Trigger Warning: Mentions of infertility, addiction and abortion. No fic is worth your mental health, friends. Please remember that.
We meet the rest of Oceanside Wellness in this chapter! If you don't watch Private Practice, there may be some things that don't make sense. But I did try to explain some of it so everyone could enjoy.
Jackson shivers as he strips off his soaked Seattle Grace Mercy West hoodie. He kicks off his shoes that probably need to sit on the radiator for the rest of the night.
"I knew I shouldn't have let you go out," Mark says, tossing him some warm, fuzzy pajamas. Jackson wants to argue it's only 6 and too stoon to get ready for bed, but he's too cold.
"It wasn't raining when I left. What was I supposed to do? Stay at that sushi place for all of eternity?"
"You call me."
"It was just a 10 minute walk! I lived."
Mark shakes his head. "Next time, we'll go together."
Jackson wants to argue but he can all but whimper when he gets down to just his briefs. He quickly begins putting on the pajamas.
"God, it's too cold! I hate rainy season."
Mark leans against the doorframe. "You know where it's not too cold? California."
"Thank you, Weatherman." Jackson shoves his head through the hole of the red top, ignoring the fire engine design on the sleeve. "How does that help me?"
"Well, it won't now. However, it just may in a week."
Jackson tilts his head. He folds his arms over his chest and tries to curl into himself to keep warm. "What are you talking about?"
Mark walks over and gently helps him lay down. Jackson groans but his dad goes about putting two throws over him. He knows he's not being tucked in early, but he also doubts he's going to be let out of bed the rest of the night. Or, if he is, it'll only be to brough to "the big bed".
"Well, I got an interesting call today," Mark continues as if he isn't fussing over his son. "You know Addison and Sheldon's practice has another psychiatrist, right?"
"Yeah. Dr. Turner, right?"
Mark nods. "Well, a couple of years ago, she had a bit of an experience…"
"Wait," Jackson interrupts. "She's the one with the book? About how the crazy lady cut the baby out of her stomach?"
Mark arches a brow. "You read that?"
"No, but I saw all the articles on it. Kind of a miracle that she and the baby survived the whole thing. Anyway, why did she call?"
"She didn't, Addison did." Jackson clicks his tongue. Mark ignores him. "Anyway, turns out she needs a lot of reconstruction. The doctor she initially saw missed a large hernia as well as some other minor issues. For good reason, she doesn't want to go back to the same person."
"It's L.A. Aren't there tons of plastic surgeons for her to choose from?"
"Yes, but again, Violet's been through a lot. As it is, being in that hospital is traumatic for her. So, as she's met me before along with Addison and my other friends at the practice hyping me up, she feels comfortable with us performing the surgery."
"Us?" Jackson repeats.
"It's a two-man operation. I pitched the Plastics Posse. Violet is on board. I already cleared the time off with Derek. He says it'll bring some good press to the hospital."
Jackson smiles. This isn't the first time Mark has been scouted to perform a surgery. His reputation precedes him all the way from the East Coast. He's had patients from New York fly out to be operated on in Seattle. Given Jackson is so new in his career, he's never had the opportunity. Who knows if he'll ever be good enough for that to happen? He'll take this in the meantime.
"But wait." Jackson furrows his brows. "Why are we going all the way to Los Angeles? Couldn't Dr. Turner just fly out here?"
"She doesn't want to travel and leave her son behind. Plus, her husband is so wrapped up with work, he wouldn't be able to come with her. It's just easier for us to go there."
"And you're sure she's okay with me being there? It's not just because there's no way you'd leave me home alone for a few days?"
"Well, I wouldn't anyway," Mark confirms. Jackson rolls his eyes, even though there's comfort in knowing he'd never be abandoned for that long. "But she's confident in your skills too. Plus, when's the last time you took a vacation?"
"I had a whole month off last year."
It's Mark's turn to roll his eyes. "Your appendectomy doesn't count. You were at home."
"It's still a vacation from work."
"Jackson."
"Alright, alright. I mean, if I really think back…probably not since I started my internship. But this wouldn't be a vacation."
"Yeah, it will. Because we'll take a few days after to just enjoy the beach and the sights. I've managed to clear us for a full week." Mark smiles down at him. "My first vacation with my boy."
Jackson can't help but develop a smile of his own. They try to take smaller day trips in their free time, but it's different. This would be 7 days in a new place. Jackson hasn't been to L.A since his classification. He's never gotten to actually be Little on a vacation before. Even ones he took with friends or on his own, he never allowed himself that. Maybe he could take a day or two on the trip to truly immerse that side of himself.
"It sounds like a good time," Jackson admits. "Alright, I'm down for it."
Mark's beam brightens. "Great! We're staying in a hotel but we're still going to see everyone. You'll get to meet my friends, Sam and Naomi. They went to med school with me, Addie and Derek. Now, they run Oceanside Wellness."
"It'll be nice to meet your friends from back then. All I know is Uncle Derek. And I've only seen Amelia like twice."
"It'll be a good time. Just don't listen to any of Sam's stories about me. Or, Amelia's for that matter."
Jackson snorts. "The few Uncle Derek have told me are enough of a picture."
Mark cocks a brow. "Okay, that's it. No more uncle/nephew bonding time. He's clearly a bad influence."
"Good luck with that. I think he and Aunt Meredith would fight you. Just like you would if they said you couldn't see Alex."
"Alright, smart guy." Mark gently taps him upside the head. "I'll go get your sushi. You can eat in bed for tonight well you warm up."
"You're really going to make me lay here all night?"
"Of course not. You'll get moved to the big bed eventually."
"You need to hold my hand."
