Chapter Text
Chapter 2
Arizona’s eyes followed Owen as he ushered Dr. Torres around making introductions. The meeting had broken up and people had headed back to work, but Arizona, Mark, and Teddy had hung back. Teddy had been quiet and Arizona was about to inquire when she noticed Owen and Dr. Torres heading in their direction.
“These three are our, Head of Pediatrics, Plastics, and Cardio, respectively. Dr. Arizona Robbins, Dr. Mark Sloan, and Dr…” Owen began his introduction.
“Teddy Altman. Hey Teds.” Callie finished for him.
“I can’t believe you didn’t tell me you got a job here!” Teddy answered excitedly. She pulled Callie in for a hug.
“So, I take it you two know each other.” Owen said awkwardly, while Arizona and Mark stared in surprise at the two women.
“You could say that. We went to med school together and became great friends. Little Miss Mystery here didn’t tell me she applied for the opening in Orthopedics even though I had been badgering her to do it.” Teddy filled in.
“Hey! I didn’t want to get your hopes up just in case I didn’t get it.” Callie replied modestly.
“Pfft. Right. You were probably one of the most qualified candidates if not the most qualified. Cartilage, robotics, you are an innovator and the hospital is lucky to have you.” Teddy responded.
Callie started blushing.
“Stop. I’ll say one thing Teds. You are good for my ego.”
“Impressive résumé.” Mark said with a leer as he held out his hand to Callie. Arizona glared at him.
“Thank you Dr. Sloan.” Callie shook his hand with a small smirk.
“Down boy.” Teddy said to Mark and pulled him away from Callie.
“Oh, I already know I’m not what she’s looking for.” Mark said with a knowing grin.
“I wouldn’t make assumptions if I were you.” Callie countered with a raised eyebrow. Mark smiled widely as Arizona’s head whipped around to Callie.
“Don’t encourage him. It doesn’t take much.” Teddy warned good naturedly.
“Noted.” Callie answered.
Teddy, Mark and Owen were distracted by a nurse with an inquiry about a patient they all had worked on earlier.
“Hey Cal, come find me when you have a minute!” Teddy said as she was heading off.
“Me too!” Mark followed up as he was walking away with Teddy. Callie smiled as she saw Teddy smack Mark on the arm.
“Dr. Torres, I’ll be right back. I’m sure Dr. Robbins can keep you company for a few minutes.” Owen said following after Teddy and Mark.
Arizona realized she hadn’t said a word to Dr. Torres yet.
“Glad to have you on board.” She stuck her hand out.
“Glad to be on board.” Callie responded as she placed her hand in Arizona’s.
Strong hands, oh so strong hands, thought Arizona. I could imagine some very good uses for those hands, came another thought. No, snap out of it Arizona. Colleagues, that’s all. Yes, that’s all.
Callie removed her hand from Arizona’s and regarded her with an odd look. It was then that Arizona realized she had shook hands for too long and had stayed quiet for too long.
“Um, so where were you before Seattle?” Arizona stumbled over the question.
“Boston. Decided I needed a change and Teddy had been haranguing me to apply here. I thought it was a good idea.” Callie answered.
“It’s a great hospital. I hope it turns out to be a great decision for you.”
Callie’s eyes raked over Arizona. Arizona stopped breathing for a second. Good God, this woman was going to be the death of her if only a look did this to her, Arizona thought. She found herself cursing the two ladies Callie had picked up at the bar for their luck.
“It’s already been a very good decision.” Callie husked out.
Arizona was about to respond, when both of them noticed Owen heading back. Callie stepped closer to Arizona.
“It’s been a pleasure, U.S.S. Arizona.” Callie whispered softly and then she headed off towards Owen. She looked back at Arizona and threw a breathtaking grin in her direction.
How did she know, Arizona thought when she regained her equilibrium and then an overriding thought as she stared at Callie’s retreating back: I WANT.
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“Spill Teddy.” Arizona said as she settled in next to Teddy at lunch. Mark was sitting on the other side of Teddy.
“Spill what?” Teddy asked confused.
“Callie Torres. That’s what.” Arizona responded.
“Hey, I’ve been meaning to ask, what did you mean by your comment about knowing that you weren’t what Callie was looking for?” Teddy questioned Mark.
“Oh yeah! You know the mystery brunette snagging Arizona’s ladies? None other than Callie Torres.” Mark explained.
“Ah, okay, makes sense.” Teddy replied.
“Seriously Teddy. Spill.” Arizona persisted.
“What do you want to know?” Teddy asked.
“What’s she like? Does she date seriously or does she date like me? Would she go out with me?” Arizona asked.
“Callie’s one of the best people I know. She’s been through a lot, but she’s kind, caring, and compassionate. She dates like you, meaning she doesn’t. And the answer to your last question is no.” Teddy responded to each question.
“Wait. What do you mean no? I’m a catch and it would only be the one night.” Arizona said dumbfounded.
“She keeps her dating out of the hospital. She’s not interested in the drama. It’s nothing personal.” Teddy supplied.
“But, but…she was totally flirting with me earlier.” Arizona sputtered.
“She also flirted with Mark. She does that without really noticing. She’s naturally flirtatious. Again, not personal.” Teddy shrugged.
Just then Teddy’s pager went off. She checked it and headed to the ER.
“Sorry Tiger.” Mark said.
“Tiger? Really?”
“Felt like a Tiger moment.” Mark answered. He got up and headed out.
Arizona sat there and thought about what Teddy said about Callie. Specifically Callie’s unwillingness to date her and the one thing she thought was: CRAP.