RP LOG with makeoutalright | Girl Talk
[Follows THIS]
The morning after the surreal day before, Jo found herself back at the hospital sitting by her brother's bedside. He was still sedated, and they weren't exactly sure why his pain levels had increased, only that evidently, something was going on to cause it. Some doctors were going to be running some tests, some fearing Simon had an infection in his blood, but hoping it was just a matter of needing medication levels adjusted. Jo hoped it was the latter. She wasn't sure she could tolerate watching him go through more medical shit than he already had. It was bad enough seeing him still stuck in traction, even if she made jokes about him not being able to go outside in a storm, or having bad taste in bondage. To amuse herself, she sat and wrote the entire lyrics of 'Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life' on his cast while he slept, but then Ailbe had dropped by explaining it was her lunch break and she didn't want to be a Nigel No Friends in the cafeteria again, so Jo tagged along.
Now with a greasy cheese pizza with a side of fries in front of her and a large chocolate shake to accompany it, Jo picked at the fries, lost in her own thoughts as Ailbe arranged her own lunch on the plate. She was humming the Monty Python song to herself, it now stuck in her head, and nudged a stringy bit of cheese back onto the pizza with a fry from where it had melted over the edge of the crust. Yesterday had been fucking weird, and it just succeeded in sticking on her mind when she passed Jimmy's room, finding Dean's brother also out like a light. Dean hadn't been there, though, and she wondered if she would've kept him company if he had been. "Jimmy having a bad day too, then?" she asked, biting the cheesy end of the fry off and glancing up at Ailbe.
Ailbe was trying to go the healthy route, but the smell of Jo's pizza and fries was getting to her. She longed for something greasy, the salad and chicken in front of her no longer seeming appetising. The Monty Python song started to run through her head as well, and Ailbe made a mental note to fling a tomato at Jo for putting it there. She held off though as Jimmy was brought up, the Irish nurse's eyes getting that special little sparkle as she thought of her amnesiac patient. "Mm... His headaches have been getting worse, and he's been suffering a few night terrors. I have no idea what happened to him, but whatever it was... It's really done a number on his mind. I think he's forgotten to try and spare himself the pain, but the mind always finds a way. It's hard watching him go through so much agony, but I can't really help him. Only thing we can do is knock him out. I was hoping his brother might have been there, but no sign. It would help Jimmy if his brother was there." Ailbe cleared her throat and glanced away as she sucked on her lip. That stupid little niggle of jealousy was back, and she wanted to kick herself for it. Jimmy's brother was his family! It wasn't as if Ailbe had any kind of claim on him.
Jo watched the nurse closely. She wasn't an unskilled criminal profiler. She could read people well. It was also her job with the NYPD that had alerted her to the fact that Jimmy wasn't an FBI Agent at all. She had sat on the info, though. She didn't want to stick her nose in. If he was a criminal, it was someone else's job to worry about it, and it wasn't like he was in much of a condition to do anything about it anyway. The guy had amensia. If he was a crim, likely he didn't even remember what he was trying to pull off anyway. "Think he's not going to need you as much now the brother is here?" she asked, raising her eyebrows a little. "Personally, I think he'll need all the help he can get, and the brother..." she trailed off momentarily, clearing her throat too, "gotta be feeling guilty for not being there, if he's any sort of decent brother. You know?"
Ailbe's cheeks flushed as she wirggled in her seat anxiously before finally conceding Jo's point with a nod as she met her friend's eyes. They'd known each other a short time, but Ailbe already knew she could trust the other woman, and that Jo was pretty good at getting to the bottom of things quickly. There was no hiding anything from her. Ailbe speared a piece of lettuce and looked at it on her fork. "Maybe. I think he's not really going to need the kind of, um... personal attention I've been giving him. The medical side I'll always help him with. It's what I'm there for. I'm just the nurse." It was out before she could stop it, and Ailbe covered her hand with her mouth. "Shit, that's not... I didn't mean... Bollocks. And yeah, I know. He looked pretty cut up during their conversation. It looked really intense."
Jo scratched the back of her head and licked her lips after devouring a few more fries. "Yeah, you are, love. Right now you are. What's your ethics on dating patients, anyway? He's gotta be here for a little longer, doesn't he? But he'll get out eventually. Sooner or later, you won't be his nurse," she pointed out, gesturing with another fry. "And, um... he's on my sofa. The brother. That's why he isn't here," she added lightly and then picked up a piece of the pizza, taking a large bite.
"Funnily enough someone asked me that a couple weeks back. At the time I thought they were full of shit, but after meeting Jimmy... It's really not easy when you fancy a patient. I've held onto it this long, I'm sure I can wait until he gets out. Assuming he even wants anything to do with me, and doesn't think I'm some kinda stalker." She was lost in her own thoughts for a moment, before Jo's comment yanked her back out, and she leaned across the table to snag a fry and bit down on it hungrily. "Are you shitting me? How'd he wind up on your sofa?! I didn't even know you knew him."
Jo licked her lips as she finished her bite of pizza and washed it down with a mouthful of her shake. "What is it about him? I mean, why him out of all the patients you've ever had? You get long term patients all the time. I don't see you perving on my brother's ass," she teased, smirking. She shrugged, fiddling with the straw in the shake. "He fucked me in the elevator when I left here yesterday. I bitched him out for not holding the door, then I was riled up, asked him if he was married or gay, he was neither. I stuck my tongue down his throat. What? He's a little hottie."
