Title: In From the Cold
Author: little_miss_writer
Rating: R
Disclaimer: I own nothing unfortunately. Elizabeth Corday, Robert "Rocket" Romano (wonderfully portrayed by Paul McCrane) and any other ER characters mentioned belong to Warner Bros, Michael Crichton and a variety of other lucky, lucky people. I wish I did own them, but I don't. This is a work of fiction so nobody get upset ok?
Notes: A few things to know. In this story Elizabeth is not involved with Mark, so no marriage and no Ella. Takes place sometime before "Lockdown". It's just a nice little piece about Romano and Corday's friendship. I have read the season nine spoilers (I wish I hadn't!), but nothing is given away here at all, so its entirely safe. Also I'm British and so is my spelling, you have been warned!
I'm sorry this has taken so long to post. After the…uh…interesting trip I was on, my phone line was struck by lightning and my modem was fried….I know it sounds crazy but it really did happen!! (Don't laugh at me people!)
Feedback: Yes! Always wanted! Any advice, comments, suggestions to little_miss_writer@hotmail.com (provided they're constructive!)
Chapter 4
Elizabeth felt an uncanny sense of déjà vu. She was standing outside Robert's house, in the heavy snow, fretting over ringing the door bell again. Only this time she wasn't worried about intruding intruding, because this time she was coming into his home invited. That thought alone made Elizabeth smile. He had invited her into his home, he wanted her to be there, on Christmas Eve, just the two of them. Alone. But even that happy thought couldn't completely stop the nagging doubt in her stomach. She was worried about her appearance. It had been, well, a while since her last date. It had certainly been a while since somebody had invited her over to their house, for a home cooked meal on Christmas Eve. She wanted to make an impression certainly, but the right kind. She didn't want to seem to eager, too tarty, or on the other hand, too casual, as if it wasn't an important occasion. Well, she was here now, and she certainly wasn't going to try to catch a cab in this weather to go home and change. She didn't know what she expected to happen after dinner, or even what she wanted to happen. What did he want? Well, judging by that kiss, he was certainly interested. But to what level? Was he simply so lonely that he'd be satisfied with whoever showed an interest? No, that couldn't be it. She had seen the emotions in his eyes, seen them flicker across his face when he looked at her. This wasn't just something he wanted to keep him amused for a week or two. This was something serious, they had something together that she'd never felt with anyone else, it was unique. But she'd never get anywhere standing on his doorstep.
She gave herself a shake, dislodging some of the snow from her hair, and rang the bell with a gloved finger.
Immediately she heard Gretyl come charging down the hallway, barking like a thing possessed, and crashing into the door. A moment later she heard Robert's footsteps hurrying to the door.
"Hey Gretyl, c'mon move. I mean it move, now, c'mon. Clever girl."
The door opened, and she could have sworn she saw Robert's eyes light up. "Hey Lizzie. Still trying to carry off that Yeti impression huh? Y'know I don't think it's such a good look for you, but what's this? You're wearing gloves?" He bent down and whispered loudly to Gretyl "Y'see I think she actually listens to me."
She stepped into the hallway, ignoring his aside to Gretyl, "Hello Robert. Not out singing Christmas carols with the children?"
"Ho, ho, ho, Lizzie. Can I take your coat?"
She nodded in agreement, and felt his hands gently guide the coat down and off her back. She couldn't help but smile, as a small gasp of appreciation escaped his lips. After hours of shopping, and buying nothing, she had finally decided on a simple black dress she hadn't worn for a long while. It was simple but fairly classy, and suited her figure nicely. Her shoes only had a slight heel. She had been mindful that at County she always seemed to be looking down at Robert slightly in conversation, and that was in flat shoes. She didn't want to give him some inferiority complex. Although she thought wryly, that would hardly seem a problem Robert would be familiar with. But then again, maybe it was something he was all too familiar with. She simply didn't know.
"Y-you, uh, look lovely." He took her off guard, pecking her on the cheek quickly, before saying "Dinner will be ready soon, you wanna go in and sit down?"
She was thoughtful for a moment, then answered with a smile in her voice. "There's something I'd rather do." She really did amaze herself sometimes. Just being in the company of this man made her feel bold, his natural self confidence was contaigous. She never had been particularly good at flirting and the like. Some people had a natural ability, like her mother, who seemed to be trying to work her way round most of the top businessmen in London at the moment. But in relationships she had always waited for the other party to approach her. She didn't go out of her way to attract attention, she never had.
Robert's back was turned to her, hanging up the jacket, "I'm not singing for you again. I'm not some kind of performing monkey y'know."
"That's not what I was thinking." Stepping softly behind him, she gently placed her lips below his ear, and kissed the sensitive skin of his neck. She felt a shudder run through his body as she ran her hands up his stomach, caressing, though his shirt. He turned himself in her arms, and their lips met. His mouth was soft, and wet and sweet. Their tongues explored each other's mouths, tasting and learning. She ran her hands up to around the nape of his neck, toying with his hair, while she felt his settle at her waist. They kissed for a few moments, the intensity escalating until Elizabeth felt something nudging against her leg and pulled away breathless. Glancing down she chuckled when she saw Gretyl bumping her nose against her leg.
