Hi guys! Thank you so, so much to those of you who left nice reviews at the end of Help Me Lose My Mind, I'm so glad you enjoyed it and thank you so much to everyone who read it. If you haven't, this is it's sequel, so I would read it before you read this one!

This will be significantly shorter than the previous story, as it is more of a bridge to the third installment, which will see them later on in life. I hope you enjoy this story, and thank you for still reading!

Think I can fly, think I can fly when I'm with you
My arms are wide, catching fire as the wind blows
I know that I'm rich enough for pride, I see a billion dollars in your eyes
Even if we're strangers 'til we die

I wanna run away
I wanna run away
Anywhere out this place
I wanna run away
Just you and I, I, I, I, I
You and I, I, I, I, I
You and I, I, I, I, I
You and I, I, I, I, I
Just you and I

I wanna run, chase the moon and sun when I'm with you
Give it all away, catching fire as the wind blows
I know that I'm rich enough for pride, I see a billion dollars in your eyes
Even if we're strangers 'til we die

I wanna run away
I wanna run away
Anywhere out this place
I wanna run away
Just you and I, I, I, I, I
You and I, I, I, I, I
You and I, I, I, I, I
You and I, I, I, I, I
Just you and I

'Im,' said Derek, coming into the living room where his youngest sister was sat watching Tv.

'Hey?' she turned her head slightly, her eyes unmoving from whatever she was watching.

'I need you to do me a favour.'

'Urugh, what?' she groaned, rolling her eyes.

'Mer's just got in the shower but I need you to keep her distracted when she comes out.'

'Why?' Imogen frowned.

'Because.'

'That's not a reason.'

'Please,' he begged, his eyes big.

'Fine.' She sighed. 'Why, what are you doing?' she frowned, suspicious.

'I just want to talk to mom about something and I don't want her walking in.'

'Ooooo, what is it? A secret? Do I get to know?'

'No.' he shook his head.

'Why not? It can be my reward.'

'Because it's a surprise. You'll find out soon enough.'

'Fine.' She sighed again. 'You want me to go up now?'

'Please.' He smiled.

'Okay,' she paused her programme before dragging herself off the couch. 'I'll see if Liv's off the phone to Dex, she can help.'

'Thanks,' he smiled as she left the room.

It was weird, in the year he and Meredith had taken out from college, Olivia had started Med school at Dartmouth with Mark and Tim, where she had met Dexter, who was now her boyfriend. Despite wanting to kick his friends ass, he was also glad that out of all the boys his younger sister could date, she'd picked a good one in Dex.

'Mom?' he stuck his head around the kitchen door where his mother was stirring something on the stove.

'Hello love, is Meredith upstairs?'

'Oh, yeah.' He nodded. 'I actually wanted to talk to you while she wasn't around.'

'Oh,' his mom breathed. 'Is everything okay sweetheart?'

'Yeah, yeah, everything's fine.' He smiled. 'I just wanted to talk to you about something.'

'Okay,' Alison nodded. 'Let me just take this off the heat and we'll sit at the table.'

'Okay. Do you want me to get you a drink?'

'Just some water would be lovely thank you dear. Are you all ready for tomorrow?'

'Yeah,' he grinned, pouring her a drink. 'We're going to sleep early tonight so we can have some rest before the flight.'

'That sounds a good idea. You'll probably get some sleep on the plane if you need to. How long is it to London again, seven hours?'

'Yeah.' He nodded.

'What time will it be there when you land?'

'Well, here it will be three in the afternoon here, but eight there?'

'So five hours ahead they are?'

'Yeah,' he nodded, sitting opposite his mom at the table, handing her water.

'Thanks,' she murmured, taking it from him. 'Now, what is it?'

'I….' he breathed, staring at his hands, suddenly extremely nervous. 'I… I want to propose to Meredith.' He said quietly, scared to look up at his mothers reaction.

'Oh,' she breathed, her hand flying to her mouth and her eyes immediately brimming with tears.

