I don't own anything…all credit goes to ABC/Shondaland

Chapter Two

Arizona's POV

Sitting on Dr. Thomas' couch, I twiddle my thumbs as I watch the trees sway lightly in the breeze through the long glass windows. Something about this office is very calming and relaxing. She probably set it up that way for a reason given her profession, nonetheless I'm at ease in here.

"Arizona, you've been quiet. Is everything alright?" Susan asks putting aside her pen and paper and leaning forward. From our first appointment she told me to call her Susan. I guess it's her way to make her clients feel more personal to her. "You're usually more talkative."

"I know, I just want to wait for Calliope to show up." I answer returning my attention to Susan.

"I'm sure she'll be here, by my count she's only five minutes late. She did say she was coming, right?"

"Yeah, we talked last night when I told her I've been going to therapy, briefly this morning and I sent her a text on my way over. We were supposed to come in together, but of course she got called to hospital. Even so, she usually lets me know if she'll be late or something. If anything a nurse will call on her behalf."

"Have you gotten any calls or texts from her yet?"

"Nope."

"Then she'll be here. Maybe it's traffic." Susan answers calmly. That's one thing I like about her. Her demeanor never wavers. Thirty more seconds of silence pass before she speaks up again. "So you told Callie last night, how did that go?"

"Pretty good actually. I think she was surprised, but that's a natural instinct. I was happy I finally told her because I don't really like keeping things from her. She agreed to come in, which was what I wanted. Our conversation got interrupted because Sofia woke up and had trouble going back to sleep, so Callie took her upstairs to get her settled. Then we just watched a movie until we both fell asleep."

"Did she have any questions?"

"A few, but I think I answered all of them."

"Well that's good." She says giving me a warm smile.

"You know, maybe I should call the hospital and make sure she didn't get pulled into a long sur—" A knock on the door ends my thought as Susan gets up to answer the door.

"Hi, I'm so sorry I'm late. Ran a little longer than I expected at the hospital. I'm Callie." She offers her hand to Susan who readily accepts it.

"Not a problem at all, welcome Callie. I'm Susan. Please come in." I stand up as my wife walks in throwing me a sympathetic smile before placing a peck on my lips.

"I'm so sorry, Arizona." She whispers in my ear while embracing me in a hug.

"It's okay, I'm just glad you're here." I reassure her. She takes a seat on the couch next to me as Susan reclaims her spot in her chair in front of us.

"Well, now that we have everyone here we can start. First off Callie it's a pleasure to meet you. Arizona has told me so much about you and your wonderful kids. It's nice to put a face to a name."

"Thanks, I hope it's been all good things she's told you." My wife replies with a nervous chuckle.

"Arizona has nothing but nice words for you. I'm glad you decided to come in. I suggested Arizona bring you in for at least one session. If nothing else just to meet me and answer any questions you may have. Arizona told me she told you last night about her decision to come see me, how did that make you feel?" Callie looks to me and I give her a reassuring nod.

"Um, it definitely caught me by surprise. A part of me felt bad because I thought she was fine this entire time, but obviously something made her turn to therapy as some sort of outlet." Before I can interject, Susan speaks up.

"First me let me assure you that your wife is perfectly fine." She starts, making eye contact with me. "Nothing is wrong with Arizona. People see me for a wide range of reasons. Some dealing with heavy issues and others just to talk for an hour each week. Sometimes people just want someone to listen. Not saying that you don't listen to Arizona, but each person has their own reasons."

"I understand. If you don't mind me asking what do you guys talk about?"

"Arizona, would you like to tell her?"

"Sure." I say turning my attention to Callie. "We talk about different things. You, me, the kids, work, my parents and Tim. Whatever is on my mind I guess. Last week we talked about babies."

"Babies?" She questions raising an arched eyebrow.

"About maybe having another kid." I say looking at Susan again for her input.

"Arizona mentioned to me that you two talked about having another kid. You all went on a family vacation to California and had a conversation about it."

"Uh yeah, it came up. We actually talked about it again yesterday."

