Summary: A/U This is my take on what should have happened after Addison's conversation with Meredith, and how these events will affect the lives of Addison and Derek, and those around them.

ThanX go out to my excellent Beta Agent Extremis

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Please forgive me for the lack of updates life keeps getting in the way and honestly I haven't really been inspired since it's there's such of lack of Addek inspired stuff. I will say that Mellie and Fitz's relationship on 'Scandal' triggered something in me, so here is a new chapter. Hope you enjoy it. BTW I do plan on finishing this story even though it's been forever since I started it.

Don't Forget to Breathe

by: Bittersweet

Once upon a dream, I was dying for you
Tating only sweet, drinking memories of you
Your hand touches my cheek as you whisper softly

Don't forget to breathe
Our love will be redeemed
And when you take my hand
You'll know exactly where I am

A toast to starry nghts, seeking comfort divine
Celebrating life, swimming circles in light
And I look to the sea and hear you calling softly

Previously on Maybe:

"Derek, I appreciate your..." She stopped mid-sentence. There she was, standing next to Yang and Stevens, the woman that she had almost lost Derek to. Addison's gaze was unwavering. The waifey blonde still hadn't noticed her, until she did. Meredith slowly raised her eyes and they were met by Addison's. She blinked and glanced from Addison to Derek, then back. As soon as Derek noticed what had stopped Addison mid-conversation, he instantly reached around Addison's waist and gripped her protectively. At this, Addison stood to her full height, never wavering in her regard towards Meredith.

The rain could still be heard dancing around the hospital, cascading it like a shield. The chanting of it building into a symphonic slow crescendo. This tango of three set to begin.

Maybe - by Agent Addek

Chapter 12 : Don't Forget to Breathe

I never realized how easy it was to forget to breathe. I mean, you're born doing it, so it's not something you really put a lot thought behind. It's so easy, easy as...well breathing...but when the twist and turns of life have really done a number on you, and all the things you thought had slipped out of your grasp somehow, manage to be back in sight, you stop...because even the slightest movement, yes even one breath, can make it all vanish. Or at least that's what you tell yourself the moment you come face to face with the other woman. The woman that you almost lost the love of your life to. If you're honest with yourself, it wasn't really her fault. You slept with your husband's best friend and set the wheels of fate in motion that sent your husband straight into her arms. You wish you could really blame her, but how could you? You understand her and even empathize with her because you both fell in love with a man that had the ability to make you forget about everything, yes even breathing.

XXXXXXXXX

Addison and Meredith continued to stare at each other...neither of them being able to look away. It was almost as if something unspoken was transpiring between them. Then, as if nothing had happened, Addison squeezed Derek's hand that was still around her protectively, "Come on, we don't want to keep Webber waiting." She smiled at his stunned look, and as they walked in unison past the residents, she turned to acknowledge all of them, "Yang, Stevens, Grey." She nodded and gave them a slight smile. The residents were left speechless in Addison's wake. Christina and Izzie instantly turned their attention to Meredith, who was still in a bit of shock. She wasn't expecting for Addison to come back to Seattle. From the moment she found out that she was pregnant, she assumed that Derek would be moving to Los Angeles to be with her. As much as she had wanted to scream and make a scene, she couldn't, she was entranced by the other woman. The woman that dashed her dreams when she walked into Seattle dressed in black with her red hair flowing behind her. The woman that she had a hand in breaking after she and Derek slept together at prom. The woman that was now going to be the mother of Derek's children. She wanted to be mad and lash out at her for sleeping with Derek after she had told her to fight for him, but how could she? He was Addison's, she had claimed him years before Meredith had met him at Joe's. How could she blame Addison for trying to get him back? He was the love of her life, just like he was hers. This wasn't either of their faults, it was Derek's. Derek, who always seemed to hold all the cards.

"What was that about?" Izzie queried.

"Yeah, seriously. I thought you guys were gonna tear each other's eyes out right here." Christina supplied right after.

