In My Dreams

Lay Down Beside You

Meredith tucked Zola and Bailey into bed and kissed them on their foreheads. Baby Ellis was already deep asleep when she checked in on her. She closed the door and limped downstairs, carrying the baby monitor. Her half sister Maggie idly flicked channels on the television.

"Hey," Meredith said.

"Oh hey, have a good time with the kids?"

"Yeah, can you watch the kids for awhile... I have a thing." She put the monitor on the coffee table

Maggie looked up, a tinge of concern on her features. "Sure Mer, everything okay?"

She nodded. "I'm okay."

"Okay," Maggie smiled.

Before she left she picked up Derek's old blanket and limped out the door with her cane.

xxx

It was their spot. A beautiful view of the city and the coming and going of the ferryboats.

She wrapped herself in the blanket and dozed.

xxx

"It's intense... this thing I have for ferryboats." Derek sat beside her on the ground in a thick leather jacket and off white corded sweater.

"Really," Meredith chuckled.

"Really." He grinned at her.

She reached into her pocket and pulled out Amelia's chip. "Thirty days..."

"She's trying."

"I know... I'm trying too."

"Mm." Derek pecked her on the cheek.

A soft cool breeze skirted through and Meredith pulled the blanket closer to her.

"You still have that thing?" Derek fingered the material. "I don't know why I kept it," Derek said. "Color is all wrong, it's not warm, and it's scratchy."

"Seriously?" She hated the blanket. She only brought it because it reminded her of Derek, and now he was saying he didn't like it?

"Seriously. You know, I think I got it when you gave me Doc. I used to lay it on the deck for him. He loved it."

"This is Doc's blanket?"

"Mm-hmm."

"But you kept it. You didn't like it, but you kept it."

He shrugged. "Guess I just couldn't get rid of it."

Meredith shook her head, a small smile on her face. It was Doc's blanket. And he kept it. "I love you."

"I love you."

She rested her head on Derek's shoulder and they watched as a ferryboat docked. The night was so clear and the air was invigorating. City lights sparkled in the reflection of the water.

Derek sighed. "Hang on," he said. He pulled the blanket off her shoulders and set it beside him. Then he shuffled next to her as close as he could. "Lie down," He said. She complied and lay on her side. Derek spooned her, and pulled the blanket over the both of them.

Meredith reached for his hand, entwined her fingers with his. She kissed his thumb and sighed."You were right, I'm not alone. I have a whole village."

"Mm."

"And I have you," she said, surprised at the tear that pricked in her eye. "In My Dreams."

xxx

~Fin~

A/N: Thanks so much for over 500 views! You Guys are the best! Vote and add to your list! Then check out my one-shot, "When Can I See Her?" Zola tries again to see her mommy. Love you all!!

Most of the locations in this story were inspired by actual scenes or objects from old episodes. Read it again and you'll see...