AN: Hello everyone :) Just a little update to keep you entertained until I decide which direction I'm taking this. I want to give it the attention it deserves but life is happening right now and it's been difficult to find the time or motivation. I didn't want to leave you hanging though and I thought after a little drama and some cliff hangers, you guys deserved a few chapters of basically pure smut and fluff. It's a filler chapter, I'm not crazy about it but it is what it is at the moment. No worries, there will be plenty of drama in the future for all of you that enjoy those parts, but for now, I'm content with letting them enjoy domesticity for a bit. I'd like to remind you all that this is a Calzona centric fanfiction, yes, but that doesn't mean that I want them to be the only characters with depth or purpose. I wanted to write something with more meaning, possibly touch on some sensitive subjects as I did with Andi and Callie's family. There is so much going on in the world right now and you can expect more heavy topics in the future no matter which direction I take this. I would never want to discourage anyone from reading anything but if you're not enjoying the direction it is taking, or the fact that this is not strictly an Arizona and Calliope fanfiction, maybe this just isn't the fanfiction for you. I would encourage you to write your own that fits your expectations and imagination for our favorite couple. For all of you offering your positive thoughts, encouragement, support, and constructive criticism I truly appreciate it. And I get that no update is fast enough, I am also guilty of checking my emails constantly for an update when I have a fanfiction I'm addicted to. For that, I try to keep you all in mind when my life gets crazy busy and bogged down with things that take my motivation. Knowing you guys are waiting has kept me writing consistently for the first time in years and years, you have no idea what that means to me so, when I say thank you, please know that I genuinely mean that. As always, I hope this finds you all safe and healthy. Happy reading :)
Chapter Thirty-Six
Callie
"We rocked that surgery." Callie said as she left the scrub room, Minnick and Wilson right behind her as they all stopped at the sinks to scrub out
"We kicked that surgery's ass." Jo exclaimed, still feeling the rush of adrenaline.
"We were pretty epic." Eliza added. Each woman had a giant smile plastered to their faces.
"God, I am so frickin' amped up, I think I could run a mile right now." Jo said, bouncing a little on the balls of her feet.
"Hey, there Sparky, slow down a little. If you like that feeling, you could feel like that all the time in ortho. People think there's no beauty or skill behind what we do. They think there's no thrill but Wilson, you just helped build a man a new leg and because of that, he's going to walk again. Does that feel like there's no beauty or skill? Wasn't it thrilling?" Callie said enthusiastically. Jo showed real talent for ortho and though she was only just ending her first year, she needed to get her started on an ortho path now if she was going to mentor her. She had never met anyone with such promise and she had enlisted Eliza's help to recruit her.
"It was amazing. You're seriously an ortho goddess and Minnick, you're like wicked good with that drill. Imma call you the drillmaster now."
"Haha that sounds like a brand of drills." Eliza replied with a laugh.
"Umm because it is. Wilson you suck at nicknames but you're right, I am an ortho goddess. And if you want to put the work into it, I will mentor you. And Eliza has agreed to help with it, you'll be learning from the drillmaster herself. Having two mentors will mean learning two styles of surgery and teaching. It will also mean twice the work at times but it will give you an advantage that we didn't have."
"Do you mean it?" Jo asked, the excitement in her eyes evident, they had her hooked and Callie knew it as she smiled.
"You'll be required to practice the Torres method. No whining, crying, or complaining. That is so not badass and there is no room for it in ortho if you want to become an ortho goddess like me or a drill master like Minnick."
"No, of course not." Jo replied. She had never really considered Ortho before working with Callie but she had to admit, she had loved it from her very first case and she was surprised at how naturally it had come to her.
"Good, we start Monday morning with your application to the ortho residency." Callie said, looking at her watch and seeing that it was past seven already. She was supposed to pick Arizona up at eight and she still wanted to go home and shower. "We will talk more Monday, I have to go."
"Are you going to Joe's for a drink?" Jo asked.
"Yea, I just have to pick up Arizona."
"Oh cool, I'll see you there. I'm meeting Stephanie, Leah, Maggie, and Shane there. Cristina invited us but then we realized it was only so we could be DD's. So if you need a ride tonight, I've got you, Torres."
"Uh thanks, Jo." Callie replied, awkwardly, seeing the hurt cross Eliza's face before she could quickly cover it.
"Want to get a drink with us Minnick? I'll buy you both one, we should celebrate because we are three badass surgeons." Callie said with a genuine smile. She felt bad that Eliza had clearly not been invited unbeknownst to Jo and she just couldn't bring herself to walk away without offering.
"Uh, sure. I'll meet you over there." Eliza replied.
"Ok, see you two in a bit. Good work in there, we made a great team." Callie said, shaking her hands off and grabbing a blue towel to dry them before she left. As soon as she was out of the room, she dialed Arizona's number.
"Hey babe, you running late?" Arizona answered immediately.
"Yea, I am, I had an emergency surgery. I'm just going to grab a shower and then I will come get you."
"Nonsense. Your apartment is literally across from the hospital and down the street from Joe's. I'll just ride with Alex, Amelia, and Lexie. That gives you a little extra time and I'll see you there." Arizona replied.
"Are you sure?"
"Positive. Now, go get your sexy ass in the shower, I'll order you a drink."
"Make it a rum and diet coke."
"With lime, I know." Arizona replied before she hung up.
An hour later, Callie approached Joe's bar freshly showered, hair in a low ponytail at the base of her neck, and a pair of skinny jeans with a low cut top that she knew Arizona would appreciate. She wore her signature leather jacket and a pair of knee high boots that helped ward off the early February chill in the air. She smiled as she entered the bar and saw the long blonde hair of her girl sitting at the bar. At the sound of the door jingling, Arizona turned and smiled when she noted it was Callie walking through. Arizona waited at the bar as Callie approached and she watched with a smile as blue eyes looked her up and down, resting on the cleavage just above the magenta shirt she had worn just as she knew they would.
"Hey pretty lady." Arizona greeted her with a kiss.
"Your hair has gotten so long and it looks sexy like this." Callie said, wondering how she had managed to straighten her hair so perfectly with one arm.
