examine her from that far away?"

Robby grins. "I'm sure you'll figure something out," he says unhelpfully.

"Robby," Jack growls.

"I mean, I would be very happy to take over for you, but then these reports you so desperately want probably won't be finished in time."

From behind him, Robby hears Lena snort.

"You are the absolute worst."

"I just wanted to thank you once again for offering your services to this department; it has been a real…blessing."

Jack gives him the dirtiest look before it morphs into a determined expression. He pivots and marches off to room seven.

"You need to stop poking the bear," Lena says with a shake of her head.

"Oh, he likes it really," Robby replies, unable to remove the grin from his face.

Somehow, Jack manages to charm Myrna completely, and Robby is shocked when she swaggers out of room seven with a flirty wave back in Jack's direction.

"Thank you, Doctor Abbot," she says, her voice husky, her eyes drinking Jack in like he's a tall glass of water.

Robby is not at all bothered by that.

"How the fuck did you do that?" Robby asks as soon as Myrna is out of sight.

"Doctor-patient confidentiality," Jack winks and strides off without looking back.

Robby is still beavering away at the reports past eleven. For a Friday night, the ED is unusually quiet, and Jack finds him once more. He drops down into an empty chair and slowly spins round. Robby sits back in his own chair and looks at Jack.

"Tell me something."

There's been a question he's been wanting to ask since the moment Jack was hired. Now seems as good a time as any to ask it.

Jack stops spinning and pushes himself around to face Robby.

"What?"

"There's not a lot of emergency med doctors who find themselves choosing to work in admin instead."

Emergency medicine doctors are a different breed. You have to be able to work in the chaos of an ED. There was a reason Gloria called him a cowboy and why Shamsi looks down her nose at his job. It's the kind of fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants, high-adrenaline, patching people up with duct tape and a prayer-type medicine that you either do till you drop or till you burn out. No sane emergency medicine doctor chooses to leave it all for a job up in admin.

"Why did I pick that over working down here full time?"

Robby nods.

Jack doesn't say anything straight away. A moment later, he leans down, snags his pants and lifts one leg up enough to reveal a prosthetic leg underneath.

It surprises Robby enough to make him feel like an idiot. He should have been more observant.

"Oh, Jack, I didn't-"

"It's fine, really…It's not even the most interesting thing about me," He jokes. "I was working in emergency full-time back in LA, but I was finding it hard; my residual limb kept swelling, too many infections. It wasn't feasible for me to carry on."

"But you're okay working here?" He feels guilty putting Jack's name down for so many of the toughest shifts available.

"I can handle the odd shift without it becoming an issue; I know where my limits are," Jack reassures him.

"I have another question."

"Go on."

"Why PTMC?"

"Well, us emergency medicine doctors need a certain level of adrenaline at all times, and I needed a challenge."

"Is that what I am? A challenge?" Robby counters with a knowing glance.

"You, Doctor Robinavitch, are more than challenging; you're infuriating."

He grins. "Is that a good thing or a bad thing?"

Jack grins back, already pulling himself to his feet as two paramedics arrive with a gurney between them. "Depends on the day, I guess."

As soon as the patient is stabilised, Jack is back at the hub, leaning over the countertop, watching Robby work. Those piercing eyes staring down at him are impossible to ignore.

He sighs and looks up at Jack.

 "Can I help you?"

"We've met before, you know."

"What?" Robby's eyes widen as he searches back through his memories. Nothing comes to mind. "When?"

"Only technically," Jack admits, "I was in your talk on classical airway techniques at ACEP a couple of years ago."

Holy shit. Robby remembers that talk. The room had been surprisingly full, and public speaking isn't something he particularly enjoys, but Gloria had forced him into it, and it had gone better than he'd expected. A lot of people had come up to him afterwards, looking to speak to him more about the topic.

Jack's expression changes to something soft, almost tender.

"You were… captivating."

Robby's Adam's apple bobs.

"I tried to find you afterwards to introduce myself, but you got mobbed by a group, and you seemed overwhelmed, so I left," Jack shrugs.

