A/N: Hey again! Thanks for the honest critique… and we're sorry to hear some of you are bored and think the storyline is not going anywhere… Jackson WILL fall down, but it'll still take a lot of time until that happens and there will be (hopefully) some surprises on the way "down"…
Anyways… we hope, this chapter is more your "taste" than the one before because there is definitely something happening here… we're not sure whether you like it, though…
Enjoy anyways… if you can! And thanks for your honesty, we appreciate that after all!
Jackson Avery POV:
Jackson had awoken that morning with a terrible headache. They were becoming more and more frequent and he found that the only thing that really helped him were the pills.
He knew he had to be careful with them. They had the ability to alter his perception and make the world much slower than it actually was. Too many people were waiting for him to completely fall apart and Jackson had to protect himself. Still, the headaches were too severe not to worry about them first.
He knew he didn't have any surgeries today so if he was lucky he could hide out in his office until the end of shift and then make it back to his apartment. Although, these days the apartment and the endless quiet that seemed entrenched within it's walls wasn't something that Jackson particularly looked forward to.
He had been doing a good job until Alex had cornered him in his office and Jackson had expected an argument, but seeing the concern in Alex's eyes had made Jackson feel incredibly uneasy. He had been used to the harsh words and violent interactions that came whenever he and Alex exchanged words.
Why couldn't the guy just leave him alone? He had Lewis and April was going to make sure that Alex had a part in their kid's life. Alex was going to have much more than he deserved. He'd never understand how Alex would be able to cheat, lie, and stomp over everyone who gave a damn about him and come out smelling like a rose.
The least the man could do was leave Jackson alone.
Once Alex left Jackson went to his desk and put his head on top of it. He suddenly felt too tired and maybe a nap would help the day pass faster.
He was a second away from falling asleep when he heard someone knock on his door and jumping up just before Mark walked in he felt himself twitch.
"God, Mark, you startled me!" Jackson said as he tried to get his heart to calm down. He could see Mark give him a questioning look and soon after came the questions.
Jackson told him he was okay, he told Mark not to worry, but he knew the older man would anyway. He couldn't have Mark looking at him the way everyone else did.
With suspicions and mistrust. He could take it from Lewis, or Alex, even from the other ones like Arizona and Eli, but not with Mark.
"If there is anything you want to talk to, I'm listening, and if you just need someone to hold you... someone to be there... it can be me as well..."
The words twisted something in Jackson's chest "I'm okay Mark...I promise"
"Just know that I'm here" Mark told him and the touch to Jackson's hand felt like fire on the man's skin. Quickly pulling it back Jackson opened up the second drawer of his desk and pulled out a manila envelope.
"I was actually just going over cases for your first surgery once you return" Jackson smiled and instantly Mark had perked up.
"Really?"
"Yeah" Jackson said as he handed over the file of one Brenda Jamison. A woman who had been attacked by a wild animal on a hunting trip. Her face had taken most of the damage and left the woman with large wounds.
"She had come to Seattle Grace because she knew you were the best in the country," Jackson said and the look of pride on Mark's face gave Jackson a warm feeling in his stomach.
Mark was looking over the file and the way that he was drinking in the information told Jackson that he had made the right choice in choosing Mrs. Jamison.
"I know you have your therapy with Lewis" Jackson said "so why don't you take that with you and you can go over it once you're done"
"Thank you, Jackson" Mark said "Lewis should be done with his meeting with Arizona and Eli"
"Who?" Jackson asked urgently.
"Yeah, I didn't get it either" Mark said as he shrugged his shoulders "but I think something big is going on. Alex was storming out as I walked into Lewis' office"
Jackson could feel his stomach drop out completely. He knew there was only one reason why all four people would be together and Jackson's heart started to race once again.
Jackson had managed to keep his face neutral. He had just given Mark some really good news and he was not going to ruin that by making the man grow suspicious once again.
Standing up Mark turned and headed for Jackson's door before turning around and looking at Jackson once more "Thank you, Jackson" he said "this means a lot to me" he said as he held up the folder "I'm going to make you proud"
"You always do" Jackson told him and with one last warm look Mark turned and left.
Jackson forced himself to keep still until he was sure Mark was far enough away before leaping up out of his chair and running into the hall. He had no idea what Lewis, Arizona, Eli, and Alex had planned, but he knew that it was only going to be bad news for him.
All he needed was one more week and once Mark came back to the hospital full-time things would be better. Why couldn't they just give him a week?
Opening his door he was about to run out before he saw somebody standing directly in his path.
"T-Tyler?"
"Hey Jackson" the man said with a wide smile "how's my favourite Avery doing?"
Jackson could only stare at the taller man. He was the last person that Jackson had ever expected to see standing outside his door.
"What are you doing here?"
"I got to thinking that it has been far too long since I've been in your company and since you're not taking that job in Miami it was time I got my ass here to see you" Tyler told him "so are you just going to stand there or can I get a hug"
"Of course" Jackson laughed and pulled the man into a tight embrace. It had been so long since Jackson had any contact with another person that had made him feel...safe. That wasn't filled with desperation or anger. That didn't leave him feeling empty inside.
