Title: All Bets Are Off 2/?

Author: GreysAddictJ

Pairing: Callie/Arizona

Rating: PG-13

Disclaimer: The characters are not mine. No infringement intended. Also, I don't use a beta, so all mistakes are mine.

Summary: A/U - World class professional poker player Arizona Robbins is known for keeping her cool in high intensity situations. What happens when an upstart new player, Callie Torres, sets her world spinning out of control?

A/N: It's been brought to my attention that Arizona comes off as a little condescending and bitchy in the first few chapters. Bear with me - it won't last. I promise. :-)

As Arizona watched the sexy (and apparently fiery) brunette storm away from the table, Arizona felt a momentary bit of regret in the pit of her stomach. Why had she been so snarky with the woman? It wasn't like her. Arizona prided herself on being a pleasant, agreeable person – not a condescending know-it-all, which, if she really took a minute to reflect on her behavior, was what she'd just been.

She shook her head slightly. Clearly, for whatever reason, the woman had gotten under her skin. She quickly pushed these thoughts aside. She had a game to play and most likely she'd never see the woman again. She played for a few more hours, and while she managed to make money, her head wasn't really in the game. Her concentration was constantly broken by the nagging thoughts surrounding the mysterious Latina. She was filled with guilt and self-doubt, which was not an emotion she was used to dealing with. Additionally, she felt like all of the joy in the room had left with her sexy former opponent. It was if she'd taken all of Arizona's positive energy with her as she'd stormed off.

Finally, Arizona let out a sigh mixed with exhaustion and frustration and got up to leave. After cashing in her chips, she made her way home. Normally, she would have played long into the night. Tonight, however, she didn't have it in her. She convinced herself that she'd left because she had an early appointment the next morning. However, if she really allowed herself to stop and do some self-reflection, she knew that her reason for fatigue came from a decidedly different direction.

The next morning got off to a rocky start for Arizona. She was exhausted, though she didn't know why. Unlike most nights, where she played poker until the wee hours of the morning, she'd gotten to bed at a decent hour. To top it off, she had a speaking engagement and she was not looking forward to it. Arizona didn't mind being one of the public faces of the poker world, but the whole public speaking thing was not something she enjoyed. She usually avoided such events, but she'd somehow allowed herself to be talked into speaking on a panel called "Women in Poker." She felt that she had a duty, as one of the most successful women poker players in the world, to make appearances such as this one on occasion. However, today she was not in the mood.

She grabbed her keys off of the counter and headed out the door, already running a few minutes late for the breakfast that the event planners had put together for the speakers on the panel. Arizona had no idea who else would be there, other than her good friend and fellow poker pro, Teddy Altman. As she approached her car, she silently cursed. Of all days, today would have to be the day she had a flat tire. She looked down at her watch. There was no way she had time to change the flat and still make the breakfast. Never one to be the damsel in distress, she decided to change the tire herself, figuring she'd still have time to make it to the engagement. Swearing again, Arizona put a quick call into Teddy, asking her to let the organizer know that she'd have to miss breakfast, but that she'd still be there for the panel.

As she pulled up to the convention center, Arizona quickly parked and hopped out, making a mad dash for the meeting room where the panel discussion was being held. It had taken her a little longer than she'd estimated to fix the car and she was cutting it rather close. As she neared the room, she spotted Teddy standing outside the door, along with Kate, the woman who'd organized the event. She jogged over to them, panting and a little disheveled.

"I'm so sorry I'm late," she said as she attempted to catch her breath. "Flat tire."

Kate nodded. "Teddy told me. Not a problem. You're just in time. We're just in the process of announcing the speakers."

Arizona could hear the emcee announcing the first name from inside the room. "An up and coming internet phenom, playing under the online alias RockStar, she's made a name for herself over the past year cashing in several tournaments, including a first place finish in the prestigious $1 million championship. She's decided to take her virtual game to the real world and is here in Vegas to test her skills at the World Series of Poker. We have no doubt that by the end of the series a few months from now, she'll be a household name. Please welcome Callie Torres."

A round of applause welcomed the first guest, whom Arizona had never met. She had, however, heard about this player. She was supposed to be the next big thing. Arizona wasn't so sure – many internet sensations never successfully made the transition to playing in a brick-and-mortar casino. Arizona looked through the doorway, curious to see what this up-and-comer looked like. As she did so, her breath caught in her throat. Making her way to the stage was none other than the mystery woman she'd played against the night before.

Teddy noticed Arizona's reaction. "You look like you just saw a ghost, Arizona. What's up?"

