Guess who's back, back again? (No, it's not Slim Shady)

Lol. Here's the next chapter, hope you enjoy it! :D

Sarah ended up staying two more days at the hospital. She got used to seeing Dr. Charles and Alice Clarke almost every hour running tests on her and asking her questions, so by the time she was released she was more than exhausted to say the least.

She had done fine in her psychiatric evaluations: no severe brain activity alterations or neurophysiological damage and she had responded well to diverse stimuli. The diagnosis didn't change: She was indeed suffering from PTSD, so she needed to take a few days off of work and be under medication until further notice.

Coming to terms with what went down in the ER was tough, but she had a good disposition to address the situation head on. She understood that the flashbacks and the confusions that had happened to her were because of environmental triggers. There was nothing she could've done to prevent them from happening, and she knew that they might happen again.

Nevertheless, she felt ready to face that fear. Mostly because she knew there were plenty of people to help her through this.

Connor had visited thoroughly and had been very attentive throughout her evaluations, making Sarah wonder more cautiously about his intentions. She knew there was something between them, of that she had no doubt… she just didn't know exactly what. She felt weak in the knees every time he was near her, and she could tell that Connor didn't walk around giving everybody pet names. She felt special, and that scared her. But like April had very well said, she had to give him and herself a chance.

"Got everything?"

Connor's voice from the doorway snapped her away from her thoughts. He had just finished a surgery and looked tired, but he had still insisted on driving her home.

"Yeah." She replied with a small smile heading towards her bag of clothes, Connor beating her to it and adjusting the strap over his shoulder.

"Dr. Charles says you can get back to work next Monday." He said while they exited the room.

Sarah groaned, making Connor smile, eyeing her expressions. "What, you don't like the idea of having a week off work?"

"It's not that. It's just that everyone I know will be working while I have all this free time. Besides, I don't want to get behind on my ER hours." She said glumly.

"You can catch up with your family." He said nonchalantly.

Sarah shook her head abruptly. "They live in New York, and I don't want them worrying about this. I know my mom. She'd want me to move back as soon as possible. She worries too much."

Connor nodded, thoughtful, choosing not to press the subject furthermore.

They kept walking until they reached Sarah's car. Once Connor started the engine, Sarah let herself drift away into sleep, resting her head on the armrest and curling up her body so that it fit her seat. Connor drove carefully to her apartment trying not to wake her. He knew that these past days had been difficult for her and he had been informed by the nurses that she kept waking up in the middle of the night because of nightmares related to the incident.

Once they reached their apartment, Connor parked her car and looked at her closely for the first time since days ago. She looked so peaceful and relaxed it almost pained him to wake her. The more closely he looked, the more noticeable the bags under her eyes, her tired features and her slightly creased brow.

"Reese." He half-whispered, making her stir but not wake up completely.

"Sarah. Wake up, beautiful. We're here."

Sarah stretched lightly, finally opening her eyes and meeting Connor's. She furrowed her brow looking at her surroundings, a little disoriented. Her features relaxed after a second, meeting Connor's gaze once again.

"Hey." He smiled sympathetically.

"Hey." She croaked back and then cleared her throat. "Sorry for falling asleep." She stretched once again.

"It's okay."

They left the car, and she noticed a cab parked awaiting Connor to drive him back to the hospital. After Connor had spoken with the driver, they climbed up the stairs until they reached her apartment door.

"I'll see you tomorrow, okay? And call me if you need anything." He said handing over her bag.

Sarah smiled back at him, furrowing her brow, a funny look on her face.

Connor chuckled at her expression. "What is it?"

"It's nothing. Just something that crossed my mind."

Connor kept staring at her, so she carried on. "It's just that… despite everything that's happened, I don't remember the last time I smiled this much. And I guess I owe that to you."

Connor shook his head and took her hand, tracing patterns that Sarah now knew very well. A familiar feeling set on her stomach. A feeling she felt when she was nervous or excited, and that she had been feeling ever since she had met him.

"Then I guess I'm doing something right." He finally replied, leaning over and kissing her cheek lightly.

Sarah closed her eyes, relishing in the feeling. He looked at her again, without backing away from the small space between them.

"Tell you what. Why don't I make some free time today? That way you won't feel lonely and we can celebrate your release." He said, tucking a few stray hairs behind her ear.

As soon as he saw her about to protest, he added. "I can make a few arrangements. Seriously, you don't need to worry about anything."

Sarah didn't ponder his suggestion that long. He looked sincerely enthusiastic to spend time with her, and she wasn't about to deny that she felt the same way. "I'd like that." She replied a bit shyly, making Connor grin.

