Title: Game Faces

Disclaimer: Contrary to popular belief (read: my own), I'm in no way associated with ER or any of the characters used in this chapter. Those belong to The Powers That Be and the folks over at Warner Brothers. And since I'm likely breaking all kinds of laws, I'll just say this. No copyright infringement is intended.

Notes: Voila! The second and final lost post-ep of season nine. It's also the chapter that makes the 'Reflections' series complete. Hooray! Look for the full archive at . Thanks for being such a great bunch to write for. :o)

For details on the epilogue, due to be released later this summer, see chapter 21.

Spoilers for season 9's "A Hopeless Wound", if you have not seen it.

"Trick or treat?"

"Excuse me?"

I glance up at Carter out of the corner of my eye as we walk across the street towards my building. "I said… Trick, or treat?"

He throws me a confused look, dropping my hand and shuffling off to the side to give a group of costumed kids the right of way. He smiles warmly at them before catching my eye again. "I'm sorry… I don't get…"

I sigh and shake my head, laughing at his expression. "Come on, Carter. Play along." I reach for his hand again, turning to continue our stroll. "Trick or treat… Pick one."

"Oh, Umm…" He pauses for a moment and looks off into the distance, as if he's giving each choice careful thought. A playful grin accompanies his answer. "Treat, of course."

I roll my eyes. Of course. I smile to myself as we side step yet another pair of Halloweeners as they run past us laughing – parents lagging several paces behind. I laugh again, glancing over my shoulder as the two kids race up the stairs of the next building, their chants of 'Trick or treat' and 'Halloween apples' ringing through the crisp October air. I bite back a twinge of nostalgia, looking back up the street to my apartment.

"Abby?"

"Hmm?"

"Are you okay?"

"Hmm? Oh, yeah…" I give my head a quick shake and look up at my boyfriend, smiling. "I'm fine."

He regards me for an extra second before nodding. "Okay, so…"

"So… Trick or treat?"

"I said treat."

"That's right, you did."

"So…"

"So…" I swing around in front of him, halting Carter in his tracks. He stops abruptly, frowning for a moment. He opens his mouth to protest, but I reach up and drag his head down to my level, cutting him off with a kiss. Releasing him several seconds later, I take a step back and watch as he reacts, a slow, sexy smile taking shape where my lips just left.

"What… What was that for?" He inquires, his voice caught in his throat.

I shrug and pull him up the steps to my building, casting a sultry look over my shoulder. "You said 'treat.'"

He groans behind me and I giggle, squeezing his hand and dragging him the rest of the way to the door. As I pull my keys out from my pocket and reach for the doorknob, he leans himself against the wall, watching me with silent interest. I peer at him out of the corner of my eye as I attempt to unlock the door. "What?"

"Trick or treat?" He responds, wiggling his eyebrows mischievously.

I look up at him as I turn and shove my hip against the door, popping it open. "Trick."

His expression falls. "And trick means what, exactly?"

I shrug again. "You tell me."

He shakes his head and pushes himself off the doorframe. "What are we doing here?"

"We're… Having fun."

"Hmm, well…" He steps closer, hovering above me. "I think I'll be the judge of that."

I roll my eyes. "Get inside."

I shove him through the open door and he leads the way inside. He waits patiently as I stop to retrieve my mail, before guiding me up the stairs to the second floor. In the hallway, I glance down at the keys in my hand, fumbling for the one to my apartment. Apparently he takes my distraction as an opportunity for a surprise attack, as he suddenly spins around, grabs my shoulders and pushes me against the wall.

"Trick," he states lowly and matter-of-factly. "You said trick."

I eye him curiously. "Yeah…"

He licks his lips. "Kiss me again. Like you did on the sidewalk…"

I grin, reaching up on my tiptoes, snaking a hand around his neck to the back of his head. Don't have to ask me twice, I pull him down and kiss him – as requested – full on the lips. I push myself away from the wall, swaying him further into the hallway as I wrap my other arm around his torso. Pulling away a moment later, I tip my head back and raise my eyebrows.

"Like that?"

He groans, lunging for me again. I brace my hands on his chest, trying to push him away.

"Carter, stop… Carter! We have an audience."

