Chapter 18

"Kevin!" Brian called running down the hall to meet up with his cousin.

Kevin glanced up from his paper work. "Hello, Brian."

The pediatrician took a deep breath. "Um...Could I talk you?"

Richardson rolled his green eyes. "You are talking to me."

Brian groaned. "Okay, could I talk to you with you actually listening to me for once?"

"Okay, shoot."

"I want to apologize. You and I haven't been on the best terms lately."

"That's putting it mildly, Littrell."

"Look, Kev, just because we both have different perspectives and ideas as doctors doesn't make either of us less talented or intelligent. I shouldn't criticize you so often for your decisions and I definitely shouldn't have been so rude with you when you snapped at Katie. Although, you did the deserve it."

Kevin smirked. "What the hell kind of apologize was that?"

"The best you're gonna' get. Take it or leave it," Brian chuckled.

"I'll take it, although it wasn't necessary I do appreciate it. And there's nothing wrong with you disagreeing with my decisions. If Annie has another idea that you feel is better for the patient, I encourage you to use it. I've always admired you for being so persistent with your patients well-being."

Brian's jaw dropped. "You do?"

"Naturally. In my line of work, you normally don't get to know the patient like you do. We barely even know there name. Only their medical past and the surgery we need to perform."

"It was that way until you had to operate on Annie," Brian said softly.

"True. That girl gave me a hell of scare, but unfortunately it took her illness to open my eyes to how pathetic I've been toward patients and even myself."

"How is Annie doing anyway?" Brian asked. "She's been here...Eight days now?"

Kevin nodded. "Funny you ask, I was just getting ready to see her. She's still weak, weaker and sicker than she'd care to admit. But she's getting feisty and testy with me."

"That's a very good sign considering the patient," Littrell laughed.

"How are things with Katie going?"

Brian blushed smiling at the mention of her name. "Wonderful. She's the sweetest girl I've ever met and pretty as a picture."

"Yes, she is a nice girl."

"And things with Annie?"

Kevin turned away speaking quickly. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Oh come off it, Kev! You adore that sassy redhead!"

"Well, maybe I do, but if I did right now my main concern is her health. And it's none of your business."

"Kevin...Come on, Kevy Kev, give me details," Dr.Littrell pressured happy to have gone back to his natural habit of annoying his cousin.

"Things are going well and that's all you need to know."

"You still gonna' to try to let Annie go home tonight?"

"I'll try my damnedest."

"Good, because I wanted to run something by you."

Richardson sighed. "Another one of your brilliant ideas?"

"Yep!"

"Anything like the last brilliant idea you had?"

Brian shook his head. "Oh no, this time it won't take three days of cleanup and no one is at risk for possible head injury."

"That's a relief. What's the plan?"

"I think we should throw a party."

"A party?" Kevin repeated wrinkling his nose.

Brian nodded. "Yeah, you know one of those things where people gather and have fun?" He paused. "Oh, no wonder you don't now what I'm talking about you don't know how to have fun."

"Ha, ha, Patch Adams. Now, what's the reason for this party?"

"I thought it would be nice to throw a party for the new staff members. You've gotta' admit they've really gone through hell since they got here."

Kevin sighed. "Believe me I know and I didn't make it any easier on them. Especially, Annie." He turned to the younger man. "How could I not have noticed she was so sick?"

Brian patted his back. "You can't blame yourself, Kev. Annie didn't let anyone know, she didn't even tell Katie until that day and that's only because she found her getting sick."

"I guess I can't blame myself, but it's hard not to. But I guess that's all the more reason to have a party, right?"

"You're agreeing with me?"

"I can't believe I'm saying this; but yeah, plan the party. It sounds like a good idea. Casual or fancy dress?"

"Dressing up in a hospital?"

"Hey, all of us are desperate to wear something besides scrubs every once in a while, even me. It doesn't have to be formal just an opportunity to wear clothes without scrubs over them, that's all."

"Good point. So, I'll spread the word around to dress up in whatever the person desires. Think we should get a cake? Punch? Balloons?"

"Cake, balloons and punch? What is this a sweet sixteen?"

"No, Kevin, cake, balloons and punch are customary."

