Never Judge

"You're late." Ian teased as Dave drove up to the Chan siblings' mansion. 

"Traffic." Dave said with a shrug as he grinned at Ian. They both knew that was not the reason why Dave was late.

"Ah to be young and free." Ian teased as he got into Dave's car and closed the door behind him.

"Do you miss it?" Dave asked in a more serious tone.

"Miss what?" Ian asked, surprised at the sudden change in the younger man's demeanour. 

"The lack of commitment, the freedom." Dave said with a shrug.

"I've never been the type to date Dave." Ian said, shaking his head. "The only person I dated in the past was my childhood friend."

"But you did sleep around?" Dave asked.

"Of course I did." Ian said with a nod. "Several times, it's normal. But it's not something I miss."

"I'm afraid I'll miss it if I commit to someone." Dave confessed.

"People want and need different things, Dave." Ian said, placing a hand on Dave's shoulder. "Some men are loyal before marriage and settling down, but as soon as that ring is on they start looking for comfort elsewhere."

"Your grandfather?" Dave asked with a raised eyebrow, he knew about Ian's past, he knew how much Ian had to suffer over the years.

Ian sighed and shook his head. "Yes, my grandfather is one of them. But you can't blame the children for the sins of the father. I spent so much of my life in hate, that I've now learned to let go."

"I'm sorry for bringing the topic up." Dave said as he stepped on the gas and drove them away. 

"It's not an issue Dave." Ian said, shaking his head. "I can't run from my past forever."

"I hope things workout for you." Dave said in a solemn tone.

"We are the same you know." Ian said with a sarcastic laugh. "Me running to get as far away from my past and you running away from your future. We are both running."

"I guess that's why Cedric hired us." Dave said with a shrug, making Ian smile.

They drove the rest of the way in partial silence, speaking only when needed. 

Ian had felt recharged, he and Nicole had a good night last night. He had come home to her and they spoke and they put away all the anger and the issues on Cedric's disappearance.

Nicole had said something that resonated with Ian. She told him that she and Eric felt that if Cedric came back before he was ready, he might just leave again. Much like how Ian was not ready to go after his past.

Ian respected Nicole's opinion, he knew the mother of his child was a smart and amazing woman. 

When they pulled up to Saints Hospital the staff immediately recognized Dave's car. He had been there so often recently that one of the parking slots near the entrance was already reserved for him.

As soon as Ian and Dave got out of the car, a valet ran over to take Dave's keys and park the car for him.

Dave nodded his thanks and handed the valet a tip.

"I really don't understand why they give us such special treatment." Dave said with a shrug as two guards opened the doors for him and Ian as they passed.

"I mean, obviously you are, well you. The father of their future boss and the common law husband of the woman running the place. But why do they give me, Camilla, and Mae special treatment too?" Dave asked as they approached the elevator.

"Simple, Cedric." Ian said with a shrug as the elevator doors dinged open.

Dave closed his eyes and sighed, how could he forget that Prince Group owned a significant amount of shares of Saints Hospital.

"It's not just because he owns this place partially, it's because they respect him here too." Ian said with a shrug as the elevator climbed up to the VIP wards where Leon was staying. "He helped save this place, so they are thankful."

As the elevator doors opened on another floor several young girls hopped in and flashed Ian and Dave a shy smile. 

The pair ignored the girls, but something caught Ian's eye making him quickly stop the elevator doors from opening.

"What the -" Dave said as he watched Ian get off of the elevator.

Dave quickly followed as Ian ran around the floor like a mad man, checking every corner.

"What is wrong with you?" Dave asked as he finally caught up with Ian.

Ian frowned and turned, leaving Dave's question unanswered. 

Dave was so confused and exhausted by chasing after Ian that he simply sighed and followed the older man at a leisurely pace.

"Ian!" Dave called out, but Ian ignored him and continued to stalk towards the elevator.

"Ian, damit!" Dave shouted as he pulled on Ian's arms.

Dave was shocked with Ian's expression, it looked like he had seen a ghost.

"What the fuck man." Dave said when he finally got Ian's attention. "What happened there?" Dave asked.

"Not here, not now." Ian said, shaking his head as he looked around.

Dave mimicked him, checking if anyone had been listening in on their conversation, but the hallway was empty.

Ian suddenly lifted his head when he saw a male nurse walk by.

"You!" Ian called out as he walked over to the nurse. 

The nurse was shocked and froze in his place, he of course knew who Ian was, everyone in the building could recognize this man. 

He was shocked that Ian had called him.

"What floor is this?" Ian asked as he stared at the nurse, who had turned pale as a sheet.

"Sir?" The nurse asked, confused by Ian's question. He assumed that if Ian got to this level then he would have known what floor it was.

"Don't make me repeat myself." Ian said in a threatening tone.

"Ian calm down, you'll scare the man." Dave said as he placed a hand on Ian's shoulder.

"This is the third floor, sir." The nurse said in a shaky voice.

"You don't seem so sure, so what floor is this really?" Ian asked. 

"No, sir, I'm sure. This is the third floor, the Psychological ward and all the Psychiatric clinics are on this floor." The nurse answered.

Ian suddenly turned and left for the elevator, leaving both the nurse and Dave confused.

Dave thanked the nurse and quickly followed after Ian. When they finally made it into the elevator Dave dared to ask Ian.

"What was that about?" Dave asked.

"Not now." Ian said, shaking his head. "Later, when we get out of here." Ian said, shaking his head.

"Well it seems important, you looked like you saw a ghost." Dave scoffed as the elevator doors finally opened at the VIP floor.

"Not a ghost, but close enough." Ian said with a sigh as they entered Leon's room.