AN: Sorry for the long hiatus, I've been super busy with school, but i'm back and hope to update soon. I love all of my ER Lovlies, and yay for Cordano's and Carcy's! once again, i don not own ER or any of these characters. Next chapter will be an exciting and important step for both of our star couples. Until then, happy reading! :)

Elizabeth called Anspaugh while Robert was in the shower, filling him in about Lucy's mom's flight. She threw Gretel's favorite toy across the room, and she sprinted off to retrieve it as she waited for the next call she made to go through.

She heard the voice on the line. "Hey, Susan. I was just calling to touch base with you."

"Everything is ready to go, Elizabeth. Lucy's a bit nervous. How's Robert holding up?" She laughed over the line, holding the phone as she made a cup of coffee in the Lounge.

"He's a nervous wreck, but he's trying not to show it. You know, very Robert." Elizabeth laughed as Gretel trotted back with the toy in her mouth, and she threw it again, and Gretel sprinted off after it once more.

"That sounds about right. Should I bring the tissue for all the crying we're going to do?"

"That's a good idea. Who did you get to cover, anyways?"

"Pratt, Morris, and Gates can manage while we're gone."

"Yeah, they'll manage to burn the place down." They both snorted, and Elizabeth's head shot towards the stairs when she heard the water shut off. "Listen, I've got to go. I have to drag Robert to the store, and get him ready. We'll meet you there, okay?"

"I'll save you a seat next to us."

"You're the best, Susan." Elizabeth smiled, her blue eyes looking around Robert's spacious living room.

"What are friends for? And Chuney is actually telling me that one of my patients is getting worse, so I've gotta go. Good luck with Robert." Her voice was light but sincere.

The line clicked off. Elizabeth hung up the phone, and rubbed Gretel's belly as the dog panted and rolled over.

Robert came down the stairs, dressed in a pair of fitted blue jeans which were a dark color blue, and a rock'n roll t-shirt.

Lizzie looked at his shirt, and tried to stifle back a giggle. "Pink Floyd, Robert?"

"What? I lived through the 70's, Lizzie. Besides, what would you have me wear?"

"I've just never seen you in causal clothes before." She covered her mouth, trying to stifle the giggles that threatened to spill out. Robert shook his head as he put on his gold Rolex, and sneakers.

"We should probably go, Lizzie. It's 12:30."

She nodded, and stood up from the couch. They both said goodbye to Gretel, and Robert grabbed his keys, holding the door open for Elizabeth as she stepped through it.

"I'm thinking we run to get my stuff first, then we can head to the store." Elizabeth thought out loud as they reached the Jag. Robert opened her door, and she scooted in. He walked around to his side, and got in.

"Sounds like a plan to me." he agreed as they sped down the street, Elizabeth watching his hands as he shifted gears—his limber fingers able to drive the stick shift with ease. She also drove a manual, which was more common in England than it was here, and she did it to keep her hand-eye coordination sharp.

—

12 minutes later, Elizabeth struggled down the stairs of her apartment building, her hands loaded down with several outfits and supplies for the ceremony and party. Robert watched her from the car, before getting out and taking most of the stuff from her hands.

"God, what's in here? Fifty bowling balls?" Robert wondered as he lifted her stuff a bit higher in order to regain circulation in his arms.

Elizabeth snorted, a hint of tension in her voice from the strain of the box she held. He was right, this was more taxing then she'd thought. "Oh, yes, I forgot to mention that i'm a champion bowler, Robert.

They panted and grunted as they made it to the car.

"How in holy hell do ever manage to lug all this stuff on the El?" He set the box on the hood as he fumbled in his pocket for his keys. Robert noticed the slight flush on her face from the exertion—how her cheeks were tinted pink, and her hair was a bit more unruly than it'd been twenty minutes earlier. She was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen, and he studied her carefully—saving every second to his memory. After a bad day at County, he'd remember the way she smiled at him, and suddenly, whatever hell he was going through, was more manageable—it was worth it just to be able to come home and see her smile and her eyes every night. To hold in his arms the woman who had rescued him from the crowd in England two years ago—the woman without whom, he'd be unable to breathe.

"I've managed just fine for months, Dr. But I'm starting to wonder if all of this unnecessary exertion is good for my health." She flirted hard from her side of the car as she waited for him to unlock the doors.

