Extraordinary

Chapter 15

Derek was heading out with Meredith, having finally got her to agree to give them a real chance, when he heard a voice call out "Hey stranger." He had turned around to see a well built man dressed in black staring in his direction, before watching in surprise as Meredith broke free of his arm and practically flew into the stranger's arms.

He'd heard her uncharacteristically squeal "Alex!" And managed to connect the dots in his head. He watched the two hold on to each other tightly and couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy despite the number of times he had been told they were practically siblings.

The two finally broke apart with matching goofy grins on their face and a complete uninhibited ease around each other. It seemed as though at that moment, the world around them became inconsequential. He couldn't help but feel a little uncomfortable as he stood by on the side and he watched.

"What're you doing here? You weren't supposed to be here for another month!" Meredith's voice finally broke his reverie.

Alex threw an arm comfortably over her shoulders and said "I'm so awesome that I finished my fellowship early. Plus I thought I couldn't deprive you of my company much longer, I mean, you must be falling apart without me here." He joked.

"Ass!" Meredith said, the grin on her face ruining the effect however. "You just missed me too much to stay away."

"I'm not going to start lying to you now, am I?" He conceded. "I didn't want to miss all the fun in Seattle anyways. Which reminds me, are you gonna introduce us or do I have to do all the work myself?" He said, finally looking at Derek who was still standing there.

Meredith turned to face him, having forgotten for a moment he was there. "Right, of course. Alex, Derek" she said pointing at Derek "and Derek, Alex."

"Hey man" said Derek, sticking out a hand to shake Alex's.

Alex shook his hand briefly "and you must be the man of the hour. Managed to tame this one's wild ways I've heard. Quite the accomplishment." He said, eyes twinkling with mischief.

It earned him a smack on the back of his head from Meredith. "Be nice." She admonished.

"Hey hey woman, hands to yourself." He said then turning to look Derek up and down "McDreamy." He finally snorted.

Derek felt a little uncomfortable and tugged at his collar absentmindedly, so Meredith decided to step in. "Alex, while admittedly an ass," she said, giving him a glare, "is here as a Peds attending. Unfortunately, we're never getting away from him."

"Don't forget, my bedroom shares a wall with yours. I'll probably see more than I ever wanted to of you guys." He gave another smirk.

"We're definitely staying at the trailer from now on." Meredith joked, and Derek smiled a little at the banter despite feeling just a little scrutinised by Alex.

"Wait, you're staying at Mer's house?" He asked, just a little confused.

"Yeah, we had an extra room plus I've lived with Alex for years, it's the only reason I haven't starved yet." She laughed, patting his arm.

"Ok ok we get it, you and McDreamy are all happy and shiny and whatever." Alex rolled his eyes "I need a bed and a bottle of tequila, I'm gonna celebrate becoming an attending."

"Come on, I'll take you home" She said before suddenly turning to Derek "Oh crap! We were gonna go to dinner. Go home, I'll come back later." She said turning to Alex, while looking a little guiltily between the two.

"No, don't worry, go home tonight. Rain check?" He assured her, seeing her obviously torn.

"You sure you don't mind? You can come get drunk with us." She offered, but Derek just shook his head "No go ahead, I'm just going to crash, surgery tomorrow." He added a little unconvincingly.