Trailing my fingers lightly across Owen's arm, I watched him as he slept peacefully. His eyelids were dark, a side effect of the lack of sleep he'd gotten since his promotion. His even breaths kept a steady rhythm, the only noise in our otherwise silent house. My fingers continued their circle on his forearm, tracing a freckle or two. Some people would think it strange or even disturbing to watch your husband sleep, but for me it was just a reminder of how far we'd come together. Just a few years ago, Owen was plagued with sleepless nights and frightful night terrors, due to his heroic efforts in Iraq. It still brought chills to my spine when I thought about that night in my apartment where his hands found themselves around my neck, his eyes manic. Watching him sleep with a face free of fear or anger was worth every second we put into our healing and therapy.
Glancing at the clock, my fingers stopped their circular motions as I reached to switch off the alarm before it went off. Gingerly, I nudged Owen awake. His eyelids fluttered for a moment, then I was gazing into seas of blue. "Good morning," he smiled, kissing my temple. Nuzzling into his chest, he cradled me gently. "Morning," I mumbled into his tee-shirt. "Aren't we in a good mood this morning," Owen commented on my kinder than usual morning manner. Usually I wasn't that much fun to be around until I'd at least had a cup of coffee.
Sighing, I kissed his cheek. "It's our anniversary, I think that calls for a happy attitude," I reminded him, entwining my hand with his. Owen broke into a smile, crushing my closer to his chest. "I can't believe Derek was in jail on our wedding night," he mused, laughing at the memory. Chuckling, I thought back to that night. It seemed so long ago, with all we'd weathered in the past year. "Kepner was sobbing, and Mark couldn't keep his eyes of Little Grey," I reminisced, smirking. "Seems like so long ago," he murmured.
Nodding my head, I silently agreed with him. Leaning in, he kissed my square on the lips. His fingers took root in my curls, as I gripped his shoulders. When he finally pulled away, we were both smiling. "Happy anniversary," he kissed me once more on the cheek before rolling out of bed and padding towards the bathroom. "Happy anniversary," I called, before snuggling back into bed. Lying back unto the pillow, I smiled to myself, realizing how lucky I was to have Owen. How lucky we were to have each other.
Leaning on the nurses' station I nodded a greeting to Meredith who was approaching, two coffees in hand. Reaching for one, I took a large sip before properly greeting her. "Good morning," I chirped, still in a decent mood from this morning. Tonight Owen and I had plans to go celebrate our anniversary. He was taking me to the lighthouse that he'd planned to take me to on our disastrous first date. If you would've told me on that night that in less than two years later, we would be married I would've thought you were seriously senile.
"You're happy, and it's the morning. Did you have some amazing surgery before rounds this morning?" Meredith asked, jealousy seething in her voice. "Oh calm down, you didn't miss any surgery," I rolled my eyes, though I knew if the roles were reversed I'd be reacting exactly like Meredith but worse. Meredith raised her eyebrow, "Then why the happy morning Cristina?" she inquired.
"It's Owen and I's anniversary today. Aren't you supposed to be happy on your anniversary?" I clarified, surprised that everyone found my good mood strange. Meredith nodded, organizing some charts. "You are supposed to be happy on your anniversary, if you're a normal person. But you're Cristina Yang, badass surgeon extraordinaire. I only see you truly happy when you get an amazing surgery, or the cafeteria serves really good food," Meredith teased, tossing her empty coffee cup into the trash.
"Oh shut up," I responded. "I can be happy, it's a normal feeling on one's anniversary," I told her, intent on convincing her that I, Cristina Yang was capable of having normal human feelings. Most days I would write off normal human emotions as weak and intolerable, but I figured for Owen's sake I could try for one day to be human. "Whatever you say Cristina," Meredith smiled, chocking back a laugh. "Anyway, did you hear about the awesome cardio case coming in this week?" She asked, her eyes filled with excitement.
My mood had suddenly improved even more; a hardcore cardio case always boosted my mood. "No, but I'm getting on it," I declared. Heading towards the chief's office, I rehearsed what I was going to say in my head. Usually Owen refused to favor me, but today was our anniversary, he had to get me onto that cardio case. Ducking my head inside, I smiled as I watched Owen concentrate on an email he'd just gotten. His eyebrows were furrowed, his blue eyes intent on getting every word.
Silently, I walked into his office and made my way behind his chair. Reaching out, I began to massage his shoulders. Shifting his position Owen was now laying back against his chair, his head craned so he could look at me. "So," I began, trying to sound persuasive. "I heard about this amazing cardio case that's coming in from Meredith. Since Teddy didn't tell me about it, I'm assuming she either doesn't know about it or doesn't want me in on it," I sighed, hoping he was catching my not so subtle hints.
Smiling, Owen got out of the chair and pulled me into his arms. "Happy anniversary Cristina," he whispered into my ear. Shivering, I couldn't help but get distracted. It was hard to keep composure when Owen was around. "Hey, you're avoiding my conversation. And anyway, didn't we already to this this morning?" I asked him, hoping he would focus back on the cardio case.
Owen chuckled before kissing my cheek. Sitting down on the couch, he motioned for me to follow. Settling in next to him, he put his arm around me. "The cardio case is for you, it's your anniversary present," Owen smiled, clearly pleased with himself. I was speechless. "How?" I asked, morbidly curious, and slightly nervous now because I didn't have a present for him. Oh well, I'd figure something out with Meredith later.
"I heard about the case through the grapevine, a few of the top hospitals have been discussing how the treat the condition. I've been talking with Teddy and she thinks that the two of you will be able to work something out, but she needed a little help. So then I figured I'd bring in one of those cardio gods who you're always going on about. I think you're going to like him. Well I called him last night and it turns out he was on his way to Seattle anyway to visit some old friends. So he's coming in today, and the three of you will work your cardio magic, and the patient will be here by the end of the week," he finished.
"Thank you," was all I could say. He really did know me, this was the perfect anniversary present. Shit, I really hope Meredith's extremely creative and sentimental because this man deserves a fantastic and meaningful gift. "You're welcome," he replied, standing up. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I tucked my face into his shoulder. "Happy anniversary," I said again, feeling his lips kissing my hair.
"Excuse me," a voice came from the doorway, my blood went cold. "I'm looking for an Owen Hunt, chief of surgery," it continued. Untangling himself from my embrace, he cleared his throat. "Uh yes, that's me. Nice to meet you Dr. Marlow, and thanks for coming in on short notice," Owen extended his hand to shake Dr. Marlow's.
"It's not a problem at all, I'm extremely intrigued," Colin responded, never taking his eyes from me. "Let me introduce to you one of the doctors on your case, Cristina Yang," he motioned in my direction. As Colin chocked back laughter, I was chocking back vomit. Was this seriously happening, again?
"We've met," Colin accented voice clipped. My heart sunk to my feet, as Owen's expression shifted into one of surprise. Oh great, here we go again.