Sutures and Secrets | Mark Sloan

28 | The City That Knew Before We Did

After the emotional non-wedding, the newly promoted residents were granted a rare gift: Two weeks off before diving headfirst into the chaos of their residency. Meredith took it upon herself to accompany Cristina on what was supposed to be her honeymoon. They jetted off to Hawaii, trading the altar for sandy beaches and margaritas.

Charlie, on the other hand, had different plans. She decided to go back to New York - but not alone. Mark had asked her if she'd come with him and while she hesitated for all of two seconds, the answer was inevitable. Of course, she would.

When Derek asked about her plans, Charlie spun a clever little lie. "I'm going to Hawaii with Meredith and Cristina.", she said casually, as though it were the most natural thing in the world. Derek didn't question it for a second.

Mark had to stifle a grin when she told him how easily her story was accepted. "You're terrible.", he teased as they packed their bags in her room, his voice laced with admiration.

"He'll never know.", Charlie replied with a mischievous smirk, throwing a dress into her suitcase.

Mark leaned against the doorway, watching her with that half-smile of his, the one that made her stomach flip. "Still, sneaking off with me to New York? Feels kind of - illicit, doesn't it?"

She rolled her eyes, but her grin betrayed her excitement. "Well, it wouldn't be us without some element of drama, would it?"

By the time they boarded the plane, Charlie felt a thrill unlike anything she'd experienced before. Two weeks in New York with Mark. It wasn't Hawaii and it wasn't as guilt-free as she made it sound to Derek - but it was exactly where she wanted to be.

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For the next two weeks, Charlie and Mark embraced the freedom of being away from Seattle, their responsibilities and the watchful eyes of everyone who knew them. New York became their playground - a city that they knew like the back of their hand.

They booked a suite at a stylish Manhattan hotel, deciding to fully immerse themselves in the spontaneity and charm of the city. Each day brought something new: Lazy mornings wrapped up in each other, afternoons exploring the bustling streets and nights that ranged from cozy and intimate to wildly adventurous.

For once, there was no need for secrecy. They were just Charlie and Mark - two people falling for each other in the city that never slept.

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The Bagel Debate

Mark and Charlie walked hand-in-hand down the street, stopping at a bagel shop near Central Park. Inside, Mark confidently ordered his usual: Everything bagel with scallion cream cheese, lox, capers, onions and tomato.

When he turned to Charlie, she had her arms crossed, smirking at him. "Seriously? That's your bagel order? It's a crime to drown the bagel in that much stuff, Sloan."

Mark feigned offense. "Excuse me, but my order is an iconic New York classic."

She shook her head. "Classic? No. Overcomplicated? Definitely. The only true New York order is a sesame bagel with plain cream cheese, toasted to perfection."

"Plain cream cheese?", Mark repeated, aghast. "What are you, six?"

She playfully punched his arm. "Don't argue with me about bagels. I'm an expert."

Mark leaned in closer, a teasing glint in his eye. "Prove it, then."

Charlie grabbed her bagel from the counter, took a deliberate bite and handed it to him. "Taste it and weep."