A Soldier Through and Through

A/N: Yet again, so sorry for the delay! I have loads of ideas (including April's sisters, April and Jackson's living situation and more) but I am short on time and sleep at the moment. I adore all the reviews that everyone has been leaving, they definitely help to motivate me! This is part 1/2 of this particular 'mini-arc'.

"Knock knock!" a cheery, brusque voice called out as the door eased open to allow patent leather Jimmy Choo's, mile long legs, this seasons Chloe pencil skirt and chiffon wrap blouse and a curtain of vivid red hair to enter. Addison Montgomery Forbes was eager and early.

Jackson turned around quickly from the sink where he was washing his hands, surprised at her seven am appearance. His sudden movement combined with the water that danced out from his wet hands caused April to jump in bed and gasp in pain as her IV jiggled within her vein and her dressings chafed against her wound. In turn, this caused May to un-latch as she fed and begin wailing in protest. Basically, it was a zoo in room 707.

Addison took this in her stride as she dropped her very expensive looking bag and briefcase onto the chair as Jackson and April stared at her in their sleep deprived state of surprise and stupor. The senior surgeon quickly took stock of the situation and rolled up her sleeves with efficiency. She moved over to grab several paper towels before shoving them into Jackson's damp hands as he began to regain the use of his tongue.

"Oh thank you, Doctor Forbes. Eh, sorry we weren't expecting you this early. We're a bit all over the place at the moment." He dried off his hands and began attempting to compose himself, while also trying to hep April.

Addison waved him away as she plucked an extra pillow from the bedside locker and came beside an obviously pained April. She then lifted the other woman's shoulders up before placing the pillow under them as an extra support. The older woman then studied May for a few seconds with the eye of someone with an immense amount of experience with infants before picking her up and re-adjusting her in her mother's arms. With her characteristic straight forward attitude Addison then gently manoeuvred the baby towards her mother's chest and assisted May in latching on again. Relative peace reigned again.

Addison picked up the chart at the end of the bed and began flipping through it as she spoke with ease, "Sorry that I'm here so early but I got in yesterday evening and I couldn't sleep so I figured that you would be awake anyway so I might as well come over and get started. Now Arizona and Bailey filled me in as to why I'm needed over the phone, they said there was an emergency delivery done in less than ideal circumstances but I'm still a little confused. Would both of you be able to give me a bit more background?" She quirked an eyebrow up, giving both of the other surgeons a friendly, reassuring 'I've been trained in patientcare' smile.

"It's really nothing, not a big deal at all," April tried to brush the situation off as she absentmindedly combed her fingers through her daughter's hair.

"No, it is a very big deal," Jackson interrupted with a pointed tone and a frown creasing his brow. "Six days ago April went into labour while at Meredith's house. There was a huge storm raging and she and Warren couldn't make it to the hospital and the ambulance service was swamped. Warren checked how dilated she was and found that the baby was breech with a prolapsed cord. He performed a caesarean on Mer's kitchen table using Ellis Grey's old scalpel and tea towels…."

"Oh my god!" April interjected suddenly. "The table!"

Both Addison and Jackson looked questioningly at her and then at each other as though trying to discern whether she had been given too many painkillers. Jackson tentatively gave her a reply, "Yeah, Meredith's table, what about it?"

"I had surgery on it," April retorted with her characteristic incredulous tone and facial expression. "I need to get Mer a new table, there is no way she and her kids are eating at that thing anymore. I was naked and bleeding on it!"

All of three of them let that image sink in while twisting their faces into looks of mild horror and disgust. "Oh god you're right, we can send her a voucher to that upscale place on Elm a 'sorry and thank you gift." Jackson decided quickly.

"I can guarantee that much worse things have occurred in Meredith Greys house over the years." Addison piped up drily, clearly remembering all the antics that occurred in the house of ill intern reputeover the years. "Anyway, you were saying that Bailey's husband cut April open with no anaesthetic and only one surgical tool?"

"Yep," April answered, popping her mouth on the end of the word and looking mildly uncomfortable. "Warren did a classic vertical cut on my lower abdomen, there was no time to make things pretty." She smiled wanly at her own attempt at humour before helping May to unlatch and buttoning her pyjama top again. Jackson moved to take the baby and wind her as the new mother gratefully nestled against the pillows.

