Chapter 12

The thoughts of JD and Todd in the shower had been plaguing him. But that morning saw Perry in a new light as he had finally decided not to take it seriously. Nothing could possibly come out of it. In Perry's mind, it was all just his ex-lover trying to get a rebound fling in order to mend his broken heart. No way could he, Perry Cox, possibly be replaced by The Todd.

As Perry went about his day, he even found himself laughing about the mere notion of feeling offended by it. He still hated the fact that Todd had touched JD, though Perry's mood had found him able to brush that off as well. After all, JD had loved him and surely he hadn't had enough time to get over it yet.

Reminding himself of this regularly, Perry sniggered at his paranoia as he visited patients and caught up on paperwork. He even found himself unable to hold in a laughing fit while ordering at Coffeebucks. It dazed the various hospital personnel who had bared witness to Perry's sour moods as of late.

"Whatever you're on, I'll take two." The college kid serving the doctor at Coffeebucks almost looked excited at the possibility of getting that high. That is until Perry scowled at him and walked away with his beverage. Though before he left the coffee house, he heard the barista shout "If you ever change your mind, I'll be here."

Rolling his eyes, Perry forgot about the immature student and managed to get back to a reasonably cheerful mood as he approached the nurse's station to pick up some reports. As he neared the area, he found that many of Sacred Heart's employees were standing around gossiping.

Catching Jordan as she walked away, Perry nodded towards the group. "So what's gossip hour got for us today?" He made it sound at least somewhat apathetic, pretending not to care.

"Oh my gosh, get this Perry." Jordan leaned in a little closer, with a smile on her face. Then in the blink of an eye her look turned. "Do you really think I care what's going on in anybody's lives around here?"

"I'm sorry I mistook you for someone with a soul." Perry said before heading towards the group.

He usually didn't care about the various happenings around the hospital, even though there were the occasional news items that kept work a little interesting. However this time it was different. Perry would never admit it, but sometimes as they spoke of other people, he hoped to get updates on JD without having to talk to him. It was a little disappointing that he hadn't caught anything in passing, but he figured that no news was good news on the Dorian front.

"So Nurse Alicia really went out with the lesbian in radiology?" Perry overhead one of the nurses saying, realising that the topic of the day was not to his liking.

Putting on a sarcastic smile and girly voice, Perry replied. "Oh my god, really. Golly that is just peachy." Then turning his look to a threatening one, he eyed the doctors and nurses around him. "Listen up; we're a hospital not the social hour. If you really have that little of a life that you must insist on hearing eeeeev-er-ry-one's life story here's a thought. Why don't you get back to work before the greatest chief in the history of Sacred Heart cans your perky little behinds, okay?" Seeing the papers he needed, Perry picked it up and groaned at the group before walking away.

Heading towards the nearest supply closet, he heard Carla's voice behind him. "Hey, I wouldn't go in there if I were you."

Spinning back to her, irritated by the interruption, Perry looked at Carla seriously. "Why the hell not?"

Perry turned around to look at the closet. A medical resident was walking towards it. Before a nearby nurse could warn him, the resident opened the door. He let out a cry of surprise before slamming the door and covering his eyes. As he walked passed Perry and Carla they could hear him reciting Hail Mary's.

"Okay what the-" Perry started, only to be confronted by the answer. Stepping out of the closet was JD, pulling at the bottom of his scrubs top. He looked both ways before trying to walk away without drawing any attention, but unable to hide that 'I just fooled around with someone' aura about him and the huge grin on his face.

A few seconds after him, Todd emerged. His scrubs top was in his fist as he stepped out into the open. Throwing the top over his shoulder, having no qualms about being shirtless, he headed off in the other direction towards the elevator. Perry gulped as he observed them; coming to the realisation of what he had nearly walked in on.

"Yeah, they've been at it for a week." Carla informed Perry. "I caught them napping together in the on-call room last week. It was actually kind of sweet. Didn't take Todd for the cuddling type."

Elliot joined the doctor and nurse, adding her bit. "Oh are you talking about JD and The Todd, it's so weird. I saw them at the movies on the weekend looking pretty cosy."

