Something to Celebrate
an ER-based fan fiction
by: Joycelyn Solo

Author's note: This story is a slightly alternative universe of ER. If I explained more, it would give things away, so just read it and please enjoy.
Disclaimer: Don't own anything, but if anyone wants to discuss leasing options, I'm interested...

Chapter Two

"Are you sure you're feeling okay?" John asked, noting how pale his wife still looked. She'd spent most of the morning making sacrifices to the porcelain god and as such there were dark circles beneath her normally bright eyes.

"I'm fine. Must have been something I ate." She tried to grin mischievously. "Remind me not to let you cook for a while."

John smiled. A return of sense of humor meant she must be better. "I don't think it helped that you preceded the meal with a double tall mocha whatever. Caffeine or no, those things are dangerous."

"You should know by now it's not the caffeine I crave. It's the extra lethal doses of sugar they pump into it."

"I could think of better uses for the extra whipped cream you pile on top of it." John said, waggling his eyebrows at her.

But his brow quickly furrowed as her face turned green and she ran once more for the bathroom. To himself he muttered, "I hope it was the food reference."

Standing outside the bathroom door he winced each time he heard the ragged sound of dry heaving. She'd pretty well emptied dinner and breakfast earlier - there wasn't anything left for this bout.

When he heard the water running in the sink he opened the door slowly and watched as she rinsed her mouth out. "I hate to leave you like this. Maybe if I tell Kerrie you're sick she'll make Deb go instead."

"As much as I would love to keep you here, I'm sure I'm fine." She took a deep breath and gave him a wan smile. "Besides, you wanted to be Chief Resident and this is your punishment."

He frowned, not for the first time since Kerrie had informed him of the pending conference. "Who really needs an entire week to learn how to make schedules and keep residents in line?"

"No one needs that long. But I'm sure it's no coincidence that your conference is being held on a championship golf course."

"You're sure I can't use you as an excuse to get out of this?" he asked, concern evident above the joke.

"I'm sure. I feel better already." Abby smiled bravely for him, after taking another steadying breath. "Besides, when you get back you can feel free to use me all you want."

"Is that a promise?" he asked, leaning in to kiss her.

She placed a hand on his chest, holding him away. "John, I've been throwing up all morning. I don't think you want to kiss me."

He hung his head in defeat. "You're probably right."

She removed her hand at his agreement.

"But I'll regret it later." he said, pressing his lips to hers.

Despite being self-conscious of her not-so-fresh breath, Abby responded to the kiss and was grateful that her stomach didn't protest as John wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her to him.

Reluctantly pulling apart, John looked at his watch. "I'd probably better be going. If you're not feeling better later be sure to get checked..."

"John, I'm surrounded by doctors. I'm sure I'll be fine." She pulled his wrist toward her so she could check his watch. "And you've got a plane to catch."