Disclaimer: Any and all characters here within from the television show, Grey's Anatomy, created by Shonda Rhimes, televised by ABC, are not my property or otherwise. i dont own nothing...

i edited a bit because hell it was really bad sorry lol

all mistakes are my own

Alex tries to stretch out his legs, being cramped on a plane for nearly a day sent him crazy and then he found out he was getting put on a helicopter, that was just the icing on his long trek to Africa. Looking out the window he spots a small bunch of people all dark as night except for a head of blonde hair.

The helicopter descends sending dust everywhere before the chopper turns to silenc. "Keep your head low until they stop spinning." The pilot smiles pointing to the blades and jumps out his side.

Alex jumped down keeping his head low from the blades. His legs stretch finally and it feels like heaven. Before he can look up he's enveloped by a body squeezing him tight and the familiar giggle comes to his ears making him smile and hug back.

"You made it finally!" Arizona exclaims stepping back and smiling at him.

"I thought my back was going to cease up at one stage but I made it." He says laughing. He finally gets a good look at her, her skin is tanned and her hair is a lot blonder. She's dressed in a linen white button shirt with khaki shorts that end mid-thigh and big boots on. "I don't think I've ever seen you in shorts." He comments taking in her long toned legs.

Arizona smirks as he continues to stare openly at her legs. "I'm not wearing pants in this heat." She laughs. "My eyes are up here Karev." Arizona points to her eyes smirking as his eyes snap up to hers.

"You look good." Karev says making Arizona smirk and raise an eyebrow in question. Alex rolls his eyes. "As in you look better since you left. Happier dare I say." He tells her smiling.

Arizona just smiles and bobs her head not ready to talk about anything back home just yet. "Ok so were going to unload all the supplies that came in the chopper with you, deliver them to the clinic and I'll show you around. Then grab my things and head back to the city. We're working at the hospital the rest of the week, surgeries that couldn't be done at the clinic."

"Sweet, let's get started."

Unloading all the medical supplies and handing it to all the helpers that came along they make the short trek back to the clinic. It's not much of a village and the clinic sticks out like a sore thumb with it being new and metal.

Alex looks around taking it all in, kids running around happily chasing each other. Others are pumping fresh water from the newly installed pump.

"Ah Doctor Robbins, your back. Could you take a look at a possible dislocated shoulder before you leave for me please? I've got my hands kind of full here." Doctor Rass asks poking his head out of a room with a woman giving birth.

"Sure." Arizona says having Alex follow her into an exam room with a ten year old boy whimpering and holding his arm.

Alex watches Arizona interact with the child as the translator helps her communicate with the young boy. She quickly calms him down before quickly popping it back in and giving him a sling and a lolly pop.

As the pilot of the chopper reads his check list making sure the clinic has everything Arizona shows Alex the village and introduces him the kids that run up to them that were once her patients. Alex steals their ratty old ball making the kids scream in excitement as they chase after him.

Picking up Arizona's things they make their way back to the chopper with about 15 kids following them talking a mile a minute, them not understanding anything they're saying.

Arizona watches Alex out the corner of her eye, since he landed he has had a big goofy grin on and his eyes wide as they try to take everything in. Arizona loads her luggage in the chopper next to Alex's bag and turns around with her arms open as 15 kid's barrel into hug her good bye and then Alex is bowled over by them as they do the same to him.

"How long have you been in Mkhota for?" Alex asks as they make their way back to Lilongwe airport.

"About 5 days. I've stretched myself through all the villages, getting everything under control and figuring out what they need on regular deliveries. Now it's a week of surgeries for you and me." Arizona smiles.

"Sweet, I can't wait to work with you again, three months is just too long to be stuck with Stark." Alex says making Arizona laugh.

"Oh I've got something awesome for you. While I've been away, I've had someone practically living at the hospital growing a trachea. A little girl had a growth, so in two days we should be able to out her new one in." Arizona beams and watches the excitement in Alex's eyes.

"Seriously?" Arizona nods. "That is just awesome!" Alex beams as they land at the Lilongwe airport.

