Luka hung up the phone, still caught up in the conversation he had just finished with John and the earlier argument they had. He was mildly surprised that it had taken this long before they finally got into a fight. God, he and Marija were arguing within two hours of their wedding. He couldn't remember now what the argument had been about -- but it had been a fierce one, and the making up had been passionate. He grinned as he thought about how much fun it was going to be to make up this argument with John. But, Luka's smile quickly faded when he turned around to leave the lounge and saw Dave Malucci standing by the sink, a sneer on his face.
"I never would have figured you to be a fag, Kovac," Dave said, his voice harsh.
"Excuse me?" Even though Luka knew what Dave meant, this was one moment when he was more than willing to play the dumb foreigner. "I don't understand what you mean."
"A fag. You know? A queer. Homo?. So, tell me, Kovac, which one of you is the bottom? I'll bet it's Carter, right? You'd never let another man fuck you, would you?"
Before Dave could react, Luka had him backed up against the sink, his hands twisted in the material of Dave's shirt.
"You had better get one thing clear right now, Malucci. You can call me anything you want, but you will never say anything like that to John. Do you understand me? I will rip off your head if I even hear of you looking at John wrong."
Dave held up his hands in a placating gesture. "Hey, no need to get upset."
But, Luka wouldn't let go. "Do you understand me? I will not allow you to hurt John."
"I understand you perfectly," Dave snapped.
"Good." Luka finally let Dave loose and stepped back to give the man space.
Dave straightened out his shirt. "You know, Kovac, I used to admire you. You went through so much in Croatia, then came over here to rebuild your life. You're a good doctor, too. But, I can never have any type of respect for a man who would take another man's cock in his mouth." With that parting comment, Dave walked out.
Luka stood still, the only movements he made were the clenching and unclenching of his fists. He had been serious about what he had said. If Dave Malucci, or anyone else, even Robert Romano, made a rude or crass comment about John, then Luka would kill them. Or at least hurt them very badly. So much for having everyone being supportive of his and John's relationship. It was time to have that talk with Kerry. Let her know that her suspicions were true before Dave started telling other people.
When Luka stepped out of the lounge, he saw that Malucci was already at the admit desk, a small group of people around him. Luka decided to ignore them for now as he went in search of Kerry. He finally found her in the supply room.
"Got a minute?" He asked.
"Sure. What's on your mind, Luka?" Kerry set the box of tubing aside.
"I'd prefer to speak with you in private."
"I think that exam five is open."
"Good."
They went into the small exam room, and after the door closed, Kerry turned expectantly to Luka.
"I know that you've suspected that John and I are involved with each other."
"It occurred to me," she carefully replied.
"Well, you don't have to suspect it any longer. John and I are lovers. We've been lovers since Christmas."
Kerry slowly nodded. "I see. The two of you have done a remarkable job of keeping your personal and professional lives separate, Luka. I wish you would have told me earlier though. If I had known, then I would have let you handle Lucy when they were stabbed."
"You were very upset that night. I was able to do my job and that's the important thing, right?"
"Yes. But, you'll have to be more careful in the future, Luka."
"I'll try. I was just on the phone with John and Malucci overheard all or part of my side of the conversation. I'm sure he heard me tell John that I loved him. Malucci made some rather nasty comments and I think he might be telling the rest of the staff that John and I are a couple."
Kerry sighed. "I see. Well, I guess I should see if I can make an appointment to speak with Romano."
"I'd like to also speak with him."
"Are you sure about that? Robert can be rather intimidating at times."
"I'm sure. Malucci might complain that I threatened him."
"Did you?"
"Yes."
Kerry raised her eyebrows in surprise. She never pictured Luka as being the violent type. "May I ask why?"
"He said some crude things about us and I merely informed him that if he ever said anything like that to John then I would rip his head off. I will not stand by and let John get hurt, Kerry."
"I guess I can't fault you for that. I would probably react that same way. John still has a long way to go, physically, mentally and emotionally. He doesn't need to have Malucci taunting him over his relationship with you."
"No. Let me know when we can meet with Romano, okay?"
"Sure," Kerry replied. "I'll call up to see if Robert's still here."
"Thanks."
They walked out of the exam room, Kerry going back to pick up her supplies and Luka heading for the admit desk to see what was on the board. Malucci was finally leaving, which suited Luka just fine. He really didn't want to have to work alongside him tonight. As Luka neared Malucci though, he noticed that Malucci's previous bravado was gone. Instead, the man looked chastised. Luka heard Randi mutter something about "ignorant assholes" and he looked over in time to see her staring rather hatefully in Malucci's direction. At least she didn't share Malucci's righteous indignation about him and John. And, judging by the grin on Chuny's face as she looked at him, she didn't share Malucci's opinion either. Luka tried to see how Amira took the news, but she wouldn't even look at him. But, that in itself told him a lot.
