So you're scared, you don't think you're ready yet / we'll take it slow, I'll walk with you on the edge / paint the colors on top of the sunset / I can do this all for you
-avalanche, fletcher
"You can't possibly not have a favorite color!" Arizona protested with a whine. "I have like five!" After the dance, Callie had taken Arizona to a 24 hour diner about 10 minutes away from school. It wasn't a super big deal, but they were able to talk without anyone around them, which felt really nice.
"Does black count?" Callie wondered, smirking at the blonde.
"No way! It has to be a happy color," she explained with a laugh. "My top 3 are yellow, lavender, and aqua blue."
"Mine is literally just black," Callie laughed. She heard their number called for the food and stood up to get it. She returned a minute later, handing Arizona her bag of food and strawberry milkshake. "Or dark blue," she shrugged.
"Dark blue is nice, I'll give you that," Arizona laughed. "What about food? Please tell me your taste in food isn't as bland as your favorite colors."
The raven-haired girl rolled her eyes at that. "I'm Hispanic, my family makes the greatest food ever."
"Really?" Arizona asked excitedly. "You'll have to let me try it sometime!"
"Okay," Callie laughed.
"Where's your family from?" Arizona asked.
"The pacific coast of Mexico," Callie replied. "I'm from there too, we moved here when I was a baby."
"That's so cool!" Arizona said. "Have you been back there?"
"Not since I was 8," Callie shrugged. "What's been your favorite place to live?" She asked.
"Fort Hamilton in New York," Arizona answered without much thought. "I was in going into 8th grade and Tim was going into 10th and our parents let us explore the city all summer." It was the first summer she had felt somewhat like herself again and remembered how it felt to run around the city with her older brother. This year was the first time since then that she had felt that way.
"That's so cool," Callie smiled. "What's been the worst?"
"Camp Cody in New Mexico," Arizona sighed. "I didn't have any friends there and that was when I had the...leg thing."
"Hey, I'm not going anywhere," Callie said, taking Arizona's hand in hers. "If you want to talk about it, then that's great, but if you don't, then that's okay too."
"I want to tell you some things," Arizona sighed. "Just not all of them...yet."
"I understand," Callie said seriously.
"I trust you with everything in me, Calliope," Arizona said, her eyes wide and trying not to well up with tears, "I'm just not sure I'm ready to think about every detail of those days."
"Take your time," Callie replied.
"Thank you," Arizona whispered, wiping the tears before they fell.
Callie nodded, taking a bite of her hot dog. "Trust me, everyone has things about themselves they don't like to talk about."
"Except you, you're perfect," Arizona cracked a small smile at the taller girl.
Callie scoffed at that. "That's not true. I'm not a pretty blonde with bright blue eyes and a magical smile. I don't share a name with the hottest state in this country, and I'm not wearing a really hot mini dress."
Arizona rolled her eyes with a laugh as she took a sip of her milkshake. "You've got the most magical smile, Calliope Torres. And you have beautiful eyes and you look hot in basically anything you wear, even the ugly school uniforms." Callie laughed at that and slowly leaned forward to peck Arizona on the lips. "You know I thought only the first kiss would be so magical but this one is just as awesome. I really like kissing you." She hadn't realized she was rambling until Callie's lips were on hers for another few seconds.
"I like kissing you too," Callie laughed with a soft smile.
Arizona yawned and stood up, joining Callie on the other side of the booth before resting her head on the taller girl's shoulder. "This night has been the best."
"I'm glad," Callie smiled. "Do you want to head home?"
"Just a few more minutes," Arizona said. "I like being close to you." Being so close to Callie felt like home. Even though she had lived in so many different places, Seattle was really the only one that felt right to her. It felt like she belonged there.
Callie nodded with a smile, continuing to eat her fries as Arizona rested her head on her shoulder. They sat there for a few more minutes before Arizona stood up. "Are you ready?"
"Yeah," Callie replied, putting the bags on their tray to dispose of on the way out. "I don't want this night to end," she admitted softly. "It's been great."
Arizona nodded in agreement, linking hands with Callie as they walked back out to the car. "This was my first homecoming."
"Really?" Callie asked incredulously. "I just assumed a girl as pretty as you was asked to homecoming every year."
