Chapter Four: One more night
"You and I go hard at each other like we're going to war. You and I go rough, we keep throwing things and slamming the door. You and I get so damn dysfunctional, we stopped keeping score. You and I get sick, yeah, I know that we can't do this no more..."
Jackson collapsed beside April and panted heavily; "That was-great. It's still great"
"Yeah-that was-" April said breathlessly.
Jackson turned to his side and propped himself by the elbow; he studied April's face carefully and cleared his throat. "You okay?" he asked with worry.
April took deep calming breaths before turning her head towards Jackson; "Yeah—I'm good" she replied. She then shifted her head back to its original perch before groaning loudly; "We did it again"
"Err—yeah, we did"
April sat up from the cot and began rubbing her face furiously.
Jackson sat up too and tugged her hands away from her face; "Stop that."
April let her hands fall limp to her lap; she then turned her face towards Jackson and pursed her lips. "I thought last time was the last time?"
Jackson thought for a moment before responding; "No, this is the last last time" he said.
April rolled her eyes; she scooted towards the edge of the bed and planted her feet on the ground. She bends forward and began fishing out her undergarments that's scattered around the floor.
Jackson followed April's lead and began dressing himself as well.
April tugged her panties and pants up before standing up; she turned her back to Jackson as she puts her brassier back on. She pulled her scrubs top from the top bunk and turned towards him; "How did it get up there?" she asked incredulously.
Jackson finished tying his shoes and stood up from his perch; "We seem to throw a lot of things when we're both in the mood" he said.
"Oh, really?" April asked as her cheeks started to flush.
Jackson paused and grinned; "Yeah" he replied.
April cleared her throat and began shrugging her scrub top on; "That was the last time, we can't do this anymore" she whispered.
Jackson shifted closer to April and stood right in front of her; "No—no we won't, because this is the last time—ever."
April met Jackson's gaze and felt her heart thumping wildly inside her chest; her eyes strayed towards his lips and almost instantly she felt the familiar stirring inside her belly.
Jackson felt the pull as well so he shifted even closer to April; he licked his lips suggestively and began leaning forward. He was almost there when his pager went off, jarring him out of his lustful thoughts. "I'm gonna get this page and get some coffee" he blurted out.
"I'm gonna go pray" April replied.
Jackson nodded in agreement; "Cool" he said before scurrying towards the door, April following not far behind.
oOo
April stared at the screen right in front of her; "I still don't understand what it is I'm looking at" she said while trying her best to figure out what's being displayed.
Catherine Avery turned towards her son's best friend; "Those are testicles Dr. Kepner" she explained.
April's mouth hangs open as her eyes widen in shock.
Catherine chuckled upon seeing April's frightened reaction; "Don't worry sweetheart, they're not supposed to look like that" she said before shifting her eyes back to the screen.
April let out an embarrassed laugh; "I know what testicles are-" she paused and sat straighter. "Jackson didn't mention you were coming..."
"He didn't know. He made it very clear, he would like me to stay out of his personal business so I am doing my best."
"Well I think that's great" April said. She shifted her eyes back to the screen and let out a relieved sigh.
Catherine turned her gaze back to the red head; "I've made no such promises to you."
April stiffened and turned her eyes back to Catherine.
"You need to start prepping for next year's boards" Catherine explained.
April nodded.
Catherine smiled and shifted her eyes back to the scans; "There's a fellow in our Gynecology Department that's an excellent tutor and he's cute" she finished with a suggestive smile.
April forced out a smile; "That's-that's not really even nece-"
"I said it before, and I will say it again. You're just too uptight, baby. You need to get L-A-I-D"
April's eyes widen in mortification so she quickly averted her gaze; "Dr. Avery!"
"Look at me."
April swallowed hard and kept her eyes fixed on the screen.
Catherine turned to her side to face April fully; "Look at me" she commanded.
April grudgingly followed the other woman's instruction.
"I am having the best sex I have had in years and it just opened me up like a flower blossoming towards the sun" Catherine said wistfully.
April swallowed again and tried to force herself not to wince; "That's a powerful image"
Catherine turned towards the screen again; "I bet that fellow knows his way around a woman—"
April let out a chuckle with the irony of Catherine's statement.
"Oh relax! I'm kidding!"
April snorted.
Catherine pointed her pencil at April; "See that? That's what I mean—uptight. But I will give you his number just in case"
April let out a tight lipped smile before turning her gaze back on the scans.
oOo
Jackson was tending to his patient when he saw Richard Webber passing by outside the procedure room; he hastily made his way towards the door and yanked it open. "Dr. Webber"
Richard paused and turned towards the young surgeon nervously; "Um—yes, sir?"
Jackson took off his latex gloves while fixing his gaze on the old surgeon; "Why is my name on tomorrows O.R. schedule for a scrotal lymphedema surgery with you?" he asked confusedly.
Richard shifted his feet and smiled; "Uh—got the wrong Avery" he explained. "I'm doing the surgery with your-your mother"
"My mother's here-performing a surgery, with you?"
"B-but we were hoping that you'd be available to do a skin flap. Actually, she sent me to find you for a consult"
Jackson placed his hands on his hips; "O—okay, sure. Yeah, I'll just be a minute."
"Great" Richard said before walking away hastily.
Jackson glared at Richard's disappearing back before stepping in the procedure room again.
oOo
April entered the Attendings' Lounge and walked towards the couch; she plopped down unceremoniously and leaned her head on the back of the couch. She did it again, she slept with Jackson for the nth time and now God is punishing her by sending his mother to make sure she suffers her endless sex talks. She closed her eyes tightly and let out a defeated sigh; yesterday, she promised herself that it will be the last time she'd give into her carnal desire but just one look and she's doing the hippity dippity with him before she knows it. They haven't gotten the chance to have the talk yet and it's driving her bonkers; the last time she attempted to have a decent conversation with him, she ended up pushing him back on the couch and having her wicked way with him. What's wrong with her? She's acting like a sex deprived maniac—it's very uncharacteristic and very wrong for her. She needs to have that talk with Jackson to clear everything that needs to be cleared; they can't keep doing this anymore.
"I heard you got pulled into a case with Jackson's mom?"
April's eyes snapped open; she lifted her head from the couch and turned towards the door; "Hey Lex-yeah"
Lexie pushed the door wider and just stood awkwardly by the doorframe.
