A/N: As I was writing this I realized that I've come to an impasse. I had only gotten gripped by the throat to get these two to the hospital with Noah and redo what I thought was a waste of good scrubs angst. Never fear, I would never leave Scrubs love hanging in the balance, but updates are going to slow down (9 parts in 3 nights!) now as we catch up to the show and I decide if I even want to go the way they are (Robin is not a flockin' surgeon, things like that irritate me). Feedback inspires me ;-)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
If You're Not the One - 9
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
'Cause I miss you, body and soul so strong that it takes my breath away
And I breathe you into my heart and pray for the strength to stand today
'Cause I love you, whether it's wrong or right
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

She was in love with Patrick Drake. She was stunned by the realization, staggered by the implications and terrified she'd end up in pieces on the floor all alone before this all played out. As far as she knew nothing had changed since the night before, except Patrick being willing to put her above Carly. It wasn't like he could suddenly decide he was grown up and in love and willing to be monogamous.

Was it?

"Robin, what's wrong?" Patrick asked worriedly, hurrying over at the sight of Robin standing looking stricken outside Noah's room. "Is my father…worse? Or just drunk?"

Robin turned to face him, wondering what the hell she was supposed to do now. There was nothing else to do but address the matter at hand. "Patrick, Noah's cirrhosis has reached end stage."

"Great, so he goes out on a bender, go out with a bang," Patrick said scornfully, pushing his lab coat back and put his hands on his hips. When he got to the hospital, he ditched the sweaty suit and put on blue scrubs.

"He was sober. He checked himself into the clinic so that he wouldn't drink."

"I've been dealing with him for years, don't be naïve."

"It's in his chart. You can see it for yourself. He was tested."

"Fine. I will." But he didn't move, reluctant to go and see his father and still waiting for Robin to say something about his walking out on her at his father's apartment.

She just stood looking at him expectantly, but he could see there was something else on her mind. He assumed it was her disappointment in him. He didn't know it was the shock of realizing that she was in love with him. Which, all in all, was a good thing because he wouldn't know what to do with that knowledge at that moment in time.

"I should have left you to…"

"Patrick's it's not necessary." She was telling the truth, she wasn't just in a rush to leave his presence before she lost her composure. She walked closer to him, wanting to keep the conversation quiet. "I can see you're going through a lot here, I'm don't mind picking up the slack. I care about Noah, too."

"Well, you are president of his fan club." Humor was a tried and true crutch when he didn't know what else to say.

"Well." While he contemplated why she was so generous to him, Robin turned and looked at the door, her frustration and anger at the man swept back through her. "I was."

"So much for his charm," Patrick joked. "I take it he's still refusing treatment."

"You need to get through to him."

Patrick scratched his head and looked at the door like he could see through it.

"I'll be here."

Patrick turned and looked back at her. She had given up her night out to chase after his father with him, for him. She had shown herself to have admirable criminal skills. Now, she was going to wait for him. Thank you didn't seem adequate.

"I already ruined your night; you don't have to hang around here."

"I want to, Patrick." Despite the staggering revelations she still hadn't coped with, there was nowhere else she needed to be than with him through this. Which, if she hadn't already figured out how she felt, would have been a blinding hint. She wondered that Patrick didn't seem to get that.

It occurred to Patrick in that moment to ask why, but neither of them were prepared for the answer that was simmering just beneath the surface.

"I'll be in the lab."

"Robin," Patrick called out as turned to go. She turned and looked at him with those compassionate, deep brown eyes. He could see something was bothering her still, but he assumed it was about his father. "You looked beautiful tonight. I want to finish that conversation."

Robin nodded.

"And that kiss." Patrick winked before pushing the door open to go talk to his father.