"The doctor has many remedies for your problem, Miss Corday, all of which involve me. I'm essential for your recovery, and I think that a date with me later this week will do the trick." Robert gave her his professional response, smiling at her cheekily, his dimples shining proudly on his pale skin.

"Thank you so much, Dr. Romano, for that wonderful assessment. I knew there was a reason I chose you as my primary physician. Can you write me a prescription?"

He unlocked the car, and they placed most of her stuff in the car without any difficulties, making sure to leave enough space for all the stuff they had to pick up for the party.

"Do you really need all this stuff for tonight? Why don't you just wear this?" Robert pointed at the red dress he held in his hands as Elizabeth finished and shut the door on her side of the car. Robert looked a little nervous as he shuffled under the weight—unsure of how to put her stuff in the car without hurting himself.

"Because it may not be appropriate for tonight. You know nothing about fashion do you?" She asked as she walked around to his side, and took the box from his hands, shoving it into the backseat.

"Hey, hey, I resent that. Surgeon, Lizzie, remember?" He chuckled, his voice light as he watched her elegantly place her stuff in his car. "Besides, I've managed to dress myself for 33 years without a woman's help."

"Okay, that's true." She smiled as Robert hung the dress from the ceiling hook, and she shut the door.

They got in the car, and Elizabeth checked the task off of her mental list. "Shall we continue our adventure elsewhere?" She asked, pointing to the clock on the dash. Robert observed the time, and nodded, putting the car in drive, and they sped down the road towards the store.

—

Robert and Elizabeth made their way around the store, and she laughed as he pushed the cart, imaging the future with the man who walked beside her. Life couldn't possibly get any better—she'd never been as happy in her entire life as she was with Robert. The store was busy, but not incredibly so. Young couples walked all around them, talking and being present in the moment. She looked at the list she made earlier, crossing off the items as they went.

"Soda, tea, or wine, Lizzie?" He wondered as they stopped on the drink aisle which also had chips.

"You have hot tea at graduation parties?" she asked, her face scrunched in confusion as she searched for something to drink.

"Sweet tea." he replied as he collected several two liters of soda, and put them in the cart. Robert chucked several bags of chips in the cart.

"What's that?"

"Please, tell me you have had it."

"No. Only hot tea."

"It's an American Tradition." he shook his head, raising an eyebrow at the beautiful woman beside him. "We'll have all three." He gathered several gallons of each, and they headed off to get the rest of the supplies for the party.

Standing at the checkout, Robert tapped his fingers impatiently on the side of the cart while Elizabeth shook her head at his behavior. The cart was full of expensive seafood, pasta supplies, and he had insisted on buying the highest priced cuts of beef—Lucy deserved the best party, and he was going to make sure he delivered.

"How are you today, Dr. Romano?" The checkout girl asked him as she was finishing up her customer.

"In a hurry, just like always." he chuckled, stuffing his hands in his pockets.

Green eyes looked at him and then over to Elizabeth, her head nodding in approval.

"Thanks for the approval, Becky." He sang in his usual sarcastic way, but levity coated his voice instead of hardness.

"We've all been waiting for this for a long time, so don't screw it up."

Elizabeth looked shocked as she silently watched the banter take place.

"Wasn't really planning on it, was I, Lizzie?"

"No. I don't think you were."

Robert nodded triumphantly, beginning to place the items on the belt when a loud crash made the pair jump.

"What the hell was that?" Elizabeth asked, sharing a look with her companion as she swallowed hard. Whatever it was, it didn't sound good.

"Beats me. Must I do the imagining too. You know, Lizzie, i'm starting to rethink this whole—" An ear-piercing scream interrupted him.

Chaos broke out. People began running, shouting. The phone began an eternal ring. A page echoed through the store.

"Becky, call line 101, please." The voice commanded, and she picked up the phone, pressing it to her ear while scanning the pasta.

"Oh, my God," Becky said, her face taking on a green color. Elizabeth and Robert knew that look all too well—they saw it hundreds of times a day at County. So much for a quiet Saturday off.

"What's wrong?" Elizabeth asked, her senses heightened, mentally preparing herself for what she thought would be a surgical situation.

