It's been a long time

Chapter 41

Meredith had met a friend at work named Cristina Yang. She was also a third year intern on someone else's service. "What speciality do you like?" Cristina asked. "Neuro. You?" Meredith asked. "Cardio all the way." Cristina replied. "You want to go get drinks tonight? I have a party to plan." Meredith asked. "Sure. Joes?" Cristina asked. Meredith nodded. "Okay. I gotta go. I'll see you there." Cristina said as she ran off.

From a distance, Addison, Mark, and Derek watched as the two chatted. "Who is that?" Addison asked jealously. "Her name is Cristina. They've been going out for a few nights now. She's an intern too." Derek replied. "What are we not good enough anymore?" Mark asked. "I think she's just branching out." Derek replied as Meredith came over.

"Hey guys." She said with a smile. "Who's that?" Addison asked. "Oh, her name is Cristina. She's nice. Sometimes." Meredith replied. "Der, I'm going for drinks tonight with her. Is that okay?" Meredith asked. "Yeah it's okay. Just be safe." Derek replied with a smile. "I will." Meredith replied as her pager went off. "See you." She said as she quickly kissed Derek and ran off.

"She didn't even invite us." Addison said in shock. "She can have other friends Addie." Mark pointed out lightly. "I know. Just..." Addison trailed off. "How about you guys come over tonight?" Derek asked. "Sure." Mark replied.

That night, Meredith and Cristina sat at the bar, planning a birthday party for Addison. "What color?" Meredith asked. "I domt know. Do I look like a Person who enjoys birthday parties?" Cristina asked sarcastically. "I think purple. Addie likes that color." Meredith decided. "Okay. We should get going, it's late." Cristina said. "Okay. I'll see you tomorrow." Meredith said.

She got home and opened the door to chatter and laughter. Merediths heart stopped for a moment, thinking the worst. "Derek?" Meredith asked cautiously. Derek, Mark, and Addison appeared in the hall way and Meredith breathed a sigh of relief. "Hey!" Derek exclaimed as he gave her a hug. "You okay?" He asked, seeing how tense she was.

"Yeah. I heard a woman's laughter and I..." Meredith trailed off. "You know I would never do that Mer." Derek said softly. "I know." She replied as she pressed a kiss to his lips and walked in to the kitchen. "How was it?" Addison asked a little tipsy. "It was good." Meredith replied. "So we aren't friends anymore?" Addison slurred.

"What?" Meredith asked, eye furrowed in confusion. "Addie-" Mark tried. "You don't like us anymore. Going out to drink with that...other intern. Guess we aren't friends anymore." Addison mumbled. "She's tipsy Grey." Mark said. "I am not. Meredith has new friends." Addison argued. "I can have other friends than you Addie." Meredith said as she looked at Derek, who had a sympathetic expression on his face. "Why would you? Are we not good enough for you?" Addison asked

"For your information, I was planning your birthday party. Surprise." Meredith said bitterly. "Whatever. Mark, let's go." Addison slurred. Mark nodded and helped her walk out. "Sorry Grey. I'll tell her to talk to you tomorrow." Mark said apologetically.

"What the hell was that? Are you mad that I went out?" Meredith asked in shock. "No mer. She had a lot to drink." Derek replied. "She didn't need to be an asshole about it when I was planning her damn party." Meredith said angrily. "You were planning her party?" Derek asked. "Yeah. It was supposed to be a surprise. Guess that's what I get for trying to be nice." Meredith said with a scoff.

"You know Addie. She gets jealous easily. Now, tell me about Cristina." Derek said as they sat down on the couch. "She's a 3rd year intern, like us. She's hardcore into cardio. And she gets me. Like you and Mark and Addie get me but she does too in a different way." Meredith explained. Derek nodded.

"And shes a good drinking buddy." Meredith added with a chuckle. "Was it okay that I went out? I know I didn't really get to talk to you." Meredith asked. "It's okay Mer. You don't need my permission. I just like to know that your safe." Derek replied. Meredith smiled and curled herself in his lap. "Tired?" He asked as he rubbed her back gently.

"Yeah." Meredith mumbled sleepily. "Want to go to bed? I'll carry you." Derek asked with a smirk. Meredith nodded against his chest. Derek stood up effortlessly with Meredith in his arms and walked upstairs carefully.

He gently put her in the bed and took off her jeans and sweater, changing her into one of his sweatshirts she loved to wear and some pajama pants. Derek changed into his pajamas and then got ready for bed. He met her back in bed and climbed in beside her. "Sorry if I made you mad." Meredith mumbled as she turned in his hold and rested her head in the crook of his shoulder. "You didn't. Get some sleep. I love you." Derek assured. "I love you too." She replied sleepily.

Hey guys! Hope you enjoyed this chapter and if you have any ideas for future chapters feel free to drop them! Hope your all doing well!  And I hope you both enjoyed, thanks for the suggestion! HeiraelleOsborne and meredithgreyswife