6 comments/  23776 views/  20 favorites

Jon Starting Over Ch. 00

By: Bill_Monosand



"I'll get it! I'll get it!" Four year-old Lola called as she raced towards the ringing phone. 

"No! I'll get it. I'll get it!" Lilly contradicted, her little legs working as fast as they could to catch up to her twin. 

"Girls. Please. Settle down! Jon, can you get the phone?" Sarah begged, her hands sticky with the dough she was kneading. 

"Sure." Jonathan shifted on the stool and reached for the receiver, situated on a high shelf specifically to prevent children from answering it. "Hello?" he said over the twins who were starting to whine and stamp their feet. 

"I wanted to answer it." Lilly wasn't happy. "Daddy would let us answer the phone at home."

"It was MY turn," Lola told her sister. 

"Girls. Shhh! Jon won't be able to hear."

Jonathan smiled into the phone receiver as he watched the two girl put their noses into the air, cross their arms over their chests and stomp back into the room they'd been playing in. "Hello?" he repeated and listened carefully. The line was crackling with static and for a moment he wondered whether it was a crank call or yet another telemarketer calling from India. "Hello?!" He tried again and this time heard a faint male voice. 

"Matt. Can you hear me? The line is bad." 

"Its not Matt." Jonathan raised his voice slightly. "Can I take a message?!" 

"Matt? I still can't hear you too well. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know I'm going to be later than usual. I've got to get things ready for the new boss coming in on Monday. Can you take the girls to my house at five?" 

"I still can't hear you all that well. Did you say take the girls to your house at five?"

"Yes."

Jonathan looked at Sarah who nodded. "OK. That's fine."

"Thanks, Gotta go, bye Mattie!"

"OK. Bye." But Jon's words were lost as the man had already hung up. 

"Jasper, he's obviously been caught at work," Sarah stated matter-of-factly. "He works too hard." 

Jonathan settled himself on the seat again and watched his high-school friend turn a lump of dough into bread rolls. "So, run through it with me again. How exactly is Jasper related to you?"

"Very loosely, but family is family as far as I am concerned." 

"I'm not criticising, Sarah." Jon was quick to state. "You know how I feel about family, especially when my own home life was so...well, you know." 

"So...shitty? Say it like it is Jonny. Your parents had no time for anyone but themselves." 

"Keep going Sarah," Jon replied laughing, "Don't hold back!"

"Sorry Babe, you know that wasn't aimed at you. Your folks just make me so mad, you deserved better..." Sarah smiled gently. "Anyway onto Jasper! The link is, Jasper's spouse was Matt's brother's, brother." 

"Right!" Jonathan tried to figure it out. Matt was Sarah's husband. They'd been married for the last ten years and had two boys who would be home from school very soon. "So, Matt's sister, Abby is married to Don, and Jasper's partner was Don's brother?"

Very good, DR Thornegate. I can see all those years at university served you well."

Jonathan smiled. "A very loose connection. But as you said, family is family." He sipped his cup of tea and continued, his tone more solemn. "When did Jasper's partner die?"

"Three years ago. The Twins had just turned one; it was horrible Jasper and Eric fought so hard to adopt those girls, then Eric got so little time with them." 

He let out a slow breath. "That had to be really hard on Jasper. A single parent to two very big handfuls." 

"Yeah, they're gorgeous girls but totally full on ALL the time. Its aways go-go-go with them." Sarah put the rolls onto a tray and places them into the oven to rise. "Jasper had good support though, he's close to his parents and sister." 

"Good support." Jon repeated softy, wishing he'd had more support when his own world had come crashing down eight years ago. Of course Sarah had been there for him, but Sarah had been in a different part of the country and there'd been only so much she could do. Now though, Jonny had come home. Back to Sydney. Back to his old stomping ground. Back to where he'd first met Sarah at school (and dated her until they both realised what a mistake that was). Back to where he'd gone to medical school and where he's met Arturo. Next week he'd be going back to the hospital where he'd studied as a medical student; only now he'd be head of the orthopedic and trauma unit. It was a position he'd been striving toward for far too long but finally, with much hard work commitment and sacrifice, he was making his dream come true. He just wished Arturo could have been there to witness it. 

"Yes, poor Jasper. He took it so hard when Eric died --- He had a brain tumor, it was very sudden." 

"Cancer in someone so young is never easy to deal with."

Jonathan's tone was quiet yet even he could hear the pain in is own voice. It didn't seem like eight years since Arturo had died, also of cancer, but it was and Jon still felt the pain of his loss every day. Thankfully, though, he had a high intensity job and it was work that kept him distracted, kept him going. Work and Sarah's continued friendship, which meant the world to him.

"Anyway...: Jon shook his head and pasted on a bright smile. 

"The girls are lovely and Jasper should be really proud of himself"

Sarah agreed. "I think he is. He knows how lucky he is." 

"Where does he work?"

Sarah starred at him for a moment, then quickly turned away and said, "Oh no! I didn't turn the oven on." She brushed the flour from her hands and quickly switched the oven on low. "The twins are so distracting sometimes. Beautiful but distracting." She turned her attention to cleaning up the kitchen. "Looking forward to starting your new job on Monday?" 

Jonathan shrugged, a little curious why Sarah hadn't answered his question. What was it about Jasper that was so secret? Was he a spy? A fundamentalist vegan eco-warrior, maybe? Could he be in the armed forces? Perhaps that was the case, given that Jonathan's own parents had been military personnel, moving Jon around for most of his childhood. Llikely Sarah hadn't wanted to mention it in case it upset Jon (though Lord knew she didn't pull her punches the rest of the time). He pushed the thoughts away. It didn't really matter and Sarah was obviously waiting for an answer to her question. 

"Yes, and no."

"That doesn't sound too good."

"It's just apprehension and nerves. New hospital. New staff. New department." 

"Which YOU'RE in charge of, Mr Bossy-boots. Don't pretend your not eager to do things your own way. Anyway, I thought you would've been happy to go back to your old hospital" 

"Hey! Watch it Miss Snippety." Jon replied smiling. "I am happy. Sort of. I just really want to do well as head of department. I've been working toward it for sooo long." 

You'll settle in fast enough Jonny-love. Make some new friends, scope out the sexy male nurses. You'll be fine." 

"I don't think so, Miss - on BOTH counts."

"Let me guess, the boss doesn't make friends easily?" 

"I don't make friends easily," Jon retorted. "Being the boss just gives me that extra edge where people tend to leave me alone. And there'll be NO nurses... That's your fantasy not mine! Pervert." He stuck his tongue out at her. 

Sarah laughed then washed her hands before turning to look directly at her oldest friend, eyes serious. "Jonny, is that what you really want? To come back to Sydney and not make ANY new friends? To have everyone leave you alone; like some postmodern twist on a princess locked in a tower?" 

Jonathan shrugged and sighed. Was it? He'd told himself that this move back to Sydney and the new job, was a fresh start. The problem was, he wasn't sure how fresh starts worked exactly.

Jon Starting Over Ch. 01



*** Part 2 of 12. Please read the prologue it provides some background information of the characters. Like I said last time this story is a slow build, with an emphasis on story over sex; though there will be sex eventually. And again I do my own editing so please don't grammar/spell bash me :) ***

CHAPTER ONE

Jasper Edwards quickly packed his briefcase with a huge pile of papers, glad the amount would be drastically reduced after today. It was almost six thirty in the morning and he needed to be leaving soon. He'd been up for nearly an hour because Lola had been sneezing and coughing during the night. With the weather being so cold, it wasn't uncommon. The problem was that when one child got sick the other usually followed suit. He made a mental note to watch Lilly for the first signs of the cold during the next few days. 

"Feeling better Buttercup?" he asked as he brushed a hand over her blonde ringlets and kissed her cheek, glad her eyes didn't look so glassy this morning. At her nod, he scooped her up. "Come on. Let's go wake Grammy and Pop. Daddy's got to be at the hospital early this morning." 

"Why?" Lola asked. 

"Because the new boss is starting today."

"Why?" Lilly chimed in, holding out her hands for her father to pick her up as well. 

"Because she is." Jasper balanced them. 

"Why?" Lola asked. 

"Because Daddy didn't want the job."

"Why?" It was Lilly's turn again, and Jasper couldn't keep his lips from twitching at their tag team act. 

"Because Daddy wants to spend more time with his gorgeous girls, that's why." "Why?" both of them asked together. 

"Because Daddy loves you both." He ticked their tummies and was rewarded with giggles from both, followed by coughing from Lola. They wrapped both arms around his neck and held on as he carried them through the ground floor of their home. 

"Be the giant, Daddy. Be the giant!" Lilly demanded. 

"Yeah! I love the giant," Lola agreed. 

"I love him too," Lilly added.

Knowing it would speed things up to acquiesce, rather than argue, Jasper hunched his shoulders a little, maintaining a firm hold on each of his girls. "GGRRRooooWwwLL!" I'm the GREAT big giant from the land of GIANTICOR!" Jasper's voice was deep and rumbly, making both girls giggle again, and making both pairs of arms tighten with excitement as he crashed his way up the stairs. "I'm here to give tasty little girls a ride to the land of GRANDparenTIO. Are you both comfortable?"

"Yes," They said in unison, their voices radiating utter glee. 

"GgrrroooowwwL. Off we go then!" Walking with big steps and swaying form side to side, Jasper carefully made his way upstairs to his mother's kitchen. The house was the perfect arrangement for all concerned. He and the girls lived on the lower level, and his parents lived upstairs. They had their own bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen and living areas; giving privacy where privacy was needed and security for the girls when Jasper was called to the hospital in the middle of the night. They communicated via an intercom so if he was called out he could buzz through to his parents and they knew to check on the girls, who had a child monitor in their perfectly pink bedroom. 

His mother was in the kitchen, making coffee, as he crashed towards her, still growling. "The grandkid express from the land of GIANTICOR has arrived!" he announced, and Iris his mother came over and took the girls from him one at a time. 

"Oh! Good morning Mr Giant thank you! You are so kind to deliver such BEE-you-tif-FULL girls to me!" She say out making the twins giggle even harder as they were seated at the kitchen table. 

Jasper smiled and kissed his mother's cheek. "Morning Mum" he said while pouring himself some coffee. He took a sip and sighed "Mmmmm. Just what the doctor ordered." 

The twins giggled. "You say that every morning, Daddy."

Lilly grinned up at him, "Can I have some coffee?" 

"I want some too," Lola added, 

"Ah, I believe Grammy has some yummy milk for you to have instead."

"I want the chocolate one."

"I want it, too."

Iris rolled her eyes. "Any you say that every morning," she told her granddaughters. "Kiss Daddy good bye, or he'll be late for work."

Both girls puckered up and Jasper spent the next five minutes being smothered in kisses. "I think I need another shower," he remarked as he took the lunchbox Iris handed him. 

"Make sure you eat that breakfast muffin sooner rather than later Jasper Edwards or there'll be trouble," his mother warned. 

"Yes, Mum," he replied with mock meekness, the winked at his daughters. "See you both tonight. Love you all!" He called as he walked down the stairs. 

"Love you too DADDY!!" the girls yelled, loud enough to wake their Pop, which only made Jasper smile even more. 

******

Jonathan walked through the hospital just before eight o'clock, eager to start work. The past week he'd spent at Sarah and Matt's, trying to find a suitable apartment, had been busy but felt like the calm before the storm. The problem was, he hadn't found an apartment near the hospital and most of his belongings were still in Melbourne. If he didn't find a place soon, he'd have to put everything into storage and that was the last thing he wanted to do. 

Anyway, he reminded himself, he would be spending most of his time here at the hospital, keeping busy. Work, work, work. He'd been thinking for a while that he needed to find life outside of work, but was beginning to wonder if he ever would. His one and only opportunity to have it all-be a doctor, and a family man-had been cruelly taken away when Arturo had died. Now that he's achieved what he wanted to professionally, he was beginning to realise how monocular his world had become. For the past eight years he'd lived and breathed work, and it had been fine for the first few years. After that, he'd simply fallen into a bad routine where he'd spent more hours than necessary at the hospital, too many hours studying for his doctorate, and declining every social invitation that came his way. 

In fact, for the past two years he's barely received any social invitations, and while he tried not to let that bother him, telling himself it was just because he'd have to turn them down anyway, he was quietly upset at the way his life was turning out. He knew that Arturo wouldn't be happy for him to be all alone and it was for that reason that he'd jumped at the chance to come back home to Sydney. Here at least he had the hope of finding more depth to his life. Mainly because, when he reflected on his life, Sydney was the one place he could remember being truly happy. 

On his drive to the hospital that morning, he'd passed the high school he attended with Sarah. He'd passed the medical school where he met Arturo on his first day. He'd passed the gardens where Arturo had kissed him for the first time (and he laughed remembering that it was also the first time he'd come in his pants). He'd also passed the hospital chapel where Arturo's memorial service had been held.

The hospital itself had changed a great deal since he'd been a lowly med student but he was able to navigate his way to the orthopedic department where his new office was situated, without too much trouble. He walked up to the reception desk and was met by a smiling woman, he guessed to be in her fifties. 

"DR Thornegate?"

"Yes."

"Welcome, I'm Martha. Come through, DR Edwards-he's been acting head of department-is in your office ready to give you a quick rundown on thing before the ward round begins." 

"Thank you," Jonathan followed Martha into a large office at the end of the corridor, feeling pleased and excited and ready to get to work. He'd really made it to the top. It all still seemed a little surreal. As he passed the door he turned to look at the name plaque. DEPARTMENT OF ORTHOPEDICS AND TRAUMA. HEAD OF UNIT. DR JONATHAN THORNEGATE. He'd finally done it!

"DR Thornegate," Martha said, breaking into his thoughts. "This is DR Edwards."