"Really?" Kevin said scratching his chin. "All the parties I went to after I was sixteen didn't need any food for enjoyment. We just grabbed a girl headed toward the closet and-"

"KEVIN!" Brian exclaimed. "I don't need details, dude. This isn't a party like that, it's merely a social gathering of friends in the lounge."

"The lounge," Kevin grumbled. "How festive."

"I like the lounge!" Brian argued. "It was there that I first kissed Katie-" He blushed. "I'll just shut up now."

"So, what time is this thing?" Kevin asked finished with organizing his charts.

"Hmm...everyone should be off-duty and able to make it by eight. I'll go to the grocery store on my break and pick up the stuff we need. You just make sure everyone knows to be there and get Annie there."

"Yeah, I'll wheel her down."

"Wheel?"

Kevin nodded. "Yeah, I'm not letting her out of a wheelchair."

Brian moaned. "You're forcing Annie to stay in a wheelchair?"

"Yes, she's still hurting a lot when she walks, so, she's staying in that damn chair until I get her to the car. That is, if I decide she can go home tonight."

"She's gonna' be pissed as hell at you."

Richardson smirked. "She normally finds a reason to be anyway."

"I can't say I blame her," Brian laughed. "I'll see you later."

Kevin waved. "See ya', Bri." He put away all of his of now organized charts and made his way to Annie's hospital room. He chuckled as he opened the door. "Stop that," he playfully lectured as he watched her struggling to remove her hospital bracelet.

Annie rolled her eyes. "The warden is back." She extended her wrist to him. "Can't you take this stupid thing off now?"

"No, honey, I'm afraid I can't."

She glanced at her arm. "What about the IV? Could it finally go?"

"Fraid' not. It's staying until I say you're free to go. The extra vitamins and nutrients won't hurt you. I was nice enough to let you ditch the hospital gown and stay in your regular pajamas, don't push your luck."

"I thought you said I could go home tonight?"

He gently took her wrist taking her pulse. "Yes, if everything keeps on going well, I'll take you home tonight."

"I'm so sick of lying in this damn bed. Isn't there something I could do?"

"Like what?" he asked taking the stethoscope down from his neck placing it on her back. "Take a deep breath for me."

Annie obeyed waiting until he had finished to continue her argument. "Well, I could do paper work from this stupid bed."

"No, Annie, you are not working for the next six weeks. Do you understand me? You're recovering from an emergency surgery and a severe infection, so we're taking every necessary precaution."

"Well, you can't handle the OR alone it's too much for someone. Who's going to help you?"

"Community already sent us someone who's helping out."

She sighed. "I feel worthless. I want to get back to work."

"Well, I want you back, too. But I want you back completely well."

"But-"

"Stop fighting me on this, Red." He leant in toward her gently kissing her forehead. He brought his palm to her brow. "You feel a little feverish to me."

"I'm fine, Kev. Could I go home now? I feel fine."

Kevin shook his head grabbing the thermometer. "You're not fine. You still look awfully pale to me and you need to rest a little more. I know you don't like listening to me, but for once you need to."

She groaned as he placed the thermometer to her ear. "I am so tired of people constantly taking my temperature, feeling my pulse, listening to me breathe, watching to make sure I eat enough...It's no wonder patients are so irritable. And did I ever tell you I loathe for people to touch my forehead? Do have any idea how many people have touched my damn forehead lately?!"

"Honey, it's the fastest way to get information and people do it out of habit. Besides, you didn't complain the day of your surgery and it was occurring repetitively. And you don't get angry when I do it."

"Well, at that point I honestly didn't give a damn; and you're an exception to the rule."

Kevin retrieved the thermometer. "Well, I'm happy to find out I'm so special. 99.4. See? I was right, you do have a mild fever. Maybe you should stay one more night."

"So? People get mild fevers all the time for practically no reason at all. Kevin, you are not listening to me! I can't stand being confined like this much longer!"

He shook his head. "You sound worse than the patients in pediatrics."

"At least they have a toy room. Kev, can't you please just let me go home? You and Katie are both staying with me taking shifts. I'll have a nurse or a surgeon with me most of the time. I'll be perfectly fine."

