Chapter 5: Strawberries

A/N: This is it, the chapter you've all been waiting for! I've definitely taken bits and pieces from the original storyline on Grey's, because I absolutely love the way they got together, but I hope you guys like it and it's everything you've hoped for!

April lay in bed; eyes wide open as she listened to the man next to her snore softly. There were thousands of thoughts running through her head, most of which were about the green-eyed god holding her hand as he slept. His rough fingers were warm against her own, grasping her hand tenderly. Exhaling harshly, April looked up at the ceiling. Jackson was making her irrational- she had never before wanted somebody as much as she did Jackson. He was making her question almost everything she had ever believed in. April startled as the man of her thoughts mumbled an indistinguishable word in his sleep and rolled over, facing her. April felt ridiculous. She had never been one of the girls that pined over her coworkers like her other friends. She had never really been romantically involved with another hospital employee, discounting Robert Stark, whom she never actually liked anyway. April's mind was betraying itself. She looked at the sleeping Plastic surgeon, admiring his dark eyelashes and full lips. His eyebrows twitched slightly and a small smile appeared on his face as he babbled in his sleep again. April's eyes flew open in complete shock when a coherent word emerged from his mouth- "April."

Had Jackson been dreaming about her? April was thankful for the shroud of darkness that covered the blush that spread across her entire body. His grip on her hand tightened as he fidgeted slightly. April was flabbergasted- did Jackson think of her as more than just a friend? She couldn't help the wide smile that crossed her face. She inched closer to Jackson; enjoying the forbidden warmth his body brought to her. Her eyes slowly fluttered shut as she drifted off to sleep, her mind on sea green eyes and sparkling white smiles.

April woke up late the next morning, surprised to find herself wrapped around Jackson, who was still sleeping soundly. She was comfortable than she had felt in years, curled up with the tall surgeon. Something about Jackson came so easily to April. Nuzzling her head deeper into his neck, she breathed deeply. He smelled like spicy aftershave and the resort's soap, a combination that April found ridiculously addictive. She lay with her head buried into Jackson's skin, utterly peaceful. Jackson's eyes slowly opened as he woke up feeling inexplicably happy. He yawned loudly, causing April to jump away from her spot in the crook of his neck. Her skin turned deep red as she gazed up at the man across from her, embarrassment evident on her face.

"Good morning," he smiled softly at the blushing girl. April's self-consciousness made her even more alluring in Jackson's mind- she was so sexy and she didn't even know it. April bit her lip guiltily, a motion Jackson couldn't keep his eyes off. He wished it were his teeth her soft pink lips were entrapped in, wished that he could taste her tongue on his. Clearing her throat, April abruptly sat up in the bed.

"I, uh, I'm going to go. Clean up." April practically ran into the bathroom and slammed the door behind her, leaving Jackson staring longingly at her impression in the mattress.

April stared at her reflection in the bathroom mirror. She looked the same as she always had- wavy red hair, wide hazel eyes. She had the same pale skin, and same tilted nose. Then why did she feel like a different person? April had changed considerably in the past few days. She felt like a stranger in her own body- a stranger who couldn't stop dreaming about Jackson Avery. April shook her head and sat down on the edge of the bathtub. "Jackson's a friend. That's it," she announced quietly. She couldn't even convince herself that her words were the truth. Somewhere along the line, Jackson became more than her best friend, and she had no clue why or how to make it stop. Resignedly, April washed her face, hoping that the freezing water would have the power to clear her head. It wasn't enough, evidently, because Jackson's name echoed through her thoughts for the whole time she spent getting ready for the day.

It was past noon when April and Jackson finally made their way down to the beach, detouring to get drinks after greeting their friends. April slid onto a stool, Jackson next to her. April ordered a daiquiri, sipping the frozen strawberry concoction appreciatively. She didn't notice the blonde man standing behind her until he tapped her on the shoulder. She turned around, surprised.

"Can I buy you a drink?" the stranger asked, winking lecherously at her. Jackson turned around, anger and disgust on his face. He wanted to punch the man in the face for looking at April like that, like she was a piece of meat to be screwed and dumped. She deserved so much better than the douchebag in front of her. She deserved him.