"And what are your thoughts about it?"

"I'm excited. I think we both are. I got a little sidetracked, but I'm ready." Callie answers sincerely. "She's a great mom. I know she had some doubts, but she's amazing with Sofia and Noah. She knows which toys to bring in the car for the kids to play with if we're going on a long drive. She knows Noah's favorite episode of Sesame Street and Sofia's favorite leotard to wear to dance class even though they are all pink. She knows everything there is to know about them and does it all while looking incredibly sexy." Callie finishes, making me blush in the process. "I didn't think I could love her even more, but seeing her with the kids amazes me everyday. From being gracious, kind, loving, and completely understanding with Sofia to protecting and growing our son and bringing him into this world. I would love nothing more than to have another kid with Arizona."

"That was very sweet of you, Calliope." I whisper to her, giving her a kiss on the cheek.

"I gotta say, Callie. I think some of my clients would love to hear their spouses talk about them like that." Susan says gaining our attention again.

"I meant every word. I don't think I say it enough to her. I probably take for granted everything she does, but it doesn't go unnoticed."

"It's funny you say that cause Arizona has said similar things about you. I think both of you understand and appreciate what the other does for each other and the family. It doesn't have to be said all the time, but it is nice to hear every now and then."

"Is this what couple's therapy feels like?" Callie asks with a soft laugh.

"It can." Susan answers with a chuckle herself. "From what it looks like you two get along. Is there anything you want to bring up? Some people feel having a third party present makes it easier to talk."

"I don't know…" Callie says apprehensively. "Do you have something, babe?"

"I mean I brought up your busy schedule at an earlier session."

"What about it?" She asks serenely.

"Well we've had discussions about it over the years and I know you try to be home as much as you can, but I still feel like the hospital takes you away from us. I've just gotten to a place where there's nothing I can do about it. I know you're trying and that's enough for me."

"Do you feel you're home enough, Callie?"

"I think so. My schedule just isn't as consistent as Arizona's. She gets summers off and is home by four each day with the exception of the occasional late meeting. Sometimes I have to leave in the middle of the night or I'll get home after the kids have gone to bed, but it's never intentional."

"And I know that, but it doesn't make it easier. I've gotten used to it. Sometimes she'll go weeks with being home by five or six, other times I've got to go the hospital and pick up Noah while she continues to work. I'm not mad about it, but do I wish she were home every night at six for family dinner? Of course."

"I'm sorry, Arizona."

"You don't have to apologize, I'm just saying getting interrupted by your pager during sex isn't fun for anyone."

"Arizona." Callie states slightly embarrassed.

"Don't worry about it, Callie. From what Arizona has told me intimacy doesn't seem to be an issue for you two."

"Really, babe?" Calliope questions.

"I didn't say much." I shrug.

"It's really okay. So, we've heard from Arizona about your schedule. Is there anything you want to bring up now, Callie?"

"The only thing I can think of is her shopping. It doesn't bother me, but I've noticed it's increased a lot. I guess I'd just like to know why."

"Arizona has mentioned to me that she enjoys shopping in her free time. Seems like a normal hobby for anyone. Is there something more to it?" Susan asks looking at me.

"I don't know. Who doesn't love a little retail therapy?"

"Arizona, it's more than just a little." Callie quips.

"Look, it's just my thing. We all have our own things we like to do."

"I know, but it just started randomly. You used to only shop occasionally and now it's multiple times a month."

"Is it causing a strain financially?" Susan interjects.

"No." We answer at the same time.

"We're pretty good on the money front, it's just now I'm finding clothes in the back of the kids closets with the tags still on them. It just seems excessive." Callie states. She's trying to remain calm, but I can tell it's bothering her some.

"Arizona, is there a reason why you turned to shopping or did something happen that made you turn to shopping?" My psychologist questions. I recall my first big shopping trip that started it all. It was after a very stressful day and I needed an escape. Callie is right, I only used to shop when I need too, but now it's just become a habit. I don't think it's out of control, but it's clearly something that's developed over the past months.

