Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Everyone has their marks. Distinct features that separate them from everyone else. Something that makes them unique; sets them apart. The color of their eyes or hair. The shape of their nose or mouth. The musculature of their body. In actuality, there are many things that set people apart. However, there is one thing. One mark. A mark that can take many shapes. A flower. A snowflake. The moon or the sun. It can have many hues. Be anywhere. A mark that also separates you from almost everyone. One that completely sets you apart but ties you together at the same time. A mark you share with only one person. The person you’re destined to have by your side. The person to whom you can belong. The person that can belong to you. The person whose love could change it all. Your soulmate. Your other half. A kindred spirit. They share that mark with you, same shape and hue, somewhere in their body. Somewhere linking you both together, forever .

The thing about soulmates is that they’re hard to find. Amongst the vast amounts of people in the world to find that one person can be an ever elusive goal. Some people are lucky and they’ve had them close to them forever, discovering their marks soon enough. Others never see each other at all, all they know is that they’re out there, somewhere. But then there are those who’ve had their person there all along but have never had the chance to find out who they truly are. Thus aimlessly wandering the world being so close yet so far. 

Their moment in the elevator had been… heavy. Everything she had been feeling the whole day had poured out in one big wave of pain and tears. Something she hadn’t meant to have done in front of Meredith Grey. However, talking to her, letting go of everything with her, and listening to her words had left her lighter, calmer, happier. Meredith had always had something. Something that drew her in. The same ‘something’ that had never allowed Addison to hate her. Even with everything that had happened before. She had something. Sometimes she wondered what it was but she could never figure it out. She supposed some people just have that one thing that makes them indispensable. 

The interns watching from through the glass of the double doors at the far end of the hall seemed to snap her away from her thoughts. She sent an icy glare and chuckled as they scurried off. It felt good, still having the ability to instill enough fear to clear a room. 

“Here we are.” Meredith chirped opening the door to the attending’s lounge. 

“Those interns are something.” 

“Trust me I know.” 

“Reminds me of a certain group.” Addison smirked while the blonde turned to look at her.

“What?” Meredith scoffed. “Us? We weren’t like that.”

“No. You may have been worse.”

“No way.” Meredith frowned skeptically. “Were we really?” 

“Need I remind you-”

“The l-vad wasn’t me.” Meredith defended before she was even able to continue. 

“No?” 

“Well… fine.” Meredith rolled her eyes and she couldn’t help but laugh, catching a glimpse of that young intern she had once been. “What?” The blonde attending asked with a smile. 

“Nothing. Just reminiscing. Can’t help it. Looking at you makes me even feel proud.”

“What? I grew up to be some bright surgeon?”

“Not some, one of the brightest surgeons and I happen to have taught you a thing or two too.” 

“True.” Meredith chuckled. “You did tell me to be great.”

“I know. I left here and you were a baby doctor and I returned to an award winning surgeon and a great mother to top it off. At least from what I’ve heard.” Addison leaned on the counter as she spoke. “And talking about kids and all. It’s Zola, Bailey, and Ellis, right?”

“Yep.”

“Amelia’s always going on about them. If not, it's Scout.” 

“She’s amazing with them.” 

“She’s a great aunt.” 

“I bet she was awesome with… Henry?” Meredith tilted her head in question.

“That’s right. He adores her.” 

“She talks about him. Plus I’ve seen pictures.” 

“He’s a great boy. Drives me crazy sometimes but I wouldn’t trade him for anything though. Want to see a more recent picture?” Addison asked excitedly. 

“Yes!” Meredith replied with almost the same enthusiasm and made her way next to her.

“There he is.” Addison said proudly showing her the picture on her phone. 

“He’s very handsome and very well dressed. Like his mother.” 

“Oh quiet. We had an important dinner, that's all.” 

“So you’re gonna tell me he doesn’t wear button down shirts all the time?” Meredith asked, pressing her lips together as if trying to contain her smile.

“Well, not all the time.” Addison slightly rolled her eyes and the blonde started to laugh. “Whatever.”

“He looks like an awesome kid.” 

“He really is.” 

“You look proud of him. I can tell you love him very much.” 

“He’s my reason to live.” Addison shrugged with a sigh. “Getting him was tough but he’s mine. My son.” She grinned.

“I’m happy for you.” Meredith said, giving her another side hug.

Addison ignored the little tickles at the pit of her stomach and leaned her head on top of Meredith’s. She supposed it was weird hugging your ex-husband’s widow, who also happened to be his mistress while still being married to you. She sighed, chucking the feeling to that fact.

“I’m happy for me too.” She chuckled. “And I’m happy for you. I’m glad you decided to stay.”

“Hmm?” 

“With Covid and all. Thank you for not dying.” 

The blonde took a few seconds to stare at her with a questioning frown but soon smiled. 

“I’m getting a weird sense of deja vu.” 

“A-are you now?” 

“Have you said that before?” 

“Once…” Addison pressed her lips together and chuckled. “A very long time ago.”

“The ferry?” Meredith asked and she remained silent, giving her a small smile. Meredith leaned on her shoulder. “Thank you, Addison.”

Addison smiled and again leaned her head on Meredith’s. The tickling in her stomach returned instantly as she felt the blonde’s warmth. It was weird. On top of the tickles she could feel her hip itching a bit, right where her mark was. That was even weirder.

“Are there still scrubs in this place?” She asked, thinking maybe the dirty scrubs were the reason.

“What?” 

“To change to fresh ones.” 

“Oh yeah, we’re pretty nasty right now aren’t we?” Meredith scrunched her nose.

“Yeah.” Addison chuckled and the blonde smiled brightly but seemed to get lost for a moment as she looked at her. “So?” She tilted her head.

“Over there.” Meredith squeaked out pointing to a locker. “So how’s the husband?” She asked while making her way to where the scrubs were. 

“I think Jake is ok.”

“You think?” 

“I’m divorced… again.” Addison chuckled. 

“Why? If you don’t mind me asking.” Meredith said, walking back to get her own scrubs after handing her hers. 

“We fell out of love. It was a bit like Derek and I.” Addison began while changing her scrubs. “So before either of us got any stupid ideas we decided to end it. I’ve grown I guess. It’s all good really we- ” 

She stopped in mid sentence the moment Meredith lifted her scrub top, her undershirt riding up. She made out the maroon mark shaped like a feather in the middle of the blonde’s lower back. No. Addison thought, the air growing thin.

“Addison?” Meredith’s voice brought her back. “Are you ok?” The blonde asked worriedly. “I’m sorry if I-” 

Meredith began to move closer and was almost about to touch her when she flinched away from her touch. The blonde withdrew her hand quickly. 

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have.” Meredith said quickly, panic invading her baby blue eyes. 

“No. No, it’s ok. Sorry about um yeah…” Addison stammered about not knowing what to say or do. 

“Me and my stupid mouth. I’m sorry, really.” 

“It-it-it’s ok. I’m fine. You didn’t do…” She took a breath. “You didn’t do anything.”

“I… are you sure?”  

“Yup…Mhmm. I’m gonna… I should check on my patient.” 

“Oh, right.” Meredith said softly. “Will you umm… will you still come for dinner?” She asked even softer. 

“Y-yeah, of course.” Addison nodded quickly. “See you there.” She added and headed towards the door, dumping the used scrubs in the bin.

“Ok.” 

Addison heard Meredith mutter behind her and turned to find the blonde looking sort of defeated. She wouldn’t have that though so she stopped at the door. 

“Meredith, I’m ok, really. You didn’t do anything wrong.” She managed a genuine smile and saw the blonde brighten up again.

“Ok.” Meredith said a bit louder and with an excited smile. 

Addison felt like running. But running would contradict what she had just told the happy blonde she’d left in the lounge. As quickly as possible she found an empty on-call room and locked the door behind her. She was unsure of what she should do. Should she just let out a few tears? Should she smile? Should she yell? Should she crawl into the bed and drown herself in her own sorrows?

Her lips quivered and soon the floodgates seemed to open. She wiped furiously against her tears but they seemed to go on forever. The hot room seemed to get smaller and smaller with every second that ticked by. She sat on the bed trying to calm her now erratic breathing but nothing was working. 

Pulling up her shirt and lowering her pants a tiny bit she saw the same mark she had just seen poking out on her hip. Meredith Grey. Meredith Grey was her soulmate. After all this time she had found her soulmate and it wasn’t all pretty and nice, it just hurt. 

It hurt because they had been so close. She had had her there all this time and yet she hadn’t known. She knew something drew them together and yet it didn’t occur to her that the reason was the fact that they were soulmates. 

Destiny was mean and cruel. She had already learned that but still she asked herself why. It was absolutely absurd. Her and Meredith? She laughed through her tears. The irony of everything hitting her. Her and Meredith. Meredith and her. 

“I don’t hate you.”, “Thank you for not dying. Thank you for staying. God Meredith.”, “If Thatcher touches her again, I swear I’ll end him.”, “Richard she needs you. Please be there.”, “Goodbye Grey. Be good, ok? Be great.”

Memories flooded her brain, playing like a movie would. The morphine high. The ferry. Thatcher’s outburst. The intern’s exam. Her last words before leaving Seattle. Everything played over and over. All instances together with the blonde. The times she had found herself missing her. Everything hit her like a train as she recalled the sting on her hip especially when Meredith had been in danger. And the last thing was the fact that Derek had known. 

He had known. He had seen her mark, he knew her mark. He used to trace it saying that it didn’t matter that hers was a feather because his was a bird. That their love would bind them, not their marks and look, they were related too. He had known . After their divorce he had even said he’d hoped she’d find her soulmate. 

Addison felt like punching the wall, punching something. The bastard knew and she probably shouldn’t feel anger towards the dead but… why? Why had he stayed silent? Why hadn’t he told her? Meredith had been right there. The one person in the world she couldn’t bring herself to hate. With her pretty baby blue eyes. Her dark yet kind self. Her sweet smile and squeaky laugh… 

She knew why. She knew because, who in their right mind would give up someone like Meredith? She wouldn’t have. But then she shouldn’t have had to. They were soulmates for god’s sake. They were bound to belong to each other and she wouldn’t have minded it at all. It was Meredith. 

