In The Mind's Eye
Disclaimer: This is an AU story that combines The Godfather and Greys Anatomy together. I borrowed these characters, I own nothing.
Chapter Twenty-Two
It's All For You
Three months had passed since the day they learned they would be having a baby. It was three months that Arizona's stomach continued to grow, further showing the protruding evidence of an impending birth. A new Torres would grace the world with his presence very soon.
Waddling down the PED's wing, Arizona felt shaky. She had several bouts with her diabetes over the past couple of weeks. The spells were not too bad in nature, but things were not just right with the blonde mother. And, she could tell it. However, she chose to keep it from Callie as much as possible, as her wife would no doubt suffocate her with overprotectiveness as well as love. The love, she didn't mind. It was that once Callie got a whiff of anything off course in any way, the brunette went into a survival mode. Tending to overcompensate too much. Qualities that Arizona appreciated and loved Callie for, and qualities that she sometimes hated as well.
Once again, seeing Callie appear on the children's wing of the hospital was a pleasant surprise. The last time Callie visited was three months ago. She seldom graced the hospital with her presence, unless it was for a board meeting. And Arizona new for a fact there was no meeting today.
"Hey sweetie." Callie smiled as she embraced her wife in the hallway next to the nurses' station.
"Why are you here?" It was a legitimate question. Although Callie hated to be questioned about her actions, Arizona would ask anyhow.
"Well, I came to walk around with you while you finish your rounds. Maybe, keep you company. I just missed you." A sweet smile donned Callie's face.
Strange...very strange. This was out of character for the brunette to show up right out of the blue, Arizona thought.
"This is new." Eyeing her wife, Arizona wasn't fooled. Not one bit. She knew something was up. She could smell a rat. And it was right in front of her.
The feigned look of innocence was displayed in typical Callie fashion. "What?" The brunette shrugged.
"Do not what me, Callie Torres? Somethings up. So, you've got one minute to explain your presence on this Peds floor, or I will scream right here so loud. Draw all kinds of attention to you." She knew Callie hated attention drawn her way. Threats, well, she could do them too. After all, she had been married to a Torres for over a year now.
"You wouldn't." With a smirk, Callie leaned against the wall. She knew Arizona wasn't about to do something like that.
"Okay..." Opening her mouth as wide as she could, Arizona let out the beginning of a scream, but was quickly muffled by her wife's hand over her mouth.
"Okay, okay. Shut up and I will tell you."
"I thought so." Smirking at her wife, Arizona placed her hands on her hips, waiting for an answer.
Big brown eyes showed the surprise their owner felt. "Here?" Callie asked.
Looking around, no one was anywhere near the couple. "Yes, there is no one around. What's going on?" Arizona asked.
Giving in, Callie appeased her wife. She wanted this to be a surprise. But the blonde wasn't having it. "I just came to pick you up in your new car. That's why I'm here. I have your new ride waiting downstairs."
"Oh. Well that's sweet...and unexpected. I thought you were up to no good Callie. Maybe you wanted another on call room experience again."
"Oh no. That's too risky. You will not get me back in there again. Muffling you screams was not that easy you know."
"I'm not a screamer Callie, you just that talented." Giving the dancing eyebrows, the blonde smiled a megawatt smile.
"I'm not going to do that here, so flattering me will not work. You can wait until we get home. Then," invading the blonde's space, Callie backed her wife against the wall, "I can make you scream all night if that's what you want."
A dimpled smile turned darker. Of course, that's what Arizona wanted. Every time she was around Callie, she wanted to rip her wife's clothes off. "I just have one more patient. I won't be long," Arizona husked in Callie's ear.
Escaping the closeness Arizona felt a little sad. She wanted to be near Callie all the time. The former need for space that she had felt earlier in her marriage was now replaced by a desire to be close, one with her lover.
"Walk with me while I see this last patient?"
Callie nodded, "Sure."
Feeling her wife pulling in her arm, Arizona knew Callie wanted to hold her hand. She loved holding hands with the brunette. Sometimes even in the night, Callie would reach for her wife's hand. Whether it was to feel connected, or to still see that her wife was indeed sleeping next to her, Callie always reached over for Arizona's hand.
As the day finished up for the blonde doctor, she and Callie made their way out to the parking lot.
"What they hell?" Arizona blinked twice to see if her eyes were playing tricks on her.
Callie beamed, "What do you think?"
"I think that's a two hundred-thousand dollar car, Callie."
"Try five hundred thousand." Callie replied. She wanted the best for her wife and baby. Even though she knew the blonde would protest, Callie purchased the expensive car anyway.
"What? That's...oh my God Callie. And you bought this for me?"
"Yes. It's all for you. Your Mercedes that you loved so much was beyond repair after the accident. So, I replaced it. With a newer, more expensive, and definitely safer model."
