Wouldn't it be so nice if I could just stay home and write as often and as long as I wanted? Alas, the stars barely align long enough for me to finish a chapter lately. Here is an extra long one as a small token of my appreciation for your continued interest in this story. Thank you again for all of the reviews :)
Despite the teasing Meredith directed at them, the two women both enjoyed catching up with their friend. After moving the extra bed into Sofia's room and changing the sheets on Arizona's bed they ordered pizza and spent the rest of the evening drinking wine and chatting while the girls made a fortress in Sofia's bedroom for their multiple night sleepover party. It felt so right and so familiar all being together again Arizona mused as her gaze moved from Callie to Meredith and back again just in time to catch the Latina's eyes on her. She grinned at her but her smile faded as she noticed those beautiful brown orbs darken. She knew that look, it was a look that made her blood run hot and her thighs tremble. Her own eyes widened with surprise as Callie turned back to Meredith, laughing at whatever she had just said.
"So, Arizona, how is the new Robbins-Herman Center coming along? Think I could get a tour while I am out here? Amelia would be so jealous" Meredith smirked.
Shaking her head a little to clear it, Arizona smiled and nodded. "Absolutely! I would love to show you around. We still have a little while until it's up and ready to go but it's coming along nicely" she grinned before glancing back at Callie and seeing her shoot her a lust filled wink edged with pride. Taking another sip of her wine, she tried to calm her now racing heart.
"It's so nice that you and Zola were able to get away, just the two of you. Do you have any specific plans while you are here?'
"Actually, I am meeting a Dr. Spencer at your hospital tomorrow, Callie. He wants to know more about the tiny livers and I needed a break from Seattle so here we are. Also, I thought it would be fun to show Zola around the city."
"Dr. Spencer? Eric Spencer?" she laughed when Meredith nodded "If I had to pick the one person in this hospital the most like Mark Sloan, Eric Spencer would be it. I hope you brought either your A game or some protection" she smirked.
As Callie and Meredith continued on with that discussion, Arizona slipped away to put the two girls to bed. After baths and stories, she smiled as she looked over at where Zola slept before bending to kiss Sofia goodnight.
"Mommy? Are you and Momma going to get married again?"
Smoothing dark hair back from an expectant face, she gazed at her daughter for a moment as she thought about what she wanted to say. Scooching into the bed next to her, she pulled her close. "We've had a lot of big things happen recently that we haven't really had time to talk about. Moving to New York, moving in with Momma in a brand new apartment, new school, and now your Momma and I dating again." her voice was low and soothing as she continued to stroke her hair. "I think that we should wait awhile before we do any other big things, don't you?"
Sofia's nose scrunched up as she thought about it. "But you love Momma, right?" dark eyes wide and concerned, so much like Callie's that it made her heart flutter. "I love your Momma more than I ever thought was possible." she whispered, a soft smile on her lips.
Wrapping her arms around her, Sofia gave her a tight hug. "I love you and Momma in the same bed. Now I won't have to decide who to go find when I have a scary dream." she said with a huge grin.
Laughing lightly, Arizona kissed her head again. "Do you have any other questions you want to ask me, Little Miss?"
Thinking for a second, she finally looked up at her again with a deep sigh "Do I really have to go to school tomorrow?" She pouted. Tickling her tummy until she giggled, Arizona nodded. "Yep. Zola and her mommy have plans tomorrow but how about we give you an extra long weekend and let you skip school on Friday? That will give you three whole days with Zola"
Sofia pumped her fist in the air "YES! Thank you! You're the best!" she hugged her again before snuggling back into her pillow. "'Night, Mommy".
"Goodnight, sweet girl. See you in the morning" she dropped one more kiss on her cheek before moving into the hall and closing the door quietly behind her.
Smiling as she listened to the laughter coming from the living room, she slipped into Callie's room. Their room, she corrected herself silently with a small grin.
Trading her day clothes for pajamas, she released a deep sigh as she sunk down on to the mattress and removed her prosthesis, rubbing her residual limb to try and ease the ache.
She grinned when the door opened to reveal a smiling Latina.
"Hey, you ok? Leg bothering you?" she asked, smile dimming as the concern in her eyes grew.
"It's ok. Just the normal amount" she eased back on the pillows and pulled her laptop towards her. "Having fun with Meredith?"
"Yeah! It's so great to see her! I just wanted to come check on you though. Thanks for putting the girls to bed. Were you going to come back out?" she reached out to massage her leg.
Arizona's eyes fluttered shut and she bit back a groan. "No, I think I'm going to stay right here. It's been a long day and the wine made me sleepy"
They spent a few minutes in comfortable silence as she continued to rub the blonde's thigh before leaning down to press their lips together in a sweet kiss that quickly turned passionate.
