Complications
Title: Complications
Pairings: multiple
Rating: PG
Next chapter is finally up. Oh, and there's been a title change.
Okay, so the time in between posts was a little longer than I anticipated, but I blame life. For the last month it has sucked to be me, but now I’m on vacation and feeling much better. So, now that I’ve got that out the way, please enjoy my much delayed update.
Disclaimer: Not mine. See Prologue.
Chapter 1
Sunlight streamed cheerfully though the window, gliding silently across the plush carpet and alighting on the faces of the occupants of the bed, currently resting in peaceful slumber. The red head shifted at the bright glare beyond her eyelids and the strong arms encircling her waist tightened in response pulling her closer to his chest. A soft smile formed on her lips as she finally gave in and opened her eyes to the new day. She heard soft chirping so she carefully climbed out of bed, pausing for a moment to ensure that she did not awaken her bedmate, and crept to the window. Just outside the glass she could see several beautiful birds feasting on her recently installed bird feeder. She lightly placed her fingertips against the translucent barrier as she leaned closer and her smile grew bigger at the sight. The sigh that escaped her lips was not one of frustration, but contentment. It had taken quite some time, and several relocations, but she had finally done it. She was getting on with her life.
She had moved on; out of the land of rain, depression, and despair (at least for her) and into the sun and fun. Of course initially, that was a line of total crap, but as she settled and adjusted her situation improved. She reconnected with her old friends, allowed herself to relax (which was easier when she wasn’t being called Satan daily), and focused on herself. She re-built herself from the bottom up, this time focusing on what made her happy, and not what was best for them. And it seemed that once she re-discovered the Addison that didn’t need any man; the one who was strong all on her own, things seemed to fall into place. Gone was the weepy masochist, who sat by passively and watched her husband chase a twelve-year-old all over the hospital and who took every sling and barb he threw at her because she felt she deserved it. She bid a sweet farewell to the woman who begged for a man to care about her, and embraced one who took life on her own terms, and those who didn’t like it could take a flying leap.
Her gaze ticked to the beach when movement caught her eye. She watched as a father and son pair attempted to coax their kite into taking flight and a bittersweet smile crossed her face. The little boy looked to be no older than four, with a mop of dark curly hair and a bright smile whose sparkle reached her even at her high vantage point. Her hand unconsciously found her abdomen, as all her missed opportunities ran through her head. He had begged, pleaded, and demanded children, becoming more and more frustrated each time she answered in the negative. She had eventually stopped giving reasons why, as he had stopped caring what they were. She knew he simply thought her selfish for not giving in to him, and giving him the family he so desperately wanted. When she tried to explain her reasoning, he would dismiss her concerns with a smile and a caress, and state that they weren’t her parents, they would be fine. However, as much as they talked about her past and childhood, and as much as he held her and soothed her and empathized with her, he could never really understand. He didn’t have to distract his mother, so she wouldn’t see his father sneaking off with the nanny. He didn’t have to sit and watch his parents placidly sip martinis while they hurled scathing remarks at each other under the guise of discussing the neighbor’s most recent gathering. No, the Shepherd’s were a loud, hot-tempered, boisterous bunch, who had passionate screaming matches and a family of five children. She remembered that during their first fight, she had surprised herself when she had yelled, ranted, and gestured right along with him. It had been so freeing to argue in that manner and he’d began to joke that she was as fiery as her hair. Given her childhood, she really hadn’t considered having children herself until she met him. With him she had truly felt loved, safe, and cared for; she had found the environment that she would want to bring children into, but she was still hesitant, afraid that it was a façade. And it seemed she was right.