As Luka tried to read the board, he couldn't help but notice that Chuny was standing now standing beside him. Grinning from ear to ear.
"Yes?" he asked.
"If Carter would have told me why he didn't like going on all those blind dates with my girl friends, I had a few guys I could have fixed him up with."
"I think he's happy with what he has, Chuny."
"I know I would be," she joked, elbowing him in the side. Amira cleared her throat very loudly, then returned her attention to the computer screen.
"What's with her?" Luka whispered.
"She has the hots for Carter and now she's ticked off because he's not available," Chuny said, not caring if Amira overheard her or not.
"Oh." Luka wasn't really sure how to reply to that.
"Well, I'm out of here. See you guys tomorrow," Randi said as she left.
"Goodbye," Luka called out.
Luka finally decided on a patient and he grabbed the person's chart. As he headed for the exam room, he passed Yosh.
"You and Carter are very lucky," Yosh said with a smile.
"Thank you, Yosh. I feel lucky," Luka replied. So, not everyone was going to be an ass about him and John. Good. Of course, it probably helped that Yosh was gay. At least that was the impression Luka had of the man. Nothing had ever been said outright, but Luka was pretty sure he was correct about which gender Yosh preferred.
With a grin, Luka continued on his way.
John was comfortably settled in front of the television when the doorbell rang.
"I'll be right there," he called as he slowly got to his feet.
"No need to rush," a female voice called back.
"Abby?"
"Yep. Take your time."
John wondered why she was visiting at this time of night, but he wasn't going to shout that question at her. He opened the door. "Come on in."
"Thanks," she smiled as she stepped into the apartment. "I hope you don't mind me dropping by like this. I know it's almost ten, but I just didn't feel like going home tonight."
"No, I don't mind the company. I was just watching an old movie. Can I get you anything? Beer? Soda? Water?"
She shook her head. "I'm fine." They sat back down on the couch.
"So, how was work today?" John asked.
"Busy. As always. Um, has Luka called you lately?"
"No. Why are you asking? What happened?"
"Malucci overheard Luka talking to you on the telephone. He then proceeded to tell everyone that you and Luka are a couple."
John sighed. "Damn. So, who was on when Malucci said all this?"
"It was when the shifts were changing, so a lot of people heard. Most didn't seem to care one way or the other. The people who liked you before still like you." She smiled reassuringly.
"That's good to know. Well, I knew we wouldn't be able to keep this a secret forever. Maybe it's better this way. After all, I won't be back to work for a couple of weeks, so by then, people won't be as nosy or curious."
"That's true."
"So is that why you didn't want to go home?" he asked with a grin.
Abby shook her head. "Not really. I had to meet with my husband. Soon to be ex-husband, I hope. There were a few more things we needed to discuss. He's such a S.O.B. But, when I left the diner where we met, I felt so alone. And I didn't want to go home and be alone."
"Well, you can stay here as long as you like. There's a comedy movie marathon starting at ten. Want to get happy?"
She grinned. "I'd like that very much. And I think I could go for a beer now. How about you? Would you like one?"
"You'd really let me have one?" he asked, surprised.
"Sure. Why not?"
"Luka feels that since my kidney was so badly damaged that I should avoid alcohol for a little while. At first, he didn't want me to drink soda, either, but I finally got him to ease up on that."
"Well, if he doesn't want you to have any, then why is there some here?"
"To torture me," John seriously replied. "The man is a sadist."
Abby laughed as she headed for the kitchen. "So, what will it be? Beer or soda?"
"Beer. I would love to have just one beer."
Abby returned with two bottles. "Not a brand I'm familiar with," she commented as she handed one to John.
"It's some European brand that Luka finds somewhere. He says it's better than American beer." John took a deep drink. "Ah. I feel a little better now. It's amazing what you miss once you're told you can't have it."
"Yeah," Abby agreed, sneaking a furtive glance in John's direction. "It is, isn't it?" As she settled back to enjoy the movie that was just beginning, she noticed the vacuum cleaner over by the bedroom door. "John, you haven't been vacuuming, have you?"
"Just a little bit. I thought the rug needed it."
Abby shook her head. "You really shouldn't be doing anything like that yet. You're still recuperating."
"I'm getting stronger every day, Abby. It's no big deal," he firmly said.
"It is a big deal, John. Even though you've been out of the hospital for a while now, and your stitches are out, you could still rip open your incision from surgery. When I was an OB nurse I had to give very stern lectures to mothers who had gone through C-Sections about what they could and could not do once they got home."
"I didn't have a baby, Abby," he replied with a laugh.
