Thanks to everyone who is reviewing, please continue to do so cause I love getting feedback; it really does inspire me to write faster...Kimberley says I'm a 'review whore' LOL....and speaking of her, special thanks to Kimberley/Kimbari BTW... for casting her 'sexpert' eye over chap 11. If you haven't already checked out 'Organic Chemistry' I STRONGLY recommend you do!!!!
I've had such positive feedback to my 'R' version of chapter 11, that when I do wrap this story up, I will re-rate it R and insert the original chapter..................anyhoo back to business.....................I still do not own ER or any charachters from ER...or SpongeBob SquarePants for that matter...................
THE AMERICAN PATIENT
Chapter XIII – Kill or Cure
It was late in the afternoon when Elizabeth got back. She found them cuddled up together on the couch watching cartoons. Ella raced to meet her upon hearing the door, as Romano looked up tiredly, and raised an eyebrow at the multitude of bags she carried.
"Buy the whole store Lizzie?" He pushed himself up off the couch slowly, and walked over to take the bags from her so she could give Ella a proper cuddle.
"Nearly. I'm sorry I'm late, we were having so much fun we lost track of time.... how's she been?" she asked hugging her daughter to her.
"An angel. Slept for a couple of hours and then crashed with me in front of SpongeBob Squarepants. Where do you want these?" he asked, hoisting the bags up to waist level.
"Oh, the bedroom thanks."
She planted a noisy kiss on Ella, and released the little girl back to the floor, where she quickly scurried away to her dolls.
"Do I get one of them in a minute?" he asked already at the top of the stairs.
"You certainly do...do you want some tea?" she called out after him.
Robert reappeared shaking his head, and walked down straight into her arms and kissed her, his mouth melting into hers. They held each other tightly, enjoying the warmth and feel of each other, neither wanting to let go. He broke his mouth away and nuzzled his head into her shoulder before letting out a tired yawn. Elizabeth pulled away slightly and tucked his chin up so she could look at him. His face was lined with a frown and he looked tired and pale.
"Didn't you get any rest?"
"No, the headaches getting worse." He sulked, surprised at how bratty he sounded. Not wanting to appear whiney he put on a brave face and attempted to change the subject.
"So where's Lewis anyway, you ditch her?"
"She's gone home...I'm really sorry we were so long."
"Don't worry 'bout it." He kissed her again quickly, before breaking away and walked to the couch where he flopped down heavily.
Elizabeth watched him lean back into the couch his hands rubbing over his face.
'I shouldn't have stayed away so long' she chastised herself.
"Have you been suffering much?" she asked feeling guilty.
"Can't you smell the burning martyr in the corner here?" he joked.
She laughed. "So what else did you do?"
"I called work, made sure the place was still functioning without me. Spoke to Anspaugh."
"You're not thinking of going back yet are you?" she said looking at him concernedly.
He smiled. "Why, would you miss me?"
Elizabeth nodded, making him grin more.
"Good...cause I told him I was no better and wouldn't make it in the rest of the week!" He wasn't lying. His head felt like it was turning into a full on war zone.
"Really! What did he say to that?"
"He was surprised, if not annoyed. With you away as well, he's had to pick up the slack. Bet he thinks twice about sending me home in the future the old coot." He laughed.
She smiled. "You're evil y'know!" Robert shrugged his shoulders. "So what did Susan have to say about us?"
"She's genuinely pleased for us. You must have made an impression, I actually think she likes you."
"Course she does, she's not made of wood!" he smirked, and Elizabeth shot him a glare.
"Oh, right you're being serious? Yeah, Susan's okay." He backtracked quickly.
"Good, well you wont mind that I invited her and Chuck over for dinner then?" she smirked.
Romano studied her face; his own a picture of horror. "Please tell me you didn't."
"It'll be fun!" she laughed.
"Oh, my God you're serious?" he spluttered, "We've not even been out and you're setting up double dates!" The artillery barrage in his head became more ferocious, and he squeezed his eyes shut in a grimace.
"Robert, calm down its just dinner with friends."
"When?" he demanded.
