Chapter 10: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Meredith Grey managed to baffle him one more time. She was a spitfire. She was gorgeous with the mischievous spark in her eyes, sun reflecting in her blonde hair, her throaty giggle. She was a caring doctor for people and other living creatures alike. And she had the incredible talent of being able to avoid you while being stuck in the same relatively small building for nine hours.
He arrived at the practice when the clock was almost chiming nine a.m. Izzie Stevens greeted him with the usual smile and an offer to make him a cup of coffee. He was suffering from caffeine withdrawal. Soon Meredith floated downstairs with a quick good morning and disappeared into her office before the nurse could even give her the schedule for the day.
That was basically all he saw of her today. True, it was a rather busy day due to the fact that it was the beginning of the week but hell, it wasn't the surgical wing of New York Pres! Even back home with back to back, surgeries he managed to find time to drink a coffee with Mark or chat up the nurses.
Only Meredith could make the practice in a town of about two hundred inhabitants look bustling with patients. She did it on purpose, no doubt. He was sure his little speech the previous day was the underlying cause. What surprised him was that she avoided confrontation at all costs. Why couldn't she voice that she didn't want to have to do anything with him like she did so far? Maybe she didn't trust herself around him? He pondered hopefully as he waited in his office, careful not to make any noise.
He needed her to think he had gone home already so she could come out of the safe haven of her loft. He chuckled; it was like waiting for a scared kitten to peek out from under the bed. Only he knew that the blond kitten upstairs could scratch him to death.
It was after six p.m. when he heard her footsteps on the stairs. He waited until he knew she was in the lobby and came out of the office opening the door. He intended to startle her, to outsmart her with a witty line but instead, he was instantly as flabbergasted with her looks as she was with his unexpected appearance.
They stopped abruptly in their tracks, staring at each other. Derek swallowed mechanically trying to moisten his parched throat as his eyes became glued to her form. Good God… She looked like a goddess. She was wearing a black knee-length dress with a most enticing neckline, her figure accentuated by the high heels on her feet. Her usually messy hair was smoothly clasped at the back of her head allowing him to admire the perfect contours of her face and neck. He reached to loosen his collar a bit, he needed to remember how to breathe.
She was clearly not excepting him to still linger at the practice this late. Damn, she thought he was gone! She was doing so well avoiding him all day and now… Crap, she paraded in front of him in one of the few clothes she had taken from New York. She liked this dress and it bore no memories of Mitch.
"What are you doing here?" she asked clearing her throat, her hands toying with her purse.
"Working… I was coming… I mean, going… home…." he stammered. The devil of a woman always managed to render him bumbling like an idiot…
"Work finished at five…" she remarked nervously.
"I was hoping for a patient to come late," he tried to collect himself. "I… don't have anyone else to talk to really…"
"Oh…" she said simply.
No invitation to hang out, not a simple offer to talk. What did he expect?
"Unless you count Bert but he's in the doghouse since Saturday…" he almost bit his tongue off at his lame joke. Even the mention of his lice adventure didn't soften her heart.
"So… are you working tonight?" his blood stopped flowing in his veins just as the question rolled off his tongue. Lame! Lame! What was wrong with him? He was always a master of smooth-talking a woman. But Meredith Grey was no ordinary woman.
"If you think I'm a prostitute and this is my working outfit," she narrowed her eyes at him, recuperating her sass. Double crap, did she just come back to sex topics with him? She needed to be shot.
"Right… I mean, no!" he chuckled nervously.
"You were leaving you said," she dropped all the pretences. She wanted him gone. Jackson was about to be here any minute now as he was very punctual. And somehow she didn't want him to see him. She didn't want Derek to see Jackson… Not the other way round, she realized ruefully. She just didn't want the nosy New Yorker prying into her personal business, she rationalized. That was it, really.
"So, you're going out?" he stated the obvious.
