A/N - Thank you everyone for your wonderful reviews and suggestions please keep them coming!

Chapter 9

It has been a month since they left the states. They have arranged to stay a few extra days in each new country to do some sightseeing. It is amazing to be a part of such a diverse world. Each country seems to have its own rhythm they move to. So how can they pass up on an opportunity to explore them?

In that time Callie and Arizona have gone on a few more dates. They are still taking things slow, Callie's previous relationship moved at supersonic speed and she was not going to make that same mistake twice. If this last month has been any indication of the future of their relationship, she is going to do everything she can to make sure it lasts. She finds herself more and more enchanted with the blonde every day. Callie was falling and falling fast. She has always been someone who jumped in full force but for the first time she is more scared, she will do something wrong rather than getting hurt herself. Every moment she is not busy working she spends with Arizona.

Arizona has been on an airplane many times before, but flying with Callie Torres is a completely different experience. Only the best is good enough for someone of her status. Yes, she only gets the best, but Callie always remains humble. She is not one to flaunt her cash and it is one of the many things Arizona loves about the singer. Ah love, her word of choice to describe everything Callie related. She knows it's way too early to have that kind of thoughts, but when you know… you know.

-x-x-

Walking into the hotel everyone is tired from a long flight and just ready to take a shower and go to bed. Apparently for some people overtired means talking nonstop.

"Did you know South Africa holds the record for the most official languages with eleven? The most widely spoken language is Afrikaans but there is also English, isiZulu, isiXhosa…" At each new destination Lexie always seems to have an endless amount of 'interesting facts'.

"I wish I could tell you to 'shut the hell up' in eleven different languages," Cristina complains, flicking a cookie wrapper at the backup singer.

"Thank you, Lexie, but I think we will stick with English." Callie pats her on the shoulder and walks over to the receptionist where Arizona is standing.

"Welcome to the Protea Hotel, I'm Steven and how can I help you today?" The young man behind the counter greets them.

"Hey, I have reservations under Calliope Plantain," Arizona replies with a smile.

"Seriously?" Callie asks referring to the blonde's choice of name.

Arizona just shrugs her shoulders. "What I'm not going to use your real name?"

"Yes, but that's the best you can come up with?"

"Fine, next time I'll use Iphegenia." Callie's eyes widen in terror.

"You wouldn't?" Arizona just gives her an evil smirk.

The young man behind the counter hands them their keys and also a box coated in postage stamps. "This arrived for you this morning."

Callie takes the box confused.

"Thanks."

When they arrive in Callie's room Arizona's curiosity can't take it anymore. She picks up the box from the coffee table. Stickers saying 'fragile' and 'handle with care' cover the box.

"What do you think it is?" She asks tipping the box from side to side, the box is a little heavy. She brings it to her ear, listing for any sound as she lightly shakes it.

"I have no idea." Callie sees the blonde examining the box for any clues of what can be inside. "Maybe its spiders." Callie teases.

Arizona drops the box on the couch and takes a step back. "I-I don't like spiders." She keeps her eyes on the box for any movement.

"Arizona I'm just joking, who would send me a box of spiders anyway?" Seeing the flustered look on the blonde's face.

"Someone who wants to scare your death." The words are out of her mouth before she can think, her mind immediately going back to the flowers Callie received in New York.

"Um, okay." Callie picks up the box from the couch.

"Maybe we shouldn't open it." Suddenly feeling very anxious about what might be in the box.

"Relax, no one is trying to kill me." Callie opens the box, Arizona holds her breath. There is a mess of bubble wrap and packing peanuts, Callie pulls out little plastic bottles that she hands over to Arizona.

"Perfume samples?" That's the last thing she imagined would be inside. Spiders, a bomb, or even a crazed Jack-In-The-Box but not perfume samples.

"That's right Bailey has been talking about me signing with a perfume house to get my own signature fragrance."

"You're getting your own perfume?" Arizona asks excitedly.

"Apparently." Callie pulls out more little bottles.

"I think it's a really good idea." Callie gives her a raised eyebrow. "All the big stars have one. You should invest in your brand, your Callie Torres brand."

"I'm a singer not a pair of sneakers."

