Untouchable face

40.

Ever since Derek had met Aaron, he hadn't been sure what to think about the physical therapist. He was nice enough and clearly knew what he was doing. But Derek had just never been sure about the guy. Until now. Now, Derek thought the guy was a slave driver. He got that he was pushing Derek to be stronger and able to get back to life but this was all kinds of hell today. It was making him wish all over again that he had never fallen off the roof because yet again, the part of being in the hospital seemed so easy now. It probably didn't help that his focus was way off today. Meredith's thank you gift was sitting in the corner and Derek just wanted to give it to her. He was nervous as hell about it and he wasn't even sure why.

He had put a lot of thought into it, a lot. She deserved a really good gift so he had done everything to make it perfect. He knew she'd enjoy the journals. And she'd probably giggle at the chocolate and tequila and he was sure she'd like the stuff Maggie had gotten for her but the rest was making him nervous. They had talked a lot while he had been here and he had listened to every word. So when it had come to the special part of the gift, he had used that information to guess. "Derek, focus."

"Sorry, trying," Derek sighed.

"You're not," Aaron shook his head.

"I am."

"People who focus don't almost face plant."

"That was...accident."

"Just focus, man."

"Fine," Derek sighed.

"Good," Aaron smiled. "Turn and walk back to me."

"Okay," Derek nodded, turning around and taking a step.

"How is the leg feeling?"

"Sore but it's getting there."

"Massages helping?"

"Yeah, a bit," he nodded.

"Good."

"It almost feels normal afterwards."

"That's great."

"Yeah."

"And your back?"

"A bit better."

"A bit?"

"It's not as constant."

"That's a good start."

"I know it is."

"We'll keep working on your back exercises."

"Good."

"Two more steps and we'll take a breather."

"Okay," Derek nodded, taking a slow step.

"Good," Aaron nodded.

"Yeah."

"Almost there," Aaron moved with him just as his healed leg gave out. "Whoa, you're okay."

"Yeah, yeah," Derek gasped, grabbing for Aaron's arm.

"You've got it," Aaron nodded, grabbing for his chair. "Twenty steps."

"Awesome," Derek nodded.

"Very," Aaron agreed, lowering him into his chair.

"Thanks," Derek sighed.

"You did good work."

"Thanks."

"Catch your breath."

"I am," Derek nodded, glancing at his bag in the corner.

"Good."