Disclaimer: Abby, Carter and rest of ER tribe are not mine, never will be yadda yadda yadda

Title: May

Chapter: 4 - Carry Me The Rest Of The Way

A/N: OK, so this chapter has not come within a day of Chapter 3, and I apologise about that. I didn't think I was gonna be able to carry that one a day' thing on, but this one has come out in less than a week, so it's still better than my past efforts. I want to get this story up an away before I depart to the States in 3 weeks time for my 10 week summer expedition, so do expect multiple chapters flying your way sometime in the near future. Again, thank you all for your wonderful reviews, I am eternally grateful and you are the best readers, so so kind, it really does make my week when I just receive one review. It shows you are enjoying what I am writing just as much as I am. Just have to say that we FINALLY had the season finale air here on thursday and I was blown away. One of the best episodes I have seen on ER for a long time I must say. It brought a lot of emotions out of me, and yes, I am sad to say I was one of the people who cried at the last scene. So I apologise for my actions now. I am now officially into my ER withdrawal symptoms' period. SEVEN MONTHS! It's way too long. Ah well, videos will have to resurface. Shout outs to Katie STOWELL if you are reading this, Su-per-he-ro!

Credits: Title to the story is taken from the wonderful Lifehouse song . The titles to each chapter will reflect lyrics from that song.

Summary: Carby. A lengthy story following the due course of a pregnancy and happiness that follows.

- - -

Carter stared blankly at the board in front of him. The ER had been relatively quiet today, and it seemed as though every patient he did see held only a minor injury. Only one major trauma had rolled in so far, and every doctor apart from him had been assigned to work on that patient, a young stab victim. He ran his hands through his tangled hair as he wiped another name of the board. His attentions suddenly turned to his wrist watch. Four thirty five in the afternoon. Abby was up in OB at the moment for her first prenatal medical visit. Carter had insisted on going with her but Abby had kindly told him that she preferred not to have him around during the pelvic exam, Pap smear test and urine tests. It was one thing conceiving the baby, but that indeed brought intimacy to a whole new level. Carter had understood where Abby was coming from and so waited patiently in the ER for her.

Man this is dragging. Susan's voice carried from the other side of the desk.

Carter stared unintentionally at the elevator doors, praying for a sign of Abby. Tell me about it.

Where's Abby? I thought I saw her around earlier. Susan asked whilst flicking through the thin pile of charts.

Carter raised his eyebrows, praying for the right words to come to his mouth. Uh I think she went up to the OR to check on a patient in recovery.

Nice going', he thought. It had been three weeks since they had found out about Abby's pregnancy and still Abby didn't think it was the right time to let everyone know. We'll know when the right time comes' she has said to him only a few days ago.

Oh, ok. Susan stated nodding her head. Well, I might as well go take a look at Mr. Morison who seems to have mumps. She looked up from her chart to make a disgusted face at Carter.

Good luck! He laughed.

As soon as Susan had retreated, the ping' of the elevator alerted Carter and sure enough, a familiar blue scrubbed figure appeared. Carter smiled as she made her way towards him. He hated to say it to himself, but she did look absolutely amazing recently. Although Abby complained to him every single night as she studied her form in the mirror, voicing her fears about the unwanted curves she was starting to form, Carter had assured her that she had never looked more beautiful to him. This, however, had still not gone well and had earned him a sour look and a smack in the arm. Stop pitying me Carter!' is what she had shot back, before storming off into the bedroom and slamming to door in his face. Being in her eleventh week of pregnancy, she had not yet started to put on weight around the waist line, but certain other areas were starting to, well, enlarge he noted. Her hair also seemed to shine more than before, and although sources claimed pregnant women's complexions took a turn for the worst, this obviously didn't apply to Abby. He felt his stomach flip as she made her way towards him, and Carter was not the only one feeling slightly too attracted to her at this moment. A number of male heads swivelled as she passed them, making Carter feel somewhat protective of her at that moment.

he smiled, grabbing hold of both of her hands, and pulling her towards him behind the desk.

Abby smiled back as her body crashed into his. She placed her hands on his shoulders as his lay claim around her waist.

Carter whispered, even though there was no one in ear shot at that moment. How did it go?

Abby laughed slightly, rolling her eyes as she turned her head away from him, looking to the side. You really don't wanna know all the details.

No not really he smirked. Just the important bits. Is everything ok?

she replied, giving his shoulders a slight squeeze before resting her head on his right shoulder. Everything's fine.

Good. Did they give you a due date? He asked, resting his cheek on top of her head.

January the 10th.

