A/N: First, thank you for everyone who has reviewed or followed me. My sister had to convince me to do this and I still feel a bit nervous but knowing people are reading something I've written is kind of an exciting experience even if it's a somewhat terrifying one. I read each review and I do try to listen to what you like and dislike. It seems like many of you are frustrated with the Calzona timeline and I do apologize for that but I did warn this would be an EVENTUAL Calzona and would be a slow burn. That being said, I do not want to torture you. I am simply trying to set up each character as an individual with a story of her own first. I really loved some of the other Grey's characters and I really want them to be a part of the story. I promise if you bear with me, we will get into some heavy Calzona. That being said it will be a few chapters before we get there. I do consider what the readers want so I am revamping some previously already completed chapters but I am going to also stick true to myself, I understand if that is not what all of you are looking for. And there are no hard feelings if you do not wish to continue to read. I know there is a lot of description and I will try to back off of that soon. It was mostly to get the story set up.
To answer some reviews/private messages:
1) Yes, Callie is aware that bisexuality exists. She's processing. It's not something she has thought about before. Not everyone's experience is the same and since there was no Erica beforehand, she's freaking out a little in true Callie fashion. If you remember, she freaked a little on the show before she got with Erica. I'm not a fan of Erica/Callie pairing but I make no promises, you will have to read it to find out.
2) I didn't like the Callie and Mark relationship either. I'm still playing around with ideas. I've written these chapters over and over a dozen times. Even I am not sure how this is going to go all the time. It's as much about the journey as it is about the ending though.
3) Callie and Arizona are going to have some bumps. I am trying to make some of them occur before they are officially a couple. I hate the break up/back together back and forth. One thing I always wondered was what Tim would think of Callie. It just seemed like he would have a crush on her to me. I picture he and Arizona having similar taste in women. I lost my brother last year so I wanted Arizona to have her brother in this story. He's meant to be a good guy but it helps with the drama and sibling rivalry.
4) Yes, I know their ages are a bit on the young side and may be a bit unrealistic but it's fiction and I needed to make it work for the story. Also, the medicine and anything about the army are fiction as well. I try to make it accurate but I am not a surgeon, nor am I in the military which is why I made up this little program.
5) Chapter five will be a bit different from the rest of the chapters. It will explain somethings for Arizona especially. Since Tim didn't die, there had to be a reason for her tendency to close off and be a bit of a player. That chapter is going to give you insight.
Sorry for the lengthy note. I hope you enjoy, happy reading. And if it's not your cup of tea, no hard feelings. Happy New Year :)
Chapter Four
Arizona
First day at the hospital
After giving three tours of the second floor, Arizona was exhausted but feeling inspired once again. She loved teaching and though she felt she had plenty to learn still, she knew that these kids were about to get the best care she could give them. And she would make it her mission to force some humanity into people like Alex Karev and Cristina Yang. In fact, she's beat it into them with a brick if she had to. Having promised the Chief that after her last group tour was completed, she would meet Derek in imaging to have her eye rechecked, Arizona made her way there.
Arizona passed her neuro check and her inspection by Owen. Although her eyelid and cheek bone were both bruised, there was minimal swelling and only a tenderness that Arizona would expect from a bruise. Since imaging wasn't as readily available as it was in Seattle, everyone agreed that imaging was not necessary so Arizona was on her way rather quickly. The rest of the day went by quickly and by lunch time, they were loading the army vehicles with their transporting officers once again to return to the base. The rest of the week would consist of longer days for the doctors but today was just orientation to the hospital and getting a feel for the units. Despite the short first day, Arizona was exhausted and couldn't wait to get back to base to nap.
A nap would have to wait though as Tim caught up with his sister for the first time since he had embraced her briefly upon her arrival at the base the day before. "Arizona, wait up!"
Arizona turned to see her brother trotting toward her, she turned and waited for him to catch up before they continued walking together. Arizona could tell something was on her brother's mind but she knew him well enough to know when to give him the time and space that he needed to bring it up on his own, so she remained silent as they walked together.
"Does Nick bother you?" Tim asked suddenly. He stopped and gently grabbed her arm, turning her to face him. Arizona felt a slight flare of annoyance at her brother for his protectiveness until she looked up and saw genuine concern on his face.
"What? Why do you ask that?"
"I just, I know you aren't interested and he's always talking about you and him getting together and I just want to make sure you're ok. I mean, he hasn't tried anything, right?"
"No, Tim. Really, Nick and I are pals. He does that to rile you up. He knows it gets under your skin. He's like another brother to me. He's never crossed that line. He never would." Arizona assured her brother.
"Ok, I just wanted to make sure. It really does get under my skin." Tim said with a smile, knowing that Arizona was right and he was giving Nick exactly what he wanted.
"We know." Arizona laughed.
"So, you gonna tell me how you got that black eye?"
"Nope."
"Do I need to be worried?"
"Nope."
"Arizona?"
"Tim, it was an accident. I appreciate your concern but I've had it checked out, everything is all good. I was just clumsy."
"I should get you a bubble." Tim joked thinking about how klutzy Arizona had been as a tween before she grew into herself.
