I Won't Let Nobody Hurt You

7

Early the following morning, Arizona stirred from her slumber, preparing for another day at work. She was taken aback to hear Meredith's soft whimper and turned to see her latched onto Addison's nipple through her shirt. After a brief moment of surprise, she gently roused Addison. "Addie, I need to talk to you before I head to work."

Addison, still groggy, mumbled, "Hmm?" Her eyes fluttered open upon hearing Meredith's sounds, and she furrowed her brow upon realizing the situation. "Well, that's new."

Arizona chuckled, "My reaction exactly." She searched for Meredith's pacifier, handing it to Addison. Carefully, Addison detached Meredith, prompting her to cry out and kick her feet.

"Dewek...no," Meredith sobbed, seeking comfort in her sleep. Addison quickly pacified her while cradling her in her arms.

"Is she having a nightmare about Derek?" Arizona inquired, her voice filled with concern.

"It seems that way," Addison sighed. "She probably lost her pacifier and sought something to latch onto."

"Are you sure that's all?" Arizona raised an eyebrow as she began to get ready for work.

"No. Given how she finds comfort in touching my breasts, I wouldn't be surprised if little Mer wants to nurse. I don't mind, but I should discuss it with big Mer first," Addison explained.

"Skin-to-skin and nursing might benefit her," Arizona nodded. "I have a double shift today, but I'll try to be home before her bedtime."

"If you can't make it, don't worry. It happens," Addison reassured with a smile. "Have a good day at work."

"I'll try my best," Arizona chuckled as she left the room. Addison settled back with Meredith, drifting back to sleep.

Hours later, Meredith awoke and removed her pacifier. Realizing she was in a pull-up, she attempted to get out of bed, only to realize she didn't have underwear to change into. After a moment of contemplation, she woke Addison. "Addie?"

"Morning, Mer. Feeling big?" Addison asked with a yawn, sitting up and stretching.

"Yeah, I wanted to change out of the pull-up, but I don't have any underwear," Meredith said shyly, cheeks flushed.

"Actually, Arizona fetched some clothes and essentials from your place," Addison smiled, pointing to the suitcase. "I wanted to talk to you about pull ups first, but you had an accident."

"It's okay. I knew when I agreed to you being my caregiver that you might need to make some decisions without talking to me about it. I trust you and Arizona to look out for little me," Meredith said, smiling. She grabbed her clothes and headed to change. Returning to bed, she looked at Addison. "I sense you want to talk. Did I do something wrong?"

"No, sweetheart. You haven't done anything wrong. There are just a few things we need to talk about," Addison reassured, brushing hair from Meredith's face.

"About what happened in the elevator, right?" Meredith pulled her knees to her chest.

"Are you comfortable sharing?" Addison inquired, prompting a nod from Meredith.

"Derek had been hostile all day. After losing a patient, he hit the emergency stop, cornered me, and called me a freak. He accused me of taking a day before off to sleep with some random guy and asked if they knew what a freak I truly was. I got scared so I kneed him and left," Meredith recounted tearfully.

Addison sighed, embracing Meredith. "I'm sorry you went through that."

"It's okay," Meredith whispered, resting her head on Addison's shoulder.