#jackson avery fic | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

japril12 · 2 months ago

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never felt like this

Bridget slammed her hands on top of her desk in frustration which made Dennis jump from his napping position in her desk chair. She winced in apology but when he screamed and fell off his seat after looking at his face she rolled her and slumped further down, miserable in her defeat.

She checked her reflection on her phone screen and a small scream left her lips.

Her morning makeup was more than worse for wear at this time in the evening, dark rings of black mascara were smudged around her eyes and her lipstick was smeared from pursing and biting her lips every time she hit a dead end.

They were entering the holiday season and the show needed more buzz to fit around their planned segments and puff pieces. She had pitched a few ideas at their morning meeting but Karen was not enticed and neither were the higher-ups. They wanted to keep chasing that ratings high and were sure that a certain couple held the key to that but she had no idea how to persuade them or even contact them to deliver a proposition.

“You have no idea how difficult my job is or how hard it is to find some contact information on these two.” Bridget raked her fingers through her hair to try and tame the matted coils.“They’re cute but all of this hoopla is a little…obsessive.”

Dennis laughed as he pulled himself up using Bridget’s new oakwood desk as leverage.

“I would say just go down to Seattle Grace Mercy West but they do not take too kindly to drop-in appointments.” Dennis shook his head as he rounded the desk to get a better look at her computer screen.

He remembered the swift manner in which the hospital chief and head trauma surgeon Owen Hunt had him escorted from the premises.

He leaned over her chair as she clicked away at her keyboard.

“You know the surgeons that work there are all distractingly good-looking. This one guy was kinda scary but he was so-”

“No way!” Bridget gasped, effectively interrupting him gushing over some random trauma surgeon. Dennis had the strangest taste in men.

“What?”

“We have a japril sighting!” Bridget exclaimed and spun around in her chair. “Look at these babies! This is gold.”

Dennis peered at the pictures on her work computer. It was the infamous couple alright but they were completely oblivious that their pictures were taken. There were only six in total that were posted in an array on someone's Twitter account.

Standing at the check-in desk of some hotel in the first one. His arm was securely around her back as they leaned on one another in the second. The rest seemed to be in a club or restaurant of some sort. They secluded themselves in a booth. It was dark and out of the way but the glowing smiles on their faces were clear as day.

Dennis’ jaw dropped at the amount of likes and retweets on it.

“Ugh, we need them on the show pronto,” Bridget said. “One appearance from japril and I'd get promoted in a second.”

“Wow, you're really calling them that now.” Dennis giggled, gauging her expression. “You're drinking their Kool-Aid.”

“No, I'm not.” Bridget gasped this time. She held onto her desk to stop her celebration.

She was not a crazed fan or stalker like some of these people on the Internet seemed to be. She didn't know how this person got the pictures but they obviously had been following them.

“Uh-huh. So how are you gonna get them onto the show?”

“I don't know. They've ignored every message I've sent them. You have to wake up. They don't want to talk to us.”

“That's unacceptable!”

“Do you realise this sounds a little crazy?” Dennis said after he had been kicked out of the hospital for basically stalking them he had seen the light. “They don't have to talk to us if they don't want to.”

“Fine. If they don't want to talk to us then we'll have to speak for them.” Bridget grinned deviously.

“Did you find them yet?”

“Give me a second, will ya!” Jackson called back and when she walked past his open door to see what he was doing she caught sight of his body hanging out of the storage closet. “This might take a little longer than I thought.”

April chuckled under her breath as she finished organising her stack of books and placed them on her desk in order of size. She heard some more shuffling from his bedroom, a dull thud and what sounded like muffled yet frustrated cursing.

With surgical board interviews coming soon in the new year, April was already thinking ahead to the exam period. In a matter of a few months, their class would be travelling down to the Golden State to test their skills in a hypothetical sense, but the stress would be authentic.

Just thinking about the exam made her stomach somersault. However, if she and Jackson started to prepare now by locating their study materials and coming up with a plan then at least they’d feel like they had a fighting chance at such an unpredictable test.

After another clunk against the wall April decided to find out what was going on in there.

“What the heck?” April gasped at the amount of stuff on his desk.

Jackson turned her way, her presence was enough of a distraction to break his concentration from his search for what he needed. The sudden movement caused some of the papers to fall to the floor.

“Oh…” Jackson bent down to collect the papers and slapped them on top of his textbooks without a care of how they looked. “Hey, April. What’s up?”

She released a surprised-sounding chuckle and took some more steps forward until she was stood by him and opposite the desk. “Did you keep every test you ever took and bring it with you to Seattle?”

“No, this is just from my last year of med school and intern year…” Jackson described as she flipped through the pages.

April skimmed the first few lines of his notes which were scribbled but concise; classic doctor’s handwriting she noted. It was a helpful reminder to know that Jackson was organised when it came to studying and that was probably why they made such good partners.

Rooming with Karev was enough of a task so there was no way that she would indulge in spending more time with him. Asking Cristina to join their small group crossed her mind, she even approached her yesterday before their shift had started but Yang had already started her study group with Grey and wasn’t sure if either of them could keep up.

She didn’t take it too harshly, everyone had their techniques and special things they needed to do to prep for exams. Furthermore, the more she thought about it Cristina had the right idea because sometimes it was like she and Grey had a secret language that nobody else understood.

It could also work much better for her and Jackson being a smaller team of two; they could get through all their material faster and since they already had a close history of working alongside each other they knew the other’s strengths and quirks.

“Aw, you kept my note,” April said when a smaller note card popped out from amongst the white pages. From its position in between the pages, the card was perfectly kept without a bend or crease. When she gave it to him all those years ago, it was just a token of pure friendship but it was nice to know that it had made an impact on him.

She reached out and lightly tapped his shoulder. “I wouldn’t have pegged you as a keepsake kinda guy.”

“I don’t know, I guess that I…” Jackson shrugged and tried not to think about why he kept the handwritten note from April Kepner during their intern days so pristine and tucked away for safekeeping.

“I knew that it had a little magic behind it,” Jackson replied when he finally found the words with a half smile while resting his palm on the desk. “Got through the intern exam.”

“Yeah we did,” April responded and without even meaning to found herself falling into a trance just staring into his eyes. She’d come to rely on him more over the years probably more than her own family and after going through their storms together.

The events had ended pushing them closer in ways she couldn't have predicted. Now she couldn't remember a time when she didn't feel close to him.

She shook her head to clear her thoughts just like when they were back on the Christmas tree farm. “Okay, uh why don’t- we should get started”

“Right, yeah.” Jackson agreed, shaking his head and collecting the materials off the desk. When he looked back up she was sitting on his bed with her notepad, ready to work.

“Come on,” April patted the empty spot next to her. “We need to get started.”

Jackson nodded and approached the empty spot on the bed unsure if that was the best place to nurture his concentration towards the books at the moment.

“Okay, if we want to be serious about the board examination prep then we should probably compile a list of topics first,” April started and pushed her hair out of her face. Her expression had switched then with her brows lowering so a pinch of skin folded on her forehead. She clicked her pen and jotted down a few things so they could start studying.g

An hour into their session, he leaned over slightly to read the list over her shoulder but as he raised his head, Jackson saw her phone screen flash as she had a few messages that had come through in the past few minutes they had been hanging out.

Jackson raised an eyebrow at what he was seeing but kept his voice in an even tone despite being confused about what he was seeing. “Uh, why is Lexie texting you?”

“Oh,” April turned around and picked her phone up, her thumbs hovering over the keyboard as she was about to reply. “I said I would get back to her about the reservations.”

“Reservations for what?”

“Oh,” April blinked when she realised she hadn’t told him yet. “So during our last surgery, I might have accepted a double date invite from her.”

“She invited us on a double date?”

April squinted at him as she tried to gauge his reaction; she couldn’t tell if the lack of notice was boring him or if it was the Lexie Grey of it all. He couldn’t still be into her after all this time, could he?

“Yes.”

“Lexie Grey?”

“Yes,” April laughed nervously at his need for confirmation that she did indeed invite them out on a double date. Why was he so focused on that little part since for the record they both only knew one Lexie Grey?

“Why would she want to do that?” Jackson asked to moreso himself and April eased off the bed, moving the study materials to the side so they no longer cluttered his bed.

“Well we did miss her Thanksgiving dinner although according to Torres we might have dodged a bullet with that one,” April shrugged and began to second guess herself. “But I’m not sure she seemed enthusiastic about it. It could be fun. I haven’t spent that much time outside of work with Sloan but you two get along well. I mean I can cancel if it’s-”

“Nah, no don’t. It’s fine, just took me by surprise that’s all,” Jackson answered her but he didn’t exactly want to hang out with his ex, even if she was dating Sloan. There were no residual feelings or anything but he had to admit he didn’t keep in touch with his ex-girlfriends.

