Private Practice, by potionsmaster

Rating: T for language and insinuations

Summary: AWK-warrrrddddd…..

A/N: Their misery is my lifeblood. Also. I held off posting this chapter to see if someone, anyone would give feedback. All I got was crickets. So, uh...thanks? I'll finish posting this one. It's already finished. But I'm really hard pressed to think of why I should keep sharing if nobody wants to share with me. Even if it's just a smiley or frowny face.


Chapter 9: Breakfast at Shepard's

Shepard groaned when the alarm rang in the morning; he was really comfortable and didn't want to move. A heavy arm tightened around his stomach and his eyes snapped open. Memories of the night before came flooding back. Clothes tossed carelessly to the ground, the breathy moans and panting from his dark-eyed companion, the smooth skin under his hands...his ears flushed as he tensed up, fighting his arousal at the mental images.

"...five more minutes," came the sleep-deepened growl behind him, "I don't want to get up just yet."

The sheets rustled as the other man shifted, snugly tucking himself behind Shepard. He ground himself against Shepard's backside, sliding his morning erection against him with a hum of contentment. Clearly, he had no reservations about what they had done. Shepard tapped his arm gently, squirming out from under it. Kaidan sighed deeply as he moved his arm and rolled onto his stomach. The alarm's shriek intensified. Shepard slapped blindly at it while struggling to sit up. The sudden silence was almost as deafening as the alarm itself after he managed to shut it off, swinging his legs over the side of the bed with a groan.

"I wish," he mumbled, "But I have work at 8. My supervisor's a real stickler for being there when the clock rolls over."

"So call in sick," came the muffled response through his pillow. Shepard pursed his lips and hauled himself out of bed as he threw on his boxers from the night before, stealing a glance at the muscular body in his bed. The blush came back full force as images of that body coming while riding him last night flitted through his thoughts. He busied himself by gathering his work clothes.

"Can't. Need the job too much. Besides, I kinda like it. Uh, you can stay here as long as you like, though...Just lock the door when you leave."

"I'll write you a doctor's excuse. 'Dear hard-ass supervisor. Please excuse Shepard from his absence today, as he is probably sore from rocking my world last night. Signed, Kaidan."

He rolled over and sat up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. The sheets pulled fetchingly across his lap. Shepard paused in getting dressed, glancing over at the other man. He received a soft smile as Kaidan cocked his head to the side and ruffled the back of his own hair.

"Sorry...I crack stupid jokes when I'm nervous. I just...I really like you, Shepard. I hope this is the start of something good. For both of us."

They stared at each other for a moment, then Kaidan looked down, drawing the sheets closer to him and pinching his lips together. Shepard exhaled softly, then sat on the edge of the bed.

"I'll be out of your hair by the time you leave for work. I – hmm?"

Shepard interrupted him with a peck on the lips, then touched their foreheads together, sliding his hand along the back of his neck.

"It's fine, Kaidan. Not necessary. I wasn't lying when I said you could stay as long as you wanted. Don't you have work, though?"

Kaidan's dark eyes were guarded as he pulled back.

"I don't have to go in today until mid-morning. Perks of being able to set my own hours, relatively."

Another soft kiss silenced him, this one a lasting a little longer.

"I'm not the most talkative in the mornings, so I'm sorry for acting like a mute...I like you, too, Kaidan. A lot. Definitely wouldn't be opposed if this happened more often."

The other man dragged himself to the edge of the bed and bent over to pick up his own clothes from the floor. Shepard stood up again with a sigh.

"At least let me make you some coffee before you leave. I make a pretty mean cup." He smiled at Shepard while he tugged his underwear up and left his jeans unbuttoned, twisting his torso to stretch.

"Deal. Help yourself to whatever you want in the fridge or cupboards. I think there's cereal and milk, or some eggs if you're feeling adventurous."

Kaidan watched him button his shirt and tuck the tails into his pants.

"I can make you something to go, if you're in a rush. Kinda weird that they make you dress up for working in a call center. Not like anybody's going to see you."

Shepard chuckled at that, sliding his belt though the loops on his pants.

"Naw, that's alright. I don't eat breakfast." That was met with a scowl. "And my supervisor likes to remind us periodically that even if we're not seen, we are still professionals. Guess that means we have to look like that in case the higher-ups come through and see us."

Kaidan scoffed, then said, "Sounds harsh. But back to more crucial things: breakfast. It's the most important meal, you know...sets your appetite and metabolism up for the rest of the day. Not even a piece of toast with peanut butter? And half a banana?"

The hamster chittered in his cage as Shepard handed Kaidan his shirt. Their fingers brushed, which made Kaidan's ears flush.

"If you insist, but I'm fine with just the coffee. Really," Shepard smiled at him. Kaidan rolled his eyes as he put his shirt on.

"Don't be stubborn. Let me impress you. Oh, dammit..."

"What?"

"I hate to ask, but...do you have a shirt I could borrow? This one still smells like beer."

Shepard quirked an eyebrow.

"I guess...help yourself to whatever's in the closet, really, though there's nothing really fancy. You're not going home first?"

