Walking through the streets of the small shopping centre Meredith took out her watch, she had forty-five minutes left before she was supposed to meet with Derek. Just enough time for her to enter her favourite book store to get a Christmas gift for Derek before he would join her and they would start with their yearly Christmas shopping spree. They had met when she started at the same college as him and despite their age difference they had hit off instantly. When he started his internship at Seattle Grace there was no doubt she would follow him.

Her boyfriend Fin or should she say now ex-boyfriend, wasn't too fond of her choosing the same career path as Derek. When he came to visit her 5 weeks ago their get together party turned out into a rather nasty accusing tantrum session of his side. Fin was convinced Derek was having feelings for Meredith and took his opportunity to spit all his feelings out.

'I just know it is true pumpkin, he keeps on claiming you. Whenever I try to be with you, he always has to text you or call you or even worse he just shows up..' Fin had started his rant while taking a bite of his chicken pasta pesto.

'Fin...' she tried to interfere but she knew better by now; she just had to let him get over with his rant. She had taken him to her favourite Italian restaurant, which she frequently visited with Derek. They had the best freshly made pasta and wines of Seattle. The atmosphere was always extremely relaxed, on Thursdays they would have Jazz nights with a live band, which they tried to attend if their schedules were letting them.

'I can't even remember the last time we made love and had an actual night to ourselves without him interfering. And you know what's the worst part? You just let him; you make me feel like I'm in a threesome but not the good kind.' Fin laughed bitterly.

'So, this is all just about the sex?' Meredith swirled her wine around in her glass before taking a big swig trying to wash away the feeling of unease.

'When was the last time we actually had sex, Meredith? And I mean the real and good sex, not the lay on your back star-fishing kind of thing. When we are together you are fragile, you don't let loose or do anything spontaneous.' Fin spitted agitated. Meredith fought the urge to roll her eyes and took another big gulp of her wine.

Truth be told she couldn't really blame him, she wasn't the kind of adventurous person in bed or outside the bedroom for what it matters. Fin was the fourth person she ever had sex with and the guys before him were just drunken one-night-stands. She wouldn't think of herself as some kind of sex symbol who would let loose on the count of three. She found herself too skinny and bony, she could eat what she wanted but never really gained weight. Her hair was always frizzy and she would ramble a lot when she got nervous. But she most definitely wasn't fragile! She could be hot if she tried and over the years, she had learned quite some tricks..

'What are you trying to say Fin?' Meredith raised her eyebrow. With one big swig she took the last bit of wine out of her glass and refilled her glass with the bottle on the table.

'Maybe, it's not just him. You know in between our relationship.' Fin shook his finger between him and Meredith to prove his point. 'If you want us to work you have to let go of Derek. Only then will we be able to work on our relationship and get our spark back. You could always just switch hospitals, one closer to me would do just as fine.'

Meredith couldn't believe what she just heard. Fin knew how hard she had to work to get into the program at Seattle Grace, this wasn't just any opportunity this was a big one, and he knew it. Seattle Grace was one of the best teaching hospitals in the country. To blow it all off on her and Derek was bullshit and he knew it. To tell her to let go of Derek to get their spark back.. Hah, was there even a spark to begin with? She couldn't remember the last time he got her hot and bothered, the only thing he seemed to be able to do was get on her nerves and piss her off. And he wanted to make her feel bad about her friendship with Derek? Nope, she just wasn't having any of it.

'Maybe it is indeed time to let go..' Meredith snorted.

'See, I knew you would understand and make the right decision.' Fin started but was cut off by Meredith.

'I never said I would let go of Derek. I think it's best for us to part our ways.' She got her purse and put down a fifty-dollar bill on the table and started to walk off.

'Do you really think he would want you, Meredith? Are you really that ignorant.. All women flaunt over him, he could get any women he wants and you think he would want your skimpy ass?' Fin laughed out loud.

Meredith shuddered herself out of thoughts of her last conversation with Fin. It had been a couple of weeks and she was actually doing quite well. Of course work had helped, making long hours had surely made it a lot easier to cope with the situation. As long as she kept herself busy, she couldn't really think about it. The harsh words Fin had said were still fresh on her mind. Truth be told she hadn't even told Derek about the separation; she couldn't handle any questions at the moment.

