Doing The Dance (Jackson Avery Fanfic)

thirty-seven

2017

After speaking with the family of our patient, I went to find Jackson. I didn't know if he was planning on staying in the gallery and waiting for me, if he'd gone to a locker room or the ER looking for me, or if he'd just given up and gone home.

My question was answered when I walked out of the waiting area and saw him standing down the hall near the elevators. I took a deep breath and made my way toward him.

"I am so sorry! I got pulled into this surgery last minute and we didn't know how long it was gonna take"

"Why didn't you get someone to call or something?"

"I don't know, it slipped my mind. We were fighting the clock from the minute Seattle Pres called and sent their critical patient our way. He was so close to not pulling through. Look, I'm sorry. I get it if you don't want to go out tonight or at all but-" Jackson held his hand out to stop me from speaking.

"You think I'm mad at you?"

"I saw you in the gallery"

"And you thought that was me being mad?" I sighed.

"I don't know what I think Jackson. But we made plans and I didn't stick to them. I'd be mad at you if you did that"

"Even if I was in a lifesaving surgery?" I sighed again.

"I guess not"

"You wanna know what was running through my mind when I sat in that gallery?"

"What?" Jackson turned to look at me, his hands on either one of my shoulders.

"I saw a woman who lost the love of her life in a tragic freak accident in the hospital she works at. I saw her commanding paramedics, anesthetists, hell even the chief of surgery. I saw her push through negativity and save a man's damn life. And I couldn't be prouder" I smiled as the tears welled in my eyes, wrapping my arms around Jackson. "I'm serious Tay, you defy any odd that's put in front of you and it's mesmerizing and inspiring"

"I was just doing my job"

"Please, if anyone here has permission to not just do your job, it's you."

"Thanks, but I told you I didn't want to be any sort of charity case" Jackson shrugged.

"Fine, and I'm glad for it. Because you crushed it in there. Even Tim was impressed and Doctor Jenkins does not impress easily"

"Well Owen said-"

"It's a good thing Tay, relax. Owen said he needed to be under and your weird traumatic thinking knew what to do. And I don't know how many other people would have had the initiative to do that" I smiled at him just as April began to walk over to us.

"Crap" I muttered, Jackson turning and sighing.

"I agree. You don't think she'll accept that I'm just wearing a suit for fun?" I shook my head.

"Not a chance. Please don't say anything!"

"Tay, I'm not gonna tell her you're my date. I know how she'd be, don't worry" I sighed in relief.

"Well, you look too dressed up to be in a hospital" April remarked, Jackson rolling his eyes.

"Ha, funny. I'm about to leave, I've got a date"

"At 8:30?" Jackson shrugged.

"I like a late dinner"

"Why are you wearing a suit for a date?" Jackson shrugged again.

"I like to be classy. Don't you have anything better to do?" April rolled her eyes.

"Who would be dumb enough to let you take them on a date anyway? Obviously someone who doesn't know much about you." I felt my face drop slightly, which Jackson noticed.