Author's Note: Hey Guys! So this is my first real Grey's Anatomy fic. I've had this idea for awhile but put off writing it as I wanted to wait until it got closer to Christmas. This fic takes place in season eleven during the Christmas after Derek's death. Amelia is my favorite character and in re-watching the "She's Leaving Home" episodes it killed me to think of Amelia being alone at Christmas, especially that year. So an idea blossomed. This is an Amelia/Arizona fic so if you don't like it, don't read it. In a world so full of hate right now, this fic doesn't deserve any. So hit the back button now or forever hold your peace. Nice reviews are more than welcome though! Enjoy!
I'll Be Home for Christmas
Arizona Robbins was a good man in a storm. Her whole life that's what she had always been. She had the ability to be a soothing calm in a raging storm. As she stood at the nurse's station she saw Amelia Sheperd out of the corner of her eye. Looking up from the forms she was filling out she watched the young woman who was focused on forms of her own. It had been months since Derek had died and even fewer since Meredith had packed up the kids and left. Arizona couldn't really blame Meredith. After her brother, Timothy died she had felt completely lost. She imagined if she had been able to pack up and leave she would have. She studied Amelia for a moment. Her eyes looked tired, red from crying too many tears. The blonde felt a sharp pain in her heart as she watched the brunette thoughtfully. Amelia didn't have anyone. She didn't have a shoulder to cry on or arms to hold her, and knowing Amelia's struggle with sobriety, Arizona knew it wasn't long before she cracked. With Christmas a week away the blonde knew what she had to do. She had to be the anchor in Amelia's silent storm. She couldn't let her think that she was alone, especially not during the holidays.
"What do you need Robbins?" Amelia's voice brought her out of her thoughts.
"I, uh, nothing." She stammered. "How are you doing?"
Amelia stared at her for a moment, "You mean other than the fact that my brother is dead, my so called sister in law left without a trace and the fact that I'll be spending Christmas alone? I'm great!" Mustering up a fake smile Amelia turned and walked down the hall.
Arizona felt her heart break as she watched the brunette walk away. She turned on her heel, a plan forming in her mind. After her only surgery that day she found Alex in the break room alone.
"Hey" She smiled in greeting, sitting down at the table. "How's your day going?"
"Fine. I still can't reach Meredith though. I'm really worried Arizona. She shouldn't be alone at Christmas." Alex replied sadly.
Arizona nodded solemnly. "I agree. Hopefully she's with Cristina and just asked her not to call us. Those two would do anything for each other."
Alex nodded. "I hope so." He looked at Arizona, sensing that her concern went deeper than Meredith. "What's up?"
Arizona sighed. "I'm really worried about Amelia." She admitted. "She has no one Alex. And she acts fine but I know she isn't. When my brother died I was a wreck. I want to do something for her for Christmas. She shouldn't be alone."
Alex nodded, "So what do you wanna do?"
"I thought we could invite everyone over to Derri-"Arizona stopped herself. "I mean Meredith's house. She always said Derrick and his family loved having lots of people around. I'm gonna call Addison and see if she can be there. And we can build a fire and have a big sleepover in the living room. And we can decorate the house. Just make her feel not so alone."
Alex nodded in agreement, "Just as long as I don't have to do the damn lights. I'll make Deluca do them."
Arizona laughed as she stood up. "Ok great! I'm gonna let Maggie in on what we're doing and get her to have Amelia out of the house on Sunday so we can set up. I'm excited!" She grinned as she ran out of the room.
Later that night, after putting Sofia to bed, Arizona grabbed her phone and dialed Addison Montgomery's number. The two women had never really been close, mostly because they had never gotten the chance.
"Hello? Dr. Montgomery." Addison's tired voice came through the phone.
"Hey Addison it's Arizona Robbins. How are you?" Arizona spoke cheerfully.
"Arizona? Wait why are you calling me? Is Amelia ok?" Addison's frantic voice asked.
Arizona sighed; she wasn't surprised that this was Addison's reaction to her calling. "She's struggling Addison. She pretends to be fine but she's not. And Meredith took off right after Derrick's funeral." Arizona paused, waiting for Addison's reaction.
"I knew she wasn't ok. She called me after Derek died and just seemed very subdued. Where did Meredith go?"
