Alaric had been sick with worry since Meredith had gone missing. And even sicker once he found out who was responsible... and what she wanted. It was a no-win situation, and he was so... pissed about it. He was angry for what Meredith had gone through, sad for Elena, and, well... proud of Damon. He had done the right thing. But the deaths had been unnecessary. None of this should have happened. He was going to tell Meredith, once she was better, that it was time she moved in with him, even if it was just the same apartment. He didn't think she'd want to share a room just yet.
Once she was safe and home, he was determined to stay, even if she told him to leave. He would have slept in the hallway, on the cold marble floor just to make sure she stayed safe. Thankfully, she wanted him here and he was happy to oblige. The tension in his stomach was slowly subsiding as he gently held her against his side.
He had stayed quiet while she cried, his own silent tears tracking down his cheeks from time to time. This was a sad night, a night of death and bloodshed. He would never forget the look on Meredith's face when she saw Elena. Ever.
When she spoke, he nearly jumped, it had been quiet for so long. He looked down at her and kissed the tip of her nose gently. "I will stay forever if you need me to," he said after clearing his throat from lack of use.