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@herhauntedheart

Anya is live and ready to show you everything. Watch her strip, dance, and perform exclusive shows just for you. Interact in real-time and make your fantasies come true.
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surprise ||Â evan + mere + henri
who: mostly Evan and Meredith but guest appearances by Henri and Harold
when: december 23rd
where: school concert hall and the house
When she got the news that Evan would be unable to attend the concert she felt the sadness in her heart more than she expected to. Â Rationally she knew that there was a small fraction she wouldnât make it, she took a little bit of happiness just in knowing that the older woman was still coming home but her heart was still heavy going into this final concert. The fitted black tux sheâd picked for that evening hugged her figure like a glove and despite the low v of the jacket still concealed everything that needed to be hidden while conducting. Her make up was done and her hair was swept up into a tight bun so it wouldnât get in her face. The heels she wore simply accentuated the rest of her ensemble. She stood up on her podium in the school concert hall that was filled with people and began their winter show, mostly comprised of holiday music. Â Â When she took that first breath in and raised her hands a silence fell over the crowd and with a flick of those delicate wrists the music began. She wouldnât let personal feelings cloud her mind during a concert, she never hand and never would.
Part of Evan felt bad about hiding the truth from Meredith about the fact that she would make it to the concert, but a larger part of her was extremely excited to get to surprise her. Her first flight really had been delayed, but not enough to make it that she wouldnât be able to attend the concert. And she was so ready to see Meredithâs face when she arrived there. Having a bit of time before she needed to get to the concert, she had gone to pick up a rental car and then drove home. She put all of her things away and gave Harold some attention before she changed into the black dress pants and white button-up that she had chosen for the night. She then drove to the store to pick up some flowers before making it to the concert with just a few moments before it was to start. She sat near the back to avoid the possibility of Meredith seeing her, a bright smile forming on her lips; she was so excited to get to see the blonde do her thing.
As much as she got on their case about sucking on a daily basis the orchestra was definitely one of the best on the east coast and many of these students would go on to play in professional groups later in life.  The room came alive with all the different pieces they played.  The blonde was laser focused and damn good at her job, they players watched her like a hawk and took her every direction.  It was astounding that someone so submissive in life could completely dominate an entire room just from her mere presence.  The concert was about an hour and a half with no intermission.  When the final number came to a resounding end her stoic face cracked and a proud smile played on her features.  She gave a nod to her students and had them stand to get their recognition.  Then she turned and took a small bow before gesturing to the players for one more final round of applause.  They left the stage and she went to touch up her make up.  There was a reception she was dreading attending⌠one she was considering sneaking out of early to go home and snuggle Harold.
Evan stood up without a second thought to applaud the students as well as Meredith. The proud smile on Meredithâs face caused Evanâs heart to stutter and a smile formed on her features. She was so glad that she had been able to be there to witness the concert. Meredith and the students had been brilliant and she was certain that everyone had enjoyed their time there. Easing herself through the crowd of people and asking for directions to where she could find Meredith, thanking the person that showed her the way, she reached the door and let out a soft breath. She knocked on the door and then opened it up, taking a step in and grinning as she saw Meredith in person, finally. She had missed being in her presence so much and it was so nice to be there with her. âI have a bouquet of flowers here for one um...Meredith Hughes.â Evan spoke up, her head tilting to the side.
She was about ready to swipe her coat and bag and make a run for it but there was a knock on the dressing room door. Â When she heard it open she was about to protest but then she heard that voice and she looked up and there was Evan. Â Evan with flowers looking beautiful. Â A grin tugged at her lips and her features brightened, â... you came.â Â Her voice betrayed just how much that actually meant to her. Â Her heart felt like it was in her throat from the raw emotion. Â She had to remind herself that she was in heels and running even that short distance wasnât a smart idea so instead she walked over and threw her arms around the older woman, holding on tight.
Her arms wound around Meredithâs waist and she held her close and tight, nuzzling against her neck. âI told you I would do everything I could to make it, gorgeous.â Evan murmured against her skin, breathing in the now familiar scent of the blonde that just helped to soothe her. She still had a hold on the flowers, but really they meant nothing in comparison to holding Meredith close. Things between them had escalated over the weeks that Evan had been back in Chicago and it was just so nice to be able to have her so close. âYou were amazing up there, Mere. Iâm so proud of you.â
Her cheeks flushed that soft shade of pink at the murmured words.  Feeling Evan so close for the first time in nearly a month had her heart racing, her body melted into Evanâs hold and she found she couldnât stop smiling.  When they finally parted she accepted the flowers and smirked a little.  âAnd I didnât kill any students.  Major accomplishment.â  A playful blue gaze caught on that beautiful stare and she bit gently into her lower lip, glancing down at the flowers then back up.  âThese are beautiful⌠Thank you.â
âExactly. Look at you doing amazing things and following the rules.â She teased gently with a wink, before nodding her head in a bashful way. âIâm glad you liked them. You deserved to have a little something for your accomplishment of finishing all of your concerts.â Evan replied with a brief shrug. She paused for a moment and then leaned in to press a soft kiss to Meredithâs cheek. âIâve missed you. It feels really good to be here with you right now.â The brunette admitted before pulling back. âSo whatâs the plan now?â
At the teasing tone her cheeks darkened some and she gave a little huff.  She was quick to smile once more and brought the bouquet up to her nose to smell them.  âTheyâre perfect.  I canât wait to put them in water.â  The blonde would put them into a vase in the music room by the baby grand piano that sheâd been playing daily since Evan left.  The kiss to her cheek had her aching for more.  âIâve missed you⌠so much.â  Taking Evanâs hand into her own, she laced their fingers.  âI was going to escape and go home and snuggle Harold but technically thereâs a reception Iâm supposed to attend.â
âThey definitely need the water, thatâs for sure.â Evan agreed, biting down on her bottom lip. She hummed thoughtfully when Meredith said that there was a reception that she was supposed to attend and she squeezed her hand gently. She definitely didnât want to go to the reception and she could tell Meredith didnât really want to either, but she was sure that it would be better all around if Meredith did go. âWell, letâs go to the reception. We stay for a little while just so everyone can congratulate you and see that youâve appeared...then we go home and snuggle with Harold. Okay?â Evan used the hand she was holding to draw her closer, her thumb trailing over the blondeâs knuckles. âI mean...as long as itâs okay if I attend too. I can always just head back home.â She offered, not sure what Meredith would want.
Meredith gave a little pout and resisted the urge to stomp her foot.  She really just wanted to leave.  She didnât want to see her colleagues or the parents of her students⌠and even being around her students didnât seem all that desirable right now.  The blonde tightened her grip on Evanâs hand and shook her head.  âAbsolutely not.  Iâm not suffering through this alone.  If I have to go to this reception then youâre definitely coming with me.â  She smiled a little as another thought hit her.  âPlus⌠it would be nice to show people like Nick that Iâm spoken for⌠wouldnât it?â
Evan bit down on her bottom lip and nodded her head. It would definitely be nice if Nick would take a hint finally. âI just wasnât sureâŚâ She cut herself off and then offered her a smile. âCome on then, letâs go get it over with.â She mused, beginning to head out of the room. The sooner they got to the reception, the sooner they would be able to head out; something that Evan was certainly looking forward to. The one issue with surprising Meredith at the concert was that she couldnât just be alone with her...and Harold...so she was excited for when they could just curl up together.
Finding a smile was easier than she thought it would be and this time it wasnât fake. With the flowers in one hand and Evanâs hand still laced with the other she found herself not dreading this experience quite as much.  There were plenty of eyes on her and on Evan as they walked through the gathering.  Many of her colleagues knew exactly who Evan was because theyâd known Henri for far longer than theyâd known Meredith.  The blonde introduced Evan to a handful of people, she declined alcohol when offered, and made small talk easily⌠it was a learned skill that had been perfected over time especially since she was more of an introvert.  Nick was definitely there and in seeing Evan he hung back.
Evan nodded her head politely at people that she kind of knew that had offered her polite smiles of their own, simply following Meredith wherever she would lead. She would speak kindly to the people that she was introduced to, but was happy to move on to the next person whenever Meredith chose to do so. She noticed Nick around the room, but was pleased that he never seemed to come toward them at all. She really did not want to have to deal with him. The evening was going pretty smoothly and for that, Evan was grateful.
Meredith was obviously very well liked at this place. Â Everyone seemed to know her and those who didnât know Evan personally recognized her right away as being related to the late Henri Hughes. Â The blonde was proud of herself but even more proud to be on Evanâs arm that evening. Â Once the initial greetings were out of the way she tugged the brunette into a dimmed corner, kissed her cheek and looked up pleadingly. Â âPlease, take me home?â
Hearing the blondeâs words, she nodded her head and returned with a kiss to her forehead. âOkay, gorgeous. I have a rental car here so either you can come with me and we can come pick your car up tomorrow...or we can both drive our own cars home so we donât have to leave the house tomorrow...other than to walk Harold. What do you think?â Evan questioned, lifting one of her hands to drag her fingers gently across Meredithâs cheek.
The younger woman leaned into her touch. She had to really think about those two options. Â Eventually, she deflated a little, âAs much as I donât wanna let go of your hand right now, not having to leave the house at all tomorrow sounds amazing.â Â It was true. Â That was ultimately why she made the decision for them to take separate cars.
She smiled softly and nodded her head in agreement. âI think you made a good choice. Come on, letâs go, gorgeous.â She grabbed her hand once more and then led her out towards the parking lot. When they had to go in different directions, she kissed her cheek. âIâll see you back at the house. Drive safe, okay?â She waited for acknowledgement before she rushed to her own vehicle to drive back to the house.
âI will. Â See you there.â Â She smiled at the kiss to her cheek and was quick to get in her car and follow Evan home. All she really wanted to do was kiss her, thatâs all sheâd wanted to do since the moment she saw her in the dressing room. Â When she got home the first order of business was putting the flowers in water and placing them in the music room. Second order of business was kicking off her heels and saying hi to Harold. Then she went to find Evan.
Reaching the house before Meredith, Evan had moved inside and taken off her jacket and shoes. Sheâd then headed up to the bedroom to start unpacking the things that she had, making sure to give Harold some pets before she had climbed the stairs. Hearing feet coming up the stairs a few moments later, she set aside the suitcase with the few clothes she had left in it and turned to wait for Meredith to walk in.
The blonde had let her hair down out of the tight bun and ran fingers through the soft strands to fall into loose big soft curls made by the previous hairstyle. Â She swept it over one shoulder as she walked into the room and found the brunette waiting for her. Â Those brilliant blues found that stunning stare and a slow smile pulled at her lips. Â âHi..â. She said, just a few steps away.
Evan breathed out slowly as Meredith walked into the room, looking even more gorgeous than she had when Evan had left her a few moments before. She chewed on her bottom lip and she smiled in response to the other womanâs smile, letting out a slow breath. âHi, yourself.â She murmured, feeling the weight of the moment. It was the first time that they were truly alone, together, since things had furthered between themâŚ.and it was a lot. âCome here.â
Her heart skipped a beat at the sound of those words. Â Thatâs all she needed to hear for bare feet to make their way across hardwood. Â Stepping into her space she closed the distance between them until they were a breath away. She bit gently into her lower lip for a moment searching Evanâs eyes. After a quiet moment she pushed up on her toes slightly and let her lips find the other womanâs. The kiss was gentle and tentative and was over far too soon.
She let her hands find Meredithâs hips as she stepped up to her, her eyes meeting the blondeâs attempting to let her know that she was okay with whatever it was that Meredith was going to do. As lips pressed against her own, she moved her hands to rest on the younger womanâs lower back and she let out a soft groan as Meredith pulled away. The kiss had been short and sweet, and certainly not enough, but it was a pretty good start in Evanâs opinion. She rested her forehead against Meredithâs and smiled.
As those hands found her hips she suddenly felt more secure. Â The groan had her feeling all sorts of things and in that moment she knew she needed more. After a moment of their foreheads resting together she leaned up again and kissed her again, this time a bit deeper. Â She wasnât usually the one to initiate things like this but she knew that in this case she needed to. Her arms slipped about Evanâs neck and she let herself melt into the touch.
As lips found hers once again, her eyes fell shut and she tightened her arms around the blonde. The fire that had been burning within her for weeks now came to the surface once again and she pressed into the kiss more firmly. She wanted this so badly and the fact that they were here, now, and it was a possibility was almost overwhelming. She pulled away from the kiss and let her lips trail along her jaw and down her neck before carefully pulling away. She walked to the door and let it closed, wanting to ensure that Harold couldnât interrupt if he somehow made his way up the stairs.
The blonde whimpered as the woman pulled away, not ready for their kiss to break just yet. Â Sucking in a sharp breath as those lips traveled along her skin she tilted her head to give the brunette better access. Â As Evan stepped away to close the door her breath hitched. Â Her tux felt incredibly confining in that moment and she wished that Evan would just take it off. They were finally crossing some invisible boundaries that should never have been set in the first place.
Turning back around, all Evan wanted to do was take Meredith to bed. The urge to kiss her and touch her and hear those sounds that she had just been imagining through certain parts of their conversations over the past week...and long before that as well. But she knew that she couldnât. Rules were in place and when they were broken, punishments were necessary. And it had had to wait until Evan was with Meredith to come to fruition, but it shouldnât wait any longer. She moved to take a seat on the bed, biting down on her bottom lip. âWe have some things we need to deal with, Meredith.â
Evan had that look that Henri usually got before she was about to get a spanking. Â When the woman spoke up Meredith knew exactly what she was referring to. Â She gave a small nod. Â âI know.â Â She bit into her lower lip and let fingertips pluck the buttons of her jacket open. Â Meredith knew the rules and she knew that she had to be naked for the punishment. Her cheeks flushed a deep shade of pink as she draped the jacket over a chair. Undoing her pants they dropped to the floor and her thumbs hooked into black lace panties to pull them down and off her body draping the rest of her clothing over that same chair. Â Her skin was clean shaven, smooth and freckled. Coming over to the bed she stopped in front and of Evan.
Meredith was gorgeous, Evan knew that, but she was still taken back by just how beautiful she truly was. She was absolutely stunning and Evan was certainly going to have fun showing her just how beautiful she thought that she was once they got to that point. She sat back a bit more and her eyes glanced up at Meredithâs face. âGood.â She was glad that Meredith had remembered the discussion that they had had about how Evan wanted her for punishments. âTell me, what is it that youâre being punished for tonight?â Of course Evan knew, but it was important to her that the reasoning behind the punishments wasnât forgotten in the time between it happening and the punishment being executed.
She could feel those eyes on her body and that feeling alone had tingles dancing along her spine.  â....For not calling you that one night⌠and for missing two meals this week during tech.â  She really had just forgotten those meals.  That week was always so intense and she often lost herself in it.  She swallowed hard, the anticipation killing her.  It was now that Evan would prove that she had it in her to follow through with punishment.  She felt so exposed with the older woman still being fully dressed but it wasnât a feeling she disliked.
Evan nodded her head in approval when Meredith expressed the reason behind her punishment, unbuttoning the button on the sleeves of her shirt before rolling them up to give her some better movement. âHereâs how this is going to work...when I tell you to, you are going to come and lay across my lap. And then your punishment will begin. You will be receiving thirty spanks, ten for each rule broken. I want you to count out each of the spanks that you receive. If you miss one, an additional spank will be added.â She paused for a moment to allow the words to sink in. âUnderstood?â
Meredith took the moment given to let it all sink in and gave a slow nod.  âYes, Miss.â That was the first time sheâd said the title out loud and it felt right rolling off her lips.  As much as she wanted to be a brat and argue and try to bargain this was their first time going through this process and she wasnât in any position to start anything unnecessary⌠she was naked in front of Evan for the first time, she would be good and take her punishment.
She offered a small smile, pleased with how Meredith was taking this and then light pat her lap. âOkay, come here then.â She waited for Meredith to settle over her lap, resting her one hand on the bed beside Meredith and the other resting on her lower back for the time being. âOkay, Meredith. Thirty spanks starting now.â Evan let out a slow breath, easing herself into the mode that she needed to be in before bringing her hand down across the blondeâs ass for the first time.
The blonde made her way across Evanâs lap, the familiarity of the position almost a comfort in a way. Â When that hand came down against the bare skin of her ass she yelped. âOne.â Â The stinging sensation was a reminder of wrong deeds but in a way it told her she truly was home. Â âTwo.â Â With each and every spank sheâd yelp or whimper or squeak and then count as sheâd been told to do. â...-ten.â
The sounds coming from Meredith, in a sense, told Evan that she was doing this right. If there was no reaction, then Evan wasnât sure that she would feel as though what she was doing was making a difference in any way. When they reached the tenth spank, Evan took a moment to give Meredith a breather, and letting her know that she was doing well before she brought her hand back down and fell into the second set of spanks.
The breather was needed. It was overwhelming to get a spanking after not having one for so long. She used to at least get them once or twice a month depending on how much of a brat sheâd been in Henriâs eyes. Â When the spanks started back up Evan would get the same reaction out of her, a little noise of some sort followed by the appropriate number. Â By the time they reached twenty her voice was a little shaky but she managed to get them number out. Her ass was burning and looked to be a pretty shade of pink.
She took another break when they reached twenty, rubbing her hand over the slightly reddened skin and letting out a hum. âTen more to go.â She murmured, allowing the number to hopefully feel a little more tangible to the blonde. She was over halfway through the punishment and she was doing really well. She just had to keep going for a few more and it would be over. Once she felt as though there had been a long enough break, she began to bring her hand down again, for the final ten.
Meredithâs face was as flushed as her behind and her breathing was a little shaky. As the final ten began she counted, her voice cracked a bit and her yelps were almost cries. She managed to get through the pain, it still felt familiar and necessary. After the 28th spank she gave a little cry and whimper.  âT-twenty nineâŚâ It took her a longer moment after the last one to finally speak up but she did.  âTh-thirt-ty.â  Sheâd had way more in one sitting, one time her ass was so raw she winced for over a week every time she sat down.  This was just hard because it had been so long.
As soon as Meredith had counted to thirty, she moved her hand to rub her back in an attempt to soothe her. âYou did so well, Meredith. Iâm so proud of you.â She rubbed her back slowly and gently, wanting to calm her as much as she could. After a few moments, she hummed softly. âYouâre alright. Everythingâs okay.â She said softly, leaving it up to Meredith for when she wanted to move. Her ass was red and she would definitely be putting some cream on it to help soothe the skin, but she was going to take her cues from the blonde for now.
The soothing touch and soft words were very helpful in bringing her down from the intensity of the spanking. She sniffled a little and eventually, once the stinging subsided some, she pulled up in Evanâs lap, curling in against her. Â Sheâd needed that. âThank you.â Â She murmured softly, into the nape of the older womanâs neck. Meredith still felt safe and taken care of, she still felt things she didnât think sheâd feel again. Â She never wanted to let Evan go again.
âYouâre welcome, Mere. You did so well.â She mused softly, rocking gently and pressing a soft kiss to her head as she held her close. She definitely didnât plan on letting the blonde go for any longer than was absolutely necessary that night. Meredith had already been mentioning that she had missed being close to Evan, and now with her having just been punished, she really wasnât going to move too far from her. She lifted one of her hands and brushed away the few tears that had slipped down her cheeks.
The best thing about being punished was getting the love and care that came after the punishment. Â Her body was humming and her mind was a little foggy so just allowed herself to melt into those strong arms. Â She felt so much better now that sheâd done her penance for breaking the rules, as if a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. Now they could just relax. Â Tomorrow was Christmas Eve. They could stay home all day and Meredith was so grateful for that.
She kissed her head and continued to rock her gently for a little while. Eventually though, she pulled away just a bit. âLetâs go get ready for bed okay?â She gently brushed her nose against Meredithâs before she set her onto the bed. She grabbed one of her shirts and handed it to Meredith with a wink before grabbing herself a shirt and a pair of comfy shorts. She turned toward Meredith as she began to strip, wanting to bare herself in a similar way to the manner in which the blonde had had to earlier.
The blonde gave a nod and smiled some as that nose brushed against her own. Â When the shirt was handed over that smile only grew. Â She brought it up to her face to feel how soft it was before pulling it over her head to tent over that slender frame. Â Blue eyes found Evan as she stripped and she bit down hard into her lower lip. Â Evan was just as gorgeous as sheâd imagined-more so and she couldnât help but watch her. Cheeks flushed some as she realized she was staring but she wasnât about to stop either.
She smirked softly at the flush that found its way onto Meredithâs cheeks before she finished undressing, tossing the clothes into the laundry hamper and then easing into the shorts and shirt. She knew that she was attractive and it was definitely nice to get the reaction from the other woman. She then reached out to grab the blondeâs hand and led her to the bathroom so they could finish getting ready for bed. Letting go of Meredithâs hand when they reached the bathroom, she washed her face and then brushed her teeth before brushing through her dark locks. Once she was ready, she stepped behind Meredith and pressed a kiss to her shoulder. âIâm going to go grab Harold. Iâll meet you back in the bedroom.â
She was easily led to the bathroom where she washed her face and brushed her teeth and hair.  It was all incredibly domestic.  Theyâd done this the complete opposite of most couples⌠Live together and behave as a married couple usually didnât enter the relationship until after sex.  It worked for them and she wasnât complaining.  She was still brushing her hair as that kiss was placed on her shoulder.  âHeâs gonna hold a grudge cause you locked him out.â  She smirked.  Sure enough Harold was sitting right outside the bedroom door looking grumpy as hell but Henri was sitting there petting him.  âIâm impressed.â  She remarked with a small smile.
âMm, I know. Iâll have some sucking up to do.â She agreed, winking at the blonde before she stepped out of the bathroom. âI know youâre angry at me buddy, but weâve gotta get you outside before you can come in.â She gently lifted him into her arms and rubbed her hand along his body in an attempt to get back into his good graces, even if she was sure it would take a little while. She gestured with her head for Henri to follow them and then walked down stairs to let the dog out into the backyard, her arms over her chest. âSo what impressed you so much?â She questioned once she knew that Meredith wouldnât hear her speaking out loud.
The dog huffed and snarfed and was definitely holding a grudge because heâd never been locked out of the bedroom before. Henri got up and followed her younger sister downstairs. Â She leaned in the doorway watching her. Â âFollowing through with your punishment when all you really wanted to do was take her to bed.â Â It amused her to no end that her sister was so clearly falling for the blonde. Â If only she were alive and they could learn how to share.
She rubbed at her forehead and nodded her head a couple of times. âHaving to wait between punishments just wasnât going to work if I didnât actually do what I said I was going to do the moment I had the opportunity.â Evan replied, leaning against the doorframe. âIt would have been really easy just to fall into bed, but it wouldnât have been right, and it would have just led to problems down the line.â Evan mused before glancing back at her sister thoughtfully. âYouâre...still okay with this right?â
There was a proud smile on her face.  âYou certainly retained everything I taught you.  Thatâs how I practiced punishments whether it was with you as a kid or you as my partner, even with Mere thatâs how it was⌠youâre establishing normalcy and keeping true to your word and I know the familiarity of what you just put her through means more than you probably know.â  She could only offer a small smile as their eyes met.  âMore than okay with it.  The two people I love most are finding happiness. Thatâs all I could hope for.â
Henriâs words both soothed her and caused a spark of worry to well within her. She was glad that what she had done had been good and helpful for the blonde, but she also worried that maybe she was too similar. That maybe she was safe because she reminded Meredith of Henri. It was something that she thought about every once in a while, but she was trying to tame the thought each time it arose. With Henri saying that she was good with what was going on between Evan and Meredith, she let out a relieved breath and nodded. She still wished that she could bring Henri back for Meredith, even if it meant that she still had to be out of the picture; but she also knew there was no possible way for that to happen. âOkay...good.â
âIt amuses me honestly⌠that you and I seem to have the same taste in women.â  She smirked.  Harold waddled past them and made his best attempt to waddle upstairs, not wanting to get left out again.  âHeâs gonna steal your spot if you donât hurry.â She gave a nod into the house and the second her sisterâs eyes left her, her image flickered away.
She hummed thoughtfully and then nodded her head. It was pretty intriguing that they had the same taste in women, considering they had once wanted no one but the other. She chuckled at Henriâs words and followed the line of sight to Harold climbing up the stairs. She shut the door and locked it, noting that Henri had disappeared. âNight, Hen.â She murmured, glancing around for a moment before letting soft words fall from her lips. âI love you.â She rolled her shoulders and then walked towards the stairs, lifting Harold into her arms and then carrying him into the bedroom, kicking the door closed behind her before she placed him on the ground.
Henri smiled and though Evan couldnât see or hear her she spoke softly into the darkness, âI love you too.â Â When the brunette and pooch made their way back into the room the blonde smiled. Â No makeup, all freckles. Â Harold attempted to make it to the bed before Evan, clearly wanting his spot. Â Meredith giggled. Â She couldnât wait to have Evan back in bed with her. Â â He forgive you yet?â
She shook her head slightly at Meredithâs question, turning off the light and then carefully making her way toward the bed. She settled into her spot but then gave in and pulled Harold onto the bed, dropping him at the foot. Having Evan back was a change, so she wouldnât kick him out completely. At least...not yet. âHe has not forgiven me yet. I am fairly sure I have a lot of work to do on that front.â
Meredith smiled and leaned down to give him a good pet.  He snarfed a little but seemed to relax.  âHeâll get over it⌠eventually.â  Settling back into the pillows, she cuddled in close to Evan and placed a kiss along her jaw.  It was so nice to feel that body pressed against her own. She was a little aware of the fact that there was nothing on beneath her shirt but she didnât much care, it was more comfortable this way.
âWell, luckily I have a little while to get back on his good side.â Evan said with a soft laugh and a nod, chewing on her bottom lip. She hummed at the kiss to her jaw and then brushed her fingers through blonde locks. âHow are you feeling?â She questioned, allowing the words to settle between them. It was especially important for her to know after the punishment. Her eyes scanned over Meredithâs face in the dark.
Meredith leaned into the touch with a hum. Â âGood. Â Relieved. Â It still burns a little but I put a cream on it thatâs helping with that. Â Mostly just happy that youâre here with me and not on some screen.â Â She nuzzled into her. Â â... What about you?â Â She needed to make sure Evan was alright with what theyâd just done. Â It had been a lot to take in.
She rested her chin atop the blonde's head as she nuzzled into her, letting her hand move down to rub her back gently. âAs long as you're okay, I'm okay, Mere. Promise.â She had only ever been on the other side of a punishment before this and so she was grateful that enough knowledge had transferred over through her experiences.
âNow that thatâs over we can have a nice time tomorrow and for the holiday. Â Iâm happy we got it out of the way.â Â She wrapped her arm around Evanâs middle. Â âThough I was really hoping for more kisses.â Â The blonde had wanted her clothes to come off but for completely different reasons. Â Sheâd known the punishment had to be coming but she wasnât sure when.
