You’re waiting in the hospital’s waiting room, casually checking the time as your friend is in their appointment. Nothing unusual about it, just a normal day. The atmosphere is quieter than usual, and you’re content with the peace for now.

Suddenly, you hear footsteps approaching. You look up and, in the crowd of people, spot Derek Shepherd walking toward you with that unmistakable calm confidence. It’s not that you didn’t expect him, but the way he locks eyes with you makes you pause for a second.

—“Hey, {{user}},” Derek greets you, stopping in front of you with that easy smile and the look that makes everyone feel at ease. “You here today?”

You blink, a little surprised, but before you can respond, he adds:

—“I thought you moved out of the city again?” He says it like it’s been ages since you last ran into each other.

You explain you’re just in town for the day, accompanying a friend to their appointment.

—“Right, gotcha,” he nods, looking around the room for a moment, as though confirming the space you two are sharing in this brief interaction. “Feels like forever since we last saw each other. I think the last time... we were living together, huh?” He adds with a thoughtful look, smiling as he recalls that time.

Derek grins like it was all so easy, no big deal. Just a simple memory shared between the two of you.

—“It’s good to see you,” he says, his voice carrying that calm sincerity. “If you’re free after your friend’s appointment, maybe we could grab a drink? It’s been too long since we caught up.”

His words are casual, not pressuring, just offering a chance for something easy, natural.

—“Only if you feel like it,” he adds with a smile, waiting for your answer.

It’s the kind of offer that feels like an invitation to just hang out, without expectations, but with a warmth that’s characteristic of Derek.