12


Callie knew that she was going to drive herself completely crazy but she couldn't help it.

She sat, fully clothed, on the edge of her bed and stared, fixated at the clock on the wall.

It was 07:02 and Derek Shepherd was discharging her today.

At some point.

After rounds.

Callie knew that the likelihood of getting out of the hospital before lunch was a long shot but she could live in hope, right?

Hope was pretty much all she had right now.

Hope that her memories would come back.

Hope that the nightmares would go away.

Callie had never considered herself to be a self-pitying type of woman and she had no intention of becoming one now. But she was finding things hard to grasp all of the apparent changes that had happened in her life in such a short space of time.

How could George not be here anymore? How was it possible that sweet, kind gentle George was dead? Callie didn't care that he'd cheated on her, didn't care that he'd tried and failed to have a relationship with Izzie Stevens. None of those things mattered and she would have gladly gone through the anguish of acknowledging the mistakes she made with him just to have him alive and well. She's called his mother yesterday and she'd cried at his mother's heartbroken sobs.

If that wasn't bad enough, last night she'd been forced to ask for a scrip for something to help her sleep.

Right now, Callie felt that her whole life was stuck in a very bad episode of the Twilight Zone.

"Hey. How are you?"

Callie was brought out of her introspection by a quiet voice at the door.

"I...I didn't want to disturb you but I heard that you were being discharged today and I really wanted to see you before I left ..."

Callie raised her eyebrows and fixed a smile at the beautiful stranger at the door.

"Hey. How are you? I've got no frigging clue who you are but it's nice of you to drop by."

"I know. I'm sorry...

Callie sighed.

"No. I'm sorry. That was rude of me."

"Callie, it's ok. Really. I can't begin to imagine how tough this must be for you. I just wanted to pop my head in. I'm Liz Bennett."

Callie considered the tiny woman who stood just inside the door. She hadn't been lying; she had no clue who the woman was. Which she found kind of strange, the woman had the most unusual eyes, surely she would have remembered something like that. A recent memory was jogged.

"You sent flowers. Thank you."

Liz smiled and took a few steps into the room.

"We're colleagues more than anything else, I'm an anaesthetist and I've worked in your OR quite a number of times in the last couple of months. I'm...I'm really glad that you're getting better, Callie." Liz smiled gently.

Callie nodded, lots of people had come to see her, some old friends that she loved and remembered and a handful of new faces. It had been awkward almost every time but this Liz Bennett was relaxed and seemed unconcerned that Callie didn't know who she was.

"Anyway, I'm headed to Miami for a hospital teaching exchange and I wanted to see you before I left."

"You're going to Miami? That's my town, which hospital?" Callie perked up, her eyes brightening up.

"Mount Sinai. It's a pain since I've only just got to Seattle but I've never been to Florida, so I'm looking forward to some sunshine."

"You like Cuban food? You've got to check out Las Culebrinas they do some wonderful dishes. Or Isla Canarias ...or if you like sea food you've got to go to Bayside Hut. They're awesome."

"You sound like you miss home." Liz tilted her head and observed Calliope Torres, wondering what the hell she was doing coming here. Callie looked unbearable cute with her baby curls and she had the most perfectly formed skull. Despite everything she had been through, she could still stop traffic...Liz stopped her thoughts going any further. She wasn't completely unprincipled and trying to befriend Callie under the circumstances was...duplicitous .

"I'm a little lost right now, what with the 2 year gap in my memories and talking about Miami is nice. Miami is familiar; it's something I remember ...you know?" Callie looked up and caught the thoughtful expression on the other woman's face.

"It's just nice to have a conversation with someone and not worry that there's a big portion of the picture that I'm missing."

Liz felt the guilt kick in, good and proper.

"Well, I have to be heading off. I really do wish you the best..." She debated whether she could get away with giving Callie a hug or a kiss but figured that she was getting into really murky waters right now.

Callie smiled a little, for a few minutes she had forgotten about the gap in her memory and had a simple amusing conversation with an entertaining companion. It almost felt like the first few days after Arizona started dropping by. Now, each time she saw the blonde they seemed to spend all their time ignoring the elephant in the room. It was exhausting.

"Thanks for coming. You really cheered me up." Callie was sincere.

"It was really... really good to see you, Callie." Liz smiled.

Jesus, you're so beautiful.

Liz Bennett looked like she wanted to say something but apparently changed her mind and looked away.

"Did you...did you want to see Arizona as well...? I'll ...ummm ...tell her you came by." Callie said uncomfortably. She knew full well that everyone would already know that she was in a relationship with the paediatric surgeon.

"Oh, I wouldn't bother. She doesn't really like me all that much." Liz forced a stiff smile, not really finding her predicament funny.

That statement stopped Callie.

And then she laughed.

She couldn't imagine Arizona not liking everyone she came into contact with. She was so frigging full of sunshine, Callie could easily see her being happy and smiling while being audited or during a pelvic exam.

Liz saw her expression and started laughing as well, this time an amused chuckle.

"No. Really. I'm not in her good books."

"What on earth did you do?" Callie was intrigued, scrambling in her head for a reason that make Arizona dislike the elfin little red-head.

"Did you screw up one of her surgeries?"

"I've never had the pleasure." At Callie's stare she quickly corrected herself, giggling a little.

"Of being in on any of her surgeries...not screwing them up."

"OK. So...?"

But Liz was backing out of the room, amusement making her green eyes shine.

"It's kind of silly and kind of personal. Don't worry about it. You take care of yourself, Calliope Torres."

With a small wave of her hand, Liz disappeared leaving a slightly baffled and amused Callie.

#

"You know, we can keep her here for a few more days, if you want." Derek said cautiously. He knew what Arizona's response was likely to be but his concern was more for his patient than his patient's girlfriend. He wanted to be sure she was ready.

Arizona shook her head vehemently as she looked over the list of medications she needed to pick up from the pharmacy before she went to collect Callie.

"The last 3 weeks have been rough, I want to be sure that you're able to cope, Arizona."

She looked up at him and smiled.

"I know I probably look like hell but I've had some rest and some time to reflect. My mother's been with me for a few days and it's been good." Her smile faded slightly.

"It has been rough, not just on me but on everyone especially Callie. Getting her home, amongst familiar things will help. She hates being here and it just makes her antsy."

"Antsy? I guess that's a polite term for it." Derek grinned, remembering Callie's fury.

He cocked his head as he considered Arizona.

She did look a lot better than earlier in the week, her eyes were brighter and her skin looked revived and healthy.

"I've taken 2 weeks to stay with her and depending on how she gets on, we'll review the arrangements then. I'll bring her to all her appointments and tests and make sure she keeps up with Wyatt. It'll be ok." She nodded her head, confident and resolute.

"OK. Right. Now, you've read the literature, Arizona. You need to be prepared for mood swings, depression, anger even aggression. Her personality might change, it might not but we have no way of knowing what to expect . Just make a note of everything, get her to make a note of any memories that do come back and we'll keep re-assessing." Derek closed her chart and leaned back, looking at Arizona's face. She was worried, he could tell by the lines on her face but she squared her shoulders, she wasn't fazed by what was coming next.

"Are you going to be ok, are you going to be able to manage?"

Arizona looked at Derek and smiled grimly.

"Wyatt is going to play a big part in Callie's recovery but I will do everything in my being to help Callie get better. I don't care what it takes, I want her to get better." She looked down at the lists and leaflets in her hand and then looked back up at the concern in his face; there was a steely determination in her blue eyes.

"The alternative ...it's just not an option for us. Callie will get better."

#

"I heard that Shepherd was discharging you today and I wanted to drop by."

Webber looked over Callie Torres and nodded approvingly. All things considered, she was doing remarkably well. True, her memories still hadn't come back but that would, hopefully, resolve itself soon.

"Oh, hey Chief," Callie looked up from her chart and smiled at her boss. The smile faded slightly as a thought occurred to her.

"You are still the Chief, right?" She rubbed her hand over her head and grimaced slightly.

"I can't keep up with all the changes and the merger and everything..."

"Yes, I am still the Chief of Surgery." Webber confirmed, smiling at her confusion. Richard Webber liked to be accurate, he didn't like prevarication or half-truths so he decided to clarify the case for Callie.

"Well...I am the chief now...I was before, obviously and then I stepped down... resigned ...for a while, well and then I was interim..." Richard stopped at the look of sheer bewilderment that passed over Callie's face at his explanation.

"Yes. I am the Chief." They both smiled in relief.

"And I don't want you to worry about your job. Your post as an attending will be kept open."

"Thanks, Chief. I'm glad to hear it." Callie was grateful that she had a job to come back to when she was cleared to return to work. It seemed she may have won back the Chief's respect after her short-lived stint as Chief Resident.

"I know I wasn't really up to the job of Chief Resident but..."

Webber waved a dismissive hand.

"Ah, that was years ago, Torres; you've grown as a person and as a doctor since then. It wasn't your medical skills that were lacking just your administrative ones and you've improved beyond recognition since then. I've been very impressed with you since you became an attending. I should have promoted you sooner."

Callie grinned at him.

"Well, Sir, when you're right, you're right. You know I'm a rock star with a scalpel."

"Indeed you are, Torres." Richard smiled at her. "Well, best of luck with your recovery and we really do hope to see you back here soon."

"Thanks Chief."

He chuckled as he started to leave the room and then stopped and looked back at Torres, her words bringing back an uncomfortable memory for him.

"I'm a rock star with a scalpel..." Callie was frowning, slightly, her fingers pinching the bridge of her nose as a fleeting image of her striding along the walkway, shouting out loud, filled her brain.

"Do you know what you just said...?" Webber asked, a smiling forming on his face despite the memory.