He pulls himself up, frowning. I smirk lightly and gesture over his shoulder. The sound of someone giggling can be heard behind us, and we slowly part, greeting our visitor sheepishly.

"Hey, Lena."

The young woman beams widely, trying to contain her excitement. She's wearing a witch's hat and clutches a large bowl of candy.

"Hi you guys. Happy Halloween."

I look up at Carter, whose blush is starting to fade, then back at my neighbor. "You too. Aren't you supposed to be handing out candy?"

"Yeah… I just came upstairs for a refill." She pauses and examines Carter in his skeleton pants. "Were you two working?"

I nod. "Yup."

"Ahh… Well. Cool." She stares at us for a moment more before shrugging and looking towards the stairs. "I think I'm going to go and see if I can't get rid of the rest of this… Night, you two."

"Night!" I call out as she retreats down the stairs and elbow Carter in the ribs.

"Ow! Goodnight, Lena!"

I shake my head and turn towards my apartment door, fitting the key in the lock. "Way to go, Romeo. Now she thinks we can't keep our hands off each other."

"We can't." He points out, slipping his arms around me from behind.

"Speak for yourself." I retort, opening the door and flipping on the lights. He lets go and follows me inside, shedding his jacket as he enters. I do the same and hand mine to him to hang up in the closet.

"Argh," I groan as I flip on the light in the kitchen.

"What's wrong?"

I shake my head and pick up the bag of candy sitting on the table. "I forgot to give it to Lena this morning." He gives me an unsure look and I clarify, "For the kids."

He nods. "You can probably still catch her."

I shrug. "Or you could give it to her… You know, since you embarrassed me and all."

He puts his hands up in mock defense. "Hey now. Who kissed who?"

"It's a game, Carter." I sing lightly as I flip through the mail.

"Oh, so we're playing a game, now…"

I sigh and look up at him. "Yes. And it's your turn. Trick or treat?"

He tips a kitchen chair back and forth. "Treat."

I shake my head and continue sorting the mail. "Mmm… Can't do that."

"Why not?"

"Because you've already picked treat. Now you have to pick trick."

"Says you?"

I put the stack in the middle of the table and glare at him. "Says the rules, Boney Boy."

"But you're making up the rules."

I smile sweetly. "So I am."

"Why'd you even give me a choice, then?"

I shrug. "It's in the rules."

He sighs with frustration. "You're impossible, you know that?"

"And yet you can't resist me." I stare at him for a moment and giggle. I'm having a hard time keeping my composure when he looks so ridiculous.

He throws his hands up. "Fine. Trick. What do you want me to do?"

I pause, tipping my head from one side to another as I contemplate my next proposition. He stares at me expectantly.

"Abby…"

I roll my eyes and turn around, opening the refrigerator. "I'm thinking."

"About what?"

"Are you hungry?"

Another sigh. "No. Why?"

I peer over the door at Carter in his costume. ""Cuz you're looking a little skinny."

"Very funny."

I pull a bottle of water out and shut the door. Opening it, I reach over the counter, nabbing a lone drinking glass from beside the sink and fill it with the contents from the bottle. All the while with my back to him. I can feel him watching me, growing increasingly more exasperated with each passing second. I love it.

"Abby…" He pleads, his voice taking on a little more whine.

I turn around. "Did you really lose your virginity when you were eleven years old?"

His eyes grow wide with a look like he'd just been slapped. "Excuse me?"

"Trick. Answer the question. Did you really lose your virginity when you were eleven?"

His eyes flicker around the room quickly. "I don't see how that…"

I narrow my gaze. "Carter…"

"Yes. I did."

"With the maid?"

"Yes."

I take a sip of water, set the glass on the counter, and cross an arms over my chest. "Was she pretty?"

"Not really…" He raises an eyebrow, looking at me suspiciously. "Jealous?"

"Of her, or you?"

We stand there for several seconds, staring each other down. I smile and tip my head, hoping my expression will be enough to break him first. I'm right, I realize, as I'm rewarded with laughter. He shakes his head and closes the distance between us, draping an arm over my shoulders, guiding me to the couch.

"Trick or treat?"

I sigh softly as I plop down on the cushions. "Treat."

He sits down on the coffee table next to me and pats his thigh. "Feet up."

