Chapter Nine

Arizona

"I need to talk to you." Arizona whispered to Amelia as they climbed into the back of their transportation vehicle.

"What's up?"

"Shhh, not now." Arizona said as a set of chocolate eyes narrowed on her. She looked at Callie before hoisting herself into the vehicle behind Amelia.

"Guess Torres and I are catching a ride with you." Cristina said as she hopped into the vehicle a few moments later.

"Shane and April stayed to help man the Medic tent since Callie and Cristina were here." Amelia replied at Arizona's questioning look. 'Shit, Callie is going to be riding with us too and I can't lie, she will know it's Amelia.' Arizona thought to herself. Thinking of nothing else she could do, she tilted her head back and closed her eyes. Her head really was pounding so maybe napping on the way back to base wouldn't be the worst thing. It didn't mean that she didn't feel like a giant coward though. With Amelia on her left, closest to the driver and Alex to her right, she was shielded from anyone sitting on the drivers side of the vehicle. Unfortunately, Callie was sitting on the opposite side, two seats to Arizona's right with a perfect view of Arizona. She had to concentrate on keeping her eyes closed and her face neutral as she felt the brunette's glare holding steady on her face.

"Why is Callie staring at you like she's going to murder someone?" Alex whispered to Arizona.

"Not now, Alex, I have a headache." Arizona whispered back without opening her eyes. Amelia seemed to get the hint from earlier and remained silent.

At some point during the ride back, Arizona did actually fall asleep. She was surprised when Amelia was shaking her awake. Momentarily disoriented, she looked around to see that people were already exiting the vehicle. She undid her seatbelt and waited her turn to exit. She watched Callie leave the vehicle and she thought about trying to catch up to her but decided against it when she realized she hadn't waited for her. She watched Callie's retreating form as she power walked toward the barracks alone.

"Ok, what's up with you and Cal?" Teddy asked as Arizona exited the vehicle, followed by Amelia. The two followed her line of sight to the Latina who was getting further away as they stood and spoke.

"Ugh, she's mad at me."

"Clearly," Amelia replied, "I could feel her daggers from just sitting next to you."

"You two were so annoyingly, lovey this morning, what did you do?"

"What did I do? What makes you think I'm the one that did something wrong?" Arizona asked, feeling slightly offended. Teddy was her best friend, she was supposed to be on her side.

"Well she's mad at you, not the other way around." Teddy reasoned.

"Well, I didn't do anything." Arizona replied, crossing her arms over her chest and glaring at Teddy.

"Were you mean to her because she's Catholic?" Teddy questioned. Her stance firm, arms crossed, and her right eyebrow arched almost into her hairline. This was her "challenge me" pose and Arizona knew it very well. She also knew that Teddy was not going to back down this time. Arizona was a self sabotager and she wasn't going to stand by quietly now that it was quite literally happening in front of her face and she was actually there to comfort and intervene this time. Despite being best friends, their career paths had kept them from important moments in each other's lives. But this moment, Teddy was going to be there for.

"No, but we did talk about that. I'm not against her being Catholic, Teddy. It just makes me nervous. You know that I'm not like that. I know I wasn't the best at showing you my support when you were trying to decide what you still believed in. I'm sorry I wasn't a better friend or person back then. I've learned though and I've grown. It scares me, it makes me nervous, but I'm not going to hold it against her."

"I know and I understand that. And you're the best friend I could ask for and my favorite person so stop apologizing. I was raised Catholic and so was Andi, I get your concerns. But Callie doesn't know the whole story so she might not understand your reservations with religion in general. You have to open up to her."

"I know, Teddy. I will. Just give it some time. We just started really talking to each other. And that's not what the fight was about anyway."

"Ok, well tell us what happened." Amelia replied, placing a comforting hand on each woman's shoulder.

"I walked in on Callie, Addie, and Erica Hahn having a very uncomfortable and tense conversation. Apparently, Callie was talking to Addie about me and Erica overheard. Erica said something about Callie not wanting me to know that she had fucked Mark Sloan just as I walked into the room. So, Callie and I went to have a talk."

"And you flipped out and let Mark Sloan have it." Amelia interrupted with enthusiasm.

"No, Arizona isn't the violent type." Teddy replied but eyes Arizona suspiciously suddenly uncertain if that statement was accurate, then added, "Oh Arizona, what did you say to Callie to make her so upset?"

"I'm trying to tell you, but I was interrupted. I mean, I'm not happy about Mark but what can I do? We both have pasts. She assured me it's in the past and I believe her. But after we talked then she wanted to know if there was anyone here that I've slept with." Arizona replied, avoiding both women's eyes.

