And I'm back in action. Sorta. I'm trying to update everything tonight because I don't get a chance to often. Enjoy :)

Chapter Six: Long Slow Beautiful Dance

I paced my bedroom nervously, trying to fight back the feeling of nausea that had taken over me. I wore nothing but pajama shorts and a fitted tee-shirt as I walked a path from the door to the window in the opposite wall. Twice I tripped over the pair of shoes I'd worn the night before that remained on the floor and once I whacked my knee on the corner of the bed. But I didn't even have time to notice it because my brain was too busy.

In my hands was my cell phone. Sometimes I held it in my right and sometimes I tossed it to my left hand to give my right a rest. Both hands were clammy and cramped from their vice-grip on the cell phone. My lips were counting off a seemingly random pattern of numbers that I had now spoken so many times that I had their order memorized.

Four times I had tried to call Arizona Robbins. The first time I wasn't even able to press the Send button. The second time it half rang before I chickened out and hung up. The third and fourth times I'd been a little braver and let it ring a few times. But I still hadn't been able to work up the nerve to talk to her.

I was still pacing three minutes later when the phone in my hand did something other than make me want to puke. The loud ringtone startled me, but not as much as the vibration did. I dropped the phone and jumped backwards, my pulse beating ten times faster than usual. It took me almost a full minute to calm down and realize that my phone was ringing.

And with that realization, I sprang into action. I moved so quickly, I swear I would have been blurred to anyone watching. Picking up the phone, I speed-read the LCD screen as I straightened up. My heart both contracted and swelled as I read her name.

"Hello?" I answered breathlessly.

"Calliope," Arizona greeted happily. Just hearing her voice gave me confidence and lifted my spirits.

"Arizona, hi. I was just thinking about you," I told her. Then I froze, wondering if that was something I should have said or not. Arizona didn't seem to mind.

"And what were you thinking exactly?" she asked.

"I was thinking about how I should really call you because I really wanted to, but I was too afraid," I answered without thinking. Something about Arizona's bright innocence caused me to speak openly and honestly. I couldn't decide whether it was a trait I liked or not yet.

"Why did you want to call me?" There was laughter hidden behind Arizona's voice.

"To ask you out on a date," I replied.

"That's funny, that's what I called you for," Arizona said with a giggle. Her little kid's giggle made my heart melt into my stomach, warming it and I couldn't help but smile.

"Did you really?" I laughed. "So I guess it's a 'yes', then?"

"It's totally a 'yes'," Arizona responded. "Are you working tonight?"

Tonight?! She was giving me just 10 hours notice to our first date? Was she insane?

"Uhm, no. No, I'm off tonight," I answered.

"I'm actually at work now, but I get off at 6. I know a really cute little Italian place nearby. Why don't I pick you up around…8?" Arizona suggested.

"Uhm…yeah. That sounds great. I'll meet you outside the hospital. I live right across the street pretty much."

"Oh, okay. Super. I'll see you then," Arizona agreed.

"Can't wait," I couldn't help but add before hanging up. I collapsed onto the bed beside me and let out the deep breath I'd been holding in subconsciously. I was pretty sure I wouldn't make it until 8 o'clock.

…

My feet were completely rooted to the spot. I could see the front of the hospital from where I stood outside my apartment building, but I couldn't make myself go over there. It felt like there was an anchor deep in my stomach, holding me down where I was. It was quarter to 8, only 15 minutes before I was supposed to meet with Arizona. It took all of my self control not to turn around and run back up to my apartment.

Taking small baby steps, I managed to get myself across the street to the hospital. My knees were weak as I waited for Arizona so I sank into one of the benches that lined the paved court in front of Seattle Grace. The minutes ticked by excruciatingly slowly and just as I was sure I would be sick, I caught sight of a smiling blonde.

Seeing Arizona calmed me instantly. Her ever-present good mood was infectious and I smiled back at her brightly. I stood as she came over to where I'd been sitting. She looked beautiful in a simple blue dress that matched her shining eyes perfectly.

"Hey," I greeted.

"Hi. Ready to go?" she asked. I nodded, not trusting myself to speak again. She led me back to her car and we drove to the restaurant she'd mentioned earlier. She was very talkative and social, and I thought I could get away with just listening to her talk, but she wouldn't allow it. She kept me involved in the conversation and it was continued after we were seated at our table.

I had fun with Arizona. It actually amazed me how much I was enjoying myself, and all we were doing was talking. Arizona was everything: sweet, charming, funny, and more. Being out with her was the best I'd felt in a really long time and I couldn't wait to feel that way again. I just hoped she gave me the opportunity.

When she dropped me off at home later that night, I found I didn't really want to get out of the car. She kissed me goodnight; it was short and sweet and not exactly long enough for my liking, but it fit the moment perfectly.

The beginning of relationships had always been the part that scared me the most, but not this time. This time, with Arizona, I was enjoying myself every step of the way. I realized that this was the way it was supposed to be, like a long, slow, beautiful dance.

A deep breath and baby steps
that's how the whole thing starts
It's a long slow beautiful dance
To the beat of a heart