Chapter 28 – Private Eyes
She delicately turned the page of her book, as the old earthy aroma made attempts to compete with the freshly ground coffee, which currently encapsulated the air within the small coffee shop. Arizona had found the little retreat on her first week back in Seattle and would often find herself popping in an hour before her shift to caffeinate and find her time for solace. It had become her go to place, a place she could switch off from the outside world, but forever maintaining a watchful eye as she regarded the strangers going about their day.
She often found herself holding onto the book, sipping on her coffee, but never truly taking in the words before her. Instead, her eyes would silently look out onto the street that lay before her, through the wide glass window.
Before her accident, Arizona had never really considered how interesting it was, to sit back and watch as life walked on by. When her sight returned and she found herself back in the hustle and bustle of a lively city, she considered that she had become a lone audience to the lives of the strangers that passed by.
There was a routine and a regularity to the times that she would find herself sitting, watching. Thankfully, she had now found her favourite table to sit at that had the best viewing position. Most often than not it would be available for her when she arrived, almost as if there was a silent acknowledgement that it was now 'her' spot. She had become somewhat acquainted with the staff who knew when she arrived that it was always an order of a soya caramel macchiato.
Placing her copy of 'Fried Green Tomatoes' down on the table, she scooped up her coffee cup in her hands. Arizona had been back in Seattle for a little over three weeks and it was working out to have been the right choice. Seattle Grace Hospital was shaping up to be a good place to work and she was slowly beginning to build a social network.
As the weeks went by, she had also had an opportunity to get to know the gang from before. Meredith and Cristina had been warm and welcoming, unfortunately, Mark had been a bit resistant but that was to be expected. He had been pleasant enough but only conversing with her when required for work.
What had struck Arizona as strange is that no-one had mentioned Calliope, almost to the point that it was slightly uncomfortable. She had considered though that was probably for the best as Arizona needed to move on from the past.
One of the great things about Seattle Grace was the friendship she had begun to forge with Doctor Karev. Although, slightly rough around the edges he did appear to have a big heart and was great with the kids. All in all, Seattle was shaping up to have perhaps been the right choice after all.
Arizona drew her gaze back toward the window and ran her tongue across her lips. She could feel her pulse increase and a slight catching of her breath as she witnessed the most radiant vison currently walking along the sidewalk.
Arizona's sight was captivated as she watched the subtle elegance of the woman's effortless movement. As if instinctually natural, she waltzed through the maddening crowds as they glided out of her way. Arizona smiled on as she considered the unspoken acknowledgement of the bustling crowd, that a path should be cleared for this beautiful woman. The woman's own body language and posture evidencing that she was indeed 'confident'.
The blonde's observation was drawn up, along the finely crafted calves, up to the woman's knee where her skirt gently rested against her bare skin. She bit down on her lip as her heart raced a little further. It had been a while since a woman of such radiance had stood before her, now she was fully enjoying her voyeuristic moment as the woman came to a full stand still directly across her vision path, as she stood waiting for the pedestrian crossing to change.
Arizona enjoyed the moment as her dimples twitched out and her eyes ran across the woman's finely sculpted body that lay under a classic skirt suit which had evidently been tailored, given how it sat perfectly against the skin. The beautiful curly brunette hair glistened under the sunlight as it was gently tossed back out of the woman's face.
Arizona continued to watch at the subtle movements of the woman as she lightly pushed her bag strap up further along her shoulder, as her finely manicured fingers clutched against its main body.
The blonde was being provided with her own private and secret viewing of the intimate behaviours that informed the brunette's character. She considered for a moment, if she should look away from her spying practice or continue to watch on at the temptress before her. It was evident that she was going to continue to watch on, as Arizona could not take her eyes off the mesmerising beauty that would only be before her for a moment longer.
As she continued to watch on, surreptitiously, she realised that a small performance was being put on, as the woman slightly swung her hips along to a silent beat. Considering the movement for a moment, Arizona realised that she likely had earphones in as her stationary dance continued.
Hesitantly, Arizona allowed her gaze to be drawn down to the swaying derriere. Urgh, God! she breathed. I really need to get this woman's phone number, she joked to herself.