Evan nodded, smiling as an arm wound around her waist. âI'm glad we got it over with too. Didn't want it to be something that was hanging over our heads for too long.â She chuckled softly at her next words and gently scratched her back through the fabric of the shirt. âYou can have all of the kisses that you want now, gorgeous.â
The blonde grinned and pressed her body a little more fully against Evanâs. âOh, really?â Â She placed a kiss on her neck, her jaw, her cheek. Â âAll the kisses?â She let her lips find the corner of the older womanâs mouth teasingly. Â Meredith couldnât help her behavior, she felt as if sheâd been wanting Evan for ages.
Evan shook her head in amusement but let out a soft sigh of pleasure as kisses were pressed against her skin. âI'm not going to complain about kisses. Though we aren't going to get further than that with a snoring dog on the end of the bed. Sorry about your luck.â
Meredith laughed softly because she knew Evan was right. Leaning in a little closer she stole a kiss from her lips. âIâm happy just to get kisses.â Â She murmured against her lips nipping the womanâs lower lip gently before kissing her again.
She hummed as lips pressed to her own, unable to hold back the smile from forming. She groaned at the nip to her lip and then gripped pulled her closer as they kissed again. âI am a fan of your lips.â Evan murmured, dragging her hand up to tangle in the blonde's hair.
Meredith moaned softly as Evan pulled her in closer. Â âGood cause Iâm a fan of yours.â Â She let her lips find the older womanâs once more and whimpered against them as those fingers threaded through her hair. Â She was very tempted to just straddle her but then theyâd be sliding along thin ice.
She allowed herself to slip into the kiss for a few moments before slowly pulling back. âWe should get some sleep, Mere. And I'll enjoy your lips more tomorrow.â Evan mused, nudging her nose gently against Meredith's.
The blonde gave a little pout at that statement but then defiantly stole one more kiss before settling against her and cuddling in close.  âFineâŚâ  She gave a playful huff but then relaxed against the brunette letting herself enjoy the solid warmth that the body beside her provided.
She smirked and shook her head slightly, settling against the bed comfortably. She let her hand trail through blonde locks, content to wait for Meredith to fall asleep as usual before she let herself drift off. âSleep well, Mere.â Evan said softly, kissing her forehead.
texting || evan + meredith
Evan: Hey...I've got some bad news.
Meredith: I donât like the sound of that.
Evan: I don't think I'm going to make it to your concert. There was an issue with my ticket and I need to take a later flight.
Meredith: Oh.
Meredith: Well, at least youâre still coming home. Thatâs what matters most
Evan: I'm definitely still coming home. But I'm sorry I won't make it.
Meredith: Itâs okay. Â I knew it wasnât a 100% thing.
Evan: I really do want to be there. I'm sure your last concert is going to go amazingly.
Meredith: I wish you could be too. Â Theyâve been pretty great so far. Â Iâll see you soon?
Evan: You will absolutely see me soon, Mere. Kick some butt tonight, gorgeous.
Meredith: I will :)
Evan: Good.
facetime || meredith + evan
[She moves to brush her teeth and hair, turning off most of the lights in her place except for the bedside lamp before settling in again, calling Meredith.]
[Seeing the FaceTime go off on her phone her cheeks automatically flush from what theyâd just done. She answers with Harold in frame too.]
Meredith: Hi⌠[she smiles almost shyly]
Evan: Hey yourself. [She grins in return, moving back against the headboard.]
Meredith: [Harold notices the voice and face on the screen and moves to head butt it] Heyyy Harold nooo⌠[She laughs pulling the phone out of dog butting range] Clearly he misses you too and also thinks a week is too long.
Evan: [She laughs at the dog's hello, shaking her head in amusement.] Hey, buddy. I miss you too. But I'll be there for pets and snuggles soon. Promise.
Meredith: [With a huff and a snarf he goes and makes himself comfortable on Evanâs pillow. Mere makes a face.] I will wash that before you get home.
Evan: [She smirks softly, feeling some sort of something at the sight of Meredith on her phone screen.] I appreciate that a lot, cutie.
Meredith: [Her cheeks flush again. Between that smirk and being called cutie her cheeks are flushed enough to be noticed.] By the way none of your clothing is safe. Â [She pans down to show the big T-shirt and bare thighs peeking out from under it.]
Evan: You know...you're going to owe me a whole new closet full of clothes. [She teases, head tilted.] Especially if you're going to steal my favorites like this one. [She pans down as well, showing off the outfit or lack thereof.]
Meredith: Nuuu I share. When I steal I just borrow cause Iâm nice like that.  [the blonde bites her lower lip at the sight.] Are you trying to get me worked up again? [She raises a brow] I mean⌠two can play at that game.. I have nothing on beneath this shirt of yours.
Evan: No, no. I don't need any more help getting worked up. [She shakes her head and pans back up to her face before laying down on the bed.] Nothing on huh? That's pretty damn hot.
Meredith: Does that mean you already are? Â [a smile tugs dangerously at her lips.] I prefer to sleep in nothing more than a T-shirt most nights.
Evan: That is definitely what that means. [She lets out a chuckle and rubs at her forehead.] Mm, you like showing off those legs huh?
Meredith: I wish I could help with that.  [she canât stop staring at the older woman on her screen.] I like feeling free in bed. Pants and underwear are so⌠restrictive. Â
Evan: Mm, it would certainly be nice if you could. That's a fair point. They are pretty restrictive. And you wouldn't want to be restricted.
Meredith: Not by pants. [she clears her throat a little, running slender digits through her hair.]
Evan: [She flushes at those words and bites down on her bottom lip.] Is being tied up something you enjoy?
Meredith: Sometimes⌠[she murmurs, cheeks darkening in shade.]  I like lots of things though⌠experimentation is fun.
Evan: You're right. Experimentation is very fun. Especially with someone you trust.
Meredith: I trust you.
Evan: I trust you too.
Meredith: [a smile plays at pink lips.] This week is going to be pure torture.
Evan: Absolute torture. But that's alright. It'll just make seeing you so much better.
Meredith: [she pouts a little]. I want you in bed with me right now.
Evan: I'm sorry I can't be. Soon. And then you're stuck with me for a couple of weeks.
Meredith: Mm hmm. I might just need to kidnap you while youâre home.
Evan: And how are you going to manage that?
Meredith: Iâll think of something.
Evan: I have to head back to work at some point, gorgeous.
Meredith: Iâll find you work here.
Evan: Is that so?
Meredith: Mm hmm. Iâm kinda connected here. People like me. I bet Iâd get you a job in the first month.
Evan: Some people like you too much.
Evan: Tell ya this...you find me a job that Iâll actually enjoy and weâll talk.
Meredith: Oh really? [a grin shine bright through the phone.] Thatâs easy. At least for me it will be.
Evan: Hmm, weâll see about that.
Meredith:Mm hmm. Â We will. What do I get if I win?
Evan: You get me living at home.
Meredith: Iâll start looking tomorrow. I hope you know how serious I am.
Evan: You certainly seem to be serious about it, sweetheart.
Meredith: Super serious. I donât like this whole missing you nonsense. You being here makes perfect sense.
Evan: Missing you certainly is a shame. Send me information of places you find and I will definitely take a look. Okay?
Meredith: Deal.
Evan: Deal. [She smiled and yawns.] Harold out?
Meredith: [pans to the dog who is snoring] Completely.
Evan: Oh wow. Look at all the dog drool on my pillow. Amazing. [She says softly, shaking her head.]
Meredith: [gives a little laugh] a pillow Iâm gonna wash.
Evan: I know. I know. Iâm just going to grumble about it for the next week. But itâs okay because Harold is going to grumble about not getting to sleep on that pillow once Iâm there.
Meredith: Youâre gonna have to fight him and deal with the pouting.
Evan: So much pouting. What if I just join in on the pouting?
Meredith: And what will that accomplish?
Evan: I will not be the only one not pouting.
Meredith: Not true. Â Once youâre here in bed with me I wonât be pouting anymore. Just Harold.
Evan: Hmm, fair enough. I think Iâll be too happy to be pouting anyway.
Meredith: Good. âŚ.. Youâre gonna make me go to bed soon, arenât you?
Evan: I am going to make the both of us go to bed soon, yep. But we can stay on facetime, if you want. If thatâs something you need tonight.
Meredith: [she gives a small nod and for a moment almost looks as if she might cry]
Evan: [Her eyebrows furrow.] Hey, whatâs up, Mere? Talk to me.
Meredith: I just ⌠miss you really hard right now⌠and I donât wanna be alone.
Evan: I know itâs not the same, but Iâm here, okay? And Iâll be here on the phone with you all night. And Harold is there for snuggles. And you are not alone. [Her eyes scan over the otherâs features through the phone.] Iâm sorry if we went to far with me not there to hold you after.
Meredith: [she gives another small nod.] ⌠Okay.  [biting hard into her lower lip she shakes her head right as Evan starts to apologize.] You literally have no idea how much I needed that tonight, Ev.  [She lets out a shaky breath] Henri was⌠punishing me because I came without permission.  I wasnât allowed to touch myself. And even when we did things together I still wasnât allowed to cum⌠I've always been sexually charged and that was torture...so⌠tonight was needed.  [it all tumbled out of her] And then we had that night, you and I, and since then Iâve just gotten increasingly sexually frustratedâŚ
Evan: [She smiles softly and lets out a slow breath.] You were such a good girl for me tonight and I am so proud of you. And I am going to hold you for so long when Iâm back with you next week. I promise. And also I should apologize for how sexually frustrated Iâve helped you become...but Iâm really not all that apologetic about it. [She teases with a grin.]
Meredith: [she feels her cheeks heat up again]  I like being a good girl for you. [that smile tugs at pink lips once more.] I like the sound of thatâŚ. [she gives a small laugh and playful roll of her eyes.] Apparently Iâve been just as cruel.
Evan: I like having you be good for me. So this is working out nicely. You certainly have been. Starting with that outfit when we went dancing. Like...damn. You looked so good.
Meredith: That it is. [Laying down, she brings the phone with her and smirks a little but it fades into a smile.] I like to look good when I go out⌠But feeling your eyes on me before we left had tingles running through my body.
Evan: Hmm, trying to show off for the people of the bar?
Meredith: Nope. Â I knew I was yours that night.
Evan: Good. We certainly showed everyone that you were mine.
Meredith: We did.  And it felt good. Iâm glad you like the outfit though⌠Iâll have to dress up for you more often.
Evan: I would like that very much.
Meredith: I can take you dancing at my favorite club next time?
Evan: I like that idea.
Meredith: I have other outfits for those occasionsâŚ
Evan: Like? What sorts of outfits?
Meredith: Dresses. Skirts.more outfits that look painted on my body.
Evan: I look forward to getting to see them.
Meredith: I think youâll love them.
Evan: I'm sure I will. You look great in anything.
Meredith: I look better in nothing. [she gives an innocent smile.]
Evan: [She groans softly, brushing her fingers through her hair.] I have no doubt about that, Mere.
Meredith: [she bites her lower lip at the sound of that groan and cuddles into the pillow a bit more.] Â Youâll have to see for yourself.
Evan: Mhm, I suppose that I will. [She winks playfully and then pulls the blankets over her shoulders.]
Meredith: [the blonde mirrors the brunette, pulling up the blanket.] Itâs supposed to snow tomorrow.
Evan: Turning into a winter wonderland. Keep warm, gorgeous.
Meredith: I will. Â It would be way easier with extra body heat.
Evan: In a week you will have extra body heat.
Meredith: [she gives a little pout] Thatâs forever away.
Evan: You're going to be so busy you won't even have time to miss me.
Meredith: Iâll always have time to miss you.
Evan: After weeks of spending everyday together you'll get sick of me. [She teases with a smile.]
Meredith: We just spent weeks together and clearly Iâm not sick of you.
Evan: Mm, but this time you wonât have to work or anything.
Meredith: More time for me to find you the perfect job. [she grins]
Evan: [She laughs softly and nods.] I guess so. For now though, I think it's time to sleep.
Meredith: [giving a little pout she pulls Evanâs pillow closer to snuggle with Harold and sets the phone down beside him, still angled so they can see one another.] I donât like this whole bedtime thing.
Evan: No, but it's definitely important. You need your rest, sweetheart.
Meredith: Yeah,yeah.. I know. Â [She closes her eyes and Harold snorts a little in his sleep.]. Goodnight, Ev.
Evan: [She smiles and shakes her head before settling down and sighing softly.] Goodnight, Mere. Sweet dreams.
texting || meredith + evan
Meredith: My students were being especially insufferable today and it had me seriously contemplating the no killing them rule.
Evan: Well I'm proud that it stayed at the contemplation of breaking a rule. Sorry things were so rough for you today, Mere.
Meredith: Pffft. If I didnât think Iâd get more than corner time and a spanking theyâd be goners. Â How was your day?
Meredith: By the way, we miss you.
Evan: You still followed the rule. Count it as a win, gorgeous. My day was filled with a lot of paperwork. Itâs amazing what builds up when you leave for ages.
Evan: I miss you both too. So much.
Meredith: Mm hmm. I had my share of things to grade today. Â Totally feel your pain.
Unsent: Then come home.
Meredith: I finished decorating the tree.
Evan: It's just the worst. And my place just feels empty so that's not fun
Evan: Do I get to see it?
Meredith: This place feels too big without you in it. Clearly Iâm not completely alone but stillâŚ
Meredith: Mayyyybe.
Evan: I'll be back with you as soon as I can.
Evan: Just maybe?
Meredith: Good.
Meredith: Mm hmm.
Evan: For now, Harold will just have to give really good cuddles.
Evan: How do I turn that into a yes?
Meredith: He does. He is trying to steal your job.
Meredith: I dunno⌠I send you photos on the daily. Maybe I wanna see you for a change.
Evan: Hmph. I don't know how I like that.
Evan: Perhaps you should ask nicely if that's what you want.
Meredith: I mean he is extra cute and his cuddle game is 10/10.
[huffs at her phone]
Meredith: :|
Meredith: May I please see your pretty face which youâve been depriving me of?
Evan: I'm also super cute and my cuddles are more than 10/10. So.
Evan: Good girl.
Evan: Happy, gorgeous?
Meredith: I mean, all Iâm saying is you have some competition.
Unsent: That shouldnât be allowed.
Meredith: Very. :)
Evan: Iâm glad I could make you happy.
Evan: It looks good! Great work, Mere.
Meredith: You seem to do that easily.
Meredith: Thank you :) I had to replace the ornaments on the bottom with plastic ones cause Harold is fascinated by the tree.
Evan: Do I? Thatâs good to hear. You make me happy too.
Evan: What a silly pup.
Meredith: You do. Â Iâm glad. :)
Meredith: he could see his reflection in one of the bigger balls and started barking at it.
Evan: <3
Evan: What a dope. I appreciate that about him though.
Evan: What are you up to right now?
Meredith: ⌠relaxing.  You?
Evan: What are the dots for?
Evan: Iâm in bed. Just hanging out.
[Breathes out shakily and groans.]
Evan: That definitely looks relaxing.
Meredith: It is. Â Lavender vanilla bubbles and all.
Evan: Mmm, thatâs a good scent.
Evan: Iâm pretty relaxed too though.
[ Nearly dies at the sight ]
Meredith: You look it. Flannel is my favorite. Â I may need to steal that when you come home.
Evan: Itâs nice to...unwind after a long day.
Evan: You just going to go through my entire wardrobe and take everything you like?
Meredith: ExactlyâŚ
Meredith: I think that sounds like an amazing plan.
Evan: Hmm...you know what I think sounds like an amazing plan?
Meredith: I have a feeling Iâm gonna regret asking- what?
Evan: Thereâs a little bit of a rule that I made for you...that honesty one right?
[Smirks at her phone.]
Evan: How are you feeling this evening? Â
[ gawks at her phone and flushes a deep shade of red. ]
Meredith: I donât think you actually want to know. Â I think you just wanted to get me to blush.
Evan: Getting you to blush is pretty wonderful, thatâs true.
Evan: But I wouldnât ask if I didnât want to know.
Meredith: Your evil Hughes side is showing.
Meredith: RelaxedâŚ
Meredith: TiredâŚ.
Meredith: A little lonelyâŚ
Meredith: Happy to talk to youâŚ
Meredith: Sexually frustrated.
Evan: You happy to like the different sides of Hughes women though, so I donât think youâre really complaining.
Evan: Being relaxed is good, you deserve it.
Evan: Hopefully we can ensure you get some sleep tonight.
Evan: Iâm sorry Iâm not there with you, but Iâm happy to talk to you too.
[Pauses at the last one and bites down on her bottom lip.]
Evan: Maybe you should do something about that then.
[Freezes after sheâs sent it and rubs her forehead]
Meredith: Itâs unfair that you know me this well after one month.
Meredith: Â I do enjoy relaxing. Hopefully. Talking to you always helps.
[the blonde blushes more and bites her lower lip.]
Meredith: Hmm⌠you want me to touch myself, Ev?
Evan: Itâs truly a gift.
Evan: Talking to you helps me relax too. Itâs been the best part of my day the past month.
[She drops back against the bed and swallows harshly]
Evan: Iâm just saying that it couldnât hurt.
Meredith: Mine too.
[she lets her free hand slip beneath the waterâs surface to trace fingertips teasingly along her thigh.]
Meredith: And what if... I want you to tell me to do it?
Evan: Guess itâs a good thing weâll keep it up.
[She pauses, letting that message sit for a few moments as she thinks it through]
Evan: Alright. Be a good girl and touch yourself.
[she holds her breath waiting on that reply and at the order her hand goes between her legs]
Meredith: Iâll be good for you.
[She bites down on her bottom lip harshly and groans, âwhat the hell am I doing?â]
Evan: Of course you will. Youâre so good, Mere.
[She hasnât done this in at least five months. Her hand works at her clit a moan slipping past her lips as she reads that response. Â She canât help but look at that photo as a finger pushes into her tight sex.]
Meredith: How is it that you know exactly what to say?
Evan: I just want to be what you need in a lot of situations so I just...think about what I can do for you and roll with it. I'm glad I'm doing it right.
Evan: Does it feel good?
Meredith: You do a lot of things right.
[Sheâs lucky sheâs good at multi tasking.]
Meredith: Very. Â Iâm already close.
Evan: I try my best for you.
Evan: Wow...how long have you needed this, Mere?
Meredith: Uhm⌠an embarrassing amount of time.
Meredith: Clearly I havenât been with anyone in four months but I also wasnât allowed to touch myself for a full two months before that. So⌠six months?
Evan: Hmm, no wonder you're so close already.
Evan: Is that why you wanted me to tell you to touch yourself? Since you weren't allowed?
Meredith: Not entirely.
Meredith: I like when you tell me to do things.
Evan: Oh? Does it make you feel...good when I tell you to do things?
[The blondeâs cheeks flush again and she releases a shaky breath keeping herself on edge.]
Meredith: ⌠More than you know.
[She groans at that knowledge and rolls onto her side.]
Evan: Well that makes me feel...good.
Unsent: How are you touching y--
Evan: I bet you want permission to cum huh?
[She bites so hard into her lower lip that she nearly draws blood.]
Meredith: Good. Â We should both feel good.
[She mentally kicks herself for the wording of that last text.]
Meredith: Please?
Evan: I agree.
Evan: Not just yet. Keep being good for me.
Evan: I have a time in mind. If you make it to that point without asking I will let you cum.
Meredith: Iâll be good for you.
[The whole situation was intense. Â Her fingers continue to tease and pleasure.]
Meredith: Promise.
Evan: I know you will.
Evan: Tell me what you're up to tomorrow.
Meredith: Class. Giving a test because Iâm so nice. Â Rehearsal for the winter concert. We go into tech week soon. Â Uhm walking Harold and doing the things on my list. Probably thinking about you way too much.
Evan: I'm sure your students will love that.
Evan: When is the concert again?
Evan: I'm glad following your rules in planned ;)
Evan: Thinking of me how?
Meredith: They will be thrilled.
Meredith: December 21-23. We have three shows right before break.
Meredith: :P
Meredith: I wonât know til I think it.
Evan: I will try to make it to a show.
Evan: Are you really being a smartass when I haven't yet given you permission to cum? Interesting.
Evan: How have you thought about me?
Meredith: I would really love that.
Meredith: Just being honest!
Meredith: Iâm not sure youâre ready for that full answer butâŚ
Meredith: Iâve thought about you being here with me and how much I wish you were still here. I think about cooking together and how itâs not as fun without you. I think about you every night because clearly I talk to you but itâs more than that, I sleep better with you here. Donât tell Harold but your snuggles are far superior. I think about a lot of normal things because you helped me create a new normal but thenâŚ. I also think about you telling me what to do. I think about you giving me rules and I think about the one time you already had to punish me and what that means when you come back.  I think about the night we went dancing and how much I enjoyed being so close to you. And right now Iâm thinking about you being here while I touch myself. Thinking about you replacing my hand with your own.
Evan: I'll do my best to get there.
Evan: Cheeky.
Evan: Well I'm happy that they seem to be good thoughts. And in the realm of being honest...I think about that night too. And right now...I do wish I was there.
Meredith: Always good thoughts. Â Some more scandalous than others. You do? Â
Meredith: What would you do if you were here?
Evan: The scandalous ones are fun huh?
Evan: Mm, see that's such a tricky question. Part of me thinks that my hand between your legs would be hard and fast and unforgiving. But most of me thinks that toying with you for hours could be just...delicious.
Meredith: Very.
Meredith: Why not both? :)
Evan: You make a very good point. Are you still teasing yourself?
Meredith: You never told me to stop.
Evan: Such a good girl.
Evan: Are you fucking yourself or just teasing your clit?
Meredith: For you.
Meredith: Both.. one finger.
Evan: That's right. For me.
Evan: Mm, make that two.
Meredith: Yes, Miss.
[Takes in a sharp breath at those words and groans softly.]
Evan: You've been teasing yourself for a while..so I want you to get a bit rougher with yourself for me.
Meredith: How much rougher?
Evan: I want you to be rough enough that you can be the burn in your wrist. I want you to ache in the best way.
Meredith: Yes, Miss⌠this is so hard.  Iâm very tight⌠feels so good.
[She slams her hand harder. The fit of those two fingers stretches her perfectly.]
Evan: Such a good girl for me. Â You're doing so well. Keep it up.
Meredith: For you. Â All for you.
[Her hand keeps that rough and fast pace. Her wrist starts to burn and her clit throbs.]
Evan: That's right.
Evan: Hey, Mere?
Meredith: Yes?
Evan: Be a good girl and cum for me.
[Those words are all it takes to have her crying out]
Meredith: Yes, Miss.
Meredith: Iâm not sure my legs workâŚ.
Evan: Must have been a good one, gorgeous.
Evan: How do you feel now?
Meredith: After no orgasms for six months? It was explosive.
Meredith: Good. Better. I really needed that. Â Thank you.
Meredith: Only thing that could have made that better would be having you here.
Evan: Mm, I bet.
Evan: You're welcome, Mere.
Evan: The distance truly is a shame.
Meredith: When do I get to see you?
Evan: In person?
Meredith: Mm hmm.
Evan: Right now I'm scheduled to fly out on the 22nd because of a meeting I need to go to that day. So probably after the concert you're doing the 22nd is when you'll see me.
Meredith: Thatâs so long.
[With the water only luke warm she finally unplugs the tub and manages to get out on shaky legs. Â Wrapping hers of in a towel she heads into Evanâs room]
Evan: You've lasted this long, Mere. I believe that you can hold out for one more week.
Evan: Would it help if we facetimed every night this week instead of just a regular call?
Meredith: Pouting at the phone.
[She pulls on a big T-shirt Evan left and crawls into bed, Harold jumping up beside her.]
Meredith: I think it might⌠does that mean I get to see your face now?
Evan: Awe, sweets.
Evan: Gimme like five minutes and then I'll be ready for facetime.
Meredith: Mkay. Iâll be in bed waiting with Harold.

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youâre leaving |Â evan+meredith
who: Evan and Meredith
when: after thanksgiving. they just got the tree.
where: the house
Thanksgiving had been so much better than she could have dreamed. Â Theyâd made quite the meal throughout the day all the while completing a puzzle. Â Theyâd both needed a fun holiday and in the company of one another they were able to achieve exactly that. Today theyâd bundled up and went to the farm to cut down a Christmas tree. Â Yes, the blonde had been picky but as Henri would remark to her sister Mere had gone easy on her. Â Once the tree was home and standing proud in the living room they dressed it with white lights and lit a fire. Â For now that was all that would go on the tree. Â Finishing up in the kitchen Meredith brought in two steaming mugs of hot chocolate and cozied up beside the brunette. Â âYouâre leaving tomorrow.â She said after a moment of silence.
 It had been a long time since Evan had spent a Thanksgiving with someone that she cared about; and it had been great, getting to do so with Meredith, even if it had left a bit of longing in regards to not truly getting to spend another holiday with Henri. The meal had been delicious and the company warming, and it was easily now going to be one of her favorite Thanksgiving memories. Furthermore, the tree retrieval had been fun too. Mere had taken a while, but Evan couldn't complain when it had brought such a light to her eyes. When they had finished up the first part of the tree and had settled, Evan let out a soft sigh. âI am.â She agreed with a nod, adjusting her body to slide closer to the blonde.
 Meredith took a long sip from the steaming mug before setting it in the coffee table.  Feeling the brunette shift closer she settled comfortably against her.  â....I know itâs selfish but⌠I donât want you to go.â  She admitted softly. Taking one of the older womanâs hands into her own she laced their fingers.  Harold hopped up onto the end of the couch closest to the blazing fire and curled up to take a snooze giving a little snarf in their general direction.
 She smiled softly and kissed the woman's head, squeezing her hand a bit more tightly. âI donât really want to go either. But I need to.â Evan said, rubbing her thumb across her knuckles. âI'll be back soon though. And we're going to talk everyday.â That she knew was true because of the rules that were set in place. âSo you won't have time to miss me.â She knew that wasn't exactly how it worked, but she could at least pretend a bit.
 âOh, no?â The blonde was certainly skeptical.  Blue eyes glanced up giving her a little raise of that perfectly arched brow.  âI highly doubt that.â  She knew sheâd miss her every day and that made her stomach twist into knots.  Leaning into the older woman a little bit more, she grabbed the knit blanket from the back of the couch and pulled it around them.
 âNo. Chicago is great as a city and I do enjoy my job; but being away from you will suck.â They really hadn't known one another for long, but Meredith had managed to work her way into Evan's heart. She smiled as the blanket was pulled around them, letting go of Meredith's hand to wrap her arm around her, her hand resting comfortably against her side. âWanna know a secret?â She mused, resting her forehead against Meredith's temple. âBeing away from you will be one of the most difficult things I've ever done.â
 It made it a tiny bit better that Evan would be finding it just as hard.  Feeling that arm wrap around her body made her smile.  She hummed in response to the question with a small nod.  The closeness felt too good and yet just right.  âEver?â  She was surprised to hear that but it sent a warmth through her that she couldnât explain.
