AN: I'm so glad that most of you liked the last chapter. This chapter was hard, because I had a few options of where to go, this is what I chose. I hope it's what you're looking for. And, here's the song that I included later. www. youtube watch?v=lyqlRKw8Nvc
Just take out the spaces before and after youtube. It's an awesome song and it's kinda cool to listen to it during that part of the story (even though I didn't include the whole thing). Just sayin'. As always, have a wonderful day, and I'd like to know what you guys think.
Three days later I skulked into the station, not bothering to remove my sunglasses. It had been a rough few days after Erica left. I couldn't seem to pull myself out from the mild depression that had settled over me. Before we had become a couple, we were best friends, and I really missed and needed my best friend.
The guys greeted me warmly, Mark grinning while lightly punching my shoulder, "Torres! What's cookin', good lookin'?" Seeing my soft scowl, he frowned, "Or something less obnoxious. What's up?"
All I could manage was a half-hearted wave over my head as I walked away. Before I completely left the room, I recognized the feeling of a familiar set of eyes following my movement. As I walked through the threshold to the stairs that led to the sleeping area, I glanced over my shoulder to find Arizona studying me with a curious gaze and small smile. Finding no will to return her subtle gesture, I just moved upstairs.
Reaching my bunk, I dropped my bag and slumped down on the sagging mattress. Sighing I ran my fingers through my unruly raven curls. I needed to get over this, I needed to talk it out. And, while the guys were great, they couldn't be what I needed right now. That only left Arizona, and it wasn't totally appropriate to talk this out with her, especially considering she was a part of it. An idea occurred to me, glancing at the clock, I decided I had a little time to myself. Pulling out my cell phone, I dialed an important, but rarely used number.
Holding the phone to my ear, I mumbled pleas for her to answer. After six or seven rings the voicemail picked up, "You've reached Addison, if I'm not answering it's probably because I'm busy or have my hands in someone's you-know-where, so leave me your name and I'll try to call you back." I chuckled, it's a good thing this was her private line, and not a professional one.
Hearing the beep signaling my turn to talk, I took a deep breath, "Hey, Addie, it's Callie. I know it's been inappropriately long since we talked, but I could use some solid Montgomery advice. I'm not dying or anything, just need a girl to talk to. Call me back when you can, thanks, Addie."
Sighing, I clicked my phone shut and dropped my face into my hands. Ugh. I just feel like crap.
"Are you okay?"
Her voice was soft and concerned, but it still startled me.
Seeing me jump, Arizona smiled, "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you."
I turned toward her, shrugging, "It's fine. And, I'm fine."
She didn't move from her spot leaning against the door frame. "You don't look fine."
"Pssh. I always look fine." I rolled my eyes.
"You know what I mean. Can I help?" She sounded so vulnerable, which was adorable considering I was the one that was upset.
Exhaling, I ran my hand over my face and tussled my hair, "Uh, I don't know. It's complicated, and I don't want to burden you." Really, I just didn't think I could handle dealing with whatever was going on between us, explaining that she was part of the reason Erica broke up with me, and making her listen to my heart break over her leaving me.
Arizona stepped into the room, "Try me. I overheard you on the phone…maybe I could help, and it's definitely not a burden."
I raised an eyebrow, "You were listening to my personal phone call?"
Arizona shook her head, "I just came up to see if you were okay, and I heard the end of your message."
Arizona tentatively sat next to me, cocking her head, waiting for me to either open up or tell her no. I gazed into her eyes, feeling the familiar electricity begin to build between us. I shook my head, and sighed, "Ok, I really do need to talk, but…" I looked up into her eyes to emphasize my seriousness, "I don't have the energy to deal with this, right now." I gestured between us, indicating our confusing situation and relationship.
Arizona slowly sucked in a breath, then nodded in affirmation with a small smile, "Got it."
Again, I ran my fingers through my hair and exhaled forcefully, desperately trying to rein in my emotions. "Erica and I…she left. Left me. We're over." I quickly glanced over to Arizona.
