Another chapter within 24 hours? Yup. I want to try to wrap up this part of the fic, but I promise I am working on my others. I actually hope to get up another installment of "For a shield from the storm" up tomorrow.

I also want to say thank you so much for the outpouring of support in the last chapter. It truly means so much to see how much this fic means to all of you. I am so grateful for each and every one of you. 3 Thank you so much for your support.

I cannot reccomend these 3 Grey's agere writers enough: RowdyBoy, CianMars2 Kali2022. Their fics are all MerDer & Alex, though also include bits of the Plastics Posse!

"Just know you can deny the request," Jackson says. Derek opens his mouth to speak, but the younger surgeon powers through. "Because this is all very last minute and I know we may be short staffed."

"We're not short staffed," Derek says, shaking his head. "Besides, it's just a few hours you'd be unaccounted for on your shift."

"Anything could happen in a few hours. I'll have my pager on me the whole time. The meeting is just upstairs, so I can jump right back down…"

"Jackson." Derek tilts his head. "Do you want me to deny this request?"

Jackson bites his lip and stares at the intricate design on the throw rug.

"If you do that, my grandfather will just harass you until you say yes."

"I'd be willing to have that argument."

Jackson lets out a bitter laugh and meets his eye. He frowns when he sees the serious look on Derek's face. "You'd…you'd be willing to fight Harper Avery?"

"Well, not physically fight him. I have a 2 million dollar hand. But verbally? Sure." He smirks. "I'm sure Mark would handle the physical part."

"Trust me, he's offered," Jackson mutters.

Derek chuckles. "Look, Jackson, we'll do whatever you want. If you want me to tell you that you can't attend the meeting, I'll schedule you to go into surgery."

Jackson sighs, rubbing the back of his neck. "The other meeting is on my day off. Regardless, I'm going to have to sit in on one of them. Might as well do both."

"Are you sure?"

"It's a few hours of my life. I'll grin and bear it."

"Alright. Just let me know if you change your mind, okay? I will create the biggest emergency this hospital has ever had. Heck, maybe we'll have a fire drill."

Jackson holds back a laugh especially as Derek tries to keep up a serious face. He shakes his head and lets out a small sigh.

"I appreciate it. But I think this is something I have to handle on my own."

"As you wish. I'll file this as approved."

"Thanks…Uncle Derek."

Derek beams. Jackson smiles until he's suddenly being wrapped in a hug. He gently nudges the neurosurgeon off him.

"Alright, alright, no need for public displays at work."

Derek shakes his head and squeezes him again. "We're in my office. No one can see."

"I can," Alex pipes up from the door. "This is a real Kodak moment. And me without a camera."

Jackson rolls his eyes and pulls out of Derek's grasp. "On that note…I have anywhere else but here to be."

"Alexander." Derek fixes him with a Look. "What are you doing up here?"

"April and I are going with a couple others to grab a bite after shift." He glances at Jackson. "You're invited too. She told me to tell you that."

"Why didn't she just tell me herself?"

"Because Uncle Owen took her phone."

"Why?"

"She was gossiping again."

Jackson snorts, shaking his head. He can see Derek trying to hold back a smile of his own.

"You can go. Just double check with your mother."

"She already said yes." Derek tilts his head. "I'm serious this time. I've learned my lesson. Geez, you do it one time…"

"Three times. You did it three times."

Alex mumbles under his breath. Off another stern look, he shoots his dad a thumbs up. "I have a consult."

"I'll follow you out." He glances over his shoulder at Derek. "Thanks again."

"Of course. Anytime. Alex, come say goodbye before you leave."

"You got it," Alex says.

Jackson follows him out to the elevator as they chat about the plans. Both are still on the clock for another 7 hours, but at the very least, it's something to look forward to.

"Jackson." He turns to find Mark heading towards him as the elevator opens.

Alex raises a brow. "Want me to hold it?"

"Nah, I'll be down in a minute," Jackson says.

"Alright."

