31. Mrs Shepherd

Mrs. Shepherd's coming… to Seattle?

-Mark Sloan

"Dr. Avery, you don't need to. It's three in the morning."

"I insist. Jackson will pick you up. I don't want something bad to happen to you," the man insisted over the phone and Emily nodded, holding onto her duffel bag as she left the customs. "It's nice for someone to fill in the spot I held for my grandson for two years. You'd like him, I think. Have a safe visit, Emily. I hear Dr. Austen wants you to fly solo on a z-plasty on Thursday. He says you're one of the best in plastics he's seen in awhile."

"I've had a great teacher, sir. Did - did Dr. Olivier say anything?" she asked hopefully in referral to the orthopedic surgeon. She admired the man greatly and hoped he would say something as well. Harper Avery paused a bit, not willing to disappoint.

"No." She sighed audibly. "But you're just as talented as a fourth year. Have you considered it your specialty in the future?"

"Yeah and plastics. Not sure yet." She passed the officer who stamped her passport. "I'm out of customs; What does your grandson look like?" She scanned the people holding signs. Walking past them, Emily spotted family members waiting for their relatives and single women and men waiting for a passenger.

"Handsome boy."

"That isn't specific, sir," she teased and he laughed on the other end. She stopped, looked around to see a man with green eyes staring at her. His hands were shoved in his jean pockets as he seemed to be wondering if she was the right person or not. Walking over, she decided to take her chances. "Jackson Avery?" she guessed and he nodded, holding out a hand.

"I'm assuming you found him, then," said Harper and Emily nodded before remembering he couldn't see her. Shaking Jackson's hand, she confirmed it. "Then, I'll see you in three days, Emily."

"'Course. See you then, bye." Hanging up, she slipped her phone into her bag.

"So, I'm your designated driver, apparently by my grandpa. Where to?" Showing him the address on her phone, he nodded. "Yeah, sure. Let's go, the car's this way." Leading the way, they made conversation, a laugh frequent between them. "I think my grandpa really likes you. The way he talks about you, it's like you're his granddaughter."

"Nah. I strung him along with the residency thing. I'm pretty sure he just wants to make sure I stay," she joked. At this point, he was carrying her duffel bag as they reached the garage. Following Jackson to a car, she sat in shotgun as he put her stuff in the trunk. "How do I know you aren't a serial killer?"

"Well-" He went into the car and inserted the keys, igniting the engine and strapping on his seatbelt- "name is Jackson Avery, I do my residency at Mercy West and my mother is Catherine Avery, originally Fox. There, if you do escape then you can pinpoint me out if I do try to murder you." Chortling, she buckled in as he began to back up. "So, how's my spot in Mass Gen?"

"It's pretty amazing. Tiring, competitive, but amazing. The opportunities there are limitless and I'm performing a z-plasty solo when I get back."

"Plastics, huh?" he questioned and she nodded as they began travelling to her destination.

"Yeah. Mark is a pretty heavy influence," the other informed. Jackson took his eyes off the road for a second to give wide eyes at Emily. "Yeah, Mark Sloan. He's my boyfriend."

"Ah, that's cool. Well, I'm into cardio."

"Just like Cristina," she remarked quietly. At Jackson's question of what she said, she answered with a quick 'nothing'. "I like ortho too. Bones. There's a whole lot of things that you can do."

"That's cool. Is it tough there? The reason I didn't go was because… Harper Avery… me…"

"Yeah, I get that." She watched the cars they passed, "But it's been fantastic. I rarely get compared to my face. If there are expectations besides the regular resident, I haven't heard of them." Jackson looked conflicted before switching the topic, clearly uncomfortable.

"So, what's this address?" he asked as they pulled up to the side. She showed it to him again and a thoughtful look flitted across his face. "It's right across the street from Seattle Grace."

"Yeah, Mark lives here. I'm going to surprise him at work." Her gaze drifted over the time on the dashboard. "I'm sorry your grandpa dragged you out here so early," she apologized with a smile. He shrugged. They drove for another few minutes before he pulled up to the building. He took his keys, exiting the car and taking out her duffel bag as soon as he unlocked the trunk.

"You all set?" She got out and walked around. Jackson handed her her stuff and walked her to the entry after closing the back.

"Thanks for driving me, Jackson. See you?" He nodded with a smile before announcing that he'd go to hospital then. "Have a safe drive," she said in farewell and he drove off. Entering the building, she used the elevator to go up after being buzzed in by Callie. Taking the elevator, she was met with her friend and entered the apartment.