However, since their dating pool consisted of their coworkers by default Jackson didn’t have any excuse.

Jackson scratched his chin and walked over to the desk. “Just uh we haven’t hung out for a while.”

“Oh, okay well she booked us a table at Whitney’s for 8 o’clock,” April stared at the back of his head, waiting for him to say anything else but he only fixed the papers on his desk.

What the hell was he thinking about?

Did he think the dinner invitation was weird on Lexie’s part? She seemed more flighty than usual but April thought that she was just upset about her Thanksgiving dinner going wrong. As far as she was aware, Lexie and Mark were as happy and loved up as ever.

And she and Jackson were…

What were they?

She still hadn’t told him how she felt and wanted to kick herself right now!

She should have told him when they got back to Seattle or even after he started to feel better but definitely before she invited him to an intimate diner with his ex-girlfriend.

What the hell was she thinking?

Far too busy in her head as usual instead of living in reality.

Why would he care unless he was still into her? Now that she thought about it, whenever Lexie showed up Jackson would always pull her along or make himself scarce. Yet, if that were the case then it would mean that he wasn’t comfortable around Lexie and Sloan or their relationship and he did break up with her after all…

April slid off the bed since their study session was over and she wasn’t in the mood to think hard anymore.

“Alright, that’s enough for today,” April announced.

“We did good.”

“We’ll get through all of these topics in no time.” April smiled and lifted her hand to high-five him.

Jackson chuckled at the sight of her enthusiastic grin and slapped her palm with his but when he brought his hand down it caught on the sleeve of the shirt she was wearing.

His shirt.

“Are you ever gonna give me back my shirt?” Jackson asked as he packed his textbooks and set them back on the desk.

“What shirt?” April slowly looked up at him while protectively hugging the shirt closer to her chest. The action hardly made her look innocent but she hoped he’d take pity on her and let it go.

“My shirt,” Jackson folded his arms and lowered himself to the edge of the desk so he was sitting down on it. “You know, the one that you’re wearing right now.”

April only raised her brows, playing it as innocently as she could but her eyes kept shifting to the open door like she was contemplating making a break for it.

She cleared her throat and started tugging on the left sleeve. “I don’t…I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

He gestured at her then and raised his arm weakly because it seemed like he was going to have to beg for his shirt back from her which was ridiculous. She basically stole it and was wearing it right in front of his face.

It didn’t even make sense as to why she’d want it anyway. The hem fell to the tops of her thighs and the sleeves were too long so for most of their reviewing she had them rolled up her forearms.

“That’s my favourite shirt!”

“I just borrowed it!”

“It’s been several days.” He folded his arms again but a grin tugged at the corners of his lips. “And I’m pretty sure I saw it in your laundry.”

“Well, it’s comfy to sleep in,” April argued and even if she washed the shirt, it still smelled like him.

Jackson snorted at her reasoning. “It’s not for sleeping.”

“I know that and I was gonna return it but-”

“But…”

She shrugged feebly as she looked him in the eye. “It's soft.”

He scoffed again and approached her. “Not a good enough reason, Kepner. Give me the shirt.”

April stepped up as he came to stand in front of her, blocking her path to leave. “You can’t be serious? I’m leaving and I’m taking this shirt with me!”

“What?” Jackson doubled back as she tried to push past him. It might have been simple and soft but if she knew how much that shirt cost then she’d probably faint.

“Yup,” April confidently stood her ground and jutted her chin defiantly. “Do you know how much laundry I’ve done for you and Alex since we’ve met? How many disgusting jerseys I’ve smelled after those pickup games? I’ve earned it by this point.”

“Okay,” Jackson had entertained her for long enough. “If you’re not going to give it back then I’m just going to have to take it.”

“Yeah right,” April shrugged and folded her arms but as soon as she stepped around him she felt herself fly backwards, her feet high in the air until she landed flat on her back with him on top of her.

“Are you gonna return it?”

“Nope! Get off me!” April squirmed around with defiance and he chuckled, amused by her resistance.

April thrashed back, trying to push him off of her but she was effectively pinned on the mattress underneath his solid frame. She tried bending her arms to slide out from underneath him but he was already ten steps ahead of her.

“Don’t even think about it,” Jackson used the overhanging material on the sleeves of his shirt to disarm her and pulled her arms over her head while digging his knees into the mattress.

“Ah!” April laughed partly frustrated but mostly because of the wild look of determination in his eyes due to her not giving up so easily. Using his surprise to her advantage, she hooked her legs low around his waist to flip him over.

“You have like a million shirts and could definitely get a million more.” April laughed with a proud smirk at the sight of him sprawled out on the mattress below her.

After the shock wore off, Jackson eased up onto his elbows as he admired April in their new position which she held quite well. Her beautiful face framed by the light was focused on only him with a bright expression while her soft thighs cradled his hips and he could feel the

“Like I said rather have this shirt,” Jackson said and pushed himself up even further so they were face to face. “Even more so the woman wearing it.”

A faint gasp passed her lips when his whispered words coincided with the gentle caress of his hand under the shirt and across her stomach. As with previous times, the playful energy that had been brewing between them suddenly turned into something more potent.

April raised an eyebrow in reply baiting him even as she bit the inside of her cheek in anticipation. She adjusted position sitting on his lap as she waited for him but the increase in pressure broke his last bit of restraint.

His lips crashed onto hers within an instant, cupping her cheek to hold her close to him as her head reared back with the force of his passion. This time she gripped the shirt on his body as she chased the addictive taste of his tongue when he lapped at her mouth.

“Oh, baby,” April moaned breathily as he left her lips in favour of her neck and dug her nails into his shoulders when he pulled the neckline wider to nip and suck along the edge of her collarbone while his hand crept higher up her torso.

“You feel so good, April,” Jackson murmured against her warm skin.

She started shifting her hips over his, making it clear with her actions what she wanted to do and tugging at the hem of his shirt.

More focused on lavishing her neck, his shirt was more than halfway up his body before he helped her to remove it completely.

April slowly ran her hands over his chest as he took measured, heavy breaths to regain his composure. She felt his heart and the warmth radiating under her open palms. He squeezed her waist as she moved further up his lap and softly traced his bottom lip with her tongue as she went in for another kiss.

Jackson moaned loudly, something inside of him snapping at the sound of her breath catching in her throat when their lips touched again.

With his hands still securely planted on her waist, Jackson flipped her over onto her back and held her hands over her head on the pillow.

April smiled into the kiss, elated at how quickly he'd taken charge. She'd quickly grown to appreciate the heavy weight of his chest on top of her breasts and his pelvis eagerly grinding against hers.

She wrapped her legs around his calves and gripped the top of his shoulders as he started to slip his shirt up her body. His blunt nails leaving trails of heat at each pass up her sides felt like the sweetest torture.

He rolled his hips slowly so she could feel every inch of him. Her hips twitched against him, locking her legs tighter when he pressed against her swollen clit.

“Mmmm, yes,” April sighed when he finally pulled the shirt over her neck and returned to kissing her neck.

He lifted the shirt over her head but didn’t carry it all the way up her arms. Instead, after the material passed over her head, Jackson pushed it further up her arms but stopped where they bent at the elbow so her arms were trapped above her head in his shirt.

After swiftly pulling on the long sleeves, he tied the lengths to the metal bed frame in one tight knot so her hands and arms were essentially locked within the material of his shirt.

His eyes slowly scanned her body as she squirmed underneath him, trying to get closer. She shivered when he placed his hand on her stomach Jackson lowered his lips to hers and she welcomed him with an opened-mouthed kiss that grew needier and breathier with every pass of his lips.

“What are you doing? Take it off me…” April said, her voice sounding slightly strained as her eyes flickered open.

“I'm trying something a little bit different,” Jackson smirked, his eyes glinted mischievously when her arms shook rather vigorously but the tie didn't budge. “Since you wanted to wear my shirt so bad.”

“That's not… what I meant,” April replied, biting her lip as she struggled against the makeshift restraints. She was surprised she was able to get out of it easily since it was just a t-shirt not some elaborate tying of ropes.

“Ugh, how did you do this?” April glanced behind her to see better and then turned to him with a scowl. “I know you were taking cotillion classes and not in the Boy Scouts back in Boston!”

Jackson laughed heartily since he had her right where he wanted her now. He ran his hand over her bent thigh and leaned forward, trailing his hands up her body and it betrayed her by shivering under his hands. He heard her breathing become shallower as she watched his every move.

“Oh, never underestimate an Avery, baby.” Jackson buried his face into her hair and his lips grazed her ear. “Especially this one…who knows… exactly what you want. ”

April couldn’t argue with that and whimpered softly when he groped her breasts and continued to tease her ear lobe. She sighed his name before turning her head and seeking his mouth once more.

