Chapter 7: Friends... Right.

Shedding her coat and slipping off her shoes Addison joined the mumbling blonde on the couch. She really didn't know what she was doing here. Well she did but still. The jealousy, which had driven her into that stupid date was still burning in her chest but she was doing great at ignoring it. Ignoring the jealousy and the fuzzy feeling she got when the blonde laid some of the blanket she was using on her legs.

"Here." Meredith muttered and brought over the pizza box.

"Thanks."

Quietly she began to eat while the blonde beside her continued to fidget around throwing glances her way. She could tell Meredith wanted to say something but was holding back. She could also tell watching this movie hadn't been the greatest idea for the blonde based on her reactions and the way she continued to slowly shift closer.

"So uh… can I stay over?" Addison finally asked when Meredith opened and closed her mouth to talk for the umpteenth time.

"Wha—" Meredith began and yelped, her forehead meeting Addison's shoulder when someone yelled in the tv.

Addison chuckled and lightly brushed the blonde's cheek with her knuckles. "I think you might need it." She teased and grinned until she felt her heart somersault when soft baby blue eyes peered up at her as the blonde clung to her arm.

"I uh n-no I don't..." Meredith tried to cover, a blush appearing on her cheeks.

"No?" Addison chuckled. "Then maybe I should just," she began to stand but the blonde wrapped her arms around her own essentially melding onto her.

"Y-you can stay if you want to." Meredith said quickly.

"It doesn't seem like I have any choice in the matter."

She chuckled while the blonde frowned up at her. Judging by the look on her face, Meredith was having some internal battle. As if she wanted her close but didn't and she was angry with herself about it. Addison settled back and the blonde loosened her hold. Still that internal battle raging on apparently.

"Mer—"

"Didn't you have a hot date?" Meredith asked with a slight frown.

"Didn't you?" Addison bit back and the look of confusion in the blonde's eyes began to confuse her. "He uh… fell asleep." She muttered looking away.

Meredith almost let go of her then which got her attention, "after you two uhh… you know?"

"God no. He is awful." Addison scrunched her nose in disgust and caught the small smile on the blonde's face. She eyed the blonde suspiciously and Meredith quickly pressed her lips together innocently. "Anyway, he spent the whole time talking about himself and how great he is. Was overly snobbish and rude to the waitress. Talking about how we are their betters. It was a nightmare." She finished with a huff.

"Where is he?" Meredith asked holding back a laugh and failing miserably.

"On my couch." Addison pouted.

"Why is he on your couch, Addison?" Meredith frowned.

"He insisted we take one car and then when he brought me home he invited himself for coffee. I was just being nice. One coffee and then out of sight out of mind." Addison explained.

"Well now, didn't being nice come back to bite you in the ass?" Meredith laughed.

"Oh shut up. I'm staying here unless your babe or whatever has a problem." Addison shrugged and looked away.

"What babe?" Meredith asked, taken aback.

"That… that girl in the hospital. What was her name? Sabine?" Addison said, scratching the back of her neck.

"Sadie?" Meredith tilted her head.

"I don't know her name, Meredith." Addison huffed.

"She's a friend from college, Addison. She calls me babe. I don't." Meredith clarified and Addison felt like strangling her when she gave her a cocky grin. "Were you… jealous?"

"No." Addison's tone changed into that Satan-like tone that left people shaking.

"Oh. You so were." Meredith grinned. "It's ok I won't tell." The blonde teased and Addison found herself rolling her eyes and crossing her arms across her chest like some brat.

"You… I don't like you."

"Sure you don't. That's why you're here."

"Watch yourself, Grey. Wouldn't want to be alone with all of those shadows behind you."

"What?" Meredith yelped and held onto her while she chuckled. "Oh I really don't like you."

"Mhmm."

They were quiet a while as the movie continued on. Meredith shook her even with simple shadows showing up on the screen while she chuckled quietly. Once the movie was done the blonde had insisted they watch something else and that landed them with The Little Mermaid. 'Because she's you with pretty red hair.' The blonde had said and flushed prettily at the face Addison had made.