Feeling Tyler wrap his arms around him and pull him as close as possible Jackson felt the ever sense of loneliness slowly evaporate and he did his best to hold the tears that wanted to come.
"I've missed you so much" Jackson whispered into the man's sleeve.
"I've missed you, too" Tyler said to him as he gave a kiss to the side of Jackson's head.
Finally breaking away Jackson quickly wiped the small tear that had started to roll down his cheek "I've been meaning to call you it's just been...busy around here"
"Hey" Tyler smiled "far be it for me to not understand the hassles that come from running a surgical department"
"Right" Jackson laughed "I forgot I'm talking to the Miami Cardio god"
"Not god" Tyler said "more like semi-god" and the remark got a laugh from Jackson.
"Why don't you come out to lunch with me?" Tyler suggested "I can catch you up on what I've been through. That pet shop guy I was talking to you about during our last phone call...got him"
"Sounds great" Jackson said "just let me grab my things real quick" he said as he went around his desk and opened up the first drawer. The small baggie of white pills sat there and for a moment Jackson's hand reached for them until he stopped himself.
No, not with Tyler here. Pushing the pills to the side he grabbed his wallet and quickly closing the drawer he looked back at Tyler and smiled.
"Ready to go when you are" he said and made his way over to Tyler.
"Let's do it" Tyler said as he placed an arm around Jackson's shoulders and led him out.
Mark Sloan POV:
By the reaction of Jackson when Mark had mentioned the meeting that had been going on in Lewis' office, he could tell that something had been off, as much as Jackson tried to hide it. Mark knew him perfectly well, and even though he had kept a neutral face, Mark had seen that it rattled him inside. Something here was absolutely not right, and he couldn't get rid of the feeling that all those people - Alex, Eli, Arizona and even Lewis - knew what was going on.
And he didn't.
He hated to be the one shut out from everything. He hated it from the bottom of his heart.
Sighing, he sat down in the hallway and took a look into the patient's file Jackson had given him. This was quite a challenge for him and he just hoped he would be able to perform the surgery. But Jackson would be there with him. Plastics Posse would strike again, and Mark was so looking forward to standing in the OR again. With Jackson by his side.
He hadn't even been able to tell Jackson exactly that, because Jackson had seemed like he wanted to get rid of him quickly, even though he didn't say it, but the way he pulled his hand back when Mark started to stroke it said it all. And it hurt Mark, even though he - of course - put on his poker-face as well and tried not to show him how he felt.
Still, it had felt like a stab directly to the heart and he just hoped they could really overcome their problems.
That was what was keeping him upwards at the moment after all and he really needed Jackson back in his life. Badly. As soon as possible.
He missed him so terribly, he couldn't even believe it himself sometimes.
The worst it felt at night, when he was laying in his bed and staring at the ceiling and couldn't find any sleep at all, because he missed Jackson so much that it almost hurt. And then he asked himself if maybe - just maybe - Jackson felt the same way or if he had already moved on. A thought that hurt even more.
During the day he was distracted by Sofia or his therapy or Callie or Arizona, so it wasn't that bad, but when it got dark and he sat in his apartment in front of the TV, knowing he would go to bed soon and face his loneliness again it became almost unbearable.
It had to be so much worse for Jackson, though, because he had people in his life, who were always there for him. Derek, Callie and Arizona mostly, but with Alex and Jackson still being really tense with each other and with the fight with Meredith and his broken relationship with Lewis Jackson must feel even lonelier.
Mark just wished he would open up to him. He would come to him if he needed him, because he still meant what he said. No matter how things with him and Jackson would go, he wanted to be in his life. He wanted to be at least his friend. He could do that. He was able to do that with Lexie, too, when they had broken up, even though they got together over and over again, but in between they kind of were friends and even talked to each other sometimes. Mark wanted that with Jackson, too. He needed him in his life. He couldn't bear the thought of losing him completely.
He was just about to get up when he saw Arizona passing him by, and she was so busy staring in her file, that she didn't even notice him sitting there.
"Arizona!" he shouted out for her and immediately, she twitched, turning around to face him.
"Mark, god! Don't do that!" she hissed, placing a hand on her chest. "Even though Alex does a good job in my department, the little humans still need me."
Embarrassed, Mark scratched the back of his head. "I'm... I'm sorry... I didn't mean to startle you."
"It's okay..." she smiled. "What are you still doing here? I thought you had already left? Isn't your session with Lewis over by now?"
Mark nodded immediately. "Yeah, sure it is... I went to see Jackson."
"Oh!" Arizona blurted out, causing Mark to look at her suspicious and tilt his head.
"Oh? What's that supposed to mean?"
"Nothing!" Arizona hurriedly replied. "I just... I mean, I don't know if that's such a good idea... I thought you've broken up."
Defensively, Mark crossed his arms above his chest. "So? I'm not allowed to see him?"
"Of course you are," Arizona said, putting on a smile. "I was just surprised don't worry... how is he?"