"Eh…" she faltered. Jackson was definitely her friend and according to the town, something more than a friend. She wasn't into giving Shepherd the details though.
Unfortunately, the door opened and her date walked in, a small smile on his face that fell significantly at the sight of the black haired man.
"Hi, Mer," he walked up offering a small bunch of roses. "Are you ready?"
She accepted the flowers and had no other option but to plant a small kiss onto his cheek, just as she usually did. Why did it feel so bad now, in front of Derek?
"Yes," she said breathlessly looking for some container to put the roses in. "They're beautiful, thank you."
"Taking Meri for a date?" Derek asked him with a sort of nasty smile on his face. Meredith cringed at the pet name, it now looked as if their relations were much closer than in reality. Shepherd's intention for sure.
"As a matter of fact, I am," Jackson nodded, superiority clearly etched in his voice. "You're the temporary co-owner, right?"
"I'm Meredith's partner, yes," Derek riposted shaking his hand. To tell the truth it was more of a hand wrestling than a polite greeting. For a moment Derek wasn't even concerned about crushing the bones in his precious surgeon hand. "But I might be here for more than a quick… stay," he said recklessly.
"We'll be going," Meredith dragged Jackson off with a roll of her eyes. "Dr. Shepherd, I'll be grateful if you could close the door behind you."
A plethora of feelings raged inside him as he beadily watched Jackson Avery take Meredith out, his arm draped around her waist. Regret? Unease? Hatred like he had never known? All logic would indicate that he was jealous… But he never got jealous! And yet, he could feel the fat green monster coiling in his stomach…
This was all very disconcerting. Being possessive of a girl… he never knew that feeling. His sisters didn't count. What was even worse than being possessive of a girl was when that girl was being swept away by a smug bastard right from under his nose… Who was that guy anyway? Meredith's boyfriend? A lover? He cringed at the thought of a random man touching her… kissing her… No, Derek shook his head vigorously, Meredith was way too awkward around that kid to have given him anything more than a peck on the cheek.
Derek was never a guy to give up easily. He shrugged, he had nothing to lose anyway. He waited a moment, slipped out to close the door and noted with relief that they didn't take a car. Taking a deep breath, he slowly followed the pair keeping a safe distance, occasionally hiding behind a building. Was he being unreasonable? Sure. Immature? You bet. Did he care? Not a slightest bit.
Jackson was a great sweet guy, he truly was. However, originality was not one of his strengths…
Her chin in her hand, Meredith sighed audibly surveying the inn. They had a booth for two but it was still a far cry from romantic. She understood Cristina's inn held the only restaurant in town, she did, but even in Rachel there were other opportunities for a date. More off the beaten track but still. Maybe it was all her fault? Maybe Jackson didn't want to risk the precarious state of their relationship? She didn't even let him kiss her on the lips yet…
Or maybe it was all Jackson… she registered grumpily as he sent her a full smile across the table. Apparently, he didn't mind that they were clearly in the view of everyone around, both locals and tourists who were more and more numerous with every day. Maybe it was because he grew up here. She loved Rachel but there were limits between her intimate life and that of the community. Unfortunately, the community didn't think so. Every time she was out with Jackson she felt watched, like every one of her moves was scrupulously scribbled down. She didn't hold it against them. It was their way of caring for her, showing affection. And they didn't know her story. They would be far more delicate if they did.
"Meredith?" Jackson looked at her attentively. "Is everything okay?"
Great, she got lost in thoughts even before the first course. "Sure," she smiled apologetically. "It's just… hot, you know? I'll go splash some water on my face. Be right back."
He stood up gallantly when she left the table and watched her back with a smile as she disappeared into the restroom. His grin faded considerably when his eyes swept the bar. He wasn't the only one following Meredith with his regard. There was the guy who arrived to Rachel last week wreaking havoc on his way. Meredith simply laughed off the idea of their rumored romance but he knew better. The way Shepherd looked at her with fire in his eyes, Jackson didn't like it. He finished his drink and got to his feet with intention of ordering another.
