A/N - Apologies, but I have realized I posted the first draft of this chapter, not the final one, so I have uploaded it again!

Once again thanks for reading and reviewing. Any feedback on this story and the direction you want to go, is greatly appreciated :) Also I am toying with the idea of a time jump in a couple of chapters time?

IZZIE

Izzie fiddled with the strap on her sleek Louis Vitton holdall as she pushed her luggage trolley anxiously around the crowded arrivals area at Seattle airport. Despite the sea of faces it didn't take her long to spot the shimmering blond hair of Sarah her gorgeous little girl.

Sarah was stood closely next to Alex. The cool, dark and annoyingly handsome guy that Izzie had literally fantasised about non stop for the past month or so, and had also trusted to look after her precious daughter for the weekend whilst she was away. Izzie had said she would get a cab back from the airport, but Sarah had wanted to come and meet her and Alex had said it was no big deal for him to take her, seeing as he wasn't due back in to work until the following day.

Fighting her way towards them, Izzie saw them both edge forwards a little, desperately searching the crowds of people for her, and Izzie noticed Sarah move even closer to Alex for security, she looked unsure and nervous as he put his hand on her arm protectively to reassure her he was right there beside her. Sarah had always been a little nervous in crowds, and Izzie felt a rush of warmth as she took in how protective Alex was with her and how natural they looked together. The perfect family. Her perfect family.

As she approached them Izzie looked at Alex, out of the hospital and his scrubs Alex looked like a completely different guy dressed in his jeans and casual hoodie, he looked hot, and just the sight of him made Izzie melt all over as she rushed over to him and Sarah. Causing them to both break in to wide relieved grins as they spotted her too, and Izzie realized that there right in front of her was the makings of her family and only being away from them for a night, she had missed them like crazy.

"Mom," Sarah said her face lighting up as Izzie quickly walked towards her daughter, flinging her arms around her and squeezing her tightly. Sarah was making a very speedy recovery after her hospital stay, but it had still torn Izzie up inside to leave her just for that one night, after Sarah had been so sick. Sarah couldn't have been in safer hands though, Izzie thought as she turned her attention to Alex, the incredible peds doctor that despite initial reservations she had seemingly fallen head over heels for ever since he had first introduced himself to her as Sarah's doctor. The only people apart from her Mother and Aunts that Izzie had ever felt truly comfortable leaving her little girl with were her best friends Addison and Mark back in New York, but seeing Sarah with Alex now Izzie realized there was no-one in the world she would rather look after her at that moment in time than him.

"Hi," Izzie said smiling as she leaned in, putting her arm around him as she kissed him affectionately on the cheek, lingering for just a little too long as she drank in his masculine scent. He had certainly awoken a deep sexual desire in her and as a result she was pretty much on fire for him all the time, and as she broke apart from him, she felt the familiar flutter in her chest as she looked back at his sexy smile and expressive dark eyes as they locked together with hers for a second. Before Izzie turned her attention back to Sarah.

"How was LA?" Alex asked as he took over pushing Izzie's luggage trolley, leading them through the busy airport and out to his parked car.

"Oh, the usual, boring, tiring, and full of airheads and narcissistic idiots, we don't want to talk about that," Izzie said with a relieved laugh, that she was now back with Alex and could just be herself again after having to be so false for the past twenty four hours as she smiled some more behind her large designer sunglasses, walking along giddily next to Alex and Sarah.

...

"You want me to take you straight home?" Alex said as Izzie slid in to the passenger seat of his car next to him.

"Actually, I thought we could all grab a bite to eat somewhere," Izzie replied as she looked in to the backseat to where Sarah was sat comfortably as she added quickly, "Because I have some news for you both, I have officially been accepted in to med school, right here in Seattle."

As she finished speaking Izzie kept her eyes fixed on Sarah. She had been bursting with excitement ever since she had got the call first thing that morning confirming her place. But she had also been incredibly nervous about breaking the news to her daughter after the way Sarah had been behaving over the past couple of days. Plus, she knew that Sarah thought that their future in Seattle rested solely on whether Izzie was accepted in to med school, and as Sarah was keen to return to New York, it was no secret that she hoped that Izzie wouldn't get in.

