Author: An early update for everyone today since I didn't work. I really never liked Rose, but I've come to find that my dislike of her was colored by what I did like. I wanted Mer/Der and she was the other woman. A woman that I couldn't forgive, although she had never really committed any crime. So I've tried to let that go, and here comes this small piece. It was originally titled 'The End of Fun' because Derek had told her he wanted fun and casual, not complicated. So, here it is.
Letting Go
Rose looked up, trying to smile at Derek. She had a bad feeling that tonight would be the conclusion of them. He was in love with Meredith and there was so way she could compete with that. Even as just a memory, Meredith was still her greatest hurdle to cross with him. She had hoped that what she provided would be good enough, but it never was going to be.
"Hey," her voice was soft as she moved around the table to be closer to him.
"Rose-"
"I know. You don't want to fail her again. You can't."
Derek watched her intently, his eyes sad. He did not want to break one to fix the other. It shouldn't have to be that way.
"I'm sorry."
"Just … keep her happy and don't let the legend die. Be happy, and I won't feel to bad." she smiled weakly. He returned the gesture, kissing her cheek.
"Thank you."
Rose let him walk away in silence. To be more than just a friend she had taken a chance. In order to be a better person, to rise above, she had let go. Because letting go is never easy, but almost always right.