Summary: A/U

This is my take on what should have happened after Addison's conversation with Meredith on "Piece of My Heart" and how these events will affect the lives of Addison and Derek, and those around them.

ThanX go out to my excellent Beta AE

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Weight of Us

There are thieves, who rob us blind

,
and kings, who kill us fine,

but steady, the rights and the wrongs

invade us, as innocent song.

I'm not ready, I'm not ready

For the weight of us, for the weight of us, for the weight of all of us.

Previously on 'Maybe'

From the distance back at Sam's house, Naomi stood and watched in dismayed shocked. What she had witness earlier was becoming apparently true. The care in which he held her best friend could not be mistaken for anything but love. How long had he been carrying this torch for the unknowing red head? Naomi wanted to look away, but she couldn't bring herself to do so. she needed to see this in order to let him go. She couldn't deny that it was causing her a great deal of pain, but along with that pain also came doubt, anger and betrayal waiting to combust...but she wouldn't do it in front of Addison. She was mature enough to understand that her unsuspecting friend was in such a fragile state at the moment, that she had no clue of Samuel's feelings or intentions in regards to her. Naomi watched them for a few more moments, then left after she felt she had seen enough.

'Maybe'-By Agent Addek

Chapter 10: 'Weight of Us'

He had tossed and turned all night, hadn't really gotten much sleep. His mind was racing with all of his options, but he always landed on the same conclusion...he had to tell Addison what he had almost done. He knew that she would see this as a sign, that she had made the right choice, and to be fair, to an extent she was right. Addison knew him so well, but the fact that she was right...partly right, didn't mean that he had chosen to stay with Meredith. In fact, what happened last night made him even more sure that what he wanted more than anything, was to be with Addison. Now he just had to convince her of that!

He knew one thing for sure, he wouldn't be able to do that from Seattle. Addison was in Los Angeles and that's where he needed to be. he would give her the space and time she needed, but he would definitely be doing that from a closer distance. It wouldn't be right away of course, he had to make arrangements...give Richard enough time to find a replacement, find a hospital to work at, and a house near Addison's. He would keep the land in Seattle and eventually they could build the house they always wanted and use it as a vacation home. All of this, would hopefully give her enough time to be okay with him moving to Los Angeles and one step closer to taking him back. He sat up in bed and reached for his phone.

"Morning Addie."

"Hey...How was your flight?"

"It was good. How are you feeling today?"

"I'm goo...feeling a little on edge, I'm going nuts laying on my couch!"

He chuckled lightly. "It's not funny, Derek!" she said half-seriously.

"It's a little funny." He teased. "Addie?"

"Yeah?"

"It'll get easier. You just have to take it one day at a time. You're resting for all of you. Why don't you distract yourself by reading some of those trashy novels you love, or watch some of the awesomely bad movies you seem to rave about. Just enjoy this...you time."

"I know! It's just weird. It's like, my mind is refusing to accept it for fear of it not really being true...but I'm a doctor and my medical opinion is that...I am definitely - most definitely knocked up." They both burst out in laughter.

"Knocked...up...you..are." he said in between his fit of giggles.

"Are you Yoda'ing me now?" She laughed as well.

"A momentary lapse in judgement..." He paused and that's what had happened the night before with Meredith. it was a momentary lapse in judgement and he stopped it. he couldn't tell her...not when she seemed so comfortable speaking to him. besides, did he really want to risk upsetting her in her condition? Absolutely not! He couldn't take that risk. the only thing that mattered right now was keeping her calm and happy. This didn't mean he wouldn't eventually tell her. after all, she deserved to know, but just not now.

"You still there?" She asked, the laughter finally subsiding.

"Yes...sorry! I zoned out for a moment."

"So what are you up to today?"

"Going back to the hospital, check in with Richard, see what he has waiting for me. He wasn't expecting me back this soon."

"When was he expecting you?" She asked curiously.

"I didn't know how long I was gonna be out there, Addie. I just knew you needed me, so I told him, I'd let him know."

"Oh...I'm sorry."

"Don't be."

"No. I am. I shouldn't have sent you away...I just..."

"Addison, stop. You have every right to want to take your time. Don't doubt yourself."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome!"

"Okay...I'm gonna go. I think I might take a long bath and read one of those very informative novels you call trashy." She teased.

"You do that! Maybe you can give me a recap later?"

"Only if you're good." She replied. he could hear the smile in her voice.

