Sorry it's been a bit since I updated, but I haven't really had time.

Here is chapter 7, it's another dialogue chapter so please forgive me, but I really promise good stuff is coming.

Hope you enjoy.

…

"Wait, are you sure?"

"Sav, I need you to help me get through this very Shepherd weekend."

The line was silent for a moment and then Savvy said, "only if you're sure."

Addison let out a small laugh and said, "as if it would ever be an imposition. Plus, Nancy and the rest of the girls love you."

"Fine, fine. What time do I need to be ready?"

"Oh, um probably within an hour."

"Okay," Savvy replied. "I will be there in an hour."

Addison hung up the phone and looked around at all of the clothes on her bed. She definitely needed more than an hour, and she knew it. But the good thing was that even though Savvy had not questioned her time estimate, Savvy knew better than to believe it.

"If we're going to be ready in an hour, you should probably let me help you," Derek said, pulling Addison from her thoughts.

"How long have you been standing there," Addison asked.

Derek picked up one of her dresses laying on the bed and mumbled, "long enough to hear you lie about how long you needed."

Addison glared at him and said, "you pack your stuff, and I will pack mine."

"My stuff will take five minutes You will need an hour just to decide on what shoes go best with this one dress," Derek said, still holding onto the dress from before. "You will agonize over which color, heel size, and whether or not it should be open or closed toe. Then you will look for a handbag, and if you can't find the perfect one, you will throw the shoes out and start over."

Addison snatched the dress from his hand and said, "those are big accusations from a man that carries more hair products than me."

He looked at her, silent.

She put her hand on her hip and smirked. Checkmate, honey.

"Pack your bags, Addison."

"Pack your hair products, Derek."

He glared at her and said, "you like the hair and you know you do."

"Oh, I love your hair, but you really love your hair."

"Those are big words for someone that would not be caught dead standing next to me if I did not use all of those hair products."

The smirk left Addison's face and she said, "okay. Let's pack in silence."

"Sounds like a plan."

…

Derek was carefully placing several button-ups in his bag and he glanced over at Addison. Much to his surprise, she was almost finished packing. He of course knew it was only to prove him wrong. That's what it always took. Absolutely no one was as focused as Addison trying to win an argument. She had silently placed several dresses and shoes into her bag, without taking so much as a second to consider each outfit.

"What," she asked, noticing his eyes on her.

Derek considered questioning why she had not ever packed that quickly before, but he chose peace. "You will look great in that."

Without a moment's hesitation, Addison patted the dress she had just placed in the suitcase and said, "I know, that's why I'm bringing it."

Derek rolled his eyes and then quickly glanced at her to make sure she didn't see.

I can't even compliment her when she's upset.

They continued packing in silence until Addison was finished. Without saying a word, she walked into the bathroom and began getting ready. Of course, she didn't gloat. She didn't need to. She knew he noticed how quickly she packed, and she knew he recognized that she had done it in almost complete silence. They were fighting. Yes, it was silent, but that was how they (or Addison) fought.

Zipping his suitcase, Derek let out an exhausted sigh. The weekend had just begun and already they were at odds. After such a good night, they were already back on bad terms.

She'll get over it. Make the first move. Go ahead.

Derek walked into the bathroom and stood behind her. He watched as she curled her hair. She refused to look at him in the mirror as he stared at her. It was a game. Him staring, her remaining silent, and him daring her to be the first to talk. She knew what he was doing. They had played this exact game before. He stared at her with those soft blue eyes and she agonized over wanting to speak, but she never did. He would stand there staring until she was done getting ready. That's what he had always done.

Don't look at him, Addison. Finish your hair. Let him stand there and stare silently. You're almost done.

"Addison," Derek suddenly said.

Desperate to continue being upset, Addison didn't respond.

He tilted his head and gave her a small smile.

She of course noticed that smile, but she said nothing.

"Addison, do you want me to put the suitcases in the car?"

"If you want to," she said, in her passive aggressively happy voice.

Derek nodded and walked towards the bathroom door. "Your hair looks great like that," he added before walking out.