"I know Elliot. You called me practically screaming down the phone, remember?"

"Cut me some slack Carla, I totally freaked out. I was going to talk to them but they just started kissing and were pretty into each other so I just left them alone." She sighed at the memory it brought forth. "It's like high school date night all over again."

"Cosy? Sweet? I think the word you're looking for is 'Holy Shit.'" Perry added, trying to keep some reserve about him.

"Doctor Cox, how do you think I feel? JD may be your protégé but I slept with him." Elliot turned to Carla again. "Do you reckon it will go anywhere? Maybe we should talk to him about it. He has seemed a little down lately and this whole dating guys thing may be some weird phase."

"Turk told me to leave it alone. Apparently, Todd's liked JD for awhile and they've been flirting a bit." Carla was explaining as the gossip group gathered around her again. "It's only recently they've confessed that they like each other. Now they're actually going out. Besides, you can't really say you're surprised at his sexuality."

Perry didn't know why he stayed. A part of his mind still refused to believe that JD and Todd was more than a one-night rebound fling. He stepped back a bit, to appear nonchalant and listened to the various tid-bits being said about JD's forming relationship.

"The Todd actually likes someone, oh that's cute. Kind of disturbing, but still cute. Maybe JD will stop him from being such a slimy jerk."

"Come to think of it, they're kind of perfect for each other; happy weirdos who could never find the right relationship."

"I always knew JD liked guys. Who called it! No offence Dr Reid."

"Hey do you think that Todd was that person JD was hooking up with but no-one knew who it was? Speaking of which how did no-one know who it was?"

Everyone seemed to look at Carla for the answer and she squeezed in her extra information. "No but I heard that JD and Todd hooked up while he was still going out with the mystery person."

Perry's face reddened, he stormed away from the group. No way was he going to believe such a thing. Then the night at the bar came back to him. The words he heard, that made no sense at the time.

"I chose you, Perry."

Suddenly his mind flashed to the night he had spent at JD's apartment, before the particularly depressing morning after. Todd had been there when he arrived. It had meant nothing at the time, Perry barely acknowledged Todd was there. However, upon remembering it dawned on him just how far back this whole thing potentially went. He couldn't help but wonder exactly how long it was.

He had been so consumed with his own family and work that it had never occurred to him that JD could have possibly found someone else, someone who could potentially offer more for him. Even though he'd secretly wanted JD to find someone better, for the first time Perry started to understand how JD felt; the envy that came from knowing the one you think of is being touched by another. The new craziness that stemmed from it slowly overtook Perry's mind.

At this new found fact, Perry knew he needed a distraction and fast. Running a hand through his hair he formed an idea. He didn't just need a distraction, but a reminder of why he had broken it off with JD in the first place; a kick up the bum to remember all the other stuff besides petty jealousy. With a forced grin in place, he found himself heading to doctor's lounge.

Just as he suspected, Jordan was there. "Somebody order a hot steaming plate of Perry." Shedding his white coat, he flexed slightly in order for Jordan to get the hint.

"I thought I got rid of you by the nurse's station." Jordan sighed, looking frustrated as she knew what Perry clearly wanted. "Go away."

"Come on Jordan, if we're going to be a couple we may as well be a hot couple." Perry rushed over to the couch, his lustful eyes burning into hers.

"I'm not in the mood, so leave me alone." Jordan stood up with her arms crossed. "What has gotten into you? You've been getting really horny lately and it's creeping me out."

"Jeepers Jordan, I'm having a hard day, I have a meeting in twenty minutes and I felt like relieving some tension." Perry sat down beside her. Slowly and seductively he snuck a hand up her top, giving her breast a squeeze. "How about it? You used to love sex in public."

Jordan eased his hand out from under her blouse. "If you want it that badly, go to the bathroom and use your hand."

"Why must you insist on being such a bitch!" Perry snapped with his mood once again dampened. "Can't you at least throw me a hot hate quickie?"

A malicious smile donned the woman's face. She knew she could get away with this behaviour. "I do this to keep you in your place. Now I'm going to get coffee. See you at home."

