AN: A fairly lengthy part – mainly because I'm about to hit a couple of weeks of copious amounts of marking which seriously cuts in to my writing time! End of semester is not an enjoyable time. :-) But we'll see how it goes, hopefully I can still manage an update or two as I'm strangely motivated with this fic at the moment.
Thanks for all the feedback and comments, I appreciate all thoughts and opinions. I find it interesting sometimes, the different views that people have. Postmodernism at its best!
On with the part…
Part 9
The wall clock had barely ticked past six when Callie quietly edged back into the bedroom she shared with Arizona. Printed on the dining room table, were the full documents that Arizona would need to complete and file with the Washington State Court. It had taken her multiple hours of reading and rereading, opening PDF files and closing them again, only to find out a few minutes later that she needed the same document. It was tedious and incredibly frustrating, but Callie had no question that it was better for her to do the ground work. She felt as if she was fumbling along with her emotional support for Arizona, reacting and responding to each crisis rather than anything particularly proactive. She wasn't sure she had any other option, but still, she felt inadequate and poorly equipped. But the knowledge side of things; that she could do. She could easily sit in front of the computer and get documents prepared; it was completely in her control. She was doing something.
It felt good to actually do something.
The sun had just started to rise and cast an inconsistent glow across the room, the blockout curtains they used to combat the night shifts had recently started to fade and pill. Now light heavily streamed across the foot of their bed and again, at Arizona's bedside table. Sunrise had done little warm the room though and Arizona visibly shivered in her slumbered state. The covers pooled over her calves where she had clearly kicked them off, leaving her curled on her side facing Callie, hands tucked up under her chin. She had half rolled on to her forearms in an attempt to retain some warmth and her face was pressed heavily into the soft pillow.
Gradually working her way onto the bed, Callie slowly inched down, carefully gripping the edge of the duvet and drawing it over them as she lay down. The mattress was soft and the coils bounced slightly with movement, potentially disturbing whoever was fortunate to be still sleeping. They had trained themselves well though, years of shift work tends to have that effect, with their sleep usually heavy or at least, easily returned to.
Arizona stirred slightly, unfolding a little as the cool sheets conformed to her body and increasingly warmed with their body heat. Lying on her back, arms by her side, Callie dropped her cheek to the pillow and watched silently. Her eyes worked over Arizona's features, thinking and observing. With blond hair twisted and tangled around her face, Arizona clearly didn't sleep peacefully. She presumably seldom did, switching sides and positions throughout the night. Her eyelids flickered constantly, eyes darting beneath the lids, and lashes, long and thick, tapped lightly against the soft skin underneath. Callie doubted her dreams were filled with rainbows and pots of gold.
As she often did, Arizona murmured quietly in her sleep, a string of sounds rather than comprehensible words or phrases. She untucked a fist, drawing in a deep breath as her palm slid across the space between them until her tapping fingertips found Callie's arm. She instinctively snaked them over the inside of Callie's elbow until her hand pressed completely against skin. Exhaling, Arizona mumbled again and snuggled her face deeper into the pillow. Her eyelids opened briefly before heavily closing.
Offering a few quiet soothing sounds, Callie closed her eyes, encouraging Arizona to continue to doze should she wake, however momentarily, again. The sensation of Arizona's affectionate fingers wrapped around her arm was comforting, a physical connection that sparked a localised warmth and tactile association. It was how they tended to sleep, both on their own sides of the wide bed, but seldom without a slight touch. Feet that were hooked together or fingers entwined, and at times, a ball of shirt material held in a loose grip. Occasionally, Callie would wake to find Arizona snuggled close, yet not completely touching, either sharing her pillow or so close that each breath tickled at the hairs of her shoulder. Though Arizona never explained, Callie wondered now whether it were memories that haunted her dreams or just simple, erratic and unpredictable nightmares that sent her edging closer to safety. Or whether some nights, days, cases, were just harder than others, with their familiar bells and nagging truths. It was hard to know.
