#good god cristina do not marry that man

[cristina-yang-bot]

[kmmachilles]

heres the list of my favourite shadowhunter couples from all the series (not including twp for obvious reasons) bc i cant sleep

TID: Gideon n Sophie. I KNOW KNOW EVERYONE LOOVES HERONGRAYSTAIRS I DO TOO THEYRE MY HEART ND SOUL but gideon n sophie man. cmon. theres sweet hurt sophie that thinks men like gideon r assholes bc of her former employers son and will, and gideon REINFORCES that by constantly talking in spanish while hes actually absolutely down BAD for sophie. she thinks shes not good enough for him, her being a mundane 'servant' and 'ugly' from her scarred face and him being the eldest son carrying the great shadowhunter lightwood name. and then hes just there ordering scones to his room just to see sophie, and ending up stashing them under the bed bc he doesn't even LIKE them. and pretty, smart sophie, although FURIOUS at first, goes 'so yea u dont like scones. what about SPONGE CAKES???????? THEYRE MY SPECIALTY' and then he falls so in love with her and proceeds to tell everyone hes marrying her before even proposing to her. i love them.

TLH: Alastair n Thomas. i love love love them not only their pair but them as separate characters too. esp bc the two didnt have the kind of shit the other ships had to deal with like james n cordelia were 'OH HE LOVES GRACE BUT I LOVE HIM / OH I LOVE GRACE BUT IM MARRIED TO CORDELIA / I SHOULD RUN AWAY W MATTHEW / fuck im in love with cordelia.' and lucie n jesse were like 'IM IN LOVE W A GHOST WHO'S THE SON OF A WOMAN WHO HATES MY FAMILY / shes only in love w me bc im a ghost and she likes writing stories so im one of her stories SHE DOESNT REALLY LOVE ME BUT I LOVE HER BUT IM A GHOST SO I CANT *REALLY* LOVE HER PROPERLY LIKE SHE DESERVES' and ari and anna were like 'OH I LOVE HER BUT I WANT KIDS SO I'LL MARRY CHARLES WHO, BTW, IS GAY :3 / OH I LOVE HER but im a stony heartbreaker women, lock your daughters and then yourselves im coming after you / oh my god i cant marry charles I LOVE YOU ANNA TAKE ME BAACK / ha! im stony heartbreaker.' and we all know the problem w matthew n cordelia, and alastair and charles AND grace and christopher (my heart stopped beating i swear to you). like i know Alastair and thomas definitely HAD to overcome some shit but Thomas KNEW he liked guys and alastair and alastair was pr sure about it too so when they got together, they GOT together ykwim??? no hanky panky. plus theres also the 'thomas-is-basically-michelangelos-david' so yea. no brainer. theyre my fav.

TMI: Alec and Magnus. okay so this is for both obvious reasons (fan favourite) and some other personal ones. Living where i do, i had no idea you could like the same gender as yourself or ltr anything about the LGBTQ+ community at all. These two were the first gay ship i had EVER read and they are what lead me to be as confident in my sexuality as i am right now. they introduced me to the concept of thinking beyond what i was told or shown by the people that surround me and look into the world the right way, without projecting judgement. i love them for that. theyre my comfort characters and the one of the biggest reasons i am who i am right now. also magnus is pr much why i adore glitter and i manage to put it on my face every other day ahaha

TDA: Diana n Gwynn. a very, very close second is Mark n Cristina n Keiran. but about Diana and Gwynn, they literally have my entire soul im not even kidding you. Gwyn is the first person Diana opens up to about her transition and its honestly so heartwarming that Gwyn, the leader of the Wild Hunt, known to be vicious and feared by faerie, is literally just there for her to lean on. He supports her and is so, so calm and soft with her it genuinely melts me. like, this man is basically the reaper of souls and he rides a magnificent steed into the night but hes so gentle with Diana. obviously my obsession w them is reinforced by the fact that the FIRST time Gwynn sees Diana he goes 'O' and is all like 'HELLO my fair lady beautiful one gorgeous strong lovely lady' and gives her an acorn like 'call me ;)' and diana my love just, THROWS the acorn to julian and emma and goes 'do w that whatever u will' and acts like she doesnt care and when they call on gwyn he comes to help nd immediately goes '...THAT WASNT FOR YOU but ig i'll help bc ur the magnificent lady's brats :/'

so yes thats it. now pls, whatever fucking ghost is haunting me with these thoughts, PLEASE LET ME SLEEP

[zalrb]

I agree with the idea that George is pretty shitty like he knew mer was vulnerable and didn’t want him but he slept with her anyway and then was hurt after she reacted badly. I mean … if she insulted him during sex it would be different but she actually started sobbing and couldn’t stop so … I don’t blame mer and I blame George for putting himself through it just because he wanted her in that moment

Also lol if u remember the scene where they show George and mer sleeping together - George goes down on mer and it’s awful and he comes up to her and says “how’s that, I can do it again, I like doing it” but it’s clear he hates it and don’t know how to do it hahhahahah and mer is struggling to tell him yeah it’s good and it’s ok (lowkey gives me Damon going down vibes Hahha)

You know who I can’t fuxkin stand ????????

Three people.

Arizona

Shane Ross

April

I can go on for hours about each but I wanted to get your POV

First no one seems to hate Arizona but I do. She was consistently selfish and Callie deserved better though I admit they had chemistry. Arizona breaking up with Callie in an airport because callie was cranky for a week about moving to Africa was terrible and I didn’t want them to get back together but they did. Then Arizona was just so petty and passive aggressive about callie being pregnant with marks baby even though they were broken up and she agreed to want and raise the child. She always held mark over Callie’s head even though mark and Callie were besties and she also hated that callie was bisexual though I can’t imagine why because she was queer too ? The worst of it was the plane crash because callie had no choice but to amputate to save arizonas life and Arizona never forgave that. Callie lost mark and the father of her baby and was dealing with a wife who hated her but tried her best to make it work (the shower scene where callie cries always gets me). It seemed to get better but then Arizona cheating on callie was the last straw and during their fight, Arizona had the NERVE to blame callie for cutting off her leg and acting like she was a part of the plane crash and ….. I was like no way are u blaming callie for YOUR choice to cheat ????? I hated Arizona with a passion ever since the crash and that only multiplied after this fight ugh

Shane Ross is so terrible and annoying. He killed heather by sending her down to the basement just so he could take her place working with Derek - he was jealous of shepherd seeing the natural neuro talent in heather so he told her to go down and got her killed and she died alone and confused ….. he never got punished for that. During season 10 when mer and Christina were fighting (I was on Mer side btw) Shane yelled at mer and insulted her more than once and never faced consequences even though he was an intern who yelled at an attending. He also killed Alex’s dad by doing a surgery he had no authority to do because sleeping with Cristina and working with her inflated his ego — Alex beating him up gave me some satisfaction but Alex’s dad dying was totally his fault. Shane never faced any consequences for heather brooks dying and being the one who killed Alex’s dad. God I hate this man ugh

Hating Arizona is uncommon but hating April is suppeerrr rare apparently but I hate her so much

First, she sleeps with Jackson consentually and then freaks out and blames him for taking her virginity and failing her boards - funny thing, April actually killed a woman in season 6 ( episode called I saw what I saw) so she was always a bad doctor and that was why she failed her boards 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️

Then she treats Jackson like a fuxk toy off and on and then tells him “you took my virginity “ at one point and I was like ??? You kissed him and you came on to him and you consented and you weren’t high or drunk or anything so ?????

Then she dates Matthew and breaks his heart but a day before her marriage she tells him to “give me a reason to not get married” after the way she treats him and then the whole wedding fiasco happens. Too bad , I liked Jackson and Stephanie a lot.

Then she picks fights with Jackson because she hates that he doesn’t have faith but ? That ain’t his fault. Religion is not something everyone needs to have and having faith don’t make u better than him, and she basically insults him for not having faith. Girl, you married him knowing this so ? Why u acting like this ?

Then with her baby dying, she completely ignores him and his emotions and it all becomes poor April and aprils crisis of faith. I know she’s dealing with it but not once did she ever try to reach out to Jackson or comfort him when Jackson tried multiple times to help her and she threw it in his face. She acted like she was the only one who mattered but jackson lost his son too.

Then she leaves Seattle to go on this military’ trip twice because “it’s what she needed” and she didn’t even ask jackson about it and just expected him to be waiting for her. She disrespected him and their marriage so many times !!

Then she comes back and expects him to fight for her and still want to be married and he’s like no way (they had a fight about this in 12x11) and then they divorce

On the morning of the divorce she knows she’s pregnant and hid it from him ??? It’s his baby too ! And when Arizona tells Jackson about this, April starts hating Arizona and tells Jackson even though she knew she was pregnant before the divorce, she didn’t want him to know or anything …… she even filed a restraining order against him because she was “scared” that his mom was gonna take the baby away. That baby is his too !!!

I’ve ranted but I need to speak to someone about this but everyone I know loves Arizona and April and I don’t and need someone to speak their mind like this - really curious to hear your thoughts !

Don't remember enough of Shane.

[greatearthquakestudent]

My Grey’s Anatomy top 25ish Update

fNoble

25. Winston Ndugu: I don’t know who he really is but if he makes Maggie happy I’m down to see him bit more.

24. Nathan Riggs: Nathan didn’t do anything memorable, he was decent character who was Meredith loved since Derek.

23. Cormac Hayes: Mac is awesome, I’m kinda sad that his wife died, I’m happy that he got sent by Cristina too. Mainly like him because his name and the fact he’s irish, like the accent too probably the first main character to have one. 

22. Derek Shepherd: He’s kinda of dick, but truly loves Meredith, children, and Amelia.

21. Carina Deluca: The way I describe Carina Deluca she’s fun person and I’m glad she got to Maya. I don’t like Station 19 but she and Maya interesting me into watching it.

20. Andrew Deluca: Nice day, loyal friend/love interest and or overall person. Him dying the way did is so random.

19. Stephanie Edwards: Stephanie was been one  of most loyal and commit doctor and friend.

18. Ben Warren: Ben is cool, he’s kinda reckless, but a partner that as busy Bailey is a good partner for her.

Warriors 

17. Link: Link is a sweetheart, so why are they making him like Owen, why does he want a kid so badly, and wants to marry Amelia when she’s not ready.

16. Maggie Pierce/Ndugu?: Maggie isn’t the most interesting, a good sister and friends. She doesn’t remind me of my goddess Lexie. 

15. Jo Wilson: Jo is one of the strongest characters on the show, went through, I hope does the best OB/GYN and raising Luna.

14. Levi Schmitt/Nico Kim: Here’s the thing is Levi is emotional person but Nico is a reserved person. Both Levi and Nico made mistake but some fans believe is Nico’s is the worst but, he’s just like any other Grey’s Anatomy character. I hope the  actor gets promoted to series regular  so we can see more of this adorable nerd and his sexy, beefy boyfriend. 

13. Amelia Shepherd: Amelia shown that struggle alot but has redeemed herself and to she to be good and badass person and surgeon.

12. April Kepner: Didn’t like her in season 6 and 7 but evolve into hot and badass. Her season 17 appearance was disappointing. 

11. George O’Malley: I like he’s very nice, he’s would’ve an excellent trauma sugeron so we replace Owen

Saints/Angel

10. Addison Montgomery: Why Derek call her Satan, Cheating your husband his is very bad it’s bad has to be called that. And she and Meredith has good friendship.

Callie Torres: I loved Callie, she’s friend, surgeon, partner, she’s good  even though she’s very whine and selfish sometimes.

8. Arizona Robbins: Like Nico Kim, fan Arizona responsible for happened in her relationship Callie. They only hold her responsible for cheating and Japril baby. Them going to Africa to saved poor kids that can’t get a doctor was righteous but Callie kept whining. Treating badly after the plane crash, she’s loss her leg and her trust in Callie. 

7. Meredith Grey: Meredith is a strong person went through a lot and but came out bright and shiny.

6. Richard Webber: Richard is a man who willing to learn from others. I hated him in season 5 and 6 because how controlling he felt but he’s became just an attending I liked him.

5. Miranda Bailey: She’s boss bitch and mother like figure and pretty one. And yeah she kinda suck at the chief.

God and Goddess 

4. Lexie Grey: She’s good sister and who’s truly care about her family, friend, and Mark.

3. Mark Sloan: I hated Mark for first few season but he became a that I know that he’s character that will earn my liking. 

2. Alex Karev: I hated Alex the first few season but he shown he caring guy and who will there everyone he loves. I rather forget his below average departure.

1. Cristina Yang: I love Cristina, back when I hated Alex didn’t Cristina was rude because was only that could put down Alex. She in her own way is very good person. But season 9 she became amazing teacher.

[iamtrebleclefstories]

I believe in second chances - part seven

teasing friends and wedding dates

hi, it’s been a minute. life got crazy busy and I had major writers block. if you need a refresher on what happened previously, go check out my master list

—Part 7—

“Wow, you clean up nicely,” Meredith teased as she walked into the attendings lounge to find Alex getting ready for the wedding.

“He’s taking Wilson with him to Bailey’s wedding,” Jackson shot a sly smile over their way. “That’s why he keeps fiddling with his tie.”

“Shut up,” Alex grumbled as he straightened his tie for the fifth time.

“Aww he’s nervous,” April laughed as she fastened her earrings. “How sweet. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you this flustered, Karev.”

“I’m not nervous,” Alex furrowed his brow and smoothed down his jacket. “I just want to look nice. Is that so bad?”

“Oh, he’s totally nervous,” Cristina snickered. “Twenty bucks says he makes a fool out of himself tonight.”

“Nah, I think he’s gonna get laid tonight,” Jackson’s lips curved up into a grin.

“Will you guys shut up already?” Alex huffed, annoyed at their constant meddling. “We’re going as friends. I already told you guys. I’m not rushing anything, I’m not pushing anything. And my goal isn’t to get into her pants.”

“I hate this mature, sappy side of you,” Cristina scowled in disgust. “You’re no fun anymore. What happened to filthy, diseased, manwhore Alex?”

“He fell in love,” Alex replied simply, gaining a slew of raised eyebrows and surprised looks from his friends.

“Woah he actually said it. He admitted that he’s in love with her,” April’s jaw dropped.

“Pay up, Avery,” Cristina extended her hand. “I told you he was gonna say it.”

“You guys suck,” Alex glared at them and stood up from the chair and walked towards the door. “I’m leaving. I’ll see you guys at the wedding.”

Alex walked out of the attendings lounge and over to the intern locker room, palms sweating. He didn’t know why he was so nervous. It wasn’t as if he and Jo hadn’t spent alone time together. They’d gone out to the bar and for pizza after work multiple times. This wasn’t anything they hadn’t done previously. Even in the before, when Jo and Alex weren’t nearly as close as they were now, the concept of the two of them going out alone wasn’t anything out of the ordinary. But for some reason, Alex couldn’t slow the hammering of his heart as he approached the locker room.

Straightening his tie one more time and clearing his throat, Alex walked into the room. He felt his breath hitch in his throat as Jo walked out of the bathroom and mooted out her dress. Jo’s eyes widened as she saw Alex waiting in the doorway, dressed up in suit and tie, fidgeting nervously.

She blushed lightly when she noticed his staring, “You clean up nicely.”

“Thanks,” Alex smiled bashfully. “You… you look beautiful.”

“Thank you,” Jo’s cheeks flushed at the compliment.

They stood there awkwardly for a second before Alex shook himself from his thoughts and spoke, “You ready to go?”

“Uh, yeah. I’m ready,” Jo answered and grabbed her purse, walking out the door Alex held open. “So… Bailey’s actually getting married today.”

“Yup,” Alex nodded.

“Guess that means the interns should stop calling her booty-call Bailey. Since she’s going to be a married woman and all,” Jo chuckled slightly.

Alex let out a snort. He’d forgotten about the nickname the interns had given Bailey his first year as a fellow, “Yeah… might be a good idea.”

*****

“Dude go talk to her,” Jackson urged Alex. “She’s been sitting at the bar alone for the last twenty minutes. You need to go over there before one of the groomsmen tries to pick her up and take her home tonight.

Alex shot Jackson a glare, “Shut up, no one is going to take her home tonight except me.” His eyes widened when realized how that sentence sounded. “I mean… I’m going to, I just… I’m trying to figure out what I’m going to say.”

“I don’t think I’m ever going to get used to seeing you like this,” April took another sip of her wine. “Just have a conversation with her like a normal human being. Jackson is right. You can’t sit here forever.”

“I know that,” Alex groaned when April and Jackson’s pagers went off.

“Well, it looks like you’re going to have to go talk to her now because we are leaving,” Jackson smirked and held out his hand for April to follow him.

“Good luck Romeo,” April waved as she and Jackson walked away.

Alex exhaled and made his way over to the bar where Jo was sulking. Burying his hands in his pockets and plastering a nervous smile on his face, he motioned for the bartender, “Beer for me and another round for Hobo Jo. Let me guess… Thunderbird? Or is it straight paint thinner?” He grinned at the bartender. “You got a little brown paper bag you can put that in?”

“Stop that,” Jo rolled her eyes as a smile creeped its way onto her face. “I had no parents. I lived in my car. But you can’t exactly say you’re any better, “Mr. I went to juvie.’”

“Shut up,” Alex laughed. “At least you didn’t have to see your schizo mom go after your baby brother with a steak knife. Which reminds me - I should call and check on them. It’s been a while.”

“Yeah, that might be a good idea,” Jo hummed. She looked down at the drink in her hand. “Where did Kepner and Avery go? I thought you were talking with them at the table.”

“They got paged for a trauma,” Alex answered.

“Do we have to go?” Jo stood up from the chair. “Let’s go.”

“Oh no,” Alex guided Jo back to her seat. “You don’t get to practice medicine with booze in your system. Besides, you’re on peds and we’re not needed.”

“But I wanted to get in on a cool trauma surgery,” Jo pouted.

“If you keep drinking like that, you’ll be the trauma case,” Alex quipped, eliciting a playful glare from Jo. “After this, no more paint thinner. I’ll buy you a couple beers, though. I know your limit on those.”

“Kill joy,” Jo responded and ordered a round of tequila shots, leaving Alex to stare in disbelief. “Oh come on, do at least one round of shots with me. I’m much more fun to be around when I’m drunk anyway.”

“Call me crazy, but I prefer you sober,” Alex pushed the shot glasses the bartender had placed in front of them away from Jo.

“Alex. Please,” Jo looked at him with wide eyes and stuck out her bottom lip.

“Really? Puppy dog eyes. You’re seriously going to go there?” Alex gave her an unimpressed look.

“Is it working?”

Not being able to say no to that face, Alex relented, "Fine. But only one round of shots and no more. I don't feel like throwing you over my shoulder and hauling your drunk ass out of here tonight."

"Why not? That sounds like fun," Jo's eyes shined brightly.

"Shut up," Alex rolled his eyes.

*****

"Oh my God, did you see his face?" Jo held her stomach as she cackled. "It was priceless. And your face! Your face when he walked in was hilarious."

"And then you threw the vodka shots at him," Alex wiped a couple tears. "Oh man… I haven't laughed like that in years."

