Chapter Seventeen: Can't help falling in love
"Wise men say only fools rush in but I can't help falling in love with you. Shall I stay but would it be a sin, for I can't help falling in love with you..."
Can a man fall in love with the same woman over and over again? Is it normal to feel a spark of jubilation even when you're just looking at her from afar? Because if it isn't, then Jackson Avery is suffering from some type of love induced malady that doesn't seem to have a cure-well, aside from the woman standing by popcorn stand, talking with her brunette best friend. He can't seem to take his eyes off of her; every gesture, every expression-it doesn't go unnoticed by him and it somehow driving him bonkers-in a good way of course.
"I saw the huge rock on Kepner's finger, she agreed to marry you after all" Mark said with a grin.
"She did, I don't know what I would have done if she said otherwise" Jackson said while staring at April intently. "I would've grovelled, that's for sure."
"An Avery grovelling? You would have been disowned by your grandpa and beaten by a stick by your Mama" Mark paused. "Scratch the last part, Mama Avery loves Kepner too much"
Jackson chuckled; "Sometimes I can't help but feel that she loves April more than she loves me."
"I'm sure she does" Mark replied. He then turned towards the counter; "Transformers, 4 tickets please, thanks" he said.
Jackson turned his attention towards Mark and pulled his wallet out; "How much?" he asked.
Mark waved his hand dismissively; "I've got this."
"But-"
Mark turned his face towards the other man; "Buy chips or whatever those two want."
"Oh, okay" Jackson replied. "Pepsi?"
"Yep, a large one"
Jackson nodded before turning on his heels.
oOo
"Let me see!" Lexie squealed.
April bit her bottom lip to keep herself from smiling widely; she slowly took her left hand from her pocket and held it out.
Lexie grabbed her best friend's hand, her eyes widening when she saw the size of it; "Oh my gosh! Mark wasn't kidding, it's HUGE!"
"It is and I don't even want to think how much it costs" April admitted.
"Then don't, what you don't know won't hurt you" Lexie said wisely as she let the hand drop.
April nodded; "You're totally right" she agreed.
Lexie sighed wistfully; "I still can't believe we're both getting married, me and December and you in-" she then paused. "When exactly are you getting married?"
"Whoa! We just got engaged last night Lexie, slow down" April said.
"Riiiiiggggght" Lexie chuckled. "I'm kinda excited and I forgot."
"Speaking of weddings, how's yours doing?"
"Quite well-all the invites are printed, our gowns are almost ready and we already put a down payment for the venue and caterers" Lexie explained. "All that's really left to decide is our honeymoon destination."
"Wow, you guys work fast" April said in awe.
Lexie laughed; "It's faster when two people are working together" she replied.
"Ladies" Jackson said. He then wrapped his arm around April's waist and smiled; "What do you guys want to eat?"
oOo
After watching the movie, the couples parted ways; Mark and Lexie went home while Jackson and April decided to take a stroll on the park.
"Did you enjoy our date night?" Jackson asked.
April smiled as she laces her fingers with his; "I did, spending time with those two is always fun."
Jackson cracked a smile; "It is" he replied. He then moved towards an empty bench and sat down, pulling April along; "Let's sit down for a minute" he said.
April obliged; she then lifted her left hand and stared at her ring for the nth time; "This is really beautiful Jackson, I love it."
"I'm glad you do, when I first saw it at Tiffany's, I knew right away that it's your ring."
April turned to face her beau; "How long have you been looking for a ring exactly?" she asked curiously.
Jackson scratched the back of his head, clearly embarrassed; "Err-I saw the ring when Mark bought their wedding rings" he admitted.
April's eyes widen in shock; "But-but that was weeks ago!"
Jackson nodded; "It was."
April blinked a couple of times before pecking Jackson on the lips; "I love you."
Jackson leaned forward and copied April's action; "I love you too."
April scooted closer and rested her head on Jackson's shoulder; she closed her eyes and smiled contentedly. "Lexie told me that everything for their wedding is already set, only their honeymoon destination is left."
"Yeah, Mark did mention that" Jackson replied pensively. "I have an idea."
April just hummed as a response.
Jackson bumped his head with hers; "Are you still awake?"
"Really? A head butt?" April said as she opens her tired eyes. "What's your idea?"
Jackson pinched her chin and gently lifted her head off his shoulder; he shifted on his seat to face April. "I know what to give them for their wedding-it'll be our first conjugal gift."
April raised her brow; "You are aware that we're not married yet right? We can't call it conjugal" she said in a matter of factly tone.
Jackson rolled his eyes; "Sorry for my word misuse Ms. Smarty-pants"
April ignored Jackson's name calling; "Tell me what you have in mind already."
"Why don't we give them a honeymoon getaway? It's a wedding and a thank you gift rolled into one, I mean-they did help us...a lot " Jackson said somewhat imploringly.
April pursed her lips while in thought; after a few seconds of self deliberation, she nodded. "That's a good idea, tell me more."
Jackson grinned widely; "I know you'd like the idea."
April smiled back; "You know me too well."
oOo
Months passed by like a breeze and the season already changed; it was now December and it's almost time for Mark and Lexie's to tie the proverbial knot.
"Hey Avery!"
Jackson turned around and saw Alex walking towards him; "What?" he asked.
"Tonight is the night right?" Alex asked.
Jackson threw the other surgeon a confused look; "Night for what?"
Alex furrowed his brows; "Sloan's stag, that's happening tonight, right?"
A look of understanding dawned on Jackson's face; "Yeah, that's tonight."
Alex stood right in front of Jackson, a large smile painted on his face; "Will there be strippers?"