"Perks of living with Lexipedia. She's still having sister issues so I listened to them while she straightened my hair. By the way, she and Mark are getting pretty cozy."
"Are they?" Callie asked, turning her attention to the dart board where Lexie was teaching Mark how to play darts. Callie chuckled, Mark was a pro at darts, he must really like Lexie if he was pretending to suck.
"I got you a drink." Arizona said, handing Callie her glass. Callie took a moment to look Arizona over. She had on her own pair of tight skinny jeans that were strategically ripped in a few places. The black jeans with the simple black top made her already slender form look even slighter but she still could make out her gentle curves. She admired the heels on her feet that would help their height difference and no doubt, make her ass look even more fantastic than it already was.
"You look hot." Callie whispered in her ear. Arizona rolled her eyes and pointed at her sling.
"No one looks hot with this stupid thing on." Callie noted the hot pink and rainbow stickers that Alex had added to it for her with a smile.
"Hey Joe, can I get two beers." Callie called before turning her attention back to Arizona who gave her a questioning look. "I did surgery with Eliza and Jo and then we convinced Jo to join the ortho residency program. I told them I'd buy them each a drink to celebrate."
"You invited Eliza?"
"Umm, yea. We've been working together a lot and I don't hate her, she's talented in her own way. Plus, she has the fate of your shoulder in her hands and she doesn't seem to have any friends. I just couldn't leave her standing there uninvited and looking so miserable after the successful surgery we had just been cheering over. As long as she keeps her hands off of you, there will be no problems between us."
"You're amazing, you know that?" Arizona asked with a genuine smile as she pulled Callie in for a kiss.
"You're not mad?"
"Callie, you have the biggest heart of anyone I know, how can I be mad?"
"Ok, I definitely expected a different response from you."
"I'm in a good mood." Arizona replied with a shrug. "We're out in public, having drinks with our friends like a normal couple. You rocked your surgery because you're a badass rock star ortho goddess. And everyone knows I'm with the hottest girl in the place. Nothing can ruin this mood, Calliope."
"You make excellent points, except, I am with the hottest girl in the room so you can't possibly be."
"You know what, we're both hot. What do you say we grab our drinks and go join our friends for a bit and then we can hit the dance floor. Then one of us can take the other one home." Arizona replied with a knowing smile.
"I love your brilliant ideas." Callie replied with her own smile that earned a giggle from Arizona.
Callie walked over to the table where Jo and Eliza were sitting with Maggie, Stephanie, Leah, and Shane and handed them their beers. They clinked their glasses together and the three each took a drink and engaged in a little bit of small talk about Jo's new ortho path before Callie walked back to her table to join Arizona. Mark and Lexie had joined the table. The group now included the two couples, Alex, Amelia, the twisted sisters, Jackson, April, and George.
"Where's McDreamy tonight?" Callie asked Meredith.
"Working." She replied as she downed another shot of tequila.
"They're fighting." Amelia replied.
"Not fighting. I'm right and he's just being an ass." Meredith replied, followed by taking another shot of tequila.
"You missed the whole story." Arizona leaned in and whispered in her ear. Callie felt chills run down her spine. She turned her head to look in Arizona's stunningly blue eyes and earned a dimpled smile as her heart rate increased.
"Yo, love birds, you just gonna stare at each other all night or are you going to do tequila shots and dance?"
"Oh, no tequila shots for me but I'll dance." Arizona replied.
"Too chicken for tequila, Robbins?" Meredith asked.
"No, I just don't want to be blackout drunk when I take my hot, hot girlfriend home tonight." Arizona replied, never taking her eyes off of Callie.
"Oh vomit. Come on, let's dance then." Cristina said, grabbing Meredith and leading her to the dance floor.
"Do you want to dance?" Callie asked, hoping Arizona would want to stay at the table a little longer now that they were alone but also excited to have a reason to be close to her.
"Let's just sit here for a song or two and finish our drinks, then we can show them how it's done." Arizona replied, leaning her head on Callie's shoulder. Callie slipped an arm around her and the two sat and giggled at their friends' dance moves.
"I've missed this." Callie said, as she laughed at Mark trying to impress Lexie with some questionable dance moves.
"What?"
"Just the normal, sitting in a bar with a drink and laughing with friends. I am so glad I had the opportunity to work in Afghanistan but I'm really glad to be home. And I'm even more glad that you're here too."
"Me too. Come on, let's go help Mark out before he ends up on your OR table." Arizona said, leading Callie to the dance floor.
The group of friends danced for a couple of songs before the twisted sisters talked Joe out of a bottle of tequila which was passed among them on the dance floor. Despite earlier protests, Arizona gave into peer pressure and indulged in a few shots which immediately set the perky blonde into an even giddier version of herself with the buzz she had going. Callie watched her bouncing around the dance floor with the twisted sisters with a smile. She had at least twice the amount of tequila as the blonde and though she felt warm with the pleasantness of her buzz, she was nowhere near the blonde's level. The blonde definitely could not hold her liquor and with that thought, Callie intercepted the bottle as it was headed to pink lips just in time.
"Hey, Calliope." Arizona whined, complete with a foot stomp and a pout on her lips.
"Sorry babe but you're a lightweight and I still have dirty, dirty things I want to do with you tonight that requires you to be conscious."
"Ohh, I like the sound of that." Arizona replied, her pout replaced with a smirk. Callie slid a tan hand around Arizona's waist and pulled her in so they were touching, knee to knee, pelvis to pelvis, breast to breast, and placed a tender wet kiss in the spot behind Arizona's ear that she knew drove her wild.
"You know what I like the sound of?" Callie asked, her voice lower than usual.
"What?" Arizona asked, a small smile on her lips as she looked up into dark brown eyes. She loved those eyes, she thought and a smile that caused her dimples to pop spread across her face. Callie's eyes were miraculous, in fact, she found everything about Callie breathtakingly stunning, she needed to remember to tell her that when she could form sentences again. Her buzz was quickly turning into full on slurring your words, stumbling in your heels, flat out drunkenness.
