Thank you for the reviews! I know people have issues with Lexie in this story, but on the show she wasn't particularly fond of April when she first arrived and they even spent an episode showing how annoyed she was by April. I just took that part of her and raised it up a notch, so I don't think Lexie being mean to April is OOC. And I actually adore Lexie. I've written her as a much nicer person in my other stories. This was just the exception. I promise her horrible attitude towards April won't last in this story :)

Enjoy!

George stumbled into his apartment, his hands full with one hand carrying his fast food dinner and the other holding his keys and his backpack. Jackson and April were in the living room while a movie played on the TV. "Hey, guys. What are you watching?" he asked as he rounded the couch. His friends were unresponsive because they were occupied with each other's mouths. April was comfortably sitting on Jackson's lap as they made out like teenagers. "Or… not watching."

He set his belongings on the coffee table and plopped down onto the couch. His weight was enough to distract the couple from their makeout session. "Oh. Hi, George," April squeaked. She adjusted her position on Jackson's lap, sitting upright and wrapping an arm around his neck. "Sorry if we're disturbing you."

"Nope. It's fine as long as you keep your clothes on," he quipped. "Now I know why Avery was in a hurry to leave work tonight."

April chuckled as she gently ran her fingertips against the back of Jackson's shaved head. "But he made me the most delicious dinner," she complimented, giving him a quick kiss when he puckered up his lips to her. "Always a plus when a man can cook."

George unwrapped his burger and took a large bite. "Was it his famous chicken alfredo?" he mumbled with a mouthful of food.

"Yes! How did you know?" she laughed.

"Because Avery only knows how to cook one of two things from scratch – chicken alfredo and omelettes," he pointed out, to his roommate's dismay. "And I figured you two didn't have the latter for your romantic dinner."

Jackson sheepishly grinned at April, who giggled against his neck. "Well, then I'll have to come over for breakfast sometime," she teasingly stated. "Don't be embarrassed. Your chicken alfredo is one of the best I've ever had."

"Thanks, babe," the pretty boy replied, kissing her lips. Jackson playfully pointed his finger at George. "Since you threw me under the bus, you don't get to have any of the leftovers."

"That's alright with me. I'm doing just fine with my greasy, artery clogging cheeseburger," George amusingly replied and took another large bite. He decided to change the subject, so he could keep his appetite while he sat beside the newest lovebirds. "There was some talk going around at the hospital that one of the third years will be rewarded with a solo surgery this upcoming week."

Jackson raised his eyebrows intriguingly. "Seriously? How'd you find out?"

"I overheard Amelia discussing it with Robbins. Apparently, Bailey wants to see how good our class is. Well, one of us anyway."

April sighed as she held up her bandaged finger. "I'm definitely out of the running," she glumly proclaimed. "One less resident to worry about, you guys."

Jackson grabbed a hold of his girlfriend's left hand and kissed the back of it. "You'll get another shot," he encouragingly said. "Third years are given more opportunities for solos, even if they're as simple as an appendectomy. I'd love to get my hands on this solo, though. Sorry, O'Malley, but you already experienced one during intern year."

"Oh, you got the intern solo, George?" April asked curiously. "How did that go?"

George paused in the middle of chewing his food. "Let's just say I hoped there was such thing as a real life undo button," he awkwardly answered. "But the patient lived, so it wasn't the world's biggest fail."

Jackson smiled as he wrapped his arms around April's waist. "The intern solo is almost never a success in most cases. We aren't supposed to be competent enough to perform a surgery alone yet," he acknowledged. "But this solo, I'll never hear the end of it from my family if I screw it up."

George smirked. "What makes you think you're getting it?"

"It almost seems like common sense that they're going to try to test an Avery," he insisted. "I mean, I'm not saying that solo surgery is automatically mine, but I'm completely aware of the fact that these attendings have been drooling over the idea of me botching my first solo since I joined the residency program. It's an ego thing."

"Don't you think they'd want to boost their chances for the Harper Avery by hoping you're successful?" April argued.

Jackson slightly grimaced. "Actually, my presence at Seattle Grace is supposedly the reason why we may never see a Harper Avery winner unless, I leave after finishing my residency. They sort of think I'm a curse," he admitted. It wasn't a farfetched reason either. Nobody had expected him to start his residency in Seattle. Everybody knew Mass Gen groomed Averys into world class surgeons, specifically in cardiothoracic surgery. It was a big deal when an Avery joined Seattle Grace's program and the attention was a nuisance during intern year. "There's this assumption that nepotism would be in play regardless if I'm involved or not."