"Nothing. She's here, with him, that's it. It's real. She just made it real...I need to go break stuff. I'm with Torres today. I'll see you guys later." With that, she turned on her heel and disappeared down the hall, leaving Christina and Izzie stunned and concerned.

XXXXXXXXX

"Are you okay?" Derek asked cautiously.

"Of course. Why wouldn't I be?...because of our run in with Meredith? I knew she'd be here Derek, and that I would probably see her at some point. Was I taken aback? Yes, but it's done and over with. I don't hate her, I can't blame her for falling in love with you, you're not that easy to resist." She offered with a weak smile.

"Addie?"

"It's okay Derek, I'm a big girl. We have a tumultuous past that includes other people. I'm fine, you'd know it if I wasn't." She assured him.

"Okay, I believe you. I just don't want anything to mess this up, mess us up."

"I get that and I don't want that either, but you have to stop treating me like I'm gonna break any moment." She looked at him, hoping to convey what she was feeling, but they were interrupted by a familiar voice.

"Addie!" Richard's voice boomed with glee as he crossed out of his office to embrace her. "Back so soon? I knew you couldn't stay away from Seattle Grace for too long. It's so good to see you."

"It's great to see you too, Richard. I hear you're joining us for dinner tonight."

"Yes, of course. I want to celebrate with you both, congratulations by the way! I know that you've wanted this for so long. I'm very happy for you Addie, you deserve this." Derek cleared his voice, "I'm still here in case anyone's wondering." He joked. "I mean, I know when Addie walks into the room the focus automatically turns to her, but I'm a person too." He mock-whined.

"Put a sock in it Derek, you've always known that Addie's my favorite..." Richard replied with mirth. "...and don't worry Addie, I'm not going to badger you to work on any cases while you're here. Derek told me that it's a delicate pregnancy and we don't want to do anything to exasperate that."

"Thank you Richard, but like I told Derek, I'm fine. I'm not gonna break, I just need to take it easy. Honestly, maybe a case would be good for me while I'm here."

"Addie, no. Nai said that you had to be careful and not do anything strenuous." Derek pleaded.

"Derek, I'm a doctor too. I know exactly what she said and I know my limits. Do you really think I would do anything to endanger these two?" She pointed to her barely there bump.

"Of course not, I just...I worry."

"I know you do."

"Look at you two, it's been ages since I've seen you like this. It looks good on you both." Richard pointed out. "So I know you didn't come here to catch up, since we'll have plenty of time for that over dinner. Derek, you asked for this meeting, what can I do for you?"

"I just wanted to make sure that everything was okay with my departure from the hospital?"

Richard hesitated for a moment. "Richard, what is it? Derek asked with concern.

"Well to be honest, the board wasn't happy about your sudden, soon to be departure, but I'm handling it."

"Richard, I don't want to cause any issues for you, I..." Addison interrupted.

"How much longer does he have on his contract?"

"Six months before he has to renew, but I'm sure they'll come to their senses. I've got a few candidates in mind. Obviously, none of them as good as you Derek, but they'll do. They're threatening to sue you if you leave before your contract is over, but I think they're bluffing."

"Is there anything I can do? Can I talk to them? Maybe I can interview the candidates and give them my stamp of approval?" Addison had been quiet since she had asked her question. Derek could see that she was starting to formulate something in that pretty little head of hers. "Why don't you stay until your contract is over?" She offered with a tinge of sadness.

"Addie, we talked about this. I want to be there for you and the twins. I don't want to miss out on anything. What if something happens and I can't get to you right away?"

"I know. I want you there too, but this is a practice you've built, and after Richard has been so generous with us, you can't just leave him in this predicament. Besides, they've threatened to sue you Derek, I don't want that. I'm sure you don't either."

"Addison, he's not going to be sued. I can handle this. I will handle it." Richard tried to assure her.

"It's only six months and I'm currently cleared to fly, so we can alternate every weekend. We'll make this work."