"As long as it's pretty and pink." Arizona said with a smile before she walked off with a wave of her hand. She still wanted that nap.
The week passed without much contact from the Latina who was quickly proving her title as Ortho Goddess. She had been the topic of the day on Tuesday amongst the attending surgeons when she had saved the leg of a ten year old boy who had stepped on a landmine. Thankfully, it had been a faulty mine and hadn't properly detonated or there most likely wouldn't have been a leg to save and possibly not even a life. Dr. Hunt, along with Callie and another ortho resident, Eliza had worked well together but Dr. Hunt had raved about Callie's talent. Arizona had been very proud of Callie and quite impressed with her bedside manner of such a small patient. Dr. Hahn had been the most enthusiastic about Callie's success and had hinted to how close they had once been much to Arizona's dismay.
Despite the success they had both been having over the past week professionally, Arizona got the distinct feeling that Callie was avoiding her and she was very dismayed to spot her being more than very friendly with Dr. Sloan in a supply closet just yesterday. In fact, just the memory of it made her want to vomit. Arizona couldn't explain the irrational hurt she had felt at the sight but she had pushed it aside and focused on what she was here to do. Callie owed her nothing and Arizona knew getting involved with her would only lead to heartache down the road. Still, she desperately wanted the brunette to seek her out and explain what it meant. 'Get a grip Robbins, you know what it meant, that was not a friendship kiss.'
Arizona, herself had been quite busy at the hospital once they started their second week. Often the group was waiting on her to leave as they were generally supposed to all leave together unless given special permission to stay at the hospital to monitor a patient. Arizona had stayed the night several times on her last trip when she had operated on a group of children who had been in an explosion and required continuous monitoring. She had spent almost a week in a closet converted to an on call room with three cots shoved in the tiny space. The room still exists and she had been solely responsible for making it happen much to the protests of her brother and Teddy who had insisted on taking turns staying with her and Dr. Boswell who had been a surgeon on the last tour.
Today was Thursday, the day that Tim's group (aka Callie), would be paired with Arizona's group. The morning would be spent with them rounding on the peds patients and the babies in the nursery who required either a wound, plastics, cardiac, and/or general surgery consults. The afternoon would be spent with Dr. Herman in charge of the female medical unit which consisted of many pregnant women and women in need of wound care and general surgery.
Arizona made a beeline for the nursery as soon as they arrived at the hospital. Generally, when they arrived at the hospital, they would all talk in their assigned groups about what the day would entail, get their patient assignments, and if warranted, surgical assignments. But yesterday, Arizona had helped Addison deliver a set of twins who had miraculously survived but their mom was still touch and go. Arizona had all but demanded to stay with them last night as they were premature and they really needed close monitoring but the Chief had insisted that she return to base with the group. She had worried about them all night and had barely slept. Their age was an estimate since their mom had not had access to prenatal care during most of the pregnancy. It seemed there was not a father involved. Entering the nursery, Arizona went straight to the corner of the room where the twins cribs had been placed. Both being jaundice, they had been placed under a bili light for the night. Arizona cooed at the babies and started talking to them as she turned the light off so she could remove the eye masks that were protecting their eyes from the harsh rays of the bili light. Beginning her assessment of the baby girl first, Arizona was a little concerned with her color and breathing pattern which was easy to see with the baby dressed only in a cloth diaper. She picked her up and held her close, sensing that she just needed to feel some human contact. She laid her down in the crib with her brother and examined them both closely. Baby boy seemed to be doing quite well, better than his sister. Arizona was a little concerned about the baby girl's quickened respiratory rate and rapid heartbeat upon closer examination of her. Satisfied that she didn't see retractions or any other signs of distress and that she was maintaining her O2 saturation on room air, Arizona tried to consider her next course of action. Placing the protective eye wear back over the baby boy's eyes, Arizona quickly removed her shirt and tank top and scooped the baby girl up onto her chest, covering them both with the thin yellow baby blanket from her crib. She flipped on the bili light for the baby boy and began rocking the little girl in her arms as she stood topless in the middle of the nursery covered only by her bra and the thin cloth of a very small baby blanket. Not wanting to have to put the baby on a vent if she didn't improve and not having an incubator available, it was the only thing Arizona could think to do to help improve the baby's vital signs. It was a small chance that it would work but it couldn't hurt and Arizona had not just read about Kangaroo therapy, she had actually seen the benefits of it for herself.
"There you are." Addison said as she walked through the doors of the nursery to check on the babies she and Arizona had delivered the day before.
"What's going on with baby girl?" Addison asked, her demeanor instantly changing as she saw Arizona with the baby laying on her chest to get some skin to skin contact.
"Rapid heart rate and slightly tachypneic. I'm trying to prevent her from decompensating and our only two incubators are occupied with far sicker babies. I'm hoping some kangaroo therapy might help. I have a neopuff and some blow by oxygen ready if we need it. Also, I heard a murmur. I know it's early but I am a little concerned she could have a congenital heart defect, we may need a pediatric cardiology consult."