"Damn, Chief."

A burst of relieved joy bubbled up from the depths of her being and Callie laughed out loud.

"That's my first memory to come back to me."

#

Callie chewed her lip and examined her fingernails.

To pass the time she'd painted them dark purple and was now fascinated by the varnish.

It was better than having to engage with Dr Wyatt who had dropped by for an impromptu meeting. Callie was an adult and a professional. She was an intelligent woman. Most of the time. That being said, the idea of seeing a shrink was still slightly unsettling for her.

She looked up suddenly, a thought occurring to her.

"Do you think my sudden interest in woman is just a phase?"

Dr Wyatt, who had been running through the basics of her sessions and how she hoped to help Callie, stopped talking, mid-sentence.

Though she had seen Arizona on a one-off basis, she'd had to decline any other possible contact. Arizona hadn't asked for more sessions but unless they came to see her as a couple, it would have been a clear conflict of interest.

However, Arizona's single visit did give Wyatt some insight into the issues that Callie Torres would be facing.

At her silence, Callie tried to clarify.

"You know, like a rebellion or a knee-jerk reaction to a bad relationship...? It is possible, isn't?"

"Callie this isn't a proper setting for a full session," Wyatt could clearly see where Callie wanted to go but wasn't going to help her draw hasty conclusions about anything.

"But it's possible, this isn't...you know...me. Not really. Right?" Callie asked hopefully.

"Callie, I'm not going to tell you the things you want to hear. We're going to have to work through what's going on with your subconscious, why your memories are blocked and take that as our primary focus."

She watched as Callie rolled her eyes a little.

"It's going to take time and effort Callie, we can't fast forward to the good part, I'm afraid."

Callie rolled her eyes some more.

"Yes, Dr Wyatt. I know...I'm just...anxious about everything. I'm going home with her today...I don't know if that's a good idea."

"Callie, she taking you to your home. To be with things and people that are familiar. These are the first steps that will help you regain your memories ..."

"Oh, I did get a memory today though...well sort of...I remember yelling at the Chief." Callie beamed with pride.

"I somehow feel that yelling at the Chief would be an event difficult to forget." Wyatt commented drily.

"But that's good, right...? It's a good sign?" Callie was eager for reassurance that she was making progress.

"It's a good sign, Callie." Wyatt smiled.

#

"Oh. So you've got your own place? You don't actually live here?"

Arizona kept her eyes down as she sorted out bed linen. She couldn't help but hear the relief in Callie's voice and tried not to be hurt by the implication.

"I've still got my own apartment...I hadn't got round to giving up the lease..." Arizona opened her mouth to tell Callie about their apartment, recently purchased but changed her mind at the last minute. There was no point in putting more stress on Callie right now. She was obviously still having a hard time dealing with her new found sexuality and Arizona knew that there was nothing to be gained by putting more pressure on her about their relationship.

At least not right now.

Callie needed to get used to the idea at least.

Instinctively, Callie went to her side of the bed closest to the door and sat down, twiddling her thumbs.

Her back was stiffly upright and Arizona noted that she wasn't making eye contact.

"So... you'll be sleeping ...here?"

"Calliope, I'll be sleeping on the couch. I'm not completely insensitive." Arizona replied shortly, irritated at the question.

She took a deep breath and offered a small conciliatory smile at Callie.

"Look, we're both nervous, we've both been through hell this last month. I know this relationship is difficult for you to take in right now but I don't want you worry about that. We'll talk about us, when you're ready to talk about us. For now, just try to get comfortable. Try to relax."

Eyes slightly wide, Callie nodded quickly and looked around the bedroom. She liked the purple and blue colour scheme, the dark oak furniture and was about to get up and examine the pile of CD's on the chest of draws when she realised that Arizona was still standing in the doorway, staring at her.

"What...what is it?"

Arizona, with a nod of her head, indicated the bed that Callie was sitting on.

"Well, even though you'll have the bed to yourself, it's good to see you remembered which side you sleep on."

Callie nodded absently, still looking round. She stood up and swung round so suddenly that Arizona thought that something was wrong.

"I...I didn't think...I mean the reason I asked where you'd be sleeping wasn't because...well, it was but...but..." She trailed off and sank back down on the bed, flopping back and closing her eyes.

Arizona quickly moved round the bed and sat down beside her, longing to touch her skin but knowing that she couldn't.

"Callie, tell me what's wrong...please, let me help." She kept her voice gentle and soothing.

"It's fine. It's fine." Callie stated firmly. But she didn't move, didn't open her eyes.

Arizona stared at Callie and decided to give her a little space to herself. She knew that Callie needed her to recover. But Callie was stubborn at the best of times and right now was resistant to the idea of Arizona in her life.

In any capacity.

Arizona just needed to let Callie come to the same conclusion she had.

They needed each other.

"So, I'm going to let you get settled, OK?" Arizona moved away from the silent woman. Callie didn't respond.

"It might be an idea to make a note of the fact that you remembered which side of the bed you sleep on, right?"

"I don't think anyone's going to be particularly bothered about that, Arizona. They're not going to hold the front page for that." Callie's words were hard and Arizona blinked.

"I know it seems like a pretty insignificant thing, babes, but its progress."

Callie sat up and began unpacking her bag.

"Could you not call me babes or baby or whatever?" she didn't look up from her unpacking and Arizona couldn't read her expression.

"Right. I'll get us something to eat. Come through whenever you're ready."

Arizona kept her hurt in check. They had a long way to go and she was going to have to learn to deal with a confused and angry Callie.

It wouldn't be forever.

#

Arizona was sitting in the lounge working on a paper that she had neglected over the last month but most of her attention was on Callie, who was wandering around the apartment, exploring her 'new' home. The first couple of days had been a little rocky, with Callie being polite and distant and Arizona trying hard not to shower her with love and affection. Callie had spent hours on the phone and had spoken to her family who had finally returned to Miami and Addison and it had pretty much been the only time she'd seen Callie relaxed or unguarded.

She had spent a few hours that evening going through the exercises that Shepherd and Wyatt had set her and had been focused on working her way through the pages and though she hadn't commented on her progress, Arizona felt that Callie had been pleased with her results so far.

She had persuaded Callie to join her for a short stroll in the park and though Callie had been pretty quiet for most of their walk Arizona had thought that the fresh air and the opportunity of getting out for a would cheer her up and she had been rewarded with a small smile of thanks that Callie shot her as they returned.

But now she was bored.

"I was thinking that I might go to the gym tomorrow, I must have put on 10 pounds sitting in that hospital bed."

Arizona looked up and smiled. Callie had been angling to get to the gym even before she'd been discharged.

"Gentle yoga only, Callie. Nothing too strenuous for a couple of weeks, you know that." She hesitated for second, not wanting to be too personal, "And besides you look great."

Callie shot her a look.

"So, you like heavy girls, huh? I wouldn't have pegged you for the type."

"OK." Arizona decided not to bite.

"Well, you're really slender, I'd have thought that you'd have preferred to go out with someone who looked more like...you know...you."

"Cal, I'm athletic and you're averagely built, medium perhaps but no one would describe you as heavy. OK, so you don't look like the models in the magazines; that's never bothered you before." Arizona was a little nettled at Callie summation of her.

"As for my type, Callie...you're my type." She wanted to say more. Arizona wanted to say that she loved every inch of Callie's body, that her curves, her full-bodied figure made Arizona's mouth water. But she didn't, she swallowed her words and went back to her research paper.

It wasn't the first time that Callie had been either dismissive or insensitive and Arizona understood that it was a form of defence mechanism but it was taking its toll on her.

Patience. Patience. Patience.

Arizona reminded herself.

"So, how did we meet?" Callie asked, her eyes determinedly focused on anything but Arizona.

"Ummm, you were crying into your beer at Joe's and I gave you a kiss to cheer you up." Arizona wasn't quite sure why she was being flippant about it but Callie was making her nervous. It was as if she was trying to find fault with their relationship and it wasn't the place or time to argue all the reasons why they should be together.

But Callie decided not to pursue that line of interrogation and began strolling about the lounge.

"Does my hair like this make me look more gay? You know, lots of butch girls seem to have shaven heads, right?" Callie ran her hands over her head.

Arizona shot a look in Callie's direction but went back to her laptop, ignoring the comment.

"So, are we both femme or are you butch, because I always loved dressing up. I can't imagine that I'd have given that up." Callie gave Arizona a long, appraising stare, her eyes travelling the length of Arizona's form.

"You don't look butch at all, though. You've got long hair, you wear a little make up, jewellery." Callie pursed her lips as she stared at Arizona. "In fact you're actually really feminine. Out of scrubs."

"Callie, quit trying to annoy me. You know damn well that lesbians come in all shapes, sizes and types. You grew up in Miami, not Bumbleschmuck, Wichita." Arizona kept on typing her notes and tried not to get riled.

Callie pouted and wandered over to the book shelf and examined the books and DVD's, picking up a novel and flicking through the pages.

"What was the sex like?"

"What?" The exasperation in Arizona's voice didn't deter Callie.

"What was our sex life like? I'm kind of interested."

"No. You're kind of bored." Arizona took a look at Callie, trying to assess her mood. "Cal, there's no way I'm discussing our sex life with you right now."

"Why not, presumably I was there, right? As a willing participant? I've got a right to know ...what we did, how we did it...you know...the mechanics of it." Callie grinned at Arizona who thought she could detect the faintest hint of malice in Callie's mocking tone.

Derek had warned her that Callie might have mood swings and personality changes and she had read studies of people who had suffered serious brain trauma and had become totally different people.

She took a breath and kept calm. A single evening of Callie being a bitch didn't mean that her personality had changed. Arizona just had to ride this one out.