"And?"

"I wouldn't tell her so at first she assumed it was you." Arizona replied to Teddy. At this Teddy let out a loud, roaring laugh causing Arizona to smile.

"Why didn't you just tell her, Riz?" Amelia asked with a sympathetic tone.

"Because, it wasn't just about me, Amelia. I know we are just friends and we never felt that way about each other. But Callie won't understand that. I don't want her to question my friendship with you. Aside from Teddy, you're my oldest and best friend of the female variety. Plus, I didn't want word to get around. We work with these people. Your brother is here. I didn't want him to find out and things to be weird or to cause family problems for you."

"Arizona, my family is completely open. Derek wouldn't judge me for that. And I'm a big girl, I can handle Callie. We both are responsible for what happened between us and I don't regret it. I'm glad it didn't ruin our friendship because I would have regretted that but honestly, I am ok with you telling her."

"Thanks Amelia. I was going to talk to you and ask you if it was ok and then I was going to tell her but she just got so mad and stormed off. Ok, maybe I could have handled it better but I was caught off guard by the question and I was still processing."

"I understand why you didn't want to out Amelia." Teddy replied with a knowing look. It's been nine years but what happened to Andi is always with them. You can never be too careful.

"Well, let's hope Callie does, if I even tell her."

"What? Of course you're going to tell her." Amelia replied.

"But what if she's still mad? What if she is jealous of you?" Arizona asked.

"It's not the same situation, you have to trust Callie." Teddy replied.

"You won't know unless you tell her. Let her make decisions on her own. If she's mad and makes you choose between us then maybe she isn't the person for you. She has Mark that she's friends with, it's really no different." Amelia offered, trying to be supportive.

"Except that you and I didn't have a relationship. It was a one-time thing, she and Mark had months, maybe even years of being friends with benefits." Arizona replied.

"Right, so she shouldn't be mad and even if she's a little jealous, she will have to deal because I'm not going anywhere." Amelia replied, wrapping her arm around Arizona's neck and kissing her cheek loudly.

"Ouch, Amy that was my ear!" Arizona laughed as she pushed Amelia playfully.

"I don't think Callie is the only one jealous here." Teddy whispered with a smile.

"Oh shut it! I come to you two for support and all you do is harass me!" Arizona teased in mock annoyance.

"But we love you!" Teddy smiled before she kissed Arizona's other cheek loudly before she turned and started walking toward the barracks, saying over her shoulder, "Come on, let's go change for dinner, I'm starved and so ready for bed."

Arizona decided on a long shower before dinner. The nap on the way back to base had helped a little but her muscles were tight and the nagging throb of a headache was still making its presence known, much to her annoyance. The shower slightly soothed her aching shoulders and neck but this headache was definitely going to call for some medicinal intervention. Searching her caddy back at the barracks for some Tylenol or Motrin, hell she'd even take a midol at this point, she didn't notice Callie approach her from behind.

"Looking for something?" Callie asked, causing Arizona to jump and place a hand over her chest.

"Jesus."

"Not quite, but close." Callie smirked. She noticed Arizona grimace and roll her neck from side to side, "Hey, you ok?"

"I just have this headache and I can't find any headache relief medication. My supplies have started to dwindle, I should have stocked up better when I was home but I didn't want my mom to worry." Arizona replied. Callie quickly crossed the room and came back with a canteen of water and a bottle of excedrin.

"Here, take these then sit down."

Arizona threw the pills back with a big swig of water and sat on the bench as she was instructed. Her head hurt too badly for her to argue at this point. As strong fingers dug into the muscles of her neck and shoulders, Arizona couldn't help but moan. She felt Callie's hands hesitate for a moment before she continued.

"That feels amazing. Thank you Callie." Arizona said as she felt some of the tension start to release.

"Yea, well stop moaning like that or we are going to have all new problems." Callie said as she leaned down and whispered in Arizona's ear before standing back up and continuing with her massage. The heat of Callie's breath on her ear, causing her to shiver in the best of ways.

"I thought we were fighting." Arizona whispered.

"Oh we are. But I couldn't sit back and watch you suffer. Besides, maybe you have a point."

"Can I get that in writing?" Arizona couldn't help but tease before she turned serious once again, "I was going to tell you her name, Callie but I had to ask her first. I hope you understand that."

"I don't but I respect your reasoning." Callie said truthfully. Arizona placed her hand over Callie's to stop her from continuing with the massage so she could turn and face her. She patted the bench next to her and Callie sat down.