"That's great Mom," Sarah said her lips curling up in to a genuine smile, causing Izzie's face to light up with relief.

"Congratulations, great news, Iz," Alex said, grinning from ear to ear.

"Thanks," Izzie replied. She couldn't be happier that firstly she was getting to fulfil her dreams and study to become a doctor, but secondly that that now meant she was definitely going to be a permanent fixture in Seattle and hopefully Alex's life too. But before she allowed herself to get too carried away she swallowed and glanced back at Sarah again as she said a little cautiously., "So, looks like we'll be staying here in Seattle for now, baby?"

"That's okay, Seattle's not so bad. Alex was telling me how it's the home of grunge music and coffee," Sarah said excitedly with a big smile as she tossed her long silky blond hair back behind her shoulders

"Oh really," Izzie said shooting Alex an amused look as she said. "So, you guys had fun then?"

"Yeah, we stayed up late and made oreo cookie milkshakes and watched some cool movies, and then Alex told me all about how he ran away from home when he was a boy," Sarah said giggling.

Izzie turned to Alex raising her eyebrows a little as Sarah said, "I don't mind if you need to go away again, Mom. We'll be fine."

"Okay, so come on, what have you done with my daughter? Where is the stroppy difficult child I left yesterday and who is this little angel?" Izzie mouthed, teasing to Alex as she realized she had been worrying over nothing about leaving Sarah with him. She should have given him more credit. He was great with kids and Sarah was no exception.

"We had a great time, she's a good kid, Iz," Alex replied with a soft smile as Izzie reached for his hand and gave it a small squeeze as she said quietly, "Thanks," Before turning back to Sarah and saying louder, "So, where shall we go for lunch then?"

It had been a week since she had got back and stepping out of the elevator on to the surgical floor of Seattle Grace Hospital, Izzie looked around tentatively. Picturing what it would be like to actually work at a place like this. To be diagnosing patients, performing surgeries and healing really sick people giving them hope and changing their lives. And she simply couldn't wait to trade in her lip gloss, designer dresses and professionally blow dried hair for baggy scrubs, no make up and loose pony tails.

"Hey, what you doing here?" Alex said as she suddenly saw him walking towards her. He looked busy, he was in his scrubs and surgical gown and was clutching a patient chart, but that didn't stop him from leaning in and kissing her on the cheek as he looked straight at her giving her his full undivided attention. It was a big day for Izzie, it was Sarah's first half day back at school and Izzie was grateful for how supportive Alex was being.

"Oh, I had a couple of hours to kill, so thought I'd stop by," Izzie said with a bright smile, feeling almost a little self conscious, as she sensed all eyes in the place were on them as they talked in the middle of the hospital. Causing Izzie to wonder whether it had been a mistake to stop by unannounced, although Alex didn't seem to care or notice she thought with relief as his eyes fixed on her intensely.

"Everything okay?" he said a slight look of panic crossing his face.

"Yeah, yeah, everything's fine…I just stopped by to tell you that my Mom called this morning, she's still in Atlantic City, says her flight was cancelled again. Which means we'll have to cancel our plans for tonight." Izzie replied groaning a little, Alex had promised to take her out tonight to celebrate her getting in to med school. In the week since she had retuned from LA, despite Alex being rushed off his feet with work, he had stopped by her place every night. Which had been great, but it meant they still hadn't really got the chance to be alone and relax properly without Sarah around, and as much as Izzie knew Alex was extremely fond of her daughter, she also knew they needed some alone time.

"Well I guess if her flights cancelled it can't be helped," Alex replied kindly, his eyes projecting a tinge of disappointment.

"You don't know my Mother," Izzie replied rolling her eyes with disappointment and annoyance.

"Well, we can always do it another night, I can still come over when I've finished my shift, if you like ?" Alex questioned.

"Of course, yes, that would be great, I'm sure Sarah will want to tell you about her day too and I guess we can order Chinese food or something." Izzie said forcing a smile, and trying to hide her disappointment, she was relieved Alex was being so cool about it too, although she had never really doubted for one moment that he wouldn't be. But despite that Izzie was still bitterly disappointed she had been really looking forward to spending some quality time with him, getting dressed up, sitting in a nice restaurant somewhere, joking around and putting the world to rights whilst getting warm and fuzzy on exotic cocktails.