Standing alone in the bathroom she rolled her eyes. He always started their fights and then made her out to be the bad guy when she wouldn't give in. He caused a scene, stared at her in silence and then broke the tension with a non-apology.

"Addison," Derek suddenly yelled from downstairs. "Savvy is here."

Addison looked at her watch confused. There was no way Savvy expected her to be ready in forty-five minutes. Savvy knew her much better than that.

"Addie," Savvy called, walking into the room. "I thought you might need some help pack-"

Addison poked her head out of the bathroom and said, "I'm done."

"I see," Savvy added, glancing around in shock. "I think this might actually be a record."

"You sound like Derek," Addison mumbled.

"Well, this is good. We can go ahead and get on the road then."

Addison stepped back into the bathroom and said, "I need to throw some makeup and clothes on and I will be ready."

Savvy walked into the bathroom with her and said, "I love when you do your hair like that."

"You still sound like Derek," Addison said.

"Hey, just yesterday you were saying he doesn't notice you, and now he is complimenting your hair."

"Savvy, he complimented my hair because I'm mad at him."

Savvy threw her hands into the air and said, "seriously? Why can't you two just get along. I mean I have to admit that your constant bickering used to be cute, but this is just getting…"

"Imagine how I feel."

"Wait, are you fighting because of the hospital or something else," Savvy asked.

"He was running his mouth about how long it takes me to pack. It started as a joke, but I think I got upset."

Savvy rubbed her temples and said, "you don't even know if you got upset? You just think you did? I honestly cannot with the two of you."

"Whatever. It's over, and I'm done discussing it."

"Fine," Savvy surrendered. "What are you going to wear?"

"Something she looks absolutely incredible in," Derek's voice called from the bedroom.

Savvy and Addison both looked at each other in panic.

How long had he been listening?

"How many times am I going to walk in on you two talking about me? I mean this is what, twice in less than twenty-four hours" Derek asked.

"Derek we were just," Savvy started, but didn't continue.

Derek walked into the bathroom and said, "no. It's fine. Addison, I'm going to start putting your stuff in the car."

"Leave the bag on the bed. I'm going to put my makeup in that when I'm done."

He nodded and walked back out.

Savvy and Addison stood in silence while Addison finished putting her makeup on. Partly out of fear that Derek would hear them again. When Addison finished she slipped into a comfortable pair of jeans, a sweater, and heels.

"Jeans with heels," Savvy said. "You have always pulled it off, but I just can't."

Giving herself one last look in the mirror Addison frowned. "What else am I supposed to wear? Flats?"

"See," Derek said, from behind them. They both turned to see him leaning against the doorway. He had snuck up on them yet again. "I told you she would look great."

Addison rolled her eyes and said, "was this fast enough for you," gesturing towards her completely made-up self.

Savvy immediately stood up and said, "I am going to go downstairs," and she headed towards the door.

Derek stepped out of her way and into the room. Him and Addison stood quietly for a second until she finally let out a loud sigh and said, "your mother is going to hate my shoes."

"I love your shoes."

"I also love my shoes," Addison mumbled.

"So, nothing else matters."

She nodded in agreement.

Derek picked up Addison's last bag and said, "did Savvy seem weird to you?"

"No," Addison said, with a frown. "What do you mean?"

Derek shrugged and said, "maybe it's just me. Come on. Let's get in the car."

…

"Wait, how long has he been your patient," Savvy asked.

Derek turned to the backseat where she was sitting and said, "over a year. I hate to say it, but I didn't expect him to last this long."

Savvy laughed and said, "do all doctors really lie about how long they expect you to live?"

"Yes," Derek and Addison said together.

"Well," Addison added. "We try to be honest about expectations, but we can't ever be blunt. It might discourage them"

"So, you just go home to your spouse at the end of the night and share that they're going to go anytime," Savvy asked.

Derek and Addison both laughed and nodded.