Jonathan turned his attention away from the door to look at the man sitting behind his new desk, in his new chair. DR Edwards took his time standing, as though he didn't care he'd been found rifling through the new boss's files, and Jon liked that. DR Edwards wore dark trousers, a crisp white shirt and a colourful tie. The shirt, however, pulled slightly across his arms and as he pushed on the desk with both hands as he stood, the fabric outlined two very firm and well toned arms attached to some very broad shoulders. 

His hair was dark brown and his eyes were a smoky grey-blue, filled with warmth and politeness as he came over and held out his hand. "DR Thornegate. Welcome to Prince Andrew Hospital. Although, I understand from your file that you actually trained here." 

"Med school, yes." Why did he feel as though this guy was the boss and he was the new recruit? "Thank you for the welcome, DR Edwards." 

"Please call me Eddie. Most of the staff do,"

"Alright, Eddie. I understand you've been keeping the seat warm-Literally." He pointed to the chair Eddie had just vacated. 

He got a smile at that, and the effect made him do a double take. Nice. Very nice. He swallowed and forced himself to look away. "That's right," Eddie turned to the secretary "Martha would you mind getting refreshments? I'm sure DR Thornegate could do with a quick cuppa before rounds."

"Oh, I'm fine." Jonathan quickly waved the request away, wanting to get control over his equilibrium. It wasn't a common occurrence for him to be knocked of guard by a simple smile but that what DR Edwards...Eddie, he corrected himself, had done. With firm strides he headed around the desk. 

Eddie leaned forward a little and raised his eyebrows questioningly. "Nerves?"

"Ugh..." For a whole second Jon's mind went blank. The man was extremely good-looking and highly personable. If everyone in his new department was like this guy, he wasn't going to have any trouble settling in. "Something like that." Jon finally replied with a rueful smile. 

DR Edwards smiled again. "Well, you're probably going to need a top up at some point because you have an extremely busy day ahead of you." He didn't move, didn't shift to the other side of the desk like Jonathan expected him to. Instead Eddie stood there, his tall firm body, now close to Jon's. Close enough that Jon could feel the heat radiating off him and smell the fresh scent of his after shave. Spicy and woodsy, with a deeper undertone. Nice. Very nice. 

Jonathan closed her eyes for a brief moment, forcing himself into professional gear. DR Edwards was just another colleague and while Jon's equal when it came to qualifications, he wasn't head of unit; which, in context of the hospitals protocols, made Jon his new boss. 

When Jon next looked at DR Edwards, it was to find himself being studied with a degree of confusion. "Something wrong? Caffeine head ache?"

"No, No. Not at all."

Jonathan fingered a pile of neat papers stacked on the desk as Martha left, closing the door behind her. "Is this the usual inheritance?"

Eddie Laughed. "I've tried to clear as much of the backlog as I could but there are things I thought it better for you to deal with."

"Than why don't you take a seat..." Jan indicated the one on the opposite side of the desk "...and let me know what requires my urgent attention?"

Thankfully, Eddie took the hint and moved, pulling a chair up to the edge of the desk. He was still close, still crowding Jonathan a little, but thankfully now there was a large slab of wood between them rather than just a few inches of carpet. The man radiated charm, good manners, and an abundance of sex appeal. As Eddie pointed to a piece of paper, Jon checked his hands. Both ringless-although that meant nothing. Was he married? Engaged? Straight? Gay? Flexible? 

Jonathan sat there looking and realised he was expected to provide an answer. Clearing his throat as well as his mind from distracting thoughts of his new colleague, Jon forced himself to concentrate. 

"I'm sorry, would you mind repeating that?"

"Is anything wrong? You seem a little preoccupied, distracted." Now he was being looked at like he couldn't handle the job. Well, she knew she could and Jon was determined to show him just how well he could do it. 

"No. Let's get things sorted." When he didn't elaborate any further, Eddie repeated his initial question, which he answered knowledgeably and without vacillation. 

"Right, them. The next thing that requires your immediate attention is the new research grant. It's due on Thursday so there are only a few more days to finalise all matters."

"Who is the supervisor on the project?"

"You."

"Me? I inherited a research project already?"

Eddie smiled and again Jonathan couldn't believe how it transformed his whole face. Where his initial smile had been welcoming, even mildly humourous, this one made his eyes sparkle, his white straight teeth bright and inviting. Laughter lines creased at the corners of his eyes and to top off the effect, he pushed a stray lock of hair back from his forehead and shrugged his firm, broad shoulders. "Nothing says 'Welcome to the department' like inheriting a research project." 

Jonathan couldn't help but return the smile. It was so very rare that he took an instant liking to people but DR Edwards was proving to be one of them. "I guess you're right. Who's the assistant supervisor?"

"I am. As you can see, most of the detail are in place. I've had Martha schedule some time for you to come across to the lab tomorrow so we can go over things together. That way you won't be making decisions based only on the theory and hardcopy explanations."

"Good. Thanks for organising that." He put the research papers into a pile. "I'll read this tonight."

They continued working and half and hour later, when Martha knocked on the door to say the eight-thirty round would start in five minutes, Jonathan looked at the pile of papers he would be working his way through that night. 

Eddie pointed to the pile. "I'm so glad that's your and not mine any more."

"You don't like administration work?"

"Not my favourite thing to be doing of an evening."

"Cuts into your social life?" He'd said the comment in an offhand manner and when he didn't answer immediately he looked up, surprised to find Eddie almost frowning at him. It was on the tip of his tongue to apologise, but the man merely shrugged frown instantly disappearing. 

"Something like that."

"DR Edwards. If you don't mind me asking, why didn't you simply take the position of head of unit on yourself?" Surely it wasn't because of the amount of paperwork because, from what I've seen during the past half an hour, you're a man who knows what he is doing, knows how to run a department and is obviously very comfortable working here. I guess I'm at a loss regarding why they didn't simply promote you rather than sourcing from outside the hospital."

"Worried you think you're stepping on my toes?" His good humour was back and Jon wondered whether he'd imagined the little frown that had previously pierced Eddie's brow. 

"A little bit. I don't like stepping on other people's toes." 

"Don't be concerned on my account." Eddie put a hand to his chest. "I promise you, I didn't want the job so you don't have to be worried about other staff members thinking you've come along and stepped on my toes---er...so to speak." There was that smile again, the one that brightened his eyes and made Jon catch his breath. He blinked once forcing himself to ignore the feeling and draw an unsteady breath. 

"That's a relief."

"Because of what happened at your last hospital?"

"What?"

"In Melbourne right? You were at the Queen Victoria correct?"

"Yes."

"You were bought in as a deputy head, promoted above someone who had worked in the hospital for years, who'd acted in that position and who'd lost out to you."

Jon was taken aback at that. "How on Earth do you know about that?"

"Ah." Eddie touched the side of his nose. "I have my sources."

"Really?" Jonathan leant back in his chair and couldn't help but cross his arms in self-defence. "What else did your sources tell you?"

Eddie's lips twitched for a moment and his gaze was met. "That you were an iceman. That you were crisp and cool to everyone you met whether they were your superior or not. That you have an exceedingly high opinion of yourself and that you'll stop at next to nothing to ensure all jobs and staff perform at nothing short of an exceptional level." 

"Hmmm. Not very flattering." His interpersonal were something Jon had also promised himself he'd work on; he'd thought, given that he's met two people in the department and not had one row, that he'd done quite well. 

"No. Not at all."

"Then why are you smiling at me? Aren't you concerned that I'll become crisp with you or run you through with my icicle sword?" 

Eddie laughed, the sound rich and warm. It was definitely guaranteed to melt any ice Jonathan may have been surrounding himself with. "Not at all. In fact..." Eddie leaned a little closer on the desk, his eyes intent with good humour, "I'm willing to bet that you were only that cold because the rest of the staff gave you a hard time. A protective reaction, if you will. Sort of like an echidna. It only puts up it's prickles when its being attacked. We all have different mechanisms."

Jonathan couldn't help but feel like an open book, laid out flat for Eddie to examine. He liked the answer and as far as he knew himself it was the truth; but he wished Eddie would just take a step back, everything was hitting a little close to home and the after shave the man was wearing was making Jon want to nuzzle into the man's neck. Finally realising that he needed to respond stumbled out a reply "Ugh, yes. We do."

Eddie stayed where he was for another split second, their eyes meeting. "My sister is like that. I guess that's why I can recognise that trait in others."

"S-sister?" Jon wished he'd move, give him some breathing space, and as if Eddie could read his mind, he did just that, leaning back before standing. 

"She's a general surgeon." 

The intercom on Jonathan's desk buzzed and Martha announced that both of them were expected on the ward immediately. The interruption was enough to make Jon look away. 

"Anyway, given that I was armed with this prior information of you," Eddie continued, straightening his tie, "I hoped that if I greeted you with a warm endearing attitude, you wouldn't feel the need to be all ice and bristle."

Jonathan stood and headed over to the coat rack by the door to get the new white coat which hung there for him. Eddie beat him to it and held it open. "Thank you," he said as he slipped his arms in, close enough to smell the warm spicy scent again. Nice. Very nice. He stood still for a moment and Eddie remained behind him, the man was close enough and tall enough that Jon could feel warm breath on the back of his neck. His heart rate begin to increase. Blood began pumping to areas which should remain inactive whilst at work. God, who was this man? With his gorgeous smile and fine strong arms? 

Jon turned his head to look behind him and was surprised to find Eddie watching him, grey eyes intent. Swallowing, Jonathan found he couldn't move, mesmerized by the atmosphere that surrounded them, it had been so long. He was positive the other man would be able to feel his heart pounding in his chest, its rhythm increasing as the heated look in the blue-grey eyes burned into him. Though within a second Eddie had shifted away, reaching for his own coat which had hung next to Jon's. He turned his back as he slipped it on and Jonathan smoothed the collar of his own coat as he looked at the floor and tried desperately to forget whatever it was that had just passed between them. 




Jon Starting Over Ch. 01



"Ward round," Eddie said smiling. 

"Ward round." He nodded and walked toward the door. Though, Eddie's long strides had him there first opening it for Jon. 

"Oh, I don't have my new ID badge yet. Is that going to matter?"

Eddie angled his head. "I think everybody is going to know who you are." He took his own ID badge out of his coat pocked and clipped it on. It had his picture on it, his name and title. "Everyone should have theirs on so you'll be able to learn their names, ranks, and serial numbers." He chuckled at his own joke but Jonathan hadn't really heard what he'd said as his eyes were intent on Eddie's badge.

"Jasper? Your name is Jasper?"

"Yes, Jasper Edwards."

"Jasper Edwards?" He said the name slowly and then closed his eyes and shook his head. "You're Jasper Edwards?"

"Is something wrong?"

"You don't by any chance happen to have a couple of gorgeous four-year-old daughters with lovely blonde ringlets and blue eyes called Lilly and Lola, do you?"

Jasper's puzzled expression slid from his face to be replaced by total incredulity, his eyes wide with disbelief, yet he kept his voice controlled and calm. "How on Earth do you know that?" 



Jon Starting Over Ch. 02



***Part 3 of 12: I just realised my labelling could be confusing; I am counting the prologue as part 1 when I write these little notes :/ sorry... This is the last of my preprepared chapters, so the story will be updated every couple of days from now on. I would love to hear what you think so far please, please comment***

*

"I knew it." Jonathan shook his head and walked past him, not even bothering to look at Martha as he strode down the corridor. 

"Knew what?" Jasper was beside him in an instant, those long strides of his eating up the distance with ease. "How do you know all these things?"

"I knew she couldn't resist meddling in my life, but this...this is pure cunning." Jon was muttering, talking more to himself than Jasper, who was listening to what was being said quite intently as he kept pace beside the shorter man. 

"Who? Who are you talking about? How do you know about my girls?" 

Jonathan stopped walking and turned to face him. "Sarah." His tone was confident and cross and after shaking his head he continued on his way. 

"Sarah? Matt's wife?" 

"Yes. Matt's wife. How many Sarahs do you know?"


"A few. But that's not the point, Obviously you know Sarah."

"Yes, and obviously we spoke on the phone last week."

"What?" Jasper couldn't believe how bewildering this man was. He was smart and blonde and slim AND gorgeous. And his new boss. To top it all off, he knew about Jasper's daughters. It wasn't that people around the hospital didn't know he had children, they did, But Jasper had worked hard to keep his private life as far away from the hospital world as possible. 

When he'd started dating again two years ago, he'd made a pact with himself to protect the girls as much a possible. He'd started out by not wanting to date anyone who worked at the hospital; but as he spent the majority f his time there-and the rest at home with his twins-he realised it was virtually impossible to meet someone who was not associated in some way with the medical profession. To ensure the girl's were protected he'd, compartmentalized his life and things had been going swimmingly...until now. If Jonathan knew Sarah then his two worlds had just collided with a very loud bang and he wasn't quite sure what to do next. 

"What do you mean we spoke on the phone, when?"

"The other day when you called Sarah's house. The line was bad. Remember?"

"That was you?" His eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Why did you say you were Matt?"

"I didn't. I told you it wasn't Matt but you couldn't hear me."

He nodded, "The line was bad."

"They weren't far from the ward now and Jon was having difficulty slotting Jasper 'call me Eddie' Edwards into a nice, neat compartment. He didn't fit under the 'work colleague' banner, neither did he fit under the 'friend' banner, and in the past those were the only two banners he'd had. Knowing Jasper was a friend of Matt and Sarah's automatically connected his professional and private lives and he didn't like that at all. He needed to get this sorted out and now.

He came to a halt and grabbed Jasper's arm, pulling him into a small nook near the drinking fountain. 

"Look, I don't like it when my professional and private lives mix."

"Neither do I" 

"Good. Then Sarah can just forget her wild ideas and we can simply work together as colleagues and nothing more. Agreed?"

Jasper frowned. "What wild ideas? What are you talking about?" 

"Sarah!"

"I've gathered that much. I've also realised you're the friend who's been staying with Matt and Sarah this past week."

"Yes." It was Jonathan's turn to frown. 

