Chapter 42: Are You Okay?

"Thank God." Derek said under his breath when he looked at his phone that had vibrated on his hip. He navigated his phone to get to the message from Meredith.

To: D

From: M

8:34pm

I am here safe and sound. You really came through in the last hour with the plane. Even at just a glance, I can't wait to see you. Have a good night. 3 M

"Shep." Mark quickly pulled him out of his state of happiness.

"She's there." Derek whispered starting to type a message back to her.

To: M

From: D

8:34pm

Glad you made it. I am always good at what I do ;), never a doubt in my mind it wouldn't be up. Are you staying on the boat tonight?

"Here, take another drink. I am driving tonight anyway." Mark said to Derek giving him another beer as the rest of their group joined them.

"You're late." Mark said to Cristina, smirking a bit. They would talk and cut up together, people would speculate they were together, but no one would care too much. They were the same rank, both the Leading Petty Officer of their shops… those things made a huge difference. It would still be frowned upon slightly, but, really, wasn't a big deal.

"Awwww, you missed me. How cute." Cristina mocked.

Mark leaned into her ear as she sat beside him, "I think I was way more than cute last night."

"Like a little puppy dog." Cristina laughed as the others were ordering drinks and wrapped up in their own conversation.

"I will make you pay for that." Mark growled.

"In your dreams." Cristina rolled her eyes while ordering her beer, joining in the conversation.

Derek heard the song Danger Zone start playing on his hip knowing who this was. He looked to Mark and immediately stood up to walk outside. Derek didn't expect to hear from her.

"Hey there beautiful." Derek smiled, thinking about her.

"Don't become one of those." Meredith laughed, knowing deep down she did want one of those types of guys. She could hear the excitement in his voice which made her smile even more.

"One of what?" Derek smirked, knowing he was cheesy with his opening line, but he couldn't help it.

"Those guys who say crazy things like that."

"Not crazy, it is true. How are you?" Derek asked truly happy to hear her voice.

"I am good. Some of us are staying on base at the navy lodge instead of the boat. There will be enough time for that." Meredith explained.

Derek inhaled deeply, "Yes, there will be I think."

"Have you been home yet today?"

"I went home to shower real quickly and then Mark and I went to dinner. We are now out with the group for drinks, at Flyers for now. Why do you ask?" Derek asked curiously.

"No reason." She suppressed her giggle, thinking about the surprise she left him. She hoped he would enjoy it rather than feel tortured by the small token.

"You are up to something." He couldn't help but feel excited to get home now to see what may be waiting for him. He knew it wouldn't be exactly what he wanted because that was a thousand miles away.

"Me, never."

"I don't believe you. So, what do you have on tap for tonight?" Derek asked.

"Well, I actually stayed up late last night. I have no idea; someone kept me up all night."

"Hm… good things." Derek thought about last night.

"Very good things. But, I think tonight will actually be an early night. I think everyone partied a little too much last night."

"You had a fun night."

"I did. Well, I will let you get back to the group. We may go grab some dinner since Alex and I are just getting here. Tomorrow night is Ruth's Chris. I guess it is tradition anytime we are down here for us to go eat there the night before we pull out." Meredith explained.

Derek was glad that they at least got the plane out. Even though it was delayed for a few hours, they were able to get out and down to San Diego with Derek being the one to go out and do most of the work. "A nice parting dinner." Derek paused, "Well, have a good night."

"Okay. Tomorrow…" Meredith bit her lip.

"Do you want me to call, or would it be easier if you call me?" Derek asked, knowing that is what she was curious about.

"Either. I am not sure what will be going on tomorrow, just hanging around probably." She loved thinking about talking to him tomorrow at some point.

"Talk to you then. Good night." He swallowed hard, knowing in a few days they wouldn't even have this.

"Good night." Meredith hung up her phone sighing and walked into the lobby of the navy lodge to meet Alex and the rest for dinner.

Alex looked at her and noticed she looked distant a bit. He went up to her as the others were already out at the restaurant they were meeting up at, "Are you okay?"

"I am fine."

"Where did you go last night?" Alex asked curiously.

"Why are you just now asking me this?" Meredith didn't need him asking a lot of questions.

"Because you had to fly the fucking plane to get us here. And you looked like shit before we left and was bitching to everyone about the plane possibly not getting off the ground. I didn't want to fuck with you, but now that we are here, something is up with you." Alex challenged.

Meredith looked at him clearly in the eyes, "Alex, you are my best friend, my brother even. However, please let this go. You don't want ask questions or probe." She was looking out for his best interest. She knew he would be 100% loyal to her and did not want to put him in any position.

"Are you okay? More than fine?" Alex let out a small chuckle.

"I am actually great. Just trust me on this, please. If I need your help, I will elicit it." Meredith hoped this would be ok.

"You aren't doing anything illegal are you?" He asked jokingly but immediately grew nervous when she saw her tense slightly, "Meredith, you aren't, are you?"

"No, illegal isn't the word for it." She couldn't lie to Alex, "Alex, stop. Please. Things really are ok."

Alex shook his head but knew her well enough to know she could take care of herself. "Okay, you know you can trust me with anything, and I can help you if you need me to."

"I know, thank you. One day I may need to take you up on that, but for now, I am good, wonderful actually." She couldn't help but smile.

Alex did notice something very interesting. As he and Meredith were getting their gear ready in the plane, he noticed a certain 1st class hanging back just slightly cleaning the area which was uncommon for a 1st class to do. That wasn't what made him question things; it was the look he happened to notice on Meredith's face. Right before they got in the plane, he noticed an intense stare shared between Derek and Meredith. He wondered if there was more than just these looks between them. If there was, he knew he would be completely loyal to Meredith because she deserved happiness and if it made her happy, that was enough for him.