Flashback – about a year ago

Today was supposed to be a fun, productive day. Callie had to go in early for a surgery and said she would be back by mid afternoon and promised to bring home ingredients to make a cake. Something the kids love to do with her. Sof and Noah were supposed to have a fun day around the house while I caught up on the laundry and got the house in order. We're so busy during the week that Callie and I use at least half the day on the weekend to clean up. With two young kids things always get out of place. Unfortunately my day did not go as planned.

It's three o'clock in the afternoon and the house is still a mess, Callie isn't home and the kids have been all over the place today.

"Mommy! Mommy! Come look at me!" Sofia shouts. She's in the basement with me while I try and fix this damn washer machine. My laundry day took a turn for the worse when the machine decided not to work today and I have no reason why.

"One sec, sweetie." I call back. She's been practicing her dance moves, but I just haven't been able to pay that much attention at the moment.

"Mommyyy! Please!"

"Okay, okay, I'm coming." I reply leaving the laundry room and walking back to my daughter who's dancing right in front of the television. "Show me your moves, big girl." As soon as she starts, Noah's cry though the monitor alerts me that he's up from his nap.

"One sec, let me go get your brother."

"Mommyyyyy." She whines putting her little hands on her hips.

"Sof, cool it on the whining, please. Let me go get your brother so we can both watch you." I say as Noah's cries get louder and louder. "How about you come up to the kitchen and take a little break. You've been dancing for a while down here."

"Okay." She says taking my hand and walking up the stairs with me. Sof stays in the kitchen while I run up and get Noah from his room.

"Hey big guy. How was your sleep?" I ask picking up a wide-awake Noah and placing him on my hip as we walk back downstairs, kicking toys out the way in the process. "Did you have a good dream?"

"Uh-huh."

"Good, let's get your sister something to drink and then we can watch her dance."

"Kay."

"Hi NoNo!" Sof greets as we enter the kitchen.

"Hey Sof…mommy I gotta potty."

"Now?" He nods his head up and down aggressively. "Alright, you go into the bathroom, I'll be right there." I say putting him down as he scampers off. "Sof, what you want to drink, big girl?" I ask lifting her on the countertop.

"Apple juice!"

"Apple juice coming right up!"

"In a big girl cup!" Sometimes Callie and I let Sofia drink out of a "big girl cup" which is really just anything besides her usual plastic cups.

"Can you handle a big girl cup on your own?" I ask pouring her juice.

"Mhmmm. I use both hands to hold it." She says wavering her hands around.

"Okay, you drink up while I go help your brother in the bathroom."

"Okay." She says as she readily accepts her cup. "When will mama be home?"

"Soon Sof, real soon." Walking into the bathroom and I see Noah has stripped down to his underwear and standing on the little stepstool by the toilet. "Ready big guy?"

"Mhmmm." The next second I hear glass hit the floor and shatter. Five seconds later Sof starts to wail. "Shit." I mumble under my breath. Running back into the kitchen I see tears streaming down my daughters face and she looks at the mess she made on the floor.

"I'm sorrryyyy mommyyy. I'm sorrryyyyy."

"Shhh, shhhhh, shhh. It's alright Sof. It was an accident." I say trying to comfort her. "Stay right here. I'm gonna go get a broom." Stepping out the kitchen real quick, I look to the nearest closet for the broom.

"Noah, no!" Sofia yells.

"Fuck." I whisper to myself.

"Mommmyyyyy!" Sof shouts.

"Coming!" I answer running back into the kitchen.

"Owwwwww!" Noah cries pointing to his foot. He stepped on a piece of glass and I see some blood drip as he picks up his foot. Sofia's cries have turned into hiccups, as she see's her brother in pain. I quickly pick up Noah and carry him into the room and plop him on the couch while I search get the first-aid kit.

"Sof, stay right there! Don't jump down." I warn as I tend to my son. "It's gonna be okay, buddy. Just a little boo-boo. I'll put a Band-Aid on it and you'll be all better."

"It hurtsssss!"

