Ghosts

Andy blinked, her exhaustion momentarily forgotten as she stared at the man in front of her. "Dr. Shepherd?"

Derek looked just as surprised, his eyes widening before a familiar smile crept onto his face. "Lieutenant Herrera. I’d say it’s good to see you, but I wish it were under better circumstances." He quickly took in her soot-covered gear and the burns visible on her arm. "Let’s get you checked out."

Andy allowed him to lead her to a cot, her mind racing. Meredith had told her about Derek—pieces of their history, the complicated divorce, the tangled emotions that came with co-parenting Ellis. But she hadn’t expected to run into him here, in the middle of a wildfire.

Derek’s hands were gentle but efficient as he examined her burns. "You’re lucky. These are mostly superficial, but they’re going to hurt like hell for a while. I’ll clean them up and get you some pain meds."

Andy winced as he started cleaning the burns. "I’ve had worse."

Derek’s eyes flicked to her face, a hint of amusement in his gaze. "I’ve heard that about you. You’re the one who dragged a civilian out of a collapsed building after getting hit by a piece of rebar, right?"

Andy blinked. "Meredith told you about that?"

Derek shrugged, his attention on her injuries. "We still talk. Co-parenting makes sure of that. Besides, the kids talk about all the time. They think you are some type of super hero. "

Andy’s chest tightened. She knew Meredith loved her, knew how deep their bond went. But hearing that Meredith spoke about her to Derek—it felt strangely comforting

Derek continued, his voice softer. "I see now that they weren't exaggerating."

Andy felt her face heat up under the soot. "I’m just doing my job."

Derek met her eyes, his expression serious. "It’s more than that. Not everyone has the guts to do what you do. Let me check your lungs than I will trust Leuitenent Bishop to put on an IV. Your rips don't Sean broken. "

Andy swallowed, unsure of how to respond. Before she could find the words, Derek finished bandaging her arm. "There. You’re all set. But you need to rest and hydrate. No arguments. My children are really found of you so I would rather you stay in one piece. "

Andy nodded. " I'm very found of them to so I will make sure I come back home to them in one piece. "

As they walked outside the tend Maya wouldn't let go of Andy. " Bishop I'm not going to collapse. You can let go. I just can't believe I just meet Meredith's ex husband. Who will be next ? "

Maya bit her lip. " Well he seemed nice. And okay with the fact you are marrying his ex wife so maybe is a good thing. "

Andy shook her head, her expression somewhere between disbelief and exhaustion. “This is surreal. He was... nice. And weirdly charming. No wonder Meredith fell for him.”

Maya arched an eyebrow, guiding Andy to a nearby cot. “Jealous?”

Andy snorted, wincing as her burned arm throbbed. “ It's hard to not be jealous. You saw the guy and Meredith was in love with him for so long-"

Maya cut Andy off. " She was but she felt out of love with him and they divorce so she meet you and Herrera that woman is head over heels with you. "

Andy looked down, a rare vulnerability flickering across her face. “I know she loves me. I do. But sometimes... it’s hard not to wonder if part of her still loves him, too. They share so much—history, kids...”

Maya squeezed her shoulder, firm but gentle. “They share a past. You share a future. Meredith chose you, Herrera. She’s building a life with you. Don’t let a ghost from her past mess with your head.”

Andy exhaled slowly, leaning back against the cot. “You’re right. I just... wasn’t prepared for that. Seeing him. Hearing him talk about her. It was... weird.”

“Understandable,” Maya agreed. “But don't worry okay? Meredith loves and those kids that adore you. Now let's get you to the engine so I can start and IV you need fluids and rest. "

Soon they were on the top of the engine. Andy with and IV running as Maya watch her as a hawk. Andy grabbed her phone to call Meredith. " Hi mi ángel. "

Meredith’s voice was soft, but Andy could hear the underlying worry. “Andy? Are you okay? I saw the news about the wildfire. They said it was bad.”

Andy closed her eyes for a moment, letting the sound of Meredith’s voice ground her. “I’m okay. A little banged up, but nothing I can’t handle.”

Maya shot her a pointed look, crossing her arms as she leaned against the engine. Andy rolled her eyes but didn’t argue.

Meredith’s relief was palpable, her breath hitching before she spoke again. “Good. God, I was so worried. The kids... they were worried too. Zola saw the news and called me panicking. I had to talk her down.”

Andy’s chest tightened. She hated that her job caused Zola that kind of fear. “Tell her I’m okay. Tell her... I’ll be home soon.”

“I will.” There was a pause before Meredith’s voice softened. “I miss you.”

Andy smiled, her fingers tightening around the phone. “I miss you too, mi ángel.”

There was a beat of silence before Meredith spoke again. " Maya did she get checked by a doctor?" 