It was true, the first time he'd experienced breaking into a stranger's hotel room in the before had been hilarious, but this time around was somehow funnier than he remembered it. Maybe it's because he knew Jo better in this reality. Knowing who she was made it easier to laugh with her and be himself.

Something that he was reminded of since waking up in this timeline was that he never had to be afraid to be himself with Jo. In this timeline as well as the previous one, she had immediately accepted him for who he was. It was an overwhelming realization. Before Jo, no one had simply accepted him for who he was and not who they wanted him to be. Sure his friends accepted him--eventually--but It wasn't without trying to change him first before realizing that this was who he was.

He fought the desire to just pull Jo into his arms and kiss her. He couldn't do that. Not when everything that happened in this timeline depended on the decisions he made going forward.

Still, Alex couldn't help himself as he stared at Jo who sat at the Kitchen island with a carefree smile on her face. So, he finally made his move, "Let's go out today. We both have off, we should do something fun, go somewhere nice.”

"Why would we go out when we can laze around and do nothing here?" Jo reached out for a banana that was in the bowl in front of her. "Besides, going out during the day isn't really our thing. If we go out it's usually for drinks after work and we inevitably end up back here and sit on the couch watching bad TV and joking around for hours until we fall asleep. Plus, I don't even want to think about alcohol after last night. And I definitely do not want to see the state of my liver."

Alex shook his head, "I'm not asking you to get day drunk with me. I'm asking you to go out with me."

Jo's jaw dropped and the banana in her hands fell onto the counter and her eyes looked as though they might bulge out of her skull at any second. She opened and closed her mouth a couple times before speaking, "Oh… You mean a… Oh!" She blinked at him a few times. "Alex… I'm just… I come with a lot of baggage--"

"I know, and that's okay," Alex assured her.

" I'm- I'm not ready to be with anyone yet," Jo attempted to let him down gently. "I like you, I really do. You're probably my best friend. But I need to fix my mess first. One day soon, I'll do it. I'll fix the mess in my brain and I'll be ready."

"Okay," Alex nodded. "Well, I'll be here when you are."

If Jo needed any confirmation or indicator as to what kind of man Alex was, that one comment was enough to crush any doubts she may have had about his character.

"You'd really do that? You'd wait?" She asked.

"Look, I'm going to say something that might freak you out a little because you get squirrely when you're scared, but Jo… I want you and I'm not going anywhere. I'll wait my whole damn life for you because you're worth it. You’re worth being waited on," Alex sighed, eyes softening at the woman sitting across from him. "For now, we're whatever you want us to be. You're taking the lead."

"Let's go out," Jo shrugged. "I mean, we're friends, right? We can still go out. Friends go out with each other."

"Yeah," Alex replied casually. "We can do that."

"Okay."

[crowensbaby]

CHAPTER 2

“Mom, we're not staying at the hotel, are we? I do not like them!" although they had woken up at a very unusual time that morning, Vanessa had not slept for the whole flight and now that they were about to land, it seemed that not even the jet-lag had calmed her "No Nessa. We will stay at Aunt Mer's house. So you can play with Zola, Bailey and Ellis as much as you like. "" Are they coming to the hospital kindergarten too? " “Zola no more. She is grown up now and she has to go to school. Now stand still and I fasten your seat belt ".

Within minutes, mother and daughter were running into Meredith who was waiting for them with someone else beside her. The little girl immediately let go of Cristina's hand and ran to meet the two people “Aunt Mer! Aunt Lexie! " she hugged both of them tightly smiling "Honey we missed you!" the cardiothoracic surgeon made her appearance at that moment "Apparently you stole my daughter" she joked, as she hugged her person and her best interne, who was now a close friend almost on the level of her sister "Don't get me wrong but that's enough for me my children. Then she is literally a mini version of you embodied in a female version of Owen! " "I would gladly steal she but I think Mark is enough Sofia and the baby on the way" continued the game Lexie, putting a hand on her baby bump of six months of pregnancy "Mom who is Owen?" Vanessa had been silent listening to them until, she had not realized that she did not know the man who had mentioned Aunt Meredith. Cristina blanched but she still tried not to be noticed by her daughter, and Lexie opted to change the subject “What do you think darling if we all go home now? You will be tired. You rest for a while and afterwards, when Zola, Bailey, Ellis and Sofia get back from school, you play everything together, will you? " the little girl smiled in agreement, momentarily forgetting the initial topic of the conversation.

After returning to the Shepherd-Grey's dream house, the two Yangs settled in the room that had always been destined for the Asian and slept for several hours. Jet lag was devastating for anyone!

They woke up just before dinner because four hurricane children had thrown themselves onto their bed as soon as Meredith told them they had arrived “AUNT CRISTINA! VANESSA! HOW BEAUTIFUL TO SEE YOU! " both laughed as they were embraced with all the strength they possessed. "We too missed you little beasts" said Cristina "Ness, we have to tell you so many things! Come to the hospital tomorrow, right aunt? We need to introduce you to lots of new people! " when she spoke with this enthusiasm, Sofia resembled Arizona much more than she aesthetically resembled Callie. “I think so… indeed certainly. I promise I'll bring she to you soon after, however, first let's go and see Alex and Jo "while they were talking, the whole little company ended up in the living room where the hosts, Lexie, Mark, Callie and Arizona were sitting on the sofa" CRISTINA! O MY GOD WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE ?! " the orthopedist did not immediately notice the little girl that her friend had in her arms until she had almost hugged her "Awww! And who is this beautiful teddy bear? " Arizona said, approaching and stroking her redhead hair. “This is Vanessa, my daughter. Say hello honey ”“ Hello. Are you mum's friends? " the two brides looked at the curly hair with disbelief “Moms, she is Zola's cousin I told you about. Can we give you a tour of the hospital tomorrow? " "Of course sweetie. There are no problems for us. Go ask Dad and Aunt Meredith now. ”The whole time they hadn't stopped looking at the - apparently - mother of that little girl who looked so much like Owen Hunt. Cristina felt very uncomfortable unfortunately, she knew that sooner or later she would have to talk about it so, with a look she made it clear to the two to wait until after dinner.

But apparently "after dinner" she wasn't just going to talk to Callie and Arizona because Miss Alexandra Caroline Gray had decided that throwing a little party with people from the hospital for Cristina Yang's return would be a great idea! Fortunately, some had not been able to come because they had emergencies. Present were Bailey with Ben and Tuck, Jackson and Harriet, Maggie Pierce - Meredith's other sister -, Teddy Altman and a very pregnant Amelia Shepherd!

A strange sensation formed in the pit of the Asian's stomach when she saw her, thinking that Owen hadn't taken so long to replace her with someone else who wanted to give him children without thinking twice "It's not his. As I predicted they didn't last. ”Altman had stopped behind her and now she was also reading her thoughts“ Teddy! Oh my God, look at you! Is this a time of year when everyone is pregnant? " “It may be but, the next is Amelia. She could give birth at any moment and, if it happened tonight, I would not want to be in the father of the child who, as I told you, is not Owen "" Oh, you weren't kidding? Weren't they married? As far as I know, they were "" You said well, they were. A lot of things happened and they got divorced. About a year ago a new God of orthopedics arrived - actually two but the other is not important now - and… well now Amelia is with him who, of course, is the father of the child "the owner of the KlausMann Institute felt. immediately as one of those burdens she carried on her shoulders, he took off, reassuring her at least on one aspect of her life.

In the end, the dinner was not as bad as she had expected, quite the opposite! She had talked a lot with Teddy who, had also introduced her to Maggie Pierce. Apparently the girl is a genius since she graduated in medicine at 18! Apparently her intelligence belongs to the family.

She then had joked with Jackson and April - arrived just before the start of dinner - and had discovered the little girl with whom the man had arrived belonged to both of them. Not that she was surprised, those two were absolutely made for each other.

But the important part of the evening came at that moment: after Shepherd and Pierce had left, all the others had made themselves comfortable waiting for Cristina to clarify some things while, all the children were playing in the other room " You are doctors! You all know how to create a child! " began the Asian, trying a little to dampen the tension "This is not the point Yang! How could you hide such a thing from him ?! " Miranda Bailey and her scolding “I never wanted to do that! When I realized that I could have been pregnant I was shocked but I immediately took the test. It came out negative and, before you ask, I also did the blood test. That too was negative. So when I realized I was actually pregnant, I was in my fifth month. When Vanessa was born the first thing I thought was that I had to tell Owen but then, they told me he was married and I ... I was afraid of ruining his life "Meredith, next to the cardiothoracic surgeon, shook her hand, in 'exact moment when all the children entered screaming in the living room "Are you bad, Mom?" her little girl is too bright “No darling. Did you have to tell me something? " "Did you know that Harriet also comes to the daycare?" "Yes, I know. Her parents work in that hospital. They’re that woman with red hair and the black man with green eyes. But you have to promise me not to run away from daycare, okay? " “Okay mom. I promise you ”“ Good darling ”and the two Yang embraced.

Tonight, when the whole Shepherd-Gray house was in complete silence, Cristina thought only that tomorrow would be the hardest day she had ever experienced.

[thejolexgroupchat]

the one where they met in med school - part twenty-two

siblings and paper rings

Hello everyone!! Thanks so much for all of your support for this fic. We hope you enjoy this next section!

(March 2009)

———

"Alex!" Meredith screeched as she met him in the hallway. "Alex! Answer your damn phone. I've been trying to call you for the past hour. Why weren't you answering my calls?"

"Sorry, Jo and I were in an on-call room, ya know," Alex smirked, a smug glint in his eye.

"Ew, gross," Meredith made a face. "I did not need to know that."

"Well, aren't you happy that I didn't answer your calls while we were—"

"No, no, I'm going to stop you right there because I don't want to hear about the dirty, jailhouse hooker things that you and Jo do in the dark corners of the hospital," Meredith shuddered. "Anyway, that's not what I wanted to talk about?”

“What did you want to talk about?” Alex exhaled impatiently.

“I wanted to talk about why your brother showed up at my house this morning while I was in the shower,” Meredith whisper-yelled. “Why didn’t I know you have a brother? And why doesn’t he know where you live?”

“Crap,” Alex paused in the middle of the hallway. “What’s he doing here?”

“I don’t know, but I told him I’d bring him here with me to see you, so he’s hanging out in the lounge right now,” Meredith answered.

The pair walked down to the residents’ lounge quickly. When Alex entered, he saw his brother standing there, talking to Izzie, Lexie, Jackson and Cristina.

“Alex is the oldest, then me, and then Amber,” Aaron took a bite out of the granola bar in his hand. “Amber’s graduating from St. Savior’s in May. She’s… she’s smart like Alex. She could go to college if she wanted to, but she’s like “what’s the point?” you know?” And I don’t know what to tell her. Alex is the doctor in the family. I just move people for a living.”

“Hey, what are you doing here?” Alex chuckled lightly, startling Aaron, whose face lit up upon hearing Alex’s voice.

“Alex!” Aaron grinned and pulled his older brother into a tight hug. “Man you got old.”

“Dude, uh, what are you doing here?” Alex asked again.

“I had to drive to Portland on a job, and since Portland is in the neighborhood...” Aaron shrugged.

“Well, Portland is not in the neighborhood,” Alex shook his head, an amused smile on his face.

“It’s three hours,” Aaron waved dismissively. “I can do three hours in my sleep.”

“Alex, he’s your brother. He’s allowed to come say hi,” Lexie rolled her eyes.

“I’m overdue for a visit,” Aaron explained. “It’s been almost five and a half years.”

“No it has not,” Alex made a face.

“Since you’ve been home?” Aaron raised his eyebrows. “Five and a half years.”

“You haven’t been home in five years?” Izzie gasped.

“Has it been five years?” Meredith looked at Alex expectantly.

“Amber was twelve the last time we saw you. It was that Christmas when you brought Jo home for the first time and mom walked in on you guys having sex because you’d just gotten together the night before,” Aaron chuckled at the memory.

“Glad to see some things never change,” Cristina muttered under her breath. “We walk in on them on a weekly basis around here. They've been going at it like rabbits for the past few weeks.”

“We were not having sex,” Alex protested. “We were… kissing that’s all.”

“Oh yes, kissing with no clothes on. Definitely not having sex,” Aaron quipped sarcastically, garnering a few chuckles from the residents in the room. “Where is Jo by the way? Doesn’t she work here with you?”

“Aaron?”

“Speak of the devil,” Jackson nudged Lexie as Jo stood in the doorway of the lounge.

“Jo?”

“Ah! Aaron?” Jo rushed over and embraced him enthusiastically. “Oh my gosh, I can’t believe it!” Jo pulled away to get a good look at Aaron. “Look at you. You’re all grown up.”

“Grown up enough to get you to leave my brother for me?” Aaron joked.

“Yikes, I hate to break it to you, but there’s only one Karev that holds the number one spot in my heart,” Jo paused for dramatic effect. “Amber.”

“Shut up,” Alex laughed at his girlfriend. “I think my mom would agree too. I think all of us would agree.”

“He’s right,” Aaron nodded, a smile on his face.

“So, what’s going on?” Jo asked. “Not that I’m not happy to see you, but, why are you here?”

“Well, I missed you guys,” Aaron tilted his head. “But since you guys are doctors, I thought I’d ask…” Aaron lifted up his shirt. “Should I be worried about this?”

***

When he woke up that morning, Alex did not think he’d be spending the first part of his day trying to locate Dr. Bailey in order to beg her to perform his brother’s umbilical hernia repair pro bono. But there he found himself filling out his brother’s paperwork as Aaron roamed the halls in a hospital gown saying God knows what to all of his coworkers. By the time Alex found Aaron again, he was sitting at a chair behind the nurses station, staring at the scans the Jo had pulled up.

“And that right there is a kidney,” Jo pointed at the screen.

“No way,” Aaron’s lips curved up slightly. “That’s so cool. Sometimes I wish I would’ve gone to school or training of some sort. I’ve always thought that I could’ve been a good firefighter.”

“You’ve still got plenty of time,” Jo encouraged. “You’re young and can do whatever you want.”

“I guess you’re right,” Aaron nodded. “I gotta live through this surgery first.”

“It’s a simple procedure,” Alex explained as he came up beside them. “Dr. Bailey is one of the best and she’s done this countless times. You’re going to be fine.”

“Alright, well I’ve got to go,” Jo straightened and placed a small kiss on Alex’s cheek. “I’m in the pit today with Hunt. Love you!”

“Love you, too,” Alex replied  watching as Jo walked away.

“You look stupid,” Aaron made fun of his older brother who glared at him. “I’m serious. You’re watching her walk away like you’re never going to see her again.”

“Shut up,” Alex rolled his eyes. “Let’s get you to your room.”

“Why aren’t you guys, you know, married yet?” Aaron asked when they finally got back to his hospital room.

“Because we’re not,” Alex replied simply.

“That’s not an answer,” Aaron sat down on the bed. “I’m serious. Why haven’t you married her? You guys have been together for over five years. What are you doing? Is this it? Is this all you have to give of yourself?”

“Of course not,” Alex sighed. “Look, we haven’t really told anyone this, but we’re kind of trying for a baby.”

“You’re trying for a what, now?” Aaron’s eyes bulged. “A baby? As in an actual child that’s half you, half her, that you would raise together?”

“Yeah,” Alex breathed out a shaky laugh. “Yeah we are… well, weren’t not exactly trying, just not... preventing anything.”

“That’s great man. I’m happy for you two. I’m glad that you feel ready to take that step,” Aaron patted Alex's shoulder. “That still doesn’t explain why you haven’t popped the question yet. Grandma Lois would kill you if she found out that you were trying to knock your girl up before marrying her.”

“I think I’m going to propose soon. I need to get a ring though, and it has to be perfect… I want to give her everything. She deserves that,” Alex stated quietly.

“You may want to give her everything, but honestly? I don’t think she wants everything,” Aaron looked up at his older brother’s puzzled face. “I think she just wants you. And to be married to you and have kids with you. You’re all she wants and all she really needs. I know you aren’t used to that because of the way we grew up, but Alex, you’re going to keep making excuses for why you can’t propose for the rest of your life as long as you keep thinking that she deserves better than what you can give her.”

“When did you get so smart?” Alex narrowed his eyes. “I swear, the last time I saw you, the only thing on your mind was football and sex.”  

“I grew up,” Aaron shrugged, a dimpled smile donning his cheeks. “Just ask her to marry you already. If you want, I’ll go with you to look at rings as soon as they clear me after surgery.”

“I’d like that,” Alex grinned, leaning forward to ruffle Aaron’s hair. “You’re going places, kid.”

***

Two Weeks Later

“Did you hear Nurse Jen got engaged last weekend? She came back from skiing with a massive rock on her hand.”

“Really? That’s like the sixth one in the past two months,” Cristina’s voice was annoyed, Meredith chuckling at her. “I only know because they always make a big deal out of their gloves ripping on the flashy rings their spoiled rich boy fiancé’s buy them.”

Alex rolled his eyes as he shrugged out of his scrub top and grabbed his shirt from his locker. He was used to the pointless gossip the three girls swapped in the locker room, their voices and laughter always echoing out louder than anything else happening in the room.

“Maybe the next one won’t be a nurse but one of our very own residents,” Meredith chucked her scarf at Alex, making him toss the fabric back and stare down the three women with a disgruntled stare. “Don’t give me that look, I think it’s about time you manned up and popped the question to Jo! I mean it feels like just yesterday we were calling her Dracula and now she’s kicking ass and taking names.”

“She’s got a point, Evil Spawn, pretty soon she’s gonna get tired of your shit and realize she’s way too good for you,” Alex met Cristina with a glare, the dark haired woman winking at him in return. “Seriously though, why’re you dragging your feet?”

“Shut up,” Alex grunted, trying to push the conversation aside.

“C'mon, Alex, you guys have been together for a million years and you haven’t even thought about marrying her,” Izzie threw her hands up in exasperation as Cristina and Meredith nodded their heads in agreement. “I'd be getting impatient if I were her. Me and George weren’t even together when we got married. But we loved each other and that was enough. Especially since life is short and you never know how much time you have left.”

“If it’s the commitment you’re afraid of, that’s okay. We’re all messed up and have problems with that, but I have to agree with them, Alex. Time is ticking,” Meredith said, folding her clothes and putting them in the locker. “And if it’s the wedding you’re worried about, you can always borrow my post-it notes.” She chuckled, making the other girls join her in a laughing fit.

“Leave me alone, all three of you. I have thought about marrying her, I’m aware that she could do much better, and I’m not afraid of commitment or the wedding part. I actually want to have a giant wedding, for your information,” Alex scowled before allowing his face to soften a bit. “And I don’t owe you any explanation because this is none of your business, but…” he rummaged around his locker and pulled out a tiny box that made all the women gasp giddily. “I’ve had to keep it here for the past week because she’d find it in the loft, but I’m proposing. Tonight.” He smiled, sitting down and showing them the ring.

“Oh crap!” Cristina’s eyes widened. “You bought an actual diamond engagement ring.”

“No I’m proposing with a paper ring,” Alex deadpanned. “Of course I bought a ring.”

“Alex, this ring is beautiful,” Izzie fawned over it.

“Really? You think she’ll like it?” He looked at it one more time before turning his gaze to the trio standing right behind him.