Mark makes it over by the time the doors shut. "Did you talk to Derek?"

"Yeah." Jackson stuffs his hands in the pockets of his coat. "He approved the time off. Though, he did offer to deny it, if I want."

Mark grins. "That's my boy."

"I told him not to worry about it. I still have to attend the other meeting regardless. There's no excuse there."

"We could try to come up with something."

"As much as I appreciate your initiative, this is Harper Avery. There's no getting around it. Besides, I'm doing it for my mom."

Mark frowns. Jackson tries to ignore the hesitation in his eyes.

"Anyway, I should head back down. I've got a surgery to prep for."

"You've got this in the bag," Mark assures him, squeezing his shoulder. "Both of these things, I mean."

Jackson smiles. "I know, thanks." He presses the button on the elevator. "Oh, by the way, I'm going out after shift with Alex, April and some others. No drinking, I promise. Just hanging out."

"Of course. Have fun. You need some money?"

Jackson rolls his eyes. "No, Dad."

Mark grins as there's a ding and the doors open.

"You said it," he says.

"I've said it every day for like a week," Jackson points out as he steps onto the elevator.

"It never gets old."

Jackson shakes his head, but a smile comes across his face as the doors close. He's still kind of in awe at all of that himself. Jackson knew if, when, he ever said the "d" word, it'd probably be when he dropped. Once it was out, there was no going back. Mark didn't make too big a deal of it once he came out of space. There was no grand talk. Still, he gets that stupid grin on his face every time Jackson says those three letters.

It's hard to blame him. Jackson has a dad. A real one who isn't going to take off simply because he doesn't want to be with his mom anymore. It's not entirely official yet, but Jackson has a feeling Mark is holding off until Harper and Catherine leave. He respects that. Mark would never encourage him to hide his little space, but they're trying to prep so he won't drop at all around them. It's meant regressing most nights and days off, but Jackson can't really find fault in that.

2 days. 2 meetings. 2 dinners. That's all Jackson has to make it through. He passed as a neutral long enough. Harper trained him. If he could do it before, he can now.

"I hate this stupid thing," Jackson mutters as he tries to adjust his new tie.

"Need some help?" Mark asks from the bathroom doorway.

"I've tied about a million ties before. It's in Avery training."

He tries again, but it falls lopsided. Jackson groans.

"This one is clearly just out to get me." He glances at Mark in his mirror. "Help? Please?"

"Come here, bud."

Jackson walks over. Mark begins straightening the tie.

"I don't know why I can't figure it out," Jackson mutters. "I've been tying my own since I was 10."

"You're nervous," Mark says, keeping his eye on the expensive piece of silk Jackson bought specifically for the occasion. "Makes sense you're a little butter fingers."

"Good thing I'm not on call tonight," he mutters.

"I'd say." Mark studies his work then nods. "You're all set."

Jackson double checks and nods. "Thanks. You're pretty good at this, you know?"

"Don't sound so surprised. I've been tying my own ties long before you were alive."

"You're not that much older than me," Jackson points out.

Mark shrugs. "I may not have grown up in Avery-like circles, but I also didn't come from an Alex-esque background."

Jackson tilts his head. The two walk back into his bedroom. He picks up the suit jacket and starts putting it on.

"You never talk about your family. I mean, you do the Shepherds. But not your biological family."

Mark shrugs. "I told you my mother died when I was in med school. My father and I don't speak."

"There a reason?"

"Nothing dramatic. They weren't abusive or anything. Just not around." Jackson frowns at how blasé he sounds about it all. "There's a reason why Carolyn practically adopted me. She found out that my parents were going out every night to some function or another combined with being gone all day."

"So, you just don't talk?"

"Like I said, there was no big fallout. We just slowly drifted apart."

Drifted apart. Like they're college friends or something. Mark doesn't seem bothered at all by it.

"Do you wonder about him ever? Your father?"

"No. I know where he is. We just choose not to speak."