"Not sure I'd call the brother 'little'," Ailbe responded with a small smirk. "He's still like six foot, and he's probably packing something pretty mean in his jeans if it was enough to keep you going. And I would perve on your brother's arse, but traction makes it hard." She picked up her water and took a sip before trying once again to eat her salad. "But why Jimmy? I don't know... I can't quite pin it down. It's not like I know him completely, but he's a sweetheart. He's tall, and strong, and he's got the cutest smile. He even gets dimples. I just want to kiss him senseless. I like his hands, too. They're big, but they look... comforting."
"Little compared to the fuckers that usually try to crack onto me. I like the stocky sort, nice body. Definitely nice cock. But yeah, all that, then we got a burger together. He said he just got back from somewhere. They aren't locals, they don't live here. He's gonna get a place with his brother, only there hasn't been a chance for that yet, so I offered him my couch. I don't know why, don't ask me why I did it. The guy just looked like he could use a break, and he got it. He knows what it's like to have a brother banged up in this place. It'll make it easier if he can crash somewhere, and I don't live that far away. Plus, I'm hardly ever home. He can do what he likes. Not like I have the crown jewels to rob if he's a petty crim, and if he wants to try and take me out, I'll take out his family jewels." Jo sat back a little, thinking about how it all went down with Dean. It really was strange. She hardly knew him, but she wanted to help him out. There were definitely things they weren't telling each other, but it didn't seem to matter. "But he's injured and fucked in the head. Don't you wonder about what he's forgotten? Causing nightmares and shit. What if he isn't even being like he really is because he forgets who he really is?"
Ailbe arched an eyebrow as she gave Jo a look. "Are you going to fuck him again while he's taking advantage of your hospitality? They're not locals, but they're going to stick around for a bit? I guess it would help Jimmy to have a solid place to stay for a few days. It would definitely help us in releasing him if we're satisfied he'll be okay. And me, I guess. I mean, if he stays in the City, I could see him again." Butterflies started up in Ailbe's stomach, and she set her fork down. No way she could eat right now when she was getting so worked up over a patient. It was stupid, but she couldn't help it. "He's not so fucked in the head he doesn't know who he is. He does know who he is. He's just forgotten a few things, not his whole personality. But of course I wonder. I wonder what someone can experience to cause him so much pain. I don't think he's a bad person, I think a lot of it has happened to him."
"God fucking knows. I would be lying if I didn't admit I'd be interested in going a second round, but when I left this morning, the dude was out cold. I had to poke him to make sure he was alive. He was breathing, but he didn't wake up. It's like he hasn't slept for months. I was banging around in the kitchen trying to get my shit together, and hell, the Avon lady even knocked on the door and gave me her spiel. He didn't stir at all. That's why he's not here, otherwise I figure he would be. He'll probably come when he gets up. I did get a few clues that he was planning on sticking around to make sure Jimmy was okay... so I guess they're staying for awhile. He's still going to need rehab and stuff right? Do doctors even sign him off until his memory comes back?" Jo pressed her lips together and contemplated her friend. "Do you know if he's interested in you beyond just someone who helps him out when things are tough? Has he said anything about his brother? Leaving with him, anything like that?"
Ailbe nodded as she made a sympathetic noise. "Those Olsens definitely look like they could go a few rounds... Man, I haven't been properly shagged in months. Maybe that's why I'm going crazy over Jimmy? Just projecting onto him my lack of proper male contact? I don't know... I'd like to think I'm not crazy, and I really do just like him. Jimmy seems to be just as glad to get some sleep when he can. Real sleep, not the drug-induced knock outs. Maybe they just work really hard? And I think it just depends on the patient. We can't keep him here forever, and his memory might never come back. It's more the head injury that's keeping him here. Until they're satisfied nothing really bad will happen, he's staying." Ailbe gave a small shake of her head. "No, I don't. Sometimes I feel like he could be, but he's holding back. Probably because I am his nurse. He's never mentioned leaving with his brother, though. Just that he missed him."
"Not sure about his brother, but Dean can definitely go a few rounds. Just, until he passed out, that was. He came back to see his brother last night apparently. I was in bed by the time he got home, but he was there on the sofa when I woke up. I wasn't sure he would take me up on the offer, to be honest. Not sure he's used to taking charity, but he was torn about being around for his brother at the moment. The guilt... I get it. I don't know where he was, but wherever it was, it wasn't with his brother when he was hurt, and you blame yourself for that sort of shit. But how do you feel about the idea that Jimmy might go soon? His brother might be all cool with taking him into his care. He might be gone sooner than you thought he would be. Have you talked to him beyond just the usual nursely stuff?" Jo asked. She wanted to help if she could. Maybe she could get some details out of Dean, all assuming the guy would talk to her about stuff.
"Does he snore?" Ailbe couldn't help but ask. "Jimmy's not really much of a snorer, but when he's really out, he kind of snuffles. It's adorable. Do you really feel guilty about Simon? He's a stunt driver, it was always a possibility. It's nothing that you could have stopped, he's involved in a dangerous profession. I'm still not so sure Jimmy's injury was unavoidable given he's FBI. It just seemed to have come as a shock to both of them. No sign it was part of an investigation, or something." Ailbe leaned back in her chair, and after a moment she reached over to pull out the chocolate bar she had stashed in her handbag. "I feel like I'm about to lose out on something, even if I don't know what. Most of my patients, even if they do keep in touch, it's nothing lasting. Just a card to say thanks, or something. We've talked a little. Not heaps. One of us always changes the conversation back to safer territory, or sometimes he gets one of his headaches."