"Andi didn't just commit suicide. She committed suicide in part because she was outed to her parents and they reacted badly. Really badly. They were Catholic and they wanted to send her to a conversion therapy camp. There was a huge fight and she killed herself that night. She was already struggling and no one knew how much. Not me, not even Teddy. But the fight, it was what put her over the edge."

"Oh, Arizona…"

"No, don't. It's ok. But the thing is, I take outing someone seriously. It's not my place. So, I really had to get her permission because although it's not something she's ashamed of, it's a part of her past, not her present and it's her place to share it. She's not part of the gay community, at least she doesn't identify that way, so it's not exactly outing her but it's still her story to tell even if she identifies as straight."

"I can understand that."

"When we were in med school together, Amelia broke up with her boyfriend of many years and decided she was done with men and wanted to try her hand at women. I thought she was joking and I volunteered to be her guinea pig. After a lot of flirting and a night of heavy drinking, we slept together but there just wasn't chemistry, we were too close as buddies. The sex was...ok", Arizona decided to bend the truth a bit, Callie didn't need all the details, "but we were always meant to be just friends. So, she slept with another girl thinking it was just because we were too close of friends for her to get a true girl on girl experience, but it turns out she really just isn't into women." Arizona explained.

"So Amelia? Amelia Shepherd?"

"Yes and Derek is her brother. People talk. I didn't want to out her, even to you until I made sure it was alright. And I was afraid to tell you because Amelia is one of my very best friends and I don't want it to be weird for you."

"And you're sure she's straight?"

"Callie, she slept with me and then went back to men. She's straight." Arizona joked, trying to lighten the mood. Callie smiled and said, "You're hopeless."

"Can we be done fighting now? Because I really don't like fighting with you. Especially when there can't be any make up sex."

"We're alone right now." Callie said with a smile.

"Oh no, Torres. Eight weeks."

"Are you attracted to me?" Callie asked, hating herself for sounding so insecure.

"What? Callie, believe me, it is taking everything I have not to have my way with you. Wanting to wait has nothing to do with attraction. It has to do with doing this the right way for once. It has to do with respecting and getting to know you. It has to do with wanting to talk to someone for the first time after a fight instead of covering it up with sex. And it has to do with this not being the right place. But believe me, I find you, miraculous, breathtakingly stunning."

At this Callie smiled widely and leaned in for a kiss. It was sweet and quick and over entirely too soon for Arizona's liking. But Callie stood back up and continued rubbing the blonde's neck and shoulders. "Yes, we are done fighting. And thank you for telling me about Amelia."

"Oh good because my head really hurts and I really hate fighting with you. Thank you for understanding." Arizona said and she kissed Callie's hand as it rested on the shoulder she was massaging.

"We have five minutes before we have to head to the mess hall."

"K." Arizona said, her eyes closed as she hummed in contentment at the brunette's hands rubbing the tension away.

"So, when you had that slight meltdown about me being Catholic the other day…"

"I'm sorry, Callie. I really don't have a problem with it. It's part of who you are and I want to get to know all of who you are. It took me by surprise and I'm just nervous. It is something I am insecure about. I wasn't raised religious. My parents and family have never made me being gay into a big deal. In fact, my parents, they sheltered me from the people who they knew would make it a big deal for as long as they could. So, when Andi's parents reacted the way they did, I was shocked. It wasn't something that I could understand. And I don't think I ever will. But it is my insecurity."

"I can understand that. I'm not sure everyone in my family will be as understanding as your family sounds but I know they love me."

"I'm sure they do. How could they not?" Arizona smiled.

"I am pretty badass." Callie replied with a laugh.

"Yes, you are, and humble too."

"How's your head?"

"Better, thank you." Arizona said. Callie helped her to her feet and wrapped her in a tight hug. Arizona nuzzled her head into Callie's neck and breathed her in deeply. The calming scent of pear and coconut was better than any headache medication she could buy. Arizona smiled as she felt Callie smell her head and then kiss her temple softly. Lifting her head up to look at Callie, Arizona stood on her toes and placed a kiss on plump red lips. It started out innocent but was soon deepened and filled with passion as Callie parted her lips and granted Arizona entrance. Neither battled for dominance this time as they just enjoyed the feeling of being close and exploring each other in an intimate way.

"You're going to be the death of me." Callie said as she pulled back from the kiss. Arizona whimpered slightly in protest at the loss of the Latina's lips on hers.

