A Fight to Remember

Interlude

A/N: Ok everybody...  Contrary to popular belief, I do write fluff! Here's a taste!  A short little scene, the day Meredith comes home from the hospital.

Derek:

She was sitting in the large chair, her hand curled over a book, flattening it on the table in front of her as she moved one finger along the page, brow furrowed in concentration. It was an odd sight. One of the things Alzheimers took from Meredith was her ability and interest in reading. Since I had returned, I hadn't seen her with a book. Occasionally she'd pick up a newspaper or magazine, but never showed any further interest beyond the headlines or the first few sentences.

Her stroke had affected much of her language center, and it had now been confirmed she had acquired dyslexia. However, thanks to the stem cells and therapy she was making rapid progress. What was amazing now was that she could retain what she read. She could remember. And I think that's what she loved the most.

"Hey," I greeted from the doorway. "You ready?"

"Derek," she said, lifting her head.

I walked into her room, putting her bag on the bed. Her gaze tracked me as I packed up the last of her things. A couple pairs of PJ's and toiletries was all that was left. We'd taken home most of her things yesterday, including cards and flowers people had left.

"Going home..." she stated.

"Yeah," I replied. "Zola's just filling out your discharge papers."

She turned back to her book.

"What are you reading?" I asked, stepping closer. Meredith looked up, her mouth moved, but no sound came out. She sighed, and flipped the book over so I could read the cover.

"Oh," I smiled, "That's a good book."

"B-bailey... brought it," she said, a slight smile curving her lips.

"Hmm," I said. "we can finish it tonight." I started to pull it out of her hands.

But she resisted. "Don't wanna... forget."

I smiled, touched her cheek and kissed her on the lips. "You won't."

"I...won't." she said. Finally she released the book. I put it in on top of her things in her duffle and slung it on the back of her wheelchair. Meredith moved the rolling table aside and planted her hands on the arms of the chair, ready to get up. Supporting her weaker side, I helped pull while she pushed.

Upright, she wobbled for a moment before getting her balance. We shuffled the few steps to her wheelchair and I maneuvered her in. As we exited her room, we ran into the Chief. "Dr. Bailey," I said.

"Just checking in," she replied, eyes warm and wet with a tinge of tears. "Meredith, Derek, you dont realize it now, but you changed this hospital. You changed the world." She took Meredith's hand. "Goodbye Grey. Take care of yourself, I don't want to see you in this hospital for a very long time, if you know what I mean."

"Yes... Dr. Bailey." Meredith squeezed her hand.

I gave my regards to Dr. Bailey, and then we were in the elevator. Meredith's good arm reached for me and her head tilted back. I smirked, leaned down and kissed her lips softly. It was exhilarating.

When the doors opened, I wheeled her into the lobby and out the main doors. Zola was already there with the Lexus. Seeing us approach, she helped me transfer Meredith to the back seat. I folded up the wheelchair and tossed the duffle in the trunk. Sitting beside Meredith I held her in my arms, my heart soaring with love and admiration for this woman I chose to be my wife.