"Shame …I would have liked to have met you," Robby admits.

"Yeah?"

Realising he means it, Robby mentally curses and quickly thinks of something to say to conceal that fact.

"Can't believe I missed out on you stroking my ego… and with witnesses."

Jack scowls. "You're an ass."

"An ass who just finished your report." Robby clicks send with a flourish.

"Thank you, now go home."

Robby sighs and sees the time. "What's the point? I have to be back here in a few hours anyway."

"Go crash somewhere then; I'm sure your residents will appreciate you well-rested."

Robby looks back up at the screen and spots an empty room. "I'll be in fifteen if you need me."

"Wait, you might get kicked out if we need the room. I have a cot in my office; I stash it in the cupboard by the door. Why don't you go up there? You might actually get some proper sleep"

"Seriously?"

Jack gives him a look. "I wouldn't have offered if I didn't mean it. Go." He hands Robby the key to his office and practically pushes Robby towards the elevators.

It feels slightly strange letting himself into the CMO's office late at night, but he has the key and permission from Jack. He finds the cot where Jack told him it would be and sets it up in the middle of the room; there's a sleeping bag and a pillow too, and Robby wonders how often Jack sleeps in his office.

The pillow is soft, well-used, and when his head sinks into it, he realises it smells just like Jack. His body relaxes, and it doesn't take much for him to drift off.

"Jesus fucking Christ." As soon as Robby sees Dana walking into the ED with a bloody nose, he runs towards her, his heart rate shooting up in an instant.

He's not the only one who runs to her side, and he knows Dana is hating all the attention. Someone guides Dana to a chair while Robby assesses her injury.

"Did you hit your head?"

"Probably. No LOC, just a bloody nose," Dana manages to tell him as he presses around her skull and cheekbones. She winces and hisses when he prods on something painful.

"Pupils are equal and reactive," he confirms out loud, checking with his penlight. "No septal hematoma."

He orders a CT, which she doesn't like, but he wants to rule out any intracranial issues, and he makes sure she knows it's not a debate.

It isn't long before he finds himself surrounded by his nursing staff, who are understandably distressed by what has occurred.

"What are you going to do to protect the rest of us?" Princess asks him.

It's a good question.

"It is unacceptable what happened, what keeps happening, and I promise you I'm not going to let this go until we see something change around here," he promises them.

It's not the first time he's made such a promise. He just hopes it's the last time. He's witnessed attacks on his staff increasing over the years, and while no one has been seriously injured so far, it feels like only a matter of time before that happens.

As usual, word reaches Jack, and it isn't long before he's downstairs, having tracked Robby down.

"I heard about what happened. How's Dana?"

"Her CT is all clear. She's resting right now, just a broken nose, thankfully. She's a little shaken up, but she's strong; it's going to take more than a punch to the face to knock her down."

"She should go home," Jack suggests, like Robby hasn't suggested the same thing to Dana already.

"I agree, but she's refusing to; she's always been stubborn like that."

"What the hell happened, Robby?"

Robby doesn't like the tone of Jack's question, like he's somehow to blame for Dana's attack.

Robby spots an empty room opposite and pushes Jack inside without warning, before pushing the door closed behind him.

"What the fuck?" Jack looks unhappy at being manhandled.

"What happened is my charge nurse was punched by an aggravated patient in an area of the hospital he shouldn't have had access to, and we have no evidence because there are no cameras."

"Robby-"

"This is becoming a daily occurrence. I've got people waiting hours and hours to be seen by a doctor; tensions are running high, and my most recent request for additional security measures seems to have been ignored, yet again."

"Robby-" Jack tries again.

"If nurses don't feel safe, they're not going to come to work, Jack. I'm trying to do my fucking best under not-so-great circumstances, and they're all asking me how I'm going to keep them safe, and my promises don't mean shit right now, and they keep getting hurt, so don't come in here and ask me what the hell happened. What happened is that this hospital failed Dana today, and last I checked, that's your responsibility." He prods Jack in the chest to drive his point home.