A care service takes them to their accommodation Latitude 13. Alex whistles as they hop out of the car. "Damn, it's like a mansion."

"This place is amazing and the Carter Madison pays for it so it's even better. Come on." Arizona and Alex head to check in handing over their passports.

"Ok Doctors Karev and Robbins you will be in rooms 4 and 5. Dial 9 for the front desk and 5 for room service." The concierge smiles handing everything back.

As they make their way to the rooms Alex looks at the passport in his hand. "How are you only 2 years older than me?" He also notes that her birthday is coming up.

Arizona looks at him funny. "What?" Then sees he has her passport. "I skipped 3 grades in high school." She says quietly. "Hold on… you thought I was around 36?" she asks pouting.

"Well yeah, you don't look 36, not even 32." He smiles sheepishly.

"Nice save." Arizona laughs. "I skipped the first three grades of high school. I was a massive nerd so not only did I have a weird name but I was a massive nerd."

"Huh… cool." Alex shrugs handing her passport back.

"Want to have dinner in an hour?" Alex nods. "Awesome I'll meet you at my door then." Arizona says as they enter their own rooms.

After a much needed, long shower Alex gets ready and looks around his room. He has never stayed anywhere this flashy, taking note of the comfy mattress.

An hour later he knocks on Arizona's door, she flings it open and he's speechless. Her hair is down in curls a fresh white button shirt making her tan seem darker and some very tight jeans that hug her legs deliciously and a pair of red chucks that make him smile.

"Wow, Rob-Arizona you look great." He says clearing his throat and standing up straighter.

"You don't clean up too bad either." Arizona says laughing and closing her door noting he does look good in his jeans and plain black t-shirt. "Love the chucks." She giggles noticing his green chucks.

"We have good taste." He says and she laughs pulling on his arm as they make their way to the restaurant.

Both of them order steak and open a bottle of wine, conversation flows between them. Learning that they have a lot more in common than they thought. Arizona telling him stories from when her family lived on the base, the adventures she would have with her siblings Tim, Hayley and Allie.

Alex opening up about his not so great childhood and Arizona was in awe over the things he did for his siblings. Alex filling her in on some hospital gossip that she missed as the wine kept flowing into the night.

As they both stumbled their way back to their rooms laughing and giggling, Arizona stops and stands still making Alex stop walking. "You ok?"

"This is what I needed." Arizona starts spreading her arms to make a point. "To get away and clear my head. I'll never like Sloan, always despise him but I don't blame Calliope. I mean, I left her at the freaking airport right before boarding, I told her it was over. Who does that?" Arizona exclaims. "I would love nothing more than to be able to get back with her and raise the baby but I just can't do it with Mark and that makes me feel horrible and it may be selfish on my part but after being here and thinking about it…" Arizona trails off with a faraway look. Alex's heart is pounding, he knows he shouldn't be having the feeling he's having for Arizona but he can't help but hope she doesn't think about going back to Callie. Alex waits holding his breath as Arizona's eyes connect with his. "She deserves to be happy but I can't do it. It's my fault we broke up but I've accepted that and there will always be a place in my heart for her but I've done enough to her to know it's enough." Arizona nods at her little speech, finally make sense of her thoughts.

"Well, you can tell Torres that when we get back home." Alex says wrapping an arm around her and directing her back to her room.

"Is it the right choice?" Arizona asks quietly as they stand in front of her door.

"I can't answer that for you Arizona. Get some sleep and see how you feel about it in the morning." Alex says softly opening her door for her.

"Thanks for dinner Alex. It was the most fun I've had in a while." Arizona says leaning in and placing a lingering kiss on his cheek making his heart go a mile a minute.

As Arizona's lips connect with his cheek she feels a tiny spark and quickly pulls back staring at him. "Thank you for the company. You ok to get to your bed?" he asks.

"Yeah I'll pass out once I hit the mattress." Arizona giggles taking a little step back.

"Alright see you in the morning." Alex gets her stable on her feet kissing her forehead and leaving for his room to take very a cold shower.

Waking up at the crack ass of dawn was a struggle but they made it to the hospital just as the sun rose.

