Sorry for the delay in updating. I had two directions I wanted to take this story. I feel this was the best direction to take it. I will get chapter 10 up as soon as I possibly can. Thanks for reading, guys. Flashbacks in bold italics.
Chapter Nine: One and Only
Arizona stood folding laundry, on a wet Seattle morning. Having spent the last two days in bed, she thought it best to get some of her chores done. She had always hated laundry, but someone had to do it, and figuring she was the only person there, it was left to her. Groaning, she looked at the pile in front of her and wondered if she could call someone over and pay them to do it for her. Don't be so freaking lazy. You were raised better than that. Grabbing a pair of jeans, she began to work through the pile.
It had been four months since she had seen Callie, and although she had hoped to of caught a flight out to wherever her girlfriend was, work schedules and deadlines had prevented her. She had loved her last few assignments, they had taken her all over the world, but now, back at home, she wanted Callie.
The couple had spoken as often as they could, but that still wasn't enough for either of the women. FaceTime had been a little harder to plan, because of the locations Arizona had been in. She had been home now for three days, and now that her body clock was back to normal, she wanted to hear the Latina's voice.
Dropping the laundry she held, she made her way over to the kitchen and made a fresh pot of coffee. If she couldn't have what she truly wanted right now, caffeine was the next best thing. Gazing out of her kitchen window, she wondered how long the rain would last. Right now, she loved it. She had just spent seven weeks travelling around Australia, and the one thing she missed while she was there, was the rain. Thinking even further back, she realised she hadn't seen rain in quite some time.
Two weeks after returning home from New York, she got a call from her boss, who informed her she would be heading off to Spain for 9 days, before travelling through into Portugal and spending two weeks on the Algarve. She had loved the idea of sunning herself while doing what she was born to do, but having just spent time with her girlfriend, she desperately wanted them to experience Europe together. The disappointment was evident in Arizona's voice when Callie had told her she wouldn't be able to take a few days to join her. The brunette had just been booked for three weeks in Miami, before heading off to San Fransisco for a further two weeks.
Europe was amazing and Arizona promised herself that once Callie's contract was up, she would arrange for them to go back. Portugal had been her preferred choice out of the two destinations. As she walked through the historical town of Lagos, and made her way back to her hire car, she thought about how beautiful the views could be up at the cliffs. Lagos was known for its breathtaking coastline and she knew she had to see it for herself. Driving through the narrow streets of the old town, she watched as the local Portuguese people went about their daily business. Coffee shops and cafes dotted around the back streets, gave the town a peaceful, yet community based vibe.
Smiling as she continued through the streets, she could see herself and Callie relaxing outside one of the cafes, while they discussed their plans for the rest of the day. Catching a glimpse through her rearview mirror, she hadn't realised how uphill she had driven. Gasping at the view in her mirror, she couldn't quite believe how she had never heard of this town before.
Reaching the top of the cliffs, Arizona continued to drive until she found a safe area to park. Feeling the searing heat beam through the windows, she checked she had plenty of water, and headed off, on foot, towards the edge of the cliff.
Eyes widening, she had never seen such beauty before. She had travelled all over the world, but nothing, nothing at all could compare to the view she was currently witnessing. Stood on the top of the Ponta da Piedade coastline, she suddenly felt a single tear fall. It was breathtakingly beautiful. Simply stunning. Deep blue ocean and golden cliffs surrounding her, she had never wanted her girlfriend to be with her more than right in that moment. "Just keep it together. The local people don't need to see a crazy American woman crying on top of a cliff." Arizona laughed. "They also don't need to see her talking to herself."
Startled out of her thoughts, Arizona heard her cell buzzing on the kitchen counter behind her. Looking down at the screen, her instant smile fell from her face. She had been expecting the brunette who continued to live in her mind every minute of the day, instead she was faced with a conversation with Alex Karev.
"Hello? What can I do for you, Karev?" Arizona sighed into her cell phone.
"Dude, are you coming to Joe's tonight? Yang called, they've got a new band on tonight." Alex questioned.
"Oh, um, sure. Meredith going? Wait, why does Joe have a band playing?" the blonde asked, slightly confused. She had been drinking in Joes for quite some time now, and never had she seen a band play.
"Trying it out or something, Mer is working so she will be there. Get there around 8?" Alex replied nonchalantly.
