Wish You Were Here

Chapter 8

Derek and Meredith return to the kitchen, neither breaking the silence. Derek can't wipe the smile off of his face. He has never felt this happy before. He has children. He has two beautiful children with the love of his life. He looks and Meredith and sees that she has the same smile on her face. She is happy. She is happy and that makes him happy.

They stand there just staring into each other's happy eyes, the sparkle finally returning to both pairs. The sparkle that has been absent for so long. The sparkle that only they can give to each other.

Meredith's stomach growls and they both burst out laughing.

Derek: Hungry?

Meredith: Apparently.

They smile warmly at each other before Derek returns to cooking.

Derek: It should be ready in about five minutes.

Meredith: Do you need me to do anything?

Derek arches his eyebrow.

Derek: Seriously? You? In the kitchen?

Meredith: Shut up. So I don't cook. Whatever.

Derek chuckles. His cell phone begins to ring. He unlatches it from his belt and answers it.

Derek: Hello, Dr. Shepherd speaking....Hey, Mom, how are you?...I know..I'm sorry...things have been crazy..

Derek glances over at Meredith and questions her with his eyes. She nods her head as she smiles warmly at him.

Derek: Well, I have some news. Big news. Monumental news if you will. No, I'm not dying. What? No. I am a father. Yes. Well, twins. A boy and a girl. Well, Meredith named the boy after me. Yes, Mom, a Derek Junior.

Derek can't help but chuckle. Meredith notices the proud tone in his voice as he speaks to his mother about their children. She can't believe she ever doubted him. She feels the tears begin to build in her eyes as she watches the man she loves talk animatedly to his mother.

She is no longer paying attention to what he is saying, but is watching his face. She is enraptured. The way he lifts his eyebrows when he's excited. The smile that seems to be permanently curving the corners of his lips. The way he randomly runs his hands through his hair. Wait. He's running his hands through his hair. That means he's nervous. What could he be nervous about? She returns her attention to what he is saying.

Derek: But Mom, you really don't need to do that. I know you want to...okay. Fine. Just let me talk to Meredith. Alright. Thank Mom. I am . I am really happy. Love you, too. Okay. Bye.

He looks at Meredith as he says finishes the conversation. He hangs up the phone and looks at Meredith. He looks nervous.

Meredith: What is it?

Derek: It's my Mom.

Meredith: What about her?

Derek: She wants to come and visit.

He sees the panic in Meredith's eyes as he utters these words.

Meredith: I...umm...I...don't really do families Derek.

Derek smiles warmly at Meredith.

Derek: I know. She will love you Meredith.

Meredith: How can you be so sure about that? I mean, seriously, I didn't tell you about the twins. You only found out because you showed up...I mean...she will hate me. You missed the birth and ...she will hate me. Oh God. Oh God.

Derek walks over to stand in front of Meredith.

Derek: Meredith, look at me.

Meredith continues to look at the floor as a few silent tears fall down her cheeks. Derek places his hand under her chin and lifts her face, forcing her to look into his eyes. He takes his thumb and gently wipes away her fallen tears.

Derek (in a loving voice): Meredith, look at me. I love you. You...you are the love of my life.

He flashes his McDreamy smile before continuing.

Derek: My family will love you because I love you. You make me happy. You gave me the greatest gift anyone ever could. Not only did you give me two beautiful children, you gave me your heart.

He pauses for a moment.

Derek: Do I have your heart?

Meredith grabs Derek's hand and places it over her heart.

Meredith: You have always had my heart, Derek.

They both now have tears running down their faces. These tears are not like the tears cried earlier in the day, but these tears are tears of happiness.

Derek, in return, grabs Meredith hand and places it over his heart. Their hearts beat in sync as they no longer exist as individuals, but as one.

Derek: I love you, Meredith Grey. I love you so much that if my family doesn't love you, then there is no way that they can love me. I love you Meredith.

Meredith (in a whisper): I love you, Derek.

Dererk gently caresses Meredith's cheek with his thumb. She looks deep into his eyes.

Meredith: Kiss me, Derek.