Alex and Arizona both starting off with simple surgeries to kick there day off nicely. Alex was surprised as he looked at their schedule, Arizona wasn't kidding when she said they will be living in the OR the whole time they were there.

The first two days were non-stop surgery on the tiny humans. Legs, arms, stomachs, bowels, you name it. There trachea surgery had been a success with the result of the little girl breathing on her own.

Alex knocks on Arizona's door, not waiting two seconds and its flung open. "Hey." Arizona beams and moves over for Alex to walk in. She takes in his nice jeans and a buttoned black shirt with his hair nicely done and something thrown over his shoulder with a pair of women's heels in his hand. "Where are you going?"

"Since we kicked ass today and helped a little girl breath again, you and I are going out celebrating. One of the residents at the hospital was telling me about this club Zanzi's, it has like three floors." Alex says.

"I don't have anything to wear. I didn't pack anything to go out in." Arizona pouts.

"Here." He says chucking a black dress at Arizona. "I figured you didn't have anything so I picked you up a dress and shoes from down the street. I'll wait." Alex smiles triumphantly sitting on Arizona's bed back against the head board.

Arizona looks at the dress and heals in shock. "How did you know my size?" She asks.

I checked your clothes in your locker at work. Now go, I want to drink." Alex waves her in the direction of the bathroom.

Twenty minutes later Arizona comes out hopping on one foot trying to put on her heel and Alex whistles. "Looking hot Robbins." Alex smiles his eyes drifting to her toned legs.

"Thanks and eyes up top. Come on." Arizona says walking to the door. Alex comes up behind her.

"Don't take a purse, the clubs probably crawling with pick pocketing." Arizona nods and grabs her cash and chucks her clutch on the bed before slipping the money in her cleavage.

"You want me to carry yours." Arizona asks smirking and watches as Alex pulls his cash from his pocket and hands it over and watches it disappear. Arizona just laughs and rolls her eyes. "Come on!" She giggles pulling Alex out with her.

Alex watches the smile on Arizona's face as they dance with everyone around them swaying, bumping and grinding. The smile on her lips lights up her whole face, one that he hasn't seen in a while. Motioning to the bar with his hand Arizona nods and heads that way with him, pulling the cash out of her cleavage and paying they make their way over to a table. "I haven't been dancing in ages." Arizona smiles and takes a shot.

"It's been a while since I've been to a place like this. We should do this more at home."

"Definitely." As Your Friend by Afrojack Featuring Chris Brown started playing through the club. "You haven't danced with me yet. Drink up." Arizona says pushing the last shot towards Alex and then grabbing his hand and pulling him to the dance floor.

Arizona twirls bringing Alex into her back and they start moving to the beat, feeling it vibrate through their bodies. Hips moving in sync, Alex brings his hands up resting them on Arizona's hips and pulls her more into him. They move sensually as one, Arizona bringing her hands up behind her and grabbing the back of Alex's neck.

Arizona's heart is racing as Alex's hands tighten their hold on her hips squeezing. She doesn't know what's going on in her mind, she doesn't know if it's just breaking up with Callie or if she- no don't think like that. Shaking her head she just moves with the music, her hips grinding in to Alex. Her hands run through his hair bringing him closer and she feels the featheriest of kisses on her neck just underneath her ear, goose bumps break out down her back at the touch and her stomach flutters.

She can't keep the thought away, it wants to break free but she can just hold it in. This can't be happening keeps running through her mind. And then she feels it, Alex's hands slide up her rib cage gently before bringing them to her front. Palm splayed across her stomach, his other runs down her front only to be pulled in at her hip before it went more south.

I cannot. I cannot fall for Alex! Runs through Arizona's mind. Can I? Arizona asks herself, she turns her head so she can see the side of Alex's face. Alex turns and smiles at her giving her hip a squeeze as she grinds into him. Turning fully in his arms she comes face to face without losing their rhythm. Alex just smiles down at her pulling her into him, hips touching hips. She can sightly feel his arousal and she notices that it doesn't bother her but loves it. Loves how he is, just from dancing with her.

