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It has been a weird few days, and Frank has felt a bit of uneasiness coming to work. He hasn’t really felt at ease and he couldn’t find the reason behind it. Well, it might be because of the new wave of students and residents that just joined them a few days ago, or, the fact that Mel had to take the week off to take care of her sister. Becca had gotten sick and couldn’t go to the center as long as she was contagious. Anyway, he was out of place and he truly didn’t know why.
The newbies were an eclectic group of over-excited and over-confident doctors. They kept getting in the way, forgetting everything they learned every time a stressful situation appeared. Frank had met his fair share of new students, but this group seems to have reached an impressive new low. His first day with Santos, who kept undermining him, seemed like a beach day compared to the egos of some of them.
The only one tolerable was a new R2, Dr Violet Parks, who seemed to have learned basic decorum in her first rotation. She is a VERY joyful person who maybe likes to talk a bit too much. Mostly not medicine related at all. But Frank didn’t mind, in fact he appreciated the distraction over that out of place feeling he couldn’t put his finger on. Dr Parks may be extremely confident, she doesn’t have the big ego usually coming with it. She is eager to learn and be a team player, even though Frank thinks it might be because it gives her the chance to talk to more people.
Today is different though, and the feeling he had inside him over the last few days lifted off as he walked through the front door. And it had of course no correlation whatsoever with the sight of a blonde ponytail talking to their colleagues.
He smiled to himself and waited for the people asking her about Becca to leave, before he went up to say hi.
“Hey Mel ! How are you ? How’s Becca?”
She looked at him smiling and he can’t really lie to himself anymore that he indeed has been missing her.
“She’s okay and I'm … okay too”
He sensed her hesitation and she might have read his mind because she immediately talks again as if to justify herself.
“I really am okay, just a bit tired maybe. It can be hard with Becca when she is sick, and I've been missing being at work and also ….”
She looked exhausted and he felt bad seeing her like that. He knows taking care of Becca can be a lot, especially when you’re also an ER doctor. Even though Mel is not the one to complain, sometimes he wishes he could help.
She didn’t really have time to finish her sentence when a scream coming out of nowhere came running to them.
“ Liiiiiiils”
Frank didn’t register what was happening until he saw Dr.Parks rushing into Mel’s arms. He was a bit surprised when he saw her hugging her tight, almost carrying her. Once Mel’s feet were on the ground again, he could see the confusion in her eyes quickly get replaced by one of her big happy smiles. They kept their hold on each other, excitement on both their faces. Frank didn’t really understand what was happening but it was clear they knew each other well.
“Oh my …? Vi? What are you doing here ? It’s been so long!!!”
“Way too long!!! I just started my rotation here! But if I knew you were working here I would have requested to come earlier. I'm so excited that we’re gonna be working together again!!” She was practically jumping up and down.
They keep excitedly catching up until Mel seems to remember that Frank was still here, a bit dumbstruck by the sudden burst of energy in front of him.
“Oh sorry Langdon” she laughed a little ”This is Violet Parks, we were roommates in my first year of medical school. We spent all of our time together then and kinda got really close”
She seemed so giddy and happy that he couldn’t contain his smile.
“We’ve met, actually. She arrived here a few days ago but I hadn’t realized that you were the “Lils” of her many stories” he smirked.
This time, it was Violet who looked at him with a smile. It wasn’t the same kind of smile as Mel’s tho, happy and careless, she had a little teasing in hers instead.
“And I didn’t realize that the “Mel” of yours was actually Dr Melissa King, my favorite doctor in the whoooole world” she giggled.
He felt his cheeks getting a little red, trying to remember what he could have said that prompted such amusement in her. Before embarrassing himself more, he tries to revert the conversation to them, always a bit curious to discover more about Mel’s life.
“So Violet, you knew Mel for a long time, I'm excited to hear any fun stories you may have about our wonderful resident here. I'm sure they are delightful!”
Mel whipped her head towards him so fast he couldn’t help but laugh a little. She had that surprised look that turned into a lil pout. She usually does this when she realizes she was being teased.
