AN: Hey peeps. It's been a while, and I have missed ya'll! I switched to nights and have been working quite a lot. Here is a new update for ya'll with a time jump. Happy reading!

Callie's POV

Two months later

"Keep up!" I yell.

"I'm trying!"

I woke up this morning with so much energy, so I dragged my sleepy blonde out of bed for a quick run.

Turning around, I start jogging backwards, "Come on!"

She picks up the pace until she catches up to me, and then smirks and makes a break for the complex a few buildings down.

"Hey!" I call as I sprint after her towards her apartment.

When I reach her, she's breathing heavy with a satisfied smile on her face that urks me, "So not fair!"

"Were we racing?" she asks with a dumbfounded look.

"Oh, shut up," I smack her arm lightly.

She laughs as we make our way inside, "You know I'm competitive."

"I know, but I was this close," I gesture with my fingers.

"I had to beat you because you were leading the entire time. And you were distracting with that full ass," she quietly groans and bites her lip before opening the door.

I smile, but then frown, "Fuller ass, you should say."

In the months that have passed, everything has slowly started to get back to a sense of normalcy. Everything except for my body. I visited with Dr. Saenz and told her how apprehensive I feel about having sex again. My fears about having another miscarriage, and how I don't know if our relationship would survive it. She was kind and understanding and offered to talk about other birth control methods that could give me peace of mind. After reviewing all the information for a couple of weeks, I finally picked my choice. Now there's a small implant in my arm. It has been great so far except for a good amount of weight gain, much to my annoyance.

I grab a pan and fire up the stovetop to make some breakfast. As I reach for the cupboard, I feel strong arms around me.

"You're beautiful, baby. And I think your ass is perfect." she kisses my neck, pressing herself closer against my back.

We haven't been intimate since everything happened. I want her, but I'm hesitant. I just feel so unattractive, and I'm not ready. Not yet.

I turn around and she kisses me softly, "I love you."

"I love you too," my lips brush against hers again, "now take your stinky ass to the shower."

I hear her scoff as I turn back to my task, "So my ass is stinky?"

I scrunch my nose in fake disgust, "The stinkiest."

She holds her chest as if she's in pain, "Ouch."

I walk up to her and pull her face close for a deep kiss, "But your stinky ass is my favorite."

She smiles with dimples flashing, "I think I need another kiss for that."

I kiss her cheek and slap her ass before heading back to the kitchen.

"You make me crazy, woman! I need a cold shower now."

I watch her lithe form retreat into her room while absentmindedly stirring the eggs around.

Arizona has been respectful and patient with me. She's been understanding, but I know she's ready. Even if she doesn't say it, I can see it. I can feel it. And it's comforting to know I can still turn her on, but I'm not there yet. I know it's a battle with my head and, right now, my mind is winning.

...

"Hey guys!" Mark yells as we approach the pool at my complex a few hours later.

We wave back and begin our greetings with the gang. After not seeing each other for the last few months, a gathering was in order now that everyone's back in town. What better way to spend a hot summer day than a barbeque party by the pool.

Addie immediately hands me a margarita and ushers me over to the beach chairs she was lounging on, while Arizona takes her marinated steaks over to the grill with Mark.

"So how are you?" She asks, sipping her own drink after adjusting her sun hat.

I kept Addie in the loop during the Minnesota trip. We texted each other almost every day, but she was out of the country for the last 3 weeks and our communication got intercepted.

I take a long sip, enjoying the feeling of the coolness in my mouth followed by the heat sliding down my throat, "That's a good margarita, Ads!"

"Stop deflecting!" She almost smacks my arm.

I snicker and take another quick sip, "I'm fine. Good-better even."

"And Arizona?"

"She's good."

"Have you guys…" she trails.

I catch her drift, "We have not."

"Are you scared?"

"I'm…worried. I'm worried it'll be different after everything, and that she won't look at me the same. Besides, the implant has turned me into a goddamn elephant," I lightly touch the stick in my arm.

"Cal, are you kidding me?"