"No, you didn't. But, you had abdominal surgery and kidney surgery, and it will take time to heal from all of that. John, if you had to go back into the hospital because you pushed yourself too hard, then Luka would be lost." When John refused to look at her, Abby knew she had hit her mark and she continued. "He loves you so much, John, and he missed you terribly while you were in the hospital. Since you've been home, he's been a different person. I don't know all the details about Luka's life, but I know that he's lost a lot already. When you were stabbed, he was so scared that he was going to lose you, too."
"He never said that. He just said that he knew I would make it."
"Because for him you had to make it."
John thought about that and he knew in his heart that Abby was right. Then he felt like an ass for purposely leaving the vacuum out for Luka to see. "Abby? Would you do me a favor?"
"Sure."
"The vacuum goes in that closet over there. Would you put it up for me?"
Abby set her beer down. "Not a problem."
John smiled up at her. "Thanks. For coming over and for the lecture."
"It wasn't a lecture, John. Just a bit of insight." Abby said as she put the vacuum away.
"Lecture or insight, it was something I needed to hear. If you ever think I need to hear more, please don't hold back, okay?"
Abby sat back down. "You've got a deal."
Luka let himself into the apartment, trying his best to be quiet, as always. He never meant to awaken John when he came home from work, but every day, when he got to the bedroom, John would be awake. As Luka headed through the living room, he stopped in his tracks at the sight of Abby Lockhart asleep on the couch. What in the world was she doing here? He walked over and gently shook her shoulder. She awoke with a start.
"Luka, what are you doing here?" she asked, then hastily covered her mouth as she yawned.
"I live here. What are you doing here?"
"Oh, my God. What time is it?" She looked down at her wrist. "I'm late for work," she moaned.
"I can see that. You still didn't answer my question."
"I stopped by to see John last night and we ended up watching a movie marathon. I must have dozed off during "Caddyshack". I certainly don't remember anything after Bill Murray...well, you really don't care what Bill Murray was doing, do you? Would you hand me that shoe?" Abby pushed aside the blanket and sat up.
"Here." Luka handed her the shoe, then escorted her to the door once she was ready to leave. "I'll tell John good-bye for you."
"Thanks. See you later." Abby left and Luka once more locked the door. When he entered the bedroom, John was awake in bed and smiling at him.
"A little jealous there, aren't you?" he asked.
"Not at all," Luka replied. But, he had been a little perturbed to find Abby there. Still, she was the first person to know about them, so Luka knew she wouldn't make a pass at John. At least he hoped she wouldn't.
"Right. That's why you didn't waste any time hustling her out the door."
"She said you were up late watching movies." Luka said as he began to undress for bed.
"Yeah. It was nice to have company. So, how was work?"
"Okay."
"Anything important happen?"
"Like what?" Luka asked as he went into the bathroom to brush his teeth.
"Oh, I don't know. Like maybe Dave Malucci telling the entire hospital that we're sleeping with each other?" John loudly said, hoping that Luka would be able to hear him in the other room.
"Oh, that," Luka replied.
"Yeah, that."
"Abby told you?"
"Yeah."
Luka hurriedly brushed his teeth, then crawled into bed, snuggling next to John. "Most people took the news well."
"Good," John said as he put his arms around Luka.
"You're not upset?"
"No. We won't have to sneak around now."
"No. We won't. John, Malucci...he's got a problem with it."
John shrugged. "That's his problem, not ours."
"I told Kerry and we went to talk to Romano about it. He sneered and made some rude comments, but there aren't any rules against us being together."
"I think some religious people would argue that point with you."
"I meant about you being a Resident and me being an Attending. He said that me treating you before couldn't be helped, but that in the future, I'm not to treat you if you get stabbed."
As soon as the words left his lips, Luka felt John stiffen and he knew he should have kept his mouth shut. John didn't like to talk about Valentine's Day, not even in jest. Unless he was the one doing the joking.
"Sorry," Luka murmured.
"It's okay. He's right though. You shouldn't. You should try to get to sleep now."
"I think I had too much caffeine last night. I'm not tired."
"Not tired at all?"
"Not a bit," Luka said with a grin.
"Well, then what are you doing in bed?"
"I was hoping that we could find something to do to wear me out."
John grinned. "I think we can come up with something."
"I knew you'd agree with me," Luka chuckled as their lips met for a kiss and he felt John's hands begin to roam over his body.
Luka paced the OR waiting area, wondering just how long it took to undo a colostomy. According to the clock on the wall, John had been in surgery for two hours. In Luka's opinion, it was taking too long. What if there had been complications?
"Luka, you really should sit down. Doctor Benton said that he would be out as soon as they had taken John to the recovery room," Millicent said.
