Chapter 16
Keeping in sync with his new confident mantra, JD had decided not to tell Todd about him and Perry's kiss. It meant nothing, it wouldn't happen again and a few days had passed since the picnic with little consequences. Everything was as it should be with absolutely no sabotage.
But despite avoiding the issue and his relationship continuing smoothly, the kiss with Perry had complicated things. Most of the time JD could forget and just live in the moment with Todd, but the hospital was another story. The chief always seemed to lurk around, making sure JD noticed him. He would remind JD with his eyes about what he had said. Now any romance with Todd at work was awkward as opposed to exciting.
"Hey there, have you told your boyfriend about our kiss yet?" Perry caught JD as he was coming out of a patient's room. "If I were you I'd do it soon."
JD said nothing. He would not buy into Perry's game. The anger stewed inside, but he wasn't going to let it out. The people-pleaser part of him was trying to pipe up too, only to be pushed aside as well.
"You know he's going to find out eventually. Besides, what makes you think he isn't hitting on someone else?"
JD bit his tongue to keep from screaming at the other man. The mere suggestion that Todd could do the same thing behind his back was hurtful, even if he did deserve it. In Sacred Heart hospital, foul moods were contagious and JD didn't want to be the instigator. He tried to push Perry's doubt-causing words aside, but the older man wouldn't leave him alone.
"So it appears I've finally found a way to shut you up after all these years." Perry commented bitterly, trying to use sarcasm to hide his true feelings and stop himself kissing JD in the hallway in front of everyone.
"I told you to stay away from me." JD spat back before picking up his pace.
Perry quickened his own pace, managing to keep up with his ex-lover. "You know I can't do that. Not while you're still with him." He spat the last word out like Todd was one of the many diseases he fought against each day.
"Then you're going to be waiting a long time, because we both know you're not going to tell anything to anyone."
Perry knew he probably shouldn't say it, but the scheming part of his brain knew that JD would over-analyse what he said. "If you really felt for Todd, you wouldn't have returned that kiss like you did."
Coincidently, Todd was walking towards them with a huge smile on his face. Oblivious and simply going along with the day like always. He had no reason to be concerned with Perry and JD talking. His sporty get up and a couple of sweat stains indicated that the surgeon had just been working out.
"Well hello there." Todd nodded at JD, admiring him before grabbing him in a tight bear hug. "You're looking hot today. Feel my guns, they're pumping extra special for you."
Perry walked away, but not before making a disgusted noise. JD watched the chief, feeling a little ticked off and conflicted. He couldn't help but wonder if Perry had a point. Todd could sense JD's indifference immediately, especially since JD was yet to put his arms around him.
"Dude, what's wrong?" Todd kissed JD's forehead, a puzzled pout on his face.
Normally JD found Todd's confusion cute and the public displays of affection endearing. Now was different, everything was dredging up. He wasn't sure about Todd anymore. All the frustration built up against Perry was easy to push off onto Todd. Plus it was the easiest way for JD to punish himself.
"Not now Todd, get off." JD wiggled free of Todd's tight hug, trying to walk away.
Unfazed by this and figuring it was just some kind of flirtatious game, Todd ran after JD and scooped him up. "The Todd can cure all that ails you." He slung his boyfriend over his shoulder, carrying him away with ease. "Oh I can feel your dong. Now I have to make out with you."
An irritated JD let himself get carried to the on-call room. When his feet were back on the ground, Todd was grinning at him. JD let out a sigh. He wasn't in the mood for this.
"Maybe some of this will cheer you up." Todd threw off his shirt effortlessly. He made his pecks dance for JD, hoping to tempt him.
"Just stop okay!" JD snapped, turning away from Todd. The last thing he wanted to see was Todd looking so happy with him. But Todd trusted people, to the point of blatant gullibility.
"Come on. Don't you want to play?" Todd seemed a little hurt by the rejection.
He wanted the surgeon to get angry with him for what he did. "What part of I'm not in the mood did you not understand?!"
Todd looked at him innocently, wondering why JD was yelling. "You never said you weren't in the mood."