"Maybe not eight weeks." Arizona replied with a sigh causing Callie to laugh out loud.

"Come on, it's time for dinner." Callie said. She grabbed Arizona's hand and led them out of the barracks to the mess hall. Arizona smiled as she threaded her fingers through Callie's and held her hand tightly in her own. She felt like this truly was the start of something that was going to be amazing.

The next day was another busy day for Arizona. It was the day of Bahiri's long awaited heart surgery and Dr. Hahn remained adamant that she did not need Arizona's assistance. She did, however, relent and allow Teddy to scrub in with her, Alex, and Lexie. So Arizona sat in the peds ward with Taara. The two of them had worked on Taara's school work and had moved on to rounding on the other patient's together to keep them both busy. When lunch time came, Taara clung tightly to Arizona's side, not wanting her to leave. She had wanted to do a quick check on Bahiri's surgery that should be finishing soon and then have her scheduled lunch date with Callie but the seven year old girl sobbed at the mention of Arizona leaving. Deciding that maybe some fresh air would do them both some good, Arizona took the girl down to the courtyard with her to meet Callie, hoping beyond hope that Callie would not be upset with this arrangement. Despite their teams being paired for the day, the two had not been able to spend much time together as Callie had assisted Sloan and Koracick on an emergency surgery all morning.

Spotting the brunette in her usual spot on the ground beside the building, Arizona grabbed Taara's hand and led her over to the brunette. Callie's eyes were closed and her head rested back against the building. Arizona had to stop and catch her breath as the sunlight made the bronze skin of Callie's face sparkle, she was literally breathtakingly beautiful despite the beige colored scrubs. She didn't seem to hear their approach but a smile crossed Callie's lips as Arizona grew near.

"Dr. Callie!" Taara exclaimed before either woman could greet one another. At this, Callie opened her eyes, surprised to hear a child's voice.

"Bahiri is in surgery and Taara here is a little scared. I couldn't leave her alone but I wanted to meet you for lunch." Arizona explained quickly, waiting to see if the brunette was going to be upset with this spur of the moment arrangement.

"I is not scared Dr. Arizona. I just want to be with you." Taara replied with a pout on her lips and her arms crossed over her small chest. Callie smiled at Arizona and then took Taara's hand.

"I feel better when Dr. Arizona is around too, Taara. Would you like to join us for lunch?"

"Baleh." Taara responded. Callie looked at Arizona with a questioning look.

"She said yes." Arizona smiled widely at Callie's acceptance of their adorable third wheel.

Arizona opened the sack lunch that she grabbed for her and Taara to share and handed Taara the bottled water. Callie made room for Taara to sit but the little girl sandwiched herself between the two women. Arizona gave her half of the peanut butter and jelly sandwich, half her fruit, and the bag of chips knowing how much the little girl loved these particular ones.

"Is that all you're going to eat?" Callie questioned as she eyed Arizona's half sandwich and handful of mulberries.

"I'll be alright, I'll have a bigger dinner tonight." Arizona replied, pointedly looking at the child between them. The last thing she wanted was for Taara to feel badly that Arizona was sharing her food.

"So, Taara, how is the book?" Callie asked, getting the hint.

"We finish the first one. Now we read the next one after Bahiri is better so he do not miss it."

"Did you like the book?"

"Very much. Will you read again to us?"

"Of course, maybe if Bahiri is up to it and Dr. Arizona is ok with it, I will read to you before we leave tonight." Callie replied as she looked at Arizona for approval. The suggestion earned her a dimpled smile from a blonde and a very toothy grin from the little girl between them.

Once the trio had finished eating, Taara worked up some courage and set off to chase a butterfly. It was clear that she hadn't been outside in far too long. She snuck up on the butterfly and then leapt to catch it, missing and falling down on the ground, rolling around in a fit of giggled. The two women watched her repeat this several times in silence for a before it was broken.

"Do you want children?" Callie blurted out.

"Oh, wow, that's a big one." Arizona replied.

"Yea, I know but you're a pediatric surgeon and you're so good with kids. You would be a great mom. Do you want them?"

"No." Arizona replied as she watched Taara, avoiding Callie's gaze, then continued, "Not now anyway. Or anytime soon, maybe not ever. Things have happened in my life that I never expected to want so I don't know how I will feel in the future. Maybe someday I will, I'm not willing to say never. But for right now, no, not in the near future."

"Oh." Callie replied, not expecting that answer. "Well, that's fair, I guess."

"I'm guessing by the look on your face that you do." Arizona said, finally mustering up enough courage to turn her head and face Callie.

