Hey everyone. Sorry about the lack of updates lately. School started back up and my boyfriend has been a bit more demanding for my time. I try to explain about Jack and well (smiles) it doesn't go over so well. LOL. Anyway, this is chapter six, there's gonna be a total of 10. I thought that a great place to stop. I will also be changing starting NEXT chapter the rating from T to M(mature) for a rise in language and sexual content. You have been warned and told and all that jazz. So here is Six, enjoy and I will update you shortly!

Chapter Six

"I hear the Mercer kid is up and kicking."

Natalie grabbed a small travel size container of milk from the cafeteria freezer. "He has a cranky little attitude at the moment but that's expected. The medication is wearing off and he's not asleep now to no longer notice it."

Dr. Shevitz from the seventh floor nodded and retrieved a small container of orange juice for herself. "Dr. Stewart informs me you're the only RN now on the sixth floor. That's quite an accomplishment considering you're the only one assigned to Mercer."

Natalie frowned. "I wasn't aware of that."

"I thought surely you would be informed by now. Eighth floor had not only a bit of a fire problem today but an escapee from their psychiatric center as well. Dr. Stewart had to relocate several of the nurses on each floor there to help." Dr. Shevitz gazed at Natalie with sympathetic eyes. "Your floor only has Diane, Melissa on the phone, Richard and Reba now."

"I have on average a minimum of seven patients every two hours. Four of those are already in house patients."

"I know, I heard!" Dr. Shevitz shook her head. "Hence me thinking you already knew!"

She cleared her throat and shot the doctor a small smile. "If you'll excuse me Dr. Shevitz, I need to return to my floor."

"Of course dear."

Natalie paid quickly, making her way towards the elevators with her head up and was back on her floor before she had time to recollect herself. She brushed at her face with the sleeve of her scrubs, stepping off the elevator and instantly she collided with the person standing there.

"I'm sorry I…"

"…Was too busy crying to notice me standing here?"

Natalie's head shot up, eyes landing on Bobby. "Oh, hi Bobby."

He eyed her closely, eyebrows furrowed. "Why are you crying?"

She motioned him out of the way of the elevator, smiling at a passing doctor and brushed a final time at her face. "No reason."

"Don't lie." Bobby stretched his arm out to place his hand on the wall. It wasn't that he was trapping her in completely but his large frame made it impossible for her to step around him without touching him. "I don't like seeing ladies cry, tell me what's wrong."

"I've just had a hard day okay?" Natalie shrugged. "They keep throwing all this shit on top of me because I never can say no." She grumbled as she clutched the food tray in her hands. "I mean, this hospital is my life and I love it but I realized it's literally become my life." She met his gaze. "My day off with you was the first time I had a nice lunch with someone not working here or one by myself."

"You're wearing yourself out sweetheart." Bobby reached over to stroke her cheek. "What do you say you let me take you out to dinner?"

"Nurse Hamilton?"

She jolted away from his touch and the wall, eyes wide as she spotted Dr. Stewart behind them. "Yes Doctor?"

"Everything okay?"

Natalie blushed as she jerked strands of hair behind her ears. "Yes, perfectly alright. I was just about to deliver some food to Mr. Mercer."

"Alright then." He eyed Bobby but nodded. "I'll leave you to it." Dr. Stewart checked his watch. "I'm sure you're aware of the low staff problem but I want you to take off early. You've been here too long."

"Dr. Stewart, I can…"

"I mean it." He glanced towards Bobby. "Make sure she heeds my command."

Bobby nodded with a grin. "Yes sir."

Dr. Stewart disappeared into the hallway and Natalie jerked her gaze over at Bobby to find him still grinning.

"I'm glad you find it funny."

"I didn't say it was funny. It's more like perfect timing."

"Dinner doesn't happen at eight in the morning Bobby."

"No but breakfast does."

She shook her head, unable to fight the smile that appeared as she approached Jack's room, Bobby following close behind. "Your brother is beyond cranky." She paused with her hand on the doorknob. "Is he usually that way?"

"The fairy? Cranky?" Bobby shook his head. "Nah, he's usually just drunk or gay."