"We don't know." Arizona replied. "Alex has been trying to get a hold of her to no avail. Look Addison, when my brother died, I felt so alone. Like I had no one. And I don't want that for Amelia, especially not around Christmas. She needs people or else I'm afraid she's gonna." Arizona paused, taking a deep breath. "I'm afraid she's gonna relapse. And I don't wanna see that happen. So I want to do something. I've already talked to everyone here and we're going to decorate Meredith's house and have a party on Christmas Eve. You're her sister and I know she would want you there."
"Of course I'll be there." Addison said softly. "I'll talk to Jake and book a flight right away. I'll be there on Sunday night."
"Great. Thanks, Addison." Arizona smiled.
"No, Arizona. Thank you." Addison replied. "I was ready to be there as soon as Amelia told me Derek died. But she told me not to worry about her. If only she knew it's my job to worry about her, she's my sister." Addison paused before adding. "I'm really glad that she has people there that care about her, that love her. Goodnight Arizona. Thank you again."
"Goodnight Addison." Arizona smiled, hanging up the phone.
As Sunday finally arrived, Arizona got more and more excited. Amelia luckily had a surgery that day and wouldn't be back at the house til that night. Alex and Richard had found a tree, not the best looking one given that Christmas was a day away, but a tree nonetheless. Maggie and Callie were decorating the tree, with a little help from Sofia. Jackson and Deluca were outside doing the lights. And Arizona and April were in the kitchen preparing the meal, or really April was preparing it while Arizona sat back and watched.
"You know it's really sweet that you're doing all this for Amelia." April smiled as she chopped the vegetables.
"I just hope it helps. The thought of her being alone on Christmas just broke my heart." Arizona admitted.
"You really care about her don't you?" April questioned.
"Of course I care. I wish someone had done this for me after Tim died." The blonde spoke softly. "Amelia deserves love and happiness and I just want to show her that she has that."
April looked at her friend, smiling. "You love her."
"What? I do not!" Arizona exclaimed.
"If you heard yourself right now you'd know I'm right." April grinned. "There's nothing wrong with it. I just know you well enough to see through you."
"Ok well even if I did have feelings for her, which I don't, it's not like she would ever feel the same way." Arizona said.
"You'll never know unless you try." The redhead said knowingly.
"Ok well, tonight is not the time or place." Arizona replied.
"Oh please, when has Christmas ever not been the time for new beginnings?" April smiled. "All I'm saying is it could happen."
Arizona sighed as she saw Owen entering the house with bags of decorations and mistletoe. She had had a small crush on Amelia Sheperd back at Hopkins. The small brunette always wore a smile and exhibited an air of self confidence that Arizona always envied. Her smile could light up any room but sometimes, and Arizona had bared witness to it a couple times, Hurricane Amelia would appear. It was usually when the brunette was sober, when the demons in her mind that were usually masked by drugs and alcohol, would take over. After she finished at Hopkins Arizona lost touch with Amelia, It wasn't until Callie had told her she was living with Addison in LA that Arizona knew the brunette would be ok. When the neurosurgeon had appeared at Grey Sloan, clean and sober, Arizona had been happy. Happy that the brunette was really ok. She had loved how close they became during Nicole Herman's brain tumor. She had spent hours with Amelia, looking at scans, going over the surgery, everything. The Peds surgeon had hoped that would bring them closer, but afterwards, Amelia had distanced herself from the blonde.
"Mommy, mommy!" Sofia's voice broke the blonde from her thoughts. "Come see!" The young girl grabbed her mom's hand and pulled her into the living room. The blonde gasped as she looked at the beautiful colored lights strewn around the tree. The decorations hung beautifully from each branch. Under the tree were beautifully wrapped presents. The stockings were hung on the fireplace, with garland on the mantle. Mistletoe hung from numerous parts of the ceiling. Arizona felt tears in her eyes. Lifting her daughter into her arms she hugged her tightly. "It looks amazing baby." She kissed the young girl's hair softly.
"Do you think Auntie Amy will like it?" Sofia asked.
"I think she's gonna love it." Arizona smiled.
Callie walked over to her ex wife and daughter. "She is definitely gonna love it. I think it's great you wanted to do this for her Arizona. And inviting Addison is the perfect addition. When does she get in?"
