Ch. 5

Like what Burke would normally do before operating on someone, Cristina took a deep breath and flexed her neck.

The thought that there was something that's more exciting than surgery in her life made her giddy.

"Cristina, are you sure you can handle this?"

"Stop being a skeptic. I'm very good at this."

"Really? Who was the last person you practiced on?"

"Well, actually… It was Doc."

"What? You mean Meredith's dog?" Burke was now feeling his life at stake. "Cristina, maybe we should—"

"No. I want to do it. Let me do it!"

Burke sighed. He knew she was taking it very seriously. "Just be careful, Ok?"

"You'll be pleasantly surprised," Cristina's eyes were shining as she raised the blades. "I promise."

"I'll take my chances," Burke closed his eyes. He hoped Cristina knew what she was doing.

"If anything bad happens, I'll buy you exotic scrub caps," Without delay, Cristina was beginning her work.

"You mean you aren't gonna get me a wig?" Burke smirked.

Burke still couldn't believe he let Cristina trim his hair. The only other woman who had ever given him a haircut at home was his mother, but that was a good 30 years ago. In general, he was very particular about it. When he was younger, there were at least two times he nearly dumped a girl because she was commenting on his hair or trying to do something about it.

No wonder his Mama was jealous. This curly hair intern actually got as much power on him as his mother did; and THE MOTHER was assumed to be divine!

"Don't move," Cristina demanded.

"Yes, ma'am," Burke nodded.

"I said, DON'T MOVE! Stop nodding."

His life was really in her hands now. He laughed nervously to himself without moving another piece of his muscle.

"You know, we should have done this earlier. This is completely out of control!" Cristina mumbled as her hands worked busily up and down the back of Burke's head.

"I actually like to let it grow," Burke protested.

"I'm not going to date a bushman."

"Even if he has all the wonderful qualities I possess?" Burke laughed.

"Shut up, Burke."

"Hey, you said don't move. You didn't say I can't talk."

"Fine. Keep distracting me, Burke, and you'll not want to be in front of the mirror for 2 weeks," Cristina grinned maliciously.

As if knowing what she was up to, Burke quit sitting still and turned to take a good look at her. How many times did he have to guard himself against falling completely for the intensely focused look on her face?

"Cristina—"

"Be patient," Cristina was back to her serious, all-work-no-play mode. "Now turn around."

"Alright," Burke closed his eyes and surrendered his trust to her.

It was a very comfortable experience. He sort of wished he could be that trusting all the time. It never occurred to either of them that he was hoping to get as much reassurance from the relationship as she desired from him.

After making one final adjustment, Cristina put down her scissors, "I think you shouldn't go out tomorrow."

"What did you do, Cristina?"

Burke jumped up in horror and tried to rush to the mirror, but Cristina covered his eyes with her hands.

"Honey, you're too gorgeous for your own good," Cristina teased him. "I can't afford the ransom if somebody kidnaps you."

A series of silly laughter filled the bathroom as the couple disappeared into the steam.