"You screaming my name." Callie whispered in the blonde's ear. She could tell, however, by the rosy cheeks and the blonde's inability to focus her eyes that it wasn't going to happen tonight.
"Mmmm." Arizona agreed with an eager nod.
"Not tonight though, sweets. Tonight I am going to take you home and give you some aspirin and a water and tuck you in. And pray that you don't vomit on me while we're sleeping." Callie said, tucking long blonde hair over Arizona's injured shoulder.
"Why?"
"Because, you can no longer form sentences and if I had to guess, I bet you can't even walk on your own at the moment. You're going to have one hell of a hangover tomorrow, babe."
"Nooo." Arizona whined but just as Callie thought, she stumbled as she tried to take a few steps on her own to prove a point.
"Come on, time to go home. We have our date tomorrow night, you can make it up to me then." Callie said, grabbing Arizona firmly around the waist and leading her out the door without so much as a goodbye to their friends. Getting the blonde the block down the street and then up five flights of stairs as the elevator was out of commission, again, was no easy feat. Once inside the building, Callie removed the blonde's shoes and carried them as she assisted her the rest of the way to the apartment.
True to her word, she forced a bottle of water and two aspirin into the blonde before she placed another bottle by the bed along with a trash can and tucked her in. Arizona had insisted on sleeping in Callie's favorite t-shirt, promising not to vomit on it and Callie had finally caved. The blonde's head had barely hit the pillow when Callie heard her snore. She smiled as she looked down at the sleeping blonde curled into her side as she worked on a sudoku. Even drunk and snoring, she was beautiful. Callie laid her sudoku book on the bedside table and flipped off the lamp before she scooted down in bed, the blonde immediately finding her once again and curling into her side with her right fist wrapped tightly around the shirt covering Callie's stomach. She was momentarily concerned with the blonde's sleeping position as her bad arm was tucked beneath her but she seemed comfortable so Callie let it go. She fell asleep stroking silky blonde hair with a smile on her face.
Callie woke the next morning to an unfamiliar noise that she couldn't place and then it stopped suddenly. She was just dozing off again when she heard the noise, only louder as she was semi-conscious. She reached out her arm in search of Arizona only to feel cold sheets and then the noise hit again and she placed it. "Oh baby, I'm coming."
"No, Cal, don't come in here. I'm ok, just really hungover." Arizona called as another wave of nausea hit her and her stomach recoiled with another round of bile. There was nothing left in her stomach to empty. She had woken up in the wee hours of the early morning and vomited several times before falling asleep on the bathroom floor only to wake up again minutes ago just in time to make it to the toilet before her stomach rejected its contents once again.
"Arizona, let me in." Callie called. The door was unlocked and even slightly ajar but she wouldn't enter if Arizona asked her not to.
"Trust me, you want to remember the sexy Arizona for tonight and not this. Please don't come in here. I have vomit in my hair." Arizona called out, not wanting her super sexy girlfriend to see her in this state.
"Arizona, I'm coming in. I'll help you get cleaned up. I don't care what you look like, you're always beautiful to me and I want to be there for you when you're sick."
"I'm not sick, I'm hung over. Fricken twisted sisters tricked me." Arizona said as Callie entered the bathroom and sat on the edge of the tub. Arizona leaned her head on Callie's knee as her stomach decided what it's next move was.
"Yea, you can't keep up with them baby. I didn't realize you had drank so much tequila until it was too late."
"Ugh can we please not talk about that right now?" Arizona asked, her stomach threatening to send bile back up her throat again at the mention of tequila.
"Do you think you can stand?"
"Just give me a minute. This feels nice." Arizona replied as she positioned herself with her side against the coolness of the tub, her head in Callie's lap, and her bare legs curled up on the tile floor beside her. It was the most comfort she had felt in hours.
"Ok, one more minute and then we will get you showered. Then maybe you will feel up to some toast and water so you can take some more aspirin." Callie replied, placing a kiss on the top of Arizona's head where there was no chance of there being vomit.
True to her word, Arizona allowed Callie to stand her up and undress her as the shower heated up. She sat Arizona on the toilet seat as she undressed herself, the blonde smiling goofily at her as she did and then she stepped into the shower, helping Arizona in after her. She took her time running the soapy loofah over creamy skin, washing away the sweat and grim from an alcohol induced sleep. When she squeezed shampoo into her hands and rubbed them to warm it up, Arizona protested a little about the vomit in her hair but she caved easily. Between her shoulder, not feeling well, and how much she loved how the Latina's strong fingers massaged her scalp, she just couldn't find the strength to argue.
Once they were both showered and dressed, Callie changed the bedding and plopped Arizona back in bed. She pulled out her laptop and put a Disney movie on for Arizona while she went to make toast for her and coffee for herself. She smiled as she paused in the doorway to see Arizona laying curled up with Callie's pillow watching Beauty and the Beast through heavy eyelids. If Callie had to bet, she would bet her life savings that she would be asleep by the time she returned with the coffee and toast. She would have lost that bet though as she returned to the blonde still fighting to stay awake.
"I thought you would be asleep."
"I was waiting for you to come back."
They spent the day until early afternoon this way. Callie in bed with Arizona wrapped around her dozing on and off while various Disney movies played and Callie worked on some research she wanted to do for an upcoming surgery. When the third movie was over, Arizona sat up and stretched her good arm above her head, smiling widely at Callie as she did. Callie's heart melted at the sight. Creamy skin was visible as one side of the shirt rose up causing Callie to lick her lips.
"How are you feeling, babe?" Callie asked as Arizona closed the lid on the laptop and laid her head in Callie's lap. Callie dropped the papers she had been reading on the bedside table and ran her fingers through soft golden locks.
"Much better, thank you for taking such good care of me." Arizona replied, then in a sleepy voice added, "Mmm, that feels nice. If you don't stop it's going to put me to sleep again."
"And that would be a bad thing?" Callie asked, continuing to comb her fingers through long hair, but Arizona shot up from her lap suddenly.
"Yes Calliope, it would be a very bad thing. We have reservations at seven and it's nearly four already. I have to go home and get ready so I can pick you up on time."