April sat straighter and cocked her head to the side; "What are you doing just standing there? Come in, you shouldn't be up your feet that long" she said.
Lexie smiled sheepishly; "I shouldn't be here, this is the Attendings' Lounge, I'm just looking for Mark" she replied.
April waived her hand dismissively; "Nonsense, come inside and sit beside me" she said with a smile.
"Are you sure?"
April rolled her eyes before patting the space beside her; "Just come here Lex"
Lexie stepped into the room and began limping towards her friend; when she reached the couch, she plopped down abruptly, making her wince.
April immediately began fawning over the other woman; "Are you okay? What hurts?" she asked with concern.
"I'm fine Apes, just sat down a little bit too hard" Lexie replied while swatting April's prying hands.
April pulled her hands away and threw her friend a chastising look; "You should've sat down more gently, your leg is not yet healed"
Lexie rolled her eyes; "You sound like Mark"
April chuckled; "I'm quite sure Mark is much worse"
"Don't remind me" Lexie groaned. She then sat straighter and angled herself to face the red head; "So—back to the topic, is it uncomfortable?" she asked curiously.
"What's uncomfortable?"
Lexie smirked widely; "Talking to the mother of the man you're sleeping with"
April's eyes widen as her cheeks began flushing; "Oh god!" she gasped, clearly flustered.
Lexie chuckled upon seeing April's mortified face; "Come on, don't be shy"
"How-how did you know—Did Jackson—"
"He did not kiss and tell Apes. Mark just forced him to tell him what's wrong when he's been acting all mopey when you left for Moline"
That caught April's attention, "He was...mopey?" she asked cautiously.
"He was a nightmare to work with for weeks—I hear interns often complaining to Mark about Jackson's attitude" Lexie explained.
"Oh" April gasped. She then felt a smile tugging on her lips so she bit her lower lip hard.
Lexie noticed April's attempt to stifle her smile so she just shook her head; she then paused and stared at the red head directly "You know—I haven't gotten the chance to meet Jackson's mother because the last time she visited, Jackson shipped me to another state" she said thoughtfully.
April cringed upon remembering the Plastic Fellow's callousness; "I remember that" she replied. "I can introduce you if that'll make you feel better? I mean, don't get me wrong Catherine Avery is an amazing surgeon but it's better meeting her as her sons friend rather than her sons girlfriend, she can go a little bit overboard sometimes...I kinda understand why Jackson had reservations on introducing you to her"
Lexie threw April a knowing look; "He introduced you to her" she pointed out.
April chuckled; "We were interns in Mercy West when I first met her and Jackson had no choice but to introduce us because Charles and Reed kept bugging him about it"
"I see-but you somehow manage to keep in touch with her throughout the years"
"I added her in Facebook after I met her because I was her fan" April quipped.
"You are a stalker?" Lexie teased.
"Of course not!" April said indignantly. She was about to explain her case further but her pager went off; she hastily plucked it from her pocket and groaned upon reading the message.
Lexie smirked; "Is it your Momma paging?"
April shot up from her perch and threw Lexie a sarcastic smile; "Funny Lex" she said.
"I try"
April pursed her lips; "I wonder what she wants again" she sighed. She then began moving towards the door; "Catch you later Lex!" she said before stepping out of the room.
Lexie shook her head; "She definitely has Momma Avery's seal of approval" she said amusedly.
oOo
Jackson was walking towards his patient's room when Mark sidled beside him; "I heard Momma Avery is here?"
"Don't remind me" Jackson groaned.
Mark smiled widely; "And she asked you to do a skin flap for her patient with huge balls"
Jackson abruptly halted his steps and turned towards his mentor; "You can have it"
Mark raised his brow; "Have what?"
Jackson smiled hopefully; "The skin flap—it's yours, no strings attached"
Mark took a step back as he shakes his head; "I don't plan on stepping foot inside your Mom's O.R. again"
"Come on man, please?"
Mark spun on his heels and began walking away; "No can do Avery" he said.
"Please? I'll do all your post ops?" Jackson offered.
Mark chuckled; "My interns can do that" he said. He then lifted his hands and did a fist pump; "Make me proud boy!"
oOo
Jackson's shoulders slump in defeat as he continued his trek.
Jackson pushed April back on the cot as he kisses her hungrily; he pulled his face a fraction but kept his forehead on hers; "This is the last time"
April placed her hand on top of Jackson's naked chest and began rubbing it; "The last time was the last" she said breathlessly.
Jackson leaned forward again and began nibbling on her lower lip; "Yeah-but this is the last last last time" he said between kisses.
April wrapped his arms around Jackson's neck, pulling him closer; "I have to be in the O.R all day tomorrow with your mom" she paused and continued nipping on Jackson's lips.
Jackson lifted himself and stared at April; "You're in that surgery too?"
April's eyes widen as she braises her hands on his chest, keeping a space between them; "What do you mean too? Wait-you're gonna be there?"
Jackson smiled boyishly as he props himself up with his hands; "Yeah"
"No, no, no, we cannot both be in that O.R. she's gonna figure it out"
Jackson rolled his eyes as he hovers above April.
April felt the need to explain so explain she did; "She is obsessed with my sex life, she's having amazing sex, so I have to, too"
Jackson scrunched his face in disgust; "Stop!" he growled.
April cringed and hastily cupped Jackson's face with her palms soothingly; "Sorry-sorry, you don't want to hear that"
Jackson narrowed his eyes as he stares ahead unseeingly; "Webber's still banging my mom"
April eyes widen in shock; "That's who she called the best sex of her life?" she asked indignantly.
Jackson groaned before shifting away and collapsing beside April; "And we're done here" he said with a sigh.
April bit her bottom lip as she lay beside Jackson.
Jackson turned his head sideways; "You going home tonight?" he asked.
April turned her head and faced Jackson; "I want to but I don't feel like driving" she admitted.
Jackson snuggled closer to the red head and placed his arms around her waist.
April stiffened; "Err—what are you doing?" she asked awkwardly.
"Sleeping" Jackson replied.
"Okay" April muttered.
Jackson ignored April's reaction and just closed his eyes.
April swallowed hard as she wills herself to relax; "Cuddling? And this "relationship" is getting more dysfunctional every minute" she thought.
oOo
"I can't see anything" Stephanie Edwards said as she observes the patient from the window.
