1Never Let You Go

mcaddexfan

This was prompted by the season finale. My take on how it should have gone...so far it's a one-shot...depending on if anyone likes it, I could continue, but it would only be about a 4 or 5 chapter story...so let me know what you think!!!!:)

He walked through the double wooden doors of the sanctuary and immediately spotted her hitting alone in the pew. Her hair was done up in a french twist and she had on a light blue dress; certainly the most conservative one he's ever seen her wear. He thought for a moment about what he was going to say when he sat next to her. Then he slowly made his way over next to her and sat down.

Sensing his presence without even glancing to her right, she began to speak. "It's ver confusing, you know? When you know both the bride and groom, whose side do you sit on?"

He quickly responded in his usual cocky tone, "I just find the hottest chick in the room and sit next to her."

"Stop" she replied as she shook her head.

"Wanna ditch the reception and grab a drink instead?"

She closed her eyes for a moment before saying "Stop it" a little more sternly this time. "You didn't want me." The words were said with a tinge of regret as she stared down at her lap.

"I did want you. I still do. I lied to you because I was scared out of my mind. Listen, Ava said that..."

"It always comes back to her. Don't you see? You don't want me; you want Ava. I've seen the way you two interact. She's quite taken with you, you know." He could see the sadness in her eyes as she said that last sentence. Before she was able to continue, Alex silenced her by placing his hand on the one she was resting on her knee.

"She said something to me that scared the hell out of me. She said that you wanted to settle down for a guy that plays catch and barbeques. Addison, I'm not that guy right now. I don't know if I ever will be. And I thought you deserved better than what I could give you, so I wanted to do the right thing and let you go. That's why I tried pushing you away, but in the end I just saw the hurt in your eyes that night when you left the hospital and I wanted nothing more than to run into that parking lot and tell you exactly how I felt and still feel." He could see the tears beginning to well up in her eyes and as much as he wanted to kiss them away right now, he needed to get this out. "When I heard you had left for L.A., I knew I had a part in making you leave and I haven't stopped regretting that. I don't think I ever will. Addison, you have to believe that I never wanted to hurt you and I'm so sorry I did. Before I came here today, Ava told me to give her a reason to stay."

"And...?" she asked, even though she was sure she knew the answer he was going to give her.

"And I told her to stay with her husband. She said he was a decent guy and I thought back to when you told me that and I told her to stay with the decent guy. That's what I'm asking you to do, Addison. Stay with the decent guy. Stay with me."

By now, Addison was full-on crying and silently thanking God that everyone else was too wrapped up in finding the bride-to-be to witness their private moment. She was finding it harder to breathe with every word he said. After being turned down for Chief, she had made up her mind to move to L.A. and accept her friend's job offer, but now she was finding a reason to stay. She hadn't told Alex about the job offer yet and she still needed some time to think it over. Maybe the Chief was right. You either have to find a new job, or a new life. She was beginning to see a new life building here in Seattle with the man sitting next to her, still holding onto her hand. She knew she had to tell him about the job in L.A. and she had to do it now before she lost all sense of self control.

"Alex, there's something I need to tell you. When I was in L.A., my friend offered me a job at her private clinic. I was turned down for Chief this morning and immediately called down to L.A. to accept the position. I'm leaving in three days. I need time to think this over. You hurt me. You truly did. And you suck. And I kind of hate you, but all I can say is just give me some time." As she said this last line, she smiled a bit and looked from her lap straight into his eyes. She saw promise in them. He saw pain and hope reflected in hers.

"I want to have these next three days with you. After that, whether I want you to or not, go to L.A. Take all the time you need there. I will wait for you as long as it takes. And while I'm waiting, I'm going to try and change into that man you need me to be. I'm going to prove to you that this will work. We will work. I just want to spend these last few days with you. Can I have that?" He looked to her for an answer and before he heard her say anything, she kissed him lightly on the lips. It wasn't a forceful kiss, it was one that felt comfortable and safe and held as much hope and promise as their eyes did a few moments ago. She didn't want to give into him this easily, but he just smelled so damn good and it felt so incredibly right. When they broke apart, he went to hug her and when she leaned into his embrace, she pressed her cheek to his and whispered against his ear, "Yes."