"Are you done?" Jack asks quietly.

"Just about."

"Good. I'm glad Dana is okay. You're right, this shouldn't have happened, and the hospital did fail her."

Robby's not expecting that response. He's so used to fighting with every CMO when it comes to the safety of his staff; he certainly wasn't expecting Jack to agree with him.

"Well, good, I'm glad you think that."

"And we need to do better to protect all staff…your request hasn't been ignored, by the way. I've been working with our Head of Security to figure out what measures to take before I came to you with a plan."

"Oh."

"I get that you're upset about what happened to Dana and frustrated by the lack of progress when it comes to safety, but maybe next time you'll remember that I'm on your fucking side, Robby. I have been from day one."

"Jack-"

"No, it's my turn now. I put up with a lot of shit from other departments who think I'm favouring you; spending more time down here than with other departments, they're probably right. I do play favourites; I do give you a lot of leeway, and yet somehow, after everything, you see me as the enemy."

Robby frowns. "I don't," he tries to argue.

"No?

"Okay, maybe I have, but I've worked in this hospital too damn long and exhausted myself fighting against every single CMO for everything we have, fought them for everything they tried to impose on us. It's not easy to switch that off. You might not have ignored my request for additional safety measures, but your predecessors did, multiple times."

"Fair."

"And would it have killed you to let me know you were working on it?" Robby adds. "You're down here all the damn time; you couldn't have mentioned it in passing?"

Jack rolls his eyes. "Next time I'll drop everything and rush right down here to tell you."

"That's all I ask."

Jack lets out a soft huff of amusement.

"So we're good?" Robby checks.

Jack cups his hand to his ear. " Well, I didn't hear a sorry for assuming the worst about me."

"Fuck you."

"That's the furthest thing from an apology."

"You're really going to make me say it."

"Do you even know how to apologise?" Jack raises an eyebrow

"I will make amends by buying you a beer later," Robby offers.

"Better than nothing, I suppose," Jack smiles. "I'm going to go check in on Dana."

"Meet you outside at seven?"

"Try not to assume the worst if I'm late," Jack teases.

The minute he hears about the shooting at Pittfest, his stomach drops. Jake is there with his girlfriend, and when he calls, Jake doesn't pick up. As much as he'd like to stand there redialing Jake's number till he picks up, they're looking at a mass casualty incident, and everyone is looking at him to lead the thing.

He gathers everyone, prepares them as best he can and sends them off with tasks to complete so they'll be ready for the first of many patients. Who knows how many, possibly hundreds. The thought is chilling.

He finishes his briefing just as Jack strolls through the ambulance bay doors. Instead of his usual smart clothes for working upstairs, he's in a pair of combat trousers and a tight black T-shirt.

He looks ready for battle.

"What are you doing here?"

Robby tries not to let the relief he feels show on his face.

"I heard about the shooting on my police scanner," Jack answers. "Thought I'd come lend a hand."

Robby is momentarily distracted by the discovery of Jack's police scanner, but there are far more important things to care about, so he puts it to one side.

"They don't need you upstairs in the command post?"

"I have a very good deputy; she's got things under control. She knows where to find me if they need help. You need my help more right now."

Out of his backpack, he pulls out a portable scanner and field-medic equipment they don't have in their stocks. Jack's experience in the field will be invaluable, Robby realises. He swallows hard. He's had the day from hell already, and he knows it's about to get ten times worse, but knowing Jack's here by his side ready to help makes more of a difference than he's able to put into words right now.

"I'm glad you're here." Is all he manages.

Jack looks back at him like he knows everything Robby is unable to say.

"Where do you want me?"

"You okay to take primary? I want to stay free to move where I'm needed" He offers up the orange vest towards Jack.

Jack takes the vest without hesitation. "What do you need right now?" He asks softly.

The first ambulance from the shooting is a minute out. Jack doesn't know about Jake, and there's no time to fill him in. He wouldn't even know what to say even if there was.