"I'll stop by around seven then," Alex said.

"Karev, you're needed in room three," a familiar female voice said urgently as Izzie looked up to see Lexie walking briskly up to Alex.

"Izzie, hi," Lexie said breaking in to a warm smile as she saw her. Izzie had text Lexie to tell her about her place at med school and the two had exchanged a few friendly texts since.

"How's Sarah doing?" Lexie said looking genuinely interested.

"She's doing great, you should stop by and see her sometime," Izzie replied.

"I'd love to," Lexie replied as Alex cleared his throat and they both turned to look at him.

"I'll leave you both to it, but you really need to go and check on your interns in room three, Alex," Lexie quickly said.

"Oh, I was just leaving anyway, see you later," Izzie said giving Alex a final intimate stare before turning to walk away.

"See you later," Alex said to Izzie, before turning back to Lexie and Izzie heard him say, "Grey, you got a sec actually? There was something I wanted to ask you?"

"Sure," Izzie heard Lexie reply.

Izzie pulled up outside her house to see a strange car parked in her driveway, and as she stepped out of her car and up to her front door, she saw a familiar figure get out of the other car to join her.

"Mark, what are you doing here?" Izzie said as she looked at her good friend from New York walking towards her.

"Hey Blondie, I finished working at the hospital so I thought I'd stop by and see you," Mark replied grinning.

"Okay, so what do you want?" Izzie said as she hoisted the strap on her bag up on to her shoulder, as she put her key in to the lock to open her front door.

"Why do I have to have a reason to stop by and see one of my closet friends?" Mark replied playfully.

"Because you're you," Izzie said shaking her head a little and smiling.

"Well now you come to mention it there is actually something I wanted to talk to you about," Mark replied more seriously.

"I'll make us some coffee," Izzie said smiling fondly at him. On the outside Mark was super confident, egotistical even, but on the inside Izzie knew there was a softer more genuine side to him. He had been there for her many times over the years and as a friend she loved him to bits.

...

"You got anything stronger than coffee?" Mark said as he perched down at Izzie's kitchen table.

"Beer?" Izzie replied as she moved to the fridge and took out two of the emergency stash of beers that Alex had put in there earlier in the week and handed one to Mark.

"Cheers," Mark said as he took a long swig of the chilled liquid and leaned back in his chair.

"So, how was Seattle Grace?" Izzie said.

"Good, really good, in fact so good the Chief has offered me a permanent job there." Mark said.

"You're kidding?" Izzie said.

"Nope, their current head of plastics is retiring so they're looking for someone as soon as possible." Mark replied slowly.

"Well that's cool, but you're not seriously considering it? I mean you love New York, you're a rock star there," Izzie said with an awkward laugh.

Mark didn't reply as first to which Izzie responded with, "Oh my God, you are seriously considering it?"

"Sometimes you reach a point when it's just time to move on, start a fresh," Mark said.

"Addie will never leave New York, Mark," Izzie said quickly.

"I know," Mark replied. Looking Izzie in the eye, causing her heart to drop a little as he said, "But she doesn't have to, we could still make it work somehow."

"Long distance doesn't work, Mark. Believe me." Izzie said as she thought back to her failed relationship with Denny and all the time they had spent apart.

There was another uncomfortable silence, before changing the subject Mark said, "So anyway how's it going with you and Karev?"

"How do you know about me and Alex?" Izzie replied suspiciously.

"How could I not know about it. It's all over the hospital, you're hot news baby. It's all anyone is taking about at the moment, Karev and Izzie Stevens." Mark replied with a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

Izzie looked slightly irritated for a moment before trying not to appear too interested she said tentatively, "So, what are they saying then?"

"Just that Karev is dating some top supermodel," Mark responded.

Izzie fiddled with the label on her bottle for a moment before she bit her lip and said, "Have you heard anything else, about… Alex I mean?" her heart racing a little as she looked directly at Mark. She almost didn't want to know if Alex was mouthing off about her again around the hospital, but she also knew Mark would be completely honest with her and it would be better to find out now then to get hurt again.