I press on before she can continue, "And then what if this thing doesn't work? What if I get pregnant again and lose the baby? What if Arizona leaves me? I just…I don't think I could handle all of that, Ads."

My voice cracks, Addie pulls me in for a hug, and the tears fall, "Dammit."

She rubs my back, "I know, sweetheart."

I inhale a breath and pull away to wipe my eyes quickly.

Addie holds my hands in hers, "Listen, Arizona is in love with you. Like so in love with you. You guys were made for each other. I know it. Everyone knows it. I don't think she's going anywhere anytime soon. The implant is 99.9% effective, 99.9 percent Cal! That's fucking great! But if that 1% so happens by chance, I'll be there. We all will. And if Arizona tries to leave, I will give her a beat down with my sharpest heels."

A laugh deep from my belly begins and doesn't stop until my muscles ache, and I can't catch my breath, "Oh my god, I love you! Thank you for being my best friend."

I hug her and giggle some more, "I love you too, Cal."

I wipe my eyes now filled with laughing tears and grab my drink.

She sips hers slowly, "You know I'm serious, right?"

"Yes, I do."

A loud shriek and a splash catch our attention and we turn to see Teddy land in the pool with Arizona and Amelia cracking up.

"Asshole! I didn't even have my shirt off!" She yells after resurfacing.

Arizona just shrugs and cannon balls right next to her, causing a refreshing mist to coat Addie and I.

"Hi, baby!" Arizona says, slicking back her hair.

I wave back at her shyly, admiring how beautiful she looks in the water.

She smirks wildly before Teddy dunks her unexpectedly and they continue splashing each other like children.

"How was your trip?"

Addie downs the rest of her drink quickly without a word.

"That bad, huh?"

"Mmhmm."

I squeeze her arm, "I'm sorry."

Addie sighs, "It was a shit show. My family is just so-ughh," she growls in frustration.

"It was just to keep up appearances like always. To show we still somewhat resemble a family unit," she continues, "while in reality, my parents' marriage is nonexistent, my brother's a fucking mess, and I'm dragging Mark into all this bullshit."

She takes off her sunglasses and her eyes focus on something behind me. I follow her line of sight to see Mark throwing baby carrots in the air and attempting to catch them with his mouth, while Henry mans the grill.

"He's probably going to leave me when he finds out how fucked up I am," she admits softly.

I pull her focus by grabbing her hands, "You're not fucked up, Ads. Mark is a good guy. He really is. And, he's a big boy."

An awful dying cow sound cause us both to look for its source and we find that it's coming from Mark who has stuck two baby carrots in his mouth, pretending to be a walrus and making noises that I'm sure the sea mammal doesn't make.

"Okay, so he's mostly a big boy. He loves you. He can handle all the craziness of your family."

"You think so?"

"Yes, I do. But if he ever breaks your heart, he will get a beating of his own," I crack my knuckles for effect and Addie chuckles.

"I missed you, Cal."

"I missed you too."

We watch Henry finish up with the barbeque and cover all the meat. Mark waves at us before jumping in the pool.

"Have you worked on your residency essay yet?" Addie asks, out of the blue.

"No. It's July. Please don't make me think about school before I absolutely have too," I groan.

"I can't believe we're going into our last year."

"It's crazy. We were just submitting our applications the other day."

"Time flies," Addie says thoughtfully.

"Hey babe," a soaking wet Mark has dragged himself out of the pool and is slowly coming over to drench Addie.

"Mark." She warns, but he continues.

"I swear to god, Mark, if you-" Her protests are futile as he hugs her on the chair and she squeals in laughter.

I leave them to their shenanigans and plop myself on the side of the pool, hiking my dress up a bit, and sliding my feet into the water.

Arizona swims over and hugs my legs, resting her chin on my thighs, "Hi."

"Hey," I smile.

"You wanna get in?"

"Umm," I look down at myself self-consciously. I opted for a one-piece suit and then hastily added shorts on the bottom right before we left. Not the sexiest swimwear, but I felt more comfortable afterward.

I feel lips on my knees as Arizona kisses each softly, "You're beautiful."

"Ari-"

"You. Are. So. Beautiful. I can say that every day, a thousand times over, forever because it's true, and I mean it."