Late Christmas present. He kissed the top of her head softly and discreetly lay a hand on her stomach for a few seconds, rubbing tenderly at the cotton of her scrubs. Suddenly, he felt her stiffen in his grasp. Before he could voice his concern, she bolted from her position behind the desk and ran straight to the bathroom. Carter winced, as he imagined her knelt on the floor of the cubicle, going through the routine morning sickness. She was right on time aswell. Although the sickness feeling had started before the pregnancy had been confirmed, the actual vomiting had begun a few days after her and Carter had found out they were going to be parents. It usually always occurred around this time each day, mid afternoon. Carter could almost set his watch by it. Sometimes, he would sit with her in the bathroom, rubbing her back and holding her hair back from her face. Other times, the unpleasantness of the situation got to Abby, and this mixed with the classic mood swings forced her to shut Carter out completely. This was hopefully not one of those times.

Carter, get back to work, there are charts waiting. Kerry shouted as she limped past the desk on her way to annoy another employee, he presumed.

Yeah, uh, I'll be right there! He called after her, although he doubted she could really hear him. He continued to peek over the desk towards the women's bathroom, before quickly running around to the other side as he saw Chen leave the bathroom and head in the opposite direction.

Hey Deb! Deb! Carter called, still running to catch her up.

Oh, hey Carter. She greeted.

Was Abby in the bathroom?

Jing Mei looked back towards the bathroom door and then back at Carter. Um, no I didn't see her. Although there was someone puking their guts out in there so I was a little distracted. Sorry.

Carter opened his mouth to voice more concern but Chen disappeared around the corner and into the trauma room. He sighed as he made his way over to the door and stood directly outside, leaning against the wall casually. He was debating whether to go in or not but he knew that would only aggravate Abby. Whilst biting on his thumb nail anxiously, the door opened and she stepped out looking rather frail and weary. He saw her jump slightly as he made his presence known by stepping out in front of her, blocking her intended path.

You ok? He asked, placing a hand on her arm as he rubbed soothingly.

Yeah, Carter I'm great! I have just emptied all the contents of my stomach down that toilet and now look and feel like absolute shit. I'm just dandy! Abby rolled her eyes and shook her arm from Carter's touch fiercely, before pushing past him and walking with fast, deliberate strides down the hallway.

He watched her walk away from him, slightly offended by her harsh words. He knew it was just the hormones, and the mood swings were a normal part of any pregnancy that he was just going to have to accept. However, he couldn't deny that he was human, and the words hurt him sometimes.

Cheer up Carter, you look like you're dog just died. Romano called out, as he passed.

He shook his head as if to clear his thoughts, and pushed his personal life aside as he continued with the day as Doctor Carter MD, the one title he was actually good at holding right now.

- - -

Trauma coming in! GSW to the face, we need you Carter!

He looked up, moving on auto pilot, barely even hearing the words that had just been shouted at him by Weaver. He placed his hand on the moving gurney, eyes briefly taking in the disfigured face of the man that lay before him, struggling, helpless. His eyes met briefly with hers from across the gurney, a mixture of emotions radiating from both glances. Carter looked down at the patient once more, forcing his mind back to a year or so ago, when a similar incident had occurred. The moment provided too many parallels.

Ok, on my count one two three. He shouted, taking control of the situation once again. Chen, Weaver, Abby and himself crowded around the screaming man, desperately trying to piece together his physical and emotional status. Suddenly, the doors swung open and Romano stepped in, followed in tow by a number of wide eyed med students. With his lab coat hanging loosely by his one side, indicating to all the tragic turn of events which had reached a climax only two months previous, his free arm pointed forcefully ahead.

Observe. You may never get to witness something so, well, gruesome ever again.

Carter looked over disgusted, shaking his head, knowing there was no time for coarse words.

Abby, can you hold him down while I inject? Kerry asked, voice raised above the frantic shouting.

Carter's eyes met Abby's from across the bed, as she willingly obliged, grabbing the man's arms and pinning him with all her strength to the table. Carter's heart leapt into his throat with fear at that moment, as he desperately tried to balance the horror felt for both his patient's well-being, as well as his pregnant girlfriend's. His eyes shot such raw affectivity towards her but before he knew it, the patient lay limp and both him and Abby let out a huge breath. He knew that should never have happened, and he could not believe her, let alone himself, for letting it happen. The buzzing activity continued around him, and he tried desperately to move himself out of this vortex, shaking his head subconsciously and blinking his eyes several times. Whilst accepting the interbation kit from Weaver, he glanced up quickly at Abby, who had since moved away from the bedside, standing a foot or so away and rubbing her eyes hastily.

Carter spoke up, not looking at her as he attempted to concentrate on inserting the tube. When no response was heard he spoke in a far more strident tone, commanding a response.

Abby! What' s wrong?

The next thing that could be heard was an unsettling thud, as her limp body fell against the tiled floor. Carter's stomach turned, as he felt the bile rising in this stomach.

He shouted finally finding his voice, attempting to move from his spot in front of the patients head, tube still in hand.

Carter you stay right there God damn it! Romano shouted from his position at the foot of the room.