"The girls came home on Thursday, after spending the day with Sarah, talking about Sarah's friend, Jon. I'm guessing you're Jon."

"You really are very smart, DR Edwards. Good to know you can connect the dots so easily." His tone was laced with light sarcasm. 

"Hey! Why are you cross with me? It's just a coincidence, that's all."

"Yes, but one I could have at least prepared myself for."

"You're talking in riddles again." 

"Sarah's been trying to get me to date again..."

Jasper's eyebrows hit his hairline at Jon's words. "Sarah wants to set us up! You're..."

"Yes, now you get the picture." Jonathan looked down at his clenched hands for a moment, then lifted his head, raising his chin with a hint of defiance. Jasper found he liked the action but pushed that thought aside for now. "we were talking about you the other day. After you'd called."

"You were?" Should he be worried? Jonathan had already mentioned that Sarah was trying to set them up. Had Sarah been touting his good points? He waited. 

"I was trying to figure out the loose family connection." Jon waived his words away and shook his head as though a little embarrassed by the confession. "Anyway, I asked her where you worked and she quickly changed the subject. You see she knew I was coming to work here- in this department. She knew you worked here. Why do you think that a woman as bright and intelligent as Sarah wouldn't tell us about each other?"

"I don't know. It slipped her mind?"

"Do you really believe that?" If you do you don't know Sarah all that well." 

"Wait a minute. Why does she want you to start dating again?"

Jonathan visible bristled and squared his shoulders. "That. Is none one your business, DR Edwards." 

"I think it is, especially if I've been chosen as the guy to get you off the blocks." Jasper's good humour was beginning to reassert itself. A flush came to Jon's cheeks at his words, and Jasper realised it caused his boss' eyes to shine a deep dark chocolate brown. His breath caught at the startling contrast between the fair hair and dark eyes, and for a second he wondered what else could make those eyes sparkle. 

"DR Edwards, all you need to know is that I don't date my staff, even if I was ready to 'get off the blocks', as you so eloquently put it. End of discussion." With that Jon turned and walked into the ward, his back firm as he put all thoughts of his new, sexy colleague out of her mind. 

It was easier said than done and he was very aware of Jasper as he undertook his first round of the ward. It was the one time he should be exhibiting total professionalism. He was the new boss. This is what he'd been waiting for so long and now that it was here all that he seemed conscious of was where Jasper Edwards was standing. Jon's senses seemed to have tuned themselves into the other man, and even when Edwards was out of sight, his fresh scent worked his way into Jon's synapses and continued to tease him to distraction. 

Twice he had an intern waiting patiently for him to answer a question. The whole entourage, which was made up of med students, interns, registrars and her fellow consultants -including Jasper- watched her intently, waiting for her words of wisdom. The problem was, he had no idea what the original question had been, all due to his awareness of 'Eddie.' 

Jonathan was cross with himself for not maintaining total control. He's had to freeze out the world before and he could do it again, especially if it mean he avoided making a fool out of himself in front of his staff. Sarah may have thought Jasper Edwards up to the job of melting his hardened heart but Jon knew better. He'd been called the iceman at his old hospital and he wasn't all that perturbed about continuing that name here- especially if it meant that colleagues like Jasper Edwards kept their distance. 

After they'd completed the round, Jonathan was about to head back to his office to take another look at his schedule for the day when the clinical nurse consultant called him over. 

"There's a call for you DR Thornegate."

"Thank you." Jonathan took he receiver to discover it was Martha. 

"Your morning head of unit meeting has been cancelled. Professors Dorian and Fitzgibbon have flu and won't be in."

"It seems to be chasing me," He muttered absentmindedly. 

"Pardon?" Martha asked. 

"It was going around in Melbourne and I managed to avoid it. It doesn't matter. Does this mean I need to head to clinic?"

"Yes, Eddie will show you around if you're not sure where to go."

"Thank you." There was no point in telling his new secretary he wasn't about to rely on 'Eddie' for anything. If he got lost, he'd ask someone else for directions. After all, he was a gay man, and if there was one thing a gay man could do better than a straight man it was ask for directions. 

"I've rebooked you in to have your ID photo taken at one o'clock, which should give you enough time to finish up in clinic," Martha continued. Jonathan listened to his secretary, pleased that Martha was not only highly trained but communicative as well. It was sort of strange having a secretary to himself; as deputy head of unit at his last hospital he'd had to share secretarial support with three other consultants. 

When he'd finished on the phone, Jon closed his eyes for a moment and took a deep, calming breath. His eyes snapped open when that now familiar spicy scent wound itself around his senses once more. 

Without turning around, he said, "Is there something I can help you with, Doctor Edwards?"

"How did you know I was here?" Jasper asked softly.

"I'm good like that." He turned slightly to see Eddie lounging in a chair, his hands fiddling with a pen he'd picked up off the desk. He was handsome. Jon'd give him that. Those eyes of his, which were now watching him intently, were the most amazing colour and Jonathan had the feeling he could lose himself in them quite easily... Bt he was stronger than that. He could quite easily resist. Straightening his shoulders and lifting his chin with a hint of defiance, she waited for him to continue. 

"Better than you were during ward round I hope," he stated with the quirk of an eyebrow. 

His words put Jon on the defensive and he crossed his arms, his tone crisp and concise. "Meaning?"

He put his pen down and lifted his hands, palms facing outward. "Nothing, just teasing."

Jonathan looked down his nose at Jasper, needing to put him in his place; because then he'd hopefully be able to gain better control over his own wayward emotions. "Well, I'd kindly ask you to keep comments such as those to yourself in future." 

"Ah, and there he is. The iceman who terrified med students, interns and registrars in his previous hospital. When I met you this morning I thought Ted McGinchley had been wrong, you were so friendly and charming. Although I guess id someone is rubbing you the wrong way you're bound to be in a defensive mode sooner rather than later."

"Let me guess, you enjoy rubbing people up wrong way. Sparing a reaction and then having a good chuckle about it later."

"I don't chuckle about it. Sometimes though, ruffling a few feathers makes life a little more exciting, don't you think?" Jasper's look was direct, his gaze unwavering, and Jonathan found himself unable to move for a moment. His mind also seemed to have been wiped plank yet again and he had no idea what they had been talking about. he needed to gain control again and fast. 

"Well, if you don't want anything, I'll head up to the clinic." He turned and walked toward the ward doors, thanking the CNC on his way out. Jon feels it the second Jasper's long strides close the distance between them. Damn him for being so tall.

"I thought you had a meeting."

"It's been cancelled."

"Right." They fell into an uncomfortable silence as they walked along the corridor toward clinic. Jasper wasn't quite sure why he'd been teasing Jonathan. He guessed it wasn't good to antagonise the man who could give the green light to certain projects he was contemplating. As an ortho-consultant, Jasper was one of two full-time surgeons employed full-time at the PA. Jonathan was the other. Usually consultants spent a certain number of hours at the hospitals and the rest at their private practices, but as Jasper's main interest was trauma medicine, working at an hospital full time gave him the opportunity to become an orthopedic trauma specialist. Jonathan, however, was now in control of his department s budget so he'd do well to remember that.

He knew on a psychological level that he should try to distance himself from his boss. He'd hear from his colleague in Melbourne that Jonathan Thornegate didn't care about anything except his work. It was no wonder he'd been expecting a fire breathing dragon, and he was still trying to get over his initial surprise at the way Jonathan had smiled and laughed with him earlier that morning. He'd been even more surprised to discover he'd liked the way his new boss had look; a slim fair Nordic looking blonde with inexplicably deep dark eyes that had sparkled with mirth. Jasper had been instantly drawn to him; and damn, that sizzle he had felt helping Thornegate into his coat would not be forgotten anytime soon. 

Jasper had been further intrigued to learn not only about the connection with Sarah and Matt, but that Sarah was trying to get Jonathan to date again. Again? What had happened in Jonathan's past to make that a necessity? Had he lost someone close to him? Jasper, of all people, knew what it was like to feel the agony of losing a loved one and relying on work to get you through, but he also knew it was important to get back into life, or you could end up losing yourself. If he hadn't had the twins, he wasn't sure he would have survived Eric's death, but he'd had to go on living -raising his beautiful girls- and he was glad he had. Sure, it wasn't easy, but life was about the journey, not about rushing to the end. 

However, much he was intrigued by the new head of unit, he'd do well to keep the relationship strictly professional. Jonathan had met his daughters. There was nothing he could do about that; Jasper might even see him from time to time at the many BBQs and big family gatherings that Sarah loved to organise, and he could deal wit that, too. But that would be the extent of their personal contact and if DR Thornegate was going to freeze him out, well Jasper might just let him. 

They entered the clinic without another word spoken between them, as though they had both been making firm resolutions and were now intent on keeping them. Jasper politely introduced Jon to the outpatient clerical staff as well as the nursing staff and then picked up a file and called his first patient though. 

Clinic was busy as Jonathan had expected and he was glad he'd been able to help rather than being stuck in a meeting. The only glimpse he had of Jasper was when he was escorting a patient into his consulting room while Jon had been escorting one out. 

"Professional" he whispered to himself as he went to have his ID photo taken. He could handle anything as long as he maintained a professional persona. 

It was well after seven o'clock when Jon finally swapped his lab coat for his winter coat and scarf. He had a briefcase full of work to keep him company that even ing and was ready to head back to Matt and Sarah's place.

As he walked to the front of the hospital, he hear someone call his name and turned to see DR Edwards heading in his direction. He prepared himself for the next onslaught of what Jasper was called teasing. Jon hoped he wouldn't; he was worn out and just wanted to be left alone. What he hadn't expected were the tingles that assailed his body as Jasper drew closer; he tried to ignore them and went on the defensive. 

"Dr Edwards." He nodded curtly. "Forgot to say something else this morning? Perhaps an extra insult you wanted to get off your chest before you left for the night so you could sleep in peace?"

'Ooh, and there's that sarcasm of yours. Right in my face and making me want to say something to definitely rub you the wrong way."

Jonathan stared defiantly up at the taller man for a moment then the tension seemed to flood out of both of them and they laughed. "I'm sorry." He said shaking his head. 

"I am too. I guess I didn't make it easy for you today." 

Jonathan shrugged. "I've had worst first days." He pointed to the briefcase Jasper held, "You're a bit late to be heading home." 

"It happens, are you heading to your car?"

"Yes."

"I'll walk you."

"I hardly need to be escorted Eddie..."

"Humour me OK? This is a city hospital and its late at night." Touched by his concern, Jonathan nodded and walked through the glass doors with the taller man. 

"At least it not raining." He tried to make small talk. 

"I guess coming form Melbourne where it drizzles all day long in winter, Sydney might be seen as an improvement."

"I guess but I remember quite well what NSW winters are like."

"Of course, I keep forgetting you know your way around here." Jasper paused then asked, "Is that how you know Sarah? She only said she had an old friend staying with her," he added. 

"We've been friends since high school, we dated for about a month"

Jasper laughed "Really?! How did that work out for you?"

Jon rolled his eyes "Exactly as you're thinking. With both of us being 100% sure I wasn't was programmed for appreciating girls ugh... sexually. Sarah is still proud that she has a starring role in my coming out story" 

"God, that's so like her. She calls you Jon most of the time right?"

"Yes."

"Do you prefer Jonathan or Jon?"

"Jonathan at work. Only my closest friends call me Jon."

Jasper nodded but didn't make any further comment. Jonathan pointed to a blue Jaguar Mark II. "That's me."

"This is your car?"

"I just said as much. Why? What's wrong?"

"It's just that...well...I wouldn't have pegged you as one who... What I mean to say is you don't look like the type who...Shit, I don't know, its unexpected thats all."

Jonathan looked archly at Jasper, somehow managing to look down at him despite only reaching his shoulder. 

"Are you saying that my car out butches me, DR Edwards? I expected a little more from you."

"Yes, I mean no. I mean...Yes, I should know better; and no your car does not 'out butch you' - God, Jonathan I'm so sorry. That came out completely wrong."

"Don't worry, I'm teasing. I'm used to that sort of reaction."

"Have you had it long?"

"About eight years." He took a deep breath, down at the ground then met Jasper's eyes, noticing the car park's artificial lighting accentuating the doctor's angular jaw and straight nose. "It belonged to my lover. He died of cancer." There. It was out. Jon had learned to say the words matter-of-factly, removing all emotion whenever he bought up Arturo. 

Jasper nodded slowly. "Why are you telling me this?" He asked softly, "I thought you liked to keep your private life private."

"I do, but let's face it Jasper. Sarah seems intent on getting the two of us together so no doubt she's planning some party or event soon and we'll be forced to mix. She'll also let slip details about my past, just as she told me about yours."

"So you've said."

"It was only the basics. She probably thinks that just because we're gay and we've both lost someone to cancer, that we're just made for each other."

Jasper scratched his head. "She thinks that grief can bring people together?"

"You know Sarah. Her mind works in a way that is still a mystery to most top neurologists." 

Jasper smiled at that, hearing in his voice the love that Jonathan obviously had for his friend. "And this is why she wants you to start dating again? Because you drive your deceased lover's car?"

Jonathan had to smile. "It's not just the car."

"It shouldn't be. It's an amazing car."

"It's a gas guzzler." He stroked the bonnet lovingly. "But I don't begrudge one single cent."

"Let me guess. It makes you feel close to him?"

"Art. Arturo- that was his name- and yes, it does."

Jasper nodded. "I'm like that with my bedroom. My partner decorated it in his own special style-he was an artist. Even now, three years later, even though I know I've moved on emotionally, I still love being in that room."




Jon Starting Over Ch. 02



"It's like looking through an old photo album and remembering the good times."

"Yes, exactly." Jasper smiled down at Jon. "My mother thinks it's morbid to leave the room the way it is but I wouldn't change it for anything, just as I'm sure you're not going to get rid of this car."

"No, she's a part of me."

Jasper was silent for a moment before asking quietly, "Would you mind giving me a ride home?" He looked longingly at the car as he'd seen many men do over the years. 