Jackson doesn't even know where Robert is. He took off from Boston without leaving a change of address card. Would he even speak to him if he did know? Would Robert want to hear from him? He can't help but wonder how different his life would be if his dad hadn't bolted. Would he have protected him from Harper? Or would he just be a victim himself

"Sorry," Jackson says as he slides his wallet into his pocket. "I shouldn't have asked."

Mark shakes his head. "You're my kid. It's natural to want to know this stuff." He rubs the back of his neck and chuckles nervously. "A bit of a hypocrite to encourage you to talk about your past when I won't my own."

"Sometimes people aren't worth talking about. But uh, if you ever did want to talk, I'm here."

"You're the kid."

"That doesn't mean we can't talk. I mean, it'd be pretty awkward if we just sat around staring at each other."

Mark rolls his eyes and smacks him upside the head. Jackson chuckles.

"Now, you don't feel close to dropping at all?" Mark asks.

Jackson shakes his head. "Nope."

"But if you do…"

"I'll excuse myself and call you. Then I'll fake food poisoning and go to the parking lot."

"No driving if you drop."

"I know, I know." Jackson makes sure he has his keys. "I think you're more nervous than me."

"You're having dinner with your asshole grandfather. The very one who made you hide your classification for over a decade. Forgive me if I'm not jumping for joy."

Jackson gives him a small smile. He throws his arms around him. Mark lets out a soft "oh", then returns it.

"What's this for?"

"Caring," he mumbles.

Mark cradles the back of his head and kisses his temple. "Always." He pulls back a little so he can gaze at his son with gentle, kind eyes. "You know there's nothing wrong with you, right? You're an amazing, talented, smart man. No matter what your classification is. You're more than just an Avery."

Jackson nods, starving off the tears. "I know. Thanks to you, I know that more than anything."

Mark smiles and kisses his forehead. "Alright." He straightens his son's tie and smooths down his jacket. "You get this show on the road. Call me if you need anything."

"Of course. Thanks, Dad. I love you."

"I love you too, Ducky."

"You look handsome," Catherine says, standing on her tiptoes even in her heels to kiss each of Jackson's cheeks.

"Thank you, Mom. You look beautiful as well." He holds her by the hand to examine her. "I mean, clearly your fashion sense gets better with time."

She brushes him off and shakes her head. "Flattery will not get you out of this dinner."

"Not trying to," Jackson only half-fibs. He slides his arm through hers as they walk away from the valet and towards the ritzy restaurant Harper picked. "Where's Grandpa?"

"Inside. You know he had to fuss over what table we got."

"Of course." Jackson rolls his eyes.

Catherine pauses before they can walk inside. She looks up at him with sternness in her eyes. Jackson holds back a sigh.

"Now, what did we discuss on the phone?"

"No outright refusing to join the foundation. If he brings it up, we dance around it. Focus on how well I'm doing surgery wise. Bring up that medical journal I was just published in."

Catherine nods. "And?"

"Stress how excited I am to sit it on the meetings over the next couple of days."

"All with a…"

Jackson forces his sparkling smile. Catherine matches it and pats his cheek.

"That's my boy. Let's go in."

The hostess leads them to a table in the back. Harper rises to his feet. The older man is just taller than Jackson, with the ability to gaze down at him critically. He does just that, looking him up and down. Jackson subtly gulps and stands up straighter.

You're an Avery. Averys aren't Little. You're a brave, strong man.

"Grandpa," Jackson says, holding out his hand. "It's great to see you."

Harper's grip is firm, strong. Jackson does all he can to match it. "You look good, Jackie."

Jackson cringes. Only Harper calls him that. He knows exactly how much he hates it and Jackson suspects that's exactly why he does it. For someone that is so intent on Jackson being a strong man, he somehow always insists on making him feel like a child. Not in the good way that Mark does either.

"Thanks," Jackson mutters.

"Enunciate, Jackie," Harper corrects. "You mumble around your patients too?"

Jackson clears his throat. "No, sir."