"You should totally start your own clothing line. You could sell shirts, jeans, jackets, and accessories. Maybe handbags or jewelry and shoes! You need to sell shoes." Arizona was just about to vibrate out of her skin with excitement.

"Arizona calm down, I'm not even sure I want the perfume."

"What? No, you are getting the perfume." She takes the box from Callie.

-x-x-

After unpacking Callie and Arizona are relaxing on the couch. Callie has her head on the blonde's lap. Callie is busy enjoying the bowl of popcorn they made for their movie date, but Arizona didn't so much as glance at the TV she is too busy smelling all the different perfume samples.

"I think the perfume should smell like Callie." She states after smelling yet another sample.

"Do you mean like bottle my sweat?" Callie scrunches up her nose at the idea.

"No, they could use it clone you or put some voodoo curse on you."

"Then what does Callie smell like?" She asks poking the blonde in her side making her squirm.

Arizona thinks about for a moment, she takes a hold of Callie's wrist pulling it over her nose. "A warm summer's day at the beach, a light breeze running through your hair. The sound of children laughing in the waves. With the taste of sweet lemonade on your lips." Arizona stares off into space as she describes it to Callie.

"That was very descriptive… and not at all helpful. You are just a kid at heart, you still have that crazy imagination." Callie feeds Arizona a piece of popcorn and is rewarded with a kiss on her nose.

"How about this one?"

"No! That smells like depression and the tears of small children." Callie waves her hand in front of her nose.

"Yeah, I'm the one with the crazy imagination." Arizona rolls her eyes at the singer.

Callie's phone starts to ring, she looks at the caller id. "It's Addison." Arizona pauses the movie and Callie sits up. "Hey, Addie."

"I'm going to go look around in the gift shop." Arizona whispers. Callie nods and the blonde gives her a quick kiss before leaving her to talk to her friend in private. Before leaving the room she grabs her tour jacket, Bailey insists that they all wear, she calls it 'free publicity'.

"Sorry about that."

"Don't be. So, things are good between you two?"

"Great actually, she is so amazing Addison." She can't help the smile on her face every time she talks or even just thinking about her. "Everything is perfect." Addison doesn't miss the slight drop in the singer's voice.

"What's wrong?"

Callie sighs and pinches the bridge of her nose. "It's just this whole Mark thing feels like a ticking time bomb, ready to go off at any time and ruin everything. I know I have to break up with Mark because there is no way I'm ending things with Arizona. But I'm just scared of what that might do to my new acting career."

"Why do you have to break up with Mark? It's nobody's business who you are dating. Let everyone think your dating that horndog. Arizona is your assistant, no one is going to start asking questions if you do everything together."

"You think I should lie?" Callie isn't comfortable with lying.

"Yes, it's not like it will change anything. But talk to Arizona first, see how she feels about everything."

"I'm afraid she would feel like I'm trying to hide her like she's not good enough because she's not someone famous. But I don't want to hide her, I want to walk down the street holding her hand. I want to kiss her without having to look around to see if anyone is watching."

"Boy, she's got hooked."

"She's got me hook line and sinker."

-x-x-

Walking around the gift shop Arizona picks up some souvenirs. She stops by the reception, picking up the tickets and backstage passes they will need for tomorrow night. There are also a few boxes of posters and other novelties that Bailey send ahead of time. Deciding to get some fresh air she steps out of the hotel. The air is a little chilly but the sun on her skin warms her instantly. Just a few feet away from her she sees a little girl talking to her mom, pointing at a poster of Callie. She can see by the wear on their clothes that they have seen better days even if they are dressed in what she is sure is their Sunday best. Their shoes are well broken in, the mother carrying a heavy grocery bag that Arizona can only assume is the bare essentials.

"Mommy, look she's really here! Can we please go? Please, please, please?" The girl begs jumping up and down her pigtails flying wild in the air.

"I'm sorry sweetie, but that show is very expensive and probably been sold out for weeks." The little girl hangs her head and nods weakly. The woman takes out her wallet and looks at the few coins she has left. "Hey, what do you say we go get you an ice cream?" Arizona just felt an undeniable pull towards the small girl.