“I think she’ll love it,” Meredith said.

“Good. All those options at the store made me anxious. I never thought I’d ever go ring shopping, so I’m still a bit insecure about my choice, but I hope you’re right. I hope she loves it,” Alex let out a nervous breath, closing the little box again and putting it back in the back of his locker.

“Dude, grow a pair,” Cristina teased him.

“Shut up,” Alex rolled his eyes, making them laugh as they made their way out of the room.

“Don’t worry, Evil Spawn. Dracula is gonna love it. You did a great job,” Cristina patted his back with a smile on her face as they parted ways.

What did you think of this chapter of the med school fic? Are you just as excited as we are? Let us know what you think in the comments!

[thedefinitionofendgame]

baseball takes your mind off things

Slexie, Merder and Cristowen one-shot | Rated T | Canon-compliant with 6x03

A/N: The baseball scene at the end of 6.03 after Lexie doesn’t get fired with the hospital cuts (and neither did Meredith or Cristina). Will go down as one of my favourite “couples” scenes on grey’s and I literally don’t know why. Maybe because everyone looks so happy, and both Derek and Meredith are cool with Mark and Lexie being together. All is well, aka the calm before the storm that is the Mercy West merger.

•

You can read this work on ao3 and fanfiction.net as well

Written and cover by @thedefinitionofendgame (aka me)

It was just six doctors off-duty-three medical students, three well-known surgeons-all just messing around with baseballs and beer bottles in their hands. For the surgeons, it was another night of fun with their girls and the boys. For the medical students, it was a way to take the edge off as they had all just survived the first round of merger cuts. Meredith wasn’t surprised all three of the women had made it; they were all more than capable. Cristina especially, although sometimes her actions were a little questionable. Lexie, as Meredith’s younger sister, had a legacy to live up to but she also was becoming a very talented surgeon. Mark never hesitated to tell her that.

Meredith was still trying to figure Mark Sloan out. Sure, he was a player and slept around a lot prior to getting together with Lexie Grey. It was one of the reasons why Meredith was very against Derek’s best friend and Lexie at first. She was the one who told Derek to tell Mark to keep “little Mark” in his pants when it came to Lexie. That was her first mistake, because all it seemed to do was make Mark want Lexie; a guy clearly likes the challenge of fooling around with someone he can’t have. Although they weren’t just fooling around; Lexie loved Mark and Mark loved Lexie. Lexie had assured Meredith he wasn’t taking advantage of her and that they were going to be together, blessing or not. Meredith didn’t want to lose her sister that she had only recently found out she had, so she caved. Now here she was, with her sister, her best friend, her husband, his best friend, and then Owen. Meredith supposed everyone had a connection to her somehow, except for Owen Hunt. Sure, he was her best friend’s boyfriend but they weren’t super close. Anyways, that wasn’t the point.

The point was that Meredith, Cristina and Lexie had all made the first round of cuts. Cristina had to go and put a damper on their good news by stating it was the first round of more to come. Nevertheless, Meredith was happy for all of them. The men had decided that a game of baseball was in order, not so much a game as a chance to blow off some steam. Originally, Cristina was going to stay at the hospital, and Meredith with her. Then Owen came along with beers and announced that baseball was necessary, rounding up Meredith and Derek. They found Mark comforting Lexie in the foyer; Meredith’s first thought was that she had been cut when she saw the tears on Lexie’s cheeks. But they were actually tears of joy, and Mark was doing his boyfriend-ly job by soothing her regardless of it being a victory or loss.

Okay, maybe former-womanizer Mark Sloan could be a good guy. Guess he just had to find the right girl.

Meredith snapped back to focus to cheer Cristina on, after she managed to hit the baseball flying at her face. Lexie wanted a turn next, so she handed her beer off to Mark, slapped one of the helmets on her head and headed to take a crack at it. Derek, who was playing back catcher, caught Meredith’s eye and winked; he really did love his complicated-but-loving wife.

Meredith and him, well they’re love story hadn’t been a smooth one. It started with a one-night stand that ended up being taken to work of all places. Turns out Seattle wasn’t as large as they thought. But Derek wouldn’t change all the bumps in the road, including his ex-wife coming back into his life and then leaving almost as fast, to go back and not meet Meredith. She was his endgame, his ride-or-die and his forever. Post-it or not, they would always be married and love each other until the ends of the Earth.

It was the love he felt for Meredith, that made him reconcile things with Mark. Mark Sloan had had the tendency to make jackass moves all his life; sleeping with Addison being one of many. But specifically going against Derek’s only ask that he didn’t date Lexie, well that had been a bit far. They had fought it out like teenage boys, despite the fact they were grown men, and with the girls’ help had then talked it out. Mark had assured him that Lexie wasn’t another fling that he’d get rid of in a couple weeks. She was the real-deal. And even though Derek doubted it at first, there was no denying that Mark Sloan loved Little Grey. It took Mark a lot to ever say the word “love” about a girl, for the long term. Confessing his relationship status to Derek had been tough, but it only made Derek realize how much Mark actually cared for Lexie; he was willing to lose his best friend over the girl he loved.

Derek liked Meredith’s “sisters” both the blood-related and the symbolic one. Cristina Yang was all shades of talented, and while she wasn’t all smiley like Lexie, she knew how to perform surgery like a boss. She and Meredith had been there for each other through a lot, and Meredith needed good friends like Cristina. She needed her “person”; someone who would be there through the thick and thin. Best friends don’t come along often, and Derek of all people knew that in regards to Mark. His and Mark’s friendship hadn’t been smooth-sailing, but deep down they cared for each other. He was the brother Derek never had, because God or someone else had cursed him with sisters.

Crouching behind the batter, who at the moment was Lexie Grey, Derek turned his attention to the baseball winding up inside the machine. Owen Hunt had been speaking all kinds of smartness when he told Cristina she needed to focus on what was in front of her, in that very moment. The ex-army trauma surgeon did know what he was talking about and while he didn’t always make the best choices, he sure knew how to give a short but sweet peptalk. Derek smacked his hand into the glove and waited, ready for whatever life threw at him.

They took shot after shot, of both alcohol (well more like sips) and baseball. It was a wild night, as the three couples laughed and had fun just being. No cares were in their minds anymore; even Cristina had stopped fretting about the next round of cuts. Meredith had Derek’s jackets wrapped around her shoulders, while Lexie snuck drinks of Mark’s beer, and Owen helped Cristina work on her swing stance. It was peaceful and though Cristina didn’t like to admit it, her boyfriend’s idea was a good one.

It felt good to clear her head, to take her mind off the rush at the hospital. Nothing could ever feel as good as the rush of surgery but hitting a baseball swung mighty close. At least in this moment right now. She might feel differently if she woke up the next morning with a sore arm from taking hits all evening. Although Owen had already whispered in her ear about promising to massage her back if her muscles were tight. It was an opportunity Cristina was prepared to take full advantage of.

She and Owen were something else. Not fierce, but good. Comfortable. They were good together and they knew what the other wanted, at least they both thought they did. Sure, they would never get married on a post-it note like Meredith and Derek had, although who could really match with Meredith and Derek? They were utterly perfect and utterly in love. It was a miracle they were here tonight, actually, and not Christening more surfaces in the house. “Newlyweds” had been their excuse, according to Lexie. Little Grey was here tonight having a blast and the beer in her system made her a little more rowdy than normal. Cristina couldn’t help but enjoy this new side of Lexie.

Mark was also enjoying it, watching his girl jump up and down when she hit the ball square on the bat, making a nice crack sound and sending the little white sphere tumbling through the air. He wouldn’t help but stare at her ass too, because damn did Little Grey have a nice ass. She had a nice everything, but of her physical features her ass was his favourite. Mark shook his head as Derek stepped up to plate next; he did not want to think of his best friend’s ass at all.

It was Owen who was the most observing throughout the night. He watched his girlfriend loosen up and start to feel more like her regular self. Cristina was normally uptight but she had been very uptight recently. A night of hitting a ball around was clearly doing some good, and it was good to see Mark and Derek getting along as though nothing had happened between them. Owen didn’t know much about the fistfight that went down, besides the fact that Derek had thrown the first punch, but whatever it was hadn’t managed to tear the two guys apart. If the cost was being the third wheel amongst the bros for them to get along, then Owen was happy to pay the price.

At last everyone started to lose energy, and the baseball night drew to a close. Lexie took off her sweaty helmet and threw it into the back of Mark’s vehicle. She said goodbye to her sister and her husband with hugs; Cristina and Owen got a wave as they headed for the opposite side of the parking lot. Mark drove away with a smile on his face and Lexie’s fingers interlaced with his.

They didn’t speak, but Lexie knew what he was feeling. They were happy, they had their jobs and they loved each other. That was all that mattered; it was all that ever mattered. Tonight had been a whirlwind, though Lexie loved it. She loved her life, she loved the man sitting beside her, and she loved her newfound sister. Life was good.

So good, in fact, that she didn’t even think about the Mercy West merger that was about to take place.

Not one thought.

[takenbyheartstrings]

Pretty White Dress [ a.d ]

Summary: You and DeLuca have been dating for four years, when he decides to surprise you on your fourth anniversary, things just go the way he wants them to, because not every story has a happy ending, but this story does.

Pairing: Andrew DeLuca x dr!Reader

Authors Note: i almost died writing this, that’s it.

Warnings: SO MUCH FLUFF

As cheif of trauma, you had a lot of dignity. You were in a very high position in the hospital, being Amelia’s younger sister by a year, was anything but easy, as the youngest Shepherd and living with your three sisters who were also the chiefs of the hospital, basically, the hospital was run by your family. Being there since your intern days with Jo.

You woke up that morning, Andrews’ arm around your waist, he held you close. You smiled as he was awake holding you because he knew it was the best thing for you, he knew it was what you liked. You had been dating for what felt like ten yeas, but was only three going on four today.

You turned to meet Andrews eyes, “Morning.”

He pressed his lips to yours, “Morning, bubba, happy four year anniversary.” he muttered.

You smiled pressing another kiss to his lips, “Happy four year.”

You stood out of Andrews embrace putting your clothes on, as you felt him watch you, you turned around glaring at him playfully, “Creep.” You smiled lightly as you fell back on the bed in a sweater and pair jeans, as Andrew pulled you back into his embrace.

“C’mon, you’re gonna be late for rounds, and Meredith is carpooling us, and you know how mad she gets when someone’s late - I don’t want your gorgeous head chopped off.” You smiled pressing a kiss to his lips as you got up once more and threw him his slacks, boxers, and a white button-down shirt.

He smiled, putting on his clothes as you ran out the door and downstairs where you could hear Meredith beeping her horn outside of your house. Meredith, Amelia, and Maggie walked in.

Meredith looked at you sternly, “There you are! We thought you were dead,”

Rolling your eyes at Meredith, “Andrew hurry up!” You called from the bottom of the stairs as he ran down, his shirt unbuttoned as he started to button it.

“Good morning.” He smiled as all your sisters looked stood still staring as did you.

“Yes, it’s a very good morning.” Amelia smiled.

You looked at your older sister, “Amelia!” You slapped her arm as she jumped

“Ow!” Amelia pouted, “I deserved it,” She muttered quietly

As all of you piled into the car, you sat next to Andrew as Meredith pulled out the two new seats from the trunk of her car as a space for Alex and Jo.

As you stopped in front of their house, Meredith beeped her horn at them, “I’m gonna be so late for rounds,”

“No you’re not,” Maggie sighed, “You’re on my service today,”

“Aren’t you glad my sisters like you.” You smiled.

Meredith looked at you, “Who said we liked him?” She laughed as Andrew’s eyes went wide, “I’m kidding - I have to like him, you’ve been dating for four years.”

“Good,” You smile at Andrew, as we pull up into Meredith’s parking spot, “So, I’ll see you after work.” You placed a kiss on Andrew’s lips, you started to walk off, “Love you, Bub!”

“Love you too!” He called.

You sighed as Amelia walked into the cafeteria, sitting down next to you, with Jo beside you already, “How are my two favorite girls doing?” She smiled.

You and Jo exchanged a look, as Jo raised her eyebrows, ‘She’s your sister’, you read her lips. You gave her a stern look and looked back over to Amelia.

“What do you want?” You questioned your older sister - she was only like this when she wanted something.

“What do you mean, what do I want?” She asked you.

You looked at her with a blank expression, “You know exactly what I mean.”

“I just need one of you to, help me cook tonight, I’m watching over Zola and Bailey and Ellis while, Meredith is going out, specifically, you, Y/n, you are a very good cook.”

Jo scoffed, “Excuse me.”

“Jo, honey,” You smiled as she laughed, “You almost burnt your kitchen down that one time.”

“Oh, I know,” She sighed, “don’t rub it in,”

✦

Later that night, you were at Meredith’s house, knocking frantically on the door, Amelia opened it, wearing what seemed like a nice dress, you looked at her confused.

“I thought you were asking me to help you cook for kids, not host a dinner party.” You almost yelled at her.

“Look,” Amelia told you, “Just go in the bathroom - there’s a dress in there and come outside, it’s not a dinner party, it’s a dinner for you. Now go.”

You walked into the bathroom, a white dress hanging from the mirror - it was your favourite, but the only person who knew that was Andrew DeLuca, because it was the one you wore every single fancy dinner the two of you had ever gone two, which was about three, one for your six month, one for your one year, one for your two year, one for your three year, and you only wore this dress for those dinners, you were guessing this was number four, and this was your pretty white dress.

You slide on the pretty white dress, as you looked on the floor at a white pair of heels, you smiled sliding them on, following Amelia’s instructions as Meredith stopped you at the door, Zola, Bailey and Ellis in her clutches.

“You look amazing, Y/n, now, as soon as you step outside that door, I am your person - if you wanna get out of there, just page me and I’ll drive the getaway car, otherwise, if you stay, if you cry, I’ll be there for you, two shoulders. Now the kids and I have to go, but have a very good time.” She spoke.

You looked at her confused, “Thanks?” You smiled as you walked outside, the trees laced with fairy lights and the

Andrew sitting at a table, you shook your head, a goofy grin placed on your face.

“Dr. Y/n Shepherd.” Andrew smiled standing up pressing a kiss to your lips.

Andrew pulled out your chair, as you sat across from him, “I know it’s our anniversary, but, you didn’t need to do all this.”

“Yes, I did.” Andrew told you, “I did it, because I love you and you only deserve the best.”

You gave a goofy grin, “Y’know,” You said as you had a steak made by Andrew right in front of you, taking a piece and having a bite, “When I thought I found the love of my life, I hadn’t met you yet, he hurt me. A lot. But you already knew that, because you helped me. You saved me.”

“I know.” He flattered himself, “I am a superhero, I am, the savior.”

You laughed, “Don’t flatter yourself too much.”

He gave a hum, “No, I want to flatter you too much.”

and so Andrew got out of his seat, and held out his hand as Andrew interrupted your dinner for the two of you to stand up, as Andrew held your hand, he bent down on one knee, you know exactly what was going on, so you just sat there and smiled.

“Y/n Shepherd, from the first day I met you, when you called me your person, when you told me I saved you, when you told me that you left that jerk, when you told me you loved me for the first time, I knew you were everything I wanted. I knew you were the one.” He gave her larger grin than the one that was already on his face, “So what do you say, y/n... will you marry me?”

“YES!” You yelled tackling him to the ground planting kisses all over his face, his beard tickling you as you did so.

✦

You looked in the mirror, you looked back at Meredith as Jo finished your hair, “Don’t look at me like that,” Meredith scolded.

“I’m not looking at you like anything,” You said with a blank face.

Meredith sighed loudly, “Look, Amelia ran, came back, Cristina got left at the alter, you aren’t running and coming back too.”

“I’m not gonna run!” You almost yelled.

Jo looked at you, “You’re thinking about it.”

“Okay, but who doesn’t?” You defended yourself.

Jo held your shoulders, “The man at the alter,”

“I didn’t run,” Meredith shrugged.

“You and my brother wrote your vows on a sticky note because you were afraid to be legal, legal!”

“Okay, that’s... fair.” Meredith shrugged, taking your point into evaluation.

Jo stood you up, showing you to the full body mirror, she was wearing a pastel blue dress as Meredith was matching, Maggie and Amelia came into the room, wearing the same thing.

“You look beautiful, Y/n.” Maggie said hugging you.

Amelia looked at you, pulling you into a strong embrace, “Derek would be so proud of you right now.”

You pulled away, “Hey! Don’t make me cry on my wedding day.”

You looked at yourself in the mirror, you’d taken the pretty white dress into a shop, and got someone to custom transform the pretty white dress into the large wedding dress you’d wear today.

You looked at Jo for reassurance, “You do look pretty amazing.”

“Okay, so, then, let’s go. I’m gonna get married!” You smiled.

Next thing you knew, you were at the end, you were standing at the alter, Andrew, standing in front of you, in a black and white tuxedo, about to spill his vows. It was his turn first.

“Okay, so, I’ve said this a thousand times, but I still can’t believe you were dating that jerk when we first met.” that earned a laugh from everyone, “And about a week later, you dumped him, and hid your feelings for me, for well, three months, and it killed me, every second of the way. I just wanted to call you mine, to be yours. We’ve been through hell together, and traveled the heavens, and I will go through thousands of hell lit fires, for you. Because I love you.”

It was your turn now. Not like it could compare.

“They say that God creates you with two heads, four eyes, four arms, four legs, and four feet, and then he splits you into two, he takes your conjoined person and splits your soul into two. It’s like your other half, it’s like having a soulmate - and you think you find the other half of you, and then you don’t. But then you realize you were wrong, and your real other half comes along.”  At this point, the tears streamed down your face, “I believe so much that you’re the other half of me, the half I was never able to find, the half that keeps me sane, the half that keeps me together, that keeps me stable. As we walk through the hellfires, and we walk through the suns of the heavens, I will be holding your hand, the whole way through, because I love you.”

The rings came to you presented by Bailey and Ellis, being dragged in a wheelbarrow by Zola, your rings were slid on the ring fingers.

“Do you take Y/n Shepherd to be your wife? Do you promise to love and cherish her, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, for better and for worse, for so long as you both shall live?”

“I do.” Andrew smiled.

“Do you take Andrew DeLuca to be your husband? Do you promise to love and cherish him, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, for better and for worse, for so long as you both shall live?”

“I do.” You returned the large grin.

“You may now kiss the bride.”

Andrew planted his lips on yours in a fast motion, it was almost like the day he proposed when you tackled him to the ground. As he pulled away from you, the both of you walking back down the aisle, he looked at you.

“Hello, Mrs. Dr. Y/n DeLuca,” He smiled.

“Hello, Mr. Dr. Andrew DeLuca,” You smiled, your hands laced together.

It was one happy ending, something you never really saw at Grey Sloan Memorial. But you and DeLuca were something else.

[ms-rampage]

Eden’s Gate: Aftermath Chapter 5 - The Growing Family of Hunters

Warnings: Swearing.

Word count: 2.9k

This is a short follow up series to Kidnapped leading up to the nuclear holcaust, and the beginning of New Dawn. 

Summary: Kate recovers from her Bliss hallucination after being forced out by her Archangel, Paige gets a new lead on Joseph, and the guys' families come by.