Raising an eyebrow, Mark looked at her. "He looked... tired... and exhausted... not all too good to be honest and I'm really worried about him... something's going on and he's not telling me, and neither are you..."
"Me?" Arizona let out a nervous laugh. "How should I know anything? I don't even work with him..."
"I don't know... you tell me..." Mark gave back. "I feel like you... all of you... are hiding something from me, and I wanna know what it is..."
"All of us? What are you talking about?" Arizona asked and Mark could tell he had gotten her pretty nervous in such a short amount of time. That was more than just proof that he was right.
"Your meeting in Lewis' office... you... Eli... Alex... and this other guy... don't think I'm stupid, Arizona... that wasn't about this guy introducing himself, or he would have done it personally to each and everyone of you. And not in Lewis office. So what's going on?"
"Nothing! Really, Mark, you're wrong, there is nothing going on," Arizona replied, avoiding Mark's gaze.
Mark was starting to get really angry by her behaviour and it was pretty difficult for him, to hold his feelings back.
"Why doesn't anyone tell me anything anymore these days? I'm not a weak little kid that can't take anything, I'm a grown up man about to get back to work, but you all seem to think I'm some fragile porcelain figure!"
"Mark, please..." Arizona tried to calm him down, placing a hand on his arm, but immediately, Mark shook it off.
"Save it, okay? I'm out of here..." And with those words he just left her standing there, making his way to the cafeteria. He needed a coffee now, and then he needed to see his daughter - the only person to be able to calm him down in a situation like that. He could take when people didn't tell him everything, but what he couldn't take were the lies, and Arizona was lying straight to his face. She was looking into his eyes and lying to him and he was so sick of that.
He was just about to enter the cafeteria, when he saw Jackson sitting there on a table, together with someone else. This new doctor that had been in Lewis' office. Dr. Browning.
So maybe he had been in Lewis' office to introduce himself and now it was Jackson's turn?
Confused, Mark watched them and only a second later he heard Jackson let out a laugh. One of those real laughs Mark loved so much. One of those laughs he hadn't heard in a long time, and it went straight to his heart, causing a bad pain there. They already seemed pretty close and Mark couldn't stand the thought that someone else was able to make Jackson happy. That someone else achieved what he couldn't.
He watched the two of them, noticing how close they were sitting. Their knees were almost touching and Jackson's eyes were locked on the blond guy's. They didn't even seem to notice anything or anyone around them, because they were so busy with their conversation, and Mark could tell that Jackson was blossoming out in his presence.
He looked so relaxed and calm and definitely as if he enjoyed Dr. Browning's company a lot more than he had enjoyed his company before.
When said Doctor placed a hand on Jackson's arm and Jackson placed his own above it for a moment, looking down, it was too much for Mark to bear. So he turned around on his heels and entered the next bathroom, steadying himself on the sink with both hands.
His knees felt so weak all of a sudden and he felt like crying, but he didn't want the tears to win him over. He was stronger than that.
If Jackson was trying to move on, he couldn't change it anyways, he just hated it, that Jackson didn't feel like he could be honest with him.
Maybe this guy was even here because Jackson had brought him here. Maybe they knew each other from somewhere and Jackson wanted him here, in this hospital. They looked pretty close to each other, and Mark couldn't believe that could happen with someone Jackson just met. Maybe he was a former lover, and soon to be lover again.
The mere thought broke something inside of Mark and he leaned against the wall next to him, sinking to the floor and taking a few deep breathes. Things were so not right, and maybe they would never be right again between them. Maybe he was fooling himself with the stupid hope of them being able to reunite. Maybe that wouldn't happen anymore after all...
Tyler Browning POV:
Sitting in the cafeteria with Jackson as the two had lunch felt great. It reminded Tyler of the times when he and Jackson had lived in New York and Jackson would surprise him by showing up at the hospital with a lunch he had made for Tyler.
It wouldn't be his birthday, or an anniversary, or even something just to celebrate good news. Jackson would do it just because he thought the gesture would make Tyler happy and it always did.
Tyler would never understand how Lewis could have hated him for so long. In the quiet moments, when Jackson didn't think Tyler could hear him he would hear Jackson call Lewis' phone and leave a message. Nothing more then saying he hoped he was okay, but Tyler knew losing Lewis hurt Jackson more than he would ever admit.
Seeing Jackson smile across from him as he talked about how happy he was that Tyler was in town and went over things that the two could do together so Jackson could give him the true Seattle experience Tyler saw the Jackson he loved in the man's laughter and in the animated movements of his body. If he didn't know about Jackson's relapse Tyler could chalk the man's erratic movements to nothing but excitement.
Still, Tyler did know and it made him take notice of the distance in Jackson's eyes when Tyler mentioned anything about his life in Seattle. It made him notice that Jackson's hands had a constant nervous tick that only stopped when Tyler grabbed Jackson's hand within his own.
It had seemed to calm the man and the nervousness that was pouring out of him slowly decrease.
