Running in Circles - Lexie Grey x OC

Don't Take Too Long

Friday Morning
Dexter Avenue — Eric and Lexie's Townhouse

The alarm began vibrating against the bedside table at five thirty.

Eric's hand reached for it almost immediately. He silenced it before the second buzz.

For a few seconds, the bedroom was quiet again.

Rain tapped softly against the windows.

It was still dark, the gray Seattle morning barely beginning to gather beyond the glass.

Eric remained lying on his back.

He felt even worse

The ache that had settled into his shoulders the night before had spread through the rest of him. His throat felt raw, his head was heavy, and breathing through his nose had become less of an option than a distant memory.

He swallowed carefully.

It still hurt.

Beside him, Lexie was still asleep, curled beneath the comforter with one hand resting near his shoulder.

Eric turned his head toward her.

She looked peaceful.

He considered closing his eyes again.

Then his gaze drifted toward the chair near the wardrobe.

His clothes had already been laid out.

Dark trousers.

A pale blue shirt.

Tie.

White coat folded neatly over the back.

He moved carefully, easing himself out from beneath the comforter.

Lexie's hand slipped from his shoulder onto the mattress. She stirred.

Eric froze.

Then Lexie's breathing settled again.

He stood.

The room tilted slightly.

Eric placed one hand against the bedside table until it corrected itself.

A few seconds later, he reached for his shirt.

Behind him—

"No."

His eyes closed.

He remained facing the chair.

"Good morning."

"No. It's not. Put that down."

Lexie's voice was thick with sleep, but the disapproval was already perfectly clear.

Eric picked up the shirt.

"You said you weren't going anywhere."

"I said I didn't believe I was going to the hospital."

"You said sensible people call in sick. You said that. Last night. I heard you."

"I was speaking generally."

Lexie pushed herself upright.

Her hair had fallen across one side of her face. She brushed it away and stared at him.

"You set out your clothes."

"I generally do."

"And you set an alarm."

"I also generally do that."

"And now you're holding a shirt, so unless you suddenly sleep in buttons, you're getting dressed."