Disclaimer: The characters in this story are not mine and belong to Grey's Anatomy.

Thanks to "cycworker", who did a hard job trying to fix my errors, and I know that isn't so easy... I'm very grateful to her. But any error in this chapter is mine because English is not my first language, I'm sorry, and I would truly appreciate any constructive input that may help further my storytelling.

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"Arizona you've been playing with your food for the last fifteen minutes and you haven't said a word. Don't you like it?" Adam asked, as Arizona avoided his gaze.

"The food is good. I'm just not hungry." Arizona answered softly.

Adam sighed. "Well, we can do something else. Do you want to go to a movie? Or we could go back to my place and watch something there."

"I'm sorry Adam. I'm just not in the mood. I'm sorry."

"Ok." They sat in silence.

"Adam?" Arizona looked up to him. "We're friends, right?"

"Of course we are. You know that-"

Arizona raised her hand to stop him. "I don't want to hurt you Adam, and I really do value you as a friend but - "

"But, what Arizona?

"I need to be honest with you.I need to tell you that I've met someone I think I'd like to date... and I'm really sorry that's not you because I know what you feel, it's just... I don't know, I don't have the same feelings for you. I'm not interested in us being any more than friends."

"Arizona, I've always been here for you, both as a doctor and as a friend. How many other people have really done that? How can you just push me aside for someone else, someone you don't even know? I could make you so happy if you'd just give me a chance." Adam stayed. his voice beginning grow louder.

"Adam..."

"I've been here for you!"

"I know, believe me, I know and I hate myself for hurting you. You and Teddy have been the constants in my life these last few years as I've been trying to figure out who the hell I am... and don't just mean helping me get back to being a doctor... you've both helped me figure out who the real me is."

Arizona's voice broke. "I've tried to give you the chance, but I'm starting to feel different... special... happy. I never thought I'd be able to say that again..."

"You can be happy with Arizona. We can be happy together." Adam insisted, taking Arizona's hand.

"I do feel happy when I'm with this person. When I think about h-" Arizona stopped herself, not wanting give Adam too much information.

"You're making a terrible mistake" He bit his lip in an attempt to hide his rising anger. "I don't want anybody to hurt you. You're very important to me. You know that, right?"

"I do. You're important to me, too. But I need to explore these feelings... I know what you think, but I need to figure this out for myself. You've changed. I need you to be the person I first met. I miss my friend..."

"People change all the time, Arizona. That's just how life is. Look at you, ready to try a relationship... who would have expected that? And I'm sorry if I wasn't the friend you needed me to be before but, I'll try to be here for you now, whenever you need me."

"Are we ok? Are we still friends?"

"For now, we are just friends..."

Arizona sighed, feeling relieved and yet uncomfortable. Adam was important to her, but she didn't like this new side he was showing her lately.

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As always, the soft sound of the rain beating on the windows had a hypnotic effect on Callie. She had always loved listening to the rain. Today, it made her think how much she missed Seattle - her house, her friends, her old life...

Callie smiled sadly as she recalled a memory of rainy day at the park with Arizona. She could still feel Arizona's kiss on her lips. On the one hand, she was thrilled that the universe had given her another chance with the love of her life. On the other hand, she was frustrated by the lack of progress they were making. For the last two months, Callie had done what she could to try to bring Arizona's feelings for her back, but Arizona didn't seem interested at all.

While Callie valued the friendship they were developing, she wanted more. They ate lunch together at the hospital whenever they could. If their schedules prevented them from seeing each other at work, they'd talk on the phone for hours at night, after Sofia went to bed. They even had dinner together sometimes. Sofia was always included in their dinners. Sometimes Callie thought it seemed like Sofia got to spend more time with Arizona than she did.

Despite her frustration, Callie was grateful for the relationship that she had with Arizona. Although she missed her girlfriend, she also missed the friendship she and Arizona had. So she was thrilled to regain that aspect of their relationship. The problem was that being Arizona's friend was a painful reminder that she was also the love of her life.

