Title: Perky Beautiful
Author: Gina and Ash
Pairing: Callie/ Arizona, Callie/OC, Arizona/OC
Rating: R
Summary: Callie and Arizona experience something unexpected in Paris that changes their relationship with others. How will this affect Callie's relationship with Matt?How will Nikki cope with this?Can Callie and Arizona get together? AU Calzona
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters in this fiction, nor do I have any rights in regards to them. All characters belong to ABC and Shonda Rhimes
A/N: Thanks to all those who reviewed. You guys rock !!!!
Callie's POV
The hardest thing for me is to concentrate when I am having the worst headache of my life. I feel dehydrated despite the continuous sips of water I have been taking from my water bottle. I can handle the fatigue and drowsiness that I am feeling but I cannot seem to stand having this insatiable urge to keep drinking water.
This is officially my hangover.
This is the price I am paying for the alcohol I unconsciously drank without thinking of the poisonous effects afterwards. And now, all I can think about is apologizing to Arizona, for being the jerk that I was. I also realized that I didn't take the pills that Arizona had handed to me earlier.
Great.
I was glad that I was seated close to the exit in the auditorium. At least I could listen to the lecture with my hand on my head while trying to jot some notes down on my note pad.
"… beta alloy titanium a lower modulus of elasticity, enhanced erosion resistance, and accept biocompatibility when compared to established titanium alloys"
I am trying to concentrate but I just can't. My letters don't look like they are supposed to. My I looks more like a J. The N looks more like a V.
I can barely see the notes of the presentation.
This is not working for me.
"…recent biomaterials research has focused on β titanium alloys because processing variables can be controlled to produce selected results."
I had to get up and do two things.
Pee
Look for Arizona.
Arizona's POV
"Dr. Krause, thank you for such an amazing lecture…" I said while walking out of the auditorium.
"You're welcome…" He replied courteously.
"Arizona Robbins…" I extended my hand. "I work in Paediatric surgery at New York Presbytarian.."
"Oh yes…." He smiled and shook my hand firmly. "I remember you…"
"Really from where…?" I was flattered. I can't recall ever seeing him until today.
"You lectured at the seminar I attended in New York last spring…" He replied. "Your lecture about tissue engineering and regenerative medicine was fascinating… especially about the nerve and muscle cells in children with cerebral palsy." He smiled and nodded his head appreciatively.
I was surprised that people even paid attention to that lecture.
"Thank you…" I said graciously and started to walk away.
"Arizona…" I stopped and turned around.
"Yes…" I replied.
"If you are not busy… I mean if you are alone in Paris… Perhaps we can talk about paediatrics and research over dinner?" He charmingly smiled and I saw his dark blue eyes glitter.
I walked over and couldn't believe he just asked me out on a date.
"Dr. Krause I am flattered…" I smiled back.
"Excellent…" I sensed the excitement in his voice.
"I mean, I am flattered by the invitation. But I am with someone here…. And I am betting on my money that she might invite me over for dinner later too…" I smiled back almost biting my lower lip.
"She huh?..." He replied with an uncomfortable laugh.
"Yes…and Thank you once again." I turned around and left before Calliope had the chance of finding me.
Callie's POV
I just finished taking a nice warm shower. I had to clear my head, thoughts, and all the junk that was permeating it. I had waited at the cafeteria earlier for her. For almost an hour. I hadn't eaten a chocolate éclair so slowly in my life. I even took the liberty to talk to the lady at the front desk about the people attending the Paediatric lectures. She informed me about the schedule of the lectures and it almost seemed like a labyrinth figuring everything out. I took the risk of waiting for her at the exit of the conference building. I studied some of the paintings to keep myself busy while keeping an eye out for Arizona. I still could not find her.
What's taking her so long?
I finally gave up on the idea of finding her at the conference and headed for the Hotel instead.
I hated how this made me feel, completely inept to be rational and mature about the entire situation. I knocked on Arizona's hotel door almost 15 times to be exact. I left messages at the reception like 5 times. I wouldn't be surprised if she thought this was outlandish and idiotic and I was some what of a stalker.
I was running out of ideas.
I was on the brink of desperation.