"That's ridiculous. Mass Gen's surgeons have a lesser fair chance than Seattle Grace's, right?" she noted. "Your grandfather works there, so wouldn't that make their chances slimmer?"

"Working at Mass Gen is equivalent to winning the Harper Avery Award in some people's eyes," he scoffed. "My grandfather is very selective about who he hires, so it's almost like being given access to the Holy Grail."

"Has anybody ever won the award from Seattle Grace?"

George slowly nodded, exchanging a glance with Jackson. "A while back. Ellis Grey, Meredith and Lexie's mother."

April eyed both men suspiciously. "Oh, I didn't know she was a surgeon too. I mean, Jo only told me what allegedly happened to her, but wow. So, Meredith and Lexie are basically part of a legacy."

"Neither of them enjoy talking about it, so don't bring it up around them," Jackson advised. "Kind of like me. Being an Avery is a blessing and a curse at the same time. I just want to feel normal for a change, you know?"

"You live in an apartment that would be considered poor by Avery standards, and I clean up my room better than you do. It's safe to say you're pretty normal, dude," George lightheartedly said, drawing a chuckle from April. "By the way, my dad gave me his tickets for the next Seahawks game. You, me and Karev. Want to go?"

Jackson hesitated to answer. Of course he wanted to attend the Seahawks game. It was practically being forced to bond with Alex that made him reluctant to go. They made occasional small talk since they called truce with each other, but it didn't make their interactions any less awkward. The guy was still mostly a stranger to him. "Have you asked Karev?"

"Not yet, but I'll ask him when I see him."

"And he will definitely go," April confidently said. She gently grasped Jackson's chin with her thumb and index finger, turning his head so they could make eye contact. "And so will you."

She wanted nothing more than for Jackson and Alex to form a friendship. It would lessen the tension between them and she wouldn't have to worry about choosing sides if another fight broke out. Alex was already an important person in her life, while Jackson was slowly becoming the same way.

"Trust me. It will be good for you two," she added. "You both love football."

Jackson let out a muffled laugh. April was using her hazel eyes and long eyelashes to convince him that she was right. And her dimpled smile, it was difficult to disagree with her. "I'll let you win this one," he conceded, to her delight.

April checked her watch and swiftly scooted off of Jackson's lap. "It's time for me to go."

"It's only 9:30," her boyfriend replied, wrapping his arm around her waist to pull her back.

"Yeah, but I have to be up early for work tomorrow."

"Why don't you spend the night?" he suggested. The redhead's body stiffened as she reached for her purse. He couldn't see her face from his view, but he assumed she was surprised. "I mean, to sleep. Just to sleep. I… I don't even have to share my bed. I can take the couch if that'll make you more comfortable."

April turned around and bashfully smiled back at him. "Maybe next time." She walked to the front door with Jackson trailing from behind. "Have a nice day off, both of you. Thank you for dinner, Jackson."

Jackson opened the door for April and gave her a soft kiss before she stepped out of the apartment. "Goodnight. Call me whenever you have free time." He closed the door and returned to the couch. George had a smirk on his face while he ate his dinner. "What?"

"Nothing," his roommate unconvincingly replied. "Someone's horny."

Jackson groaned as he rested the back of his head against the top of the couch. "I know, I know. We agreed not to rush it, but she is just so… beautiful and hot, and I'm a guy," he guiltily answered. "You don't think I freaked her out, right?"

"Nah, you're good. She didn't run out of the apartment or anything," George assured him. "Just ease into it slowly next time and don't be so blunt. She might assume all you want is sex. Although in your case, that's probably 50% of the reason why you two are dating."

"C'mon, man. You know I'm not that shallow." Jackson paused for a second before he admitted, "More like 35% of the relationship is about the sex, which we haven't engaged in yet, but I think waiting will be worth it."

News of the first third year solo began to spread as the next few days passed. An e-mail had been sent out to the third year residents informing them of a scheduled skills lab that would be used to determine who would be awarded the surgery. Details of the surgery were unknown and nobody had an idea what type of procedure they would be performing until the beginning of their skills lab.

