In my bones

Chapter 14

By sunset543

Enjoy! :)

Disclaimer: I don't own any of Grey's Anatomy. Not the characters. Not the plot. Not anything. Nor do I own anything to do with the NHL. At all. But it would be pretty cool if I did.

Aiden was at school today so Derek had got his chance and drew up to the local ice rink happily. Today he would teach Meredith to ice-skate. No matter how long it took (she told him profusely that she wouldn't be any good).

"I'm serious Derek, you'll laugh at me."

"I won't. I promise," he smiled.

"I know that smile Derek Shepherd. I'm not getting out," she pouted and crossed her arms.

"Oh come on Mer," he grinned, "It'll be fun."

"How do you know?"

"You do realise I skate as a profession, right?"

She gave him a withering glance.

"Okay, well, I'll hold your hand the whole time and even if you do lose your balance, I'll catch you. Either that or I'll take the impact. You're really light, I promise you won't get hurt."

"Fine," she conceded.

He grinned in victory and dragged her towards the doors.

He had brought his own skates, but Mer had to hire her own and he had to help her strap them on after she had told him she was an independent woman and didn't need help.

"I just can't get them tight enough," she complained.

"Uh huh," he smiled, tying the laces tighter.

"Shut up," she laughed.

"Come on then," he took her hand and dragged her onto the ice. She wobbled immediately but caught her balance.

"Don't you dare let go Shepherd," she kept her eyes on the ice.

"I won't. Look up, focus on me."

Warily, she glanced up at him and was caught by the brilliant blue eyes. They looked different here, maybe it was the lighting, maybe it was just the place, but they were somehow brighter.

"That's it." He skated backwards, guiding her gently.

"Okay try and push off with your feet."

She took a minute step forward, looking back at her feet.

"Keep your eyes on me, it'll be easier," he said.

She did so and tried again, she found she moved more and smiled childishly.

"Yes Mer!" he grinned, "Do it again."

She did and she went forward still, the glint in her eyes making Derek's heart melt. She was so adorable, wrapped up in her scarf and bobble hat, he wouldn't mind spending the rest of his life teaching her how to skate. She gained more confidence throughout the public skate, occasionally being dragged out the way of out-of-control skaters, keeping her upright. However, that could only work so many times as she was propelled forwards after (clearly) a hockey player whooshed past her. She stumbled forwards, landing straight in Derek's arms.

"I told you I'd catch you," he smirked.

"Shut up," she slapped his chest. Noticing her rosy cheeks, he kissed each one before kissing her nose. She scrunched it up and he couldn't help but do it again. It was too cute! They spent the rest of the skate going slowly around the edge, hands locked together like they would never separate.