"We said we'd set it up when you're better feeling better and we take a look at work schedules." She sniped back, the frivolity she felt moments ago, gone now.
"Great." He muttered grumpily.
Elizabeth studied him and shook her head. "Robert...if we're going to work out, you're going to have to, at least pretend to be sociable."
He looked up at her and blinked, a bit surprised at how quickly this conversation seemed to be deteriorating. She'd just spent the better part of the day swanking around Chicago with her pal courtesy of himself, whilst he watched her daughter and felt like increasing crap.... and she was having a go at him? The last thing he needed was some stupid dinner date foisted on him straight out of Sweet Valley High School!
"Lizzie ......I love you, but I'm not gonna go all soft and mushy just 'cause you want me to." He retorted, sitting up straight.
"Who said anything about soft and mushy?" she spluttered incredulously, "Christ it's just dinner."
He rubbed his temple again with both his hands and let out a sigh before collapsing back into the couch.
She rolled her eyes at him.
"Robert if you're in pain then take a pill, don't take it out on me." She spat crossly.
He looked at her about to bite back, but caught a glimpse of Ella watching their exchange. He winked at her and she beamed back at him.
Elizabeth stood waiting for the real Romano to rear up his little head. She was surprised when nothing was forthcoming and amazed, when instead he gave her a tired smile.
"I'm sorry...I just don't like my social calendar being arranged without me okay? I don't do surprises very well." He sighed, "Sooo, what's this 'Chuck' like anyway?"
Did he just apologise? By Jove, Robert Romano has just backed off from an argument AND apologised...well I never! Score one for me.
"He's nice, you'll like him." She gloated triumphantly at him, her expression not lost on Romano.
'Oh Lizzie, you would not be smiling like that if Ella wasn't here!' he thought to himself.
"And if I don't?" he asked.
Still grinning like a Cheshire cat she purred, "Then you'll pretend to like him."
That did it! So much for the art of compromise!
Being careful to keep his voice neutral, he cast a quick look over to Ella who now had her head down playing. "You see that's what I'm talking about...look, I don't suffer fools at work...why would I want to do it at home?"
"Because you want to please me."
"So you do want to change me?" he cocked his head, and looked straight at her with piercing brown eyes and a look of determination.
Any victory she thought she had won was forgotten now.
"NO...Oh forget it, I'll tell her it's a bad idea!" She stomped out towards the kitchen, muttering "argumentative sod" under her breath, but he heard.
He looked down at Ella who had got bored with the grown ups and was still playing with her dolls. She was beautiful, a picture of all that is good in the world before the world gets a hold of you and takes your innocence. He must have been like that once, but he couldn't remember; the world had got a hold of him a little too early. He wanted to be a part of all this so badly, to watch her grow, to keep them safe. He replayed their conversation in his head and frowned.
This is stupid...... It's this friggin headache!
He hauled himself up off the couch and walked towards the kitchen. Standing at the entrance he watched her slamming things around while she made tea. When she slammed the fridge door so hard it actually shook, he sauntered up behind her, put his arms around her and pulled her in to him.
"Were you picturing my head in between the fridge and the door?" he chuckled.
"Yes." Elizabeth leant back into him, despite her anger.
"I'm sorry...my head hurts and I'm being a dick. Set up the dinner and I promise to be good okay?"
She turned around and put her arms round him, looking into his face.
"Two apologies in the space of five minutes. You really aren't yourself are you?"
"You only got the first one 'cause Ella was listening." He smirked.
Elizabeth looked at him surprised, and a little embarrassed. It hadn't even occurred to her that Ella was listening, never mind what the effect a witnessed argument would have on her, yet Robert had. Bloody hell, exactly who was supposed to be the parent, he made a better one than her! When had he become so considerate? She felt herself overcome with desire for this enigmatic man who stood before her and crushed him to her suddenly, kissing him with all the passion she could muster.
He let her take charge of him enjoying the moment, losing himself in the knowledge that she wanted him as much as he did her. They stumbled back as the kiss intensified and nearly fell, bringing them back down to earth. Slowly they pulled their mouths apart, but remained in each other's arms.