After the second movie was done they stood side by side in the kitchen putting the leftover pizza away as well as cleaning up their cups. Meredith gazed over at her house from the kitchen window with a determined look on her face.

"Mer?" Addison called.

"I could take care of him for you." Meredith said.

'Oh this should be good.' Addison raised a brow, "how?"

"I am Meredith Grey." The blonde said as a matter of factly.

"Is that supposed to mean something?"

"I'll make you pay for that one."

"Mhmm." Addison chuckled. "So what are you gonna do?"

"I could play jealous girlfriend and come at him with a knife." Meredith shrugged.

"That couldn't possibly come bite you in the ass." Addison rolled her eyes.

"Or we can call the cops?" Meredith suggested.

"Meredith, I will not call the cops." Addison released a deep breath. Was she being serious?

"How heavy is he?" Meredith asked, answering Addison's unasked question. No she wasn't.

"What?"

"We could carry him out to the ocean."

"That would definitely bring the cops."

"Hmm." Meredith hummed with a thoughtful frown and all Addison wondered was what else she'd come up with. "Still think jealous girlfriend is our best bet."

"You're certainly stuck on that one aren't ya? I supposed I'd elicit a lot of jealousy, wouldn't I?" Addison grinned.

"I uh. Of course. Who wouldn't be jealous of whoever had you?" Meredith said and bit her lip as if she hadn't meant to say that.

"Careful there, Mer. Don't go falling in love with me." Addison smirked and raised a brow.

"I-I would n-never." Meredith stuttered out.

"Ha! You say that now Grey." Addison smiled. "Never say never."

Meredith watched as Addison prepared the couch to sleep on with the blankets she had brought over from the closet in the hallway. She supposed there had been no reason for her idiotic rage but she did wonder if this date Addison had been on had been an impromptu thing because of Sadie or just something she had promised her friend. It was most likely the latter. Meredith wouldn't allow herself to think it was the former. Too much hope breaks people and she'd rather leave LA unbroken. Still though it would be nice if… no! No more fluffy thoughts.

Addison tilted her head in question at her while she watched her. She wondered how long she had been staring and felt the heat rising to her cheeks. Really, why couldn't she control that? And why did Addison enjoy it so much?

"All good over there, Grey?" Addison asked with that shit-eating grin usually only Meredith saw.

"I'm going to bed. Are you gonna be ok in that?" She asked motioning to her clothing instead of falling for Addison's teasing.

"I mean you have seen what's underneath so I guess I can go commando." Addison shrugged.

'I can't ever win with her, can I?' Meredith felt her cheeks heat up impossibly more as well as the tips of her ears. "I swear to…" she sighed while she heard the redhead giggling, "Addison, do you want to borrow some pajamas?"

"Those would be nice. Yes." Addison smiled prettily like she always did.

Meredith smiled back and nodded, heading for the stairs. Now that was a new issue. The top floor was dark. She had forgotten that the stairs' top light needed to be replaced. Telling herself it was only a little darkness she took a step up the stairs but saw a shadow.

"Fuck. Fuck. Fuck." She muttered to herself. She knew it was her brain playing tricks. She really knew that but she was so scared. "Umm, Addie?" She called to the humming redhead in the living room.

"Yeah?"

"Would um… would you uh could you…" Meredith stumbled along with her words and watched Addison's face as she realized what she was trying to say.

"Alright my cute little princess." Addison swaggered over. "I'll walk you up there and be your knight." She smiled offering her arm. "Everyone runs from Satan, not to worry."

"I really, really hate you." Meredith huffed but took her arm nonetheless.

"No you don't but I'll let you pretend." Addison tapped her hand playfully while they walked up the stairs.

It wasn't as dark as she thought when they headed up but her cowardly self made it seem that way. Addison hummed as they reached the top floor and made their way to the room. Even with the light in the hallway now on, the redhead continued on. Meredith might've questioned it but it sorta felt nice, having Addison there.

They entered the room and reluctantly she let go of the redhead who stood by the doorway. Meredith smiled and headed for her drawers trying to look for a set of pajamas or at least one of her longer sweatpants as well as a new toothbrush for the redhead. She felt Addison mulling about behind her while she got her clothes.

"We really do have a great view." Addison said behind her.