They could’ve been together. They could’ve been happy. Maybe then but… what about now? Weren’t they passed that? Should she even try? Should this even be bothering her this much? Hurt her this much? Wasn’t it too late? 

Her tears were gradually beginning to slow down. In a moment like this she wasn’t sure being alone was such a good thing but here she had no one. She wished for Mark or Callie but they were both gone. One dead, which still made her mad. Why did he up and die and leave her? She shook her head at her own idiotic thoughts. Then Callie was gone to the other side of the country. She should come back. She chuckled. Ok, learning Meredith was her soulmate was driving her mad. 

Taking a deep breath she stood and made her way to the small mirror by the door. She found wipes in one of the drawers on the small bedside table and cleared her face of the dried tear tracks. She needed to go. She couldn’t keep wallowing. She had a patient plus she had to get ready to go to Meredith’s. She released a sigh, her head falling back. 

Going to Meredith’s was bound to be quite the ordeal. She shook her head pushing all the thoughts away, along with her mark. Better to not even think about it. That would keep her sane the rest of the night. With one last look in the mirror and after a nod, she unlocked the door and headed towards recovery to check on her patient. 

Seeing Amelia again made her so happy. She had missed her. Her sister. The only one she had. She had been grateful to Derek for her at least though at the moment she so wished she had the man in front of her. Just one punch that was it. Maybe. Again she pushed the thoughts away and focused on the smiling blue eyes in front of her. 

“So where do you want to go to dinner?” 

“Actually, your place. Meredith invited me over.” 

“She did?” 

“Mhmm.” 

“Is that weird?”

“Why would it be  weird?” Addison asked and suddenly the mark came back to mind. 

“No reason. Though I heard you guys had a threesome one time.” 

“I heard it was a foursome.” She replied with a laugh, regaining her wits. Tonight would be something that was for sure.

Chapter Text

The drive to Meredith’s had been pleasant. Amelia again informed her of everything, something she did weekly. However, Addison didn’t mind at all. Listening to her sister while actually being with her was nice and she had missed that very much. Amelia stopped the car in front of the place she supposed was the famous Grey house and felt her heart beating uncontrollably against her chest. 

“Here we are!” Amelia smiled brightly next to her. 

“It’s pretty.”

“It’s home. Come on.” 

They made their way up the steps and Amelia unlocked the door cheerfully saying hello to the kids running inside. Addison felt her hands shake as she walked in but the kids’ and Meredith’s smiles made a great job of calming her down. 

“Hi.” Addison smiled at the two kids in front of her. A beautiful dark skinned girl and a blonde blue eyed boy both smiling up at her happily.

“Hey. So this is Zola and Bailey. And the youngest is Ellis, she’s upstairs in a mood. She gets it from me.”

Addison couldn’t help the tears prickling in her eyes after Meredith introduced the kids. Derek was a bastard but she could see him in Bailey’s eyes and the way Zola was smirking up at her was definitely Derek’s signature side smirk. She swallowed hard and smiled at the two introducing herself with her nickname. 

Both kids grabbed her hands and led her to the table, which was littered with multicolored plates, each holding a different topping. The kids excitedly helped her make her own ice cream dish and in turn so did she, helping them make their own. She felt Meredith’s gaze on them and looked up, finding the blonde smiling at them. She returned the smile and went back to the kids’ conversation along with Amelia who had also sat at the table. 

The kids were amazing. Zola seemed so smart and witty while Bailey reminded her of her own troublemaker back in LA. She wondered how Henry and Bailey would get along. After ice cream they had migrated to the living room. Bailey was talking Amelia and her about a school project while Zola sat next to her playing with her hair. 

“I think you’ll do great, bud.” Amelia said when the boy was done explaining his assignment.

“I’ll be awesome.” 

“I’m sure you will be, Bailey.” Addison chuckled along with Amelia and Meredith.

“Wonder if Ellis will come meet you.” 

“Maybe she’s tired.”

“No. I think Charlie was annoying her again about her mark.”

“Again?” Zola rolled her eyes. “Mom, that kid is too mean. But don’t worry, I'll take care of it.”

“I think I should take care of it.” Meredith lifted a brow. 

“I won’t be mean mom.” 

“I know you won’t be but I’d like to take care of it.”

“I’m gonna go get her. She’ll like Addie.” Bailey announced and ran up the stairs. 

“Sounds good.” Meredith chuckled. 

“Meredith, if she’s not feeling well it’s ok.” Addison said quickly.

“It’ll be fine. Bailey teases her like nobody else but he and Zozo can work miracles when I can’t.” 

“Archer and I were and are like that so I get it.” 

“Who’s Archer?” Zola asked. 

“Her brother. Guess what? He had worms inside his brain.” Amelia said.

“Worms? Oh umm.” 

“I know, gross. But your dad got them out so it’s all good.” Addison chuckled. 

“Ok. That’s good.” 

After a few more minutes Bailey was running down the stairs pulling a small blonde girl along. Addison could see Meredith plastered in all of the young girl’s features. Baby blue eyes and blonde hair, and their noses. Ellis was a mini Meredith.

“Hello.” Addison smiled softly. 

“Hi.” Ellis chirped, hiding behind her brother.

Addison could make out the small black mark along the girl’s forearm. It was a feather, it wasn’t the same as hers, of course, still it was a feather. One closely resembling Meredith’s and her’s. She felt herself shudder but kept her smile and worked up her nerve. 

“So would you like some ice cream?” 

“You brought?” Ellis asked, biting her lip.

“No, but there’s some left from what your mom had for me. So would you like some?”

Ellis nodded but made no attempt to move. Addison smiled and stood slowly making her way to the table where some of the toppings were still laid out while Meredith moved to the fridge. 

“You coming?” Addison asked and Ellis nodded again, finally moving towards her. “You seem like a… chocolate kind of girl. Right? Chocolate ice cream?” She said taking the plate Meredith had just handed her and Ellis nodded a bit more excitingly. “And umm for toppings…” She looked at Meredith who very discreetly pointed at the gummy worms. “How about gummy worms?”

“Yes!” Ellis hopped closer to her. “How’d you know?” 

“Magic? Or maybe I’m just smart.” She shrugged while Meredith giggled along with the little girl. “Here.”

“Thank you.”

“You were daddy’s friend?” 

“Yes.”

“And momma’s?”

“Well uh…” 

“Yes. She’s my friend.” Meredith chirped, smiling at her. 

“That’s a very pretty mark.” Addison said quickly changing the subject. 

“Charlie says… he…” 

“It’s a beautiful mark. Feathers are awesome.”

“He said it looks like I painted it so it’s not real.” The girl pouted. 

“He doesn’t know what he’s talking about. He probably doesn’t like his mark so he’s making fun of your cool one.” 

“Yeah?” 

“Mhmm.” Addison nodded, caressing her cheek. 

“I told you.” Bailey said next to her, rolling his eyes. “He’s only poking fun because he’s stupid.” 

“Bailey.” Meredith semi scolded. “Addison.” She scolded her too once she saw her nodding along with the boy. 

“Sorry.”

“Sorry mom. Addie, I have a cool mark too. Look.” Bailey said, turning around and showing her his lightning shaped mark on the back of his neck, just below the hairline. “I’m Harry Potter.”

“Harry Potter wears glasses Bailey.” Zola called from the living room. 

“I’m Bailey Potter.” 

“You… ok Bailey Potter.” 

Addison chuckled at their whole exchange along with Amelia and Meredith. Ellis seemed a bit more cheerful and at some point had taken her hand and pulled her to sit down with her on the table. 

“You really think it’s pretty and cool?” Ellis asked in whispers while everyone else was distracted with Bailey, making her smile and lean in to whisper back. 

“Definitely.” 

“I think it’s cool too. But Charlie’s mean.” 

“It’ll be ok. You’ll see. Plus, somewhere out there there’s someone with your mark too.”

“And they’ll be my best friend?”

“They’ll be the bestest.” 

“What are you two whispering about?” Meredith whispered right next to her, startling her. 

“Jesus Meredith.” 

“Sorry.” 

“N-no it’s umm fine.” Addison felt her cheeks heating up and mentally slapped herself. 

Stop it. Stop it. Stop it. Just don’t look at her. Look at Ellis. Yep. Ellis. Ellis that’s a carbon copy of Meredith. This won’t work.

“Addie?” 

“Bailey?” She said back to the boy who grinned toothily. 

“What’s your mark? Zozo has a flame.” 

“Oh umm it’s uh well it’s…” Addison couldn’t do it. She could say it. She was too scared. 

“Can we see it?”

“Bailey, I’ve told you before you can’t go asking people to show you their mark. Sometimes it’s in places not everyone should see.” Meredith scolded. 

“Oh. Right. I’m sorry I forgot. Sorry Addie.” 

“It’s ok.” Addison said quickly and smiled, prompting the boy to speak again. 

“Mom has a feather like Ellis.”

“Does she?”

“Yeah. Mom, can you show her yours?” 

“Bailey…” Meredith shook her head with a sigh. “Mine is on my lower back, you know? A little lower than my waist line.” She chuckled nervously. 

“Same but on my hip.” Addison chuckled nervously as well. 

“It’s not on a bad part.” 

“Bailey.” 

“Ok. Ok. Sorry mom.” 

“A lightning bolt does go with you, doesn’t it?” Addison chuckled. 

“Addie, have you found your soulmate?” Zola asked, walking over to them. “Only aunt Maggie has in our family. And aunt Lexie but umm…”

“I know.” She gently stroked the girl’s hand. 

“Have you found your bestest friend?” Ellis took part in the questioning. 

“Are you best friends already?” Bailey joined in. 

