Disclaimer: I don't own anything except for a crazy mind.

A/N: Thank you for the reviews! I'm glad people enjoyed the last chapter. I'm not too sure about the ending scene, when I have time I might edit it. But anyway, let me know what you think! (:

Lexie remained in the stairwell, staring at the door, for a little while longer. It was peaceful in there, the sounds of the hospital drowning out around her. She smiled slightly, her lips slightly tingling from Mark's. There was no doubting Mark; he was definitely a good kisser. But there was more to him, to them, than just the kisses.

It was the way he held her face, so delicately, afraid she would break. It was the way he brushed his lips against hers, as if he couldn't believe she was in front of him. It was the way he put everything, every emotion, every ounce of his being, into making her feel as if there was nothing wrong. With him, there was nothing wrong. He took away everything and replaced her life with pleasure, happiness...hope.

Lexie grinned slightly and walked to the door. She walked back into the hallway and was greeted by the rushing noises of monitors and chattering. With nothing else to do, Lexie strolled down the hallway, heading towards the intern locker room. Once she arrived at the door, she pushed her way through to find an empty room.

Scanning around, Lexie sighed slightly and walked over to her locker. Of course there was no-one in here, she thought dryly, they were all too busy working on a case. At least they were saving people. Lexie chewed on her bottom lip nervously at the thought. She wasn't doing anything. She had no work, and she always had work to do. It made her uncomfortable to think she was wasting her time. But then, that was hardly her fault.

Julia.

An image of the woman's angry face flashed before Lexie's eyes. Images of her injuries burned into her mind forever. Was Julia really telling the truth? Lexie thought about it as she slowly sat down on the bench. Maybe Julia was right, she just sustained her injuries from a fall. It would explain her utter outrage at the suggestion of Brian intentionally hurting her.

It made sense, and Lexie had no real reason to dispute what she had been told, but for some reason she couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right. It could be her paranoia, but there was something...Something happened. Lexie frowned as she glared into the distance, concentrating. Or maybe...Maybe something was going to happen? Although it might not have happened yet, something could easily change between Julia and Brian and then no-one would be there to help Julia. She would be alone and frightened.

Just like you.

Lexie froze as it crossed her mind. Icy water filtered through her veins and Lexie felt the fear claw at her throat. Alone. Frightened. In the dark.

It wasn't Julia. Julia was the excuse, the trigger of the series of bad memories, of the need to stop it from happening again.

It wasn't Julia that feared her own home, that feared being alone.

It wasn't Julia that continuously fell.

"Shit," Lexie muttered as she covered her face with her cold hands. "Shit. Shit. Shit!"

She had caused a patient to become distraught because of her irrational conclusions. Because of her experiences, because of her knowledge, her photographic memory, she had caused unnecessary harm to a patient. Julia was fine; it was Lexie that had the problems.

Lexie cursed again, why couldn't she figure this out before? "Damn it," she whispered as she got up and opened her locker door. She stared at its contents for a moment before she looked down at her watch. She could go to the clinic and help, she could go down to the E.R, but as soon as Julia's out of surgery, Lexie gets off shift.

Lexie stared into her locker for another moment and then quickly grabbed her bag and jacket. Now that she knew she was more screwed up than she had first realized, all Lexie wanted to do was have a drink. Drinking solved everything.

No, it doesn't.

Lexie frowned and muttered, "Shut up."

"Talking to yourself again?"

"Ah!" Lexie yelped and turned around to see Mark standing in the doorway. She narrowed her eyes at him. "What the Hell, Mark?"

Mark shrugged and tried not to smile at the fact she used his actual name without him having to prompt her. "I would say sorry, but I'd be lying," he replied as he closed the door behind him and walked over to her. He leaned against the set of lockers and looked down at her bag. "Getting ready, Little Grey?"

Lexie rolled her eyes and slammed her locker shut. "Yes," she replied as she turned and walked around the block of lockers, out of his line of vision. "Now if you'll excuse me, I need to get changed."

Mark nodded although she couldn't see him and went to sit on the bench. He glanced at the door briefly, wondering if he should lock it in case a stupid intern came in and caused a fuss about them being together. Mark thought about it and then disregarded the thought. "Hey," he said loudly. "Why don't you go into the bathroom?"

"This way is quicker," Lexie replied from behind the block of lockers. "What does it matter, anyway?"

"No, nothing really." Mark looked around the place and then upon noticing something, smirked and turned around on the bench so he could face the other wall. After a moment he said, "Just makes it harder."

Although Lexie had a fairly good idea where this conversation was heading, she took the bait anyway. "Makes what harder?" She asked as she took off her scrub top.

"Resisting," he said quietly. He licked his lips and there was a gleam in his eyes. "To think...You're naked behind there."

Lexie rolled her eyes when she could practically hear his smirk. "I have underwear on," she muttered.

"Red."

Lexie's laughter burst through the air. "No," she said and smiled slightly.

"White."

"Guess again."

"Purple."