She gasped for breath when he broke the kiss in favour of sucking on her neck.

“You took such good care of me. It’s only fair that I return that kindness,” Jackson said

“Okay…Oh-h…yep, I think so too,” April complied easily after that which was quite serendipitous since he was already pushing her shorts down her legs.

He laughed into her neck, inhaling the scent of her conditioner as he hid his face in her hair.

“Don’t laugh at me.” April groaned, dropping her head back onto the pillow.

He lifted his head, smiling. “I can’t help it. You’re really cute when you're flustered.”

Unable to bring him closer with her hands, April wrapped her legs around his waist and he gripped the comforter but couldn’t stop himself from bucking against her.

“You were saying…oh,” April moaned loudly when he bit down on her neck and placed his hand between her legs. She pulled at her restraints with more force. She wanted to touch him so badly but that wasn’t happening.

“I’d rather go back to not talking for a while,” Jackson said, using his fingers to spread her folds which made her sigh. “You don’t mind, do you?”

“No, I’m so… so on board with that,” April replied softly.

Jackson chuckled at her answer especially when her eyelids started to flutter like she was trying to concentrate. He continued kissing her inner thighs, gazing intently up at her as her chest rose and fell while she lost herself in how he made her feel. With his left hand, Jackson gripped her thigh to keep them apart and make more room for himself.

"You make such sweet sounds for me, sweetheart," Jackson said, his face buried between her thighs, his lips moving against her throbbing heat. "Making me want to lose my mind. Is that what you want?"

“Yes!” April whimpered, her voice high-pitched and airy while he sunk his fingers into her.

With her hands in his hair, she bucked against his face when his tongue slid inside her and he circled her clit once before pressing down with two fingers. He groaned as he watched her jaw turn slack and her body grow taur from his actions.

Jackson stroked himself with one hand while he played with her with the other.

She reached for his free hand as

However, he was able to make sense of her weak protests despite her thighs being clamped around his ears since she was all but pushing on the back of his head with her hands.

“Jackson… Jacks-Ah!,”

He crawled back up her body until he made it to her face. Jackson nuzzled her neck and she immediately lifted her leg over his back to keep him close to her.

She reached for his face, holding his head between her hands so when he raised his head she rubbed the tip of her nose against his and lifted her head to capture his mouth.

Jackson moaned when she began to nibble on his lower lip, as her tongue deliciously moved over his and his hold on her intensified.

She wrapped her other leg around his waist and broke the kiss to bite down on his ear lobe at the same time he slipped inside of her.

“I’m never gonna get tired of how that feels,” Jackson groaned over her skin and she seemingly reacted to that by tightening around him and he buried his face into the side of her neck.

“Fuck,” Jackson muttered and April turned her head which made their noses bump when the side of her face landed on the pillow.

April sought after his mouth and he immediately obliged her, swallowing her sharp gasp when he rolled his hips.

“Untie me, baby,” her softly spoken request came soon after and Jackson fell into a trace as they looked into each other's eyes. “Please.”

With his lips moving over hers, Jackson did as she asked him and once her hands were free they settled on the back of his head, playing with the hairs at the nape of his neck and allowing him to get comfortable before confidently flipping him onto his back.

April dug her knees into the mattress and finally removed his shirt. She tossed it to the floor behind her but the shirt was the last thing on Jackson’s mind when started to stroke his erection while she dragged the tip of him along her entrance.

He dug his nails into her hip, “Stop teasing me.”

“I’m not…” April said and then twisted her hand around his shaft much slower this time, blowing a stream of warm air from her lips as she did so.

April laughed when his eyes rolled back and he moaned loudly, the sound did little to dissuade her.

She was ready to hear it again.

He flashed her a grin as he glanced her way again while his other hand crept further up her leg. “You’re not?”

“Okay, maybe just a little bit,” April said coyly, her shoulder dipping inward as she repeated the action.

He smacked her butt, much harder than he ever had previously and she enjoyed that more than she anticipated.

“Oh!” April bit her lip, her head dropping forward as the stinging subsided and morphed into a pleasurable tingling feeling. She let her hips drop lower and the head of his dick finally slipped through and then she was moaning for a different reason.

Jackson smirked, raising his knees slightly. “I get it. I’m working with a lot.”

She rolled her eyes, a staggered-sounding laugh and smacked his chest as she raised her head.

“Ah, the real reason… why you wanted me to untie you.” Jackson quickly took hold of the hand when she squinted at him. “You’re only mad because I’m right.”

She fully lowered herself onto him and rocked her hips just once. “No…”

“Mm, yes,” Jackson grunted and squeezed her thigh, urging her on.

“No…oh god,” April moaned and closed her eyes, tight. Feeling slightly overstimulated from before but took all of him as deep as she could. Jackson’s responding laugh was so rich with satisfaction.

April hummed when he raised her arm, softly kissed her hand and made his way behind her wrist.

Jackson murmured his appreciation over her pulse point.

“You do too. Always.” She took both of his hands, flattening them out so she could run them up her thighs and over her stomach until they reached her breasts.

“You gotta admit it’s different when you can use your hands.” April gasped when he flicked his thumbs over her nipples and then squeezed. “You can really feel your way, you know?”

“Yeah…I know. Aw fuck me,” Jackson agreed, watching her face change as he played with her breasts. “You’re so beautiful, baby.”

April moaned and threw her head back, pressing her hands on top of his chest. She straightened her back to grind and rock against him faster. Jackson dropped his hands to help guide the desperate movements and lifted his hips so he was thrusting up her.

The tips of her nails scored marks on his chest as she pressed further into him and he mapped her body with his hands, touching every inch of her.

Jackson grunted in response, massaging her breasts as he rocked his hips against the rhythm she had set. April was fully in control now and he couldn’t complain about the change of pace. Seeing her like this, going after the pleasure that he was providing her sent him into overdrive. April gently rocked and rubbed against him watching her have an orgasm while patiently building up his own.

Suddenly, he stretched his arms out to reach and pull her down on top of him so they were hip to hip and her breasts to his chest. He tangled his hands into her wild, messy hair and tilted her head upwards to meld their mouths together.

April leaned over him, pouring everything into the kiss and he groaned, holding her even closer and her body started to taut over his.

“Oh god, oh go- Jackson!”

He flipped her onto her back and lifted her legs over his arms. Until she screamed his name and didn’t stop until he collapsed on top of her.

April clung to him even afterwards, trying to catch her breath. His body was heavy over hers but she welcomed the weight.

She mapped the muscles in his back with her hands, slowly tracing his skin and he snuggled further into her as much as she could allow. However, when his stubble started scratching her neck she couldn't hold back a reaction.

“Stop laughing,” Jackson murmured as he kissed her neck. “I'm trying to seduce you.”

“Oh, like you didn't already,” April continued to laugh. When he finally reached her face he didn't waste any time and kissed her giggling mouth.

April smiled into the kiss, stroking his cheeks. She spoke in between warm breaths and soft kisses. “You should shave before dinner.”

“I’ll consider it,” Jackson chuckled. He stared into her eyes and felt something stirring in his chest.

The last thing on his mind was going to dinner. Free evenings were rare in their field, he'd much rather spend alone time with April.

She started to sit up and he moved back to accommodate her, thinking she was about to leave the bed when she reached for the sweater. However, instead of putting it on right away, she held it to her side and stared at it.

“Maybe you should keep it,” Jackson said jokingly. "It's my favourite shirt for an entirely different reason now.”

She didn't react much and when she finally looked up at him. It was clear in her eyes that she had something to say.

“April?”

“Mm?”

“What is it?”

“I want to be with you, Jackson.” April suddenly confessed and it stunned him into silence. But that didn't stop her, she finally had the confidence to admit what had been swirling around in her mind for the past few weeks. “I was scared to admit it to myself at first because it's terrifying to put yourself out there but if I can survive the world seeing vulnerable then I can tell my best friend how I feel about him, right?”

Jackson was too stunned to speak. He had been stressing and struggling to find the exact words to say, and April beat him to the punch. She felt the same way about him. He had been worried about how to move forward or what to say to her for weeks, which put a lid on his words and emotions. Instead of them spilling out from the confrontation, iit was like they burrowed back inside.

“Oh...”

“Oh? You don't feel the same way of course you don't. What was I thinking?” April slipped out from underneath him before he realised what was happening. “Of course, it was just fun, casual sex to you.”

She was so embarrassed. She had to get out of his room now.

April scrambled off the bed but once she was upright she was slightly unsteady on her feet and fatigued in her muscles. A good ache between her legs that reminded her of how amazing she and Jackson could be together but she would not be the one to back track.

At the very least, April hoped to leave here with a dramatic yet strong exit. Yes, she would at least get out of here with some dignity….and Jackson’s shirt.

