This was the worst day Derek could remember having in a long time. From the moment he had woken up with a crabby Tiffany beside him, his day had gone downhill with every moment; they were out of milk so he had to eat his cereal dry, he had arrived at his car to find it had a flat tire, causing him to be late for surgery, there had been a four car pile up that had prevented him from eating lunch, and then to top it off, the tumor removal he'd had scheduled as his last surgery of the day had ended with the patient coding before they could get all the way in.
It was definitely a day he did not want to repeat anytime soon. But now he was finally changing into his street clothes, getting ready to head across the street to the bar for a much needed drink. Tiffany thought that he was going to be in surgery until late in the evening, so he had time to stop for a scotch before he finally went home. He knew it probably wasn't right to be avoiding his girlfriend at all, but he needed to be alone and just stew for a few minutes before he went home to pretend it had been a normal day at the practice.
This lie was getting the best of him. He knew he was wrong, he knew that he couldn't do this for much longer, especially if he ended up with Tiffany for good. He was actually beginning to consider just telling her the truth so that he wouldn't have to lie anymore. He knew that she would be angry and this might be a dealbreaker, but if she didn't dump him on his ass…then he was ready to take things to the next level.
Tiffany was…nice. She always made sure he had everything he needed, she shared responsibilities around the house, and she was smart and funny. Not to mention the fact that she was amazing in bed, when she wanted to have sex which wasn't very often. But they had been living together for a few months now, and this was the next logical step. He knew, however, that before he invested in one of the rings in the magazines that Tiffany was leaving all over the apartment he knew he had to tell her the truth about his job.
Just not tonight.
With a pounding head, he made his way down the hall towards the elevators, smiling when he saw a familiar flash of dirty blonde hair out of the corner of his eye.
"Hi," she sighed, leaning against the wall and closing her eyes slightly as she waited beside him for the elevator.
"Hey," he replied just as unenthusiastically. "You look how I feel."
"You mean completely exhausted and ready for a drink?" Meredith suggested.
"Exactly," Derek nodded as the doors slid open. "Joe's?"
"Don't you have to go home?" Meredith asked. "Tiffany mentioned it was her week to make dinner."
"I'll go home," Derek nodded. "After I drink."
"Okay," Meredith sighed.
Together, they made their way across the street to Joe's and collapsed at the bar.
"Meredith," Joe smiled as he set a shot of tequila down in front of her and a scotch in front of Derek. "Doc. Looks like you both had a long day."
"That's one word for it," Derek sighed.
"Long three days is more like it," Meredith said. "This is the first time I've left the hospital since Wednesday morning."
Joe winced as he poured her another shot. "That," he said. "Deserves you another shot."
"Thanks," Meredith sighed, knocking back both of the shots. She looked at Derek carefully for a moment before she asked, "How was your surgery?"
"Short," he sighed, sipping at his scotch. "He coded before we could get inside."
"Oh, Derek," Meredith breathed, reaching out to lay a hand on his arm. "I'm sorry."
"Thanks," Derek sighed. "I know we can't save them all, but…it's hard, you know? I'll never be able to be okay knowing that someone died under my care."
"It wasn't your fault," Meredith murmured. "The tumor was huge. He knew going in that there was a high chance that he wouldn't make it. He wanted to do it anyways."
"I know," he sighed. "I just…he was a good man. And I had to tell his wife and son…it was just so hard. Today was a bad day to begin with, and that just topped it off."
"Well, let's turn this day around," Meredith said firmly.
"What do you mean?" he frowned.
"Joe!" Meredith cried, waving him over to their seats. "Another round. And tonight's on my tab."
"Sure thing," Joe smiled, placing another drink in front of them both.
"Mer, you don't have to," Derek frowned.
"I want to," she shrugged.
"Thanks," he said, turning to look at her. "Have I ever told you you're a really great friend?"
"No," she shook her head. "But thanks."
"Best friend I've ever had," Derek nodded.
"Wow, I beat Mark?" Meredith raised an eyebrow. "That's impressive. I must be a really good friend."
"You're much better than Mark," Derek sighed. "You don't tell me to dump my girlfriend."
"Mark tells you that?" Meredith asked.
Derek sighed. "He hates Tiff," he sighed. "Which is going to make it pretty awkward at the wedding. The best man isn't supposed to hate the bride."
Meredith inhaled sharply from beside him. "You're engaged?" she asked. "You didn't tell me that."
"I'm not engaged," Derek shook his head. "But…soon. Probably soon."
"Oh," Meredith nodded. "That's…good. Good for you."
"Yeah," Derek sighed. "What about you? You and Nathan have been together for a couple years. When are you going to get married?"
"I don't know," Meredith sighed, and he could sense some anxiety in her tone.
"You can talk to me," Derek prompted softly.
"I know," she said softly. After a moment, she sighed and said, "I don't really believe in marriage. It didn't work for my parents, and I just don't like the pressure to get married because it's the next step."
Derek inhaled sharply. That was exactly why he was getting ready to propose to Tiffany.