I am seriously running out of options.
I stared out the window of my hotel thinking about what had got into my mind that I accused her of hitting on me when it was obvious that it was me who had my arms around her. It was me who got drunk and she took on the responsibility of taking care of me. No questions asked.
I then tried to take a deep breath.
Breathe in.
Breathe out.
Think.
Think.
An idea then struck me
This is going to be interesting.
"Bonjour…" I uttered as politely as possible with the most endearing smile.
"Madame, Bonjour.. Comment ça va?" the concierge looked up from the table and smiled back.
"I am good, thank you for asking. I needed to ask.. something from you…" I continued to smile. I looked around to make sure none of the guests were paying attention to what was happening.
"Sure, Madam… what is it?" He replied with his thick French accent.
"Um.. you know Arizona Robbins… the blonde…super perky… room 502.." I hoped he knew exactly who I was talking about.
"Oui…Oui… Dr. Arizona Robbins…I know." I was surprised he knew that she was a doctor. I was glad he nodded in agreement.
"Have you perhaps seen her? Or did she mention where she was going?" I curiously asked.
"Madame, she left with the Taxi driver around 2 hours ago…" He informed nicely.
"Do you know exactly where she went?" I knew this information was private but I gave him another winning smile.
"Madame…" He cleared his throat. "I am sorry but information like that is kept confidential…" He continued nicely.
"Right…" I looked around to see if anybody was looking.
"I can give her your message if you want?" He kindly offered.
"Uh.. this is very important.. I need to know where she is. Matter of life and death." My smiled faded and I tried looking as serious as possible. I could see the expression of the concierge change too.
"Madame – "
"Her sister is giving birth!!" I yelled. He paused to stare at me in astonishment.
"The baby.. the baby it cannot breathe…and the operation…she needs help to decide!!" I acted as shocked as possible. I knew this was an extremely ridiculous step but I was tired of looking for her.
"Ma- Madame… wait.." He picked up the phone and uttered something in French.
"Thank you – I mean.. you know it's a baby boy and the cord.. it's just.." I was breathing heavily, almost nervous that I might burst out laughing. This acting was making me look eccentric.
"Oui..Merci…" He hung up and scribbled something on a piece of paper and handed it to me.
"Madame, just give this information to the driver. He knows…" He still looked perplexed.
"Merci…" I took the paper and smiled.
MissionAccomplished.
Callie's POV
The Champ de Mars is a vast lawn area with wide walking paths crossing the lawns. The borders of the park are lined with a variety of trees and flowering shrubs and scattered throughout the park are beautiful flower beds. This was one huge public park to say the least.
I felt lost.
I looked at the paper and read what the concierge had scribbled.
Southeast of the Garden of Champ de Mars. In front of the École Militaire
I was confused because why would she want to see the Eiffel Tower in front of a Military school when she could directly go to the north end of the park and view it more closely and clearly.
The taxi driver finally stopped behind the bus and pointed to the right and uttered "Madame, Tour Eiffel" then pointed to the left and uttered "École Militaire".
I thanked him and immediately noticed the tourists and students in the park. I was standing on the pavement looking directly at the Eiffel tower wondering how many people dream of visiting this romantic city. It looked more amazing in reality than on the postcards that reproduced it.
I turned around and saw the École Militaire building that resembled a parliamentary building with flag of France situated high on one of the domes.
I started to walk towards it.
I saw a Japanese couple taking pictures by one of the trees in the garden.
A student was listening to his Ipod and reading a book.
I just kept walking towards the building hoping to see Arizona.
I noticed a photographer taking pictures of the building with the longest lens I had ever seen.
A group of friends laughing while one of them utters something extremely fast in French.
And then I saw something extremely interesting.
There were columns erected vertically in the air and a glass structure with writings in between it. It looked like a memorial or testimony to something. I walked towards it and studied the writing.
Nyeinjanyei
mir
der friede
paix
peace
And then I saw her.
She was standing by one of the columns and reading what was inscribed on it. She looked very casual. She was wearing a denim jacket with her hair down. I saw the blue scarf draped loosely around her neck.
"Interesting place…" I said. Arizona turned around and definitely tried to contain her surprised expression.
