Thank you to everyone who reviewed. I heart each and everyone of you! Glad you like where it's going. Now that my AP is over I can spend ALL of my time in school planning out my story. There have been boyfriend requests made, and don't worry, there was one part of my master plan. And he's going to come at the WORST time for Derek, but he'll have to deal and FIGHT for our Addison! She's too hot to stay single, and she's too strong to wait around! Amen! K, review and more ideas if you got them!

One Week Later

Hospital Conference Room

10:15 a.m.

"Okay, four across, Top Gun Anthony. Five letters." Derek questioned Addison over their morning coffee. They always did the crossword puzzle together on Monday mornings before staff meetings in New York, but that, like many other things, had come to pass in the final year of their marriage. Now that they were "back", Derek would bring it along with him to their coffee dates.

"Goose." Addison said after only a moment's thought. She reached across Derek to the muffin they were sharing, her hair gliding past his face. The scent of her shampoo overtook Derek. He thought of the million mornings he had awaked to that same scent. It sent a chill down his spine and a pain to his heart. It was minor, but there.

"How the hell did you know that in like two seconds?"

"I'm smarter than you." Derek shot her a look, to which she only smiled cutely in return. "Besides, we have seen that movie a hundred times. The Anthony is Anthony Edwards, who plays Goose. You know the guy from E.R."

"Well, all hail to the queen then."

"I try. Alright my turn." Addison grabbed the paper from his hand and picked out a good one for him to do.

"Hey isn't this a group effort?"

"It's more fun to see you squirm when I give you girlie ones you can't answer."

"Thank you. I'm glad you derive pleasure from my pain. Now give it back we are finishing one together. It's been awhile since we got a whole one."

"Let me just pick out one for you." Addison said, pleading.

"Fine." Derek spat begrudgingly.

"Material girl in her own League. Seven letters." Addison tilted the paper towards her chest and smiled, knowing he would never get this one. Derek knew it too and instantly went to grab the paper from her. "Hey! You didn't even try."

"I don't want to. Now get over here." Derek out his foot behind her to chair to stop the wheel from moving and began to go at her sides, knowing she was overly ticklish there.

"Hey. Watch those hands mister. No, Derek stop, seriously…" Addison said between her fits of unbearable laughter. Before Derek could officially reclaim the paper, Richard interrupted them.

"Well if it isn't my favorite twosome. What are you guys doing?"

"Nothing, Chief."

"Don't give me that Shepherd. I know your face when I catch you two doing something you're not supposed to. Do I need to punish him Addi?"

"No, he was just getting his revenge." She said, smiling up at Richard.

"Excuse me! Why is it automatically my fault? How do you know it wasn't her?"

"Oh please Derek. She was always the good one." Richard retorted. Derek looked offended, and Addison started to laugh again. "So what are you two doing in here anyway?"

"Crossword puzzle and coffee. Figured instead of being late we would just set up shop in here. Nice and quiet anyway." Addison barely got her last word out before the flood of attendings entered the room. Richard began to sort through his notes for the meeting, and Addison turned back to Derek, sipping her coffee.

"You hear that? I was the good one."

"Don't let it go to your head. By the way, what was that evil one."

"Madonna."

"Why?"

"Material Girl is her song. She was in A League of their Own, with Geena Davis." Derek still looked puzzled. "Men!"

"Told you we should do it together."

"We were always better as a team." Addison gave Derek a genuine smile, making him smile in return. Derek had always admired her smile; it lit up her entire face. She looked beautiful while doing it, and he couldn't help but smile back at her. Addison adjusted herself in her seat before Richard formally began, as Derek watched her from the corner of his eye. "We can finish this later. You free for lunch?"

"Sure." Derek answered quickly, like it was a reflex. He found himself dying to be with her and cherishing it so much. It still partially evaded him how he could have let her slip away. He couldn't pin point it, and didn't know if he ever would. Regardless of why, he was going to make sure it never happen again.

"Alright, let's get started folks. Hey, quiet down will you? This is a short meeting." Snickers emerged from the crowd as they all knew what short mean in Richard's terms. "I'm serious. Only three things to talk about. One, the MRI machine is down today for repairs so we are all sharing the portable. Be nice, remember your manners, and everything should be fixed by tomorrow. Two, Dr. Simpson from Oncology is taking off next month for surgery on his leg, so we all wish him well. I'm in the process of hiring a temporary replacement so we'll get back to that. Lastly, the annual Attendings Dinner is scheduled at the Mercer in two weeks." Scoffs emanated from the crowd.

