A/N: Some of you loved Spain and some of you were ready to move on. This is the end of Spain. You're reviews have really been fantastic and I am so grateful you all have been so encouraging and enjoyed it. I'm still playing around with ideas of how to end this but I still think this has life left. As much as it has been an amazing distraction for all of you, it has also been a great one for me so thanks again for continuing to read this and review it.
I'd like to address a few of the reviews: To the guest that said "you come across as super smart, someone who's in a loving relationship, loyal, and well read" I'd say you pegged me pretty well. Although, the loving relationship part gave me a giggle. Single and have been for a while, mostly by my choosing. To the Guest who said I made them laugh, cry and feel their love, I think that is the best compliment a writer could get, so thank you so much. Carly Fiorina- your reviews are always so sweet and kind. Denice, Saritaaa, SiljeNohr and Phoenix (anyone else new that I missed)- welcome to my Calzona world. To the rest of you, thanks so much for your kind words and loyalty.
I just finished a seven day stretch at work and things are just progressing rapidly now. Work is both rewarding and exhausting, terrifying and humbling. My coworkers are some of the smartest, bravest, kindest people I've had the pleasure of working beside and I would not make it through this without them. No matter what you believe in, kindness is really what matters to me. I'm grateful that most of you will not have to witness the things I have but that also means most people will never understand the gravity of what healthcare workers are dealing with. It's definitely something I will never forget. This is my escape, so I know I've said it before, but I am really grateful to all of you and to my little sister who forced me to post this. Hope this finds you all healthy and safe.
This is a chapter that is sort of leading into some future things so, have faith. Also, it's probably the least edited chapter so go easy on me. Happy reading
Chapter Nineteen
"Calliope, we're going to be late!" Arizona called into the suite as she exited the bathroom and noted the time. They had spent the morning in bed and the day on the deck in the hot tub while they sat and watched the storm through the shelter of the windows or the roof of the deck. The day had been perfectly lazy and comforting with a few rounds of love making and simply just enjoying each other's company. But now they were running late for the fancy dinner reservations Callie had made them. Getting no response, she raised her voice and yelled, "Seriously, Calliope, you've been raving all week about this place. We're going to be late, baby."
Arizona paused as she found Callie sitting on the bed with her finger pressed to her lips, waving one hand frantically with her phone tucked between her right ear and shoulder. "Sorry." Arizona mouthed.
"Yes, that's Arizona, daddy. And I don't let her call me Calliope, she just does. I have to go daddy, we have reservations." Callie stopped speaking as she apparently listened to what was being said on the other end. Arizona frowned at the tone of her girlfriend's voice. "Yes dad, with our dates, we will be careful and no, we won't bring any men back to the suite."
Another pause while Callie apparently listened to her dad speaking, her eyes rolled at least half a dozen times but she remained quiet as she listened, "Yes they are very handsome but I don't think we will be able to send pictures. Yes dad, Arizona is very beautiful and I will keep an eye on her. We have to go now, our dates are waiting."
"No daddy, I, can we talk about that later? Por favor, daddy, we really have to go." Another pause. "Ugh Mark and Alex."
A pregnant pause occurred as Callie rubbed her temples before speaking into her phone once more, "I will. Love you too."
"Callie, I'm so sorry, I didn't know." Arizona apologized but then stopped as she thought about what she had just heard. Did Callie just really just lie to her dad? And did she just lie about Arizona's own sexuality? She knew she wasn't ready to tell her parents and she supported that decision, but lying was a whole other ballgame.
"It's ok. Are you ready to go?" Callie asked, sounding a bit short.
"Yes." Arizona simply responded. She really did not want to fight and she wanted to give Callie the chance to explain before she jumped to any conclusions so she tabled her irritation and smiled genuinely, "You look really beautiful."
"Thanks." Callie responded, grabbing her purse and pointing toward the door, "Let's go."
The drive to the restaurant was unbearably quiet for Arizona. The only sounds heard above the awkward silence that fell between them was the repetitive motion of the windshield wipers and the occasional splash of a mud puddle as they drove. Both women were lost in their own thoughts and everytime Arizona attempted eye contact, she was met with Callie staring out the opposite window. No sitting impossibly close in the center of the vehicle with fingers intertwined or hands resting almost inappropriately high on a thigh like they had become accustomed to. When they arrived at the restaurant, the doorman rushed to Arizona's side with an umbrella while the driver did the same for Callie. It was Arizona who tipped them both this time as Callie walked straight into the restaurant without a word. It was clear that she was upset and Arizona didn't understand why exactly, but she knew it had to do with the phone call, she wasn't exactly thrilled with it either if she was honest. Arizona found Callie standing next to the hostess stand waiting for them to be seated.
"Do you want to just go back to the hotel?" Arizona asked.
"What? No, of course not." Callie said as if the question was absurd.
"You've barely spoken to me and you seem upset. I think we should talk." Arizona said, reaching out for Callie's hand but Callie avoided the physical touch as the hostess approached to lead them to their table. Arizona was hurt but had no choice but to follow, the hotel was too far to walk to with the rain and in the expensive dress she had bought. Callie had arranged all the transportation so she had no idea where to even begin with that though she probably could find a taxi if she had to.
They were seated at a table in a corner by the window where you could barely see the ocean through the busy streets of the city. It was a beautiful site and under other circumstances, a romantic setting. But as Callie looked over the drink menu, still lost in her own thoughts, the atmosphere was far from romantic at their table. The usual electricity that buzzed between them felt different, cold and tense rather than the usual spark of excitement tinged with warmth and lust.
"I need to use the restroom, I'll be right back." Arizona said as she fought off the tears that were threatening to spill.
"Ok, what would you like to drink?" Callie asked without looking up.
