(RP locked to Dr. Dubenko)

[not_a_dr_yet]

Meredith walked into her apartment and dropped her bag on a chair. She'd just gotten back from Seattle a few hours ago. And was amazingly glad to be back. If she had to listen to one more person trying to convince her to stay at Seattle Grace, she was going to scream

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[dr_hair]

His cell phone began to vibrate in his pocket, getting his attention. With a mild look of annoyance at the interruption, Lee pulled it out, open and replied with his cutomary terse greeting, though his voice was hushed. Dubenko. He sat in the chair next to Sophie's bad, doing paperwork as his daughter slept. He decided that as swkward at the work area was, he'd rather be here than in his office, floors away.

[not_a_dr_yet]

Hey Lee. It's me. I just... Wanted to let you know that I was back. From Seattle.

Meredith shifted the phone to cradle it on her shoulder as she took another drink.

I stopped by the hospital. I couldn't find you or Abby. You guys aren't mad at me or anything, are you? I was hoping that maybe we could all get dinner sometime. Talk.

She takes a drag off her cigarette, blows out the smoke. Anything exciting happened since I left?

[dr_hair]

He can tell she's smoking and makes a face, finding the habit disgusting whether it's his wife, daughter or a colleague that's doing it. Hey, Mere. Good trip? He continues to talk in hushed tones as he sets his charting aside and leans forward in his chair, reaching to touch the back of Sophia's hand. We've been on the floor in the ICU, not avoiding anyone...

[not_a_dr_yet]

You know, I can hear you making that face, even over the phone.

For a second, she feels like her heart has stopped. Like she can't breathe. She closes her eyes, regaining control, prepared for the worst.

Has... Has something happened? To... To Sophie? Is she... Is... Is everything... Alright?

[dr_hair]

Then why do you insist on keeping that nasty habit? He teases quietly.

He nods, watching Sophie shift in her sleep, her hand moving to rub her nose before settiling in her stomach. She woke up, Meredith. She's awake.

[not_a_dr_yet]

Meredith sighs softly. You know why. It... Reminds me of her. You know that.

He can hear the sound of the phone hitting the balcony, before she scrambles to pick it back up. Wh-what? What did you say? She's... She's awake? Not... Not dead? Awake?

Oh my God. How... How is she?

[dr_hair]

He smiles, his words somewhat contradictory, She's sleeping right now. Mostly she's dismayed, I supposed. Five months is a large part of your life to miss out on.

[not_a_dr_yet]

So she's... Alright. She's talking and... How's her memory? Is she... Altered? I mean... If you'd said that she was pissed off about being out for so long... Then I guess I'd know she's okay... You know? A weak laugh.

Could I... Send flowers, or something...? I know... I mean, I'm sure it's a family time type of hting, right now. But... Would something like that... Be okay? Flowers.

Shakes her head. I'm not making much sense right now, am I? I'm just... So glad. She's alright. Awake. And so happy. For you. And for Abby.

[dr_hair]

He sighs and stands up, brushing a kiss over Sophie's brow before moving tothe other side of the room to talk. She has moments. She's still not all here...language aquisition, responses...they're all off. It's going to take time to know what's permanent.

He nods at her other questions. We're trying not to overwhelm her, but I think she'd enjoy flowers.

[not_a_dr_yet]

Yeah. But... She knows you? And Abby? She... Remembers you? Just... Tell me anything. Anything at all. I just... Want to hear about her...

Meredith walked inside the house, sat down in front of her laptop. As she listened to Lee's voice, she clicked her way to a 24 hour flower delivery service in Chicago. After flipping through several pages, she finally settled on what she considered to be the perfect one. Ordered with a rush, ensuring it would be delivered within the hour.

So... Is she making good progress, or is it too soon to tell?

Oh, and Lee? Will you... Tell me if she says anything when she gets the flowers?

Within an hour, a nurse walked into the ICU room with the flower boquet, handed it to Lee with a smirk, and walked out. The flowers were a tastefully designed arrangement of wildflowers and baby's breath, surrounding something in the center of the bouquet. That something was a bobble head dog. One that looked as much like Sophie's dog as Meredith could find. The card encluded read "Thinking about you, and wishing you

[dr_hair]

Lee nodded even though the woman couldn't see the action. She recognizes people, not always quick with names however. She's in shock for the most part, she had no concept ofhow long she was out or how severe her consition was.

He continued to fill her in on the details as best he could, trying to remain optomistic. When the flowers arrived he smiled at the note and sat them near Sophie's bed so thatshe could see them when she woke. The bobble head, he picked up and sat playing with as he watched his daughter sleep.