"Why don't you just get dressed here?"
"What? No way. I have the whole evening planned and I want to sweep you off your feet, Calliope Torres. Not to mention, I have a lot to make up for since I got too drunk to do what I wanted to do last night. So, I'm going to go home and get dressed in an unbelievable tight little dress that will make it impossible for you to keep your hands off of me and then I'm going to pick you up and take you out so I can show you off in public before we come back here and get absolutely no sleep tonight. You should have napped with me instead of being so studious."
"I'm kind of excited now. You should go so you can come back faster." Callie replied with a giant smile. She had initially been disappointed but the more she thought about it, the more she liked the idea of getting ready separately and being surprised by the other's attire.
"Ok. I'll be here by six thirty." Arizona replied, placing a quick kiss on Callie's lips before she climbed out of bed and pulled on a pair of sweats and a hoodie from the drawer she had stolen in Callie's dresser.
"You know you could have your own closet and dresser if we lived together." Callie mumbled grumpily.
"Well, let's sit down tomorrow and each make a list of what we're looking for in a new house and then we will compare our lists and all the common things on our lists will go in the "must have" column. And if we feel strongly about something else on our list that the other doesn't have, it can go in the must have section but the rest will just be bonuses."
"I thought you weren't ready yet?" Callie asked, her question coming out more of a statement than she intended. Arizona looked at her with a small smile and walked over, sitting facing Callie on the bed. She reached out and tucked dark hair behind an ear before she pulled Callie's hand in hers and brushed her lips over the knuckles.
"I thought I was going to Malawi and now I'm not so we need to talk about this again. What you want also matters to me. It's going to take time to find the right place and packing and moving with your busy schedule and my injured shoulder will take some time. I know, without a doubt that I want to move in with you, Calliope. I'm sorry if I made you doubt that. I just want some time to adjust to being a normal person again. I've been out of the U.S. for over two and a half years. And I haven't ever been in a real, adult relationship. I just don't want to rush this or skip any steps. We both deserve to experience everything in this relationship. I just wanted to savor this part of the relationship. I want the opportunity to sweep you off your feet and take you on dates and show you off to everyone because I've never had this before."
"I love you, you moron." Callie replied affectionately. When put that way, how could she do anything but indulge the blonde. She had a point after all. Arizona leaned in and the two shared a chaste kiss before Callie pushed her away playfully, "Get out of here. I'm ready to be wined and dined and you promised a skin tight dress that would sweep me off my feet."
"Oh, you will be." Arizona replied with a cheeky smile and a wink before she placed one last kiss on plump red lips and walked away yelling, "I'm taking your car."
"I figured." Callie hollered back. They had been sharing custody of her jeep since returning to Seattle. Plans were in motion to get both Callie's T-bird and Arizona's Subaru out of storage and to Seattle but until they had a garage or a storage place here, it seemed pointless especially when Callie walked to work.
Callie busied herself with the task of getting ready. She showered again, more so she could groom herself in a way she hadn't been able to while tending to Arizona in her shower earlier that day. Now in her towel having shaved, waxed, and plucked, she stood in her closet trying to decide which cocktail dress to wear. She had no shortage of dresses or shoes for that matter and she made a mental note that they would require a walk-in closet or even better, hers and hers closets in the master bedroom on their must have list.
An hour later her hair was done, make-up on, sexy bra and underwear adorned and she was shimming into her dress when a message from Arizona came through that she was on her way up. She smiled to herself as she pulled the zipper into place and looked at her image in the mirror. Oh yea, Arizona was going to be putty in her hands she thought with a smile as she heard the keys in the front door. She grabbed her shoes and her clutch just as Arizona was closing the front door. She leaned against the counter, putting her heels on as she watched Arizona turn and take in the sight of her.
"You look beautiful, Calliope." Arizona said, a soft smile adorning her face as she walked over and handed her a vase of flowers and a bottle of her favorite wine.
"Let me see your dress." Callie said, attempting to peel Arizona's calf length peacoat from her slender frame to get a peak at the dress.
"Wait until we get to the restaurant. If I take my coat off, we won't leave this apartment. I'm one second away from saying screw it already. I will lose all resolve if you look at me the way I'm sure I'm looking at you."
"Like I'm a stack of your favorite donuts?"
"Mmmm." Arizona replied, her dimples now popping. She grabbed Callie's dress coat from the closet and helped Callie into it before lacing their fingers together and pulling her from the apartment.
"Arizona?" Callie asked as they were getting in the car.
"Yes?"
"You look really beautiful as well."
"Thank you, Calliope." Arizona said before she got in the car. Something seemed off but Callie couldn't put her finger on it. Something was different about Arizona but as she watched her maneuver the car, whatever it was escaped her. Twenty minutes later they pulled into the parking lot for the restaurant Maximilien.
"How did you get a reservation here?"
"I know some people." Arizona replied with a smile as she opened Callie's door for her. The two walked hand in hand to the entrance of the building and Arizona gave her name to the hostess. Their jackets were taken and checked and then they were immediately led to a table by the window with an amazing view of the ferris wheel on the pier and the bay.
"Arizona, that dress, you look amazing." Callie said, her mouth suddenly going dry as she looked at Arizona without her coat for the first time. The blonde wore a scandalously short black, sleeveless dress with chunky straps. The material covered her stomach, connecting the top of the dress with the bottom but creamy skin was bare on each side of the dress. The back was nearly all open as the thin rectangles at the top of the dress met with the chunky straps on her shoulders but the rest of her back was bare until the material started again at her waist. Callie looked her up and down, her long legs accented by the shortness of the dress and the strappy black heels.
"You like?" Arizona asked with a flirty tone as she moved to pull Callie's chair out for her.
"I love it." Callie replied, taking another look then pausing as she sat in the offered chair, "Arizona, where is your sling?"
"It's in my purse. I texted Minnick and asked her if I could go a few hours tonight without it. She said I could as long as I am not lifting anything or raising my arm above 30 degrees. I just wanted to look hot for dinner and then I will put it back on, promise." Arizona replied, taking her own seat across from Callie.