 She was pleased when Meredith seemed content, her hand gently smoothing along her side. âMhmm, there are just a couple of things that are at the top of the list...and this is definitely up there now.â She admitted, wanting to be as honest as she possibly could. âJust gonna have to keep reminding myself that I'll be back here soon enough.â
 The blonde smiled a little more.  Turning her head, she kissed the brunetteâs cheek gently.  âItâs nice knowing I wonât be alone in those feelings.â She admitted.  These next few weeks would be entirely too difficult, the rules would help for sure but still⌠her heart would feel a little empty.
 Evan smiled, a small flush covering her cheeks as lips pressed against her skin. âYou definitely are not alone in those feelings, beautiful.â Evan mused, squeezing her side before taking a sip of her drink. âI promise to do whatever I can to make it not so bad okay? So you just need to tell me if there's anything I can do to make it better.â
 Her cheeks flushed a soft shade of pink when Evan called her beautiful.  Biting gently into her lower lip she glanced at the crackling fire. All she really wanted to do was tell her to stay, thatâs what she could do.  But sheâd done so much already.  A lot could happen in the span of a few weeks, theyâd just proved that.  Meredith couldnât deny that she had feelings for her sister in law.
 She lifted her hand to trail her fingers through light locks, letting out a soft breath as she enjoyed the warmth that was surrounding them, even as it was tinged with sadness. She could hear the soft snores coming from Harold and she chuckled softly before shaking her head in amusement. He was quite the character. âIâm glad you at least have him here with you.â
 The younger woman leaned into the touch giving a soft hum.  Her eyes followed Evanâs to the snoring pup and she let a soft laugh slip past pink lips.  âLazy cakes.â A playful roll of blue eyes was given.  âSo am I. Heâs perfect.â Soft fingertips traced patterns lightly on the womanâs thigh.  âHeâll miss you too. Especially when I have to go off to work.â
 The muscles in her thigh tensed for a moment as patterns were drawn through her clothes, letting out a soft breath before she relaxed into the touch. It was fairly intimate but far from the most intimate thing they had done which was saying something; and it also felt really nice, to be close to her this way. âIâll miss him too. Youâll have to make sure I can facetime with him too.â She teased gently, glancing at the blonde.
 She felt the muscles react to her touch and only smiled a little when the woman relaxed.  Another small laugh left her and she nuzzled into the brunette.  âYouâll get to FaceTime him and Iâll send you all the photos of us and then eventually youâll be back.  Cause you promised.â She glanced up with a smile, fingers still tracing patterns over her thigh.
 âI am most definitely going to be back, gorgeous. You donât have to worry about that.â Evan said, holding her close and kissing the top of her head. âI look forward to all of the pictures youâre going to send me, thatâs for sure.â Evan mused gently, being honest in the ways that she could. She couldnât admit that she definitely liked Meredith in a more than platonic way, but she could give little pieces of the truth.
rules ||Â evan + henri + mere
who: Evan and Henri and Meredith and Harold
when: the night before thanksgiving
where: the house and school
 Henri appeared and leaned up against the nearest piece of furniture simply staring at her younger sister.  âYouâre thinking far too loud.â  She sighed a little raising her brow.  âWhatâs on your mind, Ev?â
Having Henri appear out of nowhere was something that Evan had just gotten used to. Particularly when she was alone. Or rather, when it was just her and Harold at home. Evan knew that Henri was around when Meredith was there too, she just seemed to be quieter. She furrowed her eyebrows and then glanced up at her sister. âIâm going to be gone for a month.â She mused, head tilting to the side. âSo I was...I had an idea.â Evan stated, crossing her arms over her chest. âI was thinking that having a list of rules might help Meredith. And I was hoping maybe youâd help me come up with that list?â
 Henri listened and then smiled some.  âThat actually sounds like a really good idea.â  Not that she was surprised, her sister was smart.  âThough with rules must come consequences⌠that needs to be figured out too.â  She gave a small nod, âIâll help you.  I noticed she already wrote down a few things like no killing children, sleeping with you, telling you if and when the asshole bothers her and her bedtime.  She keeps it written in a journal.â  She gave Evan a look.  âDonât judge I literally have nothing to do but snoop.â
 She grinned when Henri said that she liked the idea that she had, nodding in understanding and agreement at the notion of consequences as well. Evanâs smile widened when Henri mentioned that Meredith was keeping notes on the rules that she was being given. âThatâs adorable.â She mused, chuckling at Henriâs statement soon thereafter. âNo judgement. Promise. You do have a lot of time on your hands.â She said with a slight tilt of her head, pulling out her phone so that she could make note of the rules and consequences that they came up with. âSo I was thinking about maybe making a rule of needing to eat three meals a day. Iâve noticed that she doesnât really bring a lunch to work, but I was just focused on the fact that she was at least eating breakfast and dinner; proud of her for that too.â
 âThat sounds more than reasonable.â  She nodded.  âShe canât just stop eating when you leave itâs unacceptable.â  The thought upset her to no end.  âI want her sleeping in your room even if you arenât there. Harold can be with her. No more of that couch shit.â  She needed the blonde to function at least somewhat normally.
 Evan typed out the few guidelines that she and Henri had mentioned, nodding at the notion of Meredith not being allowed to sleep on the couch when Evan was away. If it wasnât acceptable when Evan was there, it certainly wasnât going to be acceptable when she was away. âDo you think itâs too much to ask for her to message me at least a few times every day?â Evan questioned, furrowing her eyebrows. It was hard to know what lines she shouldnât cross when she and Meredith technically werenât anything. Even if Evan wanted them to be.
 Henri considered this a moment. âNo, I think itâs a good rule and I also think a call should be expected once sheâs in bed.  Youâve gotten good at reading her voice and itâs harder over text. You have to hear sheâs okay.â  The older woman gave a small nod and came to look over her shoulder.  âHarold will be her responsibility so whatever routine youâve both started with him itâs her job to continueâŚâ
 She nodded her head, pleased that it didn't seem to be too much. After all, in her opinion the rules that they were coming up with were super important to ensure that Meredith stayed healthy while Evan wasn't around. Her heart would break if Meredith fell back into the cycle that she had been in before. Her fingers typed up the guidelines and then furrowed her eyebrows slightly. âI don't want to overwhelm her with too many new rules so I think this is probably a good start right? I can always add if I come up with more.â She mused, rolling her shoulders. âSo...consequences.â
 âI think itâs the perfect start.â  She gave a little nod and then leaned back some with a small smirk.  âItâs not like you can deny her orgasms. Thatâs typically a good punishment as we both know.â  She thought another moment.  âYouâd be uncomfortable spanking her Iâm sure.â  There were so many punishments that used to be fun that she knew her sister probably wouldnât want to touch on.  Sheâd pick something boring like writing lines or essays or corner time none of which she believed would work on Meredith.
 Evan blushed at the notion of denying orgasms. Even if she liked the idea, she was far from believing she was the right person for that. Even if she wanted to be. She rubbed the back of her neck and chewed on her bottom lip. âLike...I donât know that I would be against spanking her. The problem with that one is the distance. It's not like spanking her for all her wrong doings when I get back will work. It's too removed from the whole error in the first place.â Evan replied, trying to figure out what might work best.
 âIf you keep a tally and then couple it with something less physical and more possible it might work.  But Iâm not sure I have suggestions for long distance that I think would work on Meredith.  Any way I ever punished her was physical in some way shape or form. The one time we tried the psychological route I realize it didnât have any real effect.  So⌠you may need to do some research.â  Henri had no real need to stray from orgasm denial and spanking it worked like a charm.
 Evan let out a slight groan of frustration and dropped her head down against the back of the couch, rubbing at her face. She certainly wasn't against doing research for this, but if Henri was telling her that the more psychological route didn't really work, Evan wasn't too sure what she would find. It would be so much easier if Evan could just make it about orgasms, but that would be crossing too many lines. More than she was already crossing.
 Henri shrugged âwho knows, maybe sheâll be good and you wonât need to punish her.â  She knew that was wishful thinking because Meredith would definitely try to get away with not having lunch.  âOne time when I went away I had her keep a tally of broken rules. Whatever number the rule was was the number of spanks added.  And she also got corner time with me on the phone where she couldnât speak to me but knew I was there.â
 Evan nodded slightly, biting down on her bottom lip. âThat's not a bad idea. Could also make it that she has to like...be in the position of using the wall as like the back of a chair and be sort of âsitting', that strains the legs and at least there's some form of physical element even if itâs vague.â The younger woman thought out loud.
 âYou could do that.â  She nodded some.  Like clock work a text came through Evanâs phone from the blonde. Â
Meredith: I wanna be home right now :(
 Evan bit nodded slightly and wrote down those few ideas before turning to the text sent by Meredith, smiling softly.
Evan: Soon, Mere. Just a couple more hours.
 The blonde was bored. She was currently sitting at her desk while her students took a pop quiz that most of them looked miserable about.
Meredith: Â Not soon enough.
 Harold hopped up onto the couch beside her and Evan took a quick photo of the two of them, sending it to Meredith.
Evan: He'll be ready for cuddles with you when you get here.
 She grinned seeing the photo.
Meredith: Awwww heâs so cute.
Meredith: Youâre pretty cute too.
 Evan felt her heart flutter and she smiled softly.
Evan: You're too sweet.
Evan: So...I had an idea.
 Meredith smirked when Evan told her she was sweet.
Meredith: Â I have my moments.
Meredith: Oh? Â I normally like your ideas.
 Evan paused for a moment and then continued.
Evan: I'm thinking we should set up some rules for you.
 The blondeâs cheeks flushed a pretty shade of pink and it took her a moment to reply.
Meredith: Rules are good.
 Evan felt herself relax a little bit at Meredith's response, letting out a soft breath.
Evan: I agree.
Evan: So we'll keep the bedtime in place, along with you telling me if Nick bothers you. Sleeping in the same bed as me when I'm here. And no student killing. ;)
Evan: But I came up with a few more as well.
 Mere was trying hard not to draw attention to herself but she bit gently into her lower lip and stared at the phone in her hands.
Meredith: Sounds fair.
Meredith: What are the new ones?
 Evan moved to get a bit more comfortable, allowing Harold to settle on her lap.
Evan: I expect you to sleep in my room while I'm gone as well. No going back to sleeping on the couch.
Evan: You're also to eat three meals a day.
Evan: I want Harold's routine to stay the same so you're going to have to start taking him for a walk every day.
 Meredith bit her lip a little harder.
Meredith: Youâre sure you want me in your room?
Meredith: Three? What about two and a snack?
Meredith: I can definitely take him for a walk.
 Evan rolled her eyes slightly, shaking her head.
Evan: I'm sure.
Evan: 3 meals.
Evan: I know you can.
 The blonde could see Evan rolling her eyes through the phone.
Meredith: Â :|
Meredith: What happens if I donât?
 Her eyes narrowed and she licked her bottom lip.
Evan: For one thing, you'll have a time out on video with me. But you'll have to use the wall as a back of a chair and pretend to be sitting. Work out those thigh muscles.
Evan: And I also expect you to keep a record of the rules that you break. And I will be spanking you for them when I get back.
 That seemed familiar but she guessed that perhaps Henri had used that on Evan before.  She huffed some.
Meredith: You would actually spank me?
 Evan read over the text a couple of times as she tried to figure out how Meredith was feeling.
Evan: I would.
Evan: As long as you consent. I don't want to push myself on you. But rules need consequences.
 Meredith was flushed and she was lucky her students were occupied.
Meredith: I consent.
Meredith: I told you I missed having rules⌠clearly I need them.
 Evan carded her fingers through her hair, clearing her throat.
Evan: You did. And that's why I want to give them to you.
Evan: I also expect you to send me at least a few messages every day.
Evan: And you're to call me once you get into bed.
 She smiled a little at the phone.
Meredith: Thank you.
Meredith: That sounds dirty. Â I know itâs not but it sounds it.
 Evan chuckled and bit down on her bottom lip.
Evan: I definitely get how it seems dirty.
Unsent: We could make it dirty.
Evan: It'll just be a check in. And if need be I'll stay on the phone while you fall asleep.
 The blonde clenched her thighs at some of the thoughts going through her mind.
Meredith: You may have to do that every night.
 Evan wriggled slightly and cleared her throat.
Evan: That's okay, Mere.
Evan: Do you have any questions?
 Meredith tucked a few strands behind her ear.
Meredith: I donât think so⌠but those are all the rules?
 Evan tilted her head to the side.
Evan: Those are what I've come up with as of now. I didn't want to go from giving you like barely any rules to a ton of them.
Evan: But if you're open to more, I can set up more.
 Meredith thought to the list of rules that Henri had made her and felt her cheeks heat up again.
Meredith: I think thatâs good but if you decide you want to give me more I wonât be opposed.
Meredith: Henri had a lot for me at one point mostly because she wanted to see how long it would take me to break. Â The punishments were fun for her.
 Evan rested her head in her hand and let out a breath.
Evan: I will keep that in mind, Mere. Thank you for being honest with me.
Evan: Mm..that's a good one though. Honesty. About how you're feeling and about whether or not you break any rules.
Evan: That definitely doesn't surprise me.
 The blonde took out her journal and wrote down all of the new rules.
Meredith: Honesty⌠about how Iâm feeling⌠what if I donât think youâll react well to how Iâm feeling?
Meredith: I have the old list written down in an old journal.
 Evan took a few moments to really think over that question, not wanting to take it lightly.
Evan: I would still like you to be honest. And we'll work through whatever it is. Okay?
Evan: I like that.
 The blonde took a photo of the new list in her current journal and sent it.
Meredith: Okay.
 Evan smiled at the picture and simply sent one back of her and Harold once more.
Evan: Good girl.
Evan: It is super important to me that you trust that you can talk to me about anything.
 The younger woman felt her heart warm at the photo and then saw those words and had to clench her thighs.
Meredith: I wanna be home.
Unsent: You probably shouldnât call me that unless you want me turned on.
Meredith: Â Iâll keep that in mind.
 Evan moved to lay down on the couch, adjusting Harold so that he was still comfortable and cuddling with her.
Evan: Just a bit longer. You've made it through most of the day.
Evan: Okay.
 Mere glanced up as the bell rang and students shuffled to hand in the quiz.
Meredith: One more class.
Meredith: When do the new rules start?
 Evan hummed thoughtfully and then replied.
Evan: You've got this.
Evan: I'm going to say tomorrow because it's too late to get those three meals in.
 Mere cleaned up and straightened the room and packed up.
Meredith: itâs a free period but Iâm not allowed to leave :(
Meredith:Tomorrow it is.
Unsent: thank god⌠donât need to tell you about how sexually frustrated I am.
 Evan scratched the dog's head and smiled softly.
Evan: Sorry, gorgeous. That sounds rough.
 The blonde mentally cursed the older woman for making her blush again.
Meredith: It is rough. Â Iâm packed and ready to leave.
 Evan could almost see the pout that Meredith could be sporting.
Evan: How can I entertain you for the last little while?
 Mere huffed and pouted some.
Meredith: Teleport me home.
 She let out a sharp laugh, leading to Harold looking up at her. âsorry boy.â
Evan: Unfortunately I am not skilled in that way.
 The pout only grew on the blondeâs face.
Meredith: Maybe Harold is.
 The brunette looked at the dog. âCan you teleport Meredith here?â
Evan: Mm, sorry. He doesn't seem to know how either.
 Mere took a photo of herself pouting and sent it to Evan.
Meredith: Sad.
 Meredith was absolutely adorable and Evan almost âaww'dâ because of it.
Evan: I'll try to learn the art. But for now you just have to hold out.
 She was cranky right now and honestly just needed cuddles and to be around her new favorite human and pup.
Meredith: Youâll need it when youâre in Chicago.
 She felt a soft pang in her heart and she let out a soft sigh. She was not looking forward to leaving her.
Evan: That's for damn sure.
 Meredith nibbled at her lower lip and drew doodles in her journal.
Meredith: Â Think youâll miss me?
 Evan didn't have to think for very long.
Evan: Absolutely.
 The blonde smiled at the reply.
Meredith: Iâm gonna miss you too.
 She smiled and rubbed her hand over Harold's head.
Evan: We'll just have to count down the days.
 She bit a little harder into her lip.
Meredith: And Iâll have to try and stay out of trouble.
 She giggled softly at her words.
Evan: You definitely will. Have to be good for me.
 She clenched her thighs.
Meredith: So I have to tell you how Iâm feeling every day?
 She quirked her eyebrow at the question.
Evan: Yes. That's what I would like.
 The blonde released a breath sheâd been holding.
Meredith: That might be the hardest part.
 Evan chewed on her bottom lip, unable to disagree with that point.
Evan: I know it will. Itâs not easy to be completely honest about things.
 She cleared her throat gently.
Meredith: itâs not easy to talk about feelings.
 The brunette smiled softly.
Evan: No, it's not. One of the most difficult things in life.
 She thought for a long moment before replying.
Meredith: I need you to make me a promise.
Meredith: If Iâm honest about my feelings then you wonât shut me out because of them.
 She tilted her head to the side and let the words settle in her brain and her heart before she replied.
Evan: I promise. I won't shut you out.
 The blonde smiled and felt her heart settle in her chest.
Meredith: Thank you :)
Meredith: Iâll be home soon. Leaving in five.
 Evan sat up and gently moved Harold onto the couch and then stood up.
Evan: Stay safe. I'll see you soon.
 Meredith grabbed her bag, locked up and headed out to the Jeep. She was careful as usual on the drive home and when she made it inside she was met at the door by Harold.  She scooped him up into her arms and gave him all the kisses before setting him down so that she could change out of her skirt suit.  He followed her up and into her room and she quietly wondered where Evan was as she went about changing.
 She gave Harold a few scratches before making her way up to the bathroom and getting into the shower. Already in the shower, she realized that she had forgotten to grab new clothes but she was definitely not going to get back out to grab the clothes now. After her shower, she wrapped the towel around herself and stepped out of the bathroom.
 The blonde was leaving her bedroom as Evan was leaving the bathroom. She wore leggings and an oversized sweater that was falling off one shoulder.  She ran a hand through blonde strands and when she glanced up she came face to face with a very wet Evan in nothing more than a towel.  Her breath hitched and her cheeks flushed.
 Evan grinned cheekily as she almost walked right into Meredith, clearing her throat. âForgot to bring new clothes into the bathroom.â She explained, trying not to focus on the redness of her face; though that was definitely a challenge. âHow was the drive home?â The brunette questioned, more than confident in the way her body looked and not minding the moment at all. It was actually nice to have an effect on someone.
 Finding words was difficult in that moment.  Her cheeks were staying pink and there was nothing she could do about it.  âMm hmm,â she hummed.  The younger woman gave a little shrug at the question. âIt was ⌠uhm⌠long... â  Normally she was so articulate so the fact that she wasnât finding her words was probably amusing.  She leaned up against her door frame, her thighs clenching beneath her sweater.  Biting gently into her lower lip she glanced up innocently keeping her eyes on Evanâs face.
 Her eyes lit up with the slight stutter coming from the other woman, appreciating seeing her a little off kilter. Something that had set her off a bit when they had gone dancing together. It had been a bit since Evan felt as though she'd gotten that form of a reaction from the blonde. âWell, I'm glad you're home now.â Evan said, leaning in to press a kiss to Meredith's cheek. âI'm going to go change.â She said against the blonde's ear before heading to her bedroom.
 Mere saw those eyes light up and she had to swallow hard.  She bit down a little more into her lip and also bit her inner cheek to keep herself from moaning as the woman pressed a kiss to her cheek.  The sound left her as a near silent whimper.  âMm hmmâŚâ  She hummed again, it was honestly all she could do.  As Evan went into her room she let out a breath and rolled those pretty blue eyes at herself.  God, she needed to get laid.
 Stepping into her room, she smirked slightly and leaned against her door for a moment. Now that was fun. Deciding to have a bit more fun, she slipped on a pair of comfortable, black short shorts that accentuated her legs nicely and a white tank top that formed against her well; finishing it off with a black cardigan to keep herself warm. Leaving the cardigan open, she made her way out of her bedroom.
 She went back into her room to change into a new pair of leggings those ones were ruined simply from that encounter in the hall.  Instead of black leggings she now had on dark grey ones as she made her way downstairs to snuggle up on the couch with Harold.  He seemed quite pleased to be curling up against her. Her mind tried to wrap around the fact that her very sober body was having this sort of reaction to Evan and it was hard to comprehend.
 The brunette walked downstairs, smiling at the sight of Meredith cuddled up with the dog. Harold had easily gotten onto Evan's good side and she loved getting to spend time with him when Meredith was at work. He was a good snuggler and it had Evan wondering if she should get herself an animal for when she headed back to Chicago. âAny room on the couch for me?â
 The blonde glanced up and was quick to bite into her cheek again at the sight of the brunette.  She shouldnât be allowed to wear stuff like that.  Her cheeks heated up ever so slightly and were a light pink.  Making a little bit of room she smiled some.  âNow there is.â  The way Harold was laying took up way more space than he should which meant theyâd be laying quite close.
 She smiled and moved to claim the spot that Meredith had made for her, settling down with a hum. âThank you for the sacrifice.â She teased lightly, brushing a strand of Meredith's hair behind her ear. They didn't have much longer before Evan was to head back to Chicago and so Evan wanted to make the most of their time together. Even if that was just spent snuggled up on the couch.
 âItâs not like he was about to move.â  She gestured to the lazy dog and let out a little laugh.  The blonde leaned into the touch and studied the older womanâs features, she never felt like she could read her.  Everything the brunette did or said only made Meredith like her that much more, it was getting harder and harder to mask that fact.
 âThat's true. But you could have left me to suffer on my own.â She said with a wink, wrapping her arm around the woman, the closeness between them something she was used to thanks to their sleeping arrangements. She noted Meredith's eyes scanning over her and she leaned in to press their foreheads together. âWhat are you thinking about?â Evan questioned.
 âTrue.â  Harold gave a little snort and stretched so he took up even more room.  âCouch hog.â  She accused before settling into Evanâs hold.  When that forehead rested against her own her breath hitched some.  âHmm⌠that this is the last day I get to avoid that question.â  She replied with a soft sass in a teasing manner.  Replies like that used to get her a swat to the ass.
 âSuch a couch hog.â The brunette snorted at the reply, shaking her head slightly and squeezing Meredith's waist. âCheeky girl.â She muttered softly, shaking her head. She kept her forehead pressed against the blonde's feeling her heart settle as she relaxed into the comfort of having Meredith near. She had acknowledge, in some way, that she did in fact like Meredith and that those feelings were growing...she just felt bad about them. But she figured a small bit of indulgence wasn't terrible, right?
 The blonde smiled at those muttered words and that squeeze.  At least the Hughes women seemed to appreciate her cheeky side, it was a quality her parents had tried to get rid of in her early on.  She gave a soft hum as they stayed like that and scratched Harolds head some.  âWish I could will time to slow down so I could just⌠keep you here.â  She admitted softly.
 Evan felt her heart squeeze slightly at Meredith's words and she gently rubbed her hand along her side as she attempted to soothe the blonde. âI feel that way too. I really don't want to leave you.â The brunette mused softly, pressing a kiss to her cheek before pressing their foreheads together once more. âI'll be back for Christmas though. And we'll get to spend a few weeks together then.â
 âTime should still slow down.â  This closeness felt right, lips on her skin felt right, the way Evan tried to soothe away the negative feelings felt right.  âMm hmm.  And then Iâll have to take a trip to Chicago.â  She didnât like the thought of Evan being so far away.  The blonde nuzzled into the brunette and let out a breath.  Even though being this close felt right being this close while Evan was dressed like this was sexually frustrating to no end.
 âI agree. Time should definitely slow down so I can stay right here with you.â She mused softly, her stomach flipping at the thought of Meredith coming to visit her in Chicago. âDefinitely and I can show you around a bit. We'll have some fun over Christmas and New Years.â She promised, her hand moving to rest on Meredithâs lower back, rubbing circles into her back. She wanted to so much more between her and Meredith but she knew that it couldn't be.
 Hearing that Evan felt the same way only made her smile.  âIâm sure itâll be funâŚ. Iâve never been to Chicago.â  She couldnât wait to see the city.. More like she couldnât wait to spend even more time with this woman but for now she was happy to lay here with her family, content to just be.  âWeâre gonna cook all day tomorrow, arenât we?â  She expected as much but hearing the very domestic plan was oddly fun and comforting.
 âIâm excited to get to be the one you share that with.â Evan expressed honestly. She nodded her head with a smile. âWe're going to cook and we're going to put a puzzle together, and watch movies, and just spend time together. And I think it sounds like a perfect Thanksgiving.â Evan said with a smile, brushing her nose gently against Meredith's.
 âAnd watch the parade and the dog show?â  She smiled, adding to their list of things to do tomorrow.  It was tradition to watch those two things.  She had no doubt in her mind that Evan was right, they would have a perfect Thanksgiving. The Eskimo kiss made her heart flutter and her cheeks flush once more.
 âYeah, gorgeous. Of course we'll watch those too.â Evan said with a nod and a smiled. Evan kind of loved how easy it seemed to make Meredith blush and she wanted it to keep happening. âYou're adorable.â She stated, wanting to also be fairly honest with her thoughts.
 Hearing theyâd keep up with tradition made her heart happy.  All her traditions changed and solidified with Henri.  Being called âgorgeousâ kept her blushing but being called adorable made that blush deepen.  She smiled shyly.  âYouâŚ. Iâm convinced you just wanna make me blush.â
 She chuckled and she shrugged her shoulders. âI am definitely not against seeing that red paint your cheeks.â Evan agreed with with a nod of agreement. âBut you really are gorgeous Mere. So I'm just speaking the truth.â She replied softly, her hand sliding up her spine to soothe her.
 The blonde glanced down, âNot nearly as gorgeous as you,â She murmured. And she believed those words. The Hughes women were the most beautiful women sheâd ever seen.  âAnd itâs completely unfair that you know how to make me blush so easily.â
 âMmm, you don't give yourself enough credit.â Evan replied with a gentle tap to her back. âI quite enjoy that I can make you blush. But don't worry. You have the ability to make me blush too.â The brunette winked, and adjusted her position to get a bit more comfortable on the couch.
 âDo I?â  She said in a teasing tone with an amused smile.  The younger woman resettled as Evan did and glanced down as the pup stretched again giving a grunt and a little snore. She rubbed his tummy and he simply looked more content.
 âMhm. You do. Very much so.â She replied, biting down on her bottom lip and letting out a soft breath. More often than not, Evan found herself affected in one way or another. She glanced down at the pup and smiled softly. âYou're both too cute.â Evan said, drawing the blonde closer.
