AN: So yet again Sofie and I were completely overjoyed at the comments from the last chapter. It was really horrible to leave it at such a crucial point that I decided to update quickly as you were all so nice!

So here it is – I hope that you enjoy it & let us know what you think…. Janice & Sofietc :-)


"Do you find the defendant, Dr Calliope Torres, guilty or not guilty of the murder of Donovan Meers?"

The foreman cleared his throat as Callie took a deep breath, Maria grabbed onto Arizona's trembling hand and Joanne softly smirked…

"Not Guilty"

Callie didn't react; the words didn't register in her mind. She vaguely heard the screams of happiness behind her but she wasn't sure if that was coming from her family of Donovan Meer's family.

"Quiet in the court please" The judge ordered

"Do you find the defendant, Dr Calliope Torres, guilty or not guilty of involuntary manslaughter?"

"Guilty"

Callie exhaled.

"The maximum terms carries a sentence of 5 years. This is good news" Kathy whispered in her ear

The judge looked over some papers as Callie remained standing. She couldn't move, she was barely breathing.

"Calliope Torres, you have been found guilty of involuntary manslaughter. I'm sentencing you to 24 months imprisonment. You have already served 7 months and I'm willing to suspend the remaining 17 months under strict probation terms. Calliope Torres you are free to go" The judge ordered as he slammed the hammer down.

Callie sunk into the chair behind her. She was in shock. Her lawyers all congratulated one another as she sat dumbfounded.

"We did it Mija" Her father screamed as he came from behind her and embraced her. Arizona was also right there pulling her into a hug and telling her how much she loved her.

"Get these handcuffs and chains off of her" Carlos demanded

Callie was clearly in shock, she hadn't reacted to anything. The officer helped her up and undid her handcuffs, leg shackles and waist chains.

"There is some paperwork and formalities that we need to go through" Kathy said as she approached Callie and her family as she was being unlocked

"How long will that take?" Arizona questioned not wanting to be separated from Callie

"Roughly 30 minutes and then she is all yours" Kathy smiled as she led a shell-shocked Callie away.


Callie sat in a small room with her lawyer and administrators of the court and filled out the necessary paper work. She had yet to utter a word; she was so sure that she was going back to prison that this was all a shock.

"Callie, you can go and change into your street clothes" Kathy smiled as Callie was handed her possessions that were taken 7 months ago.

Callie was left in the room alone to change but she remained sitting in the chair. After 10 minutes Kathy came back in.

"Calliope, you can change. You family are waiting for you" Kathy smiled

Callie just looked up at her and Kathy could see the emotion and confusion in her tired eyes. She retreated from the room and came back a couple of minutes later with Arizona.

"Baby, is everything okay?" Arizona asked as she knelt in front of her and took her shaking hands in her own.

"I can't do this" Callie whispered

"Callie you're free. We can go home"

Callie just stared ahead blankly.

"Come on, let's get this uniform off of you and get you back into your own clothing" Arizona smiled as she pulled Callie to her feet and took the bag holding her belongings.

Arizona lifted the orange top over Callie's head and then the grey t-shirt that fitted underneath. As Callie stood in just her bra and trousers, Arizona was a little shocked at how skinny Callie had become. The uniform had hung from her, not showing the full extent of the drastic weight loss.

"We need to feed you up sweetheart" Arizona smiled as she pulled Callie's top from the bag and put it over her head. She then pulled down Callie's loose fitting trousers and replaced them with her trousers she had worn to her first court appearance, which were now too big for the Latina beauty. Once Callie had the shoes and jacket on she was ready to leave.

"Come on, lets get you home" Arizona smiled as she led Callie by the shoulders towards the door

"Is everybody there?" Callie whispered

"Your parents and Mark and Teddy are waiting for you"

"I don't want to see Mark or Teddy. I just want to be alone"

"Okay, I'll ask them to leave. Nicely" Arizona added with a smile.


"Is she okay?" Carlos asked as Arizona approached them alone

"She's a little overwhelmed; she just wants some peace and quiet. Would you guys mind if we caught up later?" Arizona asked Teddy and Mark

"Yeah of course" Teddy smiled

"Send her our love" Mark added

"Arizona, would it be best if we left also?" Maria asked a little afraid to face her daughter

"No I don't think that is necessary. She just doesn't want a fuss made"

"She'll feel better once we get her out of here" Carlos nodded

Arizona turned to retrieve Callie when she noticed Joanne hovering by the stairs.