"You describe them as so big, a sheet couldn't cover them" Jo Wilson said while turning her gaze towards her co-intern.
Leah Murphy cocked her head to the side; "I may have exaggerated a bit" she admitted.
Meredith sauntered right in front of the interns and fixed them with a stern look; "Okay ladies, this isn't a side show" she said.
The three interns walked away without needing to be told twice.
Meredith smiled smugly before turning towards her friends; "Gentlemen, step right up" she said before moving away from the window.
Alex and Jackson walked towards Meredith and stood beside her, all three of them facing the window.
"That's it?" Alex asked as he peered from the window.
"Okay!" Jackson gasped when he saw the patient's condition.
Alex winced; "That's not okay"
April gathered the patient's chart and stepped out of the room; she saw her friends standing outside, her eyes narrowing upon seeing Alex's expression. "Oh great. Karev's here-here to make us all laugh with funny jokes about my hands on a man's part" she said sarcastically as she walks towards the nurses' station.
"This isn't funny, that poor guy" Alex said, his eyes still fixed on the patient.
April threw Alex a look before abandoning her chart on the counter; she walked towards the window and stood right in front of it. "I know...can you imagine becoming so swollen that a surgeon needs to use a scalpel to dig out all that excess tissue until the testicles and cords hit the open air?" She then crossed her arms on top of her chest and turned towards Alex; "I mean, who even knows what happened to this penis in all that mess?"
Alex shuddered; "That's not okay" he said before walking away.
Meredith chuckled at April's antics; "Nice" she complimented.
April smiled at Meredith before walking towards Jackson; "Your mother won't stop asking me why I look so tired" she whispered.
Jackson cleared his throat and averted his gaze to hide his smugness.
"Why do you look so tired?" Meredith asked.
April bit her bottom lip to stifle her smile; she threw Jackson a knowing look before walking away.
Meredith watched April with amusement.
Jackson crossed his arms on top of his chest and furrowed his brows, trying his best to look serious.
Meredith threw Jackson a perceptive look before looking at the window again; "They look so cute together" she said while watching Richard and Catherine laugh.
"Shut up!"
"Think they look tired?"
Jackson gritted his teeth as he watches his mother flirt with Richard; "Go to hell" he said before walking towards the same path as April.
"But baby there you go again, making me love you. Yeah, I stopped using my head, let it all go. Got you stuck on my body, like a tattoo and now I'm feeling stupid, crawling back to you. So I cross my heart and I hope to die that I'll only stay with you one more night. And I know I said it a million times but I'll only stay with you one more night..."
Jackson is walking along the hallways looking for April; he was certain that the red head turned this way but seeing an empty corridor, he's doubting if he saw right.
"Jackson baby! There you are!"
Jackson clenched his jaw before turning around; "Mom" he greeted curtly.
Catherine made a bee line towards her son and pulled him into a tight hug; "How are you baby? I missed you"
Jackson rolled his eyes as he returns the hug; "I'm fine mom, I missed you too" he replied.
Catherine pulled away and studied her son's face; she pinched his cheeks before letting out a cheeky grin. "Who is she?"
Jackson took a step back; "What do you mean who is she?" he asked.
"Don't play coy with me young man, you're sporting an after sex glow. Now be a good boy and give your mom a name"
Jackson narrowed his eyes at his meddling mother; "I thought I told you to stay away from my personal business?"
Catherine pouted; "You're no fun"
"Aren't you supposed to be taking our patient to pre-op?" Jackson asked, diverting the topic.
"That's what interns are for baby" Catherine replied.
Jackson placed his hands around his waist; "Well if that's the case then I'll just see you in there in thirty minutes" he said.
"Okay baby—I'll just find April then" Catherine said before turning on his heels.
"What do you need April for?" Jackson asked.
Catherine waived her hand dismissively as she began walking away; "I'm just helping the girl unwind —she's acting a little uptight again"
Jackson crossed his arms on top of his chest as he scowls at his mother; "Are you pimping her again?" he asked sharply.
Catherine paused and turned her face towards Jackson; she noticed her son's pissed reaction so she raised her brow. "What's with the tone?" she asked.
"April doesn't need unwinding, leave her be. She has her boards to focus on-so just stop meddling"
"That's what I'm helping her with, her boards. I know this Gyne Fellow who's a good tutor, I'm quite sure she can help her review" Catherine said suggestively.
Jackson scrunched his face with distaste; "A Gyne Fellow? April is a surgeon, you are aware of that right?"
Catherine smirked, clearly amused with Jackson's reaction; "Yes I'm quite aware. Eric is a smart man and he sure knows his way around a woman" she said with a wink.
Jackson's eyes widen in Indignation; "You—you—I can't believe you!" he sputtered.
Catherine cackled gleefully before turning on her heels again and walking away; "Why do you care, I'm staying out of your personal business so stay away from April's" she said.
oOo
"Kepner!"
April tore her eyes away from her charts; "Yes, Dr. Webber?"
"Dr. Avery asked me to let you know that our patient is already being prepped, you need to be there with us in twenty minutes, okay?"
"Okay" April replied.
Richard nodded and made his way towards the elevator.
April groaned as she rests her forehead on the counter.
"Why are you sleeping there?"
April lifted her head and turned towards the voice; "I'm screwed, kill me"
Cristina chuckled; "I'm on my way to surgery so I don't have much time but I can sic Alex on you if you want"
April groaned again.
oOo
"We need to identify the testicles and the cords, don't want to damage them" Catherine said.
"Yes ma'am" April replied.
Catherine lifted her eyes from the patient and turned it towards April; "Have you thought about my offer?" she asked.
April cleared her throat; "Y—yeah. It was very nice of you to offer but-"
"I insist sweetheart. I'll send you Eric's number and I'll send your number to him as well so you guys can set up a date where-"
"I think I just located the left testicle" Jackson said, cutting her mother's rambling off.
Catherine shifted her eyes on her son's hand; "Yes you have. I will continue to excise the surrounding tissue, if someone can just get a hand underneath..."
Jackson moved his hand the same time as Richard. The older surgeon pulled his hand away; "Sorry" he whispered.
Jackson gestured towards the open cavity; "No, no, please go ahead" he said politely.
"No insist" Richard replied.
Jackson threw April a look before placing his hand underneath; "Of all the organs in the body, of course it had to be this one" he muttered.
"Jackson!" April said sternly.