He sighed. "Maybe."

She smiled at him. "Please?"

"Don't give me the puppy eyes, it won't work. Oh! I forgot to tell you. I had a hospital bed delivered to your apartment."

"What?" Annie crossed her arms. "I don't need a hospital bed!"

"You're still having a lot of pain moving around. A hospital bed will make it easier for you to get in and out of bed."

She rolled her eyes as he took the control forcing her to lay down as the bed moved to the new position. "Great. Just great."

He stood over her giving her a sympathetic smile. "I want you to take a nap. You look tired."

"I'm not sleepy. I'd rather be helping or doing something."

"Annie, are you giving him a hard time?" Katie sighed stepping into the room.

Annie groaned. "He won't leave me alone or let me go home yet."

"Well, maybe he has a good reason."

"I do," Kevin stated. "She has a mild fever."

"How high?" Katie asked feeling her friend's forehead.

"Argh! Must you touch my forehead?" the redhead whined.

Katie crossed her arms. "Annie, lay there and behave."

"It's 99.4." Kevin answered. "I just want her to take a nap, then I'll probably let her go home before she starts petitioning with other patients and starts a protest against the staff."

"See," Katie whispered patting her arm. "If you just take a nap you'll probably wake up and feel a lot better and then Kevin can take you home."

"Don't to talk me like I'm a child," the female surgeon sighed.

The nurse chuckled. "Well, you act like one, honey." She glanced down at the bed. "Including your Strawberry Shortcake quilt you insisted I bring from your apartment."

Annie pouted. "It was a cute cartoon."

Katie nodded. "Yes, but most people out grew it by the time they were ten. You, however, had to go against the trend."

"I normally do."

"I know," Katie sighed. "Believe me I know. Now, are you going to behave so I can check up on you?"

"Not necessary," Kevin interjected. "I already did it," he said handing over her chart to the petite nurse.

"Oh, so she lets you take her vitals? Now, I know how to get what I need from her, just send you in." Katie laughed walking back to the door. "I'll see you guys later. And Annie you better take a nap, young lady!"

Annie groaned. "As if it isn't enough that my mother has been calling five times everyday since I've been here, I have you and Katie mothering me."

Kevin gently stroked his fingers over her cheekbone. "Well, you need it. I promised to take care of you and a promise is something to be kept." He softly kissed her pale lips. "I'll be back later and I have a surprise for you tonight if you're a good girl and take a nap."

She looked up at him wearily. "Are you blackmailing me?"

He smiled. "That depends. Is it working?"

Annie shut her eyes and nestled her head against the pillow as he tucked her in. "Yes."

Kevin pushed her red tresses away from her face. "I'll be back later." He quietly left the room turning out the light behind him.

"Oh, excuse me!" Nick apologized as he bumped into the doctor.

"Quite all right, Carter," Richardson said regaining his footing.

"How's Annie?" Nick asked.

"Asleep after a little bribery."

Kevin looked at the medical student studying him. "Nick, you like animals?"

"Yeah, I love them."

"Good. You like puppies?"

"Yep."

"Good. I have an assignment for you."

"An assignment, sir?"

"Yes," Kevin replied taking a piece of paper from his pocket. "I need you to go to this address and pick something up from me."

Nick looked at the paper. "Cocker spaniel puppies? You want a puppy? Um, no offense but you're not the biggest dog lover I've ever met. Are you sure you want a puppy? They're a lot of responsibility and-"

Kevin released a deep sigh. "Nick, end your seminar on dog care. It's not for me it's for Annie. When she was waking up from the surgery she mentioned wanting a dog, so, if she wants a dog she'll get a dog."

"You're so whoomped," Nick snickered.

"What?" Kevin gasped. "I am not whoomped! And the term's 'whipped', kid."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. Does it matter which dog I get?"

"Yes!" Richardson exclaimed. "It matters a great deal! I went and specifically picked out the dog she's getting. It's the chubby, lazy one with gold fur and brown eyes named Buddy."

"Why that one?" Nick asked scratching his head.

"Because I'm going to be at Annie's a lot the next few weeks, and if I know Annie that means the little beast will always be present. And if I have to deal with an indoor mutt it might as well be a lazy one."