Now there was a question she could answer without having to lie. 

“No we’re not.” She replied with a sad smile, glancing over to the blonde who was picking up the dirty dishes. 

“Mom hasn’t either.” Bailey said. 

“Would you be with your soulmate? If you knew who they were and had them close?” Zola asked. 

“Would you? Do you want to?” Ellis asked too. 

The kids’ inquiries were starting to get to her. She felt her heart breaking and the pain she had been stuffing down beginning to rise. Tears stung her eyes but she blinked them away quickly. 

“I uh… I don’t know.” 

“And you mom?” Bailey asked. 

“She’s seeing that Nick guy, remember?” Zola smiled at Meredith who seemed surprised. 

“Nick?” Addison couldn’t keep herself from asking. 

“N-Nick is uh… he's a transplant surgeon in Mayo. I umm went to dinner with him. That’s all Zozo. I’m only checking him out.” 

“Mhmm.” The girl grinned. 

“Oh… that’s uh. That’s nice. Going out and yeah… you deserve it.” Addison tried to chuckle but only an awkward laugh came out. 

Thankfully it seemed like only Amelia had noticed. Judging from the slight frown and questioning look she gave her. 

“Well I think I should be going. It’s late and I’ve yet to check into the hotel.” 

“Stay here.” Bailey said, holding onto her arm when she stood. 

“I’m not sure that’d be a good idea.” 

“It’ll be fine, Addison.” Meredith smiled. “I don’t mind at all. There’s plenty of room. I mean unless you know I umm.” The blonde’s cheeks began to flush red. 

“You can stay in my bed. Promise I won’t kick.” Ellis giggled. 

“Your bed is too small, Ellis.” Zola giggled. 

“She can stay with me.” Amelia smiled. 

“I…” 

“It’s ok Addison. If it’s too much… I get it.” Meredith gave her a sad smile and she found herself unable to say no.

Always. It’s always like this with her. Damn soulmate crap. Damn pretty baby blue eyes. Damn it, stop looking at me like that.

“I’ll stay. Let me get my stuff from the car.” 

Meredith’s features shifted quickly as she brightened up. Her eyes crinkled at the corners while smiled and they sparkled beautifully. 

No! Don’t look at me like that either. Damn it. This isn’t good. This isn’t good at all. 

“Sleep over!” The kids cheered, snapping her away from Meredith’s hypnotic eyes. 

“Sleep over!” Amelia cheered, grabbing the keys to her car. “Come on, Addie.” 

“Right. Yeah. Uh thanks Meredith.”

“No problem, Addie.” 

Fuck. The smile and the nickname. Damn it all.

“Addie?” 

“Yeah. Mhmm. Right behind you.”

Chapter Text

Addison wasn’t sure how she did it but she had managed to make herself sleep. The fact that she was sleeping at Meredith’s house, at her soulmate’s house kept her awake for much longer than she would’ve liked. Even when she had slept the notion of it in addition to memories of their past hadn’t left her alone. Dream after dream were haunted by those baby blue eyes, by her smile, by her voice, by her. 

By the brightness coming through her closed eyelids she knew it was morning already. She frowned, feeling heavy, she wanted to sleep. She had purposely not set an early alarm so that she could sleep in a little longer. So why was she awake? The giggles and the tiny fingers on her hip. Her hip! 

Opening her eyes quickly made her slightly squint as the sunlight came through the windows. She found the source of the giggles immediately, little Ellis. The blonde girl looked at her with a wide grin, her small hand still resting on her hip. Giggling, she spoke and Addison felt her mouth dry up quickly.

“You are her.” 

“E-Ellis, hi.”

“You have a red feather like Momma.”

“I uh…”

“You’re Momma’s soulmate!”

“Shhhh.” Addison said quickly and covered the girl’s mouth. “Ellis, how about another ice cream party? And this time we make sure you’re there the whole time. Plus we can play catch. Did you know I used to play softball?” 

The little girl nodded excitingly and she saw some light at the end of the tunnel. Maybe.

“One condition though.” 

“What? I’ll do it all Addie.”

“You need to keep my mark a secret. Can you do that?” 

“Why?” 

“Because it’s a game. How long can a superstar keep a secret?”

“That’s a game?” The girl frowned, completely unconvinced. 

“Yep. But it's an ultra secret game. Only a few people can play.”

“Does everyone get ice cream parties?” 

“Only if they win.”

“Okay!”

“Okay.” 

“Addie! Come on! Pancakes!” She heard Amelia call from down the stairs. 

“Momma’s making pancakes!” Ellis said happily.

“Ellis,” Addison said, taking her hand before she ran out. “Remember the game, ok?”

Ellis only smiled and drew an imaginary zipper with her fingers across her mouth. Addison smiled and did the same. As she watched the little girl scamper off she prayed to whatever higher power that existed that the little girl did in fact keep her secret. However, in the back of her head a little voice kept whispering that her secret would be out before too long. 

Meredith was almost done with the second batch of pancakes, which were supposed to be her guest’s favorites. She remembered when Mark had mentioned something about Addison and mini pancakes with cinnamon. For some reason it was the first thing she had ever actually wanted to learn how to make. It was easy, really, but with her amazing prowess in the kitchen it took her forever to figure it out, even with Mark’s help when she’d had it. Now, after so long making them she was a master. 

“Addie!” The choir of her kids' voices alerted her to the redhead’s presence. 

“Good morning, guys! Wait, Meredith?” 

“Hmm?” She replied turning around to face the redhead who was frowning and making her way towards her. 

“You’re cooking.” 

“Yeah? Why do you seem so surprised?”

“Because I thought this was the one thing you… sucked at.” The redhead whispered the last part when she got close enough. 

“Hey…” She pouted and Addison giggled next to her. 

“So pancakes.”

“Minicinicakes.” 

“Those were Mark’s.” 

“Yeah umm, is it ok? I know they were your favorite and I thought I’d make them for you but maybe it wasn’t… maybe I shouldn’t have… I…” She began to ramble apologetically until Addison flicked her forehead. “Hey…”

“So cinnamon before mixing or after mixing? Do you put it on the pancakes as they’re being made or do you sprinkle them when they’re out?” The redhead asked as if testing her while washing her hands.

“Before mixing and when making the pancakes, but not too much.” 

Addison dunked one of her fingers and brought it to her mouth. Meredith felt a jolt of electricity run through her as she witnessed the redhead savoring the batter. The way Addison’s pink lips wrapped around her finger made her cheeks heat up.

“Not too much… just a hint. Good girl.” Addison spoke the last words and she was pretty much gone. Tingling all over, with butterflies fluttering at the pit of her stomach. “Meredith? You’re gonna burn those.” 

“Oh umm right.” 

“Here, I’ll get a plate.” 

The redhead moved away, clearly oblivious to everything she had awoken in Meredith. Meredith herself was confused, this had never happened to her before. Well, only once but… yes it was with Addison, but still never like that. Never to the point she felt her heart just about beating out of her. The redhead’s voice and her giggling kids along with Amelia woke her from her trance.

“Ready? I have a plate. Thanks guys.” 

“Addie, you’re gonna love the minicinicakes.” Bailey cheered.

“I know I will.”

“They are the best thing Mer knows how to make.” Amelia joked and the redhead scolded her.

“Ames be quiet. I’m sure Meredith can cook plenty of other awesome things. Right, Grey?” 

“Huh? Yeah. Mhmm.” 

“Are you ok?” 

“Yup.” 

“Can I have some?” Addison asked with a bright smile, just like the one she’d had the day before when Meredith got the tingles all over.

“Yup.”

Stop shaking. What the hell is wrong with you?

She managed to serve the redhead her pancakes without dropping them. However, once Addison’s smile brightened even more, making her eyes glimmer in the light she dropped the spatula. 

“Got it.” Addison quickly grabbed the utensil before it fell coming closer to her. “Be careful. Thanks for the pancakes.”

Don’t smile anymore, Addie. Please.

“Addie, come eat.” Ellis chirped. 

“Yeah!” Bailey joined in.

“Coming guys. Here. Thanks.” The redhead said with a wink and a smile, handing her the spatula. 

Fuck. Don’t.

Meredith and Amelia had landed in Minnesota six hours after the whole breakfast affair. She had been happy to confirm that the cinnamon pancakes were indeed Addison’s favorite. Also for some unknown reason the fact that the redhead would be staying a few more days in Seattle made her happy as well. 

Naturally, it had taken a bit of convincing from her, Amelia, and the three kids to get the neonatal surgeon to stay at the house. They had made quite the scene both her and Amelia begging while Zola held Addison’s hands and Bailey along with Ellis had attached themselves to the redhead’s legs. Her kids did amazing with the lost puppy eyes, she knew as soon as they pulled the big guns Addison would be done for. 

It had comforted her, knowing Addison would stay there even if she wasn’t there. What had her a little down was the fact that by the time she’d return the redhead would be gone. But then who knew, puppy eyes worked miracles and if she asked the kids coming back to Addison wouldn’t be so far off. 

Meredith had always questioned why the pull. She had always had it when it came to Addison. There were times when she knew things weren’t alright with the redhead. Whenever she was down or whenever she was extremely happy Meredith could tell. It was weird but she chucked it to some unknown cosmic pull. 

Now that she thought about it. Like really thought about it. Why did she feel that pull? Why the want? Why the need? Why was she able to tell what the redhead felt? And why the hell had she felt like a teenager all over again now that Addison had stayed over? It was as if… but that couldn’t be. Could it?

“Mer!”

“Why are you yelling, Amelia? I’m right next to you.” 

“And so is hottie.” Amelia muttered, throwing a glance somewhere next to her. 

“It seemed you were in deep thought.” 

“Nick?! Hi.” 

“Hi.” 

“I’ll leave you two. I’m going to the lab.” Amelia announced leaving them alone. 

“How was your flight?”

“Good. Uneventful thankfully. You on your way out?” 