"Calliope…" She managed to say.
"I would've never thought to find you in front of a military school by this…" I looked up at the columns confused what to call it.
"Monument to peace." She informed.
"Really?"
"Peace is written in 32 languages on 32 columns…" She smiled.
"Interesting, in front of a military school…" I said curiously.
"Correction, It is converted into a military museum. It has an outstanding collection of weaponry, uniforms and armour. Napolean Bonnaparte went there." She enthusiastically explained.
"Why so interested in the military? I mean people come to see Tour Eiffel and you are obviously not..." I said inquisitively.
"My grandfather, dad and brother…" She walked towards the next column. "My grand father was serving on a battleship when the Japanese bombed pearl harbour…" She said. "My father, Colonel Daniel Robbins served in the United States Marine Corps. and my brother…died in the Iraq war…" She looked at me.
"I am sorry…" That's all I managed to say.
"It's okay Calliope…" She replied.
"The battleship…" I said smiling.
"Huh?" She was confused now.
"The USS Arizona. The battleship…" She smiled back now. "Most people think you are named after a state but you were probably named after the battleship, Arizona." I said confidently.
"Not a lot of people know that you know. Not even my girlfriend…" She looked impressed.
"I know… I was an ass earlier and shouldn't have accused you…" I felt completely regretful.
"Shit happens." She simply replied.
"No, seriously. I say things out of impulsiveness.. before my brain can even register what my mouth just uttered …"
"Calliope…" She moved closer. "Like I said, shit happens… let it go." She smiled and I saw those damn dimples again.
"Thanks…" The only thing I could muster to say.
"You owe me…" She smirked.
"Anything you say…"
"I am hungry…" She pouted.
"Well, Arizona… I know a great place to satisfy any serious craving…" I smirked back.
Arizona's POV
"Calliope… this is crazy." I stared in awe at the wide array of desserts on our table. I didn't know which pastry to taste first.
"You were hungry…" She smiled while her eyes gleamed with excitement.
"I was…. for beef with froie gras…lamb… chicken…" I was still in a state of disbelief.
"Eww, you eat froie gras? I can't stand that stuff…" She took a bite of the chocolate cake in front of her. We had approximately 7 different types of cakes and other intricate fruit pastries in front of us that looked just too pretty to eat.
"I love desserts don't get me wrong but this …. This is definitely hardcore." I couldn't help but smile. I took a bite from the strawberries and creme mousseline cake and instantly knew why we were here. This stuff melted like butter in your mouth.
"Arizona, I thought you were a dessert person? You ate most of my chocolate éclairs!" She said her mouth half full with the chocolate cake. "Try this and tell me what it tastes like…" She took her fork and sliced a bit of the small green cake with small strawberries on top and extended it towards me.
"They call this cake desire…" She smirked.
"Seriously?" I took a bite.
"It's interesting… … and light…sort of lemony…" I was savouring every bit in my mouth. "It seems to have a hint of.. pistachios …in it…." I loved how sweet yet pleasantly surprising it was. Every flavour blended in your mouth and the small strawberries made everything extra special.
"I won't be surprised if we suffer from hyperglycemia…"
"I am more worried about you being extremely perky..." She chuckled.
I gave her a sarcastic smile and she laughed at my expression.
"That fountain is beautiful…" I looked out of the window of our café and was mesmerized.
"Fountain of River Commerce and Navigation…" Calliope whispered while she looked out the window.
"Really?" I was amazed that she knew the name.
"You see those large semi-nude figures…" She pointed them out to me. "They represent Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean ." I nodded my head impressed.
"And the other figures represent the industries of the sea, coral, fish, shells, and… I think pearls if I am not mistaken…" She was smiling now and ready to take a bite from the fruit tart.
"And you know this how?..." I took a sip of the latte.
" Arizona … come closer…" She whispered mischievously.
"Huh?" I replied half confused.
"Come closer…." She moved forward leaning towards the table.
"Um okay…" Our faces were a few inches apart.
She then lifted her hands off the table and ran her thumb on my upper lip.
I was still.
"You had a milk mustache…" She was now laughing.
Very funny I thought to myself.
