The room was dark, except for the gleam of moonlight that slid subtly between the gap in the curtains. The room was warm except for the slight breeze that blew from the open window. Carter turned his head to the right, and glanced at the bright green digital numbers that leapt out at him in the darkness from the alarm clock situated on the night stand.

01:14

He at least thought it would be somewhere near dawn but obviously the few hours that had passed him by had seemed longer than they actually were. He had not been able to sleep, not one wink, since him and Abby had crawled into the familiar comfort of the bed some three hours ago. He had lain besides her, watching. His arm lay firmly around her waist, holding her to him. She had her back to him and so her head lay against his upper chest, his chin resting on the top of her head. He was content enough just feeling her chest rise and fall against his arm, breathing, alive. This past day had probably been the worst day of his life, right on par with losing his brother, although he was young then. Today, he had almost lost the one person in his life who he loved more than anything. If he had lost her, he would not have been able to cope, and he knew that. He was drawn to her, and knew that they had met for a reason, they were made for one another. Living without her in his life just wasn't an option.

He lifted his free arm from underneath her slightly, so there was just enough movement free for him to play with her hair. He loved doing this, it was such a simple action yet spoke volumes. He stroked the hair down the side of her head and down to where it rested messily below her shoulder. She was so beautiful, it was hard to believe she belonged to him, and he belonged to her. He knew he would be so alone without her, and maybe she would be lonesome too, wherever they were, whatever divided them. He continued to stare at her, and hold her, as she began to softly stir.

She mumbled wearily, unmoving.

He stayed silent for a moment before answering. Mm hmm?

Why are you still awake? She asked, turning round in his embrace so she could face him. He placed both arms around her back but held her at a slight distance so he was able to look at her. She placed both hands against his chest, rubbing softly at the cotton of his t-shirt.

Because I was watching you. He stated before kissing the top of her head.

You really should get some rest. She spoke wearily, before closing the gap between them and snuggling her body into the warmth of his chest, wrapping her arms around his torso.

Don't worry about me, you just concentrate on resting.

There was silence in the room for a few moments, and just as he was certain she had fallen asleep, she broke the hush.

Do you have to work tomorrow, today, whatever it is?

Yeah, but I can take the day off. I was thinking of doing that anyway.

No, don't. I'll be fine.

Abby, you don't have to pretend you know. He said, stroking hands up and down her back.

Carter I'm not. Really. You go and work, you'd just be fussing over me if you were here anyway. She snuggled closer into him, entwining her legs with his, signalling the end of the conversation.

His foot rubbed against hers soothingly for some time, revelling in the closeness of her. They stayed in that position for hours, Abby sleeping soundly, Carter watching over her, in his conscious state.

Some hours later he looked at the clock for what seemed to be the millionth time. The digits now read 06.56, and he immediately reached a hand over to disable the alarm, so as not to wake up Abby. He was due in at work in just over an hour, and found it hard to climb out of bed. Not only was he going into a twelve hour shift on zero hours sleep, he was also leaving his girlfriend, just one day after he had left her in the same way and he had lived his worst nightmare as a result. He did not want to leave her, not one bit of him wanted to, but he knew she would be unhappy with him if he chose to stay. Abby was independent, strong, and liked to believe she was capable to doing things alone, as she had always been required to, with no choice in the matter. Now she had someone to rely on and to lean on, she did not know how to adapt, and how to need. Therefore, if Carter was seen to be interfering, he would know about it, and the consequences were usually not pretty. It was one thing they were going to have to work though together as a couple. He gently wriggled out of Abby's embrace, slowly climbing out of the double bed he had grown accustomed to thinking of his' aswell as hers' in the past few weeks. Neither of the singular pronouns seemed appropriate anymore, but rather the plural. Ours'. He leant over his side of the bed to reach her on the opposite side, and made sure the duvet was covering her exposed skin, and wrapped securely around her body. It was a poor substitute for his absence, but at least it was something. After giving her one last longing look, he padded over to the bathroom to begin his morning routine once again.

- - -

The automatic doors to the Emergency Room opened before him, as if giving him an eerie welcome. He glanced down at the spot on the floor, marked only yesterday by police taping, where the man, if Carter could even call him that, had fallen down on the ground to his death. He had been briefly told by Susan, yesterday, that the man had been killed immediately by the armed police officer who had attended the scene. Carter had not wanted to know any more details, the only thing of importance was that the man was out of his and Abby's lives for good and no reminders were needed of him from now on. Carter shook the thoughts out of his head as he faced the familiar scenery in front of him. He carried himself and his satchel though the doors and into his place of work. He was greeted immediately by smiling faces. Gallant walked past him first, asking politely how Abby was doing.