He opens his mouth, but realises as he does that he doesn't know what he needs. Or maybe he needs too much. His mind races and he swears he can hear the sirens growing closer. Everyone is looking to him to lead, and he's sure he's going to fail them all.

Jack seems to sense something's wrong, even if he doesn't know what. He leans in, laying a warm hand on Robby's bicep.

"Hey, we've got this, okay? You and I? Unstoppable team."

He's glad Jack has enough faith in them. Robby offers a weak smile in response.

"The only way out is through," Robby replies, not meeting Jack's eyes.

From the minute the first shooting victim is wheeled in, there's no time to think. Robby relies on all his years of experience and instinct to intubate and assess patients. His heart thuds loud and heavy in his chest as he darts from gurney to gurney.

The only thing keeping him going is looking up and seeing Jack calm and in control. He doesn't have the time to be impressed by Jack's medical skills up close, but every time they work on a patient together, it feels like they've been doing this together for years, working around each other without words required.

Everything feels under control.

Up until Jake pulls up to the ambulance bay, Leah's lax body in his arms.

He does what he can for her, going above and beyond what every other critical patient. Even Jack seems to notice, concern visible in his eyes as he steps up beside Robby.

"We're gonna lose ten other patients if you put all your efforts into saving this girl." Jack reminds him softly.

Jack doesn't know who this particular patient is or what it means if she dies. Jack isn't there when Robby finally calls it and has to tell Jake that his girlfriend died. Jack isn't there when Jake throws all his anger at Robby or when Robby slides down the wall in the makeshift morgue in Peds and sobs.

Turning his back on the ED wasn't the plan, but after speaking to Leah's devastated parents, the thought of stepping back into that department felt impossible. Most people aren't aware of the roof access on this side of the hospital, so he knows he'll find some peace and quiet up there.

He ignores the way his body shivers as a gust of wind passes across the roof, and heads straight for the metal railing, sagging against it heavily. It would be so easy to duck underneath and stand on the very edge, but he doesn't dare move.

For a moment, as he stands here, all he can hear is the sound of Leah's mother sobbing, but soon the sound of the city below him begins to drown it out. Car horns, someone laughing, an ambulance siren, the thump of music blaring from an apartment. And then he hears footsteps behind him. Out of the corner of his eye, he spots Jack walking towards him.

"I've not been up here before," Jack admits, tucking himself right beside Robby at the railing.

"How'd you find me then?"

"Dana," Jack admits, "She thought I might find you up here."

Robby nods, returning his gaze out towards the city.

"You did good down there, with the speech; maybe it should have been me, but you're their leader, not me"

Robby doesn't say anything. He can tell Jack is trying, but he doesn't have any energy left to indulge him.

"I know it hasn't been easy for you."

"Do you?" Robby asks sharply, twisting his head round to glare at Jack.

Something painful darts across his face. "Yeah, Robby, I do."

He forgets sometimes what Jack has gone through, though he suspects this evening was a taster of what Jack saving lives in the middle of an active war zone must have been like.

He swallows his apology. Jack knows he doesn't mean it, not right now.

"You're a good doctor, Robby…I thought I knew it, but tonight I got to see you in action and damn, this place is fucking lucky to have you."

Robby shakes his head. "It's not, I'm not-"

He couldn't save Leah. He couldn't save Adamson. He's not the man Jack thinks he is.

"You are," Jack insists. "Probably the best I've ever worked with."

"I broke," Robby admits, his voice cracking.

Jack's eyebrows furrow. "What? When?"

"The moment everybody needed me the most, I wasn't there."

"For what, 40 seconds, three minutes? Ten? So fucking what?"

Robby can't look at Jack, can't accept what Jack is telling him.

"Hey-" Jack tugs him hard, forcing Robby to face him. "Look at me."

It's hard, but Robby forces himself to meet Jack's eyes. "You rocked that shit down there tonight, you did. End of conversation."

The words don't penetrate the way he's sure Jack expects them to, but it's nice to hear anyway. He offers a weak smile. Jack looks back at him like he could look at Robby forever.