"What exactly are you looking at? It's all dark." Meredith shook her head as she found the sweats and t-shirt.

"Be quiet. I'm just saying that during the day we do." Addison said and when Meredith turned around to face her she could see the prominent pout on the redhead's lips from where she stood by the double doors.

"Stop whining. Here." Meredith smiled and handed her the change of clothes and a new toothbrush.

"Thanks. I'll go downstairs now." Addison smiled and headed for the door. "Goodnight Mer."

Panic seized her completely as she watched the redhead's retreating back. It was so stupid. She had been so stupid. Also why was she this scared? She almost never was like this. But then watching horror movies was usually accompanied by so much tequila she'd pass out on the couch alongside Cristina and Izzie or George or Alex. Tonight though there was no tequila or Cristina or any of the others.

"No wait!" She blurted out and the redhead instantly stopped and looked over her shoulder. "I uh I…" she began then beat herself internally at her idiocy before releasing a deep breath, "never mind, it's nothing."

There was concern in Addison's jade eyes as she watched her. "Are you sure?"

"Yeah. Goodnight, Addison." She said, attempting a smile.

Addison nodded and headed for the door again. Meredith watched her and bit her lip trying to calm herself down. Just as she was about to walk out of the room Addison stopped and turned.

"Can I stay… here?" Addison asked quietly, no teasing tone, just a normal question.

"You'll be my Cristina?" Meredith found herself asking.

"I've told you before. I'll be your Addison." Addison smiled that oh so lovely smile that took her breath away.

"Ok." She muttered.

"I'll go change then." Addison said, closing the door before heading towards the bathroom.

Meredith watched her with an involuntary smile before sitting at the edge of her bed. Her Addison. The words bounced cheerfully within her head and she wondered if maybe at some point Addison being hers in a different light could happen. Being hers as she had thought Derek would be. Being hers as Sadie had been supposed to be. Being hers to lo…

She shook her head because going down that road would surely lead to nothing good. There was no way this thing between them, this friendship? That was what it was, wasn't it? The lines did blur sometimes. What with Addison and her relentless teasing and playful flirtatious banter. When she had met the redhead she had never thought they could have gotten to a place such as this one. A place in which Addison knew what she needed and teased and flirted and spent the night in her bed.

Wow. Addison would be spending the night in her bed. She was going to be laying right beside her. She was going to be so close.

"You ok, Mer?" Addison's question stunned her out of her thoughts and she felt her face heat up.

"Huh? No. I mean yes." She said quickly earning herself a confused frown. "Yes. I'm ok. Sorry. Just lost in thought is all."

"Ok. Umm left side for me?" Addison asked pointed behind her.

"Yeah. I mean unless you want to…" Meredith started.

"Mer, it's your bed. You get to where you're comfortable and I'll sleep wherever is free." Addison chuckled.

"What if I sleep in the middle? Or sideways? Or wherever is the warmest?" Meredith attempted a joke and watched Addison's eyes sparkle, a mischievous smirk growing on her face.

"Then I guess I'd be your body pillow." Addison smirked wildly before walking closer to her. "Do you need a body pillow there, Grey?"

A tiny gasp escaped her when the redhead reached down to her and brushed some errant strands of hair behind her ear. "Stop teasing and get in bed, Montgomery." She huffed, regaining her wits and turning away from the chuckling Addison.

"You always start but can never finish." Addison said while she moved around the other side of the bed and slipped beneath the covers. "Do you need a few pointers? I can most definitely help."

"Oh, be quiet."

Meredith rolled her eyes and stood heading for the bathroom to brush her teeth while she heard giggling behind her. As she stood in front of the mirror she rolled her eyes at herself and the state she was in. It wasn't just her cheeks that were red. It was her whole face and ears and neck. Honestly, how did she ever flirt before? And what the hell did Addison have that made her flush that way?

After finishing with brushing her teeth and washing her face she made her way back into the room. Addison lay with her back towards from her, hair sprawled on the pillow. Had it not been for the humming she may have thought the redhead was asleep.

"I hate that you made me watch a Disney movie." Addison's voice made Meredith laugh as she shut off the main lights.

