SO much love to you all for so many reviews. Honestly. At the bottom, I've replied to all you wonderful, inspiration-inspiring comments. So! On with the fun!
My New Bad Habit
Chapter Three – Kibble and Crumbs
JD POV
The first thing I noticed when I woke up the next morning was the taste in my mouth.
"Did Satan take a poop in my mouth whilst I was sleeping?" I mumbled, my fingers reaching up to rub the sleep from my eyes. For a second, all I could feel was, well, drunken-ness – but then it hit me. The agony of it. The absolutely agony.
WHAT THE HELL WAS ON MY FINGERS!
In an obscene flashback from the night before, my eyes started to water like I didn't know they could, and the word "sting" was the Understatement of the Year (cue my brain in favour of creating the image of the award ceremony, but in too much pain to allow it). I had never felt anything like this before, and it was not an experience I wanted to repeat. I kicked the covers from my body (wondering hazily why my clothes were strewn around like they were, and why Dan was on my floor sucking his thumb) and ran towards my bathroom, slamming the door shut behind me. I ran the tap full blast, splashing water over me – it was supposed to go on my face alone, however it appeared that today would be one of those days where nothing went right. Water found itself not just on my hair, face and neck, but all over my chest (was that another hair?) and whatever too-big jammies I'd managed to pull onto my legs last night.
Groaning, I took them off, blinking the water out of my eyes and feeling the relief of it start to take hold. Of course, now that problem was out of the way, my head decided to try to punish me for whatever I had tipped down my throat last night. Fuzzy, tired and water-soaked, I decided it would be a great idea to have a shower.
I opened the door a tad, peeking out cautiously to see if Dan was still passed out (and still sucking his thumb). Confirmation! I opened the door fully, allowing Mr Peeps to breathe the fresh air of morning-after-bedroom-smell, and strode over to my bedroom door. Just the thought of a clean shower was clearing my head a little, and knowing that it was just a few strides on the other side of this door was –
"Dear God Newbie, would ya mind putting the mouse back in the house there?"
There was no time to lose; for whatever reason, Dr. Cox was sitting in the apartment (oddly clean; weren't there pizzas last night?), drinking what I could only imagine was coffee out of my "Hug Me" mug (came free with my favourite t-shirt), and that could only mean one thing: I had to get to the bathroom. Stat.
"Don't mind me and Mr Peeps!" I cried, dashing (more pelting, but the word "dash" is so underused) to the bathroom and practically falling into it, slamming the bathroom door shut behind me. I didn't leave myself time to think – I turned on the shower and jumped in, soaping myself up into a lathery mass, squeezing that wonderful lavender –scented shampoo/conditioner I stole from Elliot into my hair. What the hell was Dr. Cox doing in my apartment? Yes, I remembered him coming over last night, but anything past my fifth beer I had forgotten…
Oh god! Work! Was he here to drag me in by my earlobe? I certainly deserved it, I'd been a complete idiot to everyone that cared about me recently, and none of them deserved it - even him. I soaped even harder, not caring that my nipples were on fire from the craziness of my hands, not caring that for some reason, there were extremely damp patches all over the floor, not caring that OH MY GOD DR. COX IS OUT IN MY APARTMENT!
Feeling refreshed, renewed and ready to run, I pulled a towel around my waist and positively pelted (there we go, I've used it now) from the bathroom and to my bedroom, ignoring whatever Dr. Cox shouted to me on my way through. All I could tell, was that he was not amused.
Glancing at my digital clock on the way in, I felt my stomach turn over; 8:35 already! I'd been due at the hospital at seven, and no wonder Dr. Cox was so pissed at me.
Still wondering why he's here, though…
No time to wonder! I threw open my chest of drawers, throwing on the first t-shirt I could find, and some jeans – underpants first, dear GOD the chafing – hastily pulled on some socks that were nice and toasty warm from the radiator, and shoved some dirty scrubs in my bag. I'd have to get some new ones at work.