"You know, you have to get at least 60 minutes in to make it worth it. She needs to be there long enough to get the benefits from kangaroo therapy. And we will have to keep a close eye on her to monitor for possible heart defects. I doubt we will be able to get her a pediatric cardiology consult but we could have one of our doctors look at her."
"I know. Baby boy is doing well but he could probably benefit from a little kangaroo therapy as well. They're just so little and we know so little about their prenatal care and actual gestational age." Arizona replied, understanding her awkward position. Without another word, Addison pulled her own shirt off, turned the bili light off, removed the protective eye cover and pulled the baby boy to her chest. She mimicked Arizona by covering herself and the baby boy as much as possible with the tiny green blanket he had been laying on.
"Thank you Dr. Montgomery, for not thinking I'm crazy for doing this." Arizona whispered with a tear in her eye, slightly embarrassed by her sudden surge of emotions. She smiled at the red-headed surgeon and felt a fondness for her at her willingness to join her in an awkward position.
"Arizona, we are standing topless in a hospital in Afghanistan where we probably could be punished for our lack of modesty, please, call me Addison."
"Oh God, I didn't even think. I just had to do something." Arizona whispered, trying to keep her own heart rate from increasing as she knew the baby needed her to remain calm. But she struggled with authority issues and wasn't one to make a habit of breaking the rules, at least not serious ones anyway.
"It's fine, we will be just fine, won't we little man. Oh God, he's just so cute!" Addison gushed over the baby boy.
"There you are, we were heading to the peds floor and ...ohhh...ohhh goodness." The Chief said as he opened the nursery door then quickly covered his eyes as he took in the sight, fumbling to open the door so he could leave just as quickly albeit blindly.
"Did you see his face? I thought his eyes were going to pop out of his head." Arizona laughed, suddenly finding their awkward position extremely funny. Maybe it was the nerves or her lack of sleep from the night before.
"I'm pretty sure he covered them to keep them in his head." Addison added, laughing along with the perky blonde. The door opened once again, this time, it was Callie that entered with a manly arm seen shoving her in the back to enter the room. This stopped the blonde's laughter immediately as her eyes met Callie's.
"Hi..umm..the Chief sent me in here to find out and I quote 'What the hell you two are doing' and to tell you to 'Put some goddamn clothes on, this is not a brothel'. But I can see that what you guys are doing here is important. Kangaroo therapy right? What's wrong with these little cuties?" Callie asked, her medical curiosity outweighing her common sense at the moment as she stepped closer to Arizona and pulled the yellow blanket down enough for her to make out chubby tanned cheeks smashed against a pale, creamy chest.
"Oh my God, look at those cheeks." Callie gushed over the baby, trying her damndest to focus on the baby and not Arizona's very bare, very hot chest. A hot chest that revealed breasts clad only in a black bra. She suddenly had a thought of Arizona holding their baby like this some day. 'Where the hell did that come from?' Callie shook her head slightly and Arizona noticed Callie's cheeks flush, making her wonder what she was thinking as the Latina quickly put distance between them.
"You can tell the Chief from Dr. Montgomery that Dr. Robbins there is trying to save that baby girl from becoming distressed so we are going to be here for at least another forty five minutes but we will stay as long as it takes." Addison said with a smile to the blonde that was quickly growing on her.
"Sure thing." Callie said, suddenly feeling awkward in the presence of two very topless women.
"Dr. Torres.." Addison said, as Callie turned to leave.
"Yes?"
"It's good to see you again."
"You too Addie." Callie smiled at her old teacher from New York who had turned into a friend as much as a mentor.
"You know each other?" Arizona asked as soon as the door to the nursery shut once again with Callie's departure, unable to stop herself.
"Oh yea, I worked at New York Presbyterian with Callie before I moved to Seattle last year. I saw her name on the list for this mission trip and was disappointed she wasn't in my group. It's really good to see her. I left for L.A. right after she got to Seattle Grace, we really haven't had time to catch up properly."
"What's she like? I kind of thought we could be friends but she's kind of been avoiding me and been a bit moody even when our paths do cross."
"Really? That doesn't sound like Callie at all. I've only ever seen her do that with men she's crushing on. But it's been a while since I've had a real conversation with her. I meant to keep in touch but time just has a way of getting out of hand." Addison replied.
"So she's straight?" Arizona asked, getting straight to the point.
"I guess, I don't really know but I've only ever seen her date men." Addison replied, seeing the disappointment on the pediatric surgeon's face, she quickly added, "But we really only hung out at the hospital and got drinks after work together a few times before I had to leave for L.A.. Our conversations mostly consisted of how we rocked a surgery."
Deciding it was time for a subject change, Arizona said, "My back is killing me. How can such a tiny baby feel so heavy after only half an hour?"
"Oh, I'm so glad you said that because I was beginning to feel very old and very wimpy."
Finding two chairs to sit in, the women settled in for a long day of baby holding. After an hour of the kangaroo hold, Arizona and Addison reassessed the twins vitals and agreed that though they were improving, the baby girl, especially could benefit with more kangaroo therapy. Settling back in her chair, Arizona closed her eyes as she rocked the baby girl on her chest. Nurses came in and out, whispering and eyeing the two topless women but leaving them be. The women conversed about cases and talked a little about Arizona's time in Africa before settling in to a comfortable silence. Every hour they reassessed the babies, changed diapers as needed, and fed them several times.
