A/N: Hey, gang. Well, I did warn you. All things considered I think a week and a half delay aren't that bad :) I figured no point in waiting until tomorrow since you've waited long enough. But I have to warn you again. When I got back from Portugal, my brave beta, donteatblue, was also on vacation. And now I'm flying out tomorrow to LA for three weeks, and she also have more trips (not all pleasure I assure you!) coming up. My point is - not as much time to write and beta as we had a few weeks back, so just to be safe, before we reach where I'm at now writing wise and I have zero new material for you, I decided to publish once a week, on Tuesdays. Give myself times to catch up on the writing to ensure there will be no breaks that are even longer. I hope you understand that things are a bit hectic. Thanks and enjoy! The drama you all seem to wanted for some reason is finally upon us!


One Month Later…

Callie knew the drill when it came to her checkups. She came in, Dr. Grey took her blood pressure, then Callie was in for some fun in the form of two additional hours of tests.

Walking into the clinic holding Arizona's hand was new, though, and interrupted her routine. She was nervous and she didn't know why. Maybe because she assumed Arizona would be nervous which she would be, had she seen Callie was, too. It was a lose-lose situation which was why they hadn't exchanged a word since they left the hotel. Arizona eyed Callie suspiciously every few minutes, but for the most part, she let her be.

They sat down in the waiting area, Callie neurotically tapping her foot on the floor.

"Okay, enough is enough," Arizona broke the silence. Callie could tell she was frustrated. "What's going on, Calliope? I thought you said this was 'no biggie'. Is there something you're not telling me? Should I be worried?" she added in concern.

"What? No! Crap," Callie blurted at once and sighed. "This is ridiculous. I'm nervous because you are here," she explained then rolled her eyes at herself realizing how that must have sounded. "I mean I'm glad you're here. I'm just nervous because I'm thinking you might be? And then I realize that me being nervous is what would actually make you nervous even if you weren't, and… am I making any sense at all?" She turned to her girlfriend helplessly.

Arizona gave her a dazzling smile in return. Callie was an adorable mess. Before Arizona had a chance to respond, a blonde woman in a lab coat walked out of a room, chart in hand.

"Cal," the woman smiled at her patient-turned-friend.

"Mer," Callie nodded with a soft smile of her own. When you spend months together in which someone's life is being saved against all odds, you end up going by first name basis. After all, Callie was Meredith's favorite lab rat, the kind that lived.

Meredith turned to acknowledge Callie's companion. As always she expected Addison, but when she noticed Arizona her eyes widened in surprise. In her defense, the surprise was gone a moment later and a smirk formed on her lips instead.

"I'd ask who's your friend, but I already know," she teased, earning a wide smile from Arizona.

"Yes, I figured you might," Callie snorted. "Also, she's my girlfriend. It's a very important distinguish," she boasted.

"Is it?" Meredith asked innocently. Arizona witnessed the whole exchange with utter amusement.

"It is. It means I can kiss her with tongue," Callie explained with a serious expression, making Meredith burst into laughter.

"Hey, Arizona," Meredith said softly, offering Arizona her hand. "I'm Meredith Grey. Callie's doctor."

"Hi, Meredith. I'd be the one she kisses with tongue," Arizona joked, making the other two women laugh loudly.

"What are you even doing with this hobo?" Meredith pointed at Callie playfully.

"Hobo? Have you seen her apartment? It's gorgeous!" Arizona protested, "Plus, she's a published author, now," she added off-handedly.

"So I was notified via email," Meredith commented flatly. "Twice."

"I regret nothing," Callie claimed.

"No, really, I feel honored that you chose to share your creation with me while you fooled the rest of the world with your sophisticated pseudonym," Meredith continued, hand on her heart as if she was making an emotional confession.

"Shut up," Callie whined. "You are rubbing off on me," she told her smiling girlfriend who was thinking the exact same thing.

"Very mature. Off you go, the gown is on the bed, I'll entertain your tongue friend," Meredith promised. "Wow, that came out wrong."

"Yeah, please don't," Callie protested and left Arizona and Meredith to deal with the aftermath of the awkward statement.

"Sorry, Dr. Grey, I'm a one gal kind of gal," Arizona grinned.

"Meredith is totally fine for long time patients, their girlfriends, and celebrities," Meredith corrected teasingly.

"Wow, two out of the three," Arizona noted happily. "I always was an overachiever."


Arizona spent the majority of the last two hours with Meredith Grey. With Callie being in and out of tests, and the other two women following her from room to room to keep her company, they mostly kept each other company, sitting and waiting for Callie.