'I know…. I know she's still really young and I know we've only been together three years…. But…. She's it for me, mom. I love her so much…'

'Oh sweetheart,' his mom almost choked out, a tear rolling down her cheek.

'I just… I just wanted to run it by you first and see what you thought.'

'I think it's just wonderful.'

'You do?' he smiled in relief as Alison grabbed for his hand across the table.

'I do.' She nodded, reaching for a tissue to wipe her eye. 'She is a lovely girl.'

'She is,' he agreed, beaming.

'And I couldn't think of anybody more prefect for you.'

'I know, me neither.' He grinned.

'I… I had a feeling she was going to be in our lives for a long time the very first time I met her.'

'When you surprised me at college and Imogen found her in my bed?' he laughed.

'Exactly then.' his mother nodded.

'We weren't even dating.'

'I know.' His mom nodded carefully. 'But I saw the way you looked at each other. She's the one for you, Derek.'

'I know,' he breathed, his own eyes beginning to fill.

'How long have you been thinking about this?'

'A couple of months now,' he murmured. 'We've been living here together for almost ten months, both working different hours, and things are still amazing. I just… it's not just a college thing… I can see us doing this… living together and working and being together forever.'

'And you have almost been together for three years,' Alison smiled.

'Yeah,' he smiled. 'I… do you think we're too young? Do you think it's too soon?'

'I got engaged at eight teen after knowing your father a year,' she laughed softly. 'I know things were different then, but it's definitely possible to be lucky enough to find the person you want to spend the rest of your life with while you're young.'

'You think?' he grinned.

'I know.'

'I really love her, ma.'

'Oh I know you so sweetheart.'

'I… so you're okay with it?' he breathed.

'More than okay, I am absolutely thrilled Derek.'

'Good,' he laughed slightly in relief.

'I love her like my own.'

'I know you do.' He smiled.

'And nothing would make me happier than her officially being a Shepherd.'

'I know. I'm not wanting to get married straight away or anything,' he said quickly. 'I'll wait as long as she wants.'

'There's nothing wrong with a long engagement.' Said Alison.

'But I'd get married tomorrow if that's what she wants.' He laughed.

'When are you thinking of doing it?'

'I'm not one hundred percent sure, I have an idea. But I don't want to say in case it changes or whatever, but…. I have an idea.'

'And you wanted to ask the night before you fly half way across the world for three and a half months,' his mom raised her eyebrow.

'I did,' he laughed.

'Do you already have a ring?' she asked softly.

'No,' he shook his head. 'I was thinking about trying to pick one up in Europe… if I'm going to do it there I thought it would mean more. Or maybe let her pick out her own after I've done it…. I don't know… I haven't really decided yet.'

'Well,' she murmured, moving her rings slightly on her wedding finger. 'before your father passed away,' she took her wedding ring off her finger, followed by her engagement ring. 'He asked me to give you this, for the right girl.' She put her wedding ring back on her finger and held her engagement ring. 'And Meredith, she's the right girl for you sweetheart.'

'Ma….' He breathed, unable to say anything else as she handed him the simple ring.

'Nothing would make me happier than you putting it on her finger, Derek.'

'I… I can't ma….' He shook his head. 'It's yours.'

'Not anymore,' she smiled, 'It's Meredith's. In fact, it's been hers since the day you brought her home.'

'Are… are you sure?'

'I am.' She nodded. 'Your father wanted you to have this. And so do I.'

'I… I don't know what to say.' He admitted. 'Thank you.'

'You're welcome, Derek.'

'Wow,' he breathed, wiping at his eye. 'And you think she'll say yes?'

'Derek,' Alison laughed softly. 'I do.'

'Oh.' He smiled.

'She loves you very much.'

'I love her too, Ma. I love her so much.'

'Oh, I know you do.'

'This has made me feel a lot better,' he laughed.

'What did you think I was going to say, that I didn't want you to marry her?' Alison laughed in return.

'I don't know.' He chuckled.

