A/N: Chapter 9 is up. Thank you so much for all the reviews.
I don't own Grey's Anatomy, or its characters. Please review.
After driving for around forty minutes, the finally reached their destination. Mark, being in proper gentlemen mode, got out first to open Meredith's gate. He handed the ca keys to the valet and draped a possessive arm around Meredith's waist. Meredith was very confused with Mark's behaviour throughout the evening; even in the car, he had his hand on her knee. He was looking for opportunities to hold her. She didn't mind though, and was really delighted with all the attention.
Mark leaded Meredith to a high-end Italian restaurant. "Reservation in the name of Sloan for two."
"Of course, sir. Please follow me."
They were taken to the balcony and their table was just at the edge. It gave them a spectacular view of the city. The weather, too was amazing; no rain, just a light breeze blowing.
"Mark, this is awesome. I love it." Meredith exclaimed.
"Only the best for my girl." Mark said. My girl, I like it, thought Meredith.
They sat down and ordered a bottle of red wine to go along with appetisers. Mark signalled the waiter, who indicated the band to start playing. They were playing soft songs, which Meredith loved.
"How about a dance?" Mark asked her, asking for her hand.
"With you? Of course." Meredith replied, placing her hand in his and standing up.
The two of gracefully swayed with the music, Mark occasionally twirling her, causing her to laugh whenever he did that. Meredith loved this. She loved being so close to Mark and loved the way he was treating her. Mark, couldn't have been happier. He had the woman he loved, dancing with him, in his arms. He just hoped that Cristina was right and his feelings for her were mutual.
Soon, the waiter arrived with their appetisers and wine. They first perused the menu and ordered their main course, then proceeded to begin their meal. They were talking in hushed voices and laughing with each other. Conversation amongst the two of them had always flowed easily, today was no different.
They were trying to choose as to what to have for dessert. They both had contradicting preferences but was fine with what the other wanted. They finally decided to over indulge and order both. They were waiting for the desserts to be served, when all of a sudden, Meredith saw Mark fiddling nervously. She reached out and placed her hands on his, calming him.
"I know you need to tell me something. You've been on edge for the better part of the evening, wanting everything to be perfect. Well, everything was perfect, Mark. This has been one of the best evenings of my life. So, tell me, what's bothering you?"
"I need to ask you something. It might change us forever, but I need to ask you."
"Uh huh, ask then." Meredith smiled, encouraging him.
Mark inhaled and tried to sound as confident as possible. "Meredith Grey, will you be my girlfriend."
Meredith started laughing. "That... that made you this nervous. Oh, Mark. Of course I'll be your girlfriend.", Meredith said, giving him a broad smile. She leaned in for a kiss which Mark happily obliged.
"Oh, thank God!" Mark exclaimed, truly relieved and over the moon with joy.
After finishing their meal, and paying the check, they left hand-in-hand towards the car. Instructing the valet to get their car, they were soon on their way home. This time, the smiles on their faces was bigger and Mark's hand was higher on her leg than the ride before. Every know and then, Meredith would glance at Mark and occasionally reach in to kiss his cheek.
Nothing they did was rushed. When the two of them entered their bedroom, Mark stood directly behind her, holding her.
"Help me with the zipper?" Meredith asked in a low voice.
"Are you sure?" Mark asked, not wanting to push her.
"Yes. I've wanted this since you came here." Meredith answered confidently.
"I'm hurt. I've wanted this since I met you in Dartmouth." Mark chuckled, slowing lowering the zip, exposing her back. He lightly tranced her back with her fingers, scared and excited to go further. "So beautiful." Mark murmured. "Anything you're not comfortable with, you say stop, however small. I won't get annoyed."
"I know." Meredith said, turning to face him and kiss him square on the lips.
As Mark the Meredith reached the resident's locker room, Meredith turned to Mark and pecked him lightly on the lips. It had been a week since they started dating but had kept it under wraps at the hospital. Now, they weren't hiding their relationship but didn't want to blatantly show people as well. If people saw, well then.