Addison noticed that the other woman was running the corners of a small baby quilt through her hands, it was a nervous tell of sorts. "I can't fathom that amount of pain, how long were you awake for?" She asked, gently, her eyes soft and her tone caring.

April didn't look at any of them as she replied, instead focusing on the blanket in her hands. "It was like a burning, searing pain that just spread everywhere. It was the kind of sensation that just eclipses everything and anything else. I think I screamed but I don't really know, it was all white hot for a long time. But hey, having babies always hurts, right?" Her attempt at humour was feeble and did nothing to mask her trauma.

Jackson paused with May resting on his shoulder, he cupped her head and briefly closed his eyes before looking straight at April. "You screamed. Understandably. It stopped when you passed out from the pain and sudden blood loss. I'm not sure how long it took but the silence was just as terrifying. Ben pulled May out from the enlarged cut he made and tied off the cord before he began to pack you. He managed to get her circulation going and to clear her airways as he packed you and put pressure on your abdomen. You had six of Meredith's tea towels in you at one point." Their eyes met as each one began to gain an understanding of the trauma the other one had experienced just days previously.

Addison let out a long, low whistle. "Wow Kepner, that's certainly….. intense. You're a soldier and I take my hat off to you."

Both Jackson and April looked at her questioningly. "Have you been talking to Owen?" April asked, giving Addison a genuine, warm smile.

"Hunt? No, I just call it like I see. Now, would you mind me examining you?" She deftly moved forward after receiving a nod of consent and began to palpate April's abdomen before examining the wound and incision site.

Another tap on the door caused all three to glance at the door expectantly once again. Bailey strode in purposefully, giving them all a wide smile. "I should have known you would be early Addison. My god it's good to see you!"

The two women hugged fiercely and briefly caught up with each other before remembering the reason they were in the room. Bailey quickly glanced at the notes that Addison had taken as the OB began to explain her treatment plan.

"Now, considering the circumstances surrounding your two traumatic births you are doing very well and you're extremely lucky that you didn't need a hysterectomy. I've formulated a laparoscopic surgical method that enhances uterine healing, reduces the risk of uterine rupture and bleeding. Basically, I can make your womb a safer place for any further pregnancies, reduce your risk of clots and lessen your chances of abnormal menstrual bleeding. You are an ideal candidate and I would recommend that you go forward with the procedure. I can perform it this afternoon under local anaesthesia as its success greatly increases when it is performed closer to the original surgery or trauma. Questions?" Finishing her explanation she moved to her briefcase and pulled out a bunch of papers detailing all the finer points of the procedure, a leaflet on possible risk and complications and several medical journals where her treatment had been written about and covered.

Both Jackson and April quickly scanned the material as Bailey and Addison chatted away. April decided within a few minutes and gave her consent for the surgery just as May let out a gurgle from Jacksons arms, demanding that once again, she be the centre of attention.

"Oh my goodness, I haven't even had a chance to look at the person who caused all the fuss in the first place," Addison cooed as she bent over and scooped up the baby with an expert hand before sitting down next to Jackson. "She's just darling, what's her full name? I didn't see it on the chart when I was looking at her bilirubin levels." She deftly began to examine May while the baby was balanced on her lap.

"May Everret Wren Kepner-Avery, which is a little bit of mouthful, but it suits her." April replied with a grin, clearly pleased at being able to test out that particular new combination that would soon work its way into her regular vocabulary.

Addison's head snapped up, "For Mark?" She asked tentatively.

This time it was Jackson's turn to reply, "Yeah, for Sloan. He was an incredible mentor and he gave me a talk that's the reason I'm a father to Samuel and May. I'll always owe him a lot."

"That's perfect, god his huge ego would have loved having a baby named after him", Addison held the baby up in front of her face and gave her a gentle kiss with a smile on her lips.

Bailey piped up, breaking the fragile air, "Though I would appreciate if you and Grey could stop getting yourselves into situations whereby my husband or I have to save your lives and your repay when you name your babies. Don't get me wrong I like having kids named after us but I also really love nice bottles of wine and gift cards to hotels."

"Duly noted Bailey", Jackson laughed.

All four adults turned to look at the baby as she gave a soft sigh in Addison's arms and lost the fight to sleep. For a short time everything was quiet and peaceful and everyone was living in the present.