"Survival Of The Fittest" Gap-Filler
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.

SUMMARY: This scene takes place about a week after "Survival Of The Fittest."

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

RATING: PG

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: I would like to thank Ros and Cari for all of their help in looking over the drafts of this story and giving me such great feedback. Thank you both so much.

"Elizabeth?" Mark called as he unlocked the door and entered their house. A puzzled look crossed his face as he searched through the first floor but didn't find her. Her car was in the driveway, so he knew she should be home.

He glanced around curiously as he climbed the stairs two at time. Stopping at the door to their bedroom, he had to smile. She was lying on her side, one hand was gently tucked under the pillow and the other rested protectively across her swollen abdomen.

Crossing the room to the closet, he kicked off his shoes then reached for the blanket from the top shelf. Walking back to the bed, he covered her with the blanket, then carefully laid down so that her back was resting against his chest and his hand covered hers.

"Mmm, Mark," she murmured as she woke a moment later.

"Shh, go back to sleep," he whispered.

She turned slightly so that she could see him better. "What time is it?"

Checking the clock on the nightstand, he replied, "A little after seven."

"Seven?" she questioned, her voice still heavy from sleep. "I was just going to lay down for about twenty minutes. I wasn't planning on going to sleep."

He chuckled softly. "I guess this is someone's idea of telling you to get some rest."

"I guess so."

"Are you feeling okay?" he asked after a moment.

"Define 'okay,'" she grinned.

"Elizabeth?" he questioned anxiously.

"Mark, relax!" she said with a laugh. "I was out taking care of things for the wedding most of the day. When I got home, my ankles were killing me. At first, I was just going to sit downstairs and rest my feet for a few minutes. But I couldn't get comfortable in the chair, it just made my back feel worse. So, I came up here. The idea was to lay down for twenty or thirty minutes, then head back downstairs to start dinner."

He smiled as he gently began to massage her lower back. "Does that help?"

"Mmm," she sighed contentedly. "Yes."

"This pregnancy hasn't exactly been easy on you, has it?"

"I don't mind," she replied honestly. "I know everything we've been through will be worth it when we finally hold this baby."

"Sometimes you just amaze me," he whispered.

"Good," she grinned. "Don't you forget it!"

"Never," he promised.

"We can go downstairs if you want," she offered. "I think I've had enough of a nap."

"I don't know," he said with a smile, "I'm pretty comfortable right here."

"This does feel pretty wonderful," she agreed.

"Are you hungry?"

She had to laugh. "Mark, I'm seven months pregnant! What do you think?"

"Sorry," he laughed, "let me rephrase. Do you want dinner now?"

She considered this for a few moments, then admitted, "Actually, at the moment, I'm not that bothered. Why?"

"Let's just stay here for a while," he said as he pulled her closer and rested his hand next to hers.

"You won't hear any arguments from me," she agreed as she snuggled closer to him.

After a few moments, a huge smile crossed his face as he said, "He just kicked!"

"I know," she nodded with a smile. "He's been at it most of the day. I think we may have a football player on our hands here."

"With a kick like that, I think he'd be better as a soccer player," Mark suggested.

"Exactly," Elizabeth grinned, "football."

He stared at her for a moment, until he remembered that soccer was referred to as football in England. "Okay," he laughed, "have it your way."

"You're learning. Slowly, but you're learning," she teased.

He just laughed as he lightly caressed her belly. He hesitated, but then commented, "I thought the whole point of going on maternity leave was so you could take it easy until the baby was born."

She sighed softly, then pointed out, "I am taking it easy, Mark."

He drew in a deep breath, before he carefully countered, "Elizabeth, spending all day running around town planning the wedding isn't exactly taking it easy."

Several moments passed before she spoke. "After everything we've been though these past months, I just want this wedding to be perfect. We deserve that."

"I know," he whispered. "And I want to marry you more than anything. I just don't want you overdoing it."

"I won't," she promised. With a grin, she added, "Once we're married, if you want, you can tie me to the bed until I give birth."

He laughed, then admitted, "That wasn't quite what I had planned for our wedding night, but if that's what you want..."

She carefully turned so that she was lying on her back, then smiled as she watched him. "We're going to make it, Mark."

"Yes, we are," he agreed as he lowered his lips to her.

She let her hand linger on his cheek as the kiss ended. "Want to head downstairs for dinner?"

"Getting hungry?" he chuckled.

She smiled sheepishly. "Mmhmm."

"I hope you in the mood for Italian."

"What do you mean?" she questioned with a confused expression.

"I hope you're in the mood for Italian," he repeated. "I stopped by and picked up dinner on my way home. Chicken cannelloni, minestrone, Caesar salad and chocolate mousse."

"Ohh, that sounds absolutely lovely," she murmured appreciatively. "But how did you know I wouldn't have dinner waiting when you got home?"

"I tried calling here about an hour before my shift was over. The machine picked up, so I figured you weren't home yet," he explained. "I also figured you'd be tired when you did get home, and wouldn't feel like fixing anything."

"Thank you," she smiled as she kissed him tenderly.

Pushing back the blanket, he stood up a moment later and walked around to her side of the bed. After helping her up, he slipped his arm around the back of her waist as they left the bedroom.

I'd love to know what you think. Please seed all comments and feedback to: SixteenOzs02@yahoo.com

April 06, 2001

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