At lunch time, Teddy came in with April to take over kangaroo care of the twins so Addison and Arizona could take a break and eat something. Arizona was reluctant to leave but as April peeled off her shirt and put her arms out for the baby girl, she relented. Her arms were sore and her belly was rumbling loudly to let her know it was indeed time for lunch. Promising not to be gone too long and thanking her two friends, Arizona followed Addison out of the nursery.
Addison and Arizona made their way to the little makeshift "Cafe" which consisted of a small fridge, a sink, a microwave, and the cooler where they kept the brown bag lunches for them. Arizona grabbed two brown paper bags and two bottled waters handing one of each to Addison before the two of them walked out back to a little picnic area that was set up in the gated area behind the hospital. Several other people were still outside enjoying their late lunch and the two women joined them at the picnic table. Arizona recognized most of the faces, a few were a little more unfamiliar. She was sitting beside a brunette with long straight hair and gray eyes that she now knew as Eliza.
"How's the baby holding going?" Mark Sloan asked with a smirk as he took a bite of his apple.
"Mark…"Addison said with a warning tone.
"What? I heard the Chief got a good view of both of your jugs and then there was a line of people outside trying to get a peek too but the Chief went crazy on them and they scattered like fleas." Mark laughed.
"I'm assuming you have first hand knowledge of this Sloan." Derek said looking both amused and stern.
"Of course not." Mark said with a proud smile. "But there was a black bra sighting."
"I'm not sure what Callie even sees in you." Arizona said suddenly as she glared at him. Realizing she had actually said that aloud as all eyes turned to her, she smiled nervously and grabbed her bag, "I'm actually going to go check on the babies. I can finish this in the nursery."
Arizona walked quickly back into the hospital, not noticing a pair of dark eyes following her. She made a stop in the bathroom to empty her bladder and splash some water on her face. Having calmed her temper, Arizona slowly made her way back up to the nursery tossing her barely touched lunch in a trash receptacle. She didn't like to lose control but knowing that the cocky Dr. Sloan, or McSteamy as some of the residents referred to him, was taking advantage of spying on her while topless after doing only God knows what in the supply closet with Callie only yesterday just made her blood boil. Removing her shirts once more, she took the baby girl back from April who got up and pulled her own shirt back on. Arizona sat in the chair next to Teddy as she continued to hold the baby boy.
"Thanks April." Arizona said.
"No problem, I'll come check on you later to see if you need another break." April said with a smile.
"If you see Dr. Sloan near here give him a good kick in the shins for me." Arizona replied without looking up.
"Uh, sure."
"You know, this is kind of nice. I could hide out in here with you for the rest of the day if you want. You could talk to me about it or we could just sit here in silence, rocking babies." Teddy said as April left the nursery to go back to work.
"No, you have patients to see, and doctors to teach. This is not exactly the glamorous or stimulating experience most surgeons are searching for. Give him to me, I can rock them both until Addison gets back."
Reluctantly, Teddy carefully placed the baby boy on Arizona's chest next to his sister and used the blanket to cover more of the blonde. She pulled her shirt back on and leaned down and kissed the top of Arizona's head as she whispered, "I'm here when you're ready to tell me about whatever it is."
Teddy turned to go but Arizona stopped her as she reached the door, "Teddy?"
"Yea?" She asked as she turned around to look at the blonde.
"Thanks. You're a great big sister and best friend, you know that, right?"
"I know, Riz. And you're not so bad yourself." Teddy smiled before she exited the room.
Arizona spent the rest of the day hiding out in the nursery with her kangaroo therapy, feeling slightly embarrassed about her outburst at lunch. She really didn't need to be the one doing the kangaroo therapy, she could have another doctor relieve her or have a nurse take over but she was content in her little hideout. Realizing that baby girl was improving faster with her brother next to her, Addison helped secure the protective eyewear on both babies and found Arizona a pair of sunglasses so that they could go back under the bili light while still getting kangaroo therapy. With a promise to be back in an hour to remove the lights, Addison left the twins and Arizona so she could go check on the mother and join her group for a while. When Addison returned two and a half hours later, Arizona could see the grim look on the redhead's face.
"Their mother is dead, isn't she." It wasn't a question, Arizona knew from Addison's posture and inability to look her in the eyes.
"Yea, she's gone. I took her into emergency surgery but she just bled out on me. She was in DIC and there just wasn't enough blood to give her. She had a head injury and then the trauma from the c-section, I should have seen it coming." Addison said as she removed the bili light and protective eye wear from the twins and finally the sunglasses from Arizona's face.
"Damn it." Arizona said through gritted teeth, trying with great difficulty not to let the dam break. She blinked rapidly a few times, holding the tears at bay.
"Need a break?"
"No but they need to be fed and changed." Arizona replied sadly. She knew Addison did everything she could but she was sad for these two little babies that were now orphans. The two women worked quietly side by side to change the babies before Addison removed her shirt and they once again sat in the rockers to feed the babies.