Derek's eyebrows lifted in a slight surprise as Jackson Avery led Meredith into the inn, the very loud boisterous inn… They came for a date… here? Hope was reborn in his heart. Maybe it was not an actual date but a casual outing with a friend? If HE was taking Meredith on a date, he'd made sure they'd be alone, at least for the majority of the time, and he could carry out his plan of ravishing her without interruptions that were bound to arise "Under The Alien". But who was he to complain about the poor date place choice? He should actually rejoice…
He entered the inn, inconspicuously mingling into a crowd of tourists. He fished her blond hair without trouble… and to his utter satisfaction! At first sight, she and Avery seemed engrossed in a conversation. But upon a closer look it was clear he was the only one talking while Meredith's expression indicated she was miles away mentally. And then she snapped out of it and excused herself to go to the bathroom.
Derek watched her graceful form saunter through the restaurant and with a little satisfied smirk decided he could as well have a drink while observing the disaster of a date. He didn't have a drop of alcohol in his mouth since he arrived.
He approached the bar and ordered his double scotch single malt. The barman gave him a long stare and continued to wipe a glass. "Run out," he drawled.
Derek inspected the row of bottles over his head and narrowed his eyes at him, "I'd suggest you look again. I'm pretty sure there's a whole bottle behind you." The fucking Rachel hospitability.
"That's reserved," the barman shrugged nonchalantly.
"For whom?" Derek snorted.
"For friends," the man challenged him.
"Jack," a third voice entered the conversation, a wad of banknotes landed on the counter. "Draw up that scotch. That's my friend."
"Thanks, man," Derek nodded gratefully at the strong-jawed red headed man as the barman complied to his request. "But I don't have any cash about me, just a credit card-"
"Don't mention it," he waved his hand dismissively sipping on his drink. "But I won't say no if you favor me with a story what you did to piss off the locals. There are pleasant enough folk."
"I'm honestly not sure," chuckled Derek taking a stool beside him and reaching out his hand. "Derek Shepherd. So you're not from here either, a tourist?"
"Major Owen Hunt, you can say I'm half-local now," he laughed. "I'm a doctor at Nellis Air force Base."
"Done any post mortem on aliens recently?" Derek joked, now fully understanding the barman obeying his plea. A military man from the base infamous for rumored alien experiments was a coveted personality.
"I'd have to kill you if I told you," grinned Owen.
"Jack, another round of drinks for me and Meredith," the hated voice sounded just behind his back. "Mr. Shepherd... what a surprise to see you… again," Jackson said sourly.
"Oh, Mr. Avery," Derek faked astonishment. "What a coincidence. I'd never expect to see you here."
"Actually, I think you did," Avery didn't beat around the bush. "And I suggest you leave."
"Excuse me?" snorted Derek fully turning on his bar stool to face him. "I'm having a drink. This is a free country."
Owen watched the exchange with a knowing look. He'd travelled a lot of the world, been in many bars. He could clearly recognize a situation when emotions were running too high.
"Oh, please," scoffed Jackson. "Who are you trying to kid? You're watching Meredith, following her all around like a dog, creeping around her. Stop every damn thing about her."
"Ah, there it is. A woman, there's always a woman," Owen muttered over his drink.
"I don't think it's possible," Derek replied good-naturedly.
"Sell her the practice and the house and go back where you came from. You've got no more business with her."
"On the contrary, Meredith is… my friend," Derek smiled.
"That's a good one," snorted Jackson.
"Avery, is this guy making any problems?" Alex Karev appeared at his side, Avery's heated discussion with the stranger catching his attention. He wasn't the only one who followed the exchange with unhidden interest. Some folded their arms over their chests, others stood up from their places. They were all like brothers in Rachel, they had each other's back.
"Yeah, he's making problems for Meredith," spat Jackson. "He's the guy."