 âGood to know.â  Harold kicked his back leg when she found his spot and a small giggle pushed past her lips.  Her cheeks flushed again.  âHeâs the cutest though.â  She snuggled into Evanâs hold.  âIâm really happy to not have school tomorrow.â
 âHe's definitely adorable.â Evan agreed. âI'm pretty happy that you don't have school tomorrow either. We just get to hang out all day and be chill.â Evan stated with a grin, lifting her hand to brush her fingers gently over the blonde's cheek with a soft smile.
 âChill and cook.  Thatâs still a monumental task.â  She smirked.  They had some pretty big plans for their thanksgiving meal.  The younger woman leaned into Evanâs touch.  âAnd my rules start tomorrow⌠on a holiday no less.â  Those blue eyes found the brunetteâs gaze.
 She chuckled and nodded her head in agreement. âIt's definitely going to be a lot of work, but I'm excited to have a Thanksgiving meal with someone I care about.â Evan admitted, her thumb continuing to trail along her jawline. âPerfect time for the rules to start.â
 âSo am I.â  Just knowing that Evan cared about her made her heart swell.  The blonde gave a little pout.  âHow do you figure?â  She knew sheâd forget something tomorrow with the craziness that came with it being a holiday.
 âWe'll find a way to make Henri a part of it too.â Evan promised. âThat way we start them while I'm still here. And you don't just have to start them when I'm not even around. Make it feel more concrete.â Evan explained, wanting to kiss the pout off of her lips and just fighting against it.
 âI would love that.  Iâm sure she would too.â  She smiled almost sadly at the thought.  Her smile morphed into another pout.  âBut⌠but youâre staying til we get a tree and⌠And tomorrow is a holiday.â  She practically whined.  Her pretty blue eyes were giving that puppy dog look d sheâd mastered over the years.
 She shook her head and smiled. âYou're not changing my mind, Meredith. Rules are starting tomorrow.â Evan replied, nudging her nose against Meredith's again. âNo more puppy dog eyes.â Evan said with a shrug of her shoulders and a light scratch to the blonde's scalp.
 The younger woman gave a little huff and pouty frown.  It was rare that the eyes worked on Henri but she thought for sure she might persuade Evan with them.  She couldnât help but lean into the touch despite her current feelings.  Giving a light hum she cuddled in closer, her sweater slipping a bit further off her shoulder to expose more skin.
 She held back a groan as more shoulder was exposed, rubbing her hand down her back before carefully pulling back. âTime to get some dinner ready.â Evan replied, booing her nose gently. âYou wanna stay here and snuggle with the pup?â
 âHmm?â  She had just gotten comfortable for real and Evan was ready to get up.  âOh Uhm⌠yeah I think weâre gonna have all the snuggles.â  She smiled and leaned forward to kiss the top of his head.
 She paused and moved to leave before pausing and shaking her head. She grabbed her phone and set an alarm before settling back down. âI want more snuggles. I'll make dinner in like an hour.â
 The younger woman had laid down and curled up.  Grinning at those words she reached up and grabbed the brunette by the shirt pulling her back down with them, this time their bodies pressed up against one another a little more so than before.  âGet jealous that Harold was getting all the snuggles and kisses?â  She teased.
 She let out a soft gasp as she was tugged back down onto the couch, rolling her eyes playfully. She laughed softly as Meredith spoke and nodded her head. âSo jealous. I deserve snuggles and kisses too.â Evan replied, pouting just a little bit. She held the other woman tight, resting her head and letting out a soft sigh of contentment.
 As the woman held her close and joined in on the banter the blonde smiled.  She turned her head a bit, enough that those lips could find Evanâs cheek.  The kiss was planted just shy of her mouth, it was soft and lasted at least a second too long. Instead of being weird she turned back around and pulled that arm tighter around her slender body.
 She felt her heart stutter at how close those lips were to her own and she let out a soft breath, holding the blonde close and letting her eyes fall shut. Being around Meredith just felt so good and she wished that she could just take the step. Henri had even pretty well given her permission. But she just couldn't push through the guilt she felt about her feelings.
 Her own eyes fell shut and she focused on the feeling of Evanâs breath against her neck.  Her bare shoulder was the one that the other woman could more than likely see.  She laced her fingers with Evanâs and snuggled, so content to be settled against her.  She definitely didnât want to assume that her feelings might be reciprocated but she couldnât help but want to be with this woman.
 As fingers tangled with her own, she moved to press a kiss to her shoulder and squeezed her hand before resting her head against the arm of the couch again. The feelings she had were already so strong and she knew they'd only get stronger, but the last thing she wanted was to somehow take advantage when Meredith was still dealing with her loss. Plus, it just felt wrong of her somehow to go after Henri's widow. Even if Henri thought that Mere liked Evan.
lucky strikes || meredith+evan
who: mostly Evan and Meredith but guest appearance by HenriÂ
when: the weekend after para03 ... technically before Harold
where: the house and bowling alley/dance club called Lucky Strikes
Evan hadn't expected for them to decide to go dancing together, but when Meredith had combined Evan's idea of bowling with the idea of dancing, she hadn't been able to disagree. Evan finished off her black outfit by curling her hair and adding a touch of makeup to her skin. She then made her way downstairs, by the door to wait for Meredith. She double checked her purse to ensure that she had socks for bowling before pulling on one of her black coats.
 Meredith was excited to go out, she used to go dancing all the time.  By the time she was finished getting ready her make up was done to perfection and messy blonde waves were worn down.  Bracelets were worn on each wrist and a thick collar like necklace adorned her neck.  Since they were also going bowling she decided against the dress sheâd picked out and instead wore black pants that almost looked painted onto her skin and a black top that dipped low in the front.  There were heels on her feet and yet she was still shorter than Evan. She stuck black socks, mo Ryanâs a few necessities in her small purse and headed downstairs.
 She glanced up when she heard Meredith walking down the stairs, feeling her breath catch. She was so gorgeous. She looked away for a moment to compose herself and then glanced back up, hoping the flush on her cheeks wasn't too noticeable. She cleared her throat and then smiled. âReady to go?â Evan questioned, quirking an eyebrow slightly. She was definitely trying to play off the reaction she had just had but Meredith looked amazing. The clothes fit her curves incredibly and the makeup enhanced the beauty that was already there.
 The younger woman felt those eyes on her but she didnât mind, her own blue gaze took in the sight of the brunette.  The curls were a beautiful touch. It was as if theyâd read each otherâs mind in their outfit choice at least with the color.  The blonde noticed the flush but was convinced it wasnât for her.  Returning the smile, she gave a nod.  âDefinitely.â  As she moved for the door she didnât grab a jacket figuring theyâd just be moving from car to club and back.
 âUm what do you think you're doing?â She commented as Meredith moved for the door without grabbing a jacket. âItâs freezing out there. You need a jacket.â Without waiting for an argument, she slipped out of the black leather jacket that she was wearing and put it over Meredith's shoulders. She narrowed her eyes, waiting for a refusal before she turned to grab a different jacket for herself before walking out.
 âHmm?â  Mere peaked over her shoulder at those words.  Her brow scrunched up and she was about to talk back but then that warm leather jacket was being draped over her. The jacket was beautiful, stitched with a few flowers here and there but the best part was that it smelled like Evan. She was about to argue but that look stopped her.  Instead she slipped her arms into the jacket and went about locking up that house before meeting her at the car.
 She nodded her head, pleased when Meredith didnât argue with her about the jacket. She wouldn't have left until Meredith stopped or grabbed her own jacket, so she was glad it hadn't been a problem. She moved to the car, having decided that they would take a vehicle there and leave it overnight. When they reached the vehicle, she slipped in and started the car, backing up once both of them were buckled in.
 Meredith buckled up and was quick to jump into her role as navigator.  She got them there quite easily, it took a little over ten minutes. Lucky Strikes had its usual Saturday crowd. They immediately put their name in for a lane, it might take a little while but eventually theyâd get one. Checking the coats, the blonde then led them to the nearest bar.  She ordered a hard cider and a shot of petron.
 At the bar, Evan grabbed a shot of some concoction that the bartender had made as well as a glass of vodka, cranberry. She stood beside Meredith, ready to enjoy their night out. She had already found herself enjoying time spent with Meredith so she knew it would be the same that night, just with a little something extra added in.
 By the time they got called for their lane Meredith was on her second cider.  She was nursing it and feeling happily buzzed.  Theyâd changed into their socks and bowling shoes and she picked a pink ball that seemed to glow in the black lit alley.  The game had been fun, even if there was lots of teasing back and forth.  This was her last turn and she had one pin to get down. She bent a little, she could feel many eyes on her assâŚ. the pants had clearly been a good choice. She took the shot and when the ball barely missed the pin she gave a small pout.  âToo much pressure when it gets down to only one.â Another sip was taken of her cider.
 Evan swallowed harshly and nodded her head slightly, biting down on her bottom lip. âYou did great, Mere.â Evan said with a slight smile before pushing up to go and throw her last frame. She was more than a little distracted by the alcohol and how good looking Meredith really was. Her first ball managed to stay on the lane just barely, but her last slipped off and she chuckled. âOnce upon a time I was good at bowling.â She slipped off her bowling shoes and her socks before finding her own shoes. âIt was fun though.â
 âYouâre sweet.â  She smiled. Meredith wasnât amazing at bowling but it was definitely fun.  Blue eyes watched the brunette as she played the last frame and once she was done she gave a small laugh at her words, âI was never good at bowling.â  Putting her heels back on she gave a small nod, âIt was definitely fun.â  The blonde bit into her lower lip gently and gave a small tilt to her head.  âGonna come dance with me?â
 Evan chuckled softly, shrugging her shoulders. Evan had been a bowler in a youth bowling league when she was younger, but she had stopped when she was fourteen. She was glad, however, that Meredith had had a good time. She narrowed her eyes slightly as Meredith bit down on her bottom lip, trying to ignore the way her stomach flipped. âMm, I guess so.â She teased with a light wink before gently grasping Meredith's hand and leading her onto the dance floor.
 Meredith grinned at the reply then took her last sip of that cider feeling tipsy and warm.  She let Evan lead her out into the dance floor that was already crowded with bodies. Blue eyes were fixated on the woman who looked so much like her wife, but Evan was different⌠different but no less stunning.  Meredith wanted to dance but she didnât want to attract the wrong kind of attention, in her mind sheâd already decided that her partner for the night was Evan.
 As they reached a place on the dance floor that had a bit of an empty space, Evan stopped and turned her attention to Meredith; a small smile forming on her lips. She could see the flush of alcohol on the blonde's face and she let go of the other woman's hand. She was gorgeous. And Evan knew if Meredith hadn't been Henri's wife, she would definitely be making a move. But she had been and so she wouldn't.
 A smile pulled at painted lips. Her body started to move, once upon a time  sheâd been a dancer and her system was wired to move sinfully. She could feel eyes on her and out of the corner of her own she could see someone trying to advance. To make it clear to anyone else that might get the wrong idea, she hooked a single finger onto Evanâs belt loop and tugged her in closer.  Meredith was off limits.
 Meredith was gorgeous and moved way too sexily for it to be ignored and she knew that others had their eyes on her...but if anyone made a move, she wouldn't be afraid to play the part. Though it seemed like Mere would make the move for her. Her breath caught in her throat once more as she was tugged closer to Meredith, letting out a shaky breath. However, she soon regained her confidence, looping her arms loosely around Meredith's neck with a slight smirk as they continued to move.
 That smirk did wicked things to her and her cheeks flushed slightly in the dimly lit club.  The alcohol was easily waking up a part of her that she thought might have died with Henri.  Their relationship had been extremely sexual so the fact that she hadnât felt turned on or in need in over three months made her think that perhaps she was broken.  No, that part of her was working just fine.  She started to wish those hands were on her body instead.  They were dancing so close now that their bodies were pressed up against one another.
 Her heart was racing as they seemed to move closer and closer to one another, their bodies moving with and against each others in a delicious way. Her fingers tangled just slightly in Meredith's hair and her lips parted with a slight huff. She knew that what she was feeling in the moment was wrong, but she simply reminded herself that as long as she did not act on it...it would be okay. That train of thought was so similar to the one she had in regards to Henri so many years ago that it caught her off guard.
 Meredith bit back a moan when she felt those fingers tangle into her hair.  She kept that one finger hooked in her belt loop while her other hand slid around to settle on her hip, fingers teasing the sliver of flesh she found.   It all had her heart hammering in her chest.  Her hips pushed forward a bit, grinding her front slowly against Evanâs.  She leaned in and spoke against her ear, âThey need to know Iâm yours tonight.â
 Evan had to hold her own gasps back as hips rolled towards her open, one of her hands cupping the back of Meredith's neck and rubbing her thumb into the skin. At Meredith's words, her nails scratched gently against her neck and she nodded just once. âThere'll be no doubt.â She muttered, pressing a kiss to Meredith's temple before pulling back to press their foreheads together as they continued to move. Her heart was pounding and her breath escaped in tiny pants as her eyes met Meredith's.
 Shivers danced along her spine as she felt Evanâs touch and when lips found her temple she felt her breath hitch at those words.  This felt dangerous but far too good to deny. Those blue eyes gazed up through thick lashes into Evanâs as they danced like that, so very close, foreheads touching.  She was happily surprised to find that the brunette could hold her own on the dance floor.  Eventually she felt eyes shifting away from them and she settled into their closeness.
 Her hands slipped down to rest on Meredith's lower back, nails scratching along her back. âYou're pretty damn good at this, Mere.â Evan managed to say, a small smirk on her face. She hadn't gone dancing in so long and she hadn't been expecting to go with her sister's wife, but now that she was here, she certainly wasn't going to complain.
 Meredith sucked in a breath at the feeling of nails against her heated skin.  She flushed a little at that smirk again, unable to help herself.  âI took dance when I was younger⌠was on the dance team through school⌠even considered exotic dancing at one point before I got my bartending job.â  The blonde smiled some.  Her own arms shifted up to go around the brunetteâs neck keeping them close.
âMmm, bet you could put on a damn good show.â Evan mused, nails digging lightly into her back as arms wound around her neck. She kept moving her hips, only focused on Meredith, ignoring absolutely everyone else in favor of the blonde. âBet you everyone is jealous of me right now.â
 She bit into her lower lip and tried not to blush furiously but it was really no use.  âOh, I can.â  She husked.  The blonde traced patterns on the back of Evanâs neck, whimpering ever so softly at the way those nails felt.  A hum was given and a small smile.  âIâm sure there are some just as jealous of me.â
 She clenched her muscles at the sound of that whimper, trying to ignore the burn that it ignited within her. She winked slightly when Meredith tossed the comment toward her as well, rolling her hips in a particularly sly manner with a hum. âSo much jealousy.â Evan teased, letting out a shaky breath of want that she was trying to deny.
 The blonde gave a soft laugh.  âMm hmm.  But they can all suck it.â  She murmured.  Afterall, theyâd be going home together tonight. As those hips rolled in that way she bit her inner cheek to keep from moaning.  She couldnât help the feelings of want and need that coursed through her and she quietly wondered if Evan was feeling the same way.
 âDamn right they can. None of them are taking you home tonight.â She stated, eyes flashing. Of course it wasn't like she was taking her home in a sexual manner, even if her body wanted otherwise. âFuck.â She muttered at the sound of the moan and she moved her head to nuzzle against the blonde's neck.
 âYou are.â  The smile that graced her features was beautiful but probably dangerous.  A shiver rolled through her body at hearing that word.  The blonde tipped her head slightly to give better access to her neck.  Her hands flattened against the back of the womanâs neck and then moved around and down to rest on her collar bone, tracing that ridged like with both thumbs.
 âMhm. I am.â She agreed with a nod. She groaned softly as Meredith temptingly dropped her head back. She wanted to nip at her neck so badly but she knew that she couldn't. Instead, she simply let out a soft whimper as thumbs moved along her collarbone. She swallowed harshly and pressed the lightest of kisses to Meredith's neck before she pulled away, taking a slight step back.
 She loved the sound of that even if she knew nothing was going to happen between them.  Hearing her groan and whimper had her thighs clenching.  A whimper of her own left pink lips as she felt that kiss to her neck.  When Evan stepped back she bit her lower lip and turned, taking her hand to draw her back in close.  She laced their fingers and placed the brunetteâs hand on her hip, rolling them back against her.
 âMere...fuck.â She gasped as hips rolled against hers once more, biting down on her bottom lip. She had taken a step back to try and cool things down between them but it didn't seem like that was working. So she took a deep breath, settling her own emotions and trying to focus only on the fact that they were dancing. Not how they were dancing. She cleared her throat, easing back into an actual rhythm.
 They danced like this for a full song.  Her free hand dropped back to rest against Evanâs upper thigh while the other one remained laced with the brunetteâs on her body.  She wished those hands would travel but it felt good to grind back against her in such a heated way.  When the song changed she leaned back.  âI think I need another drink.â
 At Meredith's words, she paused and furrowed her eyebrows. âNo...I think you're done.â Evan stated in reply with a nod of her head. âPlus itâs time for us to head home.â Evan said with as she stretched her arms above her head.
 Meredith gave a small pout, her brow scrunching some.  âBut why?â  She practically whined.  âThe club doesnât close for another couple of hours.â  She wasnât drunk or anything, she was completely coherent.  The fact that Evan was ready to gocuttĂŽheir night short was disappointing.
 The reason for ending their night was kind of selfish. But she also thought that it was smart for them to leave now. âYou're right...it doesn't close for another few hours but like...itâs bedtime.â Evan replied, dark eyes focused on blue orbs.
 The blonde gave a huff.  âBedtime?â  She rose a brow.  âSince when?â  Something fluttered in her chest any time Evan took control in any way and tonight was no different even if she was feeling just a bit defiant.  Something told her that a bedtime would be imposed as a new rule.
 She quirked an eyebrow and tilted her head to the side. âSince now. Are you going to argue with it?â Evan questioned, taking a step closer to the other woman. She felt comfortable in taking control right now and she appreciated that fact about herself.
 Her cheeks flushed some as Evan slipped into dominance so easily. Those brilliant blues looked up through dark thick lashes. She bit into her lower lip and considered it a moment.  âWhat happens if I do?â  The alcohol induced buzz made her a little more daring, more like woman Henri fell in love with.
 Her hand moved up to slip behind the woman's neck and gently gripped the woman's hair. âa punishment of some sort. But weâd have to discuss that.â Evan mused, furrowing her eyebrows slightly before taking a step back. âLets go.â
 As those fingers got a hold of her hair she sucked in a sharp breath, she felt it through her entire body.  Her cheeks flushed again at mention of a punishment, submitting to Evan would probably be incredibly helpful but in this moment the thought also turned her on.  With another little huff she made her way to the coat check to get their jackets.  Handing Evan hers she slipped into the leather garment sheâd been given earlier.  It looked damn good on her, nearly as good as it felt.
 âGood.â She murmured as Meredith fell into the order before following after her. As Meredith grabbed the jackets, Evan called for an uber before she gently took the jacket from the blonde, thanking her for it. She slipped on her own jacket before grabbing Meredith's hand and leading her out of the club. She leaned up against the building and crossed her arms over her chest.
 She pulled her jacket closed and hugged it tight around herself, Evanâs scent only making her think about how close theyâd just been.  It had her heart feeling all sorts of ways.  Leaning up against the wall beside her she stared up at the starry night sky as they waited.  âYou like Lucky Strikes?â
 âIt definitely has some perks for sure.â Evan replied, chewing on her bottom lip and glancing at Meredith. âDo you come here a lot?â The brunette questioned, tilting her head to the side slightly. She saw a guy walking towards them and slipped her arm around the blonde, drawing her close.
 âMhm,â She hummed in agreement. Giving a small shrug she shook her head.  âWeâve been a few times a year since it opened but there are better dance clubs.â  Meredith had noticed the man but when Evan drew her in close she hadnât been expecting it.  She stalled against her happy for the closeness and extra body heat.
 âGot ya.â Evan said with a nod, wondering if Meredith would have preferred to go elsewhere for their night out. When Meredith rested against her, Evan held her a bit more tightly. She was much more comfortable in this type of closeness. It was the type of closeness they had every night when sleeping.
 âI had a good time tonight. With you.â  Feeling those arms tighten their hold she smiled some.  Evan was protective and she loved that about her.  Being held in her arms was a huge comfort and always felt perfect and safe.  The blonde tilted her head to place a kiss on the older womanâs cheek.
 âI had a good time with you tonight too.â Evan said, because she had. She didn't want Meredith to feel like she regretted the night at all. She smiled at the kiss to her cheek, feeling it flush slightly. She rubbed her back gently and then kissed her forehead gently. The guy had walked past them, giving them a look and Evan simply stared right back.
 The kiss to her forehead earned a smile.  She tucked herself in against the older woman and rested her cheek in the crook of her neck, arms looped around her waist until the Uber showed up.  When they got into the Uber she sat beside Evan, her head dropping to her shoulder.
 She let a content sigh fall from her lips, enjoying the closeness between them until the Uber arrived. She reluctantly parted from her before sliding in next to her in the back seat. As a head rested on her shoulder, Evan allowed her hand to rest on her thigh, squeezing it gently.
 Meredith relaxed against her and nearly fell asleep on the way home.  By the time they made it there she slipped off her jacket and hung it up, kicking off her heels at the door.  âPJs,â She murmured.  Heading upstairs she stripped along the way finding her room so that she could change. Henri stayed downstairs by her sister and looked at her amused.  âHave fun?â
 âMâkay.â She mused, slipping off her jacket and hanging it up before she kicked off her shoes. She knew she'd have to head upstairs and change herself, but she needed a moment alone. Not that she truly got one as Henri spoke to her. Evan glanced over at Henri with a sigh and then rubbed her face, not really knowing how to answer the question.
 Henri simply smirked and leaned up against the banister.. âThat good?â  The older woman laughed, she could read her sister like a book.  âI probably should have warned you about the way she is on the dance floor.â  She knew what Evan looked like when she was turned on, she knew what she looked like when she liked someone.
 âI probably wouldnât have listened.â Evan replied, leaning against the wall and looking at her sister once more. She had never been able to hide anything from Henri and she was sure that this wasn't any different. But it was still hard to admit and it didn't stop the guilt from eating away at her. âI stoppedâŚbefore it went too far butâŚâ She groaned and closed her eyes.
 Henri smirked again observing her little sister.  âYou like her.â  She was amused.  It was a statement not a question. She knew her own reality meant she could no longer have either of them so she didnât have a negative thought about the two of them getting close.  âI donât blame you. Sheâs beautiful.  And so are you.â  She didnât mean just physically.
 Evan flinched at Henri's words about her liking Meredith and she let out a slow breath. She did like her and if she wasn't Henri's widow, she honestly would have made more of a move. But she was and it just wasn't right for her to take advantage of the blonde. âIt...me liking her doesnât matter.â Evan replied, biting down on her bottom lip.
 âSure it doesâŚâ. She pushed off the banister and walked closer to Evan.  âWhatâs more is⌠she likes you.â The woman got closer and spoke against her ear.  âYou make her happy andâŚ. I want her happy. SoâŚ. think about it.â  She smiled that smile. âEv?â  The blonde called from the top of the steps and Henri was gone.  The younger woman bit her lower lip gently. Standing there in a huge T-shirt and boyshort panties looking far too innocent now that her dark make up had been cleaned from her pretty face.
 She swallowed harshly at Henri's words, having a difficult time understanding why the woman would tell her to go for something like this. Her heart lurched at the sight of the blonde at the top of the stairs and she offered a slight smile. âComing.â She murmured, pushing off of the wall. She walked upstairs, turning off some lights and then moved to squeeze Meredith's hand. She led her to the bedroom and grabbed her PJs before making her way to the bathroom to brush her teeth and change.
 Seeing that smile made her heart warm.  The blonde waited there until Evan came and took her hand to lead her into the bedroom.  She crawled into bed under the covers but didnât lay down⌠she had to wait for the brunette or she knew she wouldnât fall asleep.  There were so many feelings, so many emotions swarming in her heart and mind but she couldnât make sense of them right now.
 After she was ready for bed, the brunette made her way into the bedroom, closing the light and then moving to her spot on the bed. She curled under the blankets and turned onto her side as she usually did, letting out a soft breath. There was lots going on in her head, especially with Henri telling her to think about the fact that they both liked one another. Her eyes scanned over Meredithâs face and she curled into herself and the blankets a bit more.
 As Evan settled so did Meredith.  She finally laid down and snuggled up under the covers.  She turned towards Evan and watched the older woman observing her. Her freckled nose scrunched a little.  âHmm?â  She wondered what was going on in that pretty head.
 Evan shook her head slightly and offered her a bit of a smile. âNothing.â Of course that wasnât true, but she couldnât really say what she was thinking and so she needed to shrug it off. âI think Iâm going to sleep well tonight.â The brunette said with a slight chuckle. She hadnât gone out in a long while and she could feel it catching up with her.
 In her tipsy and sleepy state she wasnât about to argue or question that reply even if she felt it wasnât the honest answer.  Mere brushed her nose with Evanâs and then turned over to her other side. Reaching back behind her she found the womanâs hand and pulled her arm around her body, drawing her close so that she could be the little spoon in Evanâs arms.  She cuddled back against her with a soft hum.
 She felt her heart skip a beat as a nose brushed against her own and she let out a soft breath before watching as Meredith turned away from her. Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion, wondering what she had done wrong until Meredith's motives became clear. She held her close and pressed a kiss to her shoulder before relaxing into the pillow. âSleep well, Meredith.â
 She was already half way to dreamland when Evan spoke.  She hummed.  âGânight, EvanâŚ. I liked being yours tonight.â  She murmured before drifting off.
 Evan clenched her jaw at her words, letting out a shaky breath. âI liked you being mine tonight.â She replied, furrowing her eyebrows slightly before closing her eyes.
harold || evan + meredith
who: mostly Evan and Meredith and Harold but guest appearances by HenriÂ
when: the weekend before Thanksgiving
where:Â the SPCA + pet store + the houseÂ
It had been Evanâs idea.  Ever since their discussion about adopting a dog it just kept coming up in conversation and then the Hughes woman surprised her by taking them to the SPCA.  The smile on her face when she realized where they were could have lit up an entire room. She felt like a kid on Christmas morning as they walked through the rows of dogs looking for their forever home. It was odd, normally she was so drawn to larger dogs but they seemed to keep coming back to this one cage with a French bulldog mix in it. They were walking down another row when Meredith took Evanâs hand.  She laced their fingers and tugged her back in the direction of Harold.  âHeâs so⌠cute.  He just looks like a snuggler.â
 In the days after speaking to Meredith about her wanting to adopt a dog, Evan couldn't help but think that now was the perfect time. Before Evan headed back to Chicago. That way, Meredith had someone to help ease the dog into their new home and then had company once Evan made her way back to Chicago. The brunette loved the smile that formed on Meredith's face when she realized where they were. She enjoyed walking through the area looking at all of the animals, noting the one that Meredith seemed smitten by. âBut he's so smallâŚâ She commented, but she couldn't argue with the look on her face. She squeezed Meredith's hand, her thumb brushing over her knuckles as she called the employee over. âCould we spend a bit of time with Harold here please?â
 âYes, well, some of the best things come in small packages.â  Henri used to tell her that Right after sheâd tease her for being shorter. When Evan called over the employee she squeezed her hand in return, that smile was back and she simply beamed.  Those bright blue eyes were focused on the pudgy little frenchy.  As they opened the kennel she gave one more squeeze to Evanâs hand before pulling away to kneel down. Harold waddled over and immediately nuzzled into her hand.
