Roughly three weeks had passed since the terrible ordeal had occurred and things were finally back to normal. Abby had exhausted her few days off given by Weaver and was now back at work. In the first week back she had received many sympathetic passings, but now all seemed to be forgotten and she was being treated as she always had been, doctors shouted orders at her and nurses confided in her. Carter had even laid off from the over protective role, which she had welcomed more than anything. However, he still stirred at night time, waking her up unintentionally numerous times due to his restless shuffling. She had questioned him about it on a number of occasions but he had simply pushed it aside, changing the topic of conversation which caused Abby to worry more. Nevertheless, he was not really showing any signs of fatigue during the day, and so she pushed the thought to the back of her mind.

Abby looked up at the clock on the wall momentarily, whilst juggling an armful of supplies which she carried towards the drug lockup. Her shift ended in only ten minutes and she could not wait to get out. She had a big night planned, and was not going to stay here one minute longer than she needed to. Suddenly, as her concentration lapsed and thoughts had trailed elsewhere, the boxes and equipment in her hands flew up in the air and crash landed in a dispersed manner across the floor. Abby cursed loudly as she observed the mess, before kneeling down and attempting to clean up the result of her clumsy mishappening.

Done it again? A voice enquired.

Abby looked up and her eyes met Carter's amused look, as he knelt down across from her on the floor, assisting her in cleaning up the mess.

What do you mean again? She asked, frustration showing through that he had witnessed her graceless action.

I saw you before when it happened. You didn't cover it very well. He laughed.

Well thanks for helping me Carter! She rolled her eyes which were focused downwards as she picked up the last box, before standing with half of her load from before, as Carter carried the other half.

Hey, I'm helping now aren't I?

She chose not to answer his rhetorical question, as they made their may silently towards the lockup, Abby leading the way. Carter deposited his load first and walked out, waiting in the corridor for her as he leaned against the wall outside. As Abby appeared a few seconds later, he stopped her as she walked past, not seeming to notice him.

So, you off soon right?

Abby jumped a little in her tracks as she turned back around to face Carter, and walking back a few steps so she stood directly in front of him.

Yeah. You're off at ten right?

Unfortunately Weaver put me on a double so yeah. You want me to come over tonight though?

Abby bit her lip apologetically. However much I would welcome that, it's my night out with the girls tonight remember?

Carter tutted. That tonight?



He reached out and grabbed one of her hands, entwining his fingers with hers as he held her hand by his side causing her to stumble forward slightly. You can't cancel?

I can't cancel.

Not even for me? He whined.

Stop it! She teased, as she pulled her hand out of his grasp and used it to smack him lightly on the arm.

Ow! That hurt!

She rolled her eyes before retorting Grow up Carter and walked away from him towards the admit desk where she came into contact with Susan and Deb, who were already out of their professional attire and dressed in heels, black pants and brightly coloured vests.

And here comes our final recruit! Susan shouted, smiling widely as Abby strode over to her two friends. Aaaand, you don't look as happy about our wild night of adventure' as I seem to be.

Abby looked back over her shoulder and was met with Carter's glare as he looked back at her before entering the lounge.

Oh. Trouble in paradise. Deb offered.

He's being childish. Abby spat out, as she filed away her last chart and stood at the other side of the desk, preparing to head for the lounge to change.

And that's new? Susan joked.

I'll be back in a minute. Need to go change and straighten things out with Mr. Sulky in there. What time's the cab?

Uh, he said eight-thirty so should be here in a couple of minutes. Hurry. Susan spoke, before turning back to Deb and laughing about some private matter.

Abby walked into the lounge and spotted Carter leaning against her locker, biting his thumb nail avidly. He smiled meekly at her as she locked eyes with him, and she offered a small knowing smile back, their mutual silent apologies being understood. As she got to her locker, she nudged him aside gently with her butt, laughing slightly, before opening her locker and retrieving her pants and shoes. As she closed her locker and moved over to the back of the room, she turned to Carter, who leant against the closed locker, arms crossed, watching her casually.

Can you watch the door for me?

A puzzled look crossed his face.

She held her clothes up to him in an obvious manner. I don't exactly want Frank or Malik to come in here and catch me in my underwear!

