#paperclips37

‘Langdon?’ The name popped out of Mel’s mouth before she could stop herself. Married? Where had Mrs Evans gotten that from. Mrs Evans bright grey eyes sparkled mischievously. Stupidly Mel could feel her cheeks heat up.

With her good hand Mrs Evan’s fanned herself. ‘Oh darling if I was any where near an appropriate age for that man I would be climbing him like a tree. Something about him. But then again he’s clearly taken.’ The sigh Mrs Evans was almost comical. Except Mel felt like she was in a dream. A very very weird dream. ‘I love my husband dearly. Except for the golfing habit but everyone has their flaws. You two meet at work?’

Mel’s jaw dropped and all she could manage was a weird gargling noise. ‘We’re friends, not married.’ Finally Mrs Evans seemed to register the strangled tone in Mel’s voice. Her brows knitting a little in thought.

‘But he’s not married?’ Mel shook her head. But words failed her entirely. Why she was answering her questions? Mrs Evans just had that way of getting honest answers. Against Mel’s better instincts.

Both women froze as Frank stuck his head in. Glancing over Mel’s work with a skilled eye. ‘You’re a lucky patient. Dr King is the best we have.’ In his typical boyish charm he winked at the older lady. Who tittered and pinked at his words. Mel was never able to clamp down on the glow from the complements he gave her, but she tried to be less obvious. Lest Mrs Evans make another comment.

‘Apologies for interrupting but lunch is in the breath room whenever you’re free Mel.’ Her voice failed her completely as Mrs Evans watch the interaction with sharp eyes. ‘Ladies.’

‘Friends my fucking ass Dr King.’

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Frank stretched as he removed the uniform. Reenactors took their stuff seriously. One of the younger guys, somehow there was someone younger than him after joining up. Brad? Frank was fairly sure that was his name. Brad approached him back in his casual clothes.

‘Langdon right? Brad Dalton.’ Frank shook the guys outstretched hand.

‘Frank.’

‘Welcome to the club not often there’s anyone else close to my age at these things.’

‘Thanks. Always been a massive history nerd and this seemed like good fun.’

‘And when you get to enjoy it with your girlfriend makes it all the better right? Wish my fiance would come along. But it’s not his jam.’

Frank’s brain shuddered to a halt. Brad was off talking about his experience with reenactors in his previous city. Girl-what? Brad led them out of the changing room and into the main hall of the museum. Several of the reenactors waving at Frank and giving him the thumbs up. They were a super welcoming group. Beat NA meetings that was for damn sure. But Frank’s brain was still processing the previous comment.

‘Sorry my girlfriend?’ He cut over Brad. Not that he had caught a single word of what he was saying. The word girlfriend girlfriend girlfriend playing on repeat.

Brad’s brown eyes widened then narrowed. ‘The other doctor... Mel? Super enthusiastic and beyond knowledgable? The veterans already love her.’

‘Oh Mel. Right. Not my girlfriend. I’m still getting used to be divorced to be honest never mind anything else.’ Half that comment was fair. The rest was completely unnecessary. Not that it seemed to phase Brad. Who brushed back his longer hair with an airy hand.

‘Oh honey I have been there. Woof. Did you meet Mel before or after the divorce?’

‘Before – but I think you-’

Brad brushed past Frank’s stammering. ‘Oh no judgement here. Me and Alex met through his ex and there was whole overlap. But we’re all friends now.’ It was like drowning on dry land. He was so out of his depth. And that relationship he was learning about? Fuck.

‘We work together, it’s how we became friends.’ Frank was trying to get back to a land mass he understood. And the right information out there. As far as he knew Santos was trying to set Mel up. And he was doing his best to support that without feeling weird about it.

‘Best way to do it.’ Somehow Frank got the feeling that Brad was inventing a story of him and Mel that was no where near the reality. Probably the TV version. ‘Mel!’ Speaking of Mel, she stepped up next to Frank. As was now her habit, laying a hand on his arm. Judging from the look on Brad’s face he was not buying anything Frank was selling.

