Title: Medical Wonders
Author: Jen Zoromski AKA Jennis524
Spoilers: Through the end of season 9
Disclaimer: All characters belong to NBC and the producers of "ER".
Summary: Cordano fic. Robert and Elizabeth find themselves in a certain predicament.
Author's Note: I started writing this at the end of April before Romano lost his arm so we are going to say that didn't happen. Also, the timeline for this story starts in February. Oh…plus this is my first "ER" fic - I usually write "X-Files" fics, but I thought that the Romano/Corday relationship was very interesting and I wanted to put them both in a more domestic environment.
Enjoy! Please R&R, Thanks!
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County General
February 8, 2003
"Dr. Romano, I'm sorry to tell you this, but your outlook isn't good," his physical therapist tells him sympathetically.
At first there isn't a reaction from Robert Romano.
"Robert?"
He angrily slams his fist on the desk.
"Don't tell me that, Stu, this is my life you're messing with. Do not tell me that my outlook isn't good. I'm a doctor, I know what goes on and I need some sort of reassurance, not the truth," Dr. Romano pleads, unlike what he's normally accustomed to.
"Robert."
"I don't need this. Take me off the damn list. I'll do my own physical therapy."
"Dr. Romano, you're being irrational."
"And you're annoying me. Leave me the hell alone," Robert says as he storms out of the physical therapy office.
Minutes later he sits in his office chair, head down on his desk, trying to swallow back tears.
A knock comes from the door.
"Go the hell away!" Robert yells at the door.
"Robert are you all right?" Elizabeth Corday asks opening the door and peering in.
"Do you have a hearing problem, Lizzie? I told you to leave me the hell alone."
Elizabeth shuts the door behind her completely ignoring Robert.
"I don't need your pity or your sympathy or whatever you came here to give me," Romano nearly screams at her.
"Robert, I just wanted to make sure you didn't kill yourself."
"I'm sure you were hoping," Robert says sarcastically.
"Right now you need someone to confide in, to be your friend."
"And you just come whisking in here to play hero. Thanks, but no thanks, Lizzie. Believe me you are better off without worrying about me - its too complicated."
"Fine," Elizabeth replies heading towards the door.
Robert watcher her as she opens the door and heads out into the hall. The voice inside his head is screaming for him to run after her, to stop her because she's right - he does need someone.
"Lizzie, wait!" Robert calls out to the disappearing figure with bouncing auburn curls.
She turns around, glaring at him.
"What is it Robert?" Dr. Romano swallows back his pride - something that never happens.
"I'm--" he stops.
"Sorry? It's not that hard to say."
She walks back to him placing her hand on his shoulder - reassuringly. Robert moves his hand to her face. Much to his surprise she doesn't pull away like she did in the lounge four months ago. He leans in slowly, against his better judgment, and covers her lips with his. At first Elizabeth doesn't respond, but then she deepens the kiss.
Footsteps echo in the hallway make them jump apart and a nurse appears a second later - walking by them both without so much as a glance.
Elizabeth smiles at him and then nervously pushes a stray lock of hair out of her face.
"Oh crap!" she exclaims
"What?" Robert asks as his face falls, anticipating the normal brush off from her. Deep down her chides himself for opening himself up to her, becoming vulnerable.
"Ella's sitter has a plane to catch. I need to get home," she pauses, becoming softer, "I mean it, Robert, call me if you need anything at all. Don't hesitate."
"Go on, go home to your daughter."
She turns her back and starts to head towards the elevator, but turns back and glances at him one last time - a smile graces her lips.
TBC
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Want more? Please R&R
Thanks
~Jen