"It was implied!" JD threw his arms up in frustration at Todd not getting the hint. "Besides you're all sweaty and smelly after you work out."
"You always liked that!" Todd's voice was rising now. "The Todd's confused."
"Of course you are!" JD replied bitterly, his brain screaming at him to be quiet.
Todd brought his hands to his hips, looking a little hurt. "Uncool!"
"You're just being so clingy. I need some time to myself." JD cried out, feeling so guilty afterwards. He didn't mean to get angry at Todd. The shots of sharp pain in his chest enforced his shame.
"Fine! The Todd will go elsewhere." Todd shot back, angrily.
JD hated it. Todd was never one for anger. He'd get annoyed or frustrated, but anger was usually covered up by sarcasm or sexual innuendo. JD took a deep breath and slowly brought his rationalisation back. It had been so easy to forget at the picnic, in order to prove a point to others, but he knew it was best to be honest. Otherwise he would just continue wrecking everything, at least as long as Perry lurked around.
"Todd, wait." JD managed to catch him before he walked out the door. He took his boyfriend's hand gently in his own, squeezing all of the fingers. "I'm sorry. I've just been a little distracted lately."
"Understood." Todd replied, softening up a little as JD played with his fingers. It was surprising how he seemed to have instantly forgotten the argument, but that was just his way.
"Listen, I made a huge mistake and I have-"
JD was stopped when two medical interns were entering the room. It was clear their intentions were not to nap. Particularly at this time of day.
"Oh sorry Doctor Dorian. Doctor Quinlan." One of JD's interns blushed and both he and his lady companion slipped out the door as quick as they had entered.
"You were saying?" Todd asked his boyfriend, raising an eyebrow inquisitively.
JD took the interruption as a sign from fate to go with his original instinct and say nothing. The only thing that could come of bringing up the kiss was the loss of his relationship and Perry getting exactly what he wanted by manipulating him again. Besides, JD wasn't about to break his promise not to care what Perry thought about him.
No way was JD going to let anything bad happen. He and Todd still trusted each other and they were just as strong. This incident would only make sure JD would double his efforts to keep their relationship alive. Telling would only be a form of self-sabotage, which JD vowed never to listen to again. Todd didn't deserve to be hurt like that.
Todd seemed a little paranoid and perplexed at JD's silence. "Are you mad at or bored with The Todd?"
"No, don't ever think that!" JD cried out in alarm, planting a firm but tender kiss on Todd's lips to cement his feelings. When they parted, he locked on Todd's eyes seriously. "You're many things, but never boring."
Bringing JD closer to him, Todd's face beamed with a wide smile. "Good to know."
"You know, we just survived our first real fight." JD laughed as he leaned into Todd's chest, feeling the heartbeat against his cheek. He felt even more reassured than before.
"That's kinda cool." Todd nodded, though he didn't understand why. He figured he should just go along with it.
JD reached up and began caressing a nipple with his fingertips. "You know I like you all sweaty and you always smell good. I'm sorry for what I said. Maybe I just need to get out of here."
"We could go away together. Just the two of us." The mere thought was getting Todd a little excited. "You and me, in a one of those bed and breakfast places. Nothing to pack but handcuffs, feathers and condoms."
JD pulled back so he could look into Todd's eyes. "But we'd have to pack clothes. Otherwise we'd be going to dinner naked."
"Nothing wrong with that."
Todd tried to capture JD's lips in a kiss, but JD pulled back slightly. He just wanted to look at Todd for a few moments and Todd understood this all too well, agreeing silently and admiring JD in return.
It was just what JD needed to wash everything away. Pressing his forehead against Todd's he took in every shade of brown in his cheeky but love-filled eyes. Familiar, yet strange emotions began stirring inside JD as the fire in his heart obliterated anything else going on.
"I love looking at you and being with you." JD whispered. "I forget the world when I'm with you."
Todd was flattered, but he still couldn't help but chuckle. "That's pretty cheesy."
JD remained completely serious even as he smiled. "I don't care if it's the cheesiest thing in the world. I had to say it."
"Well, The Todd can't complain with a view like this."