"I know it does sweetie. I'm so sorry." My phone vibrates in my back pocket and I quickly pull it out thinking it's Callie but it turns out it's my mom. "Here, hold my phone while we talk to Grandma." I say passing him the phone to hopefully distract him and putting it on speaker.

"Hey mom. I can't really talk right—"

"Arizona, I'm in the hospital with your brother."

"What?! What happened?" I ask frantically.

"He got in an accident."

"It's minor sis, mom is overreacting." I hear Tim call out in the back. "Barely a scratch."

"He was driving too fast. They had to put him in an ambulance. The hospital called me in the middle of book club."

"Is he alright?"

"I'll be fine. I'm waiting to get discharged." Tim calls out again.

"Mommyyyy! I'm thirstyyy!" Sofia shouts from the kitchen.

"It still hurts, mommy." Noah states, wincing in pain.

"Is that my Noah? What happened?"

"Just a cut. Ma, I gotta go. Tell Tim to call me later." As much as I'm concerned about my brother it seems not to a big deal and I honestly don't need any more distractions right now. I need a second to breathe and I can't even do that right now. I finish cleaning up Noah's cut and take him to the bathroom.

"Mommmyyyy. I'm thirsty."

"I know you are, but just one sec. I need to take your brother to the bathroom." The last thing I need is Noah making an accident. Sofia continues to scream as I close the bathroom door and help Noah. Sofia's screams soon turn into cheers as I hear the front door open and close and Callie tends to Sofia.

"Arizona?!" Callie calls out.

"In the bathroom with Noah." I reply. Once Noah finishes and we wash his hands we go back into the kitchen where Sofia is happily perched on Callie's hip drinking out of a plastic cup.

"What the hell happened?" She asks looking around. She notices Noah's reddened cheeks, the glass on the floor and my disheveled look.

"You're late."

"I know. I texted you saying I would be. Why is there glass on the floor?"

"Sofia dropped a glass and Noah stepped on a piece."

"Is he alright?"

"He's fine. Can you take him please?" I demand more than ask as I pass him off.

"Sure." She says holding both kids in her arms. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fucking fantastic." I answer dryly and sarcastically.

"Mommy said a bad word!" Sof swiftly points out.

"It's alright, Sof." Callie quickly answers as she notices my fatigued demeanor.

"Mommy's a little tired. Let's give her a break." Leaving her with the kids I make my way upstairs. I lie down in the middle of the bed and let out a huge sigh of relief. I almost want to cry, but I hold back tears. My phone vibrates again alerting me of an email. I notice that Callie did text me an hour ago notifying me she would be late. I close my eyes and try to compose myself. Today was one of the roughest days I've had with the kids. I love them to death, but sometimes it just feels like I can't do it. I'm mad at myself more than anything.

"Babe, what happened today?" Callie asks walking into the room.

"Where are the kids?"

"Watching something on tv. I told them we'll bake a cake later and that seemed to satisfy them."

"The washer machine is broken and my brother is in the hospital."

"Okay…" She starts softly as she takes a sit on the bed. "Is he alright?"

"He's fine."

"What happened to the washer?"

"I don't fucking know, Callie. It just isn't working." I spit out more forcefully then I intend.

"Okay, I'll figure it out. Are you okay?"

"I just need to get out of the house. I just need to go." Sitting up, I put on my shoes and grab my bag.

"Take all the time you need." She says getting up. "Love you."

"Love you too." Within five minutes I'm out the house and in my car. I know Teddy is out of town with Henry and it's too early in the day to go drinking. After driving around for half an hour I end up at the mall. As I browse the stores I see some clothes that I know Sofia and Noah would love. I'm not mad at them at all, they are just kids after all, but today I was overwhelmed. I end up spending three hours in the mall and buying numerous outfits before returning home. Of course when I walk in the house smells like one of Callie's home cooked meals, a freshly iced cake is sitting on the counter and the kids and my wife are sitting around the table eating and smiling. Callie smiles when she sees me and gets up from the table.