Breaking away, Callie dropped several more small kisses on pink lips before finally standing. "I won't be too late" she promised as she gave her thigh one more squeeze. Sighing happily, Arizona watched her leave before opening her laptop and scrolling through her facebook feed. She had been on less than a minute before a notification popped up that she had a message from Teddy. She grinned as she opened the messenger feature.
"Arizona! How are you? How is New York?" - T
"Hi there! So good to hear from you! I'm doing really well. Excited about the new Center and looking forward to opening in a few more months" -A
"I heard about that - so exciting! I can't believe I'm finally back at Grey-Sloan and you're gone!" -T
They chatted back and forth for about 30 minutes talking about Teddy's pregnancy and their friends at Grey-Sloan before the conversation turned to Callie and Arizona.
Arizona had been quiet and withdrawn all morning, especially when her and Callie were alone. The brunette was growing increasingly worried and had asked several times if she were ok. The blonde would just plaster on a smile that didn't reach her eyes and nod. Finally cornering her in their room, Callie asked again and was surprised and perplexed when Arizona handed her the open laptop.
"I don't want to talk about it right now, Callie. I'm only showing you because we have promised to be open and honest with each other. I just want some time to process and then we can talk about it if you want, ok? And please don't be mad at her. She is just trying to be a good friend."
Callie nodded in confusion as Arizona kissed her cheek and left to take Sofia to school as the Latina had to be at work soon. Blocking out the sound of Zola and Meredith getting ready for the day, she began to read the conversation visible on the screen.
"So I heard an interesting rumor just a little while ago" -T
"Oh yeah?" - A
"Are you really back with Callie?"-T
"Wow. That didn't take long" - A
"Apparently Meredith mentioned it to Maggie, who said something to Amelia, who mentioned it to Owen and...well...you know how it goes. Arizona, I have to ask, are you sure about this?" - T
"I have never stopped loving Callie. I love her so much that sometimes my heart aches with it" - A
"I love you, Arizona, so I'm sorry if this crosses a line but that is exactly what I'm concerned about, your heart aching because you love her. I remember how hurt and lost you were when she broke your heart and walked away. I remember you asking her if she missed you and you being left alone with the knowledge she didn't miss you enough. Are you sure you want to risk all of that heartache again?" -T
"I'm sorry, Teddy. I need to go. I will call you in a few days though and we can talk more. It was really nice catching up with you" -A
"Wait, I'm sorry. I'm not trying to hurt you! I'm just concerned. I know you love her and she has the ability to make you incredibly happy but she also has the power to break you." -T
"Arizona?" - T
"Arizona? Please don't be upset. I support you either way, I promise" - T
"Ok. I love you. Please call in a few days" - T
"Fuck" she muttered as her body flooded with dread.
Callie's heart sank as she pulled in late that afternoon. She had given up on doing paperwork and left early, her mind completely occupied with Arizona and the conversation she'd had with Teddy. Her calls and texts had been largely ignored adding to her growing sense of dread. Her heart sank when she saw that Arizona's car was not in her normal spot. She had only had it for a few weeks but every time Callie pulled in and saw it she couldn't help the grin that spread across her face. Today though, the empty spot made her breath catch and her heart ache. Grabbing her bag she hurried inside to find the apartment quiet, no gorgeous blonde chasing two giggling girls, no movie playing on the large tv and none of the chatter Sofia seemed to have an endless supply of. Terror immediately tore through her at the very idea that Arizona could have decided Teddy was right and that she needed to move on. She wanted to believe that nothing could come between them after they had come so far but the lingering memories of the loneliness of being away from Arizona for the last few years was too overwhelming to have her thinking clearly.
She thought about calling out but her heart was beating so hard and fast and she was too afraid of calling and not getting a response. Her dark eyes scanned the empty living room for any sign of the girls or Arizona. Tears pricked the corner of her eyes when she leaned her ear against Sofia's door and was met with silence. She knew the room was empty before she hesitantly reached out to turn the knob. Covering her mouth, she swallowed back a sob as she slowly moved towards Arizona's room. The door was slightly open and she quietly pushed it until it swung wider. Her knees trembled as she took in the bed that had been stripped of all of the bedding. She closed her eyes and braced herself against the door frame as panicked thoughts raced through her head.
She jumped as a voice called "Callie? What are you doing home this early? Is everything ok?" Arizona questioned with concern as she took in the brunettes appearance.