"You did everything you could Addie. Getting labs and the whole picture is much tougher here but you are a great doctor. We prepared for DIC, we did, it just wasn't enough this time." Arizona said. Losing a patient was tough and this one was personal for them both. They had bonded with these babies.
"They need names." Addison said suddenly, realizing their mother never got a chance to name them.
"Anything in mind?" Arizona asked.
"I kinda like Adam for this little guy." Addison replied.
"Hmmm, are you an Adam?" Arizona cooed at the baby as a small little gas smile crossed his tiny face. "I think he likes it."
"Any ideas for this little lady?" Addison asked. Reaching over and stroking the baby girl's cheek.
"My first pediatric patient in Malawi was a little girl who was an HIV positive orphan who had fled her home. She somehow ended up in Malawi; I'm not even really sure where she fled from and I couldn't understand her but I knew she needed help. She arrived to the clinic less than a day before I arrived there. I took her in, gave her a hospital bed, and fed her. After she regained her strength, she helped around the clinic for months. I was teaching her English and at just thirteen she was shaping up to be quite a good nurse or maybe even a doctor someday. Then one morning I came in and she was gone. I knew something was terribly wrong. Maliha wouldn't have just left me or the clinic without saying anything. I searched for her for weeks. I almost didn't come on this mission trip because I couldn't find Maliha. And then, two weeks before I left, I heard that her body had been found. I identified her, it was Maliha," Arizona replied sadly. "Her name means strength. And I think this little girl is going to need to be strong."
"Maliha and Adam. I think the names are perfect for them." Addison replied, not knowing how to comfort the blonde and knowing that nothing she could say would ease her sorrow at the loss of a little girl she had bonded with. She also knew she had shared the story to help ease some of Addison't pain over the loss of the mother of the babies they were now naming. It was something surgeons sometimes did when there was a loss, you share one of your own so the other knows they aren't alone.
"Mali. She needs her own name. But I like the idea of Maliha watching over her." Arizona replied.
"I love it."
The nursery doors opened a few moments later as Teddy stuck her head in. Arizona was just checking Mali's vitals again. She was satisfied that she was back in normal range and had eaten better than she had all day but she was worried. She was scared if she left her overnight that she would be gone when she returned in the morning. Sensing the fight that was about to ensue, Teddy called the nurses over. She translated Arizona and Addison's instructions for them to follow through the night. Having to convince them that skin to skin was best for the two babies, they agreed and took over the kangaroo hold. Arizona was still reluctant to leave but she had to admit she was exhausted and in serious need of a hot meal, shower, and a bed. Her arms and back were aching from sitting or standing and rocking all day with a baby in her arms.
"Good work today Robbins." Addison said, clapping her back.
"I didn't do much but hold a baby all day." Arizona replied, feeling like she let the kids on her peds ward down by hiding out. She had promised to read them a story today. She had been using the provided translator to communicate but she found many of the children had been around the English speaking doctors so long that they were actually quite good at speaking and understanding it. Arizona herself was mostly fluent in French from high school, college, and traveling in French speaking countries; and she knew her fair share of German from being posted in Germany with her family. She could even pick up a few phrases in Spanish if need be. But, she was unfamiliar with Arabic, Farsi, or any other middle eastern dialects.
"You saved Mali's life. That's more than something." Addison said with a smile. She placed her hand on Arizona's shoulder in hopes of reassuring her as she walked by to join her team at their vehicle.
Once back at base, Arizona felt the need to have some time alone and reflect on the events of the past two weeks. She loved her job and she had really made a difference in Malawi and in Afghanistan while she had been there. But something was missing. She missed home. Bu the truth was, she really wasn't sure where home was. She supposed Boston since that is where her parents had lived the longest. Or maybe Baltimore since she had lived there the longest. But neither really felt like home in the sense that she was looking for.
"What's up, Battleship?" Teddy asked, approaching the blonde that had made her way up to the roof of one of the vehicles.
"Hey Teds." Arizona glanced over her shoulder, not surprised that Teddy had found her hiding spot. She ignored Teddy's question for now as she crept along the roof of the vehicle and finally sat beside Arizona.
"You know, we shouldn't be up here. It's definitely against regulation and Owen would have a conniption. Not to mention supper is in ten minutes and we should be making our way to the mess hall. Especially since rumor has it, you threw your lunch away after yelling at Dr. Sloan in front of a bunch of attendings."
"It's been a rough day, Teds. Can't you excuse me from supper?" Arizona groaned just thinking about her day.
"I would but I can't because you need to eat. I swear you've lost a good ten pounds at least since I saw you last year. You can't afford to lose much more Battleship."
"Just one more minute."
"You ok?" Teddy asked as Arizona lay her head on her shoulder and sniffled.
"Yea, I'm good, Teds. Thank you." Arizona smiled.
"Andi would be proud of the woman you've become, you know that right?"
"She would be proud of you Teds. I don't think she'd be too impressed with how I got my nickname or that little black book I've filled." Arizona sighed, feeling ashamed for the first time in a very long time.
