Dusk&Summer

36.

very mature ⚠️

Four days. They only had four days. Meredith was trying not to think about it as she curled underneath her blanket, listening to Derek's soft footsteps as he made his way outside with the coffee. It was still dark out, and for a few minutes, she wanted to just pretend that there were still five days. Still five days until all of this had to end and this all got hard.

"Here," Derek murmured, sliding into his spot beside her. He had woken her up early enough every morning to make sure they saw this. He didn't explain his reason. He didn't need to. She knew why he wanted the mornings spent in each other's arms. Because watching the sunrise, it was easy to pretend that they were the only people alive. It was too good of a feeling to miss.

"Thanks," she whispered, curling up next to him, draping the blanket over his legs.

"No prob," he murmured, pressing a light kiss on the top of her head. "Love you."

"Love you too," she whispered, a smile growing on her lips. She was still surprised that she could say it. That she had finally found a way to tell him that she loved him, that this was more than just a summer thing. But she had, and it was amazing. Completely amazing.

"I know," he nodded, smirking slightly as he took a sip of coffee.

"I don't do the relationship thing, but I'm pretty sure that's not the right answer," she laughed as she cradled her coffee cup, her head resting on his chest.

"You actually kick ass at the relationship thing. And I'm just saying...I know."

"You're so cocky," she rolled her eyes.

"Oh I know," he laughed.

"I think I'll just stop telling you I love you."

"You wouldn't," he grinned. "You can't."

"Why can't I?"

"You love saying it."

"Oh I do?"

"You get this tiny smile when you say it," he breathed. "It's beautiful."

"Oh," she murmured, chewing on her lip for a second as his arms tightened around her. She loved him. She completely loved him, and she couldn't believe how good she felt right now, how safe she felt. "That doesn't mean I can't stop saying it."

"I think it might."

"I can stop."

"So stop."

"Fine," she nodded quickly. "I will."

"Let's see how long this lasts," Derek laughed.

"I'm going to stop."

"Okay."

"Okay."

"I love you."

"I...I'm not saying it."

"Hmmm..." he nodded slowly.

"What's your hmmm thing?"

"Nothing," he shrugged, slipping his hand up the back of her shirt.

"I don't believe you, Derek Shepherd."

"What?" he grinned innocently.

"You're plotting something. But I'll have you know...I'm very smart. Very very smart and no matter what your doctor brain is thinking about, I won't give in."

"Oh really?" he laughed, inching her shirt up. "So if I get you naked..."

"That so doesn't mean I'm going to say I love you."