She gazed once more at the pair, smiling as the dragon finally took to the air causing the little boy to raise his arms in triumph and throw his head back in a soundless laugh, as his father looked on indulgently. She turned her back on the two and her regrets, choosing instead to focus on what was going right in her life, starting with the man who was currently sprawled over her bed. Her eyes softened as they trailed over his well-muscled torso, his muscles rippling as he shifted in sleep. Her mouth quirked as she considered what a contradiction he was; he epitomized masculine strength with his well-toned body and hidden guns, yet he was nothing but soft and gentle with her, ensuring that each time they came together she was fully satisfied and she had no doubt that she was the only woman on his mind. Outside the bedroom he made he feel just as loved and desired, he treated he like a queen, and after her most recent relationships, she soaked it up like a sponge.
She stealthily crept back into bed and snuggled up against him. He automatically wrapped his arms around her and pulled her closer, smiling softly in his sleep. She gazed up into his face, features softened in sleep. She lightly traced his features, marveling that this man could make her feel so secure. He began to stir and his warm eyes met hers. He leaned in and captured her lips in a sensuous kiss.
“Mmm,” she murmured as he pulled away, “Good morning.”
He smiled and pushed her scarlet locks from her face, “Good morning,” he replied, continuing to stroke her hair stare into her eyes.
“What?” she demanded, laughing.
“You’re beautiful.”
She blushed and pushed at his chest, “Shut up.”
He grabbed her hand and held it to his heart. “You know I’m right, that’s why you’re blushing.”
“Well, it’s easy to feel beautiful when you get such a nice wake up call.”
“Addison, I -” he paused and looked into her eyes, the emotion neither of them were quite ready to express wrapping around them like a warm blanket. He cleared his throat and continued, “I would love to wake you up that way every morning.”
She smiled and pulled his head down to hers, initiating another kiss. He gently rolled them, pressing her into the soft mattress as his hands began to creep under her silk nightgown, causing a soft giggle to escape her lips and a matching grin to slide across his own. She leaned away slightly, running her nails along his back, “I’m going to be late for work, aren’t I?”
He leaned back in to tease her lips with his tongue. “Oh, most definitely.”
As the sunlight poured over the lovers locked in a passionate embrace, she knew that for the first time in a long time, she was truly happy.
**************
Derek sat at his kitchen table staring down into his cup of coffee, the gloom from the storm raging outside seeming to permeate his very being. Here he was several years later, different state, different house, different wife and he still wasn’t happy. So, now he had to figure out a way to make the best of the situation he was in. He did love Meredith that wasn’t the problem. They were good together. It’s just that he once again couldn’t help feeling like something was missing. The pieces just did not align perfectly. He kept thinking back to the last time he saw her. It was Christmas and he and Meredith were spending it with his family in New York.
Derek was leaning against the counter in Macy’s trying to stifle his sigh as his mother and Meredith were currently gushing over some item he had long since lost interest in. He was checking his watch to figure how much longer they would probably be there, when he felt a tingle along the back of his neck. It was a sensation he hadn’t experienced in quite some time. He rubbed his neck unconsciously as he looked around for the source. It didn’t take him long to spot her flaming red hair about 30 ft from his position. Her hair had grown back to the length he preferred. She hadn’t straightened it today and the soft curls cascaded down her back. He ignored the uncomfortable fluttering in his chest, chalking it up to the surprise of seeing her. After a few seconds she turned from the counter and they locked eyes. They held the stare for several seconds, and then she finally offered a small smile. With a quick glance over his shoulder to ensure that his wife and mother were still busy, he ambled his way over to her. He stuffed his hands in his pockets as he stood before her. “Hey.”
“Hi.”
He glanced at the bags in her hands. “A little last minute shopping?”
She grinned as she shifted the bags in her hands, “Yeah, they were sold out in the LA stores, so I just picked it up here. Oh, hey, did the kids get their gifts?”
“Yeah, they did; thanks. Although you know, you really didn’t have to…”
“Derek, I divorced you, not them. Besides, it just felt wrong not to.”
“Well, thanks. I know they’ll love them.” He took a moment to let his gaze wash over her, taking in her long green sweater dress, cinched at the waist with a wide black belt, which showed off her curves to perfection, and her stiletto Manolo boots. “You really look wonderful, Addison.”
