Chapter Text
“I’m just gonna run to the bathroom real quick.” Mel said, hurrying away from the booth her, Trinity, Dennis, and Victoria were sat at. Like most things she did, it perplexed Trinity. Also like most things she did, it made Trinity fall even harder for her.
Mel always knew what she needed. If she needed a minute, she would take it. If she needed her lava lamp app or ocean sounds, she’d use them until she knew she was okay. While working, she was even more sure. She knew exactly what she needed, what needle or instrument or light. She never doubted herself.
It wasn’t always like that. After her first day, she floundered. Langdon was the only resident that took a shining to her and he was gone. She seemed to find another mentor in Collins, but she left for Boston without giving anyone in the ER any warning and no one had heard from her since. Trinity knows it’s what was best for her and her career, she probably would have done the same thing, but she can’t help the sting of anger she feels when she thinks of Mel’s face falling when she was told that Collins wouldn’t be coming back. Robby was too gruff and caught up in himself to be a good mentor to her. Eventually, her and Samira found a connection. Probably not the best for either of their work life balances, but it worked for them. She just got better when Langdon came back, as much as Trinity hates to admit it. Now she’s an R4 herself and Trinity can barely remember the shy R2 she met on their first day at the Pitt. The improvement she’s made in just two years is impressive. And, yeah, kinda hot. Who could blame her for falling for Mel King?
She wanted to ask Mel to say, or better yet, follow her in the bathroom. Kiss her like she’s been wanting to for months now, undo her braid and run her fingers through her hair, trace the curve of her back, finally give in and tell her how she feels.
But she can’t.
Mel isn’t hers. Mel is delicate and kind and sensitive. Trinity is hard and brash and rough. Mel had already said as much. Weeks ago, when they were at lunch.
“I wish I could be more like you. You always stand up for yourself and other people. You don’t let the thought of upsetting someone get in your way. I could never do that. Just the thought of it makes me uncomfortable.
Uncomfortable. The thought of being like Trinity makes her uncomfortable. The thought of Trinity being in love with her would probably repulse her.
So, Trinity stays where she is. She lets Mel go and doesn’t say a word.