"It's alright sweetie, my son is just peeved at me because he's a little bit threatened" Catherine said while eyeing Jackson meaningfully.
Jackson narrowed his eyes at his mother; "I'm not threatened, you just don't have any boundaries!"
"I'm not stepping on your boundaries so all is fair" Catherine retorted.
Richard cleared his throat; "I found the right testicle" he said. He then shifted his eyes to April; "Can you get your hand underneath Kepner?"
April quickly followed Richard's instruction.
Catherine shifted her eyes to April; "Back to what I'm saying, make sure to keep in touch with him, okay? He can help you with everything"
"Mom!" Jackson snapped.
Catherine furrowed her brows and turned her gaze to her son; "What?"
Jackson narrowed his eyes at his mother menacingly.
"Jackson, cut it out!" April hissed as she glares at Jackson.
Jackson met April's gaze for a couple of seconds before bowing his head and concentrating on the surgery.
Catherine stared at the red head in wonder; this is the very first time that she saw her son back down easily and it just took one look from his best friend, impressive. She then shifted her eyes back to her son and caught him stealing glances at April; there's definitely something going between this two and she can't wait to find out.
oOo
"What was that about?"
Jackson snatched a towel above the sink and began drying his hands; "What?" he asked.
April narrowed her eyes as she crosses her arms on top of her chest; "You know what I'm talking about so don't play dumb with me."
Jackson threw the towel on the hamper before facing April; "My mom is pimping you-again"
April raised her brow; "So?"
Jackson furrowed his brows; "What do you mean, so?"
April felt tension radiating from her best friend so she decided to explain; "She can send as many guys as she wants but that doesn't mean I'll take on their offer"
Jackson placed his hands on his hips as he took deep calming breaths; "I'm sorry if I acted like jerk towards my mom—she's just so infuriating"
April let out a small smile; "You wouldn't want her any different. Now that we have that settled, why don't you be a good son and go apologize to your mom for screaming at her" she said.
Jackson groaned; "Do I have to?"
"Of course"
Jackson stared at April for a moment before walking towards her predatorily; he stood right in front of her and placed his hands on the sink behind her, caging her in.
April's eyes widen in panic as she began looking around them frantically; "Jackson what on earth are you doing? People might see us—"
Jackson mashed his lips to April's, cutting her off.
April moaned into the kiss but still tried pushing him off.
Jackson pressed his body closer and shifted his hands towards April's tiny waist.
April let out another moan before giving in; she snaked her hands around Jackson's neck and began returning his kisses intensely.
Jackson groaned; he then pulls his lips away before staring at April will lust filled eyes. "I want you" he murmured.
"We have to stop doing this" April whispered breathlessly.
Jackson licked his lips; "I know but I want too-badly" he said huskily.
April gazed into Jackson's eyes and felt her resolve vanish like a puff of smoke; she licked her lips and swallowed hard. "Apologize to your mom first then we'll do whatever we want"
Jackson leaned forward to capture April's lips again; after a couple of seconds he pulled away; "I'll talk to her now" he said with a boyish smirk.
April planted a kiss on Jackson's cheek before smiling; "Good" she said.
Jackson pulled away from April and walked towards the door; he pushed it open and stepped out obediently.
April leaned back on the sink and braised her hands to the side; she let out a deep calming breath and closed her eyes. "Just one more night, this is the last last last time."
oOo
"Mom" Jackson called out.
Catherine turned around and saw her son standing by the door, she turned towards her patient again and smiled; "I'll leave you to it and remember what we told you, you have nothing to be ashamed of" she said.
"Thank you Dr. Avery" The patient replied.
Catherine gestured towards the door; "Momma duties, I'll check on you later, rest" she said before walking towards the door.
Jackson took a step back and waited for Catherine.
Catherine exited the room and closed the door behind her; "Yes baby?" she asked.
Jackson shifted his feet and bowed his head; "Err—sorry—I'm sorry" he muttered.
Catherine crossed her arms on top of her chest; "This is new" she said amusedly.
Jackson's head snapped up; "What's new?" he asked.
"You apologizing for screaming"
"It was unprofessional of me—I'm really sorry" Jackson said meeting his mother's gaze.
Catherine raised her brow; "Did April put you up to this?" she asked.
"O—of course not! I realized my mistake that's why I'm apologizing"
"Really?"
Jackson took a step closer and pulled his mother into a hug; "No matter how nosy you are I wouldn't have you any other way, I love you just the way you are and I'm sorry for being such a spoiled brat" he murmured.
Catherine hugged her baby boy back; "She's good for you, don't screw it up" she whispered.
Jackson froze as his eyes widen in shock.
Catherine chuckled as she pulls away; she then lifted her hand and patted her son's cheek affectionately before walking away.
Jackson's mouth turned agape as he watches his mother's back disappear around the corner.
oOo
"You heading home tonight?"
April tore her eyes away from her notes and turned her head sideways; "As much as I want to sleep on my bed I can't, I have tons of paper works" she groaned while gesturing towards the large stack of charts.
Alex threw his friend and sympathetic look; "Well—I'll just see you tomorrow then, I'll head home now" he said.
April let out a small smile; "Goodnight Karev, drive safely" she said.
Alex nodded before walking away; "Don't stay up too late" he reminded before boarding the elevator.
April turned her attention back to her charts and began writing notes again; she was half way through it when she felt a familiar presence standing a couple of feet away from her. She turned her head sideways and saw Jackson staring intensely at her; she felt her cheeks flush so she hastily averted her gaze.
Jackson was about to move closer to the red head but stopped when he saw his mother and Richard rounding up the corner.
Catherine instantly saw April and her son charting quietly next to each other; she made her way to the red head first and tapped her at the shoulder.
April turned around and saw Catherine standing behind her; "Dr. Avery" she greeted.
"I'm heading out dear, it was nice working with you" Catherine said.
April smiled; "It was nice working with you too, have a good night" she said politely.
Catherine smiled fondly at the young surgeon before pulling her into a hug; "You take care of my baby boy and start calling me Catherine or Momma if you like" she whispered.
April's eyes widen in shock.
Catherine pulled away and planted a kiss on April's cheeks; "Good night sweetheart" she said with a wink. She then moved towards Jackson and planted a kiss on his cheek wordlessly before walking away.