"So good news" Joanne smiled a little too hard

"Amazing news" Arizona said clearly overjoyed

"So are we going to celebrate?" Joanne asked

"No, Callie wants some time to adjust. In fact Joanne, would you mind making yourself scarce for a few hours until I get her settled?" Arizona asked cautiously

"Oh…" Joanne said clearly shocked "Where should I go?"

"Maybe to the shops or to a friend?"

"You know that I'm not comfortable being on my own"

"Joanne, please…." Arizona said desperately

"Of course. I'll be fine" Joanne fake smiled again "Tell Calliope that I said 'well done'"


"Okay so it's just us and your parents. Are you ready?" Arizona said coming into the room and seeing that Callie had yet to move

"This doesn't feel real" Callie mumbled as Arizona guided her up

"It's very real sweetheart" Arizona smiled as she leaned in and kissed Callie on the cheek, but quickly pulled back when Callie flinched at the contact.

As they exited into the corridor of the court, Maria and Carlos made their way over to the couple.

"Let's get you home mija" Carlos smiled

"I don't have a home" Callie muttered not making eye contact with anybody

"Calliope, I told you that my home is your home. We'll go back there" Arizona offered

"No!" Callie said quickly "Can we go to your hotel?" Callie asked her father who nodded his agreement.


As they walked into the presidential suite of the Archfield hotel Callie just sat down. The car journey had been silent and tense. She knew that she should be happy that she was free but she felt an overwhelming sense of guilt and worry.

"Is there anything we can get you darling?" Maria asked

"No" Callie whispered

"Did they feed you this morning at the prison? You must be hungry. I'll order room service" Maria continued

"I said that I don't want anything!" Callie snapped

Arizona and Carlos shared worried glances at Callie's outburst. They knew that Callie was tightly wound and could snap at any moment.

"Aria has text and sent her congratulations to you Calliope" Carlos said after a few minutes breaking the silence in the room.

"Great" Callie said weakly

"Is there anything that you want to do Mija?" Carlos asked coming closer to her

"Can I just go and lay down please?" Callie asked seeking permission and that's when Arizona realised how lost Callie felt. She had been so used to receiving instructions and asking permission for things that adjusting was difficult for her

"Of course you can. The connecting bedroom is just through there" Carlos smiled as he took her by the hand and helped her up.


As Callie walked into the luxury bedroom and closed the door, she instantly felt better. She had been so used to her own company and isolation that she was struggling to communicate. She knew that Arizona was expecting something from her but right now she couldn't give it.

She laid on the bed and let her head rest on the luxury pillow. She couldn't believe how comfortable and clean it felt. Her prison bunk had been tiny, with the thinnest plastic mattress, old pillow and thin blanket.

She laid there for ages just re-living the day, re-living the last 7 months. No matter what happened in her life now she would always be an ex-convict. As the door opened, she tensed knowing that it was Arizona.

"How are you feeling?" Arizona whispered as she laid behind her and rested her hand on Callie's hip

"A little lost" Callie whispered back

"It's going to take time to adjust but we'll be okay" Arizona said kindly

"How do you think his family are feeling?" Callie asked after a few minutes silence

"Do you care?" Arizona asked mildly surprised

"Of course I care. He's dead Arizona and I caused it"

"Callie, he was evil! The whole family are evil. The father punched you in the face and booted you in the side"

"I killed their son. Carlos would have done the same thing if it was the other way around"

"The court has declared that it was an accident. Do not convince yourself that this is your fault"

"I don't know how I got off. They made me sound so evil. When I was down in the cells I realised that if I was on the jury then I would find me guilty" Callie said honestly

"When you took the stand, everybody knew that you were innocent. One of Carlos' lawyers told him that your testimony convinced the jury"

"That doesn't make me feel better" Callie muttered

Arizona just exhaled as Callie wallowed in her guilt. She didn't know how to make Callie feel better. She slowly ran her hand that was resting on Callie's hip up her side and leaned in and kissed her neck and then her cheek, trying to get to her mouth. Callie didn't react, she just stayed laying in the same position.