Mark smiled as he looked at her and said, "Iz, you have nothing to worry about. It takes one to know one. Guys like Karev, young, good-looking, successful guys that walk the walk, talk the talk, they mess around with every girl in sight while they get the chance. But one day they meet someone, just one girl, that completely knocks them for six, making them realize how meaningless their old life really was, and they realize that if they get a chance with that girl, they'll never look at another woman again."

"Wow, couples therapy is seriously having an effect on you, and waking you up to a few things," Izzie said in amazement as she suddenly wondered whether that was in Addison's benefit or not. Since Mark had married her best friend, he must have had at least three flings that Izzie knew about, it was a little odd that he was now so willing to change his ways for Addison.

"Yeah, you know what? It really is," Mark said looking away in refection as he swigged his beer.

"Talk to Addison, Mark," Izzie responded firmly as she looked at the distant expression on his handsome face.

"Yeah," Mark replied, as he added, "And thanks, Iz. It's been good to talk and I'm really glad Sarah is recovering well. But if there is anything I can do?"

"Actually, there is something you can do. My Mom is out of town still and she promised to babysit tonight so Alex and I could go out to celebrate. If you're sticking around in Seattle for now, is there any chance you could stop by and look after her for me? I know she'd love to see you and we won't be late." Izzie said pleading slightly, flashing her most perfect pearly white smile as she fluttered her long eyelashes at her friend, she knew he was a sucker for a pretty face.

"I'd love to, anything for my beautiful niece," Mark replied.

"Okay, so which one the black or the red?" Izzie said frantically as she wandered in to the front room holding up two dresses. Looking over to where Sarah and Mark were sat on the sofa next to each other eating popcorn.

"The red it makes you look pretty," Sarah said with a mouthful of popcorn.

"The black it makes you look hot," Mark said grinning as Izzie shot him an unimpressed look and Sarah giggled.

"How about the black one with the red shoes?" Sarah said excitedly.

"Sarah, baby, I still need to teach you a thing or two about fashion," Izzie teased as she tuned to walk out the door. Returning seconds later with a fitted white and red dress.

"Yes," both Mark and Sarah said at the same time, causing Izzie to break in to a wide relieved smile as Sarah added, "You can wear the red shows with that one?"

"Sure can," Izzie replied as she turned to rush out the room and get changed ready for Alex.

...

Moments later the door bell rang, "That will be Alex," Izzie said as she darted to the door full of nervous excitement. She hadn't told Alex yet about the last minute change of plan after Mark had agreed to baby sit. Therefore he would be arriving after his busy shift at the hospital, fully anticipating a night in with her and Sarah again. When actually Izzie had made reservations at the best restaurant in the city and she couldn't wait to surprise him as she flung the door open, smiling widely.

The smile on her face quickly fading to one of confusion as it wasn't Alex stood there, but Lexie. "Surprise," Lexie said cheerfully.

Izzie smiled back again as she bit her lip and said, "Lexie, hi." Suddenly remembering her invitation to Lexie to come over and see them. She hadn't quite anticipated she would come by so soon though.

Izzie was just contemplating how to tell Lexie in the politest possible way that now wasn't the best time for her to stop by and see Sarah when Lexie explained quickly, "Alex asked me to babysit for Sarah so he could take you out."

"Oh," Izzie said, just as Alex came waltzing up behind Lexie, causing Izzie's heart to completely skip a beat. He looked so handsome. He was wearing a black short sleeved shirt, showing off his bulging biceps and toned upper body, his hair was perfectly styled and he had just the right amount of manly stubble to set Izzie's pulse racing furiously.

"You asked Lexie to babysit?" Izzie said to him as she opened the door a little wider to let them both in.

"Yeah, well, Lexie wasn't doing anything and I knew how much you were looking forward to going out, so I made last minute reservations at the best restaurant in town. They had a cancellation, I thought you'd be pleased," he said looking puzzled as his eyes flickered across her in her stunning red and white dress.

"I am, it's just I made reservations there too, and I already managed to get a replacement babysitter," Izzie said, just as at that exact moment, Mark poked his head around the living room door as he said, "Evening."

...

"Looks like you have two babysitters, Sarah," Alex said in amusement as he looked from Mark to Lexie.

"Cool," Sarah replied.

"Oh, Lexie, you don't have to stay," Izzie quickly said, sensing things were getting a little awkward.