Luka nodded, but he didn't sit down. "It shouldn't be taking this long."
"Luka, please sit down and relax. Doctor Benton said that it normally takes over an hour. You have to also give them time to get John into the recovery room."
"I should go back and check on him. I'll be right back." Luka had taken two steps toward the doors to the OR area when the doors opened and Peter walked out toward them, smiling.
Millicent got to her feet as Peter approached. "How is John doing?"
"He's in recovery and his vital signs are stable. The surgery went well. He'll be here about a week, provided there are no complications."
"What kind of complications can he have?" she asked.
"There are many," Luka said, "John could develop a bowel obstruction or get an infection. He's going to have an NG tube for a few days at least. He's going to hate that."
"I know, but it can't be helped. The two of you can go back to see him in about five minutes, but I don't want you staying long. He's going to be on I.V. antibiotics and painkillers for a while and I want him to get a lot of rest."
"We won't tire him out," Millicent assured him. "I'll make sure of that. Thank you, Doctor Benton." She grasped his hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. "I know that John is grateful for all that you've done for him."
"Carter's a great doctor, Mrs. Carter. None of us were ready to lose him."
"Still, you have a great talent, and I'm glad that you haven't wasted it."
"Thank you. A nurse will be out here soon to take you back to see Carter." With that, Peter left.
Luka finally sat down, and he nodded. "Well, that's one step closer to getting him home."
Millicent gently touched his shoulder. "John is lucky to have you in his life, Luka. When Roland first told me about you and John, I had my reservations about your relationship. But, I've seen how much you love him and how much he cares about you in return."
"Thank you. I feel very lucky that I have John. I just want him home and well."
"That's what we all want. I wonder if I have time to phone Roland and Sarah before the nurse gets here? I promised to call them as soon as we had news about John."
"You might have time, but wouldn't you prefer to call them after you've seen John?"
Millicent smiled. "You're right. I didn't even think of that. That shows you how nervous I was over the surgery."
"You didn't act nervous," Luka observed. In his eyes, Millicent had been totally at ease the entire morning while he had been a nervous wreck.
"Trust me, Luka, I was nervous," Millicent said, amused that he still didn't seem to believe her. She may not have been pacing the floor as he had done, but she had been worried about John. "I think this is the nurse we've been waiting on." Millicent said as she saw a nurse walk though the doors and head straight for them.
"Mrs. Carter? Doctor Kovac? I'm supposed to take you in to see Doctor Carter now."
"Thank you," Millicent grabbed her purse and she and Luka followed the nurse to the recovery area. Once at John's bed, Luka went to one side, immediately taking John's hand in his own, while Millicent stayed on the other side of the bed.
"We ask that you only stay a few minutes," the nurse said, then she left them alone with John. Or as alone as they could be in a room that held other patients.
Millicent reached out for John's hand, her eyes taking in the I.V. lines and the tube that went up his nose. She felt reassured by the steady beeping of the monitor, and she was glad she had Luka there to explain to her what was happening with John.
"What happens now?" she asked.
"He'll have the NG tube for a few days, at least until he passes gas or has a bowel movement. Once that happens, that will be removed and he'll get clear liquids. If he can handle that, then he'll get other liquids and then, finally, solid food. He'll be on I.V. antibiotics for three or four days. If there are no complications, then he can go home in a week. But, once he's home, he might still encounter some problems. He can get an infection or a bowel obstruction very easily."
"It's a good thing he has you to take care of him, then."
"He doesn't want anyone taking care of him. John thinks he can take care of himself just fine."
"Luka, the secret with John is learning how to take care of him without him knowing that you're taking care of him. Trust me on this, I've been doing it all his life." Millicent smiled up at him. "I'm willing to share the secret of how to do that."
Luka smiled back. "I'd like that. Thank you. Shh. He's waking up. Hello," Luka warmly greeted John.
John smiled weakly. "Hello. Benton told me that everything went well."
"That's what he told us. We can only stay a few minutes. The nurse wants you to rest and Millicent wants to call your parents to let them know you're okay." Luka slowly rubbed his thumb across John's palm.
John nodded. "Tell them hello for me, Gamma."
"I will. We'll let you get back to sleep now. I love you, John."
"Love you, too, Gamma," John said as his eyes began to close. "Love you, too, Luka."
Luka bent over and softly kissed John. "I love you."
Luka followed Millicent out of recovery and back to the waiting area. He stayed while she called Roland and Laura, then accepted her offer to buy him lunch at Doc Magoos. During lunch, she filled him in on the secret of handling John, then she gave him a ride back to the apartment so he could take a nap before heading into work. Now that Luka knew what to do for John, he was looking forward to John's next homecoming.