"I see that." Big blue eyes roamed over the impressive Mercedes-Maybach. It was black in color and its sleek exterior was pleasing to the eye.
"Come on, you can drive your new car home." Opening the door for Arizona to sit in the driver's seat, Callie smiled. "You may have to push the seat back...here let me help you."
"Are you insinuating I'm fat?" Arizona smiled as Callie repositioned the seat to accommodate her expanding belly.
"Not at all." Callie's tone was serious. She would never want Arizona to feel insecure about her body. To Callie, Arizona was beautiful. Her shapely figure since becoming pregnant caused Callie craved her wife even more. Her hips were a little wider, her breasts much fuller. Callie couldn't seem to control her insatiable urges that only her wife could fill.
"There are so many buttons. I'm not sure which is reverse." Staring at the controls, Arizona was trying to decided what to press first.
A tanned hand flitted over to the shifter and with practiced ease, Callie helped her wife place the new car into drive.
"So, what do you think? You like it?" The need to have Arizona's approval was important to Callie. That was something that would never change.
"I like it. It's really nice," Arizona answered as she steered the car onto the freeway.
Blowing out a long breath Callie said, "You don't like it."
"Yes, I do. I really do baby. I promise. It's just so expensive. Five hundred thousand dollars expensive. Why would you spend that much money on a car?"
Laughing, Callie watched as Arizona handled her new car. The blonde had quickly adapted to the new wheels. "I'm pretty sure we can afford it," Callie replied.
Reaching to hold her wife's hand, Arizona took her eye from the road for one brief second and smiled at Callie. "I do love this car, who wouldn't. I just never drive, and didn't really see the need in purchasing a car this expensive just for me. That's all honey. I'm not at all disappointed. It's amazing. You are amazing." Kissing her wife's knuckles, Arizona continued to hold Callie's hand tightly.
"It's not just a car you know. It's what it represents. This car is very secure. I paid a lot to ensure its security. It an armored car basically." Callie decided to break the news to her wife in the best way she could.
"What does that mean?"
"Things are tense between the families, so you will no longer ride in anything other than this car."
"What's happening? Is there going to be more..."
"This car is beefed up. It had run flats for tires, bullet proof glass, smoke screens, reinforced suspension and braking system. The structure of the entire car has armored plating. It even has a fire suppression system. I sent this car to a manufacturing company in another state to customize it and make it an armored car. Nothing can get through this thing. I promise you that." The obvious need to protect the things Callie loved were shown through this one drastic act.
"You didn't answer me about the families fighting. Callie is there going..."
"You are safe Arizona. Nothing is going to happen to you or the baby. No harm will ever come to our family again. I'm taking care of it."
"What do you mean you are taking care of it?"
"Stop asking questions please. I'm not going to share anymore than what I've already said. So it will only prove futile to keep asking. Just trust me. Do you trust me?" Callie asked her wife.
She couldn't tell Arizona that once the baby was born, she had a plan in place to completely remove the heads of the other Families. Callie had everything planned out, even her whereabouts would be accounted for so she wouldn't be linked to the massive cleansing. This cleaning was necessary to the entire Torres family's survival.
This plan was one step in the direction that Callie felt she needed to become legitimate. Once control was established over the other family's territories, Callie had further plans to separate from the illegal activities. She would turn their territory as well as hers to another member of the family. She thought maybe Clemenza would be a good choice but, she hadn't really gotten that far into those details.
Callie was hoping that once she controlled everything herself, that would allow her to shift responsibilities and separate from this life. Her hand would be no longer forced to participate in illegal actions. She would no longer be pressed to turn over her political connections that so far, kept her out of trouble.
Callie could then have her other businesses in a legitimate state of affairs, that were totally separate from anything mafia related. Getting away from this life would involve starting over. A change of address might even be required. That would be a touchy subject with her wife, so Callie held that close to her chest. Her goal was that by the time her son was five years old, things would be completely smoothed out. Maybe even sooner than that, if she was lucky.
The brunette so far had been unsuccessful in getting out. Every time she tried, the other families continued to pull her back in, one way or the other. The only way she could see herself separate from this life was with murderous intentions. How ironic? Murder in order to become lawful. That concept would never fly with her blonde wife. So, Callie kept it all to herself. Pondering these incredulous acts in her mind.
"Yes. I trust you." Arizona answered. She didn't like not knowing, but she had promised herself to separate Callie's work from their life. So, she would try and let this go.
"Good. Now don't forget to slow down when you go through the gates," Callie reminded her wife.