"Right now, Callie you're being obnoxious and an ass. If you're really that interested in what it's like to have sex with me, we can hop into bed right now." She put on a deep and sultry Southern drawl. "I promise, I'll show you a real good time, honey."

Callie opened her mouth at the challenge and then closed it with a snap, dropping her eyes.

"No? Alright then. Shut up, I'm trying to work."

Arizona resumed her typing for a few minutes, wondering if Callie was going to settle down.

"Did we use strap on's?" she asked after a few minutes silence.

"What is with you tonight?" Arizona slammed her laptop shut and hoped that she hadn't just broken it.

Callie started to respond but Arizona waved her hand to stop her.

"You know what, it doesn't matter. Just sit over there and shut up. I'm going to check your vitals."

Callie's eyes opened wide. It wasn't a big deal exactly but it reminded her that she could be re-admitted to hospital at any time on Arizona's say so. She cautiously sat on the edge of the sofa and watched Arizona's face.

"Oh come on. I'm fine. I'm just..."

"Save it." Arizona checked her blood pressure which was a little high and then checked her temperature, thrusting the thermometer into Callie's mouth.

"I'm fine," she mumbled around the thermometer.

Arizona ignored her and put her stethoscope in her ears to listen to Callie's heart. Arizona briskly opened Callie's top buttons and placed the cold disc against Callie's ribs, chest and back.

"This is not necessary," Callie muttered, annoyed.

"You can be moody and irritable and there's no question that you have a mouth on you, Callie but you're never this unpleasant." Arizona straightened up and gave Callie a long look.

"I need to determine if you acting like a little bitch is a symptom of something else." She placed a finger in front of Callie's face to do a visual test.

"Alright...alright. I'm...just..."

"You're ... what? Tell me, please ..." Arizona put her hands on her hips and stared at Callie trying to determine what had brought on her foul mood.

"You lost your memories, Callie, you didn't have a full frontal lobotomy. You know how to behave."

Callie's eyes glittered at her, a jumble of emotions clearly visible in the darkness of her eyes.

She indicated the blood pressure cuff, raising her arm and beginning to remove it.

"You done?" Callie ignored Arizona's glare.

"Look, if you're bored or lonely or frightened you could try talking to me. Like an adult not a brainless adolescent." Arizona put away her equipment noting Callie mutinous expression. "And if you'd rather not, how about going to the bedroom over there and giving yourself a treat? The endorphins might put you in a better mood."

She closed her medical bag with a snap and walked to the door. "I'm going across the hall. I'll be back in a while." Without waiting for a response Arizona closed the door behind her, resisting the urge to slam it shut.

Banging on Mark's door she gritted her teeth and resumed her count to 10. She'd been doing it all night.

"Hey Robbins, how's it going?"

"I need a scotch."

Mark raised his eyebrows as she stormed passed him.

"That bad...really?" He poured two fingers and watched as she shot the drink down.

"Another?"

Arizona shook her head and leaned against his breakfast bar.

"You know... she's never going to get her memories back because, very soon, I am going to wring her pretty neck."

"Breath...deeply." Mark advised, smiling a little as Arizona took his suggestion. "What happened?"

She ran her hands through her hair and sighed, feeling a lot calmer as the alcohol sped through her system.

"Nothing much. She just spent the evening baiting me about lesbians and stuff."

"So what did you do?"

I told her to go fuck herself.

Arizona gave Mark a look. She wasn't telling him that.

She shrugged and loosened up her shoulders.

"Arizona, she's home. It's only been a few days. Give her time to settle down and get used to you. The rest will get better, I'm sure." Mark smiled at Arizona, sympathetic.

"That's the problem; she doesn't want to get used to me...to us. She's picking holes in our relationship. Trying to make it less than it was." Arizona drew in a deep breath.

"You know what, it'll be ok ...it'll be ok. I've just got to have patience with her, right?"

"One step at a time." Mark advised, patting her on the shoulder.

"One step at a time." Arizona agreed.

...

Arizona re-entered the apartment cautiously and found Callie sprawled on the couch reading.

"You ok?" Arizona called out, her tone far more conciliatory now than it had been earlier.

"I'm fine." Callie snapped without looking up.

Arizona pulled a face and silently mimicked Callie's brusque response as she opened the fridge for a bottle of water. She was about to ask if Callie wanted anything when she noticed that Callie was dozing on the couch. Book still in hand, her head slumped sideways a couple of inches before she jerked herself awake back awake.

"Cal, you look tired, why don't you go to bed."

"I'm fine." Callie flipped a page and didn't look up.

"Calliope Torres. You need your rest. Go to bed." This time Arizona was brooking no dissent.

"Yes Ma'am." Callie said sarcastically as she stood up and walked towards the bedroom.

At the door she hovered for a moment and then half-turned back and shot Arizona an almost wistful gaze.

"Cal, what do you need? What can I get for you?" Arizona knew that the most she could was ask.

"See you tomorrow." Was all Callie said as she turned away and closed the door.

#

Callie sat on the edge of the bed in her pyjamas and stared the dim light coming from the night shade. She sat there for long minutes, trying to empty her mind of all thoughts, of the stresses of the day and concentrated on her breathing.

Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale.

She eventually climbed into bed and pulled the quilt up to her chin. The light was still on and Callie rolled over to turn the light off, but turned it back on almost immediately.

She closed her eyes and breathed, deeply, slowly; trying to remember her yoga techniques.

Her day had been long and the evening had been more stressful than usual. She knew it was her fault that the evening had been filled with tension but Callie couldn't think about that right now. She was tired and knew that it wouldn't take too much for her to fall asleep.

She did what she had been doing ever since she was discharged from hospital and conjured up an image of the Arizona she had first met, a few short weeks ago. This Arizona was kind and funny and gentle, much like the Arizona in the other room but with a significant difference. This Arizona didn't fill her head with talk about a relationship; this Arizona didn't fill her with confusion but simply held her hand or stroked her skull and talked to her until she fell asleep. Her voice was soothing and calm, melodic. It was the voice of an angel and Callie missed her so much.

The edges of her consciousness were gradually eaten away by exhaustion and as Callie fell into a deep sleep, the final image in her head was of Arizona.

...

The angel spoke softly, calmly and guided Callie through the dark watery maze to a place of safety and peace. She soothed her, showered her with a sense of joy and well-being; she would soon be home, she would soon be safe, happy and well. Callie wanted to laugh out loud. She wanted to take the angel up in her arms and swing her round and round until they were both giddy. Callie reached out to touch the angel and the sensation of being home dissipated rapidly.

A darkness descended and Callie shivered as the warmth went away and was replaced by a bitter chill.

The water was deep and cold and Callie felt the light, the brightness receding as she sank further and further away from the voice that kept her safe. Callie knew how to swim but her arms and legs seemed to be bound tight, she couldn't move. She tried to get free but the more she struggled, the tighter the binds got... She opened her mouth to call out for help but the words wouldn't come, her throat was choked full of weeds; long, thin wavy strands of vegetation that filled her throat and trailed out of her mouth. The strands brushed across her face like a deathly caress snaking into her eyes and nostrils and ears, cutting off all sensation, taking away all sense of life and Callie felt her chest tighten with fear.

She couldn't see, the darkness was now so complete that every hint of brightness, of light, every hint of hope had vanished in the gloom. Callie knew that she couldn't allow herself to sink away from the voice, she couldn't allow herself to lose her angel and so she struggled against the binds, she tried to scream, she tried to break free ...

#

Arizona was crumpled on the couch, her head flung back and her eyes closed.

The day hadn't been too bad, Callie was generally stilted and distant but it hadn't been a bad day but for reasons that she couldn't decipher, Callie's mood had got progressively worse the longer the evening got. Apart from her, still too high, blood pressure and residual effects of the fungal infection Callie was well on her way to a full physical recovery. Arizona just wished she had a better insight into the current workings of Callie's mind. She knew that it was going to take time for Callie to learn to trust her, let alone anything else but she really could do with something, anything to indicate that things would get better.

Cristina had offered to stay with Owen for a few weeks to give Callie and Arizona some privacy and though she could have borrowed Cristina's bed for the duration, Arizona preferred to sleep in the lounge.

Deciding that an early night would be beneficial, Arizona stood up, looked around and cursed.

She'd forgotten to retrieve her bed linen and night things from their room before sending Callie to bed and now she had the option of borrowing something from Cristina's or running the risk of disturbing Callie's sleep.

Arizona headed to Cristina's room and had the door half way open but turned around and went to the room that she had shared with Callie for the better part of a year.

Hoping that the light from the lounge wouldn't wake her, Arizona slowly opened the bedroom door.

She was surprised to find a lamp on and her eyes were automatically drawn to Callie who was lying on her back, very still, fast asleep.

Arizona gritted her teeth and willed away the image of Callie in a coma, her head bound and tubes protruding everywhere.

Aware of the impropriety of her situation and not wanting to be caught staring, Arizona quickly changed, gathered her things together and started to make her way out, taking one last look at Callie before quietly exiting the bedroom.

As she made up her bed on the couch, Arizona's mind was filled with images of Callie lying still in bed, the covers drawn up to her chin, her arms by her side. It was almost the exact pose that she had while in her coma and it frankly frightened Arizona to see Callie that way again.

Callie could be a restless sleeper; she tossed about, flung her arms and legs every which way. She snored sometimes and had frequently rolled on top of Arizona in her sleep. She kicked the bed covers off or tussled with Arizona for them and performed enough sleep aerobics for Arizona to suggest a sleep clinic on more than one occasion.

She had never seen Callie lie in bed so ...sedately. It almost seemed wrong. Arizona stood up and made her way quickly to the bedroom, this time, not questioning her instincts.

