Title: Just Because (7/?)

Author: iheartcallietorres (laurenxx3 on LJ)

Pairing: Callie/Arizona

Rating: PG-13

Summary: AU - What if Callie had already had a child when Arizona had kissed her in the bathroom at Joe's? Knowing what we know now, how will Arizona react when she finds out that not only is Callie a 'newborn,' she has a newborn?

Disclaimer: You know the drill. All characters belong to Shonda Rhimes/ABC. I don't own anything. Any similarities to real life situations/persons are purely coincidental. Not for profit; for entertainment purposes only.

A/N: I have absolutely NO medical knowledge beyond what I see/hear on Grey's Anatomy, so forgive me of any medical-related errors. Also, this is un-betad, so all mistakes are mine. Please let me know if you come across any. As always, comments are much appreciated (and will encourage me to write more fics in the future - *hint, hint*).

A/N2: Okay, firstly, thanks so much for all the comments/reviews on this! They really do motivate me to keep going. I got a hugely positive response from the last chapter, so thanks! : )

[Note: Flashbacks in italics]

[Callie's POV]

Sunlight filtered through the curtains and assaulted my eyes when I opened them, telling me that it was morning and Liliana would be waking up at any moment.

I sighed and rolled onto my back as I rubbed my eyes, startled when I came into contact with another warm body. I jerked my eyes open and looked to my left and was met with piercing blue eyes.

"Morning," Arizona whispered.

I grinned, now remembering the previous evening's events.

After Arizona's tears stopped, she lifted her head and wiped her cheeks.

"You must think I'm a total sap," she choked out.

I grinned and cupped her cheeks. "You're not a sap," I said. "But you do confuse me sometimes." She gave me a confused look, so I explained. "You're kind of a puzzle sometimes. I have a hard time figuring you out."

Arizona looked down, embarrassed, but I forced her to look at me.

"It's not a bad thing," I said. "It's just that I feel like you don't open up that much."

Arizona took a deep breath and brought my hand to her mouth in order to kiss my palm. "I tend to hold things in," she said softly. "But I promise to try and let you in more. I like you, really like you, and I want to be able to open up to you."

"Why don't we start now?" I asked, taking her hands and leading her to the couch. "Tell me about your family."

I noticed the multitude of emotions run across her face. I saw relief, joy, excitement, and sorrow before she smiled sadly. She told me about her parents, her military father and school teacher mother. I could tell she was close to them both, but it was obvious she was the classic "Daddy's Little Girl" form the way her eyes lit up when she mentioned her father.

Then she told me about her brother and how he'd been killed in the line of duty. There was intense sadness in her voice and tears in her eyes, along with a sad smile as she recounted childhood memories of him.

Then I asked about her coming out, her first girlfriend, and her family's reaction to the news. I was envious. I already knew my parents, my father in particular, weren't going to be as understanding and open, but I hoped against hope that they'd accept me.

We talked all day, about family, friends, work and our mutual hopes to travel one day. When Liliana woke up needing a diaper change and a bottle, I made Arizona change her, taking care not to laugh too hard at the board certified Peds surgeon that didn't even know how to properly change a baby's diaper. But she was a trooper, eager to learn. Then I brought Liliana out to the living room with us to feed her as we continued chatting.

I was genuinely surprised when my stomach growled and I looked at the clock to find that it was nearly eight in the evening.

"How is it that late?" I wondered aloud.

"Time flies when you're having fun, I guess."

I smiled at that. We were having fun. "Are you hungry? I can whip up something quick."

"You don't have to, Calliope. We can just order something if you prefer."

"I don't mind," I said. "Really. I like to cook. My lasagna is pretty quick and easy."

She agreed and even helped me in the kitchen. I loved this feeling, working along side Arizona in the kitchen. We prepared and ate the Italian classic while continuing our earlier chatter.

It was late when we finally decided to call it a night. Arizona and I stood by the door kissing for several minutes (more like half an hour) when Arizona pulled back and looked into my eyes.

"I don't wanna leave," she whispered.

"I don't want you to go, either," I said, burying my face in her neck.

She pushed me back. "But I should. It's still too soon, Calliope."

I groaned. If pushed, I would admit that it was too soon, but I still didn't want her to leave. "Stay with me tonight," I said on impulse.

"Calliope, I just said-"

"I know, I know. But I want to sleep next to you, wrapped around you. I want to wake up next to you and make you breakfast. Stay with me. We'll just sleep. I promise."

I could tell she really wanted to, but was having an internal battle with herself. I gave her my best "puppy dog eye" stare and saw her resolve shatter. "Alright," she agreed. "But I'm serious, Calliope. No hanky panky."

"Did you just say 'hanky panky'?" I asked, kissing her softly, elated that she would be one of the first things I saw in the morning.

"Yes, I did," was all she said before she brushed past me into the kitchen where she pulled a bottle of water out of the fridge. I loved that she was so comfortable in my home already. She took a sip before sighing. "But I don't have anything to sleep in or toiletries or something to wear tomorrow…"

"I have something you can sleep in and I have an extra toothbrush and, well, you work tomorrow, right?" She nodded. "You can just wear a pair of my sweats into work and change into scrubs as soon as you get there." I really wanted her to stay.

