Disclaimer: I do not own the original ER characters, however I have made up a few of my own

Survival: Father Figure

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He took a deep breath before even stepping too far into the ambulance bay. No one outside was someone he recognized and he was thankful. Slowly he stepped forward, all the memories of his former life there came flooding back as he took the final step into the air conditioned admission area. He breathed a sigh of relief as no one in that area recognized him.

"I'm looking for a six year old. Stella. Dr. Lewis called," he said.

"Are you Dr. Carter?" the woman asked, who looked more nervous and inexperienced than he did on his first day in the ER.

"John," he corrected.

"I've heard a lot about you. You were a great doctor."

"Thanks," he said.

"Your daughter is right this way." He followed, not bothering to correct her. "So, why'd you give up medicine."

"Who said I did?" he asked as he pushed open the door to find Stella sitting on the bed playing cards with Abby.

"Hey trouble maker," Carter said leaning against the doorframe. Abby turned and looked at him, apparently unaware of his connection to the child. "How many times have I told you to be careful of the monkey bars?"

"Never," she said stubbornly with a smile.

"Really? Okay then. You're off the hook." He produced a sucked and held it out for her. "Were you good?" his question aimed at Abby.

"She was very brave. No tears."

"Then you can have it," he said as she took the sucker. His phone rang. "Hello? Hold on. No, I'm at the hospital. Hold on."

"We should talk outside," Abby suggested.

"Okay, baby. Talk to grandpa." Carter handed the phone to Stella and walked out. "What happened?"

"She cracked the bones in her wrist. Susan prescribed a mild painkiller but she seems fine. No pain."

"She's tough."

"Like you." He looked at Abby then back at the little girl who had stolen his heart.

"Can I sign her out? Big dinner plans."

"Which fancy restaurant is her favorite?" Abby asked sarcastically.

"Macaroni and cheese from my kitchen and a glass of milk." He pushed opened the door. "Come on, squirt. Let's eat."

"Grandpa wasn't us to go out to dinner."

"What'd you tell him?"

"We already had big dinner plans."

"That's my girl. Come on."

"Is Gillian coming for dinner?" Stella asked as Abby held the door open for them.

"Probably not. Remember, she has a night job."

"Then let's take her dinner."

"We'll see."

But he didn't make it out the door quick enough.

"Don't tell me you're leaving without seeing us," Deb said as he and Susan stepped out of the lounge.

"Wouldn't dream of it." He hugged his two friends.

"So, what hospital picked you up?" Deb asked.

"I'm not at a hospital."

"The rich and famous sucked you in," Susan joked.

"Laugh now." He felt Stella tugging at his hand. "I have to go." And with a wave of his hand, they disappeared.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Trey, the newest and gorgeous doctor at County, looked up from his charts when Carter walked in. His expensive suit didn't say much to the naked eye, but his stature did.

"Hey Jerry. Is Susan around?" Carter asked.

"Hey Dr. Carter. She's with a patient."

"Drop the doctor. You don't work for me," Carter said with a smile.

"I can help you," Trey said.

"That's okay."

"Do you need a doctor?"

"Do you need a hearing air?" Carter asked. "Does it look like I need a doctor?"

"Hey, what are you doing here?" Abby asked.

"Looking for Susan."

"New suit?" she asked.

"No," he said undetached.

"I think she's busy. What's wrong?"

"Don't worry about it."

"Coffee and pie?" Abby suggested.

"He's got a temper. I'd steer clear," Trey said.

"It's okay," Abby told Trey. "What's wrong?" she asked Carter.

"Nothing. I just need to locate someone."

"Why do you need Susan?"

"Because I don't want to have to give any explanations." He stared at Abby for a good five minutes before he heard the voice he'd been waiting for.

"Hey," Susan said walking up.

"Hi. Can we talk?" he asked.

"Sure." Abby watched as they walked out of earshot. A moment later she walked over to the computer and started typing stuff in.

"Thanks."

"No problem. Is this who Carol was talking about?"

"Drop it."

"Dropped," Susan said. "Okay. I have two numbers and an address." She quickly wrote it all down. "Don't you have connections?'

"Thank you Susie," he said kissing her cheek and throwing a glance to Abby as he walked out.

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Author's Note: Thanks for reviewing. Please continue to do so as I update. Also R&R to my other stories as they are updated regularly.