He awakes in the middle of the night and notices her still wrapped up in his arm. His fingers start to tingle as he gently slides his arm out. He retrieves a pillow and blanket from the storage closet and tucks her in on the couch. He would have carried her upstairs, but he didn't want to startle her. The night has grown silent. The storm has passed. If only my heart could be as silent.
A slight rustling in the background causes him to turn to see an unexpected visitor in the doorway of the kitchen.
"Meredith…"
"Alex."
She says with a knowing smirk on her face. She takes a small sip of her coffee before letting out a giggle.
"…Meredith, how long have you been standing there?"
"Just a couple of minutes. I think it's cute."
"What?"
"You. You still love her."
He was taken a-back. The phrase knocked the wind completely out of him. He looked at Meredith in complete and utter shock before turning to look at Izzie. Man…is she ever beautiful. The soft, gentle moonlight caressed her golden hair and made it sparkle. She looked so innocent, so at peace, resting on the couch. For the slightest moment, he forgot about Meredith standing there. Then, he turned back with a look of guilt on his face. He shouldn't be feeling this way about Izzie. She's still grieving.
"Don't worry, Alex, I won't tell anyone AND I won't tell Izzie."
She let out another giggle before retreating back into the kitchen. He stood there is silence watching the door swing back and forth. The rhythm of the swing echoed the beating of his heart. His body melted into unison with the environment very briefly in order for him to avoid thoughts he did not want to think about. How can I be falling in love with someone who cannot love me back?
He grabbed a second blanket from the storage closet and slinked down into the armchair adjacent to the couch. He drifted back to sleep while being serenaded by the sounds of her breathing next to him.