"It's a good song."

"All I keep wanting to sing is that bird's part in 'Kiss The Girl' and I hate you for it."

Meredith chuckled as she slipped into the bed and Addison pointedly tugged at the blankets. "Addie, share."

"I am." The redhead grumbled.

"Thanks for… you know?" Meredith said as she settled next to the redhead who hummed in response. "Goodnight, Addison."

"Goodnight, Meredith." Addison said back and she could distinctly hear the smile on her face.

It was too damn bright and that was annoying the crap out of her. Why was it that bright? She didn't want to get up. She was way too comfortable to wake up and she was off today. Why was the sun just happily glaring at her? Then there were those soft giggles and small vibrations on her pillow. Why were they giggling and why was her pillow moving? Could they stop it already? All she wanted was sleep so why couldn't she get it?

Humming sleepily and refusing to open her eyes she nuzzled even more onto her pillow. Everything was fine; she only had to ignore the sun and the giggling and that arm snaked around her back. Wait.

Snapping her eyes open Meredith found herself laying on top of Addison, her head just under the redhead's chin. She stiffened as she felt the redhead lazily playing with her hair.

"I think someone's finally awake." Addison said softly and Meredith had no idea why but her low tone made heat rush all over her.

"Umm."

"Yeah, that's the same thing I said last night when you just up and laid on me." Addison chuckled.

"I'm sorry." Meredith said quickly and began to move off the redhead.

"No, wait. You're warm." Addison protested and tightened her grasp. "I won't tease. I promise." She said softly. "Please."

Meredith felt like running but that soft plea didn't let her. Without much of a choice she settled back on top of Addison. Once more she tensed as the redhead began to play with her hair but soon relaxed listening to the redhead hum.

They lay there a few more minutes. Addison humming and Meredith doing her best not to overthink things. Friends did this, didn't they? Usually, Cristina and her would lay side by side, arms linked and one head on the shoulder while the other lay above it. True it wasn't like Cristina would let her lay on her. Too much physical contact and all. Also Addison had said she would be different so comparing how they'd… snuggle?

Yes, that's what they were doing. Snuggling. Sometimes that was necessary. Humans needed physical contact. It was basic psychology. She had taken that class once. Her laying on top of Addison was just basic nature.

"Mer?"

Meredith snapped to look at the redhead when she heard her name and by the look on Addison's face she had been calling her for a while. However, that hadn't been what had gotten her attention. What had done it was the soft eyes and quiet smile. Was this what waking up to Addison was like? How was she even more breathtaking?

"Meredith…" Addison mumbled gently, placing her hand on Meredith's cheek. "Are you ok?"

"Pretty." Meredith mumbled and then felt her blood rush. "Sorry I'm yeah I'm pretty ok." She chuckled nervously.

"Ah, well I just wanted to say we can have breakfast if you'd like." Addison smiled. "Your stomach was rumbling and mine too."

"Oh. Yeah, that's mhm." Meredith said and untangled herself from the mess of limbs they were.

Quickly the blonde made her way to the bathroom to wash her face and brush her teeth and calm the hell down. How had she been daydreaming with Addison right in front of her? But then who wouldn't day dream with Addison right in front of them? It wasn't like she was made of stone, without feelings. She was just like everyone else when it came to the redhead.

After finishing up she headed outside and found Addison finishing up with making the bed. The redhead looked up and smiled brightly. And yet again Meredith felt the wind completely leave her.

"My turn. Meet you in the kitchen?" The redhead said as she walked by her and all she could do was nod numbly. "You're pretty too."

It took the door of the bathroom closing for her to actually begin to function once more. She glanced toward the closed bathroom door and after a deep breath and shaking her head she made her way downstairs. She really needed a coffee and to get her head on straight.

Addison was still humming Disney songs and she really wanted to stop but the bug was just there relentlessly playing the same tune in her head. Of course it would be her to get that over the top part of the song stuck in her head. Still humming along she made her way down to the kitchen where Meredith seemed to be searching for something.

"No pancake mix, no oatmeal, no freaking eggs. Wow, I really know how to take care of myself." Meredith rambled on, clearly oblivious to her presence.