Alex carried two cups of coffee in his hands on his way to the skills lab. The residents were crowding the hallway outside of the lab as they waited for someone to arrive and let them inside. He found Jo sitting on the floor, her back pressed against the wall. He didn't hesitate to take a seat beside her as he held out one of the coffee cups in front of her. "Here," he offered. "And I didn't spit in it."

"Because the first thought I had was that you left me a little present in my coffee," Jo sarcastically replied, then she accepted the cup. She slowly took her first sip and let out a relieved sigh. "But thank you."

"So," he casually started, drinking his own coffee. "We had tacos again yesterday. On a Tuesday again. How about we make Taco Tuesdays a thing?"

"Two weeks of tacos makes me not want to eat tacos for the next two weeks," she quipped. "It was a coincidence. There's no official thing with us buying tacos together for dinner."

Alex slightly scrunched his nose at Jo. She was a very difficult person to impress and also read. Their casual taco dates had been laid back and filled with conversation that involved minimal banter. He brought up things about himself that he didn't openly tell everybody, yet she was a little more reserved. He did learn a few basic things about the brunette – New Jersey born, allergic to crab and occasionally had a case of Bieber fever, though he wasn't sure what that meant.

But he couldn't figure out if she was interested in more than a friendship. She played a frustrating hot and cold game with him. He could also blame himself because he never asked her out on a real date. It had always been a last minute idea without much planning. He wasn't the type who wanted to dress up and eat somewhere fancy. She didn't seem like the type either, making frequent stops at the Emerald City Bar for dinner to go.

April had given him grief over his hesitance. She thought he feared rejection. He didn't have the best track record with relationships, but a lot of it had to do with his lack of interest in them. It wasn't that he never planned on settling down and having a family of his own. He just wanted to have fun first, using medical school and the early years of residency to screw around with as many women as he could. But he was growing tired of that. It might be time to actually try now.

"Well, we could always go somewhere else and eat," he timidly suggested. "Maybe a place where the seats aren't freezing your ass because it's so freaking cold outside."

"What? Like a restaurant?" Jo curiously asked. She glanced down at her coffee cup trying not to smile. He was definitely asking her out, she thought. "Like a date?"

Alex nervously chuckled. "I mean, we could just eat somewhere nicer. I'll pay for my stuff, you pay for yours. We can make fun of all the nerds who dress up for dinner, like it's some high class restaurant," he explained, sipping his coffee again. "Doesn't have to be a date."

Jo rolled her eyes and shook her head. "You suck at date proposals," she straightforwardly said. "That was the most pathetic attempt at asking me out. I'm almost embarrassed for you."

"Okay, fine. Would you have a real dinner with me then?" he irritably replied. "Do a date thing or whatever. Just say yes or no. No more ambiguity and making me guess what you may be thinking."

"Yes," she quickly answered. "Although, there's one condition. You can't expect sex out of this. I never put out on the first date, no matter how hot the guy is. Oh, and a goodnight kiss isn't guaranteed either."

"That's two conditions. Got a third?" Alex scoffed. "Better yet, should I write this down somewhere?"

Jo smirked. "I'm finished."

"Okay, so how about Friday night?"

"Umm, no. Friday's not good for me," she murmured. "Working late."

"Saturday? Wait, no. I'm stuck with the night shift," he grumbled. "I mean, I could try to swap shifts with April or something, but then that would mean I work Sunday and I've got the Seahawks game with O'Malley and Avery…"

"Then we can set up the date some other time," Jo insisted with a smile. "It's no big deal. We're pretty much stuck together for another two and a half years at this hospital. Unless, you decide to transfer out because you and Avery can't agree on who gets the top bunk when you move in together."

Alex slightly scowled at her. "Funny."

Jo playfully nudged him with her elbow. "But look at you two, you're bonding now."

"I wouldn't call it that. O'Malley's there to basically be our mediator." He quickly shrugged. "Whatever. Football games are for getting drunk and yelling stupid things at the players. People who would rather have a conversation than pay attention to the game are the worst."

"Avery no longer gives you death stares from across the room. That's gotta be a plus, right?"

"That's because he has April keeping him happy," Alex noted with a laugh. "Dude's such a freaking puppy around her and they've only been dating for like, a couple of weeks. But she hangs out more at his place, so it's been peaceful at mine. At least I don't have to watch them makeout like teenagers. O'Malley told me they can't keep their hands off of each other. I'm surprised, to be honest."

"Surprised that they makeout like teenagers?" she chuckled.