"I don't care, just order me whatever." Arizona replied before walking away. She didn't really need to use the restroom, she just needed a moment of peace to gather herself. She looked at herself in the mirror as she took in some calming breaths. She had spent an hour on her hair, placing it up in a delicate bun with her long bangs slightly teased to give them some volume and twisted gently off to the side. A few curly tendrils of blonde hair hung down to frame her face. Her eye make up was much more gentle and subtle as was the natural pink lip gloss and the pink blush with a hint of gold that made her cheeks glow. Her necklace was tucked into her dress, unable to be seen but she felt it resting there, cool against the skin of her chest. The earrings she had chosen were simple diamonds that hung down from a hooked clasp. She had taken the extra time to allow Callie to return some phone calls and to be honest, she had wanted Callie to notice this side of her. The side that said that Arizona Robbins could be classy and elegant and fit into Callie's world with her family. A world that Arizona hadn't grown up in but could fit into, for Callie. She sighed to herself and made her way back to the table feeling much less emotional but no less shaken by this sudden shift in their bliss.
"I ordered you a glass of white wine." Callie said, smiling at Arizona for the first time since leaving the suite. "You look really beautiful, Arizona. I'm sorry."
"You do too, Callie." Arizona said, forcing herself not to use Calliope. The way she had talked to her dad about Arizona using her full name was said with such venom that she didn't know where it was coming from. Callie did look beautiful, stunning actually. Her dress again was over only one shoulder, leaving her right one bare. The material bunched into soft ruffles that fell over her left shoulder and upper back to her upper waist where a black belt was just visible. The royal blue dress then became slightly more form fitting but still loose and ended just above tan knees. She wore the same black strappy shoes from the night before and her hair was curled and pinned to one side, cascading over her left shoulder with the ruffles of the dress. Her silver heart necklace was visible and on her right wrist hung the pandora bracelet with all the charms. She must have gone with more subtle makeup as well or had been interrupted by the phone call in the midst of applying it, either way, Callie Torres was a breathtaking specimen.
"I think I'm going to order the paella de fideos with lobster, scallops, shrimp, and mussels." Callie said as she looked over the menu, attempting to make small talk. She knew she shouldn't be mad at Arizona but her father had heard Arizona refer to her as "baby", something she almost never did except when she was feeling extra emotional and then "Calliope". She had already been asked some very uncomfortable questions before the blonde had entered the room and after hearing that she noticed the change in her father's tone. She didn't like having to lie to him about their night out but it was a quick story to get him off her back while she decided what to do. And when he had asked the names of their dates unexpectedly she had just picked the two male names that she thought of first. She was now feeling guilty about the lie because she never lied to her dad and she felt like she had hurt Arizona with it. Apparently Frida's story intrigued her father much more than it had her mom and she knew he was trying to see if there was more to piece together which left her feeling anxious. He also knew people in Barcelona as the hotel he and Aria would be opening next year would be in Barcelona. He was a businessman and he reminded her that he had employees which made her feel a bit paranoid about being publicly affectionate suddenly. She wasn't ready to break their blissful vacation filled bubble by announcing her sudden sexual revelation to her parents.
"That sounds good, I think I'll have the same."Arizona replied, trying to read the expression on Callie's face. Callie ordered for both of them when the waiter came back with their drinks. They commented on the quality of their wine, Callie's red, Arizona's white and then the uncomfortable silence returned. Generally, it was Arizona that was more tolerant of the silence and Callie was the one who would go nuts over it but tonight, Arizona just couldn't take anymore. Not after the past five days they had spent together, especially the night they had less than twenty-four hours ago.
"Did I do something wrong?" Arizona asked, fidgeting with the ring on her middle finger. It was something she had worn since she was sixteen, a gift from Andi before they were romantically involved. She had considered recently that now might be the appropriate time to remove it. It really held no romantic meaning, no promises, she just felt like it was the right time. But for now, she found comfort in the thin piece of cool metal.
"What?" Callie asked, caught off guard by the sudden breech in silence.
"You've been distant and short since we left the suite. Did I do something to upset you? I didn't know you were on the phone with your father."
"Not now, Arizona." Callie sighed. She rubbed her temples, the beginning of a headache working its way into her overactive brain.
"Who are Mark and Alex?"
"I told you I was making phone calls, Arizona. I said not right now. Let's just try to enjoy our meal." Callie said as the food appeared at their table as if by magic. Arizona waited politely for the waiter to leave before responding.
"Ok, well, I think I'm going to head back to the hotel." Arizona said as she fought off another wave of tears, "This should cover it," she tossed a hundred dollar bill on the table and walked away.
"Arizona wait." Callie called but she got no response as Arizona continued to exit the restaurant. Callie groaned in frustration, "Fuck."
As quickly as she could, Callie called the waiter over asking him to box up their food and bring her the bill immediately. Even so, it was a full ten minutes before Callie was able to chase after Arizona and she was long gone. The rain had stopped and Callie wondered if she had hailed a taxi or if she had decided to walk. Deciding it would be quicker to just call her driver who had been instructed to park down the street, Callie called him and waited another five minutes. By the time she reached the hotel, a half an hour had passed, which should have been enough time for Arizona to get back to the suite whether she walked or drove.
"Arizona?" Callie called as she entered the suite. She searched the rooms and balcony as she called her name but she could tell just by the empty feeling in her chest that Arizona was not there. She picked up her phone and dialed Arizona's number for the tenth time but it just rang like all the times before. Hearing a familiar ring tone, Callie followed it to the bathroom where she found Arizona's phone sitting on the vanity.
"Shit. She must have left it there by mistake when we left for dinner," Callie said aloud to herself. "Fuck, Arizona, where did you go?"
She was starting to feel slightly panicked. Arizona wasn't helpless but she was in a foreign country without a cell phone and in a fancy dress and heels. And she was definitely a beautiful young woman, the type that could be taken advantage of or targeted by the wrong kind of people. Callie knew she fucked up royally and swore she would make it up to the blonde if she just made it back to her safely. Deciding she better go look for her, Callie called the car service again and the two drove around the streets of Barcelona together for an hour with no sight of her missing girlfriend.
Callie was headed back up to the suite in hopes that the blonde had returned while she had been out searching for her and was headed to the elevator when she spotted the back of a familiar head of curls in a delicate bun sitting out on the patio of the bar with a familiar slender brunette. The blonde was sitting on the railing, a drink in one hand and, was that a cigarette in the other? The slender brunette stood beside her leaning against the railing, a drink in her hand and the other hand resting on the small of Arizona's back. Callie couldn't help it, the phone call with her dad, her hour of frantic worrying and searching compiled with the brunette standing so close to and touching her girlfriend, and she could feel her blood boiling. Add the cigarette in the blonde's hand to the mix and it immediately made her blow her already sizzling top.