Derek smiles and leans forward. He slowly brings his lips into contact with Meredith's. Both feel the other smiling upon contact. They relish in the sensations that are being sent through their bodies at this contact. Meredith places her hand on Derek's cheek and gently caresses his jawline with her thumb as he pushes his tongue past her lips and into her mouth. They both moan into the other's mouths as their tongues come into contact for the first time in months. Derek places his hands on the sides of Meredith's face as he pulls her closer, deepening the kiss.

They want to be close to one another, to feel one another, to taste one another. They finally break apart when breathing becomes a necessity. Derek leans his forehead against Meredith's and looks lovingly into her eyes and he slowly runs his fingers through her hair. Meredith moves her hands to the back of Derek's neck and proceeds to play with his hair. She sighs happily.

Derek: What is it?

Meredith: I..just..I'm happy. I mean really happy.

Derek smiles at her.

Derek: Me too. We are happy. We are a happy family.

Meredith (smiling): Yeah. We are a family.

She sits there for a moment in silence.

Meredith: Derek?

Derek: Mmhmm?

Meredith: I've never really had a family. I mean, I have Cristina, George, Alex, and Izzie, and now the twins but never...

Derek interrupts her.

Derek: You and the twins are my family now Meredith.

Meredith: But what about your Mom and your sisters?

Derek: They are kind of like the other interns are to you. They are my family, but you...you are my family family. You and the twins are the ones that I want to come home from work to. The ones that I want to kiss every night and every morning. But Meredith, I also consider you a part of my bigger family. They will love you and they will love the twins.

Meredith just nods and Derek brushes away a few more fallen tears. He leans forward and kisses her on the forehead. He can't help but think how lucky he is to have Meredith as his family and his heart swells at the thought of one day making her an official member of the Shepherd clan.
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Meredith smiles happily as her and Derek wash the dishes from their meal together. Actually, he is doing all of the washing and she is doing the drying. She feels like a little kid, but it is a great feeling. She can't resist the temptation that the sink full of bubbles offers any longer. She reaches her hand down and scoops up a hand full of bubbles and quickly splashes Derek in the face. He gasps in surprise.

Derek: You got that soapy dirty water in my hair.

Meredith can't help but giggle.

Meredith: Awww...poor baby.

Derek's feigned look of hurt soon turns into a mischevious grin as he grabs the sprayer and points it at Meredith. She opens her mouth in shock.

Meredith: You wouldn't.

Instead of answering, Derek sprays Meredith right in the chest, eliciting a scream from her. However, instead of running away, Meredith reaches forward to attempt to grab the nozzle from Derek. In their struggle, they both get soaking wet and manage to create a mess in the kitchen. They are both laughing and don't recognize when two figures walk into the kitchen.

Izzie: Oh my God. What the hell happened in here?

Meredith jumps and turns around to face her two other roommates. She bites on her bottom lip to stop herself from laughing.

Meredith: We...umm...we did the dishes.

Izzie bursts out laughing.

Izzie: It looks like you two also decided to wash each other.

Derek raises his eyebrow.

Derek: Now...that's an idea.

Meredith elbows him in the ribs.

Derek: Ow! What was that for?

Meredith just shoots him a look, before turning her attention back to her two roommates.

Meredith: What are you guys doing here? I thought you were both on call?

Izzie: We are. Bailey gave us an hour off to come and check on you.

Meredith just sighs.

Meredith: I'm fine. We are fine. I don't need you to check on me all the time.

Izzie: I know...I was just worried.

Meredith sighs again.

Meredith: Look, guys, I know you are trying to protect me and help me and I really do appreciate everything you guys have done..but...

Meredith reaches over and grabs Derek's hand, taking him somewhat by surprise.

Meredith: Derek and I...we need some time to figure this out...together...

Izzie nods, completely understanding. George, however, isn't as understanding.

George: So, that minute McDreamy comes back you push us away? We have been there for you for everything and this is how you thank us? Seriously??

Meredith (hissing): George!! He is their father. He deserves to be here. I want him here. I want us to do this together!

George: Well, what about us? Where do we fit in to your new little family?

