Gap-Filler: "Such Sweet Sorrow"

By: Lori (SixteenOzs)

DISCLAIMER: "ER," the characters and situations depicted within are the property of Warner Brothers Television, Amblin Entertainment, Constant c Productions, NBC, etc. They are borrowed without permission, but without the intent of infringement. The story presented here is written solely for entertainment purposes, and the author is not making a profit.

Please do not post or redistribute without the disclaimer above, or without the consent of the author.

Feedback is welcome. Please send all questions, comments or criticisms to SixteenOzs02@yahoo.com

SUMMARY: Continuation of the episode "Such Sweet Sorrow"

RATING: PG

Elizabeth sighed somewhat apprehensively as she walked down the hallway towards Mark's apartment. She wanted to see him, but she wasn't sure it was the best idea, considering Rachel was staying with him.

Reaching his door, she carefully slid her key in the lock and turned the door knob. She had to smile as she entered the apartment. Rachel was already asleep on the sofa, and Mark was sitting at the table. "Hey," she said softly.

He looked up and smiled. "Hi."

Walking over to him, she asked, "What are you working on?"

"Chart review. Since I've been off, and Kerry was suspended, thing have gotten pretty backed up in the ER. I figured I'd bring some home and work on it until we can get caught up," he explained.

She grinned, "That's what I call dedication."

"Well, it also helped me pass the time," he admitted. "How was your shift?"

"Not too bad. Just long," she replied.

"Malucci?" he questioned.

"No, he pretty much steered clear of me after this morning," she said with a soft chuckle.

"You never did tell me about that," he remarked.

"Later?"

"Elizabeth?" he questioned suspiciously.

She sighed. "He was just being Malucci. I know you need to know because you're his attending, and I will tell you, I just don't want to get into it now. I ended up pulling a double because I was covering for Peter. The hospital is the last thing I want to think about right now."

"Okay," he nodded understandingly. "As long as you promise to tell me."

"I will," she assured him. After a few moments, she wondered, "What did you two do tonight?"

"We went out to dinner, then I took her down by the water, where Dad and I went. I gave her the pearls," he said with a smile.

"And?" she questioned.

He laughed. "And you were right."

She just gave him a knowing grin.

He studied her for a moment. "You look tired."

"Long day," she replied.

"What do you say we get some sleep?" he suggested.

She glanced in Rachel's direction, then looked back to him. "Are you sure it's not a problem, my staying here tonight?"

He smiled and shook his head. "No, it's not a problem. I actually talked to her about us at dinner."

"Really?" she asked, slightly surprised.

"Really," he nodded. "She's my daughter, and she will always be a part of my life. But you're becoming a pretty big part, too. I wanted to make sure she was okay with that. And she is."

She smiled softly. After a few moments, she asked, "Mind if I grab a shower? I've been at the hospital since, well, since way too early this morning."

"Sure, help yourself," he nodded. "Maybe I can get through a few more charts."

She chuckled softly before turning towards the bathroom. "Have fun."

"Thanks," he laughed.

It was almost one when she came out of the bathroom, having changed into a pair of his pajama bottoms and one of his tee shirts. Walking up behind him, she wrapped her arms around him and rested her chin on his shoulder. "So, will Kerry be pleased with all that you accomplished tonight?" she asked softly.

He took off his glasses, rubbed his eyes, then turned to look at her. "I doubt it," he laughed. "All I know is that I think I'll go blind if I have to look at one more chart."

"Then why don't we call it a night?" she suggested.

"Good idea," he agreed as he slid his chair back from the table and stood up. After walking to the door and sliding the deadbolt into place, he walked over to the sofa and pulled the blanket up around Rachel's shoulders before kissing her gently on the forehead and turning out the light.

Turning around, he found Elizabeth watching him with a slight smile on her face. "What?" he wondered.

Still smiling, she just shook her head. "Nothing."

"What?" he asked again.

"It's nothing," she assured him as they started walking towards the bedroom. "Come on, let's get some sleep."

Once they were lying in bed, both on their sides facing each other, he hesitated a moment, but finally wondered, "Can I ask you something?"

"Of course," she nodded.

He was quiet for several moments. "Why did you give back the pearls?"

She laughed softly. "You're doing it again."

"Maybe," he conceded seriously. "But I want to know."

"They were your mother's. She received them from her husband on their wedding day. It just seems right that her granddaughter should have those, as opposed to the woman her son's currently dating and who she never met," she explained softly.

"But my father gave them to you," he reminded her.

"I know," she nodded, "and I'm not sure I could even begin to tell you what that meant to me. I know it was his way of thanking me for being there for him, and for you, these past few months. But I don't need a gift to signify that. I know how he felt."

"So, what does this mean for us?" he asked.

"You mean, where do we stand now?"

"Yeah," he nodded.

She hesitated. "I was sort of hoping you'd tell me."

"What do you mean?" he asked in confusion.

She sighed. "I suppose that was the other reason I gave them back. I didn't want you to feel like your father was pushing us into something more serious, if that wasn't what you wanted."

He smiled. He understood what she meant. Softly, he said, "I think we're already pretty serious. We've been seeing each other for over a year now, and I don't know about you, but I don't see this ending anytime soon."

"I don't either," she whispered as she looked into his deep brown eyes. For a moment, she wondered if she should tell him that she was pretty sure she was falling in love with him. After a second thought, she decided it may be best to wait. He'd been through quite a bit recently, and she thought it might be better to let him adjust to all of that first.

"So, we're okay?" he asked.

She laughed softly. Just before her lips met his, she whispered, "We're fine."

As the kiss ended, he asked, "Are you on tomorrow?"

"Yeah, nine," she replied. "How about you?"

"Same," he nodded. "Guess that means we should set the alarm."

"I'll get it," she said as she turned over, "it's on my side."

"Thanks. Are you off at seven?" he wondered.

"Yeah," she confirmed. "Got something planned?"

"I was thinking, maybe, the three of us could go out to dinner," he suggested.

She smiled as she considered this, then turned to look at him over her shoulder. "Sure, as long as you promise me that you won't decide to try branching out to obstetrics this time."

"Those were extenuating circumstances," he replied with a laugh.

He wrapped his arm around her waist and gently pulled her towards to him. Lightly kissing the back of her neck, he murmured, "Goodnight."

She sighed contentedly. "Mmmm. Have I told you how much I love the way you do that?"

"Maybe once or twice," he said with a soft chuckle.

"Well, I do," she confirmed as she snuggled closer to him. "Goodnight, Mark."

"'Night."

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