She rewarded him with another soft smile. “Thanks.” She looked over his shoulder at his mother and Meredith. “They seem to be getting along well.”
He looked back and glanced at them. “Yeah, Mom loves her-” He stopped as he turned around and met her eyes again. They dimmed slightly, before she averted her gaze.
She cleared her throat as her iPhone began vibrating. She glanced at the screen briefly before returning it to her purse. “Well, I should get going.”
“Right.” He shifted uncomfortably. “It was really good seeing you.”
“Yeah, you too.”
She moved to walk away when he impulsively pulled her into a hug. She was initially surprised, but soon relaxed and reciprocated. He rubbed her back gently, noting how she still fit perfectly into his arms. As she pulled away, she briefly glanced over his shoulder, then cupped his cheek and looked meaningfully into his eyes. She took a deep breath, “Your girl is lovely, Hubble.”
Derek tilted his head and frowned slightly as he mulled over her words. He shook his head, “I don’t get it.”
Addison smirked, “And you never did.” With that she turned and sashayed away without a backwards glance.
It wasn’t until two months later, when he walked in on Meredith and Izzie watching Sex and the City that he understood the reference. Derek ran his fingers through his hair and sighed. He truly had no reason to be unhappy, he should just stop looking for problems and get on with his life. It wasn’t as though some magical solution was going to fall into his lap.
“Good morning,” Meredith greeted as she entered the room. “Oh, hey, this came for you yesterday. Looks important,” she stated dropping a thick envelope on the table in front of him. It tilted off the edge and slid into his lap. With one raised eyebrow, he slowly picked up the envelope and turned it over. The postmark said Los Angeles. Curiosity peaked, he quickly ripped into the packet. It was an invitation to speak at a ceremony honoring one of his medical school professors. This mentor conveniently enough now resided in LA. Derek couldn’t help the shit-eating grin that spread across his face. It seemed the winds of fate were blowing in his direction once again.
“Good news?” Derek glanced up at the blonde, who leaned against the counter cradling a steaming cup of coffee.
“Uh, yeah, actually. Jack Sparrow, one of my old mentors, is retiring and they want me to speak at the ceremony. He’s actually the one who really encouraged me to pursue neurosurgery. I was always interested, but he convinced me I could do it.” Well, Jack and Addie. “We used to go out fishing every once in a while.” Derek looked back down at the invitation and smirked. “I can’t believe he’s actually retiring. We used to joke that he’d probably just keel over in the OR one day.” He couldn’t believe his luck; he knew Addie would be there, as Jack was her advisor as well. She wouldn’t miss this for the world. And maybe if he could just talk to her, he could figure out what was wrong with him. Maybe they could…
“When’s the ceremony?”
“Oh, um,” he glanced back at the invite, “It’s two months from now. I should probably reserve the plane tickets today. I definitely need to ask the chief for the time off.”
“Hey, why don’t we stay out there a few days, make a long weekend of it. It’s been awhile since we’ve had some true alone time,” she wiggled her eyebrows suggestively.
“W-we?” He blurted before he could stop himself. He cleared his throat, “I mean, you want to come? Really, it’ll just be a bunch of boring speeches by random people about someone you’ve never met. You’ll probably be bored out of your skull.”
“Maybe,” she smiled, wrapping her arms around him from behind, “But I’ll be there with you. I’m sure we can find something to do to entertain ourselves. Besides, it’ll give me a chance to wear the new bikini I just bought.”
Derek tilted his head and smiled at her weakly, “Sounds great, babe.” He pecked her cheek, swallowing his sigh.
**********************************************************
So, before I get the comments, allow me to point out that I know the phrase is originally from “The Way We Were,” but I found it more likely that they would be watching SATC. I plan to have the next update posted much sooner than it took me this time, but of course reviews will speed the process. ;-D
Pairings: multiple
Rating: PG
Next chapter is finally up. Oh, and there's been a title change.