"Ok." Callie replied, deciding it wouldn't hurt. Minnick was her doctor and she couldn't deny that some of the hotness would have been lost with the sling wrapped around her. Callie smiled at Arizona blatantly looking her up and down once more. "Like what you see?"
"Purple is a good color for you. It makes your skin look like it's glowing. It's really beautiful, you're really beautiful."
"You're such a sweet talker tonight." Callie replied but a smile was plastered to her face. She could actually feel that Arizona meant her words and it made her feel beautiful. When she had looked at herself in the mirror with the silky plum dress on, she knew she looked hot. She was body confident, she loved her curves and the men she had dated had always been more than happy with her body; but the way Arizona looked at her was enough to erase any misgivings she had ever had about her body in the past.
The waiter took their drink order, each ordering a glass of wine as they looked over the menu. Callie had grown up around fancy food, her parents throwing frequent dinner parties as well as being invited to many that they had dragged Callie and Aria along to. She much preferred pizza or burgers but she had to admit, she had been dying to eat at this restaurant since she had accepted a position at Seattle Grace.
"What are you going to order?" Arizona asked.
"The Seabass Aux Porto I think. What about you?"
"Coq au vin." Arizona replied, definitively.
The waiter returned with their wine and they placed their orders before they resumed a comfortable conversation. They discussed Callie's upcoming surgery and the research she had found that morning, they moved on to both of their parent's planned visits, Teddy's impending return to the states, and their next vacation before their food was delivered.
They ate mostly in silence, sharing bites of their food with each other. Arizona's enthusiasm for the food made Callie fall just a little bit more in love with her. Arizona caught her staring on more than one occasion and returned it with a wink or a shy, knowing smile of her own. Arizona said yes to dessert with such enthusiasm that both Callie and the waiter laughed. Callie ordered the espresso and chocolate mousse while Arizona ordered the baked pear with ice cream and chocolate drizzle.
"You ready to go home?" Callie asked, as she helped Arizona into her jacket and sling. Arizona turned quickly with a serious expression.
"Calliope, dinner is not the only stop on our date. There's more." Arizona replied with a smile and led them from the restaurant. Callie started toward the jeep but Arizona shook her head and pulled Callie to walk a path down to the pier.
"Where are we going?"
"I know you don't like heights but I got us tickets for a ride on the ferris wheel. If you hate the idea I won't make you do it but I promise I will protect you." Arizona replied with a childlike hopefulness to her voice that Callie couldn't refuse. Callie nodded her head in agreement and Arizona smiled widely as she led her on to the booth and handed over their tickets. "I got us the VIP tickets, we can get a drink at the bar before we go to the front of the line."
Callie's stomach clenched when it was their turn to climb into the glass bottom gondola and she was very grateful for both Arizona's arm around her and the stiff drink in her hand. Arizona let her climb in first and she sighed as she noticed the bucket seat had an arm rest between them that wouldn't allow her to be as close to Arizona as she wanted to be. Arizona climbed in after her and looked at her for direction on where to sit, beside her or across from her. Even with the arm rest, there was no question, she wanted Arizona beside her and the blonde quickly took the seat.
"Are you ok, baby?" Arizona asked, running a comforting hand up and down Callie's back.
"I better get some hot, hot sex after this." Callie replied to which Arizona threw her head back and laughed.
"You will." Arizona promised as the wheel began to move.
Despite Callie's initial fear of heights and images of dying as she was dropped from stories above in a giant hamster wheel, with Arizona by her side mumbling soothing words and pointing out sights with childlike enthusiasm, she was able to relax and actually enjoy the romantic gesture. Seattle was beautiful all lit up and the two of them alone in this gondola after an impressive meal and being dressed like they were, Callie could feel the romance in the air. Arizona's hand snuck under her coat and further and further up her bare thigh, creating soft circles on the skin there and Callie could feel goose bumps erupt that had nothing to do with the late winter air.
"Arizona." Callie warned as nimble fingers ghosted ever so lightly over the thin material of Callie's panties.
"Yes?" She asked innocently.
"Don't start something you can't finish."
"Oh Calliope, I always finish what I start."
Callies's resolve broke and she pulled the blonde over the armrest and into her lap. Callie taking full advantage of their solitude in the hamster wheel of death but she couldn't think about that at the moment with Arizona's lips and tongue on her skin. The two had a very heated make out session, Callie's hands fisting Arizona's hair that was long and straightened once again while Arizona's hand sought out Callie's breast. They were well into their session, things growing steamy when their gondola stopped suddenly, causing them to pull apart seconds before the door opened for them to exit.
"Please tell me we're going home now." Callie whispered as she caught her breath. Though they had their coats on and had been unable to get too far, the make out session had worked her up and she was ready to be alone with Arizona.
"There was one more stop I had planned but we can wait until next time. I'm ready to go home and open that bottle of wine and get you undressed." Arizona replied with a dimpled smile. Callie grabbed the keys from her hand and then pulled her firmly up the path to her Jeep.
"I'm driving. You follow all the rules and I can't wait for every yellow light and obey every stupid speed limit to get you underneath me." Callie growled. She opened the passenger door for Arizona and helped her buckle her seat belt before she dashed around to the other side and buckled her own, throwing the car into gear as soon as it was started. Arizona giggled from the passenger.
"My panties are soaked." Arizona whispered huskily in her ear as she leaned over the seat, her hand sneaking up Callie's thigh again as she reached over her body to reach Callie's.
"Jesus. Arizona if you want to make it home and not get in an accident or have me pull this car over in a vacant lot, you need to sit in your seat and let me drive."
"If I didn't have this sling on I'd say to hell with it and totally be up for some car sex but it gets in the way and I'm already at a disadvantage." Arizona replied with a frustrated huff as thoughts of what she could do to Callie in the back seat popped in her head. Callie smiled over at her briefly and placed a hand on her knee that stayed there until they pulled into the parking garage of Callie's building.