"Awesome, catch you later." Arizona hit the end call button and grabbed her coffee. She was looking forward to seeing her friends. It had been quite some time since she had done anything other than work, and tonight, she was determined to enjoy herself.
Callie sat in her hotel room and watched as people rushed about on the busy street below her. Looking down into the cup of hot black liquid warming her hands, she thought about texting Arizona. She had last spoken to her two days ago, when she was informed she would be retreating to her bedroom, and not coming out for days. Callie laughed at how dramatic the blonde had been regarding her jet lag. She found it not only cute, but something she wanted to share with her. She wanted to spend days on end in bed with the beautiful blonde, but instead, she was sat in a hotel room, alone. Grabbing her phone, she smiled as the background lit up, showing a picture of the couple during their trip to New York.
Hey, I miss you. I hope you slept well. Call me when you finally leave your bedroom. -C xx
Laughing at the thought of Arizona groaning as she hears her phone buzz, Callie placed her phone back down onto the nearby table, and let her thoughts drown her brain.
Sitting in her hotel suite in Miami, the brunette liked being 'home', if thats what she could call it. She knew it would never be home again, but it was homely at least. She had friends there, and she knew the place like the back of her hand. Checking the calendar on her cell phone, she noticed she still had a hell of a lot of time away before she could finally settle down with her girlfriend.
Her agent had called her a week or so before to discuss renewing her contract when it was close to the end of the current one, after thinking about it for all of a minute or so, she had told him that she wouldn't be renewing her contract. Hearing the disappointed tone in his voice, she apologised and explained that she had somewhere she needed to be at the end of her time travelling the US.
Out of interest, she asked her agent how far in advance she had been booked. He had told her that she was only booked a show at a time, and that was why she only ever got a call towards the end of her current residency. She couldn't help but wonder, and almost hope, that maybe people would stop booking her before her contract ended. She knew there was no such luck, but she could always hope.
Opening up her laptop, she logged into her Facebook account and began checking out the latest goings on in her circle of friends. Everyone was up to the usual, drinking, partying, and taking vacations. She had wondered if she should change her relationship status a few weeks back, but had so far, not done it. Suddenly noticing a name she recognised, she thought about adding them as a friend.
She had remembered Arizona talking about one of her friends, Meredith Grey, and now the same had popped up in her 'suggested friends' section. Hovering over the name, she figured it would be fine to add her. She was Arizona's friend, and Callie was Arizona's girlfriend. They would eventually be friends anyway.
Callie had left Miami two days ago, and now she was preparing for her next set, which was due to start tonight. She had been earlier on in the day to check out the venue, and couldn't believe how small it was compared to some of her other gigs. Wondering if her piano would fit, she talked with the bar owner, and he had explained how he could move some furniture around. Satisfied that everything would work out okay, Callie thanked the owner for the opportunity to play in his bar, before leaving and heading back to her hotel to prepare for that nights set. She was looking forward to a new venue, but right now, she was comfortable in her warm room and she was finding it difficult to move her ass from the chair she had been sat in for some time.
Callie's phone buzzed pulling while she continued to search through Facebook. It was a notification stating that her friend request had been accepted. Turning her attention back to her screen, she hit the name that had now joined her circle of friends, and proceeded to type up a quick message.
Hey, I don't know if you know me, well, you must do or you wouldn't of accepted my request. Anyway, I'm Callie, and I figured it would be okay to add you. I'll be moving to Seattle by the end of the year. I'm not sure if Arizona has mentioned me but it would be great if we could keep in touch and get to know each other. Also, I was wondering if you could help me out with something.
Callie xx
As Callie sat and wondered if she should of even sent the message, she received an instant reply.
Hey, Callie. Arizona doesn't stop talking about you. If I have to listen to her count down the months for much longer, so help me god. It will be nice to finally put a face to a name. She is in Australia at the minute so I've managed to get a little peace from the whole 'My girlfriend is amazing' saga.
Sure, what was it you were wanting my help with?
Mer xx
Making her way to the bathroom, she had managed to find the motivation to get ready. She was excited for tonights set. Although it was a new bar, she had gotten a good vibe from it earlier in the day. As she began showering, she heard her phone ringing in the other room. Deciding she could call them back, she carried on with her showering, and enjoyed the moment. As the hot water soaked her skin, she felt all of the days tension and stress disappear. Stepping out of the shower, she wrapped herself up in her towel, and headed back to the bedroom. Checking her phone, she had received a call and a message from the one blonde she couldn't live without.