Okay, so the time in between posts was a little longer than I anticipated, but I blame life. For the last month it has sucked to be me, but now I’m on vacation and feeling much better. So, now that I’ve got that out the way, please enjoy my much delayed update.
Disclaimer: Not mine. See Prologue.
Chapter 1
Sunlight streamed cheerfully though the window, gliding silently across the plush carpet and alighting on the faces of the occupants of the bed, currently resting in peaceful slumber. The red head shifted at the bright glare beyond her eyelids and the strong arms encircling her waist tightened in response pulling her closer to his chest. A soft smile formed on her lips as she finally gave in and opened her eyes to the new day. She heard soft chirping so she carefully climbed out of bed, pausing for a moment to ensure that she did not awaken her bedmate, and crept to the window. Just outside the glass she could see several beautiful birds feasting on her recently installed bird feeder. She lightly placed her fingertips against the translucent barrier as she leaned closer and her smile grew bigger at the sight. The sigh that escaped her lips was not one of frustration, but contentment. It had taken quite some time, and several relocations, but she had finally done it. She was getting on with her life.
She had moved on; out of the land of rain, depression, and despair (at least for her) and into the sun and fun. Of course initially, that was a line of total crap, but as she settled and adjusted her situation improved. She reconnected with her old friends, allowed herself to relax (which was easier when she wasn’t being called Satan daily), and focused on herself. She re-built herself from the bottom up, this time focusing on what made her happy, and not what was best for them. And it seemed that once she re-discovered the Addison that didn’t need any man; the one who was strong all on her own, things seemed to fall into place. Gone was the weepy masochist, who sat by passively and watched her husband chase a twelve-year-old all over the hospital and who took every sling and barb he threw at her because she felt she deserved it. She bid a sweet farewell to the woman who begged for a man to care about her, and embraced one who took life on her own terms, and those who didn’t like it could take a flying leap.
Her gaze ticked to the beach when movement caught her eye. She watched as a father and son pair attempted to coax their kite into taking flight and a bittersweet smile crossed her face. The little boy looked to be no older than four, with a mop of dark curly hair and a bright smile whose sparkle reached her even at her high vantage point. Her hand unconsciously found her abdomen, as all her missed opportunities ran through her head. He had begged, pleaded, and demanded children, becoming more and more frustrated each time she answered in the negative. She had eventually stopped giving reasons why, as he had stopped caring what they were. She knew he simply thought her selfish for not giving in to him, and giving him the family he so desperately wanted. When she tried to explain her reasoning, he would dismiss her concerns with a smile and a caress, and state that they weren’t her parents, they would be fine. However, as much as they talked about her past and childhood, and as much as he held her and soothed her and empathized with her, he could never really understand. He didn’t have to distract his mother, so she wouldn’t see his father sneaking off with the nanny. He didn’t have to sit and watch his parents placidly sip martinis while they hurled scathing remarks at each other under the guise of discussing the neighbor’s most recent gathering. No, the Shepherd’s were a loud, hot-tempered, boisterous bunch, who had passionate screaming matches and a family of five children. She remembered that during their first fight, she had surprised herself when she had yelled, ranted, and gestured right along with him. It had been so freeing to argue in that manner and he’d began to joke that she was as fiery as her hair. Given her childhood, she really hadn’t considered having children herself until she met him. With him she had truly felt loved, safe, and cared for; she had found the environment that she would want to bring children into, but she was still hesitant, afraid that it was a façade. And it seemed she was right.