"Seriously Arizona!" Callie shouted as she marched up behind the pair. The brunette had the sense to look uncomfortable as she looked back and forth between Callie and Arizona. She removed her hand from Arizona's back and stepped back and Arizona turned, a wide dimpled smile on her face.
"Calliope!" she shouted enthusiastically. "Natalia, this is her, this is my Calliope, the one I've been telling you about."
"Are you drunk?" Callie asked.
"Hmmm...maybe just a little." Arizona replied holding her index finger and thumb close together as a visual representation.
"I found her at the bar doing shots with some guy and he was trying to get her to go to his room with him. She didn't seem interested, she just kept talking about her Calliope but he was a little too insistent. She asked me for a cigarette so I got her out of there. We walked across the street, bought a pack of smokes and came back here. I didn't know what else to do with her, she didn't have your room key. I wouldn't take advantage of a drunk woman. I wanted to make sure she was safe though." Natalie said to Callie. Callie searched the shorter woman's face and nodded as she saw genuine concern there.
"Thank you. I've got it from here." Callie said, politely dismissing the woman before turning her attention back to Arizona. "What the hell is this?"
Callie snatched the cigarette from Arizona's hand and tossed it in the cigarette receptacle a few feet away, keeping her hand on Arizona so the drunk woman wouldn't lose her balance and fall on the cement below. "Yea, I smoke sometimes. Not a lot but when I know I am going to be in trouble, like now."
"Yea, you could say you're in trouble."
"But just a little, right?" she asked, again holding up her fingers for emphasis.
"Come on. I'm getting some food in you and putting you to bed."
"Are you mad?"
"Furious but I'm also happy you're safe and really sorry for the way I treated you tonight but we will talk about that tomorrow."
"Oh boy."
"Oh boy is right, you are in some serious trouble over those cigarettes, woman. You're a doctor, Arizona and a runner. What the hell were you thinking?"
The blonde just shrugged and smiled with a dreamy look and said, "You're really pretty when you're mad."
"And you're still in trouble." Callie replied but she couldn't help but chuckle. She had to hide her smile at the adorableness of her girlfriend even though she was still thoroughly pissed.
"Oh you should definitely spank me then." Arizona winked. And whispered incoherent sweet nothings into Callie's ear, though her whisper was more like a quiet shout. Callie stuck her finger in her ear and wiggled it to stop the ringing and then placed it over Arizona's lips to prevent any further of a spectacle as they made their way through the lobby.
"Come on casanova, time to get you to bed."
"Mmmm bed."
Callie practically carried Arizona up to the suite. She dodged her advances as she helped the blonde undress and put a pair of pajamas on her. Then with patience she didn't know she could possess, she helped her to the bathroom to brush her teeth and helped her wash her face before giving her two aspirin and a bottle of water. Knowing that getting the blonde to eat anything was a lost cause, she tucked her into bed and within minutes the blonde was softly snoring beside her. She guessed it was a combination of the cigarettes and being drunk as the blonde didn't usually snore but she found even that adorable at the moment.
"I can't believe she was fucking smoking." Callie said as she got up and checked the blonde's purse where, sure enough, a pack of menthols were hiding. Callie tossed them in the trash, changed into her own pajamas, and threw herself literally onto the bed, "Oh we are definitely talking tomorrow Doctor Robbins."
Arizona woke with a nasty taste in her mouth and a throbbing in her head. She opened one blue eye to find that it was still dark outside and then hearing the soft snores of her beautiful girlfriend, Arizona rolled over to look at her. It took a moment for the events of the night before to flood her aching head. "Shit," she whispered as she carefully climbed out of bed. She stopped in the bathroom and grabbed some Tylenol and brushed her teeth before she headed to the kitchen and grabbed a glass of water, throwing the pills to the back of her throat. She spotted her pack of menthols on the top of the trash and groaned, yep it really was as bad as she remembered.
Thinking there was nothing more she would like than to talk to Teddy right now, she grabbed the cigarettes from the trash and her phone from the counter. Stepping out onto the balcony, she took in the fresh air and remembered that she couldn't call Teddy or Tim or even Nick. Amelia was always an option but she had been distancing herself from her and since Callie was likely, no definitely already pissed, she didn't think that was her best idea. There was always April...no, not for this kind of talk. Sighing, she was out of options. Making sure both balcony doors were firmly shut and the Latina was still asleep, Arizona lit a cigarette and inhaled deeply, enjoying the feel of the burn in her throat and the peace it brought her.
She knew smoking was the dumbest thing she could ever do and it honestly was a rare occurrence. She had her first cigarette when she was fourteen at a party. She had only been invited as a pity invite and because Nick and Tim's friend, Mitch, who was hosting, thought Arizona was hot. He was so barking up the wrong tree, Arizona thought with a smirk. Remembering the anger she had felt when she had walked up on her brother and Nick smoking, she smiled. She had read them the riot act and listed off statistics and the surgeon general's warning but then, Liz, the homecoming queen and object of Arizona's affection had spoken up and said something about Arizona being a square and wanted to know who invited the "little girl" to the party. So she had marched up to her and grabbed a lit cigarette right out of the girl's mouth and smoked it without batting an eye. She felt awful the next day and was wracked with such guilt about it that she ratted on herself and in turn her brother, Nick, Mitch, and Liz. She had definitely not been popular at that school or even in her own home for their entire month of being grounded after that incident. She hadn't smoked again after that until Tim, Teddy, and Nick had all been deployed and she found herself, much like tonight, with no one to talk to. Her last cigarette had been in her second year of residency when a surgery she was assisting on had gone badly. It wasn't something she did often but something she had to admit, she thoroughly enjoyed despite knowing the health risks, and that it was a completely disgusting habit.