Jackson makes a face as he grabs his backpack off the conveyer belt and slides it over his shoulders. Mark's already got the diaper bag hoisted over his own.
"I can walk around an airport just fine. No one knew I was Little when we went to San Fransisco."
"Well, I'm here now." Mark slides his hand through his. "I'm not about to lose you in a sea of people. That goes double when we get to California. LAX is a fricking zoo."
"We could be the only two people and you'd still make me hold your hand."
"Because you'd still somehow manage to go missing."
Jackson allows him to lead the way to the gate. They grab some Dunkin. Given both are from New England, they prefer it over Starbucks. Of course, Jackson gets a strawberry coolatta and not a coffee, but he can't complain. They settle in some chairs towards the front of their gate, Mark fussing to make sure Jackson won't make a mess.
"I can't believe I ever let you fly alone," he mutters as he drops beside him to enjoy his own coffee and sandwich.
Jackson shrugs, taking a bite of his bacon, egg and cheese. "Dunno. Things were different then."
"They certainly were. You good about the plane?"
"I'm fine. I've flown a lot before. This is one of the shorter trips."
Mark nods. He sets his coffee onto the small table beside them. "And you sure you're okay with meeting everyone?"
"Don't we kind of have to? I mean, it'd be rude to just go, operate on Dr. Turner and ignore them."
"I just don't want you to be overwhelmed, buddy."
Jackson shakes his head and picks at his croissant. He's had a feeling what Mark's been hinting at for a while. Jackson trusts he won't bring it up in the middle of the airport but they're both delaying the inevitable. Regardless, it's not true. He's a doctor, raised by a mother. Catherine may have denied his classification but she still would've at least gotten him tested.
Right?
"I won't be overwhelmed. And if I am, you'll be there. So, I'll be fine."
Mark smiles, pacified for the moment. He kisses the top of his son's head. "I love you, Ducky."
"Love you too." He takes a long sip of his coolatta. "Can't believe you're letting me have sugar this early in the morning."
"Well, you're being brave. That deserves a treat. Though, I have a feeling Amelia is going to have candy waiting for you when she picks us up.
Jackson beams. "I knew I liked her."
The flight is uneventful for the most part. Jackson watches a movie on his tablet while Mark catches up on football highlights on his phone. They move up the armrest so Jackson can lay his head on his chest. There's no turbulence, leaving Jackson's action movie uninterrupted. Every so often, Mark glances over to make sure it's not too violent, even though he already went through all of Jackson's technology and made it so even those media purchases need his approval. A guy watches one horror movie while regressed and both parts pay for it.
Once they land, Mark holds his hand as they maneuver the airport and head for baggage claim. Jackson isn't sure why he's surprised that Mark is an over-packer. It all seems to track. Yet, it caught him off guard when he decided to pay a fee for 2 extra bags, on top of the one each they got with their ticket. They're only going to be here a week, but he's "being careful".
They barely make it to pick-up when Jackson spots her. The youngest Shepherd sibling jumping up and down, a huge grin on her face. She points her finger at Mark, who laughs and shakes his head. Amelia runs right to him and gives him a huge hug. Mark tightens it, lifting her off the ground and spinning her around.
"You're finally here!"
"Told ya," Mark says, setting her back down.
"I didn't think you would after last time. I mean…" She trails off when she spots Jackson. "Look at you, still handsome as ever."
Jackson pushes off the curiosity of "last time". Mark mentioned he only came down to L.A so Sloan could get her operation. What else could've happened?
"Thanks, Amelia," he says, remembering her rule that only Derek and Mark are allowed to call her "Amy".
"Of course! Great, you guys got your bags. Let's go."
She throws an arm around each of them and leads them out the door. Jackson's only met Amelia a handful of times when she's come up to visit her brother and sister-in-law. It doesn't take much to realize that outside looks and specialty, Amelia isn't much like her brother. She's hyper and silly. There's zero filter and one can never predict what she'll say next.
Still, she's fun. The life of the party, even sober. Derek says as long as she stays that way, she can be as hyper as she wants.
"I brought presents," Amelia says as they approach the car.
Mark arches a brow. "We're visiting you. Shouldn't we bring gifts?"
"Nope, though I won't turn any down." She unlocks her car and reaches into the backseat, holding up a plastic bag. "For you, Jackson. I called Alex and he told me what you like."
She holds it open, revealing boxes of gummy worms, snow caps and peanut M&Ms. Jackson's eyes light up.
"You're officially the coolest aunt ever. Thank you!"
Mark pokes his head in. He quickly takes the bag. Both Amelia and Jackson look at him with a pout. "I'll make sure this is eaten in moderation."
"What happened to the fun Mark that ate chocolate cake and topped it off with beer for breakfast?" Amelia asks.
Jackson clicks his tongue, an amused smile on his face. "No way."
"Once," Mark says with an eye roll as Amelia pops the trunk so he can load it up with their suitcases and backpacks. "I did that once."
"You did it after every birthday party at our house."
"And your mother yelled at me for it every time."
"Still didn't stop you."
"Somehow Uncle Derek left those stories out," Jackson says.
"Because your uncle knows better. And that I have ones about him that Alex wouldn't want to hear."
"Oh, I've taken care of that."
"Of course you have."
"Let's get this show on the road."
Jackson settles in the backseat while Mark and Amelia sit up front. She's chatting a mile a minute about all the drama at the practice. With each and every story, Jackson wonders how any work gets done.