Knowing he was out there, waiting for me, made me prepare faster than I'd ever done before. I threw myself out of my bedroom, patted Rowdy on the head (noting that he needed a bath, phew), slide over the worktop into the kitchen (smoooooooth), grabbed a packet of pop-tarts (strawberry), gulped down a pint of water, ran to the door and shoved my feet into my sneakers and then, only then, turned around and flashed Dr. Cox with those pearly whites that I hoped would convince him to forgive me for being late.
He growled (predictably) and stood up, already immaculately dressed, shaved and wearing clothes that looked wonderfully clean (everything looked wonderfully fresh and bright now that I had downed some water) yet looking a lot more tired than I was. My smile faltered as he strode towards the door, yanking it open and barking, "Make it snappy, Newbie," and for one absolutely wonderful moment, I let myself believe that I was getting to ride in the Porsche.
Sadly, I was mistaken. He made that perfectly clear as he revved the engine and sped away from me as my hand reached out for the door – NOT friendly, and certainly not safe – so I made my way to Sasha (glittering in the sunlight – goodness she was a stunner) and sat astride her, hoping against everything I could think of (even Rowdy) that today would be a good day.
Please.
Dr. Cox POV
It was damned obvious that Newbie had no idea I had stayed last night, and I sure as hell wasn't going to remind him. If we could forget the part where I undressed him and then allowed myself to feel some sort of emotion that coerced me into sleeping on the couch, I would be extremely grateful.
Unfortunately, it didn't look like that was going to happen.
"PERRY! Where in gods name were you last night? I don't know if you remember, but we were supposed to be picking out Jack's new drapes -"
Ah yes, the rotting apple of my eye, the only woman on earth that could make my very capable penis shrink at the very timbre of her voice – my wonderful wife-again-since-about-a-month-ago Jordan walked down the slope leading up to the main doors as I got out of the car. She was striding towards me with that look on her face, the one that said "I've just had botox but don't mistake me, I'm pissed", the one that told me that it was in my best interests to run, run as fast I could.
I, however, stood my ground. I was tired, cranky and ready to snap – at least I could now do it at someone who wouldn't look at me with huge, vulnerable eyes.
"Jordan! Don't tell me – you've had more botox? Only, I could tell by the way that if you smiled, your face'd probably break into a thousand little pieces and bats would come flying out of the colossal space left -" I grinned at her, that smile that alerts everyone to the fact that I am in fact, in a shitty mood – "but wait. Of course. That's what happens everyeveryeveryeveryeveryeveryeveryevery -"
"Shut your cakehole, Perry," she cut in, folding her arms and jerking her perfectly-highlighted head in the direction of the hospital, "and get your ass in there. You can't expect me to cover for you every time Kelso gets pissy."
"You… covered for me?" I questioned, taken aback and slightly alarmed. "Jordan, why in gods name would you do that?"
She shrugged, blatantly itching to get away and get god knows what other surgeries on her body. "How am I supposed to know? Point is, I did and you now owe me. A lot. I was thinking maybe a threesome, with that gorgeous hunk of -"
"Whatever, Jorderoo," I interrupted, raising my hands to block out whatever she was going to say. "As you so rightly pointed out, I've got work to do, and I sure as hell am not getting any closer to it whilst you stand here talking. As much as I love these hasty morning talks – I really do."
I knew my voice was sarcastic, but in reality I actually…
Meant it?
Hell, I knew that Jordan and I fought all the time, that everyone at the hospital saw us as the "what not to be in 20 years" flyers, but sometimes… we were pretty good together. I'm not just talking puppy-dog eyes and kisses sweet as candy, but real moments, like when you look in their eyes after amazing, angry sex and realise that they're just as content as you are. That, despite the insults we give each other day after day, we got through it another day, week, month, year. And that we're happy to be there.
Like I said. Sometimes.
"Whatever Perry. See you whenever I get home tonight."
And damn her, she walked straight up to the Porsche and got in, turned the key I didn't know she had and drove away. Great.
So, now in a refreshingly god-awful mood, I stormed into the place I may as well call home, I'm there most of the live long day-night-forever, and instantly found an angry looking Latina woman standing in front of me. What fun.
"Whaaat is it?"
"Why does Bambi look like death warmed up today? I know you have something to do with it." Her eyes were flashing, but I couldn't help but drag it out a little longer.