"Excuse me I don't mean to interrupt." Arizona steps closer to the mother and daughter. "My name is Arizona, I couldn't help but see you looking at the poster. So, I was wondering if you already have tickets to the show?" She asks not wanting them to think she has been eavesdropping on their entire conversation.

"Oh, no. We were just looking. My daughter is a big fan."

"Her biggest fan." The little girl says proudly.

"Well, then this is your lucky day. I happen to be a close personal friend of Callie." She turns her upper body a little to show her the tour jacket. "And I have these extra tickets and I have no idea who to give them to. Do you think you know someone who would want them?" She kneels next to the little girl and pulls out two extra tickets.

The little girl nods so fast Arizona is afraid she might get whiplash. "Me!"

"You? I don't want to burden you by having to take these tickets from me."

"I can take them!"

"Okay, but only if it's okay with your mom?" Arizona says giving them her best dimple smile.

The little girl looks up at her mom pleading. The mom was still a little skeptical about a stranger just trying to hand her little girl free tickets. "It's okay. There are always a few extra tickets just in case." In reality, there was only one extra ticket, and Arizona would be giving up her seat as well. Figuring that she could always watch Callie from backstage if it meant that the little girl could meet her idol.

"I guess we can take the tickets." The little girl almost jumps out of the skin. Arizona hands the mom the tickets and two VIP passes. The mother mouths 'thank you' as Arizona walks back into the hotel.

-x-x-

Callie has scheduled a rehearsal before the show, with everything going on working her mind at overtime she has been feeling a little off. To round it all off her sister has been calling her nonstop saying she was sorry and ask if they could talk but the last thing she needed right now is some more sister drama.

"Okay, we have narrowed it down to the top four. Callie come pick one." Arizona calls her over. Alex and Jackson have their sleeves pulled up to their elbows and a very grumpy look on their faces. "Okay, this is Example A." She pulls Alex's right arm up so Callie can smell his wrist.

"You sprayed my bodyguards with perfume samples?"

"Everyone else is busy and they were just standing here." She states like it's the most logical thing ever.

"You didn't have to spray anyone."

"No, you need to smell what it would smell like on an actual person."

Callie steps closer to whisper in her ear. "Your evil, but I like it." She gives her a quick kiss on the cheek.

"Can you two stop playing kissy-face so I can go take a shower?" Alex asks annoyed.

When Callie is done smelling her bodyguards, they both hurry off to the bathroom to erase all the evidence.

"How on earth did you get them to do that?"

"I can be very persuasive." She says proudly.

"Aren't you suppose to use your powers for good instead of evil?"

"Nah, I like living on the edge," Arizona says as she wraps her arms around the singer's waist form behind.

"You where that little cute blonde girl on the playground who got all the boys to give her their cookies weren't you?"

"It was more of a chocolate milk kind of girl."

-x-x-

The meet and greet is always Callie's favorite part, getting to meet the actual people who are making her career what it is not just a bunch of statistics but actual faces. A little girl and her mother step up to her for their turn. They seemed different than the usual fans at the meet and greet, it looks like they are feeling out of place. Where everyone else was taking photos and exploring everything, they seemed almost afraid to touch anything.

"Hello there and what is your name?" She asks as she leans down to talk to the little girl directly.

"Lucy, this is my mommy."

"Well, it's very nice to meet you both. I'm really glad you came to my show." The little girl is glowing being able to meet the singer.

"The nice lady gave us a ticket to see you sing."

"What lady?" Callie asks confused.

"That nice lady." She points over at Arizona who is standing on the other side of the room. Callie should have figured the nice lady would be the blonde.

"She saw Lucy looking at the poster and just gave her tickets and VIP passes." Callie knew very well that meant Arizona had to give up her ticket in the process as well.

"That sounds like her. She is pretty awesome." The blonde looked over at her, suddenly a little nervous that Callie might be mad that she gave her tickets away. She makes her way over to the two familiar faces.

"Hi guys, I'm glad you made it." The little girl wraps her arms around Arizona's legs.

"Thank you." She whispers.

"Yes, thank you, Arizona." The mom adds.

Callie spends some extra time with them taking pictures, signing some complimentary tour merchandise and talking to Lucy. When they leave Callie pulls Arizona out of the busy room into the empty storage closet.