Callie shook her head to rid her of her thoughts. "What are you doing, baby?" Callie asked Sofia, who was concentrating very hard on a drawing she was working on at the dining room table.

"I'm drawing" Sofia answered, her eyes never leaving the paper. Callie raised her eyebrows.

"I already know that, sweetie."

"But you asked, mommy." Sofia answered.

"You're right." Callie smiled and approached Sofia. "Is it for your daddy?"

Sofia usually drew pictures for her daddy during the week, and Callie would save them for Mark so he could have them when he came to pick her up.

"No" Sofia stated.

"No?" Callie was surprised. "So, is for me?"

"This one is for Zona. Is it nice?" Sofia asked, showing it to Callie.

"Wow, it's really good. She'll like it a lot"

"Zona says that I'm a little artist" Sofia said proudly.

The connection between Arizona and Sofia was magic. Callie was really happy and thankful for that. None of the women she had dated since Sofia was born really cared about the little girl. They always viewed her as a burden. Arizona, on the other hand, referred to Sofia as her special little friend. She adored Sofia and the feeling was mutual. Callie couldn't help by smile about the fact that it was Sofia who had brought her and Arizona back into each other's lives. For a while, it seemed like Arizona was better able to connect with Sofia than with Callie. Given that at one time Callie and Arizona had broken up over Arizona's statement that she didn't want children, Callie couldn't help but smile at the irony of the situation.

Things were finally different. Arizona and Callie were definitely friends and Callie was ready to fight for Arizona's love. She knew that Arizona just needed a push to express the feelings that Callie was convinced were there. Callie had always known how to read Arizona; she could tell she was scared. Despite that, Callie was determined not to give up.

"She is right, baby." Sofia kissed the Sofia's head. "I'll pack your clothes. Your dad is coming tomorrow at noon."

"Do I have to wait here? I need to give Arizona her drawing." Sofia said, concerned.

Callie laughed. "No Sof. He'll pick you up at the hospital."

"Does he know the way?"

"Yes, he does."

"Ok." Sofia continued with her drawing.

####################

"Hello Ashley, I'm here to pick up Sofia" Callie said pleasantly to the daycare's girl.

"Dr. Torres, You 've finished early today." She smiled and called Sofia, who was playing with other kids. "Sof, mommy is here."

"I still have another surgery. Her father is coming here for her." Callie explained. "Sof, sweetie, hurry, please."

"I'm ready, mommy. Is daddy, here?" Sofia asked when she approached to Callie.

"Yes, sweetie. He and Lexi are waiting for you. Now, say bye to Ashley."

"Goodbye, Miss Ashley."

"Bye, Sof, we'll miss you. Have fun." Ashley kissed Sofia's cheek.

"Thank you, Miss Ashley."

Callie smiled proudly of Sofia. Nobody ever had any complaints about Sofia's behavior. She was well behaved, most of the time. She had her the occasional tantrum, of course, but that was normal for a child her age. When she did have a tantrum it was usually due to tiredness, hunger, or frustration she didn't know how to express, and she came out of them fairly easily.

"Thank you, Ashley, Bye."

"Bye, Dr. Torres, have a nice day."

When they left the daycare, Sofia spoke. "I can't go, mommy. I have to see Zona!"

"Sof, baby, you'll see her when you get back, ok?" Callie was scheduled for surgery in an hour and she needed time to prepare, so she hoped get Sofia to Mark fairly quickly and easily.

"No, mommy, I need to do it now." Sofia stopped in the middle of the hallway. "I have to give her the drawing I made."

Sofia had spent a couple of hours on the gift for Arizona, and Callie knew that it was important for her daughter. "If you give it to me, I'll make sure she gets it."

Sofia hesitated for a few second. She looked into her backpack and extended the drawing to Callie. "Ok..." She murmured. "But, don't forget."