"Well, yea. Not anytime soon. I'm technically still a resident and it's not something I want or intend to do alone so not in the near future but yes, someday I definitely want kids. I don't see that changing for me."

"Is this going to be a problem for us?" Arizona asked, feeling slightly deflated.

"Not right now. In the future, maybe." Callie replied honestly.

"Does that mean you don't want to date me anymore?"

"No. I want to date you. As long as, if this goes somewhere that we revisit this topic. Children aren't something we can compromise on but I'd say it's too early in the relationship for that discussion anyway."

"That's fair. I mean neither of us are ready for that discussion right now, let alone actually having kids so, it's tabled, for now." Arizona smiled, glad that Callie wasn't going to end this before they really had a chance to get started. It was true what she said, she had never seen herself as the mom type nor being with anyone that she would settle down with and be with long enough to have kids. It wasn't the kind of lifestyle she was looking for. But this past year had changed her and now she found herself imagining things with Callie that she had never wanted with anyone else. They had been "dating" less than 48 hours and she already found herself imagining what kind of future they could have. One step at a time, she would start with dating and monogamy and then think about everything that comes after. No reason to get ahead of herself here.

"What's going on in that beautiful brain of yours?" she heard Callie ask.

"Just thinking about how much I've changed in the last year." Arizona replied, not wanting to elaborate and cursing herself for getting caught thinking these things.

"Oh yea? How?"

"I've grown up a lot, I guess you could say."

"Me too." Callie replied with a smile.

"Arizona, Dr. Hahn has been looking everywhere for you. Bahiri is out of surgery." April interrupted the two women.

"Taara, come on, time to go." Arizona suddenly stood, motioning for the little girl to join her.

"Is Bahiri dead?" Taara asked suddenly, giant tears forming in her big brown eyes. Arizona was caught by surprise by the little girl's sudden reaction, she had taken everything so well, she knew she should have seen that she was much more afraid than she let on.

"What? Taara, no. Of course not. But his surgery is done and soon we can see him, ok." Arizona replied as she sunk to her knees before the little girl. Taara threw her arms around Arizona's neck with such force that it knocked them both over, Arizona landing on her back with Taara on her belly and chest. Taara sobbed hysterically as she lay on top of Arizona who just laid there and rubbed the little girl's back. April watched in bewilderment before Callie said, "Go tell Dr. Hahn that we will be up soon. Taara just needs a minute."

Callie approached the pair and kneeled down next to them to stroke Taara's back. She wasn't sure what made her do it but she suddenly started to sing as she stroked the little girl's hair and back. Arizona's heart melted as Callie's beautiful voice soothed the sobbing child. Before long the sobbing stopped and Taara slowly lifted herself off Arizona's body. Callie reached down and helped Arizona to a sitting position. Taara wiped her face and nodded as if confirming something to herself.

"Are you ok, Taara?" Callie asked while she and Arizona observed her.

"Yes, Dr. Callie. I am good now." Taara replied with a big smile before she turned to Arizona and grabbed her hand saying, "Come, Dr. Arizona, Bahiri is alive."

Arizona and Callie looked at each other and smiled before Taara took Callie's hand in her other one and led them into the building. The sibling reunion was happy and tearful and both women were happy to have witnessed it. True to her word, Arizona allowed Callie to read the first two chapters of the second Magic Treehouse book to the kids of the pediatric floor. Bahiri was all smiles and though more sleepy than usual, you would never know he was recovering from heart surgery.

"You're amazing." Arizona whispered to Callie as the two headed to the lobby together to meet their groups later that afternoon. She just couldn't stop smiling at the taller woman. First with her accepting Taara's intrusion, then her soothing the little girl by singing to her with her amazing voice, and then the way she had read to the kids doing all the voices and being so animated. The kids had loved it and Arizona found herself feeling particularly warm and fuzzy towards Callie at the moment.

"I could say the same thing about you Dr. Robbins."

"Go on a date with me." Arizona blurted out.

"Umm...we've been over this, haven't we? There isn't exactly a place for us to go on a date here."

"I know but just trust me. I will figure something out. Just say that you will go on a date with me on Saturday night."

"Ok, now I'm intrigued. Yes, of course, I'll go on a date with you, ya goof."

"Ok, I'll pick you up at your bunk at seven sharp."

"What should I wear?" Callie asked. She had never been on a date in a war zone or on an army base or with a woman.