Jo shook her head and shrugged. "Nope. At least, he wasn't this morning. Maybe he was too knackered to snore?" She poked at the pizza with her fork. "Yeah, I do, but I didn't say it was a rational guilt. I can't explain it, it's just... I'm his big sister, I feel like I should have protected him, even if I was nowhere near the place when it happened. He does a dangerous job, and there is always a niggle in your head that he might get hurt, but you never really think it will happen. Until you're standing over him in the ER unable to even recognise his face because it's so bruised. The guilt is just inate. You can't stop it. Dean wasn't with his brother when it happened, but he still feels guilty too. And... I wasn't going to tell you this, but Jimmy's not FBI. I don't know what he is, but he's not that. So whatever he was doing, it wasn't an FBI investigation." She blew out a sharp breath. "So, what do you think you can do about it? Ask him if he wants to get a drink when he's outta here? I wonder if Dean knows about those headaches..."
Ailbe pointed at Jo with her chocolate. "The irrational guilt I get. I've seen it in a lot of siblings, but I guess I can't really identify with it a lot. I'm an only, so I worry about me, myself, and I. I can't imagine having a brother, or sister, and then suddenly seeing them hurt. But I do get that it would be a huge thing. I just also know that neither of you did anything to deserve the guilt eating you up. You're here for Simon now, and that's what matters. It matters more than you can imagine for him to know that you're by his side through all this. They need that connection to someone." She almost choked on her bite of chocolate as her eyebrows shot up. "He's not--huh?"
"It sucks," Jo offered. "Not having a sibling, but seeing them hurt. I can't imagine life without Simon. I'd always try and look out for him. Then he hit an age where he got taller than me and he was the one looking out for me. Still, I could never quite shake the protective big sister routine. I know a lot of sisters wouldn't bother their ass, but we've always been close. I couldn't handle knowing he was in here driving himself crazy. I swear he was always borderline ADHD. He hates sitting still, he's always got to be doing something. Now he's stuck and I know he hates it. I wonder if he'll even get back into a stunt car. He seems a little uncertain about the whole thing..." She scrunched her nose up and shook her head. "No, love. Sorry. I got curious one day, did a bit of digging. He's not an Agent, and even if he was undercover, he wouldn't have been admitted to Sinai under his Agent name."
Ailbe couldn't help but smile softly. "I think it sounds pretty awesome... Having that kind of a bond. I'm actually jealous. Simon's really lucky to have a big sister like you, Jo. And I'm just as lucky to have gained a friend. You really think he'd never get back in a stunt car? I thought he breathed the stuff? What else would he do?" She didn't know what to think. Something cold was snaking its way down her spine, and Ailbe felt like the floor was about to open up and swallow her whole. "What am I supposed to do?"
Jo nodded with a smile. "Yeah, it is awesome. I can't deny that. I'm sorry you never experienced it, but if it's any consolation, when we were younger and at each other's throats - which was often - we both always wished we were onlys," she joked, giving Ailbe's hand a pat. "He will. He does live and breathe it, plus he thrives on the adrenaline rush. It's just easy for him to see the downside right now. At least on the good days, he still manages to bitch about not being able to get laid."
She cleared her throat softly. "Has he outright said he is one, or have you all just been assuming he is? Don't get me wrong... he could be something else important parading as FBI, which happens. Maybe you should ask him? He might want someone to talk to if he's all messed in the head."
Ailbe gave Jo a grateful look even if she wasn't entirely convinced the two siblings could ever be onlys. "Does he even have a girlfriend, or is he just as wild in his personal life? If he had someone close I'm sure they would be here, right?" She pressed her lips together as she gave a small sigh. "I think it's all anyone really wants, no matter how much they kid themselves. Like that detective I was talking to. A one night stand isn't going to give a shit if you wind up in traction, or get amnesia."
"No, he... we assumed. It was the only ID on him. I don't know if I should, he might be the opposite and not want anyone quizzing him about that side of his life. He hasn't volunteered any work stuff since he got here."
Jo shook her head as she sucked on her shake again. "Nope, no girlfriend. Man, I hated his ex. She was such a dickhead. She wanted to tie him down complete with a big shiny rock from Tiffanys, but he ended up giving her the flick when she started to pressure him too much. Tried to trap him by getting knocked up, too, but she lost the kid. I swear, karma does step in sometimes. I might have been forced to take her out if she didn't back off. He's been single for months now. He's got a lot of mates, as you've seen, but no tart following him around anymore." She moved on to pick up the next bit of her pizza. "That detective is a smart cookie. I wonder if I know him. You need more to get more. Sex ain't gonna cut it."
She shook her finger at Ailbe, faintly scolding her as a friend should. "Because maybe he's not sure he should. He's had a head injury, has amnesia. He could be as scared as all hell to tell someone the truth, you know. Especially before his brother showed up. He had no one, didn't he?"
Ailbe made a face as she stuck her tongue out. "Hate women like that. They give the rest of us a bad name. If I wasn't so hung up on Jimmy, I might take a crack at your brother. Assuming you wouldn't hate me for it," she said with a soft laugh. "I know how sisters can get, even if it's one of their friends. I wouldn't ever hurt him, though. And no, that detective was all about sex, but I was too young for him apparently."
