Work Text:
The emergency room (ER) is often a chaotic and intense environment, with a constant buzz of noise, movement, and urgency. The atmosphere can be overwhelming and disorienting, with people of all ages and backgrounds coming in with a wide range of medical issues and emotions.
The noise level in an ER can be deafening, with constant beeping machines, ringing phones, and urgent announcements overhead. The sound of people moaning or crying in pain can be heard throughout the room, and family members may be shouting or calling out for help.
Amidst this chaos, doctors and nurses are constantly rushing around, trying to help as many patients as possible. They may be shouting out orders to each other, or to patients, trying to coordinate care and keep everyone on track.
Patients are often agitated and anxious, as they may be in severe pain, confused about what is happening, or worried about their health. Family members may also be anxious or emotional, as they wait for news about their loved ones and try to provide support.
Despite the chaos, the doctors and nurses in the ER are dedicated to providing the best possible care to their patients. They work tirelessly to diagnose and treat medical conditions, provide comfort and reassurance to patients and families, and keep everyone safe in this high-pressure environment.
As a resident, Meredith Grey loves the fast-paced environment of the ER. She finds it exciting to encounter new and interesting cases, as well as to assist in the most complicated surgeries. For her, every shift presents a new opportunity to learn and grow as a doctor.
Despite her love for the ER, Meredith also recognizes the toll it can take on her body and mind. Studying for her boards while working in such a high-pressure environment is tiring, and she has been taking advantage of every opportunity to review and memorize the basics of medicine. She knows that this knowledge is crucial for her career and wants to keep it fresh in her mind.
However, Meredith's dedication to her work can be a double-edged sword. She tends to hyperfocus on tasks and forgets to take breaks, eat, or sleep. This can be dangerous for her health and can lead to extreme exhaustion. At times, she finds it difficult to keep her eyes open and stay alert during her shifts.
Fortunately, Meredith has an incredible girlfriend, Addison Montgomery, who is a highly skilled neonatal surgeon and an attending physician with a lighter schedule. Addison understands the demands and challenges of working in the ER and knows how exhausting it can be.
Addison often visits the ER to check on Meredith and offer her support. She brings her coffee, sandwiches, and other snacks to keep her fueled during her shift. She also encourages Meredith to take breaks and rest, making sure she naps for at least an hour every six hours while on shift.
On some nights, Addison even stays with Meredith in the ER, helping her study and keeping her company during the long hours. Other times, she comes by just to take Meredith home when she has fallen asleep on a desk or in an on-call room. Addison is attentive to Meredith's complaints about her back, and she ensures that her girlfriend makes it home to sleep on a comfortable bed.
It was a bitterly cold night in Seattle, and the ER at Seattle Grace was unusually quiet. However, the calm was shattered when Addison received an urgent page from Cristina Yang, Meredith's close friend and fellow resident. Even though Addison was not on call that night, Cristina's 911 page signaled that something serious was happening.
Addison quickly dressed in comfortable gray sweatpants and grabbed one of Meredith's Dartmouth blue shirts to wear for warmth. She then rushed to the hospital in Meredith's blue Cherokee, trying to get there as quickly as possible.
When she arrived, Addison found Cristina waiting for her at the entrance of the hospital, hugging herself to stay warm. Cristina's expression was serious, and Addison could tell that something was very wrong. She braced herself for what was to come as they headed towards the ER.
As Addison followed Cristina to the ER, she couldn't help but feel a sense of dread wash over her. "What's wrong? Is Meredith okay?" she asked, her voice laced with worry.
Cristina's tone was uncharacteristically gentle as she replied, "Meredith is burning up with a fever in one of the on-call rooms. She must have caught a cold during the day."
Addison let out a small sigh of relief. "Okay, at least she's not hurt," she said, trying to stay positive.
Cristina led Addison to the locker room, where Addison packed Meredith's things, making sure to grab extra blankets and a pillow for her. They then made their way to the on-call room, where Meredith was curled up in a ball, wrapped in heavy blankets. Despite the layers, she was shivering and sweating profusely.
"Hey, Mer," Addison said softly, moving closer to the bed. "It's me, Addison. I'm here now." She gently brushed Meredith's hair away from her face, checking her temperature and feeling the heat radiating from her skin.
Meredith weakly opened her eyes, struggling to focus on Addison's face. "Addie?" she mumbled, her voice hoarse and weak.
"Yes, it's me," Addison said, giving her a reassuring smile. "You've got a bad fever. Let's get you some medicine and try to bring that fever down, okay?"