The song changes but neither notice as blue eyes lock with light brown. The softness in Alex's eyes makes Arizona relax but her heart pounds harder in her chest. Alex's eyes dart to her lips as she quickly wets them with her tongue and she doesn't miss it as his eyes go darker. His hands slide to her back and move slowly down unit they rest on her ass and being more daring he squeezes slightly making Arizona's stomach do somersaults .

Alex's mind is going on overdrive as he sees Arizona lean in to him more and more. He doesn't want to assume that she wants him that way. How could she? She doesn't like men Alex thinks as he brushes blonde locks behind her ear and running his finger tip along her jaw.

Not being able to take it anymore, Arizona leans all the way forward pressing her lips to Alex's. Shock runs through his body making him not reciprocate quick enough and Arizona pulls back and he watches as she pulls her body back and steps out of his embrace, a flash of hurt on her face before turning and heading towards the bathroom before tears fall. All this time she had been too preoccupied about her feelings towards Alex and she didn't even think if he would want her that way back.

Two feet away from the bathroom door she feels a tug on her wrist as she's spun around and lips attach to hers while arms wrap around her securely. A spark runs through the both of them at the contact and everything disappears around them. Arizona hooks onto Alex's short hair pulling him impossibly closer to her as she feels his tongue run along her lips and she wastes no time in letting him in, both moaning at the first contact. Tongues massage and glide along each other making each of them moan.

Lips detach and breathe is ragged, their hearts pounding to the beat of the club. Foreheads pressed together as chests heave bringing air to their lungs. Arizona leans in pressing one more kiss to Alex's lips and then smiles making her dimples pop and in turn Alex's heart skips a beat with that smile being directed at him.

Realization of what just happened starts to sink in and Alex watches a ray of emotions flash over her face, he knew it was coming but he only hopes that she likes him for real and acknowledges it. He is willing to wait for some day if it happens. He trails his hand down her arm and holds onto her hand. "Ready to head out?" Alex asks as lips brushing against Arizona's ear making her shiver and nod her head.

Making the short walk back to their rooms, they stop in front of Arizona's, hands still linked. "You want to hang out by the pool tomorrow? Watch some movies in the afternoon?" Alex asks, hope evident in his voice. He can see something brewing in Arizona and he brushes his thumb against her cheek. "We can forget about the kiss if it makes you feel better."

Arizona can't make eye contact, looking anywhere but Alex. "It's not… I don't… I don't want to forget about it I just have to figure… I have to get my thoughts in order and… and process." She looks up to find his eyes soft and understanding. "I don't want to forget, just process. I enjoyed it…a lot and you've been so sweet and understanding with me since Callie … I just need time and I know that it would be anno-." Arizona's ramble is cut off by Alex's lips as he presses her against the door, hands holding her hips. Releasing her lips he leans back slightly with a smile.

"You just had your heart broken there's no rush, I'll do whatever you decide and I will give you time to… process. I'll see you tomorrow for breakfast and pool drinks." He winks, softly kissing her again and stepping away. "Night Arizona."

"Good night Alex." Arizona smiles shyly before slipping in her room and flopping on to her bed.

Alex enters his room leaning back against the closed door. Looking at his hands he sees them shaking, he can't believe the last half hour or so actually happened. He slips his clothes off and falls into bed falling to sleep with a smile on his face dreaming about a certain blonde.

Arizona groans and smacks her lips together, her mouth feeling gross from the alcohol. Checking the clock to see it's only 7, Arizona smiles and rolls back over closing her eyes for them to only bug out of her head and sit up straight.

Last night flashes through her mind, memories of what it felt like to kiss Alex Karev. The way her body reacted to his touch, as her caressed her while kissing and dancing. The more she thinks about it the more her heart pounds harder in her chest.

She flings the covers off her, not caring about the time difference she connects face time on her iPad and waits impatiently as it rings. While waiting, Arizona paces back and forth mumbling to herself. Arguing about whether or not to follow heart or mind. Heart telling her to go over to his room right now and kiss him senseless and mind telling her she's being stupid, she's a gold star lesbian. Women, she loves women.