Nick shook his head reading the flyer. "They're not mutts. They're purebreds. Look," he said pointing to the blue paper.

"Argh," Kevin growled handing Nick the green collar for the animal. "Just go get the little rodent!"

"It's not a rodent. A dog is a canine.."

"JUST GO!" Kevin hollered in exasperation. "And I'm putting you in charge of watching the little demon."

"Why me?"

"Because AJ might decide to wear the dog's collar as a new accessory and I'd never get to give Annie the damn thing. Now, I don't want that dog roaming the halls or Annie knowing about it. It's hard enough to keep her in bed, let alone trying to keep her there when a puppy is involved."

Nick groaned walking down the hallway. "I'm a magnet for puking kids and I'm the one he decides to put in charge of watching a puppy? Why do I have a bad feeling about this?"

********************************

"Oh, hey, Brian," Katie greeted as she looked up grabbing her water bottle from the vending machine as he entered the lounge.

"Hey, Katie," he smiled walking toward the machine hugging her tightly. "How's your day going?"

She sighed. "Hectic as always. And getting Annie to behave is always an event. You?"

"Things are looking up," he said grabbing his coat from his locker.

"Where are you off to?"

"The grocery store to pick up some things for the party."

"Party? What party?"

"A party for all the new employees. You guys deserve it. And we're all dressing in something other than scrubs for once!"

Katie sighed. "You mean getting bit by a crazy patient and wearing ugly scrubs  isn't my only gift for signing on with the Backstreet General staff? There's more?"

"Much more," Brian chuckled speaking as a game show host. "As a member of Backstreet General you shall receive or witness the following: beating up patients, virus outbreaks, getting kicked by patients, dragging around IVs on the job, grouchy supervisors, giving care in the ghetto, severe emotional stress and emergency surgery!"

"Oh, who could resist!" Katie cheered in fake happiness. "But there was a bonus," she smiled softly kissing his lips.

"What's that?"

She kissed him again. "Romance."

He nodded wrapping his arms around her waist. "How could I forget!"

"Oh, whoa, sorry!" AJ gasped as he stepped into the lounge, Howie entering behind him. He quickly turned around. "We'll just come back later!"

"No, no, AJ, Howie, it's okay," Katie laughed pulling away from Brian's embrace. "It was just kissing. That's all."

AJ fidgeted nervously at the door. "Yeah, but kissing can lead to um...other stuff."

Howie sighed slapping the rebel lightly on the back of the head. "They're not like that, you dope!"

AJ wrinkled his nose. "Why not? It's fun!"

Katie sighed shaking her head. "AJ, stop while you're ahead."

Brian buttoned his coat. "Hey, guys, I'm glad you're here. There's a small party for you guys tonight."

"A party for me?" AJ beamed.

"For everyone really, the new members of the staff for everything you've gone through and getting through it so well."

"Will chicks be there?" AJ asked his face glowing.

"Only Katie and Annie," Brian answered.

"Figures. The two gals that are taken," AJ pouted. He paused. "You know, it's really not fair. The first day Kevin met Annie he got to see her in bra, man! Then, you know he got to see a lot performing surgery! And Brian got to take Katie and-"

"AJ!" Howie shouted covering his mouth. "That is so disgusting we will not even go there!"

Katie gave Brian a quick kiss on the cheek. "I'll see you later tonight, I'm getting out of here before AJ's testosterone levels leave me traumatized."

Howie faced Brian. "So, when is this thing?"

"Eight o'clock and feel free to dress in something other than the standard uniform if you wish."

Howie nodded grabbing a soda. "All right, I'll see you then."

AJ snickered. "So, we can wear anything we want?"

Brian groaned. "Keep it clean and somewhat sane, AJ."

The student sighed. "If I must."

"Well, if you'll excuse me I have to go to the store to get some stuff for the party."

"What kind of stuff?"

"The usual. Cake, punch and balloons."

AJ's jaw dropped. "Brian, my man, you can't forget music!"

Brian grinned. "You're right! I've got some Vince Gill cds in my car."