Arizona laughed at that. "I was asked last year but I said no," she shrugged. "You're the first girl that's been so kind to me and made me feel special. It just didn't feel right last year."
"I'm very glad I got to make your first homecoming magical," Callie smiled. She put the music on low when they got in the car and pulled out of the parking space.
"Me too," Arizona agreed. "Thank you, Callie," she said seriously. "I know I've said that like a thousand times today but you've made me so happy tonight and there haven't been a lot of people in my life willing to do that for me."
"You deserve it," Callie shrugged. They drove in mostly silence for a few minutes until they got to Arizona's house. They got out of the car and Callie walked Arizona up to the door. "Thanks for letting me take you out tonight," Callie said, wrapping her arms around the blonde.
"Calliope," Arizona whispered, pulling away from the hug, "can you stay?"
Callie nodded quickly and Arizona let out the breath she had been holding. "Should I go home and get clothes?"
"No, just wear mine," Arizona shrugged, leading Callie inside. "I think my parents are asleep," she whispered as the two of them walked upstairs. She took a deep breath and opened her bedroom door.
"It's yellow," Callie smiled. "I love it, it's just like you." She took a look around the room and smiled as she realized that this was Arizona's place. Her sanctuary, where she was allowed to be entirely herself. She had a pride flag hung up on the back wall and photos she had taken were scattered around the walls of the room. An entire wall was devoted to posters and pictures of various movies, tv shows, and singers, and she had a pink and blue bedspread. Her desk, which doubled as a makeup vanity had some water color paintings framed on it along with an empty coffee mug and her MacBook. There was a chandelier hung from the ceiling and fairy lights hung around the room. It was beautiful and neat and cute; just like Arizona.
"Thanks, I painted it myself," she laughed. The blonde opened her dresser drawer and pulled out 2 pairs of sweatpants and 2 t-shirts. "I'll let you get changed in the bathroom," she said, leading the girl to her bathroom.
"You have a connecting bathroom?" Callie asked incredulously. "You're so lucky."
"There's 2 master bedrooms in this house, it's crazy," Arizona laughed. "Tim let me have it since he wouldn't be home very often anyway."
Callie walked in and took a look around. The bathroom was also very Arizona-like. It was colorful yet clean and she could tell how much the blonde cared about keeping it nice. There was a jacuzzi bathtub and a shower which housed a shower bench, and a pair of crutches were leaning against the shower door. She was snapped out of her thoughts when Arizona handed her a bottle of face wash. "I figure you want to wash your makeup off. I'll go get you a washcloth." She disappeared to the line closet just outside the bathroom and came back a minute later. "You can shower if you want. I mean I'll probably wait until the morning but if you want to that's fine."
"I'll just wait until tomorrow," Callie shrugged. "Thanks."
"No problem," Arizona smiled, walking out of the bathroom and closing the door. Callie was quick to change out of her dress and slipped on the pajamas Arizona gave her. She took off her makeup and washed her face before knocking on the door. "Arizona, you changed?"
"Yep," Arizona replied. "I'm gonna go downstairs and get some water. You want any?"
"Sure," Callie replied. She sent a quick text to her aunt saying that she'd be home in the morning and sat down on the edge of the bed, not sure which side she'd be on.
Arizona returned a minute later and sat the glasses down on the nightstand. "Which side do you want?"
"I'll take your right," Callie shrugged. "Unless you'd rather sleep on the right."
"I sleep in the middle," Arizona shrugged with a laugh after she took a sip of water and laid down.
Callie laid down after Arizona and stroked the girl's hair. "Arizona, I know you don't sleep with your prosthetic on," she said seriously.
The blonde sighed and turned towards the brunette. "I don't want to make you uncomfortable. And I don't know, it just doesn't make me feel good being around people without my leg on."
"You could never make me uncomfortable," Callie said seriously. "You're sore and you'd be more comfortable without it."
"Can you turn the other way? Just for a second?" she asked hesitantly. "I'm sorry."
"Don't apologize, it's okay," Callie said, rolling over on the bed so she was facing the wall. She heard Arizona moving around for a few seconds before she felt a gentle hand on her shoulder. "You done?"
"Yeah," Arizona replied. "This isn't weird for you? Any of it?"