Alex shook his head. "No, I mean by April. She… she was more reserved, ya know? If she caught me making out with someone in our living room, she'd scold me and tell me to go to my room," he amusingly explained. "I don't know. Maybe she's making up for missed time. She wasn't exactly a hot commodity at Mayo. Only one dork liked her, but she wasn't as outgoing as she is now. Avery does have some sort of effect on her."

"It's probably the eyes," Jo quipped.

"What about eyes?" Lexie inquired, sitting beside Jo on the floor.

"Uh, Yang's eyes. We can't tell if they're brown or completely black to match her soulless existence," Jo lied, though she did wonder if Cristina Yang was a human or an alien lifeform sent to Earth to torment innocent surgical residents. "Anyway, I highly doubt this solo has anything to do with cardio, so we're free from her for today."

Lexie softly groaned. "It's a bowel resection. My sister is going to be judging this skills lab with Chief Bailey," she bitterly stated. "Which means I likely won't get it. It's Meredith's patient and she'll be observing the surgery in case she has to step in. She's not gonna want me possibly showing her up in the OR."

Alex leaned forward to look at Lexie. "Well, you shouldn't even be allowed to compete for this surgery for two reasons. One, you winning would be nepotism. And two, you deserve to be disqualified after you tried to freaking slice off Kepner's finger last week."

"I wasn't trying to slice off her finger!" she retorted. "All I wanted was a surgery. I didn't premeditate a plan to sabotage her surgical career. It was a mistake, and if she would stop trying to dodge me whenever she sees me, I could formally apologize."

"Or you can officially back down from this skills lab and we'll call it even," he suggested.

"Nice try, but whether or not I get this surgery, I want all the practice I can get," Lexie dismissed, pushing herself up to her feet when Meredith arrived to open the door to the skills lab.

The residents began filing into the lab, which was already neatly set up with instruments, proper surgical attire and individual torso dummies containing foul smelling pig intestine. Each table fit for two residents, so they began claiming open spots for the skills lab.

Lexie took a spot at one of the tables located at the front of the room. She waved at Jackson after he walked inside. "Jackson, over here!" Jackson briefly glanced at his ex-girlfriend before joining George at another table, causing her to frown.

Once everyone was settled at their stations, Bailey and Meredith stood at the front of the room to address the residents. "Good morning, everybody. As you all know, one of you will be awarded a solo procedure for tomorrow," the Chief of Surgery greeted them. "Sitting in front of you on the table are dummies containing real pig intestine. We have carefully marked areas as diseased bowel. Your job is to perform a bowel resection as thoroughly as possible. You will have four hours to complete this procedure."

"And this isn't a race to finish first. We'll be judging your work based on anastomotic leak pressure and wound closure aesthetic quality," Meredith added. "As third years, you've learned how to do an anastomosis. Now, we'll find out who has been taking their previous skills labs seriously and who hasn't."

"Treat this simulation as if it's a real surgery. Remember not to rush, but don't fall behind either," Bailey advised, checking her watch. "Good luck, everybody. Your four hours begin… now."

The residents, clad in scrub caps, surgical masks and gowns, and gloves quietly began working on their individual models. The next four hours could either help them gain superstar resident status or receive the dreaded "dud" moniker.

While the third years were competing for the solo surgery, April sulked upstairs in the peds ward. Although, it was more putting on a fake bright smile for the children while sulking inside. Pediatric surgery required a lot of sensitivity, so walking around with a scowl on her face wouldn't put her on Robbins' good side. At least she was grateful that the blonde surgeon put her on her service rather than be forced to slum it with Sloan in Plastics. Her day was going to consist of lab runs and post-op work, but she preferred that over buying coffee for her superior.

April was skimming through e-mails on her cell phone at the nurses' station. Arizona glided along the floor in her Heelys and stopped beside her. "Hey, how's the fort holding?" she cheerfully greeted her resident.

"Oh, umm…" April began pointing out the nearby hospital rooms. "Billy in 4112 stopped puking, Alicia in 4113 is all prepped for surgery, James in 4116 won't stop complaining about the lack of good channels on his TV, and Mary in 4117, her labs came out clean. No urine in the blood, so she's free to go home."

"Awesome! I know you're not allowed to assist because of your finger, but I would like you to observe beside me in the OR. Every case is a learning opportunity," she commented in a singing tone, flashing her dimpled smile. "And you're quick on your feet, which I like. You deserve to be rewarded."