"Vince Gill?" AJ painted a fake smile on his face. "Never mind, Brian, I'll bring the music."

*****************************

"Annie, Annie...Wake up, honey," Kevin said softly shaking her shoulder.

"Hmmm...." Annie moaned opening her dazed eyes.

Kevin patted her knee. "Get up, it's time to check you out and see if you can go home."

She sat up slowly. "Home? That sounds good. Home is good."

Kevin chuckled at her confused tone. "Yeah, something like that."

She rubbed the sleep from her eyes. "What time is it?"

"Almost eight o'clock." He placed the thermometer to her ear. "How do you feel?"

"Ready to get the hell out of here and never ever come back."

Richardson smirked retrieving the device. "Annie, you kinda' have to come back. You work here."

The redhead yawned. "Oh yeah."

"Congratulations, Red," he said allowing her to read the numbers. "98.6. Your temperature is perfectly normal."

"Hallelujah!" she praised pulling at her arm.

Kevin squinted. "Just what do you think you're doing?"

"Taking out my IV," she said simply.

"Stop," he ordered softly pulling her hand away. "I'll take it out along with your hospital bracelet, then we can go to the party."

"Party?" Annie paused looking at his new outfit as he turned on the lights. He wore a light gray sweater and black jeans. Her jaw dropped. "You look good, Kevin." She grinned looking at the tightness of the jeans and sweater around his muscular form. "You look damn good."

"Thanks," he answered his cheeks flushing with color. "But to answer your question the party is just kind of like a break from all the hell we've been dealing with here lately." He finished removing the medical items from her body. "You ready to go to the party?"

She looked down at her pajamas. "Dressed like this?"

"You look fine, although that T-shirt is way too thin for the cold weather. So, I brought you my spare sweatshirt I had in my locker," he said placing it in her lap.

Annie sighed. "My boyfriend's baggy sweatshirt and my pajama buttons with piggy faces on them. I won't be winning any fashion awards tonight."

"You look fine," he argued slipping the shirt over her head guiding her arms through the sleeves lifting her hair out the collar. "Although, you are the only person I know that could see pigs as cute."

"They are!" she debated looking down at the sleeves that hung over her hands. She looked up at him chuckling. "I think it's a little big."

He laughed attempting to find her hands in the material. "Yeah, I'd say so. But it's warm. Come on, let's you in the wheelchair."

Her lips tightened together, her eyes narrowing as she glared at it. "Wheelchair? No! I will not!"

Kevin sighed as he pulled her to her feet guiding her toward the chair. "Annie, it's policy."

"I won't sit in front of my coworkers looking sick and weak in a wheelchair!"

Kevin groaned. "I knew this was going to happen."

**************************************

"Whoo, party time, people!" AJ shouted as he made his grand entrance into the lounge.

"You look nice, AJ." Katie said politely looking at his outfit.

AJ pulled at the open black shirt showcasing a white tank top underneath. "Well, thank you, my dear! You look quite beautiful yourself."

Katie glanced down at her red top and black skirt. "Well, thank you very much, AJ, it's quite nice to be in something other than tennis shoes and scrubs for once. I exactly feel like a normal girl."

"Well, I think you look radiant!" Brian beamed sneaking behind her.

Katie jumped bringing her hand to her chest. "You scared me! But thank you for the compliment."

AJ looked at Brian's outfit. "Black slacks? A dark blue shirt with a silver tie and black jacket? What are you a teacher?"

"Oh, be nice," Katie said smiling up at Brian. "I think he looks adorable!"

"You would," AJ groaned. "If you will excuse I'm going to make my way to the stereo and control the music before Howie gets in here blasting his salsa crap or Brian plays Vince Gill."

Katie wrinkled her nose facing Brian. "Why in the world do you listen to Vince Gill?"

"No, no, no! Stay here with me puppy!" Nick begged as he ran into the lounge chasing the dog. "If you get in trouble, I get in trouble! And trust me you don't want to be on Kevin's bad side!"

"Whoa there little guy!" Howie whispered as the dog ran into his legs as he opened the door joining the gathering. He lifted up the chubby puppy. "Who's this little guy?"