"Hey, Callie!" She shifted her bag, hugging the woman tightly with one arm. "It's so good to see you. One week and I already miss you guys."

"Yeah, come in! Cristina's not up yet but she should be."

"And Mark?"

"Probably asleep. We were up late moving the stuff in." She pointed at the blue door across the hall. "He's just across the hall so he isn't far. We have to be careful about this surprise." Nodding, Emily dropped off her bag on the couch. "We asked the Chief for privileges and he's glad you're back even if he doesn't show it."

"Cool," she breathed, unzipping her bag. Taking out her clothes, she looked around. "So, can I crash for a few hours?"

"Definitely. I'll wake you up when it's time."

.

Mark woke up. It was simple. Depressingly simple. There was no kiss or a laugh or smile. He just opened his eyes and his brain decided that, yes, it was time to wake up. He turned over, hand hoping to land on something other than the cold emptiness of the bed. As always, he was disappointed and he got up, feeling lonely as ever. Once he managed to scrap the energy to get up, he poured himself coffee that didn't quite taste right without a dimpled smile and changed into an outfit deemed normal to go out.

Once he did, he went out to the hospital, changed into scrubs and looked for his charts before Callie paged him. "So, this guy had lengthening surgery on his legs and I need you to help on the surgery."

"Yeah, sure. Look, Em said her plane would be arriving at four. Could I pick her up before?" Callie shook her head, hiding a huge grin that was fighting to appear. "Damn it. It has to be today?"

"Otherwise he'll lose his legs."

"Fine." He whipped around and walked around the corner. Callie allowed the grin to appear, turning to where Emily was hiding near George, chatting animatedly.

"Plan is set in motion. I'll have you scrub in," Callie whispered excitedly, walking quickly away. George furrowed his brow in confusion.

"Mark doesn't know I'm here. It's a surprise," she explained quietly as Meredith walked by, wearing an alarmingly high ponytail. "Mer!" the brunette hissed, "What is with your hair?" The blonde paused, looking around.

"Em! You're back!" Smiling, she nodded before gesturing the ponytail. "Derek's mother is here." Of course. "I'm dying."

"You'll be fine," she soothed. "It's just one day. Are you still fighting with Cristina?"

"I apologized," Meredith checked her watch as Emily frowned. "I've got to go have lunch with Mrs. Shepherd." Nodding, they bid farewell as Emily leaned on the counter beside George.

"This morning Cristina just said hi. Which is the best she can do, I suppose, with my working at Mass Gen while she's here. They're brilliant over there, did you know?" she asked George who nodded with a smile.

"Yeah, I knew the first three times," he teased and she flushed. "Izzie spent the night making Mer's homey in case Derek brought his mom home. She was clutching onto that tequila like a life-vest." Emily laughed, nudging him with her elbow.

"I'm sure she was. Come on, let's go watch Mer eat her lunch," Emily whispered nefariously and he grinned, following the blonde subtly and waiting in line for a salad. After they paid for their meal, they sat down at the table where she was enthusiastically greeted by Izzie with a hug.

"Where are they?"

"Over there." Izzie pointed to where Meredith and Derek were sitting with an older woman. She looked like she really needed to pee. "Anyway, I think it's nice. Your date."

"You're going on a date?" Emily repeated, "With who? Owen Hunt?" she guessed. Izzie nodded, grinning as she watched the woman eat.

"Yep. Don't you think her and the pig murderer would make a good couple?"

"Now that I think about it…"

"What are you gonna do on your date?" the blonde persisted as George watched their friend eat with Derek's mother, his own food untouched. "What are you gonna talk about?"

"Why do you care?" Cristina riposted, genuinely confused as Izzie explained how one only got to do a first date once and what questions to ask. "I know how to go on a date."

"Why is Meredith eating pot roast?" George asked before a confrontation could occur, raising his head to see better. They turned and peered at her, confused. Emily frowned slightly, chewing on a tomato thoughtfully.

"It's a show lunch for the mommy. She's freaking out. That ponytail? It's gonna blow," Cristina commented distastefully as Meredith agreed to something one of them said before making a stumbling excuse to leave. As she did, the green-eyed resident sent them a glare to not say anything and left the cafeteria. "Told ya."

"It's not Mer's fault she isn't parent material," George protested, finally starting his lunch. "Sloan, twelve o'clock." They all glanced near the soda machines and Emily ducked her head, eating more of her salad. "He's talking to Mrs. Shepherd, you're good."

"Why're you hiding from your boyfriend? Going to break up with your lover?" Cristina teased. "He's been mopey for a week. He's just starting to get better and you're back to break his heart."