"I'm sorry, Calliope." Her voice betrayed no emotion other than empathy.
Satisfied that she was going to hear me out, I continued, "After karaoke she said we needed talk. We went home and she told me that…" I wasn't sure how much to include, "…that it just wasn't working for her anymore."
Arizona took my hand, slipping her warm fingers through mine, "Did she say why? Maybe you guys could work it out?"
I couldn't help the feeling of disappointment at her trying to fix my relationship with Erica, but then again, I did tell her I couldn't deal with us right now. "No, she said she didn't feel like my heart was in it anymore, or hers, and she didn't see anyway to fix that. The thing is, she's right. We aren't-weren't the couple we used to be. We weren't really in love with each other anymore. She's still one of my best friends, and that's what's really hurting right now. I miss my friend."
Arizona began to trace patterns on my hand with her thumb, "It sounds like you guys had a good talk, though. That's important, closure helps the healing. It will get better, but I'm sorry you lost your girlfriend and best friend."
"I know we made the right choice for both of us, but getting dumped still sucks. And, being single again after a year long relationship sucks. It just sucks." Without thinking, I laid my head on her shoulder.
Arizona tensed at my action, but eventually relaxed, letting my body lean comfortably against hers. "I know, breaking up is always hard if the relationship was good, whether you do the leaving or you're left. And, you won't be single for long, you'll have people lining up for you-" Sensing the pause become very loaded, she added, "Is there anything I can do?"
I smiled, ignoring her lapse in our deal, "This is helping. I really needed to be reminded that our relationship was not a failure. It may not have lasted forever, but we had a healthy, loving relationship, and that's worth the pain now."
"Exactly."
I don't know how long we stayed like that, but it felt really nice. The warmth from her body soothed my inner turmoil, and for once, our closeness was only supplying me with comfort, instead of tension. I smiled as I breathed in her smell, she was an amazing person. I was certain she had feelings for me, yet here she was supporting me through my break up, genuinely concerned with my feelings about another woman. It seemed she would be a wonderful friend whether we were ever any more or not.
As if sensing my reverie and eager to support my thoughts, she gently pulled out of our comfortable semi-embrace. Seeing my confused and slightly disappointed expression, she patted my thigh and grinned, "I have an idea to cheer you up, if you're up for it."
I sighed, "I'm willing to try just about anything to get out of this funk."
She arched and eyebrow, "Anything? Because I have a few good ways to cure the funk."
My stomach flipped at her implication, but my heart dropped. I know that Arizona and I have this flirting thing going, but now that it had possibilities it was too much for me to handle so soon. I could feel myself start to become flustered and overwhelmed.
She must have understood my expression, because she immediately looked guilty, "I'm sorry, that just slipped out. It was stupid. I do have a non-suggestive idea, if you're still interested." Her voice was apologetic and hopeful.
I summoned up a grateful smile, "Lay it on me." Whoops. Not any better, Callie.
She raised her eyebrows in surprise and flashed me a smug grin.
Grumbling, I waved a dismissive hand, "Yeah, I heard it. Just tell me what your idea is."
Grinning, she turned and strode across the room, "Someone once made me dance it out when I was feeling crappy, and it made me feel so much better, I thought we could give it a shot." She flicked on the stereo, smirking she added, "But, no 90s." Finding a song she approved of, she turned to me, "What do you say?"
I considered her proposition, it sounded perfect. Nodding, I shrugged off my jacket. Glancing up, I saw her extend her hand in invitation. I immediately grasped her hand and allowed her to pull my up from the bed. At the moment, the song faded away and a new one started. Instantly recognizing the song, I burst into a fit of giggles.
Arizona scrunched up her face, hearing the first verse of Waterfalls by TLC blare from the speakers, "Seriously?" She stomped across the room and slammed the tuner button, mumbling something about the damn never ending 90s. Scanning a few more stations she stopped with a soft nod.
I recognized the song and smiled shyly. I love this song, The Black Eyed Peas were one of my favorite bands. As the first verse began, Arizona started to sway to the music, catching my eye.