"Oww..Please let Dr Grey stay, Mom. She can stay can't she Uncle Mark?" Sarah protested pouting a little.

"Fine with me," Mark said grinning as Izzie shot him back a slightly unimpressed look. She knew she had no choice but to leave Mark with Lexie now. Lexie had made a big impression on Sarah in the hospital and Izzie knew she would sulk if Izzie sent her away, and seeing as she already felt a tad guilty for going out and leaving her, Izzie knew on this occasion she would have to give in.

"You reckon Mark will behave himself with Lexie then?" Alex said from where he was sat opposite Izzie at their intimately lit table tucked away by the window in the stunning upmarket restaurant.

Izzie sipped her champagne as she replied, "Honestly, I really don't know, he hasn't got the best track record with pretty young interns. But then again Sarah is probably going to be a walking contraception," she added breaking in to a small giggle.

"Oh. I dunno. We seem to manage okay," Alex said suggestively as he brushed her knee with his under the table and she flashed him a flirty look, she had had more incredible sex in the last week than she'd had in her entire life, despite her daughter being under the same roof.

...

"Heres to you and your bright, bright future," Alex said smiling as he held his glass up to Izzie.

Holding her glass up too, Izzie gave him a look of adoration, her eyes shining as she said, "Thanks." This was a huge moment for her. Her whole life she had had her heart set on going to med school and being a surgeon. Despite her image now she had never been the prom queen type at high school obsessed with her looks, she had been the studious type obsessed with her science lessons and immense thirst for knowledge. But somehow her dreams had gone out of the window when she had fallen pregnant with Sarah as a teenager, and as much as she knew that Sarah was the best thing to ever happen to her, she also felt as though she had missed her chance to be somebody to really make a difference. Modelling had been great, it had provided her with the chance to travel, to meet fascinating people and to make seriously good money. But it didn't fulfil her, she had been successful based on her good looks alone and later her connections in the industry. But there were no connections opening doors for her now to get in to med school and become a doctor, that was on her academic ability alone and even though it was only the start of her journey it was that alone that made Izzie prouder of this achievement than anything else in her life so far.

Looking over at the guy sat in front of her, the guy Izzie had thought was such a jerk at first, she realized suddenly that part of her success and belief in herself and her abilities again had been down to meting him. In a funny way Alex had saved her and restored her faith in her own mind, he had treated her as an equal and not just as a bimbo and for that she was truly grateful.

"Okay, so what do you want to do now?" Alex said later on as he tucked his credit card back in to his wallet, after they had finished their meal.

"Hmm…" Izzie said as she put her finger up to her lip in concentration. She'd had a wonderful evening. It had been so nice to have Alex all to herself. To properly talk and laugh without having to watch what they were saying all the time because there was a child present. They had planned to have dinner then hit a few bars, let their hair down, but if she was completely honest there was only one thing on Izzie's mind that she wanted to do next as she looked at Alex. Every nerve in her body tingling in anticipation at the thought of getting hot and naked with him again later as she said, "You know, I'm a little tired perhaps we should head home and get an early night." Her wide almond eyes meeting his dark ones straight on as they communicated the real thoughts running through her mind.

"Sounds good to me," Alex said grinning back at her, letting her know they were on exactly the same page.

Walking with Alex quietly in to the dark hallway of her home so as not to wake Sarah, Izzie felt Alex's hand on her lower back. She giggled at first feeling like a drunk teenager again before she wrinkled her brow a little in confusion at how quiet the house actually was. Normally if Mark was around he filled every room with his loud booming voice and laughter and Izzie wondered if Lexie had gone home. If Mark really was a reformed man after his couples therapy.

Sensing Alex was still behind her, Izzie slowly turned the handle to the front room, "Hey, we're back early," she said merrily, thinking Mark would probably be pleased she was back in time for him to still hit his hotel bar and have a few nightcaps.

"What the hell," Izzie said as her hand flew up to her mouth in shock as she took in the sight in front her. Lexie was still there alright, lying half dressed underneath Mark on Izzie's sofa. Izzie was just about to say or more likely yell something at them both, when she sensed Alex smirking in to his hand next to her, causing her to turn and hit him sharply on the thigh as she continued to glare furiously at Mark's guilty face.

...