"We've been talking about me this whole time" Tyler said "I want to know what you've been up to"
The distant eyes were back "Not much" Jackson said "running the Plastics department takes up most of my time"
Tyler didn't know whether he should bring up Lewis. He was the elephant in the room and neither man could deny that he was basically a heavy weight that sat between them.
"How has it been with Lewis here?"
"Fine" Jackson told Tyler and the man knew he was refusing to go into and Tyler learned years ago never to push Jackson on something he didn't want to do. It would only cause the man to shut down even more.
Eventually he and Jackson would have to delve into it, but not in their first meeting. Tyler had to keep it upbeat.
"So tell me what you have planned for this grand tour you speak of?" Tyler smiled and instantly the light was back in Jackson's eyes.
"Well, I know you have a thing for Jamaican food and I have to say Seattle has some of the best I've ever tasted" Jackson said.
"Really?"
"I was surprised too, but there is this place just off Beaker street that will make you want to marry the owner before you finish your meal" Jackson responded.
"Well, since you do know food better than anyone else I know so I'll trust you" Tyler said with a laugh "But if I'm disappointed you have to promise that I get to choose the next place tomorrow"
"Have I ever steered you wrong?" Jackson smiled.
"Never" Tyler responded and he was amazed how easily he had fallen into this comfort with Jackson. Tyler was here to help him, but in this moment it was almost like they used to be.
The moment was broken when Jackson's pager went off signalling that he was needed elsewhere.
"Shit" he said "I hate to cut this short, but I have to check on a patient. Meet me at my office at 6, okay?"
"Will do" Tyler told him and getting up Jackson gave him a kiss on the cheek before turning and heading out of the cafeteria.
Tonight Tyler could bring up Lewis again, maybe even that Alex guy and see how badly Jackson reacted to it and then Tyler could take it from there. He didn't want to come to Seattle just to lie to Jackson. Tyler had to tell him why he was there and that Lewis was concerned about him. Jackson wouldn't believe it from his brother, but he might believe it from Tyler.
Standing up Tyler wanted to head back to his apartment to shower and then maybe he could stop by Lewis' office to catch him up before heading out with Jackson.
Making his way to the bathroom before heading out he opened the door to see that man that had walked in on his meeting that morning.
Matt...Mitch...something like that. Tyler had such a shit memory.
Whatever his name was the guy looked pale and uneasy.
"You okay?" Tyler asked as the guy looked at him with an expression Tyler couldn't quite read.
"Yeah, I'm fine" the guy told him "You're the one applying for the new Cardio position, right?"
"Right" Tyler lied "the name's T...Dr. Browning, but my friends call me Ty"
"Mark" the man told him "Mark Sloan"
Mark Tyler thought, why did that name sound so familiar and why did, in the back of Tyler's mind, he know that name was important?
"Nice to meet you, Mark Sloan" Tyler said as he extended his hand in greeting and Mark took it in kind.
"So you and Dr. Avery seem to know one another pretty well" Mark said lightly.
"Huh?"
"Oh, it's just you and Jackson seemed pretty close in the cafeteria. It's been a while since we've seen him that happy" Mark told him.
"Yeah" Tyler smiled "me and Jackson go back a long way. He's one of the main reasons I came to Seattle" and at his words he could see something in Mark's eyes flicker.
"Oh" Mark said and Tyler could hear the catch in his voice and he knew that he was missing something, but he just couldn't figure out what.
"So you two...?"
"Oh no" Tyler laughed "we're just friend. Nothing more"
"I see" Mark said and then looked down at his watch "I...I have an appointment that I'm going to be late for so it was nice to meet you Dr. Browning"
"Ty" Tyler corrected
"Ty" Mark said
"Nice to meet you too, Mark Sloan" and with that Tyler watched the man exit the bathroom looking as if something heavy was on his shoulders.
Mark Sloan POV:
So Mark had been right. He knew what he had seen and that was exactly what it was. This Dr. Browning guy... Ty... was here for Jackson and Mark was sure he wanted to get to him, even though he just told him that they were just friends. Didn't mean it had to stay that way. Also, he didn't know Mark, so of course he could have just lied to him. Only the thought rattled Mark more than he wanted.
He should be happy if Jackson was happy, right? If he couldn't give him the happiness he deserved, Jackson was free to go. He wouldn't stand in his way if that was the case and he shouldn't.
There had already been way too much happening between them and maybe - with them being apart - Jackson had realized he didn't even want to get back together with Mark anymore. Mark couldn't blame him for that. There had been times they had been happy together, but the bad times just over weighted.
He made his way to the gymnastic room, where he would meet up Lewis for one of his last physical therapy sessions, even though he absolutely wasn't in the mood for it. But he had to do this for himself. He wanted to get back to work, because without Jackson in his life it was the only thing he had left.
The only thing that mattered.
Mark knocked two times and waited for Lewis to invite him in and when he did, Mark entered the room, turning towards the parallel bars immediately.
"Can we start immediately?"
He could see Lewis' confused look by his actions and within a few seconds Lewis was standing in front of him, facing him and his confused look turned into a concerned one.
"You okay?"
