I Won't Let Nobody Hurt You

1

Addison entered an on-call room after a lengthy surgery. After a long surgery, she took a short break before driving home, even though her shift was over. Sitting on the bed, she took out her phone and was surprised to hear a giggle coming from the adjacent bed. Looking up, she was astonished to see Meredith Grey wrapped in a blanket, watching a video on her phone with headphones in her ears and her thumb in her mouth. At first, Addison thought about ignoring the situation or going to a different room. But she ended up going to Meredith's bed and tapping her gently on the shoulder. Meredith, with wide eyes and an infantile look in her baby blue eyes, looked up at her.

"You know, sweetie, thumbs are dirty and shouldn't be in your mouth," Addison said with a soft smile, moving Meredith's hand away from her mouth. Meredith's lip quivered before she burst into tears. "Hey, it's okay," Addison reassured her, rubbing her back in an attempt to calm her down. "Are you feeling little today, honey?" Addison inquired, prompting Meredith to nod.

"Uh huh. I sowwy," Meredith whispered through her tears.

"Oh, honey, you have nothing to apologize for. Do you have someone who takes care of you when you're feeling little?" Addison asked, concerned when Meredith shook her head. "I used to have a little, a long time ago. If you'd like, I could take care of you, at least for today," Addison offered, tucking Meredith's hair behind her ear.

"Addie wanna hwelp Mewedif?" Meredith asked shyly.

"Yes, honey, if that's okay with you," Addison smiled. Meredith nodded and reached out her arms towards Addison, who lifted her onto her lap. "Do you want to come home with me, sweetie? My shift is over."

"Weally?" Meredith asked quietly.

"Yes, really. Do you know how old you are, honey?" Addison asked.

"Me two!" Meredith said happily, holding up two fingers.

"That's what I thought," Addison chuckled. "Do you want to come with me?"

"Wes, but gotta act big in da hall." Meredith said seriously. Addison smiled and stood up, taking Meredith's hand as they walked down the hall and out of the hospital. Upon reaching Addison's car, Meredith moved to open the passenger door, but Addison guided her to the backseat.

"No, honey, you're too little for the front seat. I don't want you to get hurt," she explained, buckling Meredith in.

"Otay," Meredith sighed with a pout.

"Don't pout, sweetheart, it's just a short ride," Addison reassured her before shutting the door and getting into the driver's seat. Arriving at Addison's house, she unbuckled Meredith and asked if she wanted to be carried or walk.

"Cawwy, pwease," Meredith whispered, lifting her arms. Addison carefully lifted her onto her hip and carried her inside. Placing Meredith on the couch, Addison noticed she was sucking her thumb again.

"Honey, it's not good to suck your thumb. Have you ever used a pacifier?" Addison asked, sitting down next to Meredith, who shook her head. "Would you be willing to try?"

"Wes," Meredith mumbled around her thumb. Addison fetched a pacifier from a drawer and handed it to her.

"Arizona knew I wanted to take care of another little eventually, so she made sure I was prepared," Addison explained as Meredith fidgeted with the pacifier.

"Zona?" Meredith asked innocently.

"Yes, you know Dr. Robbins?" Addison inquired, receiving a nod from Meredith. "Well, she's my best friend, and we live together. She'll probably be home in a couple of hours. Are you okay with her seeing you like this?"