chapter seventy one

shiny happy people.season six, episode twenty two.

this chapter is over 14.5k words, so grab a snack and settle in! [3

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It wasn't every day that she prided herself on her appearance; well, it was days, but she hadn't given it much thought recently, as she had far bigger problems than whether or not or her hair was brushed. But with the eager help of both Lexie Callie earlier that evening, she'd managed to find a dress buried in the back of her closet that was deemed suitable to bring her back to her old ways of turning heads.

Soft, red satin enveloped her frame, similar to the dress she'd worn on Christmas a few months before, the dress which had Mark practically at her feet.

This dress was different, though. It fit loosely around her waist, allowing her more than enough room to eat the fancy snacks that Derek caterer's would inevitably provide.

And however much she may have absolutely Derek's gutsat the moment, he had a proven history of knowing the best places to get rich people food, and Cassie planned to take full advantage. But still, however delicious the food would be, that wasn't the only reason Cassie planned to attend Derek's '' party.

Despite how egotistical the entire thing was in Derek's favor, she was actually to go; not because of her lying pseudo-brother, but because wherever there was a work party, there was Mark Sloan wearing a suit somewhere nearby.

And luckily for Cassie, this suit was really, nice; she'd quite literally tripped over her own two feet when she walked into Meredith's house. Thankfully, Lexie caught her before she could fall face-first into the hardwood floors.

But, she'd been able to make a quick recovery, now standing in front of the bar while sandwiched between Alex and Lexie, both of whom were holding a glass of white wine.

(Cassie decided to go with her usual tequila.)

"Stop ," Cassie chastised Alex with a roll of her eyes, downing the rest of her drink and setting the glass on the counter behind her. He hadn't stopped messing with the tie around his neck for the past two minutes, and it was starting to drive her . "Just smile and act pretty."

"I pretty," he countered, tightening and loosening his tie even more dramatically. "And I hate ties. And are fidgeting."

Cassie didn't disagree. "I can't stop thinking about Mark looking all . And I think Lex just has to pee."

", I-I'm just wearing a thing that sucks in my fat," Lexie scoffed in offense, a hand ghosting over her sides in silent insecurity. "You'd be fidgeting too."

Cassie didn't bother controlling the confused frown she sent her way, not understanding what she was even referring to. Alex mimicked the expression, shaking his head with an airy laugh when he told her, "You don't any fat."

Lexie rolled her eyes, lowering her voice the slightest bit. "I couldn't zip the dress without it, you guys. ."

Cassie took the opportunity as it was, a chance to rake her eyes up and down Lexie's body without shame. After coming to the not-so-subtle realization that she wanted to be with Mark, Cassie decided to stop sleeping with Lexie, since it felt like she was cheating, in a way.

, and that she didn't want the blonde to get romantically attached, as she valued their friendship far too much for it to be ruined over something so small. But still, that didn't stop Cassie from admiring what was right in front of her.

All she gathered, was that even if Lexie have fat, she still would've looked hot, because she's .

"It's just your ass," Alex blurted, not even having to think about it. "It looks good fat."

"He's not wrong," Cassie added, "It's a nice ass."

"Well, I-" Lexie couldn't help but blush from the compliments, everywhere from her cheeks down to her exposed collarbones turning a faint shade of pink at the praise. "."

Cassie winked faux-flirtatiously, more than willing to be of service. Really, the idea of not seeing herself as attractive seemed far-fetched to her, but she was always happy to give her friends a much needed confidence boost.

"This party blows."

Alex's comment may have been out of the blue, but it wasn't incorrect. Cassie had already managed to fill up on a plate of some fancy crackers covered in cheese (or something that vaguely cheese), and Mark was no longer anywhere to be found, so she really didn't see the point in staying. She certainly wasn't there for anything else.

"Wanna go upstairs and drink in the bathtub?"

While Alex seemed to be considering Cassie's offer, Lexie sent her a stern glare, lightly smacking her in the arm with the back of her hand. "We're here to support Derek, Cass."

"Uh, no, here to support Derek," Cassie corrected her, unapologetic in her tone. " here to get drunk on expensive liquor and stalk my ex-boyfriend."

As if on cue, Mark emerged from the office, along with both Derek Owen; what they were doing in there, Cassie had no clue, but that's not quite what she chose to focus on.

Mark wore a dark grey, black-lined suit, which fit snug to his arms and emphasized the outline of practically every single muscle on his body. He looked good that, just for a moment, Cassie genuinely thought she was about to faint. Lexie followed her gaze across the room, absentmindedly prepared to catch her on her way down.