AN: It took way too long for me to edit this, but I blame life and my boyfriend for distracting me.
After a quick goodbye, Jo and Izzie took the kids and walked over to catch a taxi. Alex eventually got all the bags and car seats from the bag carousel before going over to the rental car place. It took nearly an hour to get the car and by then, Izzie had already texted that they were settled into a hotel. He soon got the rental van, loaded everything up, and headed off. Before he got to the hotel though, he stopped by the drug store and picked up a thermometer, cold meds, anti-nausea meds, tissues, and a small humidifier for the room. He also picked up some canned chicken noodle soup, the tea that Jo liked, and crackers. After that, he finally made his way to the hotel.
Alex went up straight to the room with all of their bags and stuff and knocked on the door. Izzie opened the door and quietly ushered him in. He came into the room and looked around. The two queen beds were perfectly made and he didn't see Jo and the kids anywhere.
"They're in the room next door," Izzie said, pointing her finger to the conjoined door into the next room that was cracked open.
"Okay good," Alex said with a nod as he put the suitcases by the door and Izzie helped him bring in the rest of the stuff.
"I stopped by the pharmacy on the way here," Izzie said, gesturing to the desk where she had laid out all the meds and other supplies, most of which he had gotten to. "I gave them some cold meds and they all passed out on the bed watching a movie about forty minutes ago."
"I guess we had similar ideas," Alex said, holding up his bag of drugstore purchases as Izzie chuckled and shook her head.
"Let's just keep it. We'll probably just need it anyway. But let's return the humidifier, there's no use in having two," Izzie said with a shake of her head as Alex put it on the desk next to the other stuff.
Alex nodded as he set the stiff down with a sigh. "I really hope they aren't sick this entire trip."
"Me too, poor guys," Izzie said with a pout.
"Flying out with all four kids was the worst idea I've ever had," Alex said with a shake of his head.
"It wasn't really, we planned and executed it perfectly, we just didn't account for the fact that everybody would get sick," Izzie said with a sigh as she sat down in the chair.
"Yeah, but still," Alex said, still internally cursing himself for it.
The two of them unloaded the suitcases and got a few things. Then Alex went down and grabbed the two of them lunch. He figured he'd take advantage of Jo and the kids not being up to steal his snacks, so he also went to the snack machine and grabbed cookies and a soda. Although he did grab Jo and the kids some fruit gummies in case they wanted some when they got up.
Jo and the kids slept for another hour before the door to the other room opened and Alexis and Jo stumbled out. Both of them looked sleepy as Alexis walked over and immediately curled up with Izzie. She laid her head on Izzie's chest as Izzie wrapped her arms around her.
"Hi my sweet girl, did you have a good nap?" But Alexis just shook her head and buried herself in Izzie again.
"We both threw up again as soon as we woke up," Jo explained as she came over to him.
Alex just held his arms open to her as she crawled into him and buried her face in his neck. As she settled on top of him, he rubbed a hand up and down her back and pressed a hand to her forehead.
"You still feel feverish," Alex said as he brushed his fingers across her cheek.
"I already took something a few hours ago," Jo said, not bothering to open her eyes and snuggling further into his chest.
"The medicine you had was acetaminophen, so you could probably take some ibuprofen," Izzie said as she handed him the thermometer that was sitting on the nightstand.
He ran it across Jo's forehead and sure enough, it turned up a hot 100.4. "You've still got a fever."
"I don't want to take anything."
"Jo."
"It'll go down eventually."
"Jo it's easier if you take something and you'll probably feel better too."
"I'm just tired."
"I know, but you'll sleep better…."
"Alex," Jo said with a sigh, trying to get him to stop.
"I'm not budging on this, Jo," Alex insisted, his hands paused where they were rubbing up and down her back.
Jo opened her eyes and looked up at him with a glare. But he remained firm and only raised an eyebrow expectantly at her.
"Fine," Jo sighed as she closed her eyes again.
Izzie chuckled as she handed him the ibuprofen and a glass of water that Jo took without fuss. Alex couldn't help but smile, but he knew Jo must really not be feeling well to have given in so easily. She was one to try and suffer through it while demanding cuddles from him. She would curl up on him and refuse to leave as she was doing now. She also refused to take any kind of medication except when she absolutely needed it or when he insisted on it.
"Well you can stay here as long as you want," Alex said, leading down to kiss her lips.
"Aren't you worried about germs?" Jo asked, looking up at him.