Callie sighed. She could tell that Sofia wasn't happy with this plan. "Sof, sweetie, I won't forget. I promise, ok?" Sofia nodded.

"Sofia" Mark called out.

"Daddy!" Sofia ran towards him.

"Sofia...remember the rules! We walk in the hospital." Callie warned her.

"Come on, Callie, don't be so boring," he grinned, hugging Sofia.

"Mark, don't help me, please." Callie rolled her eyes. Sometimes Mark was like another child.

"Daddy, I can't breathe!" Sofia giggled, with her face buried in Mark's chest.

"Sorry, baby, I've missed you. How's my princess been?" Callie marveled as she watched her friend with their daughter. He was a different man compared to the one she had met years ago. He had finally settled down, gotten married, and become a loving father. He and Lexie had a wonderful life together. Lexie adored Sofia as well as her new baby on the way.

"I'm ok, daddy. Hi, Lexie." Sofia looked over at her stepmother, who was standing near her father.

"Hi, Sof" Lexie smiled at her. Even though Lexie was initially upset that Mark and Callie were having a baby, with time Lexie learned to love Sofia. The situation wasn't Sofia's fault and she was so sweet and kind that was impossible not to fall in love with her. Despite their strong relationship, though, Lexie never really put herself in a second mother role with Sofia. Part of that was that Lexie was younger and not ready for the responsibilities of parenthood when Sofia was born. She also just didn't want to confuse the little girl or interfere in Mark and Callie's parenting of the girl. Sofia respected Lexie, of course. There bond was just more like that of a special friend, or an aunt or big sister.

Mark noticed that something was bothering to Sofia. "Sofia, is everything alright?" Mark looked at Callie for a sign that all was ok with his daughter.

"Yes, daddy." Sofia replied softly.

"Are you sure? Are you sad because you're going to miss your Mommy? It's ok to feel that way, sweetie."

"No, it's not that. Mommy told me that is good to miss someone sometimes." Callie told Sofia this so that she could leave happy with Mark. When Sofia knew that she'd spend a whole week away from her mother she wasn't convinced, but Mark deserved time with his daughter, too.

"So, what is, baby?"

When Sofia didn't answer Callie decided to explain Mark what was happening. "Sofia made a drawing for someone special, but she can't get it to that person right now because she's busy, so I promised that I'd do it. I think she's just a little worried that I'll forget. Am I right Sofia?"

"Yes, mommy. Are you sure you'll remember?"

"Of course, sweetie. I'll even put a remintder in my phone, ok?" Callie smiled at her daughter. Just as Sofia was nodding yes, they heard a voice coming from down the hall.

"Thank goodness! I thought I wouldn't make it on time! I'm glad you're still here." A big smile crossed Sofia's face and all turned to see who was running and calling to them from a few feet away. Callie didn't need to around to recognize Arizona's voice.

"Zona, you came!" Sofia hugged tightly Arizona's leg. "Mommy told me you were in surgery."

"I was. As soon as I finished, I went to see you at daycare and they said you had already left so I ran to try find you." Arizona knelt to embrace her.

"You're awesome!"

Arizona was laughing when she heard someone pronouncing her name softly.

Mark had filled Lexie in on the Arizona situation, just in case they ran into her. Lexie thought she was prepared for the possibility, but seeing Arizona alive wasn't the same as being told about it. Despite her best efforts, she still felt like she was seeing a ghost and she couldn't help but voice the words running through her mind. "Oh my god... Arizona..."

Arizona stood. "Do I know you?" Asked bewildered.

"Mark." Callie warned at him.

He tried to stop at his wife but was too late, in a matter of seconds Lexi was embracing Arizona. "It's really you..."

"Lexie, honey, please, let the Doctor breathe."

"Sorry, I can't remember you." Arizona looked at Callie, trying to understand. Mark smiled at her uncomfortably and pulled his wife away.