"All the Seattle hospitals send their Attendings and you will all be there proudly representing Grace. You know the drill. Just think of it this way. You get to dress up and there is an open bar." That got cheers from the crowd. "Great. Glad to know where all your heads are out. I have a conference call, that's all for today. You're excused." The doctors rose from their chairs, most grumbling about having to attend the dinner. Derek was no exception.

"Do we really have to go?" Derek whined.

"It's Richard. Of course we have to go. You know it could be fun."

"Fun? You know I hate these things. In New York they were like every other weekend. They're one thing I don't miss." Derek leaned against the nurses' station, pouting.

"Don't pout. It won't be that bad. There's an open bar. Smile for an hour, then everyone will be too trashed to remember anything. Plus, you'll have me. We can aimlessly mingle and small-talk together. What do you say?"

"Do I have a choice?" Addison simply shook her head no. "Then I'm in."

"Good." Addison pushed herself off the nurses' station and brought her body up to Derek's. Derek was surprised at her actions, but didn't dare move. She brought her lips to his ear, and whispered softly. "You always did look hot in a tuxedo." Addison began to walk away, a teasing grin on her face. She seemed pleased with herself because she knew that in her wake was a very heated, uncomfortable Derek. And she wasn't wrong.

Two Weeks Later

Meredith's House

7:00 p.m.

Tonight was the night of the Attendings Dinner. Derek, while dreading having to small-talk with people he didn't know for four hours, was excited to see Addison. While she could look beautiful with just her hair thrown up and no make-up, when she went to these events, she stole the show. Derek knew he shouldn't be excited about seeing her. He was with Meredith, and things were great. Well, they were good. I mean she was a great girl, but something wasn't there. Something was missing. He couldn't place it, but there was definitely something. He wanted to give it time. Plus, he was still conflicted about Addison. Granted they were as close as they had been in years, and every time he saw her is heart skipped a beat. However, there was a piece missing their too. That piece he knew though. That piece was fear. Fear he'd screw up what they had rebuilt. Until he felt more secure, he wasn't going to act on his drifting feelings. For now, knowing that Addison would be there as just a best friend and Meredith as a girlfriend would be enough.

"Hey! You look great sweetie." Meredith through her bag on the chair and went over to Derek. "Let me get that for you." She began to straighten his tie and brush off his shoulders. "Perfect."

"Thank you. So, am I dinner worthy?"

"I'd like to think so. I wish I could come with you."

"Me too. But you wouldn't want to. It's horribly boring. Always have been. Be glad you're just an intern working ninety hour weeks and getting no sleep."

"Thank you that helps. You get fancy clothes and parties and I get labs. Fair trade, really."

"This will be you some day. Don't worry." He walked over to Meredith and kissed her, soft at first, but she quickly drew her closer to him. After about a minute, he pulled back, adjusting his watch to see the time. "I have to go. I'm sorry. I shouldn't be late though."

"Do you have to?"

"Yes. But I'll make it up to you."

"You better. Love you."

"I love you too." Derek said the words back, knowing he meant them. He loved her, but was he in love with her?

The Mercer Hotel

7:30 p.m.

Derek's car service arrived at the hotel promptly at 7:30. From past experience he knew having a car wouldn't be smart. He checked his coat and made his way to the ballroom. It was filled with doctors. Derek scanned for a familiar face, landing on Burke. Burke made eye contact, and went to meet Derek.

"Derek."

"Preston. How's the party going?"

"Great. It's a real rager. I wish Christina could come. Was Meredith as pissed?"

"Oh yea. She was actually jealous."

"So was Christina."

"They have no idea what they are missing." Both men smiled. "A drink?"

"Only on these nights." Both men moved towards the bar. Drinks in hand, they found a spot on the side of the room to talk.

"How is Christina otherwise? You guys going strong?"

"She's good. And yes. I had never met anyone like her before. She's fiery, ambitious, and extremely stubborn. But I love her."

"So basically she's like a hotter version of you."

"Watch it Shepherd."

"No offense intended. You are a very good looking man Burke."