"Why me? Why always blame me?"
"Because you were there last night, and you quite obviously had issues with him yesterday."
Aw hell. Did Newbie tell the entire hospital? Chances are, if he didn't, she did anyway.
"All righty then, Nurse Espinosa, Turk, or whatever you call yourself these days. The only way I can answer this is if I do it silently, sooo -"
"I'm not in the mood, okay?" she cut in abruptly, sticking a hand on her hip and shaking her finger at me in that annoying way that no one ever, EVER called her on. "Chances are, whatever happened last night will all come flying out over dinner tonight anyway, and I'll have to deal with the sulks that come with it. So you can either tell me now, or deal with my anger and hatred for the next few days."
Damn. She got me.
"Fine. I went over. We had drinks. We had pizza. We watched TV, we talked, we laughed, we had a relatively all right time."
"…and?" I looked at her innocently, as if there was nothing else it could possibly be. "Don't give me that look, Turk tries it all the time." Damn. "What happened?"
I sighed, joining my two hands via fingers and placing them on my head, elbows outwards. My power stance. "What usually happens when someone's dad dies? He got stupidly drunk, ate pizza that almost killed him and gave himself a cold shower – with his clothes on of course. I, of course, had to save the day as his brother passed out completely, and ended up sorting him out and then of course, little Princess Barbara decides she can't sleep without a Daddy figure around, so I was practically forced into sleeping on the sofa until the morning, at which time I snuck out, had a long, cold shower and then went BACK to his just in time to see him in all his glory, practically still drunk -"
"All right, I get it," she said irritably, taking her hand from her hip and crossing her arms. "But you looked after him, right?"
I sighed.
"Let him stand up on his own two feet for once, he's a big girl now."
I went to move towards my charts, but she stepped in front of me, eyes blazing.
"I'm going to bypass that, seeing as you didn't answer my question."
"And I'm going to bypass that becauuuuse I don't have time for this."
I side-stepped her, and strode off before she could stop me. Usually I'd let her rant a little; she was the only one that I'd let do that, but today – today, I wasn't looking for a fight. Today, I felt tired. I could deal with her aggravation tomorrow, when I was refreshed and ready for action – but now, right now, I just wanted this day over with ASAP.
Preferably without having to deal with Newbie.
JD POV
"Hey, Dr. Cox? Do you have a second?"
I could practically hear the frustration emanating off of him, but I knew I had to at least thank him for cleaning up the apartment. I figured it hadn't been either me or Dan, so it could have only been him once he'd (uninvitedly) broken into our apartment earlier this morning. I knew he'd appreciate the sentiment of a thank you, even if he acted otherwise.
"Not for you, Lois, so I suggest you go ahead and say whatever it is you have to say."
No joke? No comment about how ridiculous my hair looked when it wasn't moussed?
Dr Cox POV
Someone should tell him how much better his hair looks when it's not smothered in mousse. Still ridiculously stupid, but better.
JD POV
Either way, I knew it would be better for all of us if I just got on with it.
"I just wanted to thank you for tidying the apartment this morning."
He glanced up from the chart he was glaring at, and nodded sharply.
"S'fine," he replied almost tonelessly, glancing again at the chart in front of him. "Would you do me a favour and check on Mrs. Berry over there? Haven't had a chance."
I took a second to look at him properly; he looked fine – fresh as fresh is – and as far as his manner towards me was, well, it was far better than I was used to. Maybe we'd finally turned a corner on the JD/Cox Steamboat –
"Say Nancy, I did mean today."
"Right away, Perry!"
"Dr. Cox."
"Dr. Cox," I obediently repeated, twinkling over to Mrs. Berry's bedside and offering her my most hearty of winks. "Good morning, Mrs. B, I'm Doctor Dorian – not to worry, we'll get you sorted and out of here in no time."
Mrs. Berry was a new elderly face to the ward, something refreshing after years of the same old (literally) faces coming in over and over. She reminded me of my gram-gram, and that alone made me intent on looking after her. She smiled at me, green eyes sparkling, and gestured her hand to Dr. Cox, who was still pouring over that chart.
