AU S9: Mark survives, but is jealous of how much time Jackson and April spend together.

When Mark joins Derek at lunch, he can't help but sigh dramatically. Thats usually how Derek just knows that something is bothering him, and that he wants to talk about it but won't outright say it. Considering what they'd been through with the plane crash recently, and that they were all incredibly lucky to be alive and well, he didn't think he had much to be depressed about.

"What's the matter with you?"

"I feel like Avery doesn't have time for me anymore. I'm happy for him, and I'm happy for Kepner, sure, but I was here first, you know? You're still supposed to make time for your bros when you have a girlfriend, but I don't want to be a dick by bringing it up to them. Kepner deserves to be making up for lost time, and I know that my boy is making it his duty to help her with that-"

Derek starts off feeling rather amused by Mark's complaining, until he mentions Avery's sex life. Now he understood why the younger man was always complaining about feeling like a male prostitute when Mark spoke to him. He puts up his hand to cut him off there, not wanting to be fully put off from finishing his lunch.

"Just ask him for a night out at Joe's. There. Problem solved," Derek suggests, "And if not, just remember...if you love someone, set them free. If they come back..."

"I swear, I will punch you."

Its the presence of Owen that stops him taking a jab, as he almost considers joining them for a moment, before wondering what exactly he's walked into.

"Hey, Hunt, you think you could ask Kepner to consider freeing up her boyfriend's schedule for drinks with the guys? Or more specifically, one guy?"

Owen frowns at him. As much as he likes April Kepner, and has appreciated being able to mentor her over the past few years, he doesn't like to pry into her personal life too much, "No."

Mark scoffs, "Thanks a lot for all the help. Do I have to do everything myself around here?"

The redhead looks confused, and decides to forego sitting at their table and find someone else to sit with instead. Derek can't help but laugh silently at that, and decide that he's done for the hour.

"Don't spend too long mourning the break up. Get yourself back out there!" He jokes, causing Mark to flip him off as he leaves the cafeteria.