"No; no sense backtracking. Office is closer than my house, and I keep a toiletry kit in my desk for things like this. I can get there a little early and nobody's the wiser."

The eyebrow raised higher and Shepard glanced to the side, scrubbing a hand over his buzzed hair.

"Shit, that sounded bad!" Kaidan groaned, hiding his eyes behind a hand and cheeks flaming again. "I'm sorry! Sometimes I have late nights or really ridiculously early calls in the morning, and I need a way to 'refresh' myself. I don't, uh...don't usually just fall into bed with someone..." He dropped his hand and fidgeted with his shirt. "Believe me. I wouldn't have done this if I didn't think we had something. You're the first in years."

Shepard met his eyes, searching his face. The other man looked distraught. He moved closer, chucking a finger against his chin.

"That's good to hear, I guess. I don't like being a notch in someone's belt."

"I think the last time was...Rahna? Way back in –"

"You don't have to explain yourself to me. Tell me later if you feel like you have to. You're cute when you're flustered, you know that?

A quiet laugh huffed in response. Kaidan rolled his lips inward and shook his head, glancing away before shyly catching Shepard's gaze again.

"I do now. Though I think we're running out of time if I'm going to make you breakfast."

Shepard kissed him softly, then made his way to the kitchen. Kaidan followed, pulling his socks on.

"It's alright, really. You don't have to."

"But I want to." He washed his hands in the kitchen sink, then started punching buttons on the single-serve machine. Shepard cocked his head to the side.

"Yeah, but why? I'm not used to having someone fuss at me this much over breakfast."

Kaidan smiled at him over his shoulder and pulled out the loaf of wheat bread he found in the cupboard. Shepard pulled out his toaster and set it up on the small counter top.

"I like taking care of people. Always have."

"Still not used to it," he retorted, getting a couple of mugs from the cabinet and turning to face the other man.

"Maybe we can change that," Kaidan said warmly. He took the mugs from Shepard's hands and put one under the brewer. Shepard rolled his eyes.

"Fully-functioning human being, Kaidan. Isn't that what you said to me the other night?"

"Yeah, but still. Let me do it. Makes me feel less awkward. Got any travel mugs? You can take it with you and I'll clean up, then go."

Shepard gestured to the cabinet above the fridge, admiring the view as Kaidan stretched to reach it.

"I think I have two, so if you wanted to bring your own coffee, go ahead. I'm sure I'll get it back at some point."

Kaidan smiled shyly at him and popped the lid on the insulated cup, handing it to him. Their fingers brushed again and the heat rose in his cheeks once more.

"I would say that's a good possibility. Especially if you give me your phone number so I can call you and drop by instead of chance-meeting at the bar. Got a pen and paper?"

He busied himself with packing a couple of pieces of peanut butter toast with banana slices in a baggie for Shepard, listening to a drawer being opened and rummaged through, and trying to keep an eye on the clock. He had no idea how far Shepard's work was from the apartment, but he definitely didn't want to make him late for it. A shadow fell across the counter and he felt a presence at his back. Kaidan turned to find Shepard standing inches away from him, folded paper held up and a soft smile on his lips.

"Ahh. Thank you!" he said, tucking it into his pocket. "If I could borrow the pen, I'll give you mine."

Shepard's smile broadened and he handed the pen and paper over silently, not moving. Kaidan huffed a laugh and pressed the paper against his chest, writing his cell number as well as he could. The blue-eyed man pulled it away when Kaidan was done and pressed their lips together, closing the distance between them. Kaidan hummed against him, not wanting it to stop.

"Sure you can't call in and we can make a day of it?"

"I'm pretty sure. My supervisor wouldn't like it. Oh, and by the way?"

"Hmm?"

"My name is John."

They kissed one last time and John left, the door closing with a small click. Kaidan looked down at his jeans ruefully. Thank goodness he had a spare pair of slacks and scrubs at the office.


Kaidan 07:53: Ha! Now I can actually text you. Have a good day, John :)

Shepard 07:54: You too, K

Kaidan 07:54: You're not driving, are you? Tell me you're not!

Shepard 07:55: Ok, I'm not. :P

Kaidan 07:56: Srsly...not funny

Shepard 07:57: 'Srsly'...I'm not. i got to work ok and am about to clock in

Shepard 08:21: you find a shirt, btw?

Kaidan 08:21: Yeah...and I refilled Boo's water bottle for you, too. It was a little low

Shepard 08:34: you didn't have to do that, but thank you.

Kaidan 08:35: well, you didn't have to let me stay the night, either, but I'm glad you did ;)

Shepard 08:37: heh. me too

Kaidan 08:38: def need to do it again sometime. like over a weekend or something, so neither of us has to rush off in the morning

Shepard 08:49: sounds like a plan

Shepard 08:49: so….what shirt did you wind up taking?

Kaidan 09:12: sry, was driving.

Kaidan 09:13: blue. :) reminds me of you.

Shepard 09:17: ….

Kaidan 09:18: Your eyes, I mean.

Kaidan 09:26: ok, that sounded way better in my head

Shepard 09:28: no, it's fine. I had to answer a call

Shepard 09:31: and now I'm letting this woman drone on and on about her daughter not helping her around the house and how she needs to have someone do it because she can't

Kaidan 09:47: Eesh. souns...thrilling.