There was tension in the room as Arizona noticed that Lexie was teary eyed. "Are you crying?"

"Sorry, my wife is very sensitive with the pregnancy. I'm sorry." Mark tried to explain the situation.

"But, she seems she know me." Arizona was looking at Lexie who was drying her tears.

"Lexie, do you know Dr. Zona?" Sofia asked innocently.

"No, she doesn't sweetie. Isn't right, Lexie?" Callie emphasized, giving Lexie a firm look, which the other woman understood immediately.

"No Sof, I don't. It's just that you've talked so much about her that I feel like I know her...and I'm just so glad you and your Mommy have a friend here... I'm sorry." She said to Arizona.

"It's ok. Are you sure you're ok?" Lexie nodded. "Ok, so you're Lexie."

"Yes, nice to meet you." Lexie offered her hand.

"It's my pleasure." Arizona looked at Mark. "And I guess you are Sofia's dad."

"That's correct. Mark Sloan, the best plastic surgeon in North America, at your service." He smiled and shook hands with Arizona. "Did you recognize me because my face? I guess Torres told you that I was really handsome." Mark was trying to distract Arizona.

The three women there started to laugh. "What? What's so funny? I'm handsome, right, Sof?"

"Yes, daddy, you are." Sofia answered seriously. "Daddy said that if I want to date boys they'll need to be nice like him."

"That give us plenty time. She'll be lucky if she find someone before her twenties."

"Mark!" Lexi clapped him on the arm.

"What? She's my baby girl." Mark shrugged his shoulders. "Ok, time to go. Say bye, Sof"

"Come here." Callie pulled Sofia into a hug. "I'll miss you. Be good for daddy, ok?"

"Yes, mommy. I'll miss you, too. I'll call you every day." Sofia kissed Callie's cheek and ran to Arizona. "I'll miss you, too."

"Me too, sweetie. Take care. Have fun with your daddy and Lexie" Arizona hugged Sofia and whispered something in her ear that made Sofia to smile.

Mark looked at Callie over his shoulder. She was watching the scene and asking herself, how her two favorite girls in the world had become so close so quickly. Maybe the pieces were finally coming together.

Mark walked to Callie and squeezed her arm. "Are you ok?" murmured. Callie nodded. "You sure?"

"I'm fine. Just remind me to me kill your wife."

Mark laughed. "I'm sorry, I didn't think she'd react like that. I should have known better."

"Yes, you should have. Now go, I have a surgery to do."

"Alright, ladies. Let's go so these two can get back to work."

Callie and Arizona watched them leave. As they were about to head back to work, Callie remembered her promise to her daughter.

"Hey, this is for you." Callie said, passing Arizona the drawing Sofia had made. "Sofia did it for you. I guess she was so excited that you came to say goodbye that she forgot about it."

"Thank you. Your daughter is lovely." Arizona studied the drawing.

"Your welcome. She adores you." Callie smiled weakly. "Ok, I have a surgery, I'll see you later."

As Callie started to leave, Arizona called after her. "Callie, wait"

"Yes?, do you need something?"

"Yes. No." Arizona was nervous and didn't know what to say.

"Yes or no?, Are you ok?" Callie noticed that Arizona was rambling.

"Do you want dinner tonight? I mean, do you want to go for dinner with me?" Arizona sighed relieved to finally ask the question.

"Of course I do." Callie's face lit up.

"Great!"

"I can pick up you from your apartment."

"No, it's Ok, I'll ask Teddy what she prefers."

"Teddy?" Callie asked surprised.

"Mmm, I want to know if she wants to take my car or hers."

"Oh. She's coming with us." Callie couldn't hide the disappointment.

"Is that ok for you, right?" Arizona noticed the Callie's face.

"Yes, absolutely. It's perfect." Callie gave her a fake smile.

"Ok. See us later."