Not trusting the elevator that constantly broke down, the two slipped off their heels and made quick work of the stairs, not daring to touch each other more than their hands being firmly clasped together as Callie led them up the stairs. They both knew if a make out session ensued now, a very public and potentially embarrassing scene would play out, one that neither of them cared to live through.
"Hurry up, Calliope." Arizona stood on tiptoes to whisper in her ear while placing a steadying hand on her hip. Electricity shot through Callie's body, forcing her to fumble with the keys once more. Arizona nibbled at her shoulder and the key clicked in the lock, not realizing just how badly she was playing with fire. Callie pulled Arizona through and the second the door was shut, the blonde was pinned against the wall with Callie's roaming hands on her hips and thighs.
"Teasing me isn't nice, Arizona, especially after I took care of you last night and this morning." Callie warned.
"What are you going to do about it?" Arizona challenged. She shrieked as Callie tossed both of their pairs of heels and their coats off to the side. The bulky immobilizer followed the coats and shoes rather quickly before she pulled Arizona flush against her and took care unzipping her complicated dress, not wanting to ruin this one before she slid it down the gentle curve of her hips and tossed it to the side next to their discarded coats. She stepped back, unzipping her own dress and letting it fall to the ground before she kicked it to the side to join Arizona's.
She smiled as Arizona visibly swallowed at the sight of her plum colored bra and matching underwear that left very little to the imagination. Her own throat was suddenly dry as she took in Arizona's strapless black bra and matching lacy boy shorts that highlighted her ass and legs. Callie felt her arousal amp up. Her slow love making hadn't just been driving Arizona crazy, she had also been craving more and now that Arizona's arm was a bit more healed, she couldn't hold herself back any longer.
"Bedroom, now." Callie said, grabbing Arizona by the wrist and leading her to the bedroom somewhat forcefully and unceremoniously tipping them onto the bed. Arizona's hands wandered over Callie's body hovering above her, her right hand unclipping the brunette's bra without difficulty. It slid down Callie's arms and she lifted them to toss if aside. Arizona's bra followed it seconds later as Callie helped rid her of the offending garment. "Climb up to the top of the bed."
Arizona obeyed Callie's command though she tried to roll them once Callie joined her. Callie didn't like giving up control in the bedroom, coincidentally, neither did Arizona but somehow they managed to work it out. Recently though, it was clear Callie was in charge and Arizona hadn't challenged it but tonight, she had assumed Callie would relinquish since she had planned the whole date. Callie had other things in mind though and Arizona found that she really didn't mind once Callie's mouth was roaming her chest and neck. Callie brought Arizona's good arm up above her head, pinning it there with her own as she laced their fingers together.
"I kind of want to see you walking funny tomorrow." Callie whispered against Arizona's skin and she felt her shiver as goosebumps spread over the skin she had been kissing. She smiled to herself knowing that had turned Arizona on. She was in no mood for teasing or being teased tonight. She let go of Arizona's hand and made quick work of her panties before she laid her body on top of the blonde, careful not to put pressure on her shoulder.
"Callie, kiss me." Arizona demanded, her voice sounding hoarse and lust filled. Callie brought her mouth to Arizona's as her hand slid between them, gathering wetness as she maneuvered slick folds, her fingertips lightly brushing her sensitive clit. Callie slid her tongue into Arizona's mouth, exploring her mouth and tangling with her tongue thoroughly before she ended the kiss. She smiled at Arizona, her lips plump from being kissed so thoroughly and a blush spreading across her cheeks and upper chest.
"Spread your legs." Callie ordered, gently nudging them apart so she could rest fully between them. Arizona complied and gasped as Callie entered her without warning and more forcefully than they had been over the past few weeks. A moan escaped Arizona and Callie heard her name whimpered from those beautifully soft lips. Arizona's hand found Callie's ass as she hung on which only spurred Callie on. She scissored her fingers gently inside her and then a little more roughly before she added a third finger.
"Callie…" Arizona whimpered again, clawing at her back. Callie used her hips as leverage to push her fingers in further and then she wrapped Arizona's leg around her. Arizona understood and wrapped the other one around her waist a second later, now opening herself up completely to Callie. She could feel Arizona's walls tightening around her fingers and Arizona's breath becoming more frantic. She placed kisses over her right collar bone as she brushed a thumb over her clit, rubbing soft circles and curled her fingers.
"Can you take a fourth?" Callie whispered into her ear, momentarily causing Arizona to open her eyes and look at her.
"You do know how long and strong your fingers are, right?" Arizona asked, unsure if she was serious or not. Three was a stretch, literally, she couldn't imagine a fourth. Callie giggled at Arizona's little joke but then she looked at her, waiting for a response so she knew she was serious. Although it was hesitant, Arizona nodded her head. The two never lost eye contact as Callie brought her left hand down, coating her fingers as she slowly inserted her index finger to join the three fingers on her other hand. Arizona whimpered, her body stiffening for a moment before relaxing and Callie immediately brought her thumb to her clit.
"You're so tight, baby." Callie whispered as she slowly began moving again. She could hear Arizona's breath hitch as she began moving. Concern washed over Callie and she stopped for a moment, "Are you ok?"
"Yes, it's uh just a little uncomfortable but also uh feels good." Arizona answered, as Callie's thumb continued circles on her clit, causing pleasure to shoot through her body.
"Tell me if you want me to stop." Callie whispered, kissing her gently before she continued slowly moving her fingers.
"Oh God, Callie." Arizona said, squirming beneath her, her legs locked around Callie's waist. The sensations driving her crazy and pushing her toward a powerful climax. "No don't stop."
Callie smiled, Arizona had become much more vocal in bed in their months together and she loved it. As much as it excited her, she kept her focus, wanting to bring the blonde beauty to climax and not hurt her. Arizona's walls tightened around her fingers and pulsated, preventing her from moving as the blonde stiffened and collapsed underneath her, pulling a pillow over her head at the last second to stifle her scream. Callie's fingers were trapped as Arizona rode out her high, literally quivering beneath her. Callie bent and kissed the taunt skin over her abdomen as she waited for her to come down from her high. She removed her single finger slowly followed by the fingers of her other hand.