"I'm sorry, it's just I saw them and the little girl really wanted to see the show and figured I have the tickets and I can always see you perform on the monitors and-" Callie cuts off her rambling with a kiss.

"You are amazing." She gives her another quick kiss. "I have to get back before the crowd starts to riot." Leaving the closet she wonders to herself how anyone can be so close to perfect.

If Arizona knew she would react like that she should have started giving her tickets away long ago.

-x-x-

After the concert, they set off to the Kruger National Park, the largest game reserve in Africa. They even booked into one of the many five star lodges in the park to spend a night or two. Everyone is excited hoping to each to see all of the animals. Everyone is listening to the guide explain a few facts and statistics about the animals and the park. Meredith and Cristina are openly flirting with the handsome tour guide in his safari uniform. Callie turns around looking for the blonde, finding her bent over looking at chickens.

"Seriously? We are in a nature reserve that houses the Big Five and you are more interested in chickens?"

"What, I have a weird thing for chickens. Oh, do you think we are going to see giraffes, I want to see one! They are my favorite animal."

"Maybe, but we will never know if you keep standing around looking at chickens." Arizona grabs her hand the join the rest of the group.

"Giraffes huh? What happened to butterflies?"

"They are in a separate category."

"There are categories?"

"Oh Calliope you have so much to learn."

They saw all different kinds of animals, zebras, rhinos, buffalos and a few cheetahs but no giraffes, unfortunately. The highlight was when they saw a herd of around 60 elephants crossing the river. The sound of their enormous feet crushing everything under them and their trumpeting echoing through the air. Arizona had turned in her seat to get a better look, her back towards Callie. The singer wrapped her arms around her waist pulling her closer to her and resting her head on the blonde's shoulder as they look at them.

"Callie look at baby elephant isn't it the cutest thing you've ever seen?"

"Nope, but it's a close second." She says as she places a kiss on the blonde's temple.

"You are a smooth talker aren't you?"

"Hey, it worked on you didn't it?"

Arizona takes out her phone to take photos of the baby elephant, but also a few of her and Callie.

-x-x-

Arriving at the lodge, everyone is still amped up from the safari.

"Okay guys so, I'll take this room, you can kill each other over who gets what room. Oh and we are two beds short so two of the guys have to sleep in the living room on the pull out couches."

Arizona steps closer to Callie. "I could always share with you then there is one more bed for someone else?"

"Nice try but no. Now get your cute butt to your room." Callie slaps her behind. Arizona mumbles something about taking it slow sucks as she walks to her room.

There is a long discussion over who gets what bed, finally, everyone ends up with a place to sleep leaving Alex and Jackson on the pull-out couches in the living room. Unfortunately, that meant George and Owen have to share the remaining double bed.

Both of them just stare at the bed, covered in tiny pillows and flowery patterns on the blanket. Owen looks over at George trying to lighten the mood.

"So, do you want to be the big spoon or the little spoon?"

Arizona is busy getting settled in her new room. She would much rather share a room with Callie, but they are still taking it slow. Her phone starts dancing on the dresser as it vibrates.

"Hi Bailey, already regretting not joining us on tour?" There is no reply, Arizona drops her shirt on her bed sensing the mood of the conversation.

"Arizona we have received another note from the stalker, I emailed it to you."

Arizona feels a sinking feeling in stomach. She quickly pulls her laptop closer and opens the email with a photo of the note.

Roses are red, violets are blue. There is no escape no matter how far you flew.

"Bailey, I thought you had this under control?"

"I'm doing whatever I can. I talked to Jackson and Alex they have been briefed on the situation. We also got in touch with the security guard who delivery the flowers, he said it was a woman who sends the flowers."

"A woman? Did he get a good look at her?" A slight glimmer of hope in her voice.

"No, he had his hands full trying to control the fans. He just remembers it was a woman."

Arizona takes a closer look at the note. "Bailey, this was sent to her house, not her fan mail. Her house! This isn't someone looking for attention." The whole situation just taking a turn for the worst.

"Can you think of anyone who might want to hurt Callie?"

"No, everyone loves her." She pushes her laptop away and starts pacing the small room.

"So, there have been no arguments or anything."

