Chapter 10

"Hey, so what do you want to do today?" asked Meredith as they sat on a bench watching ferry boats and eating doughnuts.

"Well I was going to get us proper breakfast… but you wanted doughnuts… so I think I'll let you make all the decisions!"

"Well you know I have excellent taste and doughnuts were a great option after out great night!"

"I know you have great taste… you're still with me" he smiled at her and put his hand on her thigh.

"Yeah, well you're the exception. I don't know why I'm still with you…" she grinned playfully and put her hand on top of his.

"Mmm, well let me remind you…" Derek moved in to kiss her.

They finally broke for air and Meredith licked her lips.

"Yeah… that might be why…" She laughed and stood up holding her hand out to Derek.

"Where are we going?" He asked.

"I don't know… lets just walk" she answered with a smile on her face.

He lightly shook his head and chuckled. Derek took Meredith's hand and bought it up to his lips and softly kissed her knuckles.

"You know I love you Mer?" Derek asked looking into Meredith's eyes.

"I know Derek." Meredith put an arm around his waist and hugged him side on.

Derek wondered why she didn't say she loved him back.

They walked along the harbour together in silence, arms around each other's waist.

Meredith suddenly broke away and stared intently into Derek's eyes, her brow folded into a crease.

"I do Derek" She said looking at Derek's feet. "I just can't say it…"

Derek lifted her chin and looked into her eyes.

"It's okay Mer…" Derek looked sincerely into her eyes and kissed her forehead.

Meredith nodded and squeezed his hand tightly and they continued to walk along the harbour.

"I'm scared…" She whispered her voice laced with fear.

Derek turned around and looked at her. She had tears in her eyes and was staring out into the ocean. He felt so guilty. She was afraid to love him because of what he had done. He moved in and hugged her shoulders gently. She flinched and moved slightly.

"I'm sorry Mer…" His eyes started to fill with tears and he kissed her head lightly.

Meredith sighed and closed her eyes and let the tears fall slightly down her eyes.

She wiped her eyes and smiled.

"You know what?" She asked Derek smiling weakly

"Yeah?" He questioned still hugging her shoulders, head resting in the crook of her neck watching the ocean.

Meredith turned and kissed his cheek.

"I love you" she whispered in his ear and closed her eyes, resting her head on his.

Derek smiled to himself. It had taken a lot of courage for her to say that.

"I love you Mer, I always have and I always will." He whispered back, hugging her tighter.

"Let's go home." she said grabbing his hand and squeezing it tightly.

Derek nodded and they began walking home.

A/N: Sorry about the short chapter and the wait! It's been really hectic, busy and having problems- have to see the counsellor and stuff... I'm writing more as we speak and I think it's better. I'll try to update soon, but I have lots of assessment's I'm trying to get ready for... Darn Hamlet...

Next ep airing on TV is a double ep of the bomb one... it should be awesome. I heard and saw clips about the season finale... It sounds sooo good... and shocking!

Just watched Sweet Home Alabama on DVD... sexy Patrick Dempsey :P

Thank you to everyone who reviewed! I had personalised replies to them all... but something weird happened to my computer and they disappeared and it's like 12am now and I have been sick :( so I'm sorry I don't have much time to write more because I'm very sleepy! But special thanks to:

Carolynmiz

SonnyCarlyJasonCourtney

orangeangel

luv24+Alias

Nati girl

Lisejane

Heather0120

Meredith and Derek

PatEllen

JackandSueFan

MeredithandDerekfanforever

chaty1

Thank you to the new readers who like my fic and to my loyal readers :) I have some VERY VERY cliched stuff planned, but I think it will be cute :)

Please review! (I think the A/N was longer than the actually chapter!)