"Todd." JD started, wrapping his arms tightly around the bare midsection and pushing Todd back towards the nearest bed. "Kiss me. Kiss me all over and don't let me go."
It was a perfect night to sit and relax in the hot tub at Todd's apartment building. The air was nice, the sky clear and starry and the beer stocked by the tub in a cooler. The atmosphere was laid back, yet romantic at the same time.
Todd and JD couldn't keep their eyes off one another, nor their hands. As they gazed at each other through the rising steam, hands met thighs beneath the bubbles. Slowly and simultaneously, the lovers moved in for a sweet kiss. Their smiling lips meeting as their tongues danced. The last few days had seen a renewed spark in their relationship, which both were taking advantage of.
"Why did I agree to hang out with you guys?" From beside the couple, Turk voiced his annoyance. Sipping a beer he shook his head. "For the last few days you've been groping away like no-one's watching."
"Now Chocolate Bear, you said you'd accept us just the way we are. Besides, I can't count how many times I've had to watch you and Carla make out." JD leaned back against Todd, continuing to play with his boyfriend's fingers.
"Dude, that's different and you know it." Turk shot them a warning look. "A brother can only accept so much man love. You know what I'm saying?"
"Come on buddy. Don't knock it 'til you tried it." Todd replied, holding up his hand for a high five.
Turk looked at his friends in disbelief. "I will never high five on that."
"Okay, calm down. It's the one night this week that we all had off and we've been neglecting our hanging out needs." JD pouted so his best friend wouldn't leave.
"Fine. But you guys have to quit making out."
Todd and JD shrugged and sidled away from each other slightly, mentally agreeing to cut down on the affection; after all, they had been extra frisky since making up in the on-call room. However, they still held hands under the water just to keep the contact. For awhile the three friends relaxed in the hot tub, just sipping beers and making small talk.
"See this is much better. Just hanging out without you guys getting all googly eyed." Turk commented, smiling as he seemed to have gotten his way.
Suddenly noticing something underneath the water, JD's face twisted in surprise. "Well Turk, speaking of hanging out, I do believe that Todd just lost his banana hammock."
"The Todd's going commando." Todd nodded in satisfaction at his friend and his lover, pulling his speedo out of the tub and discarding it. "What? You said we were neglecting our hanging out needs."
"That's it! I'm outta here!" Turk held up his hands and stepped out of the hot tub, walking away with a glare. "We speak of this to no-one."
Looking at each other, JD and Todd burst into laughter. Realising they were alone, JD positioned himself on Todd's lap. Wrapping his arms around Todd's shoulders and moving in as close as possible. "Is it bad that I kind of wanted him gone?" He asked with a questioning look on his face.
"If he stayed it could have been kind of hot." Todd commented with a suggestive look on his face.
His mouth wide open with shock JD hopped off Todd's lap and playfully slid away. "So I'm not enough for you, Todd?"
Todd went into panic mode as he didn't realise JD was just messing with him. "I was only kidding. You know The Todd is a one man dude." Resting his chin on JD's shoulder, he whispered. "You're more than enough. Besides with T-dog gone it's time for the surprise just for you."
"Okay, I forgive you." JD turned back at the very mention of surprises.
Reaching out to the cooler Todd revealed a bottle of champagne. Handing it to an ecstatic JD, he once again reached into the cooler. This time he pulled out two chilled flute glasses.
"How could I have not known all these years that The Todd is a secret romantic?" JD whispered his thoughts aloud, taking one of the flutes.
Todd blushed, something which happened very rarely. "Let's just say, you're special. Now as for what I've got planned for later…" Todd held the champagne bottle, wedging the cork a little before letting it pop and fly into the air. Wiggling his eyebrows to make sure JD got his drift.
JD held out his glass in excitement. Quickly Todd tipped some bubbly contents into it, as to not spill too much in the tub. Filling his own glass and putting the bottle to chill in the cooler, Todd resumed his relaxed state.
"To us." JD raised his glass, secretly loving the cliché of the moment.
"And the fact that we're the hottest gay couple at Sacred Heart." Todd raised his flute right back, clinking it with JD's.