What would you do,
If I walked up to you,
And told you how I feel,
about you now.
She gently grabbed my hand and slowly spun me around. Smiling, I started to sway to the slow, but strong beat.
And, what would you say,
If I took your breath away,
And, I loved you everyday,
The way I do now.
When the beat picked up we started to bounce around more, moving more of our bodies and spinning around each other. Wide smiles broke out on our faces.
Would you let me love you,
Let me love you, long time,
Would you let me love you,
Let me love you, long time,
Would you let me love you,
Let me love you, long time
Boy, I'd let you love me,
Let you love me, long time
Boy, I'd let you love me,
Let you love me, long time,
Boy, I'd let you love me,
Let you love me long time.
When the beat slowed again, I glanced at Arizona and decided my next move. I grasped her hand and tugged her closer to me. Following easily, she kept hold of my hand and placed her other on my shoulder. Having no other choice, my unoccupied hand came to rest on her hip. We swayed our hips together, not touching, save for our hands. Occasionally, she would spin me or I her.
What would it take,
If we could up and run away,
We could throw our problems away,
And get out of town.
And, how do you feel,
I hope you know that I'm for real,
I ain't playin games, baby,
I'm serious now.
When the beat sped back up into the chorus, Arizona grinned and pushed me slightly away from her and began dancing goofily. I laughed and joined in, us both throwing in dance moves like the swimming one and shopping cart. But, eventually, we just settled on waving our arms and dancing around each other. Sometimes I would rest my hands on her hips as she danced by me, or she would back up against me, almost thrusting her ass into my front. We kept it light, laughing and smiling as we let go of anything and everything that threatened to weigh us down.
Baby, let me love you,
Let me love you, long time,
Baby, let me love you,
Let me love you long time,
Baby, let me love you,
Let me love you, long time.
Boy, I'd let you love me,
Let you love me, long time
Boy, I'd let you love me,
Let you love me, long time,
Boy, I'd let you love me,
Let you love me long time.
As the bridge began, Arizona started to teach me some of her famous MJ moves. Lets just say I was no natural. But, natural or not, I would have tried forever if it was Arizona teaching me. Her laugh ringing in my ears when I failed miserably, her soft hands guiding me gently through a move, and watching her beautiful body move in ways I would have never imagined, all made my lack of skill totally worth it.
Let's put our hands together take a walk with me,
Girl, we are so perfect, baby, you and me,
All I wanna do is spend a little time,
Your lovin' is so special, it keeps you on my mind,
Something about our lovin, girl, is better forever,
Nothing like no other, let's keep this together,
Me and you just feels right, everyday is still right,
Baby, keep it comin' and I love you long time.
When the song faded out, we were breathless and couldn't stop giggling. We grabbed each other's arms for support. When I could finally breath again, still smiling widely, I looked into Arizona's eyes, "Thanks. That was exactly what I needed."
Arizona returned the smile, her dimples popping dangerously, and her eyes sparkling, "No problem. It was fun. I really love that song."
Without warning, my eyes took a joy ride over her body. They started at her bright curls and traveled down the smooth skin of her neck, down to the neck line of her pink T-shirt, which rested at the swell of her breasts. Moving down, I took in the flatness of her stomach and slight flash of skin right before the waistband of her tight jeans. Her thighs and calves teased me with their potential all the way down to her black Converse. Abruptly realizing that I had just fully and obviously checked her out, I sprung my eyes up the length of her body to her face.
Suddenly, everything shifted. Her eyes had moved up to lock with mine and we both sucked in a breath, holding it in anticipation. Our hands still grasped each other's forearms, and I hadn't realized that I was now stroking my thumbs over her soft skin. Her eyes searched mine, looking for something that I couldn't put a label on. My skin started tingling and my heart was pounding. Crap, I couldn't even move to ease the tension. I seemed to be frozen to the spot, my whole body aching to cross the foot between us and wrap my arms around her.