"I'm really not sure, Derek is the one organizing it"
Alex winced; "That means naught, he's McDreamy after all-damn!"
Jackson laughed.
"What's funny?" Alex snapped.
"You sounded just like Sloan for a minute there."
Alex scrunched his face; "Bite your tongue!"
oOo
"Booze check, food check, cake check, am I missing something?" Meredith asked.
Cristina thought for a moment before grinning like a Cheshire cat; "Strippers! How can you forget?"
Meredith jotted the idea down; "Do you know anyone who strips for a living?"
"What makes you think I know one?" Cristina asked.
Meredith leaned back on her chair; "You suggested it-that means you know someone."
Cristina shrugged her shoulders; "Sorry Mer, I don't know a stripper" she replied. She then turned her head to the side; "Hey Kepner!" she called out.
April paused mid-sip and turned towards Cristina; "Yeah?"
"Do you know any stripper?"
April felt the coffee go down the wrong pipe causing her to cough loudly; "WHAT?"
Cristina snickered; "A male stripper, a man who peels his clothes off while dancing-like Magic Mike" she explained.
April wrinkled her nose; "What made you think I know where to find one or know one?"
Meredith chuckled; "Ignore her Apes, she's just making fun of you" she chimed.
April threw both surgeons a weird look before bolting out of the Attendings' Lounge.
Cristina pursed her lips; "You're no fun Mer, I was getting to her"
Meredith shook her head with amusement; "So back to my list, since you suggested it, I'm counting on you to find one."
Cristina groaned; "I hate this stuff! I wish they just got married like we did, no fuzz-less stressful."
Meredith smirked; "You're barking at the wrong tree, bark at Mark."
oOo
"Why are we doing this again?" Lexie asked while flipping through a journal.
"Because the President of the United States asked us" Derek replied.
Callie scoffed; "And you just can't say no, right?"
Derek tore his eyes away from his work and stared at Callie; "He's the Head of our country, you don't say no to him" he replied.
"Boohoo to that" Callie replied.
Derek rolled his eyes before turning his eyes towards Lexie; "Tonight is your Hen night, right?"
"Hen night?" Lexie asked with a confused look.
Callie chuckled; "He meant Bachelorette's party"
"Oh" Lexie said. "Yeah, it's tonight."
"Meredith is in full planning mode, I think you'd enjoy it" Derek replied said with a smirk.
"Are we having strippers?" Callie asked excitedly.
Lexie cracked a smile; "I actually don't have any idea but I want one."
"Good because I know where to find one" Callie replied.
"Thanks Callie, you're the best" Lexie said.
"Why do women want strippers in their party?" Derek asked.
"Come on now Shepherd! Don't tell us you're not thinking about the same thing for Mark's stag."
Lexie nodded in agreement; "What men do, women do better."
"Atta girl" Callie chirped.
Derek scrunched his forehead, clearly in deep thought; "I haven't thought of getting one to be honest"
Lexie and Callie's mouth both hung open.
Derek turned his attention back to his work; "I thought Poker night will suffice."
oOo
"What are you up to today?" Jackson asked as sidled up beside his mentor.
"Hymenoplasty" Mark replied heedlessly.
"No way!" Jackson said in disbelief.
Mark passed his tab towards his prot; "I'm not kidding, take a look"
Jackson grabbed the tab and began reading through the notes; after a couple of seconds, he lifted his gaze and met Mark's eyes. "I haven't done this yet, can I scrub in?"
Mark plucked the tab from Jackson's hand; "I'll think about it" he said before turning on his heels.
"Come on! We're the Plastics Posses, we do awesome cases together!"
"Fetch me a latte and I might let you in on this case" Mark said as he walks away.
Jackson scowled; "I'm not an intern!"
Mark laughed; "I know you're not but I'm still your mentor."
Jackson cursed before doing Mark's bidding.
oOo
It was 7 in the evening when Lexie scrubbed out of her surgery and Meredith was not pleased; she wanted her sister to be on time for her own bridal shower but alas, she didn't have her way.
"Where have you been?'
Lexie hastily tugged her shirt on before turning around; "I just got off of surgery, there were some complications so I had to stay another hour" she explained.
"Alright, just hurry up-we're already late" Meredith said.
Lexie slammed her locker shut and snatched her bag from the bench; "I'm set, let's go."
Meredith pushed the door open and walked out of the Attendings' Lounge.
"Are they all there?" Lexie asked as she jogged towards her sister.
"Yep, they've been there for over an hour now actually.'
Lexie cringed; "Sorry" she said.
Meredith punched on the elevator button before turning towards the brunette; "Are you excited?" she asked.
"Is there a stripper?"
Meredith laughed loudly, making Lexie smirk.
oOo
Mark's Flat:
"I should've known, we shouldn't have let McDreamy plan this thing" Alex whispered.
Jackson took a sip of his beer; "You can't do anything about it now so you might as well enjoy what we have" he replied.
Alex leaned back on the counter and huffed; "You and I have a very different meaning of the word enjoy Avery-very different."
"What were you expecting?"
"I'll tell you what I'm not expecting and that is drinking beer inside Sloan's pad waiting for food, like really? This is more like Kepner's shower, bland and no fun at all."
Jackson slapped Alex's chest with the back of his hand; "That's my fiancé you're talking about-watch it" he warned.
Alex rolled his eyes; "Stop being touchy, it's not as if I'm maligning her character and all."
"Can someone please remind me why I let Derek to plan my stag party"
Jackson and Alex both turned around and saw Mark sulking behind them; the latter leaned sideways and smirked. "He's your best man?"
Mark grabbed himself a beer; "Oh right" he said before taking a large swig.
