Romancing Dr. Bailey

"Do you have everything you need for your flight tomorrow?" Miranda asked as she lay in bed wrapped up in Ben. She held him tight, memorizing her favorite spots on his back. Ben's departure had come so soon, it almost shocked her the way it rolled around. They'd made plans for their first trips back and forth, but it was the in-between that she was really worried about.

"For the fifth time," he laughed, "Yes, I do."

"I just want to make sure."

"And anything I forget, Rosalind can bring when she drives my car up."

"Remind me again why you're not driving."

"I start in two days and it'll take at least twenty hours for me to do it. I'd be too exhausted to even start my first rotation. And I don't want to get off on the wrong foot." They both sighed. "Plus, I wanted to spend as much time as I could with you and Tuck and my family—"

She cut him off. "Okay, okay, calm down," Miranda chuckled. She looked up at his face, staring at his stubble. Reaching up, she brushed his chin, allowing her fingers to be scratched a little.

"I'll shave before I report to the hospital," he promised. "Truth?"

"Please."

"I'm so excited."

She gave him a smile, one that she hoped conveyed how proud she was of him. "And I'm excited for you. I have butterflies in my stomach like I'm the one starting her residency." The two of them laughed together. Their bodies shaking against one another.

"Any tips for me?"

"Yes."

"What?"

Miranda had half a mind to break down her "Five Rules" for him. Rules that when followed, kept a hospital running smoothly. Instead she told him: "Do your best. And don't piss people off." That sent them into another laughing frenzy.

"What shall we do for my last down in town?"

Miranda swallowed. Even now, she still wasn't used to the idea of him leaving. Trying not to cry for the umpteenth time, she said: "We could go to Rogelio's for an early dinner."

"Excellent idea."

Miranda kissed Ben on his chest before getting out of bed and going into the bathroom, turning on the showerhead. As she showered, she released more tears. They just wouldn't stop coming. No matter how many times she tried not to shed tears because of his departure, she couldn't. Ben was the love of her life. She'd just found him, just started to really know him and now… he'd be gone. Once out of the shower, she slipped into a pair of blue jeans and a gold, short-sleeved shirt with a deep V-neck cut. Her leopard print flats complemented her entire look. In the mirror, she accessorized and applied some makeup while watching Ben pull on a grey t-shirt that looked good with his black jeans. "I am almost ready," she said running the tube of lipstick over her lips. Looking over, she saw him staring at her. She whipped around and asked: "And, what is it that you are looking at?"

"Uh, my woman," he responded. Her stomach tossed at the sentiment. Moving behind her, he whispered: "Like I didn't see you staring at me." He swept her hair off of her neck. "You look good."

"Thank you."

"Ready?"

"Yes. Let's go." During dinner, Miranda and Ben talked between forkfuls of delicious food. She strung words together quickly, trying to avoid any silence. There would be plenty of time for that. "You know, you're my best friend," she told him as she sipped her wine.

"What's understood doesn't have to be explained," he said taking her free hand in his. "You're mine, too."

She winked at him. "I won't tell Tucker."

He tilted his head. "I won't tell Torres or Scotty." They stared at each other. Miranda floated her thoughts to him telepathically. In her head, she told him how much she loved. But he knew that. She thought about how much she'd miss him, but he knew that, too. There wasn't much left to say. Ben moved to her side of the booth. "It won't be permanent, you know?"

"I know." She poked out her bottom lip. He leaned in and kissed it softly. "It took so long for me to find you," she whispered. She put her forehead against his, forgetting that they were in a restaurant and that there were people around. Tears fell from her eyes. "And I said that I was done crying." She chuckled at her mini-meltdown.

He groaned softly before hugging her firmly. Ben put his lips to her cheek. "Don't you worry about those tears. But you don't have to cry. I'll be back in a month and a half. Just a few short weeks."

"I know," she repeated. "That's why I'm mad that I'm blubbering like this."

"Well," he laughed. "I appreciate that you feel like that." Her chin was lifted by his knuckle. "I feel the same way. You know that, right?"

Miranda picked up a napkin and dried her face, sighing. "I do."

"Good." He kissed her forehead. "Now, let's have dessert."

In the car, Ben turned on the radio as they drove across the town. "Oh, this is our song," he said raising the volume.

"We have a song?" Miranda asked, sitting up a little.

"Yes, remember I sang to you when we were on the phone?"