"Excuse you," Emily said, tone jokingly sharp, "I'm actually here to surprise him. None of you say anything."

"See? Romantic… sexy. Everything a first date should be," said Izzie with a meaningful look at Cristina. Letting out a frustrated noise, the asian woman dropped her fork and took her tray, leaving the table. "What?"

"Iz, tone down on the romantics." warned the other two and the blonde huffed, glancing over at where Mark was talking to Mrs. Shepherd.

"I think it's nice, being in love. You've got to appreciate it while it's there." Izzie explicated, watching as the head of plastics left the cafeteria, presumably for the surgery.

"Go. Surgery was scheduled for one-forty-five. It's one now. You've got to prep him for surgery if you wanna surprise Sloan on time," George urged with a glance of the clock. Nodding, she gave her friends one last tight hug each and left the cafeteria as well, making sure she wasn't in Mark's field of sight.

.

She scrubbed in ten minutes early so she didn't bump into him. Going in just as Callie entered, she shared a look. Most of her features were hidden behind her mask and scrub cap and the only way for Mark to recognize her was if he actually saw her eyes or heard her voice, which he wouldn't until Callie made it painfully obvious. The tanned woman had a big smile before gesturing for Emily to go in and not a moment too soon as Mark entered.

Being gowned and gloved, she assumed her position where Mark would need her as the first assist. The patient, Mr. Rubin, was not yet asleep as they transferred him to the table. He gazed around him, somewhat afraid as they bared his legs. She winced at the yellow and red that marred his skin, telltale signs of infection. It was clear why Callie always refused patients who wanted this procedure.

"Is there hope at all?" he asked and Emily looked at him, blinking and unsure if she should speak. "I know - I know the doctors said that they'd have to take it out but were they lying to scare me? So I don't get my two inches?" She frowned, shaking her head.

"Mr. Rubin, the infection has gone deep into the bone. I'm sure Dr. Torres already mentioned that, so we're going to have to take it out if you want your legs at all. We're going to put you under now," she added with a glance at the anesthesiologist who nodded. "So, have a nice nap and you'll wake up in your bed." He nodded grumpily, closing his eyes as the doctor administered the drugs. "Count backwards from ten." There was whoosh as the door opened for the two lead surgeons. Glancing back, she met eyes with Callie who came in after Mark. She shook her head slightly and Emily turned back forward as Mark, now gowned and gloved stood beside her.

"Let's retract the wound so we can take this crap out," Mark muttered and she placed the tool in his hands. Opening the incision further, he began unscrewing pieces of metal from the leg. "It's like pudding in here."

"This is exactly why I don't do this procedure," Callie admonished. "I mean, you're living with broken legs for months. You're in excruciating pain. God, all for a few inches." Mark leaned in front of her to place the screws in the metal tray she held for him. As he drew back, he was dangerously close to her face and froze a split second. "Mark?"

.

This was just a regular surgery. While the man's skin and muscles were pudding and he detached pieces bit by bit, he was expecting anything to go wrong. Medically.

He didn't expect to smell something so familiar it overcame the scent of infection. It was floral and soft and something that was always linked to Emily. His girlfriend who was on a plane, not in his O.R. But he took his chances and glanced up as he drew back. The woman next to him was putting the metal tray back and he shook his head minutely. It wasn't her. "Mark?"

"Nothing." it all happened in a split second. Something flickered behind Callie as his best friend and the woman shared a look. "What were we saying?" She detached a large frame from the leg and placed it in the tray.

"Why people do this surgery."

He nodded, cocking his head and starting on the next piece of framework. "Pain and agony for a little bit of pleasure. I get it."

"If it's that bad, why'd you let her go?" Another clank of metal as they removed another part of the brace - if you could call it that. "You could've just let her stay and sle- done it."

"Because it would've been wrong to keep her here. Besides, it won't feel bad when I'm doing it." Callie scoffed. "It's been a week and I still know it's gonna be good. No, mindblowing. And maybe if you weren't so scared of getting burned-" he stared at her steadily- "you'd feel the same." Mark glanced at his assistant again as she held out the metal tray for Callie.

"You know, I used to walk tall around here." His best friend's voice wavered, looking down, "I used to walk tall. Then… came George." Then did she looked at him and he felt a flash of sympathy. "He took off at least an inch. Then Erica went and left me. That shaved off a few more. I got shorter. All that humiliation it makes you shorter. So, yeah, I am scared of getting hurt because one more personal disaster right now would cut me off at the knees." She let another piece of metal drop. The woman beside him held her gaze, something akin to a message passed between them and Callie's eyes crinkled at the edge, showing a smile. "You're lucky to have her. She doesn't ask for much and she loves you. You're still standing tall, Mark."

