AN: Mid-season 2...just in case you were wondering..not after any specific epsiode, just in there, long before "fevers of unknown origin."


Mark and Susan strolled happily by the river, pushing Suzie's stroller together. Susan had agreed to walk Mark over to County, even though she didn't have a shift that day. It was a beautiful day, even though they were all bundled up in winter jackets. There was, surprisingly enough, not a lot of wind, and it was warm for the end of fall.

"So, how's Rachel?"

"Sick. She has the flu. Seems she always gets sick on *my* weekends. Wonder how Jenn manages to keep her healthy the rest of the time."

"Mark, she's not trying to..OK, she's probably not trying to keep Rachel away from you. But she can't do it forever."

"guess not. What about this little baby girl? Anything new with Suzie?"

"Nothing really, she's just being her cute self."

"And how are you, Susan? you look tired."

"Mark, stop it. You know I'm fine."

"Has Chloe been around lately?"

"No, not really. She called last week, but she hasn't shown up anywhere."

"Good. So we're on for dinner tonight, right?"

"Well, I couldn't find a babysitter...but you could come over and I'll cook you dinner."

"Wonderful. See you around 7, OK? My shift ends at 6:30."

"perfect. See you then."

Mark leaned over and kissed Susan. "Mark...I think maybe, in front of the hospital...I mean, you know how rumors get around here..."Suzie began to cry, cutting off Susan's anxious explanation.

"I understand. See you later. Bye Suzie!" Mark waved as he walked into the hospital

"So, Mark, you and Susan..."

"Not a word, Lydia. Not a damn word. I don't want to hear it...and no one else had better hear it either."

"Alright Mark, but the rumors are flying already...I'm not stopping them."

Mark sighed as he walked into the lounge to get his lab coat.



OK, another note from me...the next chap is extremely long(4 pages and not done yet) so it may take a while to finish writing AND type..be patient, it'll be good, I swear! :)~~Thanks for r/r! ~~~Thena