My face flushes, and I can't help the wide smile that takes over my face, "Yeah?"

"God, yes! Now get in this pool!"

I pause for a moment, and then stand to discard my dress on one of the lounge chairs. I survey myself again and wrap my arms around my waist, feeling so naked without my shield. I hate feeling like this. This was stupid. I look stupid. I should put my dress back on.

Just as I reach for it, Arizona stops me with a hand on my arm, "Don't leave me hanging, baby. I'm jumping with you."

I search her face for any indication of distaste and find none.

"I love you," I whisper as I take her hand.

"And I love you," she places a wet kiss on my cheek.

With a countdown and a running start, we dive into the deep end together.

One week later

"Shit!" I grab my soaked white clothes, well now pink, out of the washer.

Tossing them into the dry, I find the culprit – a tiny red thong caught on the bottom of the agitator in the middle.

"Goddammit, Ads."

I take a pic of my clothes and the thong and send it to Addie.

Are you up? Look what happened! :( - C

OMG. I'm so sorry! – A

I was looking for that damn thing... – A

Well, it's freaking found! Seriously EVERYTHING IS PINK! – C

I'M SORRY! I luv u! – A

It's kinda stuck down there. I might have to cut it out… :) - C

As I watch the bubbles on my messages, waiting for her reply, the phone starts ringing with Arizona's tone.

"Hey babe."

"Hey baby! Are we still on for tonight?" she asks.

"Yeah! What are we doing anyway?"

"Just a little surprise. Nothing big," she chuckles nervously.

I punch the button for the dryer and make my way to the living room, "Are you okay?"

"Yeah. Just going on a few errands before tonight."

"Should I bring anything?"

"No no, I got it."

"Anything specific I should wear?"

"No, just wear whatever makes you comfortable."

I chuckle, "You're really not giving me much to go on here, are you?"

"Nope! But it'll be worth it. I promise."

"Cal!" Addie yells.

"Okay, I gotta go baby. I love you." I quickly reply.

"I love you too. I'll see you in a few hours."

Addie storms out of her room in a panic, "Please don't cut it!"

"Come look at it."

I open the washer and we both look inside.

"Oh god."

"Yeah," I say.

"How did that even happen? Like it's wrapped all the way-"

"Yeah. I don't think we have any choice here," I say from the kitchen.

"Maybe we can save it!"

I bring the scissors, "Ads, you have to let it go."

"You saw what it did. It has got to go," I add.

She's almost in tears, and I have to stifle my laughter, "Okay, I'm ready now."

I cut it slowly and carefully until its free and Addie grabs from my hand.

I watch in amusement as she rubs it against her face, "Oh, strappy, thank you for your service. You helped me get laid so many times. You were always my favorite, and I'll miss you. Goodbye."

She kisses it for good effect, and I laugh, "Seriously?"

"What?"

"You're such a drama queen!"

She thinks about for a second and then laughs, "I know."

...

I adjust my purse on my shoulder and knock. For some reason, I feel nervous. It's our 6-month anniversary, and I wonder what Arizona planned. I didn't know what to wear so I opted for some jeans and a tee.

"Hi baby," she greets me with a kiss at the door.

"Hey, you got a haircut!" I drop my purse and the box I brought on the side table and run my hands through her clipped locks that just barely touch her shoulder.

"You like it?"

"It's sexy. Of course, I like it!"

She shuts the door, and I slip my shoes off.

"I was worried it was going to come out really short."

"No, it's perfect," I kiss her again.

"I'm glad you like it."

I grab the box I brought and follow her into the kitchen.

"I know you said I didn't have to bring anything, but I couldn't help myself." Arizona opens the box to find a half dozen donuts and she smiles.

"I love donuts!"

"Happy six, baby!"

"Thank you," she steals a few more kisses before my stomach rumbles.

"Sorry," I blush.

"Don't apologize. I'm gonna feed my girl," she returns to the fridge, "What do you wanna drink? I have beer, which I know you're not a big fan of, so I grabbed some of that hard cider you like so much."