Alex just shook his head as he leaned down to kiss her again. "I can't get sick, it's my superpower."
"What?" Izzie asked, looking over at him with a raised eyebrow.
"I'm around sick kids all day and I've developed a super immune system that prevents me from getting sick," Alex said with pride
Jo looked over at Izzie and they shared a look as both of them rolled their eyes.
"It's true," Alex insisted as he pointedly looked at them.
"Alright," Jo said, not at all believing him.
She snuggled back into his chest and fell asleep again, too tired to even bother to stay up again and argue with him.
The next couple of days consisted of movie watching, cuddles in beds, and what seemed like endless vomit. Alex wanted to take them to the hospital or at least, Jo so she could get an IV. She hadn't been able to keep much food down all week. Somehow willed herself to keep down water and mac and cheese at dinner and Alex relented. The kids wanted so badly to play in the snow, but none of them were strong enough, so they watched it fall from the window. In the meantime, Helen video called every single day to say hi to the kids and them. She even went as far as to drop off play-doh and other small toys for the kids to play with and books and card games for Jo.
Finally, finally, after three days they all started to feel better. They started keeping down food and their appetite went from gatorade, toast, and applesauce to pasta, chips, and cookies. They were so excited that they let the kids eat whatever they were hungry for. As they gained their strength they ventured out to play in the snow for a little while at the park near the hotel. They also went down to the pool. Izzie and Alex played in the pool with Luna and Alexis who had more energy. Although Luna preferred to be held by Alex as they swam around and splashed Alexis and Izzie. Jo and Eli both relaxed in the hot tub but weren't up for swimming. The two of them curl up on one of the lounge chairs together. Jo wrapped Eli up in a towel and they both cuddled together, eventually falling taking a nap right there.
As Thursday rolled around, Alex began to hope that they'd get to see his mom by Christmas. That morning neither Jo nor Eli were sick, no fever, no nausea, just smiles. They seemed to have gotten their appetite back and they devoured a breakfast of waffles and oatmeal, eggs, and bacon from the hotel lobby breakfast. During breakfast, his phone rang and he happily picked up the call from his mom.
"Hey, Mom," Alex said cheerfully as all the kids perked up and looked over at him.
"Hi my dear," Helen said with a smile in her voice. "How are Jo and the kids doing today?"
"They're doing good, Jo and Eli have been fever free for 24 hours, they aren't throwing up and they've even gotten their appetite back," Alex said, looking at Jo and Eli as they ate.
"That sounds great! Do you think they'll be up for visiting today? I'd so love to see you all, even just for a few hours!" Helen exclaimed with excitement.
"I don't know, let me ask," Alex said, putting his phone to the side of his cheek for a second as he looked over at Jo and the kids. "You guys feel up to going to Nana's house today?"
"Yeah," Jo said without hesitation, with a smile across her face.
"Yeah, I want to go see Nana!" Eli said excitedly.
"Me too!" Alexis explained as she sat up in excitement.
"Nana, Nana," Luna cheered as she crawled over to reach him, but Jo grabbed her and settled her in her lap.
"I guess that's a yes," Alex said with a smile as the kids cheered. "Why don't we wait until after Luna's nap though."
The kids all looked a little disappointed that they had to wait, but Jo nodded in agreement as she looked over at the twins. "That way we can make sure you and I are feeling well enough, Eli."
"Oh that sounds good dear, but if you want to come earlier you can, and Luna can nap in Amber's room upstairs."
"Thanks for the offer, Mom. I know you're eager to see us, but I think it'd be best to have a lazy morning anyway."
"You're probably right, but if you change your mind, just call and tell me you're coming."
"Will do."
"Alright then, I'll see you this afternoon."
"Okay, love you, Mom."
"Love you too, my sweet boy," Helen said before they hung up.
"So we'll go over to Nana's house this afternoon," Alex said with a smile as all the kids nodded, still a bit disappointed.
They finished breakfast and had a lazy morning watching cartoons. Then Jo put Luna down for a nap and they all got ready. They had to keep the twins away from Luna as they tried to wake her up, so they could leave earlier. After an uninterrupted hour and a half, Luna woke up, and off to Nana's house they went.
Alex knocked on the door of his childhood home smiling in anticipation of finally seeing his mom. All the children practically jumped around with glee eager to see her as well. Finally, the door opened and Helen greeted them all with a smile before immediately looking down at the kids.
"Oh my sweet babies," Helen said as she immediately swept them into her arms.