From what he knows, Sam and Naomi went to med school with Addison, Derek and Mark. They got married, had a kid, then moved to LA a few years after they passed their boards to open their own practice. Naomi's specialty is a fertility specialist, who's performed some controversial procedures to get her patients a baby. Including recreating the plot of "My Sister's Keeper" at one point. That pissed Addison off. Sam's a cardiologist with a couple of bestselling books. Jackson read one long before he met Mark and was interested in the specialty. It was alright, but a bit too Dr. Phil or Oprah for his taste. Sam and Naomi are divorced now, but somehow amicably run the practice.
"Anyway," Amelia says as she pulls off the exit ramp. "Tonight, Addie's throwing a party for the two of you."
"She doesn't have to do that," Mark says.
"It's Addison. She's a WASP. She looks for any reason to throw a party. The entire practice will be there. Or, so they say. If someone hasn't pissed someone else off as of late."
"And I thought our hospital was bad," Jackson mumbles.
"It's even worse given how small it all is. Doesn't help that half the practice has fu…"
"Amelia!" Mark interrupts.
"Filter, yeah, yeah, sorry. Forgot about the kid."
Jackson's cheeks burn. "I'm not a kid."
"You're Mark's kid. And if I corrupt you, I won't be his favorite sister anymore."
"Considering I barely get along with your other sisters, that spot is safe," Mark promises her with a smirk.
Amelia drops them off to pick up their rental car for a week. Jackson finds he's rented a car seat and it's already installed in the back. He flops himself down in the passenger seat.
"Is that really necessary?"
"For when you drop, yes," Mark says, fiddling to adjust his seat. Whoever sat there last must have been 4 feet tall.
"Who's to say I'm going to drop?" Jackson challenges.
"It's a week, you absolutely will. In fact…" Mark lets out a small sigh of relief as he gets in just the right position. "I think you should tomorrow."
"We have pre-op."
"I can handle that on my own."
"But…"
"Ducky, it's important you're on you're A-Game for this surgery. Given the busy couple of weeks combined with you not dropping a whole lot, I think you're overdue."
Jackson sighs, folding his arms over his chest.
"I've never dropped on a vacation before," he mumbles.
"You'll be safe." Mark squeezes his arm. "Sam's already agreed to babysit you. I'll only be a couple of hours, then we can have a fun afternoon doing whatever you want."
"Really?"
"Really. Look, you don't have to. But I think you know your body needs it, don't you?"
Jackson sighs. "Yeah, I do."
"Then relax, bub. It's a vacation. Outside Violet's surgery, this is all about relaxing."
"You're right."
"What's that?" Mark asks with a smirk as they pull onto the busy streets of L.A.
Jackson rolls his eyes. "Don't let it go to your head."
They grab lunch at In-N-Out. It's Jackson's first time and he wonders about the costs of opening a franchise in Seattle, just so he can have an animal style burger again. He can just picture Harper dropping dead a second time at the mere thought of his grandson using his trust fund or inheritance to open a fast-food franchise.
Check-in at their hotel takes no time at all. Jackson unpacks, while Mark keeps most of his stuff in suitcases. The younger plastic surgeon has never been able to do that. One of the only ways he can sleep in a hotel is to make it feel as much like home as possible. It's why he puts Ranger and Hank on the bed next.
They spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing before getting ready for the party then picking up some wine as a hostess gift for Addison. Her house is a bit further out. Jackson smells the ocean long before he spots it. His eyes widen a bit as Mark pulls by the curb, the driveway already filled with cars. This isn't the first beachside house he's ever seen, yet this is different than the ones in Boston. It's more relaxed.
"When you said she lived on the beach, I wasn't exactly expecting this," he mutters.
"Addison is a Forbes Montgomery. They don't do things in halves." Mark glances at him. "If you want to leave at any point, just let me know, alright? We don't even have to stay that long."
"I told you a million times, Dad, I'm going to be fine."
"And I'm telling you that we won't stay if you don't want to."
"These are your friends."
"Some of them. And regardless, you come first."
Jackson blinks a couple of times. He can remember far too many parties he felt uncomfortable attending. The stupid tie choking him. The overpowering smells of expensive yet toxic perfumes and colognes through the air. All the chattering. Catherine always seemed to be a million miles away. If Harper was in attendance, he in no doubt would disappear at some point of the town. Even as Jackson got older and began making contacts, he always dreamed of an escape. Not that Catherine would ever dream of letting him leave early.
This is a smaller party, with no obligations outside meeting some of Mark and Amelia's friends. If he wants to leave, they can go.
Jackson is not about to walk into this party with puffy eyes so he just smiles.
"Thanks, Dad," he whispers.
Mark gives him a soft smile of his own "Of course, Ducky."
"By the way, don't call me that in front of everyone."
"Addison, Sam, Naomi and Amelia already know about the nickname."
"Yeah, but I doubt Dr. Turner does and I don't think she needs to know that about her surgeon."
Mark chuckles. "Alright, good point. I'll just stick to JackJack."
Jackson pokes out his tongue but doesn't argue further. They make their way to the front door and ring the bell.
Addison Forbes Montgomery is tall. Jackson hadn't expected her to be. Then, the only times he's seen her she's either sitting on a Skype call. She's also leaning down in that photobooth strip that Jackson hasn't seen in a while. Her hair appears darker in person, but it's still a vibrant shade of red.
Her outfit is just what he expected. A dress he can't place the brand of, but it looks expensive. Given his childhood with a mother who obsessed over shoes and purses, he spots the sapphire Manolo Blahniks without even giving a close look.
For a moment, there's a smile on her face. Then, she glances at Jackson and it slowly fades. Jackson subtly glances at his own outfit. He went safe with a polo and dark wash jeans. Amelia said it wasn't a dressy party. Maybe he should've called Dr. Wallace to check. Then, that seemed like a weird thing to contact your psychiatrist over.
