post Dead Again and yes, the first scene is the ending scene of that episode. Forgive any mistakes in the dialogue and such.

*****
AND THE MOMENT...
*****

He'd had a long day, Abby reminded herself as she watched him. He had been waiting for her shift to end but fell asleep sprawled on the couch in the lounge, still garbed in scrubs and lab coat. She smiled softly at his boyish features, made more so by the relaxation of a much-needed sleep.

i won't wake him, she decided, somewhat ruefully. The ER at County General had reopened only that day, a week after the smallpox scare. Clearly it had taken its toll on Dr. Carter. Abby leaned over and kissed his forehead lightly. Turning to leave, she nearly ran into Dr. Kovac, who looked surprised to see that Abby was leaving without Carter.

You're not going to wake him up? Didn't you two come in together? Luka asked.

i think he can find his way home without me, Abby replied tiredly as she departed.

Luka watched her depart, his face reflecting the lightest hint of loneliness, even regret.

*****

The lounge was cold and empty when Carter awoke. He wondered what time it was and how long he had been asleep. He sat up, only then noticing the dark blanket that had been placed over him sometime during his nap.

Abby, he thought tenderly. Was she still there? He left the lounge and encountered Randi.

Hey, Sleeping Beauty, she teased.

How long have I been in there?

Since before my shift started, the answer came. She handed him a note from Abby. Didn't want to wake you. You looked too comfortable. See you later. He felt a mixture of gratitude and disappointment that she had not awakened him.

Randi pointed him in the direction of a med student who had spent the chaotic day trying to get a chance to be introduced to the ER. Carter went and flopped down next to her and nudged her awake.

Look, I'm sorry, he said tiredly. The day got away from me. Try again tomorrow? Please agree, Erin... he started to get up, but she followed him.

No, no, I don't think so. No. She stood her ground. I have been here for sixteen hours. I have been ignored and yelled at and called honey' and sweetie' and bitch' twice and all I've had to eat is gummy bears and Diet Coke. She stared him squarely in the eye as he turned to look at her. I am not leaving until I get what I came for, she stated firmly.

She has guts, Carter admitted to himself in admiration. He began to show her around and Erin began to bombard him with questions.
*****

The TV flickered with a late night infomercial. She flipped the channel--off the air. Flip--a Britney Spears music video. ugh. Flip--I Love Lucy.

Good enough, she murmured, settling. She knew that when Carter awoke, he'd come to her place, and she fully intended to greet him when he arrived.

Abby sighed heavily. It had been a long day. She hadn't slept in who knew how long. She yawned.

Gotta wait for Carter, she scolded herself. Gotta...wait...

She was asleep.
*****

They didn't call it the windy city for nothing, Carter reasoned as he trudged through the streets towards Abby's apartment. He knew she was waiting.

The light from the TV caught his eye as he quietly entered the apartment. He found Abby slumbering peacefully on the sofa despite the blaring of the Three's Company theme from the television. Carter tried not to wake her as he carefully scooped her into his arms and began taking her to her bedroom. She snuggled closer to him in her sleep, then awoke as if realizing she wasn't on the couch anymore. He saw her eyelids flutter open. he said softly.

No fair, she muttered drowsily. I didn't wake you up.

You're dreaming, he replied. Go back to sleep. She yawned in reply. Carter feigned hurt. I thought you'd be more excited to see me.

As excited as you were to see me earlier, she retorted, punctuating it with another yawn.



He laid her down gently on the bed and turned to leave the room, but stopped to look questioningly at Abby when she grabbed his hand.

Where are you going? she asked? He gestured in the general direction of the living room.

I was just going to crash on the couch, he ventured.


she gave him a sleepy half-grin before pulling him down on the bed with surprising strength.

Whatever you say, he whispered obediently as they spooned up together. Soon, both were asleep, contentment showing on each face.

*****

It was only a few hours later that the insistent beeping of Carter's pager awoke them both.

Throw it out the window, Abby muttered groggily.

Don't I wish, he groaned. He carefully got up, trying not to disturb her too much. I guess I better go.

I'll come too, she offered.

he refused, Stay. Sleep. You need it.

Mmm. You're sweet, she smiled dreamily.

The best, he agreed. Leaning down, he brushed her lips with his own and tucked a lock of highlighted hair behind her ear. I'll see you when you come in.

she said tenderly. She listened to his receding footsteps as he trudged out into the night towards County.