Arizona set her daughter down and turned to Callie. "Around seven. I paid for an Uber for her. I want it to be a surprise and I think one of us randomly leaving might ruin it." The blonde put a hand on her arm, "Thank you so much for helping with all this Callie."
Before Callie can reply, Maggie walks up to them, putting her arm around Arizona. "No. Thank you for doing this. I noticed Amelia's behavior too and I was worried about her. I just, I didn't know how to approach her. I get way to emotional too easily and I didn't want to scare her." Tears fell from Maggie's eyes as Arizona pulled her into a hug.
"It's ok Maggie." She whispered in her ear, hugging her tightly.
As the day progressed, the lights outside were finally up, casting a beautiful glow on the house. The fire was lit and the table was set. As everyone sat around talking, with music playing softly in the background, snow started to fall gently outside.
Amelia Sheperd drove slowly back home, well the home that felt like anything but. Her brother had died months ago and Meredith had taken off soon after, leaving her all alone. Sure she people. She knew Addison would be there in a heartbeat if she needed her. She knew Maggie or Alex or Arizona would be at her side in a second if she asked them to. But Amelia never wanted to be a burden on anyone. She never wanted anyone to feel sorry for her or pity her. That was why drugs and alcohol had been the perfect cover for her. They had allowed her to hide behind a mask that hid her demons away. With Christmas being tomorrow she knew she was going to need something to help her get through. Her mind drifted to the small bag in her sock drawer. As she pulled into the driveway, a frown covered her face. The house was decorated with colored lights. The image was like something out of a magazine. The beautiful lights wrapped the house like a Christmas present. She looked into the bay window and could see all of her friends in the living room, talking and laughing. Amelia felt tears in her eyes as she sat there watching. She couldn't believe they had done this for her.
Slowly she got out of the car and made her way up to the door, which a beautiful wreath hung from. Opening the door, the lump in her throat grew even bigger. Soft Christmas music came from the stereo. A fire danced in the fireplace as her friends sat around it, drinking hot chocolate. The tree looked beautiful, decorated with lights and decorations. She smiled through her tears as a chorus of "Merry Christmas" came from the house.
"Auntie Amy" Sofia ran up to her, grabbing her hand and pulling her into the house. "Come look what we did!"
Amelia forced a smile as she let the little girl lead her into the living room. "This is beautiful. Thank you guys." The brunette said softly, still amazed by it all.
Maggie walked up and hugged Amelia tightly. "I know I haven't been the best sister or the best friend these last few months, but I just. I didn't know what to say or how to say it and I knew I'd start crying, like I am now and-"
"Maggie." Amelia cut the now crying woman off. "It's ok. I'm just happy you all are here to spend Christmas Eve with me." Hugging Maggie tightly and pulling away, she smiled at everyone. "Thank you all."
Owen walked over and put a hand on her shoulder. "Anytime. Now come on, let's eat. April cooked a great dinner. We all tried to help but ended up getting snapped at." He chuckled as he guided Amelia into the dinning room.
Once again, Amelia gasped. The table was beautifully covered in a red tablecloth. In the middle were two candles glowing brightly. A carved turkey sat on one end while mashed potatoes, stuffing and vegetables sat at the other. She sat down next to Callie and looked at April "You cooked all of this?" She asked, bewildered.
"Yep. It was nothing! I'm used to making big meals. Thankfully, otherwise, we'd be having pizza which Alex suggested." April laughed.
"Hey what's wrong with pizza?" Alex retorted. "It's easy."
"Alex no Christmas has ever been celebrated with pizza." April noted.
While the two bickered, Amelia looked across the table to find Arizona's eyes on her, just like she had a few days ago at the nurse's station at the hospital. Staring back at the blonde, she felt a sense of love and warmth inside. She suddenly had an inkling of whose idea this party had been. She mouthed a silent 'Thank You'. And Arizona just smiled at her.