Just as quickly as it leaves, it's back again.
"Hey, Red," Mark says. If he noticed the chameleon act of her face a moment ago, he doesn't notice it. Instead, he wraps her in a hug. She squeezes him back before pulling away. "I know you two have met via Skype but, this is my son."
"It's very nice to meet you in person, Addison," Jackson says. He holds out the wine. "This is for you. Thanks for throwing this party."
"Of course." She accepts the bottle. "Everyone's been bugging Mark to bring you down for a long time now."
Addison gives him one last once over before stepping aside and inviting them in. She leads the way to the living room where soft Jazz music plays. Much to Jackson's relief, there's only 8 other people in attendance. Amelia and Sheldon are chatting in the corner, oblivious to the new guests. An African American man and woman that Jackson recognizes from pictures as Sam and Naomi make their way over. The latter is nearly as tall as Addison. Must be something in that New York water.
Naomi hugs Mark instantly. He rocks her back and forth a bit.
"Nai." He holds her out a bit and looks her up and down. "Damn, you get better looking with age."
Naomi rolls her eyes, a huge grin on her face as she swats his chest. "Don't you even try it." She glances at Jackson. "And you must be Jackson. Welcome. I'm Naomi, and this is Sam." She gestures to the man practically crushing Mark in a hug.
Sam's smile is enough to nearly blind Jackson. Before Jackson can offer his hand, he pulls him in for a hug. Jackson fidgets a bit but forces himself to return it. Sam pulls off, his smile not shaken.
"It's great to finally meet you," he says. "Mark here has told us all about you. The famous "Plastic Posse"."
"Well, it's nice to meet "Doctor Feelgood" in person," Jackson says with a small chuckle.
Sam's eyes light up. "You've read my books?"
"One."
"So, he's the one," Mark says with a smirk.
Sam's smile fades away as he smacks Mark on the shoulder. "Someone's jealous of the nickname."
"Is it a nickname if you gave it to yourself?"
"Okay, McSteamy."
Jackson laughs as the two break into a small bit of banter. Naomi rolls her eyes.
"Brings me back," she says. "These two used to always go at it. Then, they'd get drunk and forget it all by the next morning."
"Dad was a big partier, I take it?" Jackson asks.
"First name basis with the bartender," Naomi confirms. "Do you know what a feet that is in New York City of all places?"
Mark breaks away from his back and forth with Sam. "What are you telling my kid, Nai?"
"Nothing that's not true, hon."
Addison finally speaks up. "Jackson, are you hungry? There's a lot of food."
"Um, maybe in a little bit," Jackson says. His stomach isn't quite settled enough.
Naomi swoops back in. "I can take you to meet the rest of the practice, if you'd like."
Jackson glances back at Mark, who's back in his conversation with Sam. He doesn't want to interrupt or look rude by denying Addison. So, he nods in agreement and she leads him around the room.
"This is Violet Turner, our other psychiatrist," Naomi says as they approach the first shorter woman he's seen of the evening paired with a still giant man. "You'll be doing her surgery."
"It's nice to meet you, Dr. Turner," Jackson says, shaking her hand.
"Please, you're hacking into me in 48 hours, call me Violet. The woman who did it originally did," she deadpans.
Jackson's eyes widen as he looks at Naomi. She shakes her head. "Vi."
"Sorry, sorry. I forget some people don't know my dark humor. Seriously, it means a lot that you came all the way down here for this."
"Well, my dad is doing the brunt of it, but I'm happy to help."
Violet gestures to the man beside her. "This is my husband, Pete."
Pete grins and shakes his hand. "Nice to meet you, Jackson."
"You too. You're uh…natural medicine?" Jackson asks, refraining from the "hippy dippy" phrasing Mark used on the flight over.
"Alternative," Pete corrects kindly.
"Oh. I studied that briefly."
"Didn't jump out at you?" Jackson shakes his head. Pete chuckles. "Not surprised. But I also offer consults. Dr. Wallace does some great work but if you ever want natural remedies for anxiety, you can give me a call."
Violet scoffs. "Can you not talk about work here? It's a party."
The two begin bickering. Naomi quickly steers him away and introduces him to Cooper Friedman, the practice's pediatrician and Little specialist. He's accompanied by his girlfriend, Charlotte King, aka the chief of St. Ambrose Hospital where Jackson and Mark will perform the surgery.
"Thanks for granting us privileges," Jackson says.
Charlotte nods. "Of course." Her Southern accent is so thick, he feels like he's transplanted to Alabama. "Dr. Sloan comes highly recommended. And well, you're an Avery. Or, former Avery."
Jackson draws back a deep breath. "I'm more than just my name, Dr. King." His voice comes out with a bit more bite than he expected. Everyone back in Seattle has moved past comparing him to his grandfather. After he changed his last name, most patients aren't aware of the connection. He isn't about to fall back into that.
Cooper looks as though he's about to enter the lion's den but Charlotte smiles. "I like you already." She nods. "You've got your daddy's bite. Definitely not a bad thing."
Naomi and Cooper share a confused glance. Jackson holds back a smile of his own. He heard from his dad what a hard-ass Charlotte can be. Guess he won her over quicker than most.
"Jackson." Sheldon approaches him with Amelia. "It's so nice to finally meet you in person."
"You too, Dr. Wallace." Jackson shakes his hand. "Thanks for coming."
"Of course. Could never turn down one of Addison's legendary parties." He keeps a smile on his face as he changes the subject. "You've got a big surgery coming up in a couple of days. Ready?"