Arizona looked at her watch, 5:30am. It would be a few more hours before she had to face the music with Callie so she sat and watched the sunrise as she smoked two more cigarettes. Deciding, she needed to shower before Callie woke up and found her out here, she tossed the pack back in the kitchen trash and flushed the three butts down the toilet. No reason to make Callie any more pissed than she already was. God, she was dreading this talk as she replayed the events in her head over and over. To be honest, she still wasn't happy with Callie either though and she felt she had a right to be upset. Maybe she hadn't handled it the best but nothing she could do about that now but grovel for forgiveness. Tim always did say it was better to grovel for forgiveness than ask for permission, he's an idiot, she thought with a laugh and a shake of her head.
"What's so funny?"
"Jesus Callie, you scared me."
"We skipped dinner last night so I'm, um, going to warm up our leftovers while you shower and then we need to talk."
"K." Arizona replied with a gulp, not knowing what to expect from this conversation they were about to have. She waited for Callie to leave before she let the shower mask the tears. She gave herself ten minutes and then she took a deep breath and wrapped up in a big fluffy robe.
"Time to find Callie and face the music, here goes nothing." she said to the woman in the mirror.
Arizona stepped into the living room prepared to apologize profusely and beg if that's what it took only to have words fail her as she entered the room to find a small table set up with flowers and lit candles with their dinner in fancy togo containers from the night before. Callie sat at the table and smiled a genuine warm smile at Arizona before standing and pulling her chair out for her.
"What's all this? I thought we were fighting."
"Oh, we are. But I do realize that I was a bit of a dick last night and that caused some things to happen, one of them being that we missed out on one of our dates. So, I thought while we have our talk, we could enjoy our meal at least."
"Thank you, Callie. I'm starving." Arizona said, her stomach growling as if to prove a point.
"I want to start by apologizing for the way I treated you last night." Callie said. She took a bite of her food while she waited for Arizona to respond. "Oh my God, this is good."
Arizona smiled and took a bite from her own container and shook her head enthusiastically in agreement. Deciding to bite the bullet, she offered her own apology, "I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have left the restaurant like that."
"Why did you?"
"I was confused by your conversation with your dad and your response to it. And I was hurt by the way you were acting toward me. I didn't want to make a scene but I was feeling emotional over it so I decided to just leave and get a little space."
"And get drunk with some random guy that tried to take advantage of you? And then you thought you could just hang out and bond with Natalia? Arizona, anything could have happened to you."
"I didn't set out to get drunk. I walked to the hotel and was going to just go to the room and wait for you but then I realized you had the elevator card to get us to the suite so I thought I'd just sit at the bar and have a drink while I waited for you. A couple of guys sent me some drinks, which I declined, and then one of them challenged me to a shot contest. It wasn't my brightest moment but I had an empty belly and two drinks in me so my competitive nature just wanted to show this guy up. When he started trying to get me to his hotel room, Natalia walked up and pretended to be my girlfriend. We walked to the store for, to pick up something, and then went back to the patio to wait for you. She was trying to get me to quit drinking and to get me to my room safely. Nothing happened between us, Callie."
"I know that. I'm actually grateful that she was looking out for you. God, Arizona you are a young woman in a foreign country no less, you have to be more careful. Do you know how frantic I was? You didn't even have your cell."
"I know, Callie. It wasn't intentional. I'm sorry that I scared you, I really am."
"I know you are."
"Can we discuss what happened with your dad?"
"My mom may not have caught on to what Frida was getting at but Aria and my father both did. My dad was asking a lot of questions and I was trying not to lie to him but he knew I was being evasive so his questions became more direct. I told him that we met some nice young men the night before and agreed to go to dinner with them. And then he heard you call me Calliope and baby."
"So Mark and Alex were the names of our "dates"?" Arizona asked.
"They were the first male names that popped in my head."
"Callie, I need you to hear me on this, ok. I didn't know you were on the phone with your dad so I am truly sorry about that. And I meant what I said, I support your decision on when and how you would like to tell your parents. But lying to them is another thing entirely. And lying to them about who I am, that's even worse. I haven't been in the closet since I was sixteen and I don't intend to go back in. If you don't want to be honest right now about who you are, I understand but please, don't ever lie about who I am."
"Arizona, I wasn't lying about who you are. I just can't tell them you're my girlfriend, not yet."
"I know. But I am gay, Callie. I've never had a boyfriend, not ever. And I am not going to start pretending like I have one now. If that's what you want to do then maybe we should take a step back."
"What? No! That's not what I want to do, Arizona."
"I'm not trying to pressure you. Are you ashamed of me or are you afraid you will just be guilty by association if you tell your parents that I am a lesbian?"
"No, of course I'm not ashamed of you. I never want you to feel that way. Arizona, you are incredible and one of the most beautiful human beings I've ever met. I'm so sorry that I made you feel that way. I am so proud of you and lucky to be with you."
"Then why did you lie about me?"
"I wasn't thinking. I was just trying to get my dad off my back. I never meant to hurt you, please believe that."
"I do." Arizona replied with a smile.
"You do?"
"Yes. Can I ask a question without sounding like a jealous lunatic?"
"Yes." Callie said, softening her smile.
"Why Mark? I know he's your friend but I hate that he keeps coming up."
"I wasn't aware that he was but I'm sorry if he is. I just blurted out the names of the first two men that popped in my head, Arizona."
"One of which you've slept with."
"Both actually."
"What?! You slept with Alex? My Alex?"
"Yea just twice during a weird time. I hadn't been in town long and he was attractive and there."
"Ugh, I've lost my appetite." Arizona said, pushing her plate away. "And Alex is officially off my service until the end of time."
"I'm not sure you can kick him off your service in a war zone sweetie and there's no need to be jealous."
"Amelia."
"Ok, point taken. Ok, if it makes you feel better then go ahead."
"It does."
"I'm sorry about everything that I did that led to all of this, Arizona. I really am. I want to be with you. I am not ashamed of you or me either, I'm just, this is all new to me and I'm trying to navigate it still. My dad threw me off. Aria knowing is great, she's like our generation, more open minded. But my parents, I'm just not sure they are going to be ok with this at first. They may need some time to adjust."
"That's ok, Callie. I understand that. But please, just talk to me about it. I just want to be there for you."
"I know. I want to be there for you too. Am I forgiven?"
"Yes. But no more lies, ok? If you aren't ready to tell them, I support you but you can't lie about it, Callie. That will make it worse. And if you don't want to introduce me as your girlfriend or flaunt that I'm gay, that's ok too but please don't lie about my sexuality with pretend boyfriends and dates, ok?"