"You're right, the washer is broken. I'll call someone Monday to have them come fix it. The kids and I baked a cake that we would love for you to try and you can rest for the night. I'll clean up and get the kids in bed." She says before giving me a kiss.

"Thank you." I state with a smile. "I'm gonna run these bags upstairs and I'll be right down."

End flashback.

"So you had a rough day and turned to some retail therapy. That's perfectly fine. But it seems you've kept up the habit." Susan points out.

"I have. It's just something I like to do now. It takes my mind off things. Does it bother you?" I ask turning to my wife.

"No, well a little bit, but only because I find bags of clothes around the house. I would only suggest maybe not buying everything, or buy something for you. Noah and Sof will be okay. I just didn't know why it started. You never told me. I remember that day clearly. I guess I just never connected the two. Look, I get it. Sometimes it seems like there are ten of them. I mean when you were at that conference a couple months ago I broke down."

"What happened?"

"Just lots of running around and being all over the place. I couldn't contain them. After I finally got them to sleep I curled up with a bowl of ice cream and called Addison crying. I told her I was a terrible mom and how I needed you."

"Callie I called you that night. You didn't say anything."

"Of course I didn't. I didn't want you to worry. You were coming home the next day and the kids were perfectly fine, they just got the best of me."

"So it looks like you both had your hard days with the kids and that's totally normal. Adding another one to the mix will be challenging, but also exciting for your family." Susan mentions.

"I'm looking forward to it." Callie says with a smile.

"I'm happy for you two. It looks like our time is up, but I think both of you for coming in. It was nice to meet you, Callie." She says standing up and shaking my wife's hand. "And I'll see you next week Arizona."

"Thank you." I mention as we exit. I feel good about the session. "That was good, right?" I ask turning to Callie.

"Yeah, it wasn't as bad as I thought."

"See, I told you." I tease.

"Yeah, yeah. Meet you at home?"

"I'm right behind you."

Twenty minutes later Callie and I both arrive home to relieve Teddy of her duties.

"You're kids are awesome, cute little angels. We had a good time." Teddy says as she gathers her things. "And you're welcome."

"For what?" Callie asks.

"They are both napping." She throws us a wink as she exits the front door. We plop ourselves on the couch in the living room and kick our feet up on the end table.

"I like your doctor. She's nice."

"She is."

"How long do you think you're going to keep seeing her?"

"I don't know. She just gives me a safe space to vent. Not that I don't feel comfortable around you, but it's just different."

"I get it. You know I'm always here."

"I know, babe. And I love you for that." We lock eyes and I lean into give her a kiss.

"So, I was late today because something happened at the hospital."

"If it's gruesome I don't wanna know."

"It's not, I promise. The Chief called me in for a meeting." That sparks my interest so I sit up and give her my full attention.

"And…."

"And…I got the promotion!" She says cracking a wide smile. "You're looking at the new Head of Orthopedics at Seattle Grace!"

"Calliope! That's amazing!" I enthusiastically reply. "Not only am I looking at the new head of ortho, I'm married to her! I'm extremely proud of you, babe."

"Thank you. I mean we all knew it was coming, but it was nice to hear it from the Chief."

"So what does all of this mean? How will things change?"

"Not that much, really. I mean my old boss already had one foot out the door. I've basically been doing everything, but I'll have to show my face at more meetings. It's mostly more paperwork. I know we just talked about adding another kid and my schedule, but I'll figure something out. It might not be easy, but we can make it work."

"I know we can."

"And the best part is I even get my own office." She grins.

"It's about damn time."

"It gets even better."

"Let me guess. Your own closer, personal parking spot?"

"Well yeah, but that wasn't what I was going to say."

"Oh, well tell me, tell me!" I plead giddily.

"I made an appointment with the doctor to start the hormone shot process."

"You did?!" That really catches me off guard. I thought we'd have another conversation or something, but I'm happy nonetheless.

"I did."

"So we're really doing this, huh?"

"We really are."

Thanks for reading!

AN: thanks for the kind words/comments. And again thanks to musicforsoul for helping me out.