"We're always pleasantly surprised when they prove us wrong though," Derek said. "This case has been particularly cheerful because I really like him"

Addison took her eyes off of the road for a second to glance at Derek. Something in his voice caught her attention. He threw that sentence out there casually, but she knew it was anything but casual. He always cared for patients, but this one seemed different, and she could tell by his voice. When her eyes rested on him, she was even more certain.

"He's just a great guy," Derek continued. "He's always cheerful, even after being given bad news. But it isn't that ignorantly blind optimism that doctors see all the time. It's more of acceptance and a refusal to let it get him down."

Addison and Savvy were silent. Addison was staring at the road, wondering why Derek had not ever mentioned this patient to her.

Because you asked him not to talk about work, Addison.

"Do you know what I mean," Derek asked, pulled her from her thoughts.

She glanced over at him and realized he was looking at her.

"Have you ever had a patient like that?"

Addison nodded and said, "oh, yeah. They're always my favorite. I know we aren't supposed to have favorites, but that's just how it works."

"Exactly," Derek said, nodding aggressively. "It's refreshing to have someone that you are not afraid to be honest with."

"God, I wonder if I would be anyone's favorite patient," Savvy questioned from the back seat.

Derek and Addison both looked at each other and smiled.

"That's exactly how you would be," Addison said. "You are the perfect mix of optimistic and realistic."

Derek nodded and said, "yep. That makes for the best patients. Chris is always the best part of my day because he is exactly that."

Addison eyed him and said, "the best part of your whole day?"

"My work day, Addison," Derek mumbled, rolling his eyes. "He is the best part of my work day."

"Sure," she teased.

"We all know the best part of my whole day is getting to come home to your wonderful cooking," Derek teased back.

She reached over and hit his arm. "Derek Christopher, I already told you that I am not ready to joke about the chicken."

Savvy and Derek both laughed.

"Wait, so what was actually wrong with the chicken," Savvy asked.

"I'm also not ready to talk about the chicken either," Addison mumbled.

"Fine, fine," Savvy mumbled.

"It tasted good though," Derek said. "I tried it earlier."

"For breakfast," Savvy questioned. "You had chicken for breakfast?"

"I, like Addison, am not ready to fully discuss the chicken," he replied.

…

"Whose car is that," Savvy asked, as they pulled into the driveway.

"Mark's," Derek and Addison said together.

"What is he doing here," Savvy questioned.

"I'm sure my sister invited him."

Addison nodded and said, "yeah, she told me he was coming."

"Good." Derek said. "Nancy will probably expect him to be here."

Mark, who had apparently been waiting for him, walked out of the front door and raised his hand to wave.

"Does he have a key," Savvy asked, not citing that Mark had come from inside the house.

"He's family," Derek answered.

"Well look at my favorite couple," Mark called. "Oh, and Savvy too."

"Great to see you too, Mark," Savvy mumbled sarcastically.

"Be nice," Addison whispered to her, as they all exited the car.

"I'm always nice," Savvy whispered back.

Savvy and Mark were more than acquainted. Mark was Derek's roommate in college, and Savvy was Addison's, so they were forced to be around each other. Especially since Mark always insisted on going wherever it was that Derek went. Not to mention being in the wedding together, and spending years being the best friends of a couple.

"Hey, man," Mark said, hugging Derek.

"Glad you let yourself in, Mark," Addison said, moving in for a hug.

Mark shrugged and said, "well, you know me."

"Yes, Mark. We all know you," Savvy said, with a big smile.

"Savannah, it's good to see you," he responded. "Let me help you guys get your bags."

"We've got it. You guys go ahead in" Derek said, nodding towards Addison and Savvy.

"Thanks, I think I'm ready for a drink," Addison said.

Savvy followed her towards the door and said, "it's never too early for mimosas."

"Make us one too," Mark yelled, as the girls walked through the door.

"Hey," he said, turning to Derek. "Nancy is officially old right?"

Derek laughed and handed him a bag. "I dare you to ask her that."

"I value my life. That's why I'm getting it all out before she gets here."

"By the way, thanks for coming," Derek said.

Mark frowned and said, "why are you thanking me."

"Addison is grateful. You know how my family makes her."