Jackson leaned forward and grabbed a handful of chips; "Believe it or not, I kinda like this, it's laid back; we have food and booze-what more can you ask for?" he said before stuffing his mouth.
Alex guffawed; "I don't think you'll need a stag of your own if your perception of fun is like this-just share April's"
Mark's upper lip curled in distaste; "Really Avery? You expect me to throw you a party this mundane?"
Jackson swallowed before taking another swig of his drink; he turned towards Mark and raised his brow. "Who told you that you're the one who will throw me a party? I don't remember asking you to be my best man."
"Is that your way of telling me that Karev is your best man?" Mark retorted.
"Hey! I'm here you know!" Alex huffed.
"I have other friends, you know" Jackson challenged.
Mark laughed; "You are aware that you can't ask one of your imaginary friends to hold your rings, right?"
Jackson scoffed.
The door burst open as Derek, Owen and Ben sauntered in; the Neuro Surgeon lifted a paper bag and grinned widely. "Anyone interested in some poker?"
"Lord, help us all" Alex muttered.
oOo
The McDreamy's House:
"Open mine!" Izzie said as she thrusted a tiny pink paper bag on Lexie's lap.
Lexie smiled; "Thank you Izzie" she said. She then opened the paper bag and took off the colourful papers; she shoved her hand inside and fished out a clear zip lock-like bag. She lifted it and stared at it curiously; she turned the package around and smiled widely upon realizing what it was. "I'm quite sure Mark will have a field day when he sees this, it's his favourite flavour after all. Thank you."
Izzie smiled back; "You're welcome, it's from Alex and I by the way."
"It has Karev written all over it" Cristina laughed.
April shifted closer to Arizona; "What is it? Is it supposed to be funny?" she whispered.
Arizona turned towards April and threw her an amused look; "You don't know what it is?"
April shook her head; "No but it looks like a G string"
Arizona grinned widely; "It is a G string-an edible G string"
April's eyes widen; "You can eat it?" she asked as she turned her eyes back to the package.
Arizona can't help it; she laughed loudly.
"Our turn!" Callie piped in. She grabbed her jacket from the side of the couch and plucked a white envelop; she straightened the creases before handing it to the brunette. "It's from Arizona, Sophia and I."
Lexie accepted it and opened it; her eyes widen upon seeing the gift certificates inside. "You didn't!"
Arizona smiled; "We did and we hope you enjoy it."
Lexie shifted her eyes between the couple; "How did you know? I've always wanted to go here!" she squealed excitedly.
"Let's just say that a little birdy let it slip" Callie said with a grin.
"TMI Torres! We didn't need to know that Sloan is lacking on that part" Cristina said, making the crowd laugh.
"That was not what I meant Yang!" Callie said.
"Who's next?" Meredith asked loudly.
April shifted on her seat and grabbed a similar white envelop inside her bag; "From Jackson and I" she said as she handed it to Lexie.
"Thank you" Lexie replied. She tore the envelope open and gasped; she lifted her gaze and met April's eyes. "Are you freaking kidding me?"
April smiled as she shook her head; "Nope" she replied.
"What is it?" Meredith asked curiously.
Lexie took out another set of vouchers and wiggled it; "They gave us a honeymoon package!" she shrieked.
Cristina lunged forward and grabbed the shinny paper from Lexie's hand; she studied it for a couple of minutes before staring at April. "You're sending them to Acapulco?!"
"Yeah" April replied before taking a sip of her drink.
"Damn Kepner, you stumped all our gifts" Callie said.
The whole room erupted to another fits of laughter.
oOo
Mark's Flat:
"Ha! I won!" Mark said boisterously.
Alex threw his cards on the table with a sour look on his face; "This is no fun!"
"You're just saying that because you're no longer winning" Jackson said.
Mark leaned forward and began collecting his chips; "I won fair and square"
"Groom's luck I guess" Ben said.
Derek began gathering the cards and began shuffling it; he turned towards his best friend and raised his brow. "Now tell me you're not having fun."
Mark grinned; "I sure as hell am."
"Because you're ripping us all" Alex said dryly.
"You have a huge salary Karev, it's not as if you'll end up eating ramen before the next pay day arrives" Owen said.
Jackson snickered; "High or low salary, he's still a ramen man."
Alex snatched his cards from the table and began arranging it; "Damn right I am. Now, shut the hell up, all of you-I need to win the bucks I lost, I need to concentrate."
"No chance in hell Karev" Mark said with determination.
oOo
The McDreamy's House:
"I still can't believe you're flying us out to Acapulco, that's insane!" Lexie said.
April laughed; "We're not flying you out per say, we just bought you a voucher" she said smartly.
"Semantics! I-" Lexie wasn't able to finish her sentence because all the lights were dimmed. The noise suddenly quieted as soft sensual music began playing; she turned her head to the side and let out an excited squeal when she realized what's happening.
"What's happening?" April asked confusedly.
Lexie threw April a smirk before fixing her eyes on the large open French door; "You'll see" she replied mischievously.
April followed Lexie's gaze and waited.
oOo
Jackson was shrugging on his jacket when a laughing Alex approached him; "You were just pouting a couple of minutes ago because you lost 100 bucks, why are you laughing now?"
Alex handed his phone to his friend; "Just watch" he said, still laughing.
Jackson accepted the device and shifted the phone closer to his face; he tapped on the play button and began watching. After a couple of seconds, he found himself laughing with the Ped's Surgeon.
"What's funny?" Mark asked.
Jackson handed the phone back to Alex; "Delete that" he ordered, a smile still playing on his lips.
"No way man, it's so funny" Alex replied.