"Don't you have your own car here?"

"I do, but it can stay over night. Classic cars such as this little beauty..." he stroked the bonnet "...don't come along everyday."

"So you want me to dive you home just so you can ride in her? How will you get to work in the morning?"

"I don't live far, I can walk."

"What if it's raining?"

"Then I'll use an umbrella."

Jon smiled, liking his logical answer. "Are you sure?"

"Of course. I am a man who knows his own mind... Most of the time." He added with a grin. 

"All right, then" Jonathan shifted his brief case to his other hand and pulled the keys out of his pocket. He contemplated the decision for a second before holding them out to Jasper. "As its not far to your place, would you like to drive her?"

Jasper's eyes almost popped out of his head and Jon couldn't help but laugh. "Are you serious?"

"Of course I am. I am a man who knows his own mind" He stated with a a laugh and an ironic tilt to his head.

"You'd let a complete stranger drive your very special car?"

"First of all," Jon said as he unlocked the driver's side, then opened the back door and put his briefcase in, "you're not a complete stranger, Jasper. Second, we may be new colleagues but you've known Sarah for years, as have I, and I'm sure we both know that Sarah is very careful about who she gives her loyalty to. And, third, I met your daughters and a speed-freak lunatic wouldn't possibly be able to raise two sweethearts, so I think I'm safe."

"Any other reasons?" Jasper was teasing, he could tell by the slight twitch of his lips. It was interesting how he'd picked up on that so quickly but, then again, Edwards had teased him quite few times today. 

"Yes." Jon held the keys out. "Because I can tell you really want to." 

Jasper nodded and this time took the keys from him, holding them as though they were precious jewels. Jonathan headed around to the passenger side and watched as Jasper took off his coat and placed it carefully on the seat next to his briefcase, before sliding smoothly behind the wheel. He leaned across and opened the passenger door, then put they keys in the ignition and placed his hands on the leather steering wheel. 

Jon was very pleased when Jasper didn't start the car straight away but instead seemed to be taking his time, looking around, checking out where the lights were, the wipers, reading the dials. Jasper's hands caressed the wheel in the same way Art's had done and Jon smiled at that. Jonathan loved this car, there was no doubt about that, and it wasn't only for sentimental reasons, but he had to laugh at the way some men were hypnotised by it. 

"She's like a grand old lady, perfect in every minor detail. What's her name?"

"What makes you think she has a name?" Jon was instantly amused. 

"Come on, tell me her name."

""Why do folks name their cars? I never understood that." 

"What's her name?" Jasper reiterated instantly. "I know she has one because if your Art loved her as much as I think he did, he would have named her."

Jonathan rolled his eyes. "Miss Chief"

"Mischief?"

"No. Miss Chief." He said the two words slowly. "But she can be a bit mischievous at times."

Jasper wriggled his fingers as he reached for the ignition and sighed as the car purred to life. "Glorious" he said in an awed tone. 

"Do you two want to be alone?" Jonathan laughed and clipped up his seat belt. He hadn't been a passenger in this car for a very long time and it felt kind of nice to be driven around in it once more. He settled more comfortably into the leather seat, ready to enjoy being chauffeured. 

Jasper drove as carefully as Jon had expected him to and within a few minutes he was pulling up outside a large two-storey house. "She's perfect, just perfect."

"I'm glad you think so," Jonathan undid his seatbelt and pointed to the house. "This is where you live?"

"It is."

"You're lucky to be so close to the hospital. I've been looking for a place for a while with no luck."

"Can't find anywhere close?" Jasper switched off the engine but kept his hands on the wheel, not quite ready to part with the sensation of such a classic car. 

"No, which is why I'm still at Sarah's. If you know of any decent sized apartments in the area, would you mind letting me know?"

"The house two doors down is for sale," Jasper remarked pointing. 

Jonathan wrinkled his nose and shook his head. "I'm not interested in a house."

"It's only two bedroomed, more like a cottage really, and, besides and apartment complex would mean you'd have to park Miss Chief in a shared garage or, worse, on the street. The house down the road has a very nice, very large garage. Perfect for this regal beauty." Jasper paused for a moment, unsure whether he was doing the right thing or not. "I know the owner. Want me to get him to call you?"

"Well..." It was all a bit sudden but he did have a point. "I was looking for an apartment with a private garage." 

"You won't find one around here. Not close to the hospital. Check out the house," he pushed again. "Just go for a look around. See if you like it." He shrugged. "I'll even come with you, if you want."

"You'd do that?" Jon was surprised by the sweet gesture and it made him realise that Jasper Edwards was indeed someone he might be able to trust. Might. 

"It's the least I can do after you let me drive Miss Chief."

"Hmmm. Maybe I should remember that. Whenever I need Jasper to do something, I'll just let him drive my car." 

"I'm an easy sell," he replied with a chuckle and reluctantly climbed out of the car. Jon followed suit and walked around to the driver's side. "Thanks, Jonathan. She really is an amazing drive."

"My pleasure." And he realised it was. It had been good to share his love of the car with someone who really appreciated it. They stood there for a few moments, looking at each other, before Jasper seemed to realise he should move. He brushed past Jon and collected his coat and briefcase, Jon shivered. 

Jasper noticed "Its cold, I should let you go...Ugh, I guess I'll see you tomorrow"

"I guess you will" Jon replied. 

"The second day is always better than the first," Edwards called as he walked toward his front door. 

"I'll look forward to it, then"

Jasper nodded slowly, heading in to the shadows cast by the eves. "So will I."



Jon Starting Over Ch. 03



***I'd like to thank everybody for their comments and critique. It is REALLY helping me along. Though, I'd also like to acknowledge that I am being aided by another author whilst I write this. A special and very talented person who I shall thank in full in the final chapter of "Jon Starting Over". In the mean time, very warm regards to LC. Much love, Billy***





CHAPTER THREE

Over the next two weeks, Jonathan started to find his feet in his new job. As good as his word, Jasper was professional yet polite when he showed him the research laboratory and introduced him to various members of staff. Jon felt comfortable going to Jasper with any questions or concerns he had; in trying to get a feel for the way things had transpired before his arrival. 

When he'd arrived home at Sarah's house that first night, he hadn't said a word to Sarah about meeting Jasper. Sarah had hedged a little, asking how the day had gone-had he met any new and exciting people? Jonny had played it cool, deciding to keep Sarah in the dark for a little bit longer. Instead he'd eaten his dinner, played some kind of tennis game on the Wii with Sarah's boys for half an hour and then headed to his room to settle down to the contents of his briefcase.

The evenings were usually hectic, with Jonathan not leaving the hospital until very late, only to be back bright and early the following morning. 

"You're working too hard." Jasper told him one Thursday evening. 

"I'm the boss, I need to work hard. How can I ask more of my staff if I don't give one hundred and ten percent?"

Jasper eased himself into the chair opposite Jon's desk and shook his head tut-tutting, "You're still working too hard and you're not going to inspire anyone if you end up sick. Or haven't you noticed the bug which seems to be sweeping the hospital?"

"Of course I've noticed. Why do you think I'm working so hard?" His words had come out defensively and harsh, and the instant they were out Jon closed his eyes and sighed. "I'm sorry, Jasper." He hung his head for a moment, rubbing his fingers in tiny circles around his temples before looking up once more. Jasper was such a nice guy and had been nothing but supportive during his time there so far; he didn't deserve to incur Jon's frustrations and insecurities. "I'm just eager to get all of this work done and up to date so I can settle down into a more normal rhythm,"

"Filling in for other staff and working yourself to death isn't going to accomplish anything."

"Then what do you suggest?" Jonathan indicated his desk, piled high with paperwork, as he spoke. Jasper heard a hint of mild desperation in the smaller man's tone. "I was chosen for this job. It's what I've been working toward for a very long time and I don't want the powers that be to think I'm incompetent and-"

"They won't think that," Jasper interrupted as he stood walked behind the desk. He stood behind Jon's chair and placed his hands on the smaller man's shoulders. Jonathan jumped when Jasper's hands first touched him, but relaxed as the warmth from those hands started to flow into his exhausted trapezius. "You are doing an incredible job and NO ONE is going to blame you for taking a night off and relaxing a little-- rather than beating yourself with a stick and wearing sackcloth and ashes." 

Jon's lips twitched at his words. "Sackcloth and ashes? I'll have you know this is a Herringbone Sydney suit, thank you very much." He was working very hard at ignoring the way his body responded to Jasper's nearness. There was something about the man that appealed to Jon...in fact, if he was honest, there was a lot about Jasper that appealed to Jon and keeping his distance, making sure their working relationship was nothing more, was the only thing that helped keep his unwanted yet burning attraction for Jasper in check. 

"You know what I mean." Jasper leant down and spoke softly in his ear, "Listen. Why don't we get out of here and go grab a bit to eat?"

Jon tried to reply but nothing came out, he cleared his throat. "But what about your girls? Don't you need to get home to them?" Jonathan was concerned about LIlly and Lola, not wanting to take their father's time away from them, but really, he was more concerned with being alone with Jasper for any great length of time. In fact, they were alone now...here, in his office...the rest of the staff either on duty or off home. They were more alone here than they would be at a crowded restaurant, a fact certain parts of his body were beginning to get excited about. 

Jasper's hand were moving slowly, working their magic and beginning to unknot his shoulders. He would relax too much with Jasper like this...secluded in his office. He needed to move. He needed to put distance between them. He needed to...

"Oh God, right there...yes." Jon heard himself groan as Jasper continued the massage. It was good. So good. So warm and caring... So...fucking sexy. 

At that realisation, Jon pushed away from his desk, almost knocking Jasper over in his haste to put as much distance between them as possible. His eyes were wide, his breath doubling in an instant from its previous relaxed rate, he started fidgeting with the papers he'd almost knocked from his desk.

"Jonathan?"

"Er...nothing. I mean, thanks for the massage. Did you say something about dinner?" He opened his desk drawer and pulled out his briefcase. "We can take my car if you like." Focusing on searching for his car keys and quite unable to look at Jasper, he tried to pull himself together. When Jasper didn't say anything Jon knew he had to meet the other man's gaze. "Unless you do need to get home to your girls. Of course you do. It's all right Sarah usually keeps leftovers in the fridge for me so it's no trouble to-" 

"Jonathan." Jasper interrupted him again, a smile twitching at his lips. "The girls will already be in bed by now and are well cared for. Of course we can take your car, if you'd prefer, but just relax. Its only dinner." 

"Right, I know. I guess your words are finally starting to sink in." He walked over to the coat rack and changed out of his lab coat. "Do you know anywhere close, that's good?"

"I do." Jasper walked to the door. "I'll just get my things from my office, won't be a sec."

"Great, Sounds great." Jon watched him walk away, his stride string and purposeful as he walked down the corridor to where his own office was. When Edwards was out of sight Jon closed his eyes and started to reflect on what had just happened. Jasper's touch, the way the taller man had looked at him, that cute little smile playing about his lips. The heat of his hands. The nearness of his body. The scent of him overpowering Jon's senses. Oh, lord- it was getting to be too much. 

It had been so incredibly long since he'd been seriously attracted to another man that he wasn't sure how to behave. Jon hadn't been celibate since Arturo's death, but pretty close to it; only opting for quick anonymous encounters to relieve the pressure every now and again. "You can do this. You can do this." He muttered to himself as he locked up. "It's just dinner with a friend, nothing more."

But as Jasper made his way back up the corridor toward him, Jon knew he was lying to himself. Spending time one on one with Jasper probably wasn't the best idea in the world but, Jon had to admit he was rather curious about the hunky doctor. Sure, Sarah had filled in a few gaps, but Jon had definitely been intrigued by him even before knowing Edwards true identity. 

"Ready?" Jasper queried with a warm smile. 

"As I'll ever be," he replied and they headed out of the hospital. They walked together to Jon's car, but this time Jasper refused the keys, when Jonathan offered them to him. 

"I'll navigate," His deep voice washed over Jon as they exited the car park and for a split second he wondered if Jasper was offering to navigate more than the car. Was Jasper also willing to navigate through the rocky waters of moving on with his life? Of course Jon had moved on in a professional capacity, but emotionally he knew he'd held onto the past for too long. It was one of the reasons he'd returned to Sydney. He needed to lay his memories of Arturo to rest once and for all. He needed move on. To date. To find someone new to share his time with. Otherwise he'd end up all alone... And Jonathan was so, so tired of being alone. 

Jasper navigated extremely well and after Jon parked Miss Chief, they walked a short block to the local dining district. "The world is your oyster...Literally." He said pointing to a nearby seafood restaurant. "What are you in the mood for?"

"Huh?" Jonathan was mildly startled by the question. He'd been intent on walking beside Jasper, on trying not to get so close that their hands touched, on calming his nerves because he was going out with a man, after so long... and not just any man at that.

Jasper only chuckled. "Good to see your brain's starting to relax. How about here?" He pointed at an Indian restaurant that was warmly lit and furnished with intimate booth seating. Jon hesitated then nodded.

As Jon sat, he noticed that the seats were rounded and heavily cushioned, bliss. After considering the menu options he ordered, then eased back into the chair and sighed, a smile on his face.

"That's better." Jasper declared. 

"What is?"

"You."

"Me?"

"Yes. Now you're starting to relax. It's good to see."

Jonathan nodded. "You're right. I do tend to push myself too hard, too fast. Thank your for making me get out, Jasper."

"Although I have to confess..." Jasper whispered and leaned forward, his elbows on the table and his eye's on Jon. "I thought I was doing a pretty good job of relaxing you back at your office." 

Jonathan blinked once and stared at back into blue-grey eyes. Did that mean what he thought it meant? He swallowed unable to speak for a moment. 

"Your shoulders are far too tight. I'd be more than happy to act as your remedial massage therapist, if you'd like." Jasper waggled his eyebrows up and down in a suggestive manner, that gorgeous smile that managed to melt Jon's heart touching his lips. 