Izzie: George!!

George: No, Izzie! I'm done.

Derek: O'Malley...

George: Don't you even start with me! You just show back up and everything is okay again? This is bullshit! You broke her! You broke her and we were the ones to pick up the pieces! You don't just get to come back!

Meredith is now completely pissed off.

Meredith: I do believe that is my call!! I never asked you guys to "pick up the pieces" as you call it. I love him!! I love him and maybe I don't want to waste any more time being angry or sad! Maybe I just want us to be a family. I need for us to be a family. Our kids need us to be a family.

Derek is taken aback by Meredith's speech and he squeezes her hand. He feels the tears begin to build in his eyes. She really loves him.

George: We are your family! You don't need him!

Meredith: YES I DO! Don't you see that? Can't you see that he makes me happy?? I need him!! The twins need him!

Meredith now has tears running down her face. Derek protectively places an arm around her shoulder. She leans into his body and immediately finds comfort.

Izzie (in a hushed voice): George...

George: NO! This is stupid. You are just a stupid whore...should have known that you would instantly jump back in bed with him....

Derek jerks his head up and fire fills his eyes as he looks at George. He clenches his jaw as he begins to speak.

Derek: What did you say?

The room goes deathly silent and Derek's voice sends chills down all of their spines. None of them have ever heard him this angry.

Meredith: It's okay, Derek.

Derek looks at Meredith.

Derek: No, it's not. It's not okay. You are not a whore. No one gets to call you a whore. No one!

Derek looks at George again. George is clearly scared and refuses to meet Derek's eyes.

George: You know what? I'm done with you. I'll be out by the end of the week.

George doesn't wait for a response but turns around and walks out the door, slamming the door on his way out. The sound of the slamming door wakes up the twins. Meredith sighs as she starts to head upstairs. Izzie grabs her elbow.

Izzie: I'm sorry, Meredith. He didn't mean it.

Meredith: It's okay, Izz. I have to go get the twins.

Izzie nods and releases her grip on Meredith. Meredith smiles meakly at Derek before turning around and walking out of the kitchen. Derek runs his hand through his hair before looking at Izzie.

Derek: She didn't deserve that. I might have, but she didn't.

Izzie: I know. I won't even try to defend George. Look I have to get back to work. Take care of her?

Derek: Of course. I plan on taking care of her for the rest of our lives.

Izzie smiles warmly at Derek.

Izzie: Good. I'm glad you're back.

Derek: Me too.

Izzie: See you later.

Derek: Later.

Izzie leaves Derek alone in the kitchen. He sighs and is about to head upstairs to Meredith when he hears her voice over the baby monitor.

Meredith: Hello babies. Mommy loves you. Shhh...it's okay. I'm sorry Uncle George was loud. It's okay. Daddy loves you too. Everything will be okay. Do you want mommy to sing to you? Okay. Shhh..

Derek's heart swells as he hears Meredith talking to their children. She is already a great mom. He is so proud of her. His heart swells even more as her melodic voice floats through the monitor as she sings to the twins. He didn't know that she could sing so well.

He slowly makes his way upstairs and leans against the doorway of the nursery. He doesn't want to disturb her. She has Madeline in her arms and is gently rocking her. Meredith turns around and meets his eyes. She smiles at him.

Meredith (in a whisper): Michael is awake if you want to get him.

Derek (in a whisper): I would love to.

Derek walks over and gently lifts his son out of the bed. He slowly rocks him in a similar manner to Meredith. He walks over to stand next to her.

Derek: I am so proud of you.

Meredith: For what?

Derek: You have done an amazing job with our children.

Meredith: I..well..I had help..

Derek: Yeah, but that doesn't change the fact that you are an amazing mother...

She looks at him with tears in her eyes.

Meredith: Thank you for that. I just hope that it will always be this way..

Derek: What way?

Meredith: Perfect.

Derek smiles.

Derek: It may not always be perfect, but at least we will always have each other.

Meredith: Promise?

Derek: Promise.
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Meredith is able to get Madeline back to sleep quicker than Derek can get Michael to sleep. Meredith walks over and gently places Maddie into her crib. She smiles at Derek before leaving him alone in the nursery with the twins.