Just fine thanks, Carter replied, grateful of his med student's authentic concern. Luka was the next member of staff to approach him, as Carter met him in the lounge as he began putting his belongings away and retrieved his scrub top and lab coat from his locker. Luka was seated at the table, reading a newspaper.

Carter, surprised to see you in today.

Carter smiled tightly as he closed his locker, leaning against it slightly to address his colleague as he snaked his stethoscope around his neck. Yeah, well, you know things get, can't stay away from the place.

Luka chucked slightly before reverting his eyes back to the paper. You decided not to stay home with Abby then? He asked after a short moments silence, eyes still reverted downwards.

Carter turned back towards his locker, opening it once more as he undid his shirt and tie, placing them on the shelf as he pulled the green scrub top over his head. No, ah, she didn't want me to. He spoke, struggling to get the twisted top over his head. Once it was successfully in place he closed the door once again and focused his attentions on Luka. You know how Abby is.

Again, Luka chucked, now looking up at Carter. Yes. How is she?

Yeah, she's doing great actually. I think just more relieved than anything. Yeah, she's a little shook up but who wouldn't be? Deb has the day off today, so I made sure I called her this morning, asking her to stop round. Despite what Abby said, I don't think I can leave her on her own.

Luka eyed him, somewhat amused by Carter's babbling. Ok. I'm just surprised. I thought you would have stayed home with her.

Carter leant against his locker door, eyebrows furrowed and lips pursed as he shook his head slightly to himself. What makes you say that Luka?

The Croatian paused slightly, before standing to his feet and walked over towards the coffee machine. He briefly raised his eyebrows, politely offering Carter coffee, but Carter's furrowed brows and quick shake of his head indicated his refusal. As he was pouring the steaming liquid into a mug Luka continued. Well, it's just, you seemed to always have been there for her, even before you two were a couple. Just, when something as big as this happens to her, it surprises me that you are leaving her on her own.

Carter shuffled slightly against his locker. Are you suggesting I don't care about her?

Luka took a sip of his coffee, eyeing Carter over the rim, before placing it down besides him, facing his colleague from the opposite side of the room as he leant back against the cabinet the coffee machine rested upon. No no, not at all. I was just simply stating...

'Cause I bet that's what you really want isn't it? Me to admit I don't care about her, so you can jump in and be the knight in shining armour!

Luka chuckled slightly. Describing yourself there aren't you Carter?

Excuse me?! Carter folded his arms defensively over his chest.

Well, that's what you did. Jumped in when me and Abby broke up. Now you have her, I congratulate you on your efforts.

How dare you! You don't know the half of it Luka.

Oh really? Please, inform me.

You know what? I can't believe I am wasting my breath. Facts are I love Abby, she loves me. That's more than your relationship ever had. With that he stormed out of the lounge and into the ER.

- - -

Carter had been avoiding Luka for the rest of the morning. Facts were, he was still seething with anger from the conversation the two had had but also, he was slightly embarrassed. He had once again over reacted and made a fool out of himself' as Susan would have put it. It was an echo of what had happened all those months ago at the seminar. Same situation too, he was jumping down Luka's throat and because of who? Same person, yet again. Abby provoked every feeling from inside of him in a matter of seconds, but anger and jealousy seemed to rule sometimes. He had been dating Abby for only a short time. Luka and Abby had been together for a year so, technically, he felt as though Luka held a bigger part of Abby's heart than he did. He knew that was probably not true, he just couldn't help feeling insecure. He loved her so much, more than anyone else, and he wanted to be the most important person in her life, just as she was in his.

And that's when he left me, on the docks waving him off. Never saw him again.

Carter blinked and shook himself out of his daze as he finished the final stitch on the old woman's leg in front of him. Excuse me? Carter asked politely.

Berty, when he went off to war, that was the last time I ever saw my Berty. You were listening weren't you Doctor?

Carter smiled. Of course I was Mrs Harold.

Such a nice young man. I want you every time I come to this hospital. Can that be arranged?

Carter stood up from the stool in the curtain area, pulling the curtain back to reveal the bursting ER. Well, hopefully you won't be back in here again, no falling off of chairs again I hope.

Could you help me up dear? Knees give me a bit of trouble at my age.

Oh, sure. Carter walked over to assist Mrs Harold.

Are you married then dear?

He smiled slightly. No, not just yet.

Well, I cannot believe that. Nice young, handsome soul like yourself.

And rich too. A familiar face peered around the corner before, hurrying off and winking to Carter briefly.