It was the very last test of the day and Arizona couldn't wait to go back to the hotel and cuddle with her exhausted girlfriend before they got separated again.

I don't think I can go like this for much longer, Arizona thought. Her hatred towards long distance relationships was starting to take its toll. But not because the distance created mistrust or drama, she just missed Callie, all the time.

Arizona shook her head. It was too soon to think about things like that, about a permanent solution, but she could definitely do without the feeling of being uprooted every time one of them kissed the other goodbye.

"So," she started, trying to focus on something else, "Callie told me she gets the results almost immediately?" Arizona was trying to keep her mind occupied, but she was also genuinely curious. All day long she kept thinking that she's visiting the place that gave Callie her life back. There was something sacred about the place, about the process. She expected bright white hallways and cold neon lights galore, but that was not the case with the huge fancy clinic.

"Yes. We send the ones we're done with straight away so they begin analyzing them. I can already tell you the first half of the day was all positive," Meredith assured.

"Can you tell me that? What about doctor-patient privileges?" Arizona teased. She was way too happy to hear that her girlfriend was okay to care about any violations.

"Tongue bodies have privileges," Meredith shrugged, making Arizona cackle.

Throughout the day, Arizona found that she really liked the young doctor. Meredith was clearly smart, she also had a dry sense of humor that could seem cold, but there was so much caring underneath.

"Hey, Meredith?" Arizona tried carefully.

"Yeah?"

"I need to thank you. For saving her life," Arizona explained quietly. She couldn't find the words, but she wanted the other women to know how much it meant for her personally.

"You really don't, Arizona, I was just doing my job," Meredith assured. "And I love Callie. I'm really glad she pushed through. She's a fighter."

"She is. But you didn't just save her life, you gave us a chance. You gave me a chance. To get to know her," Arizona's voice got choked up. "Did she ever tell you we met when I visited her in the hospital?"

"She did. When she was here. She was going on and on about how much hotter you are in real life," Meredith joked, "but no one here actually believed her. We just figured that she wanted to improve her image with the cute nurses."

"Oh my god, she never told me that," Arizona confessed in amusement. "Did it help? With the nurses?"

"Are you kidding? They were all in love with her. They still are all over her when she comes for a checkup. The male nurses too, obviously."

"Really? Should I go in there?" Arizona looked at the closed door in concern.

"Based on the way she's looking at you, I'd say you are safe," Meredith pointed out with a smirk, making Arizona blush.

"Well, anyways, two years ago I never thought I'd see her again. You gave me the chance to fall in love with her. You don't know my life, so you don't understand what an incredible gift you gave me," Arizona admitted, reminiscing. "Not much has changed in my life, yet everything has, so thank you."

"You're welcome, but again, I was just doing my job. I'm really glad that you found each other, though," Meredith admitted just as the door opened.

"Strong as a bull!" Callie announced victoriously as she came out of the room. "Or the female version of a bull. What would that be? A bulless?" she wondered in puzzlement.

"It's a cow, you idiot," Meredith stated flatly and Arizona shook her head in amusement.

"Right, duh. Did I mention I'm exhausted? And there's also a headache forming," Callie excused, rubbing her forehead.

"Get her home and put some coffee in her," Meredith ordered Arizona. "Ladies, it's been a pleasure. The first half of the day was clear. I'll text you the results for the rest soon. Go, rest, I'll see you in two months."

"Bye, Mer," Callie hugged Meredith tightly. Meredith never said anything, but always returned the hug.

"It was really nice meeting you," Arizona offered, hugging the young doctor as well.

"Likewise. Bye, guys," Meredith concluded and disappeared down the hall.

"Come on," Arizona laced their hands together and pulled Callie towards the exit. "I have a cure for a headache that doesn't involve coffee."


Arizona was playing with Callie's fingers. It was late afternoon and they were in bed, nude. Arizona was grateful for the early exams because that meant they could take a nap and still have most of the afternoon and evening together before their separate flights the following morning. Not that napping together didn't count as a wonderful quality time, because it did, but she wanted to have time to talk to Callie, and take a bath with Callie and have lots of sex with Callie. It seemed like there was never enough time to do all of what she wanted to do with Callie.

Not this again. Not now. She just wanted to bask in what she had at the moment. She started thinking back to the day's events. The clinic was beautiful, in cancer-treatment standards. She assumed that if one must be hospitalized for months on in, Mayo was decent than most places. But it didn't change the irrational guilt that she felt for not being there for Callie during that time.