 As Meredith moved away, Evan stood back to watch the interaction. And just a few moments into it, she knew that they would be taking him. She was so confident that she left the room with one of the employees to fill out the information that she could and pay the money necessary. She would wait for Meredith to choose out the other items however. Once she had filled out everything she could, she returned to the kennel and kneeled down herself.
 When Evan went away she played with Harold for awhile.  He knew how to fetch and to give his paw and to sit and lay down, he was a good boy and she was already in love. By the time brunette came back Harold was in Mereâs lap happily accepting all the love the blonde was giving him.  As she knelt down the dog wiggles out of Meredithâs lap to waddle over toEcan and head butt her hand for pets.  âHeâs perfect and I love him.â
 The brunette smiled and pet the dog comfortably when he asked for them. He was pretty cute...for a small dog. And he seemed to be loving and kind which was really the most important thing. Hearing Meredith's words, she looked up and nodded her head. âI know. I could tell. That's why heâs yours as soon as you sign your name and pick out some essentials for him.â Evan explained, scratching Harold behind the ears.
 It took her a moment to process that but once she did her eyes widened and her smile grew.  Careful of her new canine companion she launched herself at Evan and hugged her tight.  âYouâre the best, you know that?â  When she pulled back from the hug she scooped Harold up into her arms.  âThank you so so much,â she hadnât been this happy in so long.  Snuggling him close she got up with him.  âWhere do I need to sign? What do we have to do?â
 She wrapped her free arm around Meredith and hugged her back with a soft laugh. âI'm glad you're pleased with the decision.â She teased, standing up a second after Meredith had. âFollow me.â She led her into the other room where an employee was waiting to finish up the signatures. âSo they have some collars and leashes here for us to pick from and then we'll have to go grab everything else for him.â
 Meredith signed where she needed to sign and then looked through the options.  She found a little black leather collar and matching leash and picked those out.  Heâd look so handsome, she was sure of it.  â Thereâs a pet store in the Trader Joeâs shopping center. I think itâs a petsmart.â  They got him settled into the car and then Mere took a seat in the passengerâs side, buckling in.
 She nodded her head, happy to go wherever it was that Meredith seemed necessary. She thanked the employees and then walked out to the car, getting into the driver's seat. She waited until everyone was settled and then drove off to the Trader Joe's. She parked fairly close to the entrance and then turned to her with a smile. âOkay...so food, bed, treats, toys, water and food bowls, brush, nail clippers, shampoo, poop bags; anything else we need?â She asked with a quirk of her eyebrows.
 âHmmm,â she thought for a long moment. âI wanna get him a pretty silver tag with his name and our address.  But otherwise I think you seem to have the list covered.â  The blonde grinned and got out of the car to go get Harold out of the back.  She loved the way he waddled when he walked. They met up with Evan to head inside.
 âName tag it is. We should try and figure that out first. Maybe they can have it done by the time we finish our shopping.â Evan suggested, making her way towards the store as Meredith walked beside her, holding onto Harold's leash. She definitely had no regrets about this idea. She was sure that having Harold around would help Meredith so much.
 âThat sounds like the perfect plan.â They found their way inside and over to the counter. She told the lady exactly what she wanted- a silver circle with the name and address.  The woman promised it would be ready by the time they made it back to the front.  First stop was to look at beds. She pulled down the three that looked most comfortable and let Harold choose. The dog looked at all three and then headed to a grey plush looking bed.  âGood choice.â
 She chuckled softly at Harold choosing the grey bed. âThis dog is just perfect for you, isn't he?â She grabbed the bed and placed it in the cart before they moved onto their next item. Evan was happy to simply walk around and push the cart. After all, Harold was Meredith's and so it was her decision. Not that Evan wasn't looking forward to having some company while Meredith was at work.
 âHe is.â  She beamed.  For the most part thatâs how their shopping trip went. Meredith would give him options and let him choose. He chose the natureâs choice food, the bacon flavored biscuits, the shiny silver dog bowls, the plush Dino toy and the small tennis balls.  The rest of the items she picked out with Evanâs help until they had a full cart.
 Once the cart was filled with everything they needed, they made their way to the front where they were given the tag for Harold's collar. They soon paid for everything and then made their way back out to the car. âDo you want to just get some takeout for dinner? Make it nice and easy tonight?â Evan questioned as she placed the items in the trunk of the car.
 âSounds perfect. What are you in the mood for? The best take out around here is Chinese and Indian⌠although the pizza is pretty good too.â  She helped get Harold settled into the back of the car in his new bed and put the little silver tag on his collar.  âYou look so handsome.â She smiled and scratched his head a little before going to the front of the car to buckle in.
 âLet's go for some Chinese. Itâs been a while since I've had that.â Evan commented with a nod. Rather than having to wait so long, Evan called the restaurant and ordered before she drove off. That way it would minimize the amount of time that they would be sitting and waiting for their meal. Once that had been completed, Evan started the car back up and began the drive to the restaurant.
 Meredith made sure to put in her two cents about orange chicken and sticky rice.  They made their way to pick up the food and then made the trek home.  The blonde brought Harold, his bed and one of the bags inside.  He was a curious little creature and looked around, finally finding himself a comfy spot on the couch, funny enough right beside Henri who gave a scratch to his head.
 Evan made her way into the house and to the dining room table, setting the other food down before checking in on Harold. Once she saw where he was, she made her way back to the kitchen to pull the food out of the bags. âI'm so hungry.â Evan mused with a smile before taking a seat. âSo what's the plan for him sleeping tonight?â
 Meredith saw he had settled and after she was done setting up her stuff she joined Evan at the table.  She made herself a small plate, the smell of the orange chicken making her stomach grumble.  âI was thinking we could bring his bed upstairs and set it beside the bed.â  The bed was too tall for him to jump up on to.
 Evan nodded her head in agreement and smiled. âThat sounds like a plan. Wouldn't want him to be all alone after having a new home.â She mused, making up her plate and then taking a small bite of the food. âMmm, so good.â The brunette glanced over at Meredith and bit down on her bottom lip. âI think he's a good addition.â
 âExactly.â She smiled across the table and popped a piece of orange chicken into her mouth.  Henri had lulled Harold into a slumber over on the couch and he looked perfectly content.  The older woman was happy her sister had thought of this, Mere needed a companion.  The blonde gave a nod and glanced over at him before looking back to Evan.  âI think so too.  Heâs perfect.â
 âHe's alright. For a small dog.â She teased, winking at the blonde. She took another few bites of food. âSo for Thanksgiving...I had an idea. It's nerdy and you can totally tell me it's dumb but...yeah.â Evan said with a slight smile, head tilting to the side.
 âDonât let him hear you say that,â she teased right back.  Henri was highly amused by the conversation and by the fact that there was a dog on her couch who could clearly see her.  Mere continued eating, âhmm?â  She hummed and swallowed another bite of food.  âIâm sure itâs not dumb.â
 âHe and I are pals, it's all good.â She winked playfully. âI was thinking since it'll just be the two of us, maybe we could get a puzzle to do. It's kinda something we can do all day in between cooking and watching movies or whatever.â Evan suggested with a slight shrug and a smile.
 She considered this while they ate.  âSounds like it could be fun definitely not dumbâŚâ. Mere took a long moment before speaking up again. â⌠before you leave will you go with me to get a tree?  Please?â  Blue eyes were hopeful.  âI just donât wanna do it aloneâŚâ
 âCool thenâŚI look forward to it.â She glanced up when Meredith began to speak again, tilting her head to the side and bit down on her bottom lip. âOf course, Mere. I will definitely go with you. That's no problem at all.â Evan said, reaching over to squeeze her hand gently. âI haven't gone tree shopping in a while. I think it'll be good.â
 âHow many pieces is this puzzle gonna be?â  She rose a brow but smiled.  When Evan agreed she felt a weight lift off her shoulders.  A brighter smile pulled at pink lips.  âThank you , promise I wonât take forever finding one.â  Henri chuckled from the couch.  âShe says that now but youâre going to be there at least an hour-dress warm.â
 Evan paused thoughtfully but then simply shrugged. âI'm unsure right now. Lots.â Evan finished off her food and then listened to Meredith and Henri's comments. âMm. You told me about Henri needing to carry you out...I'm not going to hold my breath about it just yet.â She said with a soft laugh.
 Mere gave a little huff at the retort.  She finished off the last of the small plate sheâd made herself and then went about packing things up and clearing the table to do dishes.   âI doubt youâd try to carry me out.â  She smirked a little as she washed a plate.
 She quirked an eyebrow and stood up from the table, moving to stand beside Meredith. âOh no? Don't think I could? Hmm?â Evan questioned, crossing her arms over her chest and allowing her eyes to scan over Meredith's now familiar face. It was a face she was waking up to every morning and falling asleep to every night.
 Meredith side glanced the woman as she continued to wash the dishes. That freckles face held amusement as she bit into her lower lip. She gave a small shrug. âI mean you look strong enough I just donât think you would.â
 âNo? Why wouldn't I then? What gives you that impression?â She questioned, resting her back against the counter with a curious expression. She wasn't upset by the assumption, just interested to see what her reasoning might be.
 The blonde shrugged again.  âJust a feeling.â  She reached around her for the dish towel to dry off a few things before putting them in their rightful place.  âI feel like you have more patience than Henri did.â  The older woman snorted.  âI mean, sheâs not entirely wrong.â
 Evan hummed and then simply nodded her head slightly. âI supposed I canât argue with that.â She said with a slight smile and a shrug. âI'm going to go for a shower...is there anything that you need help with at all?â She questioned, tapping her fingers lightly.
 The younger woman smiled.  She had no doubt that Evan could throw her over her shoulder, or carry her- she and Henri had very similar builds. Both women were taller than her and physically stronger.  She shook her head at the question.  âNope. Just gonna finish up here then bring Harold up with me.  Need to get into pjs and stuff.â
 âAlright. Sounds good.â She moved to walk out before turning back. âMake sure you take the pup out.â Evan said with a slight smile and a wink. Of course she trusted Meredith enough, and knew she was smart enough to know to bring the dog outside. âSee you in a bit.â She headed upstairs, taking her time with the shower as she listened to music. Eventually, she made her way into the bedroom now changed into her pajamas.
 Mere took Harold out to do his business and then grabbed up his bed and his plush Dino and led him upstairs.  He was already asleep in his bed by the time Meredith made her way back into Evanâs room.  She wore an outfit much like last night, huge worn T-shirt and flannel sleep shorts.  Crawling into bed beside Evan she gave a small smile.  âI think he knows heâs homeâ
 Evan learned down to pet the dog for a few moments, pleased that he seemed so comfortable in the house already. She eased herself under the covers and smiled as Meredith made her way into the room. âI think he does.â She agreed, turning onto her side with a hum. It was still a bit early, but Evan was happy to lay in bed and simply snuggle for a bit. The comfort that she felt was a little worrying to her, but she was trying not to focus on it.
 Meredith liked their routine, she was finding comfort in having one even if it was simple.  âIt was funny watching him waddle up the steps.â She cuddled into the blankets turning to face the brunette.  âThank you for today.  It meant a lot to me.â Â
 Evan laughed softly. âI look forward to seeing it myself. And I'm excited to have a buddy when you go to work.â She mused, her arm finding its way around her waist without much thought. She knew she needed to put some distance between them, but figured that her heading back to Chicago would accomplish that. For now, she was content. âOf course. I'm glad it went well.â
 âIâm not sure heâll be able to do it himself all the time. I might have to carry him.â  As that arm went around her waist she cuddled in a little bit closer.  They were getting extremely close but it felt natural and necessary⌠it was comfortable and as usual it made her feel safe, it wasnât something she was looking forward to giving up.
 âWell, I'll keep an eye on that.â Evan said, her hand gently trailing up and down the blonde's back. âDon't want the little man getting hurt. Especially when it's avoidable.â Evan mused, snuggling a bit further under the blankets and smiling softly. âDo you think having Harold around will help you sleep when I'm in Chicago?â
 The blonde bit into her lower lip at the question not really liking to think about the day that sheâd once again be alone in those huge house.  The hand caressing her back helped her to relax a bit.  âI dunno.  My guess is once youâre gone heâll end up in bed with me. And then youâll have to fight him for your spot when you come home for Christmas.â
 Evan gasped at her words, shaking her head. âI can't believe that you're going to make me fight for my spot. Don't you enjoy my cuddles?â Evan pouted playfully and then pressed their foreheads together for a moment. âIf you ever need to, call me, okay? I definitely won't mind staying on the phone with you.â
 âI love your cuddles.â  Meredith laughed a little.  âI wouldnât, heâll just get so used to snuggling up with me that he wonât wanna give it up.â  When that forehead rested against her own she closed her eyes for a moment.  âExpect a nightly phone call then.â  Lips tugged into a small smile. âAnd a slew of texts and goofy photos.â  She let out a small shaky breath.  âItâll be hard here without you.â  She admitted.
 She couldn't deny the flip of her stomach when Meredith said she loved the cuddles, even if she tried to ignore it to the best of her ability. âWell, we will just have to figure something out that works for all three of us.â Evan mused, believing that they would be able to come to some sort of compromise. âThat's okay by me, Mere. Honestly. I'm happy to be on the other end when you need or want me to be.â At her admission, she let out a soft breath. âI know. But...I'll do what I can to make it as easy as possible okay? Promise.â
 The younger woman only clung a little tighter to Evan, the thought of letting her go right now was simply too hard to handle.  She went quiet for awhile and simply gave a small nod.  âWhatâs your favorite song?â She eventually murmured, changing the subject so as not to be sad right before bed.
 She pressed a kiss to Meredith's forehead as she tightened her grip. Her hand gently rubbed along her back and she did her best to comfort her. âMy favorite song is either Who Do You Love by Marianas Trench or The Call by Regina Spektor. Yours?â
The blonde melted a little into the hold. Â Â âI think it changes every day. Right now I love listening to Sara Bareilles. Â My favorite song of hers is Gravity. Â She just did a recording for the Hamilton remix cd of the Theodosia Reprise. Itâs pretty amazing. Â Henri took me to see Hamilton in New York one year for my birthday.â Â She smiled a little at the memory.
 âShe is pretty great. Good choice there.â She said with a smile. âThat's pretty cool. Itâs nice that you were able to go to the show.â Evan mused softly, breathing out slowly and allowing her fingers to continue brushing over her back. âWhen uh..when is your birthday?â
 Evanâs touch was almost healing in a way and Meredith let herself enjoy the comfort.  âHmm? Oh⌠Uhm November 1st.  I just turned 27.  Yours is May 2nd, right?â  She knew because Henri always used to light a candle for Evan that night and Meredith always baked cupcakes.
 She hummed thoughtfully. âSorry I just missed it then.â Evan said as her eyebrows furrowed. She wished she would have known. Not that at that point she ever thought about Meredith. âWell...happy belated birthday.â She offered with a slight chuckle. âYeah, that's the day.â She confirmed with a nod.
 A warm smile touched her lips.  âThank you.â  The blonde hadnât been well on her birthday this year. No one even remembered really and she spent the day at work and then at home numbly going through the motions of life.  âI make cupcakes every May 2nd and Henri would light a candle, thatâs how I remember.â
 Her heart felt a little more full at Meredith's words and she smiled softly. âCupcakes are amazing.â Evan mused, thumb brushing circles along her back. âItâs nice to hear all of the little things that Henri did.â The brunette expressed, feeling some longing well within her.
 âI make pretty amazing cupcakes.â  The way that thumb traced over her back had tingles dancing along her spine.  The blonde gave a small hum at the comment.  âShe was just as stubborn as you but she was stubborn in her own way.  Itâs why your room never changed.  Weâd always hang your stocking on the mantle for Christmas. She got you a gift every year. I still have them stored away in the closet. Iâll put them under the tree this year.â
 âI look forward to trying one of your cupcakes.â Her bottom lip trembled, but she forced herself not to cry at the notion, closing her eyes and taking a few deep breath. She had missed out on so much, holding onto her fear and anger and pain. And she was so upset with herself. And the issue was that there was nothing she could do now to change anything. She wished there was, but there wasnât.
 She noticed the way Evan reacted and hugged their bodies a little closer.  âI also bake amazing pies.â  She murmured, changing the subject.  âTell me your favorite kind and it will go on the thanksgiving menu.â  Henri had been so stubborn that there were now six gifts tucked away waiting for Evan.  Mere had always thought it was sweet.
 âAmazing pie, huh?I'm in for a treat then. Cherry is my favorite kind of pie.â She expressed with a smile, feeling the wave of sadness pass over her. It would take a while for her to stop feeling sad over the smallest things but she knew it was natural. âWhat's your favorite pie?â
 âI can definitely do cherry. That used to be my brotherâs favorite.â  She and her brothers were very much estranged but that wasnât her choice, that was on them.  âI love Dutch Apple and Peach Crumb.  But they definitely need to be served with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.  Itâs just how it has to be done.â
 She smiled at her words and nodded her head. âJust means we're going to have lots of delicious pie. And I am more than okay with that.â Evan said, adjusting her position to get a bit more comfortable before settling down once more. âI think we will have a good Thanksgiving. I'll do my best to make it good for you.â
 âFor us.â  She corrected gently.  âI want it to be just as good for you.â  A day of cooking and puzzling with Evan just sounded like an amazing day even if it would be missing Henri.  She shifted along with the brunette and they resettled, one of her legs easily tangling with the older womanâs.
 She hummed softly and nodded her head. âFor us absolutely.â She replied, kissing Meredith's forehead. As a leg tangled with her own, she let out a soft breath and gently gripped the woman's shirt. She felt way too comfortable with Meredith but she wasn't going to fight it right now.
 The kiss to her forehead had her cheeks flushing a little but thankfully her face wasnât in Evanâs direct line of sight at the moment.  âIâm not gonna wanna go to school tomorrow with you and Harold here. Iâm gonna wanna play hookie but technically Iâm not allowed cause itâs the day before a break.â Â
 Evan smiled softly and lifted her hand to play with her hair. âOne day. And then you'll get all of the Harold snuggles. I think it'll be good for me to get a day with him so I'm not a complete stranger since I'll be leaving for a month. Gotta have him like me when I get back.â She said with a playful wink. âIt'll be good. And I'll text you to try and make the day go by quickly.â
 The blonde leaned into the touch so easily but then gave a soft whine.  âOne day too long.â  She poured some but then let a small sigh leave her lips.  âYou do need bonding timeâŚ. I guess as long as you promise to text me it wonât be all that bad.â  She still sounded pouty though.
 Evan chuckled softly, fingers still carding through blonde locks. âI definitely promise to text you.â She paused, humming. âDarn you're adorable though.â Evan cleared her throat after she spoke, attempting to brush it off. âI'll probably take Harold for a walk tomorrow.â
 Sheâd closed her eyes to simply enjoy the way those fingers felt in her hair.  âCanât wait to be thoroughly distracted.â  She smirked a little but it warmed to a shy smile at the womanâs words, her cheeks flushing again.  âNuh-uh.â The blonde tried to argue but Evan was already changing the subject. âHmm Iâm sure heâll like that.â
 âI'm pretty distracting so hopefully you're able to get your work done.â Evan teased gently, letting out a soft yawn. âI hope that he will. If not...at least itâs good for him.â She mused with a shrug, twisting to glance at the sleeping dog. It was great that he already seemed so comfortable. She had been a bit worried about how the night would go.
 âLucky for you I wanna be distracted.â  She teased back.  Pouting a little again the blonde nuzzled into her.  âYouâre lucky you get to watch him waddle all day.â  The thought of going to school tomorrow was kind of awful.
 She chuckled softly. âThat's true. At least I have permission to be distracting you. It would be a shame if you weren't a fan of it.â She rested her chin on top of Meredith's head as she snuggled up to her, rubbing her back once more. âSorry, Mere.â
 âBut youâll both be here when I get home and we can get in all the snuggles and shop for Thanksgiving and itâll all be good.â  The more she spoke the more mumbled it sounded, she was getting sleepy.
 âWe will definitely be here when you get back.â She agreed with a smile, rubbing her back slowly. âGet some sleep. Goodnight, Mere.â She murmured softly, once again slipping into the routine of waiting for Meredith to actually be asleep before she closed her eyes herself; a goodnight whispered to Henri as usual.
 âNight, EvâŚâ She murmured before slipping seamlessly into a peaceful slumber.  Henri heard the goodnight and smiled.  Meredith was melting away her little sisterâs frozen layers and it was mesmerizing to watch.
the next day || evan + meredith
who: mostly Evan and Meredith but guest appearances by Henri and Nick
when: the next day after para 02
where: the house and schoolÂ
Once Evan managed to fall asleep, she slept very well despite the fact that someone else was sleeping in her bed with her. However, thanks to her inner clock, she was unable to sleep in and her eyes blinked open in the sunlight. Her eyebrows furrowed at the body wrapped around her and she cleared her throat, glancing at the time. She knew Meredith had work, but it also seemed like she was finally getting the sleep she needed. Sighing softly, she brushed fingers through blonde hair and pulled back a bit. âM-Meredith?â
 Meredith leaned into the touch of fingers threaded through her hair.  Hearing her name her eyes slowly blinked open and bright blue came face to face with Evanâs gaze. It took her a minute to process where she was, who she was with and the position they were in but when it all dawned on her those freckles cheeks flush and she carefully extracted herself.  âSorryâŚâ She murmured sheepishly. Looking at the time over Evanâs body she groaned. âI should Uhm⌠probably shower and head out.â
 âItâs okay.â She promised, moving back a bit as Meredith worked to untangle their limbs. She nodded her head slightly when Meredith said that she had to get ready for work and she sat up. âI figured as much. Didnât uh want you to be late or anything.â Evan started, rubbing her face. She had no idea what she was going to do that day. It had been a long time since she hadn't had some form of work to do on a weekday. Even on weekends, Evan was usually doing something work related. She slipped out of bed herself, figuring she could make some breakfast and shower once Meredith was gone.
 âThanks.â She replied, getting up from the bed and heading for the door. Pausing in the doorway she turned back to Evan. âAnd thank you⌠for last night.â  A small smile tugged at her lips before she finally stepped out of the room and made her way next door to shut off her alarm and start getting ready.  Henri stepped into the room as her wife stepped out. âLooks like you both got some much needed sleep.â
 She nodded her head slightly when Meredith thanked her, returning the smile. âYou're welcome.â She replied, jumping slightly at her sister's voice. She looked over and then bit down on her bottom lip with a slight nod. âYeah, guess you were right about what would help.â Evan mused slightly, stretching slightly and looking around her bedroom. âI'm glad she got some sleep.â
 âShe needs more but thatâs definitely a start.â  Henri leaned up against the desk and observed her sister for a long moment. âI knew sheâd sleep through the night but Iâll admit, Iâm surprised that you did.â  It was almost amusing.  She sighed some.  âI wish sheâd take some time off work⌠I should be thankful the school goes on break soon for the holiday I suppose.â
 âI'm surprised I slept too.â Evan admitted, chalking it up to the fact that she had spent lots of times snuggled up with someone in this bed. She was sure it would have been different had she been back in Chicago and trying to sleep with someone else in her bed. âYeah...here's hoping that she continues to get some sleep.â
 âIâm sure youâll make certain that happens while youâre here.â  It wasnât a question more of a hopeful statement.  She took a look at one of the photos of them, Evan was smiling and Henri was kissing her cheek. Theyâd been very much in love and those feelings never did go away. It was odd when she fell just as hard for the blonde. Loving two people at once was almost cruel but at least Meredith understood.  âIâm not sure Iâve said it but⌠Iâm really happy youâre home, Ev.â
 She nodded her head slightly in response. Now that she knew for sure that she could do something to help Meredith, she would assist whenever allowed. Especially because she now knew she could sleep through as well. At Henri's words, she looked down and picked at a loose string in her sleep pants, feeling tears well in her eyes again.
 Seeing the emotions well up inside her younger sister she struggled to keep it together.  Thinking quickly she adjusted herself on the bed and put a pillow in her lap patting it. âCâmere.â She murmured, that sea hued gaze fixated on the younger one. Â
 Her eyebrows furrowed slightly at the suggestion and breathed out slowly before moving to lay her head on the pillow, gripping at the pillow cover. The tears began to slip from her eyes and down her cheeks, feeling the pressure build up in her chest. Her bottom lip trembled and a sob broke through as she let herself really feel the loss. The first night she had felt the sadness but had also felt shock and confusion and the days after she had been more focused on Meredith and getting used to being back in Maine. Now though, the sadness felt overwhelming.
 Hearing Evan cry broke her. Her jaw clenched to keep her own emotions at bay.  Reaching out, her hand hovered over her body and she moved it slowly along the curves until she reached the blanket. Pulling up the blanket over her she carefully ran her hand up and down, soothing along those same curves but thankfully she was able to have a barrier between them to keep their connection safe for now.  âI love you.â She said softly.  âNever stopped.â
 Feeling Henri's hand rubbing over her side through the blanket, she gripped the pillow more tightly and sniffled. âI l-love you too.â Evan managed to say, despite the tears and sobs that were still coming from her. Her heart was aching more than she could express and she chewed on her bottom lip, trying to stop her tears. âI...I'm s-sorry I was so selfish.â
 Henri felt her lips tug into a sad smile. She shook her head as she continued to run her hand over her in a soothing motion. âShh⌠not selfish.  You were heartbroken.  Thereâs a difference.â She thought for a moment.  âI never meant to hurt you the way I did, Ev.â She sat there awhile just caressing the other girl as she cried.  There was a knock at the semi opened  door and suddenly Henri was gone.  When the blonde popped her head in she looked like the polished professional she was. She was the type of professor most students probably fantasized about. Noticing the tears streaming down her face she went over to the bed and sat down tucking a few strands behind the womanâs ear, thumbs wiping them away. She cupped her face gently.  âDo you need me to stay home today?â She asked softly.
 Hearing that Henri had never meant to hurt her so badly caused another sob to be pulled from Evan's lips. Evan had fought so hard the night that Henri had broken them up, but it hadn't been enough and she hadn't known how to deal with the pain. Running away may not have been the best choice but it had felt like the only option at that time. âI j-just...I felt like I had no-nothing, Hen. I couldn't st-stay.â She froze as when she heard the knock and she tried to quickly wipe away her tears, but she wasn't fast enough. Evan let out a deep breath at the question, leaning her cheek into the touch just slightly. âNo...you...I'll be okay. You shouldn't miss because of me.â Evan paused, remembering that Henri was wishing for Meredith to take some time off and realized she had missed a chance to get her to stay home. But she also didn't want to manipulate her.