Mark patted Derek's shoulder and said, "Carolyn can do that to people. I mean, you know I love her, but she has a way."

"She just always gives Addison a hard time, you know?"

Nodding his head Mark said, "oh boy do I. I hope Addie brought some different shoes."

"Please do not mention that," Derek groaned.

Mark let out a loud laugh and said, "well, you know it's true."

"Oh, how well I know," Derek said. "Come on, let's hurry up before they drink our mimosas."

…

"Wait, where is Weiss," Mark asked.

Derek shifted uncomfortably and looked over at Savvy.

"He's working," she answered quickly. "Another round anyone?"

"Please," Addison said, handing her glass to Savvy, who quickly busied herself by mixing the drinks.

Mark downed his and said, "since when does he miss birthday parties to work. That's more Derek's style."

Derek cringed at his words.

"Mark, not even you can spoil this weekend" Addison said, pointed her finger at him. "Besides, Derek is here and that's all that matters."

Derek gave her a small smile and said, "also, you've had four very strong mimosas, so not even my mother could spoil your fun."

Addison walked over and wrapped her arms around his neck, "big words for someone that is also on their fourth mimosa."

"Touché," he mumbled, and leaned in to give her a quick kiss.

"Savvy, please hurry with the drinks," Mark called. "I need something to help me through their tongue sucking."

Addison, with her arms still around Derek's neck, leaned her head back and said, "oh I will show you tongue sucking."

"Please don't," Mark said, making a disgusted face.

Derek pulled Addison in closer and said, "he has no idea what tongue sucking is."

"I think we all know that Mark knows exactly what tongue sucking is," Savvy poked, as she handed him a glass.

Mark raised his drink and said, "I will take that as a compliment."

Addison turned around to take her full glass from Savvy and said, "we are getting drunk at noon, and there is a whole party to plan."

Derek pulled her back up against him and said, "your party planning skills are more than prepared for this."

"Seriously, Addison" Savvy said. "There's a reason they put you in charge."

Mark nodded and said, "yeah, so will there be any single ladies here?"

Savvy gulped her mimosa and said, "since when have you ever cared about someone being single, and you know this is just family, Mark."

"Hey, a guy can hope."

Derek and Addison stood in the corner of the kitchen, still wrapped around each other, and not paying attention to Savvy or Mark bickering.

"This feels like college," Mark said suddenly.

Everyone eyed him, and he continued, "well, we are all drunk at noon, standing in a kitchen, and Savvy and I are fighting while you two make out in the corner."

"We are not making out, Mark," Addison responded.

"We could be," Derek teased, burring his face in Addison's hair.

"You might as well be," Mark groaned. "But it's like the good ole days."

"Derek and Addison doing it in the corner takes you back to good times," Savvy asked.

"Doing it," Mark repeated with a laugh.

"When have we ever done it in a corner," Addison asked.

Mark and Savvy exchanged a look.

"Well," Addison questioned.

"Oh, come on, Addie," Savvy mumbled.

Addison turned around to look at Derek who just shrugged at her.

"You guys would just…be all over each other. No matter the company," Mark said.

Savvy nodded her head and said, "and then they would disappear for about an hour."

Mark raised his glass in agreeance and said, "and what were we to do?"

"Wait for them to come back," Savvy answered. "And then act like they were never missing once they returned."

"Oh, the amount of drinks we had waiting for Derek and Addison to….return," Mark said.

"You know what, perhaps my lady and I should get ourselves a room," Derek said, as he took Addison's hand and pulled her towards the kitchen door.

"Dear god," Mark groaned.

"I'm having serious déjà vu," Savvy said.

"We'll see you guys in a few minutes," Addison said, following behind Derek.

Derek eyed her and said, "a few minutes?"

"Okay, well, we will see you guys in a lot of minutes."

And they both disappeared up the stairs together.

…

Well, this is the longest chapter I've ever done. I hope you like the dynamic with Savvy, Mark, and Addek.

I feel like this was yet another chapter without anything really exciting happening, but I promise good/not so good stuff is coming. You just have to bear with me.

As always, leave a review to let me know what you think xxx