After dinner, Alex and Owen did the dishes, shutting down all of Amelia's attempts to help. April ushered her out of the kitchen and into the living room. "Come on, we're gonna watch "Miracle on 34th Street." My favorite Christmas movie!" The redhead squealed excitedly as they moved to the couch where blankets were strewn across, as well as the floor, with pillows galore. Amelia smiled as she took in the scene in front of her. It reminded her so much of her childhood it almost brought her to tears. Miracle on 34th Street had played every Christmas Eve. Her entire family would gather around the fire and have a huge slumber party in the living room. Arizona sat down next to her as the movie started.
"This was my favorite movie as a kid." Amelia whispered.
"Oh, I know." Arizona smiled as the brunette stared at her. Before she had a chance to ask her how she knew, the doorbell rang.
"I'll get it." Amelia said standing up. "You all have done so much, the least I can do is answer the door." Arizona and Maggie shared a look as the brunette moved towards the door. Opening the door, Amelia felt her heart stop. Her throat instantly tightened as a lump formed
"Addie" She whispered before throwing herself into her sister's arms. This seemed to break the dam. The floodgates opened and Amelia broke down in her sister's arms.
"Shhh, Amelia it's ok." Addison whispered, catching her sister and holding her close. Her arms tightly held the broken woman "Come on sweetheart, let's go upstairs and talk, ok?" Amelia nodded, still trying to get a hold of her emotion. Addison silently waved to the group as the two made their way up the stairs. Arizona watched them silently.
"I hope I did the right thing." The blonde whispered.
"You did Arizona." Callie replied. "If anyone can help Amelia, it's Addison."
"I hope so." Arizona smiled weakly.
Addison helped Amelia into what she hoped was her bedroom. Sitting down on the bed she pulled the younger woman into her arms, holding her while she cried.
"He's dead Addie." Her voice was barely a whisper and Addison had to strain to hear her.
"I know baby." Addison whispered, rubbing her hand up and down the brunette's back. "But you know he's always in your heart. He's here with you."
"I didn't get to say goodbye. Meredith didn't give me that chance." Amelia sobbed.
Addison sighed softly. She and Meredith had always had a turbulent relationship. When you both want the same man it can really throw a wrench in a friendship. She hated that Meredith had just up and left Amelia like she had. Leaving her sister with no one to lean on. "Amy," She whispered. "I know it hurts that you didn't get to say goodbye. But I also know that Derek would never have wanted you to see him like that. He always wanted to protect you and I know that even on his deathbed that's what he would have wanted."
Amelia sniffled, her tears finally subsiding. "I know you're right. It just hurts so much."
Addison nodded knowingly. "I know. But you have so many people around you that love you and support you, me included. You know I'll always be here for you Amy."
Amelia smiled, "I know. Thank you." She sighed softly. "I was gonna use tonight Addie. I bought drugs a few days ago because I knew if I had to spend Christmas alone that I would need them. But when I got home and everyone was here." She paused as tears filled her eyes again. "Addie I, I haven't felt that much love in a long time."
"Ok first of all, where is it?" Addison asked.
"In my sock drawer." Amelia replied. She watched as her sister stood up and walked to her dresser. Addison finds the baggie in the top drawer and exits the room. In seconds she hears a flush and Addison returns to the bedroom, reclaiming her seat on the bed and continues. "Secondly, you are never alone. Even if you didn't have family here, you always have family in LA. No matter what."
Amelia rests her head on Addison's shoulder. "Thank you. How is Henry?"
Addison pulls out her phone. "He's great! Running around the house like a crazy man though. He takes after his father." Both women laughed. "He made you a video." Addison clicked play on her phone and Henry's face appeared on the screen.
"Hi Auntie Amy! I miss you and I love you! You should come visit mommy, daddy and me! I'm helping mommy make cookies for Christmas! I love you! Merry Christmas!" The young boy blew a dramatic kiss to Amelia before the screen went black.
Amelia smiled, tears in her eyes. "I love that kid. I'm sorry you have to be-"
Addison shushed her. "None of that. Your godson understands that you need me right now. Besides I'm flying home tomorrow night, unless you need me to stay longer."
"No, Addie. You need to be with Henry and Jake. I'm so grateful you're here right now and I'm so grateful that so many people love me here. And I am gonna come to LA and visit. I miss everyone."
"Good." Addison smiled. "But I want you to call me if you ever feel like relapsing, ok? You are my sister Amelia and I love you."
Amelia nodded. "Thank you, Addie. I love you too." She hugged her again. "So, who did invite you out here?"