She walked over to Callie's side of the bed and perched on the side, observing her for a moment; she wasn't overtly in any distress but her forehead was beaded with sweat and her breathing was shallow and rapid.

Keeping her voice gentle, she placed her hand on Callie's shoulder and, very gently, shook her.

"Callie, you need to wake up."

Immediately Callie's eyes snapped open but Arizona could tell that she was still unconscious, her pupils wide and unfocused.

Her brow was pulled together forming a deep furrow, her mouth moving soundlessly and Arizona felt tears spring to her eyes at the blankness, the oblivion reflected in Callie's darkened gaze.

"Sweetheart, please wake up." Arizona pleaded as leaned over her, stroking Callie's forehead, running the palm of her hand over her damp scalp.

Callie half lurched upwards, her eyes wide and panicked and her hands clutching at her throat as she gasped for air.

Shocked, Arizona dragged Callie into her arms, dismayed by the tremors wracking Callie's frame. She was drenched in sweat and as Arizona rocked her, she could feel Callie's heart thunder in her chest.

"Callie sweetheart, for god's sake tell me what's wrong?"

Callie's body was rigid but at the sound of Arizona's voice she collapsed in her arms and buried her face in the fall of blonde hair, wrapping her arms tightly around Arizona, her fingers clutching at Arizona's top. .

She dragged breath into her lungs as if she'd been deprived of oxygen and her body still shook as the remnants of her nightmare clung to her.

"Calliope, sweetheart, it was a dream, it's not real. You're ok, baby, I promise you, you're ok." Arizona soothed as she continued to rock Callie in her arms. She could feel Callie's silent tears seep into her shirt and tried to hold back her own tears at Callie's pain.

She cursed herself for not remembering her first conversation with Callie after she woke from her coma. Arizona hadn't realised that Callie was still suffering from her nightmares and was saddened that she hadn't asked her for help.

Arizona continued to murmur softly to Callie and as her stroked Callie's back rhythmically, feeling her heart beat gradually return to normal and the grip that Callie had around loosened a little.

Arizona pulled back a little and grabbed a tissue from the nightstand. Cupping her cheek, Arizona wiped Callie's eyes and held the tissue so she could blow her nose. Callie complied without comment. Her eyes were puffy and shadowed but she didn't avoid Arizona's gaze. She was muted and still a little numb but her hands still gripped Arizona's waist.

"I'm going get into bed and I'm going to lie down beside you. I'll be here for as long as you need me, ok?"

Callie nodded once and lay down, watching as Arizona moved round the bed and climbed in. She was a little tentative but the minute she lay her head against the pillow she felt Callie roll over to face her, grasping at her hand.

"Please...please talk to me, for little while..." Callie's voice was husky and raw and Arizona felt her heart turn over.

"So... Mark has got an idea of how to win Lexie back. He decided to run it by me because he was convinced that you'd talk him out of it..." Arizona began to talk lightly about their friends for a while but realised that Callie was still awake. She rolled over on her side to face her and smiled gently at the dark eyes that were staring at her as she spoke.

Unable to help herself, Arizona lifted a hand and stroked Callie's soft cheek, heartened when she didn't flinch away.

"Can I get you anything?"

Callie shook her head.

"You need to sleep, would you prefer it if I left?"

Callie clutched at her arm, momentary panic flashing in her dark eyes.

"Stay...just stay. I'll go to sleep." She promised, child-like and immediately closed her eyes.

Arizona decided to keep talking, her voice low and soothing and gradually felt Callie's hand loosen and her breathing deepened as she eventually slept.

Arizona closed her eyes against the dim lamp and fell asleep herself to the sound of Callie's breathing.

#

Whatever hopes Arizona might have had for the morning evaporated when she woke to find Callie's side of the bed empty and cold.

She lay still for a moment and wondered where they'd go from here, whether Callie would be willing to share her bed with her, but decided that she'd cross that bridge when she got to it.

Pulling on her robe, Arizona padded barefoot the lounge and found Callie in the kitchen preparing a full breakfast.

"Hey," Arizona greeted her quietly.

"Oh...hey." Callie responded, her eyes dropping at once from Arizona's questioning gaze.

"I...I cooked breakfast but I don't know what you like, so..." She poured a cup of coffee and pushed it towards Arizona and began loading a plate with scrambled eggs and crispy bacon.

Arizona looked at the food and sat down staring at Callie's averted face.

Sighing she took a sip of the coffee; it was hot, strong with a little cream, exactly the way she liked it on a lazy weekend morning.

"Do you...do you want to talk about last night?" she asked carefully.

"No...no. " Callie responded quickly, decisively. "I don't want to talk about my nights or...or..." She looked up at Arizona, almost fiercely.

"You want some toast with that?"

#

"I never thought of myself as being an experimenter ... you know...bi-curious or whatever. I never thought that I'd ever be with a woman and yet, here I am a fully fledged lesbian with 2 ... relationships...partners ... whatever behind me."

"How does that make you feel?" Wyatt was leaning back, notebook open on her lap but her hands were still, the pen at rest.

"To be honest, it makes me feel pretty weird...I've never been homophobic or anything but, if I was to give it any thought, I'd have said that women weren't for me."

Callie folded her arms across her chest. She knew she felt defensive and had no reason to. So, she wasn't into chicks, it wasn't a crime. She turned to gaze into the small bubbling aquarium, the colourful fish swimming serenely, oblivious to their captivity. It was her first full session with the resident shrink and she was finding it difficult to try and be self-reflective out loud.

"Ok, so what do you want to do about it? You are in a relationship with another woman..."

"Here's the thing, how can I be in a relationship with someone I don't even know? It's ...I don't know how to...how to explain it."

Callie did know how to explain it but felt that she was being cruel.

"Sessions are confidential, Callie, you know that." Wyatt correctly interpreted Callie's hesitation.

"She seems nice and everything..." Callie sighed. "In fact, she wonderful but that much love pouring out of her...for me? It's a little bit scary. A little bit too much. I can't imagine what I could have done to deserve that level of devotion from ...from anyone, let alone this beautiful, accomplished surgeon. It's all just really messed up."

Wyatt opened her mouth but Callie put up her hand to stop her.

"Yes. I am aware that she was by my side for the better part of a month, holding my hand and crying because she thought that I was going to die. I get that." Callie scrubbed her hands through her short hair. She still couldn't quite get used to the short babyish curls and again considered getting a wig. She looked up at Wyatt and thought that she could see the disapproval radiating from the woman.

"And yes. I also get that I sound like the most ungrateful bitch in the world, you don't need to add that."

"You're projecting, Callie." Wyatt stated mildly. "What I was going to point out is that a little compassion right now wouldn't be amiss."

Callie leaned back against the sofa, her finger playing with the scar behind her left ear.

"Why do you think that it's messed up that Arizona loves you?"

Callie looked up, surprised at the question.

"Why do you think that you're undeserving of her love?"

"Well, for starters look at her...look at me. She's accomplished, intelligent; she's the head of Paediatrics, for Christ's sake." Callie really didn't want to have this conversation. It was uncomfortable enough just living with Arizona and knowing that the woman was in love with her. She really didn't want to analyse that love in therapy as well.

"And?"

"And what? I'm a mess. I married a man who was clearly grieving for his father; I went out with him because I was lonely. I lived in the basement of the hospital. I couldn't even get it together to rent an apartment...I'm a frigging mess..."

"So ?" Wyatt watched as Callie's agitation grew.

"Sure, these are thing that could be worked on but, Arizona already knew these things about you, about the person you used to be, and went out with you anyway. You don't strike me as someone with low self-esteem but you are exhibiting some of the symptoms."

"Fine, whatever." Callie was staring at her feet and Wyatt could tell that she was shutting down. Perhaps it was time to tackle something else.

"You say that you have relationships behind you. From Arizona's perspective, you're both still in the relationship. This is a life-changing event that she would want to support you through, exactly the same way she would if you had cancer or some other life threatening condition. In fact, I'm surprised that she didn't ask to attend some sessions with you."

"I told her no." Callie was blunt. "And I can't be in a relationship with her simply out of gratitude. I don't know her, how can I be in a relationship with her?"

"What is it that concerns you more, Callie? Is it that you don't know her or that's she's a woman?"

Callie threw her head back.

"Does is it even matter?"

"Yes. Yes I think it does matter to you." Wyatt closed her notebook and leaned forward.

"If the only reason you're uncomfortable with Arizona is because you don't remember her...you don't know her, then spend some time wither, get to know her a little.

Callie didn't respond.

"But if it's because you can't bear the thought of being with a woman, then again, at least get to know her a little. Be a friend instead of a lover."

"What good would that do? It'll only raise her hopes."

"If you're going to reject what may have been a rewarding and loving relationship, you should at least have some understanding of what it is that you're rejecting."

"But I'm not that person anymore," Callie burst out, getting to her feet and pacing the slightly cluttered office.

"I'm not saying that you are, Callie, you've obviously changed. But the fact is that at one point, you were that person. At some point you made the decision to be with a woman, to be with this woman. Are you going to second-guess every decision you've made in the past or just this one?

Callie shot a look at Wyatt and slung herself back on the couch.

They sat in silence for a few minutes.

"You don't understand..." Callie stopped herself. She was perilously close to whining like a spoiled child.

Dr Wyatt merely raised her eyebrows.

"This is hard for me. This is really hard."

"I know, Callie and I'm sorry. But nobody said it would be easy."

#

Arizona knew full well that in some quarters it was considered creepy.

For others, watching your lover sleep was the most romantic thing ever.

She wasn't sure which side of the fence Callie sat on with regards to being watched while she slept but Arizona was taking full, if illicit, opportunity to study her features before she woke.

