I borrowed a scene/idea from Mulan...I'm sure you'll know what I'm talking about, but it was too tempting to resist. I own nothing.

Chapter 10

Arizona glanced around the shop looking at all the selections. It was a small shop, very homey. Quaint…like the town they were in. "Hey Alex, what do you think about this one?" She asks the short haired man next to her. He takes the piece from her hand to examine it more closely.

"It's nice. I think she'd like it…" he looks at her, and thoughtfully added with a grunt, "but what the hell do I know?"

Arizona rolled her eyes, "not much…" she muttered under her breath. "But, I do trust your opinion Alex," she told him after he gave her a playful shove.

"Yeah yeah…." He laughed.

Arizona decide that this is the one she would get. She walked over to the counter to purchase the small item. The clerk had been keeping a wary eye on the new comers, but upon seeing the rather expensive piece the young man was going to buy, he gave him a big smile.

"Buying this for your girl?" he asks, recording the price and item on his receipt paper.

Arizona blushes a bit, "Uh, well…I hope that someday she'll be my girl…" she replied quietly.

"Okay, that'll be six dollars and fifty cents." He told her, not being able to hide the greedy smile on his face.

"That's...that's quite a lot…" she said to herself quietly, pulling out her small money pouch and handing over the only bill she had and a few coins to make the total. "But…she's worth it." She turned around and caught Alex's attention. "Ready?" she asked him. He gave a firm nod and together they walked out of the store. They untied their horses from the post and started to make their way back to camp.

It had been two days since she confessed to kissing Calliope to her brother, and two tiring days at that. They had tried to pick up the pace, not wanting to fall behind schedule. And Arizona hadn't gotten to spend all that much time with the Latina, much to both their disappointment. However, what little time they did have together, they spent it talking about anything and everything. They learned of each other's families; favorite home cooked meals; views and opinions on the war; and much more. They really made good friends, though much to Arizona's disappointment, there was no more kissing.

Eventually the band of soldiers and their charges were closing in on a small town. To attract less attention, they had changed out of their uniforms and into their regular clothes. Alex and Arizona volunteered to ride ahead, in order to get a feel of the town. The size, the people, if there were confederate soldiers. The town seemed fairly humble, and there was a definite lack of Southern soldiers, so after a quick stop for Arizona's purchase, they were currently on their way back.

The two friends rode in a comfortable silence, taking solace in each other's company. After about fifteen minutes, Arizona looked up and saw the carriage and horses in the distance. Seeing how close they were, she nervously stuck her hand in the pocket with her present. She fingered it lightly, nerves hitting her rather quickly. What if it was too odd? They hadn't known each other very long…but despite this, Arizona felt unbelievably close to the woman. And, Arizona knew that they wouldn't be together much longer. Eventually, they would arrive in Boston and Arizona would go back to war. So she figured she should give her friend something to remember her buy while she was away.

Arizona had never really had a female friend before. Sure, she's gotten along with the occasional daughter of her father's friends, but never someone she felt she could trust. Someone she could talk with about anything. Of course, she always had her brother…but he was a man. He just didn't get certain things. And that's why she knew she had to stay close with Callie, and that if it really came down to it, she would accept being just friends.

XXX

"Hey! There they are!" Timothy shouted as he spotted his sister and Alex in the distance. Callie immediately snapped her head up and squinted towards where Tim was looking. Sure enough, she saw two people trotting along on horses, just far enough away that you can't quite tell who's who.

"Thank God… I can't wait to see some damn civilization." Cristina muttered quietly to Callie, one of the few people who didn't flinch at her using such language. "I can't stand living amongst all these ruffians; the only two I can really stand is Tim and Aaron…and one of them isn't even a man."

Callie's eyes went wide and she glared at Cristina, "Shut it." She said, though she couldn't help the chuckle that escaped. After all, it was true. Most of these men were quite rough around the edges. Especially Eric. Callie figured it had to do with getting schooled by Aaron that really made him angry, but his behavior had been barely acceptable, and more than once she caught his lecherous gaze on her. She gave a shiver at the thought…but luckily her hero, heroine, was back. She stood quickly, approaching the blonde as she got off her horse.

