A/N: I have not abandoned this story and I'm really sorry that this took so long:(

But here is the new chapter!

Hope you guys enjoy it, and please leave a comment;)

The night was wrapping the day in its dark blanket. The moon was shining like a pale disc just over the horizon, with only one bright star next to it. The heat from his body was slowly leaching into the night air, making Derek shiver as he made his way over to a wooden bench. While sitting down, he let out a deep sigh. Right now, he had to keep it together.

After checking on Melissa, his pregnant patient from earlier, Derek was immediately pulled into a surgery. Though sure he was awake, he felt as though this was a dream, and he didn't know if it were good or bad yet.

When Addison had called him, he was happy to be able to go back to work, to their safe lives; but, he hadn't expected to see her- Meredith. He wanted to say something, get her to understand that he was still sorry for everything that had happened in the past, all the pain he had caused. But when he stared directly into eyes as cold and harsh as jet, he knew that he wouldn't be able to fix it with a simple apology. She was unlike any other woman he'd ever met.

Derek couldn't blame her for hating him; hell, he had left her, the person who understood him like no one else ever could… even Addison. Sure she was smart, sexy, and beautiful, but Meredith Grey was always the love of his life.

He wondered, hoped really, that Meredith could forgive him so that they could start over.

No. Of course she couldn't. What was he even thinking?! He was dating Addison and Meredith probably had moved on from him as well, which wasn't a bad thing at all. He practically gave her no other choice as to move on, and start a life without him.

He was reasonably happy with Addison. And Meredith surely must have a better life without him. He wouldn't get another chance. This was the life he'd chosen.

His mind drifted back through the memories of that fateful surgery and the moment of realization that it was not just an intern. His thoughts lingered on when his gaze met her familiar green eyes.

Meredith and Addison were getting along seemingly well until he entered. Her demeanor instantly changed to that of an ice-queen, for lack of a better term, when Derek walked in. Melissa was the only person allowed in her icy walls. The scared pregnant woman was the sole recipient of her warm soft tone.

Luckily, Addison had been busy taking care of Melissa. Otherwise, she would've observed the change in the mood of the room which would lead to questions. Usually he was in a good mood, always happily ready to help interns; but, with Meredith it was different. She didn't need any help… at least not help from him. He had seen the hurt and anger flashing in her eyes, and they both knew that they'd have to talk, to come to a truce in order to work in the same hospital.

That was the reason why Derek escaped to the solace of the outside. The hospital walls that he typically regarded as his castle, felt like a prison. The fresh air gave time to think about this new revelation. He resolved to make this right with Meredith.

He longed to tell her that he never forgot her, that he still cared about her. Maybe telling her so wouldn't fix it, but at least it was something. First, he had to try to find the right words to say to her. If she would even listen?

Somehow, he felt alone, just like the night air. It was invisible to the eye, obvious to the touch.

Meredith had become just as important as his family, and he truly did love her. But he made the decision to leave her.

Slowly, raindrops began to fall and softly touch his face. Their fall slowly increased in speed and intensity, forcing him to leave this quiet place. He was ready to move anyway, to go to her despite still not knowing what words would fall from his lips.

XXX

There were quite a variety of reasons somebody came to the ER, especially during the night shift. The ER was that kind of place, where doctors got the chance to see a little of everything. It was like reaching for the toy in the cereal or Cracker Jack box, so it drew in the interns hungry to see what new surprise waited for them. That was the precise reason Derek was hastily heading in that direction.

He just opened the door to the bottom of the staircase and was turning in that direction when he bumped into someone. He was about to start mechanical apologies when he recognized the blond beauty once again- Meredith.

She was holding a chart in her right hand, which fell to the floor. "I need to go," Meredith whispered, while trying to pick it up.

Derek didn't know if it was a look of uncertainty that he could see on her face, or something else. He wanted to hug her, to feel every inch of her body pressed against his. At that moment, he wished that he hadn't broken up with Meredith. He felt a pang of sadness that he couldn't turn back the clock to before he lost his best friend and love of his life because of his selfish choices.

He moved his eyes over her petite frame, the stiff fabric of the light-blue scrubs hugging her body. Her blonde hair was pulled back in a simple knot, just like she used to wear it six years ago. She was so beautiful; more beautiful than he had ever seen her.

Meredith wanted to walk past him, but he moved forward and grabbed her hand. Derek felt as if he'd been struck by a bolt of lightning when he touched her delicate fingers, the softness of her smooth skin.

The anger and pain that he earlier had seen in her eyes was no replaced with sadness. Six years earlier he would have known how she was feeling. But now? Meredith had changed, everything had changed. It wasn't the same anymore.

"You really wanna do this right now, don't you?" She sighed deeply, frustration evident in her voice.

Was it right? Derek didn't want to cause her pain by making her talk about the past. He had done enough already.

"I," Derek released her hand, "I was surprised to see you here." He said quietly.

"Why?" She asked, hugging the chart close, "Because you thought that I wouldn't make it without you?"

"That's not what I meant, Mer, I-" She stopped him mid-sentence.

"Don't call me Mer," she hissed, the anger again flashing in her eyes. "You have no idea what happened. You left me. You didn't give me a chance," her voice lowered to a whisper, "And right now I can't look at you. I know we have to talk, but right now... I have to do my job." She turned around, her shoulders slightly shaking.

Derek watched as she disappeared around the corner, not able to say something.

He was right. It wouldn't be easy to make her understand that he was sorry. And what was she talking about? What had happened to her?

He had to find out.

Suddenly, Derek felt fatigue rush through his body as if it was the most natural thing in the world. His body was exhausted, he was hungry and desperately needed to rest. Yes, he'd go home and sleep for twelve hours or something like that.

Derek didn't hear the soft footsteps approaching him. "Do you work Friday? We can meet at 6 at a diner near here," Meredith said wanting to do this on her terms. "I mean, we should talk, and I want to, but not here." She looked up at him, her eyes bright, waiting for his answer.

"Yeah," he replied softly.

Derek was shocked at first that she agreed to meet with him, but that was the same strong, level-headed Meredith he fondly remembered all of those years ago.