"There's something you should know."

This is probably the worst time to bring it up, but Robby's not sure there is a good time. And the longer he goes without talking to Jack, the harder it'll be.

"What is it?"

"Langdon's been stealing benzos from patients."

"What the fuck?"

Jack looks blindsided.

Just like Robby had been when he'd found out.

Robby exhales heavily as he continues, "Another doctor raised concerns; I found the drugs in Langdon's locker, and so I sent him home"

Sent him home. More like kicked him out of his ED. He's as angry now as he was in that moment, and he grips the railing tight enough for his hand to go white.

Jack frowns. "Wait, I just saw him downstairs."

Robby winces. "Yeah, he, uh, heard about the shooting and took it upon himself to come back. It was all hands on deck; we were overwhelmed. I let him stay and help." Jack doesn't look happy, but lets Robby continue, "I offered him a path of recovery: rehab, regular drug tests, NA meetings; he, uh, he threw it back in my face. I don't exactly know where to go from here."

He waits for Jack to tell him what he did wrong, how complicated it'll be for the hospital to fix, how much money it could cost them, that he hasn't handled it like it says in the 300-page staff handbook.

Instead, Jack shifts even closer to Robby.

"You did the right thing by telling me."

Somehow, that makes Robby feel worse. He doesn't want Jack going easy on him.

"I should have spotted the signs. I know everything happening in my ER, and somehow I missed this. Everyone knows he was my number two."

"Hey-"

He feels Jack's hand on his shoulder, the warmth seeping through his clothes to his skin underneath.

"It's not your fault."

"And yet-" Robby begins, forcing himself to meet Jack's eyes once more. There's no blame there, but there should be. "And yet I failed him."

"C'mere."

Jack slides his hand across Robby's shoulder blades and pulls him in until Robby is pressed up against Jack's body. Jack's other arm slides around Robby's waist and embraces him tightly, holding him close until Robby lets just a little bit of the guilt go.

Robby wakes up the morning after the Pittfest shooting with the mother of all emotional hangovers. Those couple of beers he drank in the park weren't enough to leave him feeling hollowed out like this.

As he stares at his bedroom ceiling and plays the last twenty-four hours on repeat in his mind, his phone beeps and he reaches across to the nightstand with a long, drawn-out groan.

He's surprised to find a message from Jack.

Don't come into work on Monday.

Robby frowns at his phone before typing out a reply.

I'm on shift on Monday.

Robby doesn't have to wait long for a response.

I know. I'm telling you not to come in. In fact, don't come in till Thursday at the earliest. All shifts are covered.

Robbys sighs.

I can't just disappear.

Why not?

Many reasons.

Name one.

I've got Langdon to deal with, traumatised med students who need support, probably a mountain of paperwork you'll need off me

I'm handling Langdon, Dana is looking after your med students, and the paperwork can wait.

I'm coming in.

If you try, I'll have Ahmad escort you out. In fact, I'm going to deactivate your pass until Thursday.

Another message from Jack appears before Robby has a chance to respond.

I'm pulling rank.

Robby curses under his breath.

I don't need managing.

Enjoy your time off, go for a hike, read a book, go see a movie or hey, even a therapist- your choice.

Robby grumbles and throws his phone down the end of the bed.

The first couple of days were easy to fill. He'd expected to have the weekend off, and so it was easy to keep himself occupied with chores. He went to get groceries, batch-cooked some dinners, cleaned his sheets, and did a couple of loads of laundry.

Figuring out how to fill his Monday is harder

It had been tempting to go to work and see if Jack had actually gone through with his threat to deactivate his staff pass, but Robby didn't feel like trekking over there only to find his way back home half an hour later as soon as Jack found out he was on the property.

He tries to read one of his many unread books, but he never quite manages to switch off from work and everything that had occurred on Friday.

He checks in with Dana, asking how the med-students are doing, but Dana responds promptly, telling him she's got it under control and to stop bothering her.