Jackson couldn’t even revel in the way April hobbled around his bedroom to redress in his clothes because he was insulted by her insinuation. Did she really think that he didn’t have feelings for her? At one point, he thought he'd been too obvious but it seemed like she didn't care to find out.

“Is that what you really think?”

“Well, why not?” April questioned, turning to face him with hurt in her eyes. “You only came up with this idea because you were so focused on, your ego and ‘winning the stupid break up’ and-”

April began to stutter but he was hot on her heels.

“Hey, you agreed to it!” Jackson pointed out. “You were begging me to help you because you could even leave the apartment.”

April scoffed and folded her arms, unappreciative at the sentiment. “I did not beg you.”

“Not then. Now a couple of minutes ago…”

She scowled at him but was sure she had turned bright red at him even mentioning it.

“Whatever! The point is I was crazy to even think that this could be something more or that you were capable of being vulnerable enough to say how you feel or not feel I guess.”

“What do you even know about- ” Jackson cut himself, now he was really upset with her. He had shared more with her than he had with anyone else in his life.

He cared for April more than he had any other woman. He was sure he was in love with her now more than ever because she had fiercely pissed him and he was still standing here ready to argue with her.

“You know what? You’re selfish.” Jackson accused her, pointing his finger angrily.

“I’m selfish?” April gasped.

“You can’t see anything else because you’re so wrapped up in your own head.” Jackson elaborated, fired up now as well. “If you even stepped out for one second outside of yourself-”

“Me? You're the one who's so caught up on what people think. Your mom, your grandfather. God forbid you defy their expectations.”

“What's that supposed to mean?” Jackson asked,

“Did you tell your grandpa about Tulane yet?”

Jackson faltered and swallowed thickly. April was the only person he'd told about applying to their plastics department for a fellowship. “It's not like I have an interview.”

“But you want to go, don't you?” April asked and then answered for him. “But you're still letting him believe that you’ll eventually take that place at Mass General.”

She was still embarrassed but that didn't change the truth and she knew Jackson's talent wouldn't thrive under the critical voice of Harper Avery. He might have given him a name but there was so much more that Jackson was able to give to a patient that Harper would always overlook.

“Just like your mom thinks you'll come back to Moline and work at the local doctor's surgery?” Jackson fired back.

“That's not the same thing and you know it!” April yelled.

Sure, her mother had mentioned it a few times throughout the years but Jackson was only using it as a deflection tactic.

“I don't want to talk about this.” Jackson threw his hands up.

“Well, I don't want to talk to you at all!” April turned abruptly, her messy hair flying behind her as she went and stormed out of his bedroom and into the hallway towards hers.

That only ticked Jackson off more. Why would she walk away from him when they were in the middle of an argument?

There were still so many things that were unresolved between them and yet the first words that came to mind and forcefully came out his mouth when he stepped into the hall after her were nothing to do with their fight.

“Well...what time are we meeting up for dinner?” Jackson yelled and within a few seconds a red-faced April popped her head out of her bedroom to reply.

“My shift ends at six. I'll make my own way!” April shouted and then slammed the door again.

A year ago, April wouldn't ever believe she'd be thankful to deal with a hectic emergency room and Dr Owen Hunt barking orders at the barely broken-in intern staff but she welcomed the distraction from her messy personal life.

“Look alive, people. Incoming is in less than a minute!” Owen yelled and clapped a firm hand on an unsuspecting Dr Ross’ back.

The young doctor stumbled and held onto April for support.

She barely budged, too focused on the imminent sirens of the oncoming ambulances but he thanked her anyway.

This was where she was truly in her element. Her hands didn't shake when she applied stitches to an almost fatal laceration on a patient's hip. Or when their pressure suddenly bottomed out and it was a race to get them into an emergency room.

It was touch and go for a while but she managed to save and stabilise the woman in the operating room. April was on her feet for most of the day dealing with the rest of the intake from today, her usual rounds and the predicted intern crash out.

“So another one bites the dust, huh?” Lexie suddenly bumped into her in the hallway after an extremely late lunch.

“What?”

“Intern Jacobs throwing up all over Dr Hunt’s scrubs.”

“Oh. Yeah, that.” April replied, in a daze. She didn't even realise Lexie had come up to her.

Now that the rush of dealing with multiple incoming traumas had worn off, she was back to feeling deflated. She hadn't interacted with Jackson since their fight or seen him at work for the day. He said he was still coming to their date with Mark and Lexie but she felt weird being at odds with him.

Fighting with the fake boyfriend you accidentally fell for was a cruel punishment, especially since she couldn't confide in her real best friend as they were the same man.

“Sounds so embarrassing,” Lexie laughed with little sympathy. “I can't believe you didn't catch it.

“I think that I'm maxed out for embarrassing moments for the year,” April muttered when the image of Jackson's non-response flashed through her mind.

“What?”

“Nothing,” April shook her head and pushed on with a smile. She didn't know how she'd been able to make it through dinner this evening without bursting into tears. “I’m just really excited for dinner tonight. I could use a break so thanks for inviting us.”

Lexie smiled too but she wasn't as excited as she made out to be either. Everything had to be perfect for this dinner since April and Jackson were also going to be there.

First, she had made reservations at the most exclusive restaurant in town. Osteria di Lusso had stunning views of the Seattle cityscape and three Michelin stars. She wouldn't make the same mistake of cooking a five-course meal herself again.

Secondly, though a much harder task, she had been buttering up Mark for the last several days. This wasn't as easy as booking a table since it seemed that Mark was already suspicious of her behaviour since Thanksgiving.

If the buttering up didn't work then a dress with a plunging neckline might save her.

“So what do you plan on wearing tonight?”

“Oh, I hadn't really thought about it,” April replied as she flipped through a chart and laughed. “I suck at shopping. I have two dresses in my entire wardrobe and one of them is from Catherine. Can you believe that?”

Lexie’s smile cracked just slightly but April already had her head buried in her chart again and didn't notice.

“Oh, really. His mom took you shopping,” Lexie grumbled to herself, picking at a worn-out service sticker on the side of the printer. “Practically shipped me away when we were a thing.”

“Huh?” April said and looked up at her.

“Nothing,” Lexie coughed, feigning like she had a frog in her throat. She reached for the bottle of water she kept behind the desk and chugged it down before answering. “A casual dress is fine, it’s a trendy place but it’s pretty lowkey from what I’ve heard. One of the best Asian fusion restaurants in the city.”

“Don't worry, we weren’t going to bail on you guys,” April promised and she meant it. It would make for an awkward dinner with her and Jackson in a fight but they were mature enough to get through an evening with their friends. “You went to so much trouble. Asian fusion, huh? I love Chinese food.”

Lexie brightened, tucking the chart in her possession underneath her chin.

“Oh good,” Lexie took her phone out of her back pocket and started swiping through the pictures she had saved online to show her, including a video of a trained chef cooking right in front of the customers.

“I know this place! Kinda. Well, I overheard Dr Altman talking with some of the other attendings. Henry took her on their date night,” April said with a wistful grin. Henry was always so chatty whenever he came in for a check-up or just to bring Teddy lunch so they could eat together since he had enrolled at the community college nearby soon after recovering from his final surgery. “Wow, they really do cook the food right in front of you!”

“Yup, going all out.” Lexie smiled anxiously. Maybe she hadn't thought this plan through well enough.

“This looks kinda pricey but it sounded like a special night for them.” April summarised thoughtfully. “Dr Altman said everyone has to try at least once so why not take her up on it.”

“Oh, cool yeah. And h-how much is that exactly?” Lexie questioned, trying not to panic. In her pursuit to outdo, she had neglected to check the prices.

It was easy for Henry to foot the bill for some lavish date night. He was smart with the money he earned while playing major league baseball before retiring and could easily afford it. She was still paying off medical school debts.

April collected the chart she had been working on a few more that had just been handed over.

“I dunno,” April shrugged, not thinking too much of it. “But it sounds amazing. Thanks for doing this Lexie.”

“You're welcome,” Lexie replied and tried to stop her eye from twitching as April walked away.

If his fight with April last night was supposed to be any indication of how horrible his work day would be then Jackson wouldn't have even bothered getting out of bed this morning.

He had a terrible night's sleep. He'd become so used to sleeping beside April that it actually felt uncomfortable to be in an empty bed for once.

The uneasy night melded into a hectic morning as he tried to get ready for the day but forgot that most of his belongings were inside April's bathroom. She had left for work and locked her door before he even had woken up.

The biggest downgrade in the history of his life was going from sharing a bathroom with April to stepping into the one he used to share with Alex.