"Addie, I can't."

"Yes, you can. You don't want to, but it's the responsible thing to do. Don't you think we've been irresponsible enough to last us a life time?" She said ruefully.

He looked at her, her big wet blue eyes staring at him with love and understanding. As much as he wanted to say no and let it be the end of it, she was right. They needed to start taking responsibility in their lives, they were going to be parents after all.

"Okay. I'll stay." He reached for her hand and squeezed it.

Richard was dumbfounded, "Are you sure about this?"

"Yes. If Addison says we can do this, we can."

"Alright then, I'll inform the board."

XXXXXXXXX

On their drive back to the Archfield, she had been thoughtfully quiet. He didn't want to interfere with her thought process, so he drove silently. He was still completely taken aback by what had transpired, but he understood.

They entered the room and she slipped out of her shoes and padded towards the bedroom, he quickly followed. "Addie, are we gonna talk about this?"

"What is there to talk about? You're staying to finish out your contract and we just have to make it work until you come to LA."

"This wasn't how this day was suppose to be...I was just going in to ask Richard as a courtesy. I knew from the beginning that a lawsuit was a possibility, but I didn't care. I was willing to risk being sued to be with you."

"I get that and I appreciate that you were willing to do that, but you don't have to. Derek, I want to get this right. I know that things don't always work out the way we want them to, obviously, but we can at least try with the things that we do have control over." She reached out for him and brought her arms around his neck, then she gently leaned in and kissed him. It was soft and sweet at first, but he instantly craved for more so he pressed her against him a little tighter. Addison was the first to break the kiss. "Hey there tiger, let's not get carried away, we have a dinner to attend." He leaned in and captured her lips again, and in between kisses, he spoke, "We can always reschedule." She leaned back and swatted at his chest. "Absolutely not. We are not standing up our friends just because you're feeling frisky." She escaped his hold and made her way to the bathroom, then turned and winked at him slyly. Derek smiled devilishly, that was definitely, most definitely an invitation to join her.

XXXXXXXXX

Even though they had arrived a little late to the dinner and Mark kept teasing them about what had kept them, the night had been a success. They had managed to catch up and were now enjoying their dessert.

"So Addison, how long are you planning to stay now that Derek is staying for the next six months?" Mark asked.

"I had originally planned on staying with him for his last two weeks here, so I think that's still the plan." She looked towards Derek and smiled. He smiled back.

"Well, I'm glad that we get you for two whole weeks!" Callie replied excitedly. "Seattle isn't the same without you."

"It definitely isn't." Miranda followed.

"I agree, we missed you Addie." Richard said as he took a bite of his cheesecake.

"Oh come on you guys, it's not like I hadn't been here in a while. I was just here 9 weeks ago."

"I think we all know you were here 9 weeks ago and what you were doing 9 weeks ago." Mark winked. "Which was exactly what you were doing when we here waiting for you for over half an hour." He continued to tease. "Isn't that why I'm now going to be an Uncle?"

"Mark, stop it!" Callie chided him.

"What? They know I'm just messing with them. It's part of my charm."

"I wouldn't call it charm so much as a personality flaw." Derek deadpanned. Addison pointed at both of them and gave them her best stern look. "Alright you two, do I have to send you on a time out? I'm telling you, dealing with these two has given me practice for what to expect when the little ones arrive."

"I bet." Callie added. "This one over here is a freaking handful, I don't know why I put up with him."

"You know why you put up with me." Mark wiggled his eyebrows at her.

Miranda looked from Callie to Mark and shook her head. "Mmm mm, you two are ridiculous." She reached down and took a sip of water before asking what the rest of the group was thinking. "So Addison, is there a reason you have to head back to Los Angeles right away?"

"You mean other than my practice?" Addison asked surprised.

"Didn't you say you were scaling back on hours and that Naomi was taking over some of your patients in the meantime? Couldn't she continue to do that if you stayed?" Callie piped in and Richard eyed her and shook his head disapprovingly. "What? I'm just asking."