As quickly as the moment came, it was gone again as the green light bounded out signalling that it was safe to walk. Arizona watched on as the woman who had stolen her gaze was now moving away and out of her vision. A small giggle exiting her lips as the strong, confident woman faltered for a moment under her heels, stumbling slightly before re-adjusting herself and continuing on.
Arizona returned to her book and coffee considering the intimate moment she had just shared with a beautiful stranger. One completely oblivious to the voyeuristic regard she had just been given, and the other whose day had been given a little naughty joy.
"Okay guys, this baby is four days old, weighs 2.5 kilograms and has tetralogy of the fallot pulmonary atresia so today we are going to do a complete repair." Arizona stated.
The blonde lowered her hands down against the iodine soaked plastic shield as she glided the scalpel and made a small incision into the skin. "Over to you, Doctor Yang."
Cristina looked back across at the perky blonde and smirked in consideration. She pulled her hand up and waved slightly. "How many fingers am I holding up, Doctor Robbins?"
Confused, Arizona gazed at Cristina's hand that was being gestured her way. "Sorry, what?" She questioned.
"How many fingers am I holding up?"
Arizona stared at the hand. "Three. Why are you asking me that?"
Content in the answer provided, Cristina chuckled slightly. "Just checking. Last time I was in your company you were running around with a white cane unable to see. I wasn't aware that your sight was coming back." She stated with her eyebrow raised.
Arizona looked into the deep quizzical brown eyes that were providing her with a queried scepticism. "I can see fine, Cristina."
"I'm getting that, Doctor Robbins. I am sure you can understand my confusion as it was my understanding you were indeed blind. My roommate and I were not aware there had been a change in your fortune."
Arizona felt the lump build in her throat under the suggestion of Callie. This was the first time anyone had made any reference to the woman who continued to captivate her thoughts. The words being uttered towards her felt like a punch in the stomach as the blonde tried to compose herself and continue to do her job. "Well Doctor Yang, I can assure you that I can see fine and can do my job appropriately."
"Hmmmmm." Cristina replied before returning her regard to the small child spread out on the bed before her.
Arizona was feeling a little uncomfortable as she watched Doctor Yang move effortlessly to work on the small body. She had initially been quite excited to share the OR with Cristina as she had heard good things about her surgical abilities but also the opportunity to perhaps gain some information pertaining to the Latina. Now, she was feeling exceptionally flustered.
"That's the aorta and right atrium cannulated and I'll be going on to dissect the right pulmonary artery next, Doctor Robbins." Cristina stated without removing her gaze from the tiny heart before her. Choosing to continue in her questioning of the little blonde. "So, tell me are you going to the Masquerade Ball?"
Arizona looked across at Cristina and took a breath. "I'm not sure, I had been thinking about it but I don't know too many people yet."
Still unwavering in her concentration, Cristina never drew her gaze away from the child as she continued. "Well, this will be a good opportunity to get to know some more people then."
"I suppose." Arizona replied slightly confused by the redirection of the conversation.
"I know Doctor Webber has never really said it, but these things are usually compulsory when it's about fundraising for the Hospital." Doctor Karev butted in as he glanced from Arizona to Cristina. "I mean, they put it as an invite but if you aren't on shift…..well let's just say he kind of expects it.
"Seriously?!" Arizona huffed.
"Ummmm…. Yeah, sure…. Of course it is. You know what Webber is like, it's all about what looks good for the Hospital." Cristina stated as she glanced towards Alex.
"So, you know, Robbins. You don't really have a choice in the matter." Alex concluded as he shrugged his shoulders.
"Oh, okay. Well, I mean it might be good to get to know some more people I guess." Arizona screwed up her eyebrows in contemplation. "Great, now I have to think about an outfit and mask."
Alex looked across at Cristina, they momentarily caught each other's gaze as he winked to her in acknowledgement.
"Wait, are you guys all going with someone? I will be going Stag." Arizona considered.
"It's all good, Robbins, plus we will all be going together. No-one will really be on their own." Alex stated.
"Plus, you never know, you might go there all blonde and alone..." Cristina drew her gaze up to the blonde and stared directly into her sparkling blue eyes. "But you might get lucky and hook up."
"Hook up with someone in a mask." Arizona giggled. "That could be disastrous. Imagine you get them home and it's like…. well…. not what you had imagined lay under the mask."