She laid down next to Arizona and pulled the pillow from her face, kissing her lips immediately as she curled into Arizona's side, "Are you ok?"
"I'm good, I just need a minute." Arizona replied, panting slightly still.
"You are unbelievably beautiful, in case you didn't know that." Callie said, sucking the moisture from her fingers and moaning at the taste. Arizona peaked an eye open at that and squinted at her.
"Stop that. I feel like I'm not going to be able to walk straight for a week and you're turning me on again. Just you wait until I catch my breath, Calliope."
"I'm not scared." Callie replied with a satisfied smile. It was definitely a powerful feeling to know that she could bring Arizona to this quivering, boneless mess with just a few fingers or her tongue. She sometimes had trouble believing this was real life.
"No one else can do this."
"No, I'd kick their ass and break a few bones too. And you definitely would not be able to walk straight for a week after I got through with you."
"Possessive Callie is a little hot." Arizona replied with a smile, then quickly added to clarify before Callie really did get possessive, "But that's not what I meant. I meant no one else has ever made me feel this way or been able to make me come completely undone the way you can. It's a bit unnerving that you can do it so easily."
"You have that same effect on me, Arizona."
"Oh yea?" Arizona asked, turning to face Callie before completely rolling on top of her. "Well let's test that theory."
Callie shivered as she felt Arizona's breath ghost over her skin. As usual, the blonde couldn't resist stopping to fondle her breasts and Callie involuntarily bucked her hips up as Arizona's fingers gently grazed her sensitive nipples. Arizona's mouth soon followed and Callie was sure she could get off with Arizona's mouth working magic on just her nipples but just as she thought the theory would be proven, Arizona slid down her body and she wasted no time sucking Callie's clit into her mouth. Callie drew a deep breath but the sensations Arizona was creating in her core made it feel like there was no oxygen left.
"Inside." Callie whimpered and Arizona immediately complied with two fingers driving into her, curling. "Oh God."
"It's Arizona but…" Arizona didn't finish as Callie's hand forced her head back down in a not so subtle hint. She heard Arizona giggle before she redoubled her efforts and Callie arched her back off the bed. She could feel the burning in her stomach as Arizona's tongue worked magic and her nimble fingers curled in just the right way.
"Arizona." Callie exclaimed, unable to give more warning than that as she reached her climax and swiftly tipped over the edge. The lower half of her body convulsing against Arizona as the blonde brought her down gently.
"You're so beautiful." Arizona said, her head resting on Callie's thigh while she watched her come down from her high.
"Come up here." Callie requested. Arizona kissed the inside of her thigh and climbed up her body to Callie's lips, kissing her before laying in her outstretched arms. Callie kissed her head and closed her eyes, feeling satisfied in her post-coital bliss. Arizona's fingers traced lazy patterns over her tan skin with her fingernails, relaxing Callie further. Callie fought the drowsiness that had overcome her but it was proving to be too much, her eyes grew heavy and closed. She felt Arizona kiss the side of her breast before laying her impossibly soft head of hair on her chest and sigh in contentment before sleep overtook her.
Callie woke the next morning to an empty bed once again. She threw her arm over her eyes, trying to block the sunlight that was slipping through the crack between her blackout curtains. She smelled coffee and smiled, five more minutes and she would go searching for her blonde. A noise startled her awake an unknown amount of time later and she groaned as she rolled over and looked at the clock, 10:57. Arizona had let her sleep in but she was now wanting the comfort of her blonde and was annoyed that she kept waking up without her. It was Sunday and her last day off for the unforeseeable future in preparation for her up and coming surgery she was planning and having her new ortho resident starting on her service full time the next morning.
She threw a t-shirt and sweats on and stomped out into the living room to demand an explanation but stopped as she saw the blonde with her back to her standing at the stove as she spoke into her laptop, a spatula in one hand as she threw her head back in laughter. "You did not."
"I did so, Alegre."
"Abuela?" Callie asked as she heard the other voice over the laptop. Arizona jumped and dropped the spatula as she did. She bent to pick it back up with a flushed face.
"Calliope, you were supposed to stay in bed! You ruined my surprise." Arizona whined cutely.
"Sorry honey but I woke up for the second morning in a row alone in bed. What are you two up to anyway?" Callie asked as she came up behind Arizona and slid her arms around her waist. "Arizona that smells amazing."
"I made you huevos rancheros con chorizo with Abuela's help of course." Arizona replied. "We got carried away with story telling while she helped me cook and I was waiting for you to wake up. I was going to bring you breakfast in bed, I just lost track of time."
"This is the sweetest thing ever. Abuela, you walked her through how to make this? I thought you couldn't cook, Arizona." Callie said, looking at the food and seeing it was almost exactly like her Abuela had made it herself.
"I didn't say I couldn't, Calliope, I just prefer not to, especially when your cooking is so much better." Arizona replied with an eye roll.
"Callita, you eat your food while it's still hot. Arizona worked hard on it. I will call you later." Abuela said from her skype screen.
"Love you." Callie called.
"Thank you, Maria." Arizona said.
"Enjoy your breakfast girls. Alegre, we will have to finish that story another time." Abuela said with a wink.
"Yes, we definitely will." Arizona replied with a bright smile.
"You called Abuela to help you with this?" Callie asked with a smile as Arizona handed her a plate.
"No, not exactly. Abuela called your phone this morning and I didn't want it to wake you so I answered and took the call in the living room in case it was urgent. When I realized it was just a social call, we got to chatting and she ended up telling me how she used to cook you breakfast on Sundays after church because you were so grumpy about getting up early. I said I wanted to make you Sunday brunch, so she gave me a list of groceries. I showered quickly and went to the store then skyped her when I got back so she could walk me through making your favorite Sunday breakfast as a child. I still can't believe you ate this as a little girl. I always wanted chocolate chip pancakes or donuts for breakfast."
"Good to see nothing has changed there." Callie teased, though they both knew it was true. The blonde couldn't deny her sweet tooth.