Why did no one believe him?

Like Mel should ever date someone like him.

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Another day another IT outage. Mel had long perfected keeping on top of her charting. Better stay on it than be running five miles behind. Unlike Whitaker who was was complaining that it was impossible to stay of top of it. If Robby couldn’t than who could? After July fourth people had picked up tricks on dealing with it. But Dennis clearly hadn’t. And was wasting more time bitching.

‘Mel’s up to date.’ The snort erupted out of Trinity. Mel felt herself sit up straighter, a little taller. Frank was staring at Whitaker. They still hadn’t found a middle ground. Even after Frank and Trinity had found a mutual love of archery. The competitive nature combining with a sport to give them a common ground. Also the struggles of trying to teach Mel.

Was it her fault if she had to aim at 10 to 12 to hit the bullseye? Her brain just worked like that.

Frank leaned back as though on cue and rang the bell. ‘As am I.’ Dennis’s jaw tightened in irritation. Mel knew he was fighting back a smirk. Whitaker really didn’t have the witty banter to match Franks. Neither did Mel but it wasn’t like she tried. And Whitaker had developed a habit of acting like Trinity. Throwing out shots like he owned the place. And it didn’t suit him. Those bright blue eyes landing on her face. She could see him suppressing the sigh as he detached his dictation device. ‘Invest in a good one of these. I have a spare I can lend you until you get your own. But take this until you get caught up.’

The outstretched hand sat for a beat longer than was polite. Whitaker grunted as Trinity landed a solid kick to his shin. ‘Take the dictator and cut the shit Whitaker.’ The silent thank you was forced at best. Frank took it well, just standing and stretching.

‘It’ll save your life. Adamson swore by his from the late 80s.’ His face saddened for a moment. Frank never really talked about Adamson. Mel was always curious the former attending having left such a mark on the Pitt. Robby in particular. Maybe Frank felt like he didn’t have the right to talk about it. Not having have been as close as Robby apparently had been. Mel wasn’t sure, but wasn’t sure if she could ask.

Lena patted Frank’s arm as she stepped into the fray. ‘You can leave it with me Whitaker when...ever you finish. I know this one’s locked code.’ Frank wrapped his arm around Lena’s shoulders.

‘You are too good to me Lena.’ He really was like a beloved son to the senior nurses. The only one able to get away with his antics. But it was because he always gave them their dues and was careful to to show respect. They knew more than he ever would. According to him. Never fuck with a nurse.

‘Ain’t that the truth. Also Baran is looking to talk to you and Mel.’ Lena shoved him off with her deep booming laugh. Shooting a fake exasperated look at Trinity and Mel.

Frank’s eyebrows lifted curiously. Mel shook her head silently. She couldn’t think of anything that needed a conversation from this shift. Maybe it was just a check in after a crazy shift. Mel tilted her head at Dennis, who was still at his computer. The dictation device lying on a flat palm. Like he was expecting it to go off. He shrunk a little as Lena shook her head at him.

Lately he’d not been getting on with the nurses. He listened to them but there was a growing habit of him throwing his R2 status around. It wasn’t sitting well. Frank had tried talking to him but he’d been dismissed out of hand. Trinity had advised letting him learn that lesson. Her theory was he was trying to act like something he wasn’t. Something to do with Amy and his personal life. Trinity hadn’t divulged and neither had pried. Frank was trying to guide him however gently but was repeatedly rebuffed. Oh well.

Mel and Frank fell into their usual gait as they headed towards the senior attending office. One of Baran’s many excellent suggestions. Giving the senior staff somewhere to get paperwork and admin stuff done. And a private place to have a disagreement without everyone hearing the screaming matches. Mel always appreciated her practical approach to problem solving. His hand went automatically to her lower back as Shen and Abbot rushed to an emergency.

‘Mel, Frank! You guys have your charting in order? Excellent work.’ Baran was at her desk, looking a little shocked at the time.

‘Practice makes perfect apparently.’ Mel shuffled into the office as Frank closed the door. Baran pushed back her wild curls. Hands flicking through the stack of paperwork.

