Hey there everyone,

This is a Callie/Arizona-centred story taking place directly after the season 6 finale to show how our favourite girls are coping with the aftermath of the catastrophe and reunite with their friends.

And by the way, WOW, the finale was intense but I loved it! Especially the Baily/Percy storyline was incredibly touching. And Callie's speech about Arizona's super magic smile – I melted. Thanks Shonda!

Yet again no beta, so all mistakes are mine.

Going Home

Callie and Arizona were sitting in the back of an ambulance with their last two remaining patients on their way to Seattle Prespytarian. Seattle Grace Mercy West Hospital had been evacuated and closed down for a few days due to police inspection. They had declared it a crime scene- their hospital, their safe place. It had always been a place of comfort for Callie, a place where she had met her best friend, her husband and the love of her life. A place that had provided her shelter when her marriage had ended and solace when George had died. Seattle Grace and its people had always been a home for Callie Torres.

And now it was a crime scene. It was the place where their colleagues, their friends and many other innocent people had died or been wounded. The events of this day had turned their whole world around and had made them realise that life is too short for insecurities or hesitation when you truly love someone.

Callie's hand was holding Arizona's smaller one and her thumb was rubbing soothing circles on the back of her palm. When they arrived at the hospital they made sure all their little patients were taken care of before they headed to the lobby to see who of their colleagues was there. They had heard that Derek Shepherd had been seriously wounded but survived and so had Alex Karev but they had also seen the dead bodies being removed from the hospital and the fear that one of their friends was among them had been threatening them ever since.

The first person they recognised when they entered the lobby was Teddy Altman leaning against the counter. Arizona let out a sigh of relief and quickened her pace, dragging Callie along who was still holding her hand. When she reached the counter she let go of her girlfriend and wrapped her arms around Teddy from behind which made the cardio surgeon jump in surprise. But when she saw who was embracing her she smiled and returned the hug, glad to see both Callie and Arizona unharmed and healthy.

Arizona released Teddy from her embrace and looked up into her eyes. "Owen?" she asked and searched the taller woman's face for a sign of either grief of relief. Teddy forced a smile onto her lips and nodded. "He'll be fine" she said quietly but her voice carried a controlled sadness that made it pretty clear that she herself was far from fine. Callie stepped closer to her girlfriend and Teddy, placing one hand on the cardio surgeon's shoulder and the other one around Arizona's waist. "Teddy, please, I need to know" she said in a serious tone. "They say the shooter took doctors down. Who is it?" Teddy looked back and forth between the two women and then answered almost in a whisper "Reed Adams and Charles Percy for all I know".

Arizona's cry was almost inaudible and she buried her face in Callie's shoulder feeling her girlfriend's strong arms pulling her close. A few days ago she had joked with Teddy about Reed who she hadn't known very well but who she had respected nevertheless. And now she was dead and so was another young talented resident, people they had shared a part of their lives with. Arizona wanted to cry, all the contrary emotions she was feeling making her dizzy. Her brain refused to believe what had happened today, pushing all the grief and fear to the very back of her heart while the undeniable feeling of relief and gratitude for the fact that she and Callie were still alive was slowly coming to the surface.

Wrapped up in each other's arms they didn't notice the fourth person who was approaching them from the other end of the lobby. Before she knew what was happening Callie found herself in a tight embrace with Mark Sloan who kissed her temple lightly and mumbled something to himself that sounded like "Thank God". She was glad to see her best friend physically unharmed, apart from Arizona he had been the one she'd been most worried about. "You okay?" he asked as he held her at arm's length and looked at her searchingly. Callie gave him a thankful smile, nodded and then watched in surprise as Mark let go of her and, in a completely un-Mark-like motion, pulled Arizona into a bear hug as well.

The blonde stiffened for a second but relaxed eventually and allowed herself to be held. She knew that Mark, although he liked to tease her and call her 'Blondie', had a soft spot for her and was happy for her and Callie. And if she searched deep inside herself she was sure she'd find the same appreciation for her girlfriend's BFF even though she would never admit that to anyone. "Don't go all soft on me now, Mark" Arizona joked and the first true smile in what felt like weeks formed on her lips. Mark let go of her and smiled back, silently thanking the Almighty that they were all still able to joke with each other. "How's Alex?" Callie asked taking Arizona's hand in hers again, needing to feel some kind of physical contact with the blonde. "He's in recovery, he'll be just fine. Lexie is with him right now." He couldn't hide the glint of pain in his voice at the last sentence, especially not from someone who knew him so well. Callie laid a hand on his arm in a comforting gesture and he gave it a grateful squeeze.

"Thanks for saving my best resident" Arizona said trying to stir the conversation away from Lexie. She was actually grateful for Alex being alive not only because he was great with kids and definitely had a bright future in peads but also because she had grown to like him although she had once threatened him with hitting him with a brick for sleeping with Callie. Jealousy was a green-eyed monster after all...

Mark nodded and turned his attention back to Callie, pushing a stray of raven hair behind her ear. "At least one of us got the love of their life back, right?" he asked with a genuine smile brushing his thumb over her cheek. "Mark..." Callie began but was cut off by Mark's finger on her lips. "No, don't. You deserve happiness, I'm glad you found her. And I'm a fighter, you know." Callie was touched by her friend's words and it gave her hope that he planned to keep fighting for his love because he deserved it just as much as she did.

Mark stepped back from Callie and with one last squeeze of Arizona's shoulder he turned around and headed towards the main entrance saying something about checking on Derek as he left. "Give him our get-well wishes!" Callie yelled after him and he nodded before he disappeared behind the closing doors.

Callie turned to Arizona pulling her close and wrapping her arms around her waist. "What do you think, are we ready to go home?" she whispered into her ear. "Home" Arizona repeated dreamily leaning her head against Callie's shoulder. "Sounds good" she finally said nuzzling her girlfriend's neck, inhaling the scent that was so uniquely Calliope. "My place or yours?" the Latina asked and couldn't suppress a chuckle. Arizona tilted her head to look up into Callie's warm brown eyes which radiated all the love that she clearly felt for the small perky blonde in her arms with her super magic smile. She swallowed the lump in her throat and answered almost in a whisper "It doesn't matter where we go, as long as I'm with you I'm home."

And that was the truth. There was still no clear vision of their future and after everything that had happened that day they would probably need some time to recover emotionally but the one thing that was certain was their love for each other. And that was all that mattered.

Soooo, that was it for now but I already have a few more ideas in my head so if you want this story continued, let me know. And as always, comments are welcome.