You Take Me the Way I Am
This is a series of oneshots based on the song The Way I Am by Ingrid Michaelson. They aren't connected to each other, just some stories that popped into my head while listening to the song. Some are funny, some are serious. Please read a review! I have no beta, so all mistakes are mine.
A/N Since it took me so long to update, I'm treating you to another update! :) Also, has anyone else noticed that there have been a few story lines in the past few episodes that are eerily similar to some stories on here? It's kind of freaking me out. Well anyways, hope you enjoy, and I hope we all make it through what's shaping up to be a very, very intense finale next week!
Disclaimer: The characters do not belong to me. All credit goes to Shonda Rhimes.
You take me the way I am
(Arizona POV)
As I wake up, I am immediately hit with the scent of coffee and something sweet. As my head clears itself of sleep, I realize that it is French toast I smell. My favorite. That thought puts a smile on my face. I can hear the sound of my girls in the kitchen, laughing and most likely dancing, as Sofia helps her Mami cook breakfast.
I glance at the clock and see that it's 8:00, meaning they've probably been up for about an hour, and that Calliope somehow managed to keep our exuberant daughter from coming and waking me up. God, she is so sweet to me. As I make my way downstairs, my smile only grows as I hear my daughter's voice.
"Mami, can I go wake up Mama now?" The five year old asks.
As I peek into the kitchen, I see one of the most beautiful sights in the world. Sofia, standing on her stepstool, still in her pajamas, "helping" her Mami make French toast and bacon, and Calliope, standing next to her, wearing an old pair of sweat pants and a raggedy Johns Hopkins shirt that I'm fairly certain used to be mine.
"Not yet, Sof, Mama's been extra tired lately. You can go wake her up when everything is finished and ready to eat, okay?" She replies, while looking at our daughter for confirmation. When she receives a nod in reply, she resumes her cooking, and I can hear her soft humming from my spot in the doorway.
Since neither of them has noticed my presence, I take a moment to just watch them together. Every time I see my wife and her mini-me together, I fall more and more in love with them. Sure, raising a five year old has its tough moments, but mornings like this are what make it all worthwhile.
"Mami?"
"Yes, Sofia?"
"How come Mama's so tired?" She asks, and I can see her big brown eyes are full of concern.
"Well, sweetie, your Mama's been working extra hard lately to make sure all of the sick kids are taken care of when your brother gets here. Are you excited for your brother to get here?" Callie asks as she finishes dishing out breakfast.
"Yes, Mami! I'm gonna be a big sister!" Her little voice is riddled with excitement, and I can't help but put my hand across my very swollen belly. My due date is just a week away, and yesterday was my last day at work before maternity leave.
In that moment, my heart is filled with such love and happiness, that I can't help but make my presence known. Before I can get even two steps into the kitchen, a flash of long black hair is barreling towards me.
"Mama! You're awake and I didn't even have to jump on your bed!" She exclaims as she latches onto my leg, and I respond by kneeling down and pulling her in for a tight hug.
"You're right, baby girl, and you wanna know something? I think you're gonna be the best big sister anyone could ask for." I say before placing an over-exaggerated kiss on her cheek and tickling her sides, making her laugh and beg me to stop.
I look up and catch Callie's eye, and see the same look that's there every time she watches me with Sofia. A mix of awe, love and pure happiness. I know that because it's the same feelings I have whenever I see her with Sofia.
"Hey, Sof, why don't you run to the bathroom and wash your hands really, really good before breakfast, k?" I ask, knowing Callie has already made her wash them, but I want a few minutes alone with my wife.
She exaggerates a sigh, but hurries off to the bathroom, slowing down only when I remind her there's no running in the house. I make my way over to where Callie is standing, and am immediately wrapped in a hug and kiss. As we break apart, I rest my forehead against hers and just relish the feel of her arms around me.
"Good morning, beautiful." I whisper, giving her another peck on the lips.
"You're the beautiful one," she whispers back, reaching a hand around to rub my belly, feeling our son kick against her hand. With that statement, I pull back and make sure she is looking me in the eye before I continue.
"No, Calliope, you are gorgeous. Every second of every day, no matter what. In your scrubs, in your insanely sexy red dress, but most of all, right now. No makeup, sweat pants and a t shirt and you've never looked better. You. Are. Beautiful." I accent those last three words with three kisses. "Just the way you are." I pull her back in for a longer kiss, making sure she knows that I meant exactly what I said.