It was an important day for Meredith. Not only would she become a resident and get her own interns, today was also her first clinical trial surgery.
"Did I just see something, Mer?" Cristina asked coyly as Meredith went to her locker.
"I don't know." Meredith said innocently.
"So I didn't just see you and Sloan lock lips?"
"Hmm.. well, if you saw."
"Seriously, details. Now!"
"Fine. Last week. Perfect date. Now dating."
"Man! I lost." Groaned Alex. "Couldn't you wait for another week?"
"Ha! I won." Cristina celebrated. "I knew Sloan was getting antsy."
"Really? No 'Meredith, we are happy for you.'? Be lost in your stupid bet. What friends!"
"As if—" Izzie started. But was interrupted by Bailey's strict voice.
"What's going on? Whatever, Here are the names of your interns. Go find them." She commanded.
"Dr. Shepherd, I was hoping I could assist you on the surgery you have scheduled with Mr. Robinson." Izzie met with Derek along with her interns.
"Sorry, Dr. Stevens. It's not an ordinary case and it's Dr. Grey's patient." He denied her request.
"But, I was hoping to get more time in Neuro, to see if it's a right fit for me to specialise." Izzie pressed. She wasn't going to just give up. Meredith would have to fight her for it.
"Sorry, Stevens. Not today. You can go find Dr. Nelson. He might have a spot open for you on his service." Derek recommended.
"But you're the head." Izzie reiterated. She didn't want second best. If she was going to defeat Meredith, she had to have Derek teaching her.
"Yeah, and I have Dr. Grey with me today. Sorry, Stevens I can't help you further." Derek said, walking way from further conversation.
The five of them were sitting in the cafeteria, having lunch. Izzie was pissed at Meredith. In her opinion, she had all the right to get the surgery with Shepherd and Meredith was getting it solely due to her personal relations.
"You know Meredith, there is a limit to how much you can squeeze out of your relationships and friendships. They are messing with our careers." Izzie hissed.
"Excuse me?" Meredith asked confused. The rest of them also stopped eating, sensing that tensions will rise high.
"Shepherd. He only wants to work with you. He won't even have anyone else on his service." Izzie said irritated.
"That is not true." Meredith defended the attending.
"Then why won't he give me Mr. Robinson's case." Izzie said, as if it explained everything.
"Because he was my patient from the beginning." Meredith justified.
"But, it Neuro."
"Yes it is, hence, Dr. Shepherd."
"I want Neuro." Izzie stated., angrily.
"I dont know what you want from me, but I'm not gonna compromise on my career for yours." Meredith stated bluntly. She had enough of her whining. She considered her a friend, though she was now seriously reconsidering it.
"Oh please. You and compromise? Everything you want is served on a silver platter for you." Izzie retorted, jealousy seeping through every word.
"That is not true. I have worked equally hard. Just because I went to an Ivy, doesn't mean I didn't study. News flash, Dartmouth medical is difficult. And I have needed to prove to everyone that I'm more than my last name, so shut up." Meredith shouted.
"You're staying with out boss. You're fine to assist in eight hour surgeries but not to climb stairs. Yeah, right." Izzie scoffed.
"No. I'm staying with my boyfriend. And you know what, that is MY house. I want you gone by the end of the week, whether I stay there, or not." Meredith shouted angrily. She couldn't stand to be near her anymore. She wouldn't have her staying in her house.
"Mer, come with me." Mark rushed to them. He had just entered the room when he saw the argument going on between the two.
"Here comes the boyfriend." Izzie remarked.
"Dr. Stevens. To you, I am still your boss. So shut it." Mark said, glaring at her. He took Meredith with him, both of them leaving the cafeteria.
"What the hell was that, Izz?" Cristina asked the fellow resident.
"She deserved it. Shepherd wouldn't let me on the Robinson case just because she was with him." Izzie justified.
"No. It's her patient," Cristian argued.
"So what? I could have replaced her." Izzie said, shrugging. No one could change her mind. Her thoughts against Meredith were set in stone.