I smile knowingly and oblige, raising my legs and settling myself back against the couch. He throws me a wink before he diverts his attention downwards, removing my sneakers gently. I close my eyes and lean my head back as he begins to knead the flesh through my tights, making sure to give the tender spots a little extra loving.

"How's that?"

"Mmm... Nice."

"Good."

I gasp a little when his thumb makes contact with a knot, then sigh again as he soothes it out. I'm literally putty in his hands right now. It probably wouldn't take much for me to fall asleep right here, which would take all the fun out of my plans for the evening.

Obviously Carter doesn't want me to drift off quite so easily, either, as his voice pulls me out of reverie.

"It was something that happened, you know. Not exactly a moment to be proud of."

I open my eyes and study him for a moment. "First times rarely are."

He scoffs a little, smiling. "Yeah."

"Except ours."

He pauses for a second and looks up, catching my gaze. "Yeah."

I blink once, slowly and sit up, pulling my feet out of his lap. I lean forward and motion to him with my index finger. He meets me halfway and I wrap my arms around his neck, kissing him lightly on the nose.

"Thank you."

He sighs. "You're welcome."

I take a deep breath and push myself off the couch. "Your turn. Trick or treat?"

He grins like a little boy. "Treat."

I nod sharply and step around his legs, heading towards the bedroom. Pausing in the doorway, I turn around and am greeted with a frown.

"Where are you going?"

I point to the couch and smile. "Just wait there. I'll be right back."

I traipse through the bedroom and into the bathroom, throwing on the light. Pulling back the shower curtain, I lean over, yanking on the taps full blast. After testing the water with my fingers, I plug the drain and grab the shower gel off the shelf. It's not bubble bath, but it will do. I squeeze the bottle until I'm satisfied, then place it back in its spot. Steam and suds quickly fill the tub and the air surrounding, and I give one last look around the room before returning to my muse.

His voice calls to me as I cross the width of the bedroom.

"Abby..."

I stop in the doorway to the bedroom with my hands on my hips, a self-satisfied expression casually splashed on my face. "Okay. My turn."

From his spot on the couch, he sends me a pained look. "What about my treat?"

"It's coming," I inform, subtracting a few paces between us.

"But..."

I roll my eyes. "It's coming, Carter. Ask me."

He contemplates my demand for a second before conceding with a sigh. "Trick or Treat?"

I take my spot o the sofa again. "Trick."

"Are those real?"

"I'm sorry?" I give him a sideways look and realize his gaze has honed in on my chest.

Of course, why wouldn't he ask? I've been walking around all day with my cleavage up around my neck – a look I'd normally be too self-conscious and/or embarrassed to sport, had it not been for the image I've been trying to portray.

He clears his throat nervously. "I mean... The dress, and the bra, of course... They aren't real, are they?"

I laugh a little at his expense. "Subtle." I turn towards him and lean in, so he can get a better view. I lower my voice an octave. "Would you like to play with my breasts, Carter?"

He blushes shyly and tries to shift away from me, as if to prove a point. "I'm not, I'm just..."

I raise an eyebrow and stare at him for several seconds before reaching into my bra, pulling out two silicon cups. I toss them his way. "Here you go. Knock yourself out."

He recoils in slight horror, though his face shows a glimmer of joyful victory at having been right. He lets the falsies fall to rest between us, trying unsuccessfully to keep his eyes from drifting back to them every few seconds.

"Trick or Treat?" I offer in an attempt to distract him.

He shakes his head sharply. "Well, according to the rules... I guess I'm on trick."

I jump to my feet. "Yes. Stand up."

He obeys, turning to face me.

"Now strip."

"What?!?" He squeaks, eyes wide.

I laugh, turning on my heel, heading towards the bedroom once more. "Strip, Carter. Take off your costume."

"Hey, now..."

"Just do it." I call loudly as I make my way back to the bathroom. I shut off the water and grab his robe off the back of the door.

I emerge again to find him pulling off his pants, and stop far enough away so as to take in the show.

"You know, the least you could do is strip with me."

I shake my head. "It's not my turn. Underwear, too."

He groans, leaning over to pull his boxers down. Stepping out of them, he kicks them aside and rights himself, arms open wide at his sides. "Happy, now? Is that my robe?"