Guest OCs: Too many at this point. FML. 

Guest Characters: Gabriel [mentioned], God/Chuck [mentioned], Sam and Dean Winchester [in flashback]. Too many FML. 

**********

Flashback 

One year earlier

Toledo, Ohio 

"So you sure you're not mad at her anymore?" Dean asks Paige. 

She sighs, "Yes Dean, I'm no longer mad at Kate". 

Sam, Dean, Paige and Kate are tracking down a nest of vampires in the Ohio woods. 

"Okay but from what Brent told me. You were very upset because she wanted out of this life" he tells her. 

She sighs again, "Yeah, yeah I know I was, but I got over it". 

10 feet behind them, Sam and Kate have their conversation on the whole "leaving the hunter life behind". 

"You know I wanted to stop hunting as well" Sam tells Kate. 

She looks up at her tall cousin, "Really?". 

He nods, "Yeah I went off to college at Stanford. Studying to be a lawyer". 

"What happened?!" she asks. 

"Our dad went missing, and Dean went by my dorm. I helped him out on one hunt then that night I went back to my room" he takes a deep breath, "Then the demon that killed our mom killed my girlfriend Jess". 

She looks up at him once more with sad eyes, "Oh, I'm sorry to hear that" she tells him. 

He exhales, "It's fine. We were able to kill him". 

"What demon?" she asks. 

"Azazel. Yellow eyes" he tells her. 

She looks up at him again, "Azazel?. He killed our dad". 

Dean and Paige look back at them. 

"What happened?" Dean asks. 

"Paige the demon that killed dad, what was his name?!" she asks.

"Azazel" she responds. 

Kate scoffs, "What is up with that bastard killing our parents?!?"

"We're Winchesters" Dean replies, "That's what happens to us". 

*******

Trying to recover from her hallucination trip. Fucking Gabriel pushed her out. Forcing her ass to wake up. Dealing with the withdrawals of the Bliss.

The sun shining in her face, making her go blind for a brief moment. 

“It’s morning already?!” Kate thinks to herself. 

She stares off into space, staring up at the ceiling. “What the hell Gabe?!”. She gets startled by a knock at her bedroom door, followed by the knob jiggling.

“Kate!!” Paige calls out, “We got a lead on Joseph come down and we’ll talk about it”.

She gets out of bed, and looks in the mirror.

Her eyes aren’t as white as she thought they would be.

Unlocking her door, and going downstairs with the others.

Everyone including Rachel are sitting at the kitchen table.

“Okay so now that we’re all here” Paige says, “I finally got the lead on Joseph’s whereabouts”.

“So where could he be hiding out?!?” Cody asks.

“It could be anywhere in Hope County” Marty says.

“True!!” Paige says, pointing a pointer at them like she were a teacher, “But I got an exact location, and its pretty fucking obvious”. 

Waiting and already knowing of his whereabouts. They all just want to see Paige look like an idiot, or more like an idjit.

“Where is he hiding?!” Kenny asks in a smartass kind of way.

“His fucking church” she mutters angrily, “Please fucking kill me!!”.

Everyone stares at her as if she were a fucking dumbass.

“I could’ve fucking guess he was there!!!” Adrian yells.

“Well he wasn’t there before” Paige says in her defense, “He wasn’t anywhere near the statue. Or Teller Ranch which is a real location in a different part of Hope County that I didn’t even know existed!!”.

“So now what?!?” Mandy asks.

“Well we go there, we get him, and we fucking kill him” Paige answers as if it were a dumb question. 

“Is killing Joseph Seed really a necessary thing?!?” she asks.

Paige glares at her mother with furrowed eyebrows, “Is that a real, serious question?!. Of fucking course killing him is necessary”. 

“I mean we don’t have to kill him though. Maybe have him arrested? Maybe?” she says. 

Paige scoffs, “Mom I get you were the “Mother of Eden’s Gate” for a few months, but come fucking on. This man fucking tortures, and manipulates people. Rachel is a good fucking example of that”.

“You’re not going soft for this man are you Mandy?!” Kenny asks in a calm voice. 

“I feel like he needs to be protected” Mandy says, shrugging.

“Protected?!?! What the fuck?!?” Paige blurs out, “He doesn't need to be protected. If God, or Chuck wants Joseph to be protected he would’ve shown himself to him. Like he has with us in the past. Like he has with Sam and Dean”. 

Barbara steps in and defends Mandy, “Paige you shouldn’t talk to your mother like that. If she says Joseph needs to be protected then he needs to be protected”.

Paige sighs, and says “Barb I know you and my mom are close. But this man, he doesn’t deserve to be protected. Not by my mom, not by my family, not by his followers, and definitely not by Chuck”.

Barbara and Paige stare at each other for a moment, then Rachel clears her throat and speaks up. Everyone looks over at her. 

“Joseph, he may seem like a good person to his followers. But he’s a monster. I was afraid of him, and so was John. Jacob not so much. I’m still afraid of him. Joseph, he drugged, manipulated, and threatened me. I was only 17, he took advantage of me. He helped me find my purpose but I was still scared of him.”

Mandy speaks up, “Is that why you were always around me when I was The Mother?”

Rachel nods, “Yes because I felt safe around you. Joseph wouldn’t hurt you because you were The Mother. He wanted to keep you safe, protected and to guide us to New Eden”. 

“Mom did Joseph ever try to do anything harmful to you?” Kate asks, still recovering from the Bliss trip.

“No, he didn’t try to do anything that’ll cause me harm” she says, shaking her head.

Mark clears his throat, and awkwardly says “Very bad timing, but our families are coming over to live with us. They’ll be over around 1pm”. 

“Alright good, but where are they gonna stay?!?” Kate asks.

“Well my wife and kids can sleep in my room” Nate says, “Since the extra houses are still being put up”.

“My family can do the same” Mark says.

“My wife Brandi is gonna live with us as well” Cody adds.

“So is my wife” Adrian says as well.

“And my fiance as well” Martin says.

“Okay!!” Paige says loudly, “So we’re gonna have Nate, Ellen and your guys 3 kids, Mark, Dana and your guys 2 kids, Cody and Brandi, Martin and Megan, Adrian and Amanda. As well as Kenny, myself, Cristina and baby number 2. Rachel, Kate and the Seed spawn, mom, and Barb”. 

She lets out an exaggerated exhale after saying the names of all the people that are gonna live with them in the one huge soon to be 3 house.

“Are we gonna ignore the fact that we’re gonna have more people living here with small children. When we have a bunch of crazy Cultist fuckers running around and trying to kill us?!?” Kenny asking the real questions. 

They all exchange looks for a bit, and Paige speaks up.

“I mean Kenneth. We all hunt demons, ghosts and monsters for a living. We all have died at least 3-6 times at some point, and came back. Who wins? A bunch of human cultists? Or a bunch of demon boys with powers?”.

They all once again exchange looks. “She has a point, Kenny” Mark tells him. 

They all agree with Paige’s analogy. They’ve all died several times in their lives, were brought back and continued their lives as hunters. Them being hunters is how they all met. It’s how Paige and Kenneth met. It’s quite a romantic story. How they met. 

“Well, thank Chuck we’re putting up 2 more houses” Kenny chuckles. 

“Speaking of that!” Adrian speaks out, “We should get going with that”.

“Agree” Cody says, getting up from his seat. 

The guys all go upstairs and change into their construction gear. They spent the next several hours putting up the houses with the help of 8 Holland Valley locals.

******

1pm arrives, and the guys families, and significant others arrive.

They hug and greet each other. Catch up on life.

Introduce each other to their families. 

The children go, and explore the huge 11 bedroom house.

All of them sitting at the kitchen table. 

“How was the drive?” Paige asks Cody’s wife Brandi.

She groans, “Hell. Complete Hell”.

Paige laughs softly, “Sounds about right”.

“This house is huge!!!” Dana says, looking around.

“Yep, when Kenneth and I bought it last year after we got married. It had 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, the living room was 450 square feet I think. The kitchen was 450 as well, but with the dining room it’s 780 square feet. The backyard was 2 acres. After a few months we remodel the entire house. It took 7-9 months, we finished back in April of this year. We added 6 more bedrooms, 6 more bathrooms, the living room is now 690 square feet, we purchased 2 more acres of land, so we now have 4 acres of land. We have a bunker that I didn’t had until we’re half way through remodeling the house.”

“It’s huge!” Kate says, “The bunker. It has a full kitchen, a library, a medical room, I think like 10-12 rooms, 6 bathrooms. I think it was a hidden military bunker because we found a lot of Army paraphernalia, old weapons and shit. There’s beds, it’s all stocked up with canned foods, pasta, water, toilet paper and all that shit”.

“I really like the garage that leads down to the bunker” Mandy adds.

Paige says, “Oh yeah the garage we have has a secret entrance inside. That’s why we park our cars in the driveway because we often go down there. The floor lifts up and leads underground. Very Batman-like. My cousin Dean would be very jealous”. 

*****

Later that evening they all sit outside, and have dinner.

Mandy, Paige and Kenny made some burgers, fries and a bunch of other meats for them, and their guests. Celebrating the freedom from 2 of the 3 Seeds. Since Faith/Rachel has a change of heart and she’s proving everyday that she has. 

Kate invited Wheaty because she’s dating him, as well as all her friends Morgan, Alissa, Sarah, Ryan, Dylan, Kevin the twins Ivan and Isaiah. She really needed to get John off her damn mind and having all her friends around will help with that. 

Hoping they’ll give her some comfort. Paige also invited the Rye’s, Mary May, Pastor Jerome, Grace, Sharky, Hurk Jr, Eli, Tammy, and Jess Black. Amongst others.

Kate hugs Wheaty tightly, sinking into his arms, forgetting all about John, and actually listening to Gabriel’s advice. 

“I missed you” she says into his shoulder.

He chuckles, “I missed you too”, and kisses the side of her head. 

Everyone has a great time, eating, talking and either getting to know each other, or catching up. Paige and Jess finally caught and set up a day for them to go hunting. Seeing her goddaughter Cristina for the first time in several months.

Kate goes the rest of the evening not thinking about John, or even having any memories of him, or his existence in her life. Doing what her Guardian Archangel told her to do and forget about him. Thinking about the good things happening in life. 

The tiny human that's growing inside her, she’s with someone that makes her happy. She has her family, and friends. 

"So what do you wanna do on Halloween?" Wheaty asks her. 

Paige gives Kate a narrow eyed look, "Tell him" she nudges her sister's arm. 

She stumbles and tells him, "To, to uh. To be 100% honest Wheat, I don't like Halloween". 

He raises his eyebrows at her, "Really? I figured you would love Halloween!". 

Paige looks over at her little sister, "Kate tell him why you don't like Halloween!". 

She shakes her head, "Uhh no I don't want to". 

"I'll tell him if you don't" she playfully threatens. 

She groans, rolling her eyes, giving in to tell them "Okay fine!. One time when I was 11-12 before we were taken away from our mom. We were living in Louisiana at the time, and I was invited by one of my classmates to go to her Halloween party. She invited one of our classmates that I had a huge crush on". 

"It gets better!!" Paige interrupts, telling Sharky, Jess, Eli and Wheaty. 

Kate rolls her eyes, "Anyway. She had a bobbing for apples game thing, and I for some fucking reason wanted to impress that boy in my class. So I bobbed for the apples, but when I’m around someone I like, I tend to get a little queasy. When it was my turn, I went to grab an apple and I threw up in the water”. 

Paige bursts into laughter, while everyone at the table looks over at Kate either trying to hold back laughter, or gasping dramatically. Wheaty puts his arm around Kate as a sign of comfort, kissing the side of her head. 

“But wait!. It gets better!!’ she tells them, “Everyone saw that I threw up in the apple bucket. Some laughed, some gasp in shock. The boy that I liked saw everything, I went to run away, but I slipped, I stupidly grabbed the bucket and the water along with my vomit and the apples spilled all over me”. 

Paige continues to laugh hysterically. “What happened afterwards?!?” Sharky asks. 

“I ran out the house and hid in the woods behind her house until my mom came to pick me up”.  

Wheaty kisses the side of her head again, comforting her. 

“Ya know the same thing happened to me when I was a kid” Sharky tells her. 

“Really? What did you do?” she asks. 

“I don’t know. I don’t remember much from that” he tells her, and walks away to the other guests. 

“Anyway, we can still do something for Halloween. It doesn’t have to be Halloween related” Wheaty tells her. 

She’s hesitant about answering him. “C’mon Kate that was 10 years ago. Get over it!” Paige tells her. 

“Paige that was humiliating” she tells her, “It all happened in front of a guy I liked”.

“Well what if I told you we can hang out and it won’t involve bobbing for apples or any Halloween related games” he tells his girlfriend. 

“Come on Kate spend some time with your boyfriend” Morgan tells her, “Who cares if it's on Halloween”. 

“Just pretend it’s another day” Sarah tells her. 

She finally gives in after all her friends and sister convince her after 10 minutes “Okay we can do something for October 31st” she finally gives in and gives him an answer. 

“Don’t dress as a clown” Morgan tells them, “Kate hates clowns”.

“More like is afraid of clowns” Alissa adds. 

They all laugh and have a great night together. Celebrating their freedom from the Seeds with only 1 more to go. With the Winchesters around they’ll all be gone before Halloween. 

Joseph’s days are numbered. 

******

Later that night when all the guests leave and everyone goes to sleep, Paige and Kate are down stairs putting leftovers away. Once they're done, Paige goes upstairs to her bedroom.

“Welp I’m gonna get some shut eye” she tells her, “You coming up?”.

Kate who is distracted by her thoughts, snaps her head up to look at her sister, “Uhh yeah, yeah I’ll be up in a bit. I just need to do something first”. 

Once she leaves upstairs, Kate goes to the backdoor and steps outside into the backyard out into the cool Montana night. 

She walks 20 feet away from the house, far enough where the others won’t be able to hear her. Looks up into the sky, looking at the stars, moon, thick clouds covering the moon, the visible galaxies from Earth and prays. 

Taking a deep breath, “Hey Gabriel” she starts, “It’s me. Ya girl”. She lets out a short laugh before continuing. 

“I just. I just wanted to say” trying to keep her breath steady, “I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you for getting me over John. For getting me out of Hell, protecting me from Lilith. Everything. I don’t. I don't think I ever thanked you for all that". 

The night goes completely silent, the crickets go silent, “If you can show me a sign that you heard me that would be great”.

She looks around the property to see if anything changed, she looks up at the moon and sees the clouds surrounding it disperse. Moving away from the glowing rock in the sky.

She chuckles softly to herself, looking up “Is that you?”. A shooting star flies past the moon confirming that her Archangel heard her and is giving her a sign that he heard everything she said. Followed by a cool gust of wind, making her hair dance in the breeze.

Smiling up at the sky, “You heard” she mutters and goes back inside the house. 

[angorwhosebabyisthis]

Multiples of 6 for the OC asks!

AYYYYYYYYYY THANK YOU

i think for this one i’ll answer each question with three ocs for comparison >:V

(under the cut because, predictably, It Got Long)

-

6. Do they smoke or do they hate smoking. 

(origfic, unnamed superhero verse)

-

Neil: won’t touch cigarettes, but has been known to smoke a bowl every now and then when his anxiety gets the best of him. he doesn’t like doing it--he’s internalized some pretty negative shit about how it means he’s a trashy, weak-willed loser who can’t handle reality--but since meeting nads and then beth, he’s eased up a lot on the guilt and is able to relax more.

Nads: smokes cigarettes, but only if they’re stolen. she’s got an active lifestyle to say the least and she doesn’t want to risk fucking up her lungs, so that’s her compromise. my god does she love her weed though

Beth: smokes cigarettes to take the edge off her anxiety when she has to go outside during the day. she knows they’re worse for her than weed, but she’s wary enough of her liminal space powers without imagining what they might do if she got stoned.

-

12. What’s an outfit they’d despise wearing Vs one they’d love wearing? Draw it! 

(Tales of Arcadia; i’m godawful at drawing clothes so i’ll just describe them as best i can ashdflkshdfkl)

-

Liyen: loves comfortable, understated, professional-looking masc clothes, usually in muted shades of gray, blue, or black. give them a fuzzy turtleneck sweater and black pants and they’re happy. meanwhile they’d be SUPER uncomfortable in loud, clashing colors or anything too femme. 

Schommag: Does Not Like Clothes That Will Get in Her Way, also not a big fan of dressing femme with very few exceptions (the right Little Black Dress, for example). give her what she needs to get around the woods and stay out of her way. that said she does love showing off her muscles, so she wears a lot of tank tops and sports bras (and sometimes no top at all, if she can get away with it). 

Oryalv: VERY femme, particularly business casual. this man loves his pantsuits. meanwhile his nightmare is middle-aged high school coach aesthetic. put him in a t-shirt and khakis and he’ll start pouring smoke like a teakettle

-

18. Have they ever committed a crime? How? Why? If not, then what’s their opinion on crime?

(origfic, unnamed VALENTINE DON’T DO THAT verse)

-

Valentine: has been made complicit in a lot of their family’s cutthroat-noble shadiness growing up, is otherwise a law-abiding sort up until they jump off the slippery slope and get the war crime ball rolling in earnest. Whoops

Edmund: has gotten into plenty of cutthroat-noble shadiness of his own volition, thank you very much. unlike valentine he’s a whole lot more inclined to go UHHH and pull up when it comes to war crimes

Marcel: LOVES war crimes. LOVES them. would marry them if he could. lucky for him he’s captain of the guard and has plenty of opportunities. will otherwise use the law as a bludgeon but i don’t think he’s too bothered about it for its own sake

-

24. Mcdonalds, subway, or KFC?

(Final Fantasy Tactics A2)

-

Nebilim: subway, grease is sensory hell and makes him sick and it’s the easiest place to avoid it. the number of variables per sandwich make him anxious, but if he has to pick one then fuck it, it’s worth not putting grease in his body.  

Moovry: loves grease with all his somehow-still-functioning heart, would bring his own beer keg to KFC and refuse to leave til he’s finished his fourth bucket of chicken

York: MCDONALDS! MCDONALDS! MCDONALDS. gets the happy meal and then uses the toy to test their black magic minispells. we hardly knew ye, beyblade 

-

30. Have they ever dreamed about another oc?

(Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, taxidermy/doll horror cw)

-

Faerna: has dreams about missing his mother sometimes. he hasn’t seen her in a long time, and for all he knows she thinks he’s dead, but he can’t bring himself to go back and look for her when he doesn’t know if she’ll approve of the life he’s chosen for himself. for all he talks himself up, not everyone’s happy to have a thief and a conman for a son.

SkekNev: has recurring dreams about the victims of their taxidermy coming back to life. less of a HOLY SHIT THE DOLLS ARE ALIVE nightmare for them, more of an anger/anxiety nightmare because stop that, stop having autonomy, i made you like this for a reason.

Aivne: dreams a lot about her little siblings. outright nightmares, semi-lucid rehearsals of danger scenarios, memories from before they lost their parents.

