Looking at you side ways

91

Joe's was crowded with the hospital crowd. It seemed like every intern was there. The bell dinged and Cristina looked up hopefully.[i] Finally, Owen was there.[/i]

Cristina whispered to Meredith, "He's here." She breathed a sigh of relief. [i]It was starting to get pathetic.[/i]

"Calm down Cris. He said he wanted to talk. It could be about anything."

Cristina snarled, "Then why am I so fucking nervous? I don't do nervous!"

Meredith laughed and said, "You do now."

They watched him go to the bar and order. He gave them a big smile and Cristina relaxed a little. Finally he came over and sat the drinks on the table.

Cristina said, "You're here."

Owen said, "Yeah. Sorry I am late. I got tied up in the ER."

Burke asked, "Anything interesting?"

Owen snuck a sideways glance at Meredith who was laughing happily at something Derek was saying.

He quickly said, "Not really. Cheers everyone. I'm sure you are all glad the big test is over. How long before you get the results?"

Mark said, "In just a few days. Friday at the latest. They are much more efficient than they used to be. I heard it used to take weeks."

Derek handed Owen the study cards and said sincerely, "Owen. We can't thank you enough for the study cards. They were a great help."

Meredith said, "Yes Owen thank you. We used them right up until the test."

Mark said, "I thought my brain was going to explode!"

Owen put his hand discreetly on Cristina's thigh and said, "You're welcome. I'm glad I could be of help."

Burke saw Rose come into the bar and stood up to go greet her. "Thanks Hunt. I appreciate it. I'll get the next round and send it over. I'm.....just going to sit at the bar."

They had another round of drinks and laughed and joked with one another. Finally, Owen said to Cristina, "Are you ready to leave?"

She glanced over at Meredith who gave her an encouraging smile and said, "Okay. Let's get out of here. I'll see you guys at work." The both stood up and left the bar.

Derek asked Meredith, "Do you want another drink Mer?"

"Um....I think I have had enough."

Derek asked, "Are you sure?"

She giggled and asked, "Why Derek Shepherd.........are you trying to get me drunk and take advantage of me?"

Mark laughed and said, "Who needs to get you drunk princess to take advantage?"

Derek and Meredith both said, "MARK!"

Mark shrugged and said, "What? It's true."

Meredith laughed and leaned into Derek and said, "It's true. But only with you. You can take advantage anytime."

Derek lightly kissed her as Mark looked around the room and saw a familiar face at the bar. He stood up and said, "Okay lovebirds. I am leaving. And don't wait up for me. I'll see you tomorrow morning."

Derek and Meredith watched as Mark zeroed in on his target for the night.

Derek said suggestively as they got up to leave, "We shouldn't waste this opportunity to have the house to ourselves."

Meredith giggled and grabbed his hand, "Let's go!"

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Derek was in the bathroom finishing brushing his teeth. He thought[i] Meredith was in the perfect mood to ask about seeing his family on the way to Bermuda. The test was over and she had a few drinks in her and they had just made love. They had started taking off their clothes on the stairs and by the time they got to their bedroom, clothes were scattered all over the upstairs hallway. It had been a great stress reliever and he hoped she would be receptive.[/i]