Although a rising star amongst the residents, Karev hadn't grown up past his fraternity days in other aspects and this showed up in how he kept the bathroom. His dirty laundry was scattered on the bathroom tile the usual but the floss strings around the sink were new and equally disgusting.

However, Jackson quickly discovered that this new disgusting habit belonged to someone else when she stepped out of the shower with a satisfied and squeaky clean Karev in tow.

“Dude! Don't you knock?” Alex barked as he secured a towel around his waist.

The woman was better off than him since she was still in the shower and covered by the condensation on the glass.

“Oh hello,” she waved and popped her head out as Alex tossed a towel in her direction.

“Hey,” Jackson nodded with an awkward smile in return.

“What are you doing here?”

“I need to take a shower,” Jackson answered like it was obvious.

“What gives?” Alex scoffed as the mystery lady stepped out of the shower. “You finally ditch Kepner.”

“Shut up,” Jackson grumbled as Alex pulled his companion out the door.

Unlucky for him too, Alex and his latest fling had used up all the hot water which made for a glacial shower experience for him.

By the time he turned up for his shift, he was late, irritable and just about everyone knew to steer clear of Dr Avery. Everyone except for an informed intern who had taken a stab at doing stitches on his patient unsupervised.

“What the hell is this?”

Mark whipped around to see Jackson scalding the younger Dr Harris, who had been previously bragging to the other interns on his service today.

“I-I did the stitches on Mrs Wykes,” Dr Harris cleared his throat, his voice taking on a more gravelly tone to sound brave in front of his friends. Although, that didn’t matter much because as soon as a more senior doctor came onto the scene they scattered and left him to fend for himself.

“You were specifically told not to touch the patient. Now I have to fix your mess!”

“I thought I was here to practice medicine.” Dr Harris answered snarkily which pushed more of Jackson’s buttons.

“I’m supposed to teach you and I would be able to do that if you didn’t already think that you knew everything!”

“Okay,” Mark mumbled under his breath before making his way over to break up the confrontation. “Dr Avery, may I speak with you for a moment…. in private.”

Mark led him to a nearby trauma room that was luckily unoccupied after the flurry of action earlier this morning.

“So are you gonna tell me what your problem is or am I gonna have to wait for that intern’s picture to show up on the five o’clock news?”

“I’m fine. It's just a bad day.”

“Yeah, we can all see that. What's going on with you and why did you bring it to work?”

“Sorry,” Jackson apologised, realising that he overreacted. “I fought with April. It was a bad one.”

Mark shrugged. “It's not exactly abnormal for couples to fight.”

“We're not a regular couple.” Jackson laughed and scratched his forehead.

“What does that mean?” Mark frowned as he placed his hands into his pockets.

Jackson paused and debated in his mind whether or not he should speak up. When they came up with this plan he didn’t expect anyone to ever find out. However, he needed some actual advice because he really wanted to fix things with April.

It was time to admit the truth and he knew above all else that he could trust Mark to keep this secret safe.

Sloan had years of life experience and kept a level head in times of crisis.

Jackson cleared his throat and squinted. “We've kind of been…faking a relationship.”

“What?” Mark yelled which the entire floor happened to hear. “You’ve got to be kidding me with this, Avery!”

“Me-” Jackson looked around and saw that people were staring at them. No doubt due to Mark’s outburst.

He stepped closer and ducked his head. “Would you lower your voice?”

“Oh, you’re embarrassed now?” Mark placed his hands on his hips. “Imagine how I feel!”

“Okay,” Jackson scoffed and quickly dragged his disgruntled mentor over to a less populated hallway.

Once they were out of prying eyes, Jackson ran a hand over his face and released a stifled laugh.

He had chosen to tell Mark because of his level-headedness. Unfortunately, at that moment composure seemed to go out the window.

“Think you can be calm now? I told you because I need some advice.”

“Sorry, but what do you mean you've been faking a relationship,” Mark threw his hands up but spoke much quieter this time. Jackson peered around the corner to check if anyone was about to come by. “Everyone thinks it's real. You won that People's Choice couples poll!”

Jackson turned to face him, brows furrowed. “What the hell are you talking about?”

Mark suddenly developed a pinkish hue to his cheeks.

“Apparently, kids these days don't like to call,” Mark scratched the back of his head and sat on top of the empty gurney propped up next to a wall. “I wanted to have an easy way to keep up with Sloane after she moved out of the state so she set up some kind of social media account for me.”

“Right,” Jackson raised an eyebrow and crossed his arms.

He vaguely remembered Sloan mentioning that he had an older daughter, from a previous relationship, that he has recently reconnected with. By the sounds of her personality being reminiscent of her father's, her mother naming her Sloane was appropriate.

“Twitter or something. I didn't use it much besides to talk to her. But we all saw when you went viral.” Mark chuckled and Jackson did too this time.

“That wasn't part of the plan,” Jackson said with a sigh but when he thought about the night they’d come up with the proposition, deep down in his mind it felt like more. “Neither was falling in love with her.”

“I knew it!” Mark exclaimed and hopped off the gurney to shake his shoulders. “I knew it was the real deal between you two. Altman was so off, ha!”

“What does Altman have to do with this?” Jackson asked in confusion.

“Don’t worry about that. Just know that I’ve got my boy and his girl’s back,” Mark said proudly, dusting off the invisible lint from his shoulders. “Plus she now owes me $100.”

“That’s great. I’m happy for you,” Jackson responded sarcastically, nodding his head before lifting his hand to gesture to himself. “How does that help me?”

“I thought that was obvious. Come on, Avery. Just tell her how you feel.”

“Because that worked out so well the first time,” Jackson scoffed.

“Only because you waited so long.” Mark laughed but soon stopped when Jackson glared at him. “So you said some things that you didn’t mean. I’m sure she’d take back whatever she said too. Just tell her how you feel and get on with it!”

“I tried-”

“What do you mean you tried?” Mark said, pulling back with a disappointed expression. This was not what he wanted to hear. Not at all. “You forgot how to speak, Avery?”

Jackson stammered, which didn't help his cause, taken aback by the sudden attack. He thought that Mark would be a bit softer in his approach.

“She beat me to it and then ran off!” Jackson answered but Mark was still waiting to hear more. “And I don't know, I was so worried that she didn't feel the same way when she said it. I just blanked out.”

Mark sighed and leaned into a more sympathetic angle, practising his best fatherly stance.

“Take it from someone who also knew a thing about wasting time, you don't need to do any more of it.”

Jackson found himself spilling his guts after a while.

“It was just to get those Internet weirdos off her back after that video went viral. She didn’t want to go anywhere and I wanted to help her out,” Jackson said band smiled.

“I don’t know when but before long it wasn’t pretend to me anymore,” Jackson said with a slow realisation. “And then things kind of got…complicated.”

For Mark, that didn't need any further explanation.

He laughed and raised his eyebrows. “You had sex.”

“I didn't say that,” Jackson replied evasively.

“You didn't have to.” Mark grinned and Jackson sighed.

“Glad you find this so entertaining,” Jackson rolled his eyes.

“Entertainment? Please,” Mark scoffed and folded his arms. “This is what I like to call sweet vindication.”

“Vindication for what?”

He winced like a teenager caught sneaking back into the house after curfew.

“I may have mentioned,” Mark cleared his throat and straightened his spine. “I may have suggested to Kepner once that you two would make great...partners.”

"What?"

"Don't make that face," Mark straightened his collar. "Clearly, I was onto something."

"You could have stayed out of my personal life, like I asked." Jackson reminded him.

Mark seemed dumbfounded by this. "But where's the fun in that?"

Jackson sighed but had to find out more.

“When?”

“After you and Lexie broke up.”

Jackson snorted. “You're crazy.”

“Yes. Well, maybe for a bit of fun at first,” Mark chuckled since he didn't take it so seriously initially but after seeing them together there was no doubt that there was something more between them. “You two already get along so well. I thought I had taken the initiative and gone there but now I'm kinda disappointed.”

“Yeah, well you’re not the only one,” Jackson answered with a heavy sigh. “That one is on me though. I lost my chance.”

“Lost your chance- Do you hear yourself?”

“What?”

“She's here. And you're not going anywhere anytime soon. You know she feels the same way as you and you’re saying you lost your chance? Now is as good a time as any.”

“And make a fool of myself again?” Jackson laughed.

“Why not?” Mark said easily and left the gurney to stand in front of him. “For the right one, it's worth it.”

He didn’t have to think too long about his answer. “She is.”

“Good. Then that's all that matters,” Mark said, folding his arms as he pager beeped in his pocket.

He checked the number quickly but it was non-emergent.

“I can't believe you were just going to let her go,” Mark scoffed and straightened the lapels on his white coat. “Where would you be without me, Avery?”

“You’re saying this as if I didn't choose to be lectured daily by you,” Jackson reminded him.