Ailbe looked suitably scolded and went back to eating her salad. "Yeah, true. I just feel like I'm intruding. It's not my place..."
Jo snorted and waved her hands. "Oh man, do you know how many gods I would pray to if he could meet someone like you? Seriously, he has the crappiest string of exes ever. They see him coming, and then because his time is all clogged up dating the Slut Brigade, he can't see the good girls when they pass him by. Then you have some of the good girls who are just intimidated by what he does. I can't blame them, it's a lot to accept. He's on location filming a lot, not always around. It can make it hard on a relationship." She took a bite and chewed thoughtfully. Once she swallowed, she licked her lips. "I got a mate who sounds like that. Also a detective. The Irish fuck, no offense. That's completely directed at him. He is a super slut, but with a heart of gold. But it works for him, just wouldn't work for most of the rest of the population. I miss him. The bastard up and moved to England."
"It's only going to be your place if you make it. Look, if Jimmy was his brother, I wouldn't be suggesting this. Guy is closed off tighter than a fart in an elevator. You wouldn't get any info, but I get a feeling from what you've said and what Dean said that that Jimmy is... different. Softer? Something like that. If you fancy him, you need to breach that gap a little before he up and leave, Ail, or you'll be breaking laws contacting him at home without his permission."
Ailbe couldn't help but giggle a little as she thought about the slut brigade. She hadn't even met any of Simon's exes, but she could imagine. "Hopefully one day he'll manage to spot a good girl, and she won't be intimated. Or at least just know it's a part of him even if she is scared. I definitely can't imagine worrying about a boyfriend like that, but then... I don't know. I mean, I work crazy hours, and who wants to put up with that? Hey, ah, is his name Euan? Because that sounds scarily like the guy I was chatting to."
"Does that mean you're even going to try and get info out of the brother?" Ailbe asked curiously as she watched Jo's face. "Well, I don't want to come across as some psycho stalker chick, so I'm all for trying to close the gap now."
"I have faith that he will one day... after she passes my big sister gauntlet. If she can get through that, she's home free. Not many have, though. Hm," Jo said, tilting her head in contemplation. "But better that than letting him get fucked over, right? I mean, this ex chick seriously stuck a picture of the ring she wanted to his friggen toilet roll. Poor bugger couldn't even take a dump without being harrassed by it. Some chicks need putting down." She laughed and put her hand over her mouth. "Oh my god, you met U? How did you survive that experience? He comes across quite brash, but he's a sweetheart. You just take him as he comes... and he comes a lot."
She smirked. "Of course I am, I'm just not going to let on that I'm fishing. He's a nice dude, seems sweet enough. Just has secrets. Probably a lot to do with why your Jimmy is having nightmares. You aren't a psycho stalker chick, you're his nurse and you fancy him. You need to talk to him, ask him if he really is FBI and called Jimmy. You'll get a sense if he's evasive."
"Damn straight they do. Fuck, who does that? I always wanted to get married, but so long as the guy's not sticking a cheesy puff on my finger I'm okay with anything. Even then, so long as he was being genuinely romantic when he stuck the cheesy puff on my finger, I'd take it. I don't need some stupidly big rock." Ailbe bit her lip. "Seems like it. I survived. I think. Not really sure. Just wound up feeling like a frigid idiot, and I'm not even frigid. And I gathered the part about the coming. Good luck to him."
Ailbe laughed. "Well, you are better at that than I am. I just always wind up blurting crap out. I can deal with bodily fluids, but not awkward conversations. I guess it's only right I find out who he is..."
"Some chicks are mental, seriously. If the guy isn't gonna do the deed, and you've been waiting around forever, you give him the flick. But if it's the right time, and he's the right dude, he'll get his finger out. At least, I assume that's how it all goes down. I guess some people just aren't into marriage, so there is that to take into account. I'm not exactly well-versed in the committment ettiquette. My relationship history isn't anything to log well into the memory banks, by any means." Jo was smirking and shrugged as she chewed on the end of her straw. "Don't. He was probably just trying to urge you to get out there. He tackles life with his balls in his hand. I envy him sometimes."
She offered her fries over to Ailbe. "Hey, I'm trained to be like that. It's not an easy thing to do. You said you've had a connection with him on some level. He might like someone to talk to. Can you visit him after your shift, so you're technically not there in a nursely capacity?"
"Maybe you and Jimmy's brother well get along pretty well, then," Ailbe said with a teasing grin. "He doesn't strike me as the relationship type either. I don't know why, just seems... What's the word? I'm not sure I envy your friend, just think it's great that at least one person knows what he wants and how to get it. Still not sure it'll ever really keep him warm at night."
Ailbe took a couple of fries, and chewed on the salty goodness. She gave a nod after a moment. "Sure, I can defintely do that. I mean, at least it'd be more informal then. He might not feel awkward with me not in scrubs."
Jo just laughed. "Stop trying to play commitment-challenged cupid. It won't work. He's here for his brother, and that's all. He was just in the right place at the right time for a good fuck, which I needed. Things with Simon have been driving me nutty. Just you make sure you talk to his brother. That's the issue here. I can look after myself, but you... this could be your one chance, love. Don't just let it slip through your fingers or you'll regret it. Trust me, you'll regret it and you'll hate yourself for it. So, eat up, even if I seriously doubt a bit of lettuce and a chicken wing is any decent stamina fuel. You and me need to talk about grease, love... and sooner rather than later."