"Hey Aaron," she grinned, "How was the trip? Was the town acceptable? Can we go?" She asked, practically on top of the young soldier.

"Whoa there Calliope, just a moment, I'll tell you." Arizona replied with a deep voice and a smirk.

"Right." Callie said, blushing slightly at her ambush, "So…?" she asks, eager to step foot into a town.

"We can head in as soon as possible." Alex gruffed out, beating Arizona who had just opened her mouth to tell Callie. "Ouch!" he turned to Arizona, furrowing his eyebrows. "What the hell, Aaron!?"

"You interrupted me you cod." She gave him a stern face, before she turned back to Callie with a smile. "So the town is quite small, and hardly any Confederate soldiers. So Alex and I are sure that if we ditch the uniforms, as we have been, we should go through without a problem!" she said eagerly. And talking with some folks in the area, the train station is about a week's worth of traveling from here. We'll have you in Boston in no time."

At this, Callie's fell. She realized that she'd be separating from her new friend, and said friend would be off to war. She had no clue when or if she would ever see her again. However, once she got a look at Arizona's face, so excited to deliver this news to Callie, she snapped a smile onto her face, trying to push the sadness back.

Arizona noticed this though, and wanted to know what was wrong. "Calliope…?" she asked quietly in her normal voice, "Are you all right? I thought you'd be happy to hear you'd be in Boston soon." She put her hand on Callie's arm.

"I-I am. No, really." She added when Arizona raised an eyebrow in disbelief. "It's just, that means you're…you guys are almost done escorting me. And you'll be going off to war and stuff…" she trailed off. Then she looked into Arizona's eyes, "I'm gonna miss you." She stated quietly.

"Hey…I'm going to miss you too Callie. I promise I'll be careful though…and if you want," she said, "I'll come find you after the war's over?" Arizona offered, unsure whether Callie would really want her to or not.

"I think I'd really like that…" Callie whispered. Neither of them had noticed how close they had become, however the men around them have. Many of them noticing, not for the first time, the attraction between Callie and Aaron. The three people aware of Aaron's true identity tried to casually walk away, wanting to give the two some privacy. Eventually they were all going about preparing to head into the town, the two girls not paying attention.

"Can I hug you?" Arizona asked, hoping Callie won't deny her. Which she doesn't; the brunette just nods, falling into Arizona's arms as they wrap around her waist. Arizona's breath hitched when she felt Callie inhale and nuzzle into her neck. This just felt so right. She didn't know what she was going to do once the Latina was in Boston and she was traveling back south into battle. Hopefully this war wouldn't last much longer. Maybe a few more months tops.

Arizona's eyes went wide when she distinctly felt…no, it couldn't have been… "Callie?" she asked, sure that the brunette had just kissed her neck.

Callie pulled back suddenly, surprised that she did that. "I'm sorry Arizona."

"For what?" Arizona asked, wanting to pretend nothing happened, hoping that Callie wouldn't push away from her. Callie took the bait and smiled wide at the blonde.

"Thanks" she whispered.

"I really haven't a clue what you're talking about," the soldier replied with a straight face. After a beat, l she changed the subject all together. "So, you ready to see some civilization?"

"Oh goodness, yes." Callie said. "I'm sorry, but traveling with a bunch of men and Cristina can get very boring quickly. Luckily, there's a certain Robbins that seems to help keep me entertained." She said with a smirk.

Arizona just gave her a little playful glare. "You better not be talking about Tim. Everyone knows I'm the better one." The blonde was quite pleased with herself, given that she was getting so many different reactions from Callie. Sometimes she seemed distant, extremely…platonic. But other times…other times, she kissed her neck and flirted. At times it was all Arizona could do not to burst out in frustration.

"Hmmm…I don't know. Tim, he's a real looker." Callie teased back.

Arizona's mouth fell open in feigned offence. "Well then…" she muttered and turned away. She had just taken two steps when she felt someone grab her arm.

"However, Tim's cousin…well, they don't get much more handsome than him."

The blonde whirled around to look at the brunette. She could see nothing but truth in the brown eyes that she had become mesmerized by, and maybe a hint of longing.

"You really mean that?" she asks timidly, not really wanting to hear Calliope retract her words if she didn't.