"One of the ceiling lights exploded, and landed on my brother. He's bleeding everywhere and they can't help him," she began to cry, trembling as she hung up the phone, and looked unsure as to what to do.

"Becky, listen to me. Take a few deep breaths," Robert encouraged, and the blonde complied, "Good. Don't need you hyperventilating on us. What aisle are they on?"

"Thirteen," she replied through her breathing, holding onto her legs with her hands, trying not to collapse.

Robert turned and scanned the overhead signs until he found the correct one. When he took a step, Elizabeth instinctively followed him.

The pair arrived in less than thirty seconds. Robert stopped on his heels, and Elizabeth almost slammed into him.

Blood covered the floor. A young guy moaned. A large piece of glass stuck out of his chest, while the light lay on top of him. People looked on helpless.

"You guys can't be here," said a voice with thin authority, and Elizabeth read his name tag: Jeff, Manager.

"Well, fortunately, Jeff, i'm a woman," Elizabeth replied sarcastically, and Robert beamed at his favorite surgeon. She looked around the aisle, and found that they were in the paper product section. She sprinted halfway down the aisle, and returned holding a bag of trash bags. opening the box quickly, she began to rip up the bottom so they could wear them like ponchos, protecting their clothes and themselves. They weren't trauma gowns, but they would suffice.

"God, i love your brain, Lizzie. We're surgeons, nitwit." Robert told him, pulling the trash bag over his head, and helping Elizabeth into hers. She placed her hair behind her in a messy, but tight bun while Robert located some cloth napkins, tying one around her head and then tying one around his own head. as they bent down to examine the injuries. Elizabeth took out some paper, writing down her observations.

"You're Rocket Romano." Damien smiled, a little shocked that a man of his caliber would be doing his own shopping.

"And you are?" Robert asked as he lifted the light off Becky's brother's chest slightly, grunting from the weight. Blood started to flow faster now, and Robert cursed, replacing the light where it was a few seconds before.

"Damien Matthews. You saved my brother last year, and paid for his Chemotherapy treatments."

"How is he?" Robert nodded in recognition as he checked for a pulse."Pulse weak and thready at 98." Robert told her, counting with his watch as he tried to remember his days out in the field when he'd had to improvise surgical supplies—that was the point of field training, and he was thankful Anspaugh and Morgenstern had flaked out of it, and his Chief of staff had forced him to go—a representative of County—it would look good for the hospital, Robert. Yeah, yeah. Well, two years, and about fifty gut-wrenching trauma's later, and he knew more about field surgery than the rest of his colleagues. That's where Rocket had been born—in the field, where seconds literally meant the difference between life and death, and he had developed quite a reputation for quick precision. Even in the field, Rocket's standards refused to slip, he wouldn't be a very good surgeon if he did a hack-job outside of the hospital. His job was to piece people back together, and even the poor souls in the field, deserved his very best.

"In remission thanks to you. You saved his life." Damien watched in awe as Rocket began to work.

"Just did my job. Listen, i'm going to need your help. We need sterile gloves, some way to sterilize everything, and something to do the slicing with." Robert rattled off a list of supplies, and Damien nodded. "Can you get those things, and move your ass, would ya?"

When the teenager took off, Elizabeth looked at Robert in surprise. He gave her a "don't ask" look, and she returned to the task in front of her.

"Can you tell me your name?" she asked the half-conscious man.

"Nick."

"Good. Listen, we're going to help you okay. Ten-inch laceration to the proximal aorta. Small tamponade forming."

Robert cursed. "Watch the florescent gas. If we're not careful, this whole place will go up." Elizabeth nodded, and then realized Jeff was still there, frozen.

"Don't just stand there. Call 9/11. Go!" she commanded, her voice taking on the professional tone she had when in surgery. He stood up, shaking, and ran off to do what she told him to.

Damien returned with the requested supplies. The pair of surgeons put on the gloves, and Robert threw the box at the teenager. "Here, put these on." He did as he was asked.

"Lean over his mouth, and listen for breathing. If he stops, let us know right away." Damien nodded, and took his position.

Robert took them, and pored the alcohol on Nick's chest, his eyes beginning to droop. Elizabeth threaded the sowing needle.

"Lizzie, we've got to do this now."