The previous night Callie had looked at Arizona and said plainly;

"I can't sleep if you're not there."

And there was nothing else to be said. Arizona had been torn between the joy of being physically close to Callie and the sorrow of knowing that she was still in some anguish.

There was weak light streaming through the blinds and lighting the room. Callie looked completely at peace, her soft rose lips, slightly parted and her eyelashes fluttering as she dreamed. Her skin tone had improved since she got home and though she lacked her usual healthy tan, she'd lost the hospital pallor. Arizona couldn't help but smile a little. Callie's short black curls were the most adorable thing she had ever seen even though she knew Callie was irritated with the length of her hair.

So absorbed was she in reacquainting herself with Callie's features, she missed the tell-tale signs of her waking up until her blue gaze was met with a serious dark brown one.

"Good morning." Arizona decided to brazen it out. "Did you sleep well?"

Callie flushed lightly at the scrutiny but allowed herself a yawn and stretch.

"I slept...through the night...deeply...with no bad dreams." She pushed the words out as she stretched again.

She sat up and was quiet for a moment and then looked over at Arizona

"I know I've been difficult this last week...I know I'm not a great patient and things are particularly difficult for you..." She shook her head, aware that she wasn't elucidating her thoughts properly.

"I didn't know how much I needed you...I think I convinced myself that I didn't need you at all but I was lying to myself ..."

She stopped talking and, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, Callie leaned over Arizona and dropped the lightest of kisses on her surprised lips.

It was an asexual kiss, one that platonic girlfriends might share but it was the first time that Callie had voluntarily touched Arizona without the duress of pain or fear driving her into the blonde's arms.

Arizona swallowed and tried not to touch her lips in wonder.

Be cool. Be cool.

"What was that on aid of?" She sat up in bed and combed her hands through her tousled hair, not looking at Callie at all but every fibre of her being focused on the Latina was she made her way to the bathroom.

"You were there when I didn't even know that I ..." She stopped and looked at Arizona.

"Just...thank you."

#

"Were you kidding when you said that you kissed me at Joe's the first time we met?"

Arizona hid her surprise at the question.

Callie had been home for 2 weeks and had shied away from any mention of their relationship, for the most part treating Arizona like a distant and irritating friend, except at night time when she often clung to Arizona's hand or arm until she fell asleep.

It was tiring but Arizona knew that she had to accommodate Callie's adjustments to life.

She hadn't been expecting any interest in their relationship for a while yet, for most part Callie was, understandably, more self-involved than usual.

"No, I wasn't kidding at all. I'd found out that you'd had a messy break up and you looked upset."

"So, you swooped in and pursued me ruthlessly until I submitted, huh?"

"No-oo," Arizona drawled out. "I'm a lesbian, Calliope, not a sexual predator and to be frank, you asked me out first."

"Oh. Oh. I did?" Callie sat up straighter at that, surprised.

"Weren't expecting that, were you?" Arizona mocked gently.

Callie twitched her lips in acknowledgement, now even more interested than she thought she would be.

"So...we started dated then...?"

"No, actually, I turned you down." Arizona flicked over a page of her journal, nonchalant.

"Wha...t?" Despite herself, Callie was indignant."Seriously? You turned me down?"

"Uhuh." Arizona flipped another page, trying, very badly, to hide her amusement.

"Do you know how hard it's must have been for me to ask someone like you out?" Callie fumed at Arizona, who was now openly laughing at her reaction.

"You can't have it both ways, Callie. Pick a side and stick with it."

"Huh?"

"You can't be mad at me because we're in a relationship AND be mad at me because I once turned you down."

"I'm not..."

"Yes you are." Suddenly, Arizona felt her amusement fade as another emotion rose to the fore.

"You're mad at the fact that you now live a life that you didn't expect to live. You're mad at the fact that your memories haven't come back. You're mad at the world right now, Callie and you're taking it out on me."

"I'm ..." Callie wanted to protest but Arizona wasn't quite done yet.

"I get that you're going through hell right now. I get it, honestly, I do. But it may surprise you that I'm not having such a fun time with this situation either. The woman I fell in love with has pretty much disappeared in a puff of smoke and I'm ..." Arizona stopped, a little aghast at the level of emotion that came spilling out. She took a deep breath to calm down.

"It's hard for you, Callie and I'm sorry. It's hard for me too."

Callie released the breath she didn't know she was holding and licked her lips, slightly nervous.

"I'm...I'm sorry."

"Right." Arizona said shortly, going back to her journal.

"No, Arizona. I am sorry. I've been selfish and yes, I'm angry at ... at everything. But...you've been amazing and ...I've been an ass. I'm sorry."

Arizona made a note in her journal and finally looked up at Callie. She had that familiar expression of contrition and hope that she got whenever she did something to piss Arizona off, like a little puppy and Arizona had to work hard not to get up and hold her tight. Right there, the woman she fell in love with was staring at her with hope and apology in her warm brown eyes.

Surprisingly, her outburst had made Arizona feel so much better.

"OK. Apology accepted. I'm not going to put up with any more of your crap, so we're just going to have to deal with things a little better."

Callie blinked, nonplussed at Arizona's suddenly stern demeanour. She felt like she had just received a major dressing down from the Chief, no worse, from Bailey.

"Yes, Ma'am."

"Don't be a smart-ass, Callie."

"I wasn't," Callie mumbled, abashed. Stood up purposefully but realised that she had nowhere to go. Perhaps she deserved the dressing down but it didn't make her feel any less like an ungrateful bitch.

"If you're bored, why don't you see about an early dinner, Callie? It'll give you something to do." Arizona took pity on her.

"Umm, ok, sure."

Callie wondered over to the kitchen and opened the fridge. She peered into the depths doubtfully and then looked over at Arizona. Her usual idea for dinner was take out. She looked over at Arizona again but hesitated before calling her. She still felt pretty embarrassed and small. Her recent chastisement still stung and Callie admitted to herself that Arizona's authoritarian harshness filled her with surprise and admiration.

She usually had the demeanour of an angel; kind, sweet, gentle and, though Callie didn't want to acknowledge it, loving. The fact that she could also be as hard as nails was a bit of a revelation.

Callie decided to see if there was anything else in the freezer.

Arizona was still staring at the pages of her medical journal but the words were meaningless. Her entire focus was on Callie who was aimlessly opening and closing cupboards in the kitchen.

She didn't regret her sternness with Callie; it was deserved but Arizona hoped it didn't set their relationship back again. After helping her address her nightmares, Callie had become a little less wary of Arizona, a little less likely to retreat into her shell if Arizona showed her affection.

Callie's apology had been heartfelt and sincere. Which was a positive step, maybe she was learning to appreciate Arizona. She abandoned her journal and looked over at Callie. She didn't want Callie to appreciate her. She wanted Callie to love her but she doubted that was going to happen anytime soon.

"What are you looking for?" She called out as Callie rummaged through the freezer.

"There's a casserole here somewhere, I can't find it."

"Huh?" Arizona kept her voice normal. She held her breath and hoped for a breath through.

"I swear I put a casserole in here ..." Callie's voice trailed off as she realised what had just happened.

She clenched her first and scrunched up her face, trying to recall some other detail.

"It was... it was..." She clasped her forehead in one hand as she strained to remember.

"Callie, let it go, don't force it..."

"Damn it...I nearly had it...whatever it was." Callie closed her eyes, disappointed.

She looked up at Arizona her eyes shadow and blew her breath out noisily.

"So, you want pizza or Chinese for dinner?"

#

"So, when's your next appointment with Wyatt?" Arizona asked the question casually as she pushed the trolley down the grocery aisle.

"Did you know that in England they call a zucchini a courgette? I always found that funny." Callie put a few of the squat green vegetable in a clear plastic bag and placed them in the trolley.

Apart from walks to the park, this was the first time that they'd been out together and Callie's trepidation had been evident from the moment they walked into the supermarket.

She had walked a few paces in front or behind Arizona or waited at the end of an aisle while Arizona picked up items and seemed impatient at times.

"No one is looking at us, Callie. No one cares if we're together or friends or roommates or whatever. Just chill. Ok?" Arizona kept her irritation to herself and tried to show Callie how ordinary a couple they were.

Callie had stared at her for 10 seconds and then burst out laughing. Her amusement, infectious and sexy did draw a few appreciative looks, Arizona noted though Callie did not.

"Just chill?" She giggled, her eyes flashing with laughter.

"Arizona ...you really cannot talk like that. No one will ever take you seriously. You don't have the attitude for it, not to mention the fact that you are not 12 years old."

Arizona had stuck her tongue out at Callie's amused insult but it had served to relax her and that all Arizona had wanted.

"Yes, I did know that about the zucchini, don't change the subject, when's you next appointment?

"Its next week and I still don't want you to come." Callie was meticulously choosing mushrooms and avoided Arizona's gaze.

"I wasn't angling for an invite. If you change your mind, no doubt you'll tell me. No, this is about something else. I spoke to Wyatt before you were discharged and she recommended that I stick to our regular schedule, obviously apart from work."

"OK...?" Callie raised an eyebrow wondering what was coming next. Arizona had a sparkle to her bright blue eyes which Callie knew meant that she was planning something.

"Well, it's date night and I'm taking you out this afternoon." She noted the slightly withdrawn look return to Callie face and rushed to reassure her.

"It's nothing fancy or even romantic, to be honest with you, but it's something you'll enjoy and it will give us time to talk a little without any pressure."

Arizona knew that she hadn't completely sold the idea but hoped that the surprise would be worth it.

"The more you get back to your old routine, the more likely it is that more of your memories will return...I'm guessing that you can get on board with that, right?"

Callie leaned back and considered the woman, noting the slight bite to her last statement.