Oh! Sure. Carter moved from the lockers and stood at the door, deciding to lean against it now for support as he occasionally moved his gaze from Abby to the window to observe.

Why don't you go change in the bathroom? Carter questioned as Abby pulled up her pants and sat down to put on her shoes.

Not enough time, cab's probably already here. Once she was done she grabbed a pocket sized mirror from her purse, and began applying a small amount of lipstick before pursing her lips and smoothing down her hair. Carter smiled to himself as he watched her actions. It was a rare sight to see Abby spending time and care on her appearance. Once she was done, she zipped up her purse and smiled as she stood a few feet away from Carter. His gaze travelled the length of her a few times before he looked into her eyes and smiled warmly.

You look beautiful.

Without a word Abby walked over to him and placed her arms around his neck. Thank you.

They smiled at each other in silence before Carter leaned in to kiss her, hands encircling her back. His lips moved over hers softly for a few seconds before she pulled away.

You smudged my lipstick. She moaned, consciously rubbing her lips together.

Sorry. It was either that or no kiss.

OK, lipstick smudging it is then. She replied before putting a hand behind his head again and pulling him down to her for another hungry kiss. This time it was filled with far more passion and need. Her mouth opened wider to allow Carter more access. As soon as his hand rested on the small of her back, Abby pulled away once more, this time smiling sweetly before heading towards the door.

See you tomorrow then. Carter called as she stood half in and half out of the lounge.

You going to yours tonight?



OK. Bye bye. She waved, winking at him seductively before exiting the lounge and heading over to Susan and Deb.

- - -

The three sat in the packed club a few hours later. It was peak time and so they were lucky they had arrived relatively early and had been able to grab a vacant table. Music blared and lights flashed, and to make yourself heard you had to resort to shouting.

So? Who's coming to dance? Susan asked.

Abby and Deb looked at each other before shaking their heads. Maybe later. I haven't had enough to drink yet. Deb laughed, looking down at the two empty glasses that stood next to her half empty one on the table. Susan's eyes drifted to Abby.

Hey, I'm not even drinking! She held her hands up in surrender.

Oh come on you guys are no fun!

Abby's gaze shifted behind Susan to the group of men fastly approaching their table.

Hey Susan, looks like you might have some company. Abby quietened her tone as the men approached.

Hello ladies. One of them spoke. There were four, all seemed to be in their early thirties.

Susan looked at Abby and Deb with wide eyes before turning around to greet them.

She waved slightly.

Deb nudged Abby in the arm, causing them both to burst out laughing. Abby turned her face to the side to hide her obvious laughter.

So how are we all doing tonight then? Another asked as three of them squeezed in the booth Abby and Deb were seated at, two to Deb's left and one to Abby's right. The other pulled up a chair and sat next to Susan.

Great thanks. Susan spoke up again as Abby and Deb continued to hold back laughter.

I'm Steve, that over there is Graham, that's Mark and that's Brian. The one next to Susan introduced them all.

Susan smiled a rather superficial grin as she eyed Abby and Deb once more. Susan. That's Abby, that's Deb.

The guy next to Abby suddenly turned to her, smiling as Susan introduced her. Abby smiled politely before wincing as she turned away. Suddenly, Abby felt Susan's leg kick her hard under the table, forcing her to look up and meet Susan's smirk.

So, any of you lovely ladies want to dance? Steve asked.

Uh, no I think... Susan began.

Oh come on! He ushered, grabbing Susan's hand and forcing her up. It's only dancing!

Ummm...someone come with me! She called back as she was quickly whisked off to the dance floor.

Soon enough Deb was also being dragged up by the two guys sitting next to her, looking around demanding help from Abby who was sat down.

Deb!! Come back here!! Abby called. However, her shouts were ignored as Deb joined Susan on the dance floor.

Obviously has drunk enough. She muttered to herself, as she nervously looked down at her hands. She looked to her right to see the guy smiling at her. Again she smiled back, the smile however not reaching her eyes.

So, Abby right? The guys asked. He was tall, with blonde hair and well built. However, Abby was not physically attracted to him in the slightest. The tight shirt seemed to somehow deter her.