"Oh, I think that would be really entertaining depending on who you chose." Cristina stated as she continued to divide the patent ductus arteriosus.
The crowds swarmed around her as the bar became busier. Her eyes never faltered though from what lay across from her. Arizona had been amazed by her luck, not only had she been provided by a morning's exquisiteness, she was now being provided with the same enthralling vision in the evening. The stunning brunette that she had watched cross the street as she sipped on her morning coffee was now sat directly opposite her. Is that what you call fate? She laughed. An opportunity providing itself to actually go and speak to this beautiful woman.
As the woman continued in her discussion with her companion, Arizona sat mesmerised as her gaze traced over her features. In that moment, it was as if everything around her was tuned out as her whole being was held by the magnetic force of the beautiful stranger.
An unknown secret that this woman would never be privy too, a moment's connection only felt by one. Arizona knew realistically, that this woman had walked into her life and would leave again without ever knowing she had captivated and allured another, so sensually. The blue private eyes slowly blinked, as she savoured in the moment.
Arizona's vision set voyage over the delicate features as she was held in a silent bubble of warmth, the full plump lips, reminiscent of fine rose petals, parted slightly, under its grin. Arizona reflected that there was a depth to the radiating smile, she never considered that a smile could have such an effect on her, it was disarming and infectious.
Arizona regarded the genuine smile that edged out across the smooth succulent skin and encapsulated and shone out through her striking brown eyes. There was a soft kindness, to the woman's natural gesture. Yet, Arizona noted a slight hesitation that stopped the smile from widening out into its full potential. She watched on as the delicate tongue was rolled between the full lips before momentarily capturing the bottom lip, as if she were in contemplation. There was a moment, fleeting, and Arizona wasn't quite sure if she was right or if her own senses were now playing games on her. However, she considered that for a brief second the woman glanced at her, but maybe not?
Arizona took measure of the woman before, her as her mind raced at formulations of the woman's life. She imagined varying aspects as to what her world and her days would be. Was the woman in Seattle for a business trip? Had she recently moved? What did she do? Was her companion her partner? There was a universe of questions that spiralled around Arizona's mind, as she fantasised as to who this enticing woman was.
Laughing at the pure magnetism of this woman, Arizona was astounded that a stranger could have such an effect on her. She cleared her throat as she shifted slightly on the bar stool due to her racing libido. It had been some time since Arizona was last intimate with someone and she knew her body was telling her that it was time to get over that hurdle again. However, that last intimate act had been with sweet Calliope. That evening had blown Arizona's mind and she wasn't really sure if anyone could ever come close to that again. As blue eyes latched onto that beautifully crafted jaw line and trailed along the woman's beautiful neck, Arizona considered that this stunning temptress could maybe do the trick of helping her heart forget.
As her regard continued to run across the magnificent bone structure, Arizona daydreamed what it would be like to have her lips running across her smooth neck, biting down every so often, in its want to taste. To breathe in the woman's alluring essence and to whisper sweet nothings into her ear. Arizona closed her eyelashes over and pressed her thighs together, to provide a slight relief to the tension currently building.
Her mind was now working overtime in its full on sensual daydream as she considered grabbing a hold of this radiant temptress and taking her hard in the bathroom. Not really what she would want to do, Arizona was never a fan of cheap, dirty sex in a bathroom, but right now she really didn't think she could make it anywhere else if she got her hands on the woman.
God, I wonder what she sounds like? Arizona contemplated as she licked her lips. I bet it's a really low, sexy, sultry voice. Urgh God, that would be so hot, her screaming out my name. Arizona opened her eyes and tried to stem the heat building up inside of her. Okay, Robbins calm down you are working yourself up too much. Making attempts to extinguish the flame currently burning out of control between her legs. A mental cold shower should do the trick.
Drawing her gaze back up to the beautiful face, Arizona was sure she had again, just caught the woman watching her in return. Damn it, this is frustrating! I should really just go speak to her. Arizona considered. She would have another shot of Tequila for Dutch courage, given it had been a while since she had gone all out chat up, then head over and introduce herself.