"Can we not talk about this?" Cooper practically whines. "It's a party. Let's get drunk and have some fun."
"Jackson can't drink," Naomi reminds him. "You're the Little specialist."
"So, the rest of us can't?"
Charlotte elbows him in the ribs. Jackson shakes his head. "It's fine. Don't hold back on my account."
"Jackson's my sober buddy for the night." Amelia links her arm through his. "Let's go eat. C'mon, I know where the unhealthy bites are."
Jackson chuckles. "Sounds good to me."
"Hey, you break him, it's your ass," Naomi reminds her.
Amelia fakes a pout. "You have such little faith in me, Naomi. It breaks my heart."
She drags Jackson off to where the food is set up.
"They're a lot, I know," she says, loading up on some food.
"They don't seem too bad."
"Just wait until they get some drinks in them." She hands Jackson the plate she just filled.
"I'm really not…"
"Ya need to eat. If you don't, Mark will be all over you."
"And here I thought you were the fun aunt."
"I am. But that also means I know how to keep your dad from worrying, which means we can have more fun." Her eyes sparkle. "Now, eat. Then we can play DDR. Cooper brought his Wii."
That gets Jackson excited as he takes a bite of his mini-quiche.
Mark walks out onto the deck, the sounds of the party slowly becoming muffled behind him. A beer is gripped in his hand, the same one he's slowly sipped all night. He glances over his shoulder through the sliding screen door to make sure Jackson is still happily playing Dance Dance Revolution with Amelia and Cooper. Violet and Sheldon are heckling from the couch while Charlotte focuses on making fun of her boyfriend. She cheers on Amelia and Jackson. Sam and Naomi have disappeared into some corner to whisper about the practice.
Addison is curled up in a chaise, a glass of wine in hand. The bottle is nestled in the sand. Even in the darkness, Mark can tell it's almost empty. It's the one he picked up before the party started.
"You're being a bad hostess," he teases as he steps onto the sand. "Bizzy is rolling over in her grave."
There's a beat of silence.
"Okay, what's wrong with you?"
Addison keeps her eyes on the crashing waves in front of her. "Nothing," she mutters.
"Bull. You've avoided me since I got here. I through we were past all this."
"This isn't about our past."
"Then what is it?"
Addison drains the rest of her glass and looks up at him.
"You have a kid."
Mark nods. "You knew about him. You insisted he come."
Addison doesn't acknowledge that as she continues. "You have a kid," he repeats. "And Derek has a kid. Both the men I denied children have kids now. And I don't have a kid."
Mark drops into the chaise beside her. He tries to take her hand but she pulls away. That invisible wall shoots up between them.
"I was going to adopt," she whispers.
Mark nods. "Sam told me."
"The agency decided the Little should have two guardians." She scoffs. "And yet you were allowed to adopt as a single parent. You of all people."
Mark clears his throat. He wants to say that isn't fair, but he doesn't want to hurt her further.
"Jackson consented," he offers instead. "That's why."
"You think that helps?"
"I don't know how to help you anymore, Addie." Addison exhales slowly through her nose. Mark frowns. "I think we'll go."
A flash of guilt crosses Addison's face. "Don't. Jackson's having fun."
"Yeah, but having him here is making you sad. And I don't want that for you, or that energy around him."
"Why do you think I stepped out?" Addison shakes her head. "It's a party, Mark. I just need a minute. Go back and enjoy it." Mark eyes her skeptically. "I'm serious. Just, go. I'm not your responsibility. I never was."
Mark pushes himself up from the chaise. There's a lot of things he wants to say right now, but none of them are sad. Instead, he grabs the throw that hangs off the back of his chaise and drapes it over her. She gives him a curious look. Mark shrugs.
"Force of habit," he mutters.
Mark walks back towards the noise. He looks over his shoulder one final time. Addison pours out the rest of the bottle. Mark walks back inside, swallowing back every word.
Jackson wakes up Little the next morning. Mark suspects he regressed in the middle of the night because he wakes up with him snuggled into his side, rather than the empty bed on the other side of the nightstand. They spend the first bit of the morning cuddling and ordering room service. Jackson is in great spirits until they reach Sam's house, which just so happens to be right next door to Addison's.
Mark doesn't see her as they walk up the path to his friend's house, but her car is in the drive. They only exchanged goodbyes when Mark carried a half-asleep Jackson out of the party the night before. Amelia and Naomi followed her upstairs at one point, but they all came back down looking annoyed and didn't speak for the rest of the evening either. Mark decided to leave not long after that.
"Daddy, do you hafta go?" Jackson asks as Mark before he can knock on the door.
"Yes, Ducky." Mark squeezes his shoulder. "But it's just for a couple of hours, right? You'll play with Uncle Sam, get some lunch and take a nap. When you wake up, I'll be back."
Jackson pouts. "Wan' Ms. Courtney and Ms. Lulu to watch me."
"They're in Seattle," Mark reminds him.
"Uncle Derek and Auntie Mer."
"They're there too. So is Uncle Owen," Mark quickly adds before he can bring up the trauma surgeon. "We're in Los Angeles, remember? So, you're going to hang out with your Los Angeles uncle."
Jackson makes a face. "Come with you?"
"I've got to go to the hospital. That won't be very fun. You'd have to go to that daycare and you won't know anyone there. You know Uncle Sam."
Jackson chews on his lip but doesn't argue further. Mark rubs his back.
"You've got Hank and Ranger in the bag. Plus, some other toys. And your hoodie."
"Daddy's?"
"Uh huh. Plus, I'm leaving your phone. It has all the pictures of us, so you can look at it if you need to."
Jackson sighs. "Play, lunch, nap?"
