Author's Note: I deeply apologize for the lack of updates.
In between school assignments, illness, and writer's block, I lost track of time.
To make up for it, here is a much needed Shepherd interaction.
Keep in mind, however, that this story is far from over.
A divorce is just the beginning of the road from them.
Now, that their heads are out of their asses, they need to regain the trust of their respective Dirty Mistresses.
That should be fun.
Disclaimer: NOT MINE AT ALL. I CAN'T AFFORD IT.
Still reeling from Mark's kiss, she walked into the trailer and slid out of her shoes.
Turning, she jumped. Derek was actually home, for once. He wasn't looking through her.
His sky blue eyes were looking at her with cool focus and resolve, like he was in the OR.
Even in his wrinkled scrubs, he looked more lifelike than he had in months.
Addison wondered what had changed.
Looking at the miniscule kitchen table, she got her answer.
New papers were on there, along with a fountain pen.
"I want a divorce." he announced flatly, the ominous yet liberating words echoing in the silence.
She sighed and nodded her understanding, sitting down across from him.
He said nothing else as he just slid the papers across, his bold signature on them already.
This man had been the love of her life. She had given everything she had to offer to him. Their courtship, their wedding, and all the things they had been through flashed through her mind as she signed. Even though it was the right thing to do, the pain was still there.
Still, the pain of being in a loveless marriage was worse than ending it.
She finished signing and put the papers in a manila envelope.
After they talked, she was going to pack a bag and drop them off at the lawyers on the way to a hotel.
"You do realize that it's going to take a lot more than a divorce for them to forgive us, don't you?"
His eyes softened and he sighed, slumping slightly in his chair.
"I wouldn't be surprised if they never did. We fucked up, Addison."
She couldn't help but laugh.
"Yeah, we did. I'm sorry, Derek. For everything."
"So am I. This isn't completely your fault. It takes two to tango."
"Still, I..."
"Don't worry about it. So, what are you going to do now?"
She thought about it and shrugged.
"Make a life out here, I guess. I definitely can't go back to Manhattan. Too many memories. If you can do it, I can. Although, I am not living in a trailer!"
She had to get that last jab in.
It really was hilarious to have a world class neurosurgeon in a trailer in the wilderness.
"It's a good trailer!" he said defensively.
"It's a tin can with electricity!" she volleyed back.
He snorted and rolled his eyes, grabbing Doc's leash.
The hyperactive but lovable dog got up from chewing yet another pair of her shoes and Derek attached the leash to his collar.
"I'm going to take Doc for a walk. Come on, buddy."
The dog barked and bounded out, practically dragging Derek with him.
Addison smiled softly and headed for the closet.
He knew that she'd want to pack in peace so he invented an excuse to get away.
She understood and appreciated the gesture.