Rating: PG13
Summary: An anthology of short stories about Perry Cox's life.

Perry Cox
PenPatronus

Chapter Two: A Falling Idol's Plunge

Summary: Jordan finds Perry after he lost the three transplant patients in the episode "My Lunch."

Jordan Sullivan enjoyed the clicking sound her high heels made. It was odd that a sound could be sexy and intimidating and powerful, but she managed it on tile, on cement, on the sticky floor at the bar, and even in her apartment even though the rhythm was interrupted by the toys she had to step over and around. And sometimes those heels had to step over and around a beeping pager, broken stethoscope, and a ripped white lab jacket. Jordan took a deep breath and activated the answering machine while she clicked her way towards the master bedroom.

"Perry, what the hell do you think you're doing leaving your shift early?" Bob Kelso. Shit. "Get your ass back here, now!"

"Dr. Cox…this is Ted Buckland, you know, from the hospital? You know who I am, right? I'm bald…you know, I'm that bald guy, Ted, from work…"

The bedroom door was closed, but not locked. Jordan pushed on it, and slowly let the potent light in.

"…discuss those three patients that died today. The families have some questions for you. Call me. This is Ted, Ted from work."

The clicking sound was hardly appropriate for the scene she found. Jordan removed her heels and tiptoed over and around a half-dozen empty beer bottles. Perry Cox was laying on his back in their bed, staring at the ceiling. Jordan took a bottle off his stomach and placed it on the bedside table.

"Perry, it's me: Carla. I'm just calling to check on you. JD talked to me and…Look, just call me, all right? I—we're all worried about you. Just call and let me know you're ok. Ok?"

Before she got under the covers with him, Jordan unbuttoned her blouse, hoping that might help a little. Sometimes that was all she could do. Perry didn't stir, only blinked when she nuzzled her face against his bearded cheek, ran one hand through his curls and the other down his chest. Jordan's brain whirled around itself, searching for what to say, desperate for the right thing to say. She knew how the transplant patients in the ICU had been going sour…Perry wouldn't have left Sacred Heart if something hadn't gone horribly wrong.

What was always right to say, in any situation and at any time (as long as she meant it) was "I love you, Perry Cox." She whispered it into his ear over and over until he blinked and a tear slid from his cheek to land on hers. He twisted in her embrace then, suddenly and almost violently, re-positioning his body until it completely intertwined with hers: legs and arms wrapped around legs and arms and his face between her breasts. Perry yanked the pillows up over their heads and made them into a cocoon. He was trembling.

"Stay with me?" Cox whispered. His voice was hoarse and full of alcohol. "Jordan…Stay with me?"

She answered with a kiss.