-

36. If they’re nonhuman, what’s their opinion on humans?

(origfic, faeverse)

-

Aislinng: vampire/incubus, more specifically A Dracula Lookin Motherfucker. depending on how much of a bastard he is in a given au, humans are usually somewhere between ‘fun to dazzle with my Supernatural Charms’ and ‘boring. where are the interesting people to torment’

Meadowsweet: rabbit faun. depending on which of the two wildly different versions of him we’re talking about, he either treats humans with the same goodwill as anyone else who might need his healing, or looks down on them and considers them fair game for whatever evil bastard he’s pining after this week.

Agaric: aislinng’s son with a forest spirit, so fuck if i know what to call him at this point. humans tend to find his brand of quiet, aloof awkwardness either offputting or endearing; either one is mortifying, and he’d mostly rather just keep to himself. 

-

42. What’s their standpoint when it comes to washing hands?

(origfic, bumfuck nowhere cult)

-

Cristina: obsessed with cleanliness, washes her hands constantly, crissy please you live in the desert

Skinner: if my hands are clean i can’t wipe them on cristina’s robes now can i

Rosemary: who needs to wash hands when you’ve got tentacles ;)

-

48. If they were defeated fairly in battle, would they accept and move on or throw a fit?

(origfic, slasher movie slaughterhouse dimension)

-

Maggie: will stay down and let you think she’s beaten, until you take your eyes off her for a second too long. then she’ll go for your hamstring

Dee: will accept it and move on, but will also try to make you feel like winning wasn’t really important anyway. maggie loves her dearly but she is kind of infuriating to everyone else

Esau: is delighted when somebody beats him, because if they’ve gotten that far they’ve committed at least one horrific atrocity and will have to live with that forever (if not embrace it). the real treasure was the corruption and PTSD we found along the way. no wonder maggie kind of hate-connects with him, he reminds her of dee lmao

-

54. Have they ever lost anyone?

(misc origfic)

-

Gray: lost the person who summoned them, gave them form, and taught them how to speak. once she died, all they knew was that she’d stopped coming, and that their only friend--their only contact with the world outside the cave--was gone. they’re there alone for a long time before a hitchhiker stumbles across them, and now they’re clingy as fuck and terrified of being abandoned again.

Ashdown: lost her wife the spring before her story begins, which left her so depressed she didn’t bother flying south for the winter with everyone else. she does eventually find love again, after coming to terms with the fact that what she’s lost isn’t the only thing she can ever have.

Jake: lost his older brother as a kid, which might or might not be why some fuck haunting their own fursuit recruits him to help with their unfinished business.

-

[DYING WHEEZE]

thank you again for the questions!!! i have. so many ocs. SO many ocs, and it’s always fun to get a chance to trot a bunch of them out, especially with a good range of questions like these :D

[jazy3]

Thoughts on Grey’s Anatomy: 16X21

I loved this episode! It finally happened! Hayes asked Meredith out and she said YES!!! I’m so happy right now! We're going to see them go on a date and have drinks next season! It’s all I could have hoped for and more! I can’t wait! This episode was a finale that wasn’t supposed to be a finale. With that in mind I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it was great! I loved this episode! Mainly because it delivered on the one thing I’d been hoping for since the mid season premiere! It didn’t have the usual shock factor that comes at the end of a planned Grey’s finale, but it was exciting and we got movement on pretty much all of the major storylines up to this point. It’s not where the cast and crew were planning to leave things for this season, but with the sudden onset of the COVID-19 virus and the mandatory shutdowns worldwide they were forced to halt production when filming for this episode had wrapped.

So with that in mind this episode leaves things in a pretty good place with some great set up for next season. Originally the shutdowns and the quarantine was supposed to be temporary and so I had hoped that they would be able to come back and film the remaining four episodes for this season as from what I’ve read the scripts have already been written and the plan was already in place. Unfortunately, since none of us know when the quarantine will end they have decided to roll those episodes into next season and rejig what would have been episode 16X22 to make it more exciting so that it can be the season opener for Season 17.

While I’m sad we won’t see the remaining four episodes as planned this hopefully means that there won’t be any filler episodes next seasons as they’ll rejig and add the four from this season and then write 21 new ones. So let’s talk about that scene with Meredith and Hayes! It was so so great! After hearing the news that she and the other doctors had finally found a diagnosis for Richard’s condition Hayes sought Meredith out as she was leaving for the night. He congratulated her on a great catch and asked her if she’d like to grab a drink with him and celebrate. She said yes, but said she was to exhausted to go out right now and asked her if he’d ask her again some other time. He said of course and told her he’d see her later and she said goodbye for the night.

There were so many things I loved about that scene! It was perfect! I loved that Hayes respected Meredith’s boundaries. He didn't push or try to change her mind. He understood what she was saying and accepted it. With any other love interest they’ve put her with that would have been a whole thing. They would have tried to change her mind or argued with her or tried to convince her and that’s not okay. But Hayes doesn’t do that. Why? Because he’s a mature adult who’s got his stuff together who understands the concept of consent and that yes, but not right now does not mean convince me.

I love that he's so understanding! He gets it! She's tired. She wants to go home and sleep, but she also wants to go out with him when she's feeling better and he wants that too! I can't wait to see them go out! I'm so happy. He's so smitten! Just the way he looks at her! And the way she looks at him! She's so into him! My heart! I love that they established that Hayes doesn’t like setups and he doesn’t even know that he’s in one right now! Jo’s sure not going to tell him. Where would be the fun in that? And he’s right that people are talking about his personal life when he’s not around. Specifically, the fact that Cristina sent him across the Atlantic and set him up with Meredith and everyone’s into it. I love it so much!

Also how deceiving was that episode description? “Hayes asks Meredith a surprising question.” It’s only surprising if you’ve never seen the show before or aren’t caught up on this season! Hayes has been into Meredith since he got to Seattle and Meredith has been into Hayes since they worked that Vaping case together. It’s very obvious in the googly heart eyes they keep making at each other all the time. I love that Hayes asking Meredith out was done in a subtle way with not a lot of fanfare. I really loved that. Because the episode description made it seem like it was going to be this big dramatic thing and I love that it wasn’t. Because real life is not like that. Real life is about the small moments. The intimate moments. The moments that matter. That come naturally when you build up a rapport with someone over time. And that’s what Meredith and Hayes have built.

I was also worried, especially after the Conference episode, that Hayes was still processing his grief in such a way that he wouldn’t feel comfortable asking Meredith out or that everything that’s been happening with DeLuca and now Richard would make him hesitant to ask her out or take the next step. Instead, we saw the opposite. Jo made comments about how him and Meredith would be good together and implied that other people thought so too. He heard about the nonsense that DeLuca had pulled yet again and he heard about what was going on with Richard and his eventual diagnosis. Instead of preventing him from asking her out it actually propelled him. He heard about what had happened with Richard, sought her out, offered his sympathies, congratulated her on a great catch. He then used that as a spring board to ask her out and in response she reciprocated his feelings and said yes! It was subtle, simple, and sweet. As it so often is in real life when you meet the right person.

I’m a big Taylor Swift fan and the slow burn they’ve created for Meredith and Hayes and the way he asked her out really reminded me of Taylor’s music and album journeys from reputation to Lover. The reputation album is about the death of Taylor’s reputation and her response to it. But as she has spoken about in interviews it’s also about a beautiful love story. It’s about how in some of her darkest times she found and formed the most beautiful and amazing relationship with her partner Joe. There’s this undercurrent running through the album about that relationship as it begins. Then in Lover it blossoms fully and we get to hear all about it and how great finding that kind of whole hearted love really is.

To me there is such a great parallel between that musical journey and the relationship we see forming between Meredith and Hayes. It’s this beautiful undercurrent that’s forming amidst the constant chaos that is Meredith’s life and that’s a wonderful thing. It’s this steady current in the background that once given the chance to fully bloom will blossom into this beautiful thing. I’m excited that we’ll get to see that next season. Hayes was back in a big way this episode and I loved it! I love him as a character. I really hope they make him a series regular next season because he is great and he needs more screen time. The female patient Daya who couldn’t express emotion or smile because of her condition and needed facial surgery was hilarious! 

I'm really glad that they figured out what was wrong with Richard and he's on the mend! I'm glad Richard kicked Catherine out. She deserved that and in fairness to him he doesn't remember her being there. It looks like he doesn't remember anything prior to the Conference so I get why he's mad. He was also real petty about it and I loved that. Although I was surprised that Meredith wasn't in his room with Maggie and Jackson and Catherine at the end.

She’s his family too and up until he married Catherine she was he’s next of kin, his emergency contact, and had medical power of attorney. Catherine’s left him and was MIA prior to him getting sick, Richard didn’t even know that Maggie existed until a few years ago, and Jackson had barely spoken to the man until Maggie pointed out that Richard thought he was taking Catherine’s side in the divorce. Side note: I’m glad that Maggie and Winston are still texting! Steamily I might add! He should definitely move to Seattle next season!

DeLuca annoyed the crap out of me this episode not because he was wrong, but because of the way he chose to express his opinions as usual. He was right but instead of explaining that calmly to others he screamed at Richard's family and threw a bunch of sharp surgical instruments onto the OR floor while Richard was on the table. I really hope they write him off next season because he annoys the crap out of me, he still hasn’t picked a speciality yet, and I feel they’ve gone as far as they can with his character and then some.

As for that end scene with Meredith and DeLuca here’s how I saw it. I didn't see it as her going home with him. I saw it as she was on her way home when she found him crying on the floor and either drove him home or admitted him for treatment. They established that Carina's back in Seattle so I think she either she drove him home and then called Carina to come take care of her brother or got him admitted and then called her to follow up and then went home and got some well deserved sleep.

I'm glad that he's finally acknowledged that he's got a problem and needs help. That's the first time since he started behaving erratically that we've seen that so that's good. I hope Carina can get him some help and get him admitted somewhere or that Meredith already has. More and more I see the interactions between Meredith and DeLuca as motherly. She’s clearly concerned about him and feels guilty because he went to jail for her and is now failing apart. I hope they write him off next season, but if they don’t I hope he gets the treatment he needs and they both move on or they remain in each other’s lives on a friendly co-worker basis as that’s the only time they ever really work on screen in my opinion. They don’t have chemistry romantically or as friends. I loved that moment in the OR where Bokhee prayed over Richard! Bokhee for the win!

Teddy was a hot mess as usual! I knew the truth was going to come out eventually, but I did not expect that god damn! I'm not an Owen fan, but that scene in the supply closet was still a gut punch. Oof! I loved Tom's speech to Teddy and how he called her out on the fact that she was running into marrying Owen rather than confront her own confused feelings. Teddy really needs to figure out what she wants and pick a lane! I hated the fact that she had sex with Tom in his office and then when he said let's run away together she told him this was goodbye and she was marrying Owen. Who does that? No matter what side you are on here Teddy’s behaviour is just not okay! Oy vey! 

I’m glad that Owen stood her up and cancelled the wedding. It’s bad enough that she’s engaged to Owen and carrying on an affair with Tom, but the fact that she had sex with Tom in his office on the day of her wedding and then had the audacity to tell him that was goodbye and she was marrying Owen when she is clearly conflicted is an awful thing to do to everyone. She’s literally hurting all parties involved and that’s just awful. Also how is she planning on explaining this to her kids when they’re older?

Amelia and Link we're super cute this episode! I'm glad that their baby is okay and healthy and that Amelia is okay after what happened with her first pregnancy. She’s been through enough and it looks like she’s finally getting something good in her life with a beautiful new baby and a healthy pregnancy and delivery and a wonderful supportive partner. The throwback to Bailey being there for Amelia like George was there for her was so beautiful! Kudos to Bailey for showing all that strength after she suffered a miscarriage recently!

I'm glad we got to see Bailey spend time with Richard as I felt that was missing last episode. Carina was great in this episode! She has so much potential as a character and I wish they would use her more. She’s such a badass and her facial expressions are always on point. Although I only watch Station 19 sporadically these days I love her relationship with Maya. I’m not an Andrew DeLuca fan at all and I would love if they would start focusing on her more and move her brother back into the background or off the show entirely.

Jo was hilarious! I’m glad she’s getting her spunk back. She reminds me in a lot of ways of Amelia from her early Private Practice days. I loved her comments to Jackson in the OR! Real talk though, what do you think Jackson’s dating profile pic would be? Jet or Yacht? Comment below! Also I love that Jo is so team MerWidow! She totally ships them together! And she's helping to make it happen! Go Jo!

I love how she almost spilled the beans to Hayes about Cristina setting him and Meredith up but then stopped when she realized he didn't know and didn't like set ups. I'm glad she did. Because if she'd said something further then Hayes might not have asked Meredith out. I feel like by the time the truth comes out Meredith and Hayes will already have been dating for a while so he'll be annoyed, but it won't change the way he feels about Meredith. Although let’s be honest nothing could he’s so smitten and he should be! Meredith is amazing and she deserves an amazing man like Hayes.

I saw someone on Twitter comment that it looks like the storyline with Meredith and Hayes beginning to date and the truth coming out about how Cristina set them up was supposed to play out in the next few episodes and I think that’s true. I’m sorry we won’t get to see it this season because of the shutdown but I’m really excited to see this play out next season. Something that did surprise me is that the character interactions in this episode imply that Jo didn’t tell Meredith about what DeLuca did to her and tried to do to her at the bar in the episode ‘Life on Mars’ and still hasn’t told her. I’m surprised by that because Meredith and Jo are friends, what DeLuca did was disgusting and unforgivable, and Jo clearly hasn’t forgotten. In fact in this very episode she made it super clear to Hayes that she detests DeLuca and hates the idea of him and Meredith together and so do others.

This once again brings to light the big problem with DeLuca in that the only reason Meredith went out with him, continued to date him, and continues to interact with him out of concern is because her friends and family aren't being completely honest with her about his behaviour and how he acts when she’s not around. Because let’s face it. If Meredith knew what DeLuca was really like when she wasn’t there she wouldn’t give that asshole the time of day. I can’t emphasize this enough. Your friends and family should be able to be honest with you about the person you’re dating and anyone that’s in your life. They should feel comfortable being honest with you and telling you how they feel. They shouldn’t have to hid the worst parts of them in order to protect you or so that you can be happy. I also don’t get how anyone can ship Meredith and DeLuca together or want him to continue to be a part of her life when he treats the people she loves so horribly and they openly detest him so much.

I’m sorry we have to wait so long to find out what happens next to our heroes. But I am very much looking forward to next season and watching Meredith and Hayes develop further!

Until next time!

[lia-jones]

Growing Stronger - Chapter Thirty-Five - The Gift that Keeps on Giving

The sun was setting when we finally left the florist, where we had met with the wedding planner. Miraculously, I managed to not laugh at the mention of peonies, and the afternoon turned out to be quite productive. The flower arrangements we had picked were beautiful, and Victor was in a good mood. The day was going extremely well.

“I can’t believe we just ordered 500 flower arrangements. That’s crazy.” I commented. It was beginning to dawn on me just how big of a wedding I was having.

“Four hundred people.” Victor explained. “Forty-two tables, plus the arrangements on the floor and ceiling. That is for the reception venue alone. Then the wedding venue, decorating the gazebo, the chairs, the bar, the road that leads to the farm, the gates and the wall…”

“Yeah. Four hundred guests. And the media. And God knows who else.” I pouted. All of that still bothered me to some extent, but the recent fight with Victor had really put things in perspective. And the truth was, it didn’t matter how I got married, wearing jeans or a designer dress, in front of an Elvis impersonator or the cream of the crop in Loveland. What mattered was who I was getting married to.

“You were the one that wanted my father to be involved.” Victor complained. “And make no mistake, I know your intentions were good. However, that’s how he does things, it’s all for the public eye. Everything must be grand, whatever he considers a public scandal must be hidden. Even my aunt Terry has to hide her relationship with Susan.”

I was flabbergasted.

“Terry has to hide her what with who!?”

“You never noticed?” Victor frowned at me. “You are usually so in tune with these things.”

“No! Why didn’t you tell me?” My mind was reeling with all the implications of this new information. “We didn’t invite Susan to the wedding! God, how rude was that?”

“I honestly thought you noticed it, Susan is always there.” Victor retorted. “Besides, it’s not really my business to talk about other people’s private lives.”

“I thought she was her assistant! She has some serious Goldman vibes.” I shrugged.

“What is that supposed to mean?” Victor glared at me.

“Oh please, Goldman is your work wife and you know it.” I teased. “You spend more time with him than with me.”

“I’m going to pretend you didn’t just say that.” He scolded, and I laughed. “Do we really need to go home for that flash drive?” He changed the subject. “Couldn’t it wait? We are already running late as it is.”

“It’ll be quick, I promise.” I gave him a reassuring look. “Olive will keep nagging me if I don’t give it to her as soon as possible.”

The apartment was dark when we arrived, and Victor had to fumble for the light switch in the hallway.

“I must tell the housekeeper not to pull all the blinds down.” He commented as he checked if the pet lobster had food. “Where is the flash drive?”

“I think I left it in the living room.” I walked towards the darkness again, but Victor stopped me.

“I don’t like you walking in the dark alone. You may stumble on something and hurt yourself.” He warned. “I’ll go with you.”

Victor held my hand protectively as we walked into the living room. On a normal day, I would have laughed it off, called him an idiot for once, saying that I was perfectly capable of going by myself. Except this time his protective ways were working to my advantage, so I obediently followed him, waiting for him to find the light switch and turn it on. The coming of light was accompanied by a loud roar that echoed through the entire penthouse.

“SURPRISE! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!”

Greatly startled, Victor jumped, quickly and quite forcefully pulling me behind his back, holding my arms tight, his senses high and alert to an impending attack. His heart was beating so hard I could feel it on his back, as he pulled me closer behind him. I placed my hand gently on his shoulder, letting him know everything was alright.

“Surprise, handsome.” I said in a soft tone, and his grip on me slackened, allowing me to move to his front.

I looked at him carefully. Victor was pale, his grey eyes dark, as his pupils enlarged, like a cat ready to jump. It was obvious we gave him the scare of a lifetime.

“Victor, man, don’t pass out, ok?” My brother Joshua came to him, shaking his hand.

Still dumbfounded, Victor was able to return the shake and offer a weak smile, gulping, blinking, trying to recover from the fright. He quickly scanned the room, probably trying to figure out who was there. In our large living room stood my parents, Joshua, Cristina and Ana, Goldman and Diana. I had invited several members of his family, his father included, but only Terry and Mina had shown up.

“What are you all doing here?” He managed to say.

“Celebrating your birth, Hummingbird.” Mina came to him, hugging him. “Happy Birthday.”

“Thank you.” He was able to get himself together, starting to greet everyone. But I could see he was still a bit unsettled with the surprise, emotional even, speaking very little, his arm never leaving my waist.

“Ok, birthday boy.” My mother took Victor by the arm, leading him to the dining area. “We prepared a feast for you. All your favorite dishes, including the Portuguese ones.”

“When did you arrive?” Victor asked, probably still not believing what he was seeing. “You came all this way for my birthday?

“Yes, of course.” My father chimed in. “Besides, I wouldn’t miss a chance to see your cellar.”

“Absolutely.” Victor raised his glass to my father. “I hope Andrea arranged for you all to stay here with us, and not in some hotel.”

“You don’t need to worry about us.” My mother retorted. “We are far too many, there’s the baby, we don’t want to disturb your peace.”