"No," Arizona pauses. "Except, she and Aria had a fallout."

"Aria Torres? Her sister?"

"Yes, but I don't think her sister would be crazy enough to want to kill her. Besides she has been trying to apologize to Callie for some time now."

"I'll have someone look into it just in case."

"Thank you, Bailey, please keep my updated."

Arizona falls into her bed exhausted. She has been having trouble sleep for a couple of nights now.

-x-x-

Later that evening after the troops have been fed, they all gathered around the living room. Currently, the group is playing poker with a bag of Oreos and candy bars. Callie and Arizona are happy just to observe the back and forth bickering as they listen to the nightlife outside. Arizona is curled up at the singer's side, Callie is running a hand up and down the blonde's back loving the little shivers going through her body when she hits her ticklish spots. Arizona has her arms wrapped around Callie's waist almost scared of letting her go. Arizona can't remember a time she has been this happy simply by being around someone. When Callie is near her there is no one else in the room. She could spend forever curled up her in her arms, feeling the warmth of your body against hers. A little of the singer is just too much, she wants everything.

"Hey, you okay. You seem distracted." Callie senses the blonde's mind at work.

"I'm perfect. Just happy to be here with you." She pulls Callie even closer. The singer places a kiss on her head.

"Me too."

Finally, after endless rounds of poker, everyone heads in their own directions for the night. Everyone goes straight to sleep, everyone except the blonde.

Arizona slowly moves around the two sleeping figures rubbing her leg where she hit the dining room table, she makes her way over to the big window. She points her tiny flashlight out the window trying to see outside.

"Arizona what are you doing?" The blonde almost jumps out of her skin.

"Shit Callie, you almost gave me a heart attack!" She places her hand over her racing heart when she hears it again. "Don't you hear them, lions? Freakin' Simba is outside our door!"

"That's because we are in the middle of a game reserve. Come on go back to bed their outside they can't hurt you." Callie tries, scratching her tired head.

"What if they open the door?"

The singer stops the motion of her hand. "I have heard about monkeys opening doors but never a lion."

"What if they chew through the door?" She's not giving up on a simple technicality.

"Alex is sleeping on the couch they will get him first. While they are distracted we can make a run for it." A sleepy chuckle falls from her mouth.

"It's not funny." Arizona stomps her left foot on the floor in frustration.

"Actually, it kind of is. Come on let's get you back to bed it's been a long day."

"But I'm scared." She pouts when all else fails it's time to bring out the pout.

Callie rubs her hands over her face. "Fine, you can sleep in my room. I'll protect you from the man-eating creatures outside."

"Thanks." Arizona quickly runs past the singer into her room, smiling to herself she knew it would work.

-x-x-

An hour or two later Callie hears the faint sounds of someone talking, figuring it's just her sleeping mind playing tricks on her or animal sounds from outside. She just rolls over and tries to go back to sleep. But then the talking starts again. Finally forcing her eyes open she sees the blonde rolling around in her sleep.

"I'm sorry… Emma…"

Emma, who is Emma? She has never heard her mention an Emma before. Arizona was starting to get more and more restless. Moving on instinct she wraps her arms around the blonde pulling her closer to her. Arizona fights back from her hold but then starts to relax into Callie's arms. Arizona buries her face in Callie's chest her mumbling turning into soft whines as she continues to sleep. Callie pulls her even closer to her, trying to shelter her from her bad dream.

"Shh, it's okay. I'm here."

After a few moments, Arizona's body relaxes as she returns to her peaceful dreams. Callie never letting go of the blonde as she hums softly to her. This is the second time it's happened and Callie is sure it has happened many times before. Callie knows that Arizona is a very guarded person, she puts up walls around her, but Callie is determined to break through those walls.

-x-x-

Early the next morning Arizona is pulled from her sleep when someone places a gentle kiss on her cheek.

"Arizona, sweetie wake up." A voice whispers

"No, don't wanna." She pulls the pillow over her head, trying to block out the bright sunlight that is now invading the room.

"Arizona, you have to come to see this. You're not going to believe it." Callie takes her hand and starts pulling the sleeping blonde out of the bed. Arizona reluctantly gets up groaning all the way Callie is pulling her to the window.