"Turn around baby" Arizona whispered softly into her ear

"Arizona, please don't" Callie whispered back and the blond surgeon could tell the Latina was crying.

"Callie, sweetheart…. I'm sorry" Arizona said truthfully not wanting to have upset her

"It's not you" Callie said sadly


The hours passed and Callie and Arizona remained in the room alone. They mainly stayed in silence but comforted that they were together. Maria had ventured into the room late in the evening to ask if they wanted food and couldn't hide her shock at seeing them sharing a bed. Callie had just ignored her mother as Arizona thanked her and assured her that they were fine.

As the sun shone through the window and into Callie's eyes she winced. She hadn't been woken by the sun in months. Arizona was already awake and carefully touched Callie to alert her to her presence.

"How did you sleep?" Arizona questioned softly

"Okay" Callie said with a hoarse voice "The bed is comfortable"

"It would have been more comfortable if you had actually gotten in it" Arizona smiled at Callie's still dressed form laying on top of the covers as she snuggled underneath

"I'm sorry" Callie whispered again

A soft knock was heard on the door and Carlos entered upon Arizona's 'Come in'

"I thought I heard voices" Carlos smiled "How are you feeling today Calliope?"

"I feel fine" Callie said sitting up and rubbing her eyes

"Will you come through for breakfast? We just had it all set up" Carlos smiled

A few minutes later and Callie and Arizona were sitting at the large table with Maria and Carlos.

"Would you not like some eggs and bacon darling?" Maria offered

"Cereal is fine" Callie replied as she poured the box of Captain Crunch into a bowl

"What are your plans for today?" Carlos asked

Callie looked up at the clock and saw 09:15AM. In prison she would have already had breakfast, a shower, made her phone call and be back locked in her cell for the day. She didn't have plans anymore.

"I don't know"

"Would you like to go shopping?" Arizona offered

"No"

"Maybe we could stop by the hospital? Everybody would love to see you" Arizona continued

"No"

"There must be something that you're dying to do" Arizona said trying to remain optimistic

"I just want to stay here" Callie said looking into her cereal


As the day passed Arizona was growing frustrated. After a shower, Callie had remained on the sofa watching day time TV and not interacting with anybody.

"Callie, I think that we should go back to the apartment" Arizona said

"You go. I'm fine here" Callie said not taking her eyes from the television

"Calliope, please. We'll be more comfortable at home" Arizona pushed

"How will we get there?" Callie murmured causing Arizona to look a little confused at the question.

"Either Carlos can drive us or we can use the hotel chauffeur"

Callie just nodded and stood up.

"Can you ask my father please?"

As they stepped outside of the hotel Arizona felt Callie instantly tense and breathe a little deeper.

"Where's the car?" Callie questioned

"The valet is just collecting it" Carlos said squeezing her hand sensing her discomfort at being outside "We'll have you back to Arizona's in no time at all"


"So home sweet home" Arizona smiled as she closed the door

"It looks the same" Callie smiled.

Callie wondered why they never spent more time at Arizona's place before. It was beautifully decorated and very homely.

"I know that I've been a little… quiet" Callie said turning to face Arizona "But I'm really glad that I'm here with you"

Arizona stepped closer to her and smiled "I'm glad that you're here too"

Callie bit her bottom lip in nervousness before moving a strand of Arizona's hair away from her eyes

"You're so beautiful" She whispered huskily "Not being able to touch you has been hell" She continued before kissing her softly

Arizona relaxed into the kiss, she had wanted Callie to make the first move. The kiss was soft but passionate and a combination of everything they had been feeling for the past 7 months.

"Zona! There you are!"

Callie instantly jumped back at hearing the irritating screech. In her shocked state of the last 24 hours, she had totally forgotten about Joanne.

"Joanne, hi" Arizona stuttered nervously seeing the shocked expression on Callie's face.

"Thank God you are okay!" Joanne said throwing her arms around Arizona "I was so worried when you didn't come home last night! And your phone has been switched off" Joanne said dramatically as Callie watched the exchange.