She poured alcohol on the box cutter that Damien found. "Making a five-inch incision at 12:40. Can we move this light, Robert?"

"Not unless we want him to code." She sighed in frustration, leaning over to see the injury. "Damn, i need more light."

Robert reached over Damien and picked up the flashlight he brought back, putting it in his mouth as he moved to assist her. Robert held open the wound as Elizabeth repaired what she could see.

"I can only repair half of the defect. I can't reach the other half," she fumed, angry that she couldn't do more.

"It'll have to be okay for now. Make sure it holds til he gets to County."

"What about the glass in his chest?" Damien asked.

"If we take it out here, he dies." Robert's voice held the same authority she was used to, and though she'd never admit it, and certainly not to Robert, it brought her comfort in this moment.

"Uh, i think he stopped breathing," the teenager gulped. The flashlight fell out of Robert's mouth.

"Shit! Give me that juice box, Damien." Robert ordered, and the teen passed it over. Robert took the straw off the side, and emptied the juice onto the floor, the purple colored liquid mixing with the blood in a sickly sweet pattern. "Box cutter, Lizzie." she handed it over, and began CPR as he cut into Nick's trachea. Damien fought back a yelp, and tried not to pass out. Robert guided the straw through the opening, and attached the juice box with tape while he put another straw on the other side to keep the box inflated.

"Listen to me very carefully. When i tell you to squeeze, you do it. When i tell you to re-inflate the box, you do it. Got it? He's not dying on us. Not today."

Damien nodded. Lizzie continued to do compressions. Placing two fingers on the side of Nick's neck, he listened. "Squeeze. Then re-inflate."

Again.

Again.

"Squeeze."

"Okay, keep doing that." Robert told him as he ran over to the frozen meat section across from him, finding the hardest package he could. The janitor had left a ladder sitting nearby and Robert grabbed that too, the trash bag swishing as he ran.

"What are you doing?"

"We have to shock him into normal sinus." Robert climbed onto the ladder, and raised his hands above his head. "Clear, Lizzie!" Lizzie grabbed Damien and moved as Robert dropped the meat over his heart as hard as he could.

"Nothing," she called while checking the pulse. "Damien, squeeze. Robert, what are we going to do? We can't create enough force to produce stable V-tach." Her eyes were full of fear, and she noted that Robert was shaking, even though he tried to hide it.

"What if we use an AED?" the voice startled the pair, and they turned to see Becky standing there, holding the answer to their prayers.

—

Robert held the scalpel in OR 1 as he and Shirley worked. They had been able to get him back with the AED, and stabilized until the paramedics got there, and they raced to County and into surgery. He looked at the time, knowing he'd had to hurry if he wanted to make Lucy's graduation.

Suddenly the door swung open, and he didn't need to look up to know exactly who had entered. It was his beloved Elizabeth—when she was angry, her step grew heavy and forceful, more pronounced.

"Robert, what the hell are you doing? Lucy's gradation starts in 15 minutes." she questioned him with a hint of shock and disbelief. She was dressed in an elegant, yet sexy black dress—the very one that always brought Robert right to the brink every tine he saw her in it.

"Having a tea party. What does it look like?"

"I can't believe you. This is supposed to be a wonderful day for Lucy, and you're going to muck it up because you can't stay away from surgery for an hour. Either you scrub out and pass off this patient to another surgeon, or don't even bother coming home tonight. I won't be the one explaining this to Lucy, while trying to mend her broken heart." She stormed out of the room. Robert looked up to see her walk out. Shirley cleared her throat, alerting him to the problem, and he glanced at his hands, which were shaking. Rocket Romano never shook during surgery, and he told her not to say a word.

—

"Elizabeth, wait! Must you run so fast?" He panted as he caught up to her outside the main entrance of County.

She turned in shock. "Robert? I thought you were in surgery." She looked him up and down—he had changed into his deep navy suit, which accentuated his deep brown eyes. She smiled at the sight of him. It was her favorite, and she felt herself well up with love for the man who stood beside her.

"I signed him out to Dorsett. He's a prick, but he can do simple surgery. Now, let's head to this graduation, shall we?" They walked to the parking garage where Elizabeth had parked while Robert had traveled to County via ambulance, and she had ran to his house, grabbing the outfit for him, and leaving it in the surgical locker room where she had changed, hoping he would make the right choice, and he did, just like he always had when it came to her.