“Yeah. I need the bed. Wanna come with?”

“I’m not sleeping with you. I told you.” Meredith laughed a bit, the image of Addison popping into her head out of nowhere.

“A man can dream.” 

“Huh?”

“Nothing. You go do whatever secret mission you have.”

“Right. You have a good night.”

“By the way. Dinner?”

“I uh…”

“Come on.” Nick pleaded with his charming smile.

A smile that compared to a certain redhead did nothing to the butterflies in her belly. Wait, Meredith stop that. Why the hell are you comparing them?

“Sure. Dinner would be nice. I do have to eat.” 

“Ok. Pick you up at the hotel at seven?”

“Seven.” She smiled and he kissed her cheek.

For a moment she wished it had been Addison the one doing it. Those pink soft looking lips would probably feel much better on her cheek as opposed to Nick’s rough ones accompanied with his stubble. 

Really Meredith? STOP!

“See ya.” He grinned. 

“Mhmm.” 

Being here was like being home. It was weird. Though of course the name of the hospital had changed and many of her people were no longer here, this place, this hospital, was home. She sat outside the ORs on one of the benches resting her feet after an almost full day of surgery. Miranda had skillfully roped her into working a few cases since she was here and her patient was being closely monitored. Frankly, even if Miranda hadn’t asked she would have finagled her way into an OR. 

With her gaze fixed on some dot on the wall she allowed her mind to take her on a trip through the morning events. Waking up to Ellis and fearing the worst to going down and finding Meredith cooking, cooking , completely melting away her fears. It had been a great breakfast and the company had been even better. She had also dared enough to be a bit flirtatious for no better reason than to test the waters. She wondered if Meredith had ever felt that special kind of connection. Also she wasn’t sure if the flush and jittery mess the blonde had become was because she liked her that way or because she was embarrassed. 

If it was embarrassment. If she had made Meredith uncomfortable with her actions… she couldn’t be here. She didn’t want to be here. Just why? Why had she found out? Why did the shirt ride up? Why did she have her mark? Why were there even marks when they could cause this much pain? This much uncertainty. This was all unbearable and she wanted to leave. She could just go. She could just run. Running was much easier than staying here. Even when this was home.

Addison shook her head and let out a groan, blinking away the tears that had begun to well up. This was stupid. First, she shouldn’t have stayed over. Second, she shouldn’t have flirted, not even slightly. And third, she shouldn’t have agreed to stay in that house. But then who could say no to those faces? And how the hell had those three children mirrored their mother’s expressions so well? She had purposely looked away from Meredith with her pleading eyes only to find Zola, Bailey, and Ellis looking at her the same way. She was so weak and so screwed.

Deciding to give up on thinking for another while she headed towards the elevator to go check on Tovah again. She had been over to her room plenty of times but it wouldn’t hurt to check her numbers again. The uterine transplant was amazing and all and she couldn’t wait for the trial and all her work to take real flight but her patient was more important so she’d check on her as much as she could. Besides, Tovah deserved to be looked after.

The elevator ride hadn’t been long and soon she was making her way towards the ICU, where her patient was under continuous observation. She passed by a small lounge when she heard her name being mentioned, which made her stop and pay attention to the conversation. It seemed as though the residents were having some sort of argument.

“Stop saying that.” Schmitt had said. Addison liked him, he seemed competent enough among the rest.

“I am only stating facts. Dr. Grey is a million times better than Dr. Montgomery.” She knew that voice, it belonged to the blonde resident, who was all ‘team Grey’ the day before. 

“Helm, you can’t compare them.” Schmidt replied. “I mean, yes. Dr. Grey has a Catherine Fox award and she is a brilliant surgeon and teacher. But even she learned from Dr. Montgomery and in her field Addison Montgomery is one of the best if not the best. Like, come on, they’re both amazing in their own right.” 

“Levi is right. You can’t compare them.” Another resident spoke, Perez, if she recalled correctly. 

“You can say what you want. In my eyes Meredith Grey is better than that woman.” Addison could practically hear the girl’s eye roll.

“No need to be so disrespectful.” Perez said.

“Listen, you can’t blame me. I’ll always defend Meredith Grey.”

“Here we go again.” Schmitt groaned.

“We’re practically destined for each other. Even though she doesn’t know it.” Helm continued and the statement made Addison frown.

“You aren’t her soulmate, you idiot.” 

Soulmate? Of course she isn’t. I am.

“I’m close enough. I have a bird like Dr. Shepherd did and she has that beautiful feather in her lower back, which on it’s own is a work of art.” 

Addison felt her blood boil at the girl’s tone when she spoke of Meredith’s mark. The sound of her beating heart drowned almost every other sound as she walked into the room. All three residents looked at her and went pale almost immediately.

“D-doctor Mont-gomery.” Schmitt stuttered out. 

“Is this what you are paid to do? Sit and lounge? Talking about things you have no business in talking about?”

“N-no we umm…”

“What?” She bit out her eyes on the young man before they drifted to the girl. “Speak!”

“I-I… we umm we… it’s our break and we…” 

“I don’t care.” She snapped at the stuttering blonde. “Go find something more productive to do with yourself than staring at other people. Whether Dr. Grey has a mark on her lower back or not is none of your damn business. And that moronic idea you have of being destined to be together…” She let out a sarcastic laugh. “I mean come on. You? You are to be her soulmate? Don’t make me laugh.”

“I…” 

“Enough! Go do your jobs and stop lazing about. This isn’t what you’re here for. You’re here to learn. Not to be gossiping like old ladies at the porch. So move!”

The three residents cleared the room quickly and she ignored the hurt look on the girl when she breezed past. She should feel bad but she didn't. She was annoyed, beyond annoyed, she was angry and frustrated. Her soulmate. Meredith was her soulmate. Hers!

“Wow.” Startled, she turned to the door to find Richard with a wide grin.

“Richard.”

“Sorry. Didn’t mean to scare you.” He smiled apologetically. 

“It’s all good. Sorry about that.”

“It’s fine. Glad to see that The Ruler of All That is Evil still has it down. They’re so scared of you now.”

Addison couldn’t deny she was slightly freaking about Richard having heard her little, well big, outburst. She wondered when he'd start to question her.

“Honestly, I agree with you. They’re too lazy. It’s what I’ve been saying and I’m glad you agree.” 

“Right.” 

“You ok Addie?” 

“Me? Yeah. Mhmm.” 

“You sure?”

“Definitely. So umm how long were you there for?” She forced a chuckle. 

“I was just passing by when you told them to get to work.” He laughed and she joined in relief. “Their faces were priceless.” 

“They totally were. Anyway, I’m gonna go check on Tovah and...” 

“Why don’t you sit with me for a little while?”

“Well I…” 

“Come on, Addie. Let’s talk.” Richard pressed sitting on one of the couches in the lounge. “I’ve missed you.” He added and she couldn’t help but smile and walk over to him. 

“I’ve missed you too.”

“So? You have a son now. How is he?” 

“He’s good. He’s an amazing kid.”

“You’ll have to bring him next time. I’d like to meet him.” 

“Next time. I promise.” She said with a grin while he nodded. 

“Are you ok Addie?” 

“What do you mean? Of course.” 

“Addie, you’ve been so stiff today. Compared to yesterday when it was actually the day to worry. You’re smiling and half the time the smile isn’t genuine.”

“I’m not sure…” She began to rebuke his statement but he continued.

“Addison, I’ve practically known you forever. I watched you grow as an adult. You’re not ok.”

“I’m fine, Richard.” 

“Fine… my daughters tend to use that word as a blanket to cover everything.” 

“Daughters?” A tiny smile tugged at her lips and he smiled back. 

“Maggie, Meredith, and you.” He replied and she hummed with a bigger smile but averting his eyes. “What’s wrong Addie? Talk to me.” 

“I… I found my soulmate.” She smiled at him.

“Addie. That’s amazing news. Why aren’t you happy?”

“Simple, really. I highly doubt we can be together.” 

Tears welled in her eyes and quickly flowed down her cheeks. She had thought all the crying from the day before would have been enough but when Richard pulled her into a hug the floodgates really opened. Richard rubbed her back as she cried onto his shoulder. She supposed she had needed this. Needed someone to talk to about this. Who better than the only man, who had always acted like a father towards her?

“Addison, there must be a way.”

“No, there isn’t.”

“You can’t know that for sure until you try.” 

“Of course I can. It’s me. It’s how my life goes. I should be happy, though. I have a brilliant career. A comfortable life. An amazing son, who loves me. That should fill me. It should be enough. It should…” A whimper escaped her and Richard pulled her in once more. 

“I refuse to believe you can’t be happy with your soulmate. You can never have too much happiness or too much love.”

“I have a family and so does she.” 

“She?”

“It doesn’t matter.”

“Is she married? Is she with someone else?”

“I don’t know. All I know is she can’t be mine and I need to get used to the idea that while I do have her, while I have found her we won’t be together.” 

“Addison, it really sounds like you’re just trying to convince yourself. You don’t know for sure.” 

“I know.” 

“No. You don’t. You sound exactly like me and Catherine. We struggled at the beginning. Oh did we struggle. But look at us now. She’s my soulmate. Mine. It took us a while to figure things out. To work through our issues but I wouldn’t trade what I have now for anything else.”

“It’s not the same thing! You don’t know. You couldn’t possibly understand what is happening! Why me having her as a soulmate is the most complicated and painful thing imaginable.”  She stood abruptly and began to pace the room while Richard looked at her.

“Then explain it. Maybe I can help. Tell me Addison.” He offered. “Let me help you. Please.”

“No.” 

“Addie, you deserve to be happy.”

“I am.” 

“If you were, you wouldn’t be acting this way. You wouldn’t be crying or pacing or in pain.” He stood while he spoke and took her face in his hands, brushing away her tears. “Let me help you. She’s your soulmate and I think you already love her.”

“I-I think… I did before I even knew.”