Nick panted cleaning off his green shirt and khakis the animal had managed to spill food on. "That would be Buddy, the dog Kevin got for Annie. And he hates me."

Howie shook his head as the dog rested it's head against his blue shirt, bopping it's tail against his gray pants the golden fur shedding onto the material. "He doesn't hate you he just wanted you to share with him, that's all."

"Argh!" the group heard Annie growling from the hallway. "Kevin, I can walk!"

"Oh, hide the dog!" Nick yelled searching for a hiding spot.

AJ rolled his eyes. "Where in the hell are we suppose to hide a dog?"

"I don't know!" the blonde gasped. "But Kevin said not to let her see it!"

"Here," Brian said gently taking the dog from Howie's hands. "Katie, could you make sure that box under the table is empty?"

Katie looked inside the cardboard box. "Yep, it's clear."

"Okay," he whispered placing the puppy into the box. "Now, you just lay there and be quiet a few minutes. Then, you can meet your owner."

Katie helped him position the tablecloth keeping the animal hidden from view. "Oh, hi, Annie!" she exclaimed as Kevin wheeled her inside.

"Hello, Katie," Annie sighed keeping her arms crossed. "You look very nice."

Nick smirked. "What's wrong?"

Annie pointed toward Kevin. "This ox won't let me walk!"

"I'm not an ox!"

Nick squinted. "She's right Kev, you do kinda' look like an ox."

Richardson rolled his eyes. "Shut up, Carter."

Katie walked over toward the redhead giving her a big hug. "So, how did Kevin get you to behave?"

"His normal approach."

"What would that be?" Brian laughed leary of the answer.

Kevin shrugged. "I'm bigger, I picked her up and set her in it. It was actually quite simple."

"Super Man reject," Annie grumbled. She paused as she heard a slight whimpering. "What was that?"

"What was what?" Nick answered uneasily.

"That whimpering sound," she whispered listening closely.

Kevin turned to Nick who discretely pointed to the table. "Well, that," he said with a sigh pulling back the tablecloth. "Would be your surprise. Meet Buddy."

"PUPPY!" Annie squealed standing.

"Sit!" Kevin ordered taking the dog in his arms. "You sit there and behave. No, lifting the chubby thing. I'll help you hold him."

"Don't call it a thing!" Annie snapped reaching out for the animal. "Hi, honey," she cooed rubbing his chubby belly almost crying from happiness. "How's my baby? Mommy loves you."

"Oh God..." Katie groaned. "She's known the dog one minute and she's already calling it 'baby' and referring to herself as 'Mommy'." She shook her head. "Kevin, what have you gotten yourself into?"

"I don't know," Kevin said wearily watching the redhead hold the puppy. "Annie, you don't have to hold it like that. It's not an infant."

"It's my doggie and I'll hold him however I see fit," she argued continuing to rock Buddy back and forth.

"Aw, I think it's sweet," Brian said watching the dog calm down in Annie's grasp.

Kevin crossed his arms. "Don't encourage her. All I know is she's going to be at home a lot and thought she might like the company." He grimaced as the dog proceeded to lick his hand looking up at him affectionately. "Oh, ew, dog germs! Don't lick me!"

"He likes you," Annie said softly hugging him tightly as Kevin's hand continued to be drooled on. "And don't yell at him."

"Great," the man said with a sigh as Buddy lathered his hand in doggie drool.

Katie took a deep breath. "Well, anyone want some cake?"

"I DO!" all the men shouted in anticipation at the thought of food.

"I'll help you serve," Brian volunteered coming to her side.

"I'll serve the punch," Howie stated.

"And I'll play the music!" AJ exclaimed blasting the stereo. "Let's talk about sex baby! Let's talk about you and me!" he sang loudly.

Brian watched the other employees grooving to the beat. "How can you people like this more than Vince Gill?"

"Easily," Katie replied with a chuckle. "Annie, you want some cake?" she asked lifting her head.

"No, we're fine," Annie answered happily keeping Buddy in her lap.

"You want any, Kev?" Brian wondered as he handed Nick and AJ their pieces.

Kevin groaned watching the dog still licking his palm. "No, I'm busy at the moment. Stupid mutt."