Arizona shook her head. "Oh, it's nothing. Just played against her for a little while last night. Didn't expect to see her here. That's all. No big deal. Not at all. Just wasn't expecting that. I'm fine."

Teddy sized Arizona up as she rambled, giving her a knowing look. "You need to work on your poker face, girl. Clearly something is up. Let me know when you decide to tell me about it. Now get out there, they just called your name," she said as she pushed Arizona through the door. In her surprise and confusion, Arizona had missed her introduction and would have continued standing there in awe had Teddy not pushed her.

Arizona put on her typical perky and smiling façade, waving at the fans in the audience as they welcomed her. She struggled to swallow the lump in her throat as she made her way to the stage. As she sat down in the chair next to the mystery woman, or Callie, as she was apparently called, Arizona made brief eye contact and offered a weak smile.

Callie was nervous – beyond nervous actually. Public speaking was definitely not her thing. Not at all. Why she'd agreed to be on this Women in Poker panel was beyond her. She'd been completely taken aback and flattered when she'd been asked to participate, and that was what had probably convinced her to accept the invitation. Unfortunately, she hadn't been thinking clearly when she did so. She struggled to keep her nerves in check and her breakfast in her stomach as she made her way to the stage, plastering on a fake smile as she did so. She was a bad ass poker player. People online feared her. She never lacked confidence in the virtual world. She just needed to channel some of that mojo here in the real world . . . and try to forget about the events of the previous night, which had rocked the already shaky foundation of her self-confidence.

She took a deep breath and reminded herself that all of these people had paid money to hear her insights – they looked up to her. She was a rock star. She was awesome. She was . . . Her internal pep talk was brought to a screeching halt as she heard the next panelist's name announced over the loud speaker. Arizona Robbins. How had she not known that? How had she missed that her previous night's nemesis would also be appearing? Of course. It made sense. Even though she hadn't recognized Arizona in person the night before, she'd certainly heard of her. She was the leading female player in the game. It was a no-brainer that she'd be a member of the panel. And now Callie had to spend the morning with the primary source of her renewed self-doubt. Great. She smiled and clapped as the blonde came through the door, trying to disguise her unease.

As Arizona sat down next to Callie, she offered her a small smile. She looked about as happy to see Callie as Callie herself felt. Good, Callie thought. Let her feel a little surprised and uneasy too. That's right, you cocky jerk. Callie Torres is good enough to be here too. You're not the only one with some skills. Callie shot Arizona a confident smirk, showing none of the fear and doubt that were warring within her.

The panel discussion got underway and at the beginning was fairly non-eventful. Callie answered questions posed to her and offered her advice on a number of topics related to the game. She thought she was doing a decent job of covering her anxiety and the fact that all she could really think about was the blonde woman next to her. She didn't know what the hell was going on with her. It was as if Arizona was giving off this electricity, this aura, that was causing every nerve in her body to stand on end. Callie didn't know what to make of it. She kept fighting the urge to scoot closer to her, to touch her, to connect with her. It was like nothing she'd ever felt before. She was so damn confused.

The next question from the audience was addressed to Callie. A woman halfway back in the audience stood and asked her question. "Callie, what do you say to those players who don't think that internet players can make it in real live tournaments in casinos?"

Callie nodded and smiled she acknowledged the question. Slightly irked by the way that the blonde next to her was jangling her nerves, she couldn't resist answering in a way that alluded to Arizona's dig the night before regarding internet players. "Well, I think those players who shrug off internet players are just resistant to the way the game is evolving. More and more people are getting their start online and it offers you great experience. Because the dealer is a computer, the game goes much, much faster, allowing you to play many more hands an hour than you could in a live casino. Also, you can play at more than one table at once online. Not possible in a casino. This means you can get experience much faster, because you're playing more hands, learning from your mistakes more quickly and so on. I think those players who dismiss the internet aspect of the game are just old-fashioned and behind the times. There have been plenty of internet players who have won major, live tournaments and I think this trend will continue. Those who don't agree are just in denial and holding onto their antiquated notions like a security blanket." Callie smirked and shot a sideways glance at Arizona. Her sly jab did not go unnoticed.

The moderator then turned to Arizona and Teddy. "Arizona, Teddy, as players who got their start playing live at a casino, do you have a response?"