Hey, I miss you too. I'm finally up out of bed and alive. Heading out with some friends soon. I'll call you when I get home tonight. You are probably busy getting ready right now. I love you. -A xx
Grinning at the message in front of her, Callie sent off a quick message and continued to get ready for the night ahead. She had chosen a new song to add to her list for tonight, and she knew it would blow the crowd away.
I love you, too. -C xx
Noticing the time, she knew it was time to leave the hotel. Grabbing her guitar case, and anything else she thought she might need, she made her way out of the hotel and out to the front to wait for a cab. She was due to start her set at 8:15, and it was almost 7:30. Jumping in her cab, she gave the driver the address she was headed for, and sat back with a smile on her face.
Arizona stood checking herself out in the mirror. It was 7:45 and she knew Meredith would be collecting her soon. Having spoken earlier on, the women decided it would be easier for the dirty blonde to pick up Arizona on the way to the bar. Now, a few hours later, Arizona stood in her kitchen, waiting for her friend.
Hearing her cell buzz, she knew it was time to head out. Checking she had locked up, she flicked off the lights, and stepped out on to the front porch. Still raining, Arizona ran down the steps and threw herself into the cab, almost landing on Meredith.
"Hey, wheres the fire?" Meredith laughed at how flustered her friend looked.
"Hey, I haven't just spent hours getting ready, to end up dripping wet." the blonde gave a raised eyebrow.
"True, so, this new band looks good. Maybe Joe will keep it going if they pull in the crowd." Meredith glanced over to look at the blonde.
"Yeah, its about time we had some good music around here, well, if they are any good that is." Arizona smiled. "That bar I met Callie in all those months ago was great, but a little far out if you just want a spare of the moment thing. You know what I mean?"
"I do. You heard from her at all? She doing okay?" the dirty blonde questioned.
"I spoke to her a couple of days ago. Tried calling her before but she didn't pick up. She would of been getting ready for her show tonight. I'll call her later."Arizona shrugged.
Before the women could carry on their conversation, the cab driver stopped the car. They had reached Joes in record time with the bad weather, and the fact that it was midweek.
Both women headed inside. Meredith's shift was due to start at 8 and she had a couple of minutes to spare. Seeing some of their friends already there, Arizona made her way over to the table.
"Here, have a shot, blondie" Cristina Yang, the most forward woman Arizona had ever come across, slid a tequila shot across the table.
"Thanks, but just the one. I'd like to be able to function tomorrow, Yang." the blonde laughed. "Shouldn't you be working?"
"I am. I am entertaining the customers of the bar, its what I do best." Yang threw her head back laughing.
Rolling her eyes, Arizona knew exactly how this night was going to go. She would likely be stuck in bed tomorrow with a raging hangover, but right now, she decided not to think about it. Arizona had noticed on arrival just how dark the bar was tonight. It wasn't the lightest or brightest of bars anyway, but tonight, it was super dark. Looking over into the corner, she noticed it was in complete darkness.
"Hey, Yang. Whats with the bat cave over in the corner?" Arizona furrowed her brow.
"Oh, its for some band tonight. They want it all depressing and dark. So long as their music isn't dark and depressing, I don't care about the lighting." Cristina made her way over to the bar to help out Meredith.
"We all sorted for tonight, Mer? The band all set up and sorted?" Yang spoke quietly.
"Yep. All sorted and yes, the band is most definitely here." Meredith squinted as she looked into the darkness to barely make out a figure.
"Awesome. I'm going back to entertain our guests." Yang shot her friend a quick smile before disappearing from behind the bar.
Arizona asked Yang what time the band where due on, and then made her way to the bathroom. Figuring she had about 10 minutes before they started, she checked out her make up in the mirror. She had a nice tan from her recent travels, and she had noticed how much her blue eyes stood out now that her skin had been sun kissed.