"I mean I'd say you're doing quite well."

"What?! Holy shit, Addison!" Meredith yelped and turned to face her quickly, a hand on her chest. "Ok, wear a bell."

"Won't that be scarier?" Addison laughed.

"Whatever."

"So no breakfast?"

"Sorry. I meant to go yesterday but I was just so angry that I came straight home and—"

"What were you angry about?" Addison asked and noticed the sudden shift on the blonde, from rambly mess to nervous wreck.

"N-no nothing. It wasn't… I mean…" Meredith stuttered adorably and something sorta clicked in Addison's head.

"So nothing then?"

"It was nothing too important. It was stupid. Anyway umm…"

"Well, we could go to my place. I have stuff to make." Addison suggested.

"There's a sleeping man on your couch, remember?" Meredith grinned.

"I forgot." Addison's heart sank slightly but bounced right back. "But I mean it's your job to chase him away. Isn't it? Jealous girlfriend."

Meredith looked at her confused but soon her eyes sparkled with wicked mischief and Addison wasn't exactly prepared for the look. Heat rose to her cheeks and her heart began to thunder in her chest. She swallowed and looked away for a second before facing the blonde, who now glanced over at the window.

"You uh… have a plan?" Addison asked.

"Let's go, girlfriend."

Meredith stood in the kitchen with a chopping knife and a cucumber, while Addison peeked on from where she sat at the top of the stairs. The intruder's snores rang around the room when she began loudly chopping the cucumber. There was a loud gasp and some shuffling and soon Addison's date stood watching her wearily.

"Good morning." Meredith said using the smile Cristina had told her gave people nightmares. "Would you like some breakfast?" She asked, well aware that cucumbers didn't usually appear at the table around that time.

"I uh… who are you? And where's Addison?" He asked scanning the room.

"My girlfriend is still fast asleep in our bed." She replied emphasizing the words.

"Girlfriend?" He looked at her with wide eyes.

"Yes. Now why don't you tell me about that date?" Meredith said and continued to loudly chop. "Surely you—"

"You're a dyke?" He interrupted. "I went out with someone as disgusting as that?"

Meredith saw red in an instant, the knife embedded on the chopping board with the amount of force she had used. She looked up at the man who seemed to have lost his tongue and his skin color.

"What did you say?" Meredith snarled. "Who did you call disgusting? You oversized man child. What was that word you just used?"

She heard steps down the stairs but ignored them, her eyes fixed on the pile of crap standing before her. Meredith didn't usually have murderous tendencies, if she did she would have noticed how nice the handle of the knife felt. She did, however, feel compelled to pommel that meat sack staring at her with wide eyes and trembling hands.

It was quiet in her head for a minute before everything came rushing back and she was moving towards him. He looked spooked like the coward he was. Meredith took satisfaction in the fact that he seemed to shrink back and away from her.

"Mer." Someone said behind her and suddenly there were arms around her waist pulling her flush against their chest.

"Yeah, that's right." The man said quickly.

"I would grab my things and leave if I were you. Because if not it won't be just her you'll have to worry about, Mitch." Addison nearly growled in Meredith's ear.

"It's Tim." He spat as he grabbed his things.

"Same difference. Get out of my house." Addison said in that quiet and calm way just before everything went to hell.

Mitch or Tim, whatever his name was, scurried quickly around them. Addison kept her hold on Meredith and it may have been a good thing because she really felt like hurting someone.

She held onto Meredith for a few more minutes, feeling the blonde's heart racing. Addison was sure she could be scary but she had never seen Meredith like this. Usually, she was the one unable to contain herself but the blonde could give her a run for her money. The intense rage she saw inside those eyes and heard in her voice didn't even compare to how it had been with Dr. Evans. It seemed to have reached a whole different level.

"Mer?" Addison called softly.

"That date of yours sucked." Meredith grumbled.

"Told you he was a nightmare." Addison chuckled. "Is it ok to let go now? You won't run out the door?"

"No promises." Meredith let out with a chuckle.

"Then I'll keep you here." Addison shrugged and tightened her grasp.

"Addie, was he a blind date?"

"Yeah."

"Don't go on those anymore, please."