“Who is it? Do I know her?”

“Richard.” She shook her head. 

“Maybe if I knew I could tell you what to do. Scope her out for you. Figure out if she’s open to a relationship. I don’t know but I could do something.” 

“No.”

“Addie…”

“No. I won’t tell you. Stop asking because I won’t.”

Richard seemed ready to speak again when her cellphone rang. 

“Addison.”

“I have to take this.” She said, pulling out her phone and he released a sigh.

“This isn’t the end of it. I love you, you know?” He said while planting a kiss on her forehead which made her bottom lip quiver. 

Addison wiped her face once more and took a few deep breaths before answering the phone. Amelia’s name flashed on her screen insistently and she took the call.

“Hello?”

“Addie! Thank god.” 

“What’s wrong Amelia?” 

“So you know how I was supposed to get there tonight?” 

“Yes.”

“Well my plane got delayed and Link has to work and Scout is in the hospital but link said Jo would take him though I think you could but then Mer’s kids.”

“What about my kids?” Meredith’s voice rang in the background. “Give me that you’re rambling.”

“You ramble too.” Amelia replied to the blonde.

“Give me the phone. Give.” 

She heard a struggle in the background and a small smile etched itself onto her face. Were they really fighting over the phone? 

“Hello?” Meredith’s light voice came through clearer. 

“Hi.” 

“So Amelia’s flight got delayed. She was supposed to pick up my kids since I have a meeting here in the morning. So we were wondering, since you’re already going to be home, but only if you could like… I could still get a nanny. We can get a nanny Amelia.”

“Now you’re the one rambling.” Amelia’s annoyed voice came through. 

“I can stay with the kids and pick them up from school. It’s no problem.”

“Really?” Meredith squeaked. “Are you sure?”

“I’m sure Meredith. I’ll get them. Just send me the address to the school so I don’t get lost. Also I can take Scout.”

“But then you’d have four kids. Won’t that be too much?”

“It’ll be fine.”

“Are you ok?”

The question took her by surprise. She had thought she sounded chirpy enough through the phone. They couldn’t see her face. Meredith couldn’t see her face so how…

“Addison? Addie?”

“I’m fine, just tired. Did so many surgeries today.” 

“Are you sure?”

“I’m sure.”

“Really, really?”

“Yes.”

“Ok. Thanks for doing this.”

“It’s not a problem. Send me the address. I’m going to check on my patient and then I’ll head over to the grocery store and to pick up the kids.” 

“Ok.” Meredith said and she could hear the smile in her voice. “Amelia will be there in the morning.” 

“Sounds good.” But I wish it was you.

Chapter Text

“Something the matter? You look nice by the way.” Amelia brought her out of her thoughts, which had been invaded yet again by a certain redhead. 

“Addison.” 

“Huh?” 

“Nothing. She said she was tired so I was worried.” 

“Just that?”

“Yeah.”

“She’s ok. Trust me.” Amelia smiled encouragingly. 

“Ok. Did you let her know you’ll be getting there late tonight? I don’t want her to get scared when you walk in.” 

“I texted her already mom.” Amelia rolled her eyes and in turn so did she. “Now, you go enjoy this dinner with the hottie.” 

“Hmm.” 

“You not excited?”

“Yeah I guess I am. He’s nice and funny and pretty to look at.” Addison is prettier to look at though. No! Nope! Stop!

“Mer? Meredith!”

“Stop yelling!” 

“He’s here.”

“What?”

“You’re way too spaced out. Anyway I’m going too. My cab’s downstairs. Come on.”

“Right. Ok.” Meredith shook off her weird thoughts and walked over to the door with Amelia.

“Hi.” Nick grinned. 

“Hi.” She smiled. 

“Hello.” Amelia chirped behind her. “You two have fun.” She wiggled her brows and quickly left. 

“Ready?” Nick asked. 

“Yep.” No.

Dinner had been… nice. She couldn’t deny Nick was a great guy, passionate about his work, kind, funny. However, try as she might, she could hardly focus on the conversation with him. He had spoken a bit about everything, his life, his niece, his work and research. She had chimed in here and there of course but her head wasn’t totally there. Meredith felt awful. Nick had been so excited and eager and here she was… pinning. 

That’s what it was, she was pinning like never before. Pinning after someone she’d never be able to have. Why did it have to be Addison she had to set herself on? She had done so well before. Granted she was in love with Derek. Right? It was love, wasn’t it? 

She wanted to keep her head from thinking too much. She needed to distract herself but it wasn’t working. Especially since the moment she got into her room she had received a message from the person torturing her. It wasn’t just a message, it was a series of pictures of Addison with the kids. ‘Just to show you we’re all good’ , the message had read and she flicked through the pictures with a silly smile. Her kids had loved Addison instantly much like everyone did once they met her. 

It was impossible not to like her much less to hate her. That had been her issue when she met the redhead all those years ago. She couldn’t find it in herself to hate Addison at all. She actually craved her company. But how does the mistress get close to the wife?

“I need to stop!” Meredith said, throwing herself on the bed. “You won’t get anywhere thinking about this, Meredith.”

The ringing of her cell phone startled her from her thoughts. She frowned as she noticed the time. Grabbing her phone she noticed the call from Zola's iPad. She smiled and picked up the call. Soon her screen was filled with three smiling faces.

"Mom!" The kids greeted together.

"Hi, guys."

"Mom, Addie made pasta and it was awesome." Bailey chirped.

"She did?"

"Yeah, I ate it all." Ellis said proudly.

"Good Elle Belle. And now? what are you guys up to?"

"We're having another ice cream party!" Ellis cheered.

"You are? That's awesome!" She exclaimed as excited as the kids were. "Where's Addie?"

""She was putting Scout to bed." Zola replied. "But mom, we have something to tell you." The girl said in a near whisper while the younger kids giggled.

"Are you being naughty? I told you guys to behave for Addie."

"We are. Promise." Bailey said with a mischievous grin.

"somehow I don't believe that." Meredith said and was once more met with giggles. "Kids."

"I promise we're not being bad Momma." Ellis smiled innocently.

"All that giggling suggests otherwise. what's going on? You guys are being too suspicious."

"Ok, mom. We have to tell you something." Zola began. "Come on, Ellis. Tell her." She grinned knowingly.

"Momma..."Ellis started but soon giggled, covering her face.

"Hurry, Ellis." Bailey groaned impatiently

"Ok. Ok. Momma, Addie umm..." Ellis giggled again.

Meredith frowned but giggled along with her little girl. She wondered why her kids were acting so strangely. "Guys, what's going on?"

"Ellis..."Zola rolled her eyes. "Fine, I'll tell you mom. So this morning Ellis found your mark."

"My mark? What mark? Wait guys, hold on. Someone's knocking on the door." Meredith headed over and opened the door to find Nick's smiling face."Hello again." She frowned slightly.

"Hi. I know you said lunch tomorrow but I wanted to make sure everything was ok. And... I brought ice cream." Nick said, pulling out a tub of ice cream from behind his back.

"Mom." The kids whined.

"Sorry Nick. One sec." She told him and looked back at the kids. "Where were we? A mark, right?"

"Not a mark. Your mark. Your soulmate mark." Zola said in a 'duh' tone.

"What did you just say? What do you mean, Zozo?"

"It's Addie, mom!" Bailey shouted while the girls shushed him. "Sorry." He said a bit more quietly.

"What?"

"Addie has your mark Momma." Ellis chirped happily. "She has your feather on her hip."

"Addison does? Addison has my soulmate mark?"

"Meredith?" 

She faintly heard Nick call her but all she did was close the door and walk back to the bed, sitting at the edge. She felt numb, her kids' words bouncing inside her head. Addison, Addison was her...

"Mom, we found your soulmate." Bailey giggled excitedly.

"Shh, Bailey. If Addie hears you there won't be an ice cream party. I was supposed to keep the secret." Ellis shushed him.

"Mom?" Zola called.

"Hmm?"

"Are you ok?" Her daughter's worried eyes snapped her out of her trance.

"Fine,  Zozo.”

"Guys? What are you all up to? I was waiting downstairs." 

Meredith felt tingly all over as the redhead's voice, her soulmate's voice, rang through the phone. Ellis looked at her and drew an imaginary zipper across her lips with her adorable smile.

“Is that Meredith?” Addison asked, coming into view. “Hi.”

“Hi.” Meredith let out breathily. 

“You ok?” 

“Yup.”

“Sure?” Addison tilted her head adorably making the butterflies in her stomach flutter.

“Yup. Just tired.”

“Oh. Then why don’t we say goodnight to Mom and go have our little ice cream party so she can rest.”

“Yay!” Both Bailey and Ellis chirped. “Nite mom!” They sang before running out of the room.

“I’ll be right down, Addie.”

“Sounds good.” Meredith watched as the redhead caressed her oldest daughter’s cheek before looking at her once more. “Have a good night, Grey. Get some rest.” She winked before getting out of frame. 

“Is she gone?” 

“Mhmm. Mom…”

“I’m ok. Go have some ice cream. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Mom…”

“It’s ok, Zozo. Go.”

“Goodnight.”

“Goodnight, honey.”

As the screen went dark with the end of the call she felt the world crumbling around her. It was her. It really was her. Addison was her soulmate. She was the one person destined for her. The one she thought she’d never find. A choked sob left her and soon tears streamed down her face. 

This was some sick joke. Wasn’t it? A cruel twist of fate. Addison . That kindhearted, gentle, warm, gracious, amazing person who had come into her life so suddenly. The person she had hurt deeply all those years ago. She was her soulmate. This was absurd. This was utter chaos. A painful mess, much like everything in her life had been. Why did it have to be her? Just why? 

But also why hadn’t she said anything? Why had she asked Ellis to keep it a secret? And how long had she known about this? Had she been hiding it? Maybe she had found out long ago and decided to stay away from her. No one could blame Addison if that had been the case. Not even she could. What with the mess and pain she had brought to Addison’s life she wouldn’t have stayed either. But still. She could’ve said something. She could’ve done something. 