"I'm perfect, why do you ask?" Mark replied with a smile that was everything but real and he could tell Lewis knew.
Mark started to lift himself up on the parallel bars, starting with one of his exercises he usually did with Lewis, but in a matter of seconds his strength left him and he fell down. It was like all of his power was sucked out of him by that memory of Jackson and Dr. Browning that was literally burned to his mind.
"Oh God, Mark!" Lewis was immediately by his side, helping him to straighten up and then they sat on the floor next to each other.
"So... let's just skip the part where I ask you again if anything's wrong, because it obviously is..." Lewis commented, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Just tell me what happened..."
"Nothing..." Mark lied, trying to avoid his gaze, but he knew Lewis enough already to know he wouldn't buy it, and he didn't.
"Mark!" Lewis said in a strict voice. "You don't have to talk to me about anything, but please don't lie to me, okay? I hate lies."
Nervously, Mark bit his lower lip. Lewis and he were more alike than he thought they were, because that was exactly what he had just thought himself when he had met Arizona who obviously had lied straight to his face.
"I'm sorry..." Mark apologized, turning to look at Lewis.
For a minute or two they were both quiet, until Mark finally started to speak again, because he just had to ask him the one question that weighted heavy on his heart.
"Do you know this Doctor Browning?"
He noticed Lewis twitch. "Why do you ask?" Lewis gave back, and now he was the one avoiding Mark's gaze.
"Because I've seen him and Jackson in the cafeteria, and the two looked quite comfortable with each other..." Mark explained, immediately noticing that something changed in Lewis' look.
"What do you mean by that?" Lewis demanded to know, and he didn't look quite happy about this information at all.
"Well... Jackson was laughing like I haven't heard him laugh in a long while... he looked so happy... and seriously, Lewis... it hurts that it's not me who causes this reaction." Mark admitted.
Lewis nodded, placing a hand on Mark's shoulder consolingly. "I understand... but maybe that doesn't mean anything... and having him in a good mood is something good, isn't it?"
Mark shrugged. "Maybe... but it wasn't just that... Lewis, this guy had his hand on Jackson's and then they were literally holding hands. When I tried to do that in Jackson's office when I saw him today, he pulled his hand back... almost as if he didn't like it being touched by me anymore..." He let out a sigh. "If I didn't know better, I would say this Doctor Browning has a huge crush on Jackson."
"What makes you say that?" Lewis blurted out, and a dark shadow clouded his face. Something was definitely up here, even though Mark had no clue what it could be.
"Well... I met him in the hallway just before I came to you and he told me he and Jackson have known each other for a while... but that they are just friends." Mark looked down, playing with his fingers. "But I'm not so sure about that to be honest... I think he wants Jackson... which... shouldn't be a problem since we've broken up and such... but I... I assumed it was just temporary... but obviously I'm the only one thinking that way."
"Oh come on, Mark. Do you really think Jackson would jump into someone else's bed so soon after you broke up? He loves you," Lewis tried to comfort him, but Mark just shook his head.
"You know exactly that love and sex are not the same things... and love can come with sex... and I've done it way too often myself. Whenever I was hurt, the thing for me to do was sleep with some random chick. Or even with people I knew... I couldn't blame Jackson if he did the same... it just... hurts to think that way..." Mark looked into Lewis' eyes, when what he asked Lewis before came back to his mind.
"But you still haven't answered my question..."
"Which question?" Lewis asked, but Mark knew that he knew exactly what he was talking about. Lewis had twitched the moment he had addressed him on it again.
"Do you know this Doctor Browning? I mean, Jackson is your brother, and if the two of them have a history together, you might know something..." Mark replied.
Lewis turned away before he got to his feet. "We should start your therapy session. We've already wasted enough time."
Mark got to his feet immediately, grabbing Lewis' arm. "Okay, Lewis. What's going on here? First, Arizona acted totally strange and lied straight to my face and now you're shutting me out? Who is he?"
Lewis rolled his eyes. "An... an old friend... Mark, please... can we not talk about this right now?"
"Why?" Mark gave back, looking directly into Lewis' eyes. "What is so special about him and why can everyone else know but I can't? I thought we were friends."
"We are!" Lewis answered immediately.
Mark folded his arms above his chest. "Doesn't feel that way right now... it rather feels like everyone is shutting me out... you all have a secret I can't know about..." He shook his head.
"You know what? Therapy session is over... I don't feel so good all of a sudden."
Mark grabbed the jacket he had put on Lewis' chair before and turned around.
"Mark, wait!" he heard Lewis say and faced him once again.
"Why? Are you telling me what's going on?"
"No... I'm sorry... I can't, Mark! It's for your own good. You gotta trust me on that," Lewis literally begged, but Mark just shook his head.
"Sorry, Lewis. You have to give me more than that, and if you can't I'm out of here... I'll figure it out myself."
And with those words he left the gymnastic room and slammed the door shut with a loud noise, that almost startled himself. He was so fucking angry. With Lewis. With Arizona. With Jackson. With the world. He hated it to be the one left out, and right now he felt like there was no one he could trust anymore, because people were obviously hiding something from him.