"And here I was hoping I'd get that gorgeous creature as my doctor!" she joked, eyes crinkling at the sides as she smiled even more. "Not that I mind you, dear – you'll do just fine."
"I promise, you're in safe hands," I replied with another winning smile, silently cursing Dr. Cox for all that manly charm he seemed to radiate around women. "Now, let's see… you've had a severe weight loss in the last month, is that right?"
"You got it," she replied, smiling again. "Not to mention I'm never hungry."
"Says right here that you've also had some pain in the lower stomach?"
"That's right."
I nodded; already I had some idea of what was wrong with her. "Well, what I'm going to do is get the lovely Nurse Roberts here -" I pointed to Laverne, who was hovering outside of the doorway, waiting for orders, "– to take some blood cultures, nothing major, and maybe if we leave this gorgeously made plastic tub in here, you could maybe gift us with some of your number twosies as soon as possible?"
She let out a loud laugh and placed her hand over mine. "Ah Dr. Dorian," she said, squeezing it gently. "I know I'm in good hands when they say "twosies" instead of "stool".
I grinned at her and patted her hand. "Just doing my job," I call as I turn and retreat, feeling my mood lower as I collect another chart from the Nurses station – and hoped with all my heart that I was diagnosing her wrong in my head, and that she was as fine as I'd promised her at the beginning.
And wondering if Dr. Cox would like to have lunch together.
Okay folks; not a very slashy chapter, and I do apologise – but you know how it has to be, there has to be some character development! And so, to the comments!
lilbishihunter:I'm glad it made your heart flutter. Lots of love to you; I hope this chapter didn't bore you too much from limited slashiness, but I hope you understand.
Kurokawa-miharu:Thank you so much for saying it's in character; it means a hell of a lot to hear it! Yes, I did love JD quite a lot at the end of Spicy, and I'll love him even more as the story progresses. Let's hope you do too!
daflippnay:I'm glad he comes to life for you in the story! I'm so glad you think it's awesome, please keep reading; it makes all the difference to me. Thanks so much for the review.
EvilAnimeGoodness:Glad you think so. It's always nice to receive a technical review, so thanks always. I hope you continue to enjoy the story!
CountToEight:Love to you too, ma cherie!
BonzoDog:My own personal Jordan threatening to eat me - well, lucky me! Keep reading, my lovely, it will get better! Cuddles and love for la review.
ShrinkToBe:I shall do, if you keep reading! -big smiles- thanks so much for reviewing. And, of course, love to you.
Witty-Kate: I'm so glad you're enjoying it; and also pleased that you found it a laugh to read! I hope to keep updating regularly, so hopefully that will continue for the next few chapters! Thanks v. much for reviewing again, keep reading!
.Blood.Drop.Lolita.: Again, thanks so much for saying you think they're in character, it means the world to me when someone says that! Here's your update, a few days later, and no doubt there'll be another one tomorrow, this time with a little bit more of what everyone's actually here for :P love and hugs, keeping reading and reviewing!
jka1:You don't have to wait long! I promise the next chapter'll be along really soon. Thank you for reviewing, please keep coming back; it'll be totally worth it if I get my way! Love.
Divyani:Love is brilliant, so thank you for feeling that way! Hehehe. Here's your update, and expect another one very soon!
Shadydrmr:I'm thrilled that you find it funny; humour can be so difficult to put in, but I can't take the credit; you know what JD's like, it pretty much feels like him telling me what to write :P thanks so much for the positive review, and thank you for loving the Cox… hopefully you'll love him even more as the story goes on. Keep reading!
EMIS3400:An update, as you asked so politely! I hope this chapter doesn't disappoint, and you can look forward to another one very soon. Thank you very much for reviewing, and I really hope you enjoy the rest of the story. Keep R&Ring, it makes such a difference!
You're all total stars; if you have anything you would really love to see at some point, names you'd love to see, words, if you want a cameo OC named after you LOL, want to see JD wear eyeliner, want Turk to walk in on something dirrrty, anything anything anything – just message me. If anyone wants my e-mail so you can demand things in person, just message me on here!
Love to all.
- Kat.