She gazed once more at the pair, smiling as the dragon finally took to the air causing the little boy to raise his arms in triumph and throw his head back in a soundless laugh, as his father looked on indulgently. She turned her back on the two and her regrets, choosing instead to focus on what was going right in her life, starting with the man who was currently sprawled over her bed. Her eyes softened as they trailed over his well-muscled torso, his muscles rippling as he shifted in sleep. Her mouth quirked as she considered what a contradiction he was; he epitomized masculine strength with his well-toned body and hidden guns, yet he was nothing but soft and gentle with her, ensuring that each time they came together she was fully satisfied and she had no doubt that she was the only woman on his mind. Outside the bedroom he made he feel just as loved and desired, he treated he like a queen, and after her most recent relationships, she soaked it up like a sponge.
She stealthily crept back into bed and snuggled up against him. He automatically wrapped his arms around her and pulled her closer, smiling softly in his sleep. She gazed up into his face, features softened in sleep. She lightly traced his features, marveling that this man could make her feel so secure. He began to stir and his warm eyes met hers. He leaned in and captured her lips in a sensuous kiss.
“Mmm,” she murmured as he pulled away, “Good morning.”
He smiled and pushed her scarlet locks from her face, “Good morning,” he replied, continuing to stroke her hair stare into her eyes.
“What?” she demanded, laughing.
“You’re beautiful.”
She blushed and pushed at his chest, “Shut up.”
He grabbed her hand and held it to his heart. “You know I’m right, that’s why you’re blushing.”
“Well, it’s easy to feel beautiful when you get such a nice wake up call.”
“Addison, I -” he paused and looked into her eyes, the emotion neither of them were quite ready to express wrapping around them like a warm blanket. He cleared his throat and continued, “I would love to wake you up that way every morning.”
She smiled and pulled his head down to hers, initiating another kiss. He gently rolled them, pressing her into the soft mattress as his hands began to creep under her silk nightgown, causing a soft giggle to escape her lips and a matching grin to slide across his own. She leaned away slightly, running her nails along his back, “I’m going to be late for work, aren’t I?”
He leaned back in to tease her lips with his tongue. “Oh, most definitely.”
As the sunlight poured over the lovers locked in a passionate embrace, she knew that for the first time in a long time, she was truly happy.
**************
Derek sat at his kitchen table staring down into his cup of coffee, the gloom from the storm raging outside seeming to permeate his very being. Here he was several years later, different state, different house, different wife and he still wasn’t happy. So, now he had to figure out a way to make the best of the situation he was in. He did love Meredith that wasn’t the problem. They were good together. It’s just that he once again couldn’t help feeling like something was missing. The pieces just did not align perfectly. He kept thinking back to the last time he saw her. It was Christmas and he and Meredith were spending it with his family in New York.
Derek was leaning against the counter in Macy’s trying to stifle his sigh as his mother and Meredith were currently gushing over some item he had long since lost interest in. He was checking his watch to figure how much longer they would probably be there, when he felt a tingle along the back of his neck. It was a sensation he hadn’t experienced in quite some time. He rubbed his neck unconsciously as he looked around for the source. It didn’t take him long to spot her flaming red hair about 30 ft from his position. Her hair had grown back to the length he preferred. She hadn’t straightened it today and the soft curls cascaded down her back. He ignored the uncomfortable fluttering in his chest, chalking it up to the surprise of seeing her. After a few seconds she turned from the counter and they locked eyes. They held the stare for several seconds, and then she finally offered a small smile. With a quick glance over his shoulder to ensure that his wife and mother were still busy, he ambled his way over to her. He stuffed his hands in his pockets as he stood before her. “Hey.”
“Hi.”
He glanced at the bags in her hands. “A little last minute shopping?”
She grinned as she shifted the bags in her hands, “Yeah, they were sold out in the LA stores, so I just picked it up here. Oh, hey, did the kids get their gifts?”
“Yeah, they did; thanks. Although you know, you really didn’t have to…”
“Derek, I divorced you, not them. Besides, it just felt wrong not to.”
“Well, thanks. I know they’ll love them.” He took a moment to let his gaze wash over her, taking in her long green sweater dress, cinched at the waist with a wide black belt, which showed off her curves to perfection, and her stiletto Manolo boots. “You really look wonderful, Addison.”
