Healing Process

I apologize for such a long wait. But this was one of the harder chapters to write because I had to debate who should find out, when etc… But thanks to Flick and Mel for their ideas, I wouldn't have finished! Enjoy!

Chapter 36: The Meaning of a Kiss

This could be the very minute
I'm aware I'm alive
All these places feel like home

"Mark?" Addison said into the phone, confused more than anything else.

"Hello Addison," He said into the phone.

"Did I call the wrong number?" She asked, but was 99.9 sure that she had.

"No, you didn't. I'm with Ava."

"You're with Ava….you're here in Seattle?"

"Yes."

"Why are you answering Ava's phone?"

"I saw your name come up and considering that Quinn is sick I thought I should in case something happened."

"Where is Ava?"

"She's asleep Addie," Mark said as he looked down at Ava who was passed out in his arms. She had gone down without so much as a sleeping pill. She found the comfort that she needed in him. "She's safe if that's what you're worried about."

"Good-that's good," Addison said. "Mark, why are you with Ava?"

"I called her and she told me what happened. Ava was obviously upset so I took the next flight out."

"So you two are friends again?"

"Yeah, we live near each other. I've been looking out for Ava."

Addison found herself letting out a sigh of relief, "Mark thank you for watching out for Ava. It means a lot to me, especially with Quinn sick."

"It's been my pleasure Addie. Call me if you or Quinn need anything."

"I will. Bye."

"Goodbye Addison."

With a name I'd never chosen
I can make my first steps
As a child of 25

Ava awoke under a very soft comforter feeling very warm and comfortable. Upon opening her eyes, she discovered that she was naked and that a pair of strong arms was snaking around her waist.

"How did you sleep?" Mark asked kissing her neck.

"I slept surprisingly well actually," She said leaning over and kissing him.

"I'm glad to hear that. I ordered room service."

"That was sweet of you."

"I thought we could have a quiet morning before you go see Quinn."

"I love the way you think, except that I think this morning will be anything but quiet," She said with a smirk.

"That's the way I like it," He whispered in her ear as he kissed her neck again.

She moaned softly, "You have a one track mind Dr. Sloan."

"I can stop," He said pulling away.

"Don't you dare," Ava said huskily and kissed him passionately.

Mark returned the kiss and began that age old dance that they had been doing with ever increasing frequency ever since the night of the party. In the back of his mind, he knew that Ava deserved to be told about Addison's phone call. But he knew that it would only serve to ratchet up her anxiety level. So for the moment, he simply continued to kiss her and was going to wait until after to tell her.

But the after came and went.

This is the straw, final straw in the
Roof of my mouth as I lie to you
Just because I'm sorry doesn't mean
I didn't enjoy it at the time

Ava entered the peds wing of Seattle Grace later that morning wearing a pair of Dolce and Gabanna jeans with mint green Coach flip flops and a green silk Prada halter top. She looked refreshed as she carried a Balenciaga Motorcycle bag of a similar color and a pair of Chanel sunglasses in her hand. In her other hand, she carried a generic shopping bag. Addison was just coming out of the room looking tired.

"Hi butterfly," She said, clearly happy to see that Ava looked well rested.

"Hi Mommy," Ava replied with a soft smile hugging her.

"How did you sleep?"

"Good, very good actually."

"I'm glad. Did talking to Mark help?"

"W-What are you talking about?"

"I called you last night after I didn't find you in daddy's office and Mark answered the phone."

"He did?"

"He said that you were friends again," Addison said stroking her face softly. "Why didn't you tell me? I might have worried less if I knew Mark was looking after you."

"I don't know. I guess I was afraid daddy would find out and be mad."

Addison smiled softly, "That's considerate of you sweetheart, but daddy's problem with Mark is his own and no one else's."

Ava looked slightly relieved, "Ok."

"What do you have there?" She asked indicating the bag.

"Oh this? I found it waiting outside the front door. Do you remember that party I performed at before I left for New York?"

"Yes."