At some point in her quiet reflective state, Callie must have dozed. She woke to Arizona's fingers losing their contact with her skin and a sea of matted blond hair as Arizona lifted herself off the pillow and towards the side of the bed. Callie reacted quickly, reaching out and wrapping a hand around Arizona's shoulder, tugging her swiftly back into the bed. Yelping softly in surprise, Arizona quickly relaxed and found herself enveloped by Callie, legs draping over hers and an arm over her hip. "It's not time to get up yet," Callie insisted, inhaling Arizona's familiar scent and pressing a kiss to her shoulder blade.
"Really?"
"Yep, really."
"I could make you breakfast in bed, if you like," Arizona offered, blue eyes wide and alert. Once she was awake, she had a rush of adrenalin and was far less likely to laze around in bed for hours than Callie was.
"I just want you for breakfast," Callie responded a little too quickly, feeling Arizona's breath catch. "Wait, that came out a lot more sexual than I intended." She moved her thumb back and forth, softly stroking the curve of Arizona's hip bone, just below the moon shaped indentations she knew were still crusted and quietly healing. "What I meant," she clarified slowly, "is that staying here for a few more minutes is better than any food."
Responding with a hushed giggle, Arizona said, "Is that right? Even better than the coffee you won't function without?"
'Hmmm," Callie contemplated, moulding her body closer to Arizona's back and sliding a hand underneath her pillow. "Coffee is definitely an entirely different thing. It's more of a necessity than a preference. Just like this, this is a necessity. Breakfast, not so much."
"You're babbling."
"Never."
Arizona smiled and reached for Callie's hand that had just found its way out from beneath her neck. Quietly, she traced the contours of her fingers, noting each knuckle as she explored the long, muscular digits. Fingers were seldom described as muscular, but when it came to surgeons, there were few other adequate words. Years of spending long days, precisely holding small and distinct implements had meant their hands resembled those of a rock climber and Callie's especially. Not only did her specialty demand a meticulous accuracy, but also strength; an infallible ability to manoeuvre bone and secure metal plates, screws and whatever else she had constructed from nothing. Her forearms and wrist were equally powerful, and if Arizona held her hand around Callie's arm, she could feel every tendon and muscle move. "Did you sleep?" Callie eventually asked, breaking Arizona's sudden silence and cadenced touch.
Nodding, Arizona glanced over her shoulder. "Yeah, you?"
"Very well," Callie lied, lips pressing to Arizona's shoulder again, distracting herself from the small deceit.
"So, you haven't been up half the night?"
Callie hesitated. "Maybe not half," she quietly answered, unable to hide a smile at just how well Arizona knew her.
"You forget that I know you, Calliope," Arizona said lightly as if reading her mind, awkwardly rolling on to her back and wincing at the effort.
Callie lifted the arm resting on Arizona's hip as she turned, hand lingering over her abdomen as she watched her react to the dull tug of pain that wrapped around her ribcage. "Okay?" she asked, ever so lightly rubbing at Arizona's stomach.
She earned a nod. "Yep. Gets better as the day goes on. So, what were you up doing all night? Or don't I really want to know?"
Callie shrugged. "Just getting stuff sorted for today," she explained. Arizona immediately drew away her eye contact, gaze moving to dart over the ceiling. Callie waited patiently for a moment, repositioning so that she could shadow Arizona's face with her hands. "I didn't want you to have to think too much about the logistics, that's all. I don't mean to take over."
Shaking her head, Arizona sighed. "It's not that, sorry. I just forgot, for a moment."
"A nice moment?"
Arizona offered an ambivalent look. "As brief as it was."
"There'll be plenty more, soon I'm sure. Maybe we can get away for a weekend break too, get out of the city and away from it all."
Dropping her eyes finally, Arizona fleetingly met Callie's intense stare before haphazardly focussing on their surroundings. "I think I'd really like that," she said softly. "Somewhere quiet, a cabin by a relaxing lake or maybe a vineyard. Just you and me."
Callie nodded eagerly, leaning forward to kiss Arizona's cheek. "Consider it done, I'll organise everything. I know how much you love surprises," she teased.