Mark's curiosity was instantly piqued; he walked towards Alex and snatched the phone from his hand. He turned around and began playing the video; it didn't take long for him, he laughed only after a couple of seconds.
Jackson glared at Alex; "April will murder you if she found out you showed that video to us."
"That's a risk I'm willing to take" Alex said smugly.
Mark spun around and wiggled the phone towards his prot; "Have you seen your fiancé's face? It's priceless!"
Jackson filched the phone from Mark's hand and moved behind the counter.
"Hey!" Alex yelled as he chased the other surgeon.
Jackson hastily tapped on the delete button and smiled triumphantly; "There you go."
Alex pried his phone out of Jackson's hand with a scowl; "I hate you" he spat.
"The feeling is mutual" Jackson retorted.
Mark shook his head in amusement; he plucked his own phone from his back pocket and checked the time. "If your both picking up your significant others I suggest you leave now, it's quarter to 11"
"Gee Sloan, is that your polite way of kicking us out after we help you with the dishes?" Alex said with sarcasm.
Mark laughed; "Don't be such a spoiled sport Karev, now get out of my apartment before I throw your ass out."
Jackson didn't need to be told twice; he made his way towards the door and pulled it open. "See you tomorrow losers!"
Alex followed the other surgeons lead; "Yeah, see you tomorrow Grandpa!"
oOo
The McDreamy's House:
"Stop laughing Cristina! It's not funny!" April snapped.
Meredith closed the fridge and turned towards the fuming red head; "But it is" she said with a teasing smile.
"It was horrifying, that's what it is!"
Lexie bumped her shoulder with April's with a smile; "Lighten up love, look at the brighter side, at least he's looks good enough to eat" she said with wink.
April huffed and averted her gaze.
"Is she still pouting?" Izzie asked as she closes the main door.
"I think Kepner is scarred for life" Cristina jeered.
"I am!" April said.
Izzie chuckled; she then made her way towards the counter and grabbed her glass of water. "Alex texted me, he's on his way."
"The stag party is over?" Lexie asked curiously.
Izzie took a sip of her drink before responding; "Yep"
Cristina turned towards Meredith; "Have an idea what your husband organized?" she asked.
Meredith hopped on one of the high chairs and wrinkled her nose; "Derek is really not good at throwing parties-I think he just arranged for them to have a Poker night" she replied.
"Poker night?" Cristina asked with a look of distaste.
"I know right?" Meredith said with a sigh.
"They didn't have a stripper like us?" April asked.
"No" Meredith replied.
A loud knock was suddenly heard making the 5 occupants of the house turn towards it; "I'll go get it" Lexie offered. She walked towards the main door and peered through the peep hole; she unlocked it and opened it fully. "Had fun?"
"Aside from your stupid fiancé ripping us of, yeah it was good" Alex replied crassly. "Where's my wife? I want to go home."
Izzie placed her glass on top of the counter before grabbing her purse; "I've got to go girls, I'll see you next time" she said as she made her way towards the door. "Congratulations again Lexie"
Lexie pulled Izzie into a quick hug; "Thanks for coming Iz" she replied.
Izzie began pushing Alex towards the door.
"Good night ladies!" Alex said loudly.
Lexie was about to close the door but paused when she noticed a familiar car pulling over; she turned her face towards her best friend and smiled. "Better get your things Apes, Pretty boy is here"
April hopped off of the high chair and began gathering her things; she was slipping on her jacket when she heard Jackson's voice.
"Hey ladies, did you have fun?"
"You're fiancé had a blast for sure" Cristina said while wiggling her brows.
A flash of April's beet red face from the video crossed Jackson's mind so he just grinned as a response.
"It's late, we better be going now" April said as she quickly walked towards her fiancé.
"Good night Apes, sweet dreams" Meredith and Cristina said in unison, an identical smirk plastered on their faces.
April rolled her eyes; "Night" she replied.
Lexie pulled April into a hug to hide the smile that's playing on her lips; "Thank you for enduring those two for me and for not bolting when the stripper gave you a lap dance" she whispered.
April let out giggle; "You owe me big time" she quipped. "I'm scarred for life."
Lexie laughed as she pulls away; she then turned towards Jackson and opened her arms. "Give me hug"
Jackson obliged; he leaned forward and gave her the hugged she asked for.
"Thank you for the very expensive gift you and April gave us, I still think you're crazy for spending that much but we appreciate it more than you can imagine" Lexie whispered.
Jackson patted Lexie's back before pulling away; "It's nothing compared to what you two have done for us" he said with a smile.
"Oh shucks! Don't get all sappy on me Avery, I don't want to cry!" Lexie complained.
April wrapped her arm around Jackson's waist; "He get's sappy whenever he has booze running through his system" she said with smirk.
"Hey!"
Lexie grinned; "Nice to know you're not made of stone" she said cheekily.
Jackson rolled his eyes; "We better get going, it's really late" he said.
"Alright, drive safely and have a good night" Lexie said.
April mock saluted; "Aye aye captain!"
Jackson placed his arm around April's shoulder as he steered her out of the house; once the door was closed behind them, he planted a kiss on her temple. "Did you have fun?"
"Yep" April replied.
"Anything interesting that happened?"
April pulled away from Jackson when they reached his car; she walked towards the passenger seat and pulled it open. She climbed inside and closed the door behind her; "By the way you're asking me now, I bet you know something" she said dryly as she buckled her seatbelt.
Jackson closed the door behind him and fastened his own seatbelt; he put on a poker face before turning to his side. "How was the lap dance?"
"You knew!" April screeched accusingly.
Jackson couldn't contain it anymore, he let out a fully belly laugh.
April slapped Jackson's arm; "Stop laughing Jackson, it's not funny!" she snapped. "And how the hell did you know that I had a lap dance?"