She sighed.

"I really wish I knew you back then," she finally admitted sadly, breaking the silence. "Thinking about you here alone for months…"

"I wasn't alone. Addie and Mark took turns," Callie clarified. She knew her girlfriend, the kind of person that she was, the way she felt about the world around her, but Callie didn't want her to be miserable over something that wasn't in their control. She also gave credit where credit was due and her best friends gave up whole months of their lives to be with her.

"It's not the same as having your partner around," Arizona pointed quietly, not looking at Callie yet still playing with her fingers. "It's not the same as having someone who's in love with you so deeply by your side."

"No, it's not," Callie agreed and a shadow passed on her face. It disappeared so quickly Arizona thought she imagined it. "But if I felt for you then the way I feel now…" Callie stopped to form her thoughts. "I never would've wanted you to go through this. Not you." That made Arizona stop what she was doing and turn to look at Callie.

"In sickness and in health doesn't really start on your wedding day, Callie," she stated seriously.

"Of course not, Arizona. You have me. All of me, present and future," Callie promised softly. "But that past? I just can't feel bad for not putting you through it. I can't."

Arizona nodded in understanding. "I just wish I could've been there for you when you were going through the worst time of your life," Arizona admitted quietly, putting her hand on Callie's arm and rubbing it up and down.

"You were," Callie argued. "You didn't even know me yet you were. That's how incredible you are."

"Maybe I should've tried to visit again," Arizona voiced some of her deepest, secret thoughts. "I would've been in the picture, I would've been present this whole time." It was a statement of total commitment, but sadly, it made Callie snap.

"And get attached to a dying girl?" Callie mocked bitterly. "So we could fall in love within a week and you'd stick around with the tiniest of hopes? Know this frail shadow of who I actually am? Come on, Arizona. It wouldn't have made a difference." They couldn't change the past. Callie didn't want to change anything that brought them to where they were, and she just wanted to move on from the subject. But her words, even though not intentionally, cut Arizona deep.

"Well, clearly, it would have made a difference to me," Arizona choked. She knew Callie wasn't trying to be cruel, but Arizona did get attached to Callie after that first visit. They may have not fallen in love at first sight, but there was a connection, a real, strong one and the proof of that was them, two years later, insanely in love. Without realizing it, Callie brushed off the very same trait that brought Arizona to her doorstep unannounced.

"I'm sorry," Callie apologized sincerely once she saw Arizona was on the verge of tears. "I'm not saying this right and I'm hurting you," she said sadly, "I'm belittling your feelings and that's not what I'm trying to do." She sighed heavily. This was exactly why she didn't like discussing the subject. "Having you there back then? It would've changed everything. It would've been… god, it would've been amazing," she explained. Letting herself get lost in the 'what if' for her girlfriend's sake. "You're such a light in my life, Arizona, and those were such dark times." Callie never really talked about how hard it was for her back then. Arizona met her only once and even on that fateful day Callie had her brave front on. Callie was hoping that the confession would balance some of the very personal thoughts Arizona have shared. "That darkness… " she took a breath and continued, "I would've hated myself if it had diminished your light. I wouldn't want you around me and I would've also hated myself for wanting nothing but having you around me."

Arizona swallowed hard and nodded in understanding. Both of them were constantly busy trying to protect the other. But Callie did ask her to join for this check-up, let her into that dark corner even if it was way more lit now, so Arizona couldn't fault her completely. But she could've asked for more. Callie promised her the present and the future, and Arizona wanted to make sure Callie realized what that meant.

"Calliope," she started quietly, "let's hope we never have to deal with this again, but if we do, don't you dare push me away," Arizona warned.

"I won't. I told you. Present and future," Callie reminded, showing Arizona she understood.

"Promise!" Arizona demanded.

"I promise."


"This 'no leaving the country' restriction of yours will be lifted soon and I can take you somewhere nice," Arizona fantasized. She was sitting next to Callie in the private lounge at the airport, each waiting for her own flight.

"Oh, really? And where would that somewhere nice be?" Callie flirted, "and what would it entail?"

"Spain," Arizona replied without missing a beat. "I'm thinking a private beach, sangrias in our hands. We could do some naked sunbathing, so we can really enjoy all the view," Arizona smirked, satisfied with herself. "You'll be so inspired you'll double the word count of your novel."

"I very much love that plan of yours," Callie agreed enthusiastically. "It's been so long since I've been somewhere… else. And to be there with you? Two more months, that's all."

"Oh! Six months anniversary trip?" Arizona suggested as she got up. She really needed to start heading to her gate.