"Calliope I am not five you know…" I couldn't help but smile.
"I know and about the fountain… It's Dan Brown's influence…" She said and then took a bite from the fruit tart again.
"Is it too sweet?" I curiously asked.
"The custard is almost..perfect… here take a bite…" she extended her fork towards me and she was absolutely correct.
"I am not a fruit tart person but this is good…" We both smiled.
" I mean if you still want your steak .. lamb.." She teased
"Calliope, this is perfect…" I finally admitted.
Calliope's POV
I researched this café on my phone through the wifi connection in my hotel room. I agreed now with most of the comments made on the page this café was listed on. Every pastry in this café was unquestionably worth your money and time. I wanted something different and heavenly to share with Arizona. I did not know if this would satisfy her hunger but I knew this would definitely satiate any sweet tooth craving.
"What happened? Are you full?" I was officially obsessed with this fruit tart. I cannot eat any other dessert past this one.
"No, I am taking a break…" She smiled.
"You can try this one… it's not too sweet…" I offered her the rest of my fruit tart.
"No.. it's okay…" She protested. "Okay fine…" She finally gave in.
She was eating it with the same satisfaction I was.
"You know there is a carousel somewhere here?..." I informed her.
"Really?" she sounded surprised that I knew about it.
"Yup, it's I think it's opposite the Eiffel tower…" I pulled out my phone. "I saved the name here… it's… by on the corner of the Pont d'Iéna and Quai Branly…" I said totally mispronouncing the last part.
"Pont d'Iéna and Quai Branly…" She corrected my pronunciation.
"Yeah yeah…" I teased.
"Sure, we can go later." She smiled.
I felt my phone vibrate.
MATT CALLING…
"Can you excuse me for a second?" I asked before accepting the call.
"Sure, you can just take it here…" She looked down and continued to eat the tart.
"Hey!"
"Yes babe, I miss you too…" I replied looking out of the window.
"My flight is tomorrow… 4 hours after the conference ends…" I looked at Arizona.
I immediately noticed her face drop.
"Then who is going to pick me up?" I cannot believe Matt didn't even have time for this.
"That's fine Matt…okay… sure that's great." I was replying in response to the restaurant reservation he made for the both of us when I arrived in Seattle.
"Okay… yes babe… I love you too..." Arizona looked away and it suddenly felt awkward. I forgot about reality in her presence. Being with her almost felt like a fairytale.
"Is everything okay?" She warmly asked.
"It is…" I placed my phone inside by bag.
"So you are leaving tomorrow?"
"Yeah the orthopaedic conference ends tomorrow… how about you? I think the paediatric conference ends at the same time right?"
"Our conference is for 5 days Calliope…" She corrected.
"Oh…" I was surprised.
"We still have to attack three more cakes…" She suddenly changed the subject to make things light and fun again.
This was her asset - optimism and joie de vivre.
Arizona's POV
I felt like Alice in Wonderland. As I stood staring at the Carousel de Pariswith its colorful blinking lights I felt the energy and excitement of a little girl on a sugar rush.
In addition to being the City of Light, Paris is also the city of carousels. The carousel was spinning in a corner of the Champ de Mars, between a playground and a small refreshment stand. I had read in a history book that this carousel was built in 1913 but it was so beautiful and vibrant looking I had a hard time believing that.
As I saw the happy and screaming children on the various colored horses of the carousel merrily going round and round I felt the same thrill a child would feel when entering Disneyland for the first time. I couldn't help but have a huge grin on my face.
Callie chuckled at the huge smile on my face "You look happy…"
"I am. Ever since I can remember I have loved merry go rounds. Any time I go to an amusement park I would rather ride them than the roller coasters." I said bouncing on the heels of my feet.
"I love roller coasters. Such an adrenaline rush. The faster the better!" she sounded rather proud of herself.
"Yeah yeah I know you are a rockstar…" I teased and we both burst out laughing.
"Okay Miss Rockstar I am going to go buy us tickets" I said starting to walk towards the ticket stall.
I heard her starting to protest and cut her off, "It's fine Calliope. You took care of lunch so let me do this."
She nodded and we went to stand in the queue for tickets.