She should have. She could have. But she didn’t. She felt unimaginable pain gripping her heart as her sobs echoed in the room. Hugging a pillow tightly she let the pain consume her for a while until her phone dinged. After a few deep breaths to calm herself as much as possible she reached for the phone and another sob passed through her throat. 

-Incoming Message: Addison Montgomery

Grey, I do hope you’re ok. You are, right? Listen, I promise your kids are ok. I’ll make sure you come back to them still with all of their pieces attached.

Meredith, just tell me you’re ok. Please.

Meredith?

Meredith watched the multitude of texts coming through and gathered the strength to reply.

-Outgoing Message:

Sorry I was almost asleep. I’m fine. I trust you. Nite.

-Incoming Message

Oh good. Glad you trust me. I’m sorry. Get some rest. Nite.

The screen went dark again and she pulled the pillow back to her chest. Last thing she thought about as tears slid from her eyes and sleep began to take her was the conversation from the night before. 

“Are you best friends already?”  

“No we’re not.”

“Would you be with your soulmate? If you knew who they were and had them close?” 

“Would you? Do you want to?” 

“I uh… I don’t know.” 

“I wish you knew Addison. I so wish you did.” Meredith whimpered before sleep claimed her.

Chapter Text

Waking up to two little kids wrapped around her middle and with Amelia’s back pressed to her back while Zola was in front of the sleeping brunette was definitely something. Now this was an excellent jigsaw puzzle. She chuckled at the mess they were in the bed and wondered when exactly Zola, Bailey, and Amelia had snuck in. She had brought Ellis over because after Bailey’s teasing she didn’t want to sleep alone. 

“Mmm.” She heard Amelia groan and chuckled again. 

“Morning.” 

“Mhmm.” 

“Still not a morning person?”

“Mmm.”

“I’ll take that as a no.” She chuckled, watching the kids begin to stir and Scout jump in his crib while he held himself up. “Scout is a morning person.”

“Hmph.” 

“I think it’s time to wake up.” She sat up, nudging the brunette who groaned once more.

“Five minutes, Addie.”

“The kids have school.”

“Can you take them?”

“Yes. But you still have to wake up.”

“Tsk. Fine.”

“Fine.” She mimicked, mocking her sleepy sister. 

“Addie.” 

“Yeah , yeah. Now…”

“No, don’t.”

“MORNING EVERYONE!”

Addison stood at the entrance checking backpacks and lunch bags making sure the kids were all set before she took them to school. Once satisfied she opened the door grabbing the keys from Amelia. 

“Alright guys, let’s go before you’re all late.”

Soon all three kids were next to her and Amelia came over to say goodbye with Scout on her hip. Addison smiled as Ellis took her hand and she leaned down to kiss her forehead. Bailey seemed jealous and took her other hand so again she smiled and leaned down for a kiss on his forehead. The moment he got it he was out the door with a bright smile making his way to the car. She chuckled and then threw a glance at Zola, who was pressing her lips together and averting her eyes. 

“Psst.” She walked closer and smiled at her, lifting her chin before leaning down for another forehead kiss. “You get one too.”

Zola smiled brightly and went back towards Amelia to give her and Scout a kiss before heading out. 

“See you in a bit.” Amelia said to her and she nodded, sending her a wink. 

“See ya.”

The drive to the kids' school was rather short but filled with singing and giggles. She parked in front in order to let the two older ones get out in time for their class. 

“Alrighty. Zozo, Bailey, here's your stop. Your Aunt will be picking you up in the afternoon.” She announced to the two. 

“Will you come back?” Bailey asked with sad eyes.

“Maybe sometime soon & I'll bring Henry.” 

“Are you sure you don't want to stay longer?” Zola asked, biting her bottom lip.

“I live in LA. Plus I'm not sure if I can come back and live here.” 

“Why?”

“Just complicated grown up stuff.” She said, smiling as brightly as she could.

“Or soulmate stuff.” She heard Zola mutter something but didn’t quite catch it.

“Hmm?”

“Nothing.” Zola said quickly. “ Come on Bailey we'll be late. I really hope you come back soon Addie.”

“Me too. Bye. Be good.” She called while the two stepped out.

“Maybe.” Bailey said with a mischievous grin that reminded her of Meredith. She laughed and shook her head.

“Just don’t be too bad Bailey.” 

“Bye!” Both him and Zola said before running into the school.

“Bye… Well ladybug we have a few more minutes before you have to go in.

“Addie, do you really have to go.” Ellis pouted.

“I do.” She pouted back.

“Will you come back for Momma?”

“I don't know Ellis.”

“But why not?” The girl asked with that same expression Meredith gave her when she was begging for something.

“It's a little difficult.”

“But you have her mark. It's not difficult anymore because you found her. You don't have to keep playing hide and go seek. You won already. Now it's easy.” Ellis said using her child’s wisdom to tell her truths she didn’t want to hear. Because right now it all seemed anything but easy.

“Sure sounds like it, doesn't it?” 

She forced a smile and thanked the heavens Ellis attention had shifted to her friends playing in the jungle gym. Addison walked over with the girl and let her play a bit as she thought back to her words. “You won already.” But why does it feel like I’ve lost?

Meredith made it home late, she was beyond mad and more than ready to blow up on pretty much everyone. The day had begun with a headache and puffy eyes. She had had her meeting where she got bombarded with questions upon questions upon questions. And while she knew it was her job to answer and explain every little detail of the research she just didn’t want to. There had also been the ever persistent Nick, who after pleading with her had gotten quite the earful from her. Then to top it all off she had to sit at the airport for three hours because of a delay. Oh she was ready to pop. 

So ready that when she walked through the door and saw Amelia sitting on the couch she blew up on her. Because she had known about the stupid mark. There was no way she hadn’t known. She knew who Addison was and said nothing.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Meredith walked to the living room leaving her suitcase next to the stairs.

“Hello to you too. Did you have a nice flight? I did” 

“Amelia.” She huffed angrily.

“Fine. Tell you what?” 

“About Addison.”

“What are you-”

“Her mark. My mark!” 

“So they really are the same. Aren’t they?” Something like recognition flashed through the brunette’s eyes. 

“Nice find, Sherlock.”

“Why are you yelling at me?” Amelia waved her arms about. “Just because I look like my brother doesn’t mean I’m him.” 

Meredith stopped then and really stared at Amelia. Realization hit her like a bucket of cold water. Derek had known. He had known.

“He knew.” She breathed out and sat on the couch next to the brunette.

“Umm…”

“He knew and he didn’t tell me. Did he tell her?”

“I doubt it. Addie loves all of that fairytale crap. She’s always dreamed of finding her soulmate. Finding you, I guess.”

“It’s too late. She’s gone again and you didn’t say anything.” She spat with unshed tears in her eyes.

“Mer-”

“No! Why didn’t you tell me? You’ve seen my mark. You’ve seen hers. She was here. She was close again. And now she left and I said the whole thing about trying out with Nick. I told her about Nick and you let me. Why didn’t you say anything? Why-”

“Shut up!” Amelia interrupted her ramble suddenly. “I wasn’t sure. And if it’s bothering you this much you should just go find her. It’s not like you don’t know where she is. You can go get her. Stop yelling at me!”

“You stop yelling at me!” She spat back angrily.

“No you!”

“No you!”

“No you! Don’t you get it?” Amelia huffed. 

“Get what?!”

“My brain is a jumble Meredith!” Amelia stood and began to pace her eyes growing red, which in turn had Meredith soften her idiotic rage. 

“What’s wrong?” She asked worriedly, earning herself a bitter laugh from the brunette. 

“I found mine. My soulmate.”

“Amelia that’s… not good?”

“It’s fine. It’s good. It’s great. It’s Kai…” She sat back next to her and repeated what she had just said softly. “It’s Kai.”

“Amelia…” Meredith smirked. “Kai’s your soulmate? They’re hot.”

“They are.”

“So what’s the issue?”

“Everything.” Amelia shook her head. “I have a kid. I have Link. They’re amazing.”

“I don’t see the problem. A kid has nothing to do with your soulmate and Kai seemed to love when you showed them the pictures. Link… who cares? And you’re amazing too, you idiot.” 

“So it’s ok?” Amelia asked as if looking for some assurance.

“Of course it's ok you dummy. Not complicated at all. Unlike me. My life is a mess.” 

“Mer…” Amelia began but her cellphone rang. “It’s Kai.” She said excitedly. 

“Go.” She smiled at the brunette.

“Ok.” Amelia smiled back. “You should go get her, you know?” 

After that Amelia was gone running up the stairs. Meredith sat back on the couch bringing her knees to her chest while wrapping her arms around them. She thought she was alone until very familiar light steps padded down the stairs.

“Mom?” Zola called.

“Hey. I missed you.” She said putting her legs down and opening her arms to wrap the girl in a hug as she made her way towards her.

“Me too.” 

“How are you? And what are you doing up, young lady?”

“You’re loud.” Zola giggled. 

“Oh. Sorry.”

“It’s ok.” Zola shrugged. “So Addie was daddy’s first wife, wasn’t she? And daddy didn’t tell you she was your soulmate.”

“Zozo, I…”

“It’s ok. It was wrong but I understand what daddy did.”

“You do?”

“He loved you too much to let you go.”

“I suppose he did.”

“He made you happy, right?” Zola asked and Meredith found herself nodding because yes Derek had been an ass but mostly he had made her happy. 

“Yes, he did.”

“Then I guess we can forgive him a bit.” 

“I… I guess we can.”

“But we’re still allowed to be mad, mom.”

“You’re always so right. How do you do that?” 

“You’re my mom.” Zola said cheekily, making her chuckle and pull her into another hug. “Mom? Are you gonna go get Addie?” 

“I-I don’t know, Zozo. I think it’s too late.”