Jackson tried his best to stifle his laugh before responding; "Alex showed me a video, I think it was from Izzie-oh sweetheart, you look so terrified."
"I was more than terrified!"
Jackson leaned towards April and cupped her cheek with his right hand; he pulled her face towards him and kissed her chastely. "You don't know how happy I am to know that seeing another man in their birthday suits terrifies you."
"I didn't say I was appalled by his body, it was quite nice on the contrary."
Jackson growled; "Quite nice eh? Let's see if you'll still feel the same way after I show you mine" he said seductively.
April's lips curl into a smile; "Is that a promise?"
Jackson revved the engine to life; "You'll just have to wait and find out" he replied with a wink.
"Like a river flow surely to the sea, darling so it goes something's are meant to be. Take my hand, take my whole life too, for I can't help falling in love with you..."
Mark and Lexie's Wedding:
Owen was walking along the hallway when he spotted a familiar figure walking towards him-with her rollers on; "What are you still doing here? Aren't you supposed to be in Cedar Springs already?" he asked, amusement evident in his voice.
April lifted her gaze and halted her steps; "Chief" she greeted. "I'm just waiting for Jackson, he's doing some last minute paperwork."
Owen took a peek at his watch; "You should get going, you both can't be late."
"I know, Lexie will murder us" April said with a smile. "How about you? You're going, right?"
"Yeah, I'm just doing my last rounds for the day."
"Where's Cristina?"
"With Meredith, she didn't have any surgery scheduled for today" Owen replied. He then pointed towards April shoulder; "There's the man you've been waiting for" he said.
April turned around; "You done?"
"Yep" Jackson replied as he stuff his phone inside his duffel bag. "I just received a call from Sloan and he's asking-no, demanding that we get our butts down there."
April chuckled; "Looks like someone is having a meltdown."
Jackson smirked; "More like a nervous breakdown."
"You better go there now, we don't want him fainting even before he gets to say I do" Owen said.
"Will do Chief, see you later!" April chirped.
Owen nodded; "Go."
oOo
Cristina stared at her reflection on the mirror; "I have to give it to Sloan, he has excellent taste with colours."
"I chose the motif, not Mark" Lexie said.
Cristina turned towards the bride; "You have an excellent taste then" she said with a poker face.
"Where's my curling iron?" Meredith asked as she riffled through her duffel bag.
Lexie pointed towards the bathroom; "You left it there"
"Oh right" Meredith replied.
"Has anyone seen April? I can't get married without a maid of honour!"
Cristina slowly sat down on the couch; "I just received a text from Owen, they already left two hours ago, they should be here-" she paused when she heard a knock. She stood from her perch again and made her way towards the door; "This better be her" she said as she pulled the door open.
April entered the room carrying her gown in her arms; "I'm sorry, we didn't mean to be late-the traffic was just hideous!" she said.
"At least you already have your make up on" Cristina said as she closes the door behind her.
"I had to do my make up inside the car" April replied as she carefully draped her gown at the back of the couch. She then turned her eyes towards her best friend and gasped; "Oh Lexie, you are absolutely stunning!"
Lexie smiled back; "Thank you. I thought you're not gonna make it."
"I wouldn't miss it for the world" April replied. She then began taking off her rollers; "I have to do this really fast, you're all dressed!"
"Here, you can use the bathroom to change" Meredith said with a smile.
April grabbed her gown and quickly made her way towards the bathroom; "Thank you Mer!" she said.
oOo
Jackson was on his way towards Mark's assigned room when he saw Alex standing along the hallway; "Hey Karev, what are you doing out here?" he asked.
"Good you're here" Alex said. "Sloan has been looking for you for hours, why are you late?"
"We got caught in traffic" Jackson replied. He then gestured towards the door; "I should tell him I'm here already, we don't want him keeling over" he joked.
Alex laughed; "Go on."
Jackson walked towards the door and pushed it open; "I'm here" he announced loudly.
"Finally!" Mark said with relief. "I can't get married with a missing groomsman and not to mention Lexie will kill you if her maid of honour is also MIA."
"Let me guess, you got caught in traffic" Derek said.
"We did" Jackson replied. He then chuckled upon remembering her fiancé; "April had to put on her make up inside the car while were stuck."
Mark threw Jackson an amused look; "With your driving skills? How did she manage?"
Jackson grinned; "Pure talent."
Mark and Derek laughed.
oOo
The ceremony was decidedly short but sweet; the couple surprised their guests when they recited their own vows rather that the traditional. April had a hard time controlling her tears when Mark mentioned something about the crash and how that near death experience made him believe that love truly conquers all-imminent death included. Now that the service is over, she found herself sitting beside Jackson, thinking about their upcoming nuptial.
"Why are you so quiet?"
April turned her face towards him; "I'm just thinking" she replied.
"Should I be worried?" Jackson asked hesitantly.
April let out a little smile; "I haven't changed my mind if that's what you're thinking."
Jackson let out a sigh of relief; "Good. If you're not thinking about kicking my ass to the curb then what have you been thinking about? You look so solemn for a minute there."
"I'm thinking about our wedding and what would it be like" April admitted.
Jackson smiled; "It will be whatever you it to be."
"When do you want to get married?" April asked as she grabbed her wine glass, taking a small sip while looking at her fiancé seriously.
Jackson looked thoughtful; "That's a very tricky question; if I say I want to get married tomorrow you'd think that I'm out of my rockers but if I say that I want to marry you-let's say, a year from now, you'd think that I don't really want to marry you because it's too long. So, I'll leave the ball in your court to be safe-when do you want to marry me?"