“Nonsense. I insist.” Victor replied as he held Ana, who was playfully pulling his tie, giving him a wide smile. “And my jet will take you back to Portugal anytime you want to. Ana shouldn’t be taking commercial flights, it must be exhausting for her.”

We all sat down to begin our feast, talking and drinking. Eventually, Victor relaxed, a happy smile creeping in, enjoying the presence of everyone. Maybe it was a good thing his family hadn’t shown up, apart from the two people I knew were very important to him. It was clear to me, as I had observed at the engagement party, that affection didn’t run very deep in his family. More than that, there was a strange friction between all the members, and that seemed to affect Victor more than the others. He had been uncomfortable all night, seeking solace in me whenever he could, pretending to belong to a tight family for the sake of appearances, his father only showing up to parade one of us off.

With my family, however, Victor behaved like himself, the Victor I knew and had learned to love. He was extroverted, witty, sweet, and it was blatant that here he felt welcomed and loved. This was the side of him I wanted to see, always. That dreadful night in his father’s mansion, I promised myself I wouldn’t force Victor to forge any kind of relationship with that self-absorbed man, as it brought him more pain than comfort.

After singing Happy Birthday to a very bashful Victor, we ate the amazing chocolate cake Mina insisted on baking and drank some champagne. Joshua rose from his seat to make a toast.

“I’d like to make a toast to Victor, our baby business mogul here.” Victor shook his head chuckling. “May we celebrate many of your birthdays, and may you always take the check.”

Everybody laughed, including Victor. Josh continued.

“Now, if you don’t mind, as your best man and future brother-in-law, I would like to present you your gift.” Josh continued, very formal. “It’s not something you want but it’s definitely something you need. Tonight, my brother, you say goodbye to your life as a singleton. We are having a bachelor party!”

All the men cheered, except for Victor, that shook his head in disapproval.

“Josh, we said no bachelor or bachelorette parties!” I intervened. “It’s not something we enjoy doing.”

“I’m sorry, Andy, you are my sister and I love you, but Diane and I both agree, you two are behaving like an old couple!” Josh argued. “You are staying here with the girls and having some fun. Me and the guys are taking Victor out for drinks and pool and I promise you I will bring him ready for bed.”

“Oh no, Josh, you are not bringing him home drunk.” I already knew my brother, and what he was capable of. I was sure Josh would get Victor completely sloshed. It was like his superpower.

“I’m not coming home drunk.” Victor practically rolled his eyes at him. “When have you ever seen me drunk?”

“Oh no, you don’t know my brother!” I warned him. “He is very compelling when he wants to be! I swear to God, Victor, if you come home stumbling…”

“He won’t be stumbling, I will carry him like the sweet prince he is.” Joshua joked, getting up from his seat. “Come on, guys, let’s get this bachelor party started!”

“I just need a moment, I’ll meet you outside.” Victor got up from his seat and took my hand, taking me to our room. When we got there, he spun in my direction, his hands lovingly resting on my shoulders.

“I mean it, Victor, be careful with my brother. He’s vicious.” I warned again, worried to see Victor so confident. In my eyes, he was a sitting duck. “You should see what he did to Cristina’s dad at his bachelor party.”

“Who do you think you are talking to?” He chuckled. “He’s not going to get me drunk. I promise.” He smiled at me, and I relaxed to see him happy. “Now come here.”

His arm snaked around the small of my back, his other hand holding the back of my head, fingers entwined in my curls. He kissed me softly, gently, lovingly. Loving me. I loved him back.

“Thank you.” He gave me a knowing look.

“I was afraid you were going to hate it.” I confessed.

“It was very thoughtful. I enjoyed it very much.” He pecked me one last time on the lips before turning to leave. “I will return in three hours, and I will show you how much I’ve enjoyed it.” He pointed a playful finger at me. “Sober.”

I returned to the living room, a pitcher of margaritas already waiting for me.

“Here comes the sexy bride!” Diane screamed the moment she saw me. I couldn’t help but chuckle at her enthusiasm.

“Let’s get you served…” My mom filled me a glass. “Diane won’t drink, will you?” She turned to Diane with a knowing smile.

“Diane won’t drink?” I snorted. “Yeah, right.”

Diane smiled, her face bright red.

“Actually, I can’t drink… Not for a little while.” She confessed.

“I knew it.” My mother snapped her fingers in satisfaction. “My radar is never wrong.”

I blinked. The room was suddenly very quiet, everybody staring at me.

“You’re pregnant?” I asked quietly. She nodded.

I know, I’m petty. I know I should be happy for my friend. And the truth was, a part of me was exhilarated for her. There was nothing I wanted more in this world than to hold her child, and spoil her like a good aunt should. I never had this feeling when Cristina announced her pregnancy, or when Ana was born, but then again, I wasn’t starting a life with anyone either.

But my heart sank low, so low I thought I wouldn’t be able to pick it up. Victor surely knew about this and didn’t tell me anything to spare me from the hurt. He probably considered asking Goldman not to tell me until we were married, but figured that was something he couldn’t possibly ask. I wondered if he also felt his heart sink, knowing he wouldn’t have the same joy. I wouldn’t come home with a positive pregnancy test, he wouldn’t post on Moments that we were going to be three. We wouldn’t have doctors appointments and ultrasounds, and weird food cravings, and large hands on a very swollen stomach, or kicks. No gender reveals, no people cooing over a newborn, stating she looked like Victor or me, although we both would know at that point she looked like nobody. I was robbing him of those moments, with a lousy legacy my ex had left me. My heart sank lower.

My introspection lasted barely a second. I put on the happiest face I could muster. Diane deserved it.

“Oh my God, Diane!” I shouted, wrapping my arms around her, pretending the tears I was letting out were happy ones. “Congratulations! I’m so happy for you!” That wasn’t a lie.

Diane immediately started crying.

“Oh Andy, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you before, I wasn’t sure if I was going to hurt you, I’m sorry. I’m so happy to see you are happy!” She hugged me again.

“Are you kidding?” I smiled as widely as I could. “It’s wonderful news!”

I beelined into the kitchen, with the excuse of coming back with another jar of margaritas. Well, it was half an excuse. I felt like I needed all the alcohol I could get. Victor would come home completely sloshed, I could do the same. But of course. Dr. Mariana wouldn’t let me. She had to psychomom me.

“Everything alright?” She asked softly from the door.

“Mom, I beg you, not today!” I threw my head back in frustration, as I got some ice from the freezer. “I can be happy for other people, you know! Just because I can’t have kids-”

“That is not what I was asking.” She interrupted me. “How are things between you and Victor?”

Ugh . She noticed something. I did not feel like spilling the beans though. Nothing I could say would make me look good in that particular picture.

“Things have been stressful, as I’m sure it happens to all couples before a wedding. Lots to do, not enough time.” I threw all the excuses I could think of as I threw ingredients into the blender. “Nothing unusual.”

“I see.” She came closer, as if she was ready to play her card. “Is that why you look like you're on the verge of collapsing? I can tell, you know. You’re my daughter.”

And just like that, she had me cornered, showing me that no matter what I said, she would read into it. Fine.

“Please don’t make a big deal out of this, ok?” I looked her in the eyes. “We did have a fight. It wasn’t pretty.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. Are things better now?”

“Yes, we are getting there.” I sighed. “Not what I would want before the wedding, but at least I got to understand what’s bothering him. I think he’s afraid I may leave him.”

“It’s pretty clear to me that Victor, despite his detached, independent stance, can be very insecure sometimes.” My mother offered. “Judging by the absence of his father at his own son’s birthday festivities, I think it’s safe to say that he might have abandonment issues.”

“Victor doesn’t really have a relationship with him. It’s messy.” I shook my head, remembering the time Gregory stormed into Victor’s hospital room, more worried about not getting a call than his own son.

“And still you invited him?” My mother frowned. “Andrea, we do not fabricate a relationship like that. If Victor can’t have a healthy relationship with his father, you have to accept it. It’s his thing, he has his reasons.”

“I know.” I hung my head. “It’s useless anyway, he couldn’t find the time to come to his son's birthday. I bet he didn’t even call.”

“Something tells me from his reaction, Victor’s not used to being the center of attention. At least not in a loving way.” Right to the point, as my mom always was. “Maybe it won’t be easy to get him to fully trust you; he’s probably been let down so many times. But do try and show him, to the best of your ability, that he matters to you. That’s what will make your marriage work. You already have a good dynamic, all you need is to make sure he doesn’t shut down.”

“Right.” I frowned. “How exactly do I do that?”

“The way you’ve been doing it until now. You love him, you show him you are there.” She took my hand lovingly. “That’s all he needs.”

“Right.” I nodded, the pep talk making me feel more grounded. “I will, thank you.”

We resumed our drinking in the living room, bantering about married life and other subjects. Diane had prepared some games to play, but we didn’t care. All girls, including Mina, who wasn’t drinking but was chiming in with wise words now and again, were basking on that moment of female bonding, sharing experiences, and laughter, and love. Who needed strippers? We had friendship.

After a few hours, the doorbell rang. It was Goldman asking for paper towels.

“He threw up all over the upholstery.” He complained. “I’m going to help take him out of the car, I’ll be right back. Get ready to leave, Di.”

My heart froze. I knew it.

“That bad?” I grimaced. I was going to kill Josh. All I needed was a good place to bury the body.

“Completely wasted.” Goldman shook his head. “Let me help them.”

I went to the bedroom, to prepare the bed. I grabbed a pair of his pajamas and clean underwear. I would probably have to give him a shower and put him in bed. How I would do that to a very drunk and very tall Victor, I had no idea.

I returned to the door and opened it, expectant. Starting to get furious. The ding announced the elevator door opening.

And I couldn’t believe my eyes. Victor stepped out, fresh as a daisy, a smug smile on his face, carrying a nearly passed out Josh, with the help of my dad.

“I’m so proud to have you in the family, man.” My brother slurred to Victor, who chuckled. “You are a top-notch guy. I love you, man. I love you so fucking much.”

“You already said that, son. Victor knows.” My father answered with a sigh. “Let’s get you in bed, preferably without waking up your daughter.”

Victor left Josh with Cristina and my dad, taking off his vomit drenched suit jacket with a frown.

“Oh no, there were casualties…” I joked, amused to see Victor immune to my brother’s charms. “You got him drunk instead.” I smiled widely. “Genius.”

“Ye of little faith.” He grabbed me by the waist, kissing me softly on the lips. “What did I tell you?”

“Indeed.” I stroke his cheek softly, going down to his chest. “I see you are worthy of your present.”

“If it involves nudity, I will need a shower first. My jacket wasn’t the only casualty.” Victor frowned again.

“Wait, before you do that, Let me show you your other present.” I beamed at him. “This one does not involve nudity.”

Sitting in our bed, Victor carefully unwrapped his gift.

“It feels like a book.” He said, opening the paper to reveal his gift. It was a customized planner, with a leather cover, words engraved in gold spelling Victor . “A planner?”

“Open it.” I urged. As he skimmed through the pages, he could see several pictures of us, transparent in the background of the pages. “I made one for myself too, want to see?” I got up and took mine out of one of the dressing drawers. “Here. So you know that even if sometimes I may be busy, I will always be thinking of you. And you’ll be thinking of me too.”

“What’s the flash drive stuck in the cover for?” He picked it up, examining it closely.

“I know you like to use your planner on your computer and your phone, so I had it made in digital format too.” I smiled at him, aching for a reaction. “Do you like it?”

“So we did have a flash drive to pick up after all.” He wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me closer. “Thank you, I love it. You were very thoughtful.” He pecked me on the lips. “Now let me get a shower so we can go to the… second? no, third part of my present.” He smiled.

“Hmmm, how about if I join you and we make it a four-part birthday present?” I started unbuttoning his shirt, and he promptly started pecking my neck.

“Miss Jones…” His voice rumbled in my ear. “I do like the way you think.”

[iamtrebleclefstories]

help, ‘cause I need saving - part two

six times Jo and Alex saved each other from horrible dates and the one time they didn’t

a two-shot fic taking place in a Season 9 alternate universe

if you haven’t read part one, you can read it here => six times

"You look mopey-er than normal," Cristina commented as she walked into the house. "What's up with you?"

"Nothing," Alex frowned and took a swig of his beer.

"Where's the hairball? I normally would've seen her by now but I haven't seen her in the past few days," Cristina watched as Alex sat on the couch in silence. "So that's what's got you all depressed. What happened? Did she realize that you're a jerk and stop hanging out with you?"

"I kissed her."

"What?" Cristina raised her eyebrows.

"I kissed her," Alex repeated. "Or maybe she kissed me. I don't know. All I know is that she has been avoiding me for the past five days since it happened."

“Crap,” Cristina sat down on the couch next to him. “Well, was it bad?”

“No it wasn’t bad,” Alex shook his head. “At least, not for me it wasn’t. I—I’m just… such an idiot. I love her.”

Cristina stared at him in mild shock that he had actually said the words, “Woah.”

“Yeah,” Alex sighed. “I don’t know what to do. She doesn’t want me. If she did, she would’ve realized that I was trying to ask her to go out with me for drinks that night she decided to go out with that douche Peckwell.”

“Wow, you really are an idiot,” Alex glared as Cristina rolled her eyes. “You two are drinking buddies, friends, joined at the hip. All you ever do together is drink beer and hang out. Of course she’s not going to realize that you were asking her to go on a date with you. It’s what you always do together anyway. You may not realize it, but you’ve been unofficially dating each other for the past few months without knowing it.”

“Well it doesn’t really matter now. Whatever we had going on is over,” Alex huffed in frustration. “I always screw myself out of everything good.”

“How are you going to know it’s over if you haven’t even talked to her about it, dumbass?” Cristina swatted him on the side of his head. “Put on your big girl panties and just talk to her.”

“I don’t want to make her uncomfortable. I’m her boss,” Alex made a weak excuse.

“That’s a load of crap and you know it,” Cristina sighed. “Whatever, you can wallow in your pit of sorrow by yourself. I’m going to get ready because Owen’s coming over.”

+++

He should’ve known that things wouldn’t end there. Cristina was persistent, and although she claimed not to care, she was deeply invested in her friends’ lives and did her best to help them when she could. It was a side of Yang that very few people rarely got to see and being one of her oldest friends, Alex was one of them. And since he was one of her oldest friends, Cristina had also enlisted Meredith for help.

“Come on, don’t be like that. It’s a date, at a nice restaurant with great booze. It won’t be the end of the world if you go,” Cristina brought up the subject as they were getting ready for rounds a few days later.

“Look, I get what you’re trying to do here, but I’m just not ready for that. I don’t want to go on a date with somebody else,” Alex shrugged his arms through his white coat. "And this time I won't have anyone to get me out of it when it inevitably goes bad."

"I'll get you out of it," Cristina offered. "Yeah, I'll have my phone with me and fake page you for an emergency if it goes horribly."

"Really?" Alex raised his eyebrow. "You actually are trying to help me? You're not trying to embarass me or anything like that?"

"Now that would just be cruel. I wouldn't kick you while you're down," she rolled her eyes. "Just go on the damn date. I promise, I think you'll enjoy it."

"Fine," Alex huffed in annoyance. "I'll go. But if I hate it,You owe me the money I spent on the date."

"Yeah, yeah," Cristina waved her hand as she walked away. Cristina rounded the corner and ran into the person she'd been looking for.

"Dr.Yang!"

"Edwards," Cristina placed her hands on her hips and looked at the intern expectantly. "Well, did you do it?"

"Yup," Stephanie nodded enthusiastically. " It took some time to convince her because she is still hung up over Karev, but I promised her that I'd save her if her mystery date went horribly."

"I had to do the same thing with Alex," Cristina chuckled. "Okay, I am going to go tell Meredith to make sure that she lets Wilson leave early. And because you spied on your friend and helped me out, you get to scrub in on my aortic valve surgery. Go prep her for surgery now”

“Thank you Dr. Yang!” Stephanie grinned. “I’ll see you in thirty minutes.”

Cristina sighed and made her way to the lounge where Meredith was eating a snack, “Mer!”

“Dammit Cristina, you made me drop my cookie on the floor,” Meredith glared at her friend.

“I’ll buy you a new one,” Cristina sat across from her. “You have Wilson on your service today, right?”

“Yeah,” Meredith huffed and ran a hand over her belly.

“Okay so you remember how I talked to you about getting Alex and Wilson together?”

“Mmhmm,” Meredith hummed and continued to eat her snack. “I thought it was a good idea and helped you pick the place for the date. What about it?”

“Well, it’s happening tonight, so I need you to make sure that the hairball makes it there in time,” Cristina reached over to grab a bite out of Meredith’s food only to get her hand slapped away.

“Get your own food,” Meredith grumbled. “But yes, I can do that. Maybe I’ll even let her out early so she can get dressed up.”

“Great, I’m going to go do surgery,” Cristina stood up and made her way towards the door.

“If those two get married and we’re not in the wedding, Alex will never hear the end of it,” Meredith shouted at a snickering Cristina as she walked away.

+++

Jo didn’t want to be there. The last thing she wanted was to be on another meaningless date with some guy she didn’t care about at some restaurant she’d mentioned trying out one day to Alex. When she heard she was on Medusa’s service today, she’d hoped that Grey would pile on the scut so that she’d be forced to cancel. But to her surprise—and disdain—Grey let her leave early. So, she begrudgingly changed out of her scrubs and into the outfit that Stephanie had laid out for her and drove to the restaurant.

Everything within her was screaming to make a run for it and ditch the guy so that Steph would never bother her about finding a date again, but as someone who’d just screwed things up so badly with the one person she’d only ever really wanted to date, Jo decided it may have been best to put the horrendous experience behind her. That was becoming increasingly difficult, however, as the days she’d spent apart from Alex only led to feeling his absence that much stronger.

So despite the overwhelming desire to go home and watch scary movies in her favorite pair of sweatpants, Jo got out the car and walked over to the entrance of the restaurant. She sighed as she told the host that she was looking for a reservation under the name Edwards.

“Ah yes, the Edwards-Yang table. Right this way,” the hostess smiled at Jo. “Your date is already here. He’s really handsome and seemed nice enough. I hope it goes well.”

Jo nodded half distracted as she allowed the young woman to guide her to the table where she’d have to endure another date. Jo stopped suddenly, not noticing that the hostess had paused and was pointing to a table with a man seated with his back towards them.

“That’s him. Good luck!” The hostess chirped and turned around to leave them alone.

Taking a deep breath, Jo readied herself and walked up to the table. She moved to stand in front of the man who she was supposed to be courting that evening and gasped, “Alex?”

“Jo?”

Jo gaped at him for a few moments, “You—what are you doing here?”

“Yang set it up, she said she was setting me up on a date tonight,” Alex answered quietly, still unsure of what was going on. “She told me I needed to get over—never mind. What are you doing here?”

“Stephanie told me the same thing,” Jo stared at him curiously. “Oh my God. We’ve been set up. They set us up.”=”

Alex snorted a laugh, “You’re kidding right? This is Yang we’re talking about. She doesn’t do things like these. She doesn’t care enough.”

“Well she obviously does or we both wouldn’t be here,” Jo looked at the empty seat across from Alex in question. “Why else would Grey let me out early instead of keeping me there to monitor her post ops?”

