It had been nearly a week since Kyle's benefit and Karen had now moved back into Derek's apartment. Their apartment. The morning after she'd stayed over, the night they were reunited, as they lay in bed together Derek had opened up and told her everything. Everything that was going on inside his head. His thoughts, his fears. Why he acted the way he did. A part of Karen was still hurting that he had kept everything from her, but knowing Derek as she did, she did understand. She was just glad he'd come back and they could now deal with this together.

On the Monday they'd gone to see Dr Morris again, to talk everything through. Derek wanted Karen to know everything about the cancer, the operation he was going to have, and the treatment and care he'd need afterwards. It scared the life out of her, but right now she needed to be strong for Derek. She needed to be his shoulder to cry on during this time, because there were going to be tough moments ahead. She couldn't let him see the fear she was feeling inside her.

Afterwards they'd strolled through Central Park and talked about how they would deal with everything. They decided that they should try and keep things as normal as possible, and live their lives to the full. Try not to let this cancer overcome them. Derek's operation was booked in for two weeks later and they wanted to try and push it to the back of their minds as best they could, and just enjoy this time they had together.

"Hey sweetheart" she called, as she made her way into the apartment. "Where are you?"

"I'm in the kitchen" she heard Derek call, as she dumped her bags down and headed inside. He was sat at the kitchen counter, working on his laptop. "Hey gorgeous" she greeted him, planting a kiss on his lips. "How's your day been?"

"Okay. I had that Playbill interview. Trying to put right a few wrongs. I think it went okay. I was honest with them about everything that's happened. I'd rather just get it out there you know."

"You shouldn't have told them anything. It's none of their business."

"Yeah well I'm not having them think you're insane for taking me back. I'd rather they think I'm insane for my stupidity."

"Pretty sure they thought that already" she teased.

Derek laughed. "True, true. So how was the doctor's?"

"Good! He's given me the all clear to start back on 'Greed'!"

"That's great news. When's your first day back?"

"Well, I spoke to Marty. Everything's ticking over great, so he told me not to come back until after your operation."

"Karen, you don't have to ..."

"I'm not!" Karen interrupted. "But I'm going to be there for you after your surgery so it makes sense to wait until then to start back. Give the show some continuity. Non-negotiable Derek! I'm going to start back in rehearsals though. I need to get back into the swing of things, and get my fitness back. I've let myself go" she said, shaking her head.

"I don't know" Derek teased, as he grabbed Karen and pulled her onto his lap, grinning. "You're looking pretty good to me."

"You think?" Karen teased as she kissed Derek's neck, running her hands up the back of his t-shirt. "Well I can think of another way we can test those fitness levels."

She moved her hands down his back and back around his waist as she kissed him, nonchalantly brushing over his pants zipper as she unravelled herself from him, eliciting a groan.

"Hey, where are you going?"

"I'm just gonna go get changed into something more comfortable" she said, making her way up the stairs.

"You know what?" Derek said, as he got off the stool and started to chase her up the stairs. "I'm pretty sure your ribs are still pretty tender. You'll probably want a hand undressing" he smiled. "I mean, it's the gentlemanly thing to do."

They both ran into the bedroom laughing, falling onto the bed together, as Derek wrapped his arms around her, kissing her passionately.

"God you're so gorgeous" he murmured, as he peppered her with kisses, helping her remove her top, revealing a lacy black bra. "I'm pretty sure you need some assistance with this too." He deftly unclipped her bra, tossing it aside, and laid Karen back down, kissing her breasts and teasing them with his tongue.

"God Derek" she gasped, moving her hands to his pants and unbuttoning them, teasing him by rubbing her hand over his boxers. Derek's breath hitched at the sensation. Their want for each other was evident, as they began to exploring each other, planting kisses all over each other's bodies.

"Gentlemanly, huh?" Karen joked, as they lay intertwined, naked, breathing heavily and slowly coming down from their exertions. It was the first time they'd had sex since before Derek's diagnosis, and it had been full of raw passion, full of need. A release of everything that had built up the last few months.

"So, what do you want for dinner? I could cook us up some pasta"she said softly, idly running her fingers across his bare chest as he played with her hair.

"Pretty sure we just did dinner love, but if you want a second helping ..."

"Oh my god, you're so cheesy!" she laughed, playfully whacking him."

She looked at the man she loved and moved her hands to run her fingers through his messy hair and stroke his face as their eyes locked.

"I missed this" she whispered. "These moments, together. Thinking I'd never be able to share them with you again, that was the hardest thing."

She leaned in to lovingly kiss him on the lips, and suddenly the thought that she could lose him overwhelmed her.

"Hey, what's this about?" he said gently, wiping the tears that had started to trickle down her face.

"What if I'm not strong enough Derek? To help you through this. I know I said ..."

"Hey, hey, listen to me!" he said soothingly. "You're so strong Karen. You only need to look at how you've come through everything that happened these past few years. It would have broken so many people but you came out the other side the same girl you always were ... strong, generous, kind. I'm just sorry I couldn't see that myself until it was nearly too late."

He rubbed her face tenderly as Karen quietly nodded.

"And you know why else I know you're strong enough? Because for the past week I've felt this burden lifted off me. It's like knowing I've got you with me is half the cure already. I haven't felt this good in a long time." he smiled. "It's all because of you Karen."

"Now come on" he said. "No more tears. Let's go and have some dinner. I've actually prepared something for us already Miss Cartwright. Good old British roast lamb"

"Oh god!" groaned Karen, laughing.

"Hey! How am I going to get better if you don't let me try?"

Karen laughed. "Okay okay, do your worst! But no special treatment just because you're sick Derek. If its inedible you don't get a pass" she teased.

"I wouldn't have it any other way" he smiled. He slid out of the bed, pulling Karen out with him. Why don't you go and have a shower while I check how my masterpiece is getting along in the oven!"

"Ummm, are you sure you actually turned the oven on? I didn't smell anything cooking when I came in."

"Oh crap!" Derek exclaimed making his way out of the room until Karen grabbed his hand, stopping him in his tracks."

"Hold your horses Gordon Ramsey!" she laughed. "The 'masterpiece' can wait. Pretty sure, if memory serves, our shower's big enough for two" she winked, pulling him towards the bathroom.

"Oh well, if you insist darling" Derek grinned, "lead the way!"