This story is written in Meredith's point of view (unless otherwise stated)... An AU story if Derek's car crash had a different ending. What if they just go? Together? Read to find out.
Anywhere You Go, I Go – Chapter One: Coming "Home"
Derek was finally discharged after his car crash and the brain bleed I almost lost him to. I went with my gut and got him transferred to our hospital so he could be treated the right way. Dillard Medical Center was the worst hospital I have ever seen, even the shady hospitals in rough parts Europe were better than that place. Had they hesitated a second too longer I would have a brain dead neurosurgeon husband and that would be the most awful death for him.
"Mere... Earth to Mere..."
I turned to look at my husband.
"Sorry, I was just thinking..."
"Well look, now we are home so let's put the car in park and take your foot off the brake. Amelia is going to get here shortly behind us with Zola and Bailey so we should at least be inside."
I couldn't help but blush. Was I nervous? Maybe. Richard and Owen swore all CT scans showed his brain to be completely back to normal... I saw them once, twice, or 67 times, even with Amelia checking at least 20 times. I finally had my husband back. Zola and Bailey had Daddy back. Derek was back.
"Arizona brought this cheddar potato bake over. I'll warm it up in the oven while you rest on the couch."
"Mere, I've done nothing but rest for weeks. I'm ready to get going again. Let's pop open a nice bottle of red wine and enjoy tonight... We're all going to be under one roof again."
Derek's accident was 5 weeks and three days ago. 5 weeks and four days ago we decided to try for another baby and I had yet to get my period. I didn't want to take his shine away from his homecoming and I wasn't even certain I was pregnant yet. I could take a test later tonight to see.
"Okay, maybe a movie night with the kids? That would be nice, we could all snuggle up on the couch."
"I like the sound of that. Zola can pick the movie when she gets here."
We finally made our way inside. Derek walked in behind me and stopped right in front of the door, taking it all in.
"Man, I've missed this place. And you managed to keep it somewhat clean and orderly while I was away."
He eyed the cereal bowls left over from this morning, teasing me with that charming smirk of his.
"Hey I'm no housewife, but I tried. Thank God for Amelia living with us... She did most of the cooking... Remind me of that when it's close to her birthday, she deserves something really special."
"Yeah, I do have one awesome baby sister... But I have an even more awesome wife."
Derek made his way to me, pulling me into his long and loving arms. I leaned into his embrace, letting our lips come together as perfectly as they did. Yeah, I could definitely get used to him being home again.
Just as the table was set and the cheddar potato bake was plated up for everyone, Amelia came through the door with the kids.
"Daddy! I made something really pretty for you in daycare today!"
Zola came running over to where Derek and I were standing by the table with a handmade card gripped firmly in her hand. Derek took it happily and looked at it, and I swore I saw his eyes get a little watery. Zola has drawn our house with Derek and I holding her hands, and Amelia holding Bailey with the words "Welcome home" written numerous times all over.
"Oh my sweet Zozo, I love it so much. I'll put it on my nightstand tonight, okay? It's beautiful sweetie."
Zola had Derek wrapped around her finger. Something I ached so badly for with Thatcher I could experience in watching my husband with our daughter. My stomach fluttered at all the gushiness I was feeling. Wait, that's not fluttering... I sprinted to the half bathroom off our kitchen, throwing up twice. Derek of course was right behind me.
"Meredith, are you okay?"
He held back my hair and rubbed small circles on my back.
"Yes... It must have just been the nerves of everything lately. Let's eat dinner before we all get too tired and before it gets cold."
Derek gave me a doubting look but I blew it off.
Dinner went without any issues, Zola telling us about her day with Sofia in daycare, and Amelia raving about a brain tumor she successfully removed. Bailey dozed softly in his highchair.
"Zola, Daddy and I wanted to have movie night with you kiddos tonight. Why don't you pick out a movie? Your little brother doesn't look like he's going to last much longer so Daddy will get the popcorn made while I go tuck him in for bed."
"Okay Mommy!"
She stacked her empty plate onto Amelia's before going to the entertainment center to browse her choices. I got Bailey into my arms as he gave in, resting his full weight against my chest as I carried him up to get ready for bed. He hardly woke as I changed his diaper and got him into pajamas, tucking him into his crib. He curled up on his side, snuggling a stuffed lion Derek got him on his first trip to D.C. Gazing down into the crib at my beautiful son, I realized just how perfect he was. He had my hair color and my nose while the rest was all Derek. Once his breathing evened out and I knew he was in a deep sleep, I rejoined the rest of my family. Zola had picked Frozen for the millionth time. She was sprawled out content in Amelia's lap.
"Zozo, why don't you give Aunt Amelia a break and come sit with me and Daddy?"
Derek was on his usual part of the couch with the blanket pulled back, waiting for me to take my place beside him.
"Aunt Amy said I can sit with her. Plus she says I'm her girl and us girls stick together."
We all shared a laugh.
"I don't mind snuggling with my favorite little niece."
Derek smirked.
"I thought Carly was?"
"That was years ago, plus with a sunshine like Zola, it's hard to not love her as much as I do."
Having Amy around was such a gift. She was amazing.
Later on when Zola had fallen asleep half way through the movie, Amelia took her up to bed, leaving Derek and I alone on the couch.
"Happy to be home?"
"More than words can describe. Don't get me wrong, I love my job but being trapped there for weeks on end sucked. I was thrilled to get through those exit doors."
"Yeah I bet."
He played with my fingers, lining up his big hand with my smaller one.
"Do you ever think of just getting away?"
"What do you mean?"
"Just packing a bag and going somewhere... Anywhere..."
"I did it all the time when I was in college abroad in Europe. It was awesome."
"We should."
"What?"
"Meredith I just spent nearly a month and a half cooped up in a hospital. I want to travel. You and I have yet to ever go on an actual vacation together. Zo starts school next year, we have about 10 months of freedom left. We can go anywhere you want."
"Derek, we have jobs... We can't just leave."
"Take a leave of absence. We have so many vacation days built up over the past six or so years at Grey-Sloan."
"You're serious about this?"
Derek smiled and stroked my cheek. He was always so sincere.
"We can catch the first flight out in the morning. Anywhere you want."
"What about east coast Derek? We could finally go see your mom and sisters."
"That isn't a vacation, that is a stress inducer."
"Well at least somewhere around there, and we could see them a couple of days."
"Okay."
He rubbed his hands together getting all excited.
"Are you sure you aren't having a mid life crisis?"
"I just want a vacation with my family... Is that so wrong?"
"No... I guess not. So New York it is?"
"You guys are going to New York?!"
Amy had unknowingly come back down the stairs.
"Yeah, I wanna take the kids and Mere somewhere and we're overdue for a trip to see mom and our sisters."
"Oh you are going to be in so much trouble when I tell Owen."
"Then don't. Not until we're gone... Will you drive us to the airport in the morning?"
I looked at Derek as if he was a purple three headed alien. He really wanted to leave as soon as possible. What was I getting myself into?
Okay so there is the first chapter! I have never wrote for Grey's so my most sincere apologies if this sucks. Feel free to leave me your comments and any constructive criticism is welcomed entirely. Let me know what you think and I'll update as soon as I can!