Alex eyed him with resentment. "You're the son of a bitch that keeps harassing Meredith? Leave her the hell alone."
"Maybe we should leave it to Meredith to decide," Derek stood up his case. "She's adult, she's intelligent, she can make her own decisions about her life."
"Don't you dare talk about Meredith," hissed Alex. "You will get your ass out of our way or you'll regret."
"Really?" snorted Derek. "I'm trembling."
"You should," Alex narrowed his eyes at him, baring his fists.
"Gentlemen," Owen turned on his stool. "Let's chill. Let's get our drinks and mind our own business."
"Cool," scoffed Alex. "Finish whatever you're drinking, man, and walk away from our business."
"You think you're going to give me orders?" Derek snorted raising his eyebrows. "That's a good one-"
He didn't even manage to blink when Alex's fist collided heavily with his nose. He thought no more as his face exploded in a blinding pain.
When Meredith reappeared from the restroom, just one look was enough to see something was going on. The bar was buzzing like a nest of angry bees. Some of the boys were on their feet, glares at their faces.
And then she heard it, loud and clear.
"Maybe we should leave it to Meredith to decide. She's adult, she's intelligent, she can make her own decisions about her life."
She stopped in her tracks, her eyebrows going up in surprise. It was Derek Shepherd's voice, she could recognize it anywhere. He was talking about her… It sounded… it sounded kind of like a compliment. And not an obnoxious you've-got-a-great-rack kind of one, a sensitive respectful one.
She was pulled out of her musings by the same voice, this time letting out a groan. Like a groan of pain. She sought him with her eyes, full of misgivings… and it was her time to groan. Derek was doubled against the bar, blood streaming down, his hands over his face, his breathing rugged and irregular as he tried to catch air by his mouth. She pushed her way forward through the crowd seeing Alex Karev rub his fist and other Rachel men close in.
"What is going on in here?" she demanded, her voice shaking with anger as she shoved Alex away violently.
"He's been trying to show what a cocky bastard he was," grumbled Alex.
"Has he, now?" she growled and Derek winced internally. Internally because he didn't think he could wince physically even more than he was now. His poor nose, somehow he suspected he might need that surgery Mark had been hinting at for years. But he should be more scared for little Derek and the twins, that was what Meredith would surely go after in her wrath… Great, he would lose the remnants of his pride and his manhood in a godforsaken bar in Nevada…
"Somehow it is you who's beating up innocent people in a bar, Alex!" she hollered and hurried up to Derek. "You!" she glared at Owen who was trying to help him. "Hands off him!"
Through his tearing eyes, he was able to discern Meredith's face at the level of his. Was that… concern etched on her features? Her touch was so delicate yet so strong when she grabbed his arms. "Derek, are you alright? No, obviously, you're not alright," she bit her lip, her fingers going under his chin to hold his head up to her eyes to assess the damage.
"He was insulting you!" Jackson appealed for Alex.
"Really? Is calling me intelligent an insult?" she asked sarcastically as she pulled a packet of tissues from her handbag and gently pressed all of them to Derek's nostrils to dam the bleeding.
"It's not what I meant-"
"Shut up!" she straightened to her full height, her hands on her waist as she surveyed the men. "You should be ashamed of yourself! All of you!" She rounded on Alex and Jackson, "You two, picking up a fight in the bar! With a weaker guy too!"
"Hey!" Derek mumbled through his nose. Weaker? What did she mean by weaker?
"Shut up and concentrate on groaning in pain, would you?" she hissed at him and he knew better than to exacerbate her further. He might just be slipping in her good graces and it would be an abysmal stupidity to ruin it.
"It's outrageous!" she shouted back at her folk. "You know he doesn't know anyone here, that it's everyone against him. He could be massacred if it turned into a brawl!"
She grabbed him under his arm to help him walk and steered him towards the exit.