Straightening out the white oversized shirt she wore, only being kept together by a thick black belt, she grabbed her purse and headed back out the door. Although Arizona had chosen the hot and sexy look for her evening out, she had done it purely for herself. She had no interest in meeting anyone else at the bar, but she had to admit to herself that she was looking pretty good right now. With nothing but a shirt covering her body and a pair of black heels, her black bra showing through her shirt, she wondered if she was a little overdressed. No one had passed comment, so she didn't care all that much. Making her way back over to the table, she took a seat, crossed her legs and took a sip of her white wine. Cristina had insisted on buying her first drink seen as how it had been so long since they had all got together.
Arizona sat laughing with her friends as Yang told some random story that made no sense at all. Noticing the lighting darken again, she squinted as she moved in closer to her friends. It was evident that the band where about to play, and as she heard the first notes being played on what appeared to be a piano, her heart began to beat out of her chest.
Meredith watched from the bar as Arizona's demeanour completely changed. She knew her friend would instantly notice the music being played. She had done nothing but talk about how beautiful she found the sound of the piano, and Meredith had just about had enough of hearing about it. However, hearing it for herself, Meredith could feel the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. Holy shit. She was right. That sound is something else. Meredith glanced over to the still darkened corner of the bar, barely making out any shape at all.
Looking over to the corner of the room, Arizona couldn't make out anything. She wasn't even sure that the music was coming from that area. Taking a sip of her wine, the blonde sat back and waited. Drowning in the sound around her, she closed her eyes and thought about Callie.
You've been on my mind
I grow fonder every day
Lose myself in time
Just thinking of your face
God only knows why it's taken me
So long to let my doubts go
You're the only one that I want
I don't know why I'm scared
I've been here before
Every feeling, every word
I've imagined it all
You'll never know if you never try
To forget your past and simply be mine
Arizona instantly shot up out of her seat, desperate to see for herself, the person, the woman, sitting behind the piano that was emitting the most beautiful sound, and the voice that accompanied it. Moving closer, she stopped herself mid way. She knew it couldn't be Callie, the brunette was booked in for another state, she knew that. So who the hell was it. About to hit the chorus, the lights beamed into the corner of the room, and lit up the face behind the piano. Arizona gasped.
I dare you to let me be your, your one and only
I promise I'm worthy
To hold in your arms
So come on and give me the chance
To prove I am the one who can walk that mile
Until the end starts
Tears immediately falling from both blue and brown, Meredith almost broke down as she watched both women. Arizona stood frozen in her spot, and she wondered if Callie was about to stop her set all together and take the love of her life into her arms. Noticing a megawatt smile appear on the brunettes face, the dirty blonde immediately seen what her friend had been talking about for so long. Calliope Torres was beautiful.
If I've been on your mind
You hang on every word I say
Lose yourself in time
At the mention of my name
Will I ever know how it feels to hold you close
And have you tell me
Whichever road I choose, you'll go?
I don't know why I'm scared
'Cause I've been here before
Every feeling, every word
I've imagined it all
You'll never know if you never try
To forget your past and simply be mine
I dare you to let me be your, your one and only
I promise I'm worthy, mm
To hold in your arms
So come on and give me the chance
To prove I am the one who can walk that mile
Until the end starts
Taking the microphone from the stand in front of her, Callie stopped playing. She couldn't bare to be this far away from the blonde any longer. Closing the distance between them, the brunette could smell Arizona, she could feel her breath on her, and as she took a hold of her waist with her left hand, Callie closed her eyes.
I know it ain't easy giving up your heart
I know it ain't easy giving up your heart
Nobody's perfect
(I know it ain't easy giving up your heart)
Trust me I've learned it
Nobody's perfect
(I know it ain't easy giving up your heart)
Trust me I've learned it
Nobody's perfect
(I know it ain't easy giving up your heart)
Trust me I've learned it
Nobody's perfect
(I know it ain't easy giving up your heart)
Trust me I've learned it
As blue eyes locked onto chocolate brown, both women held onto each others hips, refusing to let go. Hearing the whistles and cheers coming from the crowd, mainly Arizona's friends, Callie zoned out. She needed this moment to just be for them. She wanted to hold the blonde more than anything right now, but technically, she had a job to do. Bringing her mouth closer to the blondes ear, Callie finished her song.
