The ER had that familiar hum—monitors beeping in uneven rhythms, distant voices calling out vitals, the squeak of sneakers against polished floors. It was busy, but not chaotic.

You pushed through the double doors, the grocery list still tucked in your pocket, his ID badge dangling from your fingers. The fluorescent lights buzzed faintly overhead as your eyes scanned the room. A few unfamiliar faces stood near the nurses’ station—young, slightly stiff in their posture, clearly still adjusting.

Must be the new kids that started a couple days ago, you thought.

Taking a few steps forward, you approached them, offering a polite smile.

“Excuse me? Can any of you tell me where Dr. Abbott is?”

The three exchanged glances—Whitaker looked uncertain, Santos blinked like she was mentally flipping through a roster, and Javadi straightened slightly, trying to be helpful but clearly coming up short.

“Uh… Dr. Abbott?” Whitaker repeated. “I—I’m not sure, actually. He might be—”

“Trauma two, maybe?” Santos guessed, though it didn’t sound confident.

Before they could spiral into more guesses, a nurse passing by slowed, recognizing you instantly. A small grin tugged at her lips.

“Oh, you’re looking for Abbott?” she said, already pointing down the hall. “He’s been bouncing between rooms all night. Try curtain three—he was just in there.”

“Thank you,” you said warmly, giving her a grateful nod before heading in that direction.

Behind you, the new interns looked even more confused now, quietly murmuring among themselves.

“Wait… how did she—?”

“No idea. But everyone else seems to know her…”

You followed the hallway, weaving past a gurney being pushed the opposite direction. The sounds softened slightly back here, more contained. Just as you reached the curtained area, the fabric shifted—and there he was.

Jack stepped out, running a tired hand through his hair, Robby just behind him flipping through a chart. He looked like he always did mid-shift—focused, a little worn down, but steady.

Then his eyes landed on you.

Immediate change.

“Baby?” His brows pulled together in concern as he took a step toward you. “What are you doing here? You alright?”

“I’m fine, sweetheart,” you said softly, holding up the ID badge with a small, knowing smile. “You forgot this, and I was out running errands so I figured I’d bring it to you.”

For a second, he just stared at it—then let out a quiet breath, something between a laugh and a groan.

“Of course I did,” he muttered, shaking his head before reaching for it. His fingers brushed yours as he took it “Half-asleep this afternoon, I swear…”

Robby huffed a quiet laugh behind him. “You’re lucky,” he added, nodding toward you. “Most people would’ve let you suffer.”

Jack clipped the badge back onto his scrubs, then looked at you again—softer this time.

“Seriously though,” he said, voice gentler now, “you didn’t have to come all the way down here.”

You shrugged lightly. “I was already out. Besides, figured you’d need it more than I would.”

There was a flicker of something in his expression—affection, gratitude, maybe just relief at seeing you in the middle of a long shift.

“Yeah,” he admitted quietly, “I definitely do.”

Behind you, you could practically feel the curiosity of the new interns from across the ER, still trying to piece together who you were and why half the staff seemed to recognize you on sight.

Jack didn’t seem to notice—or care.

“Hey,” he added, lowering his voice just a bit, “you heading home after this?”

“Grocery store first,” you said. “Then yeah.”

He nodded, already slipping back into work mode, but not before giving your hand a quick, reassuring squeeze.

“Text me when you get home, alright?”

“Always do.”

Robby smirked slightly, already turning back toward the patient room. “Alright, Abbott, break’s over.”

Jack sighed, but there was a faint smile still lingering as he glanced at you one last time before following him