"I hate surprises. Hate, with a passion. But as long as you promise this would be a good surprise, then I suppose I could be convinced."
Grinning, Callie lowered her head and placed a rush of consecutive kisses, just grazing Arizona's jawline with her pursed lips. "Trust me?" she asked.
"I do."
"Good. I can't wait to start planning and organising. I can even do it this afternoon when we get home."
Arizona nodded calmly this time, licking her lips and swallowing as she tilted her head to rest against Callie's thick dark hair. "So, what did you find out? What will happen?"
Taking a moment to think about how she was going to respond, Callie finally questioned her back. "Have you ever looked into it? What do you know?"
Shrugging, Arizona murmured, "I've looked a few times, here and before. I fill out some forms, take any medical reports, that kind of thing and then take them to the Courthouse. Right?"
"Maybe you've looked at it pretty closely, hey?"
"I make informed decisions, measured. I know it doesn't seem like it, but I do. There's risks with this, and they've been risks I haven't been willing to take."
"Until now?"
"I guess. I still have doubts Calliope, I do. But I can do this." Arizona was void momentarily of emotion, each word articulated calmly and clearly.
"We, Arizona. We."
She smiled at Callie and closed her eyes. "Yep. And then after we take the forms, there's an interim hearing type thing. They either approve an interim order or not."
"They will."
"They might," Arizona clarified.
Callie's hands tightened around Arizona's shoulders, squeezing her. They both knew the real danger came when Emily was served with the papers and the hearing that would occur in a couple of week's time. "I filled out as much as I could, on the paperwork. You just need to write down what happened this week, particularly and your history with her. And I didn't know stuff about her, date of birth, usual address, all that kind of thing."
Arizona's eyes jerked open and she stared open mouthed for a couple of seconds. "You filled them out?"
"Ah, yeah. That's alright isn't it?"
"Thank you," she whispered, twisting her arm to grab Callie's hand from her shoulder. She gripped it within both of her hands and held it to her mouth. Nodding, she added, "So much."
It had been almost three hours by the time Callie and Arizona were sitting on a hard wooden bench seats in the midst of a packed courtroom. Although it looked more like an overcrowded office and nothing like the spectacular rooms on court television. Or even the legal dramas that were so big in the nineties. Arizona would have been more than happy to sit in a quiet room with a lawyer speaking on her behalf, but the reality was a junior family law Judge who barely made eye contact with various clients and their requests for temporary orders. Everything from urgent child custody arrangements to supervised contact orders to requests for financial subpoenas. It must be a matter of drawing the short straw or a very crappy rotating roster for which Judge or Commissioner ends up with the role each day.
Eventually though, Arizona was called. Doctor Arizona Robbins mumbled by an assistant who pointed non-empathically to a few chairs at the front of the room. She walked through, heart pounding in her chest with Callie's open hand on the small of her back. Callie didn't once break her subtle touch.
Arizona watched wide-eyed, as he read or skimmed the material they had filed. She could feel her pulse ringing in her ears and her face felt flushed; she was aware she was panicking. Focussing on her breathing, she maintained a presence; square shoulders and chin held up, sweaty palms folded neatly in her lap. "Relationship with the alleged perpetrator?" he asked, not bothering to peer over his glasses as he continued to scan each page.
Swallowing heavily, Arizona cleared her throat. "Ex domestic partners." She breathed a sigh of relief at the conviction in her voice.
"No police reports?"
"No."
"Medical?"
"I have a medical file in Maryland that can be released if required." He jotted some notes and placed a page to his left, scribbling in the corner.
"Current injuries listed, but no treatment report?"
"My current partner and friends are Attendings. I was treated external to the hospital I work at." He looked up finally, glancing to the front of papers and raising his eyebrows. Arizona gritted her teeth, words couldn't describe the frustration she was feeling. Every irrational expectation on herself seemed to emanate through the Judge, a person who should be breaking down stereotypes and not engaging in them. She felt Callie lightly scratch at the back of her neck, silently grounding her.
He nodded, observing the tail end of the bruise on her cheekbone. "You've signed release of all medical and counselling notes?"
"Yes."