"What makes you think I'd wear purple?" Lexie asked, mildly amused that he had guessed correctly.

Mark grinned and then casually replied, "I can see you."

Lexie laughed. "Unless you have x-ray vision, I don't think you can see through the big blocks of metal separating us, Dr. Sloan."

Mark nodded. "Good point," he said as he moved further towards the edge of the bench. "I may not have x-ray vision, but there's one thing you've forgotten."

Lexie snorted as she buttoned up her shirt. "And what's that?"

"There's a mirror on the opposite wall," Mark said casually. "By the way, extra points on the matching underwear. Not many women do that."

For a moment Lexie was frozen. And then, she made a sound that resembled a scream and stormed out from behind the lockers. She glared at a grinning Mark, who had stood up to face her. "Mark!" Lexie shouted. "That is not appropriate!"

"So?"

Lexie spluttered, trying to form an answer. "Wh-What do you mean so? So? So you can't just...just watch people getting undressed! That's, that's wrong!"

Mark rolled his eyes and moved closer to Lexie. "I wasn't intentionally looking," he said calmly and reached out to finish buttoning up her shirt. "I was looking around the place and then noticed the mirror. I couldn't see anything but glimpses of skin and purple."

Lexie grunted, not willing to admit that she loved the feel of him slowly buttoning her shirt. "Just glimpses?"

"Yes," Mark said quietly. "Glances. Small peeks. Little hints of skin." He slowly lowered his face to kiss her. When he pulled back, he whispered, "Tiny peeps of purple."

Lexie laughed quietly. "Do you know how ridiculous you sound saying 'peep'?"

Mark shrugged and pulled away from her. "Don't you dare tell anyone," he mildly warned as he walked towards the door. "Come on, let's get out of here."

Lexie nodded, finally realizing that he was already dressed to leave. She went back around the lockers to retrieve her bag and jacket. Slipping on her jacket, she glanced at Mark and couldn't stop herself from asking. "How'd the surgery go?"

"Fine," Mark replied. "Julia's fine. They're both fine."

Lexie nodded and tried to keep her face from showing any emotion. "Okay," she said as she walked over to Mark and smiled at him. "Let's go."

As Mark and Lexie walked through the double doors and into the night, Lexie sighed heavily, relieved to finally be out of the hospital. Today was hard; it had drained her and made her wish she wasn't as screwed up as she was. But, as she was ever the optimist, Lexie was looking forward to tomorrow. She was finally getting a day off.

She glanced to the side to look at Mark. In this light, under the dim street lights, he looked even better, although Lexie never thought that could be possible. With his strong features and rough edges, Lexie felt the need to bite her lip to stop herself moaning at the sight of him. She was contemplating moving closer to him when his deep voice interrupted her silent plans.

"I know it got to you."

Lexie looked up at Mark, a questioning expression on her face. "What?"

"Julia. The whole case...I know it got to you," Mark said as he moved slightly closer to her. There was no-one around, and he knew no-one would appear this late at night. With that in mind, Mark reached out to take Lexie's hand in his. "I know you took it personally."

"I...I didn't take it personally," Lexie said, withdrawing her hand from his. She crossed her arms over her chest and then said, "It didn't get to me."

"It did."

"It didn't."

"I know it did."

Lexie stopped walking and whirled around to face Mark, her face showing her annoyance. "It didn't," she gritted out.

He shook his head, at times, he didn't understand Lexie. It was obvious that she was hurt by Julia's case, he knew it brought up a lot of unwanted feelings for her, so why couldn't she admit to it? What was so wrong in admitting that she was upset?

"Why are you so angry?" Mark asked.

"I'm not angry," Lexie replied defiantly.

"Lexie..."

"It's none of your business whether it affected me or not," Lexie said. She didn't need him reminding her that today had been hard. She wanted to leave the hospital and forget that this case had hurt her personally. All she wanted to do was forget and here Mark was reminding her.

Lexie grabbed the strap of her handbag and looked at Mark boldly. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I-I'm going home now." Lexie turned and continued to walk towards the car park when Mark stopped her.

"No."

With his hand on her shoulder, effectively pausing her movements, Lexie slowly turned to look up at him. Her eyes remained steady on his and Lexie was slightly impressed that he wasn't fazed by her attitude. "I'm trying to go home," Lexie said, her voice low. She watched his jaw twitch slightly and she titled her head to one side. "Are you going to move?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because I don't think you should go home."

Lexie narrowed her eyes slightly at the determined stance of Mark. "I have to go home."

"You don't have to."

"And where would I go?" Lexie asked, slightly amused by the conversation. She knew what he was trying to do, but she wasn't going to let it happen. She was going back to her home whether he liked it or not.

"You can come back with me," Mark replied confidently.

Lexie smirked slightly, "Are you trying to get me to sleep with you, Dr. Sloan?"

Mark's eyes widened, "What? No! God, no!" When he noticed Lexie frown, he rushed to redeem himself. "I, er, it's not that I don't want to...I mean, it's not like you aren't..." Mark sighed and ran a hand through his hair awkwardly. "I just don't want you to be alone."