"Jackson just had his name published for a reconstructive rhinoplasty he performed," Catherine says as she kisses Harper's cheeks. The three of them sit. "Saved the man's life."

"He could barely breathe before I started the surgery," Jackson says. "In and out of the OR his whole life. He should be set for life now."

"We are not in the business of guarantees," Harper reminds him.

"Yes, of course, but after looking into everything, this is the end of the road for him."

"And you performed this alone?"

"Yes, sir."

"They truly have faith in you at that hospital."

Jackson smiles as he nods. "Yes, sir."

"Well, tell me more about the goings on of life as an attending at this hospital?"

They chat in between Harper ordering wine for the table as well as appetizers and their meals. Jackson is careful as he takes a couple of sips. He's drank in the months since his big night out with Alex and April. Given he's dropped regularly since, he's had to be careful. If he finishes this glass, his grandfather will pour another. He'll either get drunk or drop. Neither of those are options right now.

"Have you applied to other hospitals?" Harper asks as they're finishing up the scallop appetizers.

Jackson shakes his head. "No, sir. I have plans to build my career here in Seattle."

"A teaching hospital? Surely there are other ways you can utilize your skills, Jackie."

"Jackson has room for growth," Catherine points out. "One day, he can teach interns the same he was. Perhaps even better."

"I had some great teachers, too," Jackson points out. "Dr. Sloan was the best plastic surgeon on the East Coast. He's taught me everything I know."

"Ah, yes. Mark Sloan." Harper nods as the waitress tops of his and Catherine's glasses. Jackson is still barely halfway through his first. "You live with him?"

"Yes, sir."

"Why?"

Jackson arches a brow. "Why?"

"That was my question. You're an Avery after all. Your trust fund alone should ensure you never need a roommate, until you find a wife of course."

Harper glances at Catherine. She sighs, dabbing at the sides of her mouth.

"We agreed we wouldn't discuss this here," she whispers.

Harper shakes his head. "I agreed to no such thing." He looks Jackson dead in the eye. "As your mother wants to dance around the situation, I shall come out and ask. Are you and Dr. Sloan in a relationship?"

Jackson's fork clangs on the plate. "What?!"

"Keep your voice down," Catherine lightly chastises.

"I'm sorry. I just…no." Jackson takes a long sip of his wine, trying not to gag. "No, no. Dr. Sloan and I are not…ew."

"Now, Jackson. I did not raise you to be homophobic."

"I'm not…" Jackson pinches the bridge of his nose. He shakes his head and takes a few deep breaths. Harper is eyeing him critically. "There is nothing wrong with that. However, I am not. And that certainly isn't the situation."

"We're just aware that the hospital has an issue with staff fraternizing."

"Ellis Grey's daughter and the Chief of Surgery," Harper muses as he sips his glass.

"Yes, that is very true. However, that is not our situation."

"Then what is it? As you pointed out, Mark Sloan is a renowned surgeon. His own family is of some status. Why would he need a roommate any more than you do?"

"My apartment was undergoing renovations. So, Dr. Sloan offered to let me crash at his place. By the time they were done with everything at my place, my name was already on the lease at Sloan's. I'm fulfilling my obligations. That's what an Avery does, correct?"

Catherine and Harper share another look before nodding. Jackson expels a sigh of relief into his wine glass.

"Just so you're aware," Catherine says. "While we do not support a chief fraternizing with an attending, should you find another man…"

"You'd be supportive. Thank you, Mom."

"Do not interrupt your mother," Harper chastises. Jackson stiffens a bit. "My, some time on your own and you seem to forget all your training."

"I haven't, Grandpa. I promise. You both just caught me off guard with the questions about my living situation. I have nothing but respect for you and Mom."

Harper eyes him critically. It takes all Jackson has to remain upright. More than anything, he wants to crawl under this table, cuddle Ducky and Ranger while sucking his pacifier. He wants his dad.

The appetizer plates are just being cleared. He still has another couple of hours at least.