“Now why would you need to know some old stories about me ? Not that there is any” she sends a stare towards Violet who laughs.
“Come on Mel ! You have so many embarrassing ones about me ! I need to level the playing field a bit or you’ll soon be able to use me to do anything you want…”
“It’s not my fault you embarrass yourself so often” she laughed and he couldn’t help but to smile back at her.
They were both smiling to each other like idiots, reminiscing, when Violet cleared her throat. Mel looked at her before talking again.
“Well anyway, we both kinda lost contact after some family emergencies so i don’t have that many”
He could see some sadness tainting her and Violet’s eyes for a moment but it left as quickly as it came when Violet got excited again.
“Buuuut I still might be able to give you some stories… If you come to have a drink with us after shift !” Here comes that teasing smile again “I was thinking of throwing a lil get to know at the bar anyway. But since Lil Miss Life of the party is here, I definitely need to do something now. So are you in ?”
He was a bit dumbstrucked and so was Mel apparently because she was staring at Violet with confusion and a bit of a blush. It had been a while since the last time he went out, and he smiled at the thoughts of discovering this new side of Mel.
“You know what !? I’m in ! Can’t wait to meet the life of the party !!”
Mel’s confused look turned to him, but before she could say anything, trauma was incoming and they had to focus.
The rest of the shift passed in a blur. With the neverending flux of patients, he didn’t get the chance to work with Mel all day. He could see Violet following and assisting her on her cases though. Seeing Mel so at place made him happy, but also maybe a little jealous to not be on her team today.
Frank, Moran and Mckay had to finish their charting before going out. He had seen Mel and Violet leave together earlier, so he wasn’t surprised to see that they were already at the bar when he arrived. Actually he only saw Violet since Mel was apparently in the bathroom when they got to the table. Santos, Whitaker and Javadi were already here too. He did his best to ignore Santos’ deadly look. He couldn’t really blame her but he hoped that she would not bring things up tonight, he wasn’t really in the mood for drama. Not wanting to test fate too much and to start the night, he offers to go get the first round at the bar.
He had been waiting there for a few minutes when he felt a body forcing its way to get next to him and order some shots. He quickly recognizes Mel’s voice but when he turned around, all the air left his lungs. It was indeed Mel but not like he had even seen her before. She was leaning with her forearms on the bar, her blond hair down her shoulders, shining under the yellow bar lights. He tried to speak but was immediately distracted by a piece of skin between her red tank top and low rise jean, a tattoo.
The shy, introverted doctor Melissa King, had a tattoo.
It was nothing too extravagant, just two little stars on the bottom of her back, but Frank was hypnotised. Swallowing hard, he tried to focus again and put his hand on her shoulder to say hi. He knows she doesn’t really like physical contact but his throat was still very dry and he was unable to do anything else. But before he could overthink it, she turned to him. She got confused for a few seconds before she recognizes him, a smile covering her entire face. She jumped a little and gave him an excited hug.
“Dr. Langdon, you came !!”
Like magic, her smile got him out of his previous thoughts and he smiled back.
“Of course, I couldn't miss all the fun stories Violet promised me”
She blushed a little and he felt awkward.
“You know, if you don’t feel comfortable, I won't push to know. It’s not my business and I know what it’s like when people try to pry into your personal life. So if it’s too much just tell me, okay ?”
She looked in his eyes with that serious look he is getting to know very well. She uses it every time he makes some self-depricating jokes and she doesn’t want him to think negatively about himself.
“I know you would never make fun of me. I just don’t want you to get too excited, I'm not that interesting …”
“Everything about you is interesting Mel”
This came out more earnest than he intended. None of them knew what to say after that. They were both looking into each other's eyes, smiling, when the bartender came back with the orders.
Once they’re back to the others, they barely had time to put the drinks on the table when Mel is being taken on the dancefloor by Violet and Santos. Frank decides to sit down, watching the girls (and Whitaker) dancing to “Dancing Queen by ABBA” on the dance floor. They looked so carefree after another awful shift, and he was a bit jealous to not be able to join in on the fun.