"Come on, let's go get some food in you. I promised Andi that I would look out for you."
Teddy stood, reaching down to help Arizona to her feet. Arizona accepted her hand but stayed seated, putting her hand over her eyes to block out the sun as she looked up at Teddy.
"Teds?"
"Yea?" She asked, hauling Arizona to a standing position.
"I have a crush on a straight girl." Arizona confessed. Throwing her arm over Arizona's shoulder and pulling her in for a side hug she used her fist to noogie her head and said, "Yea, I know."
They hopped down from the vehicle and jogged over to the mess hall, making it in line with two minutes to spare. Eyeing Arizona with a side eye, trying to determine if she should be worried or not, Teddy decided to play to her weakness to raise her spirits a bit. "I bet I can eat more than you."
"In your dreams."
"Bet me."
"What are we betting?" Arizona asked. She knew this was a ploy to get her to eat but the competitive side of her just couldn't resist.
"Let's see, I win, you join the army soccer team. We play for fun on Sunday afternoons if we can. Practice once a week on different days with usually about a week's notice."
"And if I win?" Arizona asked. Playing soccer with a bunch of competitive soldiers might be just the outlet she needed for her frustrations. Plus there were plenty of hot Army chicks to keep her mind off of the Latina...and none of them were in her little black book. It was a win win, but even so, Arizona was confident she wouldn't lose.
"You pick. If it's your win, you should get a say in what I have to cough up."
"Alright, you have to sneak into Tim and Nick's quarters and find Tim's Hustler magazine for me. I've wanted this certain one since I found his stash when I was twelve and he took it with him everywhere just to spite me. It's the May 1996 edition, there's a topless brunette with long curly hair, beautiful full lips, and big brown eyes on the cover, he knew I liked her. Jokes on him though because I have a few he doesn't know about hidden in the hole of a tree at mom and dad's."
"Ugh, Arizona, why do you want that, do you realize what is probably all over those magazines? Besides, they are so degrading to women, I can't believe you enjoy that stuff."
"Hey, first of all, it's the principle of the thing. Fifteen years of him torturing me over this one issue. Plus, I was a horny teen who had no idea what a lesbian was but I realized I definitely was one while looking at those magazines. It was a right of passage." Arizona defended.
"Fine." Teddy said with an eye roll that made Arizona giggle. They shook on it just as they reached the food line. Each of them grabbed a tray and made sure that it was piled as high as they could get it with the same exact amount of food. Even going as far as counting out how many pieces of carrot were on each plate and insisting on the same amount of condiments on their burgers.
Sitting down at the table they got many looks as people observed their trays. Arizona grabbed her hair and twisted it up placing a straw strategically through it as she didn't have a hair tie on her at the moment. She took competitions seriously and simple things like hair in your face could make or break you. "Altman, you're goin down."
"In your dreams, Robbins." Teddy returned her glare quickly as they both prepared their meals. In college the two petite women won many bets through food eating competitions when Arizona would visit Teddy's campus or vice versa. Their small frames made them look like they couldn't handle much food but the two seemed to have four hollow legs and miraculously fast metabolisms.
"Ok rules. Number One: Time counts. If we eat the same amount but one of us is faster, speed wins." Arizona listed the first rule as she held up her index finger. It was a custom they had come to agree upon during their college days, each participant or team got to choose two rules.
Teddy was about to add her first rule when Alex sat down. "I've gotta see this, no way either of you can come anywhere near to eating all that without spewing."
"Ok rule number two: If you spew, you're disqualified. And Karev, care to make a wager?" Teddy asked, hoping to cash in twice.
"Hell yea, I do. If either or both of you finish that whole plate without spewing, I will do scut for both of you for a week, no complaints. But if I win, I get to assist on a surgery with each of you." Teddy and Arizona looked at each other and smiled as Teddy said, "You're on frat boy!"
Back to business, Arizona added a third rule, "Rule three: No outside interference."
"That's a good one," Teddy agreed pointing at Alex specifically before adding, "And the last and final rule, number four: food choice counts. You can't eat four pieces of carrot and say that's equal to four spoonfuls of pasta. We have to see what is left on each plate before a winner is determined. Alex is the one who determines the winner if there's any question."
"Are the rules agreed upon?" Alex asked, making himself the official referee. "Alright, on my count...3...2...1...eat!"
Arizona started out strong, deciding to go for what would count the most. She dug into her burger only chewing as much as necessary to safely be able to swallow. She noticed they were drawing a crowd that seemed highly amused along with a pair of disapproving eyes; a set of chocolate orbs that caused her heart to flutter. Getting lost for a moment in Callie's eyes, Arizona momentarily forgot about their little competition until Alex said, "Robbins, Altman is killing you!"
Wanting to catch up because she really really hated to lose, Arizona took a giant bite of burger and tried to swallow quicker than safely wise to. Her eyes grew as she felt the burger lodge in her throat. Tears pricked her eyelashes and panic set in as she realized she couldn't cough, she couldn't get air in or out, her oxygen supply was cut off. Everyone around her was too busy paying attention to Altman's half empty tray to process that the blonde was in real trouble. Looking around for anyone, she had a fleeting thought 'Well Arizona, this is how you're going to die and now you'll never lay eyes on that damn Hustler! What? I must be delirious from lack of oxygen.'