Brown eyes flew open as she looked up in shock and then relief. Arizona in her black yoga pants and over-sized sweatshirt, hair swept up in a messy bun as she stepped from the closet with a small basket of clothes was the most welcome sight. Sitting the basket on the bed, she began to fold them as she looked over her shoulder shooting her a curious look. Since the Latina had left earlier, Arizona had had some time to think but wasn't quite ready to discuss her thoughts with the brunette just yet. She had hoped for a few more hours of quiet contemplation and, while she was always happy to see her ortho goddess, she had just craved the extra time alone.
Blue eyes fastened on brown when she received no response. "Callie? What's going on?"
Running a shaking hand through her hair, the brunette finally released a breath she hadn't realized she had been holding. "I uh...I was just...I was worried about you. You didn't answer my texts or calls and I was concerned."
"Oh, Sofia and Zola are in on our bed playing a game on my phone. They've been in there awhile and didn't even tell me" she shook her head and pulled out another article of clothing to fold. "I'm going to have to talk to her about that." she sighed before looking back at her again. Her nose scrunched up as she continued her folding. "Why were you so worried though?"
"After what Teddy said, and how you took it I just…"
Arizona sighed as she put the pajamas away and pulled another sweater from the basket. "Callie, we both said we would understand if one of us needs space"
"I know, I'm sorry but I panicked and I was...I thought you might have changed your mind about us and left"
She didn't look up as she continued to fold while she processed her words, letting a little time pass before she answered. She was hurt that the Latina didn't believe she was in this for good but at the same time wanted to assure her. "Callie, there are all kinds of things wrong with that sentence. 1. I have Sofia, did you think i would just leave her and Zola here alone?" her voice was soft and low.
"No, but your car was gone. I was worried you took her with you"
Irritation and disbelief flashed in her eyes at the lack of trust that she felt was completely unwarranted. She would never do that. "Meredith borrowed my car and Callie, I would never take our daughter and run away". Arizona turned away to put a stack of sweaters away.
Her face went blank as she stared at the blonde even as her body stiffened. "What exactly is that supposed to mean? Is that a slam on me? I didn't run away, Arizona, you let me take Sofia to New York. You brought her to me and said to go and be happy!" her voice was getting louder as her fear turned in to anger.
Surprised by the sudden defensive and yet aggressive choice of words, the peds surgeon turned back to gaze at her in astonishment. Blue eyes took in the anger, fear, and desperation that she had not taken time to notice before.
"Oh, for the love of…" Finally understanding what was going on with the brunette, she sighed loudly. Rolling her eyes, Arizona dropped the sweater in her hands, letting it fall to the floor. Quickly shutting and locking the door, she grabbed the Latina by the wrist and dragged her reluctantly to the overstuffed chair that sat in the corner of the room. Callie resisted at first but finally, with a huff, let her push her into it. Immediately climbing into her lap, Arizona took her tanned hands and wrapped them firmly around her own waist. Callie began to relax but her gaze remained cautious. Sliding her own hands over strong shoulders, up to cradle her neck as she played with the dark curls that were brushing her collar, Arizona let out a little sigh, her eyes soft as they gazed down into hers. "There that's better. Now...ask me" she said, all of her previous irritation gone as she calmly met dark eyes.
Searching the pools of blue that were looking directly into her own, she didn't even pretend not to know what the blonde was talking about. Swallowing thickly, she wet her lips. "Two needs and a want" her voice was low and hesitant.
Pulling herself closer, she maintained eye contact even as she brought her mouth nearly to the Latina's, her warm breath washing over her and making Callie's heart beat faster. "I need you" she brushed their lips together "and me" another brush "and Sofia to be a family". She pulled back just far enough to make sure Callie was paying attention. Dark eyes met hers, searching their depths. Arizona could see love, desire and uncertainty swirling in their depths. Leaning forward again, she continued. "I need to…" she nibbled on the brunette's full bottom lip, letting the tip of her tongue swipe delicately over it. "be able to love you for the rest of my life". Callie's hands tightened around her, even as one moved up to tangle in her hair. Her eyes were starting to become heavy lidded, pulse pounding as she listened intently to her words.
Shifting so that their breasts pressed together, she paused again until Callie's gaze focused on her. "I wanted a little bit of space this evening to process. I don't want to leave" she nibbled on that irresistibly plump lip again. "I don't want to fight" their breath mingled as she gently parted her lips, "And I don't want to ever stop doing this." This time it was Callie that drew her closer, slipping her tongue between pink lips and stroking hers as her hold on her tightened. The kiss was soft and loving as they explored each others mouths. Finally breaking apart, they gazed into each others eyes. "You aren't upset with me?" Arizona shook her head, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Even if I were, it wouldn't change what I just said" she whispered quietly, not breaking eye contact.
"But you need space from me?" the brunette questioned, her lush lips forming a small pout.
