Operation Phoenix (Grey's Anatomy Japril Fanfic)

Chapter 1

"Happy Birthday Dr. Avery" another of the guests said as they approached him

"Thank you" Jackson smiled shaking his former co-worker's hand before moving on to another guest who had just approached to do the same

It was Jackson Avery's 33rd Birthday. He had just arrived from New Orleans the day before for his birthday and annual summer vacation with his family in Boston. That morning he woke up, expecting his usual birthday breakfast of waffles from his twins, but instead, he was greeted with an empty house and a note that they were hanging with friends that day. Saying that he was bummed was an understatement; he couldn't believe his own children had forgotten his birthday. Things got more awkward when he received a phone call from his mother, saying that the Avery Family was invited to a gala, and he had to be there. She informed him that a tux was being sent to him and before he could question her about this mystery gala, she hung up. He was certainly surprised when he arrived at the venue a few hours later, and the mystery gala was a surprise party planned by his mother and children. After the twins found out that the last birthday party their father ever had was when he was five, they thought it was about time he had another one.

After accepting more birthday wishes from old friends and co-workers, he was joined by his mother who had a large grin on her face.

"Enjoying your party?" she asked

He wasn't a fan of birthday parties, hence the reason he hadn't had one since he was a kid, but the fact that his children had a part to play in it, he greatly appreciated it.

"Yes ma'am" he said before engulfing her in a hug "Thanks mom"

"You're welcome baby" she said hugging back before pulling away "All this running around and keeping my mouth shut actually paid off"

Jackson shook his head at her comment, he himself was surprised that his mother and daughter didn't let it slip to him that there was going to be a party.

He looked over to the side and spotted his grandfather conversing with the present and past surgeons of Mass Gen. He had that bright expression on his face, the one he always had when talking surgery or foundation.

"Grandpa seems to be enjoying himself" he commented

Catherine looked in the same direction and spotted Harper.

"He must be talking about how excited he is now that you're finally back at Mass Gen" she said with a smile

Jackson brows furrowed in confusion "Back? I never said I was coming back"

"Well are you?"

"I don't know, I haven't decided yet"

"What is there to decide when you already have a spot waiting for you? Are you going back to Tulane?"

"Well....maybe" he shrugged "or find someplace else"

"Why would you want to go someplace else when you could continue to learn from your grandfather and I?"

A few years ago, that would have been his go to plan, but things were different now. He liked being an Avery and all the perks that came with it. He especially liked being able to learn from his world renowned grandfather and mother. But during his residency, things changed when Dr. Mark Sloan visited Mass Gen. The older surgeon had planted the idea of perusing plastics in the then fourth year resident's mind. His grandfather wasn't pleased with the change in interest from cardio to plastics, but supported his grandson either way. After seeing Jackson's talent for the specialty, he was willing to let him go to Tulane to learn more, with no doubt that he would return to Boston after his fellowship. Being at Tulane gave Jackson the freedom from his family that he loved, and now, wasn't ready to give up. Plus it would be nice to be on the west coast, where he could be closer to his kids, who lived in Seattle with their mother.