"Let me say it again. It's her patient, for her clinical trial." Cristian blurted. She knew that Meredith wanted it to be kept a secret, but she needed to drill the fact in Izzie's head.
"What?" The other resident asked confused.
"Meredith is doing a clinical trial, by herself." Cristina began explaining.
"Oh please. I'm sure someone else did it, or is doing it. She is just taking the credit." Izzie scoffed.
"No. That is not true. I heard them talk about it. It is so much of Meredith's sole research that Shepherd is letting her do it. He will just supervise." Cristina was tired of her whining. She knew how hard her best friend worked, Izzie had no right to diminish it in that manner.
"I'm sure if either of us come up with something, that won't happen to us. I'm tired of her." Izzie harshly said.
"I'm tired of you. Tread carefully now Izz. Cause I'm on mer's side on this. She has done nothing wrong and taking nothing from either of us." Cristina retorted pointedly.
"Of course you'll be on her side."
Mark took Meredith to his office. He made her sit on the couch, and gave her a glass of water to calm her down, sitting beside her rubbing her back.
"It's okay. Calm down. Calm down."
"Yeah… yeah… I'm good." Meredith said, calming down.
"You sure?" Mark asked, concerned.
"Yeah. I'll go prep Mr. Robinson."
"Meredith, are you alright."
"Yes, I am. I won't let her get into my head. It's my first patient today."
"Okay. Wait, first. I got a granola bar here. Eat this first."
"Thank you."
"Dr. Grey, you ready?" She met with Derek as she exited the elevator to the Neurological floor.
"Yes, Dr. Shepherd."
Derek and Meredith walked towards the patient's room. They were almost there when they saw Izzie in the room talking to the patient and his wife.
"Derek…" Meredith stopped in her tracks, scared now.
"I heard what happened. I will handle this, alright?" Derek said, trying to calm her down and reinsure her that e was on her side. The happenings of teh cafeteria has spread like wildfire and everyone was gossiping about it.
They walked in and Derek immediately questioned the other intern.
"Dr. Stevens what are you doing here?" He asked, his voice clearly on edge.
"I'm just talking to the patient." Izzie replied, innocently.
"Why?"
"I'm making him aware of what he is signing in on. The patient is first priority here right?" She tried to justify her actions.
"She says that the trial is of no basis. And if we want surgery, she is better than the resident assigned to us." The wife explained.
"Mr and Mrs. Robinson, let me assure you. This trial is not baseless. Yes, there is only a minute chance for it to work, but it is your only chance. And, as for Dr. Grey here, she is the most promising neuro resident I have seen in years. Dr. Stevens is no match." Derek told the coupe. He had no qualms make these high claims. He was telling the truth about Meredith being better than Stevens in neuro. "Dr. Stevens, please step outside. Dr. Grey, join us."
"Do you know more about neurosurgery than I do?" He asked her, him voice seething with anger.
"No Dr. Shepherd. I was just—" Izzie tried to get him to listen.
"Exactly. Next time I see you sabotaging another resident's reputation in front of patients I will have you thrown out of the program. Understood?" Derek half shouted at her.
"Yes Dr. Shepherd." Izzie was taken aback by his voice. She hadn't expected him to be this angry.
"You are banned from my service, you know what… you're banned from neuro. I see you talking to any of my department's patients, I will make sure you never step foot in an OR again. And, I'm reporting this incident to the chief as well. You may leave." Derek ordered her away in no uncertain terms. He then turned to Meredith. "Meredith, are you okay?" He asked, putting his hand on her back, supportively. He was livid at Stevens. He never expected her to take such rash decisions.
"Yes. I just didn't expect this… The whining and shouting…okay. This…? Never." Meredith said, still in shock of what she saw.
"I understand… It's okay." Derek said, rubbing her back.
"Thank you, for what you said in there, for defending me." Meredith told, looking at him.
"It was the truth, Meredith. You want me to page Mark?" Derek asked her. He knew that he would be much better at calming her down. He wasn't just her attending for the minute, but also her friend.
