Takes place after "The Name of the Game". My take on what I want to have happen with the introduction of Finn Dandridge. For the record, I like Addison, but this is definitely Mer/Der (as it should be on the show.) It's my first try so any opinion as to how it could be better would be helpful. Thoughts are in italics.

Chapter 1- So much for celibacy

Meredith walked into the Dandridge Veterinary Clinic and nodded to the nurse behind the desk. It was early, just a little after 6, and she found herself thankful that Derek had found a clinic that was not only open 24 hours, but was flexible with visiting hours also. She was exhausted after a long shift and hoping a little time with Doc would cheer her up.

"Back to see Doc?" The nurse asked her.

"If he's up to it."

"I'm sure he'll be happy to see you. How's the knitting?"

Meredith shrugged, a rueful look on her face "Still going, not well, but going"

The nurse chuckled and motioned for Meredith to go on back.

"Hey Doc" He looked pathetic laying hooked up to an IV, but his tail thumped up and down a bit at the sound of her voice. She kneeled down next to him "Hey boy, how ya feeling? Huh? You're a good boy, yes you are." She continued to coo and rub his back.

"You know, that's the most energetic he's looked in the last day"

"Oh!" Meredith stood and spun around quickly "Dr. Dandridge, you startled me. I didn't expect you to be in so early." More like I was hoping you wouldn't be in this early, she thought to herself. Dr. Dandridge was definitely not good for her vow of celibacy, definitely not good.

"Sorry about that, and please, call me Finn." he said through and easy smile "and I'm not normally here this early, but one of our feline patients went into labor. So what's your excuse Dr. Grey?"

"In that case it's Meredith, and I just finished a 36 hour shift. Thought I'd visit with him for a little while before I crashed."

"Ouch, that's rough. Well, you'll be happy to know that Doc is looking much better. We've gotten his infection under control and with some more fluids, he should be ready to head home later today. He'll be a bit lethargic, but in a few days, he'll be good as new. Dr. Shepherd has already arranged to come get him"

"That's great news," She knelt down and began to pet Doc again. Anything to get her focus off his smile, and his eyes, and the scruff on his chin; Stop it Meredith! "You hear that boy? You're coming home soon"

Finn knelt down and checked Doc's IV and then began to pet him also. "Do you like omelets?"

"Are you talking to me or Doc?"

He chuckled. "You, Meredith. We have a kitchen here and I was just about to make myself an omelet." He said, gesturing behind him. "I thought you might like to join me. You must be hungry after working so long"

Say no. Say no, Meredith. Tell him you're exhausted, you have somewhere to be, anything. "An omelet sounds great" she smiled. So much for celibacy.

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