Chapter 14: Once, twice, three times...

I stare hard at my reflection in the mirror. I scan over my body, making sure the dress in on right. It's black and skims carefully across my curves, dropping to the floor in a mass of material. I turn to inspect the back. The dress dips low, exposing my still tanned skin. I round up a stray piece of hair, looping it back into the clip that is holding it up.

I go forwards to my dresser, scooping the pair of earrings up in one hand. I stand still for a moment, attaching them to my ears. I sigh, wondering why exactly I ever agreed to do this. I hear the loud tooting of Luka's horn outside and I grab my keys, pausing for a moment to consider wearing a jacket. I decide not to and proceed towards the door. I pick up my cell phone as I go past and notice there is a new message. I hear Luka beeping once again and startled drop the phone to the floor. I curse aloud as I watch it crash to the ground and I hear an almighty crunch. Sighing heavily I exit my apartment, not giving it a second thought.

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I smile as Susan nears me, she looks amazing. Her dress is black and silky and it smoothes over her body, shimmering in all the right places. I can't help but grin even more as she gets closer. I open my door, stepping over to meet her. I lean forwards, capturing her hand and kissing it softly as I pass her a single red rose. She smiles, blushing slightly.

I can smell her and I suddenly realise how much I have missed her. I can't help but shiver at her touch, wanting desperately to kiss her properly I lean forwards but she steps away, shaking her head and signalling at her lips.

No way. My lipstick, remember? I groan, taking her hand and leading her to the passenger side. I open the door whispering softly as she gets in.

You look beautiful. She smiles as I shut the door and get in myself. I curse myself for ever agreeing to actually go to the ball. Still, maybe we can make a quick getaway...

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Carter shifted his weight from one foot to the other in nervous anticipation. He had invited the majority of the ER tonight and was, to say the least, more than a little worried about it. He looked around, desperately hoping to see a familiar face. He noticed a couple approaching him from the distance and gave them a friendly wave as they entered the carter mansion.

He looked around again, listening carefully for the sound of a car. Luka's viper shouldn't be hard to spot, even in the dark. He sighed heavily as he thought back to the days events. He had asked Abby to join him tonight, presuming she would have jumped at the chance to spend some time with him. He was unpleasantly suprised when she had turned him down point blank, even Luka had had the courtesy to accept the invitation. He shook his head and kicked a nearby stone, trying to understand why his girlfriend was so distant...

He heard the noise of a car pulling up and rose his head. He watched as Luka parked he car carefully and then got out, going to the passenger side to help Susan out. They laughed as they approached and Carter groaned. THis was going to be a long night...

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Susan gasped as she entered the house, taken aback by its beauty. It was huge, much bigger and grander than she had ever imagined. Luka held onto her hand tight, smiling as he watched her face light up and her eyes widen. She looked back at Carter briefly mouthing an oh my god' before turning her head to face Luka.

It's amazing. He smiled, gripping her hand tighter.

He doesn't looked too pleased. Luka titled his head backwards slightly, signalling at carter's sad expression. Where's Abby? Susan shrugged.

I don't know, I mean I presume she's coming, right?

I don't know. I didn't speak to her but those two are together again I thought they were anyway. Susan nodded.

Yeah they were. She paused, looking back at Carter again. Maybe she's just late?

I hope so.

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The evening passed quickly enough. Luka and Susan danced once or twice before taking a seat and having something to eat. He grinned broadly as he noticed all the envious glances from the other men around him, watching Susan closely.

There was still no Abby and John had spent most of the night by his grandmother's side. Luka realised they were the only two members of the ER to show up, in a way he was glad. At least they weren't hospital gossip just yet.

You think we can escape yet? Luka laughed, nodding. You want me to go and talk to Carter?

You think he'll mind us slipping off early?

I don't think so and anyway it's not like he's enjoying this either.

Luka leaned forward to kiss SUsan gently before heading over to where Carter was standing. He touched his arm slightly and Carter turned, a solemn look still engraved on his face.

Uh, me and Susan were...

Go, please go. Luka smirked.

We've had a great time, really. Carter tried to smile and curled the corners o his lips slightly, not quite able to form a smile.

THank you, I really appreciate you guys coming along. Luka shook his hand and patted him softly on the upper arm.

We appreciated you inviting us. He paused. We had a good time Carter.

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Susan fiddled with the key in the lock as Luka kissed her neck softly, she groaned, once again unable to open the door, he continued to kiss her neck gently and she tried again, finally successful.

He moved to her lips as they leant against the door, pushing it open. He kissed her harder, letting his tongue glide slowly into her mouth. Both her and Luka heard the coughing at the same time, they broke apart quickly, spinning around to see who was there.

A man sat on the sofa of Susan's lounge, looking slightly embarrassed. Luka grimaced, closing the door as Susan moved towards him. He got up to embrace her but she stepped backwards.

A shudder ran down Luka's spine as he remembered the name. He knew who this was but thankfully Susan seemed as suprised to see him as Luka was. What, what are you doing here?

I've come to get you back Susan. He paused looking down at his feet briefly. I uh, left a message on our answer machine.

Susan pointed at the remains of her cell phone, spread over the carpet. He smiled.

Uh, I had better be going then, I'll see you tomorrow? Susan shook her head, trapping Luka's waist in her hands.

No- you, uh you don't have to go.

I'll see you tomorrow.

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