"Deal."
"Now, can we declare this fight over and put it behind us?"
"Not quite yet. There's still the matter of the cigarettes that we need to discuss. I think of everything that happened last night, that shocked me the most. You are so not getting off the hook for that."
"I know it's gross and stupid. I don't do it often."
"Do you plan on doing it again?"
"I don't plan on it but I probably will." Arizona replied honestly. She never planned on smoking, every time she had done it, it had been a spontaneous occurrence. One that she often regretted but thoroughly enjoyed in the moment.
"No. I threw them away, Arizona and I'm not going to tell you what you can and can not do but we are doctors and I will never be ok with you smoking. No matter how often you do or do not do it. I want you around for another sixty years."
"Ok. I hear you and I know your concerns are real but I don't want to make promises I can't keep. I will try to consider your feelings in the future when I'm making these kinds of choices. It's the best I can do, Callie."
"It will do, for now. But no more sneaking those damn things out of the garbage."
"How?"
"I smelled it and you just confirmed it." Callie replied as she narrowed her eyes at Arizona.
"I promise, no more smoking on this trip. Now, let's eat and go back to bed."
"We do have a few rounds of makeup sex to get started on." Callie said with a wink and they both laughed.
"I'm sorry, Calliope."
"Me too, babe."
"Before we officially end this fight, I just want to say thank you for the rug burns on my ass, Callie." Arizona said with a smirk. Although the discovery in the shower the day before had been an unpleasant experience, she didn't regret how she got them in the slightest.
"I'm sure they match perfectly with the bite mark on my ass and the bruises from your heels on my back. Sex battle wounds are a price I'm willing to pay for both of us. It's not the first and it's not going to be the last, babe." Callie said with a wink.
"Didn't you say something about makeup sex?" Arizona asked as she pushed her chair out and grabbed Callie's hand to lead her into the bedroom.
Despite the rocky night before and the early morning serious discussion, the couple was able to salvage the rest of their weekend. After spending the previous day mostly inside, the women found themselves exploring the streets of Barcelona. Callie's attention was caught by some hot air balloons and she convinced Arizona that a hot air balloon ride near the ocean at sunset was just what they needed to end their weekend. Reluctantly, Arizona climbed into the basket. Flying was not her favorite thing and she couldn't believe with Callie's fear of heights that the Latina would even consider something like this.
"Don't be scared, Arizona." Callie whispered as she wrapped her arms around her from behind. The other two people in the balloon were preparing it for lift off and Callie decided that a distracted Arizona was better than a panicked one.
Arizona's fingers gripped the edges of the basket tightly as the basket began to wobble from side to side just slightly as it first lifted off the ground. She closed her eyes tightly like she did for take off on an airplane and held her breath. "Arizona, I need you to breathe baby. It's ok. Open your eyes honey."
As Arizona concentrated on her breathing, she opened her eyes and surveyed the beauty of the city becoming slightly smaller below them. Her fingers slowly relaxed and she leaned her body into Callie's. They completed the hour tour just as the sun was setting and had a beautiful view of the sun going down over the water. The ending of their night was a stark contrast to the night before as they walked back to their suite hand in hand and made love before falling asleep.
Monday and Tuesday flew by with more tours of the city and squeezing in as many museums as Callie's heart desired. They shopped some more along La Rambla and explored the Gothic Quarter while eating at as many local hot spots as their stomachs could take. They spent their nights worshipping each other's bodies then falling asleep in each other's arms.
Wednesday would be their last day in Barcelona. They decided to stick to the beach and around their hotel for their last day, wanting to soak up some sun on a beautiful and hot day for the beginning of October. Callie had been the one to suggest the beach, she just wanted one last image of Arizona in that red bikini to be burned into her brain and she was not disappointed she thought as she lathered up all the delicate skin with sunscreen. She let her hands roam over a cloth covered perfectly round bottom and felt her arousal start to grow. They had made love more times in the past nine days than Callie had combined in some of her relationships and yet she just couldn't get enough of Arizona, every interaction left her wanting more.
"Callie, if you don't stop looking at me like that, you're not going to get your beach day." Arizona said in a warning tone as she caught Callie ogling her for the dozenth time since laying out their beach blanket.
"I can't help it, Arizona, you seriously don't know how beautiful you are. Or how much this trip has meant to me. I knew you were special and I was completely captivated by you but I didn't know how sweet and caring you are under all of that tough exterior."
"Are you sad we are leaving tomorrow?" Arizona asked, feeling slightly uncomfortable with Callie's candid compliments.
"A little, yea. I will miss being here with you, like this. I will miss being able to have sex when and where we want. But I think mostly I will miss falling asleep with you every night. It's going to be hard to not be able to hold you."
"I'll miss that too. And I cannot go back to being celibate after the week we just had. We are going to have to figure something out." Arizona said, rolling onto her side so she could see Callie as they spoke.
"There's always the shed." Callie said with a smile.
"Don't joke, I seriously think I'm going to have to drag you back there at least once a day."
"Maybe it will be me dragging you."
"That works too. I just know one way or another, someone is getting dragged back there."
"I don't want this to end." Callie confessed. Arizona sat up and patted her legs so Callie would lay her head in her lap.
"It's not forever. We can get through the next four months, Cal. And then we will see what happens after that, ok?"
"I know." Callie sighed, "Come, on, let's go for a swim. I don't want to be sad on our last day."
"I'll go for a swim with you if you have a sandcastle building contest with me." Arizona said with a mischievous smile.
"I've already seen how your competitions go and I do not want to fight on our last day."
"No fighting, just some good ole fashioned sandcastle building."
"If we can be on the same team I'm in." Callie said.
"And who will we compete against?"
"There's a couple of kids over there playing in the sand, we could challenge them to a contest."
"Oh that's not creepy. Besides, we can't make kids cry."
"Arizona…"
"Callie…"
"Fine, but I swear if this causes a fight and I don't get laid on my last night there's going to be problems."
"But make up sex is the best, Calliope." Arizona winked.