However, she couldn't control her eyes as they ran across the woman's alluring body once more. Arizona considered what it would feel like to hold the soft perfect skin close and allowing her finger tips to trace delicately across in their desire. To run her hands through the thick brunette hair that lay perfectly across her complexion. Stunning natural curls, that flowed down and lay perfectly against her bosom. To have the hair touch across her own fair skin, as it feathered her under their intimate moment.
As Arizona's affection returned to the brunette's facial features, away from her chest, she felt her heart stop and a flurry of butterflies escape their encasement within her stomach. Deep blue oceans were drawn in and met deep chocolate orbs staring back at her. Not staring across the room somewhere in Arizona's direction. No, these deep destroyers were looking right at her, penetrating her soul. There was something hidden behind them, almost…..sadness? Arizona surmised. But there was more, there was a confusion held behind the look, a questioning, a questioning, directed towards Arizona, one that she did not have an answer for this beautiful stranger.
She considered that perhaps she was being rude and should look away, but she couldn't. Arizona was currently being held captive by the unspoken query that was being directed her way.
Their moment was interrupted when the brunette's equally stunning redheaded companion turned to see what her friend was looking at. As the imploring blue eyes met her own, Arizona quickly made attempts to look anywhere else, but at the two women. From the corner of her eye she could see the women continuing to watch her as the redhead leaned in and spoke to the brunette.
Arizona momentarily returned her gaze to the brunette once more as she watched her mouth her answer, to the redhead. For one last time sparkling blue eyes met the pained brown before they closed over, she watched the woman's chest move up and down as she took in a deep breath and turned her attention away from Arizona.
What the hell was that? Arizona considered. I mean, I didn't mean to be rude. Maybe they were having an argument or something and I just happened to get in the way. I mean, it's hard not to look at someone when they are sat across from you. But that was a little weird, I mean that look she gave me. Arizona sat in contemplation of the confusing experience and didn't notice her friend arriving.
"Hey Z. Hope you haven't been waiting too long." Teddy stated as she gave the blonde a big hug.
"No, not too long. Just enough time to enjoy the scenery." Arizona snorted to herself.
Removing her jacket and placing it on the stool beside her friend. "Cool, order me a rum and coke. I'm just going to the ladies and I'll be back in a few minutes."
"Sure." Arizona replied as she watched her friend move away. Turning her observation quickly back to the brunette, her vision was now obscured by a group of men. Damn it, move! she pleaded.
Teddy made her way out of the toilet cubicle before coming to an abrupt stop in the middle of the bathroom. Her gaze drawn to the exceptionally angry looking brunette that was stood in front of her, arms folded and Teddy was pretty sure steam was coming from the woman. "Ummmmm…. Hey Callie, I didn't know you were back."
"No, I take it you didn't think I would be back for some time, Teddy." She scorned.
"Eh….no, we thought you were going to be in LA for a while. What brings you back so early?"
Callie frowned at the blonde as she sighed. "Actually, no! Damn it Teddy, I am not doing small talk. What the actual hell?!"
Freaking out slightly and trying to figure out how the she was going to sort out the situation Teddy tried to make attempts to stall what was about to come. "Ummmm…. What you mean?"
Callie stood gawking at her friend's audacity, as a disbelieving smirk traced across her lips. "Teddy! Are you seriously going to stand there and act all innocent?!" Callie berated.
The brunette watched on was her friend stood with her mouth open and in shock. "Well, why don't you explain to me why the hell Arizona is here and not only why she is here, but why she is 'looking' at me?" Callie threw her hands up in exasperation. "Like she can see…. Arizona is looking directly at me Teddy, with her eyes, as in Arizona can see, she can SEE me!"
Teddy swallowed hard and began pacing the floor as she tried to consider what justification she could give to the brunette. "Ahhhhh…. Look I can explain, Cal." Teddy began. "Well no, actually I can't." Teddy furrowed her brows before releasing an exasperated breath. "I really don't know where to begin, Callie."
"Just begin." Her friend snapped.
"Okay, so you made a decision that you needed to get away for a while. When we knew Arizona was coming back….look... Mark and I felt it was better that you didn't know, until we knew, you were coming back." Teddy nodded her head imploring Callie to understand the reasoning.