"Well, it turns out that one of the women at that party works for Balenciaga. She enjoyed my performance so much that she sent these over," Ava said indicating her own bag as well as the shopping bag before handing the bag to Addison.

Addison opened it and gasped, "Oh Ava," She said pulling out a bag that was the same as Ava's but it was black. "It's beautiful!"

"I know," Ava said with a smile. "I thought you would appreciate it. That's why I'm giving it to you."

"Honey, it's stunning but I can't accept this."

"Mommy, yes you can. I only need one bag. And I thought that maybe it might cheer you up a bit. You know after yesterday and all…."

"That's sweet of you butterfly, thank you."

"You're welcome."

"I sent your father home a few minutes ago. Could you stay with Quinn until we get back?"

"Of course I can," She said and then smirked, "You're dying to use that bag aren't you?"

"Yes."

"I'll see you when you get back."

"Thanks."

"Not a problem," Ava said before going into the room.

Quinn was lying in bed, but she was awake and alert. She smiled when she saw Ava, "Hi Ava!"

"Hi squirt! How are you feeling?"

"Better."

"That's good."

"Thank you for helping me yesterday."

"You don't have to thank me Quinn. I'm your sister, that's part of my job."

"Thanks anyway Ava."

"You're welcome."

Quinn smiled at her and then the video machine caught her eye. It was an entertainment center capable of letting the pediatric patients watch DVDs and play video games.

"Hey Ava?"

"Yeah squirt?"

"Wanna play a game with me?"

"I would love to," Ava said with a smile and sat down.

You're the only thing that I love
It scares me more every day
On my knees I think clearer

An hour later, there was a knock on the door. Ava turned just in time to see Mark come into the room with a stuffed tiger, presumably for Quinn. He smiled when he came in.

"Hello ladies."

"Uncle Mark!" Quinn said looking up. "You're here!"

"I am here," he said walking over to the bed. "How are you feeling?"

"Better. I get to go home tomorrow."

"That's great news. I have something for you."

"You do?" Quinn said lighting up. "What?"

Mark held out the tiger and Quinn took it," I thought you could use someone to keep you company.

"I love it! Thank you," Quinn said hugging it.

He chuckled softly, "I'm glad you do. Listen, do you think I could borrow your sister for a minute?"

"Sure."

"I'll be right back Quinn," Ava said as she rose and followed Mark out into the hall. "I should be mad at you."

"Mad at me? Why?" Mark asked when they were outside.

"My mom called, you answered the phone, and you never told me about it."

He sighed, "I'm sorry. I wanted to tell you. But I forgot."

"I'll bet you did. She said that you told her we were friends again."

"Well we are. We were before this whole thing."

"True, but friends don't have sex every time they're together."

"No, but we're more than just friends so it's ok," He said as he leaned in to kiss her.

But Ava pulled away, "She's not going to believe that."

"She already has Ava. Just leave it at that."

"But—"

"Shh," He said putting his finger to her lips to silence her. And then he kissed her.

Ava let out a soft whimper and kissed him back as she wrapped her arms around his neck. But unfortunately for the couple, they were unaware that Quinn was looking on from her bed at the two of them.

Goodness knows I saw it coming
Or at least I'll claim I did
But in truth I'm lost for words

Later Addison was sitting with Quinn in her lap while she braided her hair. Derek was walking Doc and Ava was off somewhere.

"Mommy? Can I ask you something?"

"Of course you can."

"Do all grown-ups kiss each other?"

"Not all the time, but sometimes they do. Why do you ask?"

"I saw Uncle Mark kiss Ava."

"Well he's kissed her before."

"Yeah, but this time it was different. It was a different kind of kiss."

"What kind of a kiss was it?"

"It was like the kisses you give daddy."

Addison frowned, "Are you sure?"

"Yep."

It was then Addison felt her stomach plummet in shock.

What have I done it's too late for that
What have I become truth is nothing yet
A simple mistake starts the hardest time
I promise I'll do anything you ask...this time

Lyrics- "Chocolate,"- Snow Patrol

That's the end! Stay tuned for some interesting conversations! R/R please!