Natalie chuckled and they entered the room, finding Jack still sitting up, his arms crossed like she had left him. He glanced between the two of them.

"You guys go to Egypt to get my food or something?"

Bobby chuckled shutting the door. "Do you even know where Egypt is Jackie-Poo?"

"Up your ass," Jack pointed down with his middle finger, "And around the corner," He twisted it bringing his finger up birdie style. "See?"

Natalie glanced at Bobby with a funny look. "See what I mean? Cranky!"

"Hey! You try sitting nowhere but in this bed, have men wipe your ass for you and eat shitty food for hundred days straight and see how you like it. I bet you'd be cranky too."

"You've been here for four days now Jack." Natalie moved forward propping the legs up on the tray and setting it over his lap.

"That's right Jackie." Bobby chuckled. "Four, not a hundred, way to count."

Jack glanced down at his plate, eyes narrowing at the sight of the salad with light ranch, the triangular shape cut turkey sandwich, the apple set to the side, and the container of milk. "Was this all they had?"

"Yeah." Bobby glared. "It was all you could afford at the free table."

"If you don't want it…"

He must have heard the hurt in her voice. Jack's eyes snapped up to connect with hers. He shook his head quickly scooting the tray closer towards his chest. "No, no, this is great, thank you."

Natalie nodded taking a step away. "If there's anything else you need, don't hesitate to hit your call button. We're a little stretched thin on staff but I'll try to get here as quickly as I can."

"Yeah, uh, thanks again."

Satisfied, she moved past Bobby to go back into the hallway, pausing just outside the door when he caught up with her, grabbing her elbow.

"I meant what I said about taking you out for breakfast. I'll be waiting when you get off."

Natalie opened her mouth to protest but she shut it just as quick before nodding.

"Great." Bobby smiled. "See you then."

Her eyes went past him to see Jack watching the two of them curiously. As soon as he saw he had been caught, he whipped his gaze back down at his plate.

"Okay Bobby." Natalie moved into the hallway. "See you at eight."

&&&&&&&&&&&

Natalie buttoned her jacket across her chest, shoving her hands into the pockets, and she turned towards the entrance of the hospital at hearing the doors slide open.

Bobby made his way up to her, fixing leather gloves onto his hands and he adjusted the black beanie on his head. He smiled as he stopped beside her. "Ready?"

"Sure." Natalie shrugged. "Where are you taking me?"

"You like breakfast don't you, I thought we'd hit up IHOP."

She hesitated as her stomach rumbled loudly and blushed. "It sounds perfect."

The drive to the nearest one was only fifteen minutes away from the hospital and Natalie glanced around as they sat down at a nonsmoking table near the back.

She smiled taking a menu and the petite blonde informed them she'd return soon to take their orders. Natalie nodded as the waitress left, drawing her attention down to the pictures and information on the menu. She was aware Bobby had yet to open his menu and had settled back in the chair watching her.

Natalie sat down her menu. "Something on your mind Bobby?"

He chuckled. "I just can't help but think of how lucky I am." Bobby shook his head. "Ma used to tell me everything happens for a reason but the day Jack almost died… I thought I didn't believe that anymore." He cleared his throat. "But then Jack starting fighting back, started getting better, and then you showed up."

"Bobby…"

"Let me finish alright?" She nodded and he continued. "Then you showed up and immediately Jack got even better. Now he's awake and talking to us. In a way he's the same old Jack but … I can see there's a part of him that's different." Bobby fiddled with his fork. "I can see it when he looks at you."

"I don't know what you mean."

"I know." Bobby nodded. "You don't see it but I do. You should have heard Jack talking when he first woke up. He thought you were some voice in his head telling him to come back. I think a part of him believed you wanted him to come back for you. I'm puzzled as to why he would think that."

She shifted in her seat but kept her eyes on him. "I was in the room with him when he woke up, just like Dr. Stewart told you. I was talking to him and he just happened to be on a level of subconscious where he could hear me."

"Fine. I believe that, but why would he fight so hard just because of that? What'd you say to him?"

