As Meredith was racing through Seattle at top speed, her head pounded. So many emotions had suddenly taken over, and she couldn't explain it to Derek. She just knew that she had to get away from their fishing spot. The sinking feeling in her stomach intensified with each mile. You're panicking. Don't panic yet. Wait until you get to Addison's place to panic. But what if…No! You can't think about that! She'll help you sort it all out. The other way seems so much easier…No! She shook herself after noticing that she ran a red light. Luckily, bright lights and a siren did not sound. She kept going as fast as she could, determined to get to Addison's before her head exploded.

What's that shiny thing? I can't reach it from here. I want to get the shiny thing. No, don't go!

She pounded into the apartment building, and the doorman nodded, telling her that he would let her up to Addison's penthouse. The elevator didn't move fast enough. Colors were too bright. My head really hurts. She burst out of the elevator into Addison's entry hall and knocked, hard and fast on the door. No one answered. She has the day off today. Maybe she's with Alex. She knocked again, more impatiently. When no one answered yet again, she tried the knob. It opened slowly into Addison's pristine apartment, and Meredith called out to her newfound friend to no avail. She looked around to find Addison's purse, pager, and cell phone in their usual spot. She's here. I have to talk to her. She ran into Addison's room, but Addison was no where to be seen. You can do this. It will only hurt for a second. She headed into the kitchen, looked around, and picked up the knife.

Derek still hadn't had any luck fishing. Meredith's giant fish probably ate the rest of them. He tried to focus on his line, but he couldn't keep his mind off of Meredith. He knew she wasn't going to see a patient and suspected it was Addison that Meredith was paying a visit to. However, he couldn't understand why. She'd seemed fine the last few weeks, still a little jumpy and easily distracted, but she didn't seem depressed or truly scared any more. He was still keeping a close eye on her, but she was constantly reassuring him that she was doing much better. Maybe I should call someone or check on her anyway. No, you need to trust her to tell you how she's feeling. He cast his line again, resolving to give Meredith time to sort out whatever was bothering her. I know! I'll call Alex. He's probably with Addison. They sure have been spending a lot of time together. Then, I'll know if Meredith went to find Addison.

"What's up, Dr. Shepherd?" Karev's voice was tired.

"Are you with Addison?"

"Not that it's any of your business, but no."

"I didn't…I mean… Nevermind. Have you seen her or Meredith?"

"No."

"Is anything going on that I should know about?"

"Uh…I don't think so."

"Well, you've been spending a lot of time with Addison lately…I just thought that maybe…"

"Listen, Shepherd, you broke up with her. I happen to like her. I don't know what you're thinking about, but it's none of your…"

"Shut it, Karev. I don't care if you're dating Addison. She deserves to have someone make her happy, or whatever it is that you're doing for her. I want to know if Meredith is okay."

"Dude, she's a big girl. She can take care of herself. She's not going to be jumping into any lakes any more, so leave her alone."

"Well, if you see either one of them, let me know," he said, trying to be nicer.

"Sure," he replied. "But, I'd rather check on Addison, personally." Alex muttered in a concerned tone as he was about to hang up.

"What did you say?"

"Nothing," he knew better than to just hang up on Shepherd.

"What did you say about Addison? Is she okay?" he sounded anxious.

"Why do you care?"

"I just do."

"What's going on?"

"I don't know how much you know about Addison."

"She's been a little strange lately. Why?"

"I think she should tell you."

"What's going on? She's just been distracted and emotional. Everything was fine until I spent a night at her place a week or so ago. Nothing happened, but she's been weird since."

"Ohh," he suddenly understood. "Alex! Get over to Addison's place, now!"

"Why?" now Alex was scared.

"Just go! Call me as soon as you can."

He hung up the phone without a response and ran out to his car. He could make it to Addison's in ten minutes, if he really hurried. Fear was slowly taking over his body. He broke out into a cold sweat, and his hands were shaking. I hope they're okay.

"Addison!" Meredith screamed as the realization hit her. "Oh my God! Addie!"

She grabbed Addison's lifeless body and wrapped a towel around her bleeding arm. I was daydreaming about me, but it was really happening to you! You can't die, Addie!

"Please, don't die!" she whispered through a sob before she jumped up to find a trashcan.

As she vomited again and again, Meredith hoped she could call 911 before it was too late. If it's not already. Just when she was about to give up hope, Alex burst into the kitchen and scooped up Addison. He put pressure on her bleeding arm, cradling her like an infant. After looking from Addison to Meredith, he began to feel angry in addition to horrified.

"Did you let her do this?" he yelled.

"No. I…I…" she paused, sobs choking out the words. "When I came in, she was already there!"