“You can sit down you know,” Alex motioned to the chair. His lips curved up into a slight grin. “I won’t bite.”

Jo rolled her eyes and sat down quietly. The pair stared at each other awkwardly for a moment, fidgeting nervously as neither one of them knew what to say. It was never like this when they were together. Ever since they first started hanging out, there had been an immediate sense of comfortability. They had never needed to feel nervous or afraid when around each other because they just worked. That’s what was making the recent shift in their relationship so difficult. The kiss they’d shared brought up a whole slew of emotions that neither of them really knew how to handle.

Maybe that’s why when they decided to break the tense silence, both of them stumbled on their words.

“So, how was work?” “I haven’t seen you around in a bit.”

“Sorry,” Jo let out a breathy laugh and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear.

“No, it’s okay. You first,” Alex shook his head and motioned for Jo to continue.

“I, uh… ha,” Jo bounced her leg as she tried to shake the nerves off. “I said, how’s work?”

“Oh it’s uh, it’s good,” Alex shrugged awkwardly. “I got to operate on Hannah Gordon today. I got to remove her colostomy bag.”

“Really? That’s the little girl who was in the accident at school, right? You finally got to operate? That’s fantastic. I wish I could’ve been there to see the look on her face when you told her that she no longer needs a poop bag anymore,” Jo smiled.

“Yeah, she had the biggest grin on her face when I told her that the crap bag was gone and she could go back to school and do gymnastics again in a few months,” Alex mirrored Jo’s grin.

“You see, that’s what I love about peds. There’s a special connection and follow-through that you get with peds patients than you do with adults,” Jo sighed.

“Well, you are always welcome on my service. I know that you have to go through all the specialties, but if you feel like peds is something you might want to do one day, then I’d be more than happy to take you under my wing,” Alex smiled at her softly. “I can be your Robbins.”

“My Robbins, huh?” Jo hummed. “We’ll see. I might have to take you up on that eventually.”

Those comments seemed to have done it, because once Jo and Alex started talking, everything seemed right in the world again. They both relaxed and joked around with each other, making the dinner date that they had both been dreading, enjoyable. The hadn’t noticed how long they’d been in the restaurant talking when they realized that the staff had begun cleaning up all around them.

“Oh wow, it’s ten o’clock already?” Alex wondered out loud as he looked down at his watch.

“For real?” Jo raised an eyebrow and looked over to glance at the time. “Have we been here that long?”

“I guess we have,” Alex chuckled. “I’m surprised they haven’t kicked us out yet.”

“It might be because we haven’t paid yet,” Jo pointed at the check on the edge of the table, waiting for payment.

“Yeah, that might be why,” Alex reached over and grabbed the receipt, stopping Jo’s protest. “I’ve got it. Don’t worry about it.”

“Alex-”

“Dude, chill. It’s not that big of a deal. Besides you’re an intern and you barely make any money. Consider it a gift,” Alex pulled some cash out of his wallet and deposited it on the table and stood up. “You ready?”

“Yeah.”

“I had fun tonight,” Alex’s mouth curved into a crooked half-smile. “It was the first date I’ve been on in a long time where I didn’t need to fake an excuse to get out of it.”

Jo laughed lightly, “Same here.”

“So are we gonna talk about it?” Alex asked as they neared the car.

“Talk about what?” Jo shrugged innocently, sighing when she unimpressed look on Alex’s face. “We kissed.”

“We did,” Alex nodded quietly. “Why did you do it? You could’ve come up with plenty of other things to do so that I could help you get away from Peckwell, or whatever the hell his name is. Why did you kiss me?”

“I don’t know.”

“I think you do know,” Alex buried his hands in his pockets and leaned against her car. “But you’re too afraid to say it.”

“I kissed you because I wanted to,” Jo confessed as she looked down at the ground beneath her. “I still want to, if I’m being completely honest.” Jo looked up at him, heart hammering in her chest as she said the words she’d been wanting to say for so long, “These past few months I’ve been on horrible dates. We’ve each been on horrible dates. And every single time we needed rescuing because for some reason they didn’t work out. So, I spent time thinking back to all those dates and trying to figure out why they went badly and I think I figured it out. I could on a hundred dates with a hundred really nice guys, but I will always need rescuing. They would always go badly and I’d need saving because those guys aren’t you. But with you… I never need saving with you. Because with you, I’m already safe.”

Alex stared at her in wonder. He was quite honestly, speechless. That’s what she did to him. Jo rendered him completely and utterly speechless. He realized he’d been quiet for too long when Jo started rambling nervously about how she should’ve never said anything.

Alex placed his hands gently on her face to bring her attention to him. He looked back and forth between her eyes and her mouth. Leaning in slowly, Alex pressed his lips against hers, bringing her into a sweet kiss.

When they parted, Jo breathed in and out deeply, seemingly in shock of what had just happened. Seeing her dumbstruck expression, Alex chuckled slightly. She really had no idea how he felt about her. Deciding to take a chance, he opened his mouth and said the thing that had been threatening to spill out of his mouth for a few months now.

“Jo, I love you.”

“What?” Jo’s eyes widened at his confession.

“I love you,” Alex repeated, a large smile on his face. “I love you.”

“You love me?” Jo asked shakily. “It’s not all in my head? You’re actually saying those words to me? And you mean them?”

“Mmhmm,” Alex grinned brightly. “I’m in love with you. I’ve been in love with you for a while now and I want to be with you.”

“Oh,” Jo’s mouth froze in that shape. “Woah.”

Alex leaned in for another kiss, “God I could do this forever.”

“I can think of some other things we could do if we get out of here,” Jo whispered lowly, causing Alex’s eyebrows to shoot up in surprise. “I don’t normally make a habit out of sleeping with guys on the first date, but I think I can make an exception for you.”

“As amazing as that sounds, I think I’m gonna make you wait,” Alex took a step away from Jo.

“You’re gonna make me wait? You. Alex Karev. Are going to make me wait for sex?” Jo’s face displayed her disbelief.

“I am,” a shit-eating grin made its way onto his face.

“You’re kidding.”

“Nope,” Alex’s smile increased tenfold.

“Are you seriously going to make me beg?” Jo narrowed her eyes. “Because I will beg. I have no shame in begging you to take me right here in the parking lot.”

“You’re gonna be the death of me,” Alex groaned. His eyes softened after a moment. “Look, I know I have a… reputation, but I always jumped head first into sex with everyone. You’re not just anyone. You’re Jo and for the first time in my life, I want to do things differently. So, let me take you out a couple more times before you let me in your pants.”

“Well when you put it like that, it makes you sound all sweet and sappy, and me sound like a slut because I want to jump into bed with you,” Jo laughed and let out a breath. “I’ve never had anyone who wanted me for more than my body or that wanted things to be special.”

“I know,” Alex answered simply. “Which is why I am gonna make you wait. I want you, Jo. I love you. And I’m gonna show you that you mean something to me. More than just your body, which let me say…” Alex paused and gave her a once over as he allowed his hand to wander down her spine, causing her to shiver. “Is pretty incredible.”

Jo chuckled softly and kissed him, “Well, whenever you’re ready, it’s all yours.”

“Ugh,” Alex laid his head on her shoulder. “Okay, you need to go home before I pull you into the backseat.”

Jo laughed, “Alright, I’m going.” She unlocked her car and sat down in the driver’s seat, glancing up at Alex to give him a bright smile. “Goodnight.”

Alex’s face softened, “Goodnight.”

[doc-pickles]

it’s nothing funny just to talk (p.3)

What happens when you text that random number graffitied on a bathroom stall in your favorite bar? Jo Wilson is about to find out. - In which Bar Princess and Doctor Evil Spawn meet via text.

Chapter threeee. What do you think? Any predictions?

Sunday 10:28 AM

oh man

you’re pretty funny

Shhh you’re talking too loud. 

i’m texting you

Well stop it. You’re being too loud. 

okaaaaay i’ll leave you alone

Wait come back… I miss you. 

ahhh the truth comes out 

you do like me

Of course I do, I wouldn’t be texting you if I didn’t. 

well that’s good to know 

i’m assuming your head is pounding?

Very much so. I'm about to chug a gallon of orange juice and pray I don’t die. 

can you sing while you do it?

I don’t sing. 

but you serenaded me last night 

it was an amazing song called “bar princess” 

Oh shit. Really?

yes and then you told me that you couldn’t sing to me because jo would be mad

In my defense it was my buddies bachelor party. 

that excuse didn’t stop you from calling me bar princess

I think i’m gonna name you… doctor rockstar 

Somehow that’s actually worse than Doctor Evil Spawn

it'll grow on you 

hey go check your porch

You didn’t. 

oh but I did

Breakfast and coffee? You’re the best. Thank you. 

it’s my thank you for the donuts yesterday

and for keeping me sane almost everyday

It’s nothing, I enjoy our friendship just as much as you do. 

  Sunday 3:33 PM

What’s with all these sirens in the area? You think someone died?

oh…. that might’ve been me…

WHAT?!

Are you okay?

Jo???

  Sunday 3:45 PM

Incoming Voice Call

“Hey it’s Jo! I can’t come to the phone right now but leave me a message and I’ll call ya back!”

  Sunday 3:47 PM

i’m fine gimme a second

You’re freaking me out. 

  Sunday 4:17 PM

Incoming Voice Call

“Jo?”

“I’m fine, I‘m fine.”

“What the hell happened?”

“I tried to make lunch and I set something on fire. It’s fine, I just couldn’t contain it.”

“You want me to come help out? I can be there in five minutes.”

“Alex, I’m fine. And I told you, I don’t wanna see you until our date.”

“Oh screw all that. Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Yes! Now stop worrying about me, I’m perfectly fine.”

“Okay I’ll take your word for it, Bar Princess.”

“Good. Now stop freaking out, I can hear you hyperventilating over there.”

“I told you, I don’t want our first meeting to be at your funeral. I’m protecting myself obviously.”

“Right okay. Well I have to go and talk Steph down from killing me. I’ll talk to you soon. And Alex?”

“Yes Jo?”

“Thanks… just for caring about me. I’ve never had anyone who would be that concerned about me setting the fire alarm off. It means a lot. More than you know.”

“Well I like you, a lot. And you mean a lot to me. More than you know. Hey, when are you free next week?”

“I get back on Sunday night so anytime after that.”

“I’m off Wednesday, does that work for you?”

“Absolutely. It’s a date?”

“It is definitely a date. I’ll talk to you soon. Bye.”

“Bye!”

  Monday 9:36 AM

so steph killed me 

almost

  Monday 10:06 AM

You’re texting me so I’m assuming that’s a good sign. 

yeah I started crying and she let me off the hook

You started crying??

well fake crying but yeah

it did the job

You’re full of surprises aren’t you?

only always

I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised when we meet

I hope so. Gotta go yell at interns, catch ya on the flip side. 

the 90s called they want their catchphrase back

  Monday 4:21 PM

pretty sure our AC is broken

i’m sweating like a pig

Oof, not fun. Did you call it in?

yup but they can’t get out till next weekend

i’m in shorts and a tank top I don’t think I can strip more without izzie yelling at me

I wouldn’t complain if you wanted to come and strip for me. 

that was very forward doctor rockstar

at least take me out to dinner first

I’m trying to. Surgeons are busy people. 

it’s okay it’ll be well worth the wait 

and i’m holding you to what you said

I say a lot of things to you, you’ll have to be more specific. 

when you said you’d kiss me as soon as we met

i’ll be waiting for that

I’ll make sure to put chapstick on in the car then. 

you should do stand up comedy 

Once you get to know me you’ll understand how terrible of an idea that is. 

oh shoot

bridezilla just stormed in crying

OH MY GOD SHE GOT A FAKE TAN SHE LOOKS LIKE AN ORANGE 

have to run damage control we’ll talk later 

Lemon juice and a loofah. At least that’s what Meredith is telling me. Good luck. 

  Tuesday 10:28 AM

can you kiss meredith for me

she saved my ass yesterday 

That would be kind of awkward seeing as she’s married. But I’ll pass on your thanks. 

there were so many tears 

it was horrendous

izzie and I stayed up until 2 am washing that stuff off

Jesus Christ. I’m sure you’ll be relieved once this wedding is over and done with. 

four more days!!

i’m excited of course but like… I want this done with

I can’t take much more bridezilla madness

Neither can I. 

you’re not even dealing with it!!

Yeah but I have to hear you dealing with it and it just doesn’t sound fun. I pity you. 

you’re so sweet

Doctor Feel Good

That sounds borderline inappropriate. 

it was 100% inappropriate 

see i’ve flipped the tables 

now i’m trying to seduce you

I applaud your efforts. Giving me a sexy nickname definitely helped your chances.

really??

You asked me to kiss you as soon as we met, I assumed that you would also be putting out on the first date.

W O W

you’re not wrong

BUT WOW

Knew it. I’d love to continue talking about what you’re going to do to me after our first date, but I have a high volume trauma coming in. Probably won’t be around for a few hours.

good luck, keep your wits about you

don’t be a hero, we still have a standing date

Wouldn’t miss it for the world.

  Tuesday 11:38 PM

Incoming Voice Call

“Alex?”

“Hey. I hope I didn’t wake you up.” “No… No, I wasn’t sleeping, I was watching a movie. Are you okay?” “Yeah. Yeah I’m fine.” “You don’t sound fine.” “It’s just been a long day… a lot happened.” “Do you wanna talk about it?” “No I… there was a pileup, on the freeway. It was really bad. And there… there was a van full of kids. It’s just been a long day.” “I’m sorry, I can’t imagine how hard it is going through that. What can I do to help?” “Can you… can you just talk to me?” “Of course I can. Oh! I’ll tell you Izzie’s muffin story! That’s a good one.”

“Okay yeah. Yeah, that sounds good.” “So Izzie and her boyfriend had gone through a BAD breakup, I mean monumental. She was so upset and she just started baking…”

  Wednesday 9:59 AM

Incoming Voice Call

“Jesus Christ what time is it?” “It’s 10 AM.” “Alex! I didn’t check the caller ID. Are you okay?” “I’m fine. I’m fine… I’m sorry I woke you up.” “No! It’s okay, you know I love to hear your voice.” “Well that’s a relief, I was worried you were gonna drop me because I keep waking you up.” “You only woke me up once!” “Listen Bar Princess, you may think you’re a good liar but you aren’t. I know I woke you up last night when I called.” “No I-”

“No buts. Thank you for that, I really appreciated it. It’s… it’s hard being in my line of work somedays.” “Well, you’ll always have me to lean on.” “I just need you to know…” “Know what? Oh my god you’re not married are you?” “What? No! Jo… just listen. Can you do that?” “Yes, I can.” “Somedays this job drags me down. It wears me down to my core and it doesn’t make it easier when I’ve got babies and kids on the table. It’s hard and I hate to admit it but I fall apart. I fall apart and I’m messy and I get all dark and twisty sometimes.” “Dark and twisty?” “Meredith says that. But it’s true. I get dark and twisty sometimes and you… last night you pulled me out of that dark and twisty place and I just…” “Just what? You can tell me, Alex.” “I don’t want to rely on you if pulling me out of the dark and twisty place is too much for you to handle. I want… I know I sound crazy and you’re probably freaking out-”

“I’m not freaking out.” “But I want this. You and me and I don’t want to get comfortable if you’re not in. Because I’m in, I’m in Jo. It’s ridiculous and I don’t even know what you look like but I’m in.”

“I’m in. I’m so in, I’m all in and if that makes us crazy then… Then I wanna be crazy with you.”

“Kissing you sounds really good right now.” “Listen, just because I said I’m in this for the long haul doesn’t mean you get to see me before our first date. If anything, this makes things more romantic.” “Okay okay, I’ll listen to you. You better be prepared because this first kiss, it’s gonna be the most epic kiss you’ll ever get.” “I’m waiting in eager anticipation, Doctor Feelgood.”

“It’s feels wrong to like it when you call me that.”

“You’re a real charmer. I would love to keep up the sexy talk, but Bridezilla is here and I’m pretty sure she’s going to rip my head off. Talk later?”

“Don’t we always. Thanks… for hearing me out. And being there. And being you. I can’t wait to kiss you.”

“I can’t wait to kiss you eit-“

“JO GET YOUR ASS DOWN HERE BEFORE I DRAG YOU DOWN THE STAIRS.”

“Have fun, call me if you need an alibi.”

  Wednesday 1:18 PM

had to hide in the bathroom 

the living room is covered in glitter 

Aren’t you used to that? Being a teacher and all?

ohhhhhh no 

i have banned the use of glitter in my house and classroom

i’m not a monster

Oh glad to know you have your wits about you. 

of course i do

my only slipup ever has been the time i drunk texted that phone number that was graffitied in a bar bathroom

oh wait

Hahaha very funny. By the way, I thanked Cristina profusely and even bought her a coffee.

what are we thanking cristina for? For putting my phone number up in the bathroom. I might need you to go and scratch it out though. I don’t need any other drunk teachers at bachelorette parties texting me, I’ve met my quota. 

well that was oddly touching

you’re a big softy aren’t you doctor evil spawn

I’m a pediatric surgeon, I think that tells you everything you need to know.

you’re making some very good points here

oh shit she found me

i’ll be back (hopefully)

I have a bone to pick with bridezilla. She keeps taking my texting buddy away.

  Wednesday 6:06 PM

good god i’m gonna die before we get to this wedding

i just had to pack chocolate almonds into tiny little bags and tie them with bows

WHO HAS CHOCOLATE ALMONDS ANYMORE IT’S NOT 1985

You seem to have a lot of strong feelings about almonds.

i can't feel my fingers

If you can’t feel your fingers how are you texting me? i’m making siri do it for me while i lay on the floor drinking wine

I’m so proud of you. I’m on NICU overnight duty, so I have to stay awake and I’m bored. 

shouldn’t you be like… taking care of the babies? Oh these kids are fighters. I just gotta make sure they don’t rip off their tubes.

well it seems like you have an easy night

Until I die of boredom or hunger. Whichever one happens first.

i’m pretty sure you’re the doctor here so you know that won’t happen

Wow, you really pulled the doctor card on me huh? of course i did, it’s like you don’t even know me

You’re right I should’ve expected that. Gotta do rounds, I’ll text you in a bit.

  Wednesday 8:28 PM

I’m pretty sure it was my turn to bring you food, not the other way around.

i sent the egg rolls and chow mein! 

apparently you’re a regular because the guy at the restaurant suggested everything else and offered to deliver it to you

Thank you, you did kind of save my night. This chicken chow mein is amazing.

it’s my favorite

just like you :) Now who’s the softy? i’m a fourth grade teacher, i think that tells you everything you need to know

Touche. Okay now I really have to go be a doctor. Thank you again for dinner, one more week until we get to see each other.

the happy dance i just did was embarrassing, that’s how excited i am

  Thursday 10:28 AM

if I never have to participate in another wedding it’ll be too soon

i’m so exhausted I wish I was in a room filled with fourth graders instead of here

Don’t you wanna get married someday?

if I ever get married i’m going to the courthouse and getting pizza after

that’s my dream wedding

At least you don’t wanna spend 10k on a couple hours of celebrating. Pizza is as good a celebration as any in my book. 

exactly you get it 

pizza and beer trumps uncomfy dress and socializing with people any day

What’s bridezilla got you doing today?

making table numbers and centerpieces today

then we drive up tomorrow night

then I get shit faced at the open bar

At least you know what your agenda is. 

that’s always my wedding agenda 

hopefully I won’t puke on my shoes this time

That would be a funny wedding story though, good for small talk. 

you’re right maybe I should peueowownspdjd

Did you have a stroke? 

