Chapter 2: Like Father, Like Son

This chapter is inspired by Meredith's beach scenes in S17. If you had not watched it, this may be confusing. Without spoiling anything, I will clarify that the interaction between Derek and his father in this chapter is almost exactly like the interaction between Meredith and her mother in the episode where Meredith drowned. She was 'on the line between life and death' and saw her mother.

Damn it. I need a head CT. What are these fools doing? Head trauma means head CT. I'm going to die because these doctors are not fucking trained for this. Damn it this pain is excruciating. Fuck!

I must have passed out because the last thing I remember is driving. Wait, no. Winnie. The car explosion. The ambulance. The airport? No, the pain. The shitty doctors. Wait, what the hell?

Dad?

"Derek!"

"Dad." My dad died when I was 10. What is he doing on this beach? "Dad, where are we? Why are you so far?"

"I am dead."

"No. I can't. What about Meredith? The kids? I promised Meredith a lifetime. Not this. This can't I-"

"Relax son. The line between life and death is like walking on a tightrope but you're still fighting."

"I'm about to die, aren't I?"

"That is a question for you to answer."

"I know the answer."

"Good. Hold onto the reason and if it's enough…"

"Love. I love my wife and I love my kids. It is enough."

"If love were enough, I'd still be with your mom."

"What do you mean?"

"Derek. Men like you and I aren't common in this world. We're optimistic. We believe in true love and magic and soul mates. She's waiting for you, and if you don't come back from this... you will change who she is. Anyone can fall in love and be blindly happy. You need to find the reason behind your happiness. That's what makes it enough. I'm not saying your mom and I didn't have a reason. I let my guard down. I let an object materializing the love between your mother and I overrule the reason why she got me the watch. Don't make that mistake, son."

There was a moment of silence. The moment could've been minutes or hours, who knew? "I think I have my reason."

"Good. Hold onto it and never let go."

"I won't. I miss you, Dad. Mom misses you, every day. She still can't sleep on your side of the bed."

"I know, son. I'll be here waiting for her and her stories about you kids and our grandchildren."

I smile at dad. The man I aspired to be growing up. "It's nice here. Peaceful. Relaxing," I describe.

"Yes, it is Derek. Now is not your time. Go back." With that, his father disappeared.

"Dad?"

Within a split second, I was brought back to the sign of consciousness: pain. Immobility. Discomfort in my chest. Faint voices around me. "Mrs. Shepherd… monitor… increase in brain activity… improvement… closely monitor… evening." Beeping noises. DC. Meredith. Our kids. Head CT. The damn doctors.

Once more, I succumbed to a deep slumber. Upon my awakening, I heard distant chatter. Yet, I was unable to comprehend much of it because I was instantly faced with immobility. Discomfort. Pain. "Wake up soon… stop by… lunch… weekend… home."

I must've passed out again because like a never-ending cycle, I was met with pain. Immobility. The discomfort lessened but it was still hell. The voices have become more coherent. "Breathing on his own… eyelids twitching… good sign…soon."

The pain lessened… immensely. Something wrapped around my right hand. I wiggled my fingers. Meredith.

"Derek." I heard her whisper.

It took me forever to open my eyes to the blinding light. I sensed Meredith standing up when she saw my eyelids twitch. I finally opened my eyes. "Hi," I let out, not knowing if it was enough for my wife to hear.

"Hey Sleepyhead," she replied.

a/n: next and last chapter Meredith and Derek talk.