"Joanne this is Callie. Callie this is Joanne" Arizona said awkwardly and wiggling out of Joanne's embrace

"Calliope it's lovely to finally meet you" Joanne said smiling

"You too" Callie said and forcing a small smile

"It must be nice to be free" Joanne began "I have just hated thinking of you in that awful place! And then when they brought you out in court chained up like a dangerous bear, well, I just thought it was an utter disgrace!"

Callie's facial expression showed that she clearly didn't appreciate being compared to a bear in chains.

"Is it okay if I go through to your room Arizona" Callie asked softly

"Of course. I'll be right there" Arizona smiled as Callie walked away and then fading as she turned to Joanne "Seriously Joanne, a dangerous bear in chains! That's what you compare her to on your first meeting?"

"Ooh sorry – I wasn't thinking. You don't think I offended her do you?" Joanne apologised

"No I don't think so. Just be nice" Arizona warned

"Are we all having dinner tonight?" Joanne asked

"I'm not sure; I just need to make Callie comfortable. Go ahead and eat without us" Arizona smiled before heading towards the bedroom.


When Arizona entered the bedroom, Callie was standing looking out of the large window.

"So that was Joanne" Callie said without turning

"Yeah, she can be a little insensitive. I'm sorry"

"Don't be sorry. I just hadn't thought about her being here today" Callie said honestly

Arizona just frowned; she wasn't sure how to respond

"You guys have been living together for a while now" Callie said still looking out at the night sky

"She's looking for a place but ever since she was attacked, she's a little nervous to be on her own"

Callie just nodded before considering her words

"I think that I might go back to the hotel"

"Calliope, please don't do this. We're here together. Can we just enjoy it? Joanne is in a whole other room, we don't have to worry about her" Arizona said standing behind her and running her hands down Callie's arms.

Callie slowly turned and looked into Arizona's eyes. The eyes she had been fantasising about for 7 months.

"I'm sorry that I stopped calling and writing" Callie said never breaking eye contact "I have every one of your letters. I used to sleep with them" Callie admitted shyly

Arizona softly smiled; she had wondered if Callie had read her letters when she continued to receive no response. She had considered stopping writing to her girlfriend but that would indicate defeat and she wasn't prepared to let that happen.

"I told you that I wouldn't give up on you…us" Arizona whispered

"I'm sorry that I did. I just wanted you to be happy"

"You make me happy sweetheart. I'm happy now" Arizona said as she took Callie's lips and kissed her, going straight back into the passion they had shared in the hall.

Arizona guided Callie towards the bed and gently pushed her down. She had built up sexual frustration and she wanted to devour Callie right there but she knew that she needed to be slow and gentle with the fragile brunette. As she continued to kiss her deeply, she began to pull off her top. She ran her fingers along Callie's side as she kissed her neck but pulled back when Callie winced in pain.

"Are you okay?"

"My ribs are still a little sore" Callie said causing Arizona to look down and see the faded purple and yellow bruise on her skin, caused in the courtroom.

"That arsehole" Arizona mumbled as she gently kissed Callie's tender side. As her lips and fingers ran over Callie's smooth caramel skin she realised that she missed Callie's voluptuous curves, not the emaciated frame she currently had.

"You're too skinny baby" Arizona whispered

"Prison food is worse than your cooking" Callie smirked

Arizona laughed with Callie as she unbuttoned her jeans. She pulled them down her legs and then climbed back on top of her.

"I've missed you so much" Arizona growled into her ear as she kissed and touched her "You're so sexy Torres"

As Arizona continued to re-discover Callie's body, Callie froze.

"Arizona, Arizona… can we stop please?" Callie muttered a little breathlessly

"What?" Arizona asked pulling back but remaining on top of the orthopaedic surgeon

"Can you get off of me please?"

"Calliope, what's wrong?" Arizona questioned as she saw Callie sweating and struggling to breathe a little "Are you having a panic attack?"

"JUST GET OFF ME!" Callie shouted before pushing Arizona away from her and standing to go into the bathroom.

Arizona sat on the side of the bed dumbfounded. That wasn't how she had envisioned that ending. She slowly walked to the bathroom and pushed the door open to find Callie sitting on the edge of the bath shaking and crying

"Calliope, what did I do?" Arizona questioned softly

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry" Callie mumbled as she rocked backwards and forwards.