'I can't believe my baby boy is getting married.'

'Engaged,' he laughed. 'there's a difference. And it hasn't even happened yet.'

'I know,' she sighed. 'But I am just so proud of you sweetheart. And I love you so much.'

'I love you too.'

'You're way ahead of your siblings,' she laughed.

'I know,' he rolled his eyes. 'But I'm lucky.'

'You are.'

'I've already decided Liv and Im are never getting married, even if Liv is with Dexter.'

'Somehow I think that's out of your control.' She laughed.

'We'll see.' He smirked.

'Are you all ready for tomorrow?'

'Yeah,' he nodded. 'Mer's just showered but everything is packed.'

'Good.' She breathed. 'I'm going to miss you.'

'I know me too,' he nodded. 'But we'll try and be in touch as much as we can.'

'I am so excited for you.'

'Me too,' he grinned. 'Is there anything you want me to get you or anything while we're over there.'

'Just pictures,' she smiled. 'Especially of Ireland.'

'Definitely pictures of Ireland.' He agreed.

'You're all grown up,' she breathed. 'Twenty three years old, going to travel around Europe, proposing to your girlfriend. I feel like my little boy is becoming a man.'

'Always your boy,' he smiled.

'I know,' she laughed. 'Trust me. To me you will always be my baby.'

'Thanks, ma.' He breathed.

'You're welcome,' she smiled. 'Now give me a hug.'

'Okay,' he laughed, standing to hug her tight.

'I love you.'

'I love you too.' He kissed her cheek.

'Now go upstairs, I'm sure Meredith's wanting to be rescued from your sisters.' She laughed.

'I wish!' he laughed. 'She likes them more than me sometimes.'

'Don't be silly.'

'I'll go up.' He nodded. 'We need an early night. Will you be up in the morning when we leave?'

'Mark's taking you at five thirty, right?'

'Yeah,' he nodded.

'Of course, I wouldn't miss saying good bye to you for the world.'

'Okay,' he smiled. 'Well I'll see you in the morning then.' he smiled.

'See you in the morning sweetheart.'

'Love you.'

'Love you too.' His mom grinned.

As he walked up the stairs to his room, he heard the laughs of his girlfriend and sisters, which made him smile. In the almost three years he and Meredith had been dating, his girlfriend had practically become a sister to his sisters. Which was weird when he thought about it…. But it was good. They all got on so well, and he was pretty sure Liv and Imogen were Meredith's best friend, besides Holly.

Izzie and Cristina hadn't stayed on at Dartmouth for med school, Cristina had gone to Stanford and Izzie had gone to University of Washington School of Medicine, which was good for Mer, having a friend back home. She kept in touch with them, but she had definitely grown closer to his sisters the last twelve months, and Holly too. They'd been to visit their friends in Hanover whenever they could over the last few months.

'Hey,' he opened his bedroom door, walking in to find Imogen and Meredith lay on his bed, laughing, Liv lay on the floor flipping through a magazine.

'Hey,' Meredith smiled up at him.

'What you guys doing?'

'Talking.' Imogen shrugged, as he moved onto the bed next to Meredith, pulling her to sit on his lap.

'Hey,' she giggled, kissing him quickly.

'Hey,' he smiled.

'And that's our queue to go,' said Liv, sitting up.

'You don't have to leave.' Meredith laughed. 'I'm going to miss you guys.'

'We're gonna miss you too,' sighed Imogen.

'But you'll be coming back to Dartmouth when you get back, so we'll see you loads.' Liv smiled.

'I wont.' Imogen pouted.

'Well if you move back here you're only an hour away. Or you could get a job and move to Hanover with us.'

'Oh yeah and live with who?'

'Me.' Liv laughed.

'Oh yeah, third wheel.' Imogen rolled her eyes.

'Dex is living with Mark and Tim next year.'

'He is?'

'Yeah.' Liv nodded. 'So if you wanted to come we could get somewhere.'