Jo???

Jo’s phone has been confiscated so she can focus all of her attention on helping with wedding preparations. She’ll get it back later today. Sincerely, Bridezilla 

  Thursday 4:17 PM

Incoming Phone Call

“I have to call my mom, I’ll be right back!”

“Jo that excuse doesn’t work, we all know you don’t have a mom!”

“So now you’re lying to talk to me?”

“Hey you saw what Bridezilla did earlier! I had to run out the door while she went pee so she wouldn’t catch me.”

“You’re willing to risk death for me? You really do care.”

“I love her but she’s suffocating me and all I want is to get drunk and possibly make out with you.”

“Mmm should I come by and rescue you?”

“No! No, I really wanna make out with you but I wanna wait. Just six more days.”

“Six days. I promise there will be beer and pizza and lots of kissing.”

“Good. That’s the only thing getting me through this weekend. I gotta go back, but I’ll text you as soon as I can.”

“I’ll be relentlessly staring at my phone until my friends make fun of me or you text, whatever happens first. Bye Jo.”

“Bye Alex.”

  Thursday 8:33 PM

good god I finally got her to leave

only because I reminded her we have a bunch of shit to do tomorrow

I need a drink

Take a shot of Fireball for me. I’m on my final overnight shift before my weekend vacation. 

done, one for me and one for you

Jesus woman you’re unstoppable. 

well I do try to be a borderline alcoholic in my day to day life

(that was sarcasm)

You’re hilarious. And my favorite person to talk to. 

right back at ya doctor feel good

I gotta sleep, i’m tired as hell and were leaving early tomorrow 

Sleep well, I’ll talk to you tomorrow Bar Princess. 

goodniiiiiiight

  Friday 9:47 AM

Incoming Phone Call

“Mmm hello?”

“Hi it’s me, I’m sorry it’s so early, I know you probably haven’t slept much.”

“S’okay, you know I like hearing your voice.”

“I just wanted to say bye. I mean not forever, but the wedding is gonna keep me busy all weekend and I don’t even know if we’ll have service. So this’ll be the longest we’ve gone without talking.”

“You’re rambling, Jo.”

“I know, I know. I just… I’m gonna miss talking to you at all hours of the day. Especially when You Know Who gets all psycho.”

“Mmm well I’ll see you on Wednesday right? That’s…”

“Five days.”

“Exactly. Five days away. Not that long.”

“I know.”

“You already said that. Are you attached to my lingering presence?”

“Maybe, maybe not. I gotta go, Steph is about to leave without me. But you should check your doorstep.”

“Damn it Jo, it’s my turn not yours. Thank you anyways though, I always love that you think of me.”

“Only all the time. I’ll talk to you soon. Bye Alex.”

“Goodbye Jo.”

[thejolexgroupchat]

the one where they met in med school - part nineteen

confrontations and loft spaces if you haven’t read part eighteen, you can find it here

(July 2008 cont.)

 The next day was rough for both Jo and Alex. Neither of them got much sleep the night before and Alex realized very quickly that Jo was actively avoiding him when he walked into Meredith's hospital room and saw this disapproving look, on her face.

 "You know?" Alex made a face.

 "Izzie told me," Meredith replied. She huffed and narrowed her eyes. "I can't believe you said that to her."

 "I can't believe I said that to her either,” Alex sighed. “I was angry and when I get angry, I lash out.”

 “Yeah, I know,” Meredith shook her head at him. “Alex, you messed up. Badly. You came for her where it hurts the most. You don’t shove someone’s insecurities in their face.”

 “I know that, Mer,” Alex huffed. “I know that… I was just so—so angry that I wanted her to hurt the way I was hurting. Which now that I say it out loud it sounds stupid because the one I should be hurting is Avery. God, I just want to pummel his face.”

 “Don’t do that,” Meredith warned. “Nothing good can ever come out of that.”

 “I make no promises,” Alex excused himself and left the room. 

 He was on Torres’ service today and would be helping assist on a spinal surgery with her and Shepherd. Alex walked up to the patient room where he was supposed to meet the two attendings and prep the patient for surgery. He stopped in his tracks when he saw Avery present, standing beside Shepherd.

 The surgery would take all day, and Alex was dreading being stuck in an OR with his fellow resident. Alex scowled and glared at Jackson the entirety of the operation. 

 Jackson on the other hand, felt nervous. When he’d woken up that morning, the night before had been a blur. He’d had so much to drink that he was nursing a pretty bad hangover when he walked into the hospital that morning. He hadn’t even remembered the kiss he’d planted on Jo until he watched her skitter past him in the hallway, refusing to make eye contact. 

 He felt bad for what he’d done, because despite what Jo may have been thinking, Jackson wasn’t a bad guy. He was a guy that got a little too cocky after having a little too much to drink and went out in search of hints and clues that hadn’t been there to begin with to make him feel better about trying to make a move on Jo while she was clearly with Karev. 

 By the time the surgery ended, Jackson decided that he needed to talk to Alex once and for all, if he ever wanted the stares burning into the back of his head to stop. Jackson needed to find Alex and apologize. He also needed to apologize to Jo.

 Jackson decided that the latter would probably be easier to talk to than the former. He made his way to the peds floor where he knew Jo had been working today. Jackson maneuvered his way around the floor searching for the woman he’d hoped he hadn’t completely ruined his friendship with. Finally spotting her, Jackson reached for Jo’s arm and pulled her into an empty linen closet.

 “Jackson, listen. I don’t know what you think you saw or felt but I was not—”

 “Jo, it’s okay. You don’t have to explain anything to me,” Jackson motioned for her to stop talking. “I just wanted to apologize for last night. I’m not usually that guy. I don’t know what came over me, but I’m really sorry. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable or cause you any trouble. I like you, but I wouldn’t ever try to purposely mess up your relationship. I respect you too much for that.”

 Jo eyed him carefully, “Okay.”

 “Okay?” Jackson tilted his head in confusion.

 “I’ll accept your apology,” Jo crossed her arms in front of her. 

 “Really?” Jackson’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “I thought I was gonna have to work a little harder for that, but thank you.”

 “It’s all in the past,” Jo shrugged. “Besides, all you did was open my eyes to issues that were already present in my relationship, so I guess I should thank you.” 

 “For what it’s worth, I think you shouldn’t give up so easily. I know Karev isn’t and I know I wouldn’t if I had you,” Jackson smiled shyly. “Anyway, I’m going to go talk to your boyfriend now, so wish me luck.”

 “Be careful,” Jo warned. “Alex and I aren’t afraid to throw punches for each other.”

 “I will.”

 Jackson and Jo walked out of the linen closet and went their separate ways, each going in opposite directions. Alex—who’d come up to peds to see if he could finally get a moment alone with Jo—witnessed as the pair walked out of the room together. 

 Alex could see Jackson walking towards him. His fists balled in anger at the thought of what could’ve possibly happened in that linen closet. He clenched his teeth and watched as Jackson approached him and Jo walked out of sight. With his blood boiling in rage just like it had been over the previous hours, he tried to let it go, but failed. Swiftly and without even thinking, his fist found its way to Jackson’s jaw. 

 “What the hell, Karev?” Jackson winced while rubbing the impacted area. He felt Alex pull him by his scrub top into an on-call room and didn’t even react when he felt his body pressed against the wall. 

 “You listen here, Avery. You come here acting all snazzy and flirty with your money and your last name and your shiny pair of blue eyes, but she is mine, you hear me? Jo is the best thing to ever happen to me, and you are not going to take her away from me,” Alex twisted his hand around the newcomer’s shirt. 

 “I didn’t mean to cause any trouble,” Jackson surrendered, putting both his hands up. 

 “Yeah, but you did. And from what I remember from med school, you’re not a bad guy, so I have a feeling that you’re going to measure your words and actions from now on,” Alex said, pushing him away and letting go of the taller man. “Now, I hear you got stuff to do, so get going,” he added, eyeing Jackson as he made his way out the door and closed it just to open it again after a few moments. 

 “Karev,” Jackson called his attention. “Sorry about your girl,” he said before closing the door one last time and walking away. 

 Alex, now feeling a lot calmer than a few minutes before, decided to act mature. Running towards the door, he opened it and chased the other man. 

 “Avery,” Alex called out, making him turn around. “Sorry about your jaw.”

***

 The next few days, Jo and Alex hardly ever saw each other. Partially because Jo was purposely avoiding him and partially because ever since Izzie, Lexie, and Cristina caught wind of Alex’s major screw-up, they’d been intercepting Alex’s every move. They wouldn’t allow him to get more than a hundred feet within Jo’s presence. 

 “Come on, you can’t do this forever. You can’t keep me from talking to her. She’s my girlfriend,” Alex argued with Cristina as she held up a hand in front of him so that he couldn’t walk out of the residents’ lounge to follow Jo. “Look, I know I was an ass, but we share a bedroom and I haven’t seen her in the past three days. She sleeps in Izzie’s room, she comes in to grab her clothes while I’m in the shower, she even took her damn pillow with her. ”

 “No you listen right here, Evil Spawn. Jo has never, ever given you a reason not to trust her and now all of a sudden you assume the worst of her? Because what? You feel threatened by pretty-boy’s presence? Because he kissed your girl? What the hell is wrong with you?” Cristina slapped the side of his head. “Is it so horrifying to think that someone else might want her? Jo is hot and smart and funny and way too good to be putting up with your bullshit.”

 “You think I don’t know that?” Alex exclaimed. “You think I don’t know that Jo could do so much better than me?” Alex let out a sigh of frustration. “I’m an ass, I’ve always been an ass. Jo saw that side of me and still loved me. She wanted me. Which is great and I’m thankful for it because I think she’s perfect. I think she’s amazing and everything any guy could ever want. So yeah, I feel threatened and I get defensive and mean and I lash out because I’m so freaking terrified she’s gonna realize that she could do so much better than me and leave me. Avery is better than me. He’s got the name and the looks and the money. And he’s a good, decent guy. He’s what she deserves. The years we’ve spent together will mean nothing if she finally realizes that there is someone out there that could offer her more than I ever could.”

 “Are you dumb or stupid?” Cristina asked, prompting a scowl from Alex. “No, it’s a serious question. Are you an idiot? Because that might just be the dumbest thing I have ever heard come out of your mouth.” 

 “Oh shut up,” Alex glared at Cristina, walking away from her to sit on the bench behind them. “This is why people don’t tell you things.”

 “Alex, I’m not making fun of you. I’m being serious,” Cristina sat next to Alex, eyeing him for a moment before speaking again. “You may be right, Avery might be everything you’re not but Jo doesn't care about that. There could be a million guys better than you lining up at her door begging her to be with them and she’s always going to choose you. She loves you, idiot. I don’t know why honestly, but that’s the only thing she cares about. She doesn’t care about the money or the name or how much that asswipe tries to butter her up with compliments, she’s only got eyes for your dumb ass. Get over your own insecurities before you push her away.”

 “You make it sound so easy,” Alex sighed. “I’ve never felt like this before. I’ve never loved someone so much that I’m constantly worried that I’ll lose them. I’m used to losing people. I’m used to things being temporary and people turning their back on you or getting sick and being unable to help you or themselves. I’m used to all of that crap. But Jo… Jo’s the first person that I’ve ever had that I really can’t lose. I tell her all the time that I want forever with her, I tell her that I want to grow old with her, have kids with her, marry her one day. I tell her those things on a daily basis, but I hardly ever hear her say them in return. Sure she shows it, but it would be nice to hear it sometimes. It would be nice to know that she feels the same way too.”

 Unbeknownst to Alex or Cristina, Jo had been listening in on the conversation from outside the lounge. She had left her ID badge in her locker so she’d made her way back down to retrieve it when she stumbled across the conversation going on between the pair of friends. Jo's heart sunk as she heard Alex's words of worry. She had no idea Alex felt that way. It was true, she didn't say it often, but Jo thought she'd made it clear that all she was waiting for was for Alex to ask and she'd marry him in a heartbeat. She didn't know that he was constantly terrified that she'd find someone better for her--as if that person existed--and leave him behind. She had to do something, say something that left him with no doubts about himself and the love she held for him.

***

The next morning, Jo walked up to Alex and pulled him into a nearby on-call room, interrupting the conversation he was having with Meredith who'd just returned to work. Alex raised his eyebrows in question when she locked the door behind them, "Oh, now you want to see me? After having Lexie, Izzie, and Cristina block me from getting within a hundred feet of you and switching with you so that you’re not stuck on a case with me all week?”

 “Just shut up,” Jo leaned up and grabbed Alex’s face with both hands and leaned in to kiss him. Jo pulled away when she felt him tense up. “Alex, please. Relax.”

 “Is this what you want from me? Sex? Because if that’s all you want, might as well go ask Avery. He’s more than willing to give it to you,” Alex pulled away and crossed his arms. 

 “Stop being an asshole,” Jo shoved him slightly. “God, I brought you in here because I miss you and I wanted to talk to you. Not because I want to use you for sex. I miss your voice and your hugs and your laugh and notes you slip into the pocket of my lab coat when I’m having a bad day and the way you wrap your arms around me when we sleep. But for some reason you think that I don’t care about those things. That I’m just using you to keep my bed warm until someone else comes along. I thought you knew me better than that.”

 Alex had the decency to look a little ashamed of himself as he took a seat on one of the beds, “I’m sorry. I really am, Jo. I was… projecting my worries and fears onto you and that’s not fair to you. Not when all you’ve shown me is love and commitment.”

 “I know,” Jo sighed. “Which is why I’m being much more gracious and forgiving than many people who advised me otherwise.” She sat down beside him. “This doesn’t mean that I’m excusing your behavior. Missing you and forgiving you doesn’t mean that what you did wasn’t wrong. It means that I love you enough to know that we are worth getting through this. After everything, what we have is too precious to just throw away.” 

 Alex spared a glance at Jo, “You’re not mad?”

 “Oh, of course I’m mad. I’m livid and I’m hurt,” Jo replied, causing Alex to wince. “You are my best friend. You know me better than anyone has ever known me. You love me more than anyone has ever loved me. And still, you thought I was capable of betraying you? Of being unfaithful to you?” She blinked away a couple tears. “The fact that you don’t trust me hurt me more than anything. Because I trust you with everything, Alex. Even though it terrifies the crap out of me, I have given you all that I am and trusted you with it. I trust you with my medical decisions, my life, my body, my heart. So yeah, I’m hurt and upset, and I have every right to be. But you also have a right to be scared, because all your life you’ve been told that you aren’t good enough. And I get that, truly. Because for the longest time, I thought the same thing about myself. You know who showed me that I was good enough and worthy of love, though? You. You showed me that. So, now it’s time for me to show that you are too.” 

 Jo placed her hands back on Alex’s face, forcing him to look at her, “You are good enough. You are loved and worthy of every single bit of affection and care. You have the best, most kind, and gentle heart, even though you cover it up and I’m the only one who ever really gets to see it. Not everyone’s like you. Not everyone is good. There is no one who could ever replace you. Not when you take up every single one of my spare thoughts and when you practically hold my heart in your hands.”

 Alex pressed his forehead against Jo’s, “God. I’m a jerk, aren’t I?”

 “Sometimes,” Jo chuckled. “But it doesn’t take away from how good you are.”

 “I don’t wanna fight anymore,” Alex released a breath. “I know I’ve still got things I need to work on and fix, but I don’t want to fight with you. This whole thing started because I was blinded with jealousy and scared I was gonna lose you. The most ironic thing is that for a minute there, I thought it was over. I thought I had really screwed it up this time. And it would’ve been my fault, because my behavior drove you away.”

 “We’re not over,” Jo assured him. “I don’t ever want us to end. I want to die holding your hand like in the super cheesy rom-coms that Izzie and Lexie can watch for hours and sob over.”

 “I do too,” Alex kissed Jo soundly. “Come back to our room. I hate sleeping without you. I can’t sleep without you.”

 “Me neither,” Jo responded. She stood up and extended her hand. “Come on, we have to get to work. But I’ll see you tonight after our shifts?”

 “Yeah.”

***

“Would you mind taking a detour?” Jo said as soon as Alex got inside the car later that evening when they walked out of the hospital. 

 “Why? Do you need me to drive you somewhere?” he looked at her. She could see the tiredness all over his eyes, but was too excited and nervous to back out. 

 “I want to take you somewhere. I know you’re tired, but this is really important to me,” she grabbed his hand. 

 “Okay, then. Wherever it is, here we go,” Alex shot a smile at her. 

 ***

 “What are we doing here? What is this place?” Alex frowned as they walked inside the empty space. 

 “It’s a loft space,” Jo followed him across the room. 

 “Jo, it’s a crime scene,” he turned around, facing her. 

 If he was honest, the place looked worse than a crime scene. It had clearly been occupied by wildlife and probably some of the homeless people he had seen outside, the whole room smelling of urine. He couldn’t really understand why Jo had been so insistent on bringing him here. 

 “Stop. You’re ruining it,” Jo complained, a frown playing onto her lips. 

 “Someone beat me to that,” he chuckled. 

 “Shut up. It’s all I can afford,” Jo stopped right in front of him, arms crossed as she avoided meeting his eyes. 

 “What?” Alex shook his head in confusion, trying to put the pieces of the puzzle together. 

 “I took everything. All my savings, everything that I had, and it was almost enough to cover the whole thing,” Jo said. 

 “Wait. You’re buying this? Alex stared at her incredulously. 

 “Well, we are, if you want to pitch in. I put in an offer,” Jo looked at Alex nervously, sounding almost doubtful about the words coming out of her mouth. 

 Alex looked around one more time. The space that had previously looked so useless to him suddenly gained a lot more meaning and potential. Still, he didn’t really know how to respond to what she was saying. 

 “This is what I want, Alex. I am very thankful for Meredith. She has been such a good friend, allowing all of us to live with her, but this is what I want. Our own place, for us. I saw this place, and I know it’s not much, and it’s obvious that we won’t be able to live here forever, especially if we ever decide to have a family of our own, but we can make it anything, whatever we want. Because I love you. And I love living with you, but I think it’s time for us to have our own place, just us. If you want that, if that’s what you want too. And, you know, it would make me the happiest person in the world if you did, because there isn’t anyone in the world I’d want to do this with. Hell, there isn’t anyone in the world that makes me safe enough to do this,” Jo paused. “I know I’d don’t say it very often, but I want it on record that I said it twice in one day. I want to be with you until I die. This is a step towards that. I want to build a life and a home with you. So, what do you say?” Jo asked. She was scared, but hopeful he would want to do that with her. 

 Alex pulled her close to his chest and closed the space between their lips. “I love you so much, Josephine,” he said, their foreheads touching while they smiled. 

 “So, is this a yes?” she asked. 

 “This is a hell yes. Let’s make this place our home.”

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