Breathe

Chapter 5: Faults

Chapter 5: Faults

She had kissed him. Addison had kissed him and he had responded. He did not pull away, he responded. As if in sync their lips moved together. The familiarity of it. It was like they had never stopped. Addison had felt happy about it. Like she had actually accomplished something. However days had passed and still, he had said nothing about the kiss. It was as if it had not happened. He had gone back to being his bitter and petty self. Every time she approached he had a new insult to accompany the 'adulterous bitch' moniker he had given her. She was getting tired of the fighting and the way he acted hurt her.

But then, it was her own fault. Maybe the cheating was genetic. She had the Captain as an example. The best example when it came to cheating. He had been married to her mother and yet he screwed everything that moved. Just like her brother, Archer. The cheating was definitely a family thing which she had brought to her own marriage. Derek was right about Mark though. While he promised her love and family he was out screwing someone else. Cheating was just part of her life. A very big part of her life. She was so tired. So very tired of it all. But she wanted to fight like that intern had begged.

Aelwyne had looked at her with pleading eyes and begged her to stay and fight, so she had. She tried so hard but Derek was ever so cold toward her even after the NICU. Yet there was one last thing to try. Maybe an ultimatum would work so she made the calls and started the paperwork. A divorce would make him think. Maybe it would make him feel the weight of the culmination of a life and he wouldn't want her to leave. Maybe he'd try to keep her by his side. One thing nagged at her though. Would that be love?

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Addison found Derek caressing Meredith's cheek by the elevator. The sight irked her but she took a deep breath and walked towards them.

"Can I join in? Or are you not into threesomes?" She asked sweetly.

"Excuse me." Meredith said walking away.

"How can you not see how miserable you make everyone here? You don't belong here. When are you gonna jump on your broomstick and go the hell away?" Derek asked annoyed.

"Well don't worry we're close to the finish line." She said fishing the papers in her briefcase and handing them to him. "Here. Divorce papers. Your lawyer took a look and said they were good to go. I haven't signed but once you do so will I."

"Finally. Off with Satan." Derek said, pulling a pen to sign.

"Derek, have you ever thought that even if I am Satan and an 'adulterous bitch' I might still be the love of your life?" She said sadly and walked in the elevator, the doors shutting behind her.

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Her eyes stung with unshed tears but she held them in place. She held them because she did not cry in public. At least that was something Bizzy should be proud of. She leaned against the back wall of the elevator still holding for dear life when it opened. Yet she did not move. It was as if she had lost all willingness. Then suddenly she walked in. That sweet, sweet intern. Aelwyne Neirhem.

"Doctor Shepherd?" She said quietly, allowing the doors to shut behind her. She pressed a number, which Addison did not pay attention to.

"More like Dr. Montgomery." Addison responded, her voice wavering.

"Would you come with me?" Aelwyne asked her, offering her hand.

Addison looked at her, those eyes full of... something she couldn't quite place. She allowed her eyes to travel down to that outstretched hand and silently took it.