Maya nodded. " Yes your ex-husband checked on her. But don't worry he was actually really niece to her. "

Meredith bit her lip. " How niece?"

Maya let out a laugh. " Just niece I don't think he is trying to steal your fiance so don't worry. "

Before Meredith could reply Andy stepped in. " Mer you don't need to worry I'm not interested in anyone else let alone your ex-husband. You are in the hospital right? I really want to talk to the kids."

Meredith's heat melted. " You can call Lucy and talk to them they are home with her.  Will be good for them to hear your voice. I have to prep for sergury. Maya keep an eye on Andy. "

Maya nodded. " Don't worry Dr. Grey I make sure Andy comes back in one piece for the weeding. "

After hanging up with Meredith Andy called the kids nany to talk to them 

Lucy picked up at the first ring. " He Leiutenent Herrera I'm glad you called Zola is really worried about you.  Let me get you to them. "

Andy nodded. " Thank you Lucy. "

As soon as Lucy gave Zola the phone Andy could see how worried the kid was " Hey Zo.  You mom told me you were worried but I promise I'm fine. "

Zola's voice wavered as she spoke, the worry still thick in her words. "You promise? You're really okay, Andy?" Her tone softened, and there was a small pause before she continued. "I saw the fire on TV, and it looked really bad. I... I don't want anything to happen to you."

Andy smiled, trying to reassure her even though she could hear the depth of Zola’s fear. "I'm really okay, Zo. Just a few scrapes and burns, but nothing serious. I'll be back before you know it."

"Promise?" Zola’s voice was small, vulnerable.

"Promise," Andy repeated softly, her heart aching a little for how scared the kids must have been. "Tell Bailey and Ellis I’m thinking of them, okay?"

There was a brief sound of movement on the other end before Lucy’s voice returned, faintly in the background. "She’s passing the phone to Bailey."

Bailey's voice came on next, full of energy and curiosity. "Hey Andy did you fight the fire today?"

Andy nodded. " Yes. But now I'm going to rest and the other firefigters will take over.  Aunt Maya is taking care of me. "

Bailey nodded. " Aunt Maya take good care of her!"

Maya let out a smile. " I promise you I will buddy. "

Was than that Ellis showed up in the screen. "Aunt Andy I miss you so much! Are you not living with us anymore?"

Andy heat sinked at the kids words. " Mi amor I'm living with you guys forever. But now I'm far away helping to fight a fire but I will come back. I will always come back to you guys. "

Ellis’s face brightened at her words, the worry lifting a little as he grinned. "You promise, Aunt Andy?"

"I promise," Andy said, her voice steady and full of warmth, despite the exhaustion weighing on her. "I'm coming back to you guys. I’ll always come back. I love you, Ellis."

"I love you too," Ellis replied, his voice full of certainty.

Andy could feel her heart swell with the love she had for them. They were her anchor, and no matter what, she would keep that promise. " Just be good to your mom and your siblings. I will be back home soon. "

Ellis nodded vigorously. "I will! You just get better, okay?"

"I will," she assured him, her voice full of conviction. "And Maya’s making sure of it."

After a few more minutes of comforting words, Lucy came back to the phone. "Alright, Andy. The kids are settled, but I’ll keep an eye on them. You take care of yourself, alright?"

"I will, Lucy. Thanks for keeping them calm."

As the call ended, Maya sat beside Andy, her posture softening. "You’re really important to them, Herrera."

Andy met her gaze, a little surprised at the raw honesty in Maya’s voice. "I try to be. They’re my family now."

Maya smiled, her eyes warm. "You are. And Meredith—she’s lucky to have you."

Andy shrugged slightly, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "We’re lucky to have each other."

Maya’s expression softened even further. "She really loves you, you know."

Andy nodded, the weight of Maya’s words sinking in. "I know. I love her, too. Just... sometimes it’s hard not to wonder about all the things they shared before me."

" Don't be silly Meredith choose you. She would be stupid if she didn't. "

Andy smiled, feeling a sense of reassurance settle in her chest. "Thanks, Maya."

Maya gave her a brief nod. "Anytime. Now, let’s get you settled for some real rest."

As the engine rumbled around them, Andy allowed herself to lean back against hose bad, the faint noise of the wildfire still echoing in the background. She closed her eyes, thinking of Meredith and the kids. The road ahead was uncertain, and there were challenges to face, but one thing was for sure—she had found her place with them, and nothing would take that away.

"I’ll be back soon, mi ángel," she whispered softly to herself, as though Meredith could hear her, even from miles away.

A few days later 

Andy and Maya finally arrived to Seattle as soon as Andy walked in her and Meredith's home the doctor ran to hug her. " I missed you so much princesa. "

Andy hugged Meredith back. " I missed you too mi amor but I really need a shower. "

Meredith let go of her fiance. " Let me help you with that.  Than you can nap while I pick up the kids from school. "

Andy gave a grateful sigh, letting herself be guided toward the bathroom by Meredith. "I really appreciate it, but you don’t have to—"

Meredith raised an eyebrow, a knowing smile playing at her lips. "Oh, I know. But you're exhausted, Andy. You don’t have to do anything right now except rest."