"That's cute. Really. Better watch yourself or that mouth of yours is going to get you in trouble."

"It already has. Many times." Derek and Burke turned to see who the new voice belonged to. It was none other than Richard.

"Is that so Chief?"

"Oh god yes. Just ask Addison."

"Where is Addison? I haven't seen her yet tonight. Have you Derek?"

"Nope." Derek attempted to remain as nonchalant about her as possible.

"I just saw her." Richard began to scan the room for red heads. They were uncommon among attendings, making his search short. "There she is, chatting it up with Davis from Mercy. She's there Neo-Natal attending."

"Wow, she looks amazing." Burke commented, clearly impressed. Derek didn't look up. He always liked seeing her up close first.

"She always does. She was made for these things." Richard chimed in. Derek couldn't help but just shake his head and smile. Richard caught Addison's eye and motioned for her to join them. She excused herself from her conversation and made her way over.

"Well, if it isn't my three favorite men." Addison arrived at their corner. Her hair was in loose curls, her make-up subtle, but perfect. Her cocktail dress was knee-length, form fitting in all the right places. She looked gorgeous.

"Addison, you look great."

"Thank you Preston."

"If you'll excuse me, I believe some mingling is in order. Richard wants me to meet the new Cardio attending from the university hospital. Derek, I'll catch up with you later. Addison, really, wow!" Lightly touching her arm, he moved past her to the rest of the room. Just Derek and she remained.

"So? What do you think? I still got it?"

"Got it doesn't even begin to describe it. You look beautiful Add." Leaning in, he kissed her softly on the cheek. It was soft, but lingering. He didn't pull back right away, simply because he didn't want to. She was too beautiful to just peck at. When he did pull back, her eyes met his. She blushed a little, making her even cuter in his eyes.

"You don't look to bad yourself."

"Why thank you. My tie gave me trouble. I was used to you doing it for me. I fumbled it a lot."

"Came out good to me."

"I learned from the best. So, a drink?"

"Please. I've been here way too long sober." Addison led the way, Derek following behind. He was checking her out in a big way. It was juvenile, and he knew that. But she was just too perfect not to. Addison was pulled aside by another Grace attending to meet someone before reaching the bar, shooting Derek a look over her shoulder. He continued to watch her leave. Unfortunately for him, subtlety wasn't a strength.

"You know if you're going to be so obvious you might as well video tape her." Derek was snapped out of his trance.

"Bailey? What are you doing here?"

"The Chief invited me. He knew I was fielding offers from all over and he's letting me get my feet wet. Just tempting me to stay is all."

"You are staying, aren't you?"

"Of course. Don't tell him that. Besides, that place needs me. And apparently so does your sorry ass."

"Excuse me?"

"Anyone with half a brain could see you checking her out."

"I was not checking her out. How old are you? And if I was, what business is it of yours?"

"Were you not listening for my last speech? You can't juggle two women. It's just not fair."

"Hey! I was listening. And I made a choice. I chose Meredith."

"No, you didn't. Addison chose Meredith for you. She knew you weren't going to act, so she let you be free to test the water with Meredith and become her friend again. I don't know about you but my friends don't check me out when I walk past them."

"We are friends. And I love Meredith."

"Okay."

"Okay? Okay? No snappy remarks or comebacks or pearls of wisdom."

"Only things that you need to realize on your own."

"Like?"

"On your own." With that, Bailey walked away. Derek, more than ever, really needed that drink.

The Mercer Hotel

10:00 p.m.

With the night about three-quarters of the way over and the alcohol free-flowing, dancing commenced on the floor. There was a live band that was excellent, and the attendings decided to take advantage of the opportunity and let loose. Derek, Addison, Miranda, Adele, Richard, and Preston had all eaten together, and were all watching their fellow doctors' move themselves on the dance floor.

"That's sad. Actually sad." Preston stated the obvious.

"Oh, you could do better?"

"Please, in my sleep." Miranda rose from her chair and extended her hand to him.

"Let's see it, then." Addison and Derek began laughing at Bailey's forwardness.

"Okay then. If you'll all excuse us..." Preston accepted her hand and they made their way to the dance floor.

"Please, go ahead. We are right behind you." Adele chimed in.

"We are?" Richard asked, worried.