"Uh...I don't...Uh..." He cleared his throat "...know if that would be the best idea, Jasper."

"Why not? You were certainly enjoying it back in your office." His voice was so rich, so deep, and it wasn't just washing over Jon anymore- it was washing though him. 



"Jasper." Jon knew the other doctor was well aware of the effects he'd been having having on him, was still having on him. Jonathan decided not to play games any longer. "We can't, we're colleagues."

"True, and no doubt we're better off maintaining a friendship, but that doesn't change the fact that you're the first man I have been seriously attracted to in a very long time."

"Jasper!" His name was a tortured whisper as Jon shook his head. "Don't say things like that."

"Why not? It's the truth, and I've found it a good policy to stick to the truth wherever possible." 

"So, you're...you're attra---" He stopped speaking as the waiter delivered their food. They both smiled their thanks and when they were left alone Jonathan found it difficult to look at the taller man again. Jasper was attracted to him and he'd admitted it. Just like that. John had a feeling he'd been out of the dating loop far too long if this was the way things were done. 

"You have your family. I have..." he paused. 

Jonathan sat up a little straighter and squared his shoulders. When he spoke Jasper met his eyes. "I have my job and while that might not sound like much to some, I've worked extremely hard to get where I am and I want to enjoy it." 

Jasper opened his mouth as though he was about to say something else but then changed his mind at the last second. "Fair enough, let's eat while the food is still hot."

Jon blinked once, a little surprised by his colleague's acquiescence, but decided it wasn't good to look a gift horse n the mouth. "It looks delicious " he remarked. 

"Me? Or the food?" Jasper asked, that teasing glint back in his eyes. 

"The food." Jon replied pointedly, wrinkling his nose in a manner Jasper found endearing. "Now cut it out, big guy, we're just going to be friends."

"Why?"


Jonathan's expression and his tone were quite serious, "Because I don't have many."

"Jasper nodded as though accepting his answer. "Fair enough'" He raised his glass and held it up for a toast "Friends." He affirmed as they clinked glasses before raising them to their lips-both of them hoping they'd be able to stick to this resolve. 



***********



"I feel like I hardly see you," Sarah complained when Jonathan called her late Friday afternoon to let her know he wouldn't be there for dinner again. 

"It's only because I'm trying to get everything organised as quickly as possible. The workload will even out soon enough and then I won't be burning the candle at both ends." Or having impromptu dinners with Jasper, he added silently. He'd had a great time with the admittedly hunky doctor, simply being out with a man whose company he enjoyed. 

"But what about trying to find an apartment?" Sarah's words bought him back to the present. "I mean don't get me wrong, Jonny, you're more than welcome to stay here for as long as you need to, but I know you want to get a place of your own, have your own space. How are you going to have time to do that when you're stuck at the hospital during daylight hours?"

"Actually, Ja--- er. a colleague has told me of a place for sale which is near the hospital."

"Great."

"I'm meeting the owner in half an hour," he said, checking his watch. 

"The owner? Not the real estate agent?"

"It's a private sale."

Sarah's tone was instantly wary. "I don't know Jon, I don't like the sound of this. It sounds a bit... I don't know...dodgy."

There was a knock at Jonathan's door and he looked up, placing his hand over the receiver, and called, "Come in." A moment later Jasper walked into the room. Jon ignored the little flame of pleasure that ignited at seeing the other man. Those sparks were becoming all too familiar of late. 

"Should I come back?" he asked, but Jon shook his head and beckoned him in. He pointed to the phone and mouthed "Sarah." Jasper nodded and sat down, his eyes starting to twinkle. 

"Have you said anything?" he asked softly. Jonathan shook his head but smiled at him. Jasper felt the now familiar hit to his solar plexus. It occurred whenever Jon smiled at him like that and in his opinion, when he didn't see the blonde doctor all that often he started to miss it. Last night, though, he'd had a fantastic time. For the first time in what seemed like an age Jasper had felt happy, free and single. Being the father of two meant he didn't often get that much time alone, especially to spend with a sexy and intelligent man like Jonathan. 

He had to hand it to guy though, he was not only dead sexy but was also a good administrator and a brilliant surgeon; and though he had ruffled a few feathers since his arrival at the hospital, it had all been necessary, and Jasper backed his new boss one hundred percent. The fact Jonathan was so bloody attractive, with his slim hips, perky butt and gorgeously deep and dark chocolate eyes- was just an added bonus. 

"Don't worry about me," Jon said into the receiver, then switched the phone to loudspeaker so Jasper could hear what Sarah was saying. "The colleague who recommenced the property has known the owner for a long time."

"Sure, but your hardly know your colleague." Sarah's concern was evident. "You've only been at the hospital for a couple of weeks. Perhaps you should get Jasper to check this guy out?"


"Jasper? You mean Lilly and Lola's dad? What does he have to do with anything?" Jon grinned and winked at Jasper. Neither of then had said a word to Sarah that they'd figured out her little plan, and it was starting to drive poor Sarah absolutely crazy. 

Sarah sighed with exasperation. "Jasper works at the hospital."

"He does?"

"Yes, and I can't understand why you haven't met him yet. He's in your department."

"Why didn't you tell me before now?"

"Well, I, er... Well, I didn't want to...er... influence or prejudice you...?"

"Against a colleague?"

"You MUST have met him by now. You must have. He's tall, dark and handsome and he told me he was expecting a new boss in the department."

"Does he know I'm your friend?"

"No. I didn't say anything to him either, and when he picked up the girls the day before yesterday I tried to sort of hedge around to see if he'd met you, but he didn't say a word."

"Why is it all such a big secret? I mean, why not let either of us know before I started in the department?"

"Because..." Sarah sighed again. "Well, because I thought--- he might be perfect for you."

"Perfect, eh? In what way?" Jon's eyes met Jasper's before he looked the taller man over. He took in the chambray shirt which fitted over his torso to perfection, highlighting those perfect arms and broad shoulders, his tie was his university tie and as Jon looked him over Jasper shifted and ran his fingers through his hair. When their eyes met Jon could see the humour displayed there as well a veiled hint of desire, indicating Jasper had enjoyed his appraisal. The larger man also gave him a wink, forcing Jon to try to ignore the way his heart-rate increased from just that one long look. Friends. They'd decided to be friends. 

"You know what I mean." Sarah's exasperation was starting to build to an all time high. "Perfect for you to date."

"Oh I see," Jon couldn't help but chuckle as Jasper put one hand behind his head and the other on his hip, striking a pose. The man was so free and funny, he liked it. 

"Why are you laughing Jon-A-THAN?" Sarah's tone was dark and Jon knew he was in trouble because Sarah rarely used his full name. 

"Hi, Sarah." Jasper said, his tone warm and inviting. 

"Jasper?! You're there!"

"I'm here."

"Have you got me on speaker?!" Sarah demanded. 

"Yes."

"Jonathan Leonard Walker Thornegate! You are in a massive amount of trouble when I see you next! And don't even THINK about staying at the hospital until two o'clock in the morning - 'cause I'll be waiting for you when you get in! And IF I have to stay up late I'll be even more pissed."

"If you say so Sarah Elizabeth Jones." 

"So I take it you two have met and figured out I wanted to get you together, so you'd thought you'd have a little payback, right?"

"Right." They said in unison. At that moment Jasper's pager went off and he checked the number. 

"A and E."

Jonathan nodded. The next moment his own pager beeped. "Listen Sarah, We've got to go." He checked the information his pager. A and E. "An emergency's just come in." 

"A likely story," Sarah grunted. "OK, but, listen, get Jasper to check out that colleague who wants you to buy the house." 

"I'm the colleague." Jasper told her as he stood. "The house two doors down from mine is for sale." 

"Oh." Sarah was surprised and then Jonathan heard smugness enter her tone. "Oh, well, in that case, go right ahead."

"I'll see you later, Sarah." Jonathan rang off, rolling his eyes as he picked up his stethoscope.

"What?" Jasper asked. 

"Did you hear her tone?"

"What tone?" They headed out of Jon's office and down the corridor. 

"That smug tone of hers that says, 'Ooh, with Jasper and Jonny living within two houses of each other and working together and spending SOOOO time together my match making efforts will work and then I can take credit for them getting together.' THAT tone."

"Oh, well maybe Sarah's right?"

Jon stopped short. "What? No. I've told you I'm not re--"

Jasper laughed and beckoned for him to follow. "I'm only teasing. Geez, you're such an easy mark. Come on let's see what sort of mess we've got today. What we need to fix up."




Jon Starting Over Ch. 03



They rounded the corner into A and E and walked over to Maryanne, the orthopedic registrar, who was expectantly waiting for them. "What's going on?" Jasper asked. 

"There's been multiple MVAs reported. Ambulances are on their way and so are reports regarding the number of casualties and possible injuries." Maryanne directed her comments to Jasper and then to Jonathan and then back to Jasper. It was as though she wasn't quite sure who was in charge. Well, Jon knew it was up to him to make sure everyone in this hospital knew exactly who was in charge of Orthopedics.

"Right, Jasper." Jon stated turning toward him. "Once Triage Sister has organised the patients, I want you and two of the regis' the worst of the multi trauma cases, which will no doubt include a pelvic fracture." He quirked an eyebrow at the taller man. "I've heard you're an expert when it comes to them."

Jasper inclined his head in a sort of how, acknowledging Jon's words. Jonathan turned to Maryanne. "Have you called anyone in?"

"Mei Lei and Allen were just finishing their shifts so I've asked them to stay."

Jonathan nodded. "You're with me Maryanne, and the service regi' on duty as well. Make sure the interns are being put to good use. I don't want to see anyone standing around without a job to do." 

"Yes, Doctor." Maryanne snapped to it. 

"Jasper, you take Treatment One, I'll go into Two. We'll work from there. Now, if we could please take a look at the reports which are coming in please?" He held out his hand for the papers and was in the middle of scanning the third page when the wail of sirens could be hear getting closer. 

"Actions stations." He murmured. 

"Nothing."

"Yes, you did. You said, 'Action stations'"

"Perhaps I did." He put the pile of papers he'd been reading back onto the desk, than turned to look at Jasper, lifting his chin slightly, the action caused Jasper's smile to increase. It wasn't the first time Jasper had noticed Jon do that and he realised that the blonde man did it when he was uncomfortable. It was cute. 

"What?" Jon asked as Jasper continued to look at him, making him feel slightly self-conscious. 

Jasper shrugged a little and stood from where he'd perched himself on the nurses' desk. "Nothing, I guess it's just not something I'd expect you to say."

"Why not?" Jon asked as they both headed over toward the treatment cubicles. 

"Well it's sort of... I don't know... a military expression."

"And don't you see any resemblance between the military and a hospital?" Jon quizzed. 


Jasper chuckled. "I'm not denying that, I was just surprised to hear the words come out of your mouth. That's all." He looked at Jonathan as though excited about some new discovery. "I like that about you. You're so different from other... I like that you're unpredictable." With that Jasper headed into treatment room one, Jon shook his head in disbelief and entered room two. 

While he sanitised his hands, Jonathan couldn't believe how warm Jasper words made him feel. It had been an extremely long time since anybody had said such sweet things to him and it was wonderful. Although, working in such a stressful environment and being father to two sassy and confident daughters, Jasper was obviously used to giving compliments and boosting fragile egos, and Jon would probably do well not putting too much weight on what was said. 

He'd come back to Sydney hoping to find healing, to find the REAL Jonathan again, and accepting Jasper's easy banter was a good start. He had the ability to make Jon feel the way he had in med school, before the weight of the world was thrust into his shoulders. Arturo's death had affected his life because when he died Jon felt as though all of the life had gone out of him as well. If it hadn't been for close friends like Sarah and Matt, he might have faded away into nothingness. Thankfully, though, he'd held on and now, coming back to Sydney, back to where it had all begun, he was really starting to feel like his old self.... willing to get out there and try to find his life once again. And Jasper was helping him. 

Jonathan's first patient was wheeled in and he snapped on his gloves, pushing all thoughts of Jasper to the back of his mind. The hours tricked by and after he'd seen one patient, ordered tests and x-rays, he moved onto the next. Apparently a truck had lost its brakes coming down an embankment on the freeway, and had not only collected the cars in front of it but also a few on the other side of the multi-lane highway. Several cases had been transferred to Sydney Gen but as the cases had happened closer to the North Shore, the most urgent cases were coming here to the PA. 

Eight hours later, just after midnight, Jonathan received a phone call as he was suturing just after having inserted a nail to stabilise the patient's femur.

"DR Thornegate," the nurse said. "I have Eddie on the line. He says if you're free could you meet him in ET2, please? He needs your assistance."

"Right. Thanks. Tell him I'll be there in a little under ten." Jonathan looked across at Maryanne. "You can close here, then you may as well grab a quick drink and check the status of future patients who may require our services tonight."

"Yes, DR Thornegate."

Jon stood back from the table and put the instruments down, leaving the staff to carry on while he pulled some extra energy from his already depleted reserves and went to assist Jasper. 

When he entered Emergency Theatre Two, Jasper looked up from the table. 

"Where have you been? I was told you'd be here in five minutes."

Jonathan's eyes widened at his tone. "I said under ten," he glanced at the clock "we're hitting nine minutes now."

Jasper grunted. 

He headed over, realising that if the taller man was quibbling over a couple of minutes things probably weren't going that well. "What do you need me to do?"


"Hold this retractor," Jasper ordered. The patient was a large man covered in tattoos, and from what Jon could tell from when he'd been bought in had suffered a comminuted fracture of the right femur and fractures to the scapula and humerus. The pelvis, according the x-rays that were illuminated on the light box, showed a dislocation to the right acetabulum and an undisplaced fracture to the left acetabulum. 

"I thought you were going to wait to deal with the pelvis in a few days time, when the fracture had had time to settle a bit." 

"Oh, everyones a critic." Jasper's tone was heavy with fatigue and sarcasm. 

"I was simply making a comment Jasper."