"Take that Matt and Mark!" JD replied, sipping the expensive champagne. "You bought the good stuff too."
"Seems like you need it. You've been a little distracted." Todd commented.
"I guess I have been." JD admitted, vowing in that second to treat Todd even better. "But I'm right here now, with you."
The feelings stirring inside Todd were all so new. He wanted to blurt out the words, but managed to keep them down. The whole thing was unfamiliar and despite being amazing, it was kind of scary. Not quite ready or really sure how to say it out loud, in his mind he admitted to himself that he really had never felt this way before.
"What are you thinking about Todd? I thought I was the one in this relationship that went off into dream land." JD nuzzled Todd's shoulder, drawing his attention back.
"It's just a beautiful night to be off work." Todd sipped his bubbly, motioning to the stars.
Following his lover's gaze to the night sky, JD nodded in agreement. Leaning back against Todd's arm, he unwarily began singing softly. "Can you feel the love tonight, the peace the evening brings…" Cuddling up closer to Todd, he turned his attention from the sky all to him. "The world for once in perfect harmony…"
"What's with the song?" Todd laughed slightly.
JD grinned, slipping onto Todd's lap and straddling his thighs. "I was watching 'The Lion King' earlier. It has a catchy soundtrack."
Remembering a random fact, Todd raised an eyebrow. "Wait a minute. You only watch 'The Lion King' when you've had a hard day at work because it cheers you up. Like when you made me watch it after the botched ball surgery."
"Okay, I had a mild annoyance happen." JD confessed, looking down. However Todd lightly picked up his chin so JD was forced to direct it to his face. "This woman wanted to change doctors because she found out I was going out with you. She seemed really sweet and I helped her out and all I get in return is her calling me a 'faggot' and 'fudge packer.'"
Todd sympathetically held JD's waist, but blurted out his true feelings. "Who cares? It's not a big deal."
JD seemed a little offended. "What?"
Todd kept JD close to him. "JD, you were there for me when I had to stay in bed with explosive diarrhoea. You're amazing and you had the best bedside manner. If someone doesn't want that, then they don't know what they're missing." Noticing JD smile a little, Todd touched his cheek. "One less patient means more free time for us in the hospital. How can that not be a good thing?"
"I hate it when you're right sometimes." JD scowled a little, shaking his head at the simplicity of Todd's argument. "But I love it when you know the right things to say."
Todd knew that if he didn't find a distraction soon, he would definitely declare his love to the strange but endearing JD, who was now fingering his hair. So Todd said the first thing that popped into his mind. "Do me, right here."
JD looked around to the apartments nearby, figuring that if they kept quiet none of them would know. Grinning widely, he removed his shorts. Checking once again to see that no-one was in view, JD succumbed to temptation.
Todd put their champagne aside, feeling JD up in the water. The bubbles flowed around them and the steam continued to rise. JD flecked his tongue over Todd's neck as massive hands massaged his chest, playfully tweaking a nipple before gripping his shoulders with a force.
A loud moan escaped Todd's throat as JD's head moved below the water and the pleasure drifted down his body. When his lover's head re-emerged and their tongues met in a frenzy of sensual kisses, Todd knew he couldn't hold back anymore.
However, a voice nearby snapped them out of it. "What's going on here?"
"Quinlan you and your boyfriend aren't going at it in the hot tub again are you?"
JD laughed at the new development. He recognised a couple from Todd's building heading their way. Slipping off Todd, he grabbed his glass of champagne. "Just having a little bubbly and enjoying the night."
"We were going to do-" Todd started before JD smacked his arm.
Watching the other couple preparing to join them, JD managed a smile. Leaning close to Todd's ear, he whispered. "It's still romantic. It's just some people from your building want to chill out too." With that he handed Todd the other glass of champagne and resumed looking up at the stars.
NOTE: Drama, humour and fluff all in one chapter, coz JDodd's falling in love :-P But what's this all leading up to, you speculate? And what about Perry, what am I doing with him? If you want the next chapter say YEEEAAAHHH :-) Clap for Chapter 16 and upcoming Chapter 17 (with pie!) Enjoy!