"Look." Callie points outside. Arizona looks out the window, rubbing her sleep filled eyes trying to get them to focus.

"Wait, is that?"

"Yes, it's a giraffe." Outside a few feet from their window, a giraffe is chewing on some leaves. They can see his muscles twitch on his big legs as he takes a step closer to his breakfast. His long tongue stretching out to capture more leaves, a little bird sitting on his back is happily singing his morning song.

"Wow." Arizona breathes out as she places her hand on the glass

"Worth waking up for?" Callie asks as she tugs a piece of blonde hair behind Arizona's ear.

"Totally worth it." She says with a big smile on her face.

Even with one of nature's great wonders outside, Callie can't help but look at Arizona. The way her eyes light up, her smile makes those adorable dimples pop. At this moment Callie knew her heart is now Arizona's to have, hold or break. Before she knew it her hand moves over the one Arizona has on the glass. Arizona looks at her super magic smile almost turning the singer into a puddle of goo.

"I'm never sleeping on a couch again, my back is killing me." Callie pulls her hand away taking a few steps away from the blonde as a cranky Alex appears in the doorway. "What's going on?"

"I… um… a giraffe is outside the window." Callie points her thumb in the direction.

"Cool." He enters the room to see, Callie uses this as an escape route and bolts out of the room. Leaving a very confused blonde behind.

-x-x-

Arizona is sipping on her orange juice. Callie is on her third cup of coffee, the little sleep of the previous night starting to take its toll on her.

"Where is everyone?" Arizona asks as she reads through her emails.

"There is another warthog outside they are fighting over who gets to feed him apple slices."

"They know they are not allowed to feed the animals right?"

"Yes, but if we start enforcing that rule my band will starve to death." Arizona playfully nudges the singer's shoulder.

"You look a little tired, I'm sorry I woke you up last night. But you have to admit those lions are scary."

"It's okay don't worry about it, I'll be fine once the caffeine kicks in." Callie plays with the mug between her hands nervous about her next question. "Who's Emma?"

Orange juice comes flying out of Arizona's nose. Callie gently pats her back as she waits for her to recover.

"What?"

"It's just last night, you kept saying her name in your sleep."

"Oh, it's just someone I knew back in Seattle."

Callie could see how Arizona's entire body tenses up at the question. Arizona knows that she should tell Callie the truth, about Emma, Seattle, and her nightmares. But that is her own personal demon from a life she left behind.

"Arizona, you know you can tell me anything right?"

"Callie please…" She gets up from her chair and places her glass in the sink. Taking a cloth to clean up the spilled juice.

"I know you don't like to talk about it, but I can see you're hurting."

"You can't help me, Callie, not with this." Arizona almost begs to be done with this conversation, closing her eyes she tries to slow down her breathing. There are only a few things that can get her rattled up and this one is at the top of the list.

"How do you know if you don't let me in?" Callie is also now on her feet.

"It's none of your business," Arizona says sharply. Her knuckles turning white from her grip on the sink.

"I just want to help you Arizona."

"I'm going to say this once and I'm not going to say it again." She turns around to face the singer head-on. "I'm not broken, I'm not some psychodrama. My nightmares are not some pathology you can pat yourself on the back for diagnosing."

The blonde's icy tone shakes her to her core. In the entire time she has known Arizona, she was nothing but perky and all smiles.

"I'm not trying to psychoanalyze you, and I never said that you are broken. I care about you Arizona and I know that everyone is entitled to their own secrets. But this…" Callie motions between the two of them "…is a relationship and a relationship is built on communication if we don't talk we are going nowhere. I just want you to talk to me."

"You want to talk about secrets and relationships? Fine, let's talk!" Dropping the cloth on the table and taking a step closer to Callie. "I'm not the only one who has secrets. In fact, this entire relationship is a damn secret! If it can even be called a relationship… a fling, a good time? Because as far as I know, a relationship is not about hiding in the shadows. But I guess I should just be happy playing on the sidelines because the whole world knows Callie Torres is dating Mark Sloan!"

There it is, what Callie has been most scared of. She just looks at the blonde, her mouth is moving but nothing is coming out. The timer has run out and all she can do now is try to pick up the pieces.