"No. You were criticising. Suction."

"Hardly, but if thats the way you want to take my comments, don't let me stop you."

"I won't."

"Well, in that case do you mind telling me what you're doing? This sort of fracture is best left a few day or sometimes even a week."

"This is you not criticising?" Jasper glanced up, and Jonathan saw that his earlier fatigue had been replaced by veiled humour. It was then that Jon realised Jasper needed to debate, to discuss, to enliven his mind through the fatigue, and that what the blue eyed man was saying wasn't what he really meant. It wasn't the first time Jon had come across this sort of method to help a surgeon stay alert. Personally, he preferred to have music on in his theatre, and not the soothing stains of classical music most of his peers preferred. He was a classic rock kind of guy. 

"Yes, it is." Jon retorted, lifting his chin in the way that Jasper liked. Ah gods, look at those brown eyes, this was quite a man. "Are you going to make something of it?"

Jasper could see in Jon's eyes that he understood what was happening, that he knew he was helping Jasper to relax, and he thoroughly appreciated the effort. "I might," he replied and chucked. It was a good moment. The atmosphere when Jon had walked in had been so taught he could have cut it with a scalpel, but now that Jasper had released his own tension, everybody else seemed to relax a little more, making it easier to concentrate.

"However, I'd like to state on the record that I hadn't planned to deal with this pelvis right now but I had no choice. I need to pin this section to increase stability. I'll revisit it in about a week's time."

"Fair enough. Retract further," Jon said to the nurse. "Angle the light a little to the right, please." Jonathan took a good look at the patient's condition, "Can we have some music on?"

"Eddie doesn't like to work to music," the Theatre Sister remarked crisply. 

"What do you like listening to?" Jasper asked. "Strauss? No, I know. How about Beethoven? His '1812 Overture' would be enough to wake a patient up, let alone keep the surgeon alert."

"Well, I don't think we want the patient regaining consciousness just yet, Jasper."

"Good point. So, what tickles your fancy? Er... I mean, as far as music goes," he quickly added, and a few of the support staff laughed. Their eys met across the operating table and the look they shared in one brief second was enough to let Jon know that Jasper didn't only mean music. 

"Classic rock. You know Credence, Pink Floyd, Status Quo, Deep Purple..."

"Really? DR Thornegate you are FULL of surprises." Jasper looked over at the scout nurse. "Brenda, do we have any old school rock for DR Thornegate?"

"We do, Eddie. DR Thornegate still has a CD here from yesterday."

"But, Eddie?" The snippy Theatre Sister was taken aback by his request. 

"It's in the patient's best interests." His tone was calm yet clearly brooked no argument. "DR Thornegate needs to stay alert and awake so he can keep the rest of us in line." 

"Hmph." Theatre Sister wasn't at all happy, a few moments later a the distinctive opening riff of 'Smoke on the water' came through the speakers. 

They worked on stabilising their patient's fracture before Jasper did a final check and announced himself satisfied. He left Mei Lei to close the wound and headed out with Jonathan, both of them stripping their surgical gowns. 

"Is there more?" Jasper slumped into a chair. "Please say there the answer is no."

"I'm not sure." Jon walked over to the phone on the wall and called down to the nurses station. "Is Maryanne there?"

'I'll put her on' the nurse said. While Jonathan waited, he looked over at Jasper who had his hands laced behind his head and his eyes closed. He was stretched out across the chair, his long legs crossed at the ankles, but the way he was lounging made the top of his scrub shirt rise up and his scrub trousers dip down. Jon's eyes were automatically drawn to the firm muscles of his lower abdomen. Nice. Very nice. Jonathan realised that although he liked the bulky arms and broad shoulders, the rest of him was just as fine. Jasper shifted and his package became more prominent. Oh God. 

Jon stifled a groan and turned his head, averting his eyes as he spoke to the registrar on the phone, but Jasper couldn't believe he'd just been given a thorough once-over. It had been brief yet breathtaking; careful yet caressing, sweet yet sensual, subtle yet fucking HOT. He may have been given a quick appraisal earlier when they'd been teasing Sarah, but this had been real. Desire had flared in Jon's eyes and it had been obvious that he liked what he saw. Jasper felt like a teenager again, and parts of him were acting accordingly. 

He watched Jonathan as he quickly reached for a piece of paper and pen and scribbled some notes down. Even in baggy theatre scrubs the blonde doctor looked good. His fair hair was adorably scrunched and messed up from his surgery cap, and despite his obvious fatigue his pale golden skin looked like it was glowing against the navy blue of his wrinkled scrubs. Jasper's favourite feature however, was now perfectly on display as Jon bent over to take down Maryanne's note- his pert round ass emphasised wonderfully as it pushed against the thin cotton of his scrubs. Delicious. 

When Jon hung up, Jasper straitened in his chair. "What's the verdict?"

"Theatre One. Patient requiring open reduction and internal fixation of three fractured limbs."

"Really?" He groaned, his body heavy with exhaustion. 

"I'll take it."

"No, it's all right. I can do it."

"It's all right," he repeated meeting Jon's gaze. "Can't have the new boss thinking I'm a wimp."

Jonathan smiled. "Hardly." He held out a fist towards Jasper. "I'll play you for it." 

"Pardon?"


"Rock/Paper/Scissors?"

Jasper blinked doing a double take. Was he serious? First he discovered that this small delicate, well dressed and tightly buttoned man drove a car worth as much as a small house and didn't view it as a status symbol and incongruously listened to rock while he operated. Now he was making a decision now he was going to make a decision about who was going to do an operation by using the Rock/Paper/Scissors approach. He was... Enigmatic. 

"Is there anything else urgent that needs doing?"

"Just triage cases."

He thought for a moment and nodded. "The regi's can handle those." He stood and held out his hand palm up. "Paper, and paper wraps rock. I win." 

"Hey, we hadn't started," Jon complained, but stopped short as Jasper actually wrapped his larger hand around Jon's. The touch was enough to ignite the flame that had been on a slow burn for the past two weeks. 

Jasper looked into his eyes, his eyes without moving. "Why don't we both do it? We'll get through it faster."

"Uh... actually..." Jonathan sucked in a breath. Jasper's hand felt warm and comfortable, and RIGHT. He was liking this far too much, he swallowed and cleared his throat. "Why don't you head home? I can deal with it. Shouldn't be too much longer and, well, you know, I have my music to keep me company. Go home and get some sleep. The girls will no doubt wake up bright and early tomorrow."

"It's fine," he said, leaning in a little. It was as if Jasper could see Jon's reaction to his proximity and he wanted to prolong it. "The girls are asleep and I'm more than used to being woken up bright and early after only a few hours' sleep." 

Jasper's eyes were becoming intense now and Jonathan knew he wasn't strong enough to handle it. It was as though this thing between them was slowly increasing in the intensity. something that was more than being either colleagues or friends. He wasn't sure what it was and he didn't know if he wanted to find out. 

Edging back, Jonathan removed his hand from Jasper's charged touch, he took a few steps away, needing distance. His mind searched for something to say but for a few seconds it appeared to be blank. Thankfully, he recalled what Jasper had just said and almost pounced on it.

"Come to think of it, where are your girls? I mean, you're here at work. do they have a day-care lady or a friend who looks after them at night?"


"They're with my parents."

"Oh, of course. I forgot your parents usually look after them. Sarah did mention that. So, do your parents live close?"

Jasper thought of them living on the first floor of his house. "Uh... you could say that."

"So the girls have a room at their house and just sleep over as necessary?"

He shrugged nonchalantly. "Something like that."

"Jasper, you're being coy."

"Coy?" Jasper laughed at that. "MEN aren't coy. Only women are coy. I'm being... deliberately evasive." He shook his head and chuckled. "Coy. What a word. You do make me laugh...Jon."

"I think thats a compliment." 

"It is." Jasper's tone and look were equally as expressive; he stared at the smaller man for a long moment, as though not sure what to say next. 

"Oh." Jonathan wasn't used to getting such direct compliments. In fact, he wasn't used to getting compliments. Full stop. 

"And, if you MUST know," Jasper continued, "my parents live with us."

"You still live at home?" Jon was surprised at that, his lips twitching with amusement. 

"No. No," he said firmly. "I said my parents live with us. There is a difference." The blue eyed doctor looked around them but there was no one else about. "I'll have you know that I moved out of home a long time ago. I bought my own house; got as married as this bloody government allows; 'had' a couple of kids, then when Eric died, I remodeled the house so that my parents could sell their big rambling home and move in. It's an arrangement that works well for everyone. Especially the girls."

"Fair enough." Jon was touched that he'd explained because it showed he was willing to cross that line the professional world and the personal one; world's they were both so desperate to keep separate. Jonathan knew he'd been crossing the line more often than not of late, and to know Jasper was willing to do it too made him feel a little more comfortable. 

"So, are we going to get this next patient done so we can both do home?"

"I guess so, but honestly Jasper, you can go now and--" 

"Paper beats rock." Jasper took Jon's hand in his, wrapping his fingers loosely around it again, watching the way those chocolate eyes flared with a spark of excitement before it was quickly veiled. "Remember?"

Jonathan's breath caught in his throat not only at Jasper's incendiary touch, but at the look in his. It was deep, rich and seriously intimate. Where his touch had been mildly playful before, this time it was as sensual as If Jasper had just stepped foreword and kissed him. Their bodies were close, closer than before, and as Jon's heart rate increased, he found it was becoming increasingly difficult to breathe.

"Jasper?" The name was a confused caress on Jon's lips and as intense blue eyes dipped to take in the lush fullness of his trembling lips. "Don't look at me like that." He whispered hoarsely. 

"Why not?"

"Because you make me... sizzle... and I don't know how to deal with that."

"Sizzle?" Jasper's resolve to keep things light, to keep on ignoring the enormous tug he continuously felt towards Jonathan Thornegate, was beginning to crack. He'd felt the tug of something new and exciting between them since the first moment they'd met -even before they'd discovered their external connection- and he'd worked extremely hard to ignore it. So, it seemed, had Jonathan. When the sexy blonde said things like that, it was enough to make his logical though processes shut down and instinct let take over. Instincts which were telling him to press his mouth firmly against those full, beautiful lips and show the other man what it would really feel like to sizzle. 

The phone on the wall rang and both of them sprang apart, startled and jumpy. They stared at the inanimate object for a moment before Jasper snatched it up. "Eddie." He said into the receiver. 

It was the distraction Jonathan needed and he quickly walked from the room, heading to Theatre One, hoping Jasper would change his mind and decide not to join him; because right now, he wasn't sure he could deal with man being so close when he was supposed to be concentrating on a patient. 

Never before had Jon had this problem. Never had he been unable to focus his mind on work, as he'd experienced a few times thanks to Jasper Edwards and his overwhelmingly mystifying presence. 

Jonathan had scrubbed and had just started working when the object of his earlier ruminations entered the room. Again Jonathan felt him before he saw him and was surprised at his intuitiveness where the big man was concerned. He found it difficult to meet Jasper's eyes and kept his gaze down and on the job, wanting to get this night over and done with, so he could sneak quietly into Sarah's house, wrap himself in blankets and just disappear. 

Thankfully, at some time during the two hours they spent working on their patient, Jonathan began to relax. He realised that there was currently nothing he could do about the obvious attraction he felt towards his dead sexy colleague, he'd do well to simply push it aside. 

"Finally!" Jasper pulled off his gloves, mask, and gown, putting them in the appropriate bins and heading out of theatre with Jon not far behind him. "Have we beaten the sunrise?" he wanted to know as they walked towards the changing rooms. 




Jon Starting Over Ch. 03



"Uh... I think we have. But not by much."

They entered the change room and each went to walk down a different aisle of lockers, on the spur of the moment Jasper turned and grabbed a hold of Jon's hand and looked down into surprised brown eyes. "Listen Jonathan, I know this is no doubt against the unwritten rules we seem to have made and I don't want you to feel pressured at all but... would you like to come over for breakfast?"

"Over?"

"To my house."

"House?" Jon's brain seemed incapable of rational thought and it didn't help when he saw Jasper lips tugging upwards. 

"Sure. We've both been up all night long and could do with some breakfast."

"Breakfast?"

Jasper's lips beamed into a full blown smile and Jon wished they hadn't. "Yes, obviously spending a busy night in and out of theatre effects your powers of speech- or at least the power or form ing sentences. Breakfast. The meal traditionally eaten at the beginning of the day?"

"Hmmm..." Jon nodded slowly completely mesmerised by that bright smile. 

"Anyway, the girls would like to see you and after breakfast we could wander down and see if Mr Attenburgh is happy for you to see the house." 

"Oh!" Jonathan covered his mouth with his free hand. "The house! I'd totally forgotten about the house and my appointment."

"I didn't. I called him going into my first theatre case and told him we'd have to reschedule." 

"Thanks." Jon sighed, unable to believe he'd forgotten and unconsciously gripping Jasper's hand fraction tighter. He'd tried several times in the last fortnight to view the house but various obstacles and problems kept delaying him. Now he simply wanted to get it over and done with. If it was as perfect as Jasper seemed to think, hopefully he'd be able to settle and move in quickly. 

But first things first. Jasper had asked him to come over to his house for breakfast. His first reaction was to accept instantly but his second was to weigh up the pros and cons. His nearness was starting to do things Jon wasn't sure he could control in such a personal and comfortable setting. Control had been his close friend for many years, but it was also sort of exciting to have a little bit of spontaneity in his life. Besides, not only would he have the opportunity to see over the house and get that crossed of his list but he'd get to see Jasper's girls again. He'd liked playing with them when they'd been at Sarah's house and he had to admit he was becoming more curious about Jasper Edwards- the man, not the surgeon.

Jasper could see Jon's internal struggle. "I'll make you pancakes." He whispered temptingly. 

Jon's eyes glazed over for a moment, and then Jasper saw the beginnings of a small smile. "Really?"