"Mom" Jackson acknowledged. He then turned towards Richard and threw him a dirty look, gritting his teeth in the process.
April shook her head to clear her mind about what Catherine said; she then threw Jackson a side glance and noticed the tension radiating from her best friend; "You okay?" she asked.
"I'm fine" Jackson replied curtly.
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah"
April snapped her charts closed and took a deep breath; "Want to have sex?" she asked quietly.
Jackson snapped his charts closed; "Yeah" he replied.
April hastily turned around and began walking away, Jackson hot on her heels.
oOo
"That's more than a seal of approval Lex" Mark said. He then crossed his arms on top of his chest as he rubs his chin while in thought; "It makes sense now," he said.
"What makes sense?" Lexie asked confusedly.
"Why Dr. Avery always requests for Kepner's service every time she performs a surgery here. Remember the penile transplant case?" Mark asked.
"Yeah, I heard of it. Jackson shipped me out of state remember?" Lexie said with a chuckle. "What about it?"
"Kepner kinda screwed up—she suctioned the dorsal vein that Dr. Avery will be using on the man's penis."
Oh my, did she throw April out of the O.R? I didn't know that!"
Mark smirked; "That's the thing, she just chastised April and let her stay. If it was me, I would've thrown the resident out while screaming my lungs off. Hell, if I remember it correctly she even took April out for drinks later that day" he said amusedly.
"Wow—she must've liked April—A LOT"
"A lot is understatement" Mark replied.
Lexie nodded, she then gestured towards the hallway that both Jackson and April disappeared to. "Where do you think those two are going? They're quite in a hurry" she asked.
Mark grinned widely; "Probably screwing each other" he said.
Lexie turned towards her fiancé and threw him an unimpressed look; "Why do you have to be so crass?"
Mark shrugged his shoulders; "You asked, I just answered" he replied.
Lexie rolled her eyes; "Come on, we're gonna be late to that stupid meeting"
"I almost forgot, yeah, we should head there"
oOo
"At this point it's about assessing these emotional damages, so we'll need to hear everything"
"Nice to have you here Dr. Yang, take a sit" The lawyer said while gesturing towards the vacant chair.
"Dr. Hunt, I guess you won't be necessary here anymore" The other legal counsel said to Owen.
"I'm here more out of support for my staff" Owen replied.
"Yeah I don't mind if he stays" Derek said.
"Today, uh, we-we'd like to get some statements about continued physical but-but also mental or emotional difficulties you might have suffered since the crash-" The lawyer said.
"What if we don't have any?" Cristina asked, cutting the lawyer off.
"Well, why don't we talk? We'll see what comes up. Almost anything can be helpful to monetize your injuries-" The lawyer retorted.
"How do we do that?" Meredith asked, clearly sceptical.
"We use a formula, it's your medical bills plus pain and suffering equals to three times your medical bills plus that flat rate hard tissue injuries plus loss of income, plus lost earning capacity plus any foreseeable harms for each of you so we're talking about a sizeable award." The legal counsel explained.
"Far more substantial than the settlement they offered you" The lawyer continued.
"Where's all the money coming from?" Derek asked with furrowed brows.
"Well, we're looking at the possibilities now, the charter company, aircraft manufacturer, parts manufacturers, the pilot, of course, the ground crew at Sea-Tac-" The lawyer explained.
"Jerry? Did you say Jerry?" Meredith asked.
"Who's Jerry?" The legal counsel asked.
"The pilot" Derek replied.
"He was up there with us" Meredith said.
"He broke his back. He's paralyzed now" Cristina said indignantly.
"You're gonna go after him?" Meredith asked.
"Well, if we find he was negligent, shouldn't we?" Arizona asked.
"You know I'm sorry I can't help. I've got no residual injuries and I've gotta go run someone's service for them-so you know goodluck" Cristina said before pushing away from the table and leaving the room without any back glance.
Derek turned towards Owen and threw him a confused look.
"Folks listen, you have a special bond. You've been through something horrible and survived it together but as far as the pilot is concerned you need to stop thinking of him as one of you and start thinking of him as one of them"
The door opened again, admitting Mark; "We're sorry we're late" he said.
Lexie peered behind Mark's back; "Are we still needed? We just saw Yang leaving" she said.
"Dr. Sloan and Dr. Grey, please take a seat" The legal counsel said.
Mark pushed the door wider and steered his fiancé inside the room.
"Try to tell you "no" but my body keeps on telling you "yes". Try to tell you "stop", but your lipstick got me so out of breath. I'll be waking up in the morning, probably hating myself. And I'll be waking up, feeling satisfied but guilty as hell..."
April pulled herself off of Jackson and collapsed beside him, panting heavily.
Jackson smiled as he struggled to catch his breath; "Wow-that was-"
"So-stupid" April groaned.
Jackson scrunched his face; "Not where I was going" he said before sitting up on the cot.
April pulled the blanket to cover her chest as she tilted her head and stared at the ceiling; "What's wrong with me? How many times can I say this is not happening and the next thing I know, it's happened?" she asked, clearly frustrated with herself. "I am-I'm so weak"
Jackson pulled his shirt on and began tying his shoes; he turned towards April and shook his head. "You're not weak. You're just-"
"Disgusting!" April shrieked.
Jackson rolled his eyes and continued lacing his shoes.
April sat up; "I was good person once, a person with will power, I have fasted before, this is worse"
Jackson stood up from the bed and watched April rant.
"This just feels helpless and inevitable, like watching two car's head toward one another and there's nothing you can do" April said. She then closed her eyes and placed her hands on her cheeks; "There's gonna be crash, people are going to die and you're just gonna be left there-" she paused and opened her eyes when she heard the door closing. She let her hands fall to her side as she stared at the empty room; "What?"
oOo
"Hey Karev when you buy Mer's house can we move in with you?" Jackson asked as he peruses his schedule.
"Nope. No roommates, we're not in college, we're real people now" Alex said.
"Wait, you're selling him your house?" Cristina asked.
"I might not, he wants to rip out the floors" Meredith replied.
Jackson's ears perked up; "I'll take the floor as it is"
"Jackson!"
Jackson turned towards the voice and saw April walking towards him.
"Why don't you continue shacking up with Kepner, you guys are always boinking anyway" Alex suggested with a smirk.
Jackson hastily ducked and made an escape.
April stopped right in front of the nurses' station and stared at Jackson's retreating form; "Where is he going?" she asked indignantly.