"Sure." For a second Callie was thrilled, thinking that Arizona was asking her for a date. They still had a connection. Time hadn't erased their feelings, she was sure of it. She just had to find a way to help Arizona realize it, too.

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The three women loved the restaurant. The decor was splendid and the food was delightful, but Callie barely noticed either of those things. She was lost in Arizona.

Her blonde hair fell over her bare shoulders. The light in the restaurant made the colour of her eyes stand out. Callie loved Arizona's eyes and in that moment, she couldn't think of anything more beautiful. The black skirt showed of Arizona's legs, and Callie pictured them in her mind as they sat at the table.

"Callie, are you ok?" Arizona asked between laughs. She and Teddy were talking animatedly but Callie seemed lost in thought.

"What?, Yes."

Arizona frowned. "You, sure? Don't you like the place?"

"It's wonderful, Arizona, really."

"Ok, so what do you like best about it?" When she noticed Callie's face she knew that Callie had no idea what she was talking about. "Callie, are you sure you're ok? You don't seem like yourself tonight."

"Arizona, come on! She already told you that she is ok, I'm sure she's enjoying the view. Isn't that right, Callie?" Teddy teased. She had noticed that Callie had been devouring Arizona with her eyes for several minutes now.

"Oh, I am. I definitely am. It's just wonderful...amazing... so beautiful..." Callie was looking deeply into Arizona´s eyes.

"Wow, I think is nice but, aren't going a little overboard?"

"I'm not..."

Teddy smiled. "Callie, your food is getting cold. Eat.. it's really good."

Callie nodded and dug in. "Mmm, you were right about the food."

They kept eating and talking. All of them were enjoying the night, even when Callie needed to fight to focus on the conversation, rather than staring at Arizona.

"I'll be back in a minute." Arizona stood.

"Everything alright?" Teddy asked. Ever since she knew that Arizona had been feeling sick again, she couldn't but worry about her friend.

"Yes, Teddy, I'm just going to the restroom." Arizona hated when Teddy worried, even though she understood. She would have been the same way if the roles were reversed.

"Ok, I'm sorry. I won't ask again."

"Thanks." Arizona smiled

"Not until tomorrow." Teddy yelled when Arizona was a few steps away.

"Not funny, Teddy," Arizona retorted. Teddy laughed.

"I need you to go" Callie let out.

"What?" Teddy turned her head to Callie.

"I've said that, I need you go, please"

"And why would I do that? The desserts here are amazing. I want mine."

"Please, Teddy, I'll buy you any dessert you want for a whole week, but I want to be alone with Arizona." She begged. "It's not that I'm not enjoying your company, but right now, you aren't needed."

"Thanks, Callie," Teddy replied sarcastically.

"Teddy, I'm begging you."

"I don't know..." Teddy sighed.

"Please..."

At that moment, Arizona returned to table. "Did you miss me?" She smiled at Callie. "Shall we order dessert?"

"Sure. It's a shame that Teddy has to go." Callie looked at Teddy with a knowing smile.

"What? Why? You aren't on call today." Arizona asked.

"Yes, I know..."

"But they need you anyway."

"Yes... They do... but they'll have to pay for it." She emphasized the last part.

"I'm sure they will." Callie answered quickly.

"So, we'll go or..?"

"No" Callie said brusquely. "I want to taste the dessert. You two said that they're fantastic, now I want to eat one..."

"I don't have my car, I came with Teddy." Arizona explained.

Callie knew that. It was part of her plan. "It's ok, don't worry, I can take you home later."

"Is that ok with you?" Arizona asked Teddy.

"Not at all. Enjoy the night... but not to much..." With that Teddy left the place.

"I'll call the waiter." Arizona felt nervous and the silence didn't help.

"Ok."

A few seconds later the waiter was taking their order." "Which dessert would you like, ladies?"

"The specialty of the house." Callie looked at Arizona for approval.

"Excellent choice, ma'am. I should tell you though that it's enough for two people, though.

"Perfect, even better."

