A few weeks later*

Callie's POV

I don't want to do this anymore. The media ran with the story. They've stayed on the success of the case too and how Arizona and her team persevered. I haven't felt heard. She saw it important to protect me but not to listen. I can't be in a relationship like that. It took me a minute but I've come to the conclusion. I needed to wait though. She needed to celebrate her hard work. The way she sees it, it's some vindication for all that's happened. And please hear me when I say I'm proud. I'm happy she got what she wanted because trust me I ger the sacrifices. That being said, like her critics, working like that can be to cover up heartache or it proves that one doesn't even have a heart. Now, I know my girlfriend has a heart, come on, I still see their point. She has been machine-like, focused only on one goal. I guess she couldn't see how she was hurting this relationship. The future for us does not seem all that bright. She'll do what she wants, how she wants. She may decide to heed some of my advice but I don't know when that will be. I can't stick around to find out either. That's not what I want.

I haven't been feeling too hot physically. We both chucked it up to the uneasiness of the case. Now that it's over the ill-feeling has not gone away. Luckily I haven't been consistently sick or anything. It's been mild and annoying.

Arizona's had a pretty relaxed day. This is as good as it's going to get. The timing will not get better.

Arizona's POV

After the incidents at my offices, there were a lot of pieces to be picked up. Surprisingly, my employees bounced back pretty fast. There was even more energy behind the case. If we weren't already close, this brought us closer. Though, this would not have been the best reason or best route of bringing us closer. I and the other partners were able to reach out to the victim's families. We provided and continue to provide support to the families. As for motive, we are still looking into it. We have no other suspects as of right now. But best believe whoever else is involved will find themselves with no good options for a lawyer. My people have rallied behind me and my firm.

Callie's coming over tonight. I have seen her more recently, but we haven't gotten plenty of alone time. I'm looking forward to that. We're going to have dinner together tonight. The only other time in recent memory that we've had dinner in the same room was the dinner we had in celebration of the case. That was more formal and more of a crowded event. I'm now waiting on her arrival. I've sort of recreated our first date, with the meal that's planned for tonight. I think she'll quite like it.

A smile creeps upon my face as she comes into view. "Well, aren't you a sight for sore eyes?"

"Oh, am I?" She half shrugs coupled with a smirk.

"You look amazing Calliope." I stand up to physically greet her. When I'm close enough we both lean in for a kiss.

We begin to plate our food. "Notice anything?" It's clear that my question fell on deaf ears. Her eyes are fixed on the plate.

"Everything alright?" The food's really good so I don't get why she's having a hard time eating.

"Yeah, I'm good." Her face is turned away. Sniffles are audible. Is my display so beautiful, it's making her tear up?

"Calliope..."

My calling her name is laced with concern and it's obvious. "No, I'm good." She sniffles once more, "I'm good." She brings her hands up to her face, I presume it's to wipe her face prior to her turning to face me.

"It's that good of a meal or is it the idea of the meal?" I try to lighten the situation.

She's just looking at me to then start crying again. She runs to the nearby guest bathroom. Not much thought is put into me going after her.

"Callie, please open the door." I'm not trying to embarrass her, I just have to make sure she's okay.

There's a shuffle behind the door. "Babe I can hear you in there, " I try again.

The door swings open. She claims, "I can't do this Arizona."

"The date? Was the recreation a stupid idea? I thought it'd be romantic?"

She shakes her head slowly, "This is not what I planned."

"I know, the date was my idea."

"I don't want this anymore Arizona."

"This meaning, us? Our relationship?"

The answer she gives practically takes her breath away. "Yes." And now mine too.

"There are a million other thoughts in my head but all that comes out is "Why?" and barely above a whisper.

"This doesn't feel like a partnership. I guess it never has. In the beginning, you said that I'll be the priority in your life and soon. It's been over a year Arizona."

"If you mean my job. I couldn't just drop everything, I had responsibilities, Cal. Besides, everything worked out."

"What if it didn't? I had opinions!" You didn't care to listen to them."

"But I did Calliope. I listened."

Callie's POV

No, you didn't Arizona. You only listened to respond, to defend your reasoning. Had this went another way, we would be attended your funeral; luckily we celebrated instead.

"I don't know what you want me to say, Callie." Her palm rests briefly on her forehead. "So tell me. Tell me what to do, what to say so that I can change your mind. I want to be with you." Her hands are talking with her.

"Sure, I could tell you and maybe things would change for a little bit. Either way you and I both know they'd go back to you doing whatever you feel is right."

"No, I could change for good. I could for you."

I have to dig deep past the love I have for her. To be the cause of the look she has on her face is no less than heartbreaking. I have to I'll go get her keys. My purse is by the dining table. On the table is cold food. I feel awful about her romantic dinner date going to waste.

"You're aren't even listening right now."

I hand the car keys along with her house keys over to her. I know better than to try to give them to her in hand.

"Don't add insult to injury Callie. You're keeping the car, no matter what."

"Okay." This fight would be a losing one. As I go to leave, she begs, "Can't you just give me another chance? Please."

That's a trap. I can't allow myself to come second to her job again. I've pushed myself probably to illness just to be by her side. Now that it's over, this has to be where it ends.

"You realize you also put me in danger right or did you not? And Mark and everyone else your employees might have moved on but I have not. And you would know this if you ever bothered to ask how I'm doing emotionally." Where's my therapy and time off?

"Why now Callie? Huh? it has been weeks! You should have said something!" Where her ocean blues were stormy with sadness, this is anger.