Uh yeah.

I'm Graham. He said, grabbing her hand and kissing it lightly.

Abby pulled it out of his grasp quickly, before laughing nervously and sliding down the booth a little, creating some distance between them.

That's a beautiful name...Abby. He whispered close to her ear, as he placed a hand on her thigh and began rubbing her leg. Abby immediately stood up and sat down in Susan's chair.

Uh, I'm kinda not available so...yeah. She babbled, trying to find the right words.

Oh. Uh, ok. I'm sorry. Graham uttered apologetically, slightly embarrassed.

No, boyfriend. Abby smiled, slightly relieved that he had not been the sleazy type who didn't take no for an answer. She had encountered that type way too many times.

OK. Well Abby, he's a lucky guy.

Thank you.

So, why isn't he here tonight with you?

He was working until late, and besides...girls night out. You kinda need them once in a while. She laughed, looking down at her hands again, still slightly uncomfortable with being alone with him.

Oh. So what's he do?

Abby looked up puzzled.

Your boyfriend. What does he do for a living, you said he was working?

Oh sorry. He's an ER doctor.

Oh. Wow. Kind of makes my construction work seem worthless.

She laughed. No, that's not true.

So polite as well as beautiful. Graham remarked.

She began to feel uncomfortable again as she looked down at her mingling hands.

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. So what do you do Abby?

She looked over her shoulder towards the dance floor, praying for Susan and Deb to hurry back. It was not only that this guy was attracted to her in a way that made her uncomfortable, she had not been alone with a male she didn't know since the incident three weeks ago. However, it was a packed club. This guy wasn't exactly going to kidnap her right here right now!

I'm an ER nurse. She finally replied, turning her attentions back to him.

He laughed. Ah, cliché couple then.

Yeah, something like that.

Suddenly, an uncomfortable silence filled the air, before Susan and Deb came rushing back over.

Abby, you should have come and danced! Susan shouted. She suddenly look across at Graham and bit her lip at Abby. Ooooh, Carter won't be a happy bunny! She slurred, before toppling over into Deb slightly. Obviously she had had more to drink than Abby had first thought.

Graham took that a his cue to exit from the table. Well, nice to meet you Abby. He smiled, before making his way to the dance floor.

Susan and Deb gathered at the other side of the table, staring inquisitively at Abby.

Abby demanded.

What was going on theeere? Deb asked curiously.

Nothing! Well, he ya know, tried it on but I told him I was attached.

Ah Abby, always the sensible one. Susan laughed.

Uh, it's not about being sensible.

What's it about then? Susan asked puzzled.

It's about being in love. She instructed, instantly regretted her outburst in front of her two drunken friends, who were way too involved in her and Carter's relationship anyway.

Awwww! How romantic! Abby's in lurve! Susan squealed to no one in particular.

Enough about me...what the hell happened with you two on the floor? Abby enquired as she leaned forward on the table, a sign that she wanted all the details.

Susan began, before the conversation dissolved into the night.

- - -

The three women climbed into the back of the cab, slightly squashed for room as Susan decided she needed to sit on her legs to stop herself from barfing on all of them.

Are you two working tomorrow? Abby laughed, observing her ill looking friends.

Ugh, yes. Susan replied groggily. I don't think I can bear to think about The Wrath of Weaver though at a time like this.

I'm not! Deb explained cheerfully, before the cab driver turned a corner, and her face turned rather pale.

Well, that's what you get for drinking I suppose. Abby replied smugly.

Yeah but that's what you get for being an alcoholic! Susan let out. The cab fell silent and she immediately smacked a hand over her mouth, shocked at the words that had just escaped her mouth.

Oh God Abby, I'm so sorry.

Abby looked down. No, no it's ok Susan.

Susan reached over and grabbed Abby's hand. No, I didn't mean that. It's the drink. Kinda made me say it.

Abby looked up at Susan and smiled genuinely. No really, it's ok. It's true, you shouldn't have to hide it from me.