And so did she because she didn't argue with any of that. She just nodded and we got ready for bed, taking turns in the bathroom before crawling under the covers. While I wanted to make love with her, was dying to make love with her, it was nice and felt so right to just lay in her arms as we both drifted off into a peaceful sleep.

Arizona brushed a gentle kiss across my lips and I threaded the fingers of my right hand into her sleep-tangled hair. She looked amazing with bed head.

"Told you it would be amazing to wake up next to each other," I whispered against her lips.

"Super awesome," she agreed before kissing me again, this time with a bit more passion and fire.

Just as things were heating up, a distinct noise from the baby monitor on the nightstand met my ears. I pulled back and smiled apologetically. "Baby," I said. She nodded and I got up, walking towards the door. "Feel free to take a shower, if you want. Towels are in the closet in the bathroom."

"Thanks," Arizona said, stretching. I left the room to check on Liliana.

[Arizona's POV]

I turned the water up as hot as I could stand it and stepped into the large stall, groaning as the hot water coursed over my sleep-stiff muscles.

I grinned when I noticed Calliope's shampoo and conditioner and picked the shampoo up, opening the cap and smelling the intoxicating smell of almond and shea butter.

Ten minutes later, I stepped out of the shower, my hair smelling like Calliope. I knew I'd be smelling it all day. That was quite alright with me.

"What's all this?" I asked when I came out of the bedroom to find Calliope standing at the stove flipping pancakes with one hand while scrambling eggs with another. In a third pan, sausage sizzled.

"I told you that I'd make you breakfast," Calliope chucked, never looking up. "I wasn't sure what you liked, so I made the works."

I sat at the kitchen counter, amazed. "You really didn't have to do all this. I usually just grab a bowl of cereal or a granola bar in the morning."

She slid the eggs, two pancakes and two sausage patties onto a plate and set it in front of me along with a cup of coffee, orange juice and some maple syrup. "I like to cook," was all she said before sitting beside me and digging in.

We were both scheduled today, so we made our was to the hospital where we shared a brief kiss before we went our separate ways, Calliope taking Liliana to the daycare while I headed off to do rounds in Peds.

Things were pretty quiet the next couple of days. Calliope and I didn't get to see each other outside the hospital because our schedules conflicted, but we always ate lunch together and spent as much time together as possible.

It was Tuesday, the day Calliope's dad was coming to Seattle. I knew she was nervous but was trying to put on a brave face. I really was okay with her not coming out to him quite yet. While I wouldn't wait forever, I knew how big of a deal it was and how genuinely afraid she was about it and the possibility of losing her family.

I checked my watch and noted that Calliope's shift was due to begin in a few minutes. I decided to meet her in the lobby and make sure she wasn't freaking out.

As I descended the stairs, I smiled when I saw a somewhat preoccupied Calliope walking up. I was suddenly glad I'd taken the stairs instead of the elevator. I stepped in front of her, preventing her from passing and gripped the lapels of her leather jacket. I smiled and pulled her towards me, pressing my lips against hers.

I allowed my lips to just brush hers several times in light, feathery kisses until she smiled and threaded her fingers into my hair and pulled me closer, crushing her lips against mine is a deeper kiss. I groaned softly when her tongue met mine and her free hand found my hip through my scrubs and pulled my body against hers.

The sound of a stairwell door opening somewhere above us made us separate, suddenly reminding us of our public location.

"Hi," Calliope said.

"Good morning," I murmured, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "I was coming to find you. How are you feeling?"

Calliope rolled her eyes slightly, but took my hand as we ascended the stairs towards the resident locker room where she would change into her scrubs. "I feel like I'm going to hurl," she groaned nervously.

"It'll be alright," I soothed, squeezing her hand. We walked down the hall towards the locker room. "He's just here for the day, you'll go out to lunch with him, make conversation, and then tonight, you and I will have a nice, quiet dinner at home." I paused. "Ah, I mean at your apartment," I quickly amended, blushing furiously at my slip. Luckily, Calliope didn't seem to notice. Or if she did, she was just too nervous to care.

I calmed her down the best I could before giving her a quick kiss on the cheek and returning to the Peds unit to do my rounds. I had no idea what to expect from today, but I had to stay positive. For Calliope.

[Callie's POV]

I felt numb as I stared out the window of the lounge that my father had just stormed out of. The lounge where he'd threatened to cut me off, disown me, if I didn't leave Seattle, leave my job, my friends and my girlfriend and follow him back to Miami.

I've never blatantly defied my father like that. Sure, I'd had my moment of rebellion as a teenager, but never had I outright challenged him like that.

But it was worth it.

I think.

After I broke down in Arizona's arms, I was too emotionally exhausted to even think any more. I just wanted to get my daughter and go home. Arizona walked with me to pick up Liliana after we changed out of our scrubs.