Maybe Jackson and this Ty-guy were dating and no one was brave enough to tell him, because they thought he was too weak and he couldn't take it, but he would prove them wrong. He would find out what was going on and he would take it like a man. Because he was a lot stronger than anyone gave him credit for.
Tyler Browning POV:
Tyler had went back to his hotel room, took a quick nap, showered, then headed back to the hospital in order to leave himself enough time to talk with Lewis about his plans for the night.
He greeted the red head that had helped him the first night and waving at him the woman gave him a friendly greeting and Tyler returned it in kind.
Once he made his way to Lewis' office he could see the man talking to what Tyler guessed was a patient of his. The guy's arm was in a sling and he looked like the next few months were not going to be fun for whoever he was.
Tyler saw Lewis look up at him and held up his finger to signal Tyler that he would be done in a minute. Hanging out in the lobby Tyler took a look around the atmosphere and he had to admit that this hospital wasn't half bad. Much bigger than the ones Tyler was used to working in, but it was a welcoming environment and more efficient that many of it's counterparts.
He was still taking in the view when he heard his name being called and turning around he saw the woman from the airport, Addison, walking towards him.
"I thought that was you" she smiled "I'm glad to see you were able to find it without much trouble"
"Yeah" Tyler laughed "and that's saying something with my very awful sense of direction"
"So, have you been able to help your friend?" Addison asked as she folded her arms across her chest.
"Working on it" Tyler told her "how about you?" he asked "good news I hope"
"I'm actually going to meet him now" Addison said "his girlfriend is pregnant and he wants me to make sure everything is going well"
"The guy should be lucky to have a friend like you" Tyler told her.
Jokingly rolling her eyes Addison chuckled "We seem to be in the same boat, but me and Alex go way back so I'm just happy he feels like he can come to me with this"
Tyler cocked his head to the side at the mention of Alex's name "Alex...Alex Karev?"
"You know him?"
"W-We've met" Tyler answered as his mind was racing to the night when he met Alex at he and Lewis' apartment and there was no way that dude had a girlfriend.
Before Tyler could ask Addison more about this situation with Alex he heard Lewis call him and turning around he nodded his head and returned his gaze back to Addison.
"I have to go" Tyler said "but it was really nice seeing you again"
"Something tells that we're going to run into each other again" Addison told him "I hope things work out for your friend"
"Yours too" and with that Addison made her way down the hall and towards her destination. Turning around Tyler jogged over to Lewis and gave the man a warm smile.
"Who was that?" Lewis asked and Tyler could tell he was trying to keep his voice casual.
"Addison Montgomery" Tyler said "we actually met in the airport. Seems we both have friends who needed our help"
"Friends" Lewis repeated "right?" and the sarcasm was more than obvious.
"Excuse me?"
"Besides this Addison who else did you run into today?" Lewis asked and Tyler was surprised to hear anger behind the words.
"What?" Tyler asked "what are you pissed off about?"
"Answer the question, Tyler" Lewis said.
"I had lunch with Jackson, but you already knew I was going to do that" Tyler told him.
"So you don't remember running into Mark Sloan?"
"The dude from the bathroom?" Tyler asked "what about him?"
"He came here for his physical therapy session and let's just say he wasn't exactly in the best of spirits" Lewis said "seems he saw some guy all over Jackson and that gave Mark the idea that the two of them were planning on doing a lot more then just having lunch"
"I have no idea what you're talking about" Tyler said "and these riddles are getting very annoying"
"Let me make it clear then. Mark, Jackson's ex-boyfriend, didn't take too kindly to seeing you two making googly eyes at one another" Lewis said.
"I-I didn't know" Tyler told him "he didn't say anything"
"Why would he?" Lewis spat out "I mean being the old lay telling the new lay that seeing them together hurts isn't exactly a fun thing to do, believe me, I know"
Tyler's eyes widened in shock at Lewis' harsh words "What the fuck is your problem?"
"My problem?" Lewis asked "my problem is that I only called you to come here because I believed you could actually help Jackson, but it took you less than a day to decide helping him entailed him riding your dick"
Tyler could feel the anger rise within him "I'm going to leave before we both say something we'll regret" and he turned around to head out when he felt Lewis put his hand on Tyler's shoulder and turn him around forcefully.
"No" he said "you're going to listen to me. I know you and Jackson have this... thing between you two, but he's not going to get better by you sleeping with him"
"You know what, Lewis?" Tyler said "I came here because you're voicemail sounded completely desperate and I was under the delusion that you actually cared about what was happening with Jackson"
"I do" Lewis said "do you think it was easy to call you? Do you think seeing you here is anywhere close to easy for me? But I did it for Jackson"
"Yet it took one misjudged interaction from Mark to completely go back to calling Jackson a whore"
"That's not what I said" Lewis told him "it's just-"
"No" Tyler said "you don't get to backtrack now. All this talk about wanting to be a better brother and here you stand still holding the same ideas about Jackson you always did"
"You expect me to believe that you and Jackson weren't all over one another in the cafeteria?" Lewis asked "that Mark just made the whole thing up in his head?"
