Nick stood outside Zoe's cubicle, somewhat at a loss for what to do. When he had arrived, the first thing he'd seen was Zoe in floods of tears, declaring her love for some porter and then collapsing in the middle of reception. She'd just fainted, the stress of some argument or other, but he couldn't help laughing at her obviously still very much intact melodramatic streak. She'd come round fairly quickly, and the porter - Max, was that his name? - had picked her up, taken her to the nearest cubicle and stayed with her. Despite not wishing to intrude, Nick wasn't sure where else to go, and couldn't help watching the pair through a gap in the curtains of the cubicle.

"You know you could've just said, you didn't need to faint on me." Max laughed as Zoe swatted him gently before dragging him towards her by his collar.

"I've just told you I'm in love with you, you could be a little more sympathetic." Zoe told him, her arms snaking round to rest on his shoulders. Nick watched with a strange combination of happiness that she'd found someone and resentment, but he couldn't tell her why.

"Dr. Hanna, we are on hospital premises." In the cubicle, Max had his hands lightly resting on Zoe's thighs, slowly pushing up her skirt, the pair of them grinning like love sick teenagers.

"Shut up." Nick turned away as they kissed, not quite sure why he was finding the whole thing so uncomfortable. After a few seconds he glanced back, only to see Zoe tilting her head back as Max's hands found their way beneath her skirt. Coughing loudly, he waited a minute before opening the curtains and entering the cubicle, where he was met with a sheepish Max and a giggling Zoe. As soon as she realised who it was however, the smile dropped from Zoe's face and was replaced with a look of complete amazement. "Nick!" She threw her arms open, grinning and he rested the flowers at the foot of her bed before drawing her into a warm hug.

"How're you doing?" Nick almost subconsciously checked her notes, only stopping when she tapped his hands away. "Sorry."

"I'm fine, just a bit unsteady still." She glanced at Max, nervous of what his reaction to Nick would be given their argument earlier on. "Nick this is Max, Max this is..." She trailed off, gesturing helplessly towards Nick who held out his hand.

"Nick Jordan." Max hesitated before shaking his outstretched hand.

"You're the second guy Zoe's introduced me to today." Max said, his cheeks still flushed.

"Oh?" Nick raised his eyebrows, looking from Max to Zoe expectantly. "Jay, I assume." Zoe nodded in response, her hand resting on Max's arm as though she was scared he was about to do something stupid. "Max, would you mind if I had a minute with Zoe?" Nick turned to the young porter, who looked as though he would refuse until he caught Zoe's eye. She nodded reassuringly at him, kissing him once more before gently ushering him out of the cubicle. Nick watched the exchange closely; the boy was obviously besotted with Zoe, and as he watched Zoe follow Max down the corridor with her eyes, he realised the feelings were at least partly reciprocated.

"So, Michigan too boring for you?" Zoe turned back to Nick, smiling knowingly - the ED was his pride and joy, she'd been surprised he hadn't returned sooner.

"Something like that." Nick chuckled, before gesturing to where Max had been sat moments before. "He seems awfully young." Zoe rolled her eyes, shifting on the bed into a more comfortable position.

"It's eight years Nick. That's less than it was between us, and we managed just fine." She took a sip of water, refusing to acknowledge that Nick was addressing the very thing that was concerning her.

"Yes, but I distinctly remember me being the responsible one." Nick smiled gently at her. "I'm not looking for a fight Zoe, I just want to make sure you know what you're letting yourself in for."

"Well I do." Zoe lifted her chin, subconsciously defiant. "I appreciate the concern Nick, but he makes me happy." She studied Nick's unconvinced face before grinning. "I can give you details if you'd like. I mean, his hands alone -" She laughed as Nick raised his hands in surrender.

"No no, I believe you." He dropped his arms slowly, a sad smile spreading across his face. "I'm glad."

Zoe tutted. "Don't get all soppy on me, I'm not sure I can cope with any more emotion today." She took a deep breath to composed herself before continuing. "Anyway, how long are you over here for?"

"A few days I think. I just wanted to check everything was okay." He smiled as they heard Max coughing pointedly outside. "I think your toy boy wants to come back in." Zoe grinned despite herself, beckoning Max through the gap in the curtains with a finger.

"Everything alright?" Max was determined not to feel threatened, but Nick was everything he had expected and more - rich, powerful, confident - and Max was having a hard time believing that Zoe would be happy settling for him now that Nick was back in her life.

"Everything's fine," Zoe replied, smiling up at him and intertwining their fingers, "everything's fine.

Writing Zax fluff makes me squeal! Hope you liked the chapter, 8 should be up later! R&R would be lovely y'all x