Mark nods. "Play, lunch, nap. Then we'll go to the children's muesem. The one where you can touch everything."
"Play, lunch, nap, Daddy."
Mark grins. "That's my boy."
"Ring the bell? Please?"
"Go right ahead."
Sam leads them right into the living room where he has some toys set up. He explains they were his daughter's when she was smaller. Mark still isn't sure what's a harder pill to swallow. One, the fact that the little baby born smack dab in the middle of their residency is now 17 or two, that she's a mother herself now. She was only 15 when she got pregnant, but then, Sloan was 18. According to Sam, she's adjusted to motherhood amazingly. Mostly with Naomi's support that is. Still, Mark can't imagine raising a kid so young. Doing it in his 40s is rough enough sometimes.
While Jackson sits on the floor with some old trains, Mark hands over the diaper bag.
"Geez, Mark," Sam says, holding it with one hand as if it's a bomb. "How long is the boy staying? A couple of hours or a couple of years?"
Jackson looks up, eyes filled with fear. Mark shakes his head, rubbing his back. "No, no, baby. Uncle Sam is just being silly." He glares at his friend. "Right?"
"Yeah, sorry, little man." It takes another couple of minutes of back rubs to calm Jackson back down and get him to look back at the trains. Sam lowers his voice. "Seriously, though. What's in here?"
"Everything he might need. Probably won't even need 80% of it. Oh, I included a small list of stuff I may have forgotten to tell you over the phone."
Sam digs through the bag and pulls out the notebook. He scoffs.
"Small list, eh?"
Mark shrugs. "Anyway, I also left some money for you to get him lunch." Sam opens his mouth to rebut but he waves him off. "Not gonna hear it."
Sam rolls his eyes. "I can say that about you. Never let me pick up a check."
"Some things never change. Anyway, that's in the front pocket alongside his classification card. There's also snacks. Sippy cups and bottles in the insolated compartment. The bottles need to be warmed up…"
"I've warmed up a bottle," Sam interrupts. "I've got this Mark. Were you like this with Derek the first time he babysat?"
"Worse. But he played along because he's just as bad with Alex."
"Really shouldn't be surprised. You two always screamed helicopter parent vibes."
"Not all of us can be "Relaxed L.A Dad"," Mark fires back.
Sam chuckles. "Jack, why don't you say goodbye to your dad?"
Jackson jumps up and throws his arms around Mark. The older plastic surgeon hugs him tightly.
"You be good for Uncle Sam, alright? I'll be back in a couple of hours."
"Play, lunch, nap, Daddy," Jackson mumbles into his shoulder.
"Yup." Mark kisses the top of his head. "Love you, Ducky."
"Love you too."
After another 5 hugs and managing to distract him with some toys from the diaper bag, Mark is able to leave.
Addison frowns when she sees Sam and Jackson standing on the other side of her sliding glass door. She quickly regains composure and tries to force a smile for the little boy's benefit. Her ex doesn't give her time to ask what's going on before speaking.
"I'm sorry, but I need you to watch Jackson." He gestures to the younger plastic surgeon, who's wearing a t-shirt that reads "I traded my appendix for this stupid t-shirt" and jean shorts. There's two plushies clutched in his grip. One dog, one duck.
"Where's Mark?"
"He's doing Violet's pre-op. I was supposed to keep an eye on this little guy. But one of my patients just had another…h-e-a-r-t a-t-t-a-c-k. I need to get to the hospital now."
"Oh." Addison pauses. "Do we know if Mark would even want me to…"
"You're probably one of the few he'd trust. Look, everyone else is busy with work. Can you just take him, please?"
Addison glances back at Jackson. He's chewing on his lip, his wide green eyes staring at her deck. She sighs and shakes her head.
"Yeah, sure, I can take him."
Sam beams. "Thanks. I'll let Mark know you have him." He hands her the diaper bag, which has a bit of heft to it. "Mark left about a whole notebook's worth of a list. He already ate, just changed his diaper. but there's snacks and stuff. May need a nap soon." Sam squeezes Jackson's shoulder. "Be good for Addison, alright, little man?"
"When's daddy comin' back?" Jackson asks.
"Shouldn't be much longer. I'll see you tonight. I'm getting dinner with you and your daddy."
Jackson nods. Sam thanks Addison one last time before dashing down the deck. Jackson glances at Addison, apprehension in his eyes.
"Well, come on in," she says, stepping aside.
Jackson hesitates but complies. He kicks off his sandals, causing some sand to go on the floor. His eyes widen a bit.
"Sorry…"
"It's okay, don't worry. I can clean it up later." She chuckles as she closes the door. "I live on the beach. I expect a little sand."
Her large orange tabby comes out from behind the TV stand. Jackson takes a small step back.
"Oh, it's okay, Milo's friendly," Addison promises. "I had him locked up in my room during the party last night as your uncle Sam's allergic to cats." She pauses. "You're not, right?"
Jackson shakes his head. "Like kitties. Don't have one, though."
"Would you like to say "hello"?"
"Won't eat Ranger an' Hank?" Addison's brows furrow. "Doggy at the park tried. Daddy saved them."
Addison takes a second glance and realizes that must be the names of the stuffed animals. "Oh, no. Milo isn't one for toys. They'll be safe."
Jackson expels a cute sigh of relief. Addison has never seen a Little so serious. She'd expect this from Derek's kid, not Mark's. Yet from how her ex has described Alex, it seems their personalities have swapped.
She leads him over to Milo, both crouching down. Jackson puts his stuffed animals down and holds out his hand. Milo nuzzles his head against his palm, letting out a soft mew. Jackson giggles.