She rewarded him with another soft smile. “Thanks.” She looked over his shoulder at his mother and Meredith. “They seem to be getting along well.”
He looked back and glanced at them. “Yeah, Mom loves her-” He stopped as he turned around and met her eyes again. They dimmed slightly, before she averted her gaze.
She cleared her throat as her iPhone began vibrating. She glanced at the screen briefly before returning it to her purse. “Well, I should get going.”
“Right.” He shifted uncomfortably. “It was really good seeing you.”
“Yeah, you too.”
She moved to walk away when he impulsively pulled her into a hug. She was initially surprised, but soon relaxed and reciprocated. He rubbed her back gently, noting how she still fit perfectly into his arms. As she pulled away, she briefly glanced over his shoulder, then cupped his cheek and looked meaningfully into his eyes. She took a deep breath, “Your girl is lovely, Hubble.”
Derek tilted his head and frowned slightly as he mulled over her words. He shook his head, “I don’t get it.”
Addison smirked, “And you never did.” With that she turned and sashayed away without a backwards glance.
It wasn’t until two months later, when he walked in on Meredith and Izzie watching Sex and the City that he understood the reference. Derek ran his fingers through his hair and sighed. He truly had no reason to be unhappy, he should just stop looking for problems and get on with his life. It wasn’t as though some magical solution was going to fall into his lap.
“Good morning,” Meredith greeted as she entered the room. “Oh, hey, this came for you yesterday. Looks important,” she stated dropping a thick envelope on the table in front of him. It tilted off the edge and slid into his lap. With one raised eyebrow, he slowly picked up the envelope and turned it over. The postmark said Los Angeles. Curiosity peaked, he quickly ripped into the packet. It was an invitation to speak at a ceremony honoring one of his medical school professors. This mentor conveniently enough now resided in LA. Derek couldn’t help the shit-eating grin that spread across his face. It seemed the winds of fate were blowing in his direction once again.
“Good news?” Derek glanced up at the blonde, who leaned against the counter cradling a steaming cup of coffee.
“Uh, yeah, actually. Jack Sparrow, one of my old mentors, is retiring and they want me to speak at the ceremony. He’s actually the one who really encouraged me to pursue neurosurgery. I was always interested, but he convinced me I could do it.” Well, Jack and Addie. “We used to go out fishing every once in a while.” Derek looked back down at the invitation and smirked. “I can’t believe he’s actually retiring. We used to joke that he’d probably just keel over in the OR one day.” He couldn’t believe his luck; he knew Addie would be there, as Jack was her advisor as well. She wouldn’t miss this for the world. And maybe if he could just talk to her, he could figure out what was wrong with him. Maybe they could…
“When’s the ceremony?”
“Oh, um,” he glanced back at the invite, “It’s two months from now. I should probably reserve the plane tickets today. I definitely need to ask the chief for the time off.”
“Hey, why don’t we stay out there a few days, make a long weekend of it. It’s been awhile since we’ve had some true alone time,” she wiggled her eyebrows suggestively.
“W-we?” He blurted before he could stop himself. He cleared his throat, “I mean, you want to come? Really, it’ll just be a bunch of boring speeches by random people about someone you’ve never met. You’ll probably be bored out of your skull.”
“Maybe,” she smiled, wrapping her arms around him from behind, “But I’ll be there with you. I’m sure we can find something to do to entertain ourselves. Besides, it’ll give me a chance to wear the new bikini I just bought.”
Derek tilted his head and smiled at her weakly, “Sounds great, babe.” He pecked her cheek, swallowing his sigh.
**********************************************************
So, before I get the comments, allow me to point out that I know the phrase is originally from “The Way We Were,” but I found it more likely that they would be watching SATC. I plan to have the next update posted much sooner than it took me this time, but of course reviews will speed the process. ;-D