"Good Lord how do I get roped into these things?" Callie asked herself as she followed Arizona closer to the water where they could build sandcastles better. As she followed Arizona and took in the lean, toned body with small curvy hips and a bottom to die for, she knew exactly how she got roped into these things. She pulled Arizona into a tight embrace as she caught up to her. "What are we wagering?"
"How about if I win, I get to do anything I want with you tonight."
"And if I win?"
"You won't but if you do, you get to do the same."
"Deal. You're going down Robbins."
"Oh I hope so." Arizona winked back. Callie just shook her head as Arizona laughed at her. For the next hour, the two worked on their sand castles with their backs to each other at Arizona's insistence at not wanting to be spied on. She announced the five minute warning of the end of their hour to build and called over the two children playing down the beach to judge their castles. She was pleased with hers, it was two levels, complete with a moat and a bridge. Having only a bucket and shovel each, she was pretty proud of her work. Callie stood and blocked Arizona's view from her own as the kids came over.
"Would you guys judge our sand castles for us?" Arizona asked the young boys sweetly.
"Sure." The older boy said with a shrug.
"Wow, this is amazing, how did you do this?" Both boys fell to their knees as they inspected Callie's sand castle and Arizona looked down for the first time, her mouth agape.
"Callie, how did you do this? I mean I know we call them castles but how?" Arizona couldn't believe her eyes as she took in the sight. Callie could seriously be a sculptor as she took in the castle she had made.
"Aria and I may have had sandcastle building lessons by one of our nannies when we were children. Plus my Abulea is kind of an artist." Callie replied.
"This is the coolest sand castle I've ever seen."
"Sorry blonde lady but hers wins." the younger boy said before the two boys ran off to attempt to replicate Callie's castle.
"You heard it blonde lady, I win."
"Clearly you win. Callie, seriously that is some talent with sand. Ok, next time we have a competition you are so on my team. You're just full of all sorts of hidden talents." Arizona said as she wrapped her arms around Callie's waist to prove there were no hard feelings.
"Oh and I will show you some more of those talents tonight. Now come on, you owe me a swim." Callie said as she grabbed Arizona by the waist and swung her around, splashing water up at them as they entered the water. Arizona giggled in delight and soon the two were splashing each other and jumping the waves like children.
As Callie stood waist deep in water after their swim, just taking in the beauty of the water and the view around her, she felt a calmness settle in her chest. She felt Arizona's presence a second before she heard her and then pale arms wrapped around her stomach and a bony chin rested on her right shoulder. The two stood there for a long moment in silence just sharing in the feeling of peace. Arizona was the first to break their silence as she kissed a bronze shoulder and said, "I love you, Calliope."
"I love you too, Arizona, so very much." Callie sighed as she turned her head and kissed Arizona's lips sloppily.
"Are you ready to go eat and make use of that hot tub one more time?" Arizona asked and Callie smiled because she had quickly learned that nothing got between Arizona and food and after food, nothing got between Arizona and sexy time.
"Yea, just one more minute. I'm really going to miss this view." Callie said, pulling Arizona's arms tighter around her waist.
"Mmmm me too."
"Do you think we should come back next year? After Afghanistan and Malawi, it would be nice to come again."
"Let's do it." Arizona replied with another kiss to the shoulder.
"Come on, let's get you fed before my sweet and beautiful Arizona turns into gremlin Arizona."
"Hey." Arizona replied in mock hurt, placing a hand over her wounded heart.
The two gathered their belongings and after a quick shower together, they put robes on and made pizza in the kitchen while they danced to Callie's ipod. Arizona giggled in amusement as her tough, badass girlfriend's ipad began playing NSYNC. Callie rushed to change the song but Arizona was quicker and grabbed the ipod. Callie flushed momentarily in embarrassment mumbling "Aria added this song" before it was her turn to be amused as the bubbly blonde danced the entire "Bye Bye Bye" dance from the music video.
"Oh wow. I pegged you more as a Backstreet Boys fan but that was amazing." Callie laughed in amusement.
"Hey, don't be jealous of my moves. Besides, I never liked the Backstreet Boys or NSYNC really, I just had to fit in. You haven't even begun to see my fangirl moves until you put the Spice Girls on. Teddy and her friend, Ally, Sara, Andi, and I used to put on concerts for Nick and Tim. I was Baby spice of course." Arizona explained with the smirk and the wink that sent Callie's heart racing.
"Of course you were." Callie smiled at the image she formed in her head of teenage Arizona.
"Don't worry, my mom has lots of photos."
"Oh, I am suddenly very excited about Boston." Callie said as she grabbed the pizza, cut it, and plated it, handing Arizona a plate. They grabbed their bottles of wine and made their way to the deck where they sat together on one of the double loungers to eat their dinner wrapped up in robes.
"Oh my God, Callie. You make the best pizza. Seriously, it's way better than the pizza I order back home."
"My Nonna was Italian, she taught me a few things, remember?"
"And I am so glad she did." The little moans and groans of pleasure coming from Arizona as she ate her pizza did not escape Callie and she found herself, as usual in the presence of Arizona, hungry for something more than food.
"Did you get enough?" Callie asked, reaching out and wiping pizza sauce from the corner of Arizona's mouth.
"Oh my God, yes." Arizona replied a split second before she squealed as Callie knocked her over and landed on top of her. "Can I help you?"
"Yes, I believe you can. All those little moans of yours have been driving me nuts. You're lucky I controlled myself until you were done eating." Callie said as she untied Arizona's robe then completely removed her own.
"What do you have in mind, Dr. Torres?" Arizona asked, knowing what it did to Callie when she called her that. Arizona used her temporary advantage to flip them, removing her own robe in the process.
"Well there is something I've always wanted to try." Callie said as she nibbled on the skin over Arizona's clavicle.
"Oh yea?"
"Mmmm." Callie said, nibbling her way up Arizona's neck to her ear, sucking her earlobe into her mouth for a moment before releasing it as she whispered into her ear.
"Really?" Arizona asked. She was completely open to anything Callie wanted to try, hell she had probably done just about everything at least once including Callie's latest suggestion, she just hadn't thought Callie would want to.
"Only if you're ok with it." Callie said, feeling slightly embarrassed but not self-conscious about her desire.
"You are so hot, do you know that?"