But ever since rehab, he decided to also be alcohol sober. It’s not really a rehab requirement but it was highly recommended. He didn’t want to do anything that could put his remission in jeopardy. It was a hard adjustment at first but one he was willing to make if it meant staying in control. He could easily enjoy having a fun night with his coworker after a long day without drinking. Though, a beer or two would have helped him decompress after today. It would also help him to not feel his phone buzzing in his pocket for the last 30 minutes. He knew who it was, and what it was about, but he really didn’t want to deal with it right now.
So he turned it off. And let his brain and eyes wander across the room until they seemed to automatically fall on Mel. She was still dancing with Violet, Santos and Javadi and he was surprised to see a Mel so different from who he sees everyday. She was dancing, without caring about what was going around her, or who was touching her. Just a smile on her face and her hips moving in rhythm. Her hips with a star tattoo he definitely needed to stop thinking about.
He must have been staring a bit too long because Abbott, who came out of nowhere, was sitting next to him, cleared his throat and laughed a little.
“So any views on anyone special ?” Abbott smirked
“No, no, not my style at all. I …”
“So, you looking like that at the new resident Dr. Parks, means nothing at all ? I saw you two spent most of your shifts together since she’s been here, which means noooothing !?”
“You’ve seen the new trainees, she is just the most bearable one, that’s all ! Plus I wasn't looking at her, I was looking at Mel ….”
Abbott smiled big and damn he got him ! But before he could explain himself, Abbott’s attention got taken away. His eyes focused on Mohan who had just joined the group on the dance floor. Frank decided to let it go, without noticing Mckay next to Abbott. She was laughing at the situation but had a worried look for Frank.
The music slows down a bit and the group comes back to the table. Violet is hugging Mel from behind, Santos squeezing Whitaker’s shoulders with Javadi and Mohan laughing in between them. Mel sits next to him with a smile. She was at a normal regular distance until she progressively got pushed into him when everyone tried to get around the table. Feeling her body against his, he is now trying his best to contain his thoughts. Actually, he could barely think at all, only trying to focus on the fact that tomorrow the Mel he knows will be back. The Mel that makes him laugh and smile and makes his job way more fun. The Mel who’s not really into physical contact unless she gets really excited about something. Not the Mel that makes his skin feel like it's on fire, or his mouth dry every time she moves against him or when the bar lights shine in her hair. But for now, he could do it … he thinks.
When his brain starts working again, he tries to join back on the conversation only to notice that Mckay and Javadi had left. Their absence left some space but Mel hadn't moved away and he wasn’t about too either. Violet was vividly talking about some college parties, while he could see Mel blushing.
“And that’s how Mel and I found ourselves locked on the roof with no clothes and no other way out than to jump”
That pulled him back fully to the ongoing conversation
“Wait what ? How did you get down ?”
“Well we had to follow through with the dare, so we jumped in the pool” Violet laughed looking at him “and then we enjoyed the adrenaline it gave us for a bit”
Her gaze dropped to Mel with what he would consider a flirty smile. He could sense Mel moving a bit next to him, but without missing a beat Violet starts to talk again.
“What about you Dr.Langdon ? I’m sure you have some wild stories of your own, I can't be the only one exposing Mel and I tonight. “
Santos snorted while looking at Frank, clearly wanting to say something but deciding not to. He is not sure he wanted to know anyway.
“Sorry to disappoint Dr. Parks but I was a big nerd in college. My wild stories are from Dungeons & Dragons and the Pitt Museum reenactments.”
Violet was laughing while he could hear a “Dork” coming out of Santos' mouth between two fake coughs. Taking pity on him, Whitaker asks if anyone is up for more shots, taking the trio away to the bar. Lost in their own world at the end of the table, Mohan and Abbott didn’t respond.
Mel turns toward him and he couldn't help but put his arm around her, scared she might get too far away.
“I never played Dungeons & Dragons, but it always seemed fun”
“It was ! Even though I seem to have missed some of the college fun” he laughed “I don’t know many people playing anymore but if I hear of any game, maybe you would like to join ?”
“I would really like that !” she smiled but it faded quickly.
