Three days passed, and Elliot found it difficult to continue her life without JD by her side. He was usually her source of entertainment throughout the day, although she didn't exactly praise him for his jokes. She did, however, go up to visit him frequently to whisper in his ear that she'd buy him a new pack of body butter and as many appletinis that he could drink if he would just wake up already. However, he didn't stir a bit. Elliot was astounded at how empty the hospital was without her best friend, even with Carla and Turk there.

One day, Elliot discovered Dr. Kelso and Carla arguing heatedly at the nurses' station. She hurried to find out what the commotion was.

"Oh good, Elliot, you're here," Carla huffed angrily, her curly hair seeming to expand. "Kelso wants to get rid of JD as soon as he wakes up-"

"Nurse Turkleton," Dr. Kelso interrupted her impatiently. "The hospital needs spare rooms, and I've been extremely generous to Dr. Dorian by letting him pay only half of his bill since he can't afford it. But Sacred Heart needs these new patients, and those new patients need rooms. We're lucky that we have this sudden burst of people."

"But sir," Elliot gulped as Kelso's vulture eyes landed on her. "JD is prone to have fevers and other smaller illnesses for a while, so wouldn't it be a little foolish to leave him alone at his apartment?"

Dr. Kelso raised his eyebrows. "Then you need to make a choice, because I stand on my decision." Carla remained on the sidelines, looking frazzled. "If one of you pays the rest of the bill, I'll be happy to let Dr. Dorian remain here."

Carla paled. She and Turk weren't exactly left with much money after birthing Isabella. She turned to Elliot. "Can you afford it, Elliot?"

Elliot, about to nod, stopped herself. A lightbulb flashed overhead and a smile spread over her face. "Yeah, but I have a better idea."

- - - - - - -

Two days later, JD woke up as expected. "Hey, buddy," he greeted weakly, his trademark goofy grin spread on his face. His arm was in a thick cast, as was his thigh. There were only traces of cuts on his forehead and limbs visible from his gown, so Elliot beamed, closing the door behind her. She immediately drew a chair by JD's side and bent over to give him a light kiss on his cheek.

"Here, I got you some Ferrero Rochers," Elliot dug into her bag and retrieved a box of wrapped chocolate. "I imagine that hospital fluid isn't that good tasting."

JD brightened. "Thanks, Elliot," he chuckled, the familiar throaty laugh heaven to Elliot's ears. "These're my favorites." He immediately opened the box and took one out. "So what happened? Turk told me that I was in a scooter accident."

"Mhm, unfortunately. A car hit you when you were riding Sasha in North Hollywood." Elliot observed as JD's eyes widened as he remembered the crash. "What were you doing there, anyway?"

"I was..." his voice faltered, and he put down his chocolate. "...nothing important."

Elliot leaned over so that they were face-to-face. "That answer just told me that it was something important. Tell me, JD, please?" She stuck out her lower lip and pouted.

JD smiled slightly, lifting his free arm and putting it around Elliot's shoulder. "You're really nosy, you know that?"

She stuck her tongue out at him. "Just tell me a hint and I'll stop."

A loud sigh. "Okay, it has to do with a girl. I'm not telling you anymore. It's long over, and I can't do anything about it."

"Were you visiting a girl and then you crashed before you reached her?" Elliot guessed, growing more interested.

"What happened to stopping?" JD asked heavily. "No more." He took back his arm, looking amused.

"Hmph." Reluctantly, Elliot remembered the more pressing matter. "Since there's a shortage of rooms, Kelso's gonna kick you out of the hospital tomorrow."

JD's answer was what she expected. "It's okay, because I'm gonna stay with you at your apartment until you're out of any danger."

"What?" JD looked blankly at her. "What about you working at the hospital? You can't do this."

"Kelso agreed to it," Elliot answered tiredly. "I really need a break from this place, and you need someone to watch over you. I can manage without working for a while with my extra money, and it's probably gonna take only a few weeks."

"But-"

"Don't argue. I'm doing this for you, whether you like it or not," Elliot smiled and pushed her bangs from her eyes. "I really need it, too."

JD's eyes softened. "Thanks, Elliot. You'd better get going. Your break's over." Elliot looked at the clock.

"Crap, you're right." She stood up and picked up her back. Pausing for a second, she looked down at JD and smiled softly. "You know, you seem way more serious when your hair's down?"

"Y'think?" he grinned, feeling his hair with the free arm. Elliot turned to leave, but he stopped her. "Hey, Smelliot."

"Don't call me that," she faced him again, but wasn't able to stop the smile that spread on her lips. "What?"

"Not trying to sound corny, but thanks...for everything."