"Mmm, I've been told. Plus, I do believe I won the wager." Callie smiled as Arizona leaned down to kiss her.
"No visible marks, Calliope." Arizona warned. She had learned that the Latina was not only vocal but enjoyed marking her which she was alright with her but not when it would show in her professional setting and especially not in Afghanistan.
"You will be much more covered in Afghanistan, I can work with that." Callie winked. Arizona just sighed and shook her head.
"No more talking." Arizona said as she placed a finger over Callie's full lips before she followed and replaced her finger with her own lips. As Callie granted her entrance, she ran her tongue along the roof of Callie's mouth slowly before she sucked her tongue into her own mouth. Their tongues dueled until breathing became a necessity and then Arizona moved on to Callie's neck, her hands palming her perfect breasts, squeezing and massaging the soft tissue. Callie moaned at her touch and could feel the arousal coating her upper thighs. She snaked her hand down Arizona's body and cupped two handfuls of the firm flesh of her ass and brought her body down on top of her own. Arizona let go of Callie's neck and let out a small moan at the contact. Deciding this was not the time for slow and delicate or teasing, Arizona climbed off Callie.
"Spread your legs." She demanded to which Callie complied immediately and Arizona couldn't help but graze her hand through wet folds as she turned herself to get in a comfortable position. "Put your pillow under your head and hand me that one so I can put it under your hips."
Callie did as she was told without complaint or delay. She had been aching for Arizona's body since this morning when they had a quick round of morning sex before they hurriedly left for the beach. Knowing that she couldn't have the blonde whenever or wherever she liked for the next four months was making her libido that much higher. She hadn't noticed the blonde lowering herself over her as she was lost in her thoughts and she whimpered as she felt Arizona's tongue on her at the same time that she smelled the intoxicating arousal of that very same beauty.
As Arizona's tongue and lips worked magic on Callie, she had to fight to focus as she brought her own tongue to Arizona's center. She dipped her tongue into her center and prodded her tight walls before she brought her tongue to her clit and licked lightly. The feeling of Arizona's tongue on her while she was tasting the other woman was going to make Callie cum hard and fast. She was already feeling the build in the pit of her stomach and a tingling sensation over her skin. She held onto Arizona's hips to keep her firmly in place as she began to lick, taste, and suck with purpose. Running her fingers through slick folds, she carefully entered her with two fingers, holding onto Arizona tightly with the other hand as her hips jumped forward and then rocked back. When she felt Arizona enter her with her own two fingers, Callie could hardly keep her hips on the bed or her tongue focused on the task. She had never felt anything like it, it was just pure pleasure.
As Arizona's hips began to move, so did her face, causing more pressure on Callie's clit and more movement from her fingers. Her whimpers and the tightening of the walls around Callie's fingers alerted Callie that she was close. Another whimper and rocking of hips, mouth, and tongue and Callie could feel her own inner walls spasming, she bucked her hips up at the same time she thrust into Arizona and curled her fingers, sucking her clit into her mouth and she fell over the edge as Arizona released her clit and yelled, "Calliope". The sound nearly made Callie orgasm again, Arizona was out of control writhing on top of her, her inner walls holding tightly to her fingers and her entire body spasming before she finally relaxed, falling limply on top of her.
"You ok, baby?" Callie asked, slightly concerned as Arizona's limp body rolled off of her. She gently pulled her fingers out and turned in the bed to lay beside Arizona.
"Oh my God, Callie." Was all she could say as she gasped for air. Callie gently wiped silky blonde hair from a sweaty neck and forehead as she watched Arizona struggle to recover.
"Was it that good babe?" Callie asked, already knowing on her end at least that it had been amazing and she thought that might be her new favorite position. Feeling Arizona's mouth on her while she was tasting her was just something she would never tire of.
Rolling onto her side to face Callie, she ran a finger down a straight nose and smiled at her. "Callie, I have never let go like that before, with anyone. It was, you are incredible. Tasting you and having my fingers inside of you while I could feel you doing the same to me, it just did something to me. It's never felt quite like that before."
"You screamed my name, without me having to beg you and use a birthday wish."
"Hey, both times you earned it." Arizona said with a lazy smile. "I know I should be satisfied after that but if anything, it just made me want you again."
Callie threw her head back in laughter, "And I'm the insatiable one."
"Are you denying it?"
"Not in the least. I'm saying we both are." Callie reached her finger out and stroked Arizona's nose in response before she cupped her face, brushing her thumb across a rosy cheek and brought their lips together. They both moaned as their flavors mixed against their tongues.
"Have any more fantasies I don't know about?"
"Just the one that I told you about but we don't have a strap on yet and I don't want to push you. I told you, I want to do it but it's not something I feel like I'm missing out on. I want our sex life to be equally enjoyable for both of us."
"Well, if we did have one, I would let you use it on me. When the time is right, we can get one and try it. I trust you." Arizona replied as she pecked Callie on the lips.
"Yea?"
"Yes, Callie."
"Ok, now I'm ready for round two."
"See, insatiable." Arizona giggled as Callie scooped her up in her arms and sat her on her lap. She turned her so her chest was against Arizona's back and used her own legs to spread Arizona's as she sat them on the edge of the bed. She let her hands roam over perky breasts and hardened nipples while her mouth explored Arizona's neck. She rolled her nipples between her fingers and smiled as Arizona arched her back and brought her hands up to grasp onto Callie's hair. Arizona was a hair puller and she sort of loved that. She kept one hand on a firm breast while the other one caressed a toned abdomen, dipping into her belly button and then sliding over her mound to play with the barely there, neatly trimmed area of curls that she kept there.
"Callie." Arizona whimpered as her hand massaged over soaked outer lips, fingers dipping in every so often to gather more wetness. At this angle, Callie was mostly in control, something she enjoyed very much during sex and it was no different with Arizona but unlike most sexual partners, she also enjoyed Arizona taking control equally as much. Callie forced Arizona's legs open wider with her own and brought her other hand down to join. Using her left hand, she gently entered Arizona with one finger and started a slow rhythm while the fingers of her right hand just barely brushed and grazed a pulsating and needy bundle of nerves. Arizona's hand tightened in Callie's hair, the other one digging into the skin of her forearm. "Please, Calliope, don't tease."