"Just wear whatever you're comfortable in, Callie. You look beautiful no matter what you wear anyway." Arizona said with a smile. The two were getting ready to part ways so they could board separate vehicles and Arizona really wanted to kiss Callie. But they were in public with all their coworkers, army personnel, and Afghan hospital workers and volunteers. It was not something they could safely do so she settled with a dimpled smile and a squeeze of her hand. Callie returned both before they let go and went to their respective groups to board their separate vehicles.

"What are smiling so big about?" Teddy asked as Arizona plopped down in the empty seat next to her.

"I asked Callie on a date."

"Wow, that's great but one problem, where are you going to take her?"

The smile slid off of Arizona's face as panic replaced it ,"Crap, crap, crap. Teddy, I have to come up with a fantastic date and I have no idea how to do it."

"Relax, we will figure something out."

"Figure what out?" April and Amelia asked as they sat across from them.

"Arizona is freaking out because she asked Callie out on a date but has no idea what to do since it has to be on base."

"Hmmm...well, obviously you can't take her to a fancy restaurant for an impressive meal, but we could work with this." Amelia said with a smile.

"What are you thinking?" Arizona asked.

"How about a picnic?" April suggested.

"A picnic?" Arizona asked. She wasn't too keen on that idea since they basically sat outside and had a "picnic" together during lunch a few times already.

"No that could be good," Teddy replied, sensing Arizona's hesitation, "I know the perfect spot."

"And you could hang some twinkling lights from the tree and have some music playing." April said with a far off, dreamy look on her face.

"I'm not sure about twinkly lights but I'm pretty sure we have white Christmas lights from last Christmas. No one got to go home and Owen knew how much we were all bummed so he ordered some Christmas lights and decorated the trees and even got a snow machine." Teddy replied, now also with a far off dreamy look on her face.

"I'm not sure about all that but I'm pretty sure I can get you hooked up with some wine." Amelia said with a cocky grin.

"Oh really?" Teddy asked.

"Don't ask, don't tell remember?"

"That applies to being gay, Amelia, not alcohol," Arizona giggled, "But yea, that would be great."

Arizona ignored Teddy's glare as the four of them huddled together to plan a romantic first date on an Army base. Arizona had to hand it to them, her friends were pretty crafty and resourceful, this could work. She could actually, possibly date Callie, here and now, instead of a year from now.

Friday night found the four friends huddled up in the mess hall long after dinner was over. April had found a box of colorful construction paper and the four of them were now separating the red, white, and pink pieces from the rest. April was armed with scissors, glue, and perfume along with some army green duct tape. Amelia, Teddy, and Arizona watched in amazement as April folded and taped the paper into a delicate rose and added some green tape to create a stem. She then sprayed the flower with a bit of perfume and handed it to Arizona.

"Not quite the same as real flowers but as you can't exactly get her real flowers, I thought you might want to make her a bouquet of these." April explained then added, "It's kind of romantic."

"April, you're the best." Arizona said as she threw her arms around her red haired friend and flashed her dimples.

"Ok, show us one more time." Teddy said, April handed out pieces of blue and green paper to the three friends and had them practice on those while they followed her folding instructions carefully. After two flowers each, Teddy and Arizona had it down but Amelia made a total of one flower that was recognizable as a flower by the time the bouquets were finished an hour later.

"Remind me never to offer to make flowers again." Amelia sighed in frustration as the friends cleaned up their mess.

"Awe don't be sad, you can't be good at everything." April soothed, tossing an arm over Amelia's slender shoulders.

"Sometimes the perkiness is just too much." Amelia said grumpily as she removed April's arm from her shoulder.

"You know what I think she needs?" Teddy asked, tossing a wink in Arizona's direction. Arizona smiled widely before the three of them trapped Amelia in the center of a group hug.

"Ugh, get off of me, I don't want the perky germs to rub off on me." Amelia protested but they had succeeded in their mission and Amelia smiled widely at her dorky friends.

"I love you guys. Thanks so much for helping me do this."

"No problem, Riz. Just don't screw this up. I'm living my life vicariously through you." Teddy replied.

"I second that." Amelia shouted.

"Come on, you need your beauty sleep for your big date." April squealed.

It was Saturday morning and Arizona's plans were in place. She owed favors to her brother and Nick which was sure to come back to bite her in the ass at some point in addition to agreeing to washing their nasty laundry but they had come through for her on some essential items to make the date special. Plus they were going to help set up and tear down the items they acquired for her. It was a fair trade and she honestly would have agreed to do much worse. She just needed one more thing to make the date more special, so here she was at eleven on Saturday morning working up the courage to knock on the door to the quarters where Addison Montgomery was currently residing. She gave herself another pep talk as she passed the door for the twentieth time and just as she was about to knock, the door flung open.