"He's talkin'."
"I wonder what he's saying," Addison muses. "Sometimes I wish I could figure it out."
"Sayin' hello," Jackson guesses.
Milo leans his paws up on Jackson's chest, examining him. Jackson strokes the top of his head. In another swift movement, he's gone. Jackson pouts. Addison smirks. That's very Mark.
"He'll come back later. Hey, you wanna help me put out his food and water?"
Jackson nods. He moves his stuffed animals to the couch. She settles his bag on the changing table. Suddenly, his hand slips through hers. Addison stills for a moment but recovers. She leads him over to the fridge and removes Milo's wet food. Once the lid is off, she hands it to Jackson and gestures to the food bowl.
"In there, please."
Jackson dumps it in while she fills up the second dish with some water. Milo saunters back over and begins eating. Jackson watches with great interest. Addison stands back to watch him. Bizzy would have her head if she knew she hadn't offered him a snack or beverage by now. Then, Bizzy wouldn't let a child, Little or otherwise, into the house. She barely wanted Addison and Archer there when they were growing up.
"Uncle Sam fed you lunch, yes?"
Jackson nods. "Gots hot dogs and French fries."
"You want a snack? I'm er, not sure what I have…"
"Gots fruit snacks and cookies in my bag. Can share."
Addison smiles. "I'd like that."
She digs out the Scooby Doo gummies and mini-pouches of Oreos. They bring them along with a blanket, the stuffed animals and rest of the diaper bag out onto the sand for a picnic. Milo follows, lounging in the sand. She's trained him to only go in the litter box. Plus, it's a private beach. She can do as she likes.
While Jackson eats his snack and drinks from his sippy cup, Addison peruses the bag. Sam was right. Mark wrote a very detailed list of instructions, down to even if Jackson required a bath. There's even a step by step guide to changing a diaper as if Sam isn't a father and grandfather. Mark is nothing if not thorough.
There's a couple changes of clothes. The one that stands out the most is a familiar, faded gray sweatshirt. The Yankee logo is barely visible at this point. And still, she can picture it so clearly. Mark barely took that thing off in med school. She teased him until he pointed out she's just as attached to her Yale hoodie.
There was the night she borrowed it when they all went out for drinks and some idiot spilled wine on her blouse. She had nothing else and Derek came in a dress shirt. Mark gave it to her without being asked.
Addison lifts it out and sniffs it. Still the same.
"That's my daddy's." Jackson catches her so off guard, she nearly drops it on the sand. "I wear it too."
"Oh, I'm not surprised there." She sets it back in the bag. "He let me borrow it once."
Jackson smiles. "Daddy's nice."
"Your daddy is very nice." She clears her throat. "What sort of things do you two do?"
Jackson swallows the Shaggy gummy in his mouth. "Go to the park. And read books. Play. Oh! Watch football and hockey and baseball and Barney."
"Barney, huh?" She really cannot picture Mark watching that.
"Uh huh. It's fun. Do surgery too. Plastic, like Daddy." He tilts his head. "You a baby doctor? Like 'Lex?"
"Sort of. I take care of mommies who have babies in their bellies and help them be born. Then, if they're very sick, I take care of them. But usually just help the mommies."
She isn't quite sure how to bring up the other half of gynecology. There's probably no good way to talk about that with a toddler.
"Cool." Jackson picks apart and Oreo, licking off the cream.
"You gonna see Dr. Wallace while you're here?"
"Uh huh. Not today, though. Tomorrow Dr. Vil'et surgery. Gonna be big."
"You don't have to be if you don't want. You can stay little. One of us would watch you."
Jackson shakes his head. "Wanna be big and help."
Addison smiles, stroking the back of his neck. He is seriously adorable. Those wide green eyes sparkle under the sun. His freckles are more pronounced than they are on Skype or in the pictures Mark's sent.
"Addie?"
"Yeah?"
"Go swimmin'?"
"Your daddy didn't put any trunks in your bag." She doesn't add that Mark wrote down he didn't want Jackson going far out without him. "But, we can put our feet in."
"Okay!" He starts to get up but she quickly settles him down a bit. Jackson furrows his brow and whines. Addison holds back a laugh. "Addie!"
"Let me just wipe you up, hm? Don't want you to be all sticky."
She located some baby wipes and manages to get all of his squirming hands and face. His pout doesn't last long once she takes his hand again. They remain barefoot as they head down to the shore. Jackson jumps and giggles as the waves crash up against his toes.
"Feels funny!"
"It tickles, huh?" He nods. "Let's see if we can jump over them!"
They spend the next 10 minutes jumping the waves. Jackson's infectious giggle spreads across the beach, as he insists "again! Again!" Addison continues, even when she's a little out of breath. Eventually, Jackson turns his attention to the shells. They gather a few.
"One for Daddy, one for 'Lex, one for April, one for Uncle Derek, one for Auntie Mer and one for Uncle Owen! Oh! One for Ms. Bailey 'cause she likes blue!"
Addison holds them, smiling as they walk around. He collects some for all the doctors at the practice too. Even one for Milo.
"One for Addie!" Jackson proclaims, handing her a round pink shell with some white spots. He holds it out to her. "Like it?"
Addison breath catches a bit. She blinks some tears out of her eyes.
"I love it. Thank you, sweetheart."
Eventually, they head back inside and wash off their feet. Jackson's eyes are drooping but he insists he's not tired. Addison finds a cartoon on the TV. He curls up on the couch and she drapes a throw over him. After she finds his pacifier (also Yankees themed) and he's holding his stuffed animals, he's out. Milo curls up at his legs.