Thanks Susan! He chucked.

That your girlfriend?

Who Susan? God no! Carter laughed to himself, as Mrs Harold picked up her coat and purse from the bed. Here, let me help you with that. Carter insisted, as the old woman struggled with her coat.

So where is she then?

What makes you so sure I have someone in my life? Carter inquired, with a half smile.

Oh dear I know. A woman of my age can just tell when a young soul is in love.

I admire that. Must be pretty nice trait to have.

Yes, it is. So many young lovers, makes me smile knowing some people out there are experiencing it just as I did with my Berty.

Carter paused slightly, before walking behind Mrs Harold over to the nurses station to prescribe her some pills. She's at home right now. He blurted out, randomly.

At home? And why are you not there with her?

Ha. Everyone seems to be asking that today. He said more to himself than to her. I had to work.

She doesn't work?

Yeah, here actually. She's just got a few days off, not feeling too good.

Poor dear. Is it morning sickness?

Carter laughed again. Noooo no no no.

Well, you wish her my best.

Will do Mrs Harold.

Carter leant on the side of the desk as he signed the woman's prescription, and handed her the bottle of pills given to him by Haleh. OK, take one every four hours. Come back and see me when you have finished the dosage. OK?

OK Doctor. Thank you.

No problem. Carter replied warmly as he walked away towards the admit desk. He looked up at the clock on the wall. He still had another four hours to go. He missed her already. He suddenly spotted Kerry walking past, and observed the now dying down ER surroundings. He ran up to her. Hey Kerry!

Yes John?

Uh, can I make a quick phone call. I'm up to date with my patients, and it looks to be dying a little. It won't take a second.

Kerry observed chairs and saw Susan call in the last remaining patient. Go on, but be quick. And no calling out of State either, the ER can't afford the extortionate phone bills as well as everything else round here.

Sure thing. Carter replied before walking towards the phone that sat on the reception desk. Frank and Jerry sat around aimlessly, and Gallant was sat near filling out a patients chart. Carter picked up the phone and dialled the familiar number. The phone rang a couple of times before the familiar voice picked it up.

Abby asked.

Hey, guess who?

Hey you. What you doing calling in the middle of your shift? Weaver will not be happy with you.

Funny. No, I already asked it's ok. I am not gonna get cut off or anything. So, how are you?

I still can't escape your worries even when you're not here!

Sorry. I worry.

Well, thank you for caring. I am fine actually. Deb stopped round earlier for a while. Hmmm, wonder who roped her into that one?

Carter chucked on the other end.

So yeah, we had a girly afternoon. Nothing that would interest you anyway, and now I am sat on the couch waiting for you to come home, in, oh, four hours or so.

Well, it's nice to think I am being thought about. You sure you're ok though, cause if anything is wrong I will be straight...

over there I know John. I am fine, honestly. Will be even better once you get home.

Oh really? He asked playfully.

Uh huh. Abby teased back, chewing on her finger and twisting the chord round her other hand as she spoke.

Well, I will be as fast as I can. These four hours are gonna drag now no thanks to you!

Hey, what did I do mister?

You said all that! Anyway Abby I better go, patients to see.

OK, well I will see you later.

You will. Miss you.

Miss you too.



Oh Carter?



Thanks for phoning, I mean it.

No problem.

Love you.

Love you too. Bye.

With that he carefully replaced the receiver and turned to pick up another chart.

It's pointless phone calls like that that keep us on these kinda wages you know. Frank bellowed from the corner.

Shut up Frank. Carter stated matter of factly as he walked off to chairs.

- - -

The dark Chicago night surrounded his vision as he walked up the familiar steps to the familiar apartment. Although the season was well into summer, nights still felt somewhat chilly. He pulled his cotton jacket further around himself as he ascended the steps to the apartment. He knew his way around the building now like the back of his hand. Luckily, she lived on the first floor, and so on nights like these when all he wanted to do was hold her, she was only a staircase away. However, on other nights, when he dreaded walking in and seeing a bottle in her hand, or when they had had an argument and he was trying to piece together the right words to say, he wished for more stairs to climb. As he walked down the hallway, and her door came into sight he smiled. This was definitely becoming a home away from home for him, and soon enough, it would be his home too. Give it a few more months, when both were comfortable enough to share their growing feelings and thoughts on the future with one another. As he stood in front of the green door, he took his key chain from his pocket and his eyes landed the small brass key that dangled amongst the others. It symbolised a small step to their impending future together. Just a week ago, she had given it to him matter of factly one morning, as they rushed around frantically preparing to leave for work. I'm working a few extra hours tonight so let yourself in. She had offered as a passing comment. He had stopped abruptly in his tracks, the words and small brass object meaning more him than she realised. She queried, before kissing him quickly on the lips before shoving him out the door and following. Later that night, when she had arrived home and they were cuddled up on the sofa, he had pulled the key from his pocket and offered it back to her. She had looked at him, confused at first, and then with a slight hint of a smile upon her face. She placed it back in his hand with the simple words of it's yours now and that was that. The first step towards a successful relationship, for both of them, and there were many more steps to come. He shook his head from the thoughts, as he turned the key in the lock. He pushed the heavy door open, placing his bag in the usual place besides the coat stand, and shrugging his jacket off, placing it on his' hook. He lifted his head, and immediately spotted her, snuggled up on the sofa watching what looked to be a black and white horror movie. She turned around when she heard his movements, peering over the back of the sofa.

