Untouchable face

57.

Derek hated to admit that he had balmy palms. It felt really immature, because he was pretty sure the last time he had felt like this was when he had been in high school and getting ready for his first date. It was definitely lame. But tonight was his first date with Meredith. They had spent a lot of time together recently but that didn't mean their first date wasn't a big deal. A few months ago, he had opened his eyes after surgery to see the petite blonde doctor who had made his heart skip a beat. And now, he was going on a date with her.

Sometimes it shocked him how much his life had changed since his accident but most of the time recently he was trying to go with it. Before he had figured out he wanted to be with Meredith it all felt too big and sometimes it still did but he had a feeling all of this was a good change. Having Meredith in his life was obviously one of the best changes he could ever imagine. She was gorgeous, funny, smart, and a hell of a kisser. And tonight, they were going on a date. He desperately needed this to be perfect, needed it to be his last first date.

It seemed crazy to already be thinking along those lines but something felt right with this. In the days they had spent together, something felt like it had clicked. Tonight was going to be casual and laid back and he thought it was going to fit them, and be a good time to talk and relax together.

Of course, there were already some negatives about this date. Usually, he would be driving to pick her up, but since he wasn't cleared to drive yet, Meredith was on her way. And instead of walking firmly next to her, he would probably be leaning on his cane as the night went on. He could officially walk short distances without his cane. And he realized that was an amazing acheivement, Meredith and his mom told him all the time. But if he needed to walk too far, he needed the cane. He probably could have just taken to her a restaurant and left it at home but that seemed boring. There would be a lot of walking today, walking all over the place, and he wasn't sure how she would feel about walking next to a man who couldn't walk without a cane. She never looked ashamed about it, but this would be the first time they were really in public. And she deserved more.

He knew it was stupid to worry about, he got that. He would be done with it soon and while he might limp a bit, it at least wouldn't be as bad as having a cane like an old man. But for a first date, all of this seemed really wrong. Meredith had never really dated and tonight should be perfect.

"Derek dear?" Mom called as the doorbell rang.

"Is that her?" he called.

"I believe so," Mom laughed. "Do you want me to get the door?"

"Can you?"

"Of course, sweetheart."

"Thanks."

"Meredith, dear," he heard his mom say, "come in. Derek will be here in just a moment."

"Oh, hi Mrs. Shepherd," Derek heard Meredith's voice.

"I told Derek I could have chauffeured tonight but the look on his face was on of pure horror"

"I'm fine driving," Meredith giggled.

"Of course, dear."

"Is Derek just about ready?"

"I certainly hope so," Mom laughed. "Derek, sweetheart, Meredith's here for you!"

"Be right there," Derek called, taking a deep breath. He had no idea why he was nervous, it was Meredith and he desperately wanted to go out with her but there were definitely butterflies in his stomach as he grabbed for his cane.

"Take your time, Derek," Meredith giggled softly.

"I am."

"Oh good."