By the time the sun sets, he's reorganised his spice cabinet, cleaned his car, washed a rug that was probably older than he was, flipped his mattress, fixed a leaking tap in his bathroom, booked an electrical inspection, and found a cheaper deal on his home insurance.

There wasn't really anything left on his to-do list, and there's still Tuesday and Wednesday to fill. He grabs his phone, ready to beg Jack to let him back to work when there's a knock on his door.

His eyes narrow as he flings open the door and sees who is standing on his porch.

"Speak of the devil."

"Good day?" Jack asks cheerfully.

"Is this some revenge plot? Finally getting me back for being a pain in your backside?"

"Just an added benefit," Jack smiles. "You going to let me in?"

"Finally come back to rummage through my underwear drawer?"

Jack's eyebrow arches at the suggestion. "Actually, I brought takeout." He lifts a bag into the air that Robby hadn't noticed before. "And it's getting cold."

"Fine," Robby relents, only because he's hungry. He takes a step back to let Jack cross the threshold. "Come in."

He leaves Jack in the living room to dig out the containers of food from the bag while he goes to retrieve plates, cutlery and two cold beers from the fridge.

When he returns and sees the logo on the side of the packaging, he stops. "That's my favourite Thai place."

"I know."

"And how exactly do you know that?" He asks suspiciously.

Jack meets Robby's eyes briefly, knowing he's been caught red-handed. "Dana might have mentioned something about it," he admits as he begins to portion out the food onto the plates.

"You two talk about my dietary preferences often?" Robby asks as he drops down onto the couch. He flicks off the cap on his beer and takes a large gulp.

"Robby-" Jack starts with a sigh. "She's worried about you; I'm worried about you. We talked about how we were both worried."

"Well, I'm fine."

"Robby, I found you on the roof of the hospital on Friday. The MCI was hard enough, but you were dealing with it on top of finding out your best resident was stealing drugs."

"Yeah, don't need reminding of that, thanks," Robby huffs bitterly, taking another large gulp of his beer.

"Dana told me about Jake, who Leah was. I'm sorry."

Robby looks away.

"She also told me that Friday was the anniversary of your predecessor's death, that you hadn't worked that day in four years."

"Wow, she's just telling you everything, isn't she?"

"I think there's still a lot she hasn't told me…maybe some things she thought you would?"

"What do you want to know?" he asks quietly.

"Whatever you're ready to tell me," Jack suggests gently. "I just want to help."

"Why?"

Why him? Why, after everything Robby has said and done to make Jack's life harder.

Jack shrugs. "Because I want to help…not because I pity you or because I think it's my responsibility as CMO, but because you care deeply and you're good at what you do, and somewhere along the way I think maybe we became friends."

Finally, Robby looks over at Jack. He's right; there's no pity visible in his expression. Just worry.

He's right. He does consider Jack his friend, though he doesn't know when that happened.

"Being friends with my boss is going to be bad for my reputation, you know."

Jack laughs, "Yours? It's my reputation on the line every time I'm slumming it down in the Pitt."

Robby laughs back, "Eat your food, drink your beer, maybe while we eat I can tell you about Doc Adamson."

Jack looks at him softly. "I'd like that."

"Hey, Jack?"

"Hm?"

"Thanks for the Thai food."

Jack's smile widens. "Just returning the favour."

"You're not such a bad CMO, you know…I mean, I've had a lot worse."

Jack snorts. "Thanks, I appreciate it."

A long moment passes before they finally break eye contact and reach for their plates.

Robby is used to leaving work when it's dark and freezing cold outside, but after a long, rough shift, the short walk home is hard work.

He's so tired he almost misses the figure hunched over on the bench outside the hospital. He's so focused on getting home and falling into bed he almost doesn't give the figure a second look. When he does, he quickly reverses back a few steps.

"Jack?"

Jack looks up at his name, and immediately Robby knows something is wrong.

"Everything okay?"

Jack smiles at him weakly, like he hopes it'll be enough to reassure Robby. It doesn't.

"Bad day?" Robby guesses.