"Nana!" all three of them shouted as they all hugged her.
"Oh, I'm so happy to see you all!" Helen said, pressing kisses to all of their heads.
"We missed you lots," Eli said as he hugged her.
"Oh I missed you too, my sweet boy," Helen said, pressing a kiss to his cheek before she looked up at the adults.
"Hello to you too, Mom," Alex said as the kids ran inside, his mom just shook her head and brought him in for a hug.
"Hello my sweetest boy," Helen said before she kissed his cheek. "My truest love."
"I love you too, Mom," Alex said as he enjoyed his mom's warm embrace as he hugged her back before pulling back and letting Jo greet her.
"Hello my dear," Helen said before pulling Jo in for a hug.
"Hi Helen, thank you for having us," Jo said as she hugged her back before they parted.
"Oh, it's such a pleasure. I always love having my daughter-in-law visit and of course you too Izzie," Helen said politely smiling at Izzie.
"Of course and thank you for having us," Izzie said as she and Helen exchange a small hug.
Helen and Izzie had only met a few times and hadn't gotten a chance to interact much. Alex was hoping that on this trip, they could really get to know each other. He knew that Helen would love Izzie and get along great with her, especially as they shared a knitting hobby.
"Well, come on in you three," Helen said, ushering them all in.
They all took off their coats and shoes and put the diaper bag and the girl's purses on the table in the entryway. The kids raced over to the Christmas tree Helen had set up in the corner. It was a smaller sized pine tree that was lit up with a rainbow of lights and adorned with knickknack-type ornaments. There were even a few presents under the tree already. They were wrapped in 90s style wrapping paper with teddy bears, Santas, and plaid colors.
"This one's for me," Eli exclaimed as he pulled out a large rectangular present from under the tree.
"Hold up there kiddo, those presents are for Christmas," Izzie said as she took the present from his hand and placed it back under the tree.
Eli and Alexis pouted, but Izzie was immune to their doe eyed pleading. Luna meanwhile was looking up at the lights and ornaments. She reached for one of the carousel horse ornaments, but Jo picked her up before she could snatch it.
"Your tree looks so beautiful, Helen," Jo said as she put Luna on her hip and admired the tree from where Luna couldn't reach it.
"Yeah, Mom it's really nice," Alex said as he too admired the tree.
They hadn't had a tree up in the house since he was a kid. Even then they did, it rarely made it to Christmas before it got knocked over and destroyed. Either because of his mom's delusions, his dad's drunk stumbling, or by accident with three kids running around. By the time he was in college, he gave up on putting up the tree. Seeing it up now was like a piece of his childhood come back, in a good way. He reached out and held one of his favorite ornaments, a little white rocking horse with gold trim that said baby's first Christmas 1970, it was his first Christmas ornament.
"That's one of my favorites too," Helen said as she put a hand on his arm and he looked back at her with a smile.
They all got settled and Helen brought out some of his, Aaron, and Amber's old toys for the kids to play with. The twins were fascinated with the old hot wheels cars and tracks and Luna loved the baby puzzles.
"So what's new with all of you in Seattle?" Helen said as she sat down in her chair next to Izzie as Jo and Alex sat on the couch.
"Oh not much," Alex said with a shrug.
Helen shook her head before looking down at the kids. "What about you three? Do you guys like school daycare? Your parents always send me all of the pictures of you three and I love seeing them."
"Yeah, we just learned about the planets. Did you know that Mercury gets to 800°F during the day!" Eli said as he raised his hands to the sky as if to display how high the temperature was.
"Wow, I didn't know that," Helen said, her eyes going wide in surprise and Eli beamed. He loved to tell them all the fun facts about what he had learned in school. "And what have you been learning about Alexis?"
"We learned how to make bombs!" Alexis said excitedly with a large smile.
"Bath bombs, they made bath bombs!" Izzie quickly explained as Helen let out a sigh of relief.
"Oh yeah, bath bombs," Alexis said with a nod. "We made them as Christmas gifts for our moms, but I got to make two cuz I got two moms. I made a rose pink bath bomb for mommy and a purple lavender one for Mama Jo."
"That's very nice, I bet your moms liked them," Helen said as she smiled at Alexis before she glanced over at Jo and Izzie.
"They were a very nice gift," Izzie said as Jo nodded in agreement.
"We also went to a farm last month on a field trip!" Eli said, sitting up and getting their attention.