Hang on...

Whilst the debate was going on, Chen left the patients side quickly to assist Abby, who was beginning to regain consciousness.

Look, she's fainted, obviously suffering a case of the stomach floppies due to Mister hamburger here, hell it happens to the worst of us, this man on the other hand, if he doesn't get his interbation, he is gonna die right here right now. So get-to-it!

Carter inserted the tube in a matter of seconds before moving away from the gurney and over to Abby's side. Before he was able to reach his intended destination, Romano's voice pierced his ears again. I'm warning you Carter, get back there, she's fine n...

She's pregnant!! Carter shouted indignantly, his face scowling. She's not fine!

There was a revealing pause as the information was digested, before all continued with saving the man before them. Kerry was the first to speak up, amidst taking the knife to the mans face. Carter go, get out of here and get Abby a bed, there's a free one in exam three.

Before the words had even been spoken, he had already reached down to Abby, wrapping his arms around her middle and hoisting her up onto her feet. Once she was standing, still slightly fluctuant, he kept his arms around her, acting as her continuous supporter as he lead her out of the trauma room and onto a more secure basis.

- - -

Once Carter had made sure Abby was comfortable and at no risk of fainting again, he left her side and hurried out of the door to retrieve the portable Sonogram machine the ER held. Once he found it, lying unused in another exam room, he hurried back, closing the door behind him and pulling a chair up near Abby's side. Carter opened his mouth, speaking the first words to Abby since they had arrived in the exam room.

You ok? He asked, lifting his hands in front of his face as he clasped them together as if he was about to pray, his fingers lightly touching his lips nervously.

Abby looked up at his face from her rested position on the bed. She nodded, smiling tightly as she grabbed his hand for comfort. I'm fine.

'Cause you scared the hell outta me just then.

Carter, you're a doctor, you should know it's something most pregnant women experience.

He let out a slow breath as his eyes focused on his shoes. I know it's just, his eyes slowly looked up and met hers once more, deep brown pools of emotion, it's different when it's your girlfriend carrying your baby.

Abby smiled, warmly this time, as Carter busied himself by securing the band around her arm as he took her blood pressure. You know you worry too much. Abby chucked slightly.

And is that a crime? Carter asked as he pumped.

She shook her head quickly whilst sticking out her bottom lip for effect. Not at all.

Good. Now, blood pressure is normal thank God. I want to do a Sonogram too, just for precautions.

Go right ahead.

Carter reached for the jelly that lay on the table besides him, and lathered it on Abby's skin as she pulled up her black shirt. Reaching for the nozzle, he placed it on the correct spot and lifted the portable screen up for them both to observe. The sweet sound of the fetus' strong heartbeat greeted their ears and Abby immediately grabbed hold of Carter's hand as they smiled together. The baby was far more developed than when they been for the first ultrasound, most features were apparent to them. It was a perfect sight.

Their gentle musing was soon interrupted by a figure who came crashing into the room, and at first not seeming to notice the two other occupiers. Susan's head shot up as her eyes lifted from their searching place behind the door, and her mouth gaped open as she took in the scene before her.

Abby inwardly cringed as she looked up at Carter, who bit his lip, slightly amused, hand still in place holding the nozzle to Abby's stomach. The baby's heartbeat continued to pound.

Um, I was looking for the Sonogram but I am guessing it is already in use. Susan spoke, unable to hide her huge grin.

Carter smiled. Yeah, kinda.

Susan turned around to leave. Ok, I'll, um, yeah... She trailed off, unable to find the right words.

Abby sighed as she rolled her eyes. Susan, uh, do you wanna come have a look?

Susan clapped her hands together in a small gesture of excitement, as she slowly made her way over to stand at Abby's other side, leaning in to view the small baby that appeared on the screen before her. She clasped a hand over her mouth, suddenly overcome with the same emotion as the two people standing besides her.

How far along? She finally managed to speak, tearing her eyes away as she smiled widely at Carter and then at Abby.

Eleven weeks. Abby replied, returning the smile.

Oh my God. Why didn't you say anything?

Carter shrugged. We kinda just wanted to enjoy it between ourselves first. We knew what it would be like once everybody found out.

Who else knows?

Abby chucked slightly at the irony. Now Susan knew, everyone else DID know. Well, after what just happened, Weaver, Deb, Romano and a bunch of med students.

What just happened? Susan asked concerned.

Abby decided to scare the hell out of me by choosing to faint in the middle of a trauma.

Is everything ok? Susan's eyes grew in size as she looked from Carter to Abby.

Yes. Geez, why did I choose to have doctors as close acquaintances?

You love us really. Susan joked, before leaning in once more to view her friends' unborn child.

I really am so happy for you two. You deserve some happiness.

Abby squeezed Carter's hand as she smiled up at him lovingly. You know, I think we do.

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