"Of course I do." The Latina replied. However, Callie was becoming slightly overwhelmed. Why was she still feeling this way? Why did she feel the urge to grab hold of Arizona and never let go?

Arizona started to see the fear and doubt creep into the Latina's eyes, and decided it was time to end this conversation before Callie ran from her.

"Well, that be mighty kind of you Ms. Torres." Arizona said with a laugh. "And, as much as I am enjoying this topic of conversation, I do believe I should help the boys pack up for town."

"Yeah…yeah, they probably need some help," she replied. Happy to get away from the blonde to collect her thoughts. "So, talk to you in a bit." Callie said, and Arizona's reply was giving her a smile and a wave as she walked away to join her fellow soldiers.

XXX

Callie looked around, thrilled to see so many people again. It really was quite a small town, but she liked it. Everyone seemed fairly friendly, despite the war that's raging on. As she looked out the carriage window, she couldn't help but think of the young blonde soldier that, despite her best efforts, was constantly on her mind. It had to be because she was dressed as a male. Because I do not like women that way. Yes. That has to be why. When I first met her, I was under the impression she was a he, and my subconscious must still be under that impression. She glanced out the opposite window, where she could see 'Aaron' riding a horse outside the carriage. Ahh…but once I figured out who she was, I couldn't help but remember how gorgeous she was at the inauguration ball…and she was dressed as a woman. Aw, damn it all to Hell. She was getting frustrated with her circular argument, which did nothing but frustrate her further.

Finally, they pulled to a stop outside a motel, where they would be staying the night. She let out a sigh of relief, she would be staying the night in an actual bed tonight. Maybe a good night's sleep would help her sort out this nonsense in her head. "Finally, huh?" she directed her question to Cristina.

"Yeah, I don't even remember what a bed feels like…and I'm starting to smell as bad as those animals traveling with us. I can't wait to take a bath."

Callie groaned at the thought of a bath. That is just what they needed. A hot bath, and some good sleep. A wet rag can only get you so clean. "That sounds absolutely heavenly."

"Yes. Yes it does," Cristina agreed whole heartedly.

XXX

After helping Cristina and Calliope settle into their rooms, and carrying up a few buckets of warm water, Arizona made her way back outside just as the sun was setting. She started to make her way to the barn, where all the men were sleeping for the night. Before she reached to door though, she was pulled to the side by Tim.

"Hey, I just wanted to let you know there's a pretty big pond about a half-mile south of town. I figured this would be a good chance for you to get cleaned up without worry of getting caught," He told her quietly. Arizona just lunged at her brother, engulfing him in a hug.

"Thank-you. Thank-you. Thank-you!" She repeated, so thrilled to actually bathe. She hated smelling like a man. It wasn't pleasant.

"Yeah yeah, just… be careful getting there…will ya?" he asked.

"Of course!" she answered, "I think I'll take my horse to get there a bit quicker though." She said, already making her way to her horse tied to the water trough outside the barn. "I'll be back within the hour…maybe." She said with a smile. She was extremely excited to get clean. She hopped onto the back of her horse and was off. Soon enough she saw the pond. She tied her horse to the tree and stripped, leaving her clothes draped over her saddle. She grabbed a towel she had in the saddle bag, and made her way to the water's edge.

Taking in a deep breath, Arizona waded in. The water was very tepid due to the hot days. The perfect temperature for a bath. As she got all the way in, she inhaled and floated on her back, relaxing in the water. When she brought her ears out of the water however, she heard galloping. Slightly panicked, she stood up-right in the water, deep enough to cover her breasts. Sure enough, Thomas, Eric, Jackson and Alex showed up. Arizona's eyes went wide with fear. SHIT SHIT SHIT! How the Hell am I gonna get out of this.

"Hey Aaron! Thought you'd hog the pond all to yourself, huh!?" Jackson shouted, teasing the young blond.

"Yeah, luckily a local told us about it. We must be pretty raunchy for a stranger to mention this place." Thomas added on, chuckling to himself. Eric just gave her the evil eye and didn't say anything.