Word Count | 4,893
The morning after the surreal day before, Jo found herself back at the hospital sitting by her brother's bedside. He was still sedated, and they weren't exactly sure why his pain levels had increased, only that evidently, something was going on to cause it. Some doctors were going to be running some tests, some fearing Simon had an infection in his blood, but hoping it was just a matter of needing medication levels adjusted. Jo hoped it was the latter. She wasn't sure she could tolerate watching him go through more medical shit than he already had. It was bad enough seeing him still stuck in traction, even if she made jokes about him not being able to go outside in a storm, or having bad taste in bondage. To amuse herself, she sat and wrote the entire lyrics of 'Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life' on his cast while he slept, but then Ailbe had dropped by explaining it was her lunch break and she didn't want to be a Nigel No Friends in the cafeteria again, so Jo tagged along.
Now with a greasy cheese pizza with a side of fries in front of her and a large chocolate shake to accompany it, Jo picked at the fries, lost in her own thoughts as Ailbe arranged her own lunch on the plate. She was humming the Monty Python song to herself, it now stuck in her head, and nudged a stringy bit of cheese back onto the pizza with a fry from where it had melted over the edge of the crust. Yesterday had been fucking weird, and it just succeeded in sticking on her mind when she passed Jimmy's room, finding Dean's brother also out like a light. Dean hadn't been there, though, and she wondered if she would've kept him company if he had been. "Jimmy having a bad day too, then?" she asked, biting the cheesy end of the fry off and glancing up at Ailbe.
Ailbe was trying to go the healthy route, but the smell of Jo's pizza and fries was getting to her. She longed for something greasy, the salad and chicken in front of her no longer seeming appetising. The Monty Python song started to run through her head as well, and Ailbe made a mental note to fling a tomato at Jo for putting it there. She held off though as Jimmy was brought up, the Irish nurse's eyes getting that special little sparkle as she thought of her amnesiac patient. "Mm... His headaches have been getting worse, and he's been suffering a few night terrors. I have no idea what happened to him, but whatever it was... It's really done a number on his mind. I think he's forgotten to try and spare himself the pain, but the mind always finds a way. It's hard watching him go through so much agony, but I can't really help him. Only thing we can do is knock him out. I was hoping his brother might have been there, but no sign. It would help Jimmy if his brother was there." Ailbe cleared her throat and glanced away as she sucked on her lip. That stupid little niggle of jealousy was back, and she wanted to kick herself for it. Jimmy's brother was his family! It wasn't as if Ailbe had any kind of claim on him.
Jo watched the nurse closely. She wasn't an unskilled criminal profiler. She could read people well. It was also her job with the NYPD that had alerted her to the fact that Jimmy wasn't an FBI Agent at all. She had sat on the info, though. She didn't want to stick her nose in. If he was a criminal, it was someone else's job to worry about it, and it wasn't like he was in much of a condition to do anything about it anyway. The guy had amensia. If he was a crim, likely he didn't even remember what he was trying to pull off anyway. "Think he's not going to need you as much now the brother is here?" she asked, raising her eyebrows a little. "Personally, I think he'll need all the help he can get, and the brother..." she trailed off momentarily, clearing her throat too, "gotta be feeling guilty for not being there, if he's any sort of decent brother. You know?"
Ailbe's cheeks flushed as she wirggled in her seat anxiously before finally conceding Jo's point with a nod as she met her friend's eyes. They'd known each other a short time, but Ailbe already knew she could trust the other woman, and that Jo was pretty good at getting to the bottom of things quickly. There was no hiding anything from her. Ailbe speared a piece of lettuce and looked at it on her fork. "Maybe. I think he's not really going to need the kind of, um... personal attention I've been giving him. The medical side I'll always help him with. It's what I'm there for. I'm just the nurse." It was out before she could stop it, and Ailbe covered her hand with her mouth. "Shit, that's not... I didn't mean... Bollocks. And yeah, I know. He looked pretty cut up during their conversation. It looked really intense."
Jo scratched the back of her head and licked her lips after devouring a few more fries. "Yeah, you are, love. Right now you are. What's your ethics on dating patients, anyway? He's gotta be here for a little longer, doesn't he? But he'll get out eventually. Sooner or later, you won't be his nurse," she pointed out, gesturing with another fry. "And, um... he's on my sofa. The brother. That's why he isn't here," she added lightly and then picked up a piece of the pizza, taking a large bite.
"Funnily enough someone asked me that a couple weeks back. At the time I thought they were full of shit, but after meeting Jimmy... It's really not easy when you fancy a patient. I've held onto it this long, I'm sure I can wait until he gets out. Assuming he even wants anything to do with me, and doesn't think I'm some kinda stalker." She was lost in her own thoughts for a moment, before Jo's comment yanked her back out, and she leaned across the table to snag a fry and bit down on it hungrily. "Are you shitting me? How'd he wind up on your sofa?! I didn't even know you knew him."
Jo licked her lips as she finished her bite of pizza and washed it down with a mouthful of her shake. "What is it about him? I mean, why him out of all the patients you've ever had? You get long term patients all the time. I don't see you perving on my brother's ass," she teased, smirking. She shrugged, fiddling with the straw in the shake. "He fucked me in the elevator when I left here yesterday. I bitched him out for not holding the door, then I was riled up, asked him if he was married or gay, he was neither. I stuck my tongue down his throat. What? He's a little hottie."