"I've been humiliated. You know, being Addison's mister set me near my knees when I first came here. I already started with a disadvantage. So I slept with nurses, to give me a few prosthetic inches. Didn't work. Didn't fit. People still hated me when I first came to Seattle," he said dryly and Callie still didn't look away from the person next to her. Glancing at her as well, he remembered seeing that face many times before. Laughing and smiling behind a mask as they operated together. Blinking, he stared harder but she turned away. "You know I just started feeling tall again. Because of Derek, and you, and Emily."

"She built you up. When I met you, you were tall. Not as tall as you are now, but tall, because she was your best friend. She gave what they took from you. What you sawed off yourself." Then did Callie looked at him and swallowed with difficulty. "If she were single, I'd be in love with her too."

"Yeah," he said quietly and they continued on in silence. They finished with one leg and turned to the next when Mark felt the bittersweetness of her arrival hit him once he glanced at the clock. 4:00. And he was almost done… perhaps two more pieces left. If they had scheduled the surgery earlier… "She's here. In Seattle, she's home."

"She is," Callie affirmed but something told him she wasn't talking about arriving at the airport. Taking out the black metal, he sighed. "Mark,"

"What?"

"I wanted to surprise you but then everything turned depressing," a new voice interrupted and his eyes widened. He met the hazel eyes that were so familiar and let out a disbelieving laugh. "Hey, Mark."

"Em… You've been under my nose this whole time, literally." he teased at her height and she smiled. "You have got to give me further notice."

"That ruins the surprise," she riposted as Callie finally detached the final piece. The Latina glanced between the two and chuckled. Emily's eyes widened as she gazed at their word, frowning at how the pieces didn't fit together. "Callie," she began, "the bones don't fit."

"Damn," the ortho surgeon realized with a frown. She glanced at the nurse who began to take out the bone saw, "you're right. Uh, okay. Mark, you can scrub out now. I just need Em's help to shave off some bone. You up for it?"

"Always."

Mark stepped back, feeling lighter as Emily sidestepped into his place and asked for an instrument. It was just a week and she was already a much better surgeon. More observant, in control. He'd be happy for that if it didn't mean she had to leave again. But for now, he'd have to relish his moments with her while he still could.

When he scrubbed out, he pulled off his scrub cap and put on his lab coat to meet Mrs. Shepherd in the lobby. "Mark Sloan, where is the girl that you talk about so much?"

"She's in surgery." He pulled at his ear guiltily as she frowned in disappointment. "You'll like her. I promise." Mrs. Shepherd smiled then, reaching out and rubbing his shoulder. Mark grinned at the motherly action.

"You're overcoming your low expectations, Mark. Since you were a little boy, you've always had these very low expectations. You've raised them. How old is she?"

"Thirty."

"Good." An approving nod, "You've got the maturity of a horny fifteen-year old. You need young." He glanced down between his hands and nodded.

"Mmhm." That caused a laugh between the two of them.

"Will I see her tonight?" He started, glancing at his phone to check the time; it was five-thirty. "Mark Sloan. Have you been hiding her away?"

"No! No, no. I didn't even know she was here until we were in surgery," Mark protested and Mrs. Shepherd gave him a look as if wondering if he were telling the truth or not. "I promise. When she gets out of surgery, you'll love her."

.

Emily left surgery happy and hyped to see Mark. Spotting a woman speaking to Meredith, she waited until they finished speaking to approach her friend. "You took down the ponytail."

"Yeah and I may have potentially scared off Derek's mother," she replied. "How'd the surgery go?"

"Good. I'm actually looking for Mark now." Izzie came over, looking somewhat disappointed. "Have you seen him?"

"No. Mer, what did you say to her? Honestly, the smile was working!" the taller blonde reprimanded.

"No, it wasn't. And one thing I'm not is a liar," Meredith defended. "Oh, look." There was a change in the conversation and the blonde tapped the brunette on the shoulder. "He's over there."

"Thanks, Mer." Giving her a one-armed hug and another hug to Izzie, she practically skipped over to him. Tapping him on the shoulder, he turned around and immediately her arms wrapped around his neck. Kissing him was so familiar as his arms enfolded her in a warm hug. Feeling light-headed, she pulled back for a fraction of a second to breathe before his lips met hers again.

"We," he started to say but it every word was split between another kiss, "should go home." Then did she pause and smile against his mouth. "I can show you how much I've missed you."

"So can I." She smirked and broke away. "I'll meet you in the lobby."