Arizona's eyes met with chocolate orbs once more, she could tell from Callie's panic struck face, that at least she knew Arizona was in trouble. Making her way through the crowd, shoving people and shouting, Callie finally made it to Arizona where she picked her up out of her seat easily and performed the heimlich maneuver on her twice before a giant wad of unchewed burger and bread hit Teddy square between the eyes then fell, landing on her tray. The room was silent with the exception of Arizona coughing and gasping for air as Callie rubbed her back in a circular motion trying to soothe her.
"Ugh, nasty, Arizona!" Teddy shouted with a mouth full of food, not realizing what had happened but thinking it was some ploy from Arizona to sabotage the competition.
"How dare you! Do you know how dangerous what you two were doing was? She could have died! She was choking and you didn't even notice. Her lips were turning blue for Christs' sake!" The Latina fired, stunning the entire room.
"I'm...Oh...oh...Arizona...are you ok?" Teddy asked as realization sunk in.
"No she's not ok! Look at her!" Callie responded. She knew it wasn't Teddy's fault but the rapid beating of her heart from the terror she felt moments ago mixed with her natural fiery temper that she inherited from both her Latina and her Italian grandmothers, and the surge of adrenaline still coursing through her veins brought out her fight response.
Finally able to catch her breath, Arizona placed a hand on Callie's arm, "Calliope, it's my fault."
"And you! You should know better!" Callie yelled, rounding on the blonde. "You're a frickin peds surgeon, not a child, Arizona!"
"I'm...so...sorry." Arizona stampered. She felt her eyes prick with tears for the second time in five minutes and her chin quivered slightly, a deep flush covering her pale cheeks. Damn her authority issues no to mention the embarrassment she was feeling.
"Come on." Grabbing her by the wrist, Callie pulled Arizona out of the mess hall and away from prying eyes. Deciding outside wasn't far enough, Callie held Arizona firmly by the wrist as she marched them all the way to the barracks. Feeling slightly terrified of what the brunette was going to do and say once in private, Arizona momentarily considered trying to make a break for it but Callie had her wrist too tightly and she was surprisingly strong. Besides, where would she go? There were only so many places she could hide.
Once in the barracks and alone, Callie shoved Arizona gently into a sitting position on the bench as she paced back and forth rambling in Spanish. Arizona found herself unable or unwilling to interrupt as the woman's ranting both terrified her and turned her on. Why was everything with this woman such a paradox?
Estas niñas, las dos! Ambos. En serio, ¿qué estaban pensando? Y luego yo, enfrente de todos. Ay este día. Yo imaginando ella con nuestros bebés. ¿Que mierda Torres? (Children! Both of them. Seriously, what were they thinking? And then I, and in front of everyone. Ugh this day. I was picturing her with our babies. What the fuck, Torres).
"Callie, did you just call me a baby?" Arizona asked. She had heard the words ninas and bebes, both of which she understood being a peds surgeon.
Suddenly stopping and kneeling down before her, Callie slowly began to raise Arizona's tank top, ignoring her question. Arizona had yet to change out of her scrubs, having needed a quiet place to think when they returned from the hospital, she had just removed her scrub top while remaining in her tank top and scrub pants and went to find some solace. Gasping at Callie's wonderful hands on her bare skin, Arizona stopped Callie's hands from going further as she asked, "What, What are you doing Calliope?"
"I'm bigger than you and the heimlich is kind of brutal. I want to check out your ribs and diaphragm to make sure I didn't hurt you."
"You saved my life, you didn't hurt me." Arizona assured.
"Just lay down and let me look, please?" Callie asked as she gently guided Arizona to lay back on the bench. She noticed the yellowing around her right eye and a pang of guilt stabbed her in the chest. "I just keep hurting you."
Lifting her shirt up to the bottom of her bra line to show Callie that she was fine, Arizona braced herself for Callie's touch as she closed her eyes, "You didn't hurt me, Callie, look I'm fine."
Warm hands gently palpated her ribs starting on her sides and working their way to the center, meeting over her xiphoid process. Goosebumps erupted over her skin and the fine blonde hairs of her arms stood up. A sigh escaped Arizona's lips and she felt Callie's hands tense on her skin, "Did I hurt you?"
"Not at all," Arizona replied, opening her eyes, "it just tickles a little. And your hands, they just feel...really good."
Once again surprising the blonde by pulling her up with surprising strength, Callie helped her maneuver her legs safely over the bench before she grabbed her possessively and pulled her flush against her. Backing them into the ladder of her rack of bunks, Callie took a deep breath and stared into Arizona's eyes, almost pleading with her.
"I want to kiss you. I've wanted to just kiss the life out of you since the first moment I saw you here eleven days ago. If you don't want me to, say so now, Calliope." Arizona said quietly as she stroked her thumb over Callie's cheek bone and stood on her toes to rub her nose against Callie's.
