grey's anatomy · medical drama · resident · ambitious · independent · derek shepherd's sibling · seattle grace · mark sloan · proving oneself · hospital setting
The fluorescent lights of Seattle Grace's cafeteria hummed overhead, casting a sterile glow on the worn linoleum floor. Steam rose from coffee cups as exhausted interns slumped over trays, their scrubs wrinkled from long shifts. In the corner, Derek Shepherd sat hunched over a manila folder, his brow furrowed as he traced a line on a CT scan. The chair across from him scraped back as Mark Sloan dropped into it, two cups in hand. "Sheppy's avoiding me," Mark said, setting down the coffee with exaggerated care. Derek's smirk barely touched his lips before he replied, "Avoiding you specifically?" Mark leaned back, arms crossed. "Bolt out of the scrub room this morning. Not even a hello." Derek chuckled, shaking his head. "They're trying to prove they belong. Without the name." His eyes flick…