"What are you doing Robbins? Are you ever going to knock or are you just trying to wear the ground down until you fall in?" Addison asked, half irritated and half amused. She had watched Arizona walk past the door mumbling to herself for the last fifteen minutes.

"Are you alone?" Arizona asked.

"Yes, why?"

"I need to ask you something."

"Ask away."

"It's private." Arizona replied. Then when Addison looked as though she still wasn't going to let her in, she added, "For Callie."

"Ugh, fine, come in."

Arizona looked around nervously to verify that they were alone and wrung her hands together in a nervous habit. The ring that adorned her middle finger was continually twisted and she chewed the inside of her cheek.

"What can I do for you?" Addie asked, feeling slightly amused by the blonde's nervous energy. She actually really liked the blonde but she was enjoying her being nervous around her; and decided she wouldn't make this easy for her being that she had recently been the cause of Callie's tears and she was Callie's best friend after all.

"I need a favor."

"I'm not sure you're in the position to ask me for favors. I still remember Callie sobbing in my arms the other night because you called her...let's see, what was it? A newborn?"

"Yes, I know. I did say that and it was dumb and I didn't know I made her cry." Arizona gulped, now feeling guilty and even more nervous, "You have no reason to be nice to me but this is for Callie not me."

"I'm listening." Addie said, softening her tone a bit and hiding the smirk. She enjoyed making Arizona feel uncomfortable.

"Amelia said that you and Callie were drunk the other night and that you never travel without your wine. I would like to buy some wine off of you."

"And why would I do that?"

"I asked Callie out on a date but I can't take her out dancing or to a fancy restaurant or even to a sleazy bar for obvious reasons so I'm improvising and trying to make a romantic gesture here on the army base. And it would be so much nicer with wine. I'm willing to do basically anything."

"Again, why would I do that for you?"

"Because I'm a good person and it would make Callie happy." Arizona replied. She knew Addie wasn't crazy about her as Callie's best friend and she understood but she was willing to do whatever it took to make this evening a night for Callie to remember. Unbeknownst to her, Addie fully intended to give her the wine from the moment she asked, she just wanted to make Arizona squirm a little.

"Although I care very much about Callie's happiness, if I did have said wine, I still don't understand why you think I would give it to you. I could just hang out with Callie myself and drink said wine."

"You could, but then you would have to explain to Teddy and my brother why you go through so much shampoo and conditioner. That might lead to some discoveries." Arizona threatened.

"Are you threatening me?"

"I wouldn't dream of threatening you Dr. Montgomery." Arizona replied, not breaking eye contact but she felt like she was on the verge of vomiting or bursting into tears.

"Blackmailing then."

"Call it what you want, I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make Callie feel special and give her a night she will never forget. Whatever it takes."

"Ok, then you won't mind owing me a favor in the future, Dr. Robbins."

"Not at all."

"Ok then, I will let you know what that favor is very soon." Addison said before she turned and walked toward the shelf where she kept her bathroom caddie. "Red or white?"

"Which does Callie like?"

"She's a red wine girl."

"Red it is." Arizona replied with a smile as she received the shampoo bottle. "Thank you."

"It's not like I had much of a choice."

"Still, I really appreciate this."

"You're welcome." Addie replied, trying very hard not to smile but failing. Arizona returned the smile and turned to leave, "And Arizona?"

"Yea?"

"If you hurt her, let's just say I have the nickname Satan for a reason and you will have to answer to me."

"Understood." Arizona said with a big gulp before she turned and practically ran from the building. Addie laughed to herself as she watched the blonde disappear. The gig was up, she was going to have to come up with a new system of getting her wine. Fricken Amelia and her big mouth. Why on Earth had they chosen to go on a mission to a country where alcohol was illegal?

"How do I look?" Arizona asked later that night as she got dressed in the men's quarters. Her brother and Nick had given her the space to get ready so she and Callie wouldn't see each other before Arizona picked her up.

"You look beautiful, Arizona, as always." Teddy said with a smile as she played with a long curl that hung over Arizona's right shoulder.

She had kept her hair down with her natural curls and a few extra added via April's curling iron. Amelia and April, along with Teddy had offered Arizona items from their own wardrobes as Arizona modeled dozens of outfits for them. She finally had settled on a pair of white Capris that hugged her slim hips snuggly and a red sleeveless button up blouse that she left unbuttoned enough to accent the swell of her cleavage. Despite being in the desert, she had on a pair of red heels that Amelia had brought that matched her shirt perfectly.

