Chapter 33: Same Idea

Derek and Mark walked into the Rockfish Grill with a bar along the length of the place. The wood fire pit was visible in the kitchen as well as the room they brew their beer at. They immediately saw the table almost full with three spots left open. They had reserved a table for 15, so a big crew tonight. The single 1st classes and chiefs tend to do things together like this occasionally and that is what this was… it was a gathering of the single folks, one without another and/or children to go home to.

"Glad you pretty boys could join us tonight." Cristina laughed while popping a chip in her mouth.

"I see you didn't wait on us." Mark sat down in the empty seat beside her with Derek sitting at the head of the table beside Mark. The other open seat was beside Aiden Kelley which he didn't know too well.

"Why would I wait on you?" Cristina kept, sitting with the smug look on her face, beer in hand taking a big gulp.

"You are the one that left the seat open for me." Mark said and then leaned into her, "If I didn't know better, I would say you were trying to seduce me."

Cristina immediately stiffened, hoping no one noticed her change in demeanor, "I don't do dirty sticks and you have one."

"You only wish it was just a stick." He made sure to put a little extra breath into her ear. Mark really had no idea why he was even saying anything to her. They fought all the time, but maybe that was part of it… the dare of each other. He was enamored by Lexie for a short time; however, he knew in his head, she was too innocent and sweet for him. He needed someone more hard core and that wouldn't put up with his shit and would call him on it.

"Okay, lovebirds, cut it out." Callie rolled her eyes watching Cristina and Mark wishing they would just fuck and get it over with. She then added, "Shepherd, good you could join us tonight."

Derek chuckled at Callie's comment. He really hadn't gotten to know these people well, but knew the next month would give them plenty of time. "Yeah, I have heard this place has some of the best ale and food you can get."

Mark looked up and did a very quick double take… He noticed Pete Wilder (the CO of the command – highest ranking in the command) and Erica Hahn (the XO of the command – second in charge) walking in with a few other officers including Addison Montgomery and Izzie Stevens. "Looks like we weren't the only ones with this idea." Mark grumbled.

At that time, some of the others looked over to see the same sight, "Of all the fucking places, we pick the same place." Cristina grumbled.

"Who?" Derek asked looking up from the menu, his back to the new group walking in.

"The fucking officers… that is who." Cris replied quietly noticing Pete saw them sitting there.

Derek immediately turned around as he got the pit in the bottom of his stomach. The thoughts in his head started buzzing thankful he didn't see her. Officer something… Meredith… surely… oh fuck… no…. maybe they have another something going on somewhere, but FUCK, THEY ARE HERE… the big officers. No way I can do this if she will be here. Derek… stay calm. Maybe… just maybe something else… she won't be here.

Mark immediately leaned over to Derek and very quietly whispered, "Calm down, she isn't there. Maybe she isn't coming." Mark saw the look on Derek's face and just hoped others didn't.

"She is going to be here. She had an officer thing until later. This is the thing." Derek sighed while talking very quietly so that no one would answer. He turned around thankful no one really noticed the look of shock that covered his face.

"Maybe they will buy us a round. They did last deployment when we all ended up in Dubai at the sand pit. Wilder picked up the tab that night." Aiden smiled picking up his pint.

Derek was thankful the waitress was back with his drink. He had a feeling he was going to need to keep them coming. He and Meredith couldn't exist in the same room without something… between them. Especially tonight knowing what they had planned for later.

"Yeah… that had to be a minimum $1,000 tab between us all. We hadn't been off the boat in 42 days. We were getting close to a beer day on board ship." Callie explained.

"How long ago was last deployment?" Derek asked trying to get involved in the conversation and get his mind off of the possible developments happening around him.

"Not long enough… this was a very fast turnaround. Just about 8 months ago when we got back. Right before Sloan checked in." Aiden answered for the group of over halves who was on last deployment together.

Before another word, they heard walking up behind them, "Well, looks like we have the same ideas." Pete said walking up to the group, putting a hand on Derek's shoulder and the other on Mark's.

"Yes, sir." Mark said putting on a smile for the first in command.

"Just wanted to come over and say hello. Enjoy… first round on me tonight for the hard and great work you guys all did getting ready for our month detachment and our upcoming deployment." Pete smiled looking at the table.

"Yes, we do a lot of hard work, sir. Glad you noticed." Cristina immediately said knowing how to ride the fine line of respect and being a smart ass.

"Always Yang. Enjoy your night. Be careful getting back to the island." Pete said in a kind but warning tone.

"Yes, sir, you do the same." Cristina shot back as Pete walked off.

Everyone at the table just looked at Cristina with a little disbelief. She just gets by with the comments… it is part of what makes her one of the best.

"What?" Cristina smirked.

"You have bigger nuts than any of us here." Aiden laughed.

"Speak for yourself." Mark looked at him like he was crazy.

"Wow… look who just walked in together. You know, people are saying they are so fucking." Callie said looking at the door. There was nothing like some good gossip to get a squadron talking,

"Oh yes, Grey… what's new? She is just another female officer who likes to fuck the boys. But Karev… she definitely gets the hot ones." Cristina added.

Derek was just sitting there. Not able to look around feeling almost sick to his stomach at hearing the words come out of their mouth… Meredith wasn't with Alex… no way she could be. She was with him, so what in the hell was she doing walking in the restaurant with Alex Karev?

Meredith walked in the restaurant laughing with Alex. When they got in, Alex stopped, "Well, looks like some others had the same idea."

"What?" Meredith asked looking around until she saw the table… Her eyes quickly scanned it and she saw them… the familiar curls with the hint of grey hair coming through a few strands. Fuck. What am I going to do? I just want him. OH GOD… Alex. He could think… SHIT. Somehow… he has to know. He hasn't seen us, maybe he won't realize.

At that second, she saw him turn around… if looks could kill, she would be dead.