(Revised) Prologue

March 4, 1861; Washington D.C.

Arizona Robbins finished getting her dress on and looked in the full length mirror. It was a beautiful dress and she was thankful that her father bought it for her. It was an elegant baby blue dress that brought out her eyes. The sleeves were short with a ruffled trim around the edges. The neck-line was swooped just above her breasts, showing no cleavage, and there was a bow above her right breast. It was form fitting down to her waist, where it gradually belled out. She hated wearing the hoop skirt, but it did make dress look better. She just wished women didn't have to wear so many layers. The blue material slit from the waist and scooped down to the bottom, while white material was in ruffled layers underneath. She really did love it, and she couldn't wait to go out and show it off. Her blonde hair was done up in an elegant twist of knots, and she had the most subtle amount of blush on her cheeks.

Tonight was President Lincoln's Inaugural Ball. It was to start at 10 o'clock p.m. and she knew she and her family were to leave soon. Her father was a well respected colonel in the United States military and he and his family had managed an invitation to this ball. Arizona was very excited about going. It was surely going to be a great deal of fun and of course some very important people would be there. Obviously the president and first lady would be there, among some other important politicians. There would also be a few men and their families that Arizona knew through her father, such as Colonel Hunt and First Lieutenant James. She even heard some important business men were coming. If she remembers what her father said, even Mr. Torres would be there.

Carlos Torres intrigued her. He was a rare southern republican, and was in full support of President Lincoln. She was surprised he would be attending do to the recent succession of a few of the southern states, including Florida. However, her father spoke highly of him, which means he must be an honorable man. Yes, Carlos Torres fascinated her and she truly hoped her father could introduce her to him or his family. Arizona loved to get other's opinions on the coming conflict between the states and she was sure a wealthy southerner in support of the north would have a very interesting opinion.

Tonight Arizona, her brother Tim, mother Barbara, and father Daniel would be going to the socialite event of the year. Everyone who's anyone would be there. Arizona was ecstatic. Of course, she's been to parties and balls before...but never the Inaugural Ball. The President of the United States' Inaugural Ball. Not only was she going to meet many important people, but she got to show off her new dress as well. She loved dressing up for these events, not to mention everyone else dressed beautifully as well and there was always someone who was pleasing to look at.

Arizona blushed as the thought went through her mind. It was something that no one ever talked about or acknowledged, because relationships that Arizona dreamed of didn't happen. She was rather embarrassed, but knew she couldn't help what she felt. Arizona Robbins was not attracted to men. At all. She always got a flutter in her stomach when there was a lovely lady in sight. She didn't know why she felt this way, but she did. Of course, she had already accepted the fact that she would either have to fake it with a man and get married, or become an old spinster who never got married. She knew there was no way she could ever have an actual relationship with a woman...even if she did find another woman who liked her in return.

Besides her brother Tim, it was her best kept secret. Tim helped her when she came to the age where she should've started seeing young gentlemen callers. He would scare them off or tell the Colonel something awful about them so that their father wouldn't even allow them around Arizona. Arizona was so grateful for her brother. He always insisted she shouldn't have to fake it. She should be able to love who she wanted, and he should be able to dance with her at her wedding. They both knew that the chances of her finding someone were unlikely though and nigh impossible that it would even be remotely accepted.

She heard a knock at the door and knew her brother was there to escort her to the lobby. Sighing, Arizona gave one last glance in the mirror before she headed to the door. She was greeted by Timothy. He was a soldier, and a typical boy, not caring much about his appearance...but when he had to, he cleaned up nicely. Right now he was wearing a dark, deep green tail coat and trousers with a white cravat underneath. He smiled at her, showing off his dimples. Arizona and Tim were a year apart, but they looked so similar to each other that many people thought they must be twins.

"Hey Sis," Tim said. "You look lovely on this fine evening." He winked at her when she smiled at him.

"You don't look to bad yourself, Timothy," She grinned. She loved her brother very much, and if all went as planned, he was helping without hesitation yet again. She walked over and linked her arm in his. "Are Mama and the Colonel already in the lobby?"

"Of course. You know Colonel Robbins is never late." He smirks, their father was always punctual. It was one of the rules that had been instilled into the two as children. That and being a good man in a storm. They were taught to fight for what was right and protect the things they loved.

"Well, we should get going; I'd hate to disappoint him."

They arrived in the lobby and found their parents quickly. They started to walk outside the hotel to the waiting carriage. It really wasn't a long distance to the ball, but it was standard to arrive in a carriage none the less.

Her brother opened door and looked to her "After you milady," he smiled and helped her up and into her seat. He quickly joined her, as did their parents.

"You two are just lovely," Barbara gushed. She loved her two children, and thought they couldn't get any more beautiful.

"Arizona," the Colonel said, "I hear there are supposed to be quite the number of young bachelors there tonight. And the fact that they're attending this party at all means they come from a well to do family."