"Are you keeping this no sex rule?" Amelia asked.

"Yes." Arizona replied looking slightly confused.

"Then you might want to change, Riz, because right now, I want to bang you. Callie is not going to be able to keep her hands off of you."

"Hey, you can't say things like that, Amy. First off, it's not helping my nerves and secondly we already know Callie is the jealous type." Arizona replied.

"She's right though," April replied and all three of them turned their heads toward the redhead, "I'm very happy with Matthew, even if I am still a virgin, but you're even making me question myself."

"Don't look at me. You're basically my sister, I think you're beautiful but I want you to keep your clothes on." Teddy replied with a giggle.

"Thanks for boosting my confidence ladies." Arizona said with a smile.

"It's 6:30. Should we add a bit more hairspray and some perfume?" Teddy asked.

"No more hairspray! My head will light on fire if you use anymore of that stuff on me but I will take some perfume. I don't have anymore, it ran out months ago. I forgot to grab more when I was home for Christmas."

"I brought a few." Amelia replied.

"Of course you did. Why did you bring heels and perfume to Afghanistan, Amelia?" Arizona questioned.

"Because I am planning on meeting an old friend in France when we have our vacation time in September."

"Do I know this friend?" Arizona asked.

"Maybe, maybe not."

"You do realize you could buy heels and perfume in Paris, right? And this would have given you the perfect excuse to shop in Paris." Teddy said with a smirk.

"Crap, you're right. Why didn't I think of that?"

"Well, personally I'm glad you didn't because both came in handy for me tonight." Arizona smiled. "But you can still shop in Paris."

"Are you nervous?" April asked.

"Very."

"Don't be, she will love it." Teddy replied.

"K, well, I should probably head over to the barracks to get her. You guys stay here, I don't want an audience."

"Ok." Teddy replied.

"Good luck." April shouted.

The trio stood in the doorway and watched Arizona head toward the barracks. As soon as she was out of sight the three high fived and started giggling like school girls as they predicted how Callie would react.

"How long do you think they will keep up this whole no sex charade?" Amelia asked.

"I think Arizona is serious. Being gay is illegal here and I know she is very concerned about that. Tim, Nick, and I have all talked with her at length about it."

"I still don't think they will last eight weeks."

"Nahhh, me neither." Teddy agreed with a laugh.

"Well I do. Matthew and I are waiting for marriage and if we can do that, Callie and Arizona can make it eight weeks." April piped in, always the optimist. Teddy and Amelia glanced at each other and burst out laughing.

"I give it three weeks." Amelia challenged.

"Arizona can be pretty stubborn. I give it five weeks." Teddy countered.

"I still say they make it eight weeks." April argued.

"Care to make a wager on this?" Amelia challenged.

"What's at stake? Teddy asked.

"Winner gets a girls night out back in Seattle at the other two's expense." April replied. Both Teddy and Amelia whipped their heads in April's direction.

"Why Teds, I think we are corrupting Red here and I kinda like it."

"You've got yourself a bet, ladies." Teddy replied as the three shook on it.

Arizona took deep calming breaths to steady her nerves as she walked to the barracks. She had to focus on placing one foot in front of the other and considered bolting more than once. As she approached the barracks though, Callie stepped outside and her nervousness completely evaporated as she took in the brunette's beauty. She hadn't noticed Arizona yet so she was free to look at her uninhibited for a few seconds. Callie stood in a simple black knitted three quarter length sweater that hung off one shoulder accentuating her right collar bone and her tan skin. A long silver necklace with interlocking hoops hung down to where her belly button would be. She wore a pair of short tailored purple shorts that showed off her long, tan, muscular legs; and a pair of simple small black heels completed her outfit. Her long hair was up in an elegant messy bun with a few curls falling down to her shoulders. Arizona realized they were probably both slightly overdressed for such a casual dating atmosphere but she was excited that Callie wanted to look nice for her.

Arizona unconsciously licked her lips as her eyes met with Callie's. She had to force her legs to move once more so she could greet her date. 'Yep, no way I'm making it eight weeks. I might not even make it eight minutes into this date.' Arizona thought to herself.

She reached Callie and smiled, flashing her dimples and trying to look more confident than she felt. 'She is so beautiful' Arizona thought to herself. Callie smiled widely and Arizona's heart fluttered. It was in that moment that she knew with absolute certainty that she was a goner, her life would never be the same now that this fiery Latina had entered it.