"Tomorrow is the meeting at Seattle Grace Mercy West," Harper says. "We're meeting with some people on their board. We are looking to increase our yearly donation, but we need to make sure they've also increased standards."

"From what I've seen, everything only improves by the day," Jackson offers.

"This is why it's good to have someone on the inside," Catherine adds. "If Jackson worked anywhere else, we'd have to send someone to check up on them every so often."

"Ah, yes, I'm sure that's exactly why he remains there," Harper snipes.

Catherine purses her lips. "Regardless, Jackson is doing great work."

"He can do even better if he joins the foundation."

"I will, Grandpa," Jackson lies. "I want to have another decade of surgery under my belt. Then I'll be happy to join you and Mom."

"I've heard this speech before. I also heard you say you were in line for a job for UCLA."

Jackson exhales through his nose.

"It didn't work out."

"You didn't get it?"

"No. It wasn't a good fit."

"Why?"

Because they only wanted me for what you could bring to the hospital.

Mark had been so mad he walked out on that interview. Jackson still has no regrets for how he handled it. Yes, he's an Avery. That means questions about his grandfather everywhere he goes. At least Seattle Grace Mercy West has never wanted him solely for Harper or even Catherine.

"There was no room for growth," Jackson says. It's not technically a lie. UCLA would've been a stepping stone, but he couldn't stay there forever. "As Mom said, there's more in Seattle."

"Perhaps. I'd also like to see you sit in on more meetings."

"In Seattle?"

"No. We could fly you out around the country, or even worldwide."

"I have a job here," Jackson keeps his voice firm. "If I keep missing shifts for meetings, that could be a bad look."

"You're an Avery. Combined with what we give to the hospital, I don't think that's a bad idea."

Jackson opens his mouth to speak but Catherine covers his hand with hers and squeezes it just a bit too tight.

"This is definitely a discussion to have," she says. Her eyes flicker over Harper's shoulder. "Oh, I think those are our entrees. That reminds me, I forgot to tell you what happened when I was in New York last week…"

As their steaks are settled on the table, Catherine goes into her anecdote. Jackson downs the rest of his wine and nods when the waitress asks if he wants another glass.

Jackson throws his keys onto the rack and heads straight for his room as he rips off his tie. The living room is empty, giving him hope that maybe he can just shower and get this horrible night off of him.

"Jackson?"

He shuts his door behind him and tries to lock it, then remembers. Just fricking great. That landlord is conspiring against him. Why would he let Mark remove the locks?

There's a knock at the door.

"Ducky?"

Jackson is silent as he throws his suit jacket on floor. He kicks it three times so it's wrinkled.

"Jackson Avery, open the door."

Jackson focuses his aggression on the stupid navy jacket with the dumb shiny buttons. He spilled a bit of wine on the collar. It'll need dry cleaning anyway.

"If you don't open the door, I'm coming in."

Jackson debates ducking into the ensuite, but then they'll just repeat this whole song and dance. Instead, he sinks onto the floor by his bed and curls his knees into his chest, wrapping his arms tightly around him.

The door clicks and opens. Mark steps in. He's in pajamas, hair damp from the shower. Jackson rests his chin on his knees and bites his lip. Mark walks over and sits beside him.

"What happened?"

"He wants me to travel."

"Like a trip?"

"No. For foundation business. He wants me to travel, now." Jackson grits his teeth. "My mom told him we'd think about it."

"But you don't want to?"

"Of course I don't want to!" Jackson snaps. "I told him as much. But he didn't listen." He kicks his jacket again. "No one…" Another kick. "Ever listens!"

Mark touches his leg. Jackson looks up at him with wide, wet eyes. His dad wraps his arms tightly around him. Jackson buries his head in his shoulder. Mark gently rocks him in his arms. The tears spill down the younger surgeon's cheeks.

"I'm listening," Mark whispers. "I'm here. No one is going to take you away from me."

"I…I don't…I don't wanna go," Jackson whimpers.