Callie didn't answer as she leaned in and pressed her red lips gently, almost cautiously against the softest lips she had ever felt. She was painfully aware of her breasts pressed against the thin cotton covering Arizona's. Her and those damp skimpy tank tops. Arizona swiped her tongue against Callie's bottom lip, asking for permission to enter her mouth which was immediately granted. Callie placed her hand on the back of Arizona's head so she could deepen the kiss as the two of them fought for dominance. Pressing the blonde harder against the ladder and maneuvering her leg between the blonde's, Callie smiled triumphantly in her battle for dominance before the blonde spun them, switching their positions and taking control.
Callie moaned as Arizona's hands roamed her body, landing on her hips which sent a shock wave straight to Callie's core. She felt her stomach do flip flops as the butterflies returned full force. She pulled Arizona closer before they broke apart, both gasping for air. Arizona's head was spinning from lack of oxygen and the high of that kiss. She looked up at Callie and smiled as she kissed her lips again, softly, tenderly. A flush was present across Arizona's chest and Callie couldn't help but smile as she realized the effect she had on the very experienced Arizona Robbins.
"What's that smile for?" Arizona asked. As she stroked her thumb across Callie's jaw line.
"Oh, just happy that I'm able to make the famous Arizona Robbins flustered." Callie said with a raised eyebrow and cocky grin.
Just as Arizona removed her hand and was about to show Callie just how flustered she could make her, Teddy came through the doors of the barracks huffing and puffing. Thankfully she was bent over with her hands on her knees so Callie was able to quickly withdrawal herself from the awkward position. Arizona gave her a quizzical look as Teddy stood upright and said, "I've been looking everywhere for you."
"Sorry Teds. Callie was just worried she hurt me and wanted to check out my ribs." Arizona explained looking between Callie and Teddy.
"Are you ok?" Teddy asked with a concern. She approached the blonde and hugged her tightly.
"I'm fine, Teds, I promise. I just bit off more than I could chew." Arizona giggled at her little joke.
"In that case, I won the bet." Teddy squealed. Arizona eyed Callie cautiously to see if her temper was going to flare at talk of the competition.
"Actually you almost killed her so I declare a tie." Callie replied with a smile to show she was no longer angry, her arms crossed over her chest as if daring Teddy to argue.
"Since it's a tie, how about I will join the soccer team but you still have to help me sneak into Tim's quarters tonight for that Hustler. Callie, you can be our lookout." Arizona smiled clapping her hands together in excitement.
"How did I get roped into this?"
"Hey, we can't have any narcs. You either join or we will have to kill you." Arizona smiled sweetly at Callie making Callie wonder what Arizona was capable of under all that sugary sweetness. She decided she definitely wanted to find out.
"Well Nick and Tim have extra perimeter duty this week for their behavior the first day. And I know Riggs and the Chief wanted to go over some potential need for safety protocol changes. So that just leaves Owen." Teddy replied.
"How are we going to get Owen out of there?" the lone brunette asked
"What we need is a diversion." The sugary sweet blonde replied with a flirty smile flashing in Callie's direction.
"You thinking what I'm thinking, Riz?"
"Oh you know it."
"Riz?" Callie asked but both blondes ignored her.
"Callie, how's your acting?" Teddy asked.
"Why do I have a feeling I'm going to be convinced to make a fool out of myself?" Callie whined. 'This is so not badass, Torres.' But crystal blue eyes looked up at her and she knew she was a goner.
"Now, Callie, all you have to do is get Owen to talk to you about Ortho. He's a trauma guy, plus an ortho guy and he really knows his stuff." Teddy whispered.
"Plus, you really impressed him this week, he will be more than willing to answer any questions you have." Arizona added. A little flattery could never hurt. Then adding earnestly, "You impressed me too."
"Fine." Callie rolled her eyes.
"Yay." Arizona squeaked throwing her arms around Callie's neck and then around Teddy's before Callie had a chance to respond or be embarrassed.
"We need to strike at dark. Before lights out, that would be way too risky. So we have about a forty five minute window. Dress in black." Teddy said as the two perfected their plan. Callie would be on the lookout and in the event that Owen was in the men's quarters she would lure him out. And if he was out but returned early, she would stall him while also alerting the girls by whistling loudly without being conspicuous, of course.
"Ok but can we go get some food before we do this? I ate like three bites before I almost died and I skipped lunch, I'm starving."
"Mess hall closes in ten minutes, better hustle, Robbins." Teddy replied with a chuckle.
"Oh, Teds, tell me that you finished your plate."
"No! Not after you regurgitated your hamburger onto my face and then it landed on my tray. Bleh."
"Ugh...Karev won." Arizona whined, placing her head in her hands.
"Maybe you two will finally learn your lessons about gambling and unsafe competitions." Callie scolded.
"Yea right." Teddy said while Arizona said " Doubt it." simultaneously and then looked at one another and erupted into giggles.
"Thought you were hungry." Callie said, slightly annoyed.
"Oh , shoot! I'm getting food, I'll be back!" And with that Arizona was gone and it was just Teddy and Callie staring each other down awkwardly.