Robert looked slightly embarrassed, "Hey Gretyl cut it out," He turned back to Elizabeth, leaning in to brush his lips to hers when Gretyl barked. Elizabeth started. Gretyl was a sizeable dog, with a deep bark that bounced off the walls and echoed down the hallway. Although Elizabeth knew that Robert would never keep an animal that was in any way vicious, especially one so large, she couldn't help but be slightly intimidated by the animal.
"Gretyl!" Robert's voice was sharp now, laced with irritation. The Bouvier nudged her great head against his knee, insistently, refusing to be deterred.
Elizabeth wondered if she was jealous. Maybe Robert brought so few people home that the dog saw anybody else as a threat. It worried Elizabeth to think that Gretyl was the only thing in Robert's life besides County. She was concerned that when Robert came home each night Gretyl was the only one waiting for him. There was nobody to ask him how his day went. No one to enquire about his health. Who asked him about his hopes and dreams, his plans for the future?
But Gretyl hadn't been so protective on Elizabeth's last visit. Why would she act this way now? Although Elizabeth had hated her mothers choice of dogs, which were inbred to the point of stupidity, she knew that dogs were rarely openly aggressive without a reason. Maybe something was wrong with her, or maybe she was trying to warn them about something. But what could it be? Then realisation dawned on her.
"Uh, Robert,"
"God, I'm sorry Lizzie. I don't know what's gotten into her," He tried to shove Gretyl away with one foot, but the dog refused to be moved, and began to growl warningly. "She's never normally – "
"No, Robert I-"
"-like this. She's normally a people kind of – "
"-know what's-"
"-dog. She's never growled at anybody before – "
"-wrong-"
"-except that idiot from Rush-"
Lord, no wonder the man could argue black was white, thought Elizabeth. He just blocked out the other side of the conversation completely, he probably didn't even realise she was talking to him.
"Robert!"
His head snapped up at the tone of her voice. "What?"
She fought to control her laughter at the confused look on his face, confusion mingled with embarrassment. He was most likely mortified that his best friend was embarrassing him in front of his guest. "I think something's burning."
Confusion turned to realisation turned to horror. Elizabeth couldn't help but laugh as the emotions flickered across his features, his chocolate brown eyes wide. He looked down at Gretyl, then back up to Elizabeth, muttered a nearly inaudible "Oh shit," and he turned and all but sprinted down the hallway, at a surprisingly high speed. While Gretyl, pleased that her owner had finally taken the hint, bombed after him, barking triumphantly. Shaking her head, Elizabeth followed more slowly, bracing herself for what would surely be chaos in the kitchen.
She found Robert crouching in front of an open oven, cursing under his breath.
"Well doctor, can the patient be saved?"
He looked up with a half smile on his face, "Actually I think I've done all I can for this one. Time of incineration; twenty fifteen. Unless turkey a la charcoal is your idea of top class cuisine?"
Peering into the oven Elizabeth saw what remained of their would be meal. "Oh dear."
"Yeah. I'd say we could go out for a meal, but with every romantic lunatic dragging his lady love out on Christmas Eve, I don't think we'd find somewhere. I'd suggest ordering out, but I don't wanna contract something from that Italian place. So…doctor it appears we have a problem."
"We could always stay in."
He raised an eyebrow, "Aren't you hungry?"
"Not really, unless you are?"
"Uh, no, I guess not. And to think I thought you enjoyed my cooking. You deliberately distracted me in the hall way to burn the turkey didn't you? But, hey, dessert's still intact. What d'you say to some Ben and Jerry's and a few glasses of wine? Maybe not a culinary masterpiece but I hope m'lady doesn't mind?"
"I was actually looking forward to the meal and you know it. But Ben and Jerry's Robert? I thought you were looking after your health?"
"Well last time I had it, it seemed to go down pretty well. I mean it's all about moderation right? So you could eat as much as you wanted, as long as you had a good work out afterwards," his voice took on a tone she'd never heard him use before. It was soft and silky and suggestive.
She could feel it again, that spark, the sudden sexual tension. She could see everything he was thinking in his eyes. Who would have thought that he could be so expressive? The chocolate brown pools gave away everything. She could see the desire, the excitement, the anxiety of rejection, even now, still unsure of himself, despite his smart remarks. He was testing the water before he committed himself, to give her time to laugh it off or to change the subject, to prevent himself from being hurt. He'd obviously been hurt in the past, but she didn't know when or by whom. She wished she had met him before that. Was he completely different then? Was he warm and funny and open with everyone, instead of just a chosen few? Did the girls flock to him? Was he the life and soul of the party? Would he open up to her now?
She advanced on him, slipping a hand around his neck, stroking the warm skin above his collar, "But surely we could leave the ice-cream till you, uh, run out of energy?"
Stepping into her embrace, one hand found its way to her hair, the other settling on her waist, caressing her through the clinging fabric of her dress. He leaned up, and whispered into her ear, "But that never happens,"
A tremble ran through her body and she leant down to whisper into his ear, smiling against the soft skin, "Well I think you'll have to back up that boast with some proof, don't you?" She smiled when he closed his eyes, a slight tremor travelling though his body. She watched him, felt him inhale, then he opened his eyes, capturing her with his gaze. He lifted a hand to her mouth, tracing her lips with his thumb.
"Is that what you want?"
Tbc
Hey. So how's it coming along? Sorry it's a bit short. Let me know what you think, please r/r.
Lmw
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