Callie wasn't a complete moron she knew her friends were trying to help and thought they were doing the right thing. It was true that after a reality check at a stupid Speed Dating night, Callie realised that she really wasn't over Arizona. Frustrated with her situation, she felt that she needed to clear her mind and get away. She had initially considered a holiday somewhere, but it was at that point her best friend Addison had contacted her asking for a consultation at her private practice. So, Callie had decided to take up the opportunity and spend some time in LA and catch up with her best friend. It had worked, somewhat. Despite not really being able to get a cute little, dimpled-blonde fully out of her mind. She had been able to pick herself up and move her mind on to what could happen in the future.
What she had not expected upon her return was to pop into Joe's for a nice drink and social catch up with friends, to look across the bar and see the woman of her desires staring, longingly and lustfully back across at her.
I mean, what the actual hell was that? Callie considered. Of all things she expected to come across, upon her return to Seattle. It had definitely not been Arizona, with sight, totally 'eyeing' her up. Callie flushed at the thought and memory. God, those mesmerising blue eyes had literally just eaten her up. Her whole body was currently set alight. However, Callie's entire body was currently experiencing every single emotion that it possibly could. She literally had wanted to jump across the bar and grab a hold of Arizona showing her exactly what she had been missing. However, that was quickly replaced by a tormented sadness as she considered what had happened and how they were. Then, Teddy had entered the bar and acted all matter of fact, now Callie was seriously pissed!
Teddy surveyed Callie, trying to attempt to guess what was going on internally. She was pretty sure her friend was totally pissed off and she had every right to be. "Arizona has no idea you are here, Callie, she believes you are still in LA."
Callie nodded in her understanding. Arizona hadn't been lustfully looking at her because she was Callie, she had just been eyeing up a woman at a bar. The Latina wasn't sure exactly how she felt about that, as she was conflicted. Arizona was eyeing up another woman at the bar and making suggestions. However, Arizona was eyeing up Callie at the bar, not knowing it was Callie, good to know she is actually attracted to me I suppose. Callie laughed.
"I don't think it was fair of you and Mark to make that decision for me, Teddy. I should have been told Arizona was coming back to Seattle."
"When you left, you said you needed to get away and clear your head. So, when we knew Arizona was coming back…..well we kind of agreed that until we knew you were coming back we would just leave you be." Teddy tried to explain.
"No, Teddy, just no! What the hell? That's not fair or right, you should have told me." Callie stated as she was becoming more and more frustrated. She paused as tears began to fill her eyes and her throat became dry. "Teddy, Arizona can see."
A numbing nausea spread across Teddy's system as she swallowed hard. She clenched her teeth and took a deep breath. "Yes, Callie, Arizona can see. I think you need to talk to her, about that bit."
Callie slowly nodded her head in disbelieving acknowledgement. "I can't do that right now Teddy. I am so confused, so angry and so deeply hurt right now. I can't even…." She couldn't even, anything. Callie stood shocked into silence, her mind spinning out of control from the unanswered questions and queries she had. The biggest one being, Arizona could see. Callie returned her gaze back to the tall blonde. "Arizona doesn't know who I am, or that I am back?"
"No." Teddy softly replied.
"I take it she is working here?"
"Yes." Teddy whispered, guiltily.
Callie bit down on her lip as she made attempts to stem the tears that were screaming to be released. She knew she needed to get out of here, she needed to get away from the confusing situation. She needed time to figure out what the hell was going on. "Teddy, I need you to not mention I am back. You need to give me a moment to process all of this…Can you just give me a chance to let this sink in? it's the least you can do, Teddy."
Teddy stared into the deep brown imploring eyes. She hated that, yet again she had hurt Callie, the least she could do was give her some time to process what was going on. "I will Cal, but I do think you need to speak to Arizona."
Taking a deep breath and closing her eyes over, as she clenched her fists. "Oh, believe me Teddy. I have every intention of having a word with Arizona, but right now I need to calm down."
AN: Happy Valentines Day everyone! As promised here is your next upload. I hope you enjoy and is perhaps moving back to where some of you want the story to be.
Thank you for the continued interest and reviews. You seriously make my day whenever I get feedback, so keep it coming as I would love to know what you think of this Chapter.
Song for this Chapter is Private Eyes cover by Sleeping At Last.
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Have an amazing day and rest of your week whatever you are up to. Then come back next week - but remember you will need your ticket for the Ball. ;)