"You rang me at one in the morning to tell me you're a gold star lesbian. I already know that Az."

Arizona shrieks and jumps as the voice comes through her room. "Hales! You scared the crap out of me." Arizona's hand flying to her chest.

"I just answered! You forgot you called me, or was it an accidental dial?" Hayley pouts through the screen making Arizona laugh and sit down in front of the screen. Hayley watches Arizona worry her bottom lip between her teeth and crease marks form on her forehead. "What's up sis? What did you do? Spit it out!" Hayley goads Arizona on.

"I-I did something, and I don't know what to… how… I just don't know what to do." Arizona looks away from the piercing blue eyes and down to the table.

"Well you rang me at 1 in the morning and you're speaking gibberish so just tell me what you did and we will go from there." Hayley smiles, use to her sisters mulling before spitting it out.

"I kissed someone and I don't know how I feel about it. It was a great a kiss, earth shattering. One of those kisses where everything around you disappears and it's just the two of you." Arizona explains. A smile forms just thinking about it.

"Wow, who is this woman you speak of?"" Hayley asks excitedly.

Hayley remembers the painful phone calls she got from Arizona when her and Callie broke up before going to Africa and then she got a phone call from a very drunk Arizona when she found out Callie was pregnant. Hayley could feel Arizona's heart breaking through the phone, she could hear it in her voice. But as Hayley looks at her sister on the screen she can see that light in her eyes as they glaze over, the one that tells her Arizona is really happy at this moment as she talks about the kiss.

Arizona's attention snaps back to the screen at the word woman. "Alex." Arizona says quietly and waits.

"Cool, how did you meet her?" Hayley asks wanting to know all the details and Arizona just shakes her head.

"I mean Alex! As in my kind of best friend slash fellow at Seattle Grace." Arizona explains. "As in man Alex." Arizona says raising her eyebrows.

Hayley's smile drops and her mouth form an 'O' shape for a second then it snaps shut and she holds up her finger telling Arizona to wait. Arizona huffs and sits back in her chair crossing her arms, knowing what is about to come.

"HELLO?" Allie shouts over the music and Hayley pulls the ear piece away from her ear and Arizona giggles because she can hear her as well. "HANG ON!" and they wait, the music dies down until its non-existent. "Ok I'm in a cab, I can hear you now."

"Hey Boo, clubbing?"

"Of course!" Allie giggles through the phone. "Why are you awake? You said you were at the hospital for like 48 hours or something."

"I got a phone call from Az." Hayley says smirking at Arizona making her eyes roll. "I'll put you on face time so you can see." Hayley fiddles with her phone and a younger blonde pops up. Hayley turns so Allie can see Arizona on her iPad.

"Az! Long-time no see." Allie beams. "Hold up, what's wrong?"

"Hey boo, I miss you too." Arizona waves just before Hayley turns the phone on herself.

"So as I was saying. Az is having a freak out. She kissed hot buns!" Hayley squeals.

"What?" "Oh my god." Arizona and Boo say at the same time.

"And now she's freaking out because she just realized it's a man and not a woman." Hayley says and Allie rolls her eyes.

"What the hell is hot buns?" Arizona asks in confusion.

"Alex." The sisters say in unison. "He has the cutest ass." Hayley explains and Arizona just shakes her head. She really miss's her sisters.

"So a freak out, you actually liked it?" Allie asks, Arizona nods,

"She said and I quote, 'It was a great a kiss, earth shattering. One of those kisses where everything around you disappears and it's just the two of you.'" Hayley smiles smugly.

"Sounds hot." Boo shrugs. "I think this is something we can't help you on Az."

"We don't care if your gay or straight or bi, whatever. We love you just the same." Hayley says supportively.

"But I don't know what to do!" Arizona almost shrieks, letting all her fears bubble out in that one sentence. "I'm scared." Arizona pouts and Hayley turns the phone so Allie can see. "He's a him. But when I'm around him I feel safe and happy. He cheers me up and looks after me. He's kind, caring, fun… he looks at me differently to everyone else, I can tell every time. He's my best friend." Arizona rambles as tears form in her eyes. "I shouldn't be re-thinking my sexuality at 32. I've only ever been with women."