"Not sure I'd call the brother 'little'," Ailbe responded with a small smirk. "He's still like six foot, and he's probably packing something pretty mean in his jeans if it was enough to keep you going. And I would perve on your brother's arse, but traction makes it hard." She picked up her water and took a sip before trying once again to eat her salad. "But why Jimmy? I don't know... I can't quite pin it down. It's not like I know him completely, but he's a sweetheart. He's tall, and strong, and he's got the cutest smile. He even gets dimples. I just want to kiss him senseless. I like his hands, too. They're big, but they look... comforting."
"Little compared to the fuckers that usually try to crack onto me. I like the stocky sort, nice body. Definitely nice cock. But yeah, all that, then we got a burger together. He said he just got back from somewhere. They aren't locals, they don't live here. He's gonna get a place with his brother, only there hasn't been a chance for that yet, so I offered him my couch. I don't know why, don't ask me why I did it. The guy just looked like he could use a break, and he got it. He knows what it's like to have a brother banged up in this place. It'll make it easier if he can crash somewhere, and I don't live that far away. Plus, I'm hardly ever home. He can do what he likes. Not like I have the crown jewels to rob if he's a petty crim, and if he wants to try and take me out, I'll take out his family jewels." Jo sat back a little, thinking about how it all went down with Dean. It really was strange. She hardly knew him, but she wanted to help him out. There were definitely things they weren't telling each other, but it didn't seem to matter. "But he's injured and fucked in the head. Don't you wonder about what he's forgotten? Causing nightmares and shit. What if he isn't even being like he really is because he forgets who he really is?"
Ailbe arched an eyebrow as she gave Jo a look. "Are you going to fuck him again while he's taking advantage of your hospitality? They're not locals, but they're going to stick around for a bit? I guess it would help Jimmy to have a solid place to stay for a few days. It would definitely help us in releasing him if we're satisfied he'll be okay. And me, I guess. I mean, if he stays in the City, I could see him again." Butterflies started up in Ailbe's stomach, and she set her fork down. No way she could eat right now when she was getting so worked up over a patient. It was stupid, but she couldn't help it. "He's not so fucked in the head he doesn't know who he is. He does know who he is. He's just forgotten a few things, not his whole personality. But of course I wonder. I wonder what someone can experience to cause him so much pain. I don't think he's a bad person, I think a lot of it has happened to him."
"God fucking knows. I would be lying if I didn't admit I'd be interested in going a second round, but when I left this morning, the dude was out cold. I had to poke him to make sure he was alive. He was breathing, but he didn't wake up. It's like he hasn't slept for months. I was banging around in the kitchen trying to get my shit together, and hell, the Avon lady even knocked on the door and gave me her spiel. He didn't stir at all. That's why he's not here, otherwise I figure he would be. He'll probably come when he gets up. I did get a few clues that he was planning on sticking around to make sure Jimmy was okay... so I guess they're staying for awhile. He's still going to need rehab and stuff right? Do doctors even sign him off until his memory comes back?" Jo pressed her lips together and contemplated her friend. "Do you know if he's interested in you beyond just someone who helps him out when things are tough? Has he said anything about his brother? Leaving with him, anything like that?"
Ailbe nodded as she made a sympathetic noise. "Those Olsens definitely look like they could go a few rounds... Man, I haven't been properly shagged in months. Maybe that's why I'm going crazy over Jimmy? Just projecting onto him my lack of proper male contact? I don't know... I'd like to think I'm not crazy, and I really do just like him. Jimmy seems to be just as glad to get some sleep when he can. Real sleep, not the drug-induced knock outs. Maybe they just work really hard? And I think it just depends on the patient. We can't keep him here forever, and his memory might never come back. It's more the head injury that's keeping him here. Until they're satisfied nothing really bad will happen, he's staying." Ailbe gave a small shake of her head. "No, I don't. Sometimes I feel like he could be, but he's holding back. Probably because I am his nurse. He's never mentioned leaving with his brother, though. Just that he missed him."
"Not sure about his brother, but Dean can definitely go a few rounds. Just, until he passed out, that was. He came back to see his brother last night apparently. I was in bed by the time he got home, but he was there on the sofa when I woke up. I wasn't sure he would take me up on the offer, to be honest. Not sure he's used to taking charity, but he was torn about being around for his brother at the moment. The guilt... I get it. I don't know where he was, but wherever it was, it wasn't with his brother when he was hurt, and you blame yourself for that sort of shit. But how do you feel about the idea that Jimmy might go soon? His brother might be all cool with taking him into his care. He might be gone sooner than you thought he would be. Have you talked to him beyond just the usual nursely stuff?" Jo asked. She wanted to help if she could. Maybe she could get some details out of Dean, all assuming the guy would talk to her about stuff.
"Does he snore?" Ailbe couldn't help but ask. "Jimmy's not really much of a snorer, but when he's really out, he kind of snuffles. It's adorable. Do you really feel guilty about Simon? He's a stunt driver, it was always a possibility. It's nothing that you could have stopped, he's involved in a dangerous profession. I'm still not so sure Jimmy's injury was unavoidable given he's FBI. It just seemed to have come as a shock to both of them. No sign it was part of an investigation, or something." Ailbe leaned back in her chair, and after a moment she reached over to pull out the chocolate bar she had stashed in her handbag. "I feel like I'm about to lose out on something, even if I don't know what. Most of my patients, even if they do keep in touch, it's nothing lasting. Just a card to say thanks, or something. We've talked a little. Not heaps. One of us always changes the conversation back to safer territory, or sometimes he gets one of his headaches."