"Vaguely." Her smile warmed her from the inside out. "You singing off-key to a great song while I'm not listening doesn't make it ours."

He laughed and put his free hand over his heart. "Fine, fine. That was hurtful, though."

"I'm sorry," she chuckled.

They pulled up in front of the house. "What about when I sang to you the second time?"

"On our way to dinner?" He nodded. "I remember."

"Ehh, it was just a thought." She nodded as the song played on. I'll give you everything—all that you're looking for.

"Well, I love it." Ben turned off the engine and was her door, opening it. Putting out his hand, he helped her out of the car. "It can be our song."

"Good." Her arms fell on his shoulders and she locked her fingers. "I'll listen to it every day."

"You'll get tired of it," she laughed.

"If it reminds me of you, I could never get tired of it."

Damn it, Miranda thought. He grasped her waist and lifted her to her toes. They kissed softly at first, no rush. As her hands touched the back of his head, the kiss deepened. Her tongue eased into his mouth, loving the taste. Finding the ground, she tugged at the front of his shirt, pulling him down to her. "How about we take this inside?" She asked. Ben bit his lip and Miranda had to stop herself from pushing him back into the car and jumping on him. Taking his hand, she led them up the stairs into the house. Once the door was locked, she leaned on it and stared at him.

"See something you like?" In lieu of a response, Miranda bit her bottom lip and marched over to him. Standing in front of him, wordlessly, he reached to the bottom of her shirt and, in one swift moment, yanked it off. The chilly air only paused her momentarily before she walked into the living room. Ben followed. When she turned around, his shirt was gone. Unabashedly, she ran a hand over his gorgeous torso. He sat on the couch moving her throw pillows to the other chair. He fingered her wrist before pulling her down onto his lap. Miranda straddled him. Even though they were both wearing jeans, she could feel him, primed and ready. And she felt the same way. She needed him a way that went beyond sex and orgasms. But she couldn't quite call it. He touched the back of her neck, making her shiver. Starting at her lips, he kissed down until he found the tops of her breasts. Unhooking her bra, her breasts bounced against his skin. Her nipples were hard, waiting to be tended to. "You wanna stay down here?" He asked.

"Yes," she breathed.

Miranda grabbed the front of his pants and slid his belt off, dropping it. Ben raised an eyebrow. They stood up to make themselves more comfortable. Each sound drove Miranda's body insane—the zippers easing down, the denim dropping, her shoes hitting the carpet—He spun her around and kissed her back, working her nipples between his thumb and each of his fingers. "How's that feel?"

"That feels really good," she told him. Her eyes closed at the pleasure and she drove her body into his. He collapsed on her, groaning. "Can I turn around?"

"You can do anything you want to do, baby," he said. She turned around and pushed him back on the couch. "Damn." Sitting on top of him, Ben grabbed her ass, squeezing it. "A thong?"

Miranda blushed slightly. "Yeah." His finger eased the thin cloth out of the way. Instead of pulling off his boxer-briefs, he just lifted his hips. She fell into his chest. "Stop teasing me," she demanded in his ear, kissing it.

"Or what?"

She licked his ear before whispering: "Or I'll give myself what you were tasked to give me."

"Oooh, threats," he growled. Once rid of all clothing, Ben reached into his wallet and pulled out a condom. Finally, Miranda guided Ben inside of her.

"Jesus Christ, Ben!" She whined, digging her nails into his skin, hoping she didn't break the skin, but not really caring either way. He embraced her; holding her shoulders as they moved together. Their mouths were pressed together, whispering obscenities between kisses.

"Miranda!" He gripped her butt again, slapping it gently at first and then forcefully. How sweet it was to be with someone she could experience such a connection with, someone who knew her body so well. His touches of vigor and gentleness were well-balanced.

"Yes! Yes!" She answered, her voice high-pitched. They sped up their rocking. Ben slipped a hand between her legs and circled his fingers until she was bouncing on him, freely. "Yes!" He grabbed her body and laid her back on the sofa, stroking her powerfully. "Oh my God, Ben!"

"Say that again!"

She smiled, touching her hair as she said his name again: "Benjamin!"

"Miranda, I love you, baby." She nodded again, wrapping her legs around his body, holding him in place, pushing him deeper. Ben took the opportunity to attack her chest, his mouth receiving her nipples, taking her to the edge.