"No, thanks. He will literally kill her." Meredith said, shaking her head.
They were still outside the room, Meredith trying to calm herself, when Addison came to them. She had seen what had taken place and was confused.
"What happened?" She asked, eyeing Derek's hand, which was on Meredith's back.
Derek saw that, and removed his arm, proceeding to telling Addison what happened.
Addison the stood in front of Meredith and held both her arms. "You need to stop listening to such people. You will find someone at every stage of your career, trying to pull you back. Do not let them. Block them out of your head." Meredith nodded and gave her a slight smile in thanks. "I hope you are reporting this." Addison told Derek.
"Of course."
"This happens next time, Derek, me and Mark will take care of it. Once and for all. Okay?"
"Yeah. He told her that he'll get her kicked out." Meredith told the neo-natal specialist.
"Kicked out? No hospital in the country, however small will take her. You do not do what she just did." Addison herself was shocked. She thought highly of Stevens, her opinions proving to be wrong.
"We can do that. Negative reviews from Dr. Derek Shepherd, Dr. Addison Montgomery and Dr. Mark Sloan, say good bye to your career." Derek told her smiling, trying to lighten the mood.
"I'll keep in mind to never be your bad side. It's career suicide." Meredith said, laughing lightly.
"I'll leave you both to it. Best of luck." Addison wished and went about her way. She understood the reason behind Derek's gesture and was alright with it. She had to give me the benefit of doubt and trust him with Meredith. That was the only way for their marriage to be as strong as it was.
"Come on, Prep the patient." Derek told the resident.
They entered the room and Meredith took Mr. Robinson with her. "Mrs. Robinson, we are very good at what we do, but this surgery has a very low chance of success. It is though, his only chance of living."
"I know, it's just, the that doctor came in—"
"She had no right of doing what she did. Please ignore her words."
"I understand. Dr. Grey has been very good with my husband, despite his outbursts. Thank you."
"Of course."
Derek was on his way to the OR when Mark came to him. "Addie told me what happened. How is she?" Mark asked, walking along side him.
"Fine, I guess. Trying to focus on the trial." Derek shrugged. Meredith was an expert at keeping her feelings at bay, They both knew that.
"I can't believe Stevens." Mark told, rubbing his face.
"Same. Meredith told me that Stevens was jealous, but wha she did today was shocking and unforgivable. I banned her from neuro." Derek said, himself appalled by the behaviour.
"Good. She has to know that she is never getting on my service either." Mark chuckled. She had limited options now, it would teach her a lesson.
"Same for Addison, she was taken aback when I saw her." Derek told, agreeing with his friend.
Makr chuckled. "You do know that the only reason she came to you was because you had your arm on Mer's back?" Mark asked din a teasing voice.
"Yeah, the initial look she gave, before she knew was transpired, was evident enough" Derek said, himself laughing lightly.
"She was embarrassed when she came to me." Mark told him, explaining that Addison regretted the jealousy.
"Look, it was there was nothing more than a show of support—" Derek tried to explain. He didn't want two jealous better halves causing further problems.
"Derek, I know. I'm glad you were there. Relax." Mark told him. He trusted Meredith blindly and also knew that Derek and Addison were giving their marriage a real second chance, one that Derek wouldn't blow.
The day had gone badly. More than she had anticipated. She had lost her patient and was currently in the lab, trying to figure out why. Derek had encouraged her to not give up. He also spoke to Mrs. Robinson instead of Meredith, not make her encounter that so early in her career. He fast-tracked the patient's autopsy and so, Meredith was sitting with the chemical composition of his brain, grasping for ideas to advance the virus. The entire fiasco with Izzie hadn't helped her mood either. Thankfully, all the others were supporting Meredith and were themselves annoyed at Izzie for what she did. Cristina even threatened to kill her and make it look like an accident, also promising that if ever Meredith had enough, and ended up stabbing her with a scalpel, she would help her dispose the body. All she wanted to do right now, was to curl up around Mark and be in his arms. Alas, that wasn't an option either.