Kaidan 09:47: *sounds

Kaidan 09:48: Hey, I just got settled at the office. I might not be able to respond as fast, but I will def talk to you at lunch :)

Shepard 09:52: you bet :)


"Oh, honey, you're such a good listener. Tell your boss you deserve more money!" the woman on the phone said after finally getting to the point of her call. Shepard chuckled as he copied the pharmacy information into the note and added that she had questions regarding the medications she was refilling, would the nurse please call the patient at the following number. He could practically hear Jack rolling her eyes at the request.

"I can try, but I don't think they'll go for it," he joked back, checking his cell again for another text. Nothing yet. "Is there anything else I can help you with today?"

"Yeah, honey, could you tell me when my doctor has an opening? Now that I got rid of one knee problem, of course the other one wants to flare up."

Shepard pulled up her account again and opened Dr. Alenko's schedule, scrolling through the days to find the next available appointment. If he didn't find anything within the next three weeks, he would have to ask Jack for a work-in.

"Looks like...the next available spot is…." he trailed off, going back through the current month again. "Not until mid-April. If you're comfortable waiting that long, I can set the appointment, then put you on his waiting list. We can call you if something pops open sooner and if nothing does, then you're on his schedule regardless."

The lady clucked her tongue, then Shepard heard paper shuffling.

"That's a bit far away...is there anyway I could get in either today or next Friday? It's really killing me."

He pursed his lips, scrolling through the schedule again.

"I'll have to check with his nurse, see if we can do a work-in. I might be able to put you on next Friday as the first appointment; he never starts until mid-morning, anyways." A flit of nerves went through him as he remembered the conversation from this morning. 'Him and Kaidan, apparently,' he thought, 'Must be nice.' He looked up what extension Jack was at: pod 8 again. "Do you mind if I put you on hold for a minute? See if I can get ahold of the nurse?"

"Not at all, honey, you do what you need to to get my appointment."

"Ok, it'll be just a moment…" he punched the hold button and checked his phone once more. Nothing. Kaidan must've been wrapped up with something, just like he said he would. He punched the nurse's station at pod 8. "Jack?"


"I need details."

"No, you don't." Kaidan rolled his eyes, trying to ignore his nurse. He tucked his phone in his pocket, keeping the text log between him and Shepard open.

"Aww, c'mon, Doc! You never show up this early in a weird shirt and jeans. Plus, you used the toothpaste you keep in your desk. Sounds like the walk of shame to me," Jack needled him gleefully.

"It can sound like whatever you want it to, I'm still not telling you anything."

She scowled, shooting him a dirty look.

"You're no fun."

"Yep, a real stick-in-the-mud. Where's my chart?"

"Ash, help me out!" she called out down the corridor, shoving a clipboard across the desk at him. The nurse practitioner raised her eyebrows and didn't take her focus off her paperwork, dark hair glistening in its tight bun as she shook her head.

"I've been trying to get stuff about his personal life out of him ever since he hired me. Good luck."

"Jack?"

A pen got chucked at the phone. Kaidan glanced at the display: IC from John. He felt a rush of warmth go through him as he thought of Shepard.

"No hablas Español, pendejo."

"Uh-huh, me either. Can I do a work-in?"

She heaved a gusty sigh and pulled up the schedule on her computer.

"Depends. When're you thinking and who's it for?"

"Next Friday, 9:50am. Chart #461823...I think she's looking for a cortisone injection."

Jack chewed her bottom lip, looking over the previous office notes. Kaidan pulled his cellphone out, glancing at it. No new texts. He briefly thought about sending one that said, "I miss you," but decided against it at the moment.

"Uuuummm, no injection. She just got one a month ago. Has to be every 90 days."

Kaidan quirked an eyebrow at her and peered at the account over her shoulder.

"Ask if she wants to discuss a partial replacement," he mouthed at Jack; any time John called down and he responded, the other man seemed to freeze and get nervous. Samara must have drilled it into the schedulers that they shouldn't talk to doctors no matter what. He received another exasperated eye-roll.

"Doc says to ask if she's interested in surgery or not."

"Hey, Dr. A. If you wanted to talk to her about it, I'm sure she'd be open to the idea. She might talk your ear off about how she won't get any help during recovery, though. Seems to be the theme of the morning."

"Oh, I'm sure. Say, you sound bright today. Finally settling in up there?"

"Yeah, I guess. Thanks for asking, sir."

Kaidan looked at his cell phone's locked screen again, brow furrowed. The patient's complaint seemed familiar.

"So it's ok if I use one of the Nurse Only slots?"

"Do it up, buttercup. I'll make sure Doc's butt is in the room with her at the right time."

"Heh...thanks, Jack. I appreciate it."

"You used up all your favors today. Don't ask me for anything else."

The intercom when dead. Kaidan shook his head, concentrating on the chart on his clipboard in front of him again. He mocked himself for trying to relate everything back to Shepard today; he must be more smitten than he thought.

"Play nice, Jack. And leave my butt out of it."

"Yes, Dad," she quipped.