Disclaimer: I'm only saying this once They're not mine, don't sue.
"Dr. Montgomery." Chief Webber nodded towards the seat as Addison walked into his office. "To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?"
"I'm not sure if what I have to say will really be much of a 'pleasure' for you," Addison said, smiling sadly. "I want to resign."
"Addison, you can't be serious," Richard said, looking at her with concern. "If there's something wrong, I'm sure we can work through it."
"This isn't really something you can just work through," Addison told him. "I need some time. I've gotten a six month position in another city that should help clear my head."
"What hospital?"
"I don't really want anyone knowing." She smiled weakly. "But I'll be fine. I just really need to get away, you know?"
"Will you be back after your six months are up?" Richard asked, leaning forward in his chair.
"I guess we'll just have to see." Addison looked out the window and stiffened.
Richard followed her gaze and frowned. "It's because of him isn't it?"
"No." Addison shook her head. "No, this is about me."
"It's because of him," Richard said resolutely. "Or the other one. It's the other one isn't it?"
Addison slowly pushed off her chair and stuck out her hand for Richard to shake. "Thanks for the opportunity you've given me Richard. I'll let you know when I've settled."
"Sir?"
Richard looked up as Mark rapped lightly on his door, his head poking through a second later. Richard placed the paperwork he'd been looking over back onto the desk and motioned for Mark to sit down. He asked, "What can I do for you, Sloan?"
"I was just wondering if you've seen Addison," Mark said, choosing rather to pace the length of the office over taking a seat. "It's just... Well, it's been three days and noone's heard from her. I asked at the hotel but they said she checked out Tuesday and her cell hasn't been on at all. I've checked with her sister and Savvy, but neither of them have heard from her in weeks."
"She resigned on Monday," Richard said, eyeing Mark. "Said that she needed some time to clear her head and was given an opportunity at another hospital. And before you ask, I have no idea where she went. She told me she'd call when she settled in, but I still haven't spoken to her."
Mark groaned and collapsed onto one of the sofas lining the office walls. He buried his face in his hands and shook his head. "Shit."
"Do you have a reason for her sudden departure?" Richard asked.
Mark nodded. "I think I know."
"Why don't you tell me about it," Richard said as he rounded the desk and sat down on the other sofa.
"We were trying to make it work," Mark said, softly. "I was- we were doing the whole 60 day thing. Everything was good. And then Monday morning she walked into one of the on-call rooms and caught me in there with one of the nurses."
Richard shook his head, disappointed.
"I didn't do anything," Mark defended. "I swear to God I didn't. I was laying there passed out when this nurse walks in and sits down on me. I woke up, freaked out, and we were both trying to get our bearings when Addison walks in. She took one look at us and left. She wouldn't even give me a chance to explain. I swear Chief, I didn't even touch the girl."
"I believe you Sloan," Richard said after a moment.
"She wouldn't believe me even if she had given me a chance to explain." Mark shook his head again and slumped his shoulders in defeat. "I'm such an ass."
"It's not your fault." Richard paused. "Well, this time it's not your fault."
Mark nodded and stood. "Thanks Chief."
"No problem Sloan." Richard also stood and saw Mark to the door. "If you need someone to talk to, feel free to come to me."
"Thanks again." Mark pulled open the door and paused. "When you hear from her, could you let me know? I just want to make sure she's safe."
"I will," Richard said, and nodded as he watched Mark retreat down the hall.
(two weeks later)
"Richard?"
"Addison?" Richard nestled the phone between his ear and shoulder and leaned back in his chair. "Addison, how have you been? Where are you? Everyone's going nuts."
"I'm good," Addison told him. "A change of scenery is just what I needed."
"I thought you said you'd call as soon as you settled in," Richard said, slightly pouting. "Everyone's been worried out of their minds."
"Right," Addison snorted.
"I'm serious," Richard told her. "Derek couldn't believe you just picked up and left, Karev looked like someone shot his puppy, Callie's still trying to track you down, Miranda gets that snippy look on her face every time she passes your office, and Sloan... Well Sloan's not doing so well."
"I'm sure Mark has found some hot little blonde to take his mind off me," Addison said bitterly. "It's Mark for god's sake."
"About that Addison. I talked to Mark and I don't think that what you-"
"Please Richard," Addison said with a sigh. "I didn't call to talk about Mark. I just wanted to let you know that everything's fine. I'm good, the hospital I'm at is good, the hotel I stay at is good- everything is good."
"Can you at least let me know where you are now?" Richard asked. "At least give me a state."
"I'm not in a state," Addison said softly.
"Does your family know where you are?" Richard asked and sat forward. "Please tell me you've let someone know where you are."
"I've let them know that I'm fine."
"What happens if something happens to you and noone knows where you are?" Richard asked. "What happens if you get sick or break something and you have noone to call."
"The hospital I work for has all my information," Addison told him patiently. "They know my sister's, Savvy's, and your numbers. If anything happens they'll call and let you know. I promise."
"We miss you here."
"I miss all of you too," Addison said. "But look, I have to get going. It's midnight and I have a surgery scheduled for six."
"You'll call again, right?" Richard asked. "Just to let me know you're still fine?"
"How about we make a deal. I'll call every two weeks if you don't ask where I am. Good?"
Richard smiled and nodded. "Good. I'll talk to you in two weeks Addison."
"Until then."