Addison stands above him. She watches as his chest rises and falls.
Her heart still hurts and she's burdened with every would've, could've, should've. She knows she made the right choice all those years ago. They weren't ready. It wasn't the right time. There's no regrets there. It doesn't change that she thinks about it often. Especially when she's told she'll never be pregnant again. When every relationship fails and she's told adopting without a partner is going to be tricky. She thought that being around Jackson would only deepen that pain. Babies, pregnancy, that's her entire career. But Mark's kid? No. She didn't think she could do it.
Yet, for the past hour, that pain's dulled a bit. He's sweet, kind and very, very stubborn. Maybe he's a lot like Derek, but there's no doubt there's a lot of Mark too.
Did she really almost mess up her opportunity to be in his life? Suddenly, she isn't sure if she could handle that.
Another 15 minutes later, there's a knock on the sliding door. Jackson stirs but doesn't wake. Addison dashes over and lets Mark in.
"Shhh," she softly reprimands, briefly forgetting who's kid is snoozing on her couch. "He's asleep."
"Sorry." Mark tiptoes over and arches a brow. "You have a cat? And, you let him put his feet on your couch?"
"Save the cat lady jokes." Mark holds up his hands in defense. "He'd only fall asleep if I tricked him with cartoons. Know that goes against your routine but…"
"You covered last minute. You could've let him listen to heavy metal and I wouldn't care. Whatever works." He runs his fingers against Jackson's short curls, a smile on his face. "Seriously, thanks."
Addison shrugs as if it's no big deal. Mark proves he sees right through her with just one look.
"I know last night I didn't exactly scream prime babysitting candidate." She keeps her eyes low, flickering her gaze between Jackson and Mark. "But…I realized I do want to be in his life. In both of yours. Unless I scared you off."
Mark shakes his head. "You'd never scare me off, Addie."
"Last night, I was, well…"
"You were a Forbes Montgomery. A little drunk and blocking out your feelings." Mark shrugs. "And maybe for a bit I was worried how you'd be with Jackson…but given how hard it is for him to fall asleep in an unfamiliar place and you somehow managed it, I think you're good."
They share a long smile, perhaps a little too long. Addison forces herself to look back at the sleeping surgeon.
"He's a lot like Derek, ya know?"
"Yeah, I think that too."
"You got a mini-him. And he got a mini-you."
Mark gasps. "Are you comparing me to Alex Karev?"
"Just a bit." Addison smirks. "There are worst things, ya know?"
"I suppose so. I better get him back to the hotel."
"Let him sleep," Addison suggests. "Naomi convinced me to dig out the photo albums last night."
"Which ones?" Mark asks, sounding almost afraid.
"Our intern days."
"Ugh." Mark groans, shaking his head. "Remind me to kill her."
"C'mon. I'll make coffee."
Jackson wakes up to the sound of familiar laughter. He sits up a bit, yawning and stretching. Hank and Ranger drop beside him. He rubs the sleep out of his eyes and look around. His lips fall into a frown. This isn't the hotel or Uncle Sam's or his apartment or the Grey-Shepherd's. His breathing picks up a bit as he frantically looks around.
Then he hears his daddy's laugh. Jackson takes off like a shot to the source. His daddy and Addison sit at the table, looking at photo albums. Jackson jumps on his dad's lap, ignoring his surprised grunt. He wraps his arms around his neck and clings tightly. Mark instantly wraps his arms around him.
"Hey, Ducky," he whispers. "What's wrong?"
"Strange," he mumbles. "Forgot."
"Oh…you forgot you were at Addison's?" Jackson nods into his shoulder. Mark kisses his temple. "You're safe, baby. I'm here. I promised I'd be here when you woke up, huh?"
"Daddy doesn't break promises."
"That's right." Mark pulls him back a bit to show off his smile.
Jackson plays with his stubble. "Hi."
Mark chuckles. "Hi."
"Whatcha doin'?"
"We're looking at pictures. Wanna see?" Mark adjusts him on his lap so he's still holding on but Jackson can now get a good view at the albums and Addison. She gives him a warm smile.
"Hey, sleepy head. I'm glad you could join us. Wanna see what your daddy looked like when he was an intern?"
Jackson nods. Addison pushes forward a picture. He eyes it for a moment.
"Nuh uh. Not Daddy."
Addison and Mark laugh. "It's me, bud."
"Too much hair. No grey."
Mark scoffs as Addison doubles down in laughter. "I was a lot younger then, silly boy. That's when I was an intern. See, that's your uncle Derek." He points at the man standing next to him. Jackson shakes his head. "And that's Addison."
"Pretty," Jackson declares.
Addison smirks. "I got pretty. You got old."
Mark rolls his eyes. "I knew it was a mistake letting you two meet." He bounces Jackson a little. "What do you say I change your diaper and we can head out?" Jackson nods. Mark jerks his head in Addison's direction.
"Thank you, Addie," Jackson says. "Had fun. Say bye bye to Milo?"
"Sure, I'll go find him."
Jackson looks up at Mark. "Daddy, I want a kitty."
Mark narrows his eyes at Addison.
"Thanks," he mutters.
Addison shrugs. "I'll leave you to handle that."
Mark adjusts Jackson as she heads off to search for her cat. "Kitties are a lot of work, Ducky."
"But I like them," Jackson pouts.
"I know you do. But right now, Daddy's got to take care of you."
"Can't ever get a kitty?"
"Maybe one day." Jackson's eyes light up. "But that's very, very far off. Now, let's get this diaper changed. A museum is calling our name."
Next time, the Plastics Posse is in action, kicking surgical ass and taking names. Then, they go to the aquarium!
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.