Arizona blushes. She hated when her love life was brought up. As much as she strived be who her father and mother raised her, a lady waiting for a man was something she just couldn't do. She was destined to disappoint them when it came to marrying someone, and she really hated disappointing her father. "Umm...yeah...there probably will be," Arizona responded in a fluster.

"So Colonel," Tim spoke up, "have you heard any more news on what's planned on being done about these 'succeeded' states? I've heard a number of rumors that there will be an outright war starting sooner than everyone thinks..."

Arizona smiled gratefully at Tim. She knew he just changed the subject to make her more comfortable.

"Yes, as a matter of fact, there's to be a meeting in a few days to discuss military action and abilities," the Colonel smiled. He loved talking military. He and Timothy settled into an easy discussion about the so called Confederacy and what they thought President Lincoln was planning to do about it, Arizona throwing in her two cents at times. All too soon they were pulled up to the hall where the ball was being held. Timothy quickly jumped out and helped Arizona out of the carriage.

She grinned widely at him, she was definitely excited now. She was so close to so many people vital to this country's strength and character. With everything that was happening, she knew this was history in the making. She couldn't explain it, but she just felt like her life was really getting ready to begin.

When she entered the hall, her jaw dropped. The building itself was fairly simple, considering it was one of the many temporary buildings set up for the inauguration. However, it was still really rather large, and was full of people. There had to be a couple thousand guests here at least. There were gas lights along all the walls and candle chandeliers hung from the ceiling. There were numerous tables lined against the wall with various refreshments. People were mingling and chatting all around. It was starting to get cramped, but there was still definitely room for dancing. Arizona couldn't wait.

She split off from her brother when she saw a group of women her age that she knew from her father's line of work. She caught up with them and they discussed a wide range of what Arizona thought were rather boring subjects. Mostly concerning men. 'Mathew is the sweetest man' 'I hope Andrew asks Father for my hand soon' 'I don't know what I would ever do if I don't find a good man to settle down with' 'Goodness, could you imagine becoming an old maid?' This kept on for a while, leaving Arizona incredibly bored. She'd rather talk about the current state of the union. "What do you ladies think of what's happening in the South?" she finally asks, not able to take anymore talk of needing a man. Apparently it was the wrong thing to say as they were all staring at her with mouths agape.

"Arizona darling, why on earth would we be bothered by that? It's the men's business. I'm sure they'll figure it out," Margaret stated firmly.

"But what about the talk of war? Surely you must have input on that. I mean, what if your beloved Mathew is drafted? Surely you'd care then!?" Arizona asked incredulously.

"My dear girl," Margaret laughs, the other women laughing with her, "There's always a commutation. We'll just pay the fee. Mathew doesn't need to fight...there are plenty of people to do that."

Arizona was fuming. How could anyone buy their way out of fighting? It would be an honor to fight for this country. If she were a man, she'd already be a soldier like Tim. It was all she could do to bite her tongue from what she really wanted to tell Margaret, so instead she excused herself to get some punch.

The ball couldn't officially start until the Lincolns arrived, and her family had only just arrived a half hour ago. There was no telling how long the president might be. She really wanted to dance. She wasn't very good, but the music was always pleasant, and Timothy always saved a few dances just for her. When she almost reached the refreshment table she looked up and saw her.

Arizona was looking at the most breathtaking woman she had ever laid eyes on. She was of Spanish descent, so her skin tone was much tanner than Arizona's pale skin. Her hair was a very dark shade of brown, almost black even, and was worn in a series of intricate braids on the back of her head. Arizona took in the rest of her body. She was wearing an elegant maroon dress that had a similar neck to Arizona's, stopping just about the beautiful woman's full breasts, much to the disappointment of Arizona. She gulped. This woman had gorgeous curves, and her dress flowed freely around her feet. It wasn't easy to tell from a glance, but Arizona could tell, with a pang of jealousy that the Latina was not wearing a hoop skirt. How she got away with that, Arizona would love to know.

"See something you like?"

Arizona jumped and spun around. "Oh...Tim. It's you." Arizona said, letting out the breath she didn't know she had been holding. She smiled and blushed at being caught admiring the woman. "Ummm...I was... I was just taking in the hall. I'm really rather surprised how big it is..."

"Sure you were," Time winked at her. "That's Calliope Torres. Carlos' eldest daughter. She's only a couple months older than you."

"Carlos Torres? Really? Huh..." Arizona let out a breath. "Well, she's beautiful."

Just then, the raven haired beauty looked up from the short man she was conversing with and made eye contact with Arizona. Arizona was captivated by the deep brown eyes that bore into her blue ones. She could feel herself blushing, being caught staring at the Latina. However Calliope gave her a wide smile. Feeling her face redden even further, Arizona averted her gaze, not able to stand looking at the gorgeous creature. Tim, observing his sister's awkwardness decided to take action into his own hands. He grabbed her arm and steered her to the punch bowl…right where Calliope was standing.

"Tim!" Arizona hissed, while trying to subtle get her brother to let go. But it was no use, and before she knew it she was right in front of Calliope staring wide eyed at her.

