Work Text:
When you first moved to Pittsburgh, you were young, dumb and lost. You had left your home out west to accept a job all the way in Pennsylvania. Leaving everything behind besides what could fit in the biggest u-haul you could find.
You had accepted a job offer at Westbridge Hospital as a brand new R1. The shifts were long and the work was brutal but you wanted to be a doctor more than anything.
As you made your way through your first 2 years of residency at Westbridge, your days were filled with exploring Pittsburgh and some of your nights were spent in the arms of hookups to fill the void.
This lasted for those two years until you met him.
Jack Abbot.
An older guy with gorgeous grey curls and a smile that took your breath away. He was unlike anyone you had ever met.
You had met him in the grocery store where he had bumped his cart into you while in a rush. Immediately he apologized and checked that you were okay. That's how you found out he was a lead attending at Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center.
You told him you were fine and you’d forgive him if he could spare a date with you.
Luck must’ve been on your side as he accepted happily with a shy smile.
—
After that day, Jack changed your life. He put all your last attempts at a relationship to shame.
Jack was patient, loyal, kind, a gentleman and so much more. You never had to worry about anything because Jack made sure you were okay and had what you needed. He showed you what love was really supposed to be.
And that's how you found yourself now with him in a relationship for almost a year.
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Today was hectic and you could feel the nervousness run through your veins.
It was your first day at ptmc. The same place your boyfriend worked at.
When Jack had found out you were doing your residency at Westbridge, he begged you to come to ptmc and work. The pay would be better, the hours, the benefits, the staff. It would all be way better, especially since you could see him a little more often.
After almost a year, you applied and were soon accepted into the residency program in the emergency department on the night shift.
You had gotten up earlier than normal today to make sure you looked good and had time to breathe.
Jack had chuckled at your nervousness and reassured you that everyone would love you and that you’d do amazing. He had to head in earlier to help with the overflow currently in the pitt.
With a dizzying kiss and ‘I love you’, Jack was out of the door.
—
You make it to ptmc and walk in the sliding doors, heading for the front desk area. An older lady with blonde hair looks up and smiles at you.
“Hey hun, what can I help you with today?”
“I’m a new resident here, today's my first day. I’m supposed to find someone named Dana, I believe” you smile back.
“That's me honey! Come with me and we’ll get your badge. Then I’ll give you a brief tour.”
You nod as you follow her to an office and she gets some things situated for you.
Okay, I think I can do this.
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You find out quickly the pitt is way busier than Westbridge but with people like Dana, you weren't going to drown. Two others had greeted you as you were given the tour, Frank and Samira . They immediately welcomed you and gave you encouraging words for the nearing night shift.
“Alright hun we're gonna go back to the nurses station so you can be there for the handoff from dayshift.” Dana says as she leads you back.
As you both approach the desk area, Jack comes into view, talking with someone. He turns to the side to point at something and then you freeze.
It’s him.
Robby.
Oh please dont tell me that h-
“Sweetheart! C’mere! Want you to meet someone.” Jack waves you over with that heart melting smile.
Shit shit shit.
You plaster an easy smile on and walk over.
He wraps an arm around your waist and turns you towards Michael.
“Baby, this is my best friend Michael Robinavitch. Or Robby. Robby, this is my girlfriend, y/n”
Robby’s eyes go a bit wide as the recognition hits him.
“Dr. Robinavitch, I knew you looked familiar”
You look at him and hope he’ll go along with what you're about to construe.
Jack turns his head to you.
“You guys know each other?”
You lean into his side.
“Yeah I-”
“I saw her a few times at Westbridge during meetings or when we were borrowing equipment.”
Robby interrupts, taking the burden of the little white lie from you.
Jack nods with a chuckle “Wow, small world I guess.”
You force a light laugh with him, Robby too.
—
Handoff is quick and your first shift at ptmc starts.
Jack grabs your hand and pulls you to the side in a nearby hallway.
“You’re gonna do great tonight sweetheart. If you need anything, come get me, Shen or Parker. Anything at all, okay?”
Your face warms at his kind words.
“Of course J, love you.”
He brings your hand up to kiss it
“Love you more. Now go kick ass.” he winks and then he’s gone to command the war that is the night shift.
You watch him go and then move to find your patients for the night when a hand grabs your bicep gently and pulls you back.
Your eyes meet the owner of the hand.
Robby.
He looks around to make sure no one is around.
“Look, I'm sorry about earlier. I had no idea you even started working here, let alone the girl Abbot goes on and on about.” he whispers loud enough for just you to hear.
“No, it's okay. Believe me, I had no idea you worked here. Jack talked about his best friend Michael all the time but I had no idea that was you.”
You drop your head in your hands and sigh.
“Hey,” he says “What we did was years ago. Clearly we’ve been done with each other. So, let's just do a clean slate here and now. I’m assuming Jack has no idea about us.”
You shake your head quickly “No. I don't really divulge about exes or past hookups and also I had no idea you guys were best fucking friends!”
“Okay, okay. Let's just keep it to ourselves then. No need to rehash something from years ago at this point.”
