All of Your Life

Changes

As Derek pulled into his usual parking spot, he noticed that Meredith had barely spoken on the whole ride there. Looking over to Meredith he saw here fidgeting with her wrist like she always did when she was nervous. "What's wrong, Mer?" he asked, reaching over and taking Meredith hand in his.

"Nothing. I'm fine," she lied. She didn't know why, but she was feeling really nervous.

"Meredith, please don't start using that word on me, not now," he pleaded, remembering what that word meant. He wasn't about to let her get away with it. Derek knew that fine with Meredith rarely meant that there was something wrong.

"Sorry I don't mean too. It just what I do Derek."

"It needs to stop Meredith. You need to learn to let me in. I know you like to think that you don't need anyone but everyone needs someone."

"I need you. And Ava," said Meredith, taking his hand in hers. She leaned over and kissed him gently. "I just need reminding sometimes. Let's go and get our daughter, shall we?" she asked, giving him a small smile, before getting out of the car.

Derek quickly jumped out, going around to the other side of the car, and quickly wrapping an arm around her waist as they walked across the parking lot and toward the hospital entrance, neither of them noticing the brunette watching them from the distance.

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They walked into the day care center, in hand in hand. Ava looked up to see her mommy walking in and ran over. "Mama!" squealed Ava, holding her arms up, to be picked up. Meredith picked her up and gave her daughter a hug.

"Mommy missed you," she told her daughter, holding her close before turning to Derek

"Derek, I just need speak to Mrs. Price. Ava go and give daddy a hug, and mommy will be back soon." She gave her daughter a quick kiss before passing her over to Derek. "Okay, we will be fine. Won't we Ava?"

"Dada," Ava said, reaching her hand out to touch Derek's face, while Meredith walks over to the day care manager.

"Mrs. Price," she greeted her.

"Dr. Grey, you requested to meet with me today, come to my office and we can talk there."

Meredith followed her in and sat down opposite Mrs. Price.

"I want to add a person to Ava's approved list."

"Of course Dr. Grey," she said, standing up to get Ava's file out. While she was getting that Meredith was watching Derek and Ava interacting, Ava pulling Derek into the play area.

"She has taken to Dr. Shepherd, very well, I see."

"Yeah she has," said Meredith, turning back to the woman.

"I take it that you would like to add Dr. Shepherd to her approved list?"

"Yes. And also add him to her emergency contact list, since Cristina and I aren't always available. Also, he can make any decisions regarding her care. After all, he is her father."

"Oh I didn't realize."

"When would that this effect?" she asked.

"Immediately Dr. Grey. I will let my staff know. Are you taking Ava for the rest of the day?"

"We are."

"Of course, Dr. Grey," she said. Meredith signed the papers saying a quick goodbye, before leaving her office and making her way over to Derek and their daughter.

"You ready to go?" she asked Derek, who simply nodded and followed her, carrying Ava who was content in being held by Derek.

Luckily the elevator was already on their floor. Derek placed a hand on the small of Meredith's back, as they walked on to the elevator, and neither of them noticed the brunette standing with Addison at the back of the elevator.

"Dada," said Ava, trying to get her father's attention.

"Yes sweetie?"

"Wub ya, dada," she said, giving Derek a kiss on the cheek before giggling to her self. Derek closed his eyes at the sound, she sounded just like her mommy.

"Daddy loves you too," he said, running his hand through his daughter curls.

"Wub mama," she said, getting exciting bouncing up and down in her father's arms, clapping her hands together. Derek planted a gentle kiss on Ava's head and reached out to take Meredith's hand just before the elevator stopped on the ground floor.