Elizabeth looked at him a little sheepishly and he winked at her.
"I'm gonna have to get you mad more often Lizzie, I like how you make up!"
She laughed playfully and examined his face closely, her fingers tracing down the curve of his cheekbone.
"You look tired Robert, why don't you go get some rest?" He didn't reply, just closed his eyes and inhaled her perfume, pulling her tighter to him.
"Robert?"
"Yeah?"
"You're not falling asleep on me are you?"
"Wouldn't dream of it. I am going to follow doctors orders though if that's alright."
"Good. I'll sort dinner out. Do you want to eat after Ella's gone to bed?"
Robert flashed her a quick grin and nodded his head, before giving her a kiss on his way to the stairs.
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He reappeared less than an hour later. Elizabeth looked up surprised to see him so soon.
"Can't you sleep?"
He pointed to his head in answer.
"Do you want me to write you a scrip for something stronger?"
"Nah, I've just come for some water and I'll go sit outside; fresh air will help hopefully."
Elizabeth wandered off as he got himself a drink. When he turned round she was standing there with a blanket.
"Here put this round you if you're sitting outside."
He rolled his eyes, but had to admit he loved the fact that Elizabeth fussed over him, so he accepted it. He stepped out onto the decking, sat down and pulled the blanket around him. Looking up into the darkening sky he closed his eyes and inhaled the chilly evening air..........
Elizabeth shook him a while later.
"Ella's ready to go up."
"Okay." He got up and followed her inside. "Hey munchkin you off to bed?"
Ella nodded her head sleepily and held her hands up to him. He bent down and picked her up and she snuggled into his shoulder. "You have a nice sleep and dream about what you wanna do tomorrow. Hopefully my head wont hurt so much."
Ella looked at him with her big blue eyes. "Wobut's head sore?" He nodded.
She reached up two little hands and pulled his face down so she could kiss him on the forehead.
"Ella make it better now?"
Romano broke into a huge smile and nodded, hugging her to him tightly. Elizabeth watched the two of them together and felt tears begin to well in her eyes and a knot form in her throat, that threatened to choke her with emotion.
When Robert looked over at her he was still smiling widely.
"You okay?" he asked gently.
"Yeah.... it's just... seeing you two together like that.... she's really taken to you and.... it's nice..."
"Well, what can I say I'm irresistible to Corday women?" he snickered. Elizabeth looked to the ceiling and shook her head bemused.
Robert turned back to Ella and gazed into her face, the eyes so much like her mothers. He marvelled to himself at the miracle of reproduction. Still lost in that sea of blue, he asked in a tender voice. "Can we take her up together?"
She smiled and slipped her hand into his...
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After dinner Elizabeth carried herself through a cup of tea, whilst Robert insisted on finishing off the dishes. When he walked in she was sat down on the couch, eyes closed. He wandered over and led down with his head in her lap.
She opened her eyes and looked down at him, "You comfortable, you cheeky sod."
Romano grinned cockily and blew her a kiss. She couldn't help but smile back.
"How's the head?"
"Not as bad, the fresh air definitely helped."
"But it still aches?"
He nodded slightly, and she started massaging his temple with both her hands. Romano closed his eyes and let out a low moan of pleasure.
"You know if you were a cat Robert, you'd be purring." She laughed and he chuckled with her.
"Well, my head hurts and that helps...so don't stop."
She continued with the massage, and in less than a minute a soft snore escaped his mouth. Elizabeth gazed down at him, studying his features. His left ear stuck out more than the other she noticed bemusedly. His jaw was strong, reflecting his personality, and there was a days worth of stubble accrued there. Clear fresh skin lined his face and his lips; those lips, almost cherry coloured were taunting her to kiss them. She let a hand wander down his face, her thumb drawing lazy circles across his cheek, staying on the spot where his dimples hid.
She chuckled as she thought to herself; 'This is becoming a habit, watching him when he sleeps.'
He snored loudly breaking her out of her train of thought and waking himself up in the process.
"Sorry did I just fall asleep on you?" he smiled bashfully.