"I'll pick you up at eight." He said giving a final kiss to her cheek and going down the stairs

"This is sooo a date."

"April, come on… "

"I agree! It's definitely a date."

Sarah had called April on her free time to tell her about what had happened that morning. April got so excited she insisted that they skyped, and Natalie ended up joining the conversation while she was passing by the nurses' station.

"Girl, don't you dare deny it. You know it's a date." added April as she munched on some popcorn.

"Okay, fine. Let's say it's a date. What should I wear?"

"Did he tell you where he was taking you?" asked Natalie curiously. She was sitting on April's chair, resting her now extremely pregnant belly.

Sarah shook her head no.

"I'd go with something neutral, just in case you're going someplace fancy." Said Natalie wriggling her eyebrows.

"But what if it's not someplace fancy? You need to be prepared for everything."

Sarah sighed as she observed their conversation turn into an animated chat between April and Natalie. She needed consistent advice and she needed it now before she lost her way into nervousness.

"Where's Maggie?" she interrupted them, making them go quiet.

"I think she's with a patient, want me to look for her?"

"Please." She replied rubbing at her temples.

Both Sarah and Natalie watched April leave looking for the head nurse behind every examination curtain.

"So how have you been doing?" asked Natalie, nonchalantly.

"Better. I feel more relaxed now… I think Dr. Rhodes is the main reason why."

Natalie smiled. "I'm very happy for you. Still, if you want to talk about anything, just say the word."

"Likewise. You're very lucky." She added after a few seconds.

Dr. Manning furrowed her brow, slightly taken aback. "Why's that?"

"Will is a good man. He too helped a lot."

Sarah noticed Natalie's face turn bright red, but sighed. "I guess there's no point in denying it."

"Yeah… I think the whole hospital knows about you two by now."

Natalie laughed, but quieted down, thinking about what Sarah had just said. "I guess we both are. Lucky, that is." They were both interrupted by Maggie's agitated arrival, her face occupying most of the camera's view.

"Okay, April told me this was an emergency. What's up?"

"Relax, Mags. She just wanted to know your advice on dating." Sarah heard Natalie say.

Maggie whirled around and stared skeptically at April. "You told me it was a matter of life and death."

"And practically it is. Reese needs our help."

Sarah stifled a laugh as she watched Maggie's horrified face. If looks could kill, April would have been disintegrated then and there.

"Look, I have no time for this." She replied addressing Sarah. "Just be yourself, wear what you want to wear and behave how you want to behave. If someone asks you on a date, the best you can do is try to be how you normally are. If he likes that, then great. If he doesn't, then he's not the one for you, honey."

Sarah nodded. Maggie was right. Why on earth should she be worrying if Connor had given her every reason not to? As she was about to thank her, she heard the distinct sound of several pagers go off, and noticed Maggie look down to check hers.

"We have to go, but seriously, don't stress out about anything. If we're talking about whom I think we're talking about, then he's crazy about you. Don't worry."

Sarah blushed at the commentary and nodded once again.

"Take care of yourself, and tell us how things go." She ended with a wink, before pushing the screen of the laptop down, and Sarah's skype call ended.

She was alone once again surrounded by the silence of her living room. She closed her laptop and lied on the couch, thinking about the possibilities that tonight could bring and letting herself acknowledge the crazy, fluttering feeling in her stomach once more.

Connor arrived exactly on time, ringing at Sarah's doorbell once.

"I'm coming!" she yelled from her room as she adjusted her earrings. She decided to wear a white summer dress and red heels. She had let her hair down again and put a little more effort on her makeup this time. She still had bandages on her arm, but there was nothing she could do about that. She sprayed on some perfume, grabbed a small bag to match her heels and headed to the door, her heart beating rapidly. She took a quick breath before opening it and felt it got stuck in her throat once she saw Connor wearing a navy blue button up shirt, a maroon tie and black pants. Her eyes instantly went to a single red rose that was now extended to her.

Sarah took the rose and Connor wrapped her gently in his arms.

"You look so beautiful right now." He half-whispered, his head buried in her shoulder.

Sarah couldn't reply at first. She felt an unusual wave of emotions hit her. She never wanted this moment to end. She felt so secure and happy she could feel tears forming in her eyes. So as soon as they broke apart, Connor's expression changed into worry.

"What's wrong, sweetheart?"

Sarah shook her head, smiling at the floor. "I feel so happy right now." She said, her hand going to wipe a single tear that had escaped. "I look stupid, I'm sorry."

"You could never look stupid. You're smart," he said kissing her cheek "and beautiful," he said kissing her temple "and kind." He ended, kissing her forehead lightly.