"Thank you, Dr. Robbins," the redhead graciously answered, despite feeling like an intern.

Arizona glanced down at her tablet and began tapping through various files. "What do you think about Karev?"

"As a friend?" April timidly replied. "To be honest, I'm not sure you're his type."

"That's fine. He's not my type either," she chuckled, her eyes focused on her tablet's screen. "And sweetie, if I was looking to date one of the residents, it certainly wouldn't be Karev. I would be asking you out."

"Oh," April murmured, then her eyes grew wide when she finally realized what the pediatric surgeon was referring to. "Ohh…"

Arizona smiled to herself before making eye contact with April. "It's okay. Anyway, what I meant to ask was, how do you think Karev would work out in Peds?" she clarified. "He seems like a difficult project. I love working with those."

April grimaced. "Good luck. He pretty much hates kids."

"Even better. Pediatric surgery isn't for everyone. Don't let those tiny human faces fool you. We're hardcore," she proudly responded. "Karev, I think I can change his mind about Peds. He assumes I'm not tough because I wear Heelys and smile all the time, but he has a surprise waiting for him."

April admired Arizona's determination. Her roommate wasn't easy to break. They could banter about the most random and irrelevant topics for hours simply because Alex never wanted to be proven wrong. There was something about Arizona that made her believe she would get through to him just like she was able to after years of trying to figure him out.

"I believe you. I might not be the toughest person around, but even I've been able to make Alex shake in his boots," she quipped.

Halfway through the allotted time to complete the skills lab, the residents were diligently working on their pig intestines in silence. The only sounds that could be heard were light chatter and footsteps from outside in the hallway. Everybody was in their own zone. Meredith and Bailey switched turns observing the residents at the top of each hour. The younger general surgeon returned from a brief lunch break and rounded the tables to check their progress.

Suddenly, everyone's concentration was broken when the sound of a cell phone vibrating disrupted the silence. Most of them stopped what they were doing, turning their heads to find out where the noise originated from. Jo had a guilty expression on her face as she removed her dirty glove to reach for her lab coat, which was hanging on a chair.

The brunette stared at her cell phone before hanging up on the call. "I'm sorry, guys," she sheepishly said. After putting her phone back, she returned to her station. Only a minute later, her cell phone began ringing again. Her colleagues appeared more annoyed than the first time.

"Just answer it, Wilson," Meredith impatiently ordered. "Take it outside."

Jo softly groaned, removing her gloves once again and retrieving her cell phone from her lab coat pocket. She quietly left the lab, but returned shortly after with a panicked expression on her face. "Uh, I have to leave. I… I forfeit," she announced, hastily removing her surgical gown and throwing her garbage in a hazard waste basket.

"You're forfeiting?" Meredith asked in a baffled tone. "Seriously?"

"Yes, seriously!" she snapped, clearing her throat after her coworkers stared at her stunned. "I'm sorry. I'm done."

Meredith rolled her eyes as Jo rushed out of the skills lab. "Unbelievable." She looked at the clock on the wall. "For the rest of you, those who actually want this surgery, you have exactly two hours left."

It was almost as if the small incident with Jo never happened because everybody returned to their own zone as they continued their skills lab. Following its conclusion, the residents were free to grab a late lunch before waiting in the locker room for Bailey and Meredith to announce who won the solo surgery. They were beginning to feel restless, and also becoming desperate for a shower because they all reeked of dead swine.

Alex munched on some chips as he took a seat on the bench in front of Jackson's cubby. "Dude, how long are they gonna be judging this thing? It's been like, an hour," he complained.

"No idea, but my anastomosis was flawless," Jackson smugly declared. He leaned back against his cubby with his arms folded. His fingers and his neck ached, but the pain would be worth it if he won the surgery. It was also the reward he needed to get his grandfather and mother off of his back. "Did Wilson ever come back?"

George glanced over at Jo's cubby. Her scrubs were partially hanging over the edge like she had left in a hurry. She didn't even take the time to dump them in the laundry bin on her way out. "Doesn't look like it. Her scrubs are in her cubby," he replied. "That was a bit weird the way she left, don't you think?"

"If there was some medical emergency, we'd know. She would still be here, so it can't be that," Jackson implied.

Alex raised his eyebrow curiously. "She got family around or whatever?"