"I… I just talked to him, you know? Just a normal conversation and I held his hand, like I usually do with patients." Natalie shrugged. "I remember telling him he needed to come back, that you were all worried about him, and that it was time to come back to me. I didn't say…" She bit at her bottom lip as Bobby nodded.

"I think Jack took that on some level just a little more personal than it really is."

"Of course he must have, I don't even know him really."

"Can I ask you something personal then?"

Natalie nodded sitting back. "Sure I guess, go ahead."

"Are you attracted to my brother at all?"

"What kind of question is that Bobby?" She asked wide-eyed. "Your brother has been in the hospital weak and vulnerable for days, and you're trying to hook him up?"

"No." Bobby leaned forward. "I'm asking because I didn't want to get in the way if you thought you liked him even the slightest bit. Jackie-Boy has a way of tricking women by looking cute and helpless all the time. He hasn't mastered the whole manly thing yet."

"Are you saying you want to date me? Is that what this is about?"

Bobby chuckled. "Well, since you cut to the chase, yeah. That's what I'm saying."

Her reply was cut off as the waitress returned and Natalie focused her attention back on her menu with shaky hands. They ordered, sitting in silence until the food arrived, then began to eat, Bobby glancing every now and then at Natalie as she concentrated completely on her food.

She didn't fully focus back on him until they were finished, Natalie wiping at her mouth with her napkin. She cleared her throat. "I don't think that's such a good idea Bobby."

He was obviously unhappy with her answer, frowning as his eyebrows furrowed. "And why not?"

"The hospital has strict policies against…"

"This has nothing to do with the hospital Natalie. For once, separate yourself from what the hospital wants. This is about me asking to date you, the woman, not the nurse."

She toyed with her napkin, keeping her eyes level with his. "I just don't think I'm ready for a relationship Bobby. I mean, I'm at the hospital all the time, they depend on me and even though it sometimes stresses me out, it's my life. It's all I've ever had that made me feel like I was important and useful around here. That's the only side of me you've ever seen Bobby because there is no other me, that's all there is."

"Give me a chance and I'll show you that you're wrong."

Natalie cursed under her breath as she felt her hands shaking. "I… I'm scared Bobby."

"I know." He dug for his wallet, throwing a large bill on the table, and stood up. "Come on, let's go."

Without a sound she buttoned her coat, throwing the waitress a small smile and a thank you, and followed Bobby out to his car. The ride back to the hospital was made in silence and Bobby was quiet as he pulled into the parking garage beside her white 96 two-door Honda.

"Thanks for breakfast Bobby." Natalie didn't meet his eyes and climbed from the passenger side of the car, shutting the door as quickly as she could while she retrieved her keys.

She turned at hearing Bobby's door open and shut, fully facing the direction of his car in time to see him come from around the back bumper towards her. "Is everything al-"

Bobby cupped her face with both of his hands gently, careful to still give her space to step back. "We're all scared to some extent Natalie. Me, I was afraid you'd automatically say no but you didn't. You fought with saying yes and that gave me hope that maybe somewhere inside you wanted to agree."

"Bobby-"

"And that's a good enough answer for me." He captured her mouth in a strong kiss, not tightening his grip on her face and Natalie stiffened against him. Bobby slowed his lips, kissing her sweetly and her eyes fluttered closed, hand dropping her keys unnoticed at her feet as she allowed herself to grip the front of his jacket.

Bobby broke the kiss, licking his lips and he smiled at the dazed expression on Natalie's face. She was still clutching at his jacket, eyelids opening so he could see the swirl of emotions in her dark eyes. He opened his mouth to say something when a car alarm went off somewhere in the garage and Natalie jumped, stepping away from him.

"I'm sorry, I … I shouldn't of…" Natalie rubbed at her forehead. "You kissed me."

"You kissed me back." Bobby shoved his hands into the pockets of his jacket. "I'd like to kiss you again."

Natalie's eyes went to his again. The moments seemed to tick by and he was surprised when she slowly nodded, the daze still obvious in her eyes.

"I'd like that."