Sarah let out a breath she didn't know she was holding and looked down at the rose once again.

"Do you like it?"

"I love it." she said walking over the kitchen and putting it in a small flower vase.

"Are you ready to leave?" Sarah nodded, and together they left her apartment and got into Connor's car.

The drive took longer than Sarah had expected. Despite her insistent pleas of where he was taking her, Connor didn't budge. He wanted their destination to be a surprise, and made her wear a blindfold as soon as he parked the car.

He guided her carefully by the shoulders, telling her when she had to go up a step or turn into a specific direction.

As soon as Sarah heard a door slide open and a small gush of wind hit her, Connor spoke. "Okay, stop."

Sarah did as she was told, and felt him remove the blindfold she was wearing. She heard her own breath hitch as soon as she came eye to eye with the view. They were standing at a terrace at the top floor of a building. A crystal chandelier hung over a wooden table lit with several candles and decorated with flowers. Sarah walked further to the edge of the terrace and was taken aback by the view over the city. The city lights glistening over the lake shore, and the moon reflected on the crystal-clear water.

"What is this place? How did you-" she turned around and noticed Connor looking directly at her, his arms crossed and resting on the doorframe. He was grinning from ear to ear, pleased with Sarah's reaction.

"It's called Il Fornaio. Made a few calls to book the terrace."

"So you have been here before?"

"My sister recommended it to me. I gathered it wasn't a bad idea to check it out." He said a bit dryly. Sarah noticed the change in his tone, but decided to make nothing of it.

"It's beautiful."

Connor simply smiled. He walked towards the table and drew out one of the chairs so that Sarah could sit.

He sat at the other end of the table, both close to each other. Once their waiter arrived, they both ordered drinks and patiently awaited their food.

"I've never been here before, so if there's something you don't like, feel free to say so and we'll leave."

Sarah frowned. "But why would we? This place is perfect. I had never seen a view to the city this beautiful." She replied looking out again.

Connor smiled and nodded, looking over the city as well. "You're right. I'm sorry. Sometimes I demand too much of things." He confessed.

Sarah made her first bold move of the night and reached her good hand to take his in hers. "It's okay. You've never demanded anything of me."

"That's because you're perfect as you are." He replied confidently, making the med student blush intensely and take a sip of her ice cold water.

"Can I tell you a secret?" said Connor in a rather more serious note.

"You can tell me anything, Dr. Rhodes."

"Connor."

Sarah looked at him, puzzled. He laughed as soon as he noticed the confused look on her face.

"We're not at the hospital right now. You can call me Connor if you like."

Sarah gulped and nodded, trying out his name for the first time. "Connor. You can tell me anything."

He grinned and got closer to her. Sarah leaned closer to where he was, expecting a shocking reveal.

"I love making you blush." He whispered.

Before the girl could try to reply or the color in her face heightened, the waiter arrived with their dinner, interrupting the moment. Connor noticed her let out a breath of relief and chuckled.

"One pesto pasta for the lady and tonight's special for the gentleman. Enjoy your meal and please let me know if you need anything else." They both thanked him and he left.

Sarah had never been on a date like this before. She wasn't thinking about the fancy chandelier or the nice food or the view. She meant she'd never gone out on a date with someone she felt completely comfortable with. With a man she could tell all her secrets and not feel scrutinized or ashamed. A man she could trust. He had gone above and beyond to make her feel beautiful, and special, and happy. She wondered if he was actually real. A feeling of nervousness struck her but she pushed it aside. She had to let herself trust people. She had to let herself discover her feelings. Like Maggie had said, if things didn't go right, then perhaps he was not the one for her. But until now, Sarah could surely say this was the best date she'd ever had.

They continued to talk about nothing and everything for a while longer. Sarah felt herself get braver with the passing of time and told him about her hobbies, her aspirations, and her family. Connor listened intently to everything she had to say and looked at her like he had discovered something wonderful. He then talked about his likes and dislikes as well and his aspirations, yet Sarah noticed he skipped the topic of family again. She decided not to pursue it tonight, but she still felt curious about that part of Connor. They enjoyed each other's company and listened to the music that played in the background while the chatted.

Suddenly, Sarah's phone started ringing. She excused herself and took out her phone, confused when she noticed it was April calling.

"Hey April, everything okay? What? I can't hear you, say that aga- Wait. She's what?!" She said standing up, Connor instantly alarmed and standing up as well. "Okay, okay, we'll be on our way." She said before hanging up.

"What happened?"

"It's Natalie. She has gone into labor."