"This is the cutest thing I've ever heard." Hayley butts in.

"Since when is it about sexual organs and not about the person?" Allie asks seriously. "Just because Alex is man doesn't mean you can't fall for him. You will still be attracted to woman of course but you would love Alex. If you let it get that far."

"Good speech Boo!" Hayley encourages. " Look Az, I say this with love. Don't be a dick and let fear take over. Now this next part you have to listen to completely even though you are most like dad." Hayley waits for a nod. "Follow your heart and take it slow."

"I second that." Arizona watches as Allies head bobs up and down.

Arizona lets the words sink in as she contemplates the words, Allie and Hayley having a quiet conversation in the background.

Arizona jumps when someone knocks on the door. 'Room service.' Arizona scrunches her face in confusion. "Be right back." Arizona walks to open the door as she hears Hayley say 'are those guy's boxers?' Arizona looks down at her white singlet and the boxers Alex gave her the day after he took her home, she's been wearing them to bed ever since and chalks it up to simply being comfy to sleep in.

"Your breakfast." The waiter pushes the cart into her room.

"I didn't or-."

"I did, I thought we could have a champagne breakfast. Start our one day off properly." Alex smiles as he walks in, clad in pink panther boxers and a singlet, champagne bottle in hand.

The waiter walks out smiling at her and closes the door behind him. Alex sits on the end of the bed popping the cork and pouring their drinks. Allie and Hayley watching the whole thing unfold as Alex picks up a mimosa and hands it to Arizona. Arizona gulps the whole glass down as she takes in how short his boxers actually are when he sits.

Alex smirks and just refills it for her. "So, how did you sleep?"

"G-good, awesome." Arizona stutters as Hayley and Allie clear their throats.

Arizona points to her iPad as Alex looks around the room. "Oh, hey Hales, Boo." Alex smiles and waves, smirking because he knows the reason Hayley and Allie are talking to Arizona.

"Hey hot buns." The sisters giggle in unison making Arizona go bright red. Alex just laughs.

"Still calling me that, ay? I can get used to it. What are you two doing up?"

"Az called me forgetting about the time difference." Hayley says as she she's Arizona panicking behind him.

"And I'm currently lying on the front lawn because I was out clubbing and I didn't want to wake the rents trying to be quiet." Allie informs everyone. "It's cold."

"Well I have to get up in 2 hours for rounds so we will go and let you two love…ly people get back to breakfast and drinking. We should plan a visit when you're back in the U.S." Hayley says liking the idea of seeing Arizona and Alex in person.

"Sounds great, you two can stay at ours." Alex says making Allie smirk at the use of the word 'ours'.

"Sounds awesome and be careful, Az gets handsy after a couple of champers."

Arizona jumps for the iPad. "Bye, love you." And disconnects as giggles filter through before they can say good bye. Arizona hears Alex laugh but try to cover it with a cough making her face go red. Clearing her throat and standing up straight. "What did you order?"

"Pancakes, bacon and eggs, some orange juice and some fruit." Alex uncovers the food and pulls the cart towards the bed end patting the spot beside him and then turning the TV on. "Sweet!" he says excitedly as 1600 Penn begins.

Breakfast is eaten in silence as Alex watches his show and Arizona's eyes flicking to him every now and then. She's confused as Alex just acts as nothing happened the night before between them.

Her breathe hitches as she feels Alex move and his thigh rubs along hers causing friction. She gulps and turns to look at him, eating bacon with his hands with a goofy but adorable grin on his face as he watches TV.

Alex can feel her eyes boring into him but he just plays it cool. He figures when she's ready, she will say or do something about it. Deciding to look at her he instantly locks eyes with deep blue and a smile breaks out across his face. Alex brings his thumb up to her chin and rubs up to her lip before pulling back, Arizona subconsciously leans forward following it in a trance before watching him suck it in his mouth. "You had some syrup." He whispers as her eyes nearly turn black as she wets her lips. "Ready to hit the pool?"