"Oh, um. Thank you, but I'm fine," April said apologetically. The man narrowed his eyes, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"Oh, come on. You know you want to."

April was getting nervous. The man's grip on her arm was uncomfortably tight, and she tried to pull away. Jackson turned purple with rage.

"She said no. Leave," Jackson threatened. He was furious at this man who thought he had the right to touch April like that, to look at her like he was undressing her with his eyes. The blond man raised his eyebrows mockingly.

"I'm sorry, I don't think you're involved in this," the blond said menacingly. "Come on, Red. Let's go." Jackson stood up, balling his hands into fists possesively. He was delirious with anger at the creep talking to April.

"Back the hell off, man. Or I don't think you'll like what'll happen next." Before Jackson could get his hands on the man, April grabbed her icy drink and threw it on the blonde's face, pink slush splashing into his eyes and splattering everywhere.

"What the hell?" he screeched, rubbing his eyes with his hands and retreating back to his chair. "You're crazy, bitch. Forget it!" April rubbed the spot on her arm that he grabbed, wincing at the soreness. She could feel a bruise coming on. Jackson caressed the angry red skin on her upper arm, wishing to erase all traces of the man from her skin. He looked at her with surprise in his eyes.

"That was so badass!"

April laughed. "It was, wasn't it?" She looked down at her blue dress, now covered in little splatters of her daiquiri. "I should probably change," April amended. Jackson nodded, a smile on his face as he walked with her back to their room. He didn't want her going anywhere alone after the encounter with that sleaze. April bit her lip and smiled softly as Jackson treaded next to her. She felt safe next to him, like nobody could hurt her. Jackson fumbled with their keycard, unlocking their room. He was about to open the door when April put her hand on his, stopping him.

"Wait," April said quietly. Confusion and doubt ran through her mind, but before she could second guess herself, she lunged forwards, taking Jackson's mouth in a kiss.

Jackson froze in shock when he felt her mouth on his. Her lips were soft and warm, pillowing his own. April pulled away quickly, blushing as she looked down in embarrassment.

"Oh my God, I'm sorry, I just-" Before she could complete her sentence, Jackson swooped down eagerly, smashing their lips together. April responded immediately, wrapping her arms around his waist. She could feel the energy pulse through her body at the touch of his lips against hers. It was like no kiss she had ever had before- it was tender and strong, opening a void inside of her demanding for more. She opened her mouth, seeking his touch desperately. She wanted more of him, more than just his lips brushing against her own. Jackson swept his tongue lightly against her bottom lip before slipping it into her mouth. The deep moan she let out only fueled him as he pulled her closer to him, crushing her small body against his. Her tongue was sweet against his own, the taste of strawberries lingering on her lips from the sips of her drink she had managed to take before she threw it on the stranger. Even just thinking of the man made Jackson angry, his skin heating up as his hands stroked April's cheeks and ventured into her thick red hair. April sucked lightly at his lip, causing Jackson to grunt in appreciation. It was the best kiss he had ever had, and Jackson was aching for more of April. He was hungry for the girl, his need for her like a black hole inside of his chest. Their lips and tongues fought voraciously for what seemed like eternity before April slowly pulled away. She looked up at him, hazel eyes darker than usual. Her pink lips were swollen slightly, still moist from their heated kiss, and her crimson hair cascaded messily around her face. Jackson let out a small gasp. She looked more beautiful than he had ever seen her before, looking thoroughly kissed. April looked down, a blush forming on her cheeks as she tucked a wayward strand of hair behind her ear.

"I'm, uh, going to go change," April said, fighting the urge to lean back into the man for more. Jackson nodded slowly, bringing his fingers to his lips as she walked into their hotel room. The taste of strawberries and April lingered on his tongue.

"Wow."

A/N: There you go! I apologize for it being a little short, but I wanted to get it updated today. Obviously a lot of the whole "April being badass and standing up to douche, then kissing Jackson" was kind of borrowed from the show, but yeah, I hope it's all that you lovely folks dreamed it would be! As always pretty please review this story! Reviews mean so so much to me, and they let me know that you guys want me to continue the story! Love you all so much! xoxoxo