"Away from you it seems" Cristina replied.
"Cristina" April greeted.
Cristina leaned back on her chair and began studying April; "You still doing it with Avery?" she asked.
April gritted her teeth; "Does everybody know this now?"
Cristina smirked; "God and everybody" she teased.
April scoffed; "For a whole seconds I was glad to see you" she said before storming away towards the direction that Jackson disappeared to.
oOo
Jackson let out sigh relief when he rounded the corner, he was able to successfully evade April—he's day is starting to pick up.
"Hey!"
Jackson spun around and spotted the red head standing a couple of feet away; he quickly turned around and began making his escape again.
"Stop!" April yelled as she furiously walked towards the Plastic Fellow
Jackson mentally swore as he stood rooted on the ground.
April narrowed her eyes at him before dragging him towards a vacant on call room.
Jackson rolled his eyes as he follows the red head inside.
April closed the door behind them and stood right in front of Jackson, fuming. "You don't get to have sex with and then just walk out without even so much as a have a nice day, okay? I deserve more respect than that!"
Jackson placed his hands on his hips as he glares at April; "What about me?" he asked.
April took a step back; "What about you?"
"I have to stick around and listen to you compare sex with me to a fatal car crash? Here how repellent-how disgusting..."
April's face softened as she realizes her error; "No-oh my god, no" she said. She then shifted closer to Jackson and placed her hands on Jackson's cheeks before trailing it down to his arms;"It's not you. You are great, you are not the problem" she emphasized.
Jackson eyes strayed towards April's lips; "Okay, so then?"
"Okay, so um...so you know when there's a dessert tray comes around and you should say no-"
Jackson clenched his jaw in annoyance when he realizes that April is using metaphors again.
"-because it's not nutritious and its fattening and you just, you-you know you shouldn't but-it's right there and it's so beautifully made and it looks so good" April said breathily.
Jackson averted his gaze and licked his lips when he felt the familiar pull.
April licked her lips as well; "And you've-you've had it before so you just, you know how delicious it is" she said seductively.
Jackson couldn't resist it anymore so he stepped closer to April and began backing her towards the door.
"So it's just right there, you know?" April said while staring at Jackson's lips.
"I do. Yeah-I know" Jackson replied while tucking a lose curl behind April's ear.
April leaned back on the door as she titled her head towards him; "So-so you have it. You have the dessert and it is delicious"
Jackson let out chuckle as he presses himself towards April; he placed his left hand on the door above April's head and licked his lips suggestively. He stared into her eyes before letting out sultry smile; "Yeah"
"I mean, it is an amazing dessert" April said with a small smile.
"It is-really good" Jackson said huskily.
"For a moment..."
Jackson instantly pulled his face away from April and gritted his teeth, braising himself for another round of guilt ridden rambling.
"And then you feel tired and bloated and gassy and so-so guilty"
Jackson hunched forward and rested his forehead on the red head's shoulder, closing his eyes in frustration.
April shrugged Jackson off and began walking towards the bunk beds; "Like you just erased all of the exercise you have ever done and tomorrow, you're gonna wake up with zits all over your face and Jesus is so disappointed in you again and you just-" April paused when she heard the tell tale sign of a door closing again. She turned towards the spot where just Jackson stood and scowled; "Are you kidding me?"
oOo
"Why are you creeping like an axe murderer?"
Jackson quickly stood straight and turned towards the voice; "Who says I'm creeping? I'm just thinking about something" he lied.
"Thinking about something requires walking like a hunchback?"
Jackson huffed in annoyance; "What do you need Torres?"
Callie leaned on the doorframe of her pseudo office; "You want in on Shepherd's nerve graft?" she asked.
Jackson's eyes widen in surprise; "I thought you were doing it with Sloan?" he asked.
"I thought about it, Derek is his best friend and if this surgery doesn't work I can't have him blaming Mark, their friendship already went through hell, I can't risk it—you understand me right?" Callie explained.
Jackson nodded; "I do, sure, I'm in."
Callie smiled widely; "We'll start a plan as soon as possible, I'll page you once I already have something. Thank you Avery" she said.
Jackson smiled back; "You're welcome, catch you later" he said before walking away.
oOo
"Kepner, you paged?" Mark asked as he walked towards the Trauma Attending.
April tore her eyes away from her charts and turned towards Mark; "Burn patient on bed 5, I already administered pain meds. She's requesting for a Plastic Surgeon to take a look at her because she doesn't want scarring—she's an aspiring model."
"Is she hot?" Mark asked with a teasing smirk.
"See for yourself"
"It's not that you can't page me with these cases but why didn't you page my boy?" Mark asked curiously.
April's aura instantly shifted; "I already paged him but he never came-why should I even ask help from someone who clearly refuse to work with me? I already ended up wasting my patient's time, paging him again will waste my time" she said with the edge of bitterness.
Mark's smile faltered as his brows furrow in concern; "Did you two fight?" he asked.
April scoffed; "Can you consider it fighting when the other party keeps walking out on you when you're in the middle of trying to prove a point?"
"Err-"
"Excuse me Dr. Kepner?"
April turned her eyes to the side and saw her intern standing beside her; "Yes?"
"Patient in bed 4 is insisting on checking out, AMA" Stephanie said.
"Did you explain to him that if he walks out of this hospital his appendix might explode and he might die?" April asked.
Stephanie swallowed hard; "Err-"
"Edwards!" April snapped.
Stephanie took a step back; "I'll talk to him again and explain the extent of—of his situation" she said shakily before scampering away.
"Impressive Kepner, I didn't know you have it in you."
April turned her gaze towards Mark; "Have what?"
Mark smiled; "The capability to shout at interns, I thought you're only capable of coddling them but after seeing that—I'm very impressed" he said.
April felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment; "I—I didn't mean to shout at her—I—"
"They need tough love in order for them to learn, don't feel guilty about it" Mark said.
"O—okay"
"Give my boy some time, he'll come around" Mark said comfortingly. He then gestured towards bed 5; "I'll go check on our model" he said before walking away.
April closed her eyes and took deep calming breaths.
oOo
"Hey, want to grab lunch with me?"
Lexie tore her eyes away from the novel she's reading and turned towards the door; "Hey Apes"
April leaned on the door frame; "What are you reading?"