"Don't call him stupid and he's not a mutt," Annie warned.

"Yes, dear."

"Damn this is good," Nick said as he happily devoured his cake.

Katie giggled. "Make sure to take time to chew, Nick."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah."

Kevin wiped his hands with a napkin disposing of the Buddy's saliva. "Well, Annie, I think I should get you and the King of Drool home."

"May I walk myself?"

"No, you may sit there and hold Buddy."

Annie shrugged scratching the puppy's ears. "Make the best of it, Buddy, this is the only time Kevin will ever be our chauffeur."

Katie laughed. "I'll see you after the party, Annie, I'm staying with you tonight."

The redhead groaned. "I don't need anyone to stay with me."

"Well, get used to it I'll be there in a few hours to let Kevin off the hook and make sure you two haven't killed each other or bickered so much you've lost your voices."

"Ha, ha, ha," Annie sarcastic replied as Kevin wheeled her out of the room the employees chorusing their goodbyes and get well wishes.

AJ continued to play around with the stereo system playing a ballad. "Okay, Katie and Brian, this little diddy goes out to you lovebirds."

Brian extended his hand to the small brunette. "Care to dance?"

She smiled accepting his hand. "My pleasure."

AJ sighed listening to the music. "I wish I had someone to dance with."

"Oh, AJ! I thought you'd never ask!" Nick exclaimed rushing up to him.

The group burst into a fit of laughter watching the medical students dancing crazily across the floor bumping into each other along with anyone else in the path of destruction.

Howie shook his head. "I've only got one question. Who's the guy and who's the girl?"

Brian laughed. "Howie, I think it's better for our sanity if we don't find out."

~*~

"Man that was one hell of a party." AJ sighed, rubbing his full stomach.

"You can say that again." Nick agreed, lazily sitting in a folding chair.

"Man that was-"

"God AJ, I didn't mean literally!" AJ grinned angelically at Nick. Nick sighed.

"Freak." AJ pretended to look insulted but it didn't work.

"Yes, but you love me anyway." Katie smiled happily at him from where she was laying on the couch, her head in Brian's lap.

"Of course we do AJ!"

Brian agreed. "You make this place much more lively and the patients love you. As long as that keeps happening be a freak all you want." Nick frowned.

"I hope they like me. I'm not a freak." Brian turned.

"No, you're not. But you're a good doctor and you care. Both of you will be excellent once you are on your own. I have no concerns."

AJ and Nick grinned happily.

"Thanks." They said in unison. Nick laughed.

"Think they'll stop puking on me one I'm on my own." Brian cracked up.

"Think again Nicky." Katie rolled her eyes and sat up to start cleaning the huge mess that was left over from the celebration.

"Okay, who's gonna help me clean up this mess?"

None of the relaxed workers moved. Katie sighed.

"Men." It was Brian's turn to look insulted. "What do you mean 'men'? I'm good to you!" Katie laughed.

"Yeah, sure you are. You don't clean up!" Brian stood suddenly, catching Katie off guard.

"Why I oughta punish you for that!" He said grabbing her sides.

The nurse squealed in laughter. "Brian...stop...you know...how ticklish..I am." She panted as he tickled her sides. "Guys...Help!" Nick and AJ made like they were going to help, but they too had been insulted at her men comment and held her down as Brian continued the attack.

Five minutes later after Katie swore she would pee her pants, did they  stop. The nurse fell back against the couch out of breath and looked at her happy co workers.

"You know guys, I just want to say I'm really glad we all get to work together. I don't think I've ever had better friends." Nick nodded.

"Yeah, well we've all done some changing the last few weeks we've been together." Brian sighed.

"We have but we've gotten to know each other. That's what being friends is all about." Katie hugged him tight.

"You're so sweet Bri!" He blushed furiously.

"I try."

AJ looked around at the messy lounge where the remains of their party lay. The party that had celebrated their friendship as professionals and at a personal level for some.

"We may have had some milestones guys and we may have learned that things can change in a heartbeat; but in the end I think I can say that we all came out well; and I wouldn't change a thing."

No one had to look around the room as they all knew everyone was in unanimous agreement.

THE END

***

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