"Yeah, that sounds good."

She pops the caps off and hands me the cider, which I take a slow sip of and groan, "That's good."

With a hand on my back, she leads us to the dining room where there's a pizza box and plates and a vase of flowers waiting for us.

"Pizza and flowers? God, I love you."

She chuckles and sits across from me, "Anything for you."

We serve ourselves and start eating, "So I figured we could just eat pizza, drink, and watch a movie. What do you think? I mean, unless you want to do something else?"

"I love that idea. There's nothing else I'd rather do, babe."

"Is it bad that I want to kiss you right now?" she asks.

"No, just let me wipe off-"

"I got it," she leans over the table and licks the sauce off my lip and bites it gently before sitting back down.

I blush and take a swig, "You're bad."

Her blue eyes stare at me intensely, "It's not my fault that you're so hot."

I bite my lip and stare back until Arizona suddenly looks away and goes back to eating. It leaves me confused and concerned.

"Is everything okay?"

"Yeah. This pizza is really good."

"Uh huh."

She says nothing further, but I can tell something is on her mind. She sounds nervous again. I decide to let it go for now and we finish our meal with light conversation.

As Arizona clears the table, I remember a bag that I brought that's still in my purse, "Oh, I almost forgot."

"I'm sorry about these. There was a red thong incident," I hand her the boxers that she had left at my place months ago.

She laughs, "Red thong incident?

"Yeah, it's a long story."

"Well, I definitely want to hear about, but I have a surprise for you and it's driving me crazy waiting all this time."

"Crap, I thought we weren't gonna do presents."

"I know, and I don't care about you getting me anything. The donuts and pink boxers are enough for me."

She slides her hand in mine and leads me inside her room, "So, um, this is uh- god, I can't even talk."

I rub her arm, "Relax baby."

She takes a breath and release it, "Okay, go ahead and open the top drawer."

I look at her puzzled, but open the dresser drawer anyway. What I see inside makes me even more confused now.

I start pulling out the items one by one. A hairbrush, a purple loofah, shampoo and conditioner, and a toothbrush.

"I-um- I don't understand."

She wipes her sweaty palms on her jeans, "Okay, so this drawer is for you. For whenever you're here. And, um extra supplies so you don't have to bother with bringing yours because you'll have some here already. I got your favorite shampoo. The one that smells really good. And I also have this," she pulls out a small black box.

Oh, shit. Is she about to… She's not, is she?

"Is that..?"

Realization dawns on her face, "Oh, no it's just…dammit, this went so much better in my head! I'm sorry. I messed this up so bad."

She looks so flustered and cute.

"No, no! You didn't. I love this. Can I?"

"You still want to?"

"Hell yes."

She places it in my hand, and I open the box carefully. A key is sitting comfortably in its place. Oh my god.

"It's a key. For you. To come and go whenever you want. I want you to be comfortable coming here at any time. I, um, consider this place home and maybe you could too. You know, like, whenever you're here."

I smash our lips together and kiss her deeply. Our tongues tangle together until we can't breathe, and I feel light-headed.

"I love you, baby. And I love this, thank you."

"I love you too, beautiful."

I slip the box into my pocket and give her a quick peck, "You're so sweet."

She shrugs innocently, "I try."

Arizona pushes some hair behind my ear and places her hands on my waist, "I know you've been feeling off about your body. I just want you to know that I will forever find you gorgeous and smart and amazing. And I don't mind waiting until you're ready for us to make love again."

"God, you're gonna make me cry," I chuckle, "thank you for saying that. I'm not there yet, but I'm getting there. Slowly but surely."

"Happy anniversary!"

"Happy anniversary. This was perfect."

"It ain't over yet. We still have donuts and a movie to watch."

"You're right."

We make our way to the living room, "And there were talks of a red thong?"

"Ah, yes. The red thong incident…"

AN2: I just want to say thank you, thank you, thank you for all your support and patience. I really wish I could update on a regular basis, but it's just not possible at the moment. As always, let me know what your thoughts are on this. Feel free to leave a comment, PM, or catch me on tumblr between updates. See ya at the next one :)