"Robert Romano," she sighed in content as she took his hand, and gave him a quick kiss.

"I'm just full of surprises," he smiled cheekily when he pulled away, and they reached the Jag a few minutes later.

—

The heat blared on them as they sat in the third row, Elizabeth wedged into Robert's side because Mark and Susan were sitting on either end of them. Carter sat with Benton and Anspaugh a few seats down, and the bearded doctor smiled as the Dean began his speech.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome today to the most prestigious of days—Graduating is always a momentous occasion, but something about graduating from Medical School is even more glorious."

Robert zoned out, squeezing Elizabeth's hand every few seconds.

They finally made it to the K's, and Carter sat up a little straighter in his chair. Lucy's back was to them, so she couldn't see her surprise that waited in the first row until she walked across the stage.

"Jennifer Kiefer. Justin Knell. Lucy Knight."

The blonde stood up, and walked across the stage, taking her diploma and shaking the Dean's hand. Looking into the crowd, she saw her family from County, cheering, applauding, crying. Elizabeth and Susan were crying as they smiled at Lucy. Robert beamed with pride at his student, wrapping an arm around Elizabeth and squeezing her tightly. Anspaugh, Benton, and Mark clapped and talked among themselves. Carter whistled loudly as Lucy made eye contact with him. He nodded, and motioned with his eyes to the front row. Lucy followed his eyes, and gasped loudly, almost dropping her diploma.

Her mother smiled while sobbing, and Lucy began to cry as she realized she was holding up the line, and took her seat, again.

—

After the ceremony was over, the staff from County talked amongst themselves, waiting for Lucy to join them. Elizabeth and Susan laughed at the weird feeling of their best friend graduating. Robert shook Anspaugh's hand with vigor, and he animatedly discussed an upcoming procedure with the newest surgical tools. Peter rolled his eyes and tried not to look uncomfortable. Carter and Mark talked with Lucy's mom when suddenly Carter noticed a blonde figure in his peripheral vision.

He turned just in time to catch Lucy who exploded into his arms, wrapping herself tightly in his embrace. Her face was red from crying but she smiled bigger than she ever had.

"You did it, Luce!" John exlcamied as he spun her around and kissed her hair.

Lucy kissed him passionately on the lips, and everyone whistled except Robert. His eyes landed on the scar on her chest, the top just slightly peeking out over her graduation robe. He clenched his hands as the guilt washed over him, his throat suddenly dry, and he tried to hide his brief moment of despair. They'd almost not made it to this moment, and he was grateful that she was getting this opportunity.

Elizabeth saw his posture scrunch up—that was one of his tells that something was bothering him, but she didn't dare let him know that—Elizabeth's hand institutionally found his and gave him a reassuring squeeze, letting him know that his efforts, both today and a few months ago were appreciated.

"John Carter you are utterly amazing," she beamed as she motioned to be put down and he complied as she ran over to hug her mother, and refused to let go until someone would force her away.

"It wasn't just my idea. Everyone here had a part in it," he pointed out all of the people standing around him, and he paused for a minute, reflecting on the events of the last few months. John Carter did something he hadn't done since that February night—he thanked Paul Sobriki with his whole heart because what he took from him hurt and would ail him the rest of his life, but what Paul had given him was priceless. It had lead him to Lucy, and he could endure the spasming in his back that appeared with a vengeance after a particularly hectic shift if it meant he got to come home to her.

Lucy finally let go of her mother, and as her eyes filled with tears again, she hugged everyone, thanking them for their wonderful gift. She lingered on Elizabeth and Robert, which wasn't lost on the crowd, but they said nothing, as Lucy whispered her gratitude over and over again.

"No need to keep thanking us, Miss Knight. All the work you've done these last few months and what you will do in the future is payment enough," Robert told her in a hushed voice, his own eyes filling with tears as he tried to remain the hard surgeon. He bit them back, and Elizabeth gave him a nod, fighting back tears of her own. The others noticed his moment of weakness, but to their credit, nobody mentioned it.

"You guys are the best friends a girl could hope for." she told Elizabeth as she pulled away, and wiped her eyes composing herself.