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Two Months Later –

"Bobby! Stop!" Natalie stepped away wagging her finger at the older Mercer. "I'm on the clock," She hissed looking around, "And people will see you."

"See me do what? This?" He reached out for her again, pulling her close to tightly hug her and he grinned as she giggled, trying harmlessly to shove him away.

"I mean it Bobby!" Natalie laughed. "Let go!"

"When you guys are done… whatever it is that's called, I'd like to get out of here."

She pushed Bobby away ignoring his wide grin and blushed, shoving her hair behind her ears as she nodded at Jack. "I'm sorry Jack. Yes, you must be past ready."

He stood in the doorway of his room, nodding and readjusted the grip on the bag in his hand. "More than ready, like a month past ready." Jack huffed. "I'm ready to get home."

He was surprised when she threw her arms around his neck. Jack shot Bobby a look, who just grinned, and he allowed his free arm to hug her back but without much pressure.

"I'm gonna miss seeing you everyday." Natalie squeezed his neck and stepped back. "It won't be the same without hearing your complaints about taking your medication or the snide remarks about how much you hate the food."

"Nonsense." Bobby snorted. "You'll be at the house almost as much as him Nat. You'll have a lot of time to hear him complain about his meds or Sofi's cooking."

She blushed as she remembered it had been two nights since she had gone home, her bag of things still in Bobby's room. Since the day he had kissed her, Bobby had hardly left her alone, asking her on tons of dates and showing up at all hours at the hospital. Eventually she had started hanging out with him and his family at their house, and it had progressed to her staying a random night or two from time to time. They hadn't slept together, not that Bobby hadn't tried, but he had always been respectful of her, never pushing, and they had shared only the sheets so far, not each other.

Natalie cleared her throat. "Yes, well, not all the time."

Bobby chuckled giving her a knowing look then motioned at Jack. "Come on Cracker Jack. Time to get you home." He leaned over to press a kiss on her cheek, ignoring her protests as Melissa shouted something at the nurses' station. "I'll pick you up when you get off tonight."

"Okay. Jack, don't forget to schedule an appointment for your first therapy session before you leave."

He nodded not looking at her. "Fine."

"And take your meds on time, every day, as directed." Natalie bit at her lower lip. "And don't hesitate to call me if you need anything, like… you know, hospital wise." She shrugged. "Or if you just need to talk."

His head lifted, the watchful eyes catching her own and Jack cleared his throat as he slung his bag strap onto his left shoulder. "I will Natalie."

"Good." She moved forward to hug him again and this time he wrapped both arms around her before pulling away.

"Now, go home and drive a safe speed." Natalie poked Bobby in the stomach. "I don't want to see this boy in my OR ever again."

"You got it." Bobby dug out his car keys with a nod. "Let's go Fairy."

She waved as they entered the elevator, Bobby leaning to press the garage floor button. Bobby raised his hand just as the doors shut, Jack remaining still beside him.

Natalie sighed turning back to the desk. She ignored Melissa's wide grin and opened the file with her name on it. "Stop staring at me like that."

Melissa leaned back in her chair motioning with wiggling fingers at Nurse Cook. "You owe me money."

Natalie raised her eyebrows watching with curious eyes. "Why does she?"

"Cause it took Mercer only two months to woo you instead of three like she bet."

"You took bets?"

"How could I not?" Melissa laughed. "It was impossible not to, especially with all the 'he's not my boyfriend' speeches you gave every time I saw you. Admit it, that man had your number since day one."

"Whatever." Natalie rolled her eyes but couldn't help the smile that appeared right as she focused back down at the folder contents.

Melissa chuckled accepting the forty dollars from a cursing Nurse Cook. "So, is he a considerate lover or Tarzan between the sheets?" She wiggled her eyebrows as she waved the money in front of her nose. "Wait, he's both. Right?"

She felt her face flame red, refusing to look back up at Melissa and bit at her lip. "I wouldn't know."

"Two months and you don't know!"

She looked up to see Melissa and Cook staring at her. "No, okay? I haven't slept with him."

Melissa rolled her eyes and immediately handed the money back to Cook who chuckled in victory. "Damn it!"