The silence dominated once more, as Abby laid her head back against the head rest and closed her eyes, the events of the night running through her mind. She had watched her friends dance the night away as she sat sober, alone. Then she had been hit on by that guy, making her feel unsafe for the first time in three weeks. Now, she had been insulted by one of her best friends. It really had not been the kind of night she had hoped for. Now she wished she had stayed at home with Carter, snuggling into his arms where she did not feel uncomfortable or unsafe. Smiling as he stroked her hair, holding each other. The cab driver's voice suddenly broke her trance.

Where to first ladies?

It was Abby who lived closet, but she began to ponder before speaking up. Huron Avenue please.

Oh look who's looking for some action! Susan exclaimed, nudging Abby in the ribs.

Shut up! She laughed. He'll be in bed anyway, I just want to see him, is there harm in that?

Not at all. Susan replied seriously, before her and Deb collapsed into a state of drunken giggling.

Abby smiled to herself as she searched around in her purse for her cell phone. She flipped it open and cursed aloud as she viewed the screen.

What's wrong? Deb asked concerned.

I've got like twelve missed calls off of John.

Why didn't you get them? Susan questioned.

I had the ring tone off!

OK, calm down. It can't be anything important, he's probably just checking up on you.

Abby looked at her watch. It was nearing four in the morning. The last time he had tried to call was only half an hour ago.

She began to worry. I hope nothing's wrong.

Look, it's Carter. What else would he be doing apart from checking up on you? Susan asked.

I guess.

Well, I guess you're about to find out. Deb stated, as the cab pulled up outside Carter's apartment block.

Wish me luck. Abby smiled as she waved good-bye to her friends.

With that, she hurried out and up the stairs into the building before she could wait for a departing message from them. She ran a hand through her hair once inside, as she climbed the stairs before reaching his door. She rarely visited his apartment as they always resided to hers. Even Carter had been permanently rooted there for the past five weeks. As Abby dug out her key chain and retrieved the small brass key, she took a deep breath and entered the apartment. As soon as she shut the door Carter appeared from the bedroom running out and nearly skidding into the cabinet at the end of the hallway.

What the hell happened?! He shouted, staring at her in a somewhat shocked and dazed expression.

Abby looked puzzled.

I've been trying to call you!

Carter calm down! My phone was on silent.

Abby, do you have ANY idea how worried I have been?! It's four in the morning! You could have been in trouble again for all I knew! Carter leant against the wall behind him whilst rubbing his hands over his face, holding them there for a moment.

Abby slowly made her way towards him. She stood in front of him and gently placed a hand on his shoulder. Carter, what's going on?

He opened his eyes, before moving away from her touch and into the middle of the living room. He shouted again.

John, I'm worried. When was the last time you slept?

For God's sake, not this again. What the hell makes you think...

Abby attempted to approach him again, but he dodged her. John, we both know over-anxiety is a sign of sleep deprivation.

I'm fine. I'm fine I'm fine I'M FINE! He shouted.

Abby sighed as she closed her eyes, instantly regretting coming to his apartment. She could tell this was going to turn into a heated argument. When she opened her eyes however, she was greeted with a sight that shocked her somewhat. Carter was grabbing onto the sofa, squinting his eyes shut rapidly.

Carter? John what's wrong?

Nothing, I just... As if in slow motion his body slumped to the floor and collapsed with a sickening bang.

Abby stood still, motionless for what seemed like an eternity. Her mouth gaped open, throat dry, before she screamed.

- - -

A/N OK, so I decided to wang another one out for you guys. I know it has been quite a while, and if you have been reading my new invention you will have already read my explanations as to why ITW has taken some kind of a hiatus. So, I hope you have not forgotten the plot and everything, and that this chapter met expectations (whatever those may be!) I am sorry for the angst at the end, I couldn't stay away from it, especially with being so fluff packed. So, as before and somewhere in between, please please please review. Tell me if I should keep at this one, or concentrate on May. Tell me what you thought of this chapter and the way the story is heading (and concluding, I honestly don't know how much further I can take this story without it getting repetitive and boring). So yeah, and thanks for reading if you have gotten this far. I know A/N's are usually skipped over but I do try to pour my heart out in mine. I hope to get another chapter out at least before I reside to the States in two weeks for the whole summer. Rock on. ***Laura***