Meredith's words left her speechless for a few seconds. She could still feel her heart racing and her hands which came to rest above her own gave a slight squeeze.

"I won't go on those anymore." She said softly and the blonde hummed in response.

Gradually her heart beat seemed to slow and after a few deep breaths Meredith patted her arms. Addison took that as a sign to let go. Before she did so, however, she planted a quick kiss on the blonde's cheeks. Meredith seemed to still and a deep crimson flush stained her cheeks. Addison knew she could easily tease her but refrained from it, simply giving her a warm smile and moving towards the kitchen.

"How about eggs, sausage, and toast with a nice coffee?"

"Sounds good." Meredith called after clearing her throat.

Addison looked at the knife still embedded on the board and the cut cucumber and chuckled. "So what am I to do with all this cucumber?"

"Umm," Meredith chuckled, "salad?"

"Yeah, salad." Addison laughed. "Wanna get the bread while I get the rest of the stuff?"

"Sure."

Together they set about preparing breakfast. It was mostly her doing it of course. When she had asked Meredith if she wanted to try, the blonde had promptly declined and began to work on the coffee instead. Something about not being the greatest cook.

She finished cooking and they ate while idly chatting about everything and anything. It felt nice having Meredith there. It had also felt amazing, waking up to the blonde cuddled up to her. She had almost wanted to stay in bed with Meredith safely tucked into her. But their rumbles were getting prominent so food was in order.

Addison wondered what they'd do next. Meredith had mentioned she was off today so they might be able to spend some more time together. She was by no means clingy, only a little bit. And the blonde and her hadn't really been too too close or hung out besides when they worked together. They were supposed to be friends, weren't they? Spending the day together wouldn't be too bad. Company was essential.

"So what are you up to today?" Meredith asked, pulling her out of her head and justifications.

"Oh you know, probably watch some crappy tv and do laundry." Addison said and wanted to slap herself. She could've asked just then. "How about you?"

"Crappy tv, laundry, and probably listen to Cristina while she vents." Meredith grinned. "Maybe uh we can…"

"Watch crappy tv together?" Addison asked, trying to keep her excitement out of her voice.

"Yeah." Meredith smiled brightly. "Here, let me put the dishes in the dishwasher for you. Then I'll go to my place to run the first cycle and come back." She said, grabbing their empty plates.

"You don't have to pick up here. I can—"

"You cooked, Addie. Please let me." Meredith quickly interrupted her.

"Fine." Addison smiled.

Suddenly she heard her pager going off and felt her world crumble. Meredith chuckled as she muttered and grumbled while making her way towards the device annoyingly beeping in her purse. She loved being a doctor. It was her passion. But she wanted her day off.

"Guess crappy tv and laundry will have to wait?" Meredith said behind her.

"I got twins." Addison pouted while she waved her pager about.

"Lucky twins, they get this badass doctor. Go bring some life into the world, Addie." Meredith smiled at her. "We can always hang out later."

"Since you put it that way. I guess I'll have to." Addison let out a defeated sigh and headed towards the stairs. "By the way, thanks. For letting me stay and chasing idiots away."

"Anytime." Meredith beamed as she set the dishwasher to wash.

"Anytime?"

"Addison." Meredith groaned.

"Couldn't help it." Addison chuckled.

"Yeah, yeah." Meredith shook her head, a hint of a smile on her face, as she headed out towards the terrace.

"See you later, girlfriend." Addison called from the small landing of her stairs, one of her signature smirks on her face.

"I'm not your…" Meredith turned to look at her, sighed at her smirk and shook her head. With a smile the blonde turned around and waved. "See you later, Addie."

Oh wow. The amount of teasing may have been a bit much. Idk, what do you guys think? After writing sad stuff for MOTH and gory scary stuff for that new fic I'm not sure of anything. Anyway I do hope you enjoyed their banter and their obliviousness. Next update should be MOTH, unless it's the new fic. Idk I do have one chapter done for it so I may post it. I should warn it's not for everyone and it is a completely different fandom and it's violent and a bit gory but that's how the fandom and characters are soooo yeah. But enough about that. Y'all stay AWESOME you nice potatoes. ツ