Disclaimer: I don't own any of GA.

Chapter 10: Told You So

Alex Karev was now officially back in true form: flirting, talking back, winking, and bantering with Christina Yang. Bailey, perceptive as she was (she was Bailey, after all) sensed she had a clue as to why Karev's mood was so rapidly improving. Of course, she wouldn't share the information with anybody else; let them figure it out for themselves. Truth be told, Bailey was rather happy to see two of her interns perking up a bit. But that she would definitely not tell anyone. Instead, she would continue to harass everyone equally as she always did. Inside, though, she was smiling as from the corner of her eye she saw Yang and Karev arguing.

"No. That's completely not true."

"Yes, it so is true, Yang. Just admit it: for once you're wrong."

"Not possible, Evil Spawn."

"Definitely possible, Ms. Uptight."

Christina glared at him, then retorted with, "Well, let's ask Mer. She'll prove me right. "

"I doubt that. Just because she's your best friend doesn't mean you know everything- or that you always agree."

"Whatever, Mer knows I'm right."

Interrupting their conversation as she arrived at Alex's side, Meredith said "Meredith knows you're right about what?"

Smirking, Alex said, "That you want me. Badly. And think I'm gorgeous. And want me."

"Seriously? You two have nothing better to than argue about this? Seriously?" She looked at her two fellow interns in disbelief, shook her head, then walked away, her dirty blonde ponytail swaying as she kept shaking her head.

"Told you so," Yang and Karev said in unison.

"She definitely did not say yes," argued Yang.

"Hello. She definitely did not say no, either. Which means, it's probably yes. Deal with it, Yang. She wants me."

Christina sighed, knowing that Karev was going to be gloating about Meredith's non-answer all day, even though it didn't mean anything. But it was slightly odd that she hadn't answered, because Meredith usually would. All of a sudden, Christina Yang was very, very concerned about her best friend. What if she did want Alex? Shocked at the very thought, Christina hurried off to find Meredith.

Unfortunately for Christina, not only did she run into her boyfriend, Dr. Burke, which delayed her ten seconds, but Alex had been off to find Meredith anyway. Hence, she lost that contest and threw her hands up as she watched Alex and Meredith. As she stood there observing the two interns (who were standing grossly close for her taste), Dr. Burke came up behind her. "What," he asked softly "exactly are you doing?"

Not wanting to be disturbed , she went "Shhhhhhh," then returned to her intern-watching.

"Christina," Burke said, as he grabbed her by the shoulders and began to pull her away.

"Wait- what are you doing? I was just-"

"Spying? Invading other people's space? Leave them alone. Meredith and Alex are friends, and whatever does, or does not happen between them will. It's not your place, Christina. Both of them have already had enough interference in their lives. Let them be."

"But, I'm not. I'm just watching, curious. As if half of Seattle Grace isn't, anyway. "

"So that makes it right for you to do it, too?"

Christina turned away and looked at him, hands on her slim hips. "What is your problem? I'm trying to look after my friend, that's all." Realizing he wasn't going to get anywhere on this one, at this moment, with his stubborn-as-hell girlfriend, Burke shook his head and walked away.

Sometimes she just doesn't know when to stop.

While Burke and Yang were arguing (something which everyone, including the watched, noticed), Meredith and Alex were talking. They were standing close, Alex leaning sideways against the wall, Meredith back to the wall, not in any hurry to move away. He smells really good, she realized with a shock. "So, babe… thanks for proving me right…"

"What? Since when did I do that?"

"Back there, with Yang. Remember?"

"You have got to be kidding me. I didn't answer, which means I didn't prove anybody right or wrong."

"But if Yang was totally correct, you would have said so. You don't shy away from telling the truth- at least not to me." His brown eyes probed her grey-blue ones and she was unable to pull away.

"Not saying no doesn't mean yes, Alex."

He shrugged. "If that's what you want to tell yourself, Grey. Go ahead. But we both know the truth. Hey, it's okay. I can wait." She glared at him, rolled her eyes, and was about to respond when he leaned in, his breath hot on the nape of her neck. He didn't kiss her, as he wanted to, but moved his lips up to her ears. "If it helps, Grey, I'll tell you a little secret. I do want you. In every way possible. But take your time- I'm willing to wait."

His whispered words shocked her, inflamed her, if truth be told. Breathless, Meredith was unable to answer him, unable to take her eyes of him or take those sweet words out of her head. For a brief moment, the two interns locked eyes, his endless brown eyes meeting her dazed grey-blue orbs. Alex smiled a smile Meredith, and for that matter, no one else, had ever seen before: sweet, gentle, understanding, promising. With that smile Meredith knew something, knew it absolutely: He won't walk away from me. She couldn't help but smile back, something in her reawakening with Alex's words and his smile.

After a few seconds, Alex looked down at the chart Meredith had been holding, and said, "So, about Mr. Jackson…."