He could see that something was bothering her. She was lost in her thoughts.
Sometimes he felt like he was the only one able to sense when she was getting overwhelmed. It made him somewhat proud for noticing but also kind of pissed off that nobody would care enough to make sure she is okay.
“Hey Mel, you okay ? You wanted to order something too?”
“No, no, it’s okay ! I think I drank way too much anyway. I don’t drink that much usually anymore because I … Well … I don’t know…”
She straightened up and he could see her mind starting to wander, so he squeezed her shoulder quickly, which seemed to bring her back a bit.
“Mel, what’s going on ? Is it too crowded here ? Do you need anything ? ”
“No, no, it’s just that …”
He tries to move away and leave her some space to breathe, but she inhaled and slumped back onto him before he could.
“It’s just that I don't really drink anymore and I didn't expect to drink that much. Especially while being surrounded by my colleagues.”
“You’re scared to embarrass yourself ? Because trust me it’s not the case at all”
“No it’s not that, it’s just … nevermind it’s silly”
He could see something was really bothering her. He gave her a small, encouraging, side hug not trying to push. She got closer, her voice low.
“People usually prefers drunk me over regular me and it kind of hurts my feelings”
Oh ! At that moment he realized, despite his earlier thoughts, that she’s still HIS Mel. He doesn't know why he ever pretended otherwise. He knew that the attraction he felt for her wasn’t just because she looked different. It was her carefreeness that threw him over the edge tonight, but it had been brewing for longer than he knew. His breath caught in his throat when he realized. He has a crush on Dr.King, on Mel.
Mel didn’t seem to notice his sudden enlightenment and kept going.
“In college, when I would drink, it felt like all the weight on my shoulders disappeared. I was free. At parties, it was easy for me to fit in, to be in on the fun, be wild. I would meet so many exciting people and it felt good. But when we would see each other on campus, it would always be awkward. I couldn’t connect with people and they would lose interest. So I was split in two, alone and weird during the day and popular and fun at night.
I thought I could deal with it at first but it started getting heavy to carry around, making me even more lonely than if I was just by myself all the time. The only person that would like me sober was Violet. She would go to the ren fair with me and I would go to parties with her. We would spend all of our time together and it made college more bearable. But when my mom died and I had to move back and take care of Becca, I just decided to leave my drinking and partying days behind.”
She looked at him worried and he realized that he hadn’t said anything in a good minute. He could see that she was about to apologize so he cut her off.
“I get it… Since I stopped drinking I realized how different I was when going out and it scared me a bit”
She looked at him, with her beautiful green eyes, worried and he almost forgot what he was about to say.
“But to be fair, we all love our sober Mel here ! Maybe it was fun to see you dancing and hearing some fun stories about your past. But I would never change the Mel I have everyday for any other version. I would miss all your fun facts and seeing your empathy with our patients and …”
She was smiling and blushing and he had to stop himself before revealing too much. She snuggled closer and put her head on his shoulder softly.
“Thank you …”
He hugged her closer wanting to cherish the moment, but he could see Santos, Whitaker and Violet getting their shots at the bar meaning they would be back in a minute. He feared the awkwardness approaching, when he remembered something.
“Wait ! Let's go back a bit ! Did you say that you two would go to the ren fair ?”
“Yes” she laughed while moving her head to look at him “I love having to dress up and be my best fantasy self for a day. But it’s only once a year so… ”
“When’s the next one ? I was always curious about it in college.We were supposed to go in 2020 when some college friends were coming to visit but you know…. So I kinda gave up the idea since but it could be fun”
“I can give you some of the details tomorrow if you want ! And maybe, if you’re still interested, you could come with Becca and I. She liked you since she came to the hospital last time”
The trio came back to the table and Violet joined in on the conversation.
“Hello agaiiiiin !! What are you two talking about ?” she smirked
“Oh we were talking about the ren fair !!” said Mel, excitedly.