"I'm disappointed in you, Jackson," she threw passing by him.
She sighed, she felt the scorching force of dozens of gazes on her back. She didn't care at that point. She wouldn't lie to herself, she hated Derek at first sight and she took wild pleasure in his misfortunes but… recently her hate started to ebb away. And she certainly didn't want to see him physically hurt, she didn't wish it to anyone. She was a doctor and a human being for God's sake. And he looked so small and crumpled in his currently vulnerable state.
"Are you bleeding still?" she asked leading him into the street.
"Yeah."
"Are you nauseous? Dizzy?" she fired another question and showed him a victory sign. "How many fingers do you see?"
"Five… three of them folded," he added quickly seeing her face transform in… worry. She seemed worried about him.
"Are you freaking serious?" she yelled. "Are you kidding me?"
"Yes, it has to be one of these two," he tried to chuckle.
"Are you playing smartass again?" she gasped and pushed him forward along the main street.
"What, were you worried that my brain may leak out through my nose?" he joked.
"A little piece of advice," she snorted. "Don't try to be suave with your front covered in blood, it looks ridiculous. Second, you don't get to joke when you get your ass kicked."
He tried to protest but she just dismissed him. "Oh, you totally got your ass kicked. If it hadn't been for me, you would have ended up as a wet spot on the floor, city boy."
A dissatisfied grunt was his only answer.
"I'm seriously asking if you feel sick in any way," her voice turned gentle. "You're losing quite a bit of blood-"
"I'm fine," he sighed.
"I certainly hope so," she sounded equally tired. "We still have a bit to walk. We came here on foot."
"Sorry for ruining your date," he choked out.
"Right, I'm sure you are," she rolled her eyes.
The evening didn't turn out as he expected. He had intended to silently observe Meredith and the love struck boy from afar, maybe make his presence known… gently. He didn't ask to get his nose smashed… Did he have to go to Vegas to be treated? He didn't want to put Meredith's abilities in doubt but… well, surgeons eyes should probably have a look at it and he couldn't treat himself. Still, despite his probably broken nose he was elated. It might be the adrenaline coursing in his veins or… Meredith pressed to his side. He felt absolutely fine apart from his nose, and he could easily walk unassisted but he certainly wouldn't share that piece of information with her. She felt so good against him. She fit. Like she was made for him… And she smelled so good… The corner of his lips curled in a smirk wondering in what other physical configuration they would fit even better.
After about fifteen minutes Meredith led him up the three steps into the practice and into the procedure room. When she helped him perch onto the table, all his pain was rewarded with a deep peek down her cleavage. Thank God he didn't refuse help walking… But he'd better watch it, if something else than his nose swelled out of proportion by accident, it would be his funeral.
"Lean forward a bit," she ordered him, washing her hands and slipping latex gloves on her hands. Damn, she was playing doctor on him while wearing that flimsy thing. What a turn-on… And she didn't even realize it… which was probably for the best.
She was back before him, her face, her whole body just inches from his.
"Hm," she let out gently examining his nose with a pen light. Her expert touch was so light it didn't even hurt. "It's bled like a bitch…" she muttered.
Crap, she was swearing and had that little frown on her forehead. Why was she so arousing to him when she was bossy?
"But it seems it's getting better," she sighed, tenderly wiping the dried blood from his chin and neck. "Keep it," she told him pressing the ice pack to his nose and cheeks. "It's already swollen so much, and frankly your nose had been twisted in all directions already, so I can't tell if there's any fracture. We'll wait and see-"
"Let's do an X-ray," he proposed.
"If anything looks out of place when the swelling's down a little, I'll do the X-ray-"
"Why not now?" he whined.
"Because it's not a standard procedure and I don't feel like radiating you for fun," she answered in a stricter tone. "I don't think it's necessary at this stage. It usually looks worse than it is in reality. Keep that ice on your nose. Don't bend too much forward, don't blow your nose. I will give you something for the pain but there will certainly be a lot of swelling and bruising and two black eyes I'm afraid-"
"Meredith, Mer," he interrupted. "I know, I'm a doctor. A head doctor actually."
