I've only watched a couple episodes of ER, so sorry for any mistakes. I know this episode aired ages ago, but I really liked it :DDD R&R? Set at the end of 'May Day', the season six finale.


Mentioning his cousin was low, even by my rather warped standards, but it was necessary. There was no other way.

I saw no other way. Carter needed to wake up, see what it was he was doing to himself, to everyone who loved him.

I hadn't expected the punch, that was for sure, but it came hard and fast and I clutched at my jaw, a bruise blossoming there already.

"Carter, you wanna fight, that's cool man. But either way, you're getting your ass in that van."

I glanced up at Carter. He tried to keep a straight face, an emotionless mask but his bottom lip was trembling and he sobbed once, before shakily straightening up again.

But I'd seen it. That look of pure anguish that flickered across his young face, his tired eyes. Sadness. Pain.

And then he was crying, his entire body quaking, crystal tears trailing down his cheeks, leaving angry red tracks in their wake.

He couldn't look at me, out of shame, embarrassment. Looking both ways, I frowned in annoyance at the paramedics and random pedestrians who watched Carter from a distance, out of pity, out of curiosity.

He shied away from their prying eyes, burying his face in his hands and in what seemed like an impulsive movement, I put my hand on the back of his neck and pulled him against my chest.

He was my student, my colleague, my friend and there was no way I was just going to let him cry alone for the entire world to see. So I held him close in a vain hope that I could protect him.

One hand running through his dark, grown-out hair, the other on his back, I tried my best to comfort him.

He hid his face in my jacket, sobbing gently into my shoulder. I was surprised when his long, pale fingers curled around the worn material of my coat, clinging tightly to me.

"It's all right, man." I exhaled deeply, steadying my wayward emotions. How hadn't I noticed?

How could I let him fall so far?

"I'm sorry, Carter." I kissed the top of his head, like I did so often with Reese when he was hurting.

And Carter had never hurt quite so badly.