Hey stranger. She smiled, before turning back around.

Carter observed her for a moment. She was wearing one of his Bulls sweatshirts, along with her black tiny shorts and grey sports socks that gathered around her ankles. He walked over to the back of the sofa, placing both hands on either side where her head rested. He leant forward, hovering above her, and she reciprocated his movement by tilting her head up as he placed his lips softly over hers. He lingered there for a few seconds before pulling away slightly.

He whispered, before pulling back altogether and walking around the side of the sofa and plopping himself down, letting the cushions swallow him up. He let out a heavy sigh, before extending his left arm. This was an automatic gesture he had developed, whenever he was sat in close proximity to Abby, and one she automatically accepted by leaning into him, and wrapping her arms around his torso.

Long day? She asked, looking up at him slightly, with big brown eyes.

Something like that. He sighed, kissing the top of her head. He paused for a moment, surveying the pictures on the screen. Ah, Psycho. Good choice darling. He mocked.

Shut up! She playfully smacked him lightly on the arm. I was enjoying my Bridget Jones moment until you showed up.

I can see that. He laughed, looking down at her attire with raised eyebrows.

Yeah, attractive huh?

Oh sure. He replied, gently kissing her neck.

She groaned softly in reply to his kisses, and he continued, enjoying the reaction he was receiving. It was nice to feel wanted sometimes. Suddenly her head shot up from it's resting position from against his neck. She sat upright, amidst her shouts at the screen.

Oh come on! That would never happen!

Carter laughed, before placing his head in his hand, shaking his head.

She turned to him, biting her lip apologetically, maybe slightly embarrassed. What? Why are you laughing?

He continued to laugh, and she prodded him in the chest before shifting her position, straddling him with one knee either side of his lap. She placed her hands on either shoulder and shook him gently. Tell me Carter!

He stopped laughing, but a smile still remained on his face as he placed two hands gently on either side of her waist, holding her there, not wanting her to move. His thumbs absently ran up and down her sides against the soft cotton of the sweatshirt. He stared into her brown orbs as she stared right back into his, mirroring his smile. Most guys who watch horror movies with their girlfriends have them cling to them during the scary parts. My girlfriend jumps up from my arms and shouts at the TV, not the slightest bit freaked out.

Abby feigned seriousness, but still keeping her position on top of Carter. Well, I can go out and find you a girl like that if you would prefer. I am sure there would be one wondering the streets quite happy to have you cuddle up to her. I can, ya know, just sit outside or something. She attempted to climb off of him, pretending to head for the door, but his hands pulled her back into position, this time pulling her to him and closing the gap between them. His arms encircled her waist as her arms snaked around his neck and her legs moved to encircle his waist. She placed her head against into his neck, kissing it softly.

I wouldn't trade you for the world. He whispered into her hair, before her kisses moved down to his chest, and the TV was soon forgotten.

- - -

A/N: OK well, hope that was worth the wait. I am quite pleased with myself as it was a longer chapter compared to what I usually write. Took me a while to write too, I meant to get it up last weekend so that's why it took slightly longer. I got carried away with the Carby fluff. Few more chapters of fluff to come I think before we move on into the angst again. Please, feedback IS NEEDED! I need to know what you guys think, ideas for future plots, general praise, criticisms. It keeps me going, and lets me know people are reading and enjoying. If not, what IS the point in continuing right? I need to know it is time well spent. Also, my e-mail address summer_girl@anfmail.com is currently not working, so anyone who has been e-mailing or wants to e-mail please use laura_pocknell@hotmail.com until further notice. OH, and the title and ideas in the chapter came from the lyrics to the beautiful song You Belong To Me by Jason Wade of Lifehouse. He IS a God! Thanks! Happy Easter! ***Laura***