"Yes, Arizona. I can get on board with that."

They walked for a few minutes in silence, putting items into the trolley.

"Date night, huh?" Callie was trying to be companionable; Arizona deserved at least that much.

"Uhuh, every month we take it in turns to take each other out on a date. A proper date." Arizona shot a sideways look at Callie, who had a thoughtful expression on her face.

"Our schedules can be pretty hectic, this just means that we make an effort to find time just for us."

"What did we do last month?" Callie asked.

Arizona cleared her throat, suddenly choked as she remembered their last date night.

"You took me to see Tosca at the Opera House..." Arizona paused as Callie swung round at her.

"We saw Tosca? I love Tosca, it's one of my favourites...was it a good performance, who performed..." She stopped her rapid questions and gave Arizona a penetrating stare.

"Did you enjoy it?"

Suspecting that this was a minor audition for the role of suitable girlfriend, Arizona smiled happily up at Callie, glad that, at least on this occasion, she would pass with flying colours.

"It was amazing, I...I actually cried a little in act 3...you know the bit where he's waiting to be executed..."

"That's my favourite part too..."Callie exclaimed, excited despite herself. She took a step back and gave Arizona a thoughtful appraisal.

"You sat through Tosca and enjoyed it? Wow."

Arizona, blushing slightly at Callie's examination hurriedly corrected Callie.

"I'm not an opera buff but that one was beautiful, romantic ...just..."

"Magical..." they both said at the same time.

Callie blinked a little stunned at their unexpected affinity.

She looked away as she felt blood rush to her face and tried to think of something to say, to lighten the tension that had suddenly formed between them.

"So where are you taking me?"

Arizona licked her lips and began pushing the trolley again, keeping her emotions in check. It was just a little step but it was one in the right direction.

"You want me to tell you?"

"Sure, why not?" Callie wanted to fill the silence and block the image of Arizona's eyes glinting and the curve of her mouth as she smiled at her.

"Well, it involved hot dogs, lots of beer, I believe something that's called a down and thousands of people screaming Go Seahawks..."

Callie's introspection was dashed aside and she actually grabbed hold of Arizona's arm.

"You got tickets for today's game?" she squealed excitement shining out of her eyes.

"Did I do good?" Arizona grinned up at Callie, amazed and hearted by the uplift in her expression.

"Arizona, you did great, but we've got to go...now..." Callie checked her watch and grabbing Arizona by the arm practically dragged her along.

"But... the groceries..." Arizona looked backwards at their abandoned trolley.

"We can eat out for another day. We've only got a few hours before kick off...it takes forever to get to the stadium."

"Ok but I have to warn you...all I know about the Seahawks is that they play in the NFL and that they lost to the St Louis Rams last week. You're going to have explain the rudiments to me." Arizona panted out as she trotted after Callie.

Callie stopped dead and look at Arizona a strange expression crossing her face. "You grew up in the mid-West, how can you not know about football? And, I might add that it's not polite to bring up losses on game day, ruins the chakra."

"Oh. I guess you're serious about your football, huh? All I know is that it seems like there's 256 men on the field, throwing a ball and taking turns to crush the hell of out each other."

This time the affection in Callie's eyes was clear and she patted Arizona, kindly, on the shoulder.

"You're such a girl."

#

"Tell me about Liz Bennett."

Arizona's head snapped up at Callie's question and her suddenly nerveless fingers dropped the glass she was holding. She watched it smash on the kitchen floor, unable to move or meet Callie's gaze.

"You alright there?" Callie wandered up and peered over the breakfast bar, her face keenly interested.

Swallowing, Arizona crouched down and began picking up the jagged pieces of glass, not wanting to look up.

Unable to help herself, she asked the question quietly, her heart beating uncomfortably fast in her chest.

"You...you remember Liz Bennett?" She tried for nonchalance as she stood and dumped the broken glass in the recycle bin.

Callie was watching her closely and Arizona realised that the colour had drained from her face at Callie's question. There wasn't much hope in hiding her feelings about this.

Callie perched on a stool and continued to examine Arizona closely.

"No, I don't actually. She came to see me before I was discharged." Callie cocked her head curiously.

"She was right, you don't like her. But it's more than just not liking her...what did she do to you?"

Arizona laid her hands flat against the kitchen work surface and willed her heartbeat to return to normal. She could feel the blood now rushing back to her face and closed her eyes in exasperation, so much for nonchalance.

"You know her better than I do; I've only met her once." Arizona shrugged lightly, trying to dodge the question.

Callie started laughing, seeing straight through Arizona's feint.

"Now you really have to tell me what she did, you're standing there blushing, is she an ex-girlfriend of yours or something?"

The fact that Callie seemed amused by this thought annoyed Arizona.

"No, Cal. She's not an ex-girlfriend of mine. It's you she likes." She replied bluntly.

Callie stopped laughing.

"Huh? Whaddya mean ...it's me she likes?"

Arizona raised an eyebrow at Callie and stared straight into her eyes, unblinking and watched the colour rise in Callie's face.

"I mean, that Liz Bennett likes you the way I like you, Calliope. She propositioned you twice and ...and stuff. I don't like her because she made me insanely jealous." Arizona could tell that Callie was discomfited by the conversation but perhaps it was a good idea to remind her that Arizona was more than just a friend.

"Oh. Oh..." Callie blinked, more than a little surprised at the revelation. She was even more nonplussed with the intensity coming from Arizona.

"Don't sound so surprised that men and women find you attractive and interesting, Callie." Arizona continued to drink in Callie's features, openly showing a hint of her desire for the first time since she brought her home. It wasn't the best idea she's had all week but damn, she was entitled to some emotions.

"You are breathtakingly gorgeous, you're incredible to look at and incredible to be with and though it makes me sound like a madly possessive caveman...cavewoman, I warned Liz Bennett to stay away from you. So, no. I don't like her. OK?"

"Ummm. OK." Callie didn't know where to look. Arizona hadn't undressed her with her eyes or anything as crude or obvious as that but the intensity of her deep blue stare had reminded Callie that they had shared an intimate sexual relationship in the past ... something that Arizona would probably want to resume at some point.

Callie was not ready to face that thought.

"I'm ...I'm...ummm just going to see Mark..." Callie didn't exactly scamper out of the apartment but she moved pretty quickly and Arizona cursed herself for being so stupid.

#

"That's the tenth time you've checked your phone. Are you expecting a call?"

Arizona put her phone down and shot a rueful smile at Teddy. They were having lunch not too far from the hospital. She had been determined not to allow the conversation be monopolised by talk of Callie's recovery and associated woes and had deflected most of Teddy's probing questions. They'd spent a amiable 45 minutes chatting about the news, the state of the economy, gossip from the was enjoying catching up.

"I'm sorry, I'm..." Arizona shrugged apologetically.

"Is this the first time you've left her since you took her home?"

Arizona nodded and chewed on a mouthful of sea bass. The food was delicious, the restaurant was bright and inviting and Arizona was genuinely glad to see her friend but her almost total focus was on Callie.

"I'm not entirely sure I trust Mark to take care of her but I think they were going to stay in and watch a box set of some vampire show..." She offered a sheepish smile.

"I've never been this over-protective of anything and now I'm..."

"You're a concerned girlfriend who has control issues. It's perfectly understandable, Arizona." Teddy looked over at Arizona's plate and lifted a forkful of fish, grinning at her cheek.

"I know you're avoiding the issue but you really should talk about things, even a little bit."

Arizona sighed, her eyes distant as she conjured up memories of the previous 2 weeks.

"We've come a long way, to be honest, Teddy. She's able to look me in the face now. She doesn't make snide cracks about lesbians and she even laughs with me. But she's still cautious around me, she barely touches me...sometimes we're like distant friends and the more I try to love her the more she withdraws, so I treat her like a friend...and it's killing me." Arizona hadn't meant to unburden herself.

She looked at Teddy and smiled sadly at the sympathy written in her friend's face.

"Going out with her is filled with tension because she's clearly worried about what people might think or say. She is still so resistant to the idea of a relationship with a woman, any woman, she won't let herself relax around me."

Teddy chose he words carefully. "Arizona, you know there's a chance that her personality changes..."

"...Might be permanent?" Arizona flicked her hair aside and put her fork down, appetite completely gone.

"I can't deal with that thought. So I give her some space and time to get used to me."

She looked up and smiled brightly, determined to highlight every positive thing.

"On the plus side, we are sharing a bed, sort of, which should help, you know, with the getting to know me scenario. And I took her out on a date, which should have been a disaster but wasn't."

Teddy narrowed her eyes at her friend and tried to decipher her sentence.

"You're sharing a bed...sort of...?"

"It's a long story."

#

"So... you wanna talk?" Mark raised an eyebrow, an uncharacteristically serious expression on his face.

"No, Mark, I don't want to talk. Talk is all I seem to do, with Arizona, with Shepherd, with Wyatt. You know what would be good? Not to talk. That would be good." Callie picked up the remote and handed it to Mark settling herself down to be entertained by the strange happenings of Bon Temp and a large bowl of popcorn. They were about to start on season Two.

"Callie..." Mark hesitated.

"Arizona is a good woman. You really do love her."

"Did. I did love her." Callie threw a handful of popcorn in her mouth and kept her eyes on the TV screen.

"What?"

"I'm sure you're right, Mark. I do actually trust your judgement..." She gave him a half stare. "I trust your judgement in some things and I believe you when you say I loved Arizona...at some point...in the past, not right now. I don't love her now, Mark." She sighed at him, a frown crinkling her brow.

"I do like her, she funny and annoying and she takes great care of me...but love? Not so much." She poked him in the side. "Press play."

