The Man Next Door

Chapter 12

"Look at them, they're miserable," whispered Izzie to as she and Cristina sat on their personally labeled chairs behind the crew and equipment as Meredith and Derek were filming a scene from the last episode of the season. After many months of filming, today was their last day of work before the cast broke for a month and a half hiatus.

"I'm just upset we're all gonna lose our bets. I mean, seriously! They were head over heels for each other. No way that's suddenly gone now!" exclaimed Cristina.

"I know! Meredith really did surprise me, accepting Finn's proposal like that. I could have sworn she had strong feelings for McDreamy over there. The way they looked at each other…I want that," whined Izzie as she watched Derek reach for Meredith's arm in between takes. It was obvious he wanted to talk to her, and it was also obvious that she was shutting him out. Ever since Meredith's announcement of her proposal their chemistry had changed. The whole cast noticed it, heck, even the fans noticed it, complaining about how they missed seeing the two costars out and about together outside work. They still kept a good friendly manner around each other but there was now a wall separating them, and the spark in each of their eyes was lost.

"Derek did something. I bet he did something to make Mer accept that douche bag's proposal," their other coworker Alex said as he made his way towards the girls having had chimed in on their conversation.

"You got that right," responded Cristina.

"At least it looks like he's trying to make amends, I mean, he's pulling her away every five seconds between takes," Izzie said in a hopeful tone.

"20 say's they'll get over this and be together for real in a month," bet Alex.

"30 say's they'll be together during the hiatus"

"40 say's they'll be all over each other again by the time we come back to shoot the first episode of season 2," joined Cristina. They were like two peas in a pod. They may be going through some troubles now but there was no denying the chemistry that took over when their barriers were breached when filming scenes together. Cristina could tell that it was only during these times that Meredith let her guard down around him.

"Haha," Alex laughed as he watched Meredith elbow Derek in the ribcage after trying to pull her by the waist with him towards a secluded corner. "The dude's gonna have to make more of a move than that if he wants to get her back. He needs to make a grand gesture or something."

"Oh my gosh you're absolutely right! He needs to woo her, like with flowers and everything. He needs to show her how much he loves her!" exclaimed Izzie excitedly as she began thinking of romantic ways she could help him seduce her.

"Uhh are you idiots forgetting one thing?! He's married, with a DAUGHTER. There's no way he's gonna do that! At least while he's still hitched anyway." Added Cristina, effectively dampening everyone's mood.

"Oh right! How could I forget horse face coming in here every five seconds trying to pull Derek away," added a slightly annoyed Alex. He normally didn't like to get involved with matchmaking schemes like this but he couldn't help but have a soft spot for the pair, as well as a hard spot for Rose. She had been making a point to come to the set practically every day during her lunch hour to try and pull Derek away with her. Every day she made sure her presence and status as Derek's wife was known by everyone, especially Meredith who tried to avoid her every chance she could. Alex always noticed a dramatic change in Meredith's behavior and attitude during these times, snapping back at Rose and making quick come backs to her insults towards her. Alex loved how Meredith could stand up for herself, but he could see the toll it had on her. With every day that passed by he could see her giving in slightly more and more. It was like she had decided it wasn't worth the effort.