Callie gave a small chuckle, for she had watched the exchange, "Hello." Callie smiled at the blonde woman.

"Hh…Hello," Arizona barely managed to squeak out. She mentally kicked herself. Really? Way to stay calm and collected…The blonde thought to herself.

"I'm Calliope Torres, but most people call me Callie, and you are?"

"Oh…Umm I…I I'm Arizona Robbins. Umm Colonel Robbins is my father," the blonde says.

"I see. And are you enjoying yourself tonight?"

"Immensely!" Arizona says, making her dimples pop. "And you?"

"Oh yes, I'm rather anxious for the president to arrive though…I've been waiting all night to dance."

The two women continued to hold each other's gazes, and neither one of them could seem to control the blushes that adorned their faces. Just as Arizona opens her mouth, eager to learn more about Calliope, her brother (who she forgot was standing with them) intercepted her.

"Tim Robbins ma'am and it's a pleasure to meet you. However I must go find my father right now…So I'll leave you two ladies to mingle." He says before quickly taking off.

They look at each other, both giving a small giggle. "So, Arizona, what do you think of the coming war?"

Arizona's eyes go wide. Finally! Another woman who actually cares about today's issues! However Calliope must have thought she over stepped a line at the look on Arizona's face because she was quickly back peddling.

"I mean…I don't really care. That is…hmm. Maybe you have an admirer who would have to fight? Umm…I'm sorry. I usually talk over this stuff with my father. I forget that most women don't concern themselves with-"

"Calliope! It's okay. I actually was just mentally celebrating another woman who gives a damn." Arizona's eyes widen at what she just said. "Pardon my language..."

At the smaller woman's outburst and small bit of cursing, Callie lets out a big laugh. "Well, don't we make a couple of strange women then?" Callie says, a huge smile adorning her face.

Just as Arizona is about to reply, there is a hush over the hall. Everyone turns to watch as President Lincoln and his wife Mary enter the hall. There are a few words said, and finally, the music was started and the guests began to disperse on the dance floor. Arizona turned to continue her conversation but before she could even open her mouth, they were interrupted by a man at Callie's shoulder.

Arizona frowned at the man. He was short with mousy brown hair, and he seemed to be trying to rob the Latina's attention from her.

"Sorry to interrupt ladies, but I was wondering if I could steal your attention away for a little bit Miss Torres…and then perhaps a dance?" The man asks Callie. Calliope glances at Arizona, who has a look of confusion on her face. Go figure George O'Malley would interrupt her exchange with the fascinating blonde. He has been trying to court her for a couple months now. Callie liked him, he was very polite and always very kind, but there just weren't any sparks. She would much rather try and have a conversation with the intriguing blonde before her. She turns back to George to tell him maybe later, but somehow gets swept into a small conversation with George, and not wanting to be rude, can't help but put the blonde on hold for a moment. At least until she can get rid of Mr. O'Malley. When she finally finished up the talk with O'Malley, she turned her attention back to the shorter woman, but she was no longer there. She glances around the hall, slightly disappointed. Shrugging her shoulders, she decided to take George up on his offer to dance.

Arizona was searching for her brother after watching Calliope turn back towards the man; she figured her company probably wasn't wanted anymore. That's how it always is. Have a nice conversation with someone and some man always comes in to take the attention. As if that's all any woman wants or needs. She really thought Calliope was different and not boy crazy, but since when aren't her peers obsessed with men?

Once she finds Timothy, he quickly scoops her up and takes her to the middle of the floor for a dance. When she looks around her heart sinks when she sees Calliope dancing with the mousy man. Well it's not like you two could dance together anyway…

Throughout the rest of the night Arizona and Calliope would glance at each other, but never realized the other was doing the same. The night passed quickly with all the dancing and before they knew it, it was 3 o'clock in the morning and time to make their way to their hotels.

Arizona and her family were staying at the Willard Hotel, as were most of the guests invited to the ball. When their carriage finally arrived, Timothy helped Arizona in and quickly took the seat next to her. Arizona was exhausted. She looked out the window and saw the same mousy haired man who danced with Callie her into the carriage. Arizona let out a small sigh before finally leaning her head back and closing her eyes. The last thing she thinks of before she falls asleep are Calliope's deep, soulful, brown eyes staring into her blue ones.

Author's Note: I couldn't take the inaccuracies due to my laziness anymore. I really like my idea for this story and want to do it justice…So I sucked it up and put on my big girl panties and actually researched stuff and what not. I hope I can make it better, and the plot hasn't changed at all, just a lot of details to make it more accurate. I hope you like it and even though I have majority of the plot planned all the way to the end, I am always open to suggestions and ideas. Thanks for everything my dear readers!

Also, this is still Historical Fiction, so even though I'm giving extra effort, it still won't be 100% accurate. Also, I know Arizona wasn't a state or even a glint in the young nation's eyes, but I didn't want to change her name...So it's just Arizona with no special meaning or background story.

I don't own Grey's Anatomy Characters.