The two sat their plates at the bar and Arizona handed Callie a cup of black coffee and pulled out a pitcher of orange juice and one with water. Arizona poured herself a cup of juice while Callie stuck with her coffee. The food smelled delicious and she was eager to try it. Callie took her first bite and moaned, it was like she was ten years old again sitting in Abuela's kitchen. Arizona tried a bite of her own and moaned in appreciation.
"Abuela is a good teacher."Arizona said with a smile.
"Arizona, this is amazing, I can't believe you did this for me. The tortillas are even homemade."
"Abuela said that was key. Everything had to be homemade or it wouldn't taste the same. And now that I know how to make tortillas, we are never buying them premade from the store again."
"I know how to make them, you know. We just haven't really made many meals at home together yet."
"Well, I've never been a huge fan of eggs but I could eat them more often if they are like this. It's a good thing I love spicy food. I can't wait to cook more meals with you."
The two finished their meals in silence, Callie reading the paper and Arizona working on the crossword puzzle. Once brunch was over, Arizona encouraged Callie to shower while she cleaned up the kitchen. Callie watched Arizona zooming around the kitchen for a moment with a cocky smirk on her face, she was walking funny.
"What are you smiling about?" Arizona asked, looking up as she carried their empty plates to the sink.
"You're walking a little funny there, babe."
"Yeah well someone wanted it a little rough last night. That is not, however, what I told the very concerned grocery clerk when he noticed it too."
"He was watching your ass way too closely if he noticed it." Callie replied, narrowing her eyes.
"He was a pimply teenage boy named Trent, Callie, he probably stares at everyone who has breasts. I'm sure my boobs and ass weren't the only ones he was ogling today." Arizona replied with a shrug. "Besides, he can look all he wants, you're the only one I will let touch."
"Yea well next time I go to the store, I'm going to look out for your teenage boyfriend."
"Calliope, you can't go around threatening little boys. He was kind of sweet."
"So what excuse did you tell him?"
"I told him I went horseback riding and got bucked off."
"Wouldn't it have been me who got bucked off since your hips were the ones doing all the bucking?"
"Are you comparing me to a horse?" Arizona asked, blue eyes narrowing.
"I believe you referred to me as one first honey."
"Semantics." Arizona replied with an eye roll. "Now, go get in the shower so we can be productive in our moving in together search."
Callie didn't need to be told twice as she hustled to the bathroom and started her shower. When Callie returned from her shower she found Arizona curled up on the couch with three different colored pads of sticky notes, pens, notebooks, and the laptop opened up on the coffee table.
"What's all this?"
"Apartment hunting material. I've already started my list of wants. Mine are the pink sticky notes, yours are blue. We will make our own lists and anything that is on both lists will go on a purple sticky note in the middle. That way when we start searching, we will know right away what we can weed out."
"You're taking this very seriously." Callie replied with a smirk. She knew Arizona preferred making lists and thinking everything out thoroughly. Though Callie tended to go with a more spontaneous approach, she knew Arizona's process was important to her and probably the smarter approach when it came to something like this so she would appease her.
Callie took her stack of blue sticky notes and began writing her wants and needs on each one, adding them to her growing pile. She noticed quickly that she had far more than Arizona and wondered if she was going a tad overboard. A thought suddenly occurred to her and she looked at Arizona with her head cocked slightly, "What do you want? Another apartment, a condo, a house? Are we wanting to rent or lease something again or are we ready to buy something?"
"I guess that's something else we need to figure out. I think no on an apartment. If we wanted an apartment we could just stay here, it's so close to the hospital and it's roomy. Aside from needing some new paint, it's basically perfect." Arizona replied.
"I agree, we could just stay here for a while. It would give us time to find what we really want."
"We have time, Callie, besides, Cristina lives with you. I know she's rarely home since she lives for surgeries but I think we should make a no roommates rule. I want it to be just us when we do get a place and I kind of like the idea of finding something together."
"Ok, can't argue with that logic. I agree, no roommates, however, if a friend needs a place short term it's something we can discuss."
"Agreed."
"See, we're already so good at this." Callie replied with a smile as she wrote a few more sticky notes.
"I think we should go for a house." Arizona said suddenly, causing Callie to look up.
"Really?"
"Yea, I mean rent, lease, or buy, whatever we decide, I think having a house would be nice. We could have a garage and a yard. Maybe even get a dog."
"We work too much for a dog, babe."
"But we could still get one if we wanted to." Arizona replied with a smile.
"Well, I think we should buy then. Even if it isn't our forever home or we don't end up staying in Seattle forever. It would be investing in ourselves instead of someone else and we could sell it or rent it out to residents or something when we're ready to move again."
"Really?" Arizona asked. Callie looked up to meet blue eyes and they shared a smile.
"Really."
The two of them worked on their individual wants and needs for a bit longer before they were ready to compare. They stuck all their sticky notes out on the coffee table, Arizona's pink ones on the left and Callie's blue ones on the right. Arizona grabbed the purple sticky notes and a pen and wrote the first agreed upon must have.
Buying a house. Callie smiled as the blonde peeled off the sticky note and stuck at the top center of the coffee table. Among the other things to join their must have list were, No more than thirty minutes from work, two car garage, a modern and functional kitchen, three bedroom or two with an office/den space, a yard big enough for a dog, closet space, does not require much work or updating before moving in.
"I think our must have list is pretty solid." Arizona replied with a dimple grin. On their not a must have but would be a bonus list was Callie's request of a deck, a large master bath, and hers and hers closets. On Arizona's list was room for a hot tub and a chicken coop. Callie rolled her eyes at the chicken coop, no freakin way were they getting chickens.
"Ok, let's fire this up and start our search." Callie said, pulling the laptop over to her lap. Arizona snuggled into her side as she pulled up the website from the app she had downloaded to her phone.
"I love you." Arizona whispered as she squeezed Callie's body.
"I love you too." Callie replied with a smile. She looked at Arizona and leaned down to nuzzle her nose against the freckled one she had grown to love so much before she turned her attention back to the laptop. "Are you ready?"
"I am." Arizona replied. Callie wasn't sure if she was talking about the search itself or moving in together but she hoped it was both as they began their search.