Jack shakes his head. "Just a strange one," he admits, then winces, like he didn't mean to reveal even that much. "Sorry, I'll be okay; don't worry about me."

"Too late, c'mon." He holds out a hand towards Jack.

"I'm fine, really," Jack tries.

"You're coming with me, no arguments."

Jack looks like he might resist once more, so Robby stares him down with his most stubborn expression until Jack gives in and takes Robby's hand, letting Robby pull him to his feet.

"Where are we going?"

"There's a diner nearby; should be quiet at this time. It'll be warm too."

Jack doesn't say much on the short walk to Haley's Diner, and once inside, Robby guides Jack to an empty booth, then heads up to the counter to order two teas.

He places one down in front of Jack and then takes the seat opposite. He doesn't say anything, just drinks his tea and watches Jack do the same. He's exhausted, but he'll sit here for as long as it takes for Jack to tell him what's going on.

Finally, Jack speaks.

"Today would have been my wedding anniversary," Jack admits.

Oh.

"I'm sorry," he offers.

It would be easy to reach out, place a comforting hand on top of Jack's, but he doesn't know if it's welcome, so he keeps his hands clasped together on the table.

"You never asked about the ring," Jack realises.

"No, I didn't."

"Most people do, then they get all awkward when I tell them that I'm a widower."

"Most people are tactless."

"How did you know?"

"What, you think you're the only one who asked around?" Robby teases softly. "You clearly didn't want to talk about it, and it wasn't my place to ask."

"Thank you… It was nice not to have to explain to someone."

He watches Jack play with the ring, twisting it around his finger. He'd noticed it almost immediately when they first met and had assumed, like most people, that there was a husband or wife at home. When he'd discovered the truth, it would have been easy to treat Jack differently, like he was fragile or something to pity. He'd grown to know Jack well enough to know that he would hate that.

"What was her name?"

Jack clears his throat. "Sarah, her name was Sarah."

Robby doesn't ask any more questions, doesn't offer Jack empty platitudes, just waits for him to speak.

"It's been six years since she-" Jack doesn't finish his sentence, but Robby understands anyway. "Sometimes it feels like it's only been six days."

"Grief isn't linear," Robby says, staring down at his hands. Jack knows about Adamson, but he's not the only person Robby grieves for. Now isn't the time to compare stories, though. It's not a competition.

"No, it isn't," Jack agrees.

"If you ever want to talk about her with me, you can; I'm a good listener."

Jack nods, sending Robby a grateful look.

"I will always love her." Jack's voice is thick with emotion as he speaks. "But I know she wouldn't want me to live in her shadow for the rest of my life; I know she wants me to be happy."

"You deserve that," Robby agrees earnestly.

"Maybe it's time I stopped feeling sorry for myself and found someone new to be happy with."

That surprises Robby.

"Sure," he agrees carefully, doing his best to conceal his own feelings on the matter.

"I have high standards though; finding the right person might be hard."

Their eyes meet across the table.

"Might not find them overnight," Robby agrees with a quirk of his lips.

"I'll stay on the lookout," Jack offers a warm smile in return. "You never know."

Their eyes stay locked on each other long after their tea goes cold.

Robby almost topples over an empty gurney when the elevators open and Jack steps out in a sharp suit that looks like it was tailored especially for him. The material fits snugly over his biceps and across his broad shoulders, and the olive colour, even from a distance, seems to make his eyes pop.

Suddenly Robby's mouth is dry.

"Fucking hell, Jack."

Jack looks down at himself, brushes away a speck of something from his jacket. "You like?"

"I thought they didn't hire you for your sartorial choices?" Robby asks, drinking all of Jack in.

"Well, sometimes this job means dressing up. I had to go to this reception this morning, duller than watching paint dry, but needs must."

"And you just had to look like that?"

"Like what?" Jack teases, preening under Robby's greedy gaze.

Robby resists the urge to tell Jack exactly what the suit is doing to him, yet Jack looks at him like he knows the effect he's having.

"You should wear suits more often."