Callie's POV
After we had bought the tickets I suggested we pick up something from the refreshment stand before riding the carousel.
She showed her agreement to my suggestion by nodding her head enthusiastically with a twinkle in her eye.
Once we reached the stand we stood to the side for a little bit deciding what we wanted.
"How about popcorn?" I suggested.
"Great idea Calliope…" she squealed. "Eating popcorn is one of my favorite parts of going to the movies."
I couldn't help but smile at her cuteness.
"What else do you want?"
"Ice cream…" she said before giggling a little. "I have a sweet tooth…" she blushed.
"Yeah it's sweet just like the rest of you." I blurted without thinking.
Get a grip Calliope Torres
Since when do you spout that much cheese?
I ignored my internal scolding and asked, "What flavor?"
"Vanilla .It's my favorite flavor."
"Nice choice." I grinned "Figures since you also smell like vanilla."
She just smiled in response and ordered our refreshments while I wanted to kick myself. It was like my brain and mouth had lost all coordination and were on different planets or something.
As I watched Arizona inhale the smell of the buttered popcorn with a huge smile on her face I felt something like butterflies in my stomach.
Arizona's POV
I literally skipped the rest of the way to the carousel. Callie led us to two horses on the lower part of the carousel but I shook my head.
I took her hand and led her up the stairs to sit on the horses on the upper part of the carousel.
As the music started and the carousel started to spin I felt elated. We were on a carousel in the middle of Paris with popcorn and ice cream ……..what could be better?
I started to regale her with amusing stories of some of my patients and we were both laughing hard.
"Uh you have ice cream on your nose…" she suddenly said.
Callie's POV
When I saw the blob of ice cream on her nose I reached with my hand to rub it off but as I got closer I found myself lost in the twinkle of her blue eyes and I kissed the blob of ice cream of her nose.
My gaze dropped to her perfect lips which were pink like rose buds. I couldn't stop myself anymore and I pressed my lips to hers. The softness and sweetness of her lips against mine felt magical.
I felt her pushing me back and breaking the kiss.
"Um you didn't like it?" I asked feeling a little downcast and I could feel the pout forming.
"No……..no………..I did." she said before pressing her lips to mine again. As my hands crept into her blonde ringlets and we deepened the kiss I noticed she tasted of vanilla ice cream and something uniquely Arizona. It was an amazing combination and I never wanted this moment to end.
The spell was broken by the carousel coming to a stop and we pulled away slowly both of us a little breathless.
After getting of the carousel we decided to take a walk in the playground. We walked in silence for a while both of us seemingly lost in our thoughts. Though the silence wasn't necessarily uncomfortable it still freaked me out a little bit.
I loved the lights glowing by the trees. Everything was in perfect symmetry.
"So…" I said happy to break the silence.
"Calliope…let's forget about what happened. We got caught up in the moment that's all. Paris….the carousel…..the lights……..it was a spur of the moment thing."
"Oh…" I said unable to keep the hurt out of my voice.
Arizona's POV
When I saw the hurt radiate from her beautiful features I found myself wanting to tell her the truth inspite of knowing the confusion it would cause.
"Calliope I cannot deny I like you. I like you a lot but I don't want to be that person."
"What person?" she whispered.
"The person who causes trouble for you and Matt. You love Matt and you have a life with him. I don't want to come between that. You are married Calliope and I respect the fact that you are."
"You think I don't know that?" she yelled back "But…..I….just…." she tailed of.
"Let's just drop it Calliope. You leave tomorrow and you go back to your life…" I said.
"You can't kiss someone the day before you leave Calliope" I could feel my voice break and I started to walk away.
I felt a strong tug on my arm.
Callie's POV
As I saw Arizona start to walk away from me I felt a strange fear in my heart, I wasn't sure what I was feeling but I knew I couldn't let her walk away. I did what my heart told me to do and it felt right.
I caught her arm to stop her and pulled her towards me.
"I know…" I said before kissing her passionately. It was one of the most passionate and intense kisses I had ever experienced, it was like our tongues were dancing to the beat of our hearts.
"I know…" I whispered again before pulling her even closer.
PLEASE REVIEW :)