He pursued making a career out of plastics with Mark as his mentor. It was what was best for him, his family expectations be damned. When it came to the important things, Jackson had to stand up for himself. It was the main reason why he branched out and came all the way to Seattle in the first place.

He had to go after the things that mattered. So even if April took it all back, she would know.

“Now, I gotta get back to work and then prepare for this dinner. Did Lexie mention anything about where we are going?”

“Not a thing.” Jackson shook his head. “I think April said it was a last-minute thing, so I'm thinking low-key.”

“This is not low-key.” Jackson whistled under his breath.

Jackson should have realised on the drive over the Montlake Bridge that Lexie had picked a more lavish place for them to dine for the night.

The restaurant was situated on the Elliot Bay waterfront, hidden from view by the industrial cityscape during the daytime but at night was beautifully illuminated by the lights bouncing off the water.

The exclusive spot had a longer waitlist that held a particular clientele, mostly young and trendy people who seemed to be more concerned about posting their presence here rather than eating their meals. He thought it was an odd choice by Lexie considering that this was supposed to be a quiet night out. The high-profile location meant that there would be more eyes on them than if they went somewhere else.

Lexie was jittery with her own anxiety, dancing on the balls of her feet as they walked into the restaurant. She looped her arm around Mark’s while Jackson trailed close behind them.

“I wish you hadn't worn that,” Lexie whispered so Jackson wouldn't overhear them.

“Why?” Mark questioned and looked down at his clothes, frowning. “It's my favourite shirt.”

“But it doesn't match my dress,” Lexie pointed out, through gritted teeth.

She had picked out a long cerulean slip dress to wear herself and Mark was supposed to wear a charcoal suit with a matching tie.

He had forgone her choice and had chosen something completely different to wear. He looked fine but didn't stand out in the way they would have if had worn what she had picked out.

“What does it matter if I'm wearing this shirt?”

“Because I- because it just does,” Lexie reiterated.

Mark's face crumpled. A clear sign he was starting to become irritated and Lexie took a deep breath.

She didn't want to get into a fight with him. Especially in front of Jackson and April, that would be the total opposite of the point of tonight. Everything had to be perfect to show them that she had won this break-up.

“Where's Kepner?” Mark asked, changing the subject. Something had been off about Lexie for weeks but she never gave him a clear answer.

“She’ll be here,” Jackson confirmed.

“Are you sure?”

Jackson was about to answer despite not knowing what to say. He should have called her and even reached down into his pocket to get his phone but a familiar but breathless voice halted his actions.

“Here I am! Sorry, I'm late.”

He heard April running up behind them and turned to face him. At least she didn't leave him to be an awkward third wheel tonight.

“Hi,” April greeted him with a tight smile wearing a simple, pale lilac dress and her hair tied up and out of her face with a clip.

“Hey,” Jackson replied expectantly, his hands moving to her but then stopped at the last moment. He wasn't quite sure where to put them now they were at odds.

“You uh look great. New dress?” Jackson complimented her but that didn't seem to work and she stiffened once more.

“From the back of my closet, uh yeah,” April said dryly and then turned to their companions for the night. “Apologies for being late, everyone. Car issues…among other things.”

Jackson sighed as Lexie looked between them both at a loss for words.

“That's not a problem,” Mark said and stared pointedly at Jackson in a way that said, “fix this”. “Why don't we get our table?”

Mark and Lexie went ahead while they followed but with some distance between them. Jackson glanced at the couple ahead of them speaking to the maitre d’ and lowered his voice.

“Can we talk?”

“Now?” April whispered harshly, facing forward. “You want to drag my humiliation out more?”

“Humiliation? What. No?” Jackson stepped forward when the line moved ahead. Mark and Lexie were in front now, representing their group. “I didn’t mean to embarrass you and you know what? You didn't even give me a chance to explain-”

“I didn't have to. You made your feelings perfectly clear.” April sniffed, her head quickly whipping around to face him.

She noticed his wounded expression and it seemed to soften her. “Let's just have a nice dinner and then we can go back to the way things were. Before.”

This time he reached for her hand, fingers stroking her knuckles. After everything that they had experienced together, there was no chance of him thinking that they could honestly return to being just friends. He’d never felt like this like anyone before but the feeling hit him like a tonne of bricks.

Jackson had given himself far too many excuses at this point but he wouldn’t any longer.

“You really want that?” Jackson said, pleading with her to look at him and this time he was rewarded

Her voice faltered. “Jackson, I…”

“Ah yes, reservations made under Grey. Table for four. My name is Bruno and I’ll be your host for this evening. This way please.”’

Bruno effectively ruined their moment and they all followed behind him to where they were seated for the evening.

He led them around the larger tables until they reached the far left side of the room on a riser which looked out over the rest of the room. Their smaller and more intimate seating arrangement was settled under the well-lit, extravagant and unusually moulded metal and glass lighting structure.

Off centre to the table, a younger man dressed in chef’s attire, matching in all white as he sharpened a large knife repeatedly.

Gentle piano music filtered through animated conversations from the next table over along with the smells of the food already on the table made their small party eager to get started.

“I’ll let you get acquainted with our menu for a few moments. Our special tonight is the prawn laksa.” Bruno turned and patted the young chef’s shoulder.“I’ll leave you now in the very talented hands of James - your personal chef for the night. Enjoy your evening.”

Bruno left with a chorus of “thank you’s” as everyone sat down at the table, there was an awkward pause when April went to sit in between Lexie and Mark instead of next to Jackson.

April flushed with embarrassment and moved to take the empty seat by Jackson. “Sorry, I uh I’m just really hungry.”

“Well, good thing you’re in the right place,” James chuckled and the rest of the table seemed to be put at ease by his amusement. “I know Bruno championed the laska but you look like a woman who’d appreciate a good pho.”

“Uh, thank you. I would love to try it!” April smiled and breathed a sigh of relief that her misstep hadn’t completely ruined the moment.

“Alright.” James clapped his hands together. “While I get started with the Pho for your friend, take a look at the menu and tell me what you’re in the mood for.”

Mark opened his menu as James began cooking. “Wow, everything looks great.”

“Bet you don’t regret choosing the Italian restaurant down the street,” James chuckled.

He looked over to Lexie and waggled his eyebrows. She smiled coyly in reply. “I don’t know. I’ve always been partial to those who speak the language of love.”

“That would be French,” Jackson corrected.

Mark bit back a laugh but ended up scoffing into his water glass as he took a sip. “You should know, loverboy.”

A swift kick to his shin under the table put a stop to Mark’s teasing for the moment. However, Jackson could tell by his lingering smirk that commentary from Mark wouldn’t be ceasing any time soon this evening.

Of course, at this pivotal moment of his life, he’d have Mark Sloan ad-libbing in his right ear. Although, it could have been worse. His mother could have been in his place taking notes and adding her two cents.

“Jackson?”

“Huh?

“James wants to know what you’ve decided on?” Lexie prompted.

Jackson looked up to see a smartly dressed waiter, his arm raised with a pen to his notepad.

How long had he zoned out for?

“Oh. I’ll have the mackerel.”

“Ah! An excellent choice.” James complimented them as he took the rest of their requests and cooked their dishes in front of them which was a show within itself.

Just like Teddy had described and April retold earlier, James explained with each step what he was doing and performed each action with an artistic flourish from slicing the onions to grilling and flipping the fish. His most ambitious trick involved purposely setting the grill alight, tossing the food through the flames, and receiving applause in response to the show he had put on.

“How’s that Pho treating you?” James asked as they were finishing up the first course.

“Delicious. You were not wrong,” April smiled, pressing her hands together in appreciation. “What are your dessert recommendations?”

As James recounted the dessert options, Mark watched the interaction with an uneasy glare. James might have been a talented chef, could cook a delicious pho and make a pyrotechnic show using food but he was not right for April and no amount of knife flipping would change that.

Mark leaned over and cleared his throat in Jackson’s ear. “If there was any time to confess it would be now.”

“I tried earlier,” Jackson told him but Mark’s brows drew together, sceptical. “I did. It just wasn’t the right moment.”

“Can now be the right moment?” Mark questioned but it was really more of a hint and jutted his head discreetly to his left. “Because the chef is interested in more than just the food.”

Jackson looked over to see James and April chatting away. They were discussing the menu and cooking techniques which wasn’t exactly flirtatious behaviour. James seemed to really enjoy his job and April loved cooking. She was most likely asking for recipe tips.

There couldn’t be anything further going on between them. And yet, the more he watched them, Jackson couldn’t shake the feeling that Sloan was onto something…maybe.

“Uh uh, no I know when April is flirting and that’s not it,” Jackson laughed uneasily.

“And? He’s definitely interested in her,” Mark scoffed as he watched them talking and Kepner was quite animated which pleased the chef and irked them both.