After finishing his lunch, JD decided to catch up with Todd before his schedualed surgery. With a skip in his step, JD walked towards the operating rooms. Sure enough he found Todd humming to himself as he performed some agility exercises. For a few moments, JD just watched Todd and admiring all that his boyfriend was.

"JD, what's going on?" Todd turned to JD, flexing his fingers and stepping closer.

JD rolled his eyes slightly. "You know you don't have to air grope me anymore. Feel free to touch."

"I'm just doing some finger exercises. Helps before surgery so I don't cramp up, not that I've ever had a problem with that." Todd explained before a twinkle came to his eyes. "But since you've given The Todd an invitation, get over here." He grabbed JD and pulled him out of the hallway and into the more private area. "Have you come back for more?"

"I think people are talking about us." JD whispered, giving Todd a quick peck on the lips.

Todd cheekily pinched JD's bottom. "Nothing wrong with that."

"Hey, not so hard with the bum pinchies." JD grabbed Todd's hands, intertwining their fingers. "I just think it's kind of cool we can be more open."

"Does that mean we can do it in public?" Todd replied, jokingly yet still somewhat serious.

JD smacked him playfully. "I don't know, maybe." He let go of Todd's hands, sliding his arms around Todd's neck instead. "I'll tell you one thing we can do in public though."

JD gave Todd a few light kisses on his lips. This encouraged an enthusiastic Todd who proceeded in smothering JD's face in smooches. JD giggled wildly as the endearments continued on his neck and Todd nestled his head there comfortably. JD softly nuzzled Todd's temple, coaxing a whisper of approval, before lightly blowing over Todd's ear, teasing him with warm breath.

"Oh, blowing in the ear. You know what that does to me." Picking JD up, Todd sat him on the countertop and looked up at him. "You're so hot."

JD opened up his arms, easing Todd into a hug. He cradled Todd's head against his body as a pair of arms slid around his waist. Stroking the nape of Todd's neck with his fingertips, JD leaned down and inhaled the scent that lingered. He loved smelling Todd's shampoo, manly yet sweet just like him.

"Oh yeah, just keep going like that." Todd practically moaned the words.

JD raised a curious eyebrow. "Are you getting excited by this?" He kept running his fingers gently over Todd's doo-rag covered head to the back of the neck. JD loved knowing that such a simple action could make Todd quiver in such a way.

"I'm always excited around you. That's why I picked you to be The Todd's only one."

"Okay then, my only one. I was thinking tonight we could go out for pizza. Just something laid back." JD suggested, picking up Todd's face and smiling.

"Well, there's a game on tonight, I was planning to watch it." Todd pouted, looking a little disappointed. His eyes darted back and forth as he appeared to be making a decision.

"I'll watch it with you." JD piped up. "We can have the pizza delivered, pick up some beer and whenever your team scores we can make out."

Todd gave him an incredulous look. "Dude, you hate sports."

"I don't hate them completely. I'm just not very good at them." JD fingered Todd's earlobe. "I want to spend some time with you." He preyed that he wasn't coming off too clingy, but JD soon realised that Todd was flattered by someone wanting to be around him so much.

"Well the game would be a lot sexier if you'd watch it with me, especially if you keep petting me like you were just doing." Todd pulled JD down from the table and into his arms. "You know, there's some good sun today. How about after the surgery, you and I go to the roof and strip down?"

"No." JD replied a little too hastily, he didn't want to go to the roof. In fact he never wanted to go up there again. He managed to smooth over his outburst. "No sunscreen and I have a lot of patients."

"That's cool." Todd cuddled JD closer to him. "I don't want anyone else checking you out anyway."

Turk popped into view, baring witness to the couple's little affectionate display. It took a moment to register what he was seeing. Sure he hadn't seen either of them this happy in a while, but Turk secretly wished he hadn't encouraged them.

"Please, the people in this hospital are already sick."

JD shot a look to his best friend. "Don't listen to him Todd. Let's make out in front of him."

"No can do I'm afraid. I have to get my soap on." Pushing his face as close as possible, Todd spoke so only him and JD could hear. "Meet you in the locker rooms?"