"And you're not." Mark cradles the back of his head and presses kisses to his cheek, getting some of the tears in the process. "You're going to stay right here with me. At the hospital you chose to work at. Performing the specialty you wanted."

Jackson clings tightly to Mark's sleep shirt. "Don't want him here, Daddy," he whimpers.

"I know, Ducky, I know." Mark continues to rock him. "He's only here a couple more days. Then he'll be long gone and you won't have to see him for a good long while."

"Try to take me with him."

"Oh no, he won't. I have guardianship over you. That means you're staying with me." Mark tilts his chin up a bit. "And I talked to a lawyer. No one is going to give your mom or grandfather custody."

"Th…they could."

"No, they won't. Given the history they have of putting you in that awful, scary place, they have no case. Even your grandfather is an Avery. You are capable of making your own choices, and you did. You picked me, right?"

Jackson nods quickly. "My daddy."

"That's right. I'm your daddy. You're my beautiful baby boy." Mark kisses his nose. "You're not going anywhere unless I'm with you."

"P…promise?"

"I promise."

Jackson buries his head back in his neck. Mark continues to rock him and coo soft, comforting words. Little by little, he begins to settle. Jackson puts his thumb in his mouth, his other arm going around Mark's neck. His dad doesn't reprimand him for once.

"Let's get you out of these yucky clothes," Mark whispers. "Then you can put on jammies. Hank, Ranger and your pillow are in my room. I had a feeling you may need a sleepover."

Jackson nods, sniffling. He removes his thumb for a minute. "Had…4 grown up drinks."

Mark hums. "I can smell that."

"Sorry," he whispers.

"I know. Not again, yes?"

Jackson nods. "Trouble?"

Mark shakes his head. "Tonight, you weren't with people who could help you make the best choices. So, I know that wasn't your fault. Does your tummy hurt?"

"Kinda."

"I'll make sure you drink lots of water before bed. With the special liquid IV."

"Baba," Jackson mumbles as Mark rises to his feet, still cuddling him close.

"Yes, you'll have your baba."

"Barney jammies?"

"Yup. They're fresh out of the dryer." Jackson tilts his head as his tears dry. Mark smiles. "Daddy thought of everything."

"Daddy's smart," Jackson mumbles as he rests his head back on his shoulder.

Mark grins. "Smartest Daddy in the whole world. Make sure you tell your uncle Derek that."

Jackson's head is throbbing as he walks through the corridors of the hospital. A combination between coming out of his younger space and the brewing hangover. He misses the tolerance he built up over the years of neglecting his true identity. Not that he wants to drink that much anymore, but he really shouldn't have this effect after 2 glasses of wine and then another couple of scotch. Once these dreaded meetings are over, he's heading straight for the on-call room for a nap. He's lucky he's managed to stay on his A-Game all morning.

Catherine appears from around a corner. She's in yet another designer dress, this one a bit tamer for a board meeting. In spite of her multiple glasses of wine, she looks refreshed and ready to take the room by storm.

"Jackson, you're early."

"Yeah, I am," he mutters.

"I like the suit," Catherine says, fluttering in front of him and messing with his tie. "You get handsomer by the day. Definitely those Fox genes in you." She smirks as she pats his chest.

Jackson clicks his tongue. "Sure. We can say that."

Catherine raises a brow. "Are you alright? Did you get enough sleep last night?"

"You mean as I thought about my traitorous mother?"

Catherine's smile drops. Jackson shakes his head and keeps walking towards the boardroom. His mother's heels click furiously as she follows behind him.

"Jackson. Jackson Norbert Avery!" She grabs his arm and forces him to turn to look at her. Jackson flares his nostrils. Catherine shakes her head. "I will not take this attitude."

"What happened to the plan, Ma?" Jackson snaps. "You promised me…"

"I didn't make either of you promises," Catherine interrupts. "I said we'd talk about it. Which we will, later."

"And what? If he pushes, are you going to tell him no?"