Elizabeth nodded and smiled down at him. She felt incredibly safe and loved and wanted to lose herself in this new feeling, to explore it and him more.
"Sooo..... "she started massaging his brow again, "I now know you're from Philadelphia and that you're an exceptional kisser; tell me more."
He looked up at her. "What do you want to know?"
"Okay...well let's see. Where's your family for a start?"
"My mom's still in Philly. I'm the dutiful son who flies back whenever I can; keep trying to convince her to relocate out here, but she'll have none of it."
"And?"
"And what?"
"Brother, sisters?" she stopped stroking his head and raised an eyebrow.
"Oh, you want to know the whole shebang." He teased.
Elizabeth nodded.
"Well keep rubbing then." She did and he continued.
"I have a kid sister, Emma. Her husbands in the army and they're stationed out in Germany. They've one daughter, Chloe who'll be what, twelve now I guess.... haven't seen them for a couple of years. Kinda miss her; it wasn't so bad when I spent most my time in Europe cause I visited a lot, but now..." he trailed off, eyes slightly vacant.
"What about your dad?" She asked nudging him out of his daydream.
Romano closed his eyes and turned his head away slightly, "Ah my father...now he was a piece of work!" He brought a hand up and rubbed the bridge of his nose.
Elizabeth felt the muscles in his shoulders tense against her legs. She slipped her hand into his.
"Sorry am I being nosy?"
He turned his face back to hers, gazing into her eyes.
"He...was not a nice man Elizabeth.... and suffice it to say he was pretty handy with his fists. Anyhow he took a walk when mom told him she was pregnant with Emma, and we never saw or heard from him again. I was eight at the time."
"God that's awful."
"It was good riddance." He shook his head slightly and offered a weak smile.
"So what was growing up like?" she dared to ask.
"Hard...Mom was suddenly a single parent struggling with two brats. We never really had much, so I was determined to make something of myself. I knuckled down at school, ensured I got a scholarship...Needless to say, I was a bit....geeky. Bit of a target, y'know? Bookworm, red hair and this'll shock you... but I wasn't very big." They both laughed.
"Did you get bullied?" She asked in a concerned tone.
"Yeah."
"What did you do about it?"
"Well Lizzie.... thanks to my father I learned early on I would have to look out for myself. As a result, and you might have noticed this about me, but I've never been one to take crap lying down, so........." he smiled up at her, "I learned karate and kicked their butts back!"
"Really?" she said impressed.
"Yep, these hands are trained to kill you know?" he said waving them about, Jackie Chan style.
"Yes I know I've seen them operate!"
"Hey now, be nice or else..."
"Or else what?" she giggled.
He thought for a moment before folding his arms across his chest, "Or else, I'm not puttin out tonight!"
"I'm sorry, pray continue." She said all mock serious.
Suddenly he sat up and swivelled himself round, "Nah, not much more to tell Lizzie. The geek did well for himself, and now keeps his mom in the manner she shoulda been kept in. I was happy with life and..." he took her face in his hands and looked straight into her eyes, "Now I'm ecstatic with life." She smiled widely, and threw her arms around him as they kissed each other hungrily. Robert broke his lips away from hers long enough to say, "Wanna go to bed?"
She nodded, and they stood. Taking her hand in his they headed for the stairs. At the top Elizabeth went to check on Ella as Romano undressed and lay waiting for her. A few minutes later she entered the bedroom. He was led on his back rubbing a hand over his eyes.
"How's the head?"
"You wanna take a look?" he smirked, holding up the bedsheets slightly. Elizabeth rolled her eyes before fixing him with a stare.
He saw the look and decided to be good, "Still hurts."
"Well it's kill or cure time Robert. You do know what they say is good for a headache now don't you?" She said, her voice low and seductive.
She slowly let her clothes fall to the floor and smiled as his eyes ran appreciatively over her body, before pulling back the covers, she climbed on top of him.
Romano caught his breath and gripped her sides.
"Are you going to medicate me Dr Corday?"
"Oh God yes." She said before leaning down to kiss him hard.
TBC