"Do you have a current partner?"
Callie gave him an obvious nod. "Yes," Arizona confirmed.
"Doctor Calliope Torres?"
"Yes," Arizona repeated, yet again.
"In receipt of a direct threat?"
"Yes." Callie gave Arizona a quizzical glance, though it went unnoticed. Arizona was focussed solely on the uncommunicative man in front of her.
Looking to his clerk, the Judge shared a nod and picked up a large stamp that he used to press against an inkpad and then multiple pages. "Petition for Order of Protection approved. Temporary Order for Protection, including all modes of contact direct and indirect, approved for fourteen days for Doctor Arizona Robbins and Doctor Calliope Torres, pending full order hearing. Date and time to be advised, on or within two weeks. Please ensure the respondent is served, by private enterprise, police or advocacy service and return of service is filed with the court and local police department. Any questions?"
"No. Thank you." They were quickly ushered forward with a handful of paperwork and directed to the door, hearing the name of the next applicant called before they were even able to exit the room. The entire process seemed superficial and completely flawed; Arizona felt nothing but disempowered, which seemed incredibly contradictory. Still, the approval was in place.
Callie again kept a firm hand wrapped around Arizona's side, shoulders tapping as they walked through the building and waited for an elevator to take them back to the Clerk's office. "Okay?" Callie asked softly, repositioning the handbag hanging over her shoulder. Arizona just nodded, grateful for the folder in her arms that concealed her unsteady hands. "Nice process," Callie added as they leant against the back of an empty elevator, waiting for the doors to close. "Can't imagine why you didn't want to go through this earlier." Arizona offered a half smile in reply and Callie pressed a chaste kiss to her temple. "That's my girl."
Standing at the passenger side door of Callie's car, Arizona leaned against the car, one hand on the edge of the roof. "Callie…" she trailed off, voice husky and mouth agape. "It's beautiful," she added, taking in the view. There were rows of grape vines as far as they could see, running in perfect symmetry down into a small valley and up the other side, disappearing over the top of the hill. A quick look to the left and right yielded the same result, endless green vines that followed stretches of wire held between short wooden stumps.
"Good wine too," Callie offered, nodding her agreement. "They make this divine pinot, it's better than sex, seriously."
Arizona laughed. "I thought that statement was reserved for chocolate only."
"Hmmm, chocolate and wine," Callie said grinning as she popped the boot and carefully lifted two duffel bags to the pebbled ground.
"Is there only one cabin?" Arizona had finally noticed the small wood structure that waited for them, almost a hundred metres down a narrow gravel path.
Callie worked her way around the car to Arizona, one bag slung over her shoulder and wheeling the other behind her. She fumbled briefly with her oversized tote, holding all the necessities – purse, phone, sunglasses, diary and booking material. "I think there're three, but the spiel on their websites guarantees complete seclusion and privacy. I assume they're completely spread out throughout the property."
"Wow," Arizona grinned and for the first time in weeks, Callie observed the smile to reach her eyes. The corners creasing with fine laugh lines and the blue iris clear and focussed. "Hey, let me take one of those," she added, suddenly aware of Callie lugging their bags.
"Nope, I've got them under control. Just grab your handbag and if you can lock the car, we can get started on our relaxing."
Nodding, Arizona crouched down and gripped her shoulder bag, still unable to completely bend and twist at awkward angles without pain tugging through her sides. "I'm feeling relaxed already," she informed Callie, holding her hands up in the air as she stood looking at the car, doors closed. "Keys?" she asked.
"Ah, my right pocket," Callie murmured, holding an arm out and tilting her hip towards Arizona. Digging in to the jeans pocket, Arizona took the keys and pressed the lock button on the remote. She threw the keys in her bag and followed Callie slowly down the pathway.
Letting themselves in the open door, Callie dropped the bags directly to the floor and puffed lightly. "Now this is what I had in mind," she declared.