Her laugh at Mel’s comment was light and melodic. Mel threw a curious eye over the office. Hints of Abbot and Baran were scattered around. Photos of family and a couple of books. Not much of Robby. He was still avoidant of this change apparently. Mel did like Robby but she was beginning to see through the cracks. The man who made his work his life to his detriment but also didn’t leave a trace of himself in a space designated for him.

Interesting choice.

‘I’m sorry for leaving this so late, but the past few weeks have been insane with Robby on annual leave again. Hopefully we can fill that third attending spot soon on the day shift.’ Her large brown eyes twinkled as they landed on Frank.

It was common knowledge that both Baran and Abbot had gone to management to recommend Frank for the post. He was the natural choice for the role. A natural leader and a teacher. With his recovery Frank had made the choice to apply for a fellowship in a couple of years. Taking the time for him and Abby to work on their coparenting as the kids got a little older. And he needed the money. There was no denying that.

His hand dragged through his hair awkwardly. They’d had several conversation and he simply could not be told he had more than a scrap of hope at the post. Abbot and Baran in his corner? Mel could only hope. She elbowed him, silently scolding him for the negative look on his face.

Mel knew exactly what he was thinking. And she hated it.

‘If you two could have these filled in by the end of the week, that would be awesome.’ Mel grabbed the outstretched documents. Passing Frank one before she registered what the form was.

Declaration of Personal Relationship.

What.

She stared at the document confused. Why was Baran giving her this. And Frank? Neither of them were in a relationship. At least so far as she knew. Her gut clenched at the thought of Frank dating someone. Mel struggled to ignore the stabbing pain and swirling nausea.

‘Baran – what is this?’ Frank’s form flopped as he stared up at their attending. Mel typically had a read on Frank. The many variations in his voice. But this voice was new and alien to Mel. Very controlled and lacking any emotion.

‘Just a declaration form. Figured you guys hadn’t had the time to get it done.’

‘Us?’ They spoke in unison.

Baran blinked owlishly at them. Her large eyes looking all the larger as they flicked from one person to the other. Mel had gotten a little used to people making snap judgments about her and Frank. But typically they were people they didn’t know. Patients or people at random events. At least once a month someone thought they were dating or something.

It hurt.

Mel couldn’t like about that. There was also that little flare of happiness at people thinking that about her. Like Frank say her as anything but a friend or even a little sister. There were people like him and people like her. Yes they had a very special friendship. A bond that seemed to form instantly and even after his sabbatical hadn’t changed. It had just grown deeper. But there was simply no way he felt anything other than that.

Mel was doing her best to get over it. Struggling. Trinity and Samira had been pushing her to just talk to him. But she couldn’t risk it.

Frank as her friend was more important than her stupid feelings.

Baran’s face drained of colour as realisation hit them all at the same time. ‘Oh my god I am so sorry I just... Mel and Santos mentioned- and Frank you talked about- Oh fuck me. Can we just pretend this didn’t happen?’

It was as close to rattled as Mel had ever seen her. She placed her form back down on the desk like it was potentially infectious. ‘See you tomorrow Dr Al.’ Mel scurried out of the office, desperate to get out of her scrubs and get away from this moment.

Unfortunately this of course was the week Mel’s car was in the shop. So Frank was her ride. The car ride was as awkward as it could possibly be. Frank non stop drumming to a random beat in his head. Mel pretending to listen to the podcast. But not a single word was hitting her brain. Pity because she loved Sawbones.

Frank still walked her to the door. Despite the tension. Mel assuming he was processing the ridiculousness of someone thinking he was dating her. She’d met Abby for gods sake. Tall and stunning with razor sharp wit and biting tongue. Everything Mel wasn’t.

On nights Franks didn’t have the kids he’d come in for tea or even dinner depending on their shift. For the first time he hovered unsure in the door frame. He didn’t have the kids tonight.