"uhhh wha- yeah, yeah sounds good." Arizona says clearing her throat and heading to her suit case. "Meet you in the hall in 10." Arizona says practically running to the bathroom.

Alex could have died a happy man when Arizona pulled off her long shirt revealing a red bikini clad body. Hi eyes skimming every inch of her perfect skin, the bikini just covering enough for it to be legal. To say his shorts grew tight would be an understatement, hence him jumping straight in the pool, Arizona following two seconds later.

Their time in the pool was spent laughing and wrestling, playing with the other kids on all the flotation toys. Each brushing a hand against the other or a touch lingering longer than normal. Pretty much the whole time was flirting and pushing boundaries without crossing that one line.

Arizona skips to the bar and orders cocktails for them and heads back to their table. Arizona's eyes flick up and freeze as she watches Alex lift himself up and out of the pool. Arizona's eyes zone in on a water drop trailing down his perfect V line and disappearing into his shorts. She takes in his shorts just low enough to see his hip bones and his just visible six pack and his pecks. She may be gay but she can appreciate a man's body. "Sorry, what?" Arizona asks as she notices his mouth moving.

"We should probably head inside so we don't get too burnt. I saw that they have all 3 Madagascar's, you want to have a marathon?"

"Sounds awesome!"

Splayed out on their stomachs on Arizona's bed, they get their snacks and drinks all set up and begin the movie marathon.

Half way through the second movie Arizona breaks the silence. "Does the number 11 mean anything? The tattoo on your hip?"

Shocked that she saw it Alex clears his throat and shift uncomfortably. "Uhm yeah, it's the number of foster homes I survived. I got the tattoo when I turned 18."

"Oh… why so many homes?" Arizona asks but sees he becomes uncomfortable. "Sorry, you don't have to answer that." And she turns back to the TV."

"No, it's umm… I was a lot of trouble as a kid. Rebelled a lot. I remember when I was 13 and…" for the first time Alex opens up about his childhood and Arizona listens intently to every word said. Amazed at what he's been through at such a young age. Kids are resilient; they can make it through almost anything. That's why she loves her job.

Arizona finds herself asking more and more questions about his childhood and telling her own stories that she hasn't thought about since Tim died 7 years ago. Some of the things Alex tells her, breaks her heart but is amazed at the same time. How Alex Karev is as strong as he is amazes her.

Alex is awe struck at the easiness of telling Arizona his life as a kid, everything he has been through is coming out. He wants her to know things about himself that nobody knows.

Arizona wakes to her Ipad ringing and she gradually becomes aware of the body pressed against her back. Reaching blindly for her Ipad she swipes and answers it.

"What?" she grunts.

"You little minx! I'm just repaying the favour of a wakeup call." Arizona hears Hayley whisper. Arizona freezes as Alex's arm tightens and then he relaxes drifting off again. "I see you followed your heart, I'm so proud and strangely weirded out by seeing a guy in your bed. Never thought I would see this." Hayley whispers on quietly clapping her hands.

"We just fell asleep." Arizona says a little groggy from just waking up.

Hayley laughs as she barges into Allies room. "Boo! Check it." Hayley turns the screen and Allie squeals making Alex jump and Arizona do damage control by telling her to be quiet.

"You two look adorable!" Allie whispers.

"Adorable? Boo, really?" Alex's gruff voice cuts through making all three women freeze. Alex just laughs and slips out of bed and heads towards the bathroom.

Once the door is closed Arizona turns back to her iPad. "I'm regretting ever telling the two of you anything. Now, I'm going because we have tiny humans to help." Arizona hangs up as Hayley and Allie make kissing faces towards the screen.

Alex comes back out and flops next to Arizona an arm landing across her legs. "Your sisters are pretty funny."

"Ugghh never tell them that." Arizona groans making Alex laugh.

"How did Allie get her nickname?" Alex asks as he crawls back up the bed resting his head on the pillow watching as Arizona smiles at the memory in her mind.