Arizona stepped in behind her and walked quickly around the cabin. Just inside the door was an oversized sofa, directly in front of an old style open wood fire, a basket of kindling and logs sitting next to it on the polished wooden floor. "Callie, look," Arizona insisted, gesturing for Callie to follow her to the double doors that led into the bedroom. A king size bed was elegantly adorned with large white pillows and a scattering of decadent chocolate and sweets were on the bedspread and side tables. Floor to ceiling glass doors led out to a patio, a large hot spa and cushioned day beds placed with unlimited views of the vineyard. "We are so getting in that spa tonight," she added, fingers finding Callie's and entwining with a tight squeeze.
"You like?" Callie asked, finding her own tension start to dissipate.
"More than like, this is just perfect. Come on, I want to keep exploring."
Callie chuckled contentedly, and eagerly nodded her agreement. "There should be a kitchen somewhere…"
On the opposite side of the living area, they found a large, open kitchen with endless bench space and every modern appliance. An expresso machine, water filter, microwave, large fridge. A fruit basket was overfilled with a range of ready to eat fruit and various jars of mixed nuts and dried fruit were also on the bench. Opening the fridge, Callie indicated for Arizona to cast her eyes in. "They'll restock each day with fresh juice, wine and different items for meals, there's a bar-b-queue outside so there's heaps of supplies for cooked breakfasts and dinners. We can also phone up if we need anything else and they'll arrange it. Oh, and check out the breadbox over there, it's got fresh bread and pastries. We might get fat over the next week!" It was an extra that Callie had arranged, intent on nourishing Arizona slightly closer to a healthy weight. It was of course, horrifically expensive, but there was nothing they needed more than to be completely isolated from the world and what was happening in Seattle. At some point that day or the next, Emily would be served with the court orders and details of Arizona's application, not to mention the next court date. It was important, for Arizona's anxiety, that they were nowhere near the apartment or hospital, for a little while, at least.
"Mmmm, yum," Arizona agreed, closing the fridge door and pantry and catching the belt loops on Callie's jeans. Holding on to them, she stepped towards Callie whilst lightly tugging before wrapping her arms around her waist. She audibly exhaled, chin coming to rest on Callie's shoulder and warm cheek pressing to Callie's jawline. "Thank you," she said softly. "Thank you so much, Calliope. This is just perfect."
"You're more than welcome," Callie responded, one hand snaking up the back of Arizona's neck, fingers lost in the blond hair that tumbled over her shoulders. She leant back and spontaneously captured Arizona's lips in a long, deep kiss. Their tongues played easily together, sparks elicited as an intensity fell over them that had been absent since long before their break up. Their engage was hungry and somewhat frantic, lower lips being devoured before light moans were swallowed by the others' mouth.
Breathlessly, they broke apart, chests rising and falling heavily against each other. Taking a few moments to catch their breath, foreheads resting against each other, Arizona eventually broke the silence. "I've missed that."
"Me too," Callie agreed, releasing her hands to cup Arizona's face and gently kiss the edge of her mouth and cheek. "You're so beautiful."
Arizona immediately blushed, pink prickling her cheekbones. She screwed her nose up and shook her head. "No," she grumbled.
"You are," Callie insisted. "So beautiful and I am so lucky to have you in my life."
"You're getting all soppy," Arizona whispered, swallowing at the lump swelling in the back of her throat.
"Mmmm, am I not allowed?"
Shrugging, Arizona offered a few non-committal murmurs, virtually trapped with Callie's hands cupping her face and intense gaze connecting them. She was overwhelmed almost, embarrassed by the conviction in Callie's words and body language. "You're allowed," she eventually conceded, voice soft as her hands trailed up Callie's forearms until they could wrap securely around her wrists.
"Good, I'm glad you approve because I am planning on spending this week, telling you and showing you, exactly how much I love you. So you better be okay with that."
Arizona smiled, tears glazing. "I'm super okay with that."
"Good. Now, what's our first plan to kick our relaxing into gear?"
Drawing Callie's hands away from her face, Arizona held them to her sides and leant in again, body melting into Callie's. Thinking for a long minute, Arizona finally squeezed at Callie's hands and said lightly, "I really want to test out those sun lounges, and it's an awesome afternoon."