‘Oh god this is dumb.’ He marched in, kicking his shoes off as he usually didn’t. Trying to shake off the awkward vibe. It wasn’t really working but at least it was an attempt. Mel nodded in agreement. Disappearing to get changed as Frank got the tea ready and opened up local delivery places.

So he was staying.

Okay. She could work with that. The panic attack could be shoved off until later.

So maybe she dressed in her slightly nicer lounge clothes. The ones that made her feel not just comfy but pretty as well. Little tighter in places and skimpier. Not OTT or anything but enough that Mel could feel it. Just a little spring in her step. She did take a moment to watch Frank as he pottered around her kitchen. Looking like he belonged there. Mel wasn’t delusional: she was fully aware of how hot Frank was even on his worst day. But him at home in her home, in his own clothes. It was almost too much.

‘I’ve ordered you some more tea.’ He passed over his phone so she could pick something. Mel shot him a look. He had a stupid tendency to buy things for her when she was perfectly capable of getting it herself. But he never listened to her.

Mel went with her usual safe choice foods. Trying to change the payment details before- ‘Nuh uh.’ -the phone was snatched out of her hand. His laugh was loud and bright as she aimed a middle finger at him.

‘You need to stop doing that.’

‘Eh I have covered a few extra shifts this month.’ Mel cradled the tea, watching the steam dance in the air.

The silence settled into something a little more comfortable. But there was a little hesitancy between them. Without looking up, for fear of what she would see Mel let herself ask the question. ‘Why do you think people assume...’ She couldn’t say it. Just couldn’t bring herself to say the absolute impossible. ‘... what they assume.’

Frank sat down at the island opposite her. His fingers tapping out another erratic rhythm. Like when he was working on a particularly tricky puzzle. Mulling over her question. Probably trying to come up with a gentle way of letting her down. He must have some idea that her feelings were less than platonic. Or more. Depending on how you looked at it.

‘People do assume things all the time. But how offended must you be at this stage.’ Frank was shaking his head with a deeply sad look on his face. Her own head shot up in time to catch it.

Confusion and hope bloomed dangerously. ‘Me being offended? What are you talking about? It’s ridiculous anyone would think you’d see me that way.’

Sometimes Mel’s honesty really was uncontrollable. Like the time she told Dennis that he needed to learn how to be an R2 before he became an attending. Or that Shen’s new cologne smelled like the microlab. Or that she really didn’t think well of Adam’s parents for having zero consideration for her not being in the loop.

Being honest was an advantage in many ways but with her social skills, she did end up in weird positions and no idea how to get out.

Frank’s eyebrows were twisting and dancing peculiarly. Like what she had said was in a foreign language. She was equally confused. Why would she be offended over the assumption? He was her best friend and one of the nicest people she’d ever met. Him being a truly talented and smart doctor with so many shared interests with her. Sometimes it felt like a big cosmic joke. Mel wasn’t oblivious to the startled and confused looks when Frank sought her out for things. Or saw them laughing and hanging out. Women like her never got to be seen with men like him.

Frank stood up, not rushing to her side but moving with determination. The sort he had when he knew exactly what to do in a trauma. Mel wasn’t sure what to do. It was startling having that intensity focused on her.

Her brain was telling exactly what was about to happen. But it still didn’t feel real. Not even as he gently took the hot mug of tea out of her hand. Again giving her space to pull back. Not moving fast like in a trauma. That silent understanding between them.

‘Is Santos still trying to set you up with people.’

What? ‘What?’ Yes she was an intelligent woman. The question came out of left field.

‘Is Santos still sending you out on shitty dates?’ Frank had quickly become her fake emergency person for those dates. So he’d been witness to her rants about Trinity’s weird choices or interpretations of what Mel would be interested in.

‘I have been dodging her attempts.’

‘Good.’

Before Mel could ask, his hand was in her hair and his lips were pressed up against hers. A part of her brain hoped that he hadn’t placed the order for the food yet. Her appetite was going in a complete different direction now and she would be tempted to cut anyone who would dare interupt. this.

Sometimes assumptions were true.