“Hmhmm i see” Violet was probing them but decided not to comment on whatever she could see “Well, if you like that kind of thing you should have seen our costumes when I brought Mel to the comic con. Gosh, I’ll need to find those pics again ! Mel looked so cute all dressed up as Supergirl ”
He was about to tease her on how big of a nerd she also was, but Whitaker and Santos were faster. The conversation moved away quickly in good fun. He kinda regrets being sober though. Mel hadn’t moved and was snuggling into more as the night went on. She was probably getting tired and didn’t notice. His body was on fire, with an arm around Mel, her body pressed against his and her head on his shoulder. He doesn't know how he will handle being around her after this. He doesn't even know how he will be able to say goodbye to her tonight. But this is a problem for later, for now he is going to enjoy the moment for as long as possible and deal with it when the time comes.
Seeing as he wasn’t really the most popular doctor since being back from rehab, he was honestly a bit surprised that they were having such a fun night. He kinda suspects that the girl by his side might be the reason for it. He even found himself being able to joke with Santos a few times without her killing him with her eyes. Mel was clearly tired but was joking and teasing everyone. His heart melted a bit seeing everyone listening and laughing at her jokes. She seemed to have really gotten closer to Santos and Mohan especially. He loved seeing her connect with everybody. Especially after hearing that she struggled a bit during the 10 months he was gone. It really was a fun night.
Since most of them were on shift tomorrow, the night was shortly coming to an end. They were talking outside waiting for everyone’s Uber, Mel still close by his side. It was a bit cold tonight and he could feel her shivering slightly against him. He quietly offered his jacket, which she accepted with a tired smile before getting close again, his arms automatically going around her to keep her warm. Violet was trying to order their car but the alcohol was still high and she could barely see the screen.
“Give it to me Violet, I'll do it ! What’s your address ?”
She handed him her phone and he realized that she lived close by to him. He offered to take them himself since his car was already there, he was sober and it would barely be a 5 minute detour. He could see her and Mel having a silent conversation until Violet accepted. They waited for Santos and Whitaker to get into their own Uber before he led them to his car. He opened the door and Mel got into the passenger seat. Once in the driver seat, he barely had time to turn his phone on again, to put the GPS, before noticing Violet already falling asleep in the back, while Mel was playing with her hands distracted. To avoid an awkward drive back, he offers her to choose the music. She puts on “Savage by Megan The Stallion” and they fall into one of their light hearted conversations for most of the drive. They were laughing together until the music got cut by an incoming call.
Abby was calling …
He shut down the call but the silence afterwards was deafening. Mel's attention turned to the window, playing with her hands again.
“Mel, you okay ?”
She answered in a low voice.
“Yes, I’m just a bit tired… Alcohol must be going down, it’s okay”
He noticed that Violet was a bit more awake in the back and suddenly felt awkward.
“Rest a bit, we are not too far. I’ll wake you both when we’re there.”
So that’s what they did. He was trying his hardest to not think more of it, focusing only on his driving. Once they arrive, he wakes them up softly and gets out of the car to open the doors for them. He might be feeling out of place, he was still a gentleman. As soon as she got out of the car, Violet threw up in the bushes and rushed inside without saying a word. Frank and Mel were left on the sidewalk, awkwardly facing each other. Mel was the first to break the silence.
“I should make sure she is okay … But I wanted to thank you for tonight. I had a lot of fun and thank you for listening to my rambling and not judging. I know I can be a little weird sometimes and …”
Seeing her like that broke a bit of the tension and he offered her a smile.
“You’re not weird Mel, and I kinda love your rambling, it’s cute ! Plus, I'm the one who should thank you for tonight. I’m sure it’s not random that Santos was so nice to me so thank you ! It was fun !”
“She wasn’t THAT nice !” She laughed and blushed.
“Knowing how she wants to see me dead, I would say she really was and you’re the one to thank so please just accept it.”
The silence came back, even though it was less awkward this time.
“I should really check if she isn’t dead in there” she giggled.
And before he could say anything, she got up to him, kissed him on the cheek and waved goodbye while getting inside. He stood like a fool on the sidewalk for a few minutes until he was able to get into his car and drive home. That night, sleep didn’t come easily for Frank Langdon. And he wasn’t sure it would before a long time.