"Yeah." Nearly skipping away, she changed into the outside clothes she came in with, spotting George. He was packing his stuff to turn in for the night and she offered a smile.

"Hey, Em," the man greeted first and she smiled at the familiar tone. "You want a granola bar?" He shoved his hand in his bag and it resurfaced with a shiny, silver-wrapped bar. A nostalgic glimmer in both their eyes, she took it.

"That'll always be our thing, right?" she asked and he nodded with a soft 'of course'. Sitting down beside him, she rested her head on his shoulder. "Everything's different," she said, not unkindly. "Boston's different. I miss you guys a lot."

"I know," he replied, resting his head against hers. Their hands clasped together and she breathed heavily. "We miss you too."

"But the world keeps on turning,"

"It does," he agreed and they stayed like that for a while. It didn't matter that Mark was waiting for her or that she had a flight to catch in a few days. What mattered now was the moment with one of her closest friends. Her gaze flitted across the row of cubbies, landing on her own. It was haunting, as if waiting - calling - for her to come back. But for now, it was inhabited by her bag.

It would surely gather dust with no one to fill it. Raising her head, she wrapped an arm around George's waist and they hugged, not wanting to let go. "I'll see you."

"Yeah. You know you're like my sister, right? You can tell me anything." Something in his words was like a premonition of the distant future. Holding back a frown, she pressed her lips in a firm line and nodded.

"And you're like my brother, George. You guys-" her gaze raked over the cubbies again- "are my family. That doesn't change."

"I know." He nodded and she got up, grabbing her bag.

"See you, George."

"Bye." She left, travelling down a flight of stairs and to the elevator where Mark would wait for her. Surprisingly, he wasn't there and she waited near the elevator for Mark to come out. Releasing her hair from its haphazard bun and shaking out her brown curls, she waited patiently for him.

After a few minutes, there was a ding and the elevator doors opened. Callie and Mark were inside and as Mark left, he paused and turned around. "All you can do is be brave enough to get out there. You fought, you loved, you lost. Walk tall, Torres." Getting out of the way of the elevator doors, Emily smiled at Callie before she disappeared. Walking to where he parked the car, Mark laid an arm around her shoulders. Leaning into him, she sighed.

"I'm glad she's keeping you company while I'm not here," she admitted with a smile. He rested his head on hers, kissing her hair. "So, do you want me to meet Mrs. Shepherd?"

"Not really. All I want is a hot shower and you," he murmured and she blew out a puff of air. The cold air stung her cheeks refreshingly and she rubbed her hands together, missing the Seattle wind.

"Mark!" They paused, turning around to see the same woman that talked to Meredith approach them with Derek. "Aren't you going to introduce me?"

"Uh," he started, glancing at Emily, "Mrs. Shepherd, this is Emily. Emily, this is Mrs. Shepherd." Offering a hand to shake (she seemed to be doing that a lot lately), she gave the older woman a smile.

"It's nice to finally meet you," said the younger woman genuinely, drawing back. Carolyn turned to Derek to say something and he nodded albeit reluctantly. Sensing that the woman wanted to speak alone, she turned to Mark. "Wait by the road. I'll be there in a sec," she whispered and they kissed briefly before he nodded and walked away, eyes lingering. Immediately, Derek's mom set her hands on the surgeon's shoulders.

"Do you have a criminal record?" Her eyes were searching as she started. Blinking, she processed the question before answering.

"No, ma'am."

"How many sexual partners? Be honest, I won't judge."

"Definitely less than Mark," she said bluntly before realizing what she had said, "But, uh, three serious ones, not including." Carolyn Shepherd narrowed her eyes before drawing away. "Ma'am?"

"You're a good woman. I can see that. Good for Mark." It was like she was granting her a seal of approval and Emily was unsure how to respond so she just nodded. "Don't mess it up."

"O-of course, ma'am." she promised and the woman turned around and started walking towards the hospital again, leaving Emily alone.

.

"I like the new shower," Emily mumbled drowsily as Mark kissed her neck. They spooned in their bed, warm and cozy as his hand on top of hers slowly traced circles at her stomach. Smiling, he traced a trail of kisses up her neck to her jaw and then to her hair where he inhaled the scent of the fresh flowers. "And the bed."

"Yeah?" he murmured as she snuggled closer to her pillow, raising their joined hands in the process. It pulled him closer towards her as he whispered that he loved her.

"I love you, too." she replied and he reached for the light before falling asleep with the woman he loved in his arms.

A/N: Edited - October 7, 2018

Next: Meeting fellow residents, Mark and Derek get into a fight and Emily finds a friend in Tom.