"No. She doesn't talk about them. Maybe she's not too fond of her bloodline either. I wouldn't blame her. Some parents can be a big, old disappointment," the pretty boy insinuated, drawing a brief scowl from Alex. He simply smirked in response. "That was too easy."

April entered the locker room and immediately approached the three men. "Hey, I can't stay long, but how was the skills lab?" she inquired, standing beside Jackson. She scrunched her nose in disgust. "No offense, but you stink. Or is it you, Alex?"

Alex scoffed. "It's everyone this time. We were locked inside of a lab with pig intestine for four freaking hours."

"We were working for a bowel resection," Jackson answered, slipping his arm around April's shoulder. She casually shifted away from him and he laughed. "Okay, I'll take offense to that."

"I'm sorry. I have to return to the peds ward and I don't want to go back smelling like all of you," April bashfully replied as she walked away from the group. "Find me after work! Good luck, guys!"

Minutes later, Bailey and Meredith entered the locker room and everyone's attention was on them. They stood at the front of the room, then the Chief of Surgery announced, "After thorough evaluation and consulting with Dr. Grey, the resident who will be performing tomorrow's bowel resection is Lexie Grey."

"Yes!" Lexie excitedly whispered to herself with a fist pump, amid a sea of groans from her peers. She couldn't care less about the dirty looks they were giving her because winning the solo surgery was all that mattered to her.

"Oh, c'mon! Her sister was a judge. That's nepotism!" Alex argued.

"Trust me, I was pulling for Avery," Meredith dejectedly answered. "But we couldn't find any flaws with Lexie's work. It was a very close call. The majority of you did a fairly good job on your own resections, while some… need extra hours in the skills lab."

Bailey smiled at the beaming Lexie. "Dr. Grey, you also have the choice of selecting one of your fellow third years to assist you with this surgery. Congratulations to you. And for the rest of you… do better," she sternly said, her proud smile fading away as she looked at the losing residents.

"We'll discuss this at home," the older Grey told her sister before leaving with Bailey.

Lexie approached the three men, who all sported disappointed expressions on their faces. "George, would you like to assist me tomorrow in the OR?" she gleefully asked, briefly smiling at Jackson to add salt to his emotional wound.

George instantly grinned. "Really?" He noticed the scowls on Jackson and Alex's faces and cleared his throat, regaining his composure. "I mean, yeah, sure. Of course. Thanks, Lex."

"Great! How about we celebrate at Joe's later? No booze for us, but a celebratory burger will do as well," she suggested, then she looked at her sour coworkers. "And you two can come too, if you'd like."

After Lexie walked away, George sheepishly grinned at the twosome. "She never said anything about losers paying."

George and Lexie arrived at the Emerald City Bar and joined Alex at a table. He was the only person seated at the booth as he ate a burger. He had sent a text message to Jo hoping she would accompany him, so he wouldn't have to listen to his coworkers gloat about the solo surgery.

"No Avery or Kepner tonight?" George asked, sitting down across from Alex.

"Nope. They want to be 'alone'," he muttered, making air quotes with his fingers to emphasize the word alone. "So, I'm letting them hang out at our place and do whatever they want. Hopefully, not on the couch."

"Oh, don't worry about the sex. April's not putting out yet," George bluntly said. He winced after his coworker kicked his shin from underneath the table. "As far as I know anyway… ouch."

Lexie rolled her eyes as she sat beside George. "Jo not coming?"

"She said she was," Alex said, then he shrugged. "Who knows?"

"Well, I'm going to order myself some dinner. I'll be right back," she excused herself, leaving their table.

"Avery's ego is hurting, huh?" George questioned.

Alex chuckled. "Pretty much. Must suck losing to his ex. Whatever. He'll bounce back. He's got April coddling him now anyway." His mood brightened a bit when he saw Jo walking into the bar. He waved at her to catch her attention. She sat down beside him and he smirked. "It's about damn time."

Jo sighed as she settled into her seat. "So Lexie won? I knew she would."

"Where have you been?" he probed. He could sense that she remained bothered by whatever happened earlier during the skills lab.

"I really shouldn't talk about it," she murmured, running her palms down her face. "It's so embarrassing."

"Dude, just tell us. It can't be that stupid."

Jo rolled her eyes at Alex, then she took a deep breath and said, "It was my cat." She folded her arms and shook her head. "I had my neighbor watch her today, and she basically went all psycho and tried to claw her eyes out. Kind of did a number on her, and it was a huge mess. Pretty sure my neighbor hates me now."