Her breaths quickened. "Ben! Ben! Oh God! Please!"

"Damn, babe, I'm about to come."

"Wait one second. Just… wait," she pleaded. Miranda's hand joined Ben's between their bodies and soon they were orgasming. "Yessss! Yess! Oh my God! Oh! My! God! Yes!"

"Yeah," Ben grunted. "That was it right there."

Miranda could feel her body sailing. She knew she was on top of Ben, their bodies as one; but she was also next to them and watching from above. She kissed him hard. "I love you, too." A tear fell from her eyes followed by another.

"That good, huh?"

"That amazing!" She cried out.

"I agree. You make me feel everything." Ben was still inside of her, filling her up even as he softened. She rotated her hips slowly. "Miranda…"

"What?" She purred in his ear. He squeezed her tighter.

"Stop," he begged quietly. She kept her body still. Ben pulled out of her and, regaining her balance, Miranda stood up and headed toward the stairs. She could feel Ben's eyes on her body scanning her, preparing for round two. "You don't play fair."

"Come and tell me all about it."

The next morning, Miranda expected to be overwhelmed with tears, unable to focus with thoughts of her man leaving indefinitely and the fact that she was going to be in a long-term relationship. But it was just the opposite. Miranda rolled over to see that Ben was gone from the bed. "Ben?" No answer. "Ben?"

"Hey! Are you calling me?" He shouted back. "If you are, I'm in the kitchen."

Miranda got out of bed and grabbed her robed, throwing it on. "Good morning," she smiled.

"It is a great morning." He kissed her cheek while whipping some eggs in a bowl. "How'd you sleep?"

"I slept well." Miranda poured herself a cup of coffee. "You?"

"It was glorious." Ben beamed. "Food's almost ready."

"Take your time." She put the mug to her lips. "There's no rush."

"Do you want some more bacon?" Ben asked as they finished up breakfast.

"No, you can have the last piece."

"Thank you. I'm trying to get some sustenance for my flight."

A laugh jumped from her body. "Your flight is in a few short hours," she said wistfully.

"Yes, it is," he stared at her, probably waiting for her to start bawling. Truthfully, she was waiting, too. Maybe she'd cried all of the tears she was supposed to. He wasn't going away forever. He'd be back. "So, my mom, sisters and Jazz are meeting me—us—at the airport later. Am I going to be able to see LT before I leave?"

"Of course, I'll call Tucker."

"Please do. That's one face I need to see." Ben reached across the table and took her hand. "You're a good mom."

Her cheeks warmed. "Thank you for noticing."

"And a good woman. I adore you."

"Are you trying to warm me up, Ben Warren?"

"Little bit."

"And to what do I owe this warmage?"

"Well," he said standing up and walking over to her. He slid the robe from her shoulders, kissing them. "I want to make love to you again before I go."

Miranda shook her head, cracking up. She grabbed the side of his face, putting her lips on his. "All you had to do was ask."

"Everything I said is true though."

"Mmm-hmm."

While Miranda helped Ben gather this things, Miranda's phone rang. "Hey, Mandy, we're outside," Tucker said.

"Okay."

She called down the stairs and asked Ben to open the door. "LT!" Ben shouted.

"Ben!" Tuck yelled. Miranda could feel her chest tighten. She walked downstairs to see her boyfriend and ex-husband talking to each other. "Mommy!"

"Hi, baby," she responded, kissing the top of his head.

"Mandy," Tucker said. "How are you?"

"I'm good, Tucker Jones."

He smiled slyly. "Ben says you haven't cried at all today."

Miranda gasped and looked at Ben. "Uh, that's none of his business." To Tucker, she said: "And, you, mind your business." The three of them laughed. Miranda would miss their little chats.

"Alright, I have to go. Tuck!" Their son bounced into the room. "I'm leaving. Be good." The two men shook hands before hugging. He waved and was gone. Once they were dressed and ready to go, Tuck headed to the car. Ben stood behind Miranda by the front door. "It was fun living with you and Tuck these last couple of weeks." She smiled and held his arms. He spun her around. "A great preview to our future."

"Yeah?"

"Oh, no doubt.

"I'm going to miss you being here when I get out of surgery."

"I know, but you can call me and give me the details."

"Perhaps when you're not in surgery and doing the grunt work of a resident." She laughed. "You are going to be so tired."

"I won't be too tired to talk to you."