Pulling through the iron gates, Rocco offers to park the car for the couple. He was in charge of Arizona's security detail now that Paulie was gone. The blonde missed her usual driver. She had made friends with him, she thought. He was always nice and kind. Upon hearing that he took a job with another Family, she later learned that he had been murdered. What a shame, Arizona thought. He was so young.
Arizona steps were slow as she moved from the car. Her feet were tired and felt as if they weighed a ton. Meeting Callie on the sidewalk, they walk together toward their home. Hearing her father's voice, Callie pulls Arizona's hand slightly to hold her wife back from entering the front door.
"You two have dinner plans?" Carlos asked.
"Not really. We were planning to just eat a sandwich and turn in early." Callie answered her father.
"Mama had dinner ready if you two would like to come over." Carlos loved visiting with his children. The further Arizona got in her pregnancy, the more attentive Carlos was. Often times bringing Arizona fresh fruit over in the evening, he made it clear that it was just for her. Forbidding Callie to eat what was deemed only for Arizona, always made the blonde smile. Of course, as soon as he left, she always shared with her wife. After all, she couldn't deny Callie anything.
"Mmm. This smells good." Arizona said as she walked into her mother-in-law's kitchen.
"Sit. It's almost ready. How's my grandchild?"
"He's good. Moving and kicking," the blonde laughed. The baby boy growing inside was rather rambunctious as of late. Feeling as if he were sometimes turning summersaults, she and Callie would watch her belly move. Callie would even sing to her stomach, knowing the unborn child could hear her voice. It was a bonding tool that Callie was sure to use. She wanted her son to come into the world knowing her voice, as he would Arizona's.
As the ate, the family talked and of course told jokes. Arizona always had a new one that made Carlos' day.
As the dinner conversation and laughter abounded, Carlos was about to start a little spat between the wives. One that he didn't even know existed. One that, he had no intention of creating.
Flashback
Entering their bedroom, Callie watched as Arizona bent down to tie her shoes. "You need some help sweetie?"
"I've got it. Thanks though."
"I really don't mind. Come and sit in the chair and put your feet in my lap." Spoiling Arizona was Callie's past time. She would hardly let her wife do anything for herself anymore.
Laughing, Arizona sat back as she placed her foot in Callie's lap. "Okay. Go ahead. Has anyone ever told you that you're the best wife ever?"
"You." The signature Callie Torres wink in full display, Arizona almost melted where she sat. Her wife was so sexy and so hot, it should be illegal to throw winks like that.
"Wait. Are these the shoes with the skates?" Callie asked as she stopped tying her wife's laces.
Giving a nod, Arizona confirmed her wife's suspicions. "Yes. I just took the skates out for now."
"Oh no. I don't want you to wear these. You need some different shoes." Adamantly disagreeing, Callie took the offending shoes from her wife's perfect size six feet.
"Callie. They're safe to wear. I am not going to roller skate while I am pregnant."
"You need to wear some clogs or something else. Something more supportive Arizona." Standing, Callie walked to Arizona's closet and came back with a pair of Nike shoes. "Here. Wear these and after work today, we can go buy you some good shoes. But not these things. You might forget and pop the skates back in or something."
"It doesn't work that way Callie. You have to use a tool and put the skate..."
Cutting her wife off, Callie said, "No Heelys. Skates or not. You need better shoes than these. So, this afternoon, we are going shopping."
End of Flashback
"Oh, I almost forgot." Carlos said as he stood from the table and walked over to the foyer. Retrieving a grey box, he made his way back into the dining room.
"I believe these are yours? They certainly aren't my size or...color." The elder Torres said laughing. "I found them in my closet. No idea how they got there." Pulling the items from the box, Arizona squealed with delight. It was her heeleys. White with blue laces, and almost in her possession.
"Oh no you don't." Moving in to block her wife's retrieval of the rolling sneakers, Callie grabbed them before her wife could.
"Hey. Those are mine. Papa was giving them to me." Arizona was not happy at all.
"And now I am taking them. Don't worry. You don't have much longer to go." Callie smiled sweetly at the blonde. She knew she was overreacting, but Arizona near a pair of skate shoes was not at all going to happen on her watch.
The obvious irritation in the blonde's face, told Carlos that this was a sore subject. One that he wasn't sure he should even attempt to enter.
"Am I missing something here?" Carlos asked Callie and Arizona.
"She took them from me and then hid them." Arizona said as she eyed her wife. She wasn't really mad, but she would like to have her shoes back. In her own damn closet where they belonged.
"I took them several months ago because your daughter in law was wearing them around the hospital while pregnant. What if she had used the skates without thinking? She could get hurt?"
"We had a deal. I would not use them until after the baby is born. I have held up to my end of the deal Callie. I haven't worn them." Arizona said exasperated.
"Because I hid them. That's why." Callie retorted.