"C'mon! We're going to the hospital."

"O-Okay," she stammered. "H-How did you…"

"Gut instinct. Now, move!"

When Alex raced into Seattle Grace with Addison in his arms, he was greeted by none other than Richard. They were closely followed by Derek, who took one look at Meredith and wrapped his arms protectively around her shoulders. Richard ushered the group into a private room in the ER, and Alex set to work suturing Addison's arm.

"How long has she been unconscious?" the chief asked after sending Derek for blood.

"I don't know. Meredith found her right before I did. Wow, this is deep. She really wanted to do this."

"She…what?" the chief was shocked at Alex's words.

"I may as well tell you. She did this on purpose, but I don't know why."

"She's lost a lot of blood. I think we're going to have to transfuse her."

"Chief? Is she going to be okay?"

"Physically, yes. She's doing everything on her own, but we do need her to wake up soon to be sure there isn't any brain damage. Might I suggest that you talk to her and find out what's going on?"

"I will, sir, as soon as she's ready and able."

For a long time, Alex and Meredith sat together, watching the blood flow into Addison's pale and lifeless body. Neither of them spoke, even though they knew the other person was crying. I love her. I actually love her. I don't know what I will do if Addison doesn't pull through this. She's the first person I've ever had true, deep feelings for. I just can't lose her after these last few amazing weeks. He thought about all the time they'd spent together over the last few weeks: their first date, trips to the movies, holding her hand as they walked along Main Street in and out of shops, the many times they'd spent cooking dinner together. Now, she was lying on a gurney in a blood spattered t-shirt and Columbia sweatpants, and he couldn't believe that the last few happy weeks suddenly turned so dark.

"Oh, Addison," he whispered tearfully, "I love you so much. You just have to fight through this. I'll help you, if you'll tell me what you need."

Alex laid his head on the mattress next to Addison's hips, one of her cold hands in his. What he really wanted was to scoop her up again, hold her, and kiss away her pain. He was considering climbing into bed with her and holding her when Meredith screamed.

"Did you see that?" Meredith screeched excitedly.

"What?"

"Her fingers! They twitched just a little."

"Go get the chief and Shepherd."

"'Kay," she jumped up and ran to find Derek and Richard.

"Do it again, sweetie. I know you can," Alex was whispering into Addison's hair. "Let me see your fingers wiggle. C'mon, Baby, you can do it."

Again, the hand across her stomach moved a tiny bit. Alex's heart soared with joy. She's not in a coma! He took her other hand in his and kissed it. Her skin was so soft, but still cold. He moved onto the bed and held her close, trying to bring some warmth and life back into her body. Her hair smelled the way it always did, a mix of apple and some kind of spice Alex did not recognize. He kissed her again. Mmm…

"Addison!" he had heard her mumble.

"Mmm," she murmured again.

"Addie! Baby, can you hear me?" he sat up in the bed to look at her more closely.

"Alex?"

"You can talk! You're okay!"

"How…where…"

"You're in the hospital, Sweetie. Do you remember what happened?"

"Umm…Yes," tears filled her eyes.

"Shh. It's okay. You're going to be okay."

"Why didn't you leave me?"

"Because I love you!"

"You…love me?" her voice was hoarse, tears flowing steadily now.

"Yes, I love you. I love you more than I ever thought I could love another person."

"Why?"

"Because you're so kind and thoughtful. You're funny and brilliant. You love your patients more than anyone I've ever seen." He couldn't help but think she was even more beautiful crying, if that was possible.

"Alex, I love you, too."

"Will you tell me what's going on?"

"I…" she couldn't bring herself to tell him.

"It's okay. You can tell me when you get ready."

"Okay," she stifled a yawn.

"You need some rest," he started to get up, but she put a now slightly warmer hand on his shoulder.

"Don't. Stay with me. Keep me warm."

"Okay," inwardly, he sighed, grateful that she wanted him to stay.

"Hold me."

He put his arms around her once again, and she nuzzled his shoulder with her cheek. They were lying just that way when Richard, Meredith, and Derek returned. Derek, realizing that Addison was going to be just fine, took Meredith's hand and led her from the room. Richard pulled out his stethoscope and sphygmomanometer. When he tried to examine Addison, she whined and tried to wiggle away.

"I'll check her later, Chief. Let her rest now; she's going to be fine."

"I'll come back in a while," he answered, patting Addison's back.

"Mmkay," she murmured sleepily, snuggling closer to Alex.

Alex gave a sigh of relief and allowed himself to relax as well. Soon, they both drifted off to sleep, their bodies intertwined on the small gurney.

AN: How's this for a quick update? Show me that you're glad I did it, and I may have another one up really soon as well!