Hey, sorry I am so focused on ER but this idea been bugging me. This story will probably a 'mini-story' depending where the storyline goes but focuses Mark/Susan and of course Carter's crush on her. So there's Carter/Susan subtext revolving around him feeling like he can't have her and not wanting to ruin her relationship with Mark. The quote represents how Carter feels how about Susan even though she views him as a child or her student Hope you enjoy as always read and review and tell me what you think. Reviews keep me updating thanks ~Serria Spell23.
Ch.1-Being There
"But traditions I can trace against the child in your face won't escape my attention you keep your distance with a system of touch And gentle persuasion I'm lost in admiration could I need you this much. Oh, you're wasting my time You're just wasting time. Something happens and I'm head over heels I never find out till I'm head over heels Something happens and I'm head over heels Ah don't take my heart Don't break my heart Don't throw it away."
Head Over Heels ~Tears For Fears
I walked into the hospital and glanced around for Mark. It had been a few months since his divorce was finalized and I wanted to see how he was doing. Entering the lounge, I noticed the lights were dim, a figure curled on the couch shielding their eyes.
"Susan, can you shut the door please?"
I nodded closing it softly behind me. "Mark, are you drunk?"
"No, just trying to come to grips with what's happened?"
"How's Rachel taking it," I asked, sitting down next to him. He sat up, a pained smile gracing his lips. Sighing, he leaned instinctively into my shoulder, wondering how much information he could keep to himself.
Probably not a lot he decided, Susan always seems to be able to read me.
"You want the truth," I nodded, fixing a stern yet compassionate gaze on my friend, waiting patiently for his reply. "I think Rachel's dealing worse than me. I don't know, Susan…I'm at a loss in explaining the situation to her."
"Do you want me to help?"
My co-worker chuckled, lifting his head from its resting place. "I know your intentions are pure, Su but Rachel kind of regards you as an enemy now. You probably would alienate her more…no offense," he said, pushing his glasses up onto the bridge of his nose.
Cracking a smile, I fought the urge to give him a punch in the arm. "Hey! At least let me try what's the harm?"
"She'll end up hating both of us," Mark deadpanned.
This time, I did punch him. His expression portrayed mock shock flawlessly, responding overdramatically to the nearly feather-light hit. My lips twisted into a playful scowl. "Oh, thanks for the confidence booster!"
"Ow! Susan, that actually hurt I think I'm injured!"
"It did not you're fine."
"Remind me to not get on your bad side," Mark commented, rubbing his arm distractedly. "You are welcome to talk to Rach if you want, however, I can't promise she will react well."
I smirked, "I'll take my chances. How's the custody arrangement going?"
"Jen has her now and I have her this weekend. Is the adoption process of Little Suzy coming along?"
A radiant beam lit my face as I thought about having my niece in my life permanently then faded when I imagined the obstacles I still had to overcome. Mark noticed my change in demeanor, wrapping me in a warm hug. "Susie, what is it?"
"I am willing to reasonable, Mark Chloe can have visitation rights…once she cleans up her act that is I would just prefer to be the one to raise Suzy."
He nodded understandingly, squeezing my shoulder. "I know and I'm proud of you for dealing with this while juggling work. You are a strong woman as far as I'm concerned you've proven your worth."
Smiling, I rose to my feet. "Thank you, Mark, but unfortunately, it's not only your opinion that matters." The man paused a second before planting a kiss to my forehead, hoping to sooth my current doubts.
"Don't let anyone underestimate you, more importantly, don't let anyone tell you you're not worth anything. Not Morgenstern, not Kasem not even Kerry," Mark said. "They do not control you."
Enveloping him in a hug again, I grinned. "I was going to check on Suzy before it becomes too hectic, do you want to accompany me?"
"Sure," Mark replied.
A few minutes later, we walked into the hospital daycare. Little Suzy looked up, her blue eyes lighting up. I knelt down and picked her up, swaying gently. "Hi, Suzy, how's my girl?" She grabbed my necklace, her fist clinging tightly. Mark gazed at me as a soft, maternal smile stretched over my face, admiring how the added responsibility of caring for my niece had strengthened my character. He placed a hand on my shoulder, leaning over to stroke Suzy's pale blonde hair.
I glanced into his eyes and sighed, the moment shattered by our pagers going off. Shaking my head, I slipped back into professional mode. "Bye, Sweetie, I'll see you later," I mumbled, putting the toddler on the floor.
"Wonder what it is this time?"
"Maybe it's a pipe through the skull…you never know."
"That's highly improbable, Susan the chances of it are slim." I flashed a smile at my friend before I drew back a curtain to reveal Carter struggling to wrap his hand. Pausing, I evaluated the scene in front of me right down to the blush creeping into the medical student's flustered cheeks—uncomfortable under my gaze as if he sensed I stood behind him.
"Or Carter," I drawled teasingly, "I'm curious is this a false alarm or did you actually need our help? You seem to be handling it. What happened?"
Mark chuckled. "I would like to know too."
"Alright, but don't tell anyone…you know how Doug likes to run his mouth…I…I…I kind of had a mishap with a scalpel."
"That's it, who hasn't it's nothing to be embarrassed about, Carter," I said patting him on the shoulder. "Here, let me take a look." I snapped on a pair of latex gloves from a nearby container, peeling back the bandage. My expression became concentrated as I stated at the young man's injury—assessing the damage—silently, pensively.
"Well, Dr. Lewis, will I live?"
I shook my head jokingly, a grin tugging at my lips, inwardly laughing at his semi-childish sense of humor. "Yes Carter, just let me apply a couple of stitches to be safe." He nodded and adjusted his arm position. I smirked. "If you move too much I'll end up poking you, stay still!"
I glanced over to Mark, he answered my look with a subtle smile and mouthed that he was going to check if Doug had any patients. Without losing concentration, I gave a wave goodbye. Sighing, I tied the last stitch and clipped off the long ends, standing up.
My friend flexed his fingers, testing the motion. "Thanks, Dr. Lewis. I owe you one."
I chuckled. "Don't mention it, Carter I'm going to see Mark needs any help, be careful." The med student nodded as he watched me leave he wasn't sure if I was aware if of his crush on me, however, that seemed irreverent at this point. He knew I was well out of his league and possibly harboring affections for someone else…