"I'll make them light and fluffy." Jasper almost had him. He knew he was reeling the blonde doctor in and he was loving every moment of it. 

"They're my favourite."

"There you go then. I'll even do bacon and eggs to give breaky a bit more of a... sizzle."

Jasper waggled his eyebrows up and down as he spoke and Jonathan looked away his cheeks bright with colour. 

"Don't Jasper." His words were barely audible, but Jasper heard. 

"Don't what?"

"Tease. I... I didn't mean to say that."

"What? That I make you sizzle? I liked it."

"Stop it." Even the taller man's words, the way he was looking at Jon, made him start to sizzle once more. If he was totally honest with himself, Jon would accept that he wanted to spend more and more time with and that he wanted to do that away from his life at the hospital. 

"Why?" Jasper checked the room, pleased to find it deserted. He bought their linked hand up for Jon to see, Jon's eyes widened but he didn't let go. He reached out with his other hand and pressed it lightly against the blonde's brightly flushed cheek. Stroking. When he spoke, his tone was soft, intimate. "You're the first man who's ever said that to me. That I make him sizzle. I liked it."

When Jon didn't say anything else, he cupped his hand around the back of the smaller man's delicate neck and gave it a light squeeze before dropping hands. "It's just breakfast Jon. The girl's will be there, so will my parents. It's not as though its a date or anything. Think of it more as eating food together in a non-hospital environment." 

"Like the other night?"

"Exactly."

Jasper was right. He was over-thinking things again, something he'd promised himself he'd try not to do. Jon wanted to have breakfast with Jasper and he wanted to take a look at the house. Spending of all that time with Jasper would just be an added bonus... And to top it all off Jasper had called him Jon. Wasn't that the first sign of acceptance? the move from colleagues to good friends? 

Jon's responding smile was small but his eyes sparkled with interest. "OK."

"Excellent." With a matching smile, Jasper turned and walked around the corner of the aisle to his locker, leaving Jon feeling as though he'd just taken a very important step towards living. REALLY living. 



Jon Starting Over Ch. 04



***Hey Guys!! Uni is pretty much over for the year, so I should be able to resume posting with regularity once again. Thank you to all of you who have sent me feedback both with your name attached and anonymously, I really appreciate it 



"Daddy! DADDY!!" Both girls hurled themselves at the door the minute they heard it open, and within a moment Jasper had an identical twin wrapped around each leg. He laughed as he dropped his briefcase and bent to scoop them up, one on each side. Jonathan couldn't believe the absolute delight on Jasper's face, especially when they put their arms around his neck and began kissing his cheeks --- again the attack was performed with perfect synchronicity. 

"Hello, my monkeys!" Jasper kissed them both, one then the other and back again for a repeat. 

"We're NOT monkeys!" one said, blonde ringlets bobbing from side to side as she wriggled in her father's arms. 

"We're princesses!" the other replied, while she rolled her eyes at her sister. "He always gets it wrong." 

Jasper bent and put them down and it was Lilly, or perhaps Lola-- Jonathan was having a difficult time telling them apart, especially in their matching princess pajamas --- that looked over and saw him. 

"Jon." She stood there with her little hands on her little hips and angled her head to the side, a ringlet springing up and down. "What are you doing here? Your're s'pposed to be at Sarah's house." 

"Jon? Why aren't you at Sarah's?" the other asked, mimicking her sister's pose. Which, Jonathan realised, was a miniature version of one Jasper assumed on occasion. Cute.  

"Hey, girls." Jon smiled at both of them. "Jasp--- er... Daddy invited me over to have breaky with you." Jonathan licked his lips and rubbed his tummy with exaggeration. "He told me he'd make pancakes, and they're my favourite!"

"Mine, too!"

"Yeah! Mine, too." repeated the other twin. 

"I'm gonna tell Grammy."

"No! I'M gonna tell Grammy!" With that, the two of them raced off towards the stairs and a moment later footsteps could be heard above them as they raced through the upper floor. 

"Sorry." Jasper shed his coat and picked up his briefcase from just inside the door where he'd quickly stowed it before being bombarded by his daughters. 

"What for?"

"Uh-h..." He stopped for a moment and looked at Jon. "You know? I'm not sure." 

Jonathan smiled at him, liking the way Jasper looked in these surroundings, liking the way the way the tall doctor looked at him with intense eyes that twinkled with good humour. Jonathan turned away, indicating the living room which contained a wall to wall bookshelf, a large entertainment system, two comfortable couches and lots of big, bright throw pillows on the floor. On two of the walls were various pieces of abstract art, which no doubt the girls had done at pre-school. 

"I like the way way you've decorated." It was then Jon remembered that Jasper had mentioned his partner had decorated their bedroom. Had Eric done this room, too?

Jasper turned and looked at the room, then laughed. "Lots of... colour."

"That's what kids do isn't it? They fill your world with colour."

"And lots of other things along the way." Jasper bent and picked up two soft toys that had been left on the floor as he walked through the archway. "Come through. Oh! let me take your coat." He threw the toys onto a nearby chair then quickly hung up his own coat before helping Jon with his own. Jonathan was conscious of the larger man's proximity, his warm earthy scent surrounding him and making him feel very aware of the heat emanating from his sexy colleague. "You can either sit at the table or, keep company at the bench while I cook. 

Jasper hung up Jon's coat, then headed into the kitchen, his voice a little deeper than before. He cleared his throat and tried make it sound more normal. Jonathan's cologne had wound its way about his senses and for a split second he'd found himself unable to move as he helped the smaller man out of his coat. There was definitely an awareness between them... or at least that was the way he was reading the situation. God, the man was stunningly beautiful and intelligent, and although he knew Jon was fresh from his shower, as was he, what ever it was that the blonde man was wearing would continue to drive him crazy long after he left. 

As he entered the kitchen, Jasper was glad he'd spent the few extra minutes cleaning up before he went to work yesterday. The bench was wiped, the dishwasher cycle was finished and the stove top was ready for him to cook on. It would have been embarrassing to bring a man home - for the very first time in soooo long - to a messy kitchen. 

"Coffee?" He asked. 

"Actually, a cup of tea would be fantastic."

"Tea. Coming right up." He filled the kettle and switched it on. 

"So, do you make pancakes most mornings? I'm only asking because the girls seemed overly excited at the prospect."

"Usually only on weekends. I think their over-excitedness pertains to having someone over to share it with them."

"Oh. That's nice. So why did they need to go tell your mother they were having pancakes?"

Jasper's eyes twinkled as he spoke. "They'll be telling her about you, not the food."

"Oh," Jon said again, not sure what to make of this news. Jasper didn't seem to mind so he could only presume he was all too happy to introduce Jon to his parents. Was that good? Did that mean thing were moving too fast? Or was it simply a fact that he would meet Jasper's parents sooner or later, given their connection through Sarah? "Is that a problem?"

"Not at all." Jasper brushed his worries aside. If he told Jon he'd never bought a man into his home, into his life, Jon might start to feel even more self-conscious than he already was. "Now as pancakes are your favourite food, I'm expecting and open and honest assessment of my secret recipe." 

"Secret, huh? Very intriguing." 

Jasper leaned a little closer, then looked first one way then the other, as though he was about to impart the greatest secret in the world. "I use buttermilk." He straightened, then shrugged. "Not so secret but, oh so light and fluffy."

Jonathan licked his lips. "I can hardly wait." 

"But wait you shall. It'll be easier to feed the girls first." 

"Of course. That's the only problem with making pancakes at home - unless you have a big griddle plate - is that you basically, can only make one at a time."

"You make them often?"

"Jon shrugged. "When I was living in Melbourne, I did. Its been a bit hard at Sarah's to just whip up a batch at two o'clock in the morning when I've finished wading through my mound of inherited paperwork."

Jasper laughed. "I'm so glad the paperwork is your headache now and not mine." As he spoke they could hear footsteps coming down the stairs. 

"Heads up." His words were soft as he began to pull out the utensils and ingredients for the pancakes, as well as the eggs and bacon. 

"Good morning, Jasper." His mother's calm tones greeted him as she made her way into the room. Jasper's mother was a little taller than Jonathan, had short grey hair and sparkling green eyes. Those eyes, big and vibrant, and eerily similar to those of her son. 

"See!" Lilly remarked, entering behind her. 

"We told you Jon was here." Lola affirmed reaching out to hold her sister's hand. 

"So you did Angels," their grandmother replied, and held out her hand, not waiting for Jasper to introduce them. "Hello. I'm Iris."

"Jonathan." The blonde doctor replied shaking her hand. "I'm happy to meet you, I've heard a lot about you." 

Iris arched her eyebrow in her son's direction but Jasper shook his head. "Not from me Mum." 

Jonathan smiled warmly. "I'm a friend of Sarah's. I've been staying with her the past few weeks so I've seen the girls there a few times."

"Oh." Iris came and sat down beside him. "That's what the girls were talking about. They said that Sarah's friend was here but that Daddy had bought someone home for pancakes. I was getting confused so I thought I would come and see what they were on about." 

"As it turns out," Jasper said, whisking the mixture he'd just busily prepared, "Jonathan is my new boss."

"You WORK together?" Iris was stunned as she looked pointedly at her son and then back at Jon. 

"Yes." Jonathan was working hard at not squirming - and he wasn't doing too badly, if he did say so himself. He'd been scrutinised from all angles before, given his job in medical administration, yet he hadn't been looked at this closely by am man's mother before. "Is there something wrong?"

"Remember how I said I liked to keep my private and professional lives separate?" Jasper reminded him as he put the first pancake onto cook. The large man spoke in a quieter voice, but he knew full well his mother could hear him. 

"Ah." Jon clicked then as to why Jasper's mother was so astonished. "I take it you don't usually invite colleagues home for breakfast after a grueling night in theatre?"

"No... Mum, Jon's looking to buy a house," Jasper added before his mother could say anything more. "We're going to have some breaky, then go and see Mr Attenburgh." 

"The house down the road?"

"Is there another one in the street for sale?" Jasper asked pointedly. 

The phone rang and the girls, who hadn't been very interested in the adult conversation up until now, immediately shouted, "I'll get it!"

"No I'LL get it!" one said. "It's MY turn."

"NO! It's MY turn!" they both started jostling each other out of the way as they raced from the room towards the phone. 

"How about I get it," Jasper said, and stalked after them, shaking his head. "At least that will stop World War Three," he muttered and Jonathan couldn't help but smile. 

"They argue over who should answer the phone every time it rings at Sarah's place," Jon pointed out as Iris still stared at him. When the woman didn't stop, he shifted in his seat, beginning to feel rather uncomfortable. "Is something wrong?" he couldn't help but ask under the scrutiny. 

"Wrong?" Iris pulled back as though she wasn't aware she'd been staring. "No. Nothing is wrong. So, you work...closely with Jasper?"

"We're both the only Ortho-pods employed by the hospital. So, I guess you could say that. He's been great at helping me get settled in."

"And you've just been in theatre all night long, right?"

"Pretty much. Bad motor vehicle accidents. Lots of casualties."

"And you've obviously met the girls before now. They appear quite comfortable with you."

"They do?"

"Oh, yes. Usually when they meet a new friend of their father's... If they ever get to meet them, of course, they usually hide behind his legs until they get to know them better. Mostly, because Jasper's far too fussy."

"Fussy?" Jon wasn't sure he was on the same track as Iris, but decided to go with it. 

"When he dates!" Iris seemed surprised that Jonathan wasn't sure what she was talking about. "He doesn't introduce his dates to the girls, which is fair enough because he wants to protect them as any father would, and I'm in complete agreement...But you'd think that after a few times of seeing the same guy he'd eventually introduce them, but no."

"Jasper's dating someone?" Jonathan wasn't quite sure why the news made him feel instantly miserable. 

"No, no." Iris waved his words away. "I'm talking about in the past but now you're here, as plain as day, invited over for breakfast, and he's only been working with you for a few weeks." 

Jonathan wasn't sure what that meant but as Jasper came back into the room and he had no time to contemplate it further. 

"Was that the hospital?"

"No. It was Megan."

"Oh?" Iris was instantly concerned. 

"Megan's my sister," Jasper informed Jon. 

"Is everything all right?" Iris was on her feet, getting ready to head to the stairs. "Why is she calling you and why so early?"

"Relax, Mum. She was just ringing to see if the girl's dresses had arrived yet."

"And have they?"

"No."

Iris shook her head and took a step towards the stairs. "I'd best go call her. She'll be fretting over that." Iris started off then stopped and turned to Jonathan. "It was really nice to meet you."

"And you, too." As Iris left, Jonathan turned to watch Jasper flipping the first pancake. "You're quite good at that." 

"One of my many talents. I'm thinking of adding it to my resume." 

Jon smiled at that. "I'd certainly hire you." He paused then asked, "Why is your mother so concerned about your sister?"

"Megan's getting married in three weeks' time. Lilly and Lola are her flower girls."

"And the dresses haven't arrived." Jonathan nodded as though everything now made perfect sense. "That would be enough to make a bride go completely berserk."

"You've got that right and Megan's stress levels are already at an all-time high." He frowned a little. "Problem is, Mum and Dad don't approve of her husband-to-be. He hasn't done anything to help plan the wedding, not that that's totally unusual but whatever Megan's asked him, he's flatly refused. It's made things more burdensome for her. Add that to the fact that she's due in theatre in another hour and she's one mega stress bucket."

"Theatre?"

"She's a general surgeon over at Syd Gen."

"Hmm. Quite the medical family."

Jasper smiled and flipped another pancake. "She's incredibly smart. I was two years ahead of her in Med School but she was the one helping me out and explaining things." 

Jon laughed. "Should you be confessing such things to your new boss?"

"Not to worry." Jasper set two butterfly placemats on the bench next to Jon and added cutlery before cutting up some pancakes into little squares. He did it all so naturally, Jon could tell it was part of his routine. Jasper was clearly a dad who spent a lot of time with his children. "I passed my exams with flying colours and haven't had to rely on my baby sister for quite a number of years." He called to the girls, who came barreling in and clambered up into stools at the counter. Lilly managed it quite easily but Lola got stuck and Jonathan quickly picked her up and sat her down before Jasper could come around to help. 