"Callie, you need to tell me what happened, what I did" Arizona pushed as she knelt down in front of her

"I'm not ready for us to be intimate. I'm so sorry. I thought I that I was, I thought that I wanted that but then you called me Torres and it just felt like I was back in prison. I'm so sorry Arizona" Callie said clearly upset by the experience

"Oh darling, you don't have to be sorry. I shouldn't have pushed you like that" Arizona said clearly upset as well

"I've dreamt about you every night for 7 months. What I would do when I had you back in my arms and now you're here and I feel pathetic" Callie said truthfully

"You're not pathetic. Don't ever think that" Arizona smiled wiping away Callie's tears.

"I don't know why this doesn't feel right. I'm nervous around you" Callie muttered

"Calliope, I love you and you never need to be nervous around me. This is all a shock to you, you've been alone for a long time and you just need to re-adjust"

"Do you want me to leave?"

"Of course not" Arizona said "Tell you what, why don't we get in our pyjamas and we can order a pizza and watch a film in bed. How does that sound?"

"Pretty good" Callie smiled

"Okay, you go and get comfortable and I'll order the pizza" Arizona smiled and kissed her forehead as she stood to leave the bathroom.

As Arizona left, Callie berated herself for the show she had made. She wanted to get her life back on track and make up to Arizona for being away for so long but her mind couldn't focus and she felt that she didn't belong. She got up from the edge of the bath and looked in the mirror. Her skin was pale and dull, her eyes had dark circles under them and she looked utterly lost. Callie remembered back to her first night in prison when she was put in her cell with Jenny. She had thought Jenny looked so lifeless and now here she was looking exactly the same way.

After splashing cold water on her face she walked back into the bedroom in her underwear. Arizona was already in her pyjamas and pulling the bedcovers down.

"Pizza will be 30 minutes" Arizona smiled

"Do I have any pyjamas here?" Callie asked

"Of course you do. I have all your clothes" Arizona smiled as she walked to her wardrobe and opened it to show their clothes mixed in together. Callie smiled as she saw her leather jacket and various other items tangled up with Arizona's clothes. It felt nice knowing that even though she hadn't been here, her clothes and belonging had made a home.

"You're smiling" Arizona said relieved

"My clothes look happy in there" Callie laughed

"They have been very happy. In fact some of them even had the pleasure of an iron being pressed over them" Arizona teased

Arizona handed Callie a pair of her pyjamas and Callie put them on before climbing into the bed.

"Why do my pyjamas smell more like you than me?" Callie questioned after a couple of seconds

Arizona screwed her lips together and then made a guilty face.

"I may have been wearing them a lot! In fact a lot of your clothes may smell a lot like me" Arizona said embarrassed causing Callie to laugh "Do you mind?" Arizona added

"Of course I don't mind. I love that they smell like you…. And that they aren't orange" Callie smirked


"Extra large pepperoni pizza with chicken wings on the side" Arizona called out in a waitress voice as she came back into the bedroom and closed the door.

"Smells good. Can I grab some drinks?" Callie asked standing from the bed

"Of course, the fridge had a wide selection" Arizona said settling onto the bed. She wanted Callie to feel at home and stop asking permission for things but she knew that she needed to take her time with such matters

As Callie rummaged around in Arizona's fridge looking for a couple of sodas, she flinched when she felt a presence next to her.

"Joanne" Callie said looking to her side

"Hey Calliope" Joanne smirked "Did you and Arizona get re-acquainted okay?"

"We're fine" Callie said quietly

"That's nice. I took good care of Zona whilst you were away"

"Well I'm back now so you don't have to do anything" Callie said firmly

"Yeah that's true, but how long will you be here for?" Joanne questioned "I mean, you're on probation, all it takes is one little phone call from me about how dangerous, evil Calliope Torres came at me with the carving knife and they will have you strip searched and locked up quicker than I can get Arizona into bed" Joanne laughed seeing the look of horror on Callie's face

Joanne grabbed a can of soda from Callie's hand and turned to walk away.

"Have a good night Calliope" She called over her shoulder as she continued to laugh.