Arizona nodded. "I can handle this one, Teddy. While I do acknowledge that some internet players have had success in live games, I think that this is the exception and not the norm. Many people find a little success online and then think they're ready for the big time. They don't realize that there are certain aspects of the game that cannot be practiced online. Learning to read other players, learning to hide their own emotions, things like that. These skills can't be honed on a computer because your opponents never see your face. Not everything translates when you play face-to-face. So a lot of these internet players step away from the computer and into a casino and pretty much just hand me their money. It's pretty awesome." She shot a dimpled, passive-aggressive smile right back at Callie.

A few questions later, Arizona couldn't resist taking another backhanded shot at Callie. An audience member stood. "Arizona, you're one of my all-time favorite players. What advice do you have for women players in particular?"

Arizona smiled. "Thanks so much for the compliment. I am super thankful for all of my awesome fans. If I had one piece of advice, it would be to have confidence in yourself. You'll encounter plenty of male players who will automatically assume that you're weak, that you're stupid, that you're easily manipulated. Don't prove them right. Use this to your advantage. Use your brains and manipulate them right back. Too often, we sell ourselves short, subconsciously buying into the stereotypes about women. I've seen many a woman who thinks she's got to flirt and joke and act like the stereotypical bimbo in order to win. Not only do I think this is incredibly stupid and demeaning, but I also don't think it works in the long run. Some men will fall for this act, but the talented, smart ones won't. So remember, use your brains, not your boobs. I ran into a player like this last night – I think she's got real talent, but she must have some confidence issues, because she used this flirty tactic as a crutch. It's a shame really, that she was afraid to rely on her intelligence."

As Arizona finished her answer, Callie's cheeks began to burn with a mixture of embarrassment and anger, knowing that Arizona's words were directed at her. How dare she? Who the hell was she to be taking jabs at her? It was totally uncalled for! So what if she was at least somewhat right? . . . that Callie lacked confidence in her abilities. It was still wholly inappropriate.

Shortly thereafter, they took a break. Teddy pulled Arizona aside. "What the hell is going on, Arizona?"

"What do you mean?"

"You know very well what I mean. Something is going on. You keep taking shots at Callie and I'm not sure why. The audience may not see it, but I know you too well. You're acting like a total bitch . . . and it's not often that I . . . or anyone else for that matter, refers to Arizona Robbins as a bitch."

"She started it." Arizona mumbled, feeling a bit of remorse as Teddy's words hit home.

"What are we, in second grade? Who cares who started it? What is going on between you two?"

"I played at the same table as her last night. I beat her in a big hand and tried to give her some advice. She didn't take it well. She totally overreacted and I didn't appreciate it. End of story." Arizona said.

"Why do I have a feeling that's not the whole story?" Teddy raised her eyebrow, letting Arizona know that she wasn't going to let her off so easily.

"It just bothered me because she was selling herself short – dressing like a prostitute and flirting with anything with a penis. She doesn't need to do that."

"Tell me exactly what happened." Teddy insisted. After Arizona recounted their interaction as best she could remember, Teddy shook her head. "I don't know, Arizona. It sounds to me like you were being a bit snarky and condescending. I'd probably have reacted the same way."

Arizona shook her head in disagreement. "It still doesn't excuse the fact that she totally bit my head off just for giving her some words of wisdom."

"Remember that she'd just lost a big hand and her emotions were probably running high."

"Good players don't let their emotions get in the way. That's no excuse." Arizona waved off Teddy's explanation.

"Isn't that exactly what you're doing here? Letting your emotions rule your actions? Reading between the lines, I think you like her . . . and that bothers you."

"So not true, Teddy."

"Oh, no, it totally is true. I'm straight and even I can tell you that she's super hot. And you forget that I know you too well. You only get this way when someone gets under your skin. Attraction makes you feel out of control and you're the biggest control freak I know. When you feel like things are out of control, you react negatively. So, yeah, I'm pretty sure you have the hots for her."

"Whatever, Teddy." Arizona rolled her eyes and blushed slightly.

"Just a word of advice – patronizing and bitchy isn't exactly the best look on you. If you want a chance to win her over, you'd better play nice."

Arizona sighed, knowing deep down that Teddy was right. She'd been out of line and it was time to make amends . . . especially considering the fact that she wanted to know more about her mysterious nemesis.

Across the room, Callie stood with her friend, Mark Sloan, who was also a poker player. She'd met him playing online and he'd been the one to welcome her when she first arrived in Vegas, showing her around the city. They'd developed a strong bond online, but she'd never met him face-to-face prior to her arrival in Las Vegas. Even so, she trusted him with many of her confidences and worries.

"What are you doing here, Mark? You're not exactly a woman and if you couldn't tell, this is a program for women in poker."