Meredith whined pitifully as Addison helped her up from the bed, her body weak and unsteady. "I don't want to take a shower," she moaned. "Can't we just go home?"
Addison hesitated, knowing that the hospital was the best place for Meredith to receive care. "Mer, you need to rest and get better. We can't just leave," she said, trying to reason with her girlfriend.
But Meredith was insistent. "Please, Addie," she begged, holding onto Addison's hand. "I don't feel good. I just want to go home."
Addison sighed, reluctantly agreeing. "Okay, okay. We'll go home," she said, giving in. She turned to Cristina, who had been watching the exchange silently. "Do you have any Tylenol and cold medicine that we can take home with us?"
Cristina nodded. "Yeah, I'll grab some for you," she said before leaving the room.
Addison turned back to Meredith, trying to help her walk towards the door. "Alright, let's get you home and into bed. We'll take care of you there," she said, her voice gentle and reassuring.
Meredith leaned heavily on Addison, her body weak and trembling, as they made their way out of the on-call room. "Thank you, Addie," she whispered, grateful for her girlfriend's help.
Meredith continued to smile at Addison with a dazed expression. "You're the best, Addie," she said, her words slurring slightly. "I don't know what I'd do without you."
Addison felt her heart melt at the sight of Meredith's smile. "Aw, Mer," she said, her own smile widening. "You know I'm always here for you."
Meredith's eyes widened as she looked at Addison. "You're so pretty," she said suddenly, causing Addison's cheeks to flush even more. "I love you, Addison."
Addison's heart skipped a beat at the words, and she leaned in to kiss Meredith gently on the forehead. "I love you too, Meredith," she whispered.
Meredith snuggled closer to Addison, and they made their way out of the on-call room. As they walked through the quiet corridors of the hospital, Addison couldn't help but feel grateful for the woman by her side. She knew that no matter what happened, she would always have Meredith's love and support.
“Marry me,” Meredith blurted as they were walking towards the car, Cristina had left after giving them a bunch of pills for Meredith and wishing Meredith a speedy recovery.
Addison's heart began to race as she realized that Meredith was serious. "Mer, I...I don't know what to say," she stammered. “You’re clearly delirious and really sick, we should talk about this later, when you’re feeling better,” She insisted.
“I may be sick, but I’m also serious,” Meredith protested.
Addison looked into Meredith's eyes, seeing the love and sincerity shining there. She felt tears prick at the corners of her own eyes as she realized how much she wanted to say yes. "Mer," she whispered, taking the blonde's hand. "I love you too. But we need to be sure about this. It's a big decision."
Meredith nodded, understanding the weight of Addison's words. "I know. But I'm sure about us. I want to be your wife, Addison," she said.
Addison smiled through her tears and took a deep breath. "Okay," she said softly. "Yes. I'll marry you, Meredith."
Meredith let out a whoop of joy, causing a few nurses to poke their heads out of nearby rooms to see what was going on.
“Ah-Ah! We’ll talk about this later, when you’re better,” Addison quipped playfully as they finally made it to the car, and she helped her to the passenger seat.
Meredith pouted as she settled into the car, "You're no fun," she muttered before her face lit up again. "But you'll marry me! You just said it!" she exclaimed, reaching out to hold Addison's hand.
Addison chuckled, "Yes, I'll marry you. But not until you're feeling better, and we can plan a proper proposal," she said with a smile.
"Deal," Meredith replied with a smile of her own, already feeling a little better at the thought of their future together. "Thank you, Addie," she said softly, squeezing her hand.
"Always, Mer," Addison replied, turning the car towards their home. As they drove home, Addison couldn't help but think about the proposal. She had always known that she wanted to marry Meredith, but she wanted to do it right, with a ring and a proper proposal. She looked over at Meredith, who had fallen asleep with her head against the window, and smiled to herself.
Once they arrived at their apartment, Addison helped Meredith into bed and made her some soup. As she sat next to her girlfriend, she couldn't resist teasing her. "So, do I get to pick the ring or do you already have something in mind?" she asked, grinning.
Meredith groaned, "Addie, I was delirious. I don't have a ring in mind," she replied, rolling her eyes.
Addison laughed, "I know, I'm just teasing you. But one day, we will get engaged properly, okay?" she said, placing a gentle kiss on Meredith's forehead.
Meredith smiled sleepily, "Okay, I love you," she murmured, already drifting off to sleep.
“I love you too, baby,” Addison stayed awake until she was sound asleep, feeling grateful for the love they shared.