"Hmm, that might be counterproductive," Jack teases.

Robby composes himself. "What are you doing down here?" He asks, determined to be professional.

"Oh right, so I was doing some digging around in the budgets last night, found we were way overpaying for HVAC maintenance, I moved some things around, and I managed to find enough extra budget for you to hire an extra nurse, maybe even two."

Robby blinks. Holy Shit.

"That's possibly the most romantic thing anyone's ever said to me." The words escape Robby's mouth before he realises what he's just said.

Jack's eyes light up. "Seriously?"

Oh well, he's started; he might as well finish.

"I could kiss you right now."

"What's stopping you?" Jack replies without hesitation.

Robby does a double take, not expecting that answer.

"You-"

"Yes," Jack answers impatiently. "For a while now."

He swallows hard. "So when you were talking about finding someone new to be happy with, you meant-"

Jack's eyes soften. "You, yes."

Robby's eyes flick around the busy ED, meeting Dana's eyes briefly. She's smirking at them both.

"C'mere." He grabs hold of Jack's arm and drags him into the bathrooms, ignoring Dana's 'Go get him, cowboy," as the door slams shut behind them.

"The bathroom, seriously?" Jack arches an eyebrow at him.

"You may not have noticed, but it's the only room in this whole damn department without windows, and I don't plan on giving anyone a show."

"It's not particularly sanitary."

"I'm not suggesting we get naked and fuck on the floor, Jack."

"I'm just saying, this is a nice suit I'm wearing."

"You want to kiss me or not?"

Jack's eyes snap to his, and his mouth splits into a grin that makes Robby's heart race. His hands shoot up and grab Robby's face.

"I want to kiss you," he admits before pulling Robby in.

Their lips collide awkwardly at first, and Robby grins against Jack's mouth. Jack readjusts, and suddenly Robby's mind turns blank as the kiss turns from good to perfect in the blink of an eye. Jack's lips are soft against his, sending a shiver down Robby's spine. Jack kisses him like this is his one and only chance, his hands grabbing at his waist desperately while Robby cups Jack's jaw and holds him in place.

They break apart when there's a loud banging on the door, lips swollen, lungs heaving.

"Time's up, loverboys, possible stroke five minutes out," Dana shouts through the wood.

"Fuck, okay, later? My place?"

"Yes, absolutely," Jack answers, a little out of breath.

Robby tries not to feel too smug about it. He leans in for one more quick kiss just because he can.

"So is this going to be an issue?" Robby asks later that evening, Jack's naked body pressed against his side. Endorphins from a shockingly energetic round of sex still coursing through his system.

"Is what going to be an issue?"

"Technically, you're my boss; isn't there a policy against this kind of thing?"

Jack snorts, "There's no technically about it. I am your boss, though it's not like you've ever shown me that level of respect."

"You've certainly earned it tonight," Robby jokes, his hand slipping down to squeeze Jack's ass.

Jack slaps Robby's chest in response.

"I'm serious, though. Trent's not going to have a problem with this?"

"I already told you, I have a very good deputy. She can handle anything that would be inappropriate for me to handle now."

"Oh, okay, that's okay then." Robby's mind is put at rest.

"Also, I'm putting my details as your emergency contact," Jack announces, his voice leaving no room for argument. "I don't care what you have to say; if you're hurt, I want to be the first person they call."

Robby stares at Jack.

"What?"

Robby looks at Jack like he can't quite believe his luck. He grins. "Nothing."

He hasn't done anything to deserve Jack Abbot in his life. A man he thought would be the bane of his existence turned out to be the man who makes him happy. Someone who filled a gap in his life he didn't even know existed. Someone who gives as good as he gets, who doesn't let Robby push him away. Someone who sees Robby for exactly who he is and still wants him.

It might be too early to say those three little words, but he's feeling them nonetheless.

"Speaking of inappropriate things to handle-"

"You suck."

Robby laughs and shifts himself until he's lying on top of Jack. Jack's hands automatically snake across his back, locking him in place.

"All you have to do is ask."