"Wow, that's… crazy," George awkwardly replied. "Maybe it's time to give up the cat?"

Lexie returned and reclaimed her seat. "What are we talking about now?"

"Jo's stupid cat tried to kill her neighbor," Alex amusingly replied before biting into his burger.

"You left the skills lab for that?" Lexie asked appalled.

"She probably would have tried to kill my cat if I didn't leave!" Jo retorted. "Can we drop it now? It's been a long day, I'm tired and I have no idea why I decided to come here in the first place."

Alex held his half-eaten burger in front of Jo's face. "Bite?"

"Eww, no. You have slobber all over it." Jo pushed herself up from her seat. "I'll just buy my own."

Alex set his burger down and followed Jo to the bar counter. After she ordered her dinner, he waved at Joe and smiled. "It's on me, okay?" he insisted. "Who cares about the skills lab? We all knew Lexie would win anyway."

"It's not about winning that surgery. Bailey and Grey probably assume my priorities are elsewhere. I knew I shouldn't have left, but…" Jo softly groaned, resting her forehead on the counter. "Forget it. Like you normally say, whatever. It's done with. I'm the dud."

"Nobody's saying you are," he assured her. "It was for a bowel resection. We'll most likely see more of those in the future. Stop pouting and crap and just thank me for buying you dinner."

Jo raised her head and slightly smiled back at him. "Your charm is so endearing. Seriously. But thank you."

"I even took a shower before I got here. You know, if we don't return to that table, we can call this a date," he proposed. "I'm buying you dinner and I'm working my so-called charm…"

"Alright, fine. It's a date," she playfully surrendered. "Just don't burp near my face like you did last week after tacos."

Alex smugly grinned, taking a step back. "Don't move. I'll just grab my burger and I'll be back. I want to hear more stories about your cat from hell."

Jo laughed as Alex temporarily left her alone at the counter. For someone who really knew how to make another person feel like crap with his words, somehow, he managed to make her feel better with the stupidest joke that came out of his mouth. He was a lot more charming than he probably gave himself credit for, she thought.

Surprisingly, it was a cloudless and rainless day in Seattle for the Seahawks game. George, Jackson and Alex stood in the corner section as the home team prepared for a play that the fans all hoped would lead to a touchdown before halftime. However, Jackson held a soft spot for the opposing team because they were playing his beloved New England Patriots. They were currently tied, which bode well for him, but he feared his hometown team would be down a touchdown in a matter of seconds. He desperately tried to shut out all of the noisy Seahawks fans who were taunting his Patriots.

"Crap," Jackson mumbled under his breath as the stadium erupted following a touchdown.

"I don't actually love football, but this is still amazing to watch," George enthusiastically stated, nudging his roommate with his elbow.

"Very amazing," he murmured, pursing his lips.

Alex pointed over his shoulder. "I'm gonna restock on beer and buy some food. Get a head start before the crowds start pouring in at halftime. You two want anything?"

"Nah, I'm good," Jackson answered.

"Uh, nachos would be good. With everything on it, Karev!" George requested. "And that doesn't include your spit."

Alex scoffed before he left their aisle. Jackson slipped his hands into his pockets as he watched his Patriots return a kickoff. Despite the fact that they were seated beside each other, neither of them had started much of a conversation in between plays and quarters. He used the loud noise as an excuse to avoid talking to Karev. And he was rooting for the Seahawks, which gave him another reason not to talk to him.

Jackson heard a faint ringing and retrieved his cell phone from his pocket. It wasn't his, so he checked to see if George had received a call. He was too occupied with the game to even notice. Jackson glanced down at the glowing light sticking out of Alex's jacket pocket. He slowly furrowed his brow when half of the caller ID was legible. Although he knew he shouldn't be nosy, he reached down and grabbed the cell phone. He clenched his jaw when he saw the name.

Dalton

"Hey, isn't that your dad?" George curiously asked after he noticed Alex's cell phone in Jackson's hand.

"Yeah," his roommate muttered, staring hard at the name as the phone continued to ring.

"Are you gonna answer it?"

Jackson remained silent as he contemplated what he should do. What was the point of answering? He didn't want to have anything to do with his father. Then again, maybe Dalton Avery deserved an overdue lecture from his son after all of these years. He couldn't even remember how his voice sounded. But a single swipe could easily change that.

Let me know what you think please! Up next: a Jolex date and maybe another secret? ;)