Alright – here we go. My fourth attempt. This better work. Here I go.

Disclaimer – I do not own the characters or the show. Or the birthday song.

Plain bold is JD's thoughts since the italics was used for flashback.

PaRt oNe

Dr. Cox was in a bad mood. Well, okay didn't he always seem to be in a bad mood? He hated Mondays, but he hated this one especially. Because today – this Monday was his birthday.

Dr. Cox had stopped celebrating his birthday years ago. Whenever anyone would ask him why he would just say that it wasn't important. But he had his reason. The day he stopped caring about his birthday was the day his parents forgot.

Flashback

He was 16 years old. The alarm clock rang on his bedside table and he immediately sat up knowing exactly what day it was. Jumping out of bed he ran down to the kitchen not bothering to get dressed. This was one of the only days when he was happy.

But when he got to the kitchen, instead of seeing his family waiting for him with presents there was nothing. It was empty. Sliding on the linoleum floor, he stopped short. Nobody was there. He waited in the kitchen until his mother came down.

"Hey sweetie? Why you up so early?" she shuffled in. He was about to answer but the phone rang. His mother was on it until he left for school. That night, he decided that if his own family forgot his birthday that it wasn't that important.

end flashback

Now here he was, doing his job acting like today was just any other Monday. Outside, he pretended like nothing was wrong.

But inside he hurt.

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JD strolled down the hallways. He was in a good mood. He loved Mondays. He was just leaving a patients room. Approaching the desk, he spotted Dr. Cox sulking in a chair off in the corner. JD turned to Carla who just came up behind him.

"Why's he in such a bad mood?"

"As apposed to what?" Carla laughed but then motioned for JD to lean in closer. "Today's his birthday." She whispered.

"Why're we whispering?" JD whispered back.

"He doesn't like anyone to know."

"Why?"

"That's not important. Just don't bring it up to him or he'll get really angry." After a minute or two of silence, JD turned to Carla again.

"What are Dr. Cox's favorite foods?"

"Why do you want to know?"

"Fine, I'll ask someone else."

"Like who?"

"Him." JD straightened his back and nodded. Carla rolled her eyes and walked away wishing him a silent good luck.

Wait a minute. What the hell am I doing? He'll never tell me! Well, I'm in this now. Might as well go.

"Hey Dr. Cox!" he sat down next to him.

"What do you want Sheila? Don't you have a job to do?"

"Well, you're just sitting here. I thought I was allowed."

Damn. Bad idea JD.

Dr. Cox turned and faced JD, his eyes squinting hard – his lips a thin twisted into a crooked smile.

"Well, excuse me Shirley. I didn't know you took my advice so readily. Again – what do you want Newbie?"

It's now or never. Here we go.

"Do you have any favorite foods?"

"Well, that's interesting. As a matter of fact I do. And what is the reason for this childish question Erica?" Dr. Cox leaned in a little. JD played with his fingers in his lap.

"Just wanted to know."

"You're not planning to throw me a party for no reason are you?" Dr. Cox asked trying not to let on that today was any different than any other day.

Ah, yes.

"Ah, no. Just want to know what my mentor likes." JD smiled. Dr. Cox slapped his forehead and shook his had, sighing exasperated.

"I am not your. . . if I tell you will you go away?"

"Sure."

"I like mashed potatoes and peanut M&Ms. There. Happy now? Now scat Diana I have work to do." Dr. Cox stood up at the same time a JD. JD might as well have gone skipping down the hall.

"I really hope he isn't planning a surprise birthday party for me." Dr. Cox crossed his arms and marched off.

I can't wait to throw a surprise birthday party for him. JD thought as he made his way towards the cafeteria.

They'll be more. The only reason that I made those foods be Dr. Cox's favorites is because those are my favorite foods and he's my favorite character. If you review there will be more!