Let's Not Stay Away Anymore (Kaimelia)

24: Guiding light

"How's Robertson's tonight, at 7PM?" David's voice rang bright, forcing the sisters out of their morning grogginess. "Actually, scratch that, I've already had a reservation made. Always been of the opinion that big news is better digested alongside a hearty steak!"

Meredith and Amelia exchanged frazzled looks, as Kai sat across, next to David, their head hung low, obviously familiar with their mentor's antics.

"Took us rescheduling two surgeries and you still refuse to tell us of your groundbreaking proposal? Dr. Hamilton, we've made sure you're accommodated to the greatest extent, and of course, share excitement and pride for the work already completed, but this seems excessive even for you, to keep us in the dark like this," Meredith's stern tone caused Kai to look up at her, gaze shifting from one surgeon to the other.

Fiddling with her fingers, Amelia didn't say a word - this fight had always been mostly her sister's, whereas the neurosurgeon herself didn't mind in the least, having to rearrange schedules, make some sacrifices here and there.

The prospects of continuing this work in some capacity were simply too exciting. Some called her a hothead for it, but Amelia chose to look at it from a different angle - she was so in tune with herself, that knowing what she wanted didn't come as a struggle, through a long, strenuous process. She just knew.

"Please, Dr. Grey, humor an old man," David's expression was unwaveringly lighthearted. He certainly took great pleasure in stirring the pot wherever he went, so much so that Kai had concluded years ago - successfully getting a rise out of people should be commonly recognized to be one of his biggest accomplishments in life.

Now, being witness to the reaction, frankly, most people usually had to his buffoonery, they wondered what a trophy for that could look like.

"Fine, see you at 7 tonight," Meredith's tone crabby, she gave in and stood up to leave, pushing her chair back with a loud screech. Arguing with Dr. Hamilton was ultimately a waste of time - he was the 'if the door's locked, crawl through the window' type of person.

Nearly storming out, her phone rang, and as the door closed slowly behind her, the rest could hear obscured cursing before she disappeared around the corner.

She probably had Nick on stand-by just for this occasion, Amelia thought.

David turned to Kai, still endlessly amused by all the attention he was now receiving.

"Should be an interesting evening, Dr. Bartley, huh? Can I trust you to gather the rest of the team then?"

Kai nodded, and David took that as a sign it was safe to leave himself. A 'see ya' later, it was just the two brain enthusiasts in the small, stuffy conference room.

"Gather the team? Isn't it just the four of us?" Amelia perked up, stuck on Hamilton's strange wording.

Presenting Amelia with a wary look, Kai shifted in their seat. "We should wait and let David explain. All hell will break loose if I mess with his surprise."

Whenever they talked about David, a certain softness creeped into their tone, and to Amelia, it had always been endearing. However now, it irked her, how fiercely they protected him.

"Would be nice to know what to prepare for," Amelia challenged. "...in case he's planning to arrive at Robertson's on horseback, and serenade us with a string quartet."

Shrugging, they gave her a sheepish smile, as if to say 'Honestly, I wouldn't put it past him'.

Amelia shifted nervously, unsure of where to go from there. She'd come in on her day off, so there was really no rush, except she felt her cheeks starting to burn red from all the undivided attention, so getting away from where they could see her embarrassing state felt quite urgent.