The sun had just dipped below the horizon, casting a golden hue over the Seattle skyline as Mark Sloan grinned to himself. He'd been on cloud nine all day, not only because of the sleek new car parked outside, a luxurious machine that had cost him a small fortune, but because Dr. Potter had finally said yes. After weeks of witty banter, stolen glances, and casual flirting, Harry had agreed to go on a date with him.
And tonight was the night.
Mark smoothed his shirt, taking one last look in the mirror before heading out. He wasn't used to feeling nervous about dates, but something about Harry was different. He wasn't just another conquest, another beautiful face. Harry Potter was a mystery, and Mark wanted more than anything to solve it.
When Harry stepped outside Seattle Grace Hospital, he raised an eyebrow at the car, clearly impressed despite himself. "Nice wheels," he commented, running a hand along the polished black hood.
"Only the best for you," Mark replied with a wink, opening the passenger door for Harry.
They set off, the purr of the engine filling the quiet between them. The first few minutes were awkward, with Mark’s usual confidence slightly diminished by his nerves. He cleared his throat, stealing glances at Harry from the corner of his eye. "You know, I don’t usually have to work this hard for a date," he joked, though his voice betrayed a hint of sincerity.
Harry smirked but didn't immediately reply. He gazed out of the window, watching the city lights blur past. After a beat, he said, "I’m not used to this either... dating. It's... complicated."
Mark nodded, his grip tightening on the steering wheel. "I just want you to know, I’m serious about this. About you."
Harry turned to face him, his expression softening. "I know. And I’m trying to be open to the idea. But I've been through a lot, and I’m not exactly sure how to... let someone in."
Mark swallowed, surprised by Harry’s honesty. "We don’t have to rush anything," he said gently. "I’m not going anywhere."
Just as they started to relax into the conversation, the night was abruptly shattered.
"Mark! Look out!" Harry shouted, his voice sharp with alarm.
Mark jerked his head back to the road just in time to see the passenger door of the car in front of them fly open. A woman tumbled out, her body slamming against the pavement with a sickening thud.
Without thinking, Mark swerved to avoid hitting her, the car skidding to a stop on the side of the road. "Holy…" he started, but there was no time for expletives.
Both men bolted out of the car, their doctor instincts kicking in instantly. The woman lay sprawled on the asphalt, bruised and bloodied, her clothes torn. She was muttering under her breath, tears streaming down her face.
Harry knelt beside her, his voice calm but urgent. "Miss, can you hear me? You’re going to be okay. We're doctors. We’re here to help."
Mark was already on his phone, calling 911. "We’ve got a woman in her mid-twenties, looks like she’s been thrown from a vehicle. We need an ambulance immediately. Possible head trauma, road rash, and internal injuries."
The woman blinked, trying to focus on Harry. Her voice was weak, barely a whisper. "He didn’t mean it... he didn’t mean to push me... he just gets angry... he’ll come back for me."
Harry's jaw clenched, his green eyes flashing with an emotion Mark couldn’t quite place. "You’re safe now," Harry assured her. "No one is going to hurt you again."
Mark knelt beside Harry, his hands steady as he assessed her injuries. "She’s got a pulse, but it’s weak. We need to keep her stable until help arrives." He glanced at Harry. "She said someone pushed her?"
Harry nodded, his expression darkening. "Her boyfriend."
Mark swore under his breath. "Figures."
The two men worked in silent tandem, their focus entirely on saving the woman’s life. As they waited for the ambulance, Mark’s mind raced. He’d been so wrapped up in impressing Harry tonight, so eager to start something new, that it hadn’t even occurred to him that life could take such a sharp, violent turn in an instant.
But even in the midst of chaos, one thing became clear to him, this connection he felt with Harry wasn’t something fleeting. It was real. And he wasn’t going to let it slip away.
When the paramedics finally arrived, the woman was loaded into the ambulance, still muttering about her boyfriend. Mark watched as the ambulance sped off, his heart heavy.
Harry stood beside him, his face unreadable. After a long moment, he said quietly, "You wanted to know why I find it hard to let people in? That’s why. Because one minute everything’s fine, and the next... someone’s getting hurt."
Mark turned to face him, his gaze steady. "I get it. But I’m not going anywhere, Harry. I’m here. For the long haul."
For the first time all night, Harry smiled, a small, tentative smile, but a smile nonetheless. "Maybe... maybe that’s what scares me the most."
Mark chuckled softly, sliding his arm around Harry’s shoulders as they walked back to the car. "You and me both, Potter. You and me both."