Jo shook her head and shrugged. "Nope. At least, he wasn't this morning. Maybe he was too knackered to snore?" She poked at the pizza with her fork. "Yeah, I do, but I didn't say it was a rational guilt. I can't explain it, it's just... I'm his big sister, I feel like I should have protected him, even if I was nowhere near the place when it happened. He does a dangerous job, and there is always a niggle in your head that he might get hurt, but you never really think it will happen. Until you're standing over him in the ER unable to even recognise his face because it's so bruised. The guilt is just inate. You can't stop it. Dean wasn't with his brother when it happened, but he still feels guilty too. And... I wasn't going to tell you this, but Jimmy's not FBI. I don't know what he is, but he's not that. So whatever he was doing, it wasn't an FBI investigation." She blew out a sharp breath. "So, what do you think you can do about it? Ask him if he wants to get a drink when he's outta here? I wonder if Dean knows about those headaches..."
Ailbe pointed at Jo with her chocolate. "The irrational guilt I get. I've seen it in a lot of siblings, but I guess I can't really identify with it a lot. I'm an only, so I worry about me, myself, and I. I can't imagine having a brother, or sister, and then suddenly seeing them hurt. But I do get that it would be a huge thing. I just also know that neither of you did anything to deserve the guilt eating you up. You're here for Simon now, and that's what matters. It matters more than you can imagine for him to know that you're by his side through all this. They need that connection to someone." She almost choked on her bite of chocolate as her eyebrows shot up. "He's not--huh?"
"It sucks," Jo offered. "Not having a sibling, but seeing them hurt. I can't imagine life without Simon. I'd always try and look out for him. Then he hit an age where he got taller than me and he was the one looking out for me. Still, I could never quite shake the protective big sister routine. I know a lot of sisters wouldn't bother their ass, but we've always been close. I couldn't handle knowing he was in here driving himself crazy. I swear he was always borderline ADHD. He hates sitting still, he's always got to be doing something. Now he's stuck and I know he hates it. I wonder if he'll even get back into a stunt car. He seems a little uncertain about the whole thing..." She scrunched her nose up and shook her head. "No, love. Sorry. I got curious one day, did a bit of digging. He's not an Agent, and even if he was undercover, he wouldn't have been admitted to Sinai under his Agent name."
Ailbe couldn't help but smile softly. "I think it sounds pretty awesome... Having that kind of a bond. I'm actually jealous. Simon's really lucky to have a big sister like you, Jo. And I'm just as lucky to have gained a friend. You really think he'd never get back in a stunt car? I thought he breathed the stuff? What else would he do?" She didn't know what to think. Something cold was snaking its way down her spine, and Ailbe felt like the floor was about to open up and swallow her whole. "What am I supposed to do?"
Jo nodded with a smile. "Yeah, it is awesome. I can't deny that. I'm sorry you never experienced it, but if it's any consolation, when we were younger and at each other's throats - which was often - we both always wished we were onlys," she joked, giving Ailbe's hand a pat. "He will. He does live and breathe it, plus he thrives on the adrenaline rush. It's just easy for him to see the downside right now. At least on the good days, he still manages to bitch about not being able to get laid."
She cleared her throat softly. "Has he outright said he is one, or have you all just been assuming he is? Don't get me wrong... he could be something else important parading as FBI, which happens. Maybe you should ask him? He might want someone to talk to if he's all messed in the head."
Ailbe gave Jo a grateful look even if she wasn't entirely convinced the two siblings could ever be onlys. "Does he even have a girlfriend, or is he just as wild in his personal life? If he had someone close I'm sure they would be here, right?" She pressed her lips together as she gave a small sigh. "I think it's all anyone really wants, no matter how much they kid themselves. Like that detective I was talking to. A one night stand isn't going to give a shit if you wind up in traction, or get amnesia."
"No, he... we assumed. It was the only ID on him. I don't know if I should, he might be the opposite and not want anyone quizzing him about that side of his life. He hasn't volunteered any work stuff since he got here."
Jo shook her head as she sucked on her shake again. "Nope, no girlfriend. Man, I hated his ex. She was such a dickhead. She wanted to tie him down complete with a big shiny rock from Tiffanys, but he ended up giving her the flick when she started to pressure him too much. Tried to trap him by getting knocked up, too, but she lost the kid. I swear, karma does step in sometimes. I might have been forced to take her out if she didn't back off. He's been single for months now. He's got a lot of mates, as you've seen, but no tart following him around anymore." She moved on to pick up the next bit of her pizza. "That detective is a smart cookie. I wonder if I know him. You need more to get more. Sex ain't gonna cut it."
She shook her finger at Ailbe, faintly scolding her as a friend should. "Because maybe he's not sure he should. He's had a head injury, has amnesia. He could be as scared as all hell to tell someone the truth, you know. Especially before his brother showed up. He had no one, didn't he?"
Ailbe made a face as she stuck her tongue out. "Hate women like that. They give the rest of us a bad name. If I wasn't so hung up on Jimmy, I might take a crack at your brother. Assuming you wouldn't hate me for it," she said with a soft laugh. "I know how sisters can get, even if it's one of their friends. I wouldn't ever hurt him, though. And no, that detective was all about sex, but I was too young for him apparently."
