Delicate Hearts

Thirty Six

On arrival back home Derek and Addison both fussed over her completely. All she wanted was to have a bath and sleep in her own bed. But of course they insisted on her eating first, taking pain medication and sitting down. 

She couldn't complain, she knew they were just concerned, it had only been a week since everything occured.

She still felt scared and full of anxiety. Of course she would, she had almost lost her life. That man had tormented her so much throughout her life and always managed to escape serving a full sentence. But now he would serve a life sentence with no parole. Meaning she was free from his grasp, she was able to move on with her life knowing he couldn't hurt her or anyone she cared about again.

Derek could see that she needed rest, her eyes kept closing and her body swaying in her seat.

"Addie, I am taking her to bed okay"Addison nodded, glad Meredith was okay and finally home. She had missed her. 

"Come on baby"Derek whispered as he scooped her up.

"I can walk"She mumbled. Derek chuckled, no way he thought. He had almost lost her, putting her down was something he never wanted to do. He wished he could wrap her up and keep her safe, protect her. "Der I want to shower" She sighed nervously.

"Okay, I can help you"He stroked her cheek.

"But....the marks"She stuttered as he placed her to the floor.

"Baby, you think that will change how I feel about you? You are fucking perfect Meredith. Someone hurt you, someone did that to you, you nearly died and it fucking killed me. The thought of losing you..I don't ever want to feel that way again.  You survived and this is your battle scar baby girl, now want me to help you get sorted"He kissed her head softly.

"I love you so much"She wrapped her arms around him, letting her tears fall onto him, soaking his shirt she had held it in but now she needed to release it. "I was so scared Derek. Laying there feeling the bullet rip through me...feeling the blood. I just remember thinking I was going to die, I felt so tired and weak then I heard your voice when you walked into the room, i felt your hand on mine. I knew I could do it in that moment"  Her eyes glossed over as he held her close.

"I am so proud of you Mer, now lets get you showered so you can get some well deserved rest" 

The process of showering her broke his heart, she was so conscious of herself, trying to cover up even more than she usually did. She jumped as he washed her hair, as he lightly washed her body.  She was a ball of nerves.

He helped dry her hair and dress her into bed shorts and his tshirt. 

"I'm sorry...I just...I"She stuttered.Derek shook his head. 

"Meredith, don't you apologise to me, never. I will be patient, you are my forever now come on lets get you into bed"He pulled her close the moment they settled beneath the sheets.

He watched the tv on low volume as she slept soundly on his chest. He had missed her, being able to hold her, the lavender scent of her hair and the way she cuddled him. She was his entire world. When he thought he had lost her he felt his heart beging to shatter.

His feelings for her went beyond anything he ever imagined for himself. He would do anything for her and he meant everything and anything. He made a promise that he would make sure she always knew how much he loved her, how much he valued her and how much her life meant to him. 

She began to thrash lightly in his arms, he looked down in concern, full of absolute worry. She began to cry, scream loudly, he could feel her heart hitting his chest. 

Addison ran in noticing the panic in Derek's eyes. 

"Mer, hey hey its okay"She pulled Meredith from his chest and into her arms. "Its okay shh"She hushed her until Meredith's eyes opened and she began to sob into Addison's top. "We are here Mer, we are here" Derek sat up and wrapped his arm around her, placing soft kisses to her shoulder.

"I...I am sorry" She was shaking. Addison knew Meredith better then most. She knew when her eyes closed she pictured it, she re-lived it. She knew Meredith would struggle, whether it was days, weeks or months would be determined by Meredith's mind.  

"You are safe Mer, you are okay. We have you. Don't apologise please"Addison brushed the hair from her face. 

"Baby we got you, I won't leave you alone, one of us will always be with you, its okay"He rubbed her arm up and down. 

The rest of the day consisted of Meredith having night terrors and Derek or Addison soothing her. Ruby had settled beside Meredith in the end providing extra comfort. She could sense the emotional pain.

When Saturday came Derek left to go and get himself some stuff Meredith had cleared space in her drawers so he didn't have to go back and forth. He returned with some of Ruby's things, food and his own bag. 

Meredith was again freshly showered, Addison had helped her. She was wearing leggings and Derek's jumper. She sat curled into Ruby. Her eyes red from crying.

"Ellis is going to bring some anxiety pills and sleeping pills to help her. I helped clean her wounds."Addison smiled to Derek. He nodded and took his things to the room. Jumping himself when he turned and saw Meredith.

"Sorry handsome"She spoke in a light whisper.

"Its okay, I thought you were all comfy" He frowned while walking over to her. 

"I missed you and I wanted to say thank you for being so patient and loving me"She spoke quickly. 

"No need to thank me,  beautiful. I love you no matter what. I missed you my girl, wanna hug"He opened his arms which she stepped into. His larger arms engolfed her as he placed kisses to her hair.

"You are the best thing that has ever happened to me, I would be lost without you Derek"She looked up with eyes full of honesty. "I am so grateful, i really am. I appreciate everything you are doing for me" She leant up and placed a soft and gentle kiss to his lips. He placed his hand on her cheek the other on her waist as they lightly explored each other's mouths, each movement full of love. When they pulled away Meredith giggled, a giggle he had missed more than anything.

"My girl, come on"He took her hand in his and led her back out to her living area. As they walked in Mark and Amelia came from the front door. 

"Hey"Amelia didn't know what to do so when Meredith pulled her in for a hug she held her close. Meredith wasn't just her brothers girl, she was a friend who she loved dearly.

"You doing okay?"Mark asked softly.

"Its a challenge but Derek and Addison are amazing. I would be lost without them"She felt a light pain in her chest, they were usual for her whilst she recovered Ellis had explained that to her. Derek felt her wince.

"Lets sit down baby, you need the rest"Derek led her to the sofa where they snuggled together, Poppy on Derek's lap and Ruby to Meredith's side.

That entire evening they laughed, they joked, they watched movies instead of the game, looked at old photos, and enjoyed being together as a group again. That night Meredith forgot about all of her problems, her pain and torment, she let it go and enjoyed herself as she had a week ago.