Butterflies took flight, tickling her insides as she took in the very adorable look on Dr. Calliope Torres' face. She couldn't help but lean forward and suck that cute little pout into her own mouth. Letting it go with a pop, she dropped another quick kiss on red lips. "I need space from the situation. I just need to be alone with my thoughts for a little bit then we can talk about it later. Ok?"
"Ok"
"Meredith is only here for a few nights. Why don't you and her go out and have some fun. I will keep the girls and it will be a good night. You won't even miss me"
"That's the problem. I will miss you. I miss you all day long." she played with the hem of the blonde's shirt, slipping her fingers underneath to stroke the warm skin. "I don't want to be away from you. I especially don't want to sleep in a different room. I can't sleep when you aren't next to me. Do we have to go back to separate rooms? Could you just….stay?" she whispered, gorgeous brown eyes wide and hopeful as they looked up into hers and Arizona felt those butterflies move to her chest, making her heart flutter in the best possible way.
Leaning in, she pressed their lips together in a kiss that quickly turned passionate. Finally breaking away for air, Arizona nuzzled into the crook of her neck and breathed in her scent. "I would love that, Calliope" she whispered into her ear, smiling when the brunette shivered beneath her. They stayed like that for a few minutes, Arizona's face buried in her neck while her hand played with dark curls while Callie stroked the warm skin of her smooth back.
"Arizona?" she whispered, trying to pull her up to meet her eyes again.
"Hmm?" the blonde responded, finding she was reluctant to move from where she was snuggled up against her. Maybe she had been wrong before. Maybe she didn't need space from Callie but just some quiet time wrapped up in her arms.
"Would it….could I...will you take your shirt off please? I just…"
A soft smile tugged at her lips as she realized what the brunette was wanting. Giving her a quick nod and sitting up, she pulled the sweatshirt over her head and let it fall to the ground smiling at the gasp of the other woman when she realized the peds surgeon had been wearing nothing beneath the shirt. Pulling her close, she dropped a kiss on her forehead before cradling her against her, Callie's cheek pressed to the slope of her breast.
"I'm really sorry, Arizona" she murmured after a few minutes, shifting to allow her hand to reach up and gently cup a pale breast. The blonde bit back a gasp at the warmth of her palm against her sensitive skin.
"Sorry for what?" slender fingers combed through silky dark hair.
Glancing up at her quickly, she ducked her head again in embarrassment even as her thumb swept over a soft nipple. "I'm sorry for overreacting and expecting the worst. I'm sorry I didn't wait for you to process and I'm sorry that I, for even a second, failed to believe in us." her voice was barely audible as her lips caressed the smooth spot between Arizona's breasts.
Lifting her chin up until their eyes met, the peds surgeon pressed their lips together in a sweet kiss. "I love you Calliope. I'm not going anywhere, ok?"
Reaching up for another kiss, the Latina nodded. "I love you so much and I never want to live without you again." she slid her other hand so that she was now cupping both breasts. "Are we ok then?"
Arizona allowed a playful frown to flit across her face pretending to think about the question as she wrapped her arms around her neck "Well...you weren't really being my good girl so I'm pretty sure there needs to be some consequences for that." she teased.
Callie's grin was breathtaking beautiful before she tried to bite it back into a look of concern as one eyebrow arched high. "Consequences?" she murmured.
"Mmmhmm. Consequences" she smiled, dimples flashing.
"Hmm" the brunette nodded trying to appear serious even as her heart rate increased and heat raced through her veins straight to her center. "That seems fair. When would these consequences be happening?". Callie's thumbs found pink nipples that had now hardened into tight nubs. Circling them she nearly groaned as her lover shivered against her. She couldn't help but half wish Meredith was already gone so she could find out what exactly the blonde had in mind.
"Oh, I think you'll know" Arizona leaned in and whispered before sucking on a plump earlobe. Moaning low in her throat, Callie rolled her nipples between her fingers as the peds surgeon rocked their pelvis together.
"Maybe a little "community service" will lighten my sentence" she smirked before filling her hands with the blonde's perfect ass and lifting her high enough to lavish a taut bud with her tongue before sucking it deep into her mouth. They got lost in each others touch and barely heard the footsteps heading their way. They separated just before the knock sounded at the door. "Mommy? You have 12 new text messages from Momma. Did you want to read them?" Arizona laughed as Callie rolled her eyes. Climbing off the brunette she grabbed her sweatshirt and slipped it back on "I will be right out" she called giving the Latina a wink as she headed for the door. "Looks like community service will have to wait". Groaning with frustration, Callie flopped backwards on the bed making the blonde giggle. Opening the door, she never saw the giant grin that made its way across the brunette's face.
So...what do you think?
