Hey guys! Thanks for the reviews. I said last time I have bad news and it's this: I won't be updating for a month. I'll be on vacation. Yes, again. I do have internet access during that time but I won't be bringing my security blanket of a laptop so continuing with this story would be a bit difficult.

I'll try to squeeze in another update before I leave on Saturday.

Thanks to Suz as usual for the beta.

Disclaimer: GA is not mine. No infringement intended.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

The high from their prank spilled over through the night. Derek and Addison went to a celebratory dinner with the Webbers where the two mercilessly teased Richard about his new hair. Adele defended her husband by saying that it looked good and the ladies, in particular, the lady herself loves it.

There was a moment wherein Derek was afraid the dinner with the Webbers would turn tensed when Adele remarked that it was good to go out with the two of them again just like their days in New York. She then went on to say how great it was to see the Shepherds happy and laughing together again. It was in that moment that Derek feared Addison's good mood would change and dampen the night. But to his surprise, his wife just gave the other woman a smile and a slight nod in agreement. Derek couldn't help but smile himself. When their gaze met, Addison flashed him a small smile and Derek felt his heart soar.

After their get together, the Webbers left them and the younger couple continued on with their night by walking through downtown Seattle with hands entwined. They reminisced about their antics in New York but both were careful not to bring up any unpleasant memories that may trigger a conversation about their marriage. Derek and Addison were enjoying the carefree night and didn't want to get into anything serious.

The only matter they have discussed in relation to their marriage was their vacation plans. It was Addison who started the conversation and Derek couldn't keep his smile from bursting. His wife wanted to go to their first choice – the Wick Inn – because they could do stuff together and Derek could also fish. Hearing those words from Addison gave a myriad of feelings for Derek, at the forefront of which was assurance. He was assured that his wife still believed in them and that they could work things out.

They ended the night with Derek driving Addison home but he had no intention to stay. He wasn't sure if Addison would be receptive to the idea of him staying over and Derek didn't care to find out especially with the fragile peace and common ground they have found. As he was about to leave the apartment, Derek slowly leaned over to kiss his wife goodnight. He gave her time to pull away but Addison had been welcoming so he proceeded with his action. He was rewarded when she kissed back and gave a smile after the kiss. They kissed again tenderly once more but broke away before things could go any further. Both were not sure if they were ready to take that step yet. Derek then whispered a soft 'good night' after making plans for breakfast the following morning.

Unfortunately the breakfast date didn't happen because Addison was called into the hospital for an emergency surgery. Derek was dismayed but he quickly got over it when he realized that his wife had called ahead and did not leave him hanging, waiting for the recognition that he got stood up which she would have likely done given her behavior in the past weeks. Derek was ecstatic and believed that this was the turning point in his quest to get his marriage back.

When he came in for work, Derek brought a cup of coffee for his wife and left it with a nurse near Addison's OR with instruction to give it right after her surgery. Along with the cup of java was a handwritten note:

A-

Yesterday was fun. Let's do it again and show this hospital how to make Richard's head really spin.

Your partner in crime. Always.

D-

x x x

Derek was leaning over the nurses' station reviewing a chart when Addison emerged from surgery. She took her position on the other side of the station, directly opposite her husband, the cup of coffee by her side, and started writing post op notes. The two kept on stealing glances at one another while doing their charts and when they caught each other's eyes, smiles would grace their lips. A silent flirtation with their eyes had commenced between the two.

Their flirtation didn't go unnoticed by the people around them especially to three of Bailey's interns who were at the same area, waiting for assignments.

"Kill me now." Cristina muttered as she watched the Shepherds.

"I think a McVomit is coming up my mouth. I'm going to be sick." George said.

"Yeah. But no sicker than Meredith, here. Hey, Mer? Are you okay" Cristina asked her pale looking friend. The intern now had a greenish tint to her skin.

"Meredith? You okay?" asked a concerned George.

Suddenly, Meredith puked on the floor. Everyone stopped and stared.

"Crap! Are you pregnant?" Cristina exclaimed loudly.

Addison froze at that statement. The smile disappeared from her face and was replaced by a stony expression.

Derek looked briefly at the interns then turned his head back to face his wife.

"Addison…" he said then quickly abandoned his charts and reached for his wife.

But Addison held her hands up and walked away.

Come on, you knew that was coming. Don't be mad. I'm not gonna leave you guys with that cliffie. I'll update before I leave. :)