JD nodded and sealed his promise with eskimo kisses. "Of course."

Turk put up his hand to shield his eyes from the endearment. "It ain't right!"

JD waved Todd off before walking with Turk down the hallway. The skip was still in his step and a smile still on his face. Turk rolled his eyes and sighed aloud. For awhile the friends didn't speak. JD was off in fantasies of him and Todd kissing each other all over, while Turk was trying to get the images out of his head.

It was only when they were sitting down at Coffeebucks with beverages that Turk broke the silence. "So you and Todd are really going out."

"Yeah we are." It was so simple and open, but after everything he'd been through the simple fact of being able to admit his relationship and share it was thrilling.

"You know I was just trying to make you feel better." Turk cried out. "You're a self saboteur and Todd's well Todd! I didn't expect for you guys to actually do it."

JD smirked and sniggered a little. "Well you can't take it back now, ha!" He pointed a finger at Turk to emphasise his point.

Turk's voice took a more serious note. "JD, it's going to take some getting used to but I want you to be happy, whoever it's with. You could do a lot worse, heck you have done a lot worse."

"Hey, come on now." JD took a sip of his coffee. Of course he knew that Turk felt that way all along, but it wasn't going to sway him. "Heck, I didn't think we'd actually do it. Thing is Turk, we are going out, we really like each other and I know that you have a weird thing about it but I want you to be supportive. I'm sure Todd wants it too."

Turk sighed, putting up his hand in an accepting surrender. "Just please cut down on the PDA."

"Well unfortunately Turk, we just agreed to be more open." JD smiled, secretly loving that it was making his friend squirm.

"Oh man, give a brother a break!"

"I love it when Todd kisses my neck. He knows all the right spots, like he has a treasure map of my skin." JD felt tingles run up his spine and he shivered at the mere memories then couldn't help but wonder about skin treasure maps. "X marks the spot....Do you I could sneak another kiss before his surgery?"

Before Turk could answer, Carla joined their table. "As long as you're happy Bambi, I'm sure Turk will support whatever you do. Right, baby?"

"Chocolate Bear will come around. He can't resist." JD winked and smiled at his friend.

Turk shook his head, knowing that he was just going to get ribbed by his wife and best friend as long as he sat there. Picking up his coffee, he left the table. Suddenly the vibe at the table turned serious. JD tried to pinpoint the reason why and then he noticed the look on Carla's face.

"JD listen, you don't have to explain to me that Todd makes you happy. Seriously, it's good to see you like this again." Carla explained, though she clearly looked a little conflicted about bringing up something. "The fact that Todd can commit to someone proves that miracles happen."

"I know people are talking and they're probably shocked, but I don't care." JD told her, swirling the contents of his coffee cup. "All I care about is Todd. You know he's deeper than people give him credit for."

Placing a hand over JD's, Carla's tone turned very motherly. "It's okay. I'm not going to butt into your life on that front, but I am going to tell you this. Not everyone will be excited about you two getting together."

"I'm sure Turk will accept it in a matter of weeks. He won't say it but I know he's happy for us already."

"I'm not talking about Turk." Carla explained, biting her lip slightly. "I'm just saying be prepared for the possibility of someone getting upset if you're a little too 'friendly' in public."

JD only had to look in her eyes to realise that Carla had someone specific in mind. He couldn't really think of anyone who'd be completely against it. No-one in the hospital was especially homophobic, despite the few that may frown upon it. Then a random thought occurred to him.

"Is Elliot upset with it because she still hoped we'd get back together someday?"

Carla didn't reply. She just stood up from her chair. "Just think about it, Bambi." With that comment, the nurse took her order and her knowledge away.

NOTE: So it looks like the self-hating narcissist that a lot of readers love to hate is getting a little realisation. Perry has to hit rock bottom in order to build himself up if he wants a chance to get JD back. But with such beautiful "awww"-worthy JDodd going on, is there even a possibility? What else could go on in this lovely but angsty story? Soon, my loyal and new readers, soon :-) In the meantime, enjoy and review!