Friends With Benefits

24

Years later Miranda was sitting in her office going over paperwork when there was a knock at her door. She glanced up as Ben walked into her office, a smile spreading across her face at the sight of him. He closed the door behind him and leaned against it, a casual grin on his lips. "I've got a few minutes between surgeries," he said, "thought I'd use them to see my wife."

She shook her head, her tone light but tinged with affection. "You're always sneaking off to see me. You know there are rules about fraternizing on the job, Dr. Warren."

Ben laughed softly and moved closer, his hand finding its way to her shoulder as he leaned down to kiss her cheek. "I won't tell if you don't" He glanced at the papers strewn across her desk, then looked back at her. "Busy day?"

Miranda nodded, setting down her pen. "Always. But," she added, "it's nice to get a break now and then. Especially when it involves a handsome surgeon."

 "I do what I can." 

Their moment was punctuated by a knock on the door, a reminder that life outside their little bubble continued to rush forward.He opened the door and Arizona, Callie, and Sofia were standing there. 

As the familiar trio walked into the office, Sofia was the first to greet Ben, reaching up to give him a fist bump. "Tío Ben." 

 He grinned, returning the gesture. "Hey, kiddo," he said warmly. 

"Tia Bailey, do you have any snacks?"

Miranda raised an eyebrow playfully. "Since when did my office become a snack bar, little miss?"

Callie shrugged, sharing a knowing look with Arizona. "She knows you always have a stash of chocolate hidden somewhere."

Ben leaned over and whispered conspiratorially, "You might as well just hand it over. Sofia can be relentless."

Miranda laughed, shaking her head as she reached into her drawer for a small chocolate bar. "Fine, but you can only have one."

Sofia took the treat, grinning ear to ear. "Thanks, Tia Bailey" She glanced at Ben and added with a giggle, "I think you should take her out for ice cream later, Tio Ben."

He looked at Miranda, pretending to consider it. "You know, that's not a bad idea. What do you think, honey? Ice cream date after work?"

"Maybe dinner and then ice Cream"

"I think that will cost her two chocolate bars, what do you think Sobrina?" 

"Si, dos barras de chocolate." She nodded 

Miranda smirked. "Oh, bribing children for a date? What kind of game are you playing?"

"One where I always win," he shot back, grinning as he gave her a quick peck on the cheek.

She slid Sofia another chocolate bar, which led Sofia to give Ben a thumbs up. Miranda received a 911 page to the ER and Arizona went with her. 

When they reached the designated area, a few paramedics were gathered around a small gurney, and Miranda's heart sank at the sight of a tiny bundle swaddled in a worn, thin blanket. A few feet away, a social worker stood, her expression serious yet empathetic.

Miranda approached the paramedics, who filled her in on the details. "She was found abandoned in a nearby park," one of them explained, concern etched across his face. "She's a few months old, appears healthy but needs a thorough check-up."

As the paramedics gently unwrapped the blanket, Miranda felt an unexpected wave of protectiveness. The little girl, with wisps of dark hair and big, curious eyes, looked up at her. There was something so heart-wrenching about the vulnerability in her gaze that stirred a deep instinct within Miranda.