A/N Thanks y'all for sticking with me, this one is important for the development of the story and doesn't have major plot points.. I don't own anything. Longer A/N at the bottom :)

April had always had the habit of waking up early, so when she noticed that the cock next to the bed read 10:08 am she shot straight up. She had slept erratically that night. She had awoke multiple times soaked in sweat, her throat aching from screams she couldn't prevent from escaping.

April showered and was grateful for her insight to pack all her toiletries. As she scoured her skin with hot water and soap she prayed for the feeling of being dirty to go away. She scrubbed till her skin was nearly raw. April got dressed as quickly as possible after stepping out of the steamy bathroom and into the chilly bedroom, still not comfortable with scars, with her nakedness.

After putting her jeans and Ohio State sweatshirt on she took the time to explore the apartment. There was no way that she could afford anything like this. If Mark really wanted to help then he could help her find some place smaller. April would never have guessed that Mark Sloan would want to be her ally, even if it was temporary. She wouldn't pretend that she didn't appreciate it; it was nice to know that someone had her back. Even if it was coming from the most renowned flirt in the medical world.

Her stomach growled and April sighed. She couldn't remember the last time that she had the energy to eat. At the frat house she had slipped into the role of feeding others so quickly that it would make her cranky Grammy Kepner smile, because that's what Kepner woman did, they fed people. So she cooked for the others, she did what she was supposed to do to battle tragedy, she armed herself with a whisk. She snorted, she had done nothing but take away a pizza boy's tips and halt Jackson's impending heart attack by a few hours.

She jumped as she heard a knock at the door. April breathed, knowing that the only person it could be is Sloan. Still, she checked the peep hole, making sure it was him, not wanting to have to deal Girl Scouts or Mormons. Seeing Mark opened the door.

"Morning sunshine. I brought coffee." Mark Sloan knew Arizona and Callie had left nothing when they went to Africa. "I also may have brought some breakfast, you're not a vegetarian are you?" He started to empty out the to-go bag and April's stomach grumbled at the aroma of bacon.

"Mark, I was raised on a farm. I ate my first pet." Sloan let out a full bellied laugh at her response. "He was yummy too. Caleb the cow. He was a great listener." April smiled as she reminisced.

"I don't think that is normal Kepner. Help yourself. I figure that we can go shopping for real groceries later. The faucet in the kitchen is leaky so I'll have to fix that before I go to the hospital tonight. Did you leave anything at Meredith's?" He knew that she was going to fight him on this, that she would try to refuse, claiming that she wouldn't want to be a burden.

"Mark listen, it's really kind of you to try to help, but I can't afford this place. I just need to find someplace cheap and near the hospital. If I could crash for another couple of nights, until I find something that would be great, and I can even clean this place up in exchange. If you don't mind me-" She trails as off as Mark glares at her.

" Listen Kepner. I'm trying. I'm trying to help. I think for once you need someone to help you. So I am going to do it. Not because I feel obligated. Not because I pity you. I want to help because I can. I know that I don't know you very well, but you deserve more than what you have been getting lately. I am currently reserving the right to help you. Even if you don't want it. Okay?" He stunned her into silence. Mark almost laughed at the deer in the headlights look on her face.

"Okay," she smiled sheepishly at the. "But I am going to need you to be more specific about how you would like to help me."

"Well to start with you are staying here now. This apartment will become your home. Your rent will be 100$ a month plus utilities. You will not argue about it. You will also not ride the bus anymore. The hospital is literally across the street and someone will drive you anywhere else that you need to go. Any questions?" He sounded like Mrs. Shepard even to his own ears.

"What's my curfew dad?" April quipped.

"It's good to see that you haven't lost your humor Kepner. But seriously if you need anything ask." She nodded and shifted on her heels, "Just ask Kepner."

"God, I cannot believe that I am asking you this but will you. Could you. Can you teach me how to drive. Please."

A/N Thanks again guys... Anyway, Glad you are all enjoying the Sloan/April friendship... I kind of like it. A Few of you have mentioned jealousy. Totally going to happen. More from Lexi than Jackson though. I do however have one question, what do you think about April already being aware of her feelings for Jackson? I kind of like the idea. Anyway thank you all. My goal is to update regularly on Tuesdays and Fridays... The frequent updates are just me getting into the swing of things :) xoxo