"Is it the girl thing...the boob thing? 'Cos Callie, I gotta tell you, boobs are amazing...they're..."

"Zip it, Mark." She poked him harder. "I seriously don't want to talk about that."

Mark saw Callie completely shut down, she set her jaw determinedly and her lashes lowered, obscuring her thoughts. She really didn't want to talk about being with a woman.

His pager went off and Callie tossed a piece of pop corn at him.

"Killjoy."

"Looks like a post op sinus repair is going South. I'll need to check in." He stood and looked down at his troubled buddy not knowing what to do to help.

She looked up at him and smiled her old sexy smile.

"Go on, you big oaf. Come back when you're done, I'll wait for you."

"You going to be ok?"

"I think I'll have a nap."

#

Night time came quickly in the south and Callie was glad of the fact that she could hop on her Harley and ride through the bayou in peace. It was a still night, sweet and warm and the full moon hung low in the sky. It was her favourite time of the night and with the moon close enough to touch; bright, cold and pretty, it was her favourite time period. She could hear the mocking bird sing and knew she was home.

She had been riding for an hour or so, the wild wind rushing through her hair, when the slightest hint of something caught her interest and she pulled up.

She could see the lights of a bar just up ahead, trucks and bikes parked up front and people laughing and talking as the spilled out off the wide porch and into the brightly lit beer garden.

There was something in the bar that had attracted Callie's attention and without questioning her instincts, she headed straight for the bright lights.

As she pushed the door open a couple of young girls, children almost, fell through the door, arms wrapped around each other, laughing and oblivious to their surroundings.

There was a faint hush as she entered and looked around, trying to identify what it was that made her come here. Her eyes settled on a woman behind the bar who seemed to be directing a number of uniformed employees. She looked like the owner of the place.

Ignoring the fear that she could sense in a couple of patrons, Callie strode up to the bar and swung her leg over a stool, not taking her eyes off the object of her interest.

Callie knew that she cut an imposing figure. She was tall and solidly built with Rubenesque curves, a deep cleavage and rounded hips. Her Latina heritage was evident in her dark flashing eyes and long wild mane of hair.

She had lived in cities and in small towns and in all her years she had learnt that there were only two types of people. Those that were scared and those that weren't.

As she stared at the blonde, Callie really hoped that she fell into the latter category.

She heard someone call out her name, Arizona and Callie felt her mouth curve. An incongruous name for a resident of Louisiana but she had no complaint. The woman was encased in a pair of jeans that clung to her thighs and tight rounded ass like they were painted on and Callie took a deep breath. She had a slight frame but wasn't painfully thin the way many 21st century women were.

The swell of her breasts was clear under the tee-shirt she wore, the plunging neckline allowing just enough cleavage to let Callie know that each breast would be a perfect handful for her. She licked her lips in anticipation.

Callie could smell lemon and sunlight and the hint of something else and felt her interest pique just a little more.

The woman was beautiful in an earthy, sensual way, every curve of her sweet mouth or the sway of her hips screamed of an unadulterated passion that Callie was desperate to get acquainted with.

She was youthful but, of course, to Callie, who was nearly 200 years old, all human women were youthful but not in an illicit way. She was probably between her 30th and 40th year and her skin was smooth, unlined and looked like it was bathed in buttermilk. She looked delectable and Callie felt her mouth water and her fangs engage.

She was as fair and light skinned as Callie was dark; her honey blonde hair falling in thick heavy waves down her back and Callie felt her hands twitch with the desire to bury her hands into that thick mane.

"Good evening, honey. What can I get you?" Arizona, noting that the sexy dark stranger hadn't been served, walked up and smiled brightly.

The woman looked incredibly intense and more than a little dangerous. She was dressed in bikers leathers, the pants sitting low on her hips and her top showing enough curves to make a grown woman cry.

Arizona had dealt with all manner of vampires and had no problem serving them in her establishment but this one looked like trouble.

Heart-stoppingly beautiful. Hot and sultry and oh so sexy. But trouble nonetheless.

Callie blinked and smiled very slowly, her lips curving upwards and revealing her white teeth, fangs safely retracted. She could smell the arousal in the woman and knew that it wouldn't be long before she could sink her teeth into that beautiful neck and her fingers into her hot core.

"I'll have a B- True Blood, if you've got it, darling," she drawled softly.

Arizona faltered at the smile directed at her. Despite herself, she felt her knees go weak as arousal shot through her and wondered if she'd just been glamoured. She made no secret of the fact that she liked girls and had been propositioned on more occasions than she liked to remember but she had never had a vampire glamour her before.

Without a word she grabbed a bottle of the beverage and heated it up, feeling the dark gaze almost burn a hole in her back.

"Did you just glamour me?" She demanded as she put the drink down.

"No, I did not just glamour you." Callie replied, taking a slow swig of the drink.

Arizona nodded and watched Callie's mouth as it closed around the neck of the bottle and then followed the line of her throat as she swallowed.

"What's your name?" Her voice was faint and Callie smiled again as the bright blue eyes darkened with arousal.

"My name is Callie Torres and darling, before this night is through, I'm going to do very bad things to you."

#

"Take off your clothes; let me see your body."

Callie stood the corner of the darkened room, flickering candle light and the low yellow moon providing the only illumination. Arizona had her apartment above the bar and now that every patron had left, the silence that poured through the open window was almost complete. There was the faintest of breezes that ruffled the curtains and brought in the scent of jasmine and the sound of crickets and frogs.

"Ladies first." Arizona smiled and indicated that Callie should start.

Callie strode out of the shadow and towards Arizona removing her top and flinging it aside as she spoke.

"Darling, I haven't been a lady for more than 200 hundred years, now take off your damn clothes. I only have all night."

Arizona laughed and complied, stepping out of her clothes quickly. Callie stood and stared her, her dark eyes glowing eerily with passion and arousal at the full high breasts, the softness of her stomach and the flair of her hips. She was flawless and looked like an unearthly vision.

"You look beautiful in moonlight," Callie said as she dropped her leather trousers.

She led Arizona to the bed and ran her hands along her shoulders and down her arms. She only had the night but Callie wanted to savour this. The warmth of the woman's body was almost enough to send Callie into orbit and she wrapped her arms around her, moulding their bodies together. She took Arizona's lower lip between her teeth and bit down gently on the soft flesh, not enough to break the skin, but it gave Callie a taste of something she didn't know she was missing.

Sweet citrus, sunlight and honey, the scent that had eluded her earlier, was honey, sweet and thick and Arizona's skin seemed to be imbued with the flavour.

Callie thrust her tongue into Arizona's mouth and trailed her tongue along the moist warmth of hers, stroking her and feeling her lust rise as Arizona became more assertive and duelled with her for control. She leaned up and cupped her hands around Callie's neck, tangling her fingers in the dark hair and pulled Callie closer, thrusting her tongue deeper.

Arizona moaned loudly as Callie cupped her breast and began massaging it, tweaking the hardened nipple.

Callie lifted the heavy fall of blonde hair and dropped a kiss behind Arizona's ear. She licked the spot and felt the thudding pulse under her tongue.

"I'll... be gentle." She made the promised even as she wondered if she'd be able to keep it. Even now, she was struggling to keep her bloodlust at bay. The thought of tasting Arizona's sweet, hot blood, her succulent flesh, lush and ripe was driving Callie insane.

"That's not fear you feel, honey. That's excitement." Arizona pushed Callie onto the bed and straddled her, pinning her hands over her head.

Callie chuckled at her enthusiasm, wriggling her hips in enjoyment.

"You do realise that I'm stronger than you can ever imagine?"

"Ahh, but I can make you weak." Arizona replied stroking her burning hot and very wet centre against Callie's bush.

Releasing Callie's hands, she leaned forward and took a nipple in her mouth and began to suck hard on the peak, both hands cupped around the breast and kneading it gently.

"Hmmm. That feels good," Callie closed her eyes for a moment, enjoying the sensation of warm agile mouth and nimble tongue toying with her. She reached up and trailed the tips of her fingers along Arizona's spine, arching her back as the woman moved from one pliant breast to the other, raking her teeth against the turgid nipples and sending shockwaves of pleasure through Callie's body. She ran her hands down Arizona's sides until she reached her smooth rounded ass and as she filled her hands with the soft flesh, Callie felt her sex scream for attention.

"More. Give me more." Callie demanded and watched as Arizona sensuously inserted herself between Callie's spread thighs and began to move slowly down her body, her warm open mouth tasting Callie's flesh as she made her descent.

Callie forced herself up on her elbows and watched intently as Arizona burrowed through Callie black thatch of hair between her legs and latch her open mouth onto Callie's slick and ready sex, her tongue strongly lapping at Callie's clit and labia. She used the flat of her tongue to stroke, slowly in time with the thrusts of Callie's hips, each stroke applying spine-tingling pressure to the heart of Callie's need and sending reams of pleasure through Callie's body.

Arizona looked up, her bright blue eyes intent, and met Callie's burning dark gaze head on. Without warning she changed the tip of her tongue to a point and drove deep into Callie's core, watching as Callie flung her head back and growled, engaging her fangs as she grasped a fistful of Arizona hair. She permitted the delicious torture for as long as she could stand it, her moans getting louder and her movements become more agitated.

In a blur of strength and movement, Callie moved to kneel upright on the bed, lifted Arizona to mirror her position and guided Arizona's fingers to the place where her tongue had been mere seconds before.

"I need you inside me, now." Callie commanded, her eyes glittering.

Without missing a beat, Arizona thrust her fingers into Callie's super-heated core but was unprepared for Callie to return the favour and moaned in ecstasy as Callie's long fingers filled her. She stroked her deeply, scrapping Arizona's spongy erogenous zone with every thrust. Callie could feel herself gush around Arizona's skilful fingers and ground her teeth together at the sensations wrought within her.