Lexie lifted the book and wiggled it; "This book is amazing—you should read it"
"You're still reading that?"
"But of course! Did you know that I helped the author write this book? I mean, not the concept but I typed it for her" Lexie said proudly.
April smiled indulgently; "Is it good?"
"Hell yeah, I have the whole series, I can bring them tomorrow if you'd like" Lexie said with a huge smile.
April saw her friend's hopeful expression so she caved in; "Fine, bring them over and I'll read them" she said.
"I'll finally have someone to compare notes with! Yey!" Lexie said excitedly. She then dog-eared her book and placed it on top of the coffee table; she grabbed her cane beside her and hauled herself up slowly. "What are we eating?"
"I don't have the slightest idea but we'll find something edible" April replied.
Lexie scrunched her face in distaste as she limps towards April; "Anything but Jambalaya is fine with me"
April laughed.
oOo
Jackson peered behind the door and began scanning his surroundings; when he saw that the coast was clear he hastily made his way towards his mentor. "You paged?" he asked.
Mark tore his eyes away from his charts and stared at his prot; "Why in heavens name are you skulking like a freak?" he asked.
"I'm not skulking like a freak!"
Mark crossed his arms on top of his chest; "I just saw your head peering behind the damn door for a couple of seconds before you approached me, what's wrong with you?" he demanded.
Jackson pursed his lips; "Did you page me here to chastise me or we actually have a patient?"
Mark narrowed his eyes; "I already took care of the patient that you're supposed to tend to"
"What do you mean?" Jackson asked confusedly.
"We agreed that you'll take care of burn patients, did we not?"
"Yeah"
"Kepner paged you an hour ago but you never came, a patient was waiting for a Plastic consult for almost 30 minutes, what were you doing?" Mark asked.
Jackson averted his mentor's gaze and bowed his head in guilt.
"Look, when you're in this hospital you are doctor first.-whatever your issues are should take a back seat, do you understand me?"
Jackson lifted his head and met Mark's eyes; "Yes I understand—sorry" he said sheepishly.
Mark smiled; "Now that we have that out of the way—can you tell me what you've done to make Kepner so pissed?"
"She was pissed?"
"She screamed at one of her interns, isn't that enough sign?"
"She's pissed, really pissed" Jackson said before grimacing.
Mark smiled wider; "She was on fire-she's kinda hot"
Jackson automatically narrowed his eyes at his mentor; "You're not allowed to think of her that way"
Mark shrugged his shoulders; "Just saying" he said.
"You're also not allowed to say it"
"Geez! Lighten up man! I'm engaged, I don't have plans on stealing her"
Jackson stared at Mark for a couple of seconds; "Just making things clear" he said.
Mark shook his head in amusement; "I'm gonna grab a quick bite, want to join me?"
Jackson took a peak on his watch; "Yeah that would be great."
oOo
"You asked me to have lunch with you but you're not even eating" Lexie said as she stares at April's plate.
April continued pushing her food around the plate; "I'm not really hungry I guess" she replied.
Lexie rolled her eyes; she grabbed her fries and began dipping it on ketchup. "I feel like I haven't seen anyone here aside from you and Mark, do you know where they are?" she asked.
April placed her fork on top of her plate before grabbing her bottle of juice; "Mer is in surgery with Alex their working on steroid kid who has lumps on his liver, Cristina is also in surgery, aortic ulcer—one of Dr. Russell's patient" she replied.
"I see, busy day" Lexie said before stuffing her mouth with her fries, chewing it with vigour.
April took the cap off of her juice and took a swig.
Lexie pulled the napkin from her try and patted her lips; "Mark is walking over here with your boytoy" she said with a huge smile.
April's demeanour instantly changed; she hastily snatched her lab coat from the chair next to her and pushed away from the table. "I need to get back to the pit, is it okay if I leave you with Mark?" she asked.
Lexie furrowed her brows; "Aren't you finishing your food? I thought it's your lunch break?" she asked.
April leaned forward and also swiped her bottle of juice from the table; "I don't feel like eating, I need to head back so are you okay here?" she asked.
Lexie nodded; "Yeah" she replied.
April threw her friend a smile before bolting towards the door of the cafeteria, leaving in a huff.
Mark placed his tray on top of the table and threw his fiancé a curious look; "Did she get paged for an incoming Trauma?" he asked as he sits down on the chair that April vacated.
Lexie tore her eyes away from the spot where she last saw the red head and blinked a couple of times; "There's no page—she just said that she's not hungry and she needs to go" she said.
Mark turned his eyes towards Jackson; "Seems like you're not the only one playing the game anymore, goodluck with that" he said.
Jackson tore his eyes away from the cafeteria door and placed his tray on top of the table; he pulled a chair beside Mark and plopped down.
Lexie narrowed his eyes at Jackson; "What did you do?"
Jackson threw Lexie an offended look; "Why do people always assume that it's my fault?"
"Because woman—we don't act like that when we're at fault" Lexie said pointedly.
Jackson huffed; "You also tend to nag our ears off" he murmured to himself.
"What did you say?" Lexie asked.
"Nothing" Jackson said as he sulkily plucked his bottled water from his tray.
oOo
It's been a long and tiring day and April cannot wait for her shift to end; she was typing her notes on the computer by the nurses' station when she saw Jackson approaching her; she threw him a dirty look before continuing her work.
Jackson directly walked towards the vacant swivel chair beside April and sat down; he turned his chair sideways to face her fully. "Alright, listen-" he said as he turned April's chair to face him too.
April scowled; "I am sorry, okay? I'm sure that you would prefer your booty calls to be uncomplicated and void of feelings, so I think you should probably just seek them somewhere else, okay? 'cause I know this is just sex to you and it's-"
"It's not just sex" Jackson snapped.
April paused and stared at Jackson.
"I mean, I wish it was, I pretended that it is cause you have good thing going with Jesus but its not"
"It's not?"
Jackson frowned; "No. And stop calling me a car crash or dessert or acting like I'm bumming out Jesus"
April averted her gaze; "I'm sorry. You-you made it seem like it was-"
"And stop acting like I don't have feelings, okay? I have feelings, I have a lot of them."
"About what?" April asked incredulously.
Jackson stared at April directly; "You. About you, April, for you" he emphasized.
April's eyes widen in surprise.
Jackson bowed his head and took a deep calming breath.