 Meredith studied her features carefully, noting how the woman leaned into her touch. After a long moment she gave a small nod. âOkay but⌠if you need to please get in touch?â Blue gaze was pleading. âActually⌠Iâll text you anyway. I get bored between classes.â A gentle smile pulled at pink lips.  Without even thinking she wrapped her arms around the brunette and hugged her close.
 Evan let out a watery chuckle and she smiled. âI'll look forward to your texts. I'm sure I'll end up bored pretty quickly today.â Evan mused, with a nod. She let out a soft breath as arms wrapped around her before she slowly returned the hug. It had been a long time since she had hugged anyone. âUm, you probably don't have time for breakfast now huh?â
 âGood.  Cause youâll get lots of them.  The fact that the older woman hugged her back had Meredith settling in her arms.  When she heard the question she smiled and pulled back. âI probably have time for a bagel or fruit and some coffee.â She replied. The thought of food was still a difficult one but the more Evan tried to feed her the easier it started to get.  She glanced down at her watch giving a nod.  âMeet me downstairs?â
 Evan nodded at her words and watched her leave the room before she slipped out of bed. She grabbed the clothes she was going to wear that day and set them on her bed to put on after her shower and then slipped on her robe. She then made her way downstairs and into the kitchen, having composed herself a little bit more. âWhat time do you finish work again?â
 Meredith was busy making breakfast. Each plate had half a toasted bagel and a little cup of fruit salad. She buttered the pieces on either plate and then went to fill two mugs with steaming hot coffee fixing it the way she now knew Evan liked it.  Bringing things to the breakfast bar she gave the woman a small smile. âThree because I typically stick around to give office hour help for students.â
 She nodded her head in understanding as she took a seat and offered her a smile. âAlright, sounds good. I think I might head to the gym for a few hours just to give myself something to do.â She mused, more than happy with her decision to rent a vehicle. âThank you for breakfast by the way. I appreciate it a lot. Do you want anything specific for dinner?â
 Meredith sat down on the stool beside her and took a small bite of her bagel.  âThat sounds like a good plan. And donât mention it. I like making breakfast.â  She took another small bite and hummed as she sipped the black coffee.  She thought for a moment before shaking her head a little. âNope. Surprise me.â
 Evan settled in to eat, humming at the taste. It was such a simple breakfast but oh so good. Sometimes the simplest of meals were the best. âAlrighty, I'll figure something out.â She paused for a moment and glanced over at the blonde. âDo you happen to have plans for Thanksgiving?â Evan questioned, biting down on her bottom lip. She knew that the thought of holidays probably wasn't fun, but she wanted to know if she needed to get out if Meredith was having company over.
 The blonde had taken a few bites of fruit which was somehow easier to eat than the bagel. She glanced over at the other woman and crossed one toned thigh over the other beneath that pencil skirt. Meredith gave a small shake to her head.  âMy family disowned me when I married Henri.  Theyâre hardcore republicans.â  She gave a little shrug. âAre you gonna stay?â
 A puff of air was pulled from Evan's lungs at Meredith's words and she shook her head in disgust. How did people still not understand that love was love? It was ridiculous. âMm, you deserved better than that.â Evan stated firmly, taking a bite of the bagel. She swallowed her bite and then tilted her head. âI was thinking I would stay until then. Then probably head back to do some âadultingâ as the youth say.â She teased lightly. âThen..come back for Christmas maybe if you're okay with that.â
 Funny enough that was exactly what Henri had said followed by a comment on how it was a miracle that they could have created the most accepting human being sheâd ever met.  Meredith smiled a little bit, happy to hear that sheâd be staying. âIâd uhm⌠Iâd really like that.â She nodded.  âI really donât want to do the holidays alone so.. that would really mean a lot to me. Just having you here at all means more to me than you know.â  She admitted before stomaching another bite of bagel.
 She smiled in return, glad that her presence seemed to be a good thing for the other woman. The fact that they hadn't known one another before Henri had died was a shame, and them meeting was definitely the only good thing to come out of it. Though she wasn't sure if either of them would consider it worth it. âItâs nice getting to spend time with you. And hey, if you ever feel like visiting ChicagoâŚâ Evan said with a cheeky grin before sipping at her coffee.
 Her heart warmed a little at the admission and she nodded in agreement. âIâm glad Iâm getting the chance to know you.â  She felt her cheeks flush seeing that cheeky grin and smiled a little more.  âMaybe we do Christmas here and New Years in Chicago- I get an insanely long break in the winter.â  She took a long sip of coffee and then finished off her fruit, leaving a bite of bagel.  âI need to head out.â  She leaned over and kissed her cheek out of habit before bringing her plate and mug in the sink.  âSee you this afternoon.â
 âI think that sounds awesome.â She agreed with a smile and a nod. It was weird, but nice to have a plan set up for the holidays. It had been a long time since she had had anything beyond any work functions. She nodded her head when Meredith said that she needed to go, flushing at the kiss to her cheek. âHave a good day. See you later.â Evan finished her own breakfast after she had left and then did the dishes quickly. Instead of going for a shower, she made her way straight to the gym.
 Eventually the day wore on and she was bored out of her mind during her free period.  She pulled out her cell phone and pulled up her texts.
Meredith: So bored.
 The gym was pretty empty, allowing Evan free reign of virtually anything she wanted to do.  However, after a few hours, her muscles were tired and achy and she decided to drive back. When she got there, she made her way up to her room, stripping the sweaty clothes from her body and tossing them in the hamper. Glancing down at her phone as it went off, she chuckled.
Evan: Just got back from the gym. Kept me busy for a while. How're the students?
 Mere smiled down at the text she got back.
Meredith: Surprisingly competent today. How was the gym?
 She made her way to the bathroom, turning on some music.
Evan: It was good. Hardly anyone there. Too sweaty right now though.
 The blonde held her breath as she heard Nick pass by in the hall talking with another colleague, sheâd been skillfully avoiding him all day.
Meredith: Sounds like you were productive.
 She smiled at the phone before turning on the water, replying just before she stepped into the shower.
Evan: As productive as one can be when they actually have nothing that needs to be done.
 Mere looked at the time and sighed.
Meredith: This day isnât going fast enough.
 The text was left unreplied to for about twenty minutes as Evan showered. Stepping out of the shower, she wrapped her hair and body in towels and then grabbed her phone.
Evan: If I had the power to fast forward time I would. But I was thinking we should go do something fun this weekend.
 Meredith ended up talking to a student for awhile so her reply came about ten minutes after Evanâs.
Meredith: âŚ.what do you consider fun?
 During the ten minutes, she had made her way to her room and changed into a pair of black jeans and a red plaid shirt. She then brushed through her curls, letting them dry naturally.
Evan: I donât know! I haven't actually gone out and done anything with anyone in years. We could go bowling or play pool or like anything.
 Mere ducked into the Hall from her classroom as she saw Nick going into her office.  Once in the safety of the library she smirked at the text.
Meredith: Can you dance?
 She moved to drop down on the couch, turning on the TV and putting it on a rerun of Friends.
Evan: I can.
 The blonde found a secluded corner and took a seat, nicely hidden from view.
Meredith: Lucky strikes is an âadultâ bowling alley that also has a dance club.
Meredith: Adult because they sell alcohol not adult like inappropriate.
Meredith: omgâŚ. forget I said anything.
 Evan laughed at the at the texts she received, shaking her head slightly. She could almost visualize the flush on her cheeks.
Evan: Adult bowling sounds like a great time. ;)
 Mere was so red and had literally face palmed.
Meredith: :| Youâre laughing.
 Evan snorted, curling up with a hum.
Evan: I totally am.
 The reply only made her cheeks darken in shade and she bit down into her lower lip.
Meredith: Rude.
Meredith: I feel like a high schooler hiding away in the library and texting when thereâs a sign that clearly says no mobile devices allowed. And Iâm really trying not to draw attention to myself.
 Evan chuckled and shook her head in amusement.
Evan: Meredith Hughes! You rule breaker.
 And of course Evan would tease her just as much as Henri always had.
Meredith: Iâm a teacher! I do what I want!
 She snorted and shook her head slightly. What a doofus.
Evan: Mm, okay, there.
Evan: It's alright. I'm a bit of a rule breaker myself.
 The blonde kept glancing up, checking to make sure that Nick hadnât come into the library.
Meredith: I usually follow rules :P
 Evan quirked an eyebrow and hummed thoughtfully.
Evan: That's good to know. I may have to just randomly put a rule in place.
 Mere felt her cheeks flush as she read and reread that text.  She bit her lip again.  Slight deflection.
Meredith: So you like making them not following them? :P
 Evan bit down on her bottom lip, thinking over her answer.
Evan: Depends on the situation. I was pretty good at following Hen's rules. Usually. Not so good at following rules from others.
 Meredith felt her lips quirk at the reply.
Meredith: I never thought Iâd say this but I miss the rules.
Meredith: They made me feel secure and I dunno it sounds stupid I guess.
 She let out a soft sigh.
Evan: It doesn't sound stupid. Not at all. You're talking to someone who lost some rules too. I get it. As much as I can get it.
Evan: I'm not going to judge you for anything you're feeling okay?
 The blonde felt a well of emotions and swallowed hard.
Meredith: I know you went through this loss long before I did.
Meredith: I want you to know I had no clue what was going on until much later. I pushed enough once youâd left and Henri told me everything. I donât judge you either. And Iâm sorry for any of the pain that may have been my fault by association.
Meredith: And thank you.  Without her literally everything fell apart. I like routine. I just feel lost. I know Iâm preaching to the choir⌠just feels like a relief to admit it.
 Evan read the texts over a few times, biting down on her bottom lip.
Evan: It uh...might be weird to say but I was never mad at you. I know how easy it is to fall in love with her. I was just...hurt...and I don't know.
Evan: It's weird to be able to talk about it. I've never gotten to do that before.
Evan: You can always talk to me.
 The blonde bit her lip again and ran slender digits through blonde waves.
Meredith: You can talk to me about it but donât feel like you need to. Just want you to know I accept you for who you are.
Meredith: That goes both ways.
Meredith: Itâs gonna sound odd but I feel like Iâve known you far longer than I have.
 She breathed out slowly and pinched her nose, clearing her throat.
Evan: Honestly it's just...itâs nice to know that someone other than me and Henri know about it. Even if it doesn't truly matter. It just...makes it feel like it meant something.
Evan: Sorry that's...dumb.
Evan: Yeah. I understand that feeling.
 Mere cleared her throat some⌠she was just happy Evan was being open with her.
Meredith: Not dumb. Â It matters. Â The relationship was real. Â I know because of what Iâve been told and what Iâve seen. Â And Iâll always be here to validate you when it comes to what the two of you had.
Meredith: Nice to know Iâm not alone.
 Evan felt tears welling up and she blinked them back, breathing out slowly. She was surprised she was talking about it but she supposed it was easier over text.
Evan: It's been six years and I'm still not over it and I just...I feel so fucking dumb for not being over it. Because if I could have just...six years without seeing her and now it's too late.
Evan: Definitely not alone.
 Meredith could feel the upset on the other end even if she couldnât see the woman.
Meredith: She was never over it either if Iâm being honest. She asked me sometime last year if Iâd ever experienced what it was like to be in love with two people at once. Â It was something I knew long before that and have always accepted.
Meredith: Iâm surprised though, I canât picture you following rules. Â Even if Henri did set them.
 She had heard something similar from Henri, but it was different coming from the other woman that she had been in love with.
Evan: Thank you.
Evan: I mean I didn't always. But she was pretty persuasive.
 Meredith smiled a little at the thanks.
Meredith: Any time.
Meredith: I wanna come home.
Meredith: I think thatâs the first time Iâve felt that in months.
 Evan breathed out slowly and curled up on the couch, head resting on the arm.
Evan: You'll be back soon enough.
Evan: I was thinking tacos for dinner.
 The blond glanced up only to see Nick chatting with a student on the other side of the library.  Definitely time to make an escape, she had to teach anyway.
Meredith: True.
Meredith: Tacos sound good.
Meredith: Have to go conduct an orchestra. Pray that for their sake they donât suck today.
 She sighed a little disappointed but understood that she needed to teach.
Evan: Donât kill any students alright? Talk to you later.
 The blonde smirked at the reply.
Meredith: I make no promises. :)
 After their conversation had finished, Evan moved to the kitchen to chop everything up so that the process for dinner later on would be much quicker. She hummed softly as she moved around the kitchen, feeling much lighter than she had.
 Orchestra went better than she initially thought it would.  One kid was on her shit list in the brass section but all things considered that was a success.  She narrowly avoided Nick and made her way home.  The second she walked in the door she dropped her bag, kicked off her heels and groaned. âI swear heels were invented to torture women.â She remarked as she made her way into the kitchen.
 Hearing the door open, Evan looked up with a smile and hummed thoughtfully. âI completely agree with you. I fucking hate heels.â Evan commented, chewing on her bottom lip. âI figured we could probably eat around six if that's okay with you? I've got everything ready to go it just needs to be cooked.â Evan stated, putting the last of everything back in the fridge before washing her hands.
 âIf I donât wear them then Iâm shorter than half my student population and thatâs just unacceptable.  Sacrifices are made daily.â  The blonde leaned up against the counter and watched the woman as she did her thing in the kitchen.  âSounds good to me. Gives me time to get out of these clothes and decompress.â  The day had been a long one.
 Evan chuckled softly and nodded softly. She could definitely understand where Meredith was coming from. After washing and drying her hands, she turned to Meredith with a smile. âI was thinking of trying to find a new Netflix series to watch if you're up for it. If you want some alone time though I definitely get it.â
 âDefinitely. Start browsing while I go strip out of professor mode.â  She headed for the stairs but looked over her shoulder.  âAnd if itâs something scary you can be sure Iâll be using you as a human shield.  Just saying.â  She shrugged with a smile and headed upstairs to get changed. Henri appeared in the doorway.  âItâs nice seeing both of you smile.â
 She chuckled, shaking her head in amusement. Human shield powers activated. Evan bit down on her bottom lip when Henri appeared and spoke, looking down for a moment; still a bit embarrassed over the breakdown that morning. âItâs nice to smile.â Evan agreed, making her way into the living room.
 Henri followed her and leaned up against the arm of the couch.  âWhat show are you thinking?â  She didnât want to draw attention to the breakdown knowing her sister would be embarrassed so she didnât bring it up.  Upstairs Meredith changed into leggings and an oversized button down flannel.  She let her hair down put on some comfy socks and gave herself a once over in the mirror.
 She dropped down onto the couch and curled up with her legs underneath her, turning Netflix on once again and shaking her head slightly. âI actually don't know.â She mused, eyebrows furrowing slightly. âMaybe we'll watch One Day at a Time. I've heard good things.â She mused with a nod of her head. She moved to it and clicked on the show, pausing it to wait for Meredith.
 The second that Meredith appeared was the moment Henri vanished from view.  The blonde dropped down onto the couch and pulled the knit blanket from the back to get cozy beneath it.  âWhat did you find?â  The younger woman settled easily into the plush cushions.
 âI was thinking One Day at a Time. Have you watched it?â Evan questioned, settling back to get as comfortable as she could. They could get through a few episodes and then Evan would go finish getting dinner ready. âHow's it feel to be out of your work clothes?â She said with a bit of a smirk, knowing how much she loved the cool down after work.
 âNever seen it. Sounds good to me.â  It was so nice having another human being here with her, the warmth and mere presence made all the difference. She smiled at the question giving Evan a side glance.  âLike heaven.â That smirk killed her, it was the same one as Henriâs that sheâd grown so fond of over the years.
 âAwesome.â She was glad she had managed to choose a new one for the both of them. âNo doubt. It's always a great time of day.â She said with a nod before starting the show, setting the remote aside and getting comfortable once more. âDid you manage to keep all of your students alive?â Evan teased.
 âI have a work persona that has stayed very much intact through all of this.  It feels good right now to drop it along with the pencil skirt and heels.â She smirked some. She knew her professional attire got heads to turn but it also kept her students completely focused on her which was certainly a plus.  âOne almost got killed. Being a moron doesnât bode well, especially when youâre in my orchestra. But yes. Theyâre all alive.â
 âI definitely can't argue with you there. Nice work.â Evan said with a slight laugh. âGlad you followed the rules and didn't kill anyone.â She said with a laugh, eyes scanning over the television as the episode actually began. It was odd, but nice, spending so much time with a person.
 The blonde quirked a brow. âSo that was a rule, was it?â  She smirked a little and tried to focus on the screen.  âGood to know.â  The show was easy to watch and the company was easy to be around. She quietly found herself wondering if Evan would be implementing other rules.
 âMhm, itâs been decided. Killing your students is against the rules.â Evan said with a chuckle, shaking her head. âDon't disobey.â She teased, shooting a wink in the other woman's direction. After a few episodes, Evan groaned and stretched her arms above her head moving to her feet.
 Meredith felt her cheeks flush at those words coupled with that wink.  The blonde watched her get up and flipped off the television. âDinner?â  That was the plan.  She headed to the kitchen to set the table and went about getting out the appropriate plates and utensils. Hearing the doorbell her brow furrowed.  âIâll get it.â  Heading to the front she opened the door to find Nick there holding flowers and sporting that charming smile.  âWhat are you doing here, Nick?â  That didnât deter him.  âI didnât see you today at school.  I wanted to make sure you were alright.â  Meredith didnât know how to reply and before she could he was speaking up again.  âCan I come in?â  The blonde shook her head. âNowâs really not a good time Nick-â
 âMhm, dinner.â Evan said with a nod of her head before making her way to the kitchen. She walked around Meredith and went about hearing everything as she went, pleased that it wouldn't take too long to reheat everything. Evan nodded her head when Meredith said that she would get the door. After all, no one would be there for her. She moved to the door when Meredith hadn't returned, furrowing her eyes when she heard the name. âHey, food's ready.â She interrupted. It wasn't quite right but she was trying to speed up the process.
 The blonde had tensed up and when she heard Evans voice she felt her heart jump a little and her breath catch⌠but she also felt relief.  âGreat.â  She offered the brunette a small smile.  âHey, Iâm Nick.â  Meredith took a step back from the door.  âI Uhm⌠have to go finish setting the table.â  She offered her colleague a tight smile but walked past Evan knowing the other woman would make sure he found his way off their porch.  âMeredi-â He sighed and deflated some.
 At Nick's introduction, she tilted her head to the side and offered him a single nod. âEvan.â She stepped up beside the blonde and brushed her arm against hers, offering some support before she moved back to the kitchen. Once Meredith had left, Evan stepped out of the house, closing the door behind her and breathed out a sigh. âWhat are you playing at? Honestly...what are you doing here right now?â
 The physical contact made all the difference, it was as if Evan could make her feel safe and secure from one simple touch.  Nick scoffed some.  âIâm just trying to be here for her. Didnât know she had you here I thought she was out here on her own.â  He ran a hand up the back of his neck and gave a small shake to his head.  âThought she could use a support system.  And something to take her mind off the loss.â
 Her eyes narrowed slightly at him, her arms crossing over her chest. âSee, I think there's more to it than that. And you need to back off. She is still grieving and you are showing her and her wife no respect by shoving yourself into her life.â Evan said sternly, completely unamused. âAnd itâs pretty fucking creepy to show up at someone's house without so much as a warning. Especially when she's made it clear she doesn't want anything.â
 The man looked a little nervous, Evan had this intensity about her just like Henri had.  âEventually, she needs to move on and when she does, Iâll be here.â  He remarked. âBut hey, I get it, sheâs got the support she needs. Maybe once youâre done picking up the pieces Iâll ask her out.â  He gave that charming yet unsettling smile and backed down off the porch.  âNice meeting you, Evan.â
 Her jaw clenched and she took a step forward, not comfortable at all with the words he was speaking or the look on his face. âIf you ever do anything she doesn't want, you will fucking regret it. And that's a promise, Nick. I will have no problem at all coming after you.â Evan stared him down, waiting for him to drive off before she stepped back into the house, locking the door behind her.
 He got into his car and muttered âcrazy bitchâ before driving off but the message was clear as day.  By the time Evan made it back into the kitchen the table had been set and Meredith was busting herself with drinks. Water was a must but tacos called for tequila.  She glanced up.  âWant a margarita?â
 âA margarita sounds amazing.â Evan said with a nod, moving to put everything into bowls and then place them on the table. She let out a breath and set some dishes in the sink to be dealt with later. âTell me if he keeps bugging you. Alright? I'm hoping he won't, but justâŚâ Evan trailed off and then cleared her throat before taking a seat at the table.
 The blonde pulled out the good tequila from Henriâs fancy liquor cabinet and poured them both a homemade margarita.  Once upon a time Mere had been a damn good bartender.  Meredith bit her lower lip as she set the glasses down and took a seat.  âI willâŚâ. She took a sip of her drink, in thought.  âMost of the day I was avoiding him.  Especially while I was texting you⌠he knows when my free time is and my usual haunts hence why I was in the library.â
 âThank you.â Evan replied, in response to her saying she would tell Evan about Nick and also I'm response to the drink set down in front of her. Evan hummed and shook her head as she began to put some food on her plate. âHe uh..seems pretty determined. But hopefully I got him to back off for a little while at least.â Evan mused, biting down on her bottom lip. âYou shouldn't have to deal with such an inconsiderate jerk.â
 The blonde was a little amused by the womanâs words.  âYouâre like my guardian angel or something.  I honestly donât know what I would have done had you not been here.â She smirked but it faded into a smile. âYou threatened him, didnât you?â  She started making her taco, it was certainly smaller than Evanâs but at least she was putting food into her own plate unprompted- progress.
 She chewed on her bottom lip, tilting her head to the side. âIf it's going to get me in trouble...nope..I definitely did not.â Evan said with a shrug of her shoulders. Though the smile on her face definitely said otherwise. She wasn't ashamed of what she had said. Meredith needed time to heal. And she didn't need someone in her life that didn't care about that fact. She took a bite of her taco and then sat back a bit in the chair.
 âYou totally did.â  She smiled.  After a quiet moment she spoke up again.  âThank you...just having you here is-... I feel safe.â She took a bite of her taco with a small hum and then dipped at her margarita, the alcohol was much needed after that special visit.
 âI'm glad that I can do that for you.â Evan replied, offering her a smile. She was glad to see that she hadn't had to push the food on Meredith at all. It was just known that she would at least eat a little bit. As long as she put something on her plate, Evan was happy. âWhat's your day like tomorrow?â
 âI have work.  No orchestra tomorrow so I should be home by two at the latest if I decide to stay for office hours.â  Meredith worked slowly at her food and made sure to drink some water not just her alcohol.  âWhat do you think youâll do?â  She never realized before how nice it was to have someone to come home to.
 âCool. Sounds good.â Evan shook her head slightly. âI'm honestly not too sure. May head to the gym again if I feel up to it. Other than that though I don't really have anything planned. Might also just take a drive for a while. See what's going on around here.â She replied before taking another bite of her taco. âI think we've got enough food to just have tacos again tomorrow night if that's cool with you.â
 âCheck out how much has changed?â  She asked knowingly.  âIf youâre anything like your sister then you probably arenât a huge fan of change⌠try not to overwhelm yourself?â  The blonde nodded after taking another bite.  âMm hmm. Theyâre really good.â  They were perfect. âDefinitely donât mind having this again tomorrow.â
 âYeah, but might be better to overwhelm myself with the change and then know what I'm getting myself into if I end up needing or wanting to go anywhere later on. You know?â Evan shrugged her shoulders and then took a sip of her drink. âMm, you make a great drink.â She commented with a smile. âAnd good. Happy to cook some food you enjoy.â
 âTrue.â  The blonde smiled at the compliment.  âThanks. I was a bartender for all five years of schooling even a bit after that.  I still know all the bartending secrets.â  She finished her small taco. True, it wasnât necessarily as much food as previous night but this was the first night sheâd cleaned her plate.
 Evan quirked an eyebrow slightly and nodded her head. âThat's awesome. I appreciate your ability to make good alcoholic beverages. I'm sure it'll come in handy for Thanksgiving and Christmas.â She said with a smile, finishing her own taco a few moments after Meredith. She sat back once more, ready to simply enjoy the drink. âIs there anything you need to do tonight?â
 âIt will.â  She promised.  âI make amazing holiday cocktails.â  She sipped at her own drink, happy she was actually able to stomach the taco. It had been too long since sheâd emptied her plate.  âI need to do dishes but thatâs about it.â  She wasnât huge on giving her students assignments that would give her work to take home because she would typically end up losing or misplacing something at home.
 Evan nodded her head at her words, rubbing the back of her neck slightly. âIt's good that you get to rest before work tomorrow.â She mused before glancing over at the other woman. âUm...I think as long as you're comfortable, you should sleep in my room again. It seemed to helpâŚâ She stated, figuring she may as well say the words now so they knew the plan later on. Â
 âI hate bringing work home. Gives too much room for losing things.â  At work She was super extra organized and rather anal retentive but once she took off her teacher facade she was way less ocd.  The blonde didnât look uncomfortable or anything she just looked surprised. â.... Are you sure?  I Uhm⌠want you to be able to sleep too..â
 âI get that for sure. I've been lucky to never lose anything that I've brought home from work. Thanks to confidentiality I would never hear the end of it if I lost something.â The brunette expressed before her gaze softened slightly. âI'm sure. I slept pretty well last night too honestly.â She admitted with a slight smile.
 Hearing that Evan had slept well to had her cheeks flushing slightly as she remembered the position theyâd woken up in.  She returned the slight smile with one of her own then bit into her lower lip gently as she considered it.  â... Okay.â Another sip was taken from her drink before she started to put things into containers and clear away the dishes. âThat uhm⌠sounds like a good plan then.â  She knew in the back of her mind that Evan wasnât just suggesting this, she felt like it was a rule that had simply been worded nicely to test the waters.
 Her head nodded when Meredith said that it sounded like a good idea. âDo you need to wake up at the same time tomorrow?â Evan questioned, tapping her fingers lightly against the glass. It was good that Meredith seemed open to the idea, and she hoped that it was enough that she wouldn't have to continue suggesting it. She would see tomorrow if Meredith simply moved to the bedroom on her own.
 âMm hmm.â  She hummed as she put away the last of the leftovers.  Moving to the sink she started washing the dishes.  âSame time every morning because I always have a 9:30 class to teach.â  The routine they were falling into was super domestic.  âAnd as long as Iâm up in time I can make us breakfast like this morning.â  She offered a small smile.
 âAlright. So what we should do is make sure you bring your phone charger and phone into my room so you don't sleep too late. Don't want you being late for work just because you've got to sleep in my room.â Evan stated with a bite to her bottom lip. âThat would be great. I am a big fan of not having to make breakfast. So much so that when I'm in Chicago I normally just go out for breakfast.â Evan admitted with a cheeky smile. She stood up from the table and moved to the sink, reaching around Meredith to grab the extra cloth before moving to wipe down the table.