So I dare you to let me be your, your one and only
I promise I'm worthy
To hold in your arms
So come on and give me the chance
To prove that I am the, one who can walk that mile
Until the end starts
Come on and give me the chance
To prove that I am the one who can, walk that mile
Until the end starts
Arizona almost dropped to the floor. Callie may of dedicated most of her songs to the blonde, but she had never, ever removed herself from behind her piano and sang a cappella to her. Right now, she didn't know what she felt. Happiness, desperation, longing, heartache. It was all too much to take in right now and as Callie finished her song, the only thing the blonde knew she had to do, was wrap her arms around the woman who had completely stolen her heart.
Turning off her microphone, she brought her lips up to Arizona's ear once more. The blondes scent was intoxicating, and having not been around her for the last four months, Callie was struggling to keep her emotions in check right now.
"Arizona, I love you, more than anything in this world. A-And you, you look so hot right now." the brunette husked into her girlfriends ear.
Turning her head, Arizona crushed her lips into plump red. She had thought about the moment she finally got to see Callie for what had seemed like a lifetime, and now that she was stood in front of her, she didn't want the moment to ever end.
Hearing Cristina shout "Get a room." Both women turned back to look at the table of Arizona's friends and laughed. The blonde couldn't believe she was stood in a bar, in Seattle, with the one woman she so desperately needed to see.
"Calliope?" Arizona turned back to look into the brunettes eyes.
Hearing her full name being spoken by the blonde, Callie felt her body respond in all kinds of ways. Closing her eyes momentarily, she took a much needed breath. Her emotions where everywhere right now, and the thought of actually speaking to the woman she was currently holding in her arms, left her feeling weak at the knees.
"Calliope? H-How long do I have you for? What are you even doing here?" Arizona sighed.
"Are you trying to get rid of me already?" Callie furrowed her brow. "I thought you'd be happy to see me."
"Oh, I am. Im so happy to see you. I just wanted to know how much time I had with you. How long I can hold you for, how long we can lock ourselves in my house, how long I have to do all kinds of things to you." Arizona smirked.
"Oh!" Callie's eyes widened. "Oh, well, we will have time for that later. Right now, I would like to finally meet your friends, before I finish my set." the brunette tugged on her girlfriends arm. Making their way over to the table, Callie turned back and stopped dead in front of the blonde. "Oh, and by the way, what you are wearing? That is hot! Dirty hot, Arizona. You will be wearing it to bed tonight." Callie winked as she left the blonde stood motionless in the middle of the bar.
Shaking herself from her thoughts, she needed Callie to hurry up and finish her set. Feeling her own arousal building, she tried to hide the blush on her cheeks as she made her way to the table. "Calliope, this is Cristina and Alex. Meredith is over behind the bar."
"Nice to finally meet you guys." the brunette hugged her girlfriends work colleague and friend.
"Yeah, you too. Arizona did good here." Cristina turned towards Alex. "She's hot."
Arizona rolled her eyes and pulled Callie towards the bar. "Callie, this is Meredith."
"I know." Callie pulled the dirty blonde into a hug. "Me and Meredith have already met."
Furrowing her brow, Arizona was left confused. "Y-You have? When?"
"Oh, we've been speaking for a while. Online. She helped me out with this." the brunette stated.
"S-She did? You did?" Arizona turned to face her friend.
"I did. I hope that is okay. I couldn't cope with your pouting any longer, Robbins. It was becoming too much." Meredith laughed at her friend.
"I did not pout." the blonde gasped at the accusation.
"Oh but you so did." Meredith moved away from the couple before the blonde could argue back.
Both women stood at the bar, holding each other. Since Arizona had figured it was Callie at the piano, she couldn't bare the thought of them not touching. Holding the brunette around her waist. She swayed their bodies from side to side. "Seriously, how long do I have you for?"
Callie flashed her million dollar smile as she contemplated her girlfriends reaction once the words had left her mouth. "I'm here for as long as you will have me, Arizona." Watching the blondes eyes searching her face, Callie laughed before pulling them back to the table.
Is she back for good? No. She can't be. She has another five months to go. Arizona wasn't sure how to take the brunettes response. She knew she wasn't back for good, but why wouldn't she give her a simple answer. Was it a couple of days? A week? She decided not to dwell on it right now. The most important thing was that her Calliope was with her, and that was all that mattered.
Song is 'One and Only' by Adele. I'm sure you've all heard it but in case you haven't, go check it out.
I look forward to hearing your reviews and comments, thanks for reading.