Sighing she started to look through the books on the shelf, she was here with a purpose. Getting lost in thoughts wasn't going to help find her the perfect Christmas present. Suddenly her eyes caught sight of a book.

Oh my, Fireworks! : Stimulating the senses.

Curiosity got the best of Meredith she opened the book and started to flip through it. Inside were different chapters starting with preparations, foreplay, toys, g-spot tips and tricks and positions. There were numerous of different positions including drawings and step-by-step instructions on how to get in to certain positions. Holy fuck Meredith thought to herself, rotating the book to get a better look at certain positions.

'Looking for a nice little book to spice things up with Fin?' she heard a familiar voice whisper in her ear.

'Ah!' she screamed getting caught off guard she felt the book slip from her hands trying her best not to let the book drop she fumbled with it until it was back in her hands open on the page with instructions on how to find the g-spot.

'As if this actually works..' Meredith laughed pointing to the page on the book.

She felt her cheeks turning a rosy colour, she cursed her fair skin. Of all people Derek had to be the one to find her with this book in her hands. It wasn't like they never spoke about sex, they could have a good laugh about it in general. Derek had been single almost all of their friendship but that didn't stop him from telling her about the adventures he had with all kinds of woman.

'Actually, it does!' Dereks witty reply came, staring at her intently seeing the confusion in her eyes. Derek wasn't a manwhore but he did like to experiment, he wasn't looking for a wife at this moment in his life. Over the last couple of years he had had a couple of friends with benefits which worked out perfectly for him. With his work as upcoming brain surgeon he was quite busy and he was lucky if he could find some time to have some fun in between work, family and Meredith.

Derek took the book out of her hands not bothering to hide his snicker flipping through it slowly. 'Going to buy this book for Fin this Christmas?' he asked 'You know, to give him a bit of inspiration.'

'Uhm, actually.. Fin and I broke up. Even though maybe he could use the tips' she laughed. 'It is kind of a shame actually that he never was able to find my g-spot in the two and a half years we were together. Do you really think a book like this, that it could help?' she asked a bit defeated.

Derek had to swallow down the lumb in his throat suddenly feeling a lot warmer than before. Hearing Meredith's confession stirred up feelings he hadn't felt in a long time. Sure he found Meredith attractive, she was damned hot. Everybody could see that, she had a beautiful body, lusty eyes and incredibly sexy hair which he just wanted to pull. But they had become friends a long time ago and he couldn't risk losing the friendship which was so dear to him. He had to get himself out of this train of thoughts before he couldn't stop it anymore.

He looked at her more carefully, he saw the barely noticeable insecurity flashing behind her eyes. He knew her like the back of his hand; he knew there was more to the question then it let on in first instance. 'You know, I think it could. For a man it can be simple you know, to have the release.' he laughed slightly. 'For a woman it is a different story. A woman has to be in the right space of mind. She has to feel comfortable and secure. She has to know her body, what turns her on and gets her going. There is nothing wrong with learning about it, discovering about yourself. Maybe you should buy the book, as a Christmas present for yourself.'

She looked up at him, trying to understand what he was saying. She did know her own body, it wasn't as if she wasn't able to have an orgasm! She could come with her fingers of Freddy, her vibrator, in just a couple of minutes. Apparently it was just hard for her partners to make her climax.

'And whom would I be road testing this book with Derek? If you haven't heard correctly; Fin and I broke up.' she said.

'Oh, I heard you, and I am definitely interested in road testing these with you. It could really work out, we could both learn new things and have some fun. With our crazy schedules it is hard to find someone who is understanding of the crazy hours. Maybe we should give it a go.' Derek smirked, replying like he was talking about the weather or something. Completely relaxed, or so it appeared.

She looked up at him curiously and saw the sincerity written in his eyes and there was something else, something she could not quite place. Was it excitement? Meredith felt a shiver run down her spine, she couldn't help but feel her body respond to his proposal. A slight bubble of excitement cursing through her body. Was she really going to do this?!

She grabbed the book out of his hand and walked off to the counter. 'Are you coming, or what Derek?'

'Oh, I am definitely coming. And you will be too, soon' he winked at her and walked after her.