Author's note: Just wanted to thank every one of you that left a review on my previous chapter. You cannot imagine how happy they have made me.

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Cristina had just arrived to the vent, and was waiting for the familiar gush of air to raise her spirits; tears rolling down her cheeks. She knew the vent wouldn't be enough to ease her pain; that it had not been enough when they had broken up after the chocking. But she also didn't know where else to go. She was still on call and could not leave the hospital.

He stormed in just about a minute later. At first relieved to find her there, where she knew he would find her. Before even saying a word, he approached and hugged her tight, hurt by her obvious pain. His blood still boiling with fury at Teddy's words.

"Owen, I.." she begun, against his chest, trying to explain and drying her tears against his scrub top.

"Shhh, … I am so, so sorry" he stopped her, holding her close against his chest and rocking her right and left. "I could kill her, I swear. I just wanted to get you a good mentor and to see you happy. Never thought she would hurt you in any way" placing a kiss on the top of her head. "The idea of you using me is just absurd… you would be getting the worst deal ever…" he tried to joke, but he was fully aware of the truth in the statement. He was not a Cardio God; he had never favored her in the ER, and he had nearly killed her. He was definitely not a sweet deal, and he knew it. He could just hold her against his chest and hope she would understand.

She looked up at him, relief warming her up. She knew, however that she needed to speak; she could not allow anyone to come with past stories trying to hurt them. She really needed him to understand.

She separated from him, took his hand and brought him to sit down at her side on the step at the other side of the room; never letting his hand go. It took her a while to get her thoughts in order.

"I met him upon arrival to Seattle Grace... I had already read a lot about him; and seen some of his best surgeries on tape, so, for me it was just like meeting a rock star. Never thought he would be anything more than a mentor..."

"Cristina.." He tried to stop her. She didn't need to explain anything. Of course he knew she had not used him. And what if she had a past? So had he.

She signaled him with her free hand not to interrupt her; she could read in his expression that he trusted her. That he had never doubted her. But she needed to come clear; she needed to talk about her traumas before they became too big. That, she had learnt from Wyatt, even if she would never confess to it. She took a deep breath, and stared at a point on the floor.

Slowly, trying to find the right words, she told him about Burke, how it all had begun with an affair, no feelings involved; and then it had gotten complicated. She didn't leave anything behind. The baby; the fallopian tube; the shooting; his trembling hand and finally the humiliation of being left at the altar. She felt his hand caressing hers the whole time. He respected her wish not to be interrupted and remained silent, as she kept staring away from him.

She thought it would be more difficult to tell the whole story; but she just felt her heart lighter, and realized it did not hurt anymore. He was still holding her hand. Listening; letting her speak, understanding her without judging; just there for her.

"You know, I think he was right when he left" she said after a while "he knew I did not want to walk down that aisle, but that I was too stubborn to quit. It hurt back then, but it also took a weight away from my chest. I thought I really loved him, back then, now I am not so sure… it was different from what we have… do not know how to explain it…it just does not fee real" She finally looked up, and stared in his eyes.

He half smiled to her, caressed her face with his free hand, and put a peck on her lips.

"I know exactly how you feel" he said. It was also time for him to talk about the history with Teddy. They had been doing some talking, as recommended by Dr. Wyatt, but he had never gotten to discuss his feelings for Beth or Teddy with Cristina. They were not related to his PTSD, so, he did not think they were relevant. However, after hearing Cristina, he new he had to make her understand.

"I know how you feel" he repeated "because I once thought I was in love with Teddy" He confessed. "I did really have feelings for her, but, how can I call it love when I know how I feel about you? How can anything compare to this certainty I feel when I see you? I worked with her for years, and never acted on it… The moment I met you, I couldn't resist. I had to kiss you that first day. I didn't care to ask if you were with someone… I even know that I would have kissed you if I had been with Beth. You know that was not the case, but, hell, with you… I do not think I could have resisted anyway…" he paused for some seconds, trying to find the right words.

"… so, I know how you feel when you say that you have your doubts regarding your previous feelings. To me, they seem so lukewarm and irrelevant… Don't misunderstand me, I feel sorry about the whole situation with Teddy, feel bad about hurting her. I even wonder what might have happened… but then, the simple thought of not having met you makes me shiver. Somehow I am grateful to your ex-fiancé for leaving, and that I never had anything with Teddy. I know I am not a cheater, but, do not really know if I would have been able to resist you… I think I would have cheated on anyone with you…" He sounded a bit ashamed of himself at the last sentence, but it was the truth.

She stared at him. As with anything else, he could "see her". He understood her feelings and was non-judgmental about them. Because he felt the same. How could she not love him?

Once again she felt her eyes get watery, and took a deep breath to control her emotions. She stood up and pulled him after her towards the vent. Now she could use the vent and some good laughing in his arms. Just like the first time she had kissed him. Everything was going to be fine.

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It was breakfast time, and, as usual, Owen left the bedroom before Cristina to meet with Callie, Arizona, and Mark. Lexie was probably on call, since she was not there.

Mark approached him and patted him on the shoulder before handing him a Victoria's Secret catalogue.

At Owen's surprised look he laughed. "Next time you want to get Cristina a present, find it there! It will spare everyone a lot of trouble!"

And he couldn't help but laughing back at the heartfelt nods from Callie and Arizona. It was great to be home and have friends. One of the many things Cristina had brought back to his life.