"My thoughts exactly," Callie stood up as well, putting her hands on Arizona's hips. It never ceased to amaze her how well they fitted together. She knew all people who were ever in love always thought that, but she knew she was right, and they were wrong.

Arizona leaned in to peck Callie's lips. "Okay. Hey, I know next week was my turn to come to New York, but since I fly out for the press tour that following Monday night I was hoping that you could fly in?" Arizona asked hopeful. "I'm sorry, I know it's exhausting but…"

"Babe, Babe, stop. I would've had no issues what so ever with flying two weeks in a row if it meant seeing you," Callie stated. "God knows you've stretched your schedule for me in the past, but…"

"But?"

"But my dad called earlier when you were in the shower and demanded that I come see them this weekend," Callie explained apologetically.

"Demanded? So what if he demanded?" Arizona argued. She was upset. "Your girlfriend is going to be out of the country for three weeks. Can't you go the following weekend?" As she finished the question the PA system announced her flight was boarding.

"I haven't been to see them since you came back from Belarus," Callie admitted. "They've initiated every conversation we had since. I don't even call them."

"And while that's a long time and you should really talk to your parents more," Arizona scolded, "it can wait another week!"

"He said that if I won't come this weekend he'll freeze my fund again," Callie shared. She was upset, too, but she didn't have enough time to be resourceful.

"Are you serious? Your 'we're sorry for being shit during the cancer so here's some money' fund?" Arizona was fuming.

"Yes. He feels like I've been using them and their guilt, and I guess I have been," Callie shrugged. "And while it might be an empty threat, I don't want to risk the money that helps me come see you every other week."

"You know I can pay for those tickets, Callie."

"Arizona…" Callie warned.

"Fine, fine," Arizona shook her head, she knew her girlfriend was a proud person, but this wasn't the time to discuss this. She had a flight to catch and Callie losing her fund was about way more than just flying tickets. Arizona took a moment to think while Callie was staring at her miserably, helpless almost. This wasn't a usual sight.

"Well," Arizona tried, "then how about you start your visit earlier and I go with you for a few days before the tour starts?" She offered. Callie stared at her in shock for a few moments before she started laughing hysterically.

"You are joking, right?" Callie questioned, positive that Arizona was pranking her.

"Why would I be joking?" Arizona wondered in confusion. The PA system announced her flight again.

"Arizona, you're not coming to see my parents. You know that, right?" Callie asked in worry, starting to realize that Arizona's offer was serious. She took her hands off of Arizona's hips and took a step back.

"Why not?" Arizona shot back, now hurt. Callie stared at her in utter surprise. They never discussed Arizona meeting Callie's parents. Callie was so sure it was a silent agreement between them that it wasn't going to happen anytime soon.

"Is this because I didn't talk about you in public yet?" Arizona asked angrily once the silence was becoming too deafening. "Is this you punishing me?"

Callie could tell Arizona was about to cry. "What? No! Arizona, this has nothing to do with you not talking about us, I told you it didn't matter and I meant it," Callie reminded, now hurt too. "Frankly, I find it upsetting that you'd even think this way.

"You met my parents," Arizona fired. A single tear streamed down her cheek.

"It's different," Callie defended softly and took a step towards Arizona, but her girlfriend backed away. "You know how they are," she added sadly, not sure how to stop what was happening.

"They're starting to come around, Callie," Arizona almost begged.

"Yes, starting to. When they show some real progress then I'll subject the most important person in my life to their hopefully less scrutinizing looks," she really hoped her words would get through to Arizona. Arizona loved her words. But Callie suspected something more was at play and this wasn't the time or place to discuss this. Just as Callie thought that, the final call for Arizona's flight sounded. This time calling the fake name Arizona used.

"You don't deserve this," Callie tried again. She knew she was running out of time and it was going to be a month before she saw Arizona again. This was her one shot to not leave things like this between them. "Your parents are amazing. You deserve to be treated with respect. I'm doing this because I love you so much and…"

"Yeah, people who love other people let other people meet their parents!" Arizona barked and walked away, leaving a stunned Callie behind. Even if deep down Arizona knew Callie was being sincere, her own history acted against her. She's been to this rodeo before and she got completely run over by the bull. Or the cow.

Callie was completely lost. By the time her brain kicked back into gear, it was too late to run after Arizona. She took out her phone and composed a text. She knew Arizona's phone was probably still on.

Can I call you when I get back home? Even if it's super late on the East coast? We should talk about this. I love you, more than anything.

But Arizona never replied.