"Yeah, Daddy went with us, but we got lost in the corn maze," Alexis said with a giggle.
"It was kind of scary," Eli said, shrinking back as he remanded it. "I thought we'd never get home."
"Well, I bet your Daddy would never let that happen," Helen said with a smile as she glanced at Alex.
"Nope," Alex said with a nod. "We managed to find our way back."
"Yeah, but then we had to go home cuz Eli was crying," Alexis said as she wrapped her arm around Eli and hugged him.
"That's okay, we all get scared sometimes," Helen said as she tilted her head and nodded sympathetically.
"And what about you, Luna? What have you been doing at daycare?" Helen said as Luna looked up from her toys.
"S'out," Luna said with a smile as came over to Helen who picked her up and sat her on her knee.
"Oh, have you been playing a lot with Scout? Your Mama told me that you two are best friends," Helen said as she smiled and hugged Luna close.
"Yeah," Luna nodded eagerly.
"They're practically inseparable," Jo said with a shake of her head. "They throw a fit if one of them gets picked up from daycare without the other, so we've had to align our schedules with Link and Amelia's."
"Well, I understand that, you don't want to leave your best friend behind," Helen said, as she nodded at Luna.
"S'out, Mama, S'out!" Luna insisted as she wiggled out of Helen's arms and crawled over to Jo.
"We'll call Scout later, okay Little Moon?" Jo said as she held Luna and grabbed the old pull toy phone. "Here, why don't you pretend to call Scout?"
Luna was happy to take the phone, but then she wiggled out of Jo's arms and stood in front of her. "Boll Boll."
"Sorry sweetie, I don't have any balls," Helen said with a frown. "But I can go buy some later."
"Oh no, Mom, you don't have to do that," Alex quickly said, he didn't want her spending too much money on the kids.
"She's trying to say ballet. She wants to dance," Jo explained with a smile as she pulled out her phone to play some classical music. "We go to a mommy and me ballet dance class once a week."
Luna started to dance, she turned around in circles and bounced up and down. She pointed her toes and held her arms up. It was so cute and they all just watched her for a minute. Eli went up and joined her as he took her hands and they swayed together. Alexis joined them two and the three of them danced in a circle, holding hands as they started to spin. They were having so much fun, until they fell down. All the adults held their breath for one of the kids to start crying but instead, they all started laughing.
"Oh well isn't that special and how come I haven't got any pictures of you at ballet class?" Helen said as she raised an eyebrow at both of them expectedly.
"Sorry, I don't take many pictures while we're in class, but do have a few," Jo said as Alex pulled out his phone and handed it to her. Helen pulled out her glasses and started scrolling through a couple pictures of Jo and Luna in matching pink tutus.
"Oh wait, Mom," Alex said as he remembered what other photos were next on his phone, but it was too late as his mom swiped onto a rather spicy nude picture of Jo.
Her eyes went wide before she quickly turned the phone over. Helen quietly handed it to him as Izzie stifled a laugh. Jo looked over at him with fire in her eyes as she was sitting next to Helen and saw the photo before she whisper-yelled at him.
"I thought you had all of the kid's pictures in a file, without any of our other ones.
"I'm so sorry, I shouldn't have snooped," Helen said, with a still mortified look.
Jo softened and looked over at Helen with a shake of her head. Then she glared at Alex again. "No, it's okay, it's not your fault."
"Sorry babe," Alex said, looking down to avoid her. He really needed to organize his photos so this didn't happen again.
"How about I make some coffee then," Izzie said to break the tension.
"That sounds good, I'll help you too," Helen said as the two of them got up to go into the kitchen to make the coffee.
Jo took a second to glare at him before she slapped the side of his arm. "Ow, Jo."
"That's what you get for not putting my nudes in a private folder," Jo whispered as she glared at him, he knew he was never gonna hear the end of it.
"I am sorry," Alex said, he was genuinely remorseful in his words.
"I know," Jo said, softening as she nodded.
By the time Izzie and Helen came back with the mugs of coffee, the embarrassment had passed. They all spent the rest of the afternoon talking and hanging out. That night, Helen offered to make dinner for them and Izzie was happy to help. Although Jo and Alex weren't very good cooks, they were happy to help. They all managed to make up a pretty decent meal and it was nice to sit down together as a family. They spent the entire night talking with his Mom. The kids were content to play and explore Nana's house or just talk to her. They hung on to Helen's words as she told them stories and insisted she play with them to which she happily obliged. However, it was soon time to go back to the hotel room.