"Nai could, but my life is in Los Angeles now. I have my home, my practice and my friends there."

"You have friends here too." Miranda replied, a little more defensive than she intended to.

"Of course I do...and I love and miss you guys, but Seattle was never my home. I never truly belonged here. Even though Derek and I are together again, it still doesn't erase everything that took place here."

Everyone grew silent, they weren't expecting the raw honesty. They all had first hand knowledge of what she had been through when she had come to Seattle...and how could they blame her for not wanting to come back.

Derek broke the silence. "It can be. We can make it our temporary home until my contract runs out. Then we can go to LA or New York or where ever you want to go. I just know that I won't have peace of mind knowing that you're hours away and I won't be there with you."

"Derek..." She lightly warned.

"It's my fault, I shouldn't have been prying. I just miss you and was hoping we could keep you around for a bit longer." Callie offered with a genuine smile which seemed to cut through the slight tension that surrounded the table.

"It's okay. You wouldn't be you if you didn't ask." Addison politely smiled back.

XXXXXXXXX

They had said their goodbyes to their friends and colleagues. Derek now sat on the bed watching Addison as began to change for bed. "I meant what I said." He said barely above a whisper.

She answered without looking at him, "I know."

"What are you afraid of?"

"I just can't Derek. It's one thing coming for a couple of weeks, but to uproot my life again for..." She didn't finish her sentence.

"For me, you mean?"

"That's not what I meant. Derek, it was so hard for me here. I was such a different person...someone I didn't like. I don't want to ever see that woman again."

"I'm so sorry, I know that what I did really did a number on you Addie, I will never forgive myself for that, but you have to believe me, that it will be different. I'm different."

"You don't have to keep apologizing to me, I know you're sorry. We both made mistakes and we both paid for them. Honestly, part of me wants to stay to be with you and the girls, Richard, and yes, even Mark, but I'm scared. I'm scared that being here is gonna make it harder for us to move forward."

Derek stood up from the bed and walked towards her, gently taking her by her shoulders to turn her to look at him. She kept her eyes glued to the floor. She knew that if she looked at him, she wouldn't be able to deny him this, to deny herself this.

"Addie, look at me." He reached up and softly put his hand under her chin and lifted it up so that she could meet his gaze. "I promise that if you stay, things will be different. If you stay, I will take care of you. If you stay, I'll make a home for you, for us." With his free hand, he reached towards her growing belly. "If you stay, I promise to never give you a reason to doubt me again. I'm not asking you to stay here permanantly, I'm just asking you to stay while I finish out these six months. I don't want to miss out on any more things with you, I feel like we've already lost so much time by being apart."

Addison closed her eyes, letting the warmth of his breath hit her face. She felt his hand leave her chin, but the one on her stomach remained. They stood in silence, neither of them moving. She could feel his gaze on her, probably watching the array of emotions that were crossing her face as she contemplated his request. Could she do this? Did she want to do it? She was 9 weeks now, if she stayed for 6 months in Seattle with him, that would put her at about 33 weeks. Would she even be able to go back and give birth in LA? Obviously, if she couldn't travel, Naomi would have to fly out to deliver the babies, because there was no way she would trust anyone else do so. So many questions were running through her mind. Breathe Addison, just breathe. She took a deep breath, then opened her eyes. She was met with Derek's pleading and questioning eyes. She smiled and then reached down to his hand, the one on her stomach and laid her hand over his.

"I told you, you were hard to resist."

XXXXXXXXXX

Don't forget to breathe
Our love will be redeemed
And when you take my hand
You'll know eactly where I am

I hear you calling to me
See you but you can't see me
We never said our goodbyes
So dark and lonely your eyes
You'll always be in my heart
There is no death to us part

Don't forget to breathe
Our love will be redeemed
And when you take my hand
You'll know exactly where I am
You'll know exactly where I am