A/N: Okay, first of all, thanks to everyone who read & reviewed! But I'm afraid this chapter isn't the best. I have a few ideas for storylines, it's just figuring out how to get to them that's the problem. haha. This chapter is fairly short too. I promise I'll get better!

AFTER THE KISS

Mark pulled away from the kiss slowly, still holding her face in his hands. He leaned forward, and pressed his forehead to hers gently.

"Thank you," he whispered.

Susan looked up at him. She bit her lower lip gently, knowing she couldn't hold in the tears much longer, but this time they were tears of joy.

"Thank you," she replied.

Mark noticed a tear roll down her cheek. Raising his hand, he wiped it away gently, before pulling her into a tight embrace. He wrapped his arms around her, and he never wanted to let go.

She buried her face in his chest. A small laugh escaped her lips.

Mark pulled away, looking at her curiously.

"What?" he asked, flashing her that crooked smile she loved.

"Nothing," she answered, still giggling softly. "I'm just happy." she stated, a grin spreading across her face. She looked into his eyes, smiling.

"Well I'm glad," he said, chuckling softly. "C'mon," he said, grabbing her suitcase. "Let's go back to mine.." he said, "I'm assuming you'll be moving back into your old place now?" he said, smiling happily.

"Ummm, yeah, I guess.." she replied, "It makes sense, considering you haven't moved your stuff over yet, and most of my stuff is still there.. That reminds me, I have to call Chloe." she frowned. "I can't believe we're doing this.." she almost whispered, letting a sigh escape her lips.

Mark stopped walking and turned to face her. He looked her right in the eye and said:

"Look, Susan, I know this is going to be hard. But I also know that we can do it. You've just gotta trust me and know that you're gonna be okay, 'cause I'm going to make sure you're okay... I'd do anything to make you happy." he said, seriously and completely genuinely.

Susan stared at him for a moment, clearly surprised by his sudden outburst.

"I know, Mark, I do trust you." she kissed him gently. "I'm just gonna miss Susie, that's all. I spent so much time thinking about leaving, and now I've suddenly changed my mind? I guess I'm still just a bit confused." she smiled reassuringly, and he nodded his head understandingly.

He pulled away again and took her hand in his. "I know, I know," he whispered soothingly.

They took the El to Mark's place and he opened the door to let her in.

She stepped inside and they stood there in an awkward silence. Susan shuffled from one foot to the other.

"Ummm, make yourself comfortable.. I'll be right back.." Mark said, realising he had a call to make. He stepped out of the room as Susan took a seat on the couch.

He dialled the familiar number.

"ER," he recognised Jerry's voice.

"Hey, Jerry," Mark said, "It's Mark. Is Doug there?"

"Yeah, he's right here, Dr. Greene." Mark waited.

"Hello? Mark?" Doug said.

"Hey, Doug.. Ummm, do you think you could cover for me today?" he asked.

"Uhhhh.. Sure, buddy. How did everything go?" he asked.

Mark didn't really want to talk to him about it now.

"Thanks, man... I'll talk to you later." he said.

"Awwww, c'mon!" Doug pleaded.

"Bye, Doug," Mark laughed softly and hung up the phone.

He went back into the living room.

"You want anything to drink?" he asked, smiling.

"Water would be good," Susan answered, a small smile gracing her lips. Mark went to the kitchen and soon returned with two glasses of water.

"Here you go," he said, joining her on the couch, he handed her a glass. More silence. They weren't used to this, and neither really knew what to say.

"I called Chloe.." Susan began. Mark looked up at the sound of her voice. "She seemed okay with it." she said, tracing her fingertip along the rim of her glass.

Mark slid closer to her. He stroked the back of her hand lightly with his fingers.

"Are you alright?" he asked her quietly. She nodded. He pressed his lips to her forehead gently, wrapping an arm around her shoulder. She leaned into him, closing her eyes. She exhaled slowly.

"Can I stay here tonight?" she asked, in a whisper.

"Sure," Mark said. "Of course you can."