Before their conversation could continue any further, a familiar voice came from over Derek's shoulder, addressing them both. He turned to see Tiffany standing behind them, smiling slightly. "Tiff," he breathed, reaching out to pull her closer. He could use a hug after a day like today.
"Hey," she breathed, wrapping her arms around his neck. "I…I had a bad day."
"I did too," he whispered. "Sorry I didn't come home, I just…needed a drink."
"Me too," Tiffany said, finally pulling back from him. "Hi Mer."
"Hi," Meredith said softly. "I can go home, or move to a table or something. You guys want privacy or whatever."
"What?" Tiffany frowned. "No. You're our friend, Mer. I didn't really expect to see you guys here, but I'm glad you are. I need some company after a day like today."
"What happened?" Derek frowned as he ran a hand over her back.
"Just…bad day all around," Tiffany shrugged. "Gin and tonic, please, Joe."
"Seems like it was that way for everyone," Meredith said. "How's Nathan?"
Derek frowned at the mention of Meredith's boyfriend. Not that he really had much of a reason to be annoyed about Nathan's presence in her life, but he still didn't like the fact that she was focused on him even when he wasn't there.
"He's working late," Tiffany reported. "We have this huge case coming through, but he sent me here to get something to eat. Apparently there are the best burgers in the city here."
"You're eating a burger?" Derek frowned. He had never seen her eat a burger in the three years they'd been dating
Tiffany shrugged. "I don't really know if I have a choice," she said. "Everyone else wanted one, and I…I'm stressed out enough to eat one."
Derek nodded slowly. "Okay," he said. "You can put the order through and then wait with us until it's ready."
"Sounds good," she sighed, leaning her head against Derek's shoulder. "So how did you end up at this bar anyways?"
"Just…the only bar I know," Derek said, wrapping an arm around her and trying to ignore Meredith's glare. "So I came here. And ran into Mer."
"Huh," Tiffany shrugged. "That happens a lot, doesn't it?"
"What?" Derek asked, his heart pounding in his chest. There were rumors running around the hospital, he knew that. Rumors about him and Meredith, and how they were apparently more than friends. They had both learned to ignore those rumors, but he knew if Tiffany suspected anything she would never let them forget it.
"You and Meredith just seem to find your way together a lot," Tiffany said slowly. "And you've been home a lot less lately. Derek…is there something you need to tell me?"
"No," Derek said firmly. There was definitely something he had to tell her, but it had nothing to do with Meredith Grey. "Tiffany…you have to know that I would never do that to you."
"I'm dating Nathan," Meredith interjected. "I love him. There's…nothing would ever happen between Derek and I. We're friends, and we have a lot in common. We're both neurosurgeons so we have a lot to talk about, but that's it."
"I know," Tiffany sighed. "I'm sorry, I'm just tired and not really looking forward to going back into work. But I trust you, Derek."
"Good," he said firmly, pulling her closer to him. "I love you, Tiff."
"I love you too," she sighed, leaning into him and resting her head on his shoulder. "I wish I was going home tonight."
"I wish you were too," Derek sighed. "Do you want me to bring you any coffee or anything later?"
"No," Tiffany sighed. "I just want to stay here."
"Well, well, well, look's like the whole crowd is here," Mark's voice came from behind them before he plopped himself down in the stool beside Meredith. "Need some company, Dr. Grey? I'd be happy to complete this happy little foursome."
"Shut up, Sloan," Meredith rolled her eyes.
"Did you just tell me to shut up?" Mark raised an eyebrow. "Because I'm pretty sure that I'm your boss…"
"Mark, shut up," Derek rolled his eyes.
"Hey, I'm just trying to bring a little life into this place," Mark shrugged. "The three of you look like your dog died."
"Just a long day," Tiffany said. "Something that people who actually work know something about."
"I resent that," Mark frowned. "While you're making people divorced, I'm saving lives."
"Giving bimbos new boobs does not count as saving lives," Tiffany replied, and Derek had to consciously bit his tongue to point out that Tiffany herself had gotten new boobs two years earlier.
"At least I'm helping people, not making their lives miserable," Mark shot back.
"Okay, seriously?" Meredith frowned, looking between the two of them. "Are you two five? Stop arguing about stupid shit. Both of your jobs are important, there's no need to argue about it. And you both care about Derek, so why don't you just stop arguing and realize that you need to be there for him when he's had a bad day?"
There was silence at their area of the bar for a long moment before Mark laughed slightly. "Damn, Grey, I didn't know you were so feisty," he laughed. "You sure you won't let me buy you a drink?"
"You're dating my sister," Meredith snapped before reaching for her bag. "I'll be right back."
"Wow, she's in a mood," Tiffany said. "I don't think I've ever seen her yell before."
"Grey?" Mark laughed. "She always yells. You should try working with her."
"I can't believe she told us we were acting like five year olds," Tiffany frowned. "I really didn't need to be lectured by her, today of all days."
"Believe me, there's no day when it's good to be yelled at by Big Grey," Mark said. "Especially when it isn't even true."
"It is true," Derek said. "I know you two hate each other, but for five minutes could you make my life easier and maybe just try to get along? I don't have the energy to deal with the two of you arguing right now."