“‘ You look like a woman who would appreciate a good pho’ ?” Mark repeated his line but with an obvious veil of distrust. “Please if I could cook, I’d use the same routine.”

“You…you don't think she’s interested, do you?”

“Maybe, maybe not but Kepner looks great tonight. You said that technically you weren’t even together. She has no ties…” Mark shrugged casually leaning back in his seat. He had to admit that watching Avery squirm was amusing. He just needed that little extra push. “Are you willing to take that risk?”

Mark’s words swirled around in his head until Jackson couldn’t take the torture anymore

and shot out of his seat so fast his chair hit the back wall with a dull thud and startled a waitress carrying a tub full of plates.

“Ah!”

Luckily his quick reflexes allowed him to catch the tub at the same time her hands let go of the ray so the plates didn’t go crashing to the floor. “I’m so sorry. Are you alright?”

“I’m okay.” She muttered a quiet apology before dashing off.

Jackson plopped back into his seat as the interest from the onlookers slowly dissipated and people returned to eating and chatting instead of looking their way.

“Uh, are you okay?”

“Yeah, uh I-” Jackson pulled at the collar of his shirt. He was being ridiculous.

Jackson leaned over to speak to her. “I need to talk to you. Outside.”

April frowned and watched him get up from the table to go out into the hall. He expected her to follow him which made her even more annoyed.

What was his problem now?

“Excuse me.” April tossed her napkin down onto her empty plate and left the table mid-conversation.

“Alright!” Mark clapped his hands, smiling with glee as April followed behind Jackson. “Now that’s what I’m talking about.”

“Why are you so invested in them?” Lexie barked and Mark turned to her in confusion at witnessing genuine irritation marring her features. “Why is everyone so invested in them?”

….

“Did you really have to bring me out here to say the same thing again?” April interrupted before he could even speak. “Let’s just go back and have a nice dinner.”

“If you were going to ignore me all night then why did you come?”Jackson demanded.

“Because I promised our friends and didn't want to stand them up.” April stopped him just as they came outside the dining room. “Avoid disappointment. You should know all about that, right?”

“Can you stop with that? Listen, I’m sorry that you felt embarrassed but you said some pretty harsh things to me too,” Jackson said and her eye contact faltered for a moment. He knew he had her with that one.

“I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings.” April apologised softly. “I shouldn’t have said those things and I’m sorry. It’s your life and your career.”

“You weren’t- You weren’t completely wrong. I do want that fellowship at Tulane and to make a name for myself,” Jackson said and she nodded.

“You already are,” April said with a small smile. “And you don’t need me to tell you that.”

Jackson shook his head. She had no idea how much he actually did need to hear that from her.

“I was wrong to say that you were selfish,” Jackson said, shaking his head when she tried to stop him from talking but he had to.

Jackson had really regretted that one. April Kepner was the furthest thing from selfishness.

“Jackson-”

“No, you’re a hundred per cent the opposite of selfish,” Jackson continued, taking a step closer and smiling warmly. “That bone broth literally brought me back from the dead.”

They both laughed, relaxing for the first time that evening.

“Now I know how all of your patients feel.”

“Thanks,” April tucked her hair behind her left ear. “And you should apply to Tulane. They’d be lucky to have you in their programme, seriously.”

She’d miss him, no doubt about that but they only really had one shot at their boards and final year. She had gotten off to a shaky start but she was giving her all into her career and he should too.

From the uncharted waters at Mercy West to the uncertainty of the merger, she’d always had his back and he promised always to have hers. She remembered feeling bright; April was hopeful about their new surroundings and what it could all mean for everyone.

However, their colleagues were anxious since so many of them had been cut before the absorption to allow it. Who was to say that they wouldn’t be next? And yet, Jackson didn’t let their pessimism shake him, he was so sure that they were both going to make it. It gave her the motivation that she needed.

He was right since she did end up acing her first day on the esteemed Dr Shepherd’s service and he was there right afterwards to comfort her too when Lexie’s jealousy had gotten the best of her.

There were far too many moments attached to him; it was easier said than done to just push them aside and move on.

Her next words broke her heart a little bit as she said them. “You deserve to have everything that you want.”

“Everything?” Jackson asked carefully, taking a step closer now he was sure she wasn’t going to go anywhere. She looked at him quizzically and he felt his pulse quicken in his throat but his voice was clear. “If you had waited for a second last night then you would have heard me say that I want everything with you.”

“You really mean that?” April asked cautiously.

“I knew that I was falling for you that night at the hotel back in Ohio. I should have said something but I was scared,” Jackson confessed and now that he was talking it all came spilling out. “I thought that if I told you I’d freak you out and it would ruin things between us.”

“Well, I'm still standing here so…” Her palms itched to touch him and she released an unsteady breath, fighting through her nerves. It was hard to speak all at the same time. “I didn’t think that you felt the same way.”

“You seriously think that we could just go back to being just friends after all of that?”

“Not at first,” April worried her lip and Jackson also couldn’t help his eyes dropping to them either.

He sensed that she was still anxious and he wished she wouldn’t be because he was desperate to know if she still wanted more with him.

“What do you mean not at first?”

“Because it actually annoyed me that I couldn’t get to talk to you all day,” April said, “I realised it kind of sucked when you're in a fight with your fake boyfriend and real best friend and they're the same person.”

“How about we scrap the fake part and do this for real instead?” Jackson asked hopefully. “On both fronts.”

“Yeah,” April smiled and the skin around her eyes crinkled. “I'd really like that.”

Jackson felt the last weight taken from his shoulders when she finally wrapped her arms around him, hugging his body close to her chest. Cradling her face with both hands, Jackson covered her mouth with his within an instant and her body melted against him as she sighed over his lips. April pulled urgently at the lapels of his suit jacket and he secured his hold on her so their chests were heaving, flush against one another.

Their tightly pressed bodies were hidden away by the wall as they lost themselves in each other for the moment. It had only been a day but she missed the feeling of his All the words that had been left unsaid between them had finally been spoken. April could feel her heart beating faster in her chest and even hear it in her eardrums over the audible conversation of the guests dining mere metres away from them.

April broke away from the kiss but didn’t move an inch from his embrace. “We should get back.”

“One more minute,” Jackson murmured against her cheek, holding onto her tight.

April laughed, turned into him again and her left hand on his cheek as she passionately returned the next kiss.

Feeling light on her feet, she laughed and hugged his waist. “They’re probably wondering where we are.”

“Let them wonder,” Jackson said, turning her face his way so their lips could meet.

However, they only brushed this time as seemed more amused than aroused this time by his antics.

“But I wanted to ask James about which market was best to get the ingredients to make an authentic pho from.”

Jackson laughed lightly when he noticed the determined expression on her face. Deep down, he knew that he was lucky that April had absolutely no interest in James but it didn’t mean that he was keen to go back to their table.

“I’d rather be alone…with you.”

“Why?” April grinned and slipped her hands under his suit jacket “Are you jealous?”

He grumbled lowly, eyes lifting to the ceiling while he bit the inside of his cheek. Jackson would have liked to hold onto his resolve a little longer but her amused giggles melted him more quickly than he would have liked to admit.

“Yeah…” Jackson admitted and April looked satisfied about being right, jumping on the balls of her feet and he pulled her further into him. “Don’t make it a thing.”

“Oh, it became a thing when you barely touched that mackerel,” April revealed and he gasped, not realising that she had noticed that. “I know it's delicious.”

“It was kind of hard to concentrate on anything else,” Jackson said and she pressed a quick kiss onto his lips.

He rested his forehead on top of hers as she rubbed his back. “I can assure you that you have absolutely nothing to worry about. Come on.”

April smiled and looped her arm through his and they walked back to their table together.

“You guys took your time,” Mark said and cleared his throat uncomfortably, noticing them finally approach.

Jackson frowned when he noticed that and even Lexie had her mouth downturned and tried to hide it by taking a sip of her champagne.

“Yeah,” Lexie forced a laugh. “I thought we were going to have to call and send out a search party for you both.”

“Are you sure there's not anyone else you'd want to call first, Lex?” Mark retorted which seemed to tick her off.

“Would you just let it go?” Lexie spat.

“Maybe take your own advice next time.” Mark chuckled sourly which caused April and Jackson to look at each other with question.

“Is everything alright between you two?” April asked before they had a chance to sit down at the table.

“It’s great. Why wouldn’t it be?” Lexie replied quickly which raised more questions than it actually answered.

“Okay,” April answered carefully, narrowing her eyes. Everything was fine between them before they left.

“James took a break but he should be back to start our desserts,” Mark added to move things along.

“Good. That’ll give me time to introduce you all to my girlfriend, April Kepner,” Jackson answered proudly as he pulled out her seat for her.

