Echoes of Resilience

33

"I thought you were gonna die." Meredith sobbed, her grip on Cristina's hand tight, as if fearing that the mere act of releasing it would make her best friend vanish into thin air.

"I thought I was too, but Teddy kept me safe. I'm okay, Mer. Everything is okay," Cristina reassured her, a faint smile playing on her lips, trying to ease Meredith's distress.

"I can't do this without you, you're my person," Meredith confessed, her voice laced with vulnerability and dependence.

"Hey, I'm not going anywhere. You don't have to worry; I'll be here to aggravate you for a long time. I promise," Cristina vowed, her tone filled with conviction and a hint of humor to lighten the heavy atmosphere.

"What if he escapes again?" Meredith's voice quivered with fear as she reluctantly released Cristina's hand, seeking solace in Addison's comforting presence. The redhead wasted no time, moving to the couch and enveloping Meredith in a protective embrace, allowing the blonde to nestle into her lap, finding solace in the gentle touch of Addison's fingers running through her hair.

"Sweet girl, I understand your fear of him escaping, and I share it too. But rest assured, we will do everything in our power to keep you and Cristina safe if that unfortunate event occurs. I pray it doesn't, but if it does, I won't let anyone harm you," Addison whispered softly, pressing a tender kiss to Meredith's temple and tenderly wiping away her tears.

"Mer, I have military training. I will castrate him before I let him anywhere near you or Cristina. I know we've just met, but can you try to trust me?" Teddy's voice was gentle, yet resolute, offering a sense of security and protection to the vulnerable duo.

"You possibly saved my person's life today. Of course, I trust you. Thank you. I mean, I have Addison, who I know would do anything for me, but I've been worried about Cristina," Meredith confessed, her voice barely above a whisper, seeking comfort in the warmth of Addison's embrace, her thumb finding solace in her mouth.

"Cristina is more than just my intern, she's my friend. I've got her back." Teddy said, shooting Cristina a bright smile which the intern easily returned.

"Addie? Movie?" Meredith asked quietly, pointing towards the TV with a hopeful glance.

"I think that's a great idea sweet girl, what do you guys think? Should we order a bunch of junk food and watch a movie?" Addison asked, shifting her gaze towards Teddy and Cristina who both nodded.

"Junk food and a movie sounds great to me!" Cristina exclaimed with a smile, leaning back into the couch cushions.

"Agreed. After all that happened today, the puddings we stole from Arizona's office definitely are not enough." Teddy said with a chuckle.

"You actually stole pudding from her office?" Addison snorted, shaking her head.

"I told her that locking the door wouldn't stop me. I picked that lock in under thirty seconds" Cristina shrugged with a smug smile. "Anyways, Mer what movie do you want to watch?"

"Monsters Inc." Meredith muttered shyly, burrowing her face in Addison's neck.

"Do you need a reminder that not all monsters are scary?" Addison asked with a soft smile, combing your fingers through Meredith's hair as the blonde nodded. "I think we could all use a reminder of that. What do you guys think?" Addison asked Cristina and Teddy who were both smiling at the way Meredith was cradled in Addison's lap.

The room was filled with a sense of camaraderie and comfort as the four women settled in for a cozy movie night. Addison, with her nurturing presence, provided a safe haven for Meredith, who found solace in the warmth of her embrace. Cristina, usually stoic and independent, allowed herself to relax into the cushions, a rare moment of vulnerability captured in the soft glow of the TV screen.