"You're my best friend, of course not," Callie said, gently running her hand up and down Arizona's arm.
"Okay," she replied tiredly as she rolled over.
Callie followed and wrapped her arms around the blonde. "I like being close to you."
"Me too," Arizona yawned. "You tired?"
"Very," Callie laughed. "Like on the verge of falling asleep."
"Mhm," Arizona hummed in agreement. "Callie, what are we now?" She asked softly.
"Girlfriends...I don't know," the brunette said tiredly. "Can we think about it in the morning? I just want to sleep."
"Okay," Arizona agreed, somewhat satisfied with her answer. "Night Callie."
"Goodnight Arizona," Callie smiled. This had been one of the best nights of her life.
Callie woke up the morning and she realized Arizona wasn't next to her anymore. She heard water running in the bathroom and figured the girl was showering. She pulled her phone off the charger and dialed her aunt's number.
"Hey tía," she smiled once the woman picked up.
"Hi mija," she replied happily. "How was your night?"
"It was good, I'll probably be back in an hour or so," she shrugged. "I promised Arizona some good Mexican food and I think I'm ready for her to meet you and the boys."
"Okay," Elena agreed. "I'll go out to the store when you get back, sound good?"
"Yep," Callie agreed. "Thanks tía."
"No problem honey, I'll see you when you get back."
"Yep," Callie said before hanging up. She laid in Arizona's bed scrolling through various apps on her phone before the blonde appeared back in the bedroom, her hair wrapped in a towel.
"Hey," she smiled. "Sorry I kept you waiting."
"It's okay," Callie replied, smiling at the blonde. "You look nice."
"Thanks," she laughed shyly. She was wearing a yellow off the shoulder top with light blue skinny jeans.
"So I was hoping you'd want to come over to my place for lunch? We're having tacos."
"Sure!" Arizona said excitedly. "What time?"
"We can just head over there whenever," Callie shrugged.
"Okay," Arizona replied, sitting down on the edge of the bed next to Callie. "I know I asked last night, but what are we?" She asked.
"I'd really like to call you my girlfriend," Callie shrugged, taking Arizona's hand.
"Me too," Arizona admitted with a smile. "Can I be honest with you?"
"Of course," Callie said quickly.
"I really really really want to be your girlfriend but I feel a little hesitant because of Mark. And I trust you and I know you'd never cheat on me but I don't trust him and I don't like the way he talks to you so can you please have a conversation with Mark about boundaries?" Arizona asked, slightly out of breath from her rambling. She had many strong and negative opinions about Mark, but she knew that Callie and him were best friends and didn't want to get in the middle of them.
"Yeah, I was gonna talk to him about it later," Callie said nonchalantly. "I know how you feel about him, I'll make sure he knows where he stands."
"Thank you," Arizona said genuinely. "You're the first girl that I've really felt good about. I just want to make sure it stays that way."
"It will," Callie said, squeezing her hand for reassurance. "Mark seems like a dick, but he's really kind of okay when you get to know him. He's good blood, trust me."
"Okay," Arizona said in relief. "Let's go see what my mom made for breakfast."
The two of them walked downstairs and Barbara was downstairs cutting up fruit. "Good morning girls," she smiled. "How was homecoming?"
"It was great!" Arizona said excitedly. "Hey mom, Callie and I actually have something to tell you…" she started with a smile. "We're dating."
"Oh that's wonderful!" The woman smiled, wrapping both of them in a hug. "I'm so happy for you girls."
"Thanks Mrs. Robbins," Callie smiled.
"I'm actually gonna go to Callie's with her in a little while, I'm gonna meet her family," Arizona smiled excitedly.
"That's awesome," Barbara smiled. "Callie do you eat scrambled eggs? And bacon?"
"Yes," Callie replied.
"Okay, breakfast will be ready in about 10 minutes then," she replied. "There's coffee in the pot if either of you want any."
"I assume you want some?" Arizona asked and Callie nodded with a laugh. She poured 2 cups and handed one of them to Callie. "We've got flavored cream, half and half, and sugar."
"Just half and half and sugar is good," Callie replied.
Arizona handed her the sugar and the half and half and waited for Callie to finish before she poured her own. "Let's go watch tv."