"She was a crier as a baby, hated the car, hated everything really. We went on this family holiday road trip and she woke up and just screamed and screamed for 15 minutes straight. Tim started playing peek-a-boo and she calmed down but every time he stopped the crying would start. So for the 10 hour drive me, Tim and Hayley took it in shifts just doing peek-a-boo. After that it was the only thing to calm her besides holding her. One day she pointed to herself and said 'Boo' so from then on she is and always will be Boo to all of us."

"Mad! I wish I had an awesome nickname."

Arizona giggles. "Well your hot buns to hales and Boo. You can count on that being your name till the day you die."

Alex rolls onto his stomach and turns his head to see his butt, Arizona watches as he clenches and un-clenches before nodding. "I guess that's a pretty cool nick name." Arizona laughs and shoves his shoulder.

"Come on hot buns, we have to get ready for work." They roll off the edge of the bed and get ready for their busy days ahead.

Alex looks up from his iPad, eyes zoning in on the jean clad Arizona bouncing as she chews on her nails. He reaches over resting his hand on her thigh making her stop. "What's the matter?"

"I hate flying." Arizona sighs and runs a hand through her hair.

"What were you like on the flight over?"

"Sloshed." Arizona shrugs making Alex let out laugh. "It's too early to start drinking now." Alex nods in agreement and goes back to his ipad, hand still holding Arizona's thigh still.

Alex puts their carry-on luggage above them before taking a set and handing Arizona her lollies and iPad before getting comfortable in his chair. As the stewardess is going over the exits as the plane is moving to the runway Arizona's leg starts to jump again and Alex can see her fingers digging into her leg. Chuckling to himself he reaches over making her leg stop and links their fingers, giving her a reassuring squeeze and he feels Arizona relax and lean into him slightly.

Once up in the air Alex calls for someone. "What can I get you?" the stewardess asks taking in Arizona's frazzled appearance.

"Can I get two tiny bottles of tequila, a white wine and a corona please." Alex asks sweetly.

"Sure, no problem."

There drinks arrive and Alex pours the tequila into two plastic cups, handing one to Arizona and holding his up. "To a successful trip of saving the tiny humans." Arizona beams and clink there plastic cups and swallows the shot.

"I'm glad you came along and got to experience it all." Arizona says sipping her wine.

"Me too." Alex smiles thinking not only of the amazing surgeries he got to perform but of that kiss he will remember till the day he dies.

Arizona waits as Alex unlocks the front door and follows him in dragging her luggage behind her. Alex flicks on the lights and Arizona gasps. Looking around the house, its fully decked out from the last time she saw it. She walks into the lounge room taking everything in. "I hope you don't mind. I got all your furniture out of storage and then bought extra things we needed while you were away." Alex says shyly as he watches her look at everything, including the photos of her family mixed with his on the fire place. "I just wanted it to feel like home for you when you came back. You can move anything you want around." Alex shrugs his coat off.

Arizona looks around in awe of Alex's taste in furniture which mixes perfectly with hers. "It looks great. I love it."

"I umm… I have a surprise well kind of surprise for you." Alex reaches for her hand and pulls her upstairs. "It's all just white for now, I figured we could do a feature wall of your color choice whenever. Avery helped me move everything." Alex stops outside of what would be Arizona's room.

Alex flings the door open and Arizona is shocked. All her furniture that she hasn't seen in an embarrassingly long time is set up, bed freshly made. Her dresser has all her jewellery on it some boxes here and there spread out. "I claimed you a new mattress on warrantee because I figured you wouldn't want a smelly one and I got umm… I picked up the boxes… from Callie's." At that she whips her head around to look at him. "I hope you don't mind, I just put the boxes in your wardrobe." Arizona looks away feeling tears spring to her eyes. 'follow your heart. Take it slow.' Hayley's words run through her mind as she crashes into Alex and feels his arms wrap around her securely. "Thank you."

"It's nothing." Alex whispers holding her and kissing her temple.

"You must think I'm a mess with all the crying." Arizona says lightly hating the fact that she crying. Again!

"Nope." Alex says making her look up at him. "I just think you got your heart broken badly and you're coping the best you can." Alex smile wiping a tear from her cheek before she buries her face in his chest.

Hope you enjoyed :)