Lexie heart clenched at the thought and whispered, "I'm not going to be alone."

Her eyes lowered and Mark felt his heart beat faster. "I know," he replied, his voice just as quiet as hers. "That's why I don't want you to be there."

Lexie looked down at her hands and shrugged. How could she make him understand? She knew what he was implying, she knew he was afraid for her, but she needed to go home. After today all she wanted to do was lock herself away in her room and relax. It was her home, no matter what the situation. She always went home. Thatcher might not even be there.

"I have to go home," Lexie replied dejectedly. "I just...It's my home."

"Lexie, you can't–"

"I don't want him to ruin it," Lexie said confidently as she raised her head to look at Mark. "I don't want to run away from my own home. It's mine, he shouldn't...h-he shouldn't have to ruin it for me. I won't let him."

Mark sighed and closed his eyes for a moment, attempting to remain calm. When he opened his eyes again he saw Lexie stare at him, her eyes big, anxious and unwavering. She looked so beautiful that he couldn't let her go home. Mark wouldn't let Thatcher ruin her. He knew now, he had no excuse for not protecting her.

"Little Grey," Mark murmured as he moved closer to her. "Don't do this."

His body close and overpowering, Lexie swallowed nervously. "Y-You can't do this," Lexie whispered when she felt his fingers brush against her hand. "It's not...going to work."

Mark threaded his fingers through hers and brought her hand to his lips, gently brushing his lips over her skin. "Do what?" He asked, his blue eyes darkening as he watched her sigh.

"You're seducing me," Lexie said, a small smile on her lips. "You're not allowed to do that."

Mark slowly snaked his arm around her waist, pulling her against him. Smiling slightly, he leaned down and gently kissed her. After hearing Lexie moan slightly, Mark pulled away and grinned. "I'm not allowed to do that am I?" He asked innocently.

"Er..." Lexie frowned slightly. "Er, you...I...and, er...Huh?"

Mark laughed and kissed her again, his hand cupping her cheek. He allowed himself to kiss her for a moment before he leaned back. "Are you still going to leave without me?" He asked as he ran his thumb over her cheek.

Lexie kept her eyes close, trying to clear her mind. "That was unfair," she finally replied. Slowly, she opened her eyes and stared at him, her eyes showing how sorry she felt. "That was nice, but unfair. I...I'm..." She sighed and looked up at him sadly. "It's not going to stop me, Mark."

Mark raised his other hand so both hands framed her delicate face. He shook his head slightly, "I don't want you to go home tonight. You can't do this. I won't let you."

Lexie sighed, "Mark, I–"

"No," he said forcefully. "I am not letting you go into that house."

He stood in front of her, his eyes intense, his stance firm. His eyes ran over her face and then he sighed, as if he had come to his own silent conclusion. "I don't want you in there, Lexie. Not without me. Not without someone to protect you."

His soft voice caressed her soul and Lexie felt the tears shoot to her eyes. She wanted to leave with him, she wanted to go to stay with him tonight, but she couldn't. It was as if her body wouldn't move towards him. She had her car, she had her keys, she was meant to go home. To her, it didn't matter that she wouldn't be able to sleep, that she would lay awake listening to any noise, any movements from down the hall – to Lexie, none of this mattered.

It was still her home. No matter what.

She was stronger than he thought. For all this time, she had been able to go home and defend herself. It may not have worked as well as she had hoped, but she was able to defend herself. She wasn't weak. She wasn't going to leave her home because of some monster. She could do this.

"I can't leave," she whispered, her voice barely audible. Nervously, she fiddled with her watch and looked at him desperately. "I can't not go home. I-I just can't." After a beat, she added, "It's my home. I deserve to be there. I'm not walking out on my home."

His eyes softened and he gently moved his hands down her face, along her neck and then finally rested each hand on her shoulders. Lexie felt the warmth coarse through her body. Briefly she wondered what it would feel like to have his warmth surrounding her, all night.

"I'm not leaving you alone," he said gently. "I don't care if I have to drag you kicking and screaming to the Archfield, or if I have to go to your...house with you. I'm staying with you."

Lexie blinked and looked at him curiously. "You...You really want to stay with me?"

The uncertainty, the near disbelief in her voice, caused Mark to smile. "Of course I want to stay."

"I..." She tried to speak, to say something, anything that could show the gratification she felt, but words failed her. For once, words failed.

So, instead Lexie placed her smaller hand on one of his and gently removed it from her shoulder. Threading her fingers through Mark's, Lexie smiled shyly at him. She looked at him, her big eyes amazed by the sincerity in his voice and decisions.

It was genuine.

Everything about him, about their relationship, it was genuine. Lexie knew that moments like this, with them standing alone under the night sky, moments where it was just them and their racing heartbeats, when it was just them and a world filled of all their fears and anxieties, it was moments like this where Lexie could say: yes, what they have is true.

It's real.

And it's never going to change.