"Exactly." Mark replied. "What better place to pick up chicks than a conference room full of ladies? And since they're interested in poker, naturally they'll be interested in dating a famous poker stud like me."

Callie rolled her eyes. "You are such a pig. Remind me why I associate with you?"

"Because you secretly love it." He smirked. "What's up with you and Blondie?"

"What do you mean?"

"Arizona Robbins is normally a sweetheart. She's known for being nothing but sunshine and rainbows and nice to everyone. Yet you two have been subtly going at each other all morning."

"Oh, it's nothing." Callie waved her hand in dismissal. "We just had a bit of a run in at the poker table last night. She was acting like a know-it-all and tried to give me some unsolicited advice on my poker game and I didn't appreciate it."

"Hmmmm . . ." Mark stroked his chin, pondering the information. "I've got a bit of a read on her. Like I said, normally, Arizona is just about the nicest person you'll ever meet. Don't get me wrong, she'll kill you at the poker table, but she'll do it while making you feel like you're her best friend. I've only seen her feathers ruffled a few times. Usually it's when she feels like she's threatened in some way. So something about you makes her uneasy. Maybe she has a thing for you."

His last comment took Callie by surprise. "I'm sure that's not it. What makes you say that?"

"Well first of all, she's totally gay. Likes the ladies. Secondly, she's been staring at you for the past 10 minutes." He gestured over to where Arizona was standing with Teddy. Sure enough, the blonde kept stealing glances at Callie. "You should totally hit that, if chicks are your thing. I know I would, if I stood a chance."

Callie scoffed at Mark's suggestion. "First of all, Mark, just because she acts like she hates me does not mean she likes me. We're not in elementary school. She probably acts like she hates me because she hates me. Second, I'm totally not into girls. Not even a little bit." Callie pushed aside doubts about her last comment. Just because sitting next to Arizona all morning was making her feel like she was on fire did not mean that she was attracted to her. Her nerves were just out of whack from a combination of losing the big hand the night before and the fact that she had to speak in front of the huge audience. It had nothing to do with Arizona. Nothing at all.

"Well, you'd better figure out what you want to do about her, because here she comes." He gestured towards Arizona, who was in fact making her way towards them.

Arizona smiled meekly as she approached them. "Uh . . . Callie. Can I talk to you for a minute?"

Callie nodded. "Sure."

"I want to apologize for the way that I've treated you today and last night. It was uncalled for. I don't know what came over me, but I can assure you, I don't normally act like this."

Unsure how to respond, Callie simply nodded again.

"I'd like to make it up to you. Can I take you out for coffee after this panel is done?"

Callie pondered the offer for a moment. She couldn't quite put her finger on what was bothering her, but something told her that further interaction with Arizona would be dangerous. She wasn't sure how exactly, or whether the outcome would be amazing or horrible, but something about the blonde made her nerves stand on end. She was feeling incredibly out of sorts. Finally, deciding a defensive approach was best, she shook her head. "I accept your apology, but I'm not sure we really have anything else to talk about. Maybe we should just keep our relationship for the poker tables."

Arizona was surprisingly disappointed by Callie's refusal, but didn't give up quite that easily. She had a feeling that Callie wouldn't be able to back down from a challenge or a wager of some sort. "Come on, sweetie. A little coffee never hurt anyone. How about this? Let's make a bet. We'll have Mark here pick a number between 1 and 100. We'll each pick a number and whoever comes closer to his number wins the bet. If I win, you have to have coffee with me." She smiled and flashed Callie her dimples, which suddenly made the brunette feel a little weak in the knees. Those were some killer dimples, Callie had to admit.

Callie arched her eyebrow. "And if I win?"

"I'll leave you alone . . . and promise to treat you with nothing but respect from now on."

"Fine." Callie agreed. "Mark, pick a number."

Mark nodded. He thoroughly enjoyed watching the exchange between the two women. Even if neither one of them would admit it, he could practically see the sparks flying between the two. It was hot. "Okay, got my number."

"23." Callie replied.

"I'll take 97." Arizona added.

Secretly, Mark had picked 19, which made Callie the winner. However, he wasn't about to let this little soap opera end so abruptly. "Sorry, Callie. I picked 88, so Blondie wins."

"Super!" Arizona replied in her normal perky tone. "I'll meet you at the coffee shop around the corner at 1, if that's okay, sweetie."

Callie nodded and Arizona began to walk away.

Callie called after her. "Oh and Arizona?"

Arizona turned back. "Yeah?"

"Don't call me sweetie."

Arizona shot her the dimples again and walked away.