April paused mid-sip and blinked a couple of times, after a second she burst out giggling. "Nice one Avery"
"I try" Jackson said with a smug grin. "So, when do you want to tie the proverbial knot? Tomorrow? In six months? A year? And oh, I draw the line at a year-I refuse to wait longer than that."
April seem to think about Jackson's words; "I think I'm okay with 6 months, that's enough time to make all the arrangements like motif, flowers, venue and etc" she replied.
"Let's make a deal; you handle all the girly stuff like motif, flowers and frilly invites and I'll take care of the venue and caterers."
"Why do I feel like you already have those two on mind?"
"Because I do" Jackson replied. He then leaned forward and grabbed his own drink; he pretended to play nonchalant and took a sip.
"You can't just leave it at that!" April complained. "You have to tell me!"
"But it's a surprise!"
April threw Jackson an incredulous look; "You can't surprise me with that, what do you expect me to put on the invites-TBA for the venue?"
Jackson guffawed; "That will work."
"Jackson!"
"Fine" Jackson said. "Have you heard about the Weyerhaeuser Estate?"
April almost spit her wine; "North Tacoma?"
"Yep, have you seen it?"
"Only on T.V, it was featured in one of the shows I'm watching-that place is very beautiful" April said excitedly.
"It's a perfect setting for a Fall wedding, don't you think?" Jackson asked.
April nodded; "It is-" she paused and her shoulders instantly slumped. "But I don't think I can afford it in 6 months"
Jackson cocked his head to the side; "Who says that you'll be paying?"
April looked confused; "Of course I'm paying, it's tradition-the bride always pays for the wedding"
Jackson tried not roll his eyes; "It's an antiquated tradition that we're not following, it's the 20th century babe, not the medieval era" he explained. "And besides, my Mum will have a conniption if she finds out that I'm making you pay."
"But-"
"No buts" Jackson interrupted. He then leaned forward and planted a chaste kiss on April's lips; "Don't worry your pretty little head about it, I'll take care of it" he whispered.
"I know this is a wedding and romance is practically legal but will you please stop smooching? It's disgusting" Cristina said as she plopped down on one of the vacant chairs. "Have you tried the cake? It's marvellous"
"Stop terrorizing them because like what you've just said, romance is legal tonight" Owen said as he threw the couple a smile. "But she's right, the cake is really good."
Jackson pulled away from April but kept her close; "They already cut the cake?"
"Like ages ago" Cristina replied before taking a sip of her drink.
"I want a piece-I'll go get some" April said as she pulls away.
Jackson shook his head; "Stay here, I'll go get it" he said before standing up.
"And would you look that, chivalry is not dead after all" Cristina joked.
Jackson rolled his eyes as April tried to stifle her giggles.
"I'll go with you Avery, I think I'll have another slice" Owen said thoughtfully. "Do you want another slice honey?"
"Nope, I had my fill-you go ahead"
"We'll be back" Jackson said before walking away with Owen in tow.
"One wedding down and one more to go, have you two already decided a date?" Cristina asked.
"No exact date yet but it'll be in 6 months"
Cristina thought for a moment; "You'll have a Fall wedding then?"
"Yep"
"That's nice; the season is just right-not too cold and not too hot."
April smiled; "That's exactly what I have in mind but knowing Seattle's weather, I'm keeping my fingers crossed and hope it doesn't rain."
Cristina chuckled; "That'll be a total bummer."
"A disaster"
oOo
As the festivities carried on to the night, the people started to dwindle; since most of the couples guests are from the hospital, it didn't come out a surprise.
"Hey Avery! Come over here" Mark said boisterously.
"Excuse me" Jackson said apologetically to Ben. He then turn on his heel and made his way towards the couple's table; "That was rude, I was talking to Ben" he said.
Mark waved his hand dismissively; "It's my wedding, he'll understand" he replied.
"Forgive my husband's rudeness, he has ADHD" Lexie said.
"I love the sound of that-husband" Mark said dreamily.
Jackson chuckled; "What do you want?"
"Are you really sure about giving us the Acapulco tour? I mean, we appreciate it big time but you're also getting married soon and that must've cost you two a lot" Mark said reluctantly.
Jackson smiled; "I'm 100% sure, you both deserve it" he replied. "And besides, that's nothing compared to what you've done for me and April-heck, I wouldn't be happily engaged to her if you two didn't take the time to intervene."
Lexie smiled; "You were meant to be together from the start, we just gave you the push you both needed."
Mark tapped his chin while in thought; "You guys have a mantra, you mentioned it during Bailey's wedding" he paused, a large smirk forming on his lips when it hit him. "Aha! Mercy Westers forever!"
Jackson laughed; "Yeah, that's it."
"You could've just said that their soulmates, that makes more sense" Lexie said with disdain.
Mark waved Jackson closer as he leaned forward; "See that? We've just been married for a couple of hours and she's already criticizing everything I say-it's like my conscience suddenly came into flesh" he whispered.
Jackson guffawed; "Let me guess, you like every second of it?"
Mark grinned; "No, I'm loving it" he said. He then paused and stared at his prot intently; "Kidding aside, thank you for the wonderful and generous gift, we appreciate it."
Jackson smiled back; "You're welcome."
oOo
"Why didn't I see you lining up during the infamous bouquet toss?" Alex asked.
"Because she's already engaged Alex" Meredith said. She then adjusted the sleeping baby boy in her arms before turning towards April and smiled; "Have you two already set the date?" she asked.
"No date in particular but it will be in six months" April replied.
"Do you need help in planning? I can definitely lend a hand" Izzie said.
April stared at Izzie with hopeful eyes; "Really?"