"You'll get so busy, you'll forget me."

"How could I?" He argued. "You're in my head and in my heart."

Miranda sighed. She looked into his eyes, uncertain as to where this road would lead them, but happy to be on it anyway. "Promise me one thing."

"Anything."

"That you'll call or text every day."

"I promise."

The horn honked and Miranda shook her head. "I'm going to hurt that boy."

Ben chuckled and looked at his watch. "Do it when I leave, I don't want to be a witness."

In the car, they held hands, keeping their physical connection as long as they could. She just needed to feel him. Her heart was pounding the closer they got to the airport. She was willing her tear ducts to hold back the tears—at least until Ben was on the plane. They parked in the parking garage and headed inside. "When are you coming back?" Tuck asked as they made their way to the correct terminal. Miranda hung back so that they could have a moment. She knew Tuck would miss Ben something serious. While Ben checked in, Miranda spotted his family and waved them over.

"Hi, Dr. Bailey, Tuck," Jaz said.

"Hey, Jaz," they responded.

"So, he's ready to leave?" Rosalind asked. Ben's younger sister had flourished into the person she was meant to be and looked beautiful.

Miranda smiled wryly remembering them apartment-hunting in California and all of the work Ben had put into the move.. "He has his things," she answered. "And he's all set in L.A., so…"

"Hey, y'all," Ben interrupted. He hugged his mother, sister and niece. "Where's Ange?"

"Portland," Jaz said.

"Apparently, she has a boyfriend," Rosalind added while wiggling her eyebrows.

"Good," he said putting his arm around Miranda. "My flight will be boarding soon, so this is it."

Miranda cleared her throat and stepped back alongside Tuck while Ben hugged and kissed his family. Jaz cried softly. Rosalind held her. "Cut it out, Jazzy. I'll be back in a few weeks. Keep working and call me whenever you want. And you can come and visit."

"Tuck, LT, my buddy," Ben said hugging her son. "I will miss you. Make sure you call me."

"I'll miss you, too." Tuck gestured for him to lean toward him and Miranda strained to hear what he was saying. "You're making my mommy cry," Tuck whispered.

"She's not crying," Ben replied in a low tone.

"On the inside."

"Oh. Okay. I'll talk to her and make sure she's okay."

Miranda heard the first call for Ben's flight and started to panic a little. She hadn't even prepared a goodbye whatever and now— "That's me," he said stepping to her. Ben turned to his mom. "Can you guys keep an eye on Tuck? I need to talk to Miranda."

They said they would, happily. Ben pulled Miranda through the semi-crowded airport until they came to a secluded spot. She took deep breaths, praying that her emotions wouldn't betray her. "No tears for me?" He teased holding her hands.

Clearing her throat, she said: "I'm sure I can conjure up a tear or two. If you really want me to." She faked a sniffle.

"Come off it. You're gonna miss me."

"Severely," Miranda admitted. Her hands went to his waist.

Ben put his arms on her shoulders, grounding her. "And you'll come visit me."

"The first chance I get." Their arms switch positions as she rose to the tips of her toes. Their Her ears perked up to the sound of his flight being called again. Maybe he could stay a little bit longer. Planes left Seattle and landed in L.A. all day and night. He could get on another flight. She wanted to say all of that, but it sounded selfish. It sounded possessive. That's not what she wanted to display at this crucial time in their relationship. Instead, she focused on the man in front of her. She kissed him, raking his scalp with her fingers. He shivered. Just another thing she wouldn't get to do on a daily basis. The kiss turned passionate and Miranda was glad that they had privacy. She moaned softly.

When they tore themselves away from one another, their foreheads fell

Ben was the first to speak. "And when I come back, you'll have a place for me."

"At the house?" Of course she would, her bed would always feel too big without him now.

His hand landed on her chest. "In here, too."

"Yes. To both." The next kiss was akin to ones they shared just before foreplay. Tongues tangles, fingers full of clothes and body, heavy breathing and hearts beating wildly. Miranda put her hands on his chest, taking a step back. "This is going to work."

"You're damn right it is." His flight was called once more and Miranda figured that the final boarding call was only minutes away.