Andy couldn’t help but smile back, her heart swelling with love for Meredith. "You’re too good to me, mi ángel."

Meredith’s smile softened as she ran her fingers through Andy’s hair. "That’s what partners are for."

As Andy stepped into the shower, she let the cold water ran trough her body . It had been a brutal few days, and though she’d kept herself going for the sake of the team, the fire, and the kids, she couldn’t deny that it felt good to finally be home.

Meredith walked in right behind her and started to watch her hair. " Let me take care of you princesa. "

Andy let Meredith carefully watch her body. After they were done the doctor treat Andy's burns than help her to her pajamas them Meredith changed so she could pick up the kids. " Just rest mi amor I will be right back with the kids. "

Meanwhile at Maya's apartment 

Carina and Maya were cuddling naked on bed after taking a shower tougher. " I'm so glad you are here. It was so hard Car. I wanted to strangle that woman with my hose the entire time and she almost got Andy killed because of her ego. "

Carina ran her fingers through Maya's damp hair. " I know bambina. But you made it without commiting a felony. That takes a lot of self control. I'm glad you are safe home in my arms and not in prison. "

Maya let out a laugh. " Well I definitely glad I'm home with you not with the ladies from prison.  I'm taking time off.  A list a week I'm wiped.  "

Carina kissed the top of Maya's head, her voice tender. " You taking a whole week of ? That is new but I liked it. I'm taking a week of too. Just to take care of you bambina. "

Maya sighed, the tension in her body starting to melt as she rested against Carina. "I would love to spend a whole week with you. No babe to deliver no fire to put out. "

Carina gently cupped Maya's face, guiding her to look at her. " See sounds like a dream. "

Maya's eyes softened, and she leaned in to kiss Carina, the familiar warmth and comfort washing over her. "It does "

Carina smiled, brushing a strand of hair away from Maya’s face. "And I’m lucky to have you."

They lay there for a few more moments in silence, letting the comfort of each other’s presence fill the room. Maya’s heart finally felt lighter, knowing she had Carina’s unwavering support.

Back at Meredith and Andy’s, Andy was sprawled out on their bed, her body wrapped in the soft, cozy sheets. She closed her eyes, the weight of the last few days settling into her bones. She barely registered the sound of the front door opening and closing, but she smiled when she heard the familiar voices of her kids.

Meredith entered the room moments later, her face bright and happy as Zola, Bailey, and Ellis ran up to the bed. "Aunt Andy, we missed you!" Zola said, her arms outstretched.

Andy chuckled softly, pulling Zola into a tight hug. "I missed you too, sweet girl."

Bailey climbed onto the bed, snuggling next to Andy. "Are you okay? You look tired."

"I'm fine, sweetheart. Just tired from fighting the big fire." Andy smiled, brushing a hand over Bailey’s hair. "But I’m home now, and that’s all that matters."

Ellis, still a bit too young to fully understand, simply crawled up to Andy and snuggled into her side. "Andy no go!," she murmured, content.

Meredith stood at the door, watching the sweet family moment. Her heart swelled with love for the woman lying in their bed, surrounded by their children. Despite everything they’d been through, they were together—and that was all that mattered.

"I’ll order dinner tonight," Meredith said, her voice warm. "You just relax. We’ve got this."

Andy smiled up at her, feeling incredibly blessed. "Thank you, mi amor."

As Meredith ran her fingers through Andy's hair as the kids snuggled into her. Didn't take long for the four of them to fall asleep. Meredith just stayed there watching her family. 

Meanwhile 

Maya woke up to her phone ringing. " Bishop. "

From the other side of the line there was a voice she would never forget. Her father's. " Maya your mother has been in an accident. She is going to be okay but I need your help. I need you to come back home to help me take care of her. We are at Grey-Sloan Memorial. "

Maya took a deep breath. Dispite all of her father's abuse and her mother's negligence she couldn't say no to help her injuried mother. " I will be there on one hour. "

Carina turned to Maya. " Bambina what is wrong?"

Maya git if bed. " Lane just called my mom had been on an accident. I need to go to Grey-Sloan. She is going to be fine but she says she will need help -"

Carina bit her lip. " Bella you don't need to walk back into his life -"

Maya cut her off. " She is my mom and she needs my help. "

Carina knew arguing with Maya would only make things worse. " At list let me come with you. "

Maya put on some clothes. " He doesn't know I'm queer and you don't need to be around him. "

Carina took a deep breath. " Just call me when you have everything settled. I better go to my apartment."