"Haha, nooo…" she said, making her voice as low as she could. "I just…I was just relaxing some…." She made eye-contact with Alex, pleading for help with her eyes. He just winked at her, and her stomach dropped… What was going on with Alex? He knew her secret…why did he come? Before she could think of the answers however, the men started to undress. She slammed her eyes closed and sank further into the water, hoping beyond hope they wouldn't see her and notice she was lacking a certain part of the male anatomy…and gained some breasts.

Before she knew it, she heard the splashes of water and they were swimming towards her. Before she knew it, they were trying to talk to her. Even Eric seemed to have cooled off a little. "You know. I still don't care for you…but you are one good fighter." He said, and held out his hand. As quickly as she could, she shook his hand, keeping her other arm across her chest as discretely as she could.

"Uh…Thanks?" she stated…not really sure what she should do to get out of this mess. Just as she backed up a bit, she felt someone behind her. She froze. But then quietly, she heard Alex murmur next to her,

"I'll try to distract them and you get out of here as quick as you can." He said it quickly and quietly, and she felt some relief that he was going to help her. Thank God he's on my side… That thought however quickly disappeared when Alex climbed up on a rock, exposing his entire body. Her eyes went wide, and she adverted them as quickly as she could…rather disturbed at what she saw. As she started creeping back to the shore, Alex made a loud announcement about being 'King of the Rock' or something, then jumped in, creating a big splash, and an adequate distraction. She quickly got out and wrapped herself in a towel. She walked a ways away and quickly dressed, the image of Alex burned into her eyes. I definitely never want to see another man again… she thought to herself, Also…I am going to KILL Timothy.

XXX

A few hours later, after relaxing in a tub filled with hot water, Callie changed into her night dress and crawled into the bed next to Cristina. They often shared a bed together when traveling, so were used to it. Though, it still resulted in one or the other losing the blankets, and once, Callie was pushed off the bed. Needless to say, both were bed hogs.

"Mmmm…This is so much better than the cots," Callie commented as she snuggled in.

"I've never heard a truer statement," Cristina replied, sleep already heavy in her voice.

"I just know the morning is going to come too soon," said Callie, close to sleep herself.

"Mm hmm," mumbled Cristina, and very soon, both women were fast asleep.

Callie smiled at the blond in front of her. He was indeed fairly handsome, and he had piercing blue eyes. Almost the color of what she imagined the ocean to look like. Or perhaps the sky on a cloudless day. The man smiled back, revealing two dimples. Callie reached out to take her hand, needing to touch the man in front of her for some reason unknown. As soon as their hands touched however, the man started transforming before her eyes. He became slightly softer, and his clothes started to grow in material until it formed into a dress. She looked up at the man, and was surprised to see a woman instead. Actually, it was Arizona, but with longer hair that was carefully curled and down. Callie was surprised when the butterflies she felt for her stomach for the handsome man, increased ten-fold for the beautiful woman in front of her. 'Hello Calliope' Arizona told her. Callie's stomach did a flip at her name rolling off the blonde's lips. Her lips. They looked very inviting and soft. So soft. She wanted to kiss this woman. When she looked back at Arizona's eyes, she jumped at how close they had come together. 'Calliope,' the blonde whispered, 'kiss me Calliope.' Who was Callie to argue with the woman in front of her? She nodded her head and leaned in closer to the blonde, she could feel her breath on her lips. She made to close the distance and-

"Oomph!" Callie grunted and groaned as she hit the floor. "Ow." She looked up when she heard laughter.

"That wasn't even me that time!" Cristina howled. "It makes me wonder if I was really responsible for the last time you ended up on the ground…" she added as an afterthought. "You probably rolled out all on your own. "What were you dreaming about anyway?" Cristina asked innocently.

Callie took a moment to remember her dream, as she was temporarily distracted by the pain. But soon it all came rushing back, "Nothing." She replied as evenly as she could. I am in BIG trouble.

AN: Hello, Folks I know that its been way too long since I updated this one...but a lots going on in real life at the moment. Mostly, I'm in a new town, new school, and slightly overwhelmed by it all. But I did get this one out. Also, I didn't even re-read this once before posting it...So sorry about the mistakes, I hope to go in sometime soon and read over it, correcting any mistakes. As always, thanks for all the support of this story. No matter how long it takes, I won't abandon it...I love it too much! (and I love you guys too!)