"Well, you've said goodbye to everyone, said goodbye to me, in more ways than one," she added in a quiet. He winked at her, smiling widely. His smile illuminated his face. "So… come on. Time to go." They walked toward his gate, hand in hand. Ben stopped moving. "What are you doing? Are you trying to miss this flight?" It was her turn to smile and he matched it. She looked up at Ben to see that every centimeter of his face was pulled into a smile. "Why are you looking at me like that, Benjamin Warren?" His mouth opened, but no words came out. "Stop staring at me like that? Did you forget something? What's wrong?"

"Marry me." Miranda had seen someone get hit between the breasts with a softball once. She'd seen a man with a tree coming out of his chest. And yet, both of those felt simple compared to what she was feeling right now. She couldn't breathe. "Marry me, Miranda Bailey," he repeated. Glancing around, she saw that no one was within earshot. They were alone in their bubble and he was waiting for an answer. They were alone in their bubble, he was waiting for an answer and she was stuck. She was the only one that heard his question. "Baby… Miranda. D-did you hear me?"

"I think so," she said.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm trying to process."

"Okay. And—and I'm not going to rush you. Please take your time. There's no rush." He winked at her and the butterflies in her stomach scattered and actually calmed her down. Her breathing slowed, but was by no means normal. Marriage? The thought rolled around in her head, making her light-headed. "But," he continued. "I will say that with this proposal, I am promising you my heart. I am promising that I will always love you. I'll always be there for you and for Tuck."

"You're asking for a lot," she said taking a step toward him. He nodded. "You are asking m-me for… forever. You are saying that I am the woman with whom you want to spend the rest of your life."

Ben reached into his pocket and pulled out a box. Miranda almost passed out. "I told you early on that I wanted to marry you. Nothing has changed. Nothing. I'm still in love with you. I still want you in my life. I still need you."

Tears were streaming down her face faster than she could wipe them away. Ben opened the box and revealed a ring that Miranda had no idea was her particular style, but now she couldn't see herself wearing any other one. "Last call for Flight #922 to Los Angeles is boarding now. The door will be closing in thirty minutes," the overhead speakers blared.

"Wow. I cannot believe that I rendered the Great Miranda Bailey speechless." Miranda laughed through her tears, still unable to speak. One answer seemed like the rational one. Yes, I'll think about it. The other seemed irrational. Yes, I will marry you. Miranda knew that if she picked either one, Ben would still love her. He'd still cared. "I'm sorry to spring this on you like this, but, sweetheart, I have to go."

She nodded. "Okay."

"So, take this ring. Think about it."

Ben took the ring out of the velvet bedding and slipped it on her left hand's ring finger. "Uh, this is so beautiful, Benjamin. Thank you."

Miranda saw Tuck, Jaz, Rosalind and Julia up ahead. They waved at him. Ben leaned in and gave her two kisses, one gentle and long, the other hard and quick. Later on, she wouldn't remember which one came first. But she would remember that she couldn't imagine letting him leave without telling him that she saw him in her future, in her forever. Forever. It was starting right now. And it was real. The possibility of spending a lifetime with Ben. The way he treated her and the way he loved her and her son—statistics would definitely argue that she'd never find someone like him again. She wasn't supposed to. And as a believer in science, she knew that the man was special. One of a kind. He was The One. And this was it. Her happiness was walking away. Before he got too far, words bubbled to the surface. "Yes!" She called out. Several heads turned and she blushed, her heart racing as if she'd run a marathon. He stopped walking. "Yes, Benjamin Warren."

Turning around, Ben rushed to her. "I knew it," he whispered in her ear, her body trembling. He picked her up, spinning her around.

Miranda gasped as she floated. Joy filled her entire body. She was going to marry Ben Warren. "I love you so much," she started when her feet were on the ground. "I want you in my life, too. You are…" Miranda swiped away the tears. "You are so special to me. And you make me so—God, you make me so happy. Of course, I'm saying yes." She exhaled deeply. "Yes, yes, a thousand times—yes!"

He smiled at her, kissing her passionately. The heat between seemed to fill up the entire building. "Well, you really had me going there."

"I did?" She asked. "Didn't you know I'd say yes?"

He moved his head from side to side. "I did, but you do keep me guessing." They stood in the middle of the airport with people eyeing them occasionally. "Which you'll be doing for the next sixty years or so, I hope."

"You know it."

"But look at us now." He put a kiss on her chin, making her smile wider. "And who knew I'd succeed."

She stroked the hair at the top of his neck as he held her body. "Doing what?"

"Romancing Dr. Bailey."

-The End-