 Meredith took mental notes and gave a small nod. âThat sounds good. I probably would have brought it last night but it all took me by surprise,â she admitted.  She kept washing the dishes and once she was done she went about drying them and putting them away.  The blonde laughed a little at the brunetteâs admission.  âLong as youâre here Iâll be making you breakfast then.â  She smiled.
 âOf course. It was kind of a last minute type of deal for sure. Caught me a little by surprise too honestly. But you needed sleep soâŚâ She finished wiping off the table and returned the cloth to its place before slipping her hands into the pockets of her jeans. âYou're spoiling me.â Evan teased, tilting her head to the side slightly before glancing at the time. âWant to watch a couple more episodes? Just chill out before bed?â
 The younger woman bit into her lower lip, still a little embarrassed at just how badly she seemed to need the care that Evan was giving her.  Putting away the last of the dishes she turned to her with a small smile.  âLook at it as payback for all the dinners youâre spoiling me with.â  She gave a small nod and followed her into the living room back to the couch.  âAt this rate weâll be through the series well before thanksgiving.â
 âTouche.â She wasn't going to argue with that point, though she supposed the two of them were really just taking care of one another. âJust means that we'll have to find a new one. I'm sure we can manage that.â Evan said with a smile, dropping back into the couch, her arm over the top of it as she got comfortable. âWhat's your favorite movie?â She questioned, feeling a bit of a need to get to know Meredith a bit better.
 Meredith pulled the blanket back over her body and curled up amongst the cushions.  âHmmâŚâ she thought for a moment. âEver After.â  She flipped on the television and went into the recently watched section of Netflix, clicking on the proper show and episode.  âBut Professor Marston and the Wonder Women is a close second.  What about you?â
 She smiled at the words and nodded her head. âThose are great choices for sure. I definitely approve.â Evan said with a smile and a tilt of her head. âMy favorite movie is The Matrix. And then I really like E.T as well.â The brunette admitted, shrugging her shoulders a bit. âI like too many though honestly.â
 âThose are classics.â  She smiled.  âWhat aboutâŚâ. She grabbed a pillow to place in Evanâs lap and laid her head on it , blue eyes gazing up into the brunetteâs.  â...Your favorite tv series?â  The closer they were the better she felt and for some reason this felt perfectly natural.
 Evan hadn't been expecting the change in position from the other woman, but she certainly didn't mind and had nothing to complain about. Thinking it over, as she moved her hand to card her fingers through blonde locks, she smiled. âCharmed or One Tree Hill are probably my all-time favorites. I really like Criminal Minds too though. You?â
 She found herself leaning into the touch, she loved having her hair played with.  âOoo I loved Charmed so much but I was mad when they killed off Prue.â  She debates in her mind for a moment.  âI loved Xena.  And Gilmore GirlsâŚ. but I have a soft spot for Law and Order SVU.â She loves too many television series to just pick one.
 âI was pretty peeved about that as well. It's unfortunate that it came down to that honestly. I did end up liking Paige eventually though so there's that at least.â She mused, smiling softly at the way Meredith responded to the touch on her scalp. âThose are great shows as well. I appreciate those choices.âShe said softly, her other hand drifting down to rest on the couch beside Meredith's body. âWhere's somewhere you want to travel to?â
 âIt took me a very long time to warm up to her, honestly, she just annoyed me at first.â  This was so comfortable, it felt so good being this close to someone again physically and it also helped that she felt emotionally safe with Evan.  âIreland.â  She said without missing a beat. âBut I dunno maybe just all over Europe in general. Anywhere but the US⌠you?â
 Evan nodded in understanding, letting her hand rest for a moment, still tangled in blonde hair. âIreland would be pretty cool. I'd really like to go to Greece one day. Australia too.â The brunette answered, her thumb rubbing along her hairline. âHonestly though I agree with wanting to go anywhere other than the US.â She said, looking down into blue orbs.
 âGreece would be beautiful  but I hear  itâs a little dangerous right now and their economy isnât the best. Australia is a long ass plane ride but I suppose if we made stops along the way it would definitely be worth it.â  Looking up into Evanâs eyes she couldnât help but smile some.  They clearly werenât paying attention to the show but Mere couldnât bring herself to care.
 âMm, there's no rush. Could always go to Greece later on.â Evan mused, shrugging her shoulders slightly and smiling down at the teacher. Her heart thudded a little with the knowledge that in some small way they were planning, even just slightly, for things to occur in the future. âIt would be a long plane ride but I don't know...I think we could keep ourselves busy enough.â
 âMm hmm.â It felt good simply knowing that someone wanted to plan things with her even if it were all just hypothetical for the time being.  â I always wanted to travel but we were always too busy and before that I never wanted to do it alone, Iâm a nervous flyerâ. She admitted.  âFavorite color? Before you ask, mineâs grey.â
 She nodded her head slightly, rubbing the back of her neck with her free hand. âYeah, business always seemed to get in the way.â Fingers began to trail through her hair again as she thought over some things. âHmm? Oh uh...my favorite is green. Grey is an interesting choice though, I like it.â She said with a smile, eyes scanning over Meredith's features.
 âGreen is pretty. Youâd love Ireland⌠they claim itâs greener there, that when you get back everything just looks muted in comparison.â  The blonde noticed the way those eyes took her in and yet it didnât make her uncomfortable it had the opposite effect.  The corners of pink lips tugged upwards a bit. âGrey is the color of my favorite types of weather. I like storms. Rainy and snowy.  All different shades of grey.â
 Evan hummed thoughtfully and chewed on the inside of her cheek. âIreland would be pretty cool. We should just save up money and take off for a few months some time and travel to the places we want to go.â Evan suggested, continuing to play with her hair. âRain is pretty great. I love it a lot. So I get where you're coming from with that.â She said, glancing up at the TV. âWe're going to have to start these episodes over at some point.â She said with a soft laugh.
 âWe should grab a map and put dots on it for where we want to go then we can get pins to mark off the places we do.â  She cleared her throat softly at the mention of saving up.  âWell⌠Henri put together a rainy day fund. We didnât get to use it much so⌠thereâs money in it for fun things.â  She leaned into the touch once more and gave a hum at the agreement about rain.  âHmm?â  She glanced to the tv and laughed a little too.  âIâm not worried about it.â
 She nodded her head slightly at Meredith's words and chewed her bottom lip. âWell, give me some time to save up some money and we'll go then.â Evan replied, brushing fingers through her hair with a soft breath. She had some money set aside, but it was mostly stuff that she had specific uses for. âNah, chatting with you has been nice. Though I think if we're gonna keep chatting, it may be time to just move up to the bed.â
 Technically, that fund would easily cover them both for mutiple trips but if it made Evan uncomfortable she wasnât going to push. Maybe sheâd just get them the trip to Ireland as a Christmas gift. Mere thought for a moment about her word then gave a nod.  âUp to bed it is. Iâm gonna put on some pajamas and grab my pillow.â She sat up with a small smile even though she definitely felt a loss when that hand left her hair and headed for the stairs.
 She smiled softly and watched as Meredith made her way upstairs, grabbing the remote and turning off the TV before standing and heading upstairs, turning lights off as she went. She headed to the bathroom and brushed her teeth before making her way to her room and changing into her PJs.
 Meredith brushed her teeth and washed her face in her own bathroom and changed in a worn overgrown T-shirt and flannel sleep shorts. She typically got overheated at night if she wore much else.  Grabbing her favorite pillow, bare feet then carried her across the hall to Evanâs room. She gave a small knock not wanting to walk in on her naked or anything.
 Hearing the knock on the door, she smiled. âCome in, Mere.â Evan was already curled up in bed, resting her head against her wall and let out a small hum. âHey.â She mused with a smile as Meredith walked in, pulling back the blankets to allow the blonde to get settled. âAll comfy now?â
 That was the first time that Evan had called her Mere and it made her smile.  She came in and shut the door behind her.  The blonde climbed into the offered space with her favorite pillow and snuggled into the covers.  âMm hmm.â She hummed.  âAnd it helps that you and your bed are comfy.â
 She chuckled and settled down, turning onto her side and smiling. âWell I'm glad that you find yourself comfortable here. You deserve to be comfortable.â Evan mused, reaching out to brush a strand of hair behind the woman's ear before she pulled her hand back. She was getting too comfortable...she needed to watch herself.
 Evanâs smile was absolutely addictive and beautiful and she found herself staring on the rare occasion that it showed itself.  Her lips quirked as the woman tucked that piece of hair away.  âSo do you.â  She replied gently almost as if sheâd heard that inner thought but that wasnât possible.  âAnd yes I find myself comfortable and safe.  Things I havenât felt in a long time.â
 She breathed out slowly and nodded her head, pulling the blankets over herself more fully. âGood. I...am glad I can do right by my sister somehow.â She paused and smirked slightly. âAlso...itâs just nice to know me being here helps.â Evan licked her bottom lip and then sighed softly as she began to relax further against the bed. âCan IâŚâ She paused and shook her head. âNever mind.â
 âYou are.â  She murmured.  âAnd good⌠Iâll make sure to keep reminding you.â  She smirked a little but it faded into a small smile.  The blondeâs brow scrunched and her freckles nose crinkled a little when Evan cut herself off.  âCan you what?â  She asked gently, not planning on giving her a way out.
 âI look forward to the reminders.â She bit down on her bottom lip and then turned on her back to look up at the ceiling with a furrow of her eyebrows. âCan you maybe tell me a uh...happy memory of you and Henri?â evan paused and licked her bottom lip. âIf not...I mean...that's alright.â
 The blonde thought about it a long moment. âI can do that.â  She replied softly.  âSince Thanksgiving is coming up...We would go get a tree the Sunday after thanksgiving every year.  We would cut it down.  I love Christmas⌠the whole season. Weâd get there and sheâd point to a tree but I would stubbornly want to see all of them. She would be as patient as a Hughes woman could be and every year without fail would pick me up over her shoulder and carry me half way out of the lot kicking and laughing with her threatening to cancel Christmas and thatâs when Iâd find our tree and sheâd put me down so she could saw it and drag it back. Weâd get the lights on it that night and light a fire and sheâd hold me and weâd read our favorite Christmas stories⌠â
 Evan listened to the story, a small smile forming on her lips as she listened. It was such a Henri thing to do and it was nice to share in some small part of her. She let out a deep breath and turned to face the other woman again. âThat sounds wonderful. I can almost see her gradually getting more and more impatient with the whole thing.â The brunette said with a soft chuckle, slowly reaching out to slip an arm around her, resting the waters a bit.
 The blonde smiled at the sound of that chuckle.  âOh my god, your sisterâs lack of patience was truly remarkable⌠so sometimes Iâd look just a little longer cause I knew I was pushing my luck.â  When that arm slipped around her she moved in closer, relaxing into the womanâs hold.  âI loved everything about the holiday season because she made it magical.  Iâm honestly happy I get to spend it with you this year.  I was dreading it until we made plans.â
 âMm, so you were acting cheeky were you? Is that what I should expect?â Evan questioned. âI'm sorry...that she can't be here with you. I wish...I wish she could be.â Evan paused and rubbed her thumb gently along her back. âAs much as I'm looking forward to spending Christmas with someone, I would give anything for her to be able to be here with you instead.â She admitted with a deep sigh.
 âI have my cheeky moments. I make no promises about my behavior.â  The smile on her faces said it all.  At those somber words Meredith found herself moving closer and hanging on a little tighter.  âI know⌠but I wish the three of us could spend it together.â  She went quiet a moment,  â..... everything happens for a reason, as much as I hate certain things that happen at least I know that much is true.â
 Evan sighed as Meredith moved more closely to her, gently gripping her shirt. âI...wish we could too. Sorry I made that an impossibility.â Evan mused softly, resting her forehead against Meredith's for a brief moment before she then pulled back. âSometimes that reason doesn't feel fair though. Like...it brought me back home but it...I donât know.â
 âYou donât need to apologize.â  Meredith closed her eyes at the feeling of that warm forehead pressed against her own.   âBut without her part of Home is missing?... I know.â  She bit her lower lip gently and traced idle patterns along her side with soft fingertips.
 âYeah...itâs just...I've never slept in this house without Henri being here as well. Like...ever. Until now.â Sure Henri's spirit was still around but Meredith didn't know that and it wasn't the same anyway. She shivered slightly at the touch to her side, thoughtfulness settling over her. âYou have made this as bearable as it could be though.â
âMe neither. Itâs jarring and unsettling.  We never spent a night apart so⌠I just havenât done the sleeping thing cause cause I didnât know how without her.â  She offered a sad smile.  âIâm glad Iâm able to do that for you⌠Youâve done⌠so much for me.â
 She nodded her head, appreciating how difficult the loss must have been for Meredith. It wasn't easy on Evan at all...but Evan had already gone through a loss when it came to Henri. The loss for Meredith was still completely fresh. âJust...helping each other as best as we can. It's nice to have that with someone.â
 âIt is.â She murmured softly, her breath warm against Evanâs skin.  Meredith bit her lower lip for a moment. They needed to lighten their conversation before either one of them attempted to sleep.  â.... hmm.. are you more of a cat person or dog person?â
 She smiled at the question and shrugged. âI guess more of a dog person. But I like cats too.â Evan replied, fingers playing with her shirt slightly. âWhat about yourself?â She replied with her own question, âAnd have you ever had an animal?â
 âSame.â  She smiled some.  âI love dogs but I like cats.  I think if I ever get one Iâd want to rescue though. Too many fur babies out there need homes already.â  Thinking back on her childhood the blonde hummed.  âI had a family dog- was a golden retriever named George.  And at one point we had a bunny named Patches.  Did you guys ever have any pets?â
 She nodded her head in agreement. âI'd definitely want a rescue as well. Especially one of the older ones that have done nothing but grown older. It's sad that they're all alone.â Evan mused softly, fingers resting on her lower back. âThat's a cute name. And I like George too.â Evan nodded slightly. âWe had a dog, a husky,  named Zeus when we were younger. We uh...had to send him to a new home after our dad died though.â
 âThatâs exactly what I would wanna do. Some poor baby who still has some good time left but who no one wants cause heâs not a puppy.â  Meredith enjoyed daydreaming with Evan.  âI helped name them. My brother and sister had no interest.â  She thought for a moment.  âThat must be the husky Iâve seen in family photos.â
 âWell good work on the names.â Evan said with a nod and a smile. âI helped name our dog. I'm quite the fan of Greek mythology. Would have named him Athena if he had been a girl.â She smiled at the mention and nodded. âThat would be him. He was a good boy.â
 âHe looked like a Zeus.â  She gave a small nod.  The blonde nuzzled into the older woman a little bit.  â... Is this going to be an every night thing?â  Not that she minded but she wanted to know what to expect.  âSharing a bed, I mean.â  Her voice was on the quiet side but she didnât seem uncomfortable or anything of that nature.
 âGlad you approve of my name selection.âShe smiled as Meredith nuzzled against her, lifting her hand to brush through blonde locks once again. âIt is.â She said after a few moments pause. She was certain about it. Meredith needed sleep and this seemed to be the best way to ensure that she was getting the sleep that she needed.
 Meredith let herself enjoy those finger threading through her hair and gave a soft hum.  âNot killing students and sharing a bed with you. I think I can manage that.â  She murmured, a smile pulling at her lips.  In her head those cemented as rules she knew sheâd need to follow.
 She chuckled softly and nodded her head. âI definitely think that you can manage that, Mere.â She replied, biting down on her bottom lip. âWe should probably get some rest now. Some of us have work tomorrow.â Evan said with a soft hum, pressing her forehead against Meredith's for just a moment.
 The second Evanâs forehead rested against hers those blue eyes closed.  âMm hmm.â  She let out a breath, âwork,â she muttered. Working was the furthest thing from her mind but Evan was right, they both needed sleep.  Meredith focused on her breath, breathing In the brunette.  âGood night, Ev,â she murmured softly.
 âGoodnight Meredith.â Evan said with a smile, waiting for her to fall asleep before closing her eyes as well. She was definitely ready for sleep. Sitting around and doing nothing was terribly exhausting.

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homecoming || evan + meredith
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Hearing that the house was left to her, she let out a breath and rubbed her face slightly. She hadnât actually been expecting that, but maybe thatâs what Henri had meant about hoping that Evan would come home one day. Even if Henri wasnât around she still wanted her there. âIt being under my name doesnât change the fact that itâs your house. Your home. Iâm notâŚI want you to stay there as long as you want to okay? HenriâŚshe would want you there.â Evan said, her eyes cast downward.
âAlright, if youâre sure. But if you change your mind thereâll be lots.â She laughed softly a her words and nodded her head in agreement. âWe will definitely be good for a bit. UmâŚsplit the stuff in half and Iâll pay for some of it.â She slipped her hands into her pockets.
That blue gaze studied Evan for a moment.  She bit into her lower lip and gave a small nod.  âOkay.â  She replied softly.  âThat uhm⌠means a lot to me, thank you.â  It was hard living there right now without Henri there but maybe having Evan around, even just for a little bit, would help.  After finding out about the history between Henri and Evan everything became very clear to her, she hadnât been sure if sheâd ever see the younger Hughes again once she left and she definitely wasnât sure how the woman would treat her but this was a pleasant surprise.
She looked from the big pile of groceries to the other woman and for a moment she looked like she was about to argue.  âThatâs not-â  For a minute there was a spark in her eyes, this was something she should have been able to get done before Evan even arrived and normally she would have insisted on paying for it.  Meredith was too tired to put up a fight and gave up before she even started.  The blonde deflated a little and gave a small shrug.  âSure⌠thank you.â
 âOf course. She would never forgive me...hell I'd never forgive myself for throwing you out for no reason.âShe noted the change in her body language and she paused with a furrowed brow. âIt's no big deal. Honestly. You can pay for it all next time when there's not so much.â She said with a playful wink before realizing what she had said. It almost sounded like she was planning to stick around for awhile but she couldn't...she had work. She chewed on her bottom lip and then looked over. âSo what uh...what do you teach?â
 She almost forgot that Evan was trained in reading body language, trained in studying and understanding human emotions.  âI just-... I should have gotten this shopping trip in before you showed up.  Thatâs all.â  The wink was so very Henri, something that never failed to bring color to her cheeks and they flushed as if on cue.  The hint of a smile tugged at pink lips and she nodded.  âDeal.â  Did that mean Evan planned on sticking around?  She couldnât let herself think too much on it.  âI teach GSWS and music theory at Bowdoin.  I also conduct their orchestra.â  Meredith was a skilled piano player and could play cello and violin when asked but it was piano that she really kept up with.
 âI hardly gave you any notice, Meredith. That's not on you. Itâs on me. Alright? No need to feel bad about it at all. Truly.â Evan said honestly, not minding at all. She was glad when Meredith seemed to agree to the plan,offering her a bright smile. Her eyes widened when she was told what she did and she nodded her head. âThat's impressive. Good for you. It just keep you pretty busy, huh?â She mused with a shrug, chewing on her bottom lip. As they moved further toward the check out, she pulled out some money to prepare to pay.
 Mere gave a small nod.  Yes, sheâd been completely thrown off but sheâd also been in this pit of darkness that sheâd been forced to claw her way out of and she was still trying to deal with the aftermath.  That bright smile warmed her heart a little.  âYeah, it keeps me very busy most days.  Every other Friday I get off though so this worked out.â  She smiled some.  âYou⌠Henri told me you were in school for psychology and since I did some stalking and found your work number clearly youâve put those skills to use⌠ do you enjoy it?â
 âIâm definitely glad that it worked out this way. I would have felt even more terrible waking you up if you had to work.âShe nodded her head at her words and licked her bottom lip. âI do enjoy it. I went back to school for my PhD after Hen-- after I moved to Chicago. So things have been good. Found myself a great practice. Only one person there that drives me up the wall which is fantastic.â She said, nodding her head. She truly did love her job.
The blonde bit into her lower lip glancing down.  âYeah, about that⌠you didnât wake me.  I was just resting on the couch.  No reason to feel bad.â  Side glancing the brunette she listened to her talk about her job.  âThatâs definitely a plus. I have a few people at Bowdoin that drive me nuts.  Not even two weeks after Henri passed I already have some skeeze in the admissions department trying to weasel his way into my life.  What is wrong with people?â  She shook her head at the thought of her coworker Nick.  It was so messed up and his sugary sweetness made it harder to do her job.
 She hummed at the mention of Meredith not being asleep, but simply shrugged it off for now. âI'm glad for that at least.â  Her eyes flashed and her jaw clenched at the absolute disrespect that that man had showed not only Meredith but her sister's memory as well. She breathed out shakily and shook her head slightly. âThat's disgusting. And if he doesn't fuck off, feel free to send him my way. He won't mess with you again. I swear.â She wasn't joking at all. She was unimpressed.
 She saw the change in Evanâs demeanor, it was so familiar.  If Henri were alive she probably would have threatened the man.  She didnât understand why he thought he could step into the hole in her life and fill it.  He was a man and sheâd been married to a woman⌠but apparently that didnât deter him.  Mere nodded, âit is.  Itâs uncomfortable.  And I know what heâs doing.  I mean I teach a Gender and Sexuality course for fucks sake.â  She gave a shudder and pulled out her own money as they got to the check out.  She glanced up.  âSend him to a Hughes woman?â  She smirked.  âIâd fear for his life.â
 Evan was definitely not happy with what she was hearing. That guy really needed to learn boundaries. She returned the smirk with one of her own and chuckled. âAs you should. He's being a disrespectful twat and someone needs to teach him a lesson. Might as well be a Hughes woman. We teach pretty great lessons.â Evan started confidently before clearing her throat. âSeriously though, if he keeps bugging you, let me know.â Once their food had gone through, moving to grab the bags at the other side.
 She let out a small laugh.  âThat you do.â  This woman had a mouth on her and Meredith liked it far too much.  Another nod was given as blues found her gaze. âI will.â Once they paid and bagged their food they headed back to the car and Meredith started up the engine. âDid you Uhm⌠want me to drop you at the rental place on the way back? I know thatâs on your mind.â  She wanted Evan to be comfortable and for some reason she felt the need to have her stay.
 âOkay. Good.â Meredith deserved to feel comfortable at her job. Hearing her question, she glanced at the time and nodded her head. âThat would be nice. As long as you don't mind putting the food away. If you want to leave some of the things that don't need to go in right away, I'd be happy to help when I got back. She offered, moving the cart to its designated area before hopping into the vehicle.
âI donât mind at all⌠something else to keep me busy.â  She offered a small smile and pulled them out of the lot, heading to the rental place.  When she was absolutely certain that Evan was able to procure a car she left her there to head home and put the groceries away, the ice cream melting would have been a disaster in itself.  Once she made it back she went through the motions of putting everything into its rightful place.  As the silence of the house settled around her once more, she braced herself on the marble countertop and just breathed for a minute or two.
 Slipping out of the car when they reached the rental place, she went up the desk to explain the situation in fairly vague terms. It took a little while for everything to get figured out, thanking Meredith as she went to head home. She was definitely grateful for the ride and the fact that she would get a car quicker than she was expecting. She went through the motions of signing papers,choosing the car, and giving them the credit card information before she found herself driving back to the house. She pulled into a space and then took a breather for a moment as she sat in the car.
 Meredith saw the headlights of the car from the window and it snapped her out of whatever daze she was in.  She took to setting the table, more busy work.  She shifted her sweater a little, it had gone and fallen off one of her shoulders.  Not even a minute after fixing it the sweater slipped again, she didnât have it in her to care.  Henri watched her wife struggle with the simplest of tasks and knew sheâd done a good thing by bringing her sister here.  They needed to deal with this together.
 After giving herself a few moments on her own, Evan slipped out of her car and made her way up to the house. She kicked off her shoes and shrugged off her jacket, hanging it up and then making her way into the kitchen. âDinner shouldn't take too long at all. And thanks again for dropping me off.â Evan said as she moved to the sink to wash her hands before she got to work, glad that she'd made the casserole plenty of times and that it wouldn't be an issue
 âOf course, not a problem.â  The blonde offered a small smile. âAnything I can do to help?â She made her way into the kitchen a bit more and leaned up against the counter, her gaze settled on Evan.  She knew that the brunette probably had it handled but she felt the need to offer, to be useful.
 She paused for a moment when Meredith asked if she could help, tilting her head to the side. âMaybe you could find some music for us to listen to? And then I would mind some help chopping up some of these vegetables while I start cooking some others. If youâd really like to help.â Evan said with a slight smile, knowing that she didnât like just standing around when others were keeping busy and wondering if Meredith was similar.
 A nod was given as she pulled out her phone. âThat I can do. And yes, definitely, chopping vegetables would be great.â She found a pandora station that was Sara Bareilles inspired and hooked her phone up to the Bluetooth speakers. Washing her own hands and getting out the cutting board she began chopping them up, happy to be kept busy and to feel like she was contributing. Henri leaned in the doorway and smiled as she watched the two quietly.
 âThanks, Meredith. I appreciate it.â Evan stated, moving about the kitchen as she got everything together, adding different vegetables into the mixture once Meredith had finished chopping them. In another area, she cut up some meat and began to cook it in a separate pan, not wanting the raw juices to cause any issues. She hummed along to a song that she ended up knowing, enjoying the silence between them that was only broken up by the sounds of music and cooking.
 Despite having her roots in classical music, Meredithâs taste in music was broad and rather well rounded. This was one of her favorite stations. When Evan hummed along she couldnât help but smile a little. Once everything was cut and ready for the brunette, the blonde cleaned up what she could and put a few things away. âCan I get you something to drink? Aside from what we bought today I have red and white wine and your sisterâs extensive liquor selection.â Henri had a cabinet full of unique alcohol from all over the world.
 Evan furrowed her eyebrows thoughtfully before biting down on her bottom lip. âI could do with a glass of white wine if you donât mind.â She said with a smile and a nod, finishing putting everything together and then setting it into the oven to cook for the remainder of the time. Smelling the vegetables and meat cook had her stomach growling and she was so ready to eat. She leaned against the counter and crossed her arms over her chest with a soft sigh. She caught a quick glimpse of Henri leaning against the doorway before she disappeared once more and Evan let out a soft breath, trying to focus on the moment.
Meredith gave a nod and went to the fridge pulling out a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc. Grabbing two glasses from the cabinet she poured them each one. She handed one to Evan and then went about getting them each a glass of water that she set down at the dinner table. Taking a sip of her wine she hummed, it was crisp, clean and cold. She glanced out the window at the setting sun and could see the colors reflecting off the water, just as vibrant as the leaves that clung stubbornly to the autumn trees. Thanksgiving was right around the corner⌠she couldnât think about things like that.