"Arizona. She planned everything. Even paid for my Uber from the airport. She was really worried about you Amelia. She wanted you to feel loved." Addison replied, smiling. "I think she has a crush on you to be honest."
"I knew it." Amelia smiled. "She told me she knew Miracle On 34th Street was my favorite movie and I have no recollection of telling her that. But I must have and somehow she remembers."
"Maybe you should go ask her." Addison grinned. "I'm gonna change and go lie down on that comfy looking blanket bed."
Standing up the two women made their way downstairs. The movie was almost over and only April and Maggie remained on the couch. Arizona stood in the kitchen finishing the last of the dishes for the night.
Amelia approached the blonde, standing beside her at the sink. "Hey" She whispered.
Arizona smiled at her weakly. "Hey. Are you ok?"
Amelia nodded, "Yeah Addison and I had a long talk. Thank you for inviting her. And for doing all of this." The brunette motioned to the living room and smiled.
"Well I mean it wasn't all me. I had lots of help." Arizona replied.
"Yeah but Addie told me it was your idea and that, I appreciate more than you know." The brunette paused for a moment, putting her hand gently on the blonde's arm. "I was planning to use tonight Arizona. I was so sad and hurt and lonely and I didn't want to be a burden on anyone. So I figured with it being Christmas I would need something to help get me through. So I bought some Oxy and I was going to use it. But coming home to all of this. Coming home to so much love, warmth and compassion." Tears prickled the brunette's eyes as she looked into Arizona's watery ones. "You saved me tonight Arizona. You showed me that I am loved. So thank you, thank you for that."
Not being able to wait any longer Arizona pulled Amelia into her arms. Amelia felt her body melt into the other woman's as her arms wrapped tightly around her waist.
"You are never a burden, Amelia Shepard." Arizona whispered fiercely into her ear. "You are loved; you are part of our family. No matter what we all love you. I'm so glad I was able to do this for you."
Amelia pulled back but kept her arms around the taller woman.
"Thank you." She smiled. "How did you know that Miracle on 34th Street was my favorite movie?"
Arizona looked down at her. "You really don't remember, do you?"
Amelia shook her head, confused.
"It was almost Christmas break at Hopkins, our first year there. We were both at the same bar and you were drunk. You started talking about Christmases you had when you were a kid. About how you would watch this movie and sleep in the living room. And the next morning you would have pancakes for breakfast which, yes I have the fixings for." Arizona smiled.
"You, you remember that?" Amelia asked softly.
"I do." Arizona smiled.
Amelia looked up, her heart pounding in her chest. "You know, we're standing under a mistletoe and I feel like we'd be breaking tradition if we didn't-" She was cut off by a pair of incredibly soft lips on hers. She felt the arms around her waist pull her closer as her hands buried into blonde locks. This kiss wasn't needy or rough. It wasn't demanding or aggressive. It was gentle, soft, loving. Everything Amelia needed to feel in that moment was felt in that kiss. They stood there for what felt like hours, just kissing each other gently. When they broke apart Arizona noticed the time. Resting her forehead against Amelia's she whispered. "Merry Christmas Amelia."
"Merry Christmas Arizona." The brunette replied, her eyes locked with the blonde's. Christmas was a time for new beginnings and both women were excited to embark on those new beginnings with each other.
After they got ready for bed, they joined Addison on the pile of blankets and pillows on the floor. Amelia lay down next to Addison, who sleepily reached her hand out for Amelia's. Arizona lay behind Amelia, her arm wrapping tightly around the brunette's waist.
"Robbins." Addison whispered.
"Yeah Addison?" Arizona asked.
"I think you're great for my sister. But if you ever hurt her, I will come here and kick your ass." Addison vowed.
Amelia giggled, squeezing her sister's hand.
"I would never want to hurt her Addison. I promise." Arizona kissed Amelia's neck softly, holding her close as she fell asleep.
Amelia smiled as she dozed off, feeling more loved and wanted than she had in months. It would take time for her heart to heal, but she knew her family would help with that. No matter what, she finally felt like everything was gonna be ok.
Author's Note- Well Merry early Christmas Amezona fans! I hope you enjoyed that! Please leave a review if you wish!