They walked into the living room and Arizona sat down on the couch, sliding closer to her girlfriend. "You don't mind ESPN do you?"
"I'm not big on sports other than softball but I like seeing you excited about things," Callie smiled, resting her head on the blonde's shoulder.
"Basketball is my main interest but I love baseball and softball and soccer too," Arizona explained with a laugh. "I used to play in Tacoma but I haven't found a team here yet," she sighed.
"You should try out for school!" Callie said excitedly. "Mark is close with the coach, I'm sure he could get you a spot in tryouts."
"No, Callie," Arizona said sadly. "I mean a team for kids with different abilities. Probably a wheelchair team." She missed playing on her feet so much and wished she still could, but she still had pain in her leg when she ran for a long time.
"But you don't use a wheelchair," Callie said, trying to put two and two together.
"Well most of the time they don't have teams specifically for amputees, so they usually just do wheelchair basketball for kids who either have spinal injuries or are amputees," she shrugged. "I know it's probably weird for you and you probably won't want to see me play-"
"I want more than anything to see you play basketball," Callie said seriously. "That's amazing, Arizona."
"Thanks," the blonde said shyly. "I hope I can find a team because I really like playing."
"I'll help you find something," Callie replied. "That's how I am with softball. I wouldn't be able to give it up for anything."
"Do you play for school?"
"Not anymore, it got really expensive and the coaching staff sucked so I play rec in the summer."
"Oh okay," Arizona replied. "Basketball has been my thing since I was a little kid and I wasn't gonna give it up over an injury, even one that was so awful."
"I completely understand," Callie replied. "That's really awesome though, I'd love to come to your games if we can find you a team."
"Thanks," Arizona smiled.
"I need to tell you something," Callie said hesitantly as she climbed into the driver's seat. "And it's a big deal and I lied to you for a long time because I was too scared to admit it but…"
"What is it?" Arizona asked. "Callie I'm right here, I promise you I won't get angry."
"I live with my aunt," Callie whispered. "I have for the last 2 years."
"Okay," Arizona replied. "Do you want to talk about it?"
Callie nodded, trying to avoid the tears she knew were coming. "I came out at the start of freshman year and my dad was pretty angry but my mom kicked me out and told me that I was going to hell amongst a lot of other nasty things about how God hates me that I don't feel like saying out loud and so I moved in with my aunt," she explained quickly.
"Oh Calliope," Arizona said sadly, wrapping her arms around the girl.
"Don't hug me," Callie said, pulling away. "Because then I'll cry and I don't want to cry right now."
"Okay," Arizona said in understanding.
"I haven't seen my sister since she was one years old and I haven't talked to either of my parents since I left," she said, wiping her eyes.
"You could've told me, you know?" Arizona said seriously.
"I know, but you have such a perfect family and I didn't want to make you feel like you couldn't talk about them. I've only met your mom but she's so nice and you're so...perfect," Callie whispered.
"That's funny because I thought you were perfect," Arizona laughed. "I'm really relieved to see you have your problems too."
"Yeah that's my big secret or whatever," Callie said with a bitter laugh. "I'm sorry I lied to you, it's just really hard to talk about."
"It's okay, I understand," Arizona replied. "I can't wait to meet your aunt."
"And my cousins, Issac and Marco," Callie laughed. "Issac just turned 11 and Marco is almost 4."
"Aww, that's so cool that you get to be so close with them though," Arizona said sweetly. They pulled into the driveway and the two of them got out of the car before walking inside.
"Tía?" Callie called, realizing no one was around.
"I'm in the basement, honey," Elena replied.
"I'll be right back," Callie said, running downstairs to greet her aunt. "Hey, Arizona's here," she said excitedly, a nervous smile on her face.
"That's wonderful! I can't wait to meet her," Elena said, standing up from the couch. "Boys, come meet your cousin's friend," she said, pausing whatever show they were watching.
"Guys wait," Callie said, tugging on her aunt's arm. "Please don't mention her leg. And also she's my girlfriend."
"What about her leg?" Issac asked.
"She's got a prosthetic because she had to get her leg amputated," Callie explained. "And she doesn't like to talk about it so don't mention it."
