A/N: Wow, has it been a long time! Hi guys!

Update for ya!

PS: I apologize for the wait... I've just been super busy AND I've gotten really into writing for Kurt/Blaine.

XXX

Carolyn's words weighed heavily on her shoulders as she watched Derek stare at a wall. He looked so beaten down, broken. Dark bags hung under his green eyes. The smiley sparkle that usually lit his eyes was gone, dulled down to a watery dark shadow of their usual gleam. In the fifteen hours since his life crashed down around him like an avalanche, he'd barely said anything. He slept badly, waken up every few hours to check vitals and do a routine check up. When he was awake, you could see the discomfort and sorrow in his eyes as he stared down at his legs, willing them to move but coming up unsuccessful.

"Good news Derek," announced Dr. Bailey as she walked into his hospital room.

"What? There's a new Jell-o flavor for dinner," he said sarcastically.

"No," said Bailey, ignoring his blatant sarcasm. "Tomorrow morning we're taking you back into the OR to fix your skull. After that, well see how your recovery goes and get you home within about a week."

"And that's good news why?" he said bleakly.

"Because, as you know, most patients with spinal cord injuries are stuck here for months. But, I discussed it with Dr. Nelson and we both agreed that because you will be in the care of a neurosurgeon, we can send you home after only a few physical, mental, and occupational therapy sessions."

"It's a good thing, Derek," said Meredith, a tad of sharpness in her voice. He looked up at her with broken eyes and nodded.

"Good," said Bailey. "So, from now until tomorrow morning, you are confined to water. No more eating." Derek nodded solemnly. "See you in the morning." Dr. Bailey signed off on his chart and began walking out of the room. "Oh, Grey," she said, turning around. "Can I talk to you in the hall for a moment?" Meredith nodded and Bailey walked over to push the wheelchair out of the room.

"Is there something you need?"

"No. I just wanted to make sure you realized how difficult this adjustment will be for a while."

"I do," she nodded confidently.

"And you're set on taking care of him yourself?"

"Yeah, we'll be okay. And Carolyn will help me for a while."

"It's going to be pretty much a full time job. Have you thought about what you'll do with work?" questioned Bailey.

"I have some vacation time saved up. I haven't taken one since I've worked here. I'll just use that time and, I'll see what I can work out with the chief."

"I'm only questioning you like this because contrary to my nickname, I care about you and Derek," she said softly.

Meredith smiled sweetly, reaching up to place a hand on Bailey's arm. The unexpected protectiveness lifted a small weight off her shoulder, knowing she had another person on her team. "I can do this. Derek's been my best friend for over fifteen years. And, it's not like he has no control of his bladder or anything like that. He can feel everything down there. It'll just be an adjustment in his professional life and not being able to walk."

"Okay, I trust your judgment," she nodded. "And if either of you need something, you know where I am."

"Thank you." Meredith bit her lip, her eyes drifting to the floor in embarrassment.

"Is there something you need, Meredith? Something you want to talk or ask about?"

"I-uh… it's a little embarrassing." She blushed.

"Just spit it out."

"I just know Derek will ask and he wouldn't want to do it in front of his mother and sisters. I haven't seen his scans but I know this sort of injury can be complicated with different nerves. I just…" her cheeks reddened further turning into a rosy red. "Willhebeabletogetanerection," she mumbled quickly.

"Spit it out, Grey. You're a doctor," she demanded, pushing Meredith to say it slower.

She took a deep breath, preparing to spit it out. She was a medical professional, saying erection shouldn't be that hard but, it wasn't some random patient, it was the man she was in love with. "Will Derek be able to get an erection?" she muttered quickly, her eyes casting to the floor.

Bailey smiled slightly at Meredith's embarrassment, remembering a time when the word penis came up very often. Since that era of her youthful internship, she'd matured greatly. "There's nothing that indicates no right now. He has full feeling in his lower extremities, just no ability to move. His scans don't show anything either. I don't think we'll really know until he gets aroused or, is unable to," said Bailey professionally.

"Okay."

"I'll push you back in, let you get back to him," she smiled. Meredith took a deep, cleansing breath and nodded. Reaching for the plastic covered handles of the metal wheel chair, Bailey quickly pushed Meredith up to Derek's bedside before smiling at the Shepherds and walking out, Derek's chart tucked safely under her arm.

"So, I guess it's just been decided that I'm staying with you?" Derek questioned Meredith softly, turning his bandaged head to the side to see her.

"Yes," she nodded. "Well, unless you have a serious opposition to it. We could probably find you an apartment or a house or something. I mean-"

"Meredith," he said, cutting off her ramble. "I don't mind. You're my best friend, of course I don't mind staying with you. Unless I'm a burden."

"Derek, as you said, we're best friends. You can't be a burden," she smiled, holding his hand. For some reason touching him just made her feel better, it was proof that he was still alive. She hoped that her touch brought at least some comfort to him, her body heat softly caressing his, proving the life of a human being on his side.

Derek looked to the side, smiling softly at his best friend. His smile didn't reach his eyes like usual but it was a smile, nonetheless. Meredith was now his rock. He had no fiancé, no one to love him in that way, Meredith was all he had and for the time being, it was okay. Looking down, he noted the bulky, heavy black cast on her leg and the way she favored her left side. "You're in a wheelchair," frowned Derek.

"Yeah."

"Why?"

"The impact fractured two of my ribs, punctured a lung, and broke my tibia. Crutches would cause too much strain on my lungs," she said, speaking like a surgeon. "It's healing but just to be safe, I'm in the chair."

"I'm sorry," he whispered miserably, casting his eyes to the blue blanket on his bed. His fingers picked at it, twisting it between his prints.

"For what?"

"I've been so self invested, I didn't even notice you were hurt," said Derek pitifully.

"It's okay," she assured him, squeezing his hand. "I understand, Derek."

"No," he cried though his voice was weak. "I'm sorry. You've been sitting here holding my hand for, how long now? And I haven't even asked why you're in a wheelchair."

"Derek," sighed Meredith, running a hand over his forearm. "My injuries are nothing compared to yours."

"Yeah, but you've been an amazing friend to me and I've just been moaning, crying, and screaming."

"Derek, I swear, I didn't even notice you hadn't asked. How about we make a deal, you can lack on your 'friend' duty until we go home. Then, you have to start being a good one," she placated.

He looked at her for a moment, took a deep breath, and nodded slowly. Derek's lids became heavy, threatening to close. Attempting to keep them open, his upper face contorted enough for Meredith to see what he was doing. "Sleep, Derek," she commanded lovingly. With a slight bob of his head his eyes closed and he fell asleep.

Cause I will take it on the chin
Eh, for you
So lay your cuts and bruises over my skin

XXX

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