Callie wrapped one arm around Arizona as their bodies settled into a hard fast rhythm and luxuriated in heat and sweat that poured off the blonde's body and heated hers in a way that reminded her of life. Their breasts, torsos and thighs slid against each other and Arizona clutched at Callie's buttock, massaging the flesh as she rode Callie's hand.

Arousal screamed through her body and Callie could deny her nature no longer and she buried her face into the curve of Arizona's neck and shoulder and sank her fangs into the pulsating vein.

The sweetness of her taste went straight to Callie's head like a finely aged wine from the old country. Callie took a deep draught, feeling Arizona's heart pump faster and faster as she rode the waves of her imminent orgasm. She could feel Arizona's short blunt nails raking down her back as the sensation of being drunk from careened wildly through her body.

"You taste divine," Callie lifted her head and retracted her fangs with difficulty. She knew that the woman would taste good but she was almost irresistible and Callie had to employ every last bit of will power not to keep drinking.

"Don't stop, don't stop now..." Arizona panted out as her body began to clench tightly around Callie's fingers. Her blue eyes glinted through her lowered lashes and her mouth was stretched in a feral smile.

The mere fact that Arizona welcomed her bite was enough to send Callie over the edge and as she bent to take another long mouthful of the nectar, she felt her body shudder wildly in release.

#

Callie narrowed her eyes at Arizona and tried to recall the last time or place in all her years that she had been so utterly enthralled by a woman, human or vampire. It wasn't just her physical appearance that held her interest, though the woman's essence, her honey blonde hair and clear blue eyes took Callie's breath away.

She was surprised to find that she was interested in the woman' mind, what her thoughts were; Callie wanted to know about her hopes and fears. Callie wanted to see her again, to talk to her, to listen to that captivating voice with her sexy little hitch of breath that she took when speaking.

Callie had never thought that she could be so fascinated with someone that she had only just met but she was spellbound.

"Are you human or are you some mystical being?" Callie asked idly as she stroked her fingers along Arizona's spine.

Arizona was sat up on the bed curled over her raised knees, Callie could see that her hands still trembled in the aftermath of their lovemaking and felt the passion unravel in her stomach at the thought of having Arizona again.

As if she could read her thoughts, Arizona turned her head to observe Callie who was outstretched on the bed. She slowly ran the gaze along Callie's form, her eyes darkening as she took in the lush body, the sexy smile and glowing dark eyes that watched her in return.

"I want you, Callie," she said simply and smiled as Callie sat up and reached for her, happy to oblige.

She ran her tongue along Arizona's spine until she reached her nape where she pushed the hair aside and dropped feather light kisses and laughed out loud at the goose bumps that raised all over her body.

"Look at what you've done to me," Arizona complained softly, cupping her breasts with their suddenly puckered nipples, offering them to Callie.

"Let me see if I can do something to help," Callie moved around the bed and lifted Arizona onto her lap. The blonde was facing Callie, her legs wrapped around her waist and her hot core pressing into Callie's stomach.

Callie kept her hands on Arizona's waist and leaned forward to take a hardened nipple in her mouth, grazing her teeth along the nub and luxuriating in the softness of the woman. She kept her fangs retracted with difficulty as Arizona sank her hands into Callie's hair holding her head close and began grinding herself against Callie, her legs crossed behind Callie's back and her thighs gripping the Latina vampire tightly.

Switching quickly from one breast to the other, sucking in the nipples, tasting them, Callie marvelled at their softness and the utter responsiveness Arizona's body had for her touch. The blue eyes were dark with arousal and she encouraged Callie with throaty moans of approval.

"You're driving me out of my mind...you're so good...you feel so good against me." Arizona bit the words out as she clenched a handful of black hair in one hand and massaged Callie's breast with the other.

Callie grinned at her and despite the pleasure from feeling a slick and very hot Arizona rub up against her, she pulled back and placing her hands on the pouting blonde's shoulders, pushed her back until she was lying on her back, her legs wide and her need exposed to Callie's gaze. Moving to her knees, Callie bent over Arizona and made her intentions clear, gripping an ankle in either hand and raising Arizona's legs, spreading them wide.

She began to drop warm, open mouthed kissed along Arizona's calves and reached her trembling inner thighs and Callie's fangs engaged as the scent of Arizona's arousal, mixed with her unique scent spiralled Callie's emotions into overdrive. She drove her teeth into a vein behind Arizona's knee and supped for a moment, her eyes fixed on Arizona's who was squirming and raising her hips in desperation.

"Please, Callie...please." She begged.

Unable to resist her pleas, Callie took a final drink and resumed her meandering progress along Arizona's thighs until she reached the dark blonde thatch of hair.

She could feel her arousal tingle along her arms and the depths of her stomach and muscles of her thighs like a thousand bolts of super fast lightning and she wondered how it was possible to feel so much pleasure from being with someone.

Callie flicked her tongue delicately at the tip of Arizona's clit and smiled as her hips raised frantically trying to prolong the contact.

But Callie wasn't satisfied and dropped her head for a longer taste, licking firmly, her tongue inquisitive, exploring every fold and nerve ending, stroking both their arousals dangerously high.

"Fuck, you taste so good...I'm not even sure I know which tastes better," Callie laughed out loud and sank her head back between the milky white thighs thrusting, her tongue deep into Arizona's core, who was now panting hard and had both hands gripping Callie head as she guided her. Callie changed pace slightly and wrapped her mouth around Arizona's labia and clit, sucking hard in between long slow licks of her tongue. The essence poured out of Arizona and Callie lapped up every last drop, almost going out of her mind with excitement. Turning her head slightly to the top of Arizona's thigh, Callie sank her fangs into her femoral artery, where the blood ran thick and strong. Callie knew that she was intoxicated by this woman, that she would never get enough of her...one taste was not enough...

She retracted her fangs and sank her tongue in Arizona's core again and as she began to thrust in earnest, dipping deeper into the quivering heated core she heard Arizona's broken screams of pleasure and felt her come in her mouth and knew that some things were forever.

#

Callie's eyes opened and the first thing she saw was Arizona sitting beside her, a curious smile on her face.

"Are you alright, baby?" Her question was soft and very slightly amused and Callie swallowed and looked around her.

She was sprawled out on the couch, she'd been dreaming.

Boy, had she been dreaming.

Callie knew that her skin was flushed and she could still feel almost unbearable arousal humming through her body.

"Ummmm...fine. I'm fine." She muttered, closing her eyes for second, wiling the images in her head to go away. In her dreams she had been taken to ecstasy by this woman and returned the favour, several times. It was disconcerting to stare at Arizona now and not see her very naked and very aroused.

A thought occurred to Callie and her eyes opened wide in consternation.

"When did you get home?" She asked in desperation, wondering if she had an audience while she slept.

"I've only been home about 10 minutes, Callie," Arizona's expression was still amused and now just a little intent.

"You looked like you...needed a nap, so I let you sleep for a while."

Arizona was torn.

Callie's warm flushed arousal was so evident; it was all she could do not to pin her down on the sofa and finish whatever her dream had started. Her dark eyes were heavy-lidded and sleepily sexy, her full lips were moist and pouting and though she probably wasn't aware of it, her nipples were jutting prominently against her top. Arizona's hadn't given much thought to sex at all until she started sharing a bed with Callie and she knew that they weren't anywhere near that point yet but seeing Callie warm and wanting piqued her own dormant libido and now arousal raced through her.

She knew it was a bad idea but she leaned over the supine woman and ran the tip of her finger along Callie's upper lip, collecting the beads of moisture that had formed there.

Placing her finger in her mouth, she sucked on the droplet, her eyes staring into Callie's mesmerised gaze.

"I think you needed the rest."

At Callie's very slight gasp of shock and desire, Arizona leaned close enough to feel Callie's warm breath on her face and said,

"Tell me to stop, Callie."

And very deliberately she flicked he tongue against Callie's lip and closed her eyes at the gentle puff of air that Callie released.

This is a bad idea.

Arizona ghosted her lips against Callie's as gentle as an angels kiss and felt her eyelids droop again in sheer pleasure at the barest of contacts.

She pulled back ever so slightly and looked into Callie's eyes.

They were wide and questioning and aroused and with a small whimper Arizona fitted her mouth against the familiar and missed contours of Callie's and dipped her tongue into the warmth of her lover's mouth.

The kiss was a gentle stroke of tongues, Arizona's tentative, Callie's questioning.

"You're going need to tell me to stop, Callie."

She was desperate to taste Callie again, to feel their tongues wrap around each other's with passion and intent, she wanted to rip off their clothes and make love to Callie like it was the first time. But she wasn't convinced it was the right thing to do. Callie was still conflicted about her sexuality and was probably still half asleep. Arizona found the strength to break the grip of desire, knowing that she was taking advantage of Callie's vulnerability.

Callie slid her hand around Arizona's neck and pulled her back down to her mouth, no longer questioning but demanding, her tongue forceful as it stroked along the length of Arizona's, greedily swallowing up the moan that came her.

"Callie..."

Callie ignored Arizona's plea and grabbed one of Arizona's hand crushing the open palm against her straining breast, both women crying out at the contact.

"Hey Torres, you want to go play some darks tonight...? Oh. Oh crap. I'm sorry..." Mark's intrusion and apologetic exit had a violent impact.

Callie's eye's opened wide and without a word, she pushed Arizona aside and literally ran into the bedroom, slamming the door shut behind her.

Arizona leaned forward, her elbows resting on her thighs, her heart still pounding from the arousal and adrenaline.

She buried her head in her hands.

Jesus. What have I just done?

TBC