Meredith is still stunned at the outburst from George. He was just so...mean. Doesn't he understand. Doesn't he get it that Derek is the love of her life? Is that what everyone thinks? That she is a whore? Derek called her one before, but she thought that was because he was jealous. Oh my God, is George jealous? Why would he be jealous?

Meredith's mouth falls open at the thought. But...he has Callie. Meredith curls up in a ball on the bed. She doesn't get it. Just when everything is going so well in one area, why does the other have to go to shit?

Yes, she considers the other interns her family. Well, one of her families. But Derek, Derek is her soul mate. He is her family in a way that the other interns never will be. Meredith doesn't notice when the tears start to fall down her cheeks. She doesn't notice when the door to her bedroom opens. She doesn't notice as Derek walks across the room. She only becomes aware of his presence as she feels him wrap his strong arms around her small body and pull her closer to himself.

Meredith suddenly feels her body relax and melt into his.

Meredith: Do you really think that I'm a whore?

These words cut through Derek like a dull, rusty scalpel. He turns her around in his arms, forcing her to look him in the eyes.

Derek (in a stern voice): You, Meredith Grey, are not a whore.

Meredith: But..

Derek: I know that I once called you that, but don't you see? I was jealous. I was insanely jealous that someone else was putting their hands on you. They were putting their hands on you when I couldn't.

Meredith: But you don't get jealous.

Derek chuckles.

Derek: I have never been a jealous man. Not until I met you. You make me feel things that I never thought possible.

Meredith glances down as Derek begins to slowly caress her cheek with his thumb.

Derek: George had no right. He was way out of line. I can kick his ass if you want me too?

Meredith giggles. Derek smiles as that sound enters his ears. He loves the sound of her giggle.

Meredith: That's okay. I would hate for him to end up in the hospital.

They fall into a comfortable silence. Derek begins to rub small circles on her back. It feels as if he never left, as if Addison never showed up. It feels perfect. Like this is where they are supposed to be, this is where they should have been all of these months, in each other's arms.

Meredith (in a soft voice): Maybe it's for the best.

Derek: What?

Meredith: George moving out. Maybe it's for the best. I mean, the twins will grow up before our eyes and we can't really have them sharing a room after they reach a certain age..plus...I...

Meredith pauses. Derek looks at her expectantly.

Derek: You what?

Meredith: I want you to be here for everything.

Derek smiles.

Derek: Good, because I want to be here for everything.

Meredith bites on her bottom lip.

Meredith: I was thinking, after George moves out, maybe we could turn that room into a guest room....for you...

Derek: Seriously?

Meredith: Yeah..I mean...

Derek: You want me to move in?

Meredith: For the children. Yes. I...

Derek: Of course. For the children.

Meredith: Can I ask you something?

Derek: Anything.

Meredith: Do you find yourself just wanting to jump back in? I mean, we are taking it slow, but slow...slow seems so hard right now.

Derek smiles into her hair before pulling back and looking in her eyes.

Derek: I would love to jump back in and us be a happy family. I mean, I already consider us a happy family, but I would love to be with you. I mean really be with you.

Derek brushes a stray strand of hair out of her face.

Derek: I can't wait to make love to you again, to hold you in my arms all night and listen to the sound of your breathing. I can't wait to marry you, to grow old with you, build a life with you. But I will wait...I will wait for you...as long as you need...I understand that you need to take it slow...but you need to know...you are it for me...I will tell you that as many times as I have to...We can take it as slow as you need, because as long as I'm here...with you and our beautiful children, we are already a happy family.

Meredith now has tears running down her face. Derek reaches up and wipes them away.

Meredith: I love you. I love you so much.

Derek leans forward and kisses her on the forehead.

Derek: I love you too.

Meredith (after a couple of minutes of silence): So, you are moving in...

Derek sighs in content.

Derek: I am moving in...

Meredith: Good.

Derek: I've been thinking...

Meredith: About?

Derek: About our future...and all that land...

Meredith: It's beautiful land. You shouldn't get rid of it.

