Chapter 59: I Love You

Derek breathed a sigh of relief when he heard light snores come from Meredith, who was lying on her back. He needed to get something to drink for himself and take a cold shower. He couldn't help but want her although tonight was definitely not the night for that. He knew that time would come, but for now, he was more than content with their evening. Derek didn't know what to say or do during most of it other than to just show how much he cared for her and was falling in love with her. He carefully moved off the bed and walked out of the room to get something to drink.

"How is she?" Alex asked from the living room.

Derek sighed, "She is finally asleep. I just needed to get something to drink, and I should get back just in case she wakes up."

"Something stiff?" Alex had a few shots of rum before moving over to beer. He needed something fast before slowing up with beer. This was not the first night of this. If there was any good this time, it was that Derek was here with Meredith and she allowed him in her room. Alex knew this was huge for her and wondered if Derek realized how much.

"No, just some water." Derek looked in the direction of the kitchen.

"I guess I should help you with that since you haven't ever been here." Alex stood, hoping his legs would support his weight. He had lost count of exactly how many beers he had consumed.

"If you just point me in the right direction, I will snoop around to find what I need." Derek suggested, watching Alex stumble slightly. He wondered if Alex drank like this often, or if this was a direct correlation to Meredith's situation.

"No, I need to get up. I should go to bed soon anyway." Alex made his way to the kitchen.

Derek didn't say anything, not sure exactly what to say. He had so many questions for Alex; however, he wanted to hear it all from Meredith. Derek just wasn't sure if or when Meredith would open up. She didn't say much of anything earlier to him and that was okay for now. Eventually, she would have to talk about it.

Alex grabbed a cup for Derek and looked at him, "How is she?"

Derek continued to look at his hazed over eyes. "She went to sleep with tears falling down her face. She had drunk half of the tequila bottle before I walked in her room. I don't think she is okay." Derek said.

"She is not okay. Her fucking mother. I swear I want to kill that woman." Alex clenched his fists tightly, knowing there was nothing he could ever do.

"What happened today?" Derek asked point blank while taking a sip of the water he had filled in his cup. He was feeling his throat dry up thinking about everything

"Shepherd, her mother is the most self-centered woman you will ever meet. She does everything to remind Meredith she will never be as good as her, but you know what? Meredith is already double the fucking woman the great Ellis Grey is." Alex seethed.

Derek took every word in like a sponge wondering what kind of person was like this. He knew of Ellis Grey, but who does this to their daughter. He also had gathered enough to know this definitely was not the first time, but as long as she was on his watch, it would be the last. "I really... I need to get back to Meredith. Thanks for everything."

"Yeah, yeah. I am just really glad you are here. You know she has never allowed me in her room, just the fact you are in there is huge." Alex wanted Derek to know how important this was.

Derek nodded in acknowledgement, knowing this was big for Meredith. He knew her well enough to know she was a very private person and did not show her weaknesses. He turned around and walked back to her room, thinking about the conversation.

"Derek." He heard her call out the second he opened her door which caused him to immediately feel bad for leaving her.

"I am here." Derek walked to her.

"You left me." Meredith stated through her gruff voice.

"I just went and got some water. Do you want some?" Derek asked, pushing the hair out of her face with his free hand.

"Please." Meredith sat up and grabbed the cup from his hands.

Derek couldn't help but keep his eyes on her, how beautiful she was even through her tear-stained cheeks and hair that was all over the place.

"What?" She forced a small smile across her lips.

"You are beautiful." Derek didn't hesitate to say exactly what he was thinking. He moved his hand to her cheek and lightly stroked it.

Meredith felt her heart leap out of her chest. There was no doubt how she felt for him. She was falling in love with him and needed him to know that. She slowly leaned into his touch, to the feeling he was causing her entire body. "Derek, thank you. I am so glad you are here." She whispered as her body continued to move closer to his until her lips where on his very lightly, needing every part of this to be slow and full of all of what she was feeling.

"Meredith, oh sweet Meredith." He breathed out as he took his hands and put them around her slowly, pushing her down softly back on the mattress. He wanted to express all the love he possessed for her if they were going to do this right now after this emotional roller coaster they had been on tonight.

Meredith pulled him down on top of her wanting to share herself and her feelings with him. She looked into his eyes when he pulled back slightly to look at her, "I love you." She said quietly but confidently with no waver in her voice at all. There weren't many things she was sure of, but this was something she was 100% certain about.

For a split-second Derek questioned if they should be doing this tonight. He quickly realized that both of them needed this, to be connected in this way, for him to bury himself deep within her linking them together in the most intimate of acts. It wasn't just about a need; it was about articulating every feeling they both possessed for each other. He knew there was only one more thing to say to her before he conveyed his feelings through his actions, "I love you too."

The forces… they are wrapped up tightly together. Forever?