"Thanks," the green eyed father said. 

"No problem." Jon smiled at him as Jasper added syrup to the girls' breakfasts and watched as they devoured the food in next to no time. "You must have been very hungry," the blonde commented. 

Lilly nodded enthusiastically. "I was." 

"Anybody would think your daddy never feeds you."

"We had dinner at Grammy-n-Pop's last night 'cause Daddy was in surgery," Lola responded matter of factly. 

"We do that. Sometimes we have breakfast at Grammy-n-Pop's too," Lilly chimed in. The girls had a way of running their grandparents names together, in a way which made them seem like a single entity. Jon thought it was adorable. 

"Now, my yummy princesses," Jasper said as he added another pancake to the warming plate he had in the oven. "Time for a bath," His words were received with mild protests.

"You're both covered in Syrup," he pointed out when they asked why. 

"But Daddy, why can't you just wipe us down with the cloth? Then we will be all ready to play."

"Planning to wear you jimmy-jams all day long?" He smiled at Jonathan before excusing himself to go and run the bath. Jon sat there, looking around Jasper's home and was surprised to find it very welcoming. Usually when he went to a new friend's house, it took quite some time to feel comfortable, but like at Sarah's house, he felt quite relaxed here. 

Jonathan looked at the pancake Jasper had put in the pan before he'd gone off to tend to his daughters and quickly went to check on it. The tall man had obviously turned down the heating elements so it was cooking at a slower rate but now Jon was up, he decided to make himself useful. He turned on the second pan and unwrapped the bacon, readying it to cook. Whilst waiting for the pan to heat, Jon checked the dishwasher and found it full but clean. Quietly and quickly, he took the dishes out, and after opening a few cupboards was able to figure out where most things went. Jon turned back to the stove and popped the bacon into the pan, then grabbed the girl's sticky plates and cutlery and popped them into the dishwasher and wiped down the placemats and bench. Draping the damp cloth over the tap Jon went back to the stove and flipped the bacon. He watched it sizzle and leaned against the counter thinking; it was quite nice to potter around in Jasper's kitchen... a kitchen that serviced a real family. It bought home to Jon how his own kitchen in his little flat in Melbourne, in retrospect, seemed bare and lifeless when he'd prepared meals for one. 

He'd flipped the pancake and was cracking the eggs into the bacon pan when Jasper came running back; his shirt front completely saturated. Oh my, a see-through shirt. Nice. 

"Oh! Thanks Jon. I hadn't planned to be that long but Lil and Lu got into a water fight... kids, eh?" Jon stood there speechless, looking at the firm muscles visible through the taller man's shirt. He could feel his face heating up and his arousal grow, he quickly turned away in an attempt to hide his glowing cheeks. 

Jasper watched as an incendiary passion lit Jon's eyes only to be hidden as the blonde man turned away, his breath caught in his throat. He found himself slowly walking to stand behind Jon. Placing his hands on the counter either side of the smaller man, he pressed himself shoulders to knees against the lithe frame in front of him, his heart was beating rapidly and he knew his arousal would be evident. He felt Jon shudder, and had to fight he urge to hump against his sexy boss. Oh God, what this man did to him.  

Jonathan groaned and pressed back against Jasper, he felt his skin flame, his affection starved body crying out for more. He wanted, he needed. Work proprieties be damned. Jon slowly turned, sliding his body against Jasper, reveling in the agonized sound that issued from the throat of the muscular doctor. Completing his turn he looked up into green eyes which burned with lust then widened with shock as a high pitch squeal issued from the bathroom down the hall. 

"DAAAAADDY! HELP! A SPIDER!"

"A CREEPY! DADDY, A CREEEEPY!"

Jasper cursed under his breath and pulled away, sprinting down the hall towards the sound of the twin's cries. 

Jon took a deep breath and walked around the bench to slump into a stool. Shit! What had he just done? One touch and he'd thrown his inhibitions out the window, where was his self control? 

Jon leant foreword and rested his head on the bench in front of him. He took a deep breath and tried to reflect without emotion. Nothing was wrong with what had just happened, and it was no ones fault it had happened. However, that behaviour wasn't conducive to a productive working relationship, and therefore it couldn't happen again. 

So, it wouldn't. Problem solved. 

Jonathan stood, resolving to act as though nothing had happened when Jasper returned. He walked around the bench and back into the kitchen removing the now slightly over done pancake from the pan and placing it with the others in the warm oven. 

Jonathan was doing the same for the eggs and bacon when Jasper returned and stood silently watching him as he puttered around the kitchen. The taler man was amazed at the warm sensation he was experiencing at having another man poking around his kitchen. Jasper was so used to being chef and bottle washer, that it was nice to be sharing the duties with someone else. 

Jon flicked the electric kettle back onto boil and retrieved some cups from the cupboard. Whilst waiting for the water to reheat he had a flashback to his interaction with Jasper minutes before.  He hung his head as he tried to deal with the graphic memories flashing through his brain. Oh God, what was he doing? Despite his earlier determination he was at a complete loss.  




Jon Starting Over Ch. 04



As Jasper continued to watch an oblivious Jon, and felt the dawning realisation that he had more than just a physical attraction for the blonde in front of him. He watched as Jonathan hung his head, an anguished expression crossing his face; without thought he the green eyed doctor walked forward and enfolded the smaller man in his arms. 

"Hey," Jasper whispered in Jon's ear "its OK."

"Is it?" Jon felt himself reply, with more than a little strain in his voice. 

Jasper tightened his arms around the smaller man in comfort. "Nothing needs to change Jon. There is nothing to stress about. Nothing."

"That's just it, Jasper. Things ARE changing between us, we both feel it. I don't know... I just, Jasper..." Jon could feel tears coming unbidden to his eyes, why was this so hard?

"Shhh... Jon, relax. We'll take it slow.  Think of before as a blip in time. We jumped too far ahead. Jon, come back to the now. We're good... OK?"

Jon allowed himself to fully relax into Jasper's arms, burying in face into the muscular chest in front of him, "OK."

"Good."

After a minute or so the kettle came the boil and clicked off, the couple reluctantly separated. 

Jasper reached into the cupboard above then and retrieved the box of tea bags, passing them to Jon with a smile, "You do the tea, I'll do the food. Deal?"

Jonathan smiled back, "Deal."

When they settled at the table each with pile of syrupy pancakes and a heaped side of eggs and bacon, Jonathan laughed and pointed at their loaded plates, "Sugar, fat, salt and cholesterol. You'd think as doctors we'd know better." 

Jasper sniggered. "Doctor Thornegate, we earned this! Anyway, these particular pancakes are more than the sum of their ingredients. Try them. Eat." 

Jonathan took a mouthful and couldn't help exclaiming at the taste. "Oooh! Jasper! These are heavenly. So light and fluffy."

"As you're a connoisseur of pancakes, I'll take that as a very high compliment."

"Mmm. You should. Delicious." When he'd finished, Jon licked his lips. Jasper watched the action intently, not surprised to feel a mild tingling in his gut. He never thought he'd be jealous of a pancake. The green eyed man was enjoying his time alone with Jon... Just the two of them... and even though he could hear the girls in the distance, squealing and laughing, it didn't matter one bit. He was here, in his house, alone with Jonathan. 

"More?" he offered, and watched as Jon eyed the last pancake left on the serving platter. "Go on." 

"OK. You've talked me into it."

"Wasn't difficult." Jasper pricked the pancake with his fork and put it on Jon's plate, secretly pleased the attractive blonde liked his cooking. He served more bacon and eggs for himself. 

"How did you make them again?"

"You were sitting right in front of me when I did it," Jasper pointed out. 

"Yes, but I was distracted not only by your daughters but by your mother's inquisitive stare."

"She was staring?" Jasper was horrified and closed his eyes for a moment, shaking his head. "I'm so sorry, Jonathan."

The smaller man laughed. "Don't apologise. She was just surprised, I guess, that you'd bought a colleague home."

"It has nothing to do with you being a colleague, Jon, let me tell you that right now. It does however, have everything to do with you being a man."

"Oh. You don't bring your dates home for pancakes?" As he said the words, Jon realised they could be taken another way. "Er... I mean..."

Jasper laughed, watching the way a small flush of colour tinged Jon's cheeks. Lord, he was becoming more adorable, more addictive with each passing moment. "I know what you meant, and the answer is no. I haven't bought the FEW men I've dated home to have breakfast with me and my family. You're the first."

"But I'm not your date."

"No, but definitely the first man." He stood and cleared the plates, switching the kettle on again for another cuppa, knowing he needed to keep things light. "It's as you've said, though. We both know Sarah. We'll both be mixing socially, as well as working together at the hospital, so even though we may not have mixed those worlds in the past, they'll definitely be mixing in the future." 

"So I take it from what your mother said that the girls have never met anyone you've dated?"

"Nope. They don't need short term acquaintances coming in and out of their lives. Way too confusing for them and far too many questions for me to answer."

"Ah, now we come to the real crux of the matter. You're scared of your girls.

"Scared of the way they'd question me to death? Yes, absolutely. I doubt an ASIO agent could withstand them."

Jonathan made a sound decidedly like a giggle, a sound Jasper found endearing. "I take it you don't classify me as a short term acquaintance?"

Jasper thought about the question for a moment, "No. Your work contract is for the next two years at least, but you're now in your dream job. I doubt you'll be giving it up after that. Add all that to the fact that you already know the girls, which makes you a very low risk friend. We also... Er... Yes, well, like I said. A low risk friend."

Jonathan decided to ignore Jasper's slip-up, not ready to face what the handsome man almost said. 

"Low risk?"

"Low risk of hurting them." And me, he added silently. Inviting Jonathan home had been done on a whim and he wasn't the type of man to give in to whims, especially where the girls were concerned. He might even tell himself that he'd only done it so he could help Jonathan see the see the house down the street, as he would have done for any colleague, but deep down he wanted to see how Jon looked in his world. And, Jasper had to admit, he looked pretty darn good. 

Their eyes met and held, both of them content to simply be there for the moment and connect. Jonathan wasn't at all sure how this happened but it was as though he could feel whatever Jasper was thinking about. It was a connection on a level he'd not really encountered before, not even with Arturo. It one way he was delighted to be experiencing something new, but on the other hand it terrified him. He wasn't good at taking steps outside his comfort zone. 

Still, Jasper looked at him, the colour of his eyes deepening in an appreciation for the man in front of him. Jon could see it. He could see the attraction Jasper had spoken of the other night when they'd had dinner. Despite their feelings, they were at a standstill.  Jonathan was too scared to take that first giant leap into a new relationship; and Jasper was too respectful of the Jon's feelings.  

Their contemplative mood was broken the sound of escalating laugher and splashing from the bathroom, Jasper eased back, rolling his eyes. "Sounds like the water fight is starting again. Never a dull moment."

"Go and deal with them and I'll tidy the kitchen."

Jasper was about to refuse Jon's offer of help but decided against it. Nodding, he agreed. "OK, thanks." He headed off in the direction of the bathroom and Jonathan smiled as he heard Jasper questioning his daughters, wanting to know why the bathroom floor was covered with water. Not too much later, he laughed as one of the girls came streaking past stark naked, with Jasper hot on her heels. He watched on with affection as the tall man scooped the little blonde girl up and carried her, wriggling and giggling, back to her bedroom. 

Jonathan relaxed and made himself another cup of tea, pushing down the yearning he could feel beginning to rise. He'd wanted a life like this. A family of his own. He SHOULD have had one by now and if things had gone to plan, the children he and Art had planned to father would have been around seven years old by now. Jonathan shook his head. His life could have been very different. 

"But you wouldn't have been head of unit at such a young age --- if you call thirty-eight young," he whispered softly to himself. Still, the words didn't seem to matter much when faced with what his alternative life would have been like. 

By half past seven the girls were freshly washed and dressed, ready for the day ahead. Jasper had called Mr Attenburgh to make sure it was all right to come down and then announced to both girls they were going for a little walk. 

"Is it all right to go this early?" Jonathan checked, as the girls went to get their coats as it was definitely a chilly July morning. 

"Oh Mr Attenburgh goes for a walk at a quarter to six every morning. He's awake, alive, alert and enthusiastic."

"Good to hear."

"Lilly? Are you staying here with Grammy?" Jasper asked when she didn't come back with her coat. "You don't have to come, honey."

"I'll stay and look after Grammy." Lilly was already on the stairs. "Lola will look after you and Jon, Daddy."

"Good to see they're already looking out for their Dad," Jonathan remarked as the three of them headed outside into the crisp morning, he tucked his scarf more firmly into the top of his coat. 

"Lilly is the nurturer. Lola is the adventurer," Jasper replied as Lola positioned herself between the two of them, slipping her hand into each of theirs and then asking for a swing. 

"I love swings, Lilly doesn't," Lola added. "But I do. A LOT."

"What does she mean?" Jonathan asked. 

"We count to three and then we lift her foreword and up into the air." Jasper counted and after three, up went Lola, gigging with glee. Again and again the two men did this, the little girl laughing each time. 

"She doesn't get tired of it?"

"Nope. Do it to Lilly though, and she snaps your head off. Doesn't like the sensation that she's flying through the sky, our Lil."

"Have you ever gotten them confused?" Jonathan was still trying to search for a way he might be able to tell them apart. 

"Nope. Believe it or not they look completely different to me." 

"Perhaps you see them more as personalities, rather than focusing on their physical appearance."

"Hmmm. I've never thought of it like that before. You're probably right."

They continued to swing Lola, who was laughing brightly, in the crisp morning. Providing her own brand of sweet sunshine. It was enough to warm Jonathan's heart and as he glanced over at Jasper the yearning deep inside him to have this sort of life for his own, to have a partner and family of his own, was almost overwhelming.