Derek: I don't want to get rid of it. I want to build us a house on it.

Meredith leans back and looks him in the eyes. She can see the sincerity and love that resides in his bright blue orbs.

Derek: So, what do you think?

Meredith: I think it is a great idea.

Derek smiles.

Derek: Seriously??

Meredith: Seriously.

Meredith smiles as she nuzzles into Derek's chest.

Meredith: Now, let's try to get some sleep before the twins wake up.

Derek chuckles as he wraps his arms tighter around Meredith, afraid that if he loosens his grip she will fade away. They both fall asleep with smiles on their faces as they both build their castles in the air.
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Meredith wakes up from her sleep and immediately misses the warmth of Derek's masculine body. She rolls over and looks around the dark room only to discover that he's not there. It takes a moment for the voice over the baby monitor to register.

Derek(over the baby monitor): Hey baby girl...you are daddy's little princess...yes you are...I fully intend on spoiling you..

Meredith picks up the baby monitor and just listens, a contented smile forming on her face.

Derek: Daddy is so sorry that he hasn't been here...I love you both so much..and your mommy...

Meredith notices the change in Derek's voice as he begins to talk about her. His voice is almost jumping with reverence and love and she can imagine the sparkle in his eyes.

Derek: Daddy loves you mommy so much. She is the love of my life and we are all going to be a big happy family one day. I promise. Daddy has to work hard to make things right but I promise to do everything possible to make the three of you happy...because you are my life. I love you guys so much.

Meredith can hear the emotion straining Derek's voice and is suprised when she feels a warm tear running down her cheek. She reaches up and slowly wipes it away. She hears Derek moving around the nursery. She assumes that he is changing the twins. She leans back against the headboard as she listens and can't help but think how after only one day he is already such a natural. He is already a great father. She knew he would be, but this just confirms that. He wouldn't be him if he wasn't.

Derek: Good night, Maddie and Derek Jr. Daddy will see you in the morning. Sweet dreams.

She smiles at Derek's calling his son by his first name. She hears Derek gently close the nursery door and she hears his long stride as he walks from the nursery back to her room. She is no longer hearing these things over the baby monitor. She sits the monitor back down on the bedside table and stares expectantly at the door.

Excitement mounts as she notices a slight movement of the door handle, he is trying not to wake her. Excitement. Wow. She hasn't felt this kind of excitement for so long. It's still there. The passion, ,the love, the desire, all of it. It's still there. He still has her heart, which is why at this moment it feels as if it has stopped beating. Time has stopped as she waits for the man she loves to come back from taking care of their children and get back in bed with her. Slow? Who was she kidding? They don't do slow. They have never been able to do slow. Their passion and desire is too intense. Their love too great.

She hearself gasp as he pushes the door slowly open and her green eyes clash with his blues. He jerks his head in surprise at finding her wide awake, but his surprise quickly subsides as a smile overtakes his countenance. Meredith finally releases the breath she didn't realize that she was holding.

Meredith (in a whisper): Hey.

Derek(in a whisper): Hey.

Meredith: How are they?

A look of pride and happiness fills his eyes.

Derek: Perfect. They are absolutely perfect.

Derek walks back over to the bed and slowly climbs in, his eyes never leaving Meredith's.

Meredith: They have your eyes and hair.

Derek smiles.

Derek: They have your nose.

Meredith: They are perfect.

Derek sighs contentedly.

Derek: Yes, they are.

Meredith: They are our McBabies.

Derek chuckles.

Meredith reaches up and places her hand on Derek's cheek. He leans into her touch. Both find their skin erupting into goosebumps at this simple, light touch. The sexual tension fills the air as Meredith traces Derek's jawline gently with her thumb, her skin becoming electrified by the sensations of feeling his rough stubble under her soft skin. She leans in closer to him. Derek glances down at her lips and suddenly feels his own desire intensifying. He looks back up to meet her eyes and sees that they are dark with desire.

Meredith (somewhat breathless): You know how I said we should take it slow?

Derek nods, the ability of speech having left him for the moment.

Meredith: Yeah, not going to happen.