Running in Circles - Lexie Grey x OC

The Past Has Come to Haunt Me

Seattle Grace Mercy West Hospital - Pediatrics Wing Lobby
Sunday Morning

Arizona stood near the nurses' station, flipping through patient charts before starting rounds. Every few seconds, her attention drifted toward the double doors, waiting for the neurosurgeon she expected to join her.

She scribbled one last note onto her clipboard and looked up, then blinked.

"There he is."

Callie followed her gaze.

Eric Keaton walked through the lobby in freshly pressed navy scrubs, dark hair neatly combed back. The shadows beneath his eyes hadn't completely disappeared, but for the first time in days, he looked... lighter.

And most notably, He was smiling.

Arizona lowered her clipboard slowly. "Oh my God."

Callie frowned. "What?"

Arizona pointed.

Callie's eyes widened. "Oh."

"Right?" Arizona whispered.

"He's smiling."

"I know."

The two women stared.

Callie glanced around dramatically. "Should we call Psych?"

Arizona nodded solemnly. "At the very least."

"Maybe Infectious Disease."

"Good thinking."

"It could be contagious."

Eric, having clearly heard every word, shook his head as he approached. "Morning."

"Morning, sunshine," Callie replied.

Arizona narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "Okay, what's going on?"

Eric moved toward the chart rack. "Nothing."

"That's a lie."

"It's not."

"It's absolutely a lie." He ignored her, flipping through charts until Arizona casually lifted one from the rack. "Looking for this?"

Eric immediately reached over and took it from her.

Arizona gasped. "Oh my God. He's even grabbing charts cheerfully."

Callie looked concerned. "This is getting serious."

Eric rolled his eyes. "Do either of you actually work?"

"No," Arizona answered instantly. "Not when there's mystery."

Callie nodded. "We're invested now."

Eric gave a low chuckle as he continued scanning the chart. The sound was rare enough that both women froze.

Arizona pointed. "There! He laughed."

"He laughed."

"I heard it."

Eric shook his head. "No lottery. No life-changing revelation. Just a good day."

Arizona studied him for a second, then her teasing softened. "She's awake."

The change in Eric's expression was immediate. The guardedness faded. His smile became something quieter. Real.

"Yes." He glanced down at the chart before looking back up. "She's awake."

- - - - -

Pediatric's Wing - Post Op Room

Eric knocked lightly before stepping inside, with Arizona and Callie following behind him.