Izzie smiled widely; "Of course, I love planning weddings!"
Alex snorted; "That'll be her career if she didn't end up being a surgeon."
Meredith nodded; "She's very good at it" she said. "She's like the wedding guru."
Izzie laughed; "I see you haven't lost your silly name calling habit, huh?"
Alex draped his arm around his wife's shoulder; "At least it sounded more like a compliment, she and Cristina can come up with more horrible names-ask the interns."
"We don't!" Meredith said indignantly.
April wrinkled her nose; "You do, I've heard."
Meredith huffed.
"Oh" April gasped when she felt strong arms hugged her from the back.
"Dance with me?" Jackson whispered.
April placed her arms on top of his; "Do you promise not to step on my toe?"
Jackson pulled away and spun April around; he lifted her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles. "I promise."
April felt her heart skip a beat, her cheeks staining red; "Okay..." she breathed out.
Jackson tugged her hand and guided her towards the empty dance floor.
Izzie watched the pair walk away before sighing dramatically; "I wish someone will ask me to dance like that..."
Alex drained his tumbler and placed it on top of the bar; he wiped his hands on his trousers before pulling his wife in his arms. He wordlessly steered her towards the dance floor, a determined look written on his face.
Izzie turned her face towards Meredith and winked.
Meredith shifted her baby towards her shoulder and began rubbing his back soothingly; "I guess it's just me and you love bug" she whispered, her eyes focused on the dancing couple.
oOo
"...my head's under water but I'm breathing fine. You're crazy and I'm out of my mind"
"Did you time this?" April asked as she swayed with Jackson.
"Time what?"
"This-are you slyly telling me through this song that I'm crazy?" April asked with a smirk.
Jackson chuckled and pulled her closer; he rested his cheek on the side of her temple as they continued dancing.
April let out a contented sigh as she closed her eyes.
"Cause all of me, loves all of you. Love your curves and all your edges, all your perfect imperfections. Give your all to me, I'll give my all to you, you're my end and my beginning, even when I lose I'm winning, 'cause I give you all of me and you give me all of you..." Jackson sang lowly.
April opened her eyes but didn't move her face away from him; she felt her heart burst with so much love so she blurted it out. "I love you, I really really do..."
Jackson smiled; "Did my voice make you say that? Can I join American Idol now?"
April giggled; "Your singing voice is for my ears only Dr. Avery, no American Idol for you, sir."
Jackson turned his face to the side and kissed April's temple; "I really really love you too" he said. He then smiled with contentment and closed his eyes; "I love your newly found possessive side too, I think its sexy" he added sultrily.
April buried her face into the crook of his neck and kissed it.
Jackson's hold tightened; "Now you've really really done it."
April couldn't help it; she giggled loudly.
"...No I-I can't help falling in love with you..."
After April's stunt on the dance floor; Jackson whisked her towards the newly wed's table and hastily made their goodbyes. He drove them to his apartment without preamble and started ravishing his fiancé as soon as she closed the door behind them.
"J-jackson...stop" April moaned.
Jackson moved his face to the side and began tugging on her earlobe; "But I want to make love to you..." he whispered.
April placed her hands on his shoulder before trailing it towards his neck; she turned his face towards her and pressed her lips to his. She kissed him passionately before tugging his lower lip as she pulls away; she met his lust filled eyes and smiled. "I want to make love to you too but not by this door-take me to your bed."
Jackson scooped April into his arms and briskly made his way towards his room; he deposited her in the middle of the bed and began sprinkling kisses on her neck. "You're so beautiful..."
April pushed him away and sat up.
Jackson sat on his haunches and stared at April with confusion; "What?"
April reached for her back and began tugging on her gown's zipper; "This needs to come off" she explained.
Jackson leaned forward and planted a wet kiss on her lips; "Turn around beautiful" he instructed.
April licked her lips and obeyed his order; "Be careful, I love this dress"
Jackson sat behind her and began pulling the zipper down; when the gown is fully open, he tugged it down and cupped April's breast.
April leaned back on his chest as she let out a loud moan; "That feels so good..."
Jackson buried his face on the crook of her neck as he tugged on her nipples; "You didn't wear any bra?"
"I-I don't need to, the gown has built in support" April breathed out as she moved her head to side, giving him more access.
Jackson growled; he then let his right hand slip under her dress, down to her belly. He caressed it a couple of times before moving it lower; "Open your legs for me love..." he whispered.
April obliged; she parted her legs and closed her eyes.
Jackson slithered his hand under her lace panties and began rubbing her in circular motions; he then slid lower and began probing her with his finger. "You feel so good"
April whimpered when she felt his finger slip inside of her; she turned her face to the side and captured his lips hungrily.
Jackson pumped his hand in synch with his tongue; he tugged on April's breast repeatedly and let out a groan when she began sucking on his tongue.
After a couple of minutes of mind numbing fore play April decided that she's had enough; she pushed his hand off and turned to face him. She kneeled right in front of him and ripped his bow tie off; she threw it on the floor before she started unbuttoning his dress shirt.
Jackson felt the urgency in April's actions so he kneeled on the bed facing her; he met her eyes as she took off his shirt. "Aren't we in a hurry"
April chuckled; "I wanted to rip this off of you the moment I saw you standing by the altar, you really look hot in a suit" she said as she began unbuckling his belt.
Jackson smirked; "Well what do you know, April Kepner is having naughty thoughts about her fiance while her best friend is getting married" he teased.
April pulled his fly open and shoved her hand inside his boxers boldly; she grasped his hardness and began rubbing it the way she knew he likes.
The smile fell off of Jackson's lips as he closed his eyes; he thrusted his hips forward as he groaned loudly.