I admire him for an extra moment or two before handing him the garment, then barely give him enough time to throw it over his shoulders before grabbing his hand and pulling him towards the bedroom. "Come with me."

"Where are we going?"

Duh, Carter.

"You'll see..."

"Abby..."

"Just shut up and let me do this. Geez."

I drag him into the bathroom and loop an arm through his, pulling him to a stop in front of the bathtub.

"What's this?"

That's my man. Always full of insightful questions.

I smile and lean into his side. "It's your treat. A little belated, but better than nothing."

He looks down at me and grins, kissing my forehead. "I thought I'd ordered a sponge bath?"

I shrug. "I didn't want to get water all over the floor. Go ahead. Get in."

He does as told, slipping of his robe and stepping into the tub gingerly, easing himself down into a seated position. I grab a loofa and a bar of soap and quietly kneel down next to him. Lathering up the puff, I dip it into the water and begin a slow, meticulous wash over his body. He moans and leans his head back, closing his eyes.

"Is it too hot?"

"No, it's perfect. Thank you."

I bite my bottom lip with satisfaction. "My pleasure."

"You get in, too."

"No."

His eyes snap open. "Why not?"

I cock my head to the side, putting on what I hope is a sympathetic look as I drag the loofa across his shoulders. "Because that would be against the rules."

His sighs. "Since when?"

"Since now. Treat"

"Get in, Abby." He tries again with a little more force.

"Nope, sorry. Treat."

He bangs his head against the title. "No. I'm saying, that's your treat. Get in."

"And I'm saying, that would be for you."

"Fine… " He relaxes again, and sinks lower into the bath, glancing at me out of the corner of his eyes. "By the way, you do look beautiful in that costume," He adds, a slow smile forming.

"Aww."

"I think it would be great if you wore that to work everyday."

"That's sweet."

"Of course, then, I probably wouldn't get any work done, you know."

I nod in agreement. "Probably not."

"Because you'd distract me."

I shake my head with dismay. "I get the point, Carter. Thank you for the compliment. But I'm not getting into the tub."

He shrugs and closes his eyes again. "Have it your way."

I roll my eyes, biting back a giggle. I drop the loofa into the water with a splash and rock back on my heels. "So... Trick or treat?"

His eyes remain closed. "I lost count."

"Treat."

I nod. "Ahh. Um, okay. Treat." I pause in thought.

He opens his eyes, rolling his head across the tile. He smiles and waggles his eyebrows much in the same way he had outside my building.

My mouth forms a 'no' shape as I rock further back on my heels. "I'm not getting into the tub, Carter."

"How's that a treat for me?" He challenges, glowering at me with mock contempt.

"It's not."

He reaches out of the tub. "I could pull you in."

I rock forward, pushing his arm back. "You won't"

"Or at least, get you all wet. What are you wearing underneath that, anyway?"

I glance around the bathroom distractedly. "Wouldn't you like to know."

"As a matter of fact, I would."

My gaze flickers to him once more and I raise my eyebrows. He opens his mouth in surprise and I stand up, towering above him. I tip my head to the side and look down at him as one of my hands comes up to unfasten the snaps on my costume. I watch him watching me as one by one each button comes undone, until the dress falls open. I step back, allowing him a better look.

His jaw flanks open. "Wh-where'd you get those?" He asks as he eyes me in matching lace white bra, panties and garter-belt.

"They came with the costume..." I laugh. "I bought them, silly boy."

He opens his mouth, shuts it, then smiles. "That's Boney Boy."

I smile knowingly, my eyes drifting over the bubbles that inconveniently obstruct my true view of John Carter. "Oh really? So I take it you like it?"

He gives me another once over and nods. "Absolutely."

"Good. My turn." I kneel down by his side again and retrieve the loofa.

He struggles to regain composure. "Right, right. uh... Trick or trick."

I shake my head as I play with the puff. "Trick or treat."

"But you're on trick."

I catch his eye and wink. "The rules, baby."

He narrows his gaze. "The rules are stupid."

"No one said you have to like them, but if you want to play the game..."

"Maybe I don't want to play the game anymore."

I shrug. "Suit yourself." I drop the loofa and grip the edge of the tub to push myself up.

His hand falls on top of mine, halting me. "When did you realize you couldn't live without me?"