Ailbe looked suitably scolded and went back to eating her salad. "Yeah, true. I just feel like I'm intruding. It's not my place..."
Jo snorted and waved her hands. "Oh man, do you know how many gods I would pray to if he could meet someone like you? Seriously, he has the crappiest string of exes ever. They see him coming, and then because his time is all clogged up dating the Slut Brigade, he can't see the good girls when they pass him by. Then you have some of the good girls who are just intimidated by what he does. I can't blame them, it's a lot to accept. He's on location filming a lot, not always around. It can make it hard on a relationship." She took a bite and chewed thoughtfully. Once she swallowed, she licked her lips. "I got a mate who sounds like that. Also a detective. The Irish fuck, no offense. That's completely directed at him. He is a super slut, but with a heart of gold. But it works for him, just wouldn't work for most of the rest of the population. I miss him. The bastard up and moved to England."
"It's only going to be your place if you make it. Look, if Jimmy was his brother, I wouldn't be suggesting this. Guy is closed off tighter than a fart in an elevator. You wouldn't get any info, but I get a feeling from what you've said and what Dean said that that Jimmy is... different. Softer? Something like that. If you fancy him, you need to breach that gap a little before he up and leave, Ail, or you'll be breaking laws contacting him at home without his permission."
Ailbe couldn't help but giggle a little as she thought about the slut brigade. She hadn't even met any of Simon's exes, but she could imagine. "Hopefully one day he'll manage to spot a good girl, and she won't be intimated. Or at least just know it's a part of him even if she is scared. I definitely can't imagine worrying about a boyfriend like that, but then... I don't know. I mean, I work crazy hours, and who wants to put up with that? Hey, ah, is his name Euan? Because that sounds scarily like the guy I was chatting to."
"Does that mean you're even going to try and get info out of the brother?" Ailbe asked curiously as she watched Jo's face. "Well, I don't want to come across as some psycho stalker chick, so I'm all for trying to close the gap now."
"I have faith that he will one day... after she passes my big sister gauntlet. If she can get through that, she's home free. Not many have, though. Hm," Jo said, tilting her head in contemplation. "But better that than letting him get fucked over, right? I mean, this ex chick seriously stuck a picture of the ring she wanted to his friggen toilet roll. Poor bugger couldn't even take a dump without being harrassed by it. Some chicks need putting down." She laughed and put her hand over her mouth. "Oh my god, you met U? How did you survive that experience? He comes across quite brash, but he's a sweetheart. You just take him as he comes... and he comes a lot."
She smirked. "Of course I am, I'm just not going to let on that I'm fishing. He's a nice dude, seems sweet enough. Just has secrets. Probably a lot to do with why your Jimmy is having nightmares. You aren't a psycho stalker chick, you're his nurse and you fancy him. You need to talk to him, ask him if he really is FBI and called Jimmy. You'll get a sense if he's evasive."
"Damn straight they do. Fuck, who does that? I always wanted to get married, but so long as the guy's not sticking a cheesy puff on my finger I'm okay with anything. Even then, so long as he was being genuinely romantic when he stuck the cheesy puff on my finger, I'd take it. I don't need some stupidly big rock." Ailbe bit her lip. "Seems like it. I survived. I think. Not really sure. Just wound up feeling like a frigid idiot, and I'm not even frigid. And I gathered the part about the coming. Good luck to him."
Ailbe laughed. "Well, you are better at that than I am. I just always wind up blurting crap out. I can deal with bodily fluids, but not awkward conversations. I guess it's only right I find out who he is..."
"Some chicks are mental, seriously. If the guy isn't gonna do the deed, and you've been waiting around forever, you give him the flick. But if it's the right time, and he's the right dude, he'll get his finger out. At least, I assume that's how it all goes down. I guess some people just aren't into marriage, so there is that to take into account. I'm not exactly well-versed in the committment ettiquette. My relationship history isn't anything to log well into the memory banks, by any means." Jo was smirking and shrugged as she chewed on the end of her straw. "Don't. He was probably just trying to urge you to get out there. He tackles life with his balls in his hand. I envy him sometimes."
She offered her fries over to Ailbe. "Hey, I'm trained to be like that. It's not an easy thing to do. You said you've had a connection with him on some level. He might like someone to talk to. Can you visit him after your shift, so you're technically not there in a nursely capacity?"
"Maybe you and Jimmy's brother well get along pretty well, then," Ailbe said with a teasing grin. "He doesn't strike me as the relationship type either. I don't know why, just seems... What's the word? I'm not sure I envy your friend, just think it's great that at least one person knows what he wants and how to get it. Still not sure it'll ever really keep him warm at night."
Ailbe took a couple of fries, and chewed on the salty goodness. She gave a nod after a moment. "Sure, I can defintely do that. I mean, at least it'd be more informal then. He might not feel awkward with me not in scrubs."
Jo just laughed. "Stop trying to play commitment-challenged cupid. It won't work. He's here for his brother, and that's all. He was just in the right place at the right time for a good fuck, which I needed. Things with Simon have been driving me nutty. Just you make sure you talk to his brother. That's the issue here. I can look after myself, but you... this could be your one chance, love. Don't just let it slip through your fingers or you'll regret it. Trust me, you'll regret it and you'll hate yourself for it. So, eat up, even if I seriously doubt a bit of lettuce and a chicken wing is any decent stamina fuel. You and me need to talk about grease, love... and sooner rather than later."
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