Owen slowly wakes up, barely aware of his surroundings. He hears hospital sounds before he opens his eyes. Someone shifts under him and he sits up, his heart suddenly racing.
Cristina is lying on the bed in the on call room they slept in last night. Her eyes are closed and she looks content.
He winces as the memories come back. A beautiful day full of longing and flirting, and the gentlest of caresses on her hand. And just when it seemed the day was going to end in a very passionate way ... he spotted Beth and had a panic attack. His skin flushes as he recalls the humiliation of Cristina seeing him at his worst.
She didn't run. She held him through his terror and told him it was all right. Even though they both knew that was a lie. She soothed him and found an empty on call room, and encouraged him to lie down with her. He was still feeling ashamed and part of him wanted to just go home alone or drown his sorrows at Joe's. But he couldn't turn down what she was offering.
Owen half-smiles. He'd never intended on falling asleep on her, but it just felt right. Her body was warm and comforting, and she smelled of honey. There was something soothing in the rhythm of her heartbeat. For once, he had slept well.
Cristina sleeps on, as he watches. He reflects that last night could have been worse. Beth could have seen him fall apart. She didn't even know he was in Seattle, it would have been a disaster if she'd witnessed the panic attack.
Slowly, Owen lowers himself so that he's lying beside Cristina. Now here was a woman with fortitude and strength. He was humbled that she'd given him another chance, and then stepped in to support him. They had ended the day in an intimate embrace, albeit not the kind he'd been expecting.
"Thank you," he whispers, before closing his eyes. He wills himself to forget last night, to stay in the present, next to Cristina.