"Okay. Why don't I just take these back." Pulling the grey box from Callie's hands, Carlos sat it at the end of the table beside him. "I will keep them until the baby is born and then, you my dear can have them back. Now, what names are we looking at for my grandson?" With that, the conversation had changed and the offending sneakers were no longer a source of controversy at the table.
Walking back home, hand in hand, Callie and Arizona strolled along the grassy lawn between their home and Callie's parent's home. "It's a beautiful night. Look at the stars Callie."
Seeing a falling star, Callie quickly reminded her wife. "Did you make a wish?"
"I did. You?"
"I've already got mine." Callie answered. Stilling their movements, Callie cupped Arizona's face in her hands. A gentle kiss. A simple act of affection. That was all that was needed. "What did you wish for?" Callie asked.
"If I tell you then it won't come true. But I can give you a hint." A seductive smile graced the dimpled face of the blonde woman that held Callie's heart.
"How many guesses do I get?"
"Hmm. Just one. Make it a good one." Knowing her wife would guess it immediately, Arizona smiled.
"You want to have amazing, passionate, hot and dirty sex with your wife. Did I even come close?" Pulling her wife into her arms, Callie moved her hand down to her wife's bottom. Ghosting it over...ever so slightly.
Arizona giggled, "Well, looks like we have a winner."
"I am ready to collect my prize. Now, get upstairs Mrs. Torres." Callie swatted her wife on the ass making the blonde let out a small scream.
Callie loved to have sex with her amazingly hot wife. And, she especially loved it when it was hot and dirty. Add to that Arizona's new body shape due to pregnancy, and Callie's libido could sometimes outshine Arizona's.
After several rounds of sex, and multiple orgasms later, Arizona lay back completely spent. Basking in the afterglow of their prior activities, she curled up next to Callie, wrapping her leg around the brunette's.
"Oh, I almost forgot. Lay back. I have one more thing I want to do." Callie commanded as she reached for the nightstand.
"Honey, I really appreciate the gesture. But I am worn out. I can't go again. I would if I could, but I can't. Don't even think I can take you using the strap on tonight..."
Interrupting her wife's moment, Callie sat up and let put a huge laugh. "Arizona get you mind out of the gutter. I wasn't planning on using the strap on. I have a book that I bought today and I was going to read it to the baby."
"Oh!" A giggle left the blonde's lips as she smiled.
Shaking her dark hair, Callie laughed. "You're a perv you know that?"
"I am not. You have used that on me several times this week. It was an honest mistake Callie."
"I didn't hear you complaining." A raised eyebrow was thrown the blonde's way.
Refusing to comment on Callie's comment, Arizona changed the subject. "Just read the book baby. We're both listening."
Laying her head next to Arizona's stomach, Callie began to read. She wanted her son to know her voice too. Callie couldn't wait until he was here. Wrapped in her arms as she rocked him to sleep each night. So, she read. She read until sleep took over their bodies.
Several hours later, the couple had long gone to sleep. Both tired from working all day. Both tired from the several rounds of sex they had encountered. Both tired from reading to their baby. Falling asleep as the big spoon, Arizona unwrapped herself from Callie. She loved to hold her wife, when the brunette allowed it. A protective Callie was in full swing the further along she got in her pregnancy.
Quietly rising from the bed, Arizona padded toward the bathroom ensuite. The baby was pressing on her bladder. The urgency was great. In a hurry to get there quickly, Arizona stepped inside the bathroom. Once she was finished, she washed her hands and turned off the bathroom light.
Glancing the clock, it was well after five in the morning...That was the last thing Arizona saw before everything went black.
Mornings were always Callie's favorite. She had fallen asleep with Arizona wrapped around her. Being the little spoon was always a cherished way to fall asleep. She loved feeling wanted by her wife. The feeling to be held by your lover was always heart stopping. It was a seldom way they slept though. Callie needed to hold Arizona and their son. The protection and security it afforded the brunette could not be underestimated.
Waking up early, Callie didn't feel Arizona beside her. Sliding her hand to the space behind her, she felt nothing. Turning around she noticed Arizona was not in the bed. That's odd Callie thought. Sitting up, Callie rubbed her eyes. Glancing around the dark bedroom, there was no sign of Arizona anywhere.
Flipping the lamp on, Callie called out, "Arizona? Where are you?"
No sound...no noise. Just empty silence filled their bedroom. Her wife wasn't one to be up this early. It was five-thirty in the morning. An uneasy feeling crept over Callie.
Throwing the heavy covers from her body, the brunette climbed out of bed in search of her wife. Rounding the massive bed, a sight she never wanted to see was in front of Callie. Staring her right in the face. The dread and anxiety filled her mind as there, only three feet way, lay the most important piece to her heart. There, on the cold floor, was her wife lying on her stomach, unresponsive.