"I expect you to believe that I want Jackson to get better and I know that getting involved with him like that wouldn't do any good, but more than that it's possible for people to actually like spending time with your brother without it ending up in bed"
"I know that"
"Do you?" Tyler asked "because it certainly doesn't seem like it. You need to get over this animosity you have for Jackson. I won't let you hurt him any further than you already have. Do you hear me Lewis?"
"I'm not going to hurt him" Lewis said "which is why I'm telling you that you need to remember why you're here and it's not to pick up where you left off with Jackson"
Tyler narrowed his eyes "Why don't you save that concern for that pregnant girlfriend of Alex's?"
Lewis face turned to shock "H-How did you-?"
Tyler gave a bitter laugh "It's true, isn't it?"
"Not that I have to explain myself to you, Tyler, but Alex and April aren't together anymore?"
"Why's that?" Tyler asked "it amazes me how you can judge Jackson so harshly when you're living with a guy who has a kid on the way"
Lewis was struck into silence for several moments and when he finally spoke it was with an angry yell "GET OUT OF MY OFFICE".
"So you're completely fine dishing it out, but can't take it" Tyler said as he walked up to Lewis "doesn't feel good being on the other end of it, does it?" Tyler had Lewis pinned against the wall as he looked into the man's eyes.
They still held the same impossibly beautiful blue shine that Tyler remembered from when they were together in Boston. Lewis was looking at him and he could see the anger and sadness play over the man's face.
"You don't know the situation and you don't know me" Lewis said, his voiced a shaky whisper.
"I'll always know you, Lewis" Tyler said as he looked from Lewis' eyes to the man's lips "and this Karev guy is a bad idea and you know it"
"And you weren't?" Lewis asked "at least he's not fucking my brother behind my back"
"When will you get it through your head that you were the only man for me until you up and left without hearing the truth?" Tyler told him.
"The truth was the second Jackson showed up I had already lost you" Lewis said "how could I have competed with that?"
"You never had to" and leaning in Tyler captured Lewis' lips in a passionate kiss and it felt like it was 5 years ago, before their wedding and as Tyler put his hands on Lewis' hips and drew him close he could feel Lewis melt into his embrace and start to return the kiss in intensity.
Tyler was just starting to get hard when he felt Lewis push him away "NO" he shouted "I...I can't do this"
"Lewis" Tyler said breathless.
"I have a good man in Alex and I'm not going to fuck that up" Lewis said "you need to go" and walking across the room Lewis stood with his back to Tyler.
He had no idea what had happened in the past 2 minutes, but Tyler knew he didn't hate it even if it looked like Lewis did.
"Lewis-"
"Get out...please"
Tyler wouldn't push the issue. He had Jackson waiting for him "I'm sorry" he said to Lewis and walking out of his office he licked his lips and he could taste Lewis on them"
Lewis Avery POV:
Lewis hand was still holding onto the door latch long after Tyler had gone. His fingers were shaking and his knees were totally weak and he felt like if he moved one inch he would pass out.
Slowly, he moved his free hand to his lips, touching them where just before Tyler's lips had been and he could still feel him there, had still Tyler's taste in his mouth.
Shit! For a moment there he had totally lost control over himself. Over his body. He had already felt himself getting hard, and with Tyler being this close to him, he knew Tyler had been aroused as well. Only thinking about it, made his whole body tense and he just wanted to go after Tyler, press him against a wall and fuck him senseless. God, how much he had missed him, missed this, but he couldn't. It just wasn't right.
He was with Alex and they were on the way of building a life together. He couldn't let Tyler destroy that with one fucking kiss. It was just a kiss and it shouldn't leave Lewis so shaken up.
Staring down at his hand that was still around the door latch, Lewis finally let go and took a deep breath. It was all too much for the moment. He needed to get out of here. Immediately. He couldn't bear to be in his office anymore all of a sudden, so he grabbed his coat, got out of his lab coat and literally stormed out of his office.
He made his way out of his office and left the hospital through the entrance, sinking down on one of the benches out there.
Taking a few deep breathes, Lewis leaned back and closed his eyes, but opened them again immediately, because he was seeing Tyler in front of him, and he just didn't want that. Didn't need that.
"Why the fuck can't you leave me alone?" he said to himself, but then another voice came from next to him.
"Because it's like I always told you. You will never really get over him. Especially not when he's back in your life."
Startled, Lewis turned his head to the side to look directly into Michael's eyes. They hadn't really talked since their fall out and Lewis wasn't sure if he was ready to do so now. In fact, Michael was one of the last persons he wanted to talk to right now.
"What are you talking about?" he asked, trying to play innocent, but he had never been really good in lying to Michael. He was his best friend after all.
"Tyler!" Michael simply stated with a shrug. "I'm pretty sure he's the one that got you so upset."
"Oh come on... That's bullshit," Lewis lied, but immediately, Michael called him on it.
"Is it?"