“I don’t think it’s ever late. Besides, she can be more than a great love.”

“... more than a great love?” 

“She’s your soulmate mom. She’d complete you. She’d make you happy forever. She’d be your true love like in the fairytales. She could be your grand love. Your colossal love. Your behemoth love. A gargantuan love.” Zola stretched her arms as if trying to show how big that love would be and giggled. 

“Wow.” Meredith chuckled. “Learned new words, it seems. I think I have enough love with you and your brother and your sister. No need to be greedy.”

“Mom… I told you. Love isn’t like candy. You can’t be too greedy for it. And you’ll never be too full.”

“I always forget how wise you are.” Meredith smiled and kissed her cheek. 

“I love you mom and I want you to be happy.”

“I am happy.” 

“There’s room for more of that too.”

“Uh…”

“Hey momma!”

“Elle Belle. You’re up.” 

“You’re home.” The little girl grinned and made her way to her.

“Did I wake you up?” She asked and Ellis shook her head. 

“The monster came back ‘cause Addie left. Bailey said.” 

“Bailey.” Meredith scolded as she saw her son poking his head from the railing of the stairs.

“No, I didn’t.” He said.

“He did.” Ellis insisted.

“Bailey.” 

“Sorry.” He muttered looking at her.

“Not to me.”

“Sorry, Ellis.”

“And?” Meredith pressed.

“I chased the monster away.”

“You did?” Ellis' eyes light up in admiration.

“Mhmm.”

“Ok. Why don’t we all go to bed?” Meredith said standing up. 

“Yeah. Go to bed. You’re all too loud.” Maggie said.

“You’re here.”

“It’s my house too.”

“You came back, is what I meant.” 

“Oh, yeah.”

“Ok. Everyone to bed.”  Meredith said and the two youngest raced up the steps with her following behind. 

“I’ll get some water. Aunt Maggie, can you help me?”

Meredith woke up from a haze feeling the presence of another person in the room. Cracking one eye open she noticed it wasn’t any person, no, it was Ellis Grey.

“You’re definitely my daughter.”

“Mom?” 

“Don’t look so surprised, dear.”

“What?” Meredith questioned and her mother rolled her eyes.

“That’s what I want to know. What are you doing?”

“I was sleeping.”

“Don’t use that tone with me.” 

“Why are you here, Mom?”

“To tell you what you need to hear.” Ellis shrugged and this time it was Meredith’s turn to roll her eyes. 

“Which is?”

“Again with the tone.”

“Mom.” 

“Your daughter is smart.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Be like her, Meredith!” Exasperation bled into her mother’s tone. “Don’t be like me.”

“What?” Meredith was still confused as hell. 

“That redhead… I like her.”

“Mom?”

“Go get Addison. I gotta go.”

“Mom, wait.”

“Make me even prouder than I already am. Be better than me .” 

“ Mom … Mom… ”

“Mom?” Zola’s voice dragged her out of the dream swiftly. 

“Hmm?” She muttered sleepily. 

“Morning!” Zola cheered. 

“Zozo? Morning. Isn’t it a bit too early for you?” 

“It can’t wait.”

“What can’t?” She asked, sitting up. “Are you ok?”

“Here.” Zola grinned and handed her a paper with an airplane ticket printed on it. 

“What’s this?”

“Aunt Amelia and Aunt Maggie helped me.”

“LA?”

“Yep.” Zola smiled brightly. “So you can go see her.” 

“Zozo.” She let out in a half whimper.

“You’ll be late mom.”

“Ok.” She chuckled but sobered up quickly. “But Zozo, me going doesn’t mean I’ll come back with her.” 

She needed to ensure her daughter understood as well as herself. Talking to Addison was just that, talking. The redhead’s willingness to come was hers and hers alone. Meredith wouldn’t push or beg. She may ask once or even twice but if Addison said no then that was that. Zola snapped her out of the dark by holding onto her hands.

“But you’ll have done something. Go get her. I like her.” 

“Morning.” Amelia chimed from the open doorway.

“Hi, momma!” Both Ellis and Bailey said.

“Hi.” Maggie waved from the door.

“Momma are you gonna go get Addie?” Ellis asked, jumping on the bed. 

“Are you?” Bailey asked. “She’s nice.”

“She’s awesome. She has the feather like you and me.” Ellis smiled. 

“Yours is different and it’s black.” Bailey said.

“I don’t care.”

“Guys.” Amelia admonished. 

“So?” Maggie asked eagerly.

“Wanna help me pack?” Meredith asked and everyone celebrated and cheered. 

“Yes!”

Chapter Text

It was a nice day. Not too hot or too chilly, with a gentle breeze that made her red hair sway in the wind while she lounged on her deck. Henry was gone. Him and Jake were downtown at one of those dreadful model train exhibits. Henry didn’t like trains but Jake had bribed him with going to the arcade afterwards, which had left her alone. Alone with the sea breeze and her loud mind.

She thought of the short time spent in Seattle and of how much happened in such little time. The transplant should have been the highlight of her stay however Meredith had stolen the spotlight with the whole soulmate thing. Crazy how big and small the world can be all at the same time. One minute you’re talking to your ex-husband’s widow and the next to your soulmate. 

The ringing of the doorbell brought her back from her daydreams. She had been waiting for chinese food. There was nothing like crappy tv and crappy food to fill the brain with anything but problems. Wine could also work or something stronger but the idea of a hangover wasn’t very pleasing. 

She made her way to the door, grabbing her wallet as she walked by the kitchen counter. As she opened it she felt her heart stop for a second when baby blue eyes stared back at her.

“Meredith? What-”

“If I keep a secret will I get an ice cream party too?” 

The question left her brain empty for an instant only registering the fact that Meredith had slightly lifted her shirt a few seconds after the baby blues eyes drifted to the reddish feather on her hip. Addison felt her cheeks grow warm and knew she had flushed considerably.

“Busted?” 

“I’d say so.” 

“Come in.” Addison said, averting her eyes sheepishly. 

“Never thought I’d see that.” 

“Yeah well I never thought I’d see many things.” She looked back at Meredith, who averted her eyes this time around making her chuckle. “You have my dinner?” She asked, noticing the bag of food in her other hand.

“Yeah. Smells nice. I tipped the driver.”

“Thank you.” Addison smiled, taking the bag of food from her. “Go on, I’m right behind you.”

Meredith timidly walked in and she led her to the living room, offering her a drink. The blonde opted for water instead of wine, which given the situation they were in was a rather good idea. Addison took the food to the kitchen and brought back the cups of water for the two of them. Sitting next to Meredith she noticed just how nervous and fidgety the blonde was so she decided to start or at least try to start with the inevitable conversation. 

“So…”

“Yeah.” Meredith’s voice sounded tiny so the redhead took a deep breath.

“Do we go straight to the point or shall we exchange amenities?” Meredith remained silent and she released a sigh. “Thought so. How was Minnesota?”

“Great. Annoying. Awful.” 

“In that order? That's one nasty fall.” 

“Agreed. I tried to make it great again but…” Meredith’s voice died out and Addison gave her a small sad smile. The blonde turned away and let out her own sigh. “How long have you known?”

“Hmm what day is it today? I think three days? Yeah, three days.”

“You… you didn’t…”

“Didn't say?” Addison readily supplied. “Probably because I was afraid.” She replied and Meredith turned to look at her again with a frown.

“Afraid?”

“How was your date?” Addison asked, trying to change the subject quickly. Meredith stopped looking at her wringing her fingers. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that.”

“How’d you mean it?”

“I don’t know.” 

They remained quiet for a while, the atmosphere heavy and tense. Addison tried to figure out what to say next but her brain had emptied all over again. 

“I thought finding my soulmate would be refreshing and happy.” Meredith tore through the silence albeit quietly. 

“And?”

“It wasn’t. It was painful.” 

Hearing her words hurt her deeply. But what exactly had she expected? Why would Meredith want someone like her? Their past was overwrought by pain much of which she had caused. Swallowing the lump in her throat as tears pricked her eyes she began to ready herself. Lifting an absurd amount of walls to cover herself from whatever the blonde would say next. 

“I hurt you.” Addison looked at her completely confused as she spoke. “I caused you so much pain. Derek caused you pain and all of it was because of me.”

“No.”

“I knew you were hurting. I could see it. Hell, I think I could feel you braking slowly. So how could I? How could I feel happy or refreshed?”

“Meredith…”

“I have all of these memories replaying in my head and in most of them your eyes only reflect pain, so much pain and so much hurt. Pain and hurt I put in there. I-”

“Stop!” Addison shouted, taking her face full of tears in her hands, knowing full well her own face was wet with her own tears. “Stop it.”

“I’m sorry. And I’m sorry I never said it.”

“Meredith, stop it. Please stop.” She said, pressing her forehead against hers. “It hurts me more to see you take blame that isn’t yours. 

“But…”

“Don’t.” 

Meredith quickly closed her mouth, staring at her through teary eyes while she did the same. They stayed like that for a while until the blonde cracked a smile which made her chuckle.

“What?”

“It’s tingling. Can you feel it?”  

“I guess what they say about the beginning is true.” Addison smiled earning herself a smile from the blonde, which quickly withered. Meredith pulled her face away from her hands and looked away. “I-I’m sorry.”

“What happens now?” The blonde asked.

“I don’t know.” 

“What were you afraid of?” 

“I…” Addison began and pressed her lips together for a few seconds before she continued on. “I was afraid of your reaction. All I could think of was: what if she knows and wants nothing to do with me? What if I tell her and she hates the idea of even letting me be close?”

“Why wouldn’t I want you close?”

“Same reason you’d think I wouldn’t.” She chuckled bitterly. “Meredith, I’m the person who brought so much pain to your life. I walked into it and destroyed your happy world.”

“It really does hurt.”

“What?” 

This time it was Meredith who caressed her cheek and Addison couldn’t help the whimper that escaped her. 