Both women loved the exquisite dessert. Not a morsel went to waste.

"Oh god... I don't think I can eat for a week..."

Callie, laughed. "Arizona, now who's exaggerating?"

"It's true, Callie... It's just to much for me..." Arizona noticed that Callie had chocolate on the corner of her mouth. "May I?" Arizona asked pointing at Callie's face.

Callie nodded and when she felt Arizona's finger over her lips, she closed her eyes. The simple touch felt so good. "Thank you."

"You're welcome."

"Do you want go home?"

"Yes, please, but I can take a cab."

"No way, I'll take you. No arguments." Callie smiled.

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"Ok, we're here." Callie said when they arrived at Arizona's house.

"Thank you. Next time I'll take my car..."

"It was no problem, Arizona."

"Callie?" Arizona asked anxiously.

"Yes?"

"Would you-" She sighed. "Thank you."

Callie smiled weakly as Arizona got out of the car. She had hoped that that Arizona would invite her to come in, but she didn't. "Any time." Callie turned on the car again.

"Wait!" Arizona yelled. Callie's warm smile gave her confidence. "Would you like to come in for coffee?"

"I thought you'd never ask"

Callie sat on the couch while Arizona made the coffee. She wanted to tell Arizona about her feelings, but she didn't want to scare her, because that would be worse and she knew it.

"Thank you, Arizona."

"It's just a coffee."

"I mean, thank you for this night, for inviting me."

"We're friends. Well, I guess you're really more Teddy's friend. But I..."

"Yeah... we're friends..." Callie repeated softly. She extended her hand and put a lock of Arizona's hair behind her ear.

Arizona closed her eyes. Her breath was heavy, her heart was beating rapidly at Callie's touch. She could feel that Callie was just a few inches from her.

"Arizona, I'm -" Arizona stopped Callie from continuing in the sweetest possible way, as she brought their lips together. Callie had waited so long for this moment and she was over the moon with happiness.

The kiss was short, soft, shy and absolutely wonderful. Callie grinned widely. When she opened her eyes she noticed that Arizona was looking at her with a serious expression.

"Arizona, are you ok?, I'm sorry I thought that you wanted because you just - "

"Shhh." Arizona shushed. "I think I'm gay."

"What?" Callie asked with a small smile.

"It felt so good. That kiss was amazing... so, I think I'm gay... or you made me gay, I don't know, but I'm feeling great..." A huge smiled was drawn over her face.

"And you haven't seen anything, yet."

Callie kissed her again. This time the kiss was a little longer, not passionate, just sweet. Even though she wanted more of Arizona, she knew that everything was new for her. She needed to gain confidence. Arizona needed to trust Callie fully, and Callie knew that in order for that to happen, she'd have to be patient. She also knew that Arizona was worth it.

"I don't want to rush anything. I still need to figure out some things about myself."

"I won't pressure you. We have all the time the world. We'll take all the time you need." Callie caressed Arizona's cheek.

Arizona nodded and hugged Callie. "Thank you"

"God, you can't imagine how long I've waited for this." Callie kissed the top of Arizona's head. Tonight was a new beginning. Now she had a chance to change the future. They could create a new future together and have the life they almost lost a few years ago. Tonight she felt complete for the first time since she and Arizona had broken up.

"I think you should thank Teddy properly."

"I will. Wait. What are you talking about?" Callie noticed the grin on Arizona's face.

"I think it was a little rude of you to ask her to go."

"You knew?" Callie was surprised.

"Yes, I did. I heard a little of your conversation. I know I shouldn't have been eavesdropping, but I couldn't help it"

"And why didn't you say anything?" Callie asked intrigued.

"Because, you know... I wanted to be alone with you, too...I just didn't know how to say it." Arizona answered a little ashamed.

Callie bit her lip. She wanted to tell Arizona that she loved her, but she knew it was too soon. Instead she just kept kissing her, over and over..