"Not that this is any of your business anymore, Michael, but I'm not upset," he commented, feeling Michael's hand grabbing his wrist all of a sudden.
"No? Why's your hand shaking then? And why do you look like you've seen a ghost?" He slid closer to Lewis and looked him directly in the eye. "You can't let him do that to you, Lewis. You deserve better."
"Let him do what?" Lewis gave back, looking down at his hands and even though he didn't want to admit it, Michael's touch felt good. Comforting. Michael had always been there for him when he had been upset because of Tyler, and he had always managed to make him feel better. He missed that, but Michael had just gone too far. Had messed up way too much to just be forgiven.
"Let him treat you like that... I don't know what happened, but it's obvious that it has to do with Tyler. He's here since yesterday and you're already on the edge..." Michael replied. "I'm your friend, Lewis, and I'm worried about you."
Pulling his hand back, Lewis got up off the bench, looking at Michael.
"See... that's where you're wrong. You're not my friend anymore..."
Lewis could almost see how much he hurt Michael with his words, and that he really fought for composure, but he couldn't be considerate of his feelings right now. He was too hurt by Michael's previous actions.
"Lewis, please... can't we just... try to start over? I miss you." Michael almost pleaded, and that was something Michael never did. And it touched something within Lewis, even though he tried not to show it.
"I'm sorry... I can't... and I..." Nervously, Lewis looked at his watch. "I need to see a patient now... so if you'll excuse me?"
He turned around and entered the hospital again, without taking on last look at Michael. He was too afraid his resistance might break if he did and he couldn't risk that. He had way too much going on in his life, and he didn't need to add another complication to it.
Leaning against the wall next to the elevator, Lewis took a few deep breathes, before he pushed himself off the wall and pressed the button of the elevator. He needed to see Alex. Right now. He needed to be with him.
Alex was the only one who understood him. Alex was the only one that could help him through this whole fucked-up day. He needed for Alex to hold him and he needed to be inside of him. To bury himself deep in Alex' body and forget about everything else.
The thought of Alex led him directly to the paediatric station, but he only met Arizona Robbins there.
"Doctor Robbins!" he called her, and immediately, she turned around, smiling at him.
"Didn't I already tell you to call me Arizona?"
"Yeah... sorry!" Lewis replied, scratching the back of his neck and looking down at her. "Listen, I'm sorry to bother you, but have you seen Alex? I need to talk to him, it's important."
"Something wrong with Jackson?" Arizona asked, alarmed, concern in her eyes.
"No! I mean... not more than the usual... Tyler had lunch with him, and I think he's already making a lot of progress... don't worry... Tyler will get through to him. If someone can, it's him..." Lewis replied, causing Arizona to look up at him with a strange look.
"Seems like you still trust him... after all what happened," she commented.
Lewis looked at her wide-eyed. "What do you know?"
"Well... A lot, I think..." Arizona shrugged. "I only know what Mark has told me... but don't worry... that's really none of my business..." Consolingly, she put a hand on Lewis' arm. "My highest priority is Jackson right now. And how to help him."
"Thanks..." Lewis replied, and there it was again. The bright smile that somehow warmed Lewis heart, because it seemed so sincere. No surprise almost everyone loved the woman. How could someone not?
"So... to get back to my question. Do you know where I can find Alex?"
"Oh, right!" Arizona gave back, tilting her head. "The last time I saw him April was here to pick him up. They wanted to pay Addison a visit."
"Addison?" Lewis asked. It was the 2nd time now he heard that name.
"Yeah," Arizona immediately replied. "Addison Montgomery. She's s a specialist for gynaecology. And she's the best. If it wasn't for her, Sofia wouldn't be alive today."
"Ah, I understand..." Lewis said. "So you think I can find them somewhere in the gynaecologic section?"
"I would assume so, yes," Arizona smiled. "Good luck..." And with that she turned around and Lewis immediately made his way to said station, almost running into April, Alex and Addison, when they came out of a room together, but fortunately they hadn't seen him yet.
He tried to get Alex' attention and only a few seconds later Alex really saw him and gave him a smile, that made Lewis feel better immediately.
Lewis watched him excuse himself, and then Alex made his way towards him.
"Hey Babe... what are you doing here?"
"I needed to see you..." Lewis whispered, looking around, but when he felt April's and Addison's looks on him, he knew he needed to get Alex out of here. Now. He grabbed his arm and pulled him down the hallway and then into one of the on-call rooms, pressing him against the door and kissing him hungrily, almost desperately.
"Alex... I... We need to go home. Now. Okay?"
Breathlessly, Alex looked at him, touching his face and looking into his eyes.
"What's wrong? Did something happen?"
"No!" Lewis shook his head. "I just... need to be alone with you right now..."
"But we are alone..." Alex gave back, tilting his head.
"Not like that..." Lewis replied. "I want us to go home... please... I need to get out of here..." He looked up at him and he didn't know how much his eyes gave away, but he just didn't want to be in this hospital anymore right now. First Tyler and then Michael. He just wanted to go home and feel safe and secure in his own apartment. With Alex.