“Yeah, got it.”
He gives you a nod and then leaves without a word.
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A few weeks go by since that day and things run smoothly. You and Robby work well with and around each other as colleagues. Sometimes you see each other outside of work at Jack’s apartment to watch a game or out to eat after a shift, like tonight.
Someone from the pitt invited everyone for food and drinks at the bar down the block. You and Jack both had the night off and decided to go.
You pick a cute black dress from the back of your closet and pair it with a decent pair of heels. Once your hair is styled and some makeup is applied, you go to put some earrings in.
A wolf whistle pierces the air, as Jack’s reflection appears in the mirror behind you.
“Got a hot date or somethin sweetheart?” he grins at you in the mirror.
“Mmm I don't. Know anyone who’d be interested?” you tease, meeting his gaze.
One of his hands finds your waist as the other creeps up your thigh.
His body presses into you and you can feel his excitement press against your ass.
“Oh yeah,” he murmurs as he places gentle kisses down the side of your neck.
You giggle before removing yourself from him.
“Baby we gotta go now or we'll be late. But I promise we’ll continue this later.”
Jack sighs dramatically “You will be the death of me woman.”
“Maybe” you wink as you both make your way out for a fun night.
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When you guys get to the bar, Frank waves you both over from the back corner of the building where everyone else is. You slide into one of the booths, Jack beside you. Then there’s Trinity across from you with Dennis on one side and Robby on her other side.
Food and drinks are ordered and conversation flows between everyone.
As the night goes on, everyone drinks a decent amount. Robby and Shen have had the most drinks and are now definitely drunk.
Frank’s telling a story from earlier in the day when Robby mumbles something.
Jack looks over at him “What Rob?”
“That’s a nice d-dressss” he slurs a bit.
“Buddy,” Jack chuckles, “I don't have a dress.”
“No, no n-not youuu Jackarooo. Her…” he points at you.
You furrow your eyes at the gesture but stay polite since Robby’s clearly drunk.
“Thank you Robby.”
“H-ha! I remember you wore th-that one most n-nights. Crrraaaazy shit.” he slurs
Your body freezes as your heart races.
No, please not here.
A slight frown appears on Jack’s face.
“What do you mean most nights? What about the dress?”
“Maaan wouldn’t YOU like. To know.”
Your breathing gets faster.
“Robby, stop.” you plead
“Had that on a LOT right before I took it off a LOT.” the slurred words mix with his laughs.
You’re on the verge of tears as Robby continues to dig his grave.
Jack stills at the last response.
He turns to you with a look that can only be described as utter hurt. Betrayal even.
“What the fuck is he talking about?” he grits out at you.
“Jack, please I-” you're cut off by Robby’s next round of hidden truths.
“We used to fuck Abbot. Liiiiike sooo long ag-go but yeah, great shit.”
The outburst halts all conversations now.
No one speaks as they all digest the new information.
A tear falls as you go to grab jacks arm “Jack I can ex-”
He jerks himself away from you, mouth slightly open in disbelief.
“Don’t fucking touch me.”
The tears are now falling fast as your heart breaks.
“No, please Jack, it was-”
“I DON’T FUCKING CARE!”
The loud outburst makes you visibly flinch.
He shakes his head as he grabs his coat.
“Find your own fucking way home.” he looks at you “And FUCK YOU Robinavitch” he points to Robby at the last part.
Jack storms off and leaves you behind with the mess Robby just left for you both.
—
Jack slams the door as he enters his apartment.
Tears start to fall as his frustration builds.
How could you do that to him?
You knew Robby more than you let on.
Robby never said anything.
You had slept with him. On multiple occasions.
How long had that gone on?
Were you guys still seeing each other?
These thoughts and many more plagued Jack as he got undressed and into bed.
His phone goes off signaling a text. He looks over at it on his dresser
'𝘑𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦, 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘪𝘯.'
'𝘐 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥'𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘰𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘳. 𝘑𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘪𝘯.'
*3 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘚𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵*
'𝘐 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘑𝘢𝘤𝘬'
He scoffs after reading the texts and grabs his phone, shutting it off.
He struggles to fall asleep but when he does, the one question that lingers is
‘What do I do now?’
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A loud noise stirs Jack from his fitful night of sleep. He rolls over not thinking anything of it.
The noise starts again, now clear it’s someone banging on the door.
He rubs his eyes as he sits up and swings his leg over and puts his prosthesis on.
“Hold the fuck on!” he yells knowing whoever it is probably can’t hear him.
Grumbling as he makes his way to the door, the banging never stops.
He swings it open “What the fuck is y-” he looks up and sees Robby.
He looks like one would imagine after heavily drinking and regretting words he barely remembers.
“Oh fuck off.”
Jack goes to slam the door but Robby grabs it and walks in.
“Please Jack,” he sighs heavily, “ten minutes. Just give me ten minutes and then you never have to see me again outside of the hospital.”
Jack stares at him, anger brewing in his system. But he can't help but give him a small chance.
“Ten minutes.”