Catherine purses her lips. "Listen, would it be the worst thing in the world?" Jackson's eyes widen. "I spoke to Richard Webber. He said…"

"Dr. Webber isn't the chief anymore," Jackson interrupts. "He doesn't make those choices. That'd be Shepherd."

"Then I'll talk to him as well. It's just a few business trips, Jackson. Would it really be the end of the world?"

"You were just bragging about my name being published last night, Mom. How am I going to keep those up if I'm jetting off here and there?"

"You will, but for other reasons."

"I want to do surgery. That's my calling."

"You're an Avery. Your grandfather has worked hard to create this legacy. Robert didn't follow through…"

"It's not my fault his son is a coward who took off with his tail between his legs. Though, some days, I really understand the urge."

The words slip out of his mouth before he can help it. They echo through the empty corridor. Catherine purses her lips. Jackson clears his throat as the guilt settles in.

"Mom," he whispers. "I am not defending him leaving you, alright? Robert truly is a loser. A coward. I just understand why he didn't want to be under the Avery legacy."

"We can't run from our calling, Jackson." Catherine's voice is clipped. "I understand you do not wish to be your grandfather or your father. But the truth is, you're an Avery. That comes with obligations. Ones you may not like, but they exist nonetheless."

Jackson watches as she pushes past him to the boardroom. He catches a glimpse of himself in the reflection of the clear windows.

"You're an Avery," he mumbles.

Jackson only makes it two steps forward when Catherine rushes back out of the room, practically running into him. Her eyes are wide. Jackson grasps her by her arms. She leans into his grip, as if they weren't just arguing 10 seconds ago.

"Mom? What's wrong?"

Catherine blinks a few times. When she meets his eye, there's a mix of confusion and maybe some relief. "Your grandfather…he's not breathing."

Cardiac arrest. Or a stroke. No one is entirely positive. Jackson wishes he could appreciate the irony. The great Harper Avery, a pioneer in medicine, has no true cause of death. He sat down alone to prep for the meeting and at some point, passed away. The man with millions of fans and always had someone by his side, whether it be Catherine, Jackson or an assistant, died alone.

Jackson doesn't have a grandfather anymore.

Mark wanted to comfort him, but Jackson sent him off to surgery. He doesn't need comforting. Not like that anyway. Instead, he worked out logistics with Catherine. They cancelled the meeting for the following day. Harper, naturally, left behind instructions for his funeral and preparations. His body is already at the morgue, being prepared for the huge spectacle that will be his celebration of life. Eventually, Catherine sends Jackson to change.

He sits on a bench in the locker room, staring at the tile. Meredith drops down beside him and takes off her own.

"You've been in here awhile."

"If I leave, I have to go out there and face some people I don't."

"Your mom?"

"No. I mean, of course I don't want to see her but…" He trails off with a sigh. "I'm expected to make a speech. Talk about what a great man my grandfather was. All the good he did for medicine."

Meredith lets out a soft ah. "And you'd rather spew expletives about the man who ruined your childhood." Jackson glances at her, furrowing his brows. "I'm Ellis Grey's daughter, remember? I was once asked to make a very similar speech."

Jackson nods. "You're probably the only one who gets it. I mean, I know other people have shitty parents, but they didn't make such a profound impact. We're expected to be sad. Live in mourning."

"But you're not."

Jackson holds his breath for a moment and lets it out little by little. "No," he whispers. The guilt hits him quick. "I'm not."

"You don't have to be sad."

"He was my grandfather, Meredith."

"He is also the man who told you to ignore a biological part of yourself." She laces her fingers through his. "You're entitled to miss him. But if you don't, you're entitled to feel relief. There is no wrong answer."

Jackson blinks away the tears. A small watery smile comes across his lips.

"I'm sorry your mom sucked."

"I'm sorry your grandfather sucked." She squeezes his hand. "Come on. Get changed so you can address everyone. Derek will stand with you as chief."