“Watching you take the blame that doesn’t belong to you.” Meredith repeated her own words. “Aren’t we two peas in a pod? Definitely soulmates.” She added, making her chuckle. 

“Meredith… is it too late? Are you… Do you… What do you want?”

“You have your life here and I… well I’m in Seattle.”

“Right, but what do you want?”

“The kids love you, you know? They sent me here with the purpose of bringing you back. Amelia and even Maggie, who doesn’t know you, asked me to do it. Hell, even my mother gave her seal of approval, which isn’t an easy feat, even when it was a dream.”

“Guess I should feel proud.” 

“You should.”

“It’s good to know that they want me but what about you?” She asked wanting, needing, to know. Meredith looked at her for a few seconds as if trying to gather her courage. 

“Is it too late to have you? Are we too late? Do you have room for me? Because I want you, Addison.” Meredith teared up once more. “I think I’ve loved you for a very long time.”

“I-I want you too. I don’t think it’s too late. How could it?” She smiled through the tears which ran down her cheeks. “And I have more than enough room for you, Meredith. I’ll always have room. I'll never be too full.”

Meredith chuckled and surged toward surprising her by pressing her lips to hers. A shock ran through her and she sat still which had the blonde pulling back and beginning to apologize. However, Addison only smiled brighter, taking Meredith’s face in her hands and pulling her into a proper kiss. 

Do you know what it feels like when you place the last piece of a complex puzzle? Or when you have that one shape in Tetris that completes several rows clearing everything? That’s what it felt like, kissing Meredith. It was as if everything fit so perfectly. As if she held a lock and Meredith it’s only key.

There were so many sensations. She was burning and drowning and buzzing with electricity. Her heart hammered against her chest and a soothing sensation spread from her mark and across her body. This had been the kiss she had waited for, longed for, most of her life. 

Her lips were perfect fit, full and soft, welcoming and magnetic. She didn’t know if she’d ever have enough. She could’ve just kept kissing and tasting but air was needed soon and they pulled away panting with their foreheads pressed to each other. 

“That was… that…” Meredith attempted to speak but words seemed to fail her. But she already knew what she’d and also what she wanted next. 

“I know. Perfect.” 

“So then… what happens now?” 

Addison was about to reply when there was a knock on the door. She knew who it was by their knock and smiled. 

“Now you get to meet my son and we get to break all the news.” 

“All the news?” 

“I get to break them to you too, I guess.” She said with a wink, heading towards the door.

“Mommy! I won all of the prizes. I’m awesome!” Henry announced as he walked in with a bag of toys and candy. She stepped out just enough to wave at Jake.

“That’s great, little man. We’ll just not eat all of that candy in one sitting.” 

“Ahh.”

“No whining, sir.”

“Three different ones?”

“Fine. Four different ones.” She smiled and filled him with kisses, making him laugh. “Now, how about you come with me. We have a visitor I want you to meet.” 

“Ok.” 

“Hello.” Meredith smiled a bit timidly at them as they stepped out of the hallway and into the living room. “I’m Meredith and you must be Henry.”

“Yup! Hi. She your friend, mommy?” 

“Henry, Meredith is actually my soulmate.” She explained and watched the boy frown for a bit before his face broke into a wide grin.

“You’re mommy’s?!” 

“It seems like it.” Meredith smiled brightly at Henry who was now bouncing next to Addison.

“You found her mommy! You found her!”

“I did.” 

“She’s so pretty. You’re so pretty.”

“Why thank you.” Meredith replied with a chuckle. 

“Alright, now there’s something else, Henry. Why don’t we go sit with Meredith?” She said pointing to the couch. Henry ran and sat next to Meredith while she sat next to him. “Ok, so Meredith lives up in Seattle and…”

“Where you went on the plane?” Henry asked.

“Yes, where I went on the plane. So since she lives over there I-”

“Are we moving?” Henry interrupted her and Meredith’s eyes went wide.

“Well uh-”

“Isn’t there snow in Seattle?” Henry continued. 

“Yes.”

“Are there kids to play with there? I’ll miss Mason and Lucas and the girls.” He said a bit sad. “But we can come visit, right?”

“Well yeah but umm…” 

“You’re moving back?” Meredith said with fresh tears in her eyes. 

“I mean, yes? My research is already being done there and there’s a physician crisis and you’re there.” Addison bit her lip nervously.

“You’re moving back?”

“Only if that’s ok with you.” 

“Henry, there’s snow and at least three kids, Zola, Bailey, and Ellis. And yes… you’re moving.” Meredith giggled and brushed the few tears that had escaped her.

“We’re moving!” Henry shouted happily before quickly getting up and heading to the stairs.

“Henry, where are you going?” Addison asked. 

“To pack. I need to get clothes and shoes and my toys and my Xbox and my comic books. Plus the blanket. Can I start with the toys first?” Her son seemed even more excited with the whole idea than either her or Meredith which made her chuckle.

“Sure.” 

Henry headed once more towards the stairs but stopped dead in his tracks turning to face them. First he looked at her and after a bit smiled then he ran to Meredith with his cute grin. 

“Thank you.” He said, placing a kiss on Meredith’s cheek. “For making mommy happy.” 

He smiled and gave her another kiss before running up the stairs. Meredith seemed more stunned than she was, starring after him. 

“He knows you.” Meredith muttered. “I can see that small glint. Something shimmering in your eyes. Seems he sees it too.” She said with a knowing smirk that made her chuckle. 

“Meredith… I think I've also loved you for a long time.”

Meredith smiled brightly and shuffled over her hands cupping her face and bringing her in for a kiss which was interrupted by the doorbell. The blonde groaned, making her giggle. She placed a kiss on her nose which withered the setting pout, replacing it with a smile.

“Hold that thought.”

“Ok.” Meredith giggled.

Addison stood but before she got to the actual hallway leading to the door she heard it open. She frowned a bit confused, the only other person that had a key was Jake and Amelia of course but she was back in Seattle. She heard quick steps running down the short hall and Ellis’ face popped around the corner. 

“Ellis?” 

“Addie!” The blonde girl cheered and ran to her crashing herself against her legs. 

“What are you… guys?” Meredith said, standing behind her and looking at where Zola and Bailey now stood at the end of the hallway, grinning happily. 

“Hi!”The two said together. 

“How did you get here? How’d you get in?” Meredith asked. 

“I have keys.” Amelia announced, popping into view.

“This is a nice place.” Maggie said, walking in behind her. “Hello, Addison. I’m Maggie. Nice to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you too.” Addison smiled. “So do I get a hug from you two?” She asked the kids who quickly made their way to her and gave her a big group hug.

“What’re you guys doing here?”

“I figured, knowing Addie, that you’d need a lot of help with packing.” Amelia said with a shrug.

“You don’t even know if-” Meredith began but was quickly interrupted.

“Yes, I do.”

“Are you coming home with us Addie?” Zola asked. 

“I umm…” 

“Mommy?” Henry said coming down the stairs. “Aunt Amy!” He ran excitedly to Amelia who took him in a hug. “We’re moving, Aunt Amy.”

“You are?” Amelia smiled down at him.

“You are?” Bailey looked at her and then back at Henry. “Hi, I’m Bailey. And that’s Zozo and Ellis.”

“Hi. You guys wanna play?” Henry asked, disentangling himself from Amelia.

“Yes!” Bailey and Ellis said, following Henry up the stairs.

“So Addie? Are you and mom going to be together now?” Zola asked, biting her lip. Meredith slipped her hand into hers and she smiled at the girl. 

“Yes.”

“It worked! Good. We did it.” Zola cheered. 

“Thanks.” Addison winked and felt Meredith press a kiss on her cheek. 

“So mom, are you too full?”

“We’re never too full of a soul’s love. Isn’t that right?” Meredith smirked at her daughter.

“Right.” Zola giggled. 

“Alright then. Let’s get packing!” Amelia said and Maggie nodded. “And you two only have ten minutes out on the deck we have work to do. Bailey only allowed us a week to pack her up.”

“Bailey knows?” Addison asked.

“And Richard. Sorry he was there when we told Bailey we needed some time off. Plus, I think some of the residents know.” Maggie supplied. 

“Yeah, I don’t think Helm took it well. She’s always saying there’s a connection.” Amelia said with a shrug.

“There’s no connection.” Addison said a bit harshly. “Meredith’s mine.” She nearly growled and then felt her cheeks burn. “I… sorry.”

“It’s fine. I am yours.” Meredith smiled and pulled her into a kiss. 

“Mom.” Zola groaned. 

“Mommy stop, we need to pack.” Henry’s voice rang from the stairs.

“Yes. Addie.” Ellis chirped.

“Come on, mom.” Bailey joined in.

“Yes. Momma.” Ellis giggled, making her and Meredith chuckle while Amelia moved to the stairs pulling Maggie and Zola along.

“Ok. Ok. Ten minutes you two. Let’s go guys. Give the soulmates a few.”

Once left alone she looked at Meredith and smiled. Meredith mirrored her smile, placing her hands on her waist to bring her closer.

“We’re really doing this?” Addison asked.

“Yes.” Meredith nodded. “You want to though, right?”

“I so want to.”

“It’ll be a bit challenging.” The blonde warned. “I don’t care about our history but others do.”

“When has that stopped you? When has it stopped me?” Addison countered. “I’ll have you, right?”

“Most definitely.” Meredith pressed her forehead against hers. “I found you… well you found me. Now that I have what makes me complete I’ll never let go, Addison.”

“That’s good. Because after everything I don’t think I could ever let you go.” 

Giggles rang from the stairs and they both turned to find four pairs of eyes grinning down at them from the stairs.

“We should’ve probably gone to the deck.” Meredith muttered.

“I agree.” She muttered back.

“Moms, let's go.” All four kids said running away.

“Did they just…” 

“I guess. We should probably go help before Amelia and Maggie come looking too."

"You're right. Ready for this?" Addison said with a bright smile.

"With you? Ready for everything."