"I completely understand if you want to cancel tonight and just take Liliana home," Arizona said, placing her hand on my arm as we exited the building. "You've been through a lot today."

I considered her offer for about two seconds before I shook my head. "No, I still want you to come over," I said. I shifted the sleeping Liliana in my arms, careful not to wake her, and took Arizona's hand in mine. "I don't want to be alone right now." I sniffled slightly.

Arizona nodded and squeezed my hand. "You shouldn't have to cook for us, though," she said and I had to agree. The last thing I felt like doing was cook a meal. "And you don't want me to cook, believe me. Why don't we just order takeout or something?"

I just nodded again, not trusting my voice. I actually wasn't very hungry, but I didn't say anything. I still felt a little numb, but the thought of having my two ladies (Liliana and Arizona) with me helped a bit.

[Arizona's POV]

I knew Calliope was putting on a strong front as we ate Chinese takeout in silence. I had tried to keep light conversation going at first, but I soon realized that she wasn't interested. Which was understandable.

I was at a giant loss as to what to do or say. It was the same as earlier in the lounge, when she'd been ranting in Spanish (very hot, by the way) and pacing back and forth. I'd been just as lost then as now, only I didn't have Mark Sloan at my disposal.

"I'm sorry," Calliope suddenly said.

I looked up at her in surprise. "For what?" I questioned.

She sighed heavily and pushed around the food on her plate. "I know I'm not very good company tonight," she said, her voice cracking a bit.

I put down my fork and slid off the high stool to stand beside her. I forced her to look at me. "You are always excellent company, Calliope Torres. It hasn't been the best day for you."

"Understatement of the year," she said under her breath and I couldn't help but smile softly.

"Do you want me to stay?" I asked, not wanting to intrude if she needed time alone to think.

"Do you want me to stay?" she countered, brining my hand to her lips, pressing a kiss into my palm.

"I asked you first," I said.

"I want you to stay."

I smiled. "Then I want to stay."

Calliope blushed slightly. "Will you… stay the night again?" she asked, not looking me in the eye. "I really liked waking up next to you the other day."

I felt my own cheeks flush. "I have a confession," I said. I waited until she looked at me. "Brought a change of clothes and a few toiletries in my bag," I said, indicating my large purse that was actually a large tote bag that I sometimes used to bring home medical journals or paperwork.

She smiled, though it didn't reach her eyes. I could see that trying to make jokes or cheer her up would be useless. The only think I could do is be here for her and that's exactly what I planned to do.

"It's been a long day," I said. "What do you say we just get ready for bed and call it a night?"

She nodded and began to gather her dishes.

"I'll take care of this," I said. "You go get ready for bed." She started to protest, but I stopped her. "Really. I got this. Go."

She sighed, but did as I said and went into her bedroom. I quickly rinsed off our dishes and put them in the dishwasher before putting the leftovers into the refrigerator. I grabbed my bag before knocking lightly on Calliope's bedroom door.

"Come in," I heard. I opened the door to find Calliope sitting on the edge of her bed, still fully dressed, staring at her hands in her lap. A tear escaped down her cheek and she quickly swiped it away.

I dropped my bag and shut the door before sitting next to her on the bed, rubbing her back with my hand. "It's okay, Calliope," I encouraged. "Just let it out. It's alright. I'm here."

Her shoulders slumped and began to shake as a new wave of sobs tore through her. I gathered her to me, holding her closely.

"I ca-can't believe h-he just… just…" her words became unintelligible. All I could do was let her cry, but I figured that that was exactly what she needed.

I held her tight until her sobs subsided. I pulled back slightly and cupped her cheeks, wiping away her tears with my thumbs. "I wish there was something I could do to make this better."

She sniffled. "You just being here helps," she said.

I gave a small smile. "I think you may feel a little better after a good night's sleep," I suggested and she nodded. She started to move up on the bed to get under the covers and I couldn't stop the small giggle that escaped. "I think you'll be more comfortable if you change into some pajamas," I suggested.

She looked down at her attire and blushed. "Oh. Right."

After our respective turns in the bathroom, we crawled under the covers and I held her to me. Her head rested against my breast and I stroked her hair until her deep, even breaths told me that she was fast asleep.

As I lay there, I try and imagine what it would have been like had my parents not been so supportive of me. I couldn't even begin to think what I would have done without them and I felt my heart breaking once again for my Calliope. How could a parent abandon their child for finding happiness? And what about Liliana? Was he really going to give up his relationship with his daughter and granddaughter?

These thoughts swam in my head as I drifted off into a fitful sleep, still wishing that there was something I could do. I felt so useless.

Author's Note: I'm not completely happy with this chapter, but I still wanted to put it out there. And I also need some opinions. I'm trying to decide how true to stay with the Grey's Anatomy story line. More specifically, I can't decide whether to keep George alive or to have him still get hit by the bus... there is a child involved, after all, and I'm not sure George would have signed up to join the Army if he had a kid. idk. I just want to hear what y'all think, so please let me know! Hope you're enjoying this. : )