Characters are not mine. They all belong to Shondaland, a place that I hope is real. This is a slight AU of what's going on between Arizona and Eliza and their growing relationship and how no situation and circumstance stop you from liking someone and even it's someone you're not supposed to.
It's been nearly a year since Callie left to follow Penny in New York, taking Sofia with her and apparently as well as all of Arizona's hopes and dreams. Well, that's being overdramatic. But it was slightly true. Arizona wanted nothing but to fix things with Callie but they were far into deep to get out of the mess they made and she was finally accepting that now. She is finally letting the past go and trying to start her life again. It's going to take a while to learn to do things without Callie but it was something she had to do.
The past few weeks has been stressing Arizona out. Eliza Minnick waltzed into her life and somehow swept her off of her feet like some fairy tale and then magically turned into the story's once their flirtatious banter turned into spiteful conversations about Richard Webber and Eliza's place in the hospital.
Eliza was trying to separate her personal life and her professional life. She liked Arizona but she also liked her new job very much but that's the thing about being the new girl in town, she hasn't grasped the idea that Grey Sloan Memorial is family and there is no separation of personal and professional when it comes to these people.
"I cannot believe she would say that to me. She's got some major nerve walking around here, acting like she owns the place." Arizona was currently eating lunch with Alex, who just recently came back after his whole assault debacle. The cafeteria was packed but the two surgeons scored a table all to themselves.
"Wait. Back up a minute here, Robbins." He halted his friend who was currently in a middle of a rant that he originally had no intention of giving a crap about but somehow it has got him curious. "You're saying, she was just there in the parking lot, stalking you and started saying what exactly again?" Arizona rolled her eyes for having to tell the story again.
"She was practically telling me that I'm a coward for not flirting with her, like I'm a person with commitment issues. She was saying stuff like I was only defending Richad because I didn't want to confront the possibility of dating her." she started her tirade again as Alex tried to keep up with her as she rambles. "Why can't that woman grasp the fact that I don't like her because of what she's doing to Richard and not because I'm dysfunctional or in some relationship phobia trance?"
"Well, aren't you?" Alex cut her off and curiously inquired. "Excuse me?" was the only thing Arizona managed to reply at that point sounding slightly offended. Alex was supposed to listen and talk crap about Eliza with her, not psychoanalyze the situation. "When was the last time you went on a date?"
"That is not the issue, Alex!" she stated, adding a little more force in her voice which he took as her being defensive. "Calm down, I'm just saying, the girl obviously likes you and before this Webber Bailey situation happened, she peaked your interest. She's obviously smart and a go-getter. She's a girl who likes girls, you're a chick who digs chicks so what's the problem? Why not give it a chance? You got to start somewhere unless you plan on being alone forever." he stated confidently before going back and stuffing his mouth with food.
Arizona was in a cusp of annoyance and surprise when she heard what her prodigy said. Alex received a smack on the arm though after she finished processing what he said. "Call me a chick one more time and I will hurt you." He rolled his eyes at his mentor. "Do you like her or no?"
"Ugh. I'm done talking about this." Arizona said finishing the last bite of her food and ignoring his question. Alex raised an eyebrow at her still waiting for an answer. It took him a couple of seconds before realizing it wasn't going to happen. "Just think about it, if this civil war isn't happening, would you be having this issue?" Arizona was about to come up with some sarcastic answer but Alex's pager went off. "Saved by the bell." he said gathering his things and carrying his tray for disposal. "It was easy to say no, Robbins. You, deflecting means you like her." As he walks away he gave his friend one last reminder. "Pop that bubble full of excuses, Robbins." Arizona just grumbled and avoided to contemplate on what Alex said.
Later that day, Arizona was working non-stop so it as a relief for her to catch a break at the attending's lounge. She entered the room ready to grab a cup of coffee and clear her head before her next surgery in 30 minutes. One foot in the doorway and she loudly sighed at the sight of the person she's been trying to avoid. Her sigh was loud enough for Eliza to hear it and look at her direction from the couch. She placed her vision back to the medical journal she was reading before speaking. "Nice to see you too, Dr. Robbins." sarcasm dripping in her voice. Arizona paid her no attention and just went straight to the coffee maker to fill up her mug. Afterwards, she sat at the table in the middle of the room instead of her original plan of sitting on the couch so she could raise her leg.
They were in silence for about 10 minutes when Alex came running in the room. Upon entering and taking in the two people present, Alex couldn't help but laugh, loud enough to catch the attention of both women. Arizona glared at him knowing exactly what he was laughing about. While, on the other hand, Eliza stood up and went near him. "Dr. Karev, I presume." she said extending her hand. Alex politely took it and gave it a firm shake. "Dr. Minnick, I suppose." Eliza gave him a nod, confirming her identity. "It's good to have you back. The peds department have spoken highly of you." the blonde rolled her eyes upon hearing the brunette's compliment, assuming she's buttering Alex up to get on his good side. "Well, I had an amazing mentor. Right, Robbins?" Alex answered, trying his best to involve the blonde in the conversation.
Instead of answering, Arizona stood up and walked out of the room. "God, the chase is making her hotter." Eliza muttered under her breath but Alex still heard it and scrunched up his face. "Dude, she's practically my sister. Don't say stuff like that to my face." Eliza laughed at Karev's direct approach. He was basically the first attending who gave her some acknowledgment and so far she was liking him.
"I'm sorry. It's just that.." she hesitated for a while but decided against her brain and continued. "Is she always like that?" she curiously inquired about the blonde that has been stealing her attention ever since she saw her out the window of the conference room during her first day. But compared to their first encounter, Arizona has been nothing but mean and rude to her.
"God, no. Robbins is all about rainbows and butterflies and unicorns and world peace. And she's usually the perk in perky but you must really have pissed her off for her to be like that towards you." He walked towards the coffee machine and fixed himself a cup, which was originally his plan for going to the lounge.
"That's the point. I haven't done anything to her. At least, not directly." she said quickly defended herself. "You went after Webber. They're like a weird version of BFFs, so yeah, you did do something to her."
"But how long am I going to be the wicked witch of the west until they get over it?" she asked, running a hand through her forehead. Obviously, the situation has been stressing her out and has been a burden for the brunette. "I'm sorry. I'm dumping all of this on you after meeting you five minutes ago." Eliza realized how forward she was being Karev.
"Don't worry about it. At least you're the talk of the hospital and not me." he tried to joke to make the mood lighter and he was successful in doing so. "And for future reference, Arizona does like being chased. So keep on bothering her, she'll give in eventually." he laughed knowing he'll be in some deep shit if Arizona finds out about this. Eliza, on the other hand was thankful for meeting Alex Karev.
A/N: Hit me up on reviews to suggest what shall happen next. You can also do it on twitter paulinegoddess if that's easier. So, how should the chase be? And which character should get on board with this?