Where You Belong

17

It was still dark when the alarm clock set loose a cascade of Christmas carols playing on the local station. The body behind her shifted as Derek buried his face into the back of her neck. Meredith smiled sleepily, her hands finding the arms wrapped securely around her torso, and tracing across his forearms to his hands. He squeezed her fingers as she weaved them with his, and she sighed happily at the contact.

They needed to get up soon, but she was content to lie in his arms, listening to carols, revelling in her first few conscious moments of the day. Her first Christmas with him. Her first Christmas with anyone, really.

Even breaths transferred through her back as his strong chest expanded rhythmically. He was still awake, but not moving to get up either; and she had a feeling he was doing exactly what she was. It was their first Christmas together. They both wanted to make the moments last as long as possible.

The low key, quiet, Christmas carol turned into a loud version of Jingle Bells, causing Meredith to wince at the sudden assault. She reluctantly reached to turn off the alarm, wishing the moment didn't have to end.

"Merry Christmas," Derek mumbled, his lips meeting the back of her neck several times.

"Mmm, Merry Christmas," she responded, shifting in his grasp to face him. She smiled at him when they were face to face and leaned in to kiss him. "I don't want to go to work."

He laughed and reached for her hand. "Me neither." They were both working the early shift, but would be off in time for dinner.

Meredith sighed heavily. "We have to get up."

"We do," he agreed.

She giggled. "I don't see you getting up."

"I'm comfortable."

"Me too." Meredith closed her eyes and leaned her forehead to rest against his. It was a good feeling; to be happy. After several moments she sighed and pulled her head away. "We're going to be late if we don't hurry."

"If we share a shower, we'll make up some time."

Meredith laughed. "What am I going to do with you?"

"I could think of a few things..." He raised an eyebrow.

She rolled her eyes and kissed him quickly before pulling away from him and rolling out of bed. She shivered as the chilly morning air hit her bare skin and she quickly pulled on her robe. Turning back to the bed, she met his hooded gaze and smirked. "Are you coming?"

He didn't waste any time to jump out of bed and don his own robe. "Good way to start the day." He grabbed her hand.

Meredith laughed and let him lead her across the hall to the bathroom.

000

The waiting room was quiet when they walked through the front doors of the hospital together. Only a few families sat scattered through the chairs. A large, fake, tree and a number of wrapped boxes sat in the far corner. The coffee cart was open, and Meredith smiled at the sole worker behind the counter, decked out in a red and white stripped shirt and a plush santa hat.

"Two large coffees, please," Derek ordered for them, passing a five across the counter with a simple, "Keep the change."

Meredith reached for his hand and leaned against his shoulder as they waited quietly for their ever important breakfast beverages to be poured. To her surprise, even after their time consuming activities, they were a few minutes early for their shift. More moments to take advantage of.

"Here you go, sir," the coffee cart attendant pushed two steaming cups across to them. "Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas to you," Derek responded with a smile as he picked up both coffees and passed one to Meredith.