I frown at him. "Where did that come from?"

He shrugs and looks away. "Something I've been thinking about."

"Okay, umm..." I ease myself to the floor again. "It was in Oklahoma. Or rather, the night we got back. When Maggie, umm..."

He nods, quietly.

"I remember thinking 'It can't end like this… not now.'" I dip my fingers into the water and use them to trace patterns on his arm. "I nearly lost it that night, Carter. I would have lost it that night, if it hadn't been for you. I don't think I could have done any of it by myself."

"That's not true, Abby."

I sigh. "It might have been. And I just... I don't know. Later that night, I was sitting outside the ICU and I... I missed you." I glance up at him. "Already, you know."

He swallows hard. "I know. I couldn't sleep that night either. Thinking about you."

I tip my head. "Why didn't you come back, then?"

His eyes flicker off me. "Luka."

I bite my lip. "Oh. Sorry."

"Don't be." He adds, shaking his head.

I nod and lean over, resting my forehead against his arm. Warms droplets stream down my cheek as his other hand strokes the side of my face. I sniff and lift my head, kissing his forearm quickly before straightening my back.

"Hey." I chirp.

"Yeah?"

"Trick or treat?"

His chest rises with a deep breath. "Uh... Trick, I guess."

I lower my gaze and tap his arm lightly. "What's happened between us?" I glance up for a reaction.

His brow furrows in confusion. "What are you talking about?"

I shrug. "I mean... Last week we both said some things. Things that were difficult for us to say. And since then... I don't know. It just seems like you've put on the brakes…" I look away, " … and I wonder if it's something that I did..."

"No. It's not something you did. It's not something that either of us did."

I flick my eyes towards his. "Then... What is it?"

He sighs. "Abby... When you told me that you loved me, it was the greatest moment of my life."

I roll my eyes playfully. "Oh, go on..."

"Just listen to me. It was amazing, hearing you say those words. And I've honestly never been happier than I am with you - now. But I knew that was hard for you to admit - your real feelings. At least, I hoped they were real."

His words give me the strength to look in his eyes. "They are."

"I know. And I didn't want to pressure you. I don't want to pressure you. So if you think we're moving too fast, just say the word, and I'll slow down. But Baby... If you're going to stop me, you need to do it now, because I'm so close to the edge, here."

He holds my gaze as he finishes, waiting for me to respond. Only, I can't. It's not the first time he's made me speechless, and I doubt it will be the last, but I need to do something now, anything to let him know what I want.

I rise from my spot on the bathroom floor, grabbing a towel off the rack. I smile at him and hold it open as a silent invitation to him. He takes it, slowly stepping out of the tub, and I gently wipe dry the drops of water from his torso before wrapping the towel around his waist. He watches me carefully as I move to grab another towel for him, and he catches my hand on return.

"Abby..."

I smile again and shake my head, and he releases his grip, allowing me to wrap the second towel around his shoulders. I'm filled with an odd sense of déjà vu – the actions I take now are a near repeat of those I took that first day out of quarantine.

I slide my hands down his chest and circle his waist with my arms. Leaning in, I inhale his scent and sigh before gazing back up at his face.

His hands come up to cup my cheeks and he looks at me expectantly. "Say something."

I hug him tightly. "Okay."

"Okay... What?"

I look up, again. "I'm not going to ask you to slow down."

He smiles and taps the tip of my nose. "Good. Because I'm not so sure I would be able to."

"Mmm. " I nod, closing my eyes. "Trick... or treat?"

"You pick."

My eyelids flutter open and I find myself staring up at the most beautiful, caring, sexy man I've ever known. And it's all I can do not to shudder at the thought that he's here. Stroking me.

The man of my dreams. Loving me.

I reach up on my tiptoes and kiss him softly, drawing myself closer to him. His hands gently graze my collarbone and slip underneath the fabric of my costume, causing me to drop my arms long enough to let the dress slip to the floor before wrapping them around his neck. He encircles my waist tightly and leans back, slowly lifting me off the ground for a moment. I smile against his lips as he sets me down again, pulling away as he draws his head upwards with a lopsided grin. I bite my lip and gently caress the side of his face with the back of my hand.

"Treat. Definitely treat."

***