Her graduation cap was sitting on her head at an angle and she was beginning to sweat in the blazing Chicago summer. Anspaush vigorously shook Mark and Robert's hands, noticing Miss Knight's distress.

"I don't know about all of you but i'm beginning to age standing in this god-awful heat," he saved Lucy form feeling embarrassed and they all agreed.

"Hey, Lucy, we'll see you later at Robert's, okay" Susan told her, raising one eyebrow. Lucy nodded in understanding, knowing that the Chief of Staff had his own surprise and it would be occurring any second now.

A pager broke up their happy moment. Followed by another, then another, another, until finally Robert's buzzed at his hip and he fought not to throw the thing across the field.

"What the hell do those miscreants want now? Can;t even go an hour without burning down the place." he shook his head, miffed by the interruption.

"We'd better go, Robert." Elizabeth replied softly, keeping her voice even as she looked at her urgent message. "Looks like we've got a bunch of criticals, and the two of us are needed on the roof."

He surrenendered, knowing he had no choice but to go.

"It's okay, Dr. Romano, we all need to head to County, and we'll all meet up at the party." Lucy soothed as she shared a look with Carter and took his hand. Everyone took their leave.

—

Back at County, the others waited for confirmation that the guest of honor would arrive shortly. By the Grace of God, they had maybe three patients that they left with the internists, and everyone headed up to the roof.

Robert and Lizzie stood just on the other side of the elevator door that lead to the roof. It wasn't as noisy as it normally was when a chopper pulled in, but he dismissed the doubt. Although he did wonder why neither of them had put on the necessary equipment in order to attend to the patient, but to his credit, he kept quiet, and kept hold of his beloved's hand.

"Robert, i have a confession to make," Lizzie said after a few minutes of silence had washed over them.

The elevator was at the to floor, but wouldn't move, and the door didn't open even when Robert mashed the button.

"Wait, don't tell me, you brought me up her to punish me by pitching me off the roof. Good one Lizzie, even for you." His usual sarcasm returned but it wasn't as strong as it normally was when he was nervous.

She took a deep breath. "Robert, there is no patient."

"Then what are we doing up here?"

The doors opened, and Robert stared, frozen.

"I don't understand," he stammered as Lizzie climbed out and pulled him to the left side of the roof where Abby waited, holding something he hadn't seen in twenty years.

The two women smiled at each toher, and Abby shoved the cap and gown into Robert's hands, but Elizabeth quickly caught them before they fell.

"Just put this on, Robert," Elizabeth commanded gently, holding back an exasperated sigh. She knew that Robert wasn't big on surprises—mostly because they'd never happened to him before, and she looked at him with fire blazing in her blue eyes which was enough to break his trance. He swallowed and zipped on the blue gown while Elizabeth placed the cap on his head and gave him a chaste but passionate kiss. She placed the other item in his hand, and turned towards Abby who took a step towards her.

"Good luck, Dr. Romano." Abby giggled at his uneasiness.

"Waht are you on about, Lockhart?"

"Nothing. Now go sit down in the empty seat and keep your mouth shut. You can follow directions, can't you?" Elizabeth snorted and pulled Abby to their seats, leaving Robert alone and looking puzzled and somewhat angry. He took a few seconds to yell at himself internally about women and there hold on him, blah, blah blah, until he snapped out of it and went to sit down.

Anspaugh stood up, and walked to the podium which was set up in the middle of the airstrip. "Good afternoon everyone, thank you all so much for being here." He smiled delicately, the way he always did, and continued. "Today marks the twentieth anniversary of your hard work and achievements in medicine, which I know are too great to be enumerated here today. As such, there is one matter of business to attend to. Dr. Robert Romano, as you all know, is a colleague of mind and a dear friend. I remember when he started his residency at County, and it's good to see that something's never change," he smirked, and laughter floated from the crowd.

Robert rolled his eyes, but laughed softly.

"Anyways, let's get on with it shall we: you all know why were here." he turned his head to acknowledge Robert. "Robert has done wonderful things as a surgeon and his ever steadfast dedication to his job, inspires me greatly, and it is both of those things that i look to in the hard times as well as the good times. Since today is the anniversary of when he graduated, I thought it would be only too fitting to have him give a speech."