"Oh yeah, nice call. How would you feel about opening a bottle of wine and having some snacks…late lunch I suppose."
"Yes please!" The wide grin was back, eyes clear at the distinct change in mood from quiet reflection to task focussed.
Callie shook her head and laughed. "Alright, you get settled out there and I'll bring supplies out. "Bubbly or white?"
"Ahhhh, I don't mind at all."
Tempted to insist that Arizona make the decision for them, Callie let the moment pass. She was just thrilled to see a hint of a sparkle in Arizona's eyes and the desire and lust return so suddenly in her kisses. Her shoulders seemed squarer and she walked across the room with an energy that had been absent, the little jump in her step and the way she looked over her shoulder and smiled.
Preparing a platter, Callie quickly arranged a selection of cheeses; an aged cheddar, a triangle of double brie and a square of gouda. She lined up a few small glasses, filling one with mixed nuts and another with olives, spooning spinach and pinenut dip into the third. Arranging a selection of water crackers and some plain thick cut potato crisps, she stared at the platter, contemplating what was missing. Opening the fridge, she scanned the contents, excitedly finding a few slices of prosciutto and and a handful of fetta stuffed peppers.
Finally, removing an ice filled wine cooler from the freezer, she placed a bottle of white wine, a sauvignon blanc blend, into the ice and tipped two wide glasses upside down between her fingers. Precariously balancing the glasses in one hand the platter in the other, she held the cooler under her arm and stepped carefully out of the kitchen and towards the bedroom. Arizona had left the doors wide open and had the lounges positioned with a matching table between them. She looked up when Callie approached, taking the two glasses from Callie's hand as she settled the large plate down. "How good does that look?" she rhetorically asked, stretched out in the warm, mid afternoon sun, blond hair loose over her shoulders.
"And I'm suddenly starving, too," Callie agreed, popping a black olive into her mouth. "Oh, that's balsamic, so good."
Having removed a thigh length grey cardigan, Arizona lay back in light blue denim jeans, loose at the waist and demonstrating clear hip bones and a hallowed abdomen. Her top was a cotton, deep purple cami, the thin straps intertwining with her pink bra, over pale shoulders. She didn't notice that the bruise on her arm was now exposed, though it had faded to a pale green, with just a few speckles of blue and light scratches. And tiny marks over her pelvis peaked out from between the hem of her shirt and gaping heavy denim waist.
Knowing that Arizona had consciously kept the healing injuries mostly hidden, Callie was strangely comforted by her present ease. They had been at the cabin for less than an hour and already Arizona seemed a world away from the woman who she had walked out of the courthouse with just three days before. She had even had violent nightmares that evening, waking up with a jerk and arms flailing into the pitch blackness of their bedroom. Callie doubted she would ever forget the immobilisation of Arizona that night, the way Callie had laid her back down in bed and held her tightly, whispering constantly about nothing in an attempt to remove the rigidity in her body. And the blinking eyes that stared at her, as if trying to comprehend who she was and why they were in the same bed. She hadn't cried, in fact, she had barely moved.
Callie physically pushed away the memory, tucking hair behind her ears and pinching the bridge of her nose. She removed the screw cap on the wine bottle and quickly poured two glasses to the rim, observing Arizona taste testing the cheeses out of her peripheral vision. "Which is best?" Callie asked, placing Arizona's wine next to her and reaching briefly to affectionately run her fingertips down her bicep.
"Tough to choose," Arizona slowly answered, licking her lips. "I find it hard to go past brie though, I have a very big weak spot for soft cheeses."
"There's plenty more, so eat away," Callie assured, taking her own jacket off and kicking her shoes to the ground. She took a long sip of wine before returning it to the table, filling a curved chip with dip and dropping it into her mouth. Tipping her face to the sky, she sighed loudly, rolling her shoulders and squirming to get the cushion at her lower back into the right position.
Arizona dropped her head to the side and observed silently, drinking leisurely from her own glass. "You happy to be here too, Calliope?" she asked after a moment, concerned at Callie's burrowed forehead.