'That's definitely an option…. Have you guys found a place for next year?' Imogen turned to Derek and Meredith.

'Yeah,' he nodded. 'We signed the contract last time we went over.'

'Where is it?' Asked Liv.

'Literally the street across campus.'

'Drive street?'

'Yeah.' He nodded. 'Literally the apartment building there.'

'Apparently they are sooooo nice.'

'They are.' Derek laughed.

'How are you affording that on your loan?'

'We've been saving some.'

'Literally you guys are so good, affording Europe and a nice place…. What the fuck.'

'Yeah but we literally have no life,' Meredith laughed. 'All we've done is work.'

'It's worth it though.' Sighed Imogen.

'It is.' Agreed Meredith, leaning back into Derek.

'What time do you guys go in the morning?'

'Mark's taking us to the airport at five thirty,' said Derek, before kissing Meredith's cheek softly.

'Ew.' Winced Liv. 'Sorry but I don't think I will be up.'

'That's okay,' Derek laughed.

'Me neither.' Said Imogen. 'So we'll have to say goodbye now.'

'I'm really gonna miss you guys,' Liv sighed. 'I don't know what I'm going to do without you all summer.'

'Me neither.' Said Imogen.

'Don't be dramatic,' Derek laughed. 'You always get sick of me anyway.'

'But not Mer,' Imogen laughed.

'Shut up,' he laughed.

'Let go of her while I give her a hug.'

'Okay,' he laughed, dropping his arms from around Meredith while Imogen hugged her, Liv moving to hug him.

'Love you.' He murmured.

'Love you too.' Said Liv as she squeezed him tighter.

'Come here you,' he laughed at his youngest sister, who despite now being twenty years old, was his baby sister.

'Bye,' she murmured into his chest.

'Love you.'

'Love you too.'

'I'll miss you.'

'Miss you too.'

'Make sure not to have too much fun,' Liv laughed as she pulled away from Meredith.

'And try not to get arrested for having sex in inappropriate places,' Imogen laughed. 'I don't want to see you on the news for being at it on the Eiffel tower or something.'

'Get out,' Derek laughed, throwing a cushion at his sister as she neared his bedroom door.

'You know if it happened it would totally be you two though,'

'I said get out,' he laughed, throwing another cushion as they both ran out the door.

'They're funny,' Meredith giggled, laying back on the bed.

'Yeah,' he rolled his eyes, laying next to her.

'Hmmmm' she sighed, turning over and snuggling into his chest. 'Love you.'

'Love you too.' He kissed the top of her head.

'Are you excited?'

'Very excited,' he smiled, squeezing his arms around her.

'Me too.' She breathed. 'I cant believe we're actually going tomorrow.'

'me neither.' He laughed. 'It's come around so fast.'

'It has.' She murmured, trailing her fingers up and down his chest.

'This time tomorrow we'll be in London.'

'That's so crazy,' she smiled up at him.

'I know.' He kissed her softly. 'So crazy.'

'I don't think I'm gonna be able to get to sleep.'

'Me neither,' he murmured. 'But we can sleep on the plane.'

'We can.' She agreed, reaching for his hand and interlocking their fingers.

'I love you.' He kissed her temple.

'I love you too,' she sighed, burying her face in his neck.

'Shall I turn the light out and we at least try to sleep?'

'Yeah,' she nodded.

'Shall I fill you some water?' he asked, standing and picking up the empty glass from next to his bed.

'Yes please.'

'Okay,' he murmured, filling her glass in the bathroom before coming back in and turning the light out. 'There you go.' He put her glass on the side before climbing back into bed, into her outstretched arms.

'Thank you.' She murmured, kissing him deeply.

'Love you.'

'Love you.'

He sighed happily as his girlfriends eyes shut, kissing her forehead quickly before shutting his own eyes, holding her close. The last ten months they had done nothing but work, all for what was going to start tomorrow, he wasn't sure what Europe was going to have in store for them, but he was pretty sure it was going to be amazing.

Thank you for reading, please review! X