Robby lets out a sigh he had clearly been holding in.
“I’m so fucking sorry about last night. I-I shouldn't have said anything. Especially in that setting. It’s not my story to tell completely but long story short yes me and her had a short fling years ago.”
Jack grimaces at the confession.
“Like literally three years ago. I've literally not seen her since the last night we were together. Again, three years ago. Not one text or phone call. Not even social media. Nothing.”
Robby massages his temples as he continues.
“The day you introduced us, we agreed later to not say anything. Not to be secretive but for the fact it happened so long ago and we both clearly moved on and found better things.” he emphasized the word better while gesturing to Jack.
“Brother, I didn't want to hurt you. It’s obvious how much you love her and she loves you. Why shake the foundation over something that's not important anymore? She’s good for you. And remembering who she was back then? You’re the best thing that ever happened to her. Just hear her out.”
He chuckles to himself “She bitched me out this morning. I think Langdon gave her my number. Pretty sure if she sees me in person she's gonna wrap a stethoscope around my neck ‘til I'm purple.”
Jack still hasnt said anything but he’s taking in every word.
Despite everything that went down last night, he loved you more than life itself.
He was still hurt but he didn’t want to be done with you. Maybe he should hear you out.
“Okay.”
Robby raises an eyebrow “Okay and?”
Jack shrugs.
“Okay. I’ll hear her out.”
He nods as he pulls Jack into a hug.
“I’m so sorry Jack,” he whispers “so fucking sorry.”
Jack hesitates but hugs him back tightly.
“We’re okay but don't ever hide something that big from me again.”
Robby nods against his shoulder
“Got it, never again.”
Jack's the first to pull away “Need a ride home?”
“Yeah,” Robby laughs “I kinda felt it would be safer to run with a hangover than drive with one.”
That pulls a small smile from Jack.
“Okay dumbass, let's go.”
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Your dreams nightmares had plagued your mind as you slept. It had taken ages to fall asleep but crying your eyes out until you couldn't feel anything helped a little.
You lay in bed on your side, body and mind numb.
Last night might have been the last time you see Jack. Maybe at work for a day or two and then you’d be gone.
You, in an attempt to not spiral completely, had looked up resident programs as far away from Pennsylvania as possible.
You wouldn't run immediately but you were ready.
You were always ready.
It was your last resort if fighting for the man of your dreams decided he was done with you.
You were ready to fight for him but scared your efforts would be futile.
He didn't answer any of your texts and calls.
Regret swam in your veins.
I should've just told him to begin with.
Then we wouldn't be in this mess.
Or maybe he would've felt the same as last night.
Either way it's my fault.
Your thoughts are then interrupted by a knock at your apartment door.
Robby had texted earlier asking to talk after not being able to reach Jack either.
You screamed at him over the phone before breaking into tears and threatening to kick his ass if he came near you.
You pick up the bat beside your bed ready to scare some sense into him.
“Look Robby, I already told you I’d knock your fucking head off if you-”
Your words die as the door opens to reveal Jack.
“That how you greet people at the door sweetheart?”
You lean the bat against the wall and shrug “No.”
He stands there with his hands in his pockets.
“Can I come in?”
Nodding, you open the door wider so he can come in.
“Robby came by. Told me a good amount. Now I want to hear it from you. The truth, please.” he pleads at the end.
You nod and wipe the tears from your eyes as you lean against the kitchen counter.
“When I first moved here, I was alone. No family, friends, nothing. I was an intern at Westbridge. Basically once I met Robby there, We stayed in touch for maybe a year? But solely for hookups. No feelings, no emotion. Just simply letting off steam and occasionally a drinking buddy.”
You drop your head in your hands.
“I don't even know why but at some point I was done with it. No hard feelings, just done. Then two years later I met you.”
A small smile appears on your face at the memory.
“You changed everything for me. I didn't feel so…lost. So empty. But um, yeah, I honest to god had no idea where Robby worked. I knew he was a doctor but never knew where. Didn't really care honestly. So when I saw him right before you introduced us I panicked.”
Jack shifts his stance “Why didn't you tell me then?”
A sigh leaves your mouth
“We both felt it was rehashing something that would only hurt you. Neither of us wanted that so we agreed to just start a clean slate and live life. I didn't mean to hurt you Jack, you have to believe me.”
Tears start falling again “I love you so much Jack. I’m sorry I hid it from you. I really thought I was protecting you from the past because you're my future now. At least I hope you still are…”
Jack had already decided he wasn't going anywhere. He just wanted to give you an opportunity to tell your side since he refused you last night.
“Of course sweetheart.” he smiles
“ I’ll be honest I was hurt but I can see why you did what you did. I love you more than anything and I want you in my future too. But promise me that from now on, we’ll talk about things. Even if we think it's bad or scary, we talk about it.”
You nod your head fast “Yeah, yeah I can do that.”
He walks over to you and engulfs you in a big and comforting hug.
You tuck your face into his neck.
“I love you sweetheart” he whispers against the side of your head
“ I love you so damn much. You changed everything for me too.”