"Oh, we are." Richard, knowing how much his wife adored dancing, didn't bother putting up a fight. Only Addison and Derek remained at the table. Both looked on at their friends dancing away without a care in the world. Addison's attention was broken by a hand in her face. Derek's hand.

"May I have this dance?"

"Gladly." Taking his hand in hers, they moved towards the dance floor. As they began to dance, Addison couldn't help but laugh at Derek's attempts at movement.

"You are still as bad a dancer as the day I met you. It's okay though, really." Derek didn't verbally reply, just moved to leave her on the floor alone. Before he got far, she latched on to his arm. "Get back here. I'm just teasing you. You were always a better slow dancer…" As if on cue, the upbeat song ended and was replaced by a slow one. "…anyway. Okay that was weird."

"It was. I guess the dancing gods want me to show my stuff." Addison just smiled at his attempt at being funny, and took his hand to begin dancing. The music was soft, and very sensual. Although they didn't start off this way, Derek suddenly felt Addison's presence much clearer. Their bodies were close, so much so that he could feel her hair brushing against his cheek. Closing his eyes, Derek tried to absorb as much of her as possible. Only in this moment did he realize exactly how much he missed being close to her in a physical way. Her body fit against his perfectly. They moved as one, catching the stares of much of the crowd. Most knew the gist of the story, and they all knew where everyone stood now.

Addison had changed a lot from her separation. It was a good change. The strong wall she put up when she arrived in Seattle as protection from Derek's wrath had put some off. Now, with her life in order, the wall had come down and nearly everyone was a fan of hers. She was no longer the witch of the east, but rather a brilliant and fun colleague. To see the Shepherds so close once again, though, started immediately gossiping. Derek didn't care; at this moment, all that mattered was being near Addison.

Derek only realized the song was over when he felt Addison pull away from him. He was so lost in thought that not even the clapping woke him.

"Thank you Dr. Shepherd."

"Anytime." Whenever Addison would joke around with him, she always used his formal name.

"I was wrong. You do have some moves worth talking about."

"That's what I'm saying. No one ever listens though." Derek did his best to put up a friendly face, but his mind was elsewhere. He wanted the song back on. He wanted an excuse to have her close to him again. All he could think is that he shouldn't need excuses, that he wouldn't need excuses if hadn't screwed up the first time around. Watching Addison move to get her stuff from their table, the elegance and grace she carried herself with, he wanted to hit himself for being so dumb.

"Derek? Are you okay?"

"Adele! Yes, I'm fine. Why do you ask?"

"You're still standing in the middle of the dance floor." Derek looked down and realized that in all of his deep thinking, he had yet to move his feet.

"So I am. Thanks." Slinking her arm through his, Adele led him off the dance floor.

"So how are you? We didn't get a chance to catch up tonight."

"I'm fine. How are you?"

"Good. How's Meredith?" Derek cringed at her mention, not because of her, but because he knew how much Derek adored Addison. She too knew them at their best.

"She's good as well." Derek stuttered, unsure of the right way to answer.

"So you two are happy?"

"Yes." Derek was quick to answer, too quick he realized after. It was as if he was afraid of slipping if he didn't respond in a timely manner.

"Is that why your eyes haven't left Addie all night?" Derek stopped dead in his tracks, but was pulled along by Adele.

"Excuse me?"

"God men are all the same. Think women don't notice anything. Boy, we see everything. I'm surprised you haven't burnt a hole through her back yet." Derek just stared blankly down at her, unable to fathom how women could read him like a book.

"Between you and Bailey I might as well write out what I'm thinking and save you some trouble." Derek realized he needed defend his staring before more trouble started. "And I wasn't staring all night. She looked beautiful. Every guy was checking her out."

"You noticed that too?" Adele lightly hit Derek's arm to show she was kidding. Derek was still uneasy at the idea of other men checking out his wife. Granted, she was no longer his, but this was one case in which he was allowed to be upset as her ex.

"Adele, tell me what to do. Bailey wouldn't, but I don't know anymore. Everything's a mess."

"No it's not. You know what to do. That's why you're having so much trouble."

Okay no throwing stones! I only ended here because I have softball practice and wanted to get this chapter up. I'm going to write more tonight and post Friday morning. Derek and Addison are so close now, but will something, or someone, get in the way? Reviews are like sugar that will keep me up all night to write so be honest and suggestions are welcome as always!