She stood on the upper deck staring out on the sunset over the water. Her mind was buzzing with thoughts as she ran her hands along the metal railing. The wind whipped through her hair as her dress flopped behind her. A salty smell lingered in the air.
"You know I'm not as much of a jackass as people think." A voice came. She looked over her shoulder at Mark who stood not far from the stairs. His hands were stuffed in his pockets. The low sun hit him perfectly, and she couldn't help but briefly admire how perfect he looked.
"Yeah and I'm a virgin." She scoffed returning her eyes to the water. He looked down at her feet and chuckled lightly. "What are you doing here, Sloan?" Her eyes drifted to her hands.
"I wanted to make sure you were alright."
She turned towards him and leaned against the railing. His eyes scanned up and down her body. "Why wouldn't I be?" She asked crossing her arms across her chest.
"I don't know. I also want to apologize."
"For what?"
"Being a jackass."
"Why are you doing this Mark?"
"Because it's what decent people do?"
She turned and looked back out on the water. "Decent people forgive. They don't give empty apologies. Especially people who don't like the people they're apologizing to."
Silence fell between the two for a few minutes.
"You're right. I don't like you. I hate that you ruined parts of my childhood. I hate that you used to be the most annoying person alive. I hate that you have my parents eating out of your hands." He walked up beside her and stood facing her. She looked at him.
"Why are you telling me this?"
"Because of all the things I hated about you. I hate that I can't stop thinking about you. I hate that I can't see you with another guy without being jealous out of my mind. I hate that, even though my friends hate you and your friend hates me, I can't hate you. I hate that I made assumptions about you. And I hate that I don't know you."
She stared at him. This she was not expecting. "I…" She stammered but before she could say anything else, his lips crashed against hers. Instantly returning the kiss, she wrapped her arms around her neck. The passionate kiss lasted a few moments before he pulled back and she fell back on her heels. Touching the side of her face, he planted a light kiss on her lips before turning and walking back down the stairs.
She watched him climb down the stairs and disappear back inside. Letting out a sigh, she looked back out on the water. She couldn't help but smile briefly to herself.
--
She returned back inside about ten minutes after Mark. Preston and Derek were dancing with their mothers. Ellis was dancing with Steven and laughing about something he had said while Richard and Larry sat at a table. Mark was dancing with his mother when she walked in. He caught her eye and smiled at her giving her a small wink. She tried not to blush and diverted her eyes.
"I would be honored if my beautiful stepdaughter would dance with me." Richard smiled coming up beside her.
Giggling lightly, she took his hand. He led her out to the dance floor as a new song started. They began dancing.
"You look beautiful tonight, Mer."
"You clean up pretty nice yourself, Dad."
He chuckled. "I'm proud of you, Mer. For lasting this long with the guys."
She glanced over at Mark. "It's getting easier."
"I'm glad." He kissed her forehead. "Isn't this place great?"
"Yeah… I love the water."
Richard chuckled. "I know, Mer."
"I love you, Dad."
"I love you too." He smiled at her.
Meredith gave him a soft smile before her eyes wondered to Mark who was spinning Carol out dramatically. He caught her eyes for a brief second before the song ended and everybody headed back to the tables where food was being set.