April swallowed hard; "I'm -I'm so sorry...that I hurt them..your-your feelings-" she said sincerely.
Jackson lifted his head and met April's eyes; "It's okay-just-"
April cringed; "I-I thought it was just sex..."
Jackson let out a tight lipped smile before replying; "Yeah-so did I" he admitted.
April bit her lip to keep herself from grinning; "Okay"
Jackson felt his cheeks flush as he realized what just did; "Have a good night" he said before standing up and avoiding April's eyes shyly.
"Talk to you tomorrow" April breathed out, still reeling from Jackson's impromptu confession.
Jackson hastily walked towards the other direction while April bit her bottom lip to keep herself from smiling.
oOo
"Thank you all for your cooperation today, next step is for us to file a complaint against the parties"
"Can we leave the pilot out of this? The man is a paraplegic now" Cristina said.
"Yeah, I agree. We should take him off the list" Derek said.
"Wait. No, what if he was drunk or a sleep?" Mark butted in.
"No, we talked to him" Meredith replied.
"Dr. Hunt, I'm gonna have to ask you to step out now, this is only appropriate for the victims of the crash" The legal counsel said.
"Oh-okay" Owen said before stepping out of the room.
"Folks, we're not going after the pilot. We need to investigate him to make our case but the damages we'll be seeking be far greater than what that pilot could be accountable for. Or the chartered company for that matter"
"We'll be going after the bigger fish" The lawyer interjected.
"More and more, it's looking like the best strategy will be look for fault with the hospital itself" The counsel said.
"Boise?" Lexie asked.
"No, this hospital" The counsel clarified. "The people who put you on that plane" The counsel said while looking towards the window where Owen stood.
oOo
The next morning, April woke up late so she find herself jogging towards the conference room; she yanked the door open and let out a relieved sigh when she noticed that the meeting hasn't started yet; "I'm sorry I'm late!" she said apologetically.
Owen threw his student a smile before gesturing towards the vacant seat beside Lexie; "You're just right on time Kepner, take a seat" he said.
April smiled back at her mentor and closed the door behind her; she hastily made her way towards the table and pulled a chair. "Morning Lex" she chirped.
Lexie smiled at the perky surgeon; "Morning—you seem to be in a better mood today" she observed.
April responded with a large smile and took her seat.
Jackson felt his heart thump wildly upon hearing his best friend voice; he angled himself towards her direction and fixed his gaze on April's smiling face.
Mark noticed his prot shift in his chair and saw him facing towards the other direction; he followed his line of sight and caught him staring at the red head sitting across from them. He smiled like a Cheshire cat and bend towards Jackson; "Awww...you're acting like a love sick puppy, you're so cute" he teased.
Jackson's head snapped up; "I'm not a love sick puppy!" he hissed.
Mark stood straight as he let out a chuckle.
April, hearing Mark's laugh turned her gaze towards his direction; she felt her cheeks flush when she finally noticed that Jackson is sitting right across from her. She averted her gaze shyly as she tries to even out her breathing; "Breathe" she muttered to herself.
Lexie leaned towards April; "What's that?" she asked.
April shook her head; "Err—nothing" she replied.
Lexie raised her brow inquisitively; she was about to grill her friend's for answers but was cut off when Owen started speaking.
"Good morning everyone, this won't take long, just a quick update; I had to re-arrange some of your surgeries last night so please check the O.R. boards for the changes. Some of you may run into Arizona Robbins today, it's her first day back" he said.
The whole surgical team clapped and cat called when they heard the good news about their colleague.
Owen smiled at the enthusiasm; "So if you see her just make her feel welcome a-"
"Or maybe just don't make a big deal at all—it might be better" Callie interjected with a small smile.
Owen threw Callie a look; "Noted. Thank you" he said. He then shifted his gaze back to the rest of the surgeons; "And oh, I have one last thing to say, most of you are aware that a group of our doctors have filed a lawsuit against our hospital some of you may be wondering what this all means and how it's gonna affect our staff. I'd like to be clear—it doesn't at all. Let's just let the lawyers worry about that—that's their job. Our job is to continue to work together and support each other in giving great standard of care that we have always given, let's not let something like this get in the way of that. That's all—thank you" he said.
The whole room gave Owen an affirmative response before dispersing.
Cristina waited for the other surgeons to leave before walking towards her husband; "That was good"
"Thank you" Owen replied with a smile.
oOo
Miranda pulled her phone away from her ear and shoved it inside her pockets; she then placed her charts on top of the nurses' station and saw April and Richard watching her with amusement. "He wants to have a Christmas wedding in a rustic mountain lodge with red ribbons and mistletoe and a tree with ornaments made of our photos" she said with frown.
"Aww...that sounds beautiful" April gushed.
Miranda shook her head as she stacks her charts; "No, it's stupid. What kind of self respecting man cares this much about a wedding?"
Richard stood straight and stared at his former prot; "I did"
Miranda pushed away from the counter and walked towards her mentor; "Yeah—but I did the wedding thing before. I'm gonna make all those people who showed up the first time to sit through another ceremony because maybe I'll mean it this time" she said exasperatedly. "You were there with Adele, you got me a set of ramekins"
"And I'd be happy to get you another set" Richard retorted.
"I want to get married in a field with wild flowers everywhere and butterflies that are released when I say "I do". Oh—and I want to have this little mints that say mint-to-be" April said dreamily.
Both Richard and Miranda stared at the Trauma Attending weirdly.
April smiled widely; "You get it coz their mints?" she said.
Miranda pursed her lips; "There will be no mints. We're going to a courthouse have a little cocktail party after" she said before making her way back to the counter.
"Yeah—we'll see about that. A man who puts a deposit is man who means business" Richard said.
Miranda gathered the charts to her chest; "Well, he has until the 12th to get his money back, that's two days. He'd need two years to get me to agree to a wedding with Santa Clause running around" she said before walking away.
Richard shook his head before walking towards the other direction.
April furrowed her brows as she turned towards the nurse; "Uhm—today's the 10th?"
"Yep"
April's eyes widen as she hastily snapped her chart close; Oh shit, I'm freaking late.
A/N: This is shorter than my normal chapters and most of the contents are from the episode itself, I can't help it, this is one of my favourite's ^_^ I twisted some scenes and added a couple of my own, hope you like it! ^_^ again, tell me what you think, I love hearing from you guys! Next update will be soon! Cheers!