They quickly left the restaurant and headed to the hospital, both speaking animatedly about what was happening. By the time they arrived, almost twenty minutes had passed. They rushed inside the hospital, getting weird looks from almost everyone and practically sprinted towards the maternity section, Sarah walking quickly as to not injure her still healing ribs. As soon as they arrived to the main hall, they noticed everyone waiting. Will was pacing back and forth the corridor, his hands on the back of his neck. Dr. Choi and Dr. Charles were sitting on the two of the few seats available, visibly on edge. Sarah spotted April and Maggie and headed towards her.

"How is she?"

"She just got her epidural. She's at a six right now." Said April.

"Is there any way we can help?" asked Connor.

Maggie shook her head. "She didn't want any of us in there. She wants us to wait until he's born."

Sarah sat down at one of the chairs, releasing a breath. Connor sat beside her, rubbing his face, tense. "And now we wait." He said to no one in particular.

"And now we wait." Nodded Maggie.

It was 2 in the morning, and everyone had gone back to work on a night shift instead of heading home. Sarah and Will stayed at the lounge, trying to rest unsuccessfully. They had agreed to page everyone else as soon as they got news on Nat and the baby. A few minutes later, they heard the door to her room cringe open. Will was instantly up, rubbing his eyes and crossing his arms, awaiting an answer. A familiar doctor exited the room, removing his gloves.

"How is she?" asked Sarah, following Will.

"She's perfectly fine. She had a healthy little boy." He replied with a smile.

They both let out a breath. Will practically fist pumped the air and Sarah couldn't stop the tears that formed in her eyes. Will picked her up and she squealed, happy that everything had turned out okay. As soon as he put her down, she started paging the others. One by one they arrived at the small lounge, hugging Will and Sarah and each other, enjoying the good news. Connor was the last to arrive, and instantly opened his arms as he saw Sarah bolting towards him. He laughed and hugged her by the waist while she cried happy tears.

"Her family can now come in and see Dr. Manning and the baby."

They all went quiet and looked at each other. Finally, Will spoke.

"We're all her family."

The doctor eyed them up, noticing their medical wear but stayed quiet and nodded, standing aside and letting them though.

Will was the first to enter her room, followed by Maggie and April. Sarah entered with Connor and held back tears at the sight of Natalie, her hair a mess and sweaty, holding her newborn son. She looked absolutely radiant with joy. Dr. Choi and Dr. Charles followed suit smiling at the sight in front of them.

Will kissed her cheek and kneeled down to get a better view of the baby.

"Hey, little guy." He said rubbing a finger through his hair, looking at him adoringly.

One by one they all came forward to greet the baby and congratulate their friend. Sarah walked carefully and watched as Maggie cradled the little boy in her arms, talking to him. Sarah smiled at him and spoke to him as well, telling him how handsome he was, and that he had the most perfect mom. Connor came forward as well and told him he was going to be such a happy boy because of the mother that had been chosen for him.

Everyone felt the love in the room. They were once again together, celebrating life instead of mourning another loss. Like Will had said, they were a family, and Sarah, for once, felt like she fitted in perfectly.

Natalie announced that her mother in law would be arriving soon and Will instantly cringed, making everybody laugh.

Sarah felt Connor's arms snake around her waist lightly and his chin rest on her shoulder. She put her hands on his arms and laid back slightly against his chest, enjoying the feeling that overcame her. After a while, she broke from his embrace and motioned outside, so he followed.

"Everything okay?"

"Remember when you told me I could ask anything from you?"

"Of course."

"I want to ask you something now." She said a bit shyly, looking at the floor.

"Anything you want, beautiful." He replied encouraging her.

Sarah gulped and looked up to meet his gray eyes.

"Can you kiss me?"

Connor looked at her, slightly taken aback by her boldness, but instantly smiled. He got closer to her and placed his hand on the small of her back. He eyed her lips like he had done a thousand times, but this time he didn't hold back. He leaned down and kissed her softly, but confidently. Sarah didn't know what had come over her, but she was glad she had said the words. She kissed him back, feeling lightheaded. There was no happiness compared to this. She felt so… loved. She knew that this kiss would stay in her memory forever. She curled her arms around his shoulders, and felt his arms descend to her waist, holding her in place. It was a much needed kiss for both. It was full of promises, and expectations for the future.

When air became an issue, they broke apart, Connor resting his forehead against hers.

"Anything else you want, baby?" he said grinning and out of breath.

Sarah laughed and kissed him again, happy with how the day had turned out, and happy to feel loved back by the people she loved.

Did you like it? I sure did -w- Celebrate life! And have a good day/night. :)