Outside of Fear

Chapter Nineteen

"Altman!"

The cardio surgeon stops walking and turns abruptly to attention. The movement is smooth and on instinct- Teddy hadn't even realized she was doing it until she was done doing it. She recognized the voice of one of her superiors and reacted accordingly.

The other blonde walking next to Teddy had heard the voice as well, but Arizona Robbins is thoroughly confused as to what, exactly, her newest friend is doing.

Meredith smirks, catching up to Teddy from down the hall. Though still not able to run, Meredith walks easily now. She laughs at Teddy, "At ease."

"I hate you." She relaxes, shaking her head and recovering from the movement. Spending years in the military instills habits and fast reactions into people that are not easily broken or stopped.

"Oh, I know," Meredith smiles, then turns to take in Arizona, who is still confused, though smiling now. "Hi, I'm Colonel Dr. Meredith Grey."

"Death, this is Dr. Arizona Robbins, Head of Fetal surgery." Teddy steps in. "Arizona, this is Meredith. We served together for all seven of our years in the military."

"It's so nice to meet you," Arizona smiles, dimples popping as she shakes Meredith's hand.

"You, too." Meredith pauses, frowning for a moment. "The name Arizona- is it after the state? Or the ship?"

The fetal surgeon is shocked for a moment, then very impressed. "The ship."

"USS Arizona. Is there a story there?"

Happily, Arizona launches into the story of the origin of her name, feeling a bond with Meredith already. She and Teddy had clicked instantly, as Teddy had also made the connection between Arizona's name and the ship.

The three women take over the nurse's station they're standing by, easily falling into conversation with each other until a pager goes off.

"Damn, it's me. Meredith, it really was great meeting you. See you around?" Arizona smiles, beginning to walk away.

"Yeah, definitely," Meredith replies, then turns to Teddy, who has an eyebrow raised.

"Definitely?"

"Well...I have a meeting with Richard in ten minutes. That's why I'm here. I'm going to see if he has any openings for me."

"Oh my god. Are you kidding? Oh my god!" Teddy grins, instantly enveloping Meredith in a short, tight hug. "Does Derek know? Does anyone?"

"I haven't even told Derek yet. Megan says I should be cleared to go back to work in about four weeks, but I need a job to do that. And since he officially became my boyfriend yesterday, I figured what better hospital to work at than his and the one where all my closest friends work?"

"Holy shit, Death! Boyfriend?"

Meredith nods, unable to suppress a smile. It was only three days ago that they had labeled their relationship, and neither of them have been happier.

"Damn. Look at you, all grown up. In a big-girl relationship. For real this time?"

"For real." Meredith gives Teddy a moment to take in this information, then changes the subject. "Okay, I'm meeting in Conference Room B. Any idea where that is?"

Teddy laughs, and the two start walking towards the conference room together. When they arrive, Teddy wishes her luck in Latin, "Bona Fortuna."

Meredith smiles, giving a mock salute, then enters the room. Teddy decides to sit at the nearby nurse's station and get some charting done while she waits for Meredith.