Callie released a wide grin and nodded enthusiastically. "I am. I'm just, stopping, you know. I feel like I can stop now."
"You must be tired," Arizona stated; now that she felt safe and peaceful, it was like she could rely on her natural senses again, her instincts. Everything that made her who she was, who she wanted to be.
"Not that much, a little. No more than usual."
Arizona smirked and rolled her eyes. "Yeah, cause you haven't been up most nights."
"How is that different to usual? How often are we called in work?"
"I guess. You look exhausted, that's all."
"So some long sleep ins then, yeah?" Callie asked. "Late brunches, easy walks through the vineyard, afternoon naps. Should reenergise us."
"Sounds good," Arizona said softly, easily reaching for various food options and eating consistently, savouring the taste briefly before taking the next item. They stared vacantly at the view, minutes passing and their glasses gradually emptying, talking sporadically about easy topics – the type of grape closest to them and when they would visit the cellar door they observed at the entrance off the side road. Eventually, Arizona curled on to her side, shadowing her ribs with an open palm. She looked at Callie for a moment, opening her mouth to speak before closing it again. Callie raised her eyebrows in question. "I was just going to ask, but I know there isn't an answer really."
"Ask?"
"I just; do you think she knows yet?" Callie looked momentarily confused, not making the jump quick enough from wine tastings. "The order, do you think she's been served yet?"
"I'm not sure," Callie answered honestly, leaning back to place the back of her lounger in a more upright position. "I suppose so."
Arizona nodded calmly. "You told Mark or Teddy to phone if there's any…problems…"
"Yeah, they will. They'll let me know."
"Okay." The smile was back, slight but genuine.
"Come lie with me?" Callie asked, dropping her legs to the side and patting the vacated space.
Arizona grinned but shook her head. "I'm fine, I was just thinking, that's all."
"Please?" Callie pleaded, dropping her bottom lip in an exaggerated dejected expression. "This would be the showing part of my plan."
"Oh really?"
"Yep, you think you can put up with me?"
"Callie…"
Again, she dropped her lip until a smile broke on Arizona's face. She emulated the grin. "Come on, I need my Arizona cuddles."
Slowly moving, Arizona stood up and took the few steps to Callie's chair, sitting down and scooting backwards sol she rested comfortably between Callie's legs and her upper body guided until she conformed to Callie's torso. "You're cute today, all affectionate."
"And that's a bad thing?" Callie whispered into her ear.
"No, not a bad thing at all. I like it." Taking Callie's hands that were gently stroking her arms, Arizona hugged them to her chest. "A lot."
Pressing kisses to Arizona's scalp, Callie closed her eyes, fatigue settling over her. A combination of the tiredness and wine diminishing the heightened adrenalin she had been running on. A few minutes later, she felt Arizona change position slightly, easing more on to her side, which lifted the pressure on her ribs. Callie relaxed her grip and trailed her fingers loosely over Arizona's shoulders and back. "Comfortable?" she murmured, eyes flickering.
"Sleepy," Arizona husked.
"Nap sweetie," Callie encouraged, aware that she too was only vaguely conscious. Arizona murmured into her chest and the last sensation Callie felt, were Arizona's soft lips and the tip of her tongue pressing a lingering kiss to the curve of her breast before they both slipped into the warm haze of nurturing sleep.
Safe; secure and blissfully detached from home.
A line of empty shot glasses were scattered on the bar, directly in front of where she sat on a sticky stool. Bar brawls erupted around her and pool cues slammed on tables, security fought to drag intoxicated and violent men onto the street.
She tipped a whiskey glass to her lips, dipping her chin as she uncoordinatedly tried to seek the familiar burn of her throat. Strewn around where she sat, dispersed between the wet bench and repellent floor, were tiny strips of paper. A single word, half phrases and destroyed names were in a hundred pieces, maybe more.
Legal confetti; a kaleidoscope of broken reveries.
Another glass, liquid bounces over the bar. Droplets fall to her skirt; her mouth drips excess and her eyes glaze. Existence blurred; erased between the abolished documents and annihilated efforts at inebriation.
Fuck 'em.
TBC…