April blushed as her back hit the plush rest of the chair, locking eyes with Jackson when he unfolded his napkin over his lap and winking at her discreetly.

“Ah,” Mark caught on immediately to his words and the announcement seemed to have lifted his mood. “Dr Kepner, is it? I’ve seen you around the hospital. Nice to finally meet you.”

The three of them laughed lightheartedly at the joke he made, except for Lexie who was out of the loop which soured her mood further.

“Bradley! Look out!” A startled-sounding voice sliced through

They all turned behind them to see the cause of the commotion. There was a flurry of movement at one of the bigger tables, men and women dressed in black tie and fashionable gowns. A balding man sat at the head of the table let off a blood-curdling scream and pressed his hands to his face.

“Help him!” Someone else cried through the screams.

“What should I do?” The woman placed her hands on her face, gasping in shock.

“Pull it out!”

“It just flew right through the air!”

“Oh my god!”

“Pull it out, Lola!”

“Don’t do that!” April was there within seconds, placing a forceful but firm hand on the woman before she could dislodge the utensil from Bradley’s face and cause more damage.

“Are you crazy? There’s a hot fork sticking out of his face. I’m taking it out.” Lola shrieked, turning up her nose in April’s direction and trying to shake her off all the while Bradley screamed in agony. “Let go of me!”

“You need to listen to her,” Jackson said and April glanced to see him right behind her, backing her up.

“And why should I?”

“Uh, nerve damage, muscle damage. A possible haemorrhage, maybe tamponade.” April said, taking on a more serious tone and looked between her and Jackson. “You could take your pick if you’d like but I’d rather just be focused on making sure neither of those things happen, ma’am.”

“We’re doctors.”

Her grip loosened and she gulped, slowly shrinking backwards. “Oh, uh I didn’t - I didn’t know.”

Bradley’s eyes bulged out and his complexion grew redder and angrier as his breathing turned into a desperate wheezing.

“Someone call 911!”

“I already did!”

April remained calm and took over the previous spot held by Lola and get a better look at Bradley’s injuries.

“Don’t worry, Bradley, is it? We’re going to help you.” April assured him and quickly held onto her out of fear.

He tried to say something but when his mouth opened he could only cough up a mouthful of blood. April kept the pressure on the wound and directed him to sit down with his feet elevated. He needed to save his strength.

Since he was gasping for breath, April was able to check his airway, the bright lights from above them provided enough light for her to see into his mouth but blood soon began to trickle out of it.

“Can you hold your head up for me, Bradley?” April asked calmly but the man only whimpered and clutched her arm so Jackson stepped in. “Try not to talk, okay? Focus on breathing. More help is on the way.”

“There we go, Bradley.” Jackson placed two hands on Bradley’s head, properly securing his neck to ensure no further injury before looking to April. “What are you thinking?”

“His airway is filling up with blood. We need something to stabilise these things.” April said, referring to the forks sticking out of his neck. “They move with every breath he takes.”

She looked around to see what they could utilise in the absence of proper medical equipment. When her eyes fell on something that she could use as a substitute she breathed a sigh of relief. Her intensive training in trauma with Dr Hunt relied heavily on adaptability. Some thought his methods were too unconventional and at one point even she was taken aback by it but she’d come to appreciate his ability to drastically think outside of the box.

She wouldn’t be in the hospital but there would always still be a patient that needed help.

Knowing that Jackson was doing his best to be useful by holding his head in place, April dashed over to the table where Bradley’s dining party sat looking on in both awe and fear but April tuned them all out. She collected the clean, unused napkins from two place settings and scurried back to them.

Jackson’s eyes darted up to see her ripping the napkins and tying them into place around the two pieces of impaled metal in Bradley’s face and neck. The material held strong and steady around them preventing further injury and distress.

“Good thinking,” Jackson complimented.

“That should hold until the paramedics get here,” April replied with a tight smile but luckily for Bradley, she could hear the ambulance sirens in the distance.

The crowd that had formed soon parted to make way for the paramedic team to take Bradley to the hospital as soon as they saw the small team of Nicole and her new partner, Matthew.

“Kepner and Avery,” Nicole chuckled when she noticed them standing with the patient. “What a way to interrupt your date night, huh?”

“Definitely memorable,” Jackson remarked.

Seeing a small team they were familiar with, the pair quickly updated them on Bradley’s injuries while they fitted him with a neck collar and transferred him to a gurney.

“Sounds like Bradley was lucky, y’all were here tonight,” Nicole said as they loaded him into the rig.

“Guess so,” April nodded slowly as the adrenaline started to dissipate. She’d be wondering what the outcome would be since she couldn’t actually operate on him since they’d all been drinking with their dinner.

“Want a ride to the hospital?” Matthew asked suddenly, the question directed to both of them but Jackson noticed his eyes were stuck on April.

“We can’t operate so there’s really no point,” Jackson replied, draping an arm around April’s waist and Matthew visibly deflated.

“Thanks though. I wouldn’t mind being kept in the loop but we won’t hold you up,” April spoke up soon after. “And we came with other people so…”

“Will do,” Nicole said agreeably and they both hurried to close the vehicle doors and get onto the road.

April pressed her hands to her face as they watched the ambulance drive off. “I hope he makes it out, okay.”

“They’re taking him to SGMW.” Jackson moved behind her, rubbing her bare arms and kissed the top of her head. “He’s in good hands.”

“You’re right.” April nodded, sucking in a breath. “It just sticks in my mind when I have to pass a patient along to someone else.”

“When we go in tomorrow we can find out first thing. I-” Jackson’s suggestion was interrupted by the sound of his phone vibrating in his pocket.

April turned around to face him. “Who was that?”

“Sloan,” Jackson said and although he was incredibly grateful to him for all his help he was more thankful for this early exit as he read his text message. “Looks like we’re free for the night.”

April mirrored his smile, reading his mind. “Let’s go home.”

…

“I can’t believe it’s over,” Brooks whined while staring at her phone. “I really liked them together.”

She sat with a couple of other interns from her class in the locker room, hiding from the on-call attending for the night.

Clarke scoffed. “I knew they wouldn’t last, are you kidding me?”

“You’re just saying that because you’re jealous as hell,” Tennyson added. “Dr Avery would never fuck you. You’re an intern.”

“It’s not that far-fetched. Shepherd married Grey.”

“And now he’s living in a trailer.” Tennyson reminded her and they all laughed.

“Excuse me!” Dr Bailey’s voice cut through their gossipy laughter.

“Dr Bailey!”

They all hopped up from the benches they were previously lounging on and straightened the wrinkles from their lab coats.

Dr Bailey walked up to them. They each all had about a foot on her in height but their spines all straightened as she sized them up. “What are you all doing in here?”

“We were- I…” Brooks scrambled for an answer but she held an arm out to silence her.

She walked down the line and pushed a heavy chart into their stomachs. “I specifically designated to you a patient to watch for the night and you’re hiding out in here discussing the personal business of your colleagues.”

“Mine’s stable.”

“Uh, mine too.”

“Uh huh,” Bailey squinted at her, eyeing the phone in her hand.

“Oh!” Brooks jumped back in surprise at being caught on her phone while at work.

“What is this?” Bailey clicked on the post and read it aloud. “ Y’alls fave couple broke up. Thank God .”

Underneath the caption was a video, the content was inaudible but the picture was clear enough for her to recognise Jackson and April in what was clearly a tense but hushed argument.

Bailey liked to uphold her image of a seasoned and stern attending but as Jackson stared April down, willing her to look at him she found herself far too invested. She felt like she had been transported back years into the past when she used sneak romance novels in between readings of sci-fi epics and the latest medical journals.

“Uh, Dr Bailey, I-”

“Shush!” Dr Bailey hushed Brooks and clicked play again when the clip ended. She wondered if she might have missed something.

When April finally looked at him, she only lost herself in his gaze for a moment before something seemed to snap her out of it and she snatched her hand back. She walked past him into the unknown building and left Jackson behind and that was where the clip cut off.

She played it again several times while the interns just watched her with amused smirks on their faces.

“Um, how long is she going keep doing that for?”

Her eyes didn’t leave the screen. “Get back to work!”

The rest of the interns scattered but Bailey held onto the phone a little bit longer, scrolling through the thread to read the comments and find out more information, despite the protests from Brooks.

“You too, Brooks. Back to work.” Bailey said tapping her foot.

“Right,” Brooks nodded and ran behind the others but stopped just short of the exit, turning around. “I just…c-can I get my phone back?”

“Oh, right sorry.” Bailey handed the phone back to her.

Brooks exited the locker room to carry out her orders while behind her Bailey surreptitiously pulled her phone out to find the video for herself.

#japril #japril fanfiction #my fic #jackson avery #april kepner

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