"Could you, um…I mean, I'd like Dad up there too but…then I'd just have to explain all that. So, um, could you…" Jackson trails off, shaking his head. "Never mind."

"I'll stand up there too," she whispers, giving him a smile. "My mom won two Harper Averys. Safe to say I'm connected enough."

Meredith stands up and starts heading for her locker. Jackson lets out a soft hey. She turns back to face him.

"Thanks, Aunt Meredith."

She beams. Within moments, she's back by his side and kisses his forehead, cradling his cheek. Jackson gives into the maternal comfort he knows he won't receive from his own mother out there.

"Your biological family sucks," she says. "But blood isn't everything. You've got a new family now. We're all here for you. Always."

Jackson nods. When he started at the hospital, he never could've pictured this. Becoming basically the godchild of Ellis Grey's daughter and the surgeon everyone dubbed as "McDreamy". The fact that he and Alex are not even friends, but maybe even…best friends? A cousin? April isn't that annoying intern that rambles too much. She's become a friend too. Owen isn't the dick who made him work out in the rain for hours. He's not so bad when you get to know him.

Then there's Mark Sloan. The man who first found little use for him. Now, he's his fricking dad. The man who has fought for him and remained by his side through it all. Maybe he's embarrassing, loud and crass…but that's his dad. The one Jackson would choose a million times over.

Maybe Jackson lost one member of his family today, but it's not one he finds himself caring he lost. It's not as if he lost one of the ones who matter.

15 minutes later, Jackson stands on the steps with Catherine on one side of him and Derek on the other. Meredith, Richard and Miranda linger behind him. At the front of the crowd of doctors and nurses below them is Mark. He's giving Jackson a small, encouraging smile.

"Harper Avery was not only a permanent fixture in medicine, he was my grandfather," Jackson says, picking a point just past the crowd to look at. "I take special in comfort knowing that he died." It takes Jackson a moment to realize he paused. Too long of a moment. Jackson quickly backpedals. "D…doing what he loved." He quickly turns to Catherine, who's fixing him with a half-hearted disapproving look. "Mom?"

"Unbelievable…" she mutters, only to quickly raise her voice to address everyone else. "Was the word he used. Harper spoke about how he was astonished by the work done here."

Jackson awkwardly nods. "Which really is a testament to your work. The incredible job that you're doing under the superb, superb guidance of Chief Shepherd here." He gestures to Derek, who nods and gives a small smile.

Catherine rubs his shoulder. Mother and son do all they can to keep up their looks of distinguished grief.

"We will hold a separate memorial here at the hospital," Derek says. "For those who wish to pay their respects and cannot attend the funeral. For now, we resume business as usual. It is what Dr. Avery would want."

The crowd mostly disperses. Catherine turns to Jackson, rubbing her temples.

"I am going back to my hotel for a massage and a drink. Will you be alright?"

They haven't spoken of their argument. Jackson wonders if it's moot now. Will she expect him to do what Harper wanted? Now that he's gone, what will become of the foundation? These are all questions for tomorrow.

Instead, he nods. "I'll be fine, Mom. I'll talk to you in the morning."

"Of course."

She kisses his cheek and descends the stairs with Richard following close behind her. Jackson tries not to think about that too hard. Mark walks up to them and wraps a tight arm around his son.

"You ready to go home?"

Jackson expels a deep breath. "Yes, please."

I hope this chapter wasn't too rushed/all over the place. I debated splitting it up, but really only had the ideas to group all this together. Plus, you guys seemed to like the longer chapters, so here we go.

Parts of the last scene came from 14x03, as I love Jackson and Catherine's speech. A perfect send-off for a man such as Harper Avery.

I also incorporated Roses_of_Magic prompt to have Jackson call MerDer aunt and uncle.

Next time, we will have mostly Mark and Jackson as we face the funeral. Catherine and Jackson's fight is nowher near over, but this time Mark will be there for it.

Let me know what you think! As always, feel free to leave prompts or ask me questions! I am on Tumblr and love communicating on there, as well as in the comments.