"Girlfriend?" Elena asked with a huge smile and Callie nodded excitedly.
They walked upstairs and Callie ran ahead of them so she could be next to her girlfriend. "Tía, this is my girlfriend Arizona," she said with a proud smile. "Arizona, this is my aunt Elena, and my cousins Issac and Marco."
"Hi," Arizona smiled, shaking the boys' hands before Elena wrapped her in a hug.
"It's so great to meet you, mija," she said happily. "Calliope's gone on about you for weeks, I'm so happy you two started dating."
"Aww thank you," Arizona smiled.
"Callie, I'm gonna head to the store now," Elena said, slipping on her sandals. "Just keep an eye on the boys, I'm sure they'll be fine."
"Okay," Callie replied. "Thanks tía."
After she left, the boys went back downstairs to play video game and Callie took Arizona up to her room to show her around. "Do you guys speak Spanish around the house?" Arizona asked.
"Not really, just occasional words here and there," Callie shrugged. "My room is small and I share a bathroom with 2 little boys so prepare yourself," she laughed as she opened the door.
"It's cute," Arizona smiled as they walked in. The room was painted dark blue, and it had a queen sized bed and a small desk in the corner. She also had a tv mounted on the wall and a few band posters scattered throughout the room.
"It's small but I'm glad to have it," Callie shrugged with a laugh. "It was a guest room but Elena painted it and made it nice for me."
"I love it Callie, it's what I pictured it would be," Arizona said, kissing her on the cheek.
"Do you mind if I grab a quick shower?" Callie asked.
"Go ahead," Arizona shrugged.
"Okay," Callie replied. "Just make yourself comfortable, I'll be done soon."
Arizona nodded and wandered over to the books stacked on Callie's desk before picking out one she thought might be interesting. "Hey Cal? Can I read one of your books?" She asked, knocking on the bathroom door.
"Yeah of course," Callie laughed.
"Thanks!" She called, walking back into Callie's bedroom and relaxing on the bed. She got a little ways into it until the brunette came back into the room wearing blue cutoff shorts, a black t-shirt and her down curly. "You look hot," Arizona smiled as she sat up, kissing her girlfriend on the passing.
"It's hot out, I don't know how you're not dying in jeans," Callie laughed.
"Oh I don't wear shorts, not unless I have to," Arizona said with a laugh. "But god, your legs are so sexy."
"Yours are too," Callie said seriously, sitting down next to the blonde. "You can borrow that book if you want, you can even keep it," she laughed.
"I think I might take you up on that, I like it so far," Arizona replied. "Let's go hang out with your little cousins," she said, standing up from the bed. "What do they like to do?"
"Mostly video games, and wrestling," Callie laughed.
"I can handle video games but I think I'll pass on the wrestling," Arizona said with a laugh. "I love your family so much, Calliope."
"Thanks," Callie said, relief evident in her voice. She was so glad to know Arizona was supportive of her even after she had learned what happened.
"It's late Callie, what do you need," Mark asked tiredly after answering his phone.
"I need to stop having sex with you," Callie said quickly. "And shut up, it's only 9:30."
"Why?" Mark wondered. "Because of Arizona?"
"Yeah," the brunette said happily. "We started dating and she asked me to talk to you because she really doesn't want to hate you but she doesn't want you sleeping with me," she explained. "And plus she's my girl now and I'm not going to cheat on her with you, or anyone for that matter."
"I get it," Mark said seriously. "Callie don't worry about it." He didn't understand why she was so worked up about this.
"Thank you," Callie said softly. "Because I really like her and I don't want to screw it up like I did with Erica."
"We both learned from that, I still feel guilty," Mark admitted.
"Don't worry, I wouldn't have dated Erica if I'd known she was biphobic," Callie shrugged. "I gotta go but thanks, Mark. It means a lot that you understand."
"Of course," Mark replied. "Goodnight Callie."
"Goodnight Mark," Callie laughed down the line, hanging up afterwards. She put her phone down and texted Arizona explaining what Mark had said. She felt so good being in a stable relationship. She was finally truly happy for the first time in over a year.
A/N: I really hope this chapter makes you hate Mark a little bit less because he really does have respect for Callie and cares a lot about what she wants. Can't wait to hear what you think of this chapter!