Robert shook as Anspaugh's words sank in. The applause grew until he had to stand, and tried to walk to the podium, his legs threatening to fail him at any moment. His hand curled around the object that Lizzie had placed into his hands, and he finally looked down at it, too scarred to do so earlier.

He found his way to the front, and lowered the microphone, taking a deep breath. "Uhm, hi. I wasn't expecting to do this, and i certainly didn't even know that this was happening today," he laughed nervously. Anyways, i guess i'm in the hot seat so I'll start." he held onto the wooden box, and then smiled at what Lizzie had given him.

The speech he'd written as valedictorian stared up at him, on the original paper and in the original scrawl that everyone knew was his. He made a mental note to hound her later about how she'd found it when he was sure he'd either hidden it too damn well or lost it to the vents of life. Robert pushed that thought away as he finally acknowledged the moment, looking up at the faces of everyone.

All of the staff that he knew from County sat on one side while all the people he'd graduated with sat on the other, dressed in their cap and gowns along with him. Most of them he hadn't seen since his school days, and he wondered just who the mastermind of this event was, knowing of only two people slick and mischievous enough to pull it off. He looked in their direction.

They sat together, trying to appear innocent. Elizabeth smiled at him in reassurance and Lucy giggled mischievously as she pointed out how he looked to Carter who was trying his best to remain emotionless.

Lost in the moment, he noticed the pregnant silence, and darted his eyes back to his speech, a silent laugh displayed on his lips before he focused and grew serious once more. Robert spoke, and everyone around leaned forward to hear him better.

"I hope that this generation of doctors go forward and be the very best that they can be. I hope that they make significant advances that benefit their patients, but more importantly, i hope they give everything they have to them—this is how we make a true difference in the world, and we must achieve all that is expected of us and rise to do more than we've ever dreamed. The future of medicine is now, is us, and it's our responsibility to see to it that we constantly strive to do more for our patients. In school they like to tell us that we're helping people, but in reality, the people we treat help us. They help us become more patient, more understanding, more compassionate. Many people often ask why we do this—why we sacrifice our personal lives for the long hours, why we chose the job above anything else, and everyone I've ever talked to has the same conclusion: we don't choose to do this no matter how much of a masochist we might be—" Robert chuckled at this point, his voice suddenly quivering as the realization of him bearing his soul to a crowded venue had begun to take hold.

He continued. "Being a doctor isn't a hobby to us. It's who we are—it's our responsibility, our most honored privilege.," his voice broke at this moment, and he wished for the loving embrace of his mother, knowing full well she was the reason he was standing here today. Someone coughed and he glanced in their direction.

He stared in shock. There the two of them were, black hair and one pair of gray eyes and one pair of green eyes that he'd recognize anywhere—and even though it'd been a long damned time since he'd seen them, he was glad they were here. He gulped down the lump in his throat, and the woman with the gray eyes nodded her head at him, their silent recognition one of curiosity and longing. His sister looked up at him from her seat, and urged him to continue, weeping at his accomplishments, and weeping for something else that Robert couldn't be sure of. The green eyes of his brother remained stoic but the two brothers began to mend their broken relationship with just a look and suddenly Robert felt even hotter than before. His cheeks flushed and he cleared his throat, continuing:

"And it's because of who we are that it just clicks. People call us heroes, but i don't agree. We're just ordinary people who do heroic things simply because it's in our DNA. Not all superheros wear capes. Some of them wear scrubs and stethoscopes, and all of them wear their hearts on their sleeve for each and every patient. Each one that we help becomes a part of us until we're only made up of the best of them. That's when we reach our full potential, and become who we are supposed to be. Thank you." Robert finished, smiling softly at his own bravery. His eyes met Elizabeth's and she was crying—pure unabashed happiness poured down her face and everyone stood, applauding for what seemed like eternity until Anspaugh took his place at the front and shushed them.

He went through the rest of the ceremony, calling out each person's name. They all obeyed, coming forward and shook each other's hands. Robert zoned out the rest of the ceremony until he saw his row stand and joined the rest of his peers in line. When his name was called, he walked to where Anspaugh waited for him, took his diploma and shook his hand. Robert coulndn't stop the tears from falling as Elizabeth cheered the loudest and it was music to his ears.