 âThank you.â She said with a soft smile, taking the glass from Meredith and then taking a small sip. She set it down beside her on the counter and then followed the other womanâs gaze out the window. They truly did have a beautiful property and Evan had missed just how comfortable she felt in this home. She liked the place she had in Chicago, but it definitely wasnât the same as being in this house. Though the house was different without Henri anyway. When the timer for the food went off, she turned to take it out of the oven and turn it off before bringing it to the kitchen table. âHot and ready.â
The smell of food had her stomach growling and lurching all at once. Â Her fingertips went up to press to her lips for a brief moment. Â Dropping her hand, she took a seat at an already set table and placed her glass of wine in its rightful spot. Â A small smile tugged at her lips. Â âThank you.. For making dinner.â Â It meant a lot more to her than Evan probably realized to even have the woman here in Maine.
 She noted the movement of fingers to mouth and she ticked a check mark off in her mind before she eased herself into a seat. âOf course. It's really not a big deal.â Evan said, spooning out some casserole onto Meredith's plate and then her own. It was so weird for her to actually be eating dinner with someone, but it was a nice weird.
 Meredith watched as the woman spooned out the food.  The girl tucked a few blond strands behind her ear, biting into her lower lip gently.  âIt is to me.â  She replied softly.  Putting the napkin on her lap, she glanced down at the plate in front of her and stared for a long moment.  Picking up her fork she took a small bite.  âReally good.â
 âWell, you're welcome. Happy to help.â Evan smiled in appreciation and took her own bite of the food, chasing it with a sip of wine. It was good that Meredith was at least eating. Even if it wasn't much. Evan had tried to not put too much food on her plate so she didn't feel overwhelmed if she hadn't been eating much lately.
Eating was a slow process. Â Each small bite was followed by a sip of water or wine and pushing her food around on her plate. Â âDo you like to cook?â Â Henri loved cooking. Â She was more of a baker herself but theyâd balanced one another out in that way. Â She baked and made sandwiches and salads and breakfast foods and Henri covered everything else.
 Evan shrugged her shoulders slightly. âI wouldn't say that I particularly like it but I don't hate it. And at this point in my life I'm glad that she made me learn so many different things.â She admitted, finishing off her plate of food and then nursing the glass of wine that she had in her hand. âWhat about yourself?â
 âCooking is normally only fun when you have someone to collaborate with.â She offered a half smile.  âI bake.  I can do simple lunches and I make amazing breakfast but once I met Henri I really didnât have to worry about the more complicated meals.  Iâd help her but yeahâŚâ  She trailed off and took a breath before taking another small bite.
 Evan nodded slightly, chewing on her bottom lip and letting out a soft sigh. âYeah, I get that. Henri's...she was pretty talented in the kitchen.â The woman said, rubbing the back of her neck. âWell, while I'm here I don't mind doing the cooking. Just so you know.â
 That knowledge made her smile grow a little.  âDoes that mean youâre gonna be here for a little while?â  The blonde was curious.  Sheâd always been curious about Evan, ever since the girl up and left.  She took another sip of wine, almost nervous about the answer sheâd receive. Â
 âI donât exactly know how long I'll be here. I've got my job and stuff that I need to think about. But I've managed to build up a fair amount of vacation hours so I may just...use some of those until I'm ready to head back.â Evan mused, finishing off her wine and then nodding her head slightly. âBut you're stuck with me for at least a week soâŚâ
 Meredith nodded as she listened but to hear that Evan was going to be here longer than a week had her settling some.  âYouâre welcome to stay as long as youâd like.â  She knew sheâd already told her that she was welcome here but she felt the need to remind her. After awhile she couldnât stomach much more so she stuck to liquids.
 Evan nodded and offered a smile. âThank you. I appreciate you being so open to me when you don't know me at all.â She said, chewing on her bottom lip a bit. âDo you have any plans for tonight at all?â She wasn't sure if there was anything that the other woman needed to do. Though she had to admit that she was pretty ready for bed. Staying up most of the night would do that to a person.
 Meredith gave a nod.  âI want to know you.â  She admitted.  Giving a shake to her head she sat back a bit in her seat.  âNope.  No real plans until school on Monday.â  Once they both seemed done eating she cleared the table, put leftovers away and started on dishes.
 She hummed thoughtfully when Meredith said that she had no plans throughout the weekend. âAt least you get to have a relaxing weekend.â Evan said, chewing on her bottom lip and nodding. As she was about to continue her phone went off and as she noted it was work she nodded her head. âJust give me a few minutes Meredith.â She answered the phone and walked through all of the questions that her coworker had, helping her figure out who could take the sessions she was supposed to have the week after. Once she had finished, she put her phone on silent and gave the other woman a sheepish look. âSorry.â
 âRelaxing.  Right.â  She forced a small smile.  Weekends had become her worst nightmare.  Being home alone all weekend in this huge home without Henri was like her own personal hell.  When Evan got the phone call she gave a small nod and just continued to wash and dry dishes before returning them to their rightful home in the cupboards.  She finished off her wine and set the glass aside feeling the warmth of the alcohol settling in her system.  She was just finishing up in the kitchen as that phone call came to a close.  âNo worries.â  She ran a hand through her wavy hair.  âYou must be exhausted.â
 She offered her a slight smile in response, knowing that it probably didnât feel all that great. After all, she had just lost her wife. She hummed in acknowledgement when Meredith said that she must be tired, wiping at her face slightly. âYeah, my eyes are starting to burn.â She said with a snort, shaking her head. She knew that she needed to sleep, but she also wasnât sure how well she would actually sleep. Though she hoped that it wouldnât take her too long. âYou must be pretty tired yourself.â Evan said with a quirk of her eyebrow.
 The younger woman gave a small shrug.  âIâm used to it.â  Sleeping hadnât been an option since the accident.  When you spend so many years sleeping beside another human being it just feels so wrong to sleep alone, near impossible.  âGo get some sleep?  There are fresh linens on your bed and the closet in the hall has clean towels.â
 She turned her head away so that she didnât offer a sympathetic face, knowing that that wouldnât be what the other woman wanted in the moment. She glanced at the time and nodded briefly. She knew that she probably wouldnât fall asleep right away, but there was no harm in going to have a shower and then lay down and relax. Sheâd been non-stop since Henri had come knocking on her door. âI think I will.â She stood up from where she was sitting and smoothed out her shirt. âIâll uh...see you tomorrow. Thanks again.â
Meredith offered another small smile.  âSee you tomorrow, EvanâŚâ  Her words were soft.  She watched as the brunette headed upstairs and shut off a few lights before heading to the couch.  Henri sighed as she settled in for another one of Meredithâs sleepless nights.
The next night went the same as the last had gone.  The day had been a little better, Evanâs company and mere presence added a life to the large home that had certainly been missing.  It was when Evan went away and night settled in around her that she found to still be the most difficult.  Sunday came and went and soon the weekend was coming to a close⌠quicker than it had it months so it seemed.  Meredith said goodnight to Evan, made herself a cup of tea and went to the couch once more.  By the time midnight rolled around Henri had had enough.  She found herself perched on the edge of Evanâs bed and cleared her throat.  âHow long can the average human go without sleep before it becomes a detriment to their health?â
 Her first night sleeping in her old place after so long was a bit of a struggle. It took her hours before she was able to slip into dream land and she didnât manage to sleep for long before the sun coming through the window woke her up. However, the second night seemed much more promising. After spending the day with Meredith, finding that she actually enjoyed the company and figuring that they probably could have been friends had Evan not been heartbroken by Henri, the day went by quickly before she was ready for bed. This time, it didnât take long for her to fall asleep once her head hit the pillow. But just like the night a few days prior, Evan found herself being woken up by her sisterâs ghost. She groaned and buried her head into the pillow with a sigh. â11 days was the longest a person went. But like...things get pretty bad before then usually.â She muttered, rubbing her face and looking up at her sister.
 Henri enjoyed the reaction far too much but she had to remind herself that there was a reason for her being her bothering her little sister.  She gave a hum in response to the younger womanâs accurate reply.  âYes, dear, Iâm well aware.  And so is Meredith.  Which is why sheâs been sleeping for a few hours while the sun is out every other day but since you arrived sheâs been very much awake.â  She looked at Evan fully now.  âThis has been going on for months.â  She knew that her sister was probably just as brilliant a therapist as she herself had once been.
 Evan sighed at Henriâs words about Meredith, she was pretty sneaky about it all. But the lack of sleep would catch up to her eventually, if it hadnât already. The woman stretched before rolling onto her back and rubbing her face again, dropping her hands down beside her, still avoiding where it was that Henri was sitting on the bed. She didnât know the rules of this whole thing, but she didnât want to chance touching her in case it ruined the connection that they happened to share right now. âMonths? Fuck...itâs not going to be easy for her to fall back into routine.â Evan mused softly, carefully pushing herself up into a seated position. âGuessing you woke me up cause sheâs not sleeping right now?â Evan was tired, but she wasnât dumb.
 Henri noticed the way the younger woman avoided touch just as she did.  The fact that she could still be here and Evan could still see and talk to her was a goddamn miracle, not something to be taken for granted⌠for now it seemed theyâd both handle it with care.  She watched the realization hit and only smirked a little when her sister came to the correct conclusion.  âSo smart.â  The smirk faded to a smile.  âI need you to sleep with my wife.â  She stated bluntly.  There was really no other way around it.
 âMmm, I didnât get my PhD out of a cracker jack box.â Evan replied in response to Henriâs quip about her intelligence. Evanâs sleep addled brain was thrown off by the words that left her sisterâs mouth and she narrowed her eyes slightly, mulling over the words for a few moments. âYou want me to sleep with your wife.â It was after she spoke the words aloud that she understood the meaning behind them and she grumbled softly. âHow the hell am I supposed to get her to agree to that, Hen?â
 Henri laughed a little at the reply about her education and had to bite back another as she watched the process of that sleepy brain working through her words.  âYes.  Sleep.â  She repeated the word.  Henri thought for a moment.  âYou donât give her another option.â  She said matter of factly.  âTake the reigns.  If no one takes them itâs only matter of time before youâll be burying her beside me.â  She cleared her throat knowing that visual was a little harsh.  â...We both know why she isnât sleeping.  You get used to sleeping next to someone night after night⌠sleep feels wrong now.â
 Her jaw clenched and she looked away from her sister at the mention of burying Meredith as well, taking a moment to compose herself. âYeah, thanks for that.â She muttered with a shake of her head before she pushed herself out of bed. She grabbed her pillow and her blanket, staring at her sister. She couldnât deny that staying there to help Meredith was partially out of guilt for not being in their lives at all before Henri had died, but the company in and of itself wasnât bad either. It was going to be weird for Evan though, to sleep beside someone. The last person sheâd slept beside was Henri. Since then, itâs only been one night stands...sneaking out without sleeping. And even those times were few and far between. âJust...help me out if this goes wrong.â She said, staring her sister down before walking out of her bedroom with the blanket following behind her. Finding Meredith on the couch, she paused. âCanât sleep, huh?â
 Henri never felt the need to apologize for her blunt statements while living and that little quirk hadnât changed in death.  She watched her sister get up, feeling satisfied that Evan seemed willing to help her⌠even if it might have been under duress.  âI will.â  She doubted it would go wrong, how exactly did one tell their little sister/ex-lover that her wife was a submissive?  That was a conversation she hoped to never truly have with Evan.  She followed her down to the living room but hung back in the doorway.
Mereâs breath caught in her throat at the sound of a voice.  Sheâd spaced out completely.  It wasnât healthy to have gone the past three days without sleep and she knew her sleep deprived mind was taking a hit because of it.  Blue eyes snapped up to find the brunette. She shook her head slowly in response.  âI- ...It⌠Itâll be fine.â  She took a moment and glanced down.  âSorry if I woke you.â
 âYou didnât wake me.â She replied immediately, not wanting Meredith to think it was her fault when it was Henriâs. Yes, she did it on behalf of Meredith, but at the end of the day, Evan understood why she had. âAnd you donât have to apologize.â She said, moving toward the couch and taking a seat, the pillow dropping onto the couch beside her. âBut hereâs the thing...you donât need me to tell you how important sleep is. I know you donât.â She may not know Meredith very well, but she knew enough to know that she was smart. âAnd I get...as much as I can get...why you canât sleep. Or why you donât want to sleep. No one can blame you for that. But you need sleep.â Evan stated, glancing away for a moment before looking back at her sisterâs widow. âAnd Henri and I may not have talked for the last six years, but I know enough to know that she would want you to be as healthy as you can be. And that sheâd kick my ass if I didnât do anything to help.â Evan said, adding a bit of teasing to ease any bite out of her words; but staying stern enough for Meredith to know she wasnât joking about her needing sleep. âSo...Iâm going to keep you company. At least for tonight. We can stay here on the couch if thatâs where you feel most comfortable, but...weâre going to turn off the lights and weâre gonna try to sleep.â
 Meredith was pretty far gone but not enough to miss the way Evan was speaking to her.  She knew that tone; Henri used that tone on her plenty of times⌠it was the stern therapist no room for argument voice and something inside of her responded to it.  She found herself staring at Evan and unable to look away as she spoke.  Those sleepy blues were glassy as she tried to fight back tears with the last of her strength.  She was too tired to argue.  She shook her head after the words had settled.  âI donât,â  she murmured, â....feel most comfortable on the couch.â  The admission was a little shaky.  She looked down at her hands.  âI uhm.. Only use it cause it has a back.â  Her words were small.  Tears rolled slowly down her cheeks.  âI can sometimes pretend itâs a person.â Â
 Her already broken heart cracked a little bit more at Meredithâs admission, biting down harshly on her bottom lip. It was literally her job to sit back and listen to stories that other people would be unable to hear, but having it coming from someone that her sister had loved so much was a different sort of situation; and it affected her more than she had expected. She let out a shaky breath and nodded her head as she swallowed the lump in her throat. âI um...I used to do something similar. For me it was...is...putting a pillow behind me. Itâs kind of...yeah.â She cleared her throat and then reached out to brush her thumbs across the blondeâs cheeks to wipe away her tears. âYouâve got...me with you tonight. So Iâm going to leave the choice up to you. We can stay here...or we can head up to bed. The choice is yours.â Evan said, leaving it clear that Meredith did however need to make a choice.
 It didnât fully process but the part that did reminded her that theyâd both been in love with the same person and now they were both without her.  Meredith leaned into the touch unconsciously, having not felt human touch in months.  Thereâd been no one here to dry her tears until now and she felt a pure sense of relief in knowing there was.  Henri watched the interaction and felt exceptionally terrible at both their words but her sister was following through.  God, sheâd truly rubbed off on her sister- giving her two choices but both with the same concrete result?  That genius was something she used to use on Evan almost daily when she was little enough to still listen to her.  Meredith was quiet for a long moment as she considered the options but finally she glanced up.  âBed.â  She replied quietly.
 At the reply, she nodded her head. âBed it is.â She stood up from the couch, tucking the pillow under one arm and grasping the blanket in that same hand before holding out her free hand to Meredith;allowing her to decide to take it or not. She then led the blonde up the stairs to her bedroom, turning off lights and such as they went. Evan wasn't sure how much of her room she'd ever seen, but she hadn't had time to turn away some of the photos of her and Henri that weren't quite familial;so hopefully she didn't mind or didn't notice. Opening the door, she led her to the bed and returned the pillow and blanket to their rightful places. âLeft or right?â She had a feeling she knew which she would choose due to Henri's particularities, but she didn't want to push it on her.
Meredith took the hand that was offered and gently laced their fingers. She easily let Evan lead her up into the bedroom. Sheâd cleaned this room so many times to keep it from collecting dust that the photos had become perfectly normal. Â She looked to the bed and bit her lower lip gently. âRight.â She murmured. Moving to the right side of the bed, she crawled under the covers. She might have argued had she not been so exhausted and drained but here she was about to share a bed with Henriâs sister. Henri stood there in the doorway once more and caught her sisterâs eye mouthing a âthank youâ.
 She nodded her head in acknowledgement of her choice and moved to the left side of the bed, slipping under the covers as well. She settled I, having a feeling that it might take her a bit to fall asleep, needing to adjust to a second person in her bed. But Evan had been an awful sister and held so much guilt about the last six years that she couldn't deny her sister the possibility that she could help her wife, even just a little. Evan offered just a small smile over to her sister, not wanting Meredith to notice anything before laying down fully, turning to face her for a moment. âClose your eyes for me, Meredith. I want you to focus on your breathing. Inhale for four beats, hold for four beats, and then exhale for four beats. Let your body lead you to sleep.â She let Meredith do that for a few moments before whispering, âYou're not alone.â
 When she got settled with the covers pulled up under her chin, hugging her pillow close, she felt the bed shift beside her and met the brunetteâs gaze.  She held it for a moment before obediently closing her eyes.  The breathing thing was helping to clear her mind which seemed like a miracle. Those whispered words warmed her heart.  It took awhile for her to finally succumb to sleep but when she did, she was out. The warmth and weight of another body beside her made all the difference.
 Evan kept a watchful eye on Meredith until she knew for sure that she had fallen asleep. She then turned onto her back, glancing around the room for a sight of Henri and not catching her there. She had no idea what it was that happened or didn't happen in times when she saw or didn't see her, she was simply grateful for the anomaly. âNight, Hen.â She whispered, eyes darting around the room, remembering that she said that she was pretty well always around. She then closed her eyes, attempting to follow her own instructions; eventually managing to fall asleep.
 Henri heard her and it made her smile. When she was sure her sister was sleeping she sat down gently on the edge of the bed and whispered back, âgood night, Ev.â  For the first time since Henriâs passing Meredith slept through the night. Her body had so much catching up to do that it was hardly enough which is why she was sleeping right through her phoneâs alarm blaring from the other room. At some point during the night theyâd managed to get tangled up in one another; Mereâs face was buried into the nape of Evanâs neck, a slender arm was draped around the older womanâs waist, their legs were laced together and there were definitely arms around her body.
homecoming || evan + meredith
captiveheartxxâ:
âI donât think I would hate it as much if it were my middle name. But nope, had to make it my first name.â She muttered, shaking her head at the choice. âMmm, itâs true though we are lucky we didnât get one of those names.â Evan chuckled and nodded. âYeah,well Iâm not really one for tradition. If I ever have kids Iâm not playing the obligation game.â
âIt may be my family home but I havenât lived here in six years. Itâs been your place. It is your place. And you donât know me. Itâs not fair to expect you to be okay with me here. I justâŚhad to come here.â Not that she could explain why she had come home. She wasnât going to just admit that she was seeing her dead sister. âAlright. And Iâm sure there will be enough when it comes to leftovers. We should be good tomorrow as well. Or you can bring it to work or something.â She was definitely rambling.
Conversation was getting slightly easier as they settled into their walk around the store.  It wasnât something sheâd planned to bring up now but she wasnât going to lie to her or keep it from her.  âI understand what youâre saying⌠to be perfectly honest, I was going to wait to tell you this at a more appropriate time but⌠you should know that Henri left you the house.  I may be living there and paying the utility bills but the property is yours.â  That felt like a huge weight off her chest.  She cleared her throat and ran a hand through blond waves.  âLeftovers are definitely a plus.  Iâll uhm.. Be fine at work though.â
She looked at the full cart and her stomach lurched⌠so much food.  When they reached the check out line they waited, it would probably be a good five to ten minutes since it wrapped around the store, at least the line went fast.  âI think we have enough here to feed an army.  The kitchen will definitely get filled.â
homecoming || evan + meredith
captiveheartxxâ:
Her nose crinkled slightly at the question and she nodded her head. âIâm definitely not a fan. Only people whoâve ever called me that are dad and Hen. And that ess only when Iâd pissed them off. And then well teachers before they knew better.â She said with a slight smirk. âLike EvangelineâŚare you kidding me? Ridiculous. Sounds like I should be a prim and proper stay at home mom.â
âI promise I wonât be offended if you hate it. But Iâve gotta do something. I just kinda sprung myself on you. I didnâtâŚit wasnât exactly thoughtful. So dinnerâŚdinner I can do.â Evan said, looking away from the other woman and breathing out slowly. She could see the loss in her even though she was trying to hide it. And she couldnât help but notice the way that Meredith would pick something up only to put it back. Each time the blonde did that, Evan felt her stomach flip uncomfortably.
The blonde smiled a little. Â âI think Evangeline is a pretty name. Â But youâre right, it sounds like the name of a disney princess, not an independent woman. Â Apparently youâre both lucky to have not been named Wilhelmina, Francesca, Matilda, Gwendolyn, or Desdemona. Â I got the whole run down of family lineage and that it would be best if we never had children because weâd be obligated by tradition to name them something awful. Â I suppose I got myself into that little lecture by attempting to be rebellious.â
âYouâre always welcome in your family home.  Itâs okay to just show up.  But.. as long as you let me do the dishes, dinner is a nice gesture⌠thank you.â  She truly meant what she said.  Typically, she wasnât the type to bullshit.  The mask and facade she wore at work was different, it was her coping mechanism, but she tried to live by the policy of truth telling- lies were messy and hurtful and unnecessary most of the time.
homecoming || evan + meredith
captiveheartxxâ:
She couldnât help but snort at the comment and nodded her head. âSometimes I think dad should have foregone any sort of legitimate middle name and just gone for âStubbornâ I think itâs got a good ring to it.â She certainly knew that it was a staple of their family and she wasnât going to deny it. The fact that the woman really didnât have anything at the house was worrying though and Evan was going to try to keep an eye on that.
She watched the items that Meredith set in the cart and went about setting her own options in. She added some tomatoes and some broccoli, already coming up with some dinner ideas. As they walked through the aisles, she added some random snack items as well. âFor tonightâŚwhat do you think about a casserole? I can make it happen.â
A small laugh left her lips for the first time in months. Â She nodded. Â âIt certainly sounds like a name Henri lived up to on a daily basis. Â Is it true that you despise your full name as she did hers? She looked murderous the one time I tried to get away with using it.â Â To be fair sheâd been angry about something when sheâd used the full first name but still she hadnât expected the reaction sheâd gotten or the story that followed about how their parents had long awful fancy names through the generations of the Hughes family and while she hated Henrietta she was simply lucky to have not been named after her great aunt Wilhelmina.
Mere pushed the cart through the store and added her own things in mostly out of habit.  Coming in here she never needed a list she mostly just went into autopilot.  Every now and again sheâd pick something up only to remember she wasnât shopping for Henri and sheâd set it back down.  The blonde glanced up at the question.  âYou donât have to, Evan- I meanâŚâ  She took a breath, the thought of food made her both hungry and nauseous.  â...casserole sounds good.â
homecoming || evan + meredith
captiveheartxxâ:
âThat makes sense. They should really think about building a better homeless shelter.â She mused with a shrug of her shoulders. Evan really should know if the rental was in the same spot as she had been right there at the airport. But she really hadnât been paying much attention. Her mind had been on many other things. âGreat. I think Iâll head down there tomorrow and see about renting a car or something.â She thought aloud.
She couldnât help but smirk slightly at Meredithâs obvious comment but she nodded anyway. âSo here we are.â Evan eased herself out of the vehicle and took a look around at the area that was new to her. âItâs niceâŚthey did a good job.â She mused as they walked into the store. âAlright. Do we have a list or are we just jumping into it?â She questioned, glancing at the blonde with a quirked eyebrow.
Meredith bit the inside of her cheek as Evan repeated her words and suppressed the urge to blush.  On pale freckled skin it was more than obvious to the entire world whenever her cheeks flushed.  She grabbed up the bags and put them on the bottom of a shopping cart giving a little shrug.  âMy plan was just⌠fill the kitchen.â  She admitted.  âCurrently I think we have⌠pancake mix.  And a bag of frozen vegetables thatâs been sitting in the freezer for five months because someone was too stubborn to give it a chance.â Â
Henri had been a piece of work, sheâd loved her with everything she had, but sometimes the woman was too stubborn for her own good.  They entered through the produce section.  She grabbed bananas, strawberries, apples, a few vegetables here and there- some spring mix for salad and dressing to go with it.  âSo really just⌠anything you think youâll eat.â

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homecoming || evan + meredith
captiveheartxxâ:
Hearing that she was allergic to blueberries, Evan nodded. She would do her best to keep that in mind. The last thing she needed was to harm the person that Henri had loved. While there had been so much anger when theyâd gotten together, it had never truly been directed at Meredith. Rather the anger had been aimed entirely at Henri. The person that had chosen to hurt her.
Her eyebrow raised at the mention that things had been built up since she was gone. âWell, itâs good that they did something with that space.â She mused, feeling a bit of discomfort in her chest. It was such a small thing but she had a feeling that the small things would just continue to build. Her hometown didnât stop moving when she left and she knew that but it was different to actually see it. âIs the rental place still in the same area?â
âI think they got sick of the homeless people that kept trying to move in. Â Itâs what prompted the build at least from what I remember.â Â It would get cold and people would find any place they could to take shelter, an abandoned warehouse was the perfect spot to do just that. Â She nodded some. Â âThe Enterprise is still there but now thereâs a Hertz across the street so you can usually convince one or the other to give you a better bargain.â Â The rental place would probably never move, it had to be in close proximity to the airport.
There was a lot weighing on her mind and her heart but she didnât know how to deal with it or how to even talk to this virtual stranger about it.  One thing that would eventually have to be spoken about was the fact that the house was in Evanâs name- fully paid for and no mortgage to speak of.  Henri had left Meredith everything but the house.  She needed to know if sheâd have to find another place to live⌠but that could be spoken about at another time.  Pulling into the shopping center lot was hardly an appropriate time to start that conversation.  âSo.. here we are.â
homecoming || evan + meredith
captiveheartxxâ:
The fact that the house hadnât changed much was a relief, but she also wouldnât have been able to blame them if there were a lot of changes. Sheâd been gone for six years, there was no reason to keep things the same. Still, it was nice that not everything was lost to her. Instead of responding with words, Evan simply offered her older sister a small smile.
Evan hadnât been certain that Meredith would accept her offer, but when she did, she offered a nod and a slight smile. She moved to grab her jacket and pulled it on, leaving it undone before making sure that she had her wallet with her. Realizing that she was going to need a way around town, she made a mental note to go see about a rental vehicle. Cabs were terribly inconvenient and she didnât want to have to rely on Meredith. She followed the woman out of the house, locking the door behind her and settling into the passenger seat. âJust uh..so I know..is there anything you canât eat?â
She started up the jeep and carefully got them onto the road. Â âBlueberries.â Â She stated simply. Â âAllergic.â Â Trader Joeâs wasnât too far from the home. Â It would be new to Evan though seeing as it was built four years back. Â Knowing how awful Henri had been with things changing she thought better than to just drive them there. Â âThey put in a new shopping center about four years ago where all those empty warehouses used to be. Â Trader Joeâs, Barnes and Noble, Target, and a few other nice shops. Â Itâs way closer than the grocery store we used to use.â
Meredith was quite focused on the road. Â Ever since her wifeâs accident sheâd been hyper vigilant when it came to driving. Â Most of the time she avoided the car all together. Â If she could walk to her destination that was her go to method of transport. Â For the most part she drove to and from work and the grocery store but this was her first time in two weeks out this way.