April leaned forward and began peppering kisses on his broad chest; "Cat got your tongue, love?" she whispered.
Jackson ignored April's taunts and just continued basking in the sensations her hands is giving him. After a couple of seconds, he tugged her hand away and pushed her back on the bed. "Enough foreplay, I don't think I'll last."
April smirked; "Now you know how I felt a few moments ago."
Jackson laughed; "Point taken" he said. He then grasped April's gown and carefully pulled it down, dragging her underwear in the process; he then threw it haphazardly on the floor before taking care of his remaining clothes. He stood up from the bed and began pulling his pants and boxer off; he then lifted his foot and began tugging his socks.
April braised her elbows on the bed and hefted her upper body up; watching him undresses. "You even look better without a suit on"
"You look better without any clothes on too" Jackson said as he crawls back to April. He settled between her thighs and began rubbing his mandhood against her heat; he leaned forward and captured her lips again.
April wrapped her arms around Jackson's neck before pulling him down with her; she kissed him with all she's got before moving her face to the side.
Jackson nipped at her pulse point before trailing his lips down to her chest; he peppered kisses around one mound before playing with one of her buds with his tongue.
April's hand automatically moved towards her other breast and began tugging; she pinched her own nipple and instantly felt heat shot towards the apex of her thighs. "Jackson-I want you now"
Jackson pulled his lips away with a loud pop; "Not yet love" he whispered. He licked his way from her ribcage towards he belly button; he scooted towards the edge of the bed and found a comfortable position. He began caressing April's thighs to distract her; once he's sure that she's too into the moment, he dove in.
April's thighs automatically clamped shut when she felt him there; she braised her elbows on the bed as she stared at him bewilderedly. "W-what are you doing?"
Jackson didn't budge from his spot; he just lifted his face and licked his lips. "Isn't it obvious?"
"But-but we haven't done that before, I was not prepared!" April said, panic evident in her voice.
Jackson fought the urge to laugh because he knew that it wouldn't bode well; he just let out a small re-assuring smile as he rested his hands on each thigh. "You don't need to prepare anything sweetheart, you're beautiful."
April's cheeks turned even brighter; "But-" she wasn't able to finish her sentence because Jackson's tongue did a quick sweep on her most sensitive spot. She fell back on the bed with her legs parting on its own accord.
Jackson took that as a good sign to continue; he moved his face back and began pleasuring her.
April felt all her nerves come to life; she didn't know that having someone go down on her will feel as good as this. Her eyes started to dilate as the heat between her legs become unbearable; her breath came out as loud gasp as her legs started to quiver. "J-Jackson...I-I-I think I'm cumming"
Jackson slipped two digits inside her and began pumping faster; "Come for me then" he murmured before clamping his lips on her clit.
April's body surged forward as her climax broke; she felt her inside throbbed wildly as colours started flashing behind her eye lids. It was her first time to orgasm via oral manipulation and boy did she like it.
Jackson pulled his fingers out and planted a kiss on her mound; he crawled up her body and hovered above her. "Are you okay?"
April slowly opened her eyes; "Yeah-that was-wow"
"Out of words?"
"Yeah...it was-more than great for sure" April joked.
Jackson chuckled; "Good but we're not yet done" he whispered. He flipped her to her front and straddled her from behind; he parted her cheeks with his hands before entering her from behind.
April grasped the comforter tightly with her hands as a loud moan erupted from her lips; "Oh god that feels so deep" she whimpered.
Jackson moved his hands on her waist before pistoning his hips back and forth; "You feel so good" he moaned.
April pulled her legs together and moved her hand to her breast; "Faster" she griped.
Jackson took his hands off of her waist and leaned forward; he braised his elbows on each side of her and began thrusting relentlessly. He buried his face into her curls and began kissing her neck; "You feel so good...I don't think I can last any longer..."
"I'm close too...cum for me love" April panted. She pinched her nipple and almost instantly her core tightened. "Oooohhhhh..."
Jackson closed his eyes tightly as he felt April's orgasm; he thrusted a couple of times before he let himself explode. "Oh god..."
April swallowed thickly before she found her voice again; "I don't think I can move"
Jackson found himself laughing as he hauls his body up; he lie on his back before pulling the limp red head to his chest. He planted a kiss on her hair before sighing in contentment; "It's possible."
April wrapped her arm around his waist; "What's possible?" she asked with a yawn.
"To fall in love with you over and over again"
April tilted her face and stared at her fiancé; "Did sex somehow muddle your brain?"
Jackson looked down and met April's eyes; "No, it just confirmed my suspicions" he replied. He then let out his most breathtaking smile; "You make me fall in love with you over and over again April and I won't get tired of it."
April felt her heart soar with his unexpected confession; she pecked him on the lips before resting her cheek on his chest. "Just give me 20 minutes and I'll show you how much I love your suspicions."
Jackson tightened his hold on April before closing his eyes; "Don't back down on your promise Kepner, I'll make sure to collect" he said.
oOo
A/N: Surprise! :) Another out of this blue update! :) This is one of my shortest chappy so far but I'm quite happy with it :) The next chapter will showcase their wedding and frankly I'm quite excited to write it, I always love weddings! (sighs dreamily ^-^)
I'm not yet sure when the next update will be but rest assured I'm already working on it :) I was disappointed when Grey's didn't show this particular aspect on 10x13, I was dying to know what happened when they eloped but alas, not even a peek! But anyway, I hope you like this short but smutty chapter (BTW, I was grasping straws when I wrote the scenes, I had to read smutty novels to come up with a pretty decent one-let me apologize now if you didn't get the right feels ^-^) Till next chapter! Cheers! :)