Arizona's tongue darted out to wet her lips, and I knew without a doubt what was about to happen. My head was screaming to stop it, that it was too soon, but my heart and…other body parts told me I couldn't. Arizona raked her eyes over my face, once again interpreting my expression perfectly. I watched and heard her take a shallow breath, her voice coming in a strained whisper, "Calliope, I know you said you couldn't handle this," She nodded between us, "But, since the moment I met you, all I wanted was to kiss you. I'm going to do that in five seconds, so please stop me if you don't want me to."
I stared into her eyes and she let out a breathy "One." I struggled to make a decision, "Two." My breathing was increasing dangerously by this point. Arizona moved a few inches forward, "Three." My grasp tightened on her arm, and my own tongue mimicked Arizona's from a minute before. "Four." Arizona was only an inch from me now, I was definitely going to let this happen, in fact, I just may-"Five." Arizona's last number was barely audible as she eliminated the last inch between our lips. Her perfectly pink lips tickled mine, making my nerves explode in excitement, I pushed forward to apply more pressure, as-
"Torres, Robbins! Are you guys up here?" Avery's voice came crashing into our moment, causing us to spring apart our lips having touched for no more than half a second. Stepping into the room, he spotted us, "Oh, hey. The Captain wanted me to ask why you guys were not at the meeting he scheduled to start ten minutes ago. But, he used much harsher and captainly terms." Avery flashed us an oblivious smile.
"We'll be right there," I growled, severely flustered and disappointed that we were interrupted.
"Alright, but that vein in his head is popping out, so I say you have no more than forty seven seconds before he explodes." Then, shooting us a grin, he trotted back down the stairs.
I slowly turned to Arizona, and immediately started giggling. Her face was set in the most annoyed scowl I've ever seen. Seeing such a disdainful expression on someone so perky was utterly adorable.
Jerking her head toward me, she crossed her arms and mock glared in my direction, "And, what, Calliope, is so funny?"
I snorted, "Your face."
Arizona rolled her eyes, the corners of her mouth sneaking up, "Mature."
"No, you were so mad at him. Your glare was just really cute." At that I dropped my eyes to the floor, suddenly shy about what he had stepped in on.
Arizona's voice softened, "Yeah, well, I was super frustrated that he came in when he did."
I dragged my eyes back to hers and smiled softly, "Yeah."
Reluctantly, Arizona cleared her throat, "Well, I guess, we should go downstairs to the meeting."
I nodded slowly, "Yep, probably."
Arizona turned on her heel and started toward the door. A feeling took hold of me, my stomach clinched and my palms began to sweat, I felt like I was losing something important. I didn't want to miss out on this moment, I wanted it now.
Before she got more than a few steps, I lunged for her hand and gripped it tightly, pulling her roughly back toward me. Her body all but slammed up against mine. I briefly registered her shocked eyes and soft body as I laid a hand on her cheek and brought her lips up to mine, crashing them together. I nearly panicked when it took her a couple seconds to respond, but that quickly faded as I felt her lips press just as eagerly against mine. This wasn't the timid kiss that had begun before, but a strong and gentle one that expressed all the need and want that had been accumulating since we had met. Our lips slid over each other's, her hands gripped my waist and pulled me closer. Recognizing that she was letting me lead, I moved my hand to the base of her skull and tangled my fingers in her hair as I let my tongue trace along her bottom lip. Immediately, her lips parted and I wasted no time stroking her tongue with mine.
Once again, I felt every single part of me come alive. Every nerve was alert and ready, and my heart and stomach felt as if they were doing the rumba. This is what it should feel like. After a few moments, when air was something we remembered we needed, I slowed down the kiss and gently separated our mouths. We grinned, harshly breathing into each other. "Wow." Arizona rasped.
I pulled away, letting my hands trail down her arms, "Yeah. Sorry about the…" I waved my hand trying to illustrate what had just happened.
"Ambush?" Arizona cheekily supplied. After my sheepish shrug and nod in response, she added, "Don't be, it was super sexy."
Before any other words could be exchanged, an extremely irritated voice came barreling up the stairs, "Torres! Robbins!"
Still grinning, we both turned and yelled back as we headed to the lobby, "We're coming!"