"I will try my very best then!"

"Bye."

"So long."

He pressed the end button. guilt and relief coarsed through him, but he knew he had made the right choice. He was thinking of her and their unborn children. from now on, that is all that would matter. Derek got out of bed and headed towards the shower, he had a long day ahead of him.

XXXXXXXXX

"I'm coming." She yelled out as she padded down the stairs to answer the door.

"Good morning!"

"Sam! I thought you'd be in the office."

"I decided to take the day off to distract you." he gave her his best toothy grin.

She chuckled, "You didn't have to..."

He cut her off, "I wanted to. Besides, it also gives me a day away from work."

"Well...thanks! What did you have in mind?" She asked curiously.

"I figured we'd do breakfast first, then see where the day takes us?"

"I like your style Dr. Bennett. Let me grab my bag." she winked at him and then disappeared up the stairs.

He watched her go and couldn't help but smile. Seeing her happy warmed his heart. The ringing of his phone broke the spell. he reached for it and hooked it out of his back pocket. Naomi's name blinked on the screen. He took a breath and answered.

"Good morning, Naomi."

"Good morning, Sam. I came into the office looking for you, but Dell informed me that you decided to take the day off."

"Yes I am. I'm sorry I didn't call to tell you, it was a last minute thing."

"Yeah, I guess it was." She delivered evenly.

"Did you need something?"

"Yeah...we need to talk." She finally said.

"I know..." He knew exactly what she was referring to. "...But I can't now. how about you come over tonight around eight o'clock and we'll talk then? I can order thai?"

"Okay. I'll see you then."

"Okay. Have a good day, Nai."

"I'll try. Thanks."

He ended the call just as Addison was coming down. "You ready?"

"Yeah, I'm all set."

XXXXXXXXX

The day was going exactly how he had expected it. He had been plagued by stares and whispers as soon as he walked into the hospital. he was getting it from the nurses and of course, the residents. The hospital was a buzz. he had left Rose and Meredith for his ex-wife who was now knocked up. He was happy that he only had to deal with it for a short amount of time since he was only in to see Richard.

"He's ready to see you now Dr. Shepard." Patricia informed him.

"Thank you." He said, then walked into Richard's office.

"Richard."

"Derek, I didn't expect to see you back so soon. Have a seat." Richard motioned to the chair in front of his desk.

"Believe me, I wasn't expecting to be back this soon myself."

"Well, from what I've heard, you've caused quite the stir in my hospital. Now, you know I don't like to listen to the gossip in this place, but it was hard to avoid."

"I know...and yes, it's true. Meredith and I are over."

"Well, I can't say I'm surprised. How's Addie?"

"She's doing well. We had a scare while I was there..." at the concern that cross Richard's face, Derek quickly waved him off, "...but they're all going to be okay...we're having twins." He delivered with a smile.

"Well...well...that's just wonderful news! I'm sure Addie's thrilled."

"She is. Although, she's having a hard time really enjoying the moment because of the risks involved with a pregnancy at her age. I told her that she knows every precaution and that she's in the best hands possible, her own. Plus, she has Naomi, who she trusts just as much."

"So why are you here?"

"Because she asked me to leave."

"i'm gonna ask you again, what are you doing here? Derek, I've known you both for a very long time, enough to know that you two belong together. Now, I have stood back and watched you make a mess of things with two women that are like daughters to me, knowing that one of them would eventually be hurt by you. I knew Meredith didn't stand a chance. if that girl had seen the way you looked at Addison before the affair, she never would have gotten mixed up with you. You have to stop and take a stand, fight for her Derek, but I mean really fight. That's all Addison needs from you. she needs to be sure, since you've given her plenty to doubt you for. I'll take this meeting as your notice, and I'm here for any recommendation." With that he stood up to shake Derek's hand.

"Richard...I...I don't know, what...I mean..." Derek stuttered as he stood up.

"It's okay Derek, I get it. I made several mistakes myself. one of them was getting swept away with a Grey, but when I came out of whatever it was that I was experiencing, all I wanted was my wife. So go do what you have to do. don't let this job or anything else hold you back from being with her. Addison will fight you on it, but only because she wants it so badly and is afraid to trust it."
"Thank you Richard! You're a good man."

XXXXXXXXX

"This was actually a really great idea!" Addison said as she licked her ice cream cone.