"Why can't we stay?" Eli asked, hanging on to Helen's side and refusing to let go as Izzie held out his coat for him.
The rest of them were all ready to go with their coats on and bags on their shoulders. Alex had even gotten the car started and it was warming up for them. Izzie was checking her bag to see if they got everything and Alex zipped up his own coat. Jo picked up Luna, putting her on her hip, while Alexis stood next to them ready to go.
"We'll see her tomorrow, buddy," Izzie said, with a sympathetic smile.
"And the day after that, and the day after that, and the day after that," Alex added, trying to reassure him.
"But that's only four days," Eli said, his frown deepening as he hung his shoulders, deeply disappointed.
"Yes, but for tonight, it's just for a few hours until you see her again and we can have breakfast together tomorrow morning," Jo said, reaching out and rubbing her fingers across his forehead as she brushed his hair back.
"But that's so long," Eli lamented as if it was the longest night in the world. Izzie sighed as Jo and Alex looked over at each other as they shared a look and tried to stifle a chuckle.
"Yeah, can't we stay here with Nana?" Alexis asked, she used her big brown eyes and full pouted lips to their full effect as she blinked up at them. Alex looked over at Jo to see her resolve easily falling.
"How about this?" Helen asked, putting her hands on the twin's shoulders. "What if you all have a sleepover at Nana's?"
"Yeah, can we have a sleepover at Nana's?" Alexis asked, jumping up with excitement. "Please Dad, please Mommy, and Mama Jo, please say yes!"
"I don't know," Izzie said, a little reluctant to agree.
"Well, I've already had the bedrooms made up for the six of you when you all were originally going to stay here. So there's plenty of room if all of you wanted to stay? Or I could just keep the kids and the three of you could have some time to yourself."
"That might be nice," Alex said, coming around to the idea as Jo looked over at him and smiled.
"We could have a date night out," Jo said as her eyes undressed him and lit up with familiar lust. Alex smiled as thought about how he could have her all to himself for the night.
"I can't remember the last time I had a hotel room to myself," Izzie said as well, the idea growing on her.
"I think it's settled then," Helen said looking down at the twins with a bright smile.
"Alright sleepover at Nana's house it is," Izzie agreed with ease.
"Yay sleepover!" Eli and Alexis screamed, jumping up with excitement.
Even Luna joined in throwing her hands in the air and saying, "see o'er see o'er!"
"Alright the three of us will head back to the hotel and we'll grab your guy's things. Then I'll come back with a little bag for each of you with some clothes, toys, and toiletries," Alex said as Helen nodded.
"But don't forget my unicorn, Bob!" Alexis insisted, referring to the vanilla scented white and rainbow unicorn that was Alexis's favorite.
"I won't forget unicorn Bob!" Alex said as Alexis nodded.
"And don't worry, I'll have their teeth brushed and put them in bed no later than 8:00," Helen said with a firm nod.
"Can't we stay up a little bit later?" Alexis asked, turning her pout and her big eyes over to her Nana this time.
"We'll see," Helen said with an easily sparkling smile as she reached out and tapped Alexis's nose, making the little girl giggle.
"Call us if any of them get up in the middle of the night and if Luna gets too fussy, be sure to call. She should be fine as she knows you. And she's slept over at other people's places before, but it's still a new environment…" Jo trailed off as she bit her lip.
"I don't want you three to worry at all, I've got it handled. Although my health took a turn when Alex and the other two were still young, I did raise them well," Helen said as she looked over at him with pride in her eyes.
"Yeah, you did a good job when we were younger and now as a grandma," Alex said with a smile as he remembered those happy memories he had with his mom and now the happy memories his kids got with her. After she got sick, all he wanted was to have this moment with his mom, to have a real mom. Now that got her back again, it was something he would never take for granted.
"Alright then you three, go off and enjoy your night. Say goodbye to your parents' kids," Helen said as Jo gave Luna a hug before she passed her to Helen.
"Okay, you guys, see you later," Alex said as each of the kids took turns hugging all of them.
Izzie kissed all their heads as she hugged them, showing her love in a soft way. Jo hugged them tight and peppered their cheeks with kisses as they laughed. They loved it when she showered them with affection. Alex made sure to bump Alexis's fist and do the explosion that she liked. He gave Eli's hair a little ruffle before leaning in to kiss Luna's cheek. He liked to say goodbye to each kid in his own special way. Then all three adults headed out to have their own night of fun.