Tiffany pulled away from him, looking at him carefully as he met her gaze evenly. She finally sighed and looked past him towards Mark. "Fine," she said. "But if he hits on me, it's all over."
"Don't worry, you'll never have to worry about that," Mark promised.
"Mark," Derek groaned.
"Fine," Mark sighed, taking a long swallow of his drink. "Truce."
"Thank you," Derek sighed, his eyes landing on Meredith as she appeared from the restrooms. "You okay?" he murmured as she settled back down between him and Mark.
"Fine," she said. "I…sorry. I know I was a pain in the ass."
"Hey, it's okay," Derek said. "You were right. Tiff and Mark have even decided to call a truce."
"Good," Meredith sighed. "Joe…I'm going to go, but put everything on my tab."
"Where are you going?" Tiffany asked. "I'm sorry I was being immature and cranky, but that doesn't mean that you should leave."
"I know," Meredith nodded. "It's not you, I just…I'm tired, and I'm not really in the mood for this right now."
"Okay," Derek said, smiling up at her. "I'll see you….soon." He caught himself before he could say that he would see her tomorrow.
"Soon," Meredith nodded. "Dr. Sloan…I'll see you tomorrow."
"Night Grey," Mark didn't turn from his drink.
Meredith reached for her jacket, but suddenly froze in the middle of putting it on.
"What's wrong?" Derek frowned, following her gaze.
"Um…nothing," she said slowly, in a way that made it obvious that something was occupying her thoughts. He turned to lay eyes on what she had seen and immediately felt his heart constrict. Some of the OR nurses had just walked in, and he knew this could be very bad. If they were to see him and approach him with any kind of mention about the hospital, Tiffany would hear and it would all be over.
"You know, Tiff, there are actually better burgers down the street," Meredith was saying to his girlfriend. "Maybe we should go down there."
"But I already put my order in for here," Tiffany shrugged. "And Nathan and the guys specifically asked for Joe's burgers."
"That's because they're the best," Joe smiled as he placed two take out bags on the bar. "Enjoy."
"Thanks Joe," Tiffany sighed, reaching for her drink.
"You might want to get those burgers back before they get cold," Derek suggested.
"Derek, it's fine, I'm just going to finish my drink," Tiffany said, examining him closely. "Am I missing something? Do you not want me to be here or something?"
Mark coughed from beside Derek, and he turned to look at his supposed best friend. Mark was watching the situation with a smirk on his face, obviously enjoying the situation taking place in front of him.
"No," Derek sighed, reaching for his own drink. "I'm just in a weird mood, forget it."
"Okay," Tiffany said slowly.
"Dr. Shepherd," a voice came from behind him, and he swallowed hard as he turned to see an intern standing beside him, smiling awkwardly.
"Dr. Gilman," he nodded slowly. "How are you this evening?"
"I'm great," she smiled softly. "Dr. Sloan."
"Gilman," he nodded. "Nice night for a drink, isn't it? Speaking of drinks, hopefully tomorrow morning you'll remember I like my coffee with extra cream…"
"Dr. Shepherd, I just wanted to make sure you were okay after today," Dr. Gilman said, ignoring Mark and turning back to Derek. "I know you were upset about the surgery."
Derek sighed. He needed to learn to control his emotions around his interns, he had made it much too obvious how upset he was about not making it through the surgery this afternoon. "Thanks," he murmured. "You did good work on the case."
"I was wondering, if I might be able to buy you a drink?" Dr. Gilman asked timidly.
Time seemed to stop in the entire bar, although he knew it was really only a couple seconds during which Tiffany choked on her drink, Meredith gasped loudly from a few feet away, and Mark let out a loud laugh. But those few seconds seemed like an eternity as he searched for the appropriate response to his intern's request.
Acting first, Tiffany placed her glass on the bar and wrapped her arms tightly around Derek's neck, her eyes focused on Dr. Gilman. "Dr. Gilman, is it?" she asked. "Derek already has someone to buy him drinks. I'd appreciate it if you stopped hitting on my boyfriend now."
Dr. Gilman paled considerably before she stammered something an apology and looking down at her feet. "I'm sorry, Dr. Shepherd," she finally said clearly. "I hope you will still let me scrub in with you. You're the best attending the hospital has and I don't want to be kept away from that for something stupid like this."
Tiffany gasped and pulled away from him, and Derek sighed as he looked up at the ceiling. She was about to make a scene and he had no idea what was going to happen in the next few minutes.
"It's alright, Dr. Gilman," he murmured. "I'll see you tomorrow."
She quickly excused herself, and Derek met Meredith's eyes for a long moment before he turned back to Tiffany, hoping that Dr. Gilman's comment had potentially gone over her head.
"Attending?" she demanded. "The hospital?"
Derek cleared his throat carefully. "Oh," he said. "Um..I've been meaning to talk to you about that."
"You work at the hospital?" Tiffany demanded. "And you've been lying to me since before we moved out here? Derek, how could you do this to me?"
For the life of him, Derek had no idea what to say in response to her question.