"I told you. I knew today would be a perfect day to take a stroll at the pier. I'd say we should get on a few of the rides, but I don't think that will bode well for..."he said with a smile as he gestured towards her growing belly, "the twins." he finished.

"Plus, you'd have to deal with Naomi's wrath." she chuckled lightly at Sam's reaction, then quickly followed up with "Sam! I'm joking!"

He quickly shook his head as to not unnecessarily worry her. "I know you were, but you're right! I definitely do not want to deal with that." he jokingly emphasized. "So what do you feel like doing next?" he asked, changing the subject.

"How about we go grocery shopping and I cook you dinner tonight?" she offered with a smile.

"That sounds perfect. You wanna head out now?"

"How about we walk to the end of the pier and then go?" She cocked her head to the side and gave him her biggest smile as if she needed to convince him.

"Lead the way."

XXXXXXXXX

"Samuel Bennett! Stop that! I won't be able to eat when the food's ready."

"Just one more..." he stopped mid way as she swatted at his hands.

"You..." she pointed at him and then at the couch, "...go sit now."

"Fine, I'll go sit." he said as he half pouted like a child and then walked towards the living area.

As soon as he saw Naomi, he realized he had just stood her up for Addison. He instantly tensed up.

"Sam, as expected, I knew I'd find you here...Addison." She turn towards the kitchen and saw Addison a bit hunched over. Friend and doctor mode took over and she headed towards her friend, ignoring Sam. Sam was at Addison's side as well. "Addison, what's wrong?"

"I'm just having a little bit of pain."

"Okay...I want you to breathe. have you been on your feet all day?"

"Sort of, we..."

"I took her to lunch, then a walk at the pier. I should have known better than to exert her like this."

"Sam, it's fine. you distracted me." Nai eyed Sam and he looked away.

"Come on Addie, let's go to the couch so you can get off your feet." Addison obliged, but stopped to ask, "What about the food?"

"I can finish cooking it up and all three of us can eat." Sam suggested with a smile. Addison returned his smile, but Naomi was not having it. He slowly made his way to the kitchen and let Naomi take care of Addie.

"How's the pain?" Nai asked, concerned.

"It's gone." Addison simply replied. "It scared me a little."

"I bet! Addie, you can't over exert yourself. I think you need to extend your leave for a couple more weeks and try to relax."

"I think I will. Do you think I can fly to Seattle?"

"I suppose, but you just need to...wait, why Seattle?"

"I need to see Derek, I shouldn't have let him go. He wanted to stay...and at times like this, I wish he was here."

"Let's make a deal. You come in early tomorrow so I can check you out before you leave, and if everything looks good, you can go." Addison nodded in understanding and appreciation.

"Are you gonna call him to let him know?"

"Yes. I'll call him after I make arrangements for the private plane." They were interrupted by Sam's voice. "Dinner is ready!"

"Hello?"

"Derek"

"Addie, are you okay?"

"Yes, I'm fine. I just got checked out by Naomi and she said I was in good shape."

"That's great! I was worried."

"I know, so was I...I think I made a mistake...telling you to go and make it work with Meredith. What the hell was I thinking?"

"I don't know, but I understood. Listen Addie, I gave my two weeks notice, I'm moving to Los Angeles to be near you and the twins."

"Really?"

"Yes. I was hoping that I could convince you to say yes."

"Of course! I was actually just headed to the airport to fly out to you and tell you what a mistake it was for you to leave."

"Naomi approved you flying?"

"Yes, she did."

"Do you still want to come and wait out the two weeks with me?"

"I do."

"When do you get in?"

"Around 12:30pm, will you come get me?"

"Nah...you should probably take a cab..."

"Derek!" They both burst out in laughter.

"Of course I'll come get you silly, it would be my pleasure.

"It should be." she said with a smile, "See you soon."

"See you soon...and Addie?"

"Yes"

"I love you."

"I love you too"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

There's a cold heart, buried beneath,

and warm blood, running deep.

Secrets - are mine to keep

protected by silent sleep

I'm not ready, I'm not ready

for the weight of us, for the weight of us

for the weight of us, for the weight of all of us

The time has come, let us be brave...

Shake off all of your sins, the time has come, let us be brave, let us be brave

Sorry for the long wait and the short update, but I really wanted to get something up. Hope you're all still reading. I'm gonna try and update my other stories as well. Life has been extremely busy, but I hope to dedicate more time to my writing.