"Shh, relax, I'm going to take care of you. I just want to enjoy feeling you. You are so incredibly beautiful, Arizona. And I am so lucky that I get to be the only one to have my hands on your body now. I'm not sure what I did to deserve you." Callie replied as she found the spot behind her ear that drove her nuts. She nibbled and lapped at it for a few seconds, keeping her fingers gentle and light before she added a second finger and simultaneously added a bit more pressure.
"Oh, God, yes." Arizona said, throwing her head back to rest on Callie's shoulder. She was unable to move her hips, the feeling of being at Callie's mercy sent little shock waves of pleasure down her spine. Feeling Arizona's juices flowing onto her hand, Callie added a third finger and gently thrust her fingers in and out, with her right hand she continued slow circles around a needy clit. Arizona hissed, "Fuck, Callie."
Her hands were now gripping Callie's hair painfully tight and her fingernails were digging into flesh but Callie didn't stop. She kept her thrusts gentle but firm, swiping the spongy area with intent now as her circles continued. "Oh my God, Callie, don't stop."
"I wasn't planning to. Cum for me baby." Callie said as she bit down gently on Arizona's neck, careful not to leave a mark. Arizona's walls began spasming and it was harder for Callie to move her fingers. Continuing with her thrusts, making sure to hit the spongy area with curled fingers, Callie felt Arizona come undone in her arms. "Shit Callie, oh fuck."
Callie smirked. She loved hearing the pediatric-unicorn loving- magic believing-surgeon curse like a sailor as she unraveled in ecstacy. It was one of Callie's favorite things about making Arizona come undone. She brushed her long hair over her shoulder and whispered, "Have I ever told you how hot it is when you curse like that?"
"Have I told you how hot it is when you fuck me like that?" Arizona asked as she stood up and faced Callie, stepping between her spread legs.
"Jesus, Arizona." Callie shouted as a pale hand grabbed her nipple and twisted hard.
"You like it a little rough don't you, Callie?" Arizona pinched the other nipple roughly and Callie whimpered a, "Yes."
"Maybe I should have given you some birthday spankings." Arizona teased but Callie nodded her head yes with enthusiasm. "In that case, stand up."
Callie did as she was told and stood, allowing Arizona to direct her, she grabbed a pillow from the lounger and placed it over the back of the same chair they had used the other night. She placed Callie in front of the back of the chair, "Bend over." Callie complied, bending over the back of the chair and placing her hands on the arms on each side.
Arizona was a little unsure about all of this. She was far from vanilla and she had experimented a lot, a lot, a lot, and she did very much enjoy being in control but she had never established a level of trust with anyone for this level of exploration. And she never wanted to do anything to harm this woman that she felt so much love for. She rubbed her hand over Callie's tan skin, Callie shivered beneath her touch, and she decided to just take a deep breath and explore this with Callie. She leaned down and gently brushed her lips over the flesh before she brought her hand back and swatted it three times in rapid succession. Callie moaned and hissed and pushed her backside out further to Arizona, her obvious arousal coating her thighs, Arizona was in awe. She had never considered in her joke about birthday spankings that Callie might actually enjoy this or want this. She repeated her process on the other buttock, earning a whimpered, "Arizona" from Callie's lips. Placing a kiss on each slightly pink buttock, she brought her hand down and entered Callie with her fingers and wrapped her other hand in her hair. She placed featherlight kisses over a broad shoulder and whispered, "I love you."
She didn't know why but she felt the need to say it after she had just left the smallest outline of a handprint on those beautiful cheeks. With the sound of Arizona's voice uttering those words, Callie turned around understanding that Arizona needed to connect with her, she grabbed Arizona's wrist and stopped her ministrations. Leading her to the front of the chair, she pushed Arizona back into it and then climbed onto her, straddling her lap. Grabbing Arizona's hand, she inserted three of her fingers into her core and began riding Arizona's hand, never breaking eye contact and with that, Arizona could feel her own arousal coating her thighs, mixing with Callie's that was now dripping onto her. "My God, Callie, you are so gorgeous."
She brought her mouth to perfect breasts and spent time nipping and sucking at each. She nipped with intent and earned some extra moans as she soothed each nipple with her tongue. The moans coming from Callie were animalistic and she was thoroughly enjoying them. She inched her other hand in between their bodies and pinched Callie's clit to see what kind of reaction it would elicit. The Latina whimpered and threw her head back as her hips increased their speed. Wanting to see Callie fall apart, Arizona repeated the action twice more and with a buck of her hips and her eyes intensely gazing into Arizona's, her body stiffened and she collapsed onto Arizona, a convulsing mess.
It took her awhile to recover and catch her breath and Arizona was content to hold her and stroke her back while she did. She loved the feeling of skin on skin contact with Callie. Something she had avoided in other sexual encounters. During sex, she was all for being naked but after, she would dress in at least a t-shirt and panties immediately, if she stayed at all after, many times she just up and left.
"The sun is setting." Callie whispered suddenly. Though, she didn't want to break their contact, she released her grip on Callie and the two stood and walked hand in hand to the other end of the deck, retrieving their robes along the way. Callie placed Arizona between herself and the railing and held her from behind as they watched their final sunset over Spain.
"It's so beautiful." Arizona whispered.
"Yea it is." Callie said as she watched the woman in front of her framed by the setting sun.
"Was Spain everything you hoped for, Calliope?"
"Spain was, everything. I am so glad we did this, Arizona. I'm glad I did this with you."
"Me too. Remember this feeling when we visit Boston, ok?"
Callie laughed at that and kissed Arizona's cheek. "I say, we spend our last night in Spain making love and just being together. We have a long flight tomorrow, we can sleep then. I don't want to miss a minute with you."
"Ok but if you are grumpy tomorrow Callie, I swear, you won't get laid for a month."
"Well, that's a pretty big possibility even if I am grumpy since we will be in Afghanistan and have absolutely no privacy. Besides, you couldn't hold out on me for a month."
"You're right, I can't." Arizona giggled. "I worked up an appetite, let's get some leftover pizza and wine and then say goodbye to Spain with some more mind blowing orgasms."
"Now who can say no to that?"