"Oh," she stopped in her tracks. "You're right. So I don't have to feel guilty for not actually treating you like a patient?" she bit her lip.
"No," he answered and instantly regretted it as she virtually exploded.
"What the hell were you thinking?" she hollered, her eyes boring into hers, her hands on her hips. "What were you even doing at the inn? Why are you so stupid as to start an argument with people you don't know? Are you trying to get yourself killed? Are you having suicidal thoughts?"
"No," he gulped hunching like a naughty boy caught in the act.
"Then you're just plain stupid-"
"I am not!" he said haughtily, his voice muffled. "I don't think they have the right to decide on my life, on your life… That Jackson, is he your boyfriend or what?"
"They don't decide on my life, and… he's not my boyfriend."
"A friend? A friend with benefits? Or maybe just the nice local boy chosen by the voice of the majority to date you?"
"They're trying to make me happy," she shrugged avoiding his eyes. "In their own annoying way but… Jackson is a really nice guy. Well, not tonight, he wasn't. But he's really patient and-" she trailed off tucking her hair behind her ears.
"And what?" he inquired curiously.
"And nothing," she shrugged.
"Exactly, and nothing," he argued. "He bores you. He's not your type, it's clear as day. He's not going to give you what you need."
"And what is that I need, according to you?" she snorted. "A night of sex with no strings attached?"
"No! Remember what I said yesterday-"
"I remember," she shrugged. "You told me things yesterday… You told me that you wanted to know me. That you wanted me to know you."
"I did," he nodded.
"Why?" she asked simply. "I can understand your curiosity about me. What makes you think it's reciprocated? Your big ego?"
"You're fighting me with everything you've got," he stated shaking his head. "It's not just my curiosity about you, it's more than that. You fascinate me. I think you're the most fascinating person I've ever met. So I want to know you. And since I don't think it would be fair if it was one-sided, I want you to know me."
"You know what the problem is, Derek?" she said crisply. "I don't know who is the real you. I don't think you know either. Every day you're showing a different face. Once you're an asshole, and then you're the nice guy next door. You're Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde."
"I'm not-"
"Remember how we met? All you thought about was how to fuck me. And now you want to know me," she shrugged. "So forgive me if I don't give you too much credit."
For once, he didn't argue. How could he? She was right.
"I suggest we call it a night," sighed Meredith tiredly, breaking the uncomfortable silence that fell over them. "Too much attractions for one evening. I'll drive you home."
"Thanks," he nodded and got off the table not waiting for her help.
The short ride was silent, much too silent for their past experiences.
"I… can I help you with anything?" she asked walking him to the door.
"If I had a broken hand or leg I'd ask you to help me change into my pajamas," he managed to quip. "Since it's only my nose, I just have to thank you. Well, I guess you could also kiss better-"
"Shut up," she narrowed her eyes at him.
"Okay, shutting up now."
She rolled her eyes at him and came closer. Derek made half a step back as if afraid he had crossed the line.
"Coward," she muttered planting a tiny gentle kiss onto his nose.
"Oh," he breathed out. "That's not exactly where I pictured it."
"Really? You want some other part of your body mangled? Because I can call Alex, I'm sure he'll be game. Or I can help myself."
"No, that's fine," he gulped. "You're… a good nose kisser."
"Call me if you need me," she said seriously. "I'm a doctor first. And…" she bit her lip. "I'm sorry."
"For what?" he frowned.
"For… this," she pointed at his nose.
"It's not your fault."
"I know it's not my fault but they're-"
"Your people?" he finished for her.
"Yeah," she breathed out. "Take care. Good night, Derek."
"Good night, Meredith."
He watched her drive away, contemplating her words. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde?
