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

AN: 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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The place was full. The music was a little loud, though they didn't have to strain their voices to be heard over it. There noticed several couples on the dance floor, tables full of friends engaged in animated conversations, and various people trying to seduce each other. The alcohol was flowing freely. For some it was part of celebrations; for others, it was a way to forget their troubles.

"You know that you can't change it just by staring at it, right?" Teddy pointed to the glass across from her.

"What?" Callie asked when heard Teddy talking to her.

"I mean your drink, you've been staring at it for at least two minutes now, without saying a word. You don't need to drink juice just because Arizona can't have alcohol. Look at me, this martini is fantastic."

Callie smiled weakly. "I bet it is, but I'm ok."

Teddy extended her glass to Callie. "Take a sip. She won't get mad. Trust me."

"I know... It's not that." As Teddy didn't take away the drink from Callie, she decided to try it. "You're right. It's really good."

"See? I told you. Now give it back to me." Teddy continued watching Callie for a few minutes. "What is it, Callie?" Callie sighed. "Callie, what's wrong?"

"It's... Derek... He's been working on it for a month already and he still says that he can't do anything."

"Callie... " Teddy started to speak, but Callie stopped her.

"No, Teddy, no. I know what you think, but I can't accept it, ok? There has to be a way, I know it. And you can bet that I won't stop until I find it." Callie was angry, frustrated, and tired of not being able to find the answer she needed to help Arizona.

"I get it, ok. I know it's awful. But there's nothing we can do."

"How do you do it?" Callie lowered her gaze.

"How I do, what?"

"This... How can you just accept it... How can you be with her and not freak out when she has a fever, or a headache... My heart stops every time she sneezes..." Callie wiped away a tear.

"I guess as time has passed, I've come to accept it. I don't like it, but I know I have to accept it. She would kill me if I acting like she could die anytime... I'm scared, too. But we need to get over that and be there for when she needs it." Teddy explained, trying to soothe Callie.

Callie closed her eyes, trying to calm herself down. "She don't even want we talk about that..."

"Of course she won't. She doesn't want false hope and she doesn't want you to suffer... She cares about you, she cares a lot..."

Callie smiled. Of course Arizona cared about her, she always did, but now it was Callie who needed to take care of Arizona. Callie felt a kiss on her head.

"Here." Arizona said, leaving a drink in front of her.

"Arizona, what is this?" Callie asked, bewildered.

"I thought it was obvious, it's a drink. The bartender told me that it's strong and sweet, just like you." Arizona smiled and kissed Callie on the lips. "I hope you like it. If not, Teddy can drink it. She'll never turn down free alcohol."

"Hey! That's not true." Teddy protested and Arizona frowned. "Well, maybe you're right..."

"Didn't you go to the bathroom?" Callie said, watching Arizona.

"Yes, I did and when I was coming back I saw you take Teddy's glass, so I bought this for you."

"Arizona, you didn't need to do that. I'm fine drinking this." Callie pointed the juice.

"Callie, look, I want you have fun when we go out. Just because I can't drink doesn't mean that you can't."

"Sweetie..." Callie started to protest, but she stopped when she saw Arizona's expression. "Thank you"

"You're welcome." Arizona took Callie's hand. "Don't you like this place? We can go if you want."

" I never said that… I think it's really nice. Isn't this place you two usually come to most of the time?" Callie asked, watching Arizona and Teddy.

"Yes, but we can go another place if you prefer… Is that ok with you, Teddy?"

"Of course, Callie. We can go. It's no big deal." Teddy answered quickly.

"Wait, I like this place. Let's stay here."

"Ok..." Arizona said hesitantly. "You sure?"

"Absolutely, why are you asking, honey?" Callie asked when she noticed that Arizona wasn't convinced.

"I don't know… You're acting a little weird tonight…" Callie frowned. "Ok, if you say that you're fine here…"

"That's what I'm saying."

"I had another reason to buy you a drink." Arizona said, smiling again.

"Really? Which would be what, If I may ask?" Callie replied, playing along with her.

"I wanted the bartender knew that we are dating. maybe now he'll stop staring at you..." Arizona glanced toward the man behind the counter.

"Are you jealous?" Callie asked, as she playfully brought her face near Arizona's.

Arizona didn't waste the opportunity and kissed Callie. "Of course not..."

"Ok" Callie pecked Arizona's lips and sipped the drink. "Mmnn, it's really good. Maybe I should tell him that he's doing a really good job."

"What!? You wouldn't do that." Callie smiled at her, enjoying Arizona's jealousy. "But I know what you could do."

"And what that could be?"

"Dance. I know you love to dance." Arizona stated.

"Do you want to dance with me?" Arizona nodded. "Let's go."

"Teddy, do you mind?" Arizona asked her friend.

"Not at all, you have fun. I'll call Henry." Teddy as she looked for her cell phone.

Callie and Arizona moved toward the dance floor. From her place Teddy could see them laughing and swaying their hips to the beat of music. Arizona seemed not to need her memories to know how to move with Callie.

Thirty minutes later the three women were leaving the bar. Callie had driven Arizona and Teddy to the bar because they thought that one car would be more than enough.

So Callie had to drive both of the other women home, Teddy insisted on catching cab. Callie protested, pointing out that Teddy's place was close to Arizona's anyway, so it wasn't an inconvenience.

"Thank you very much, Callie. You know I could take a cab."

"Don't be silly, Arizona's house is just a few streets from here."

"Thanks, again. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Bye." Both women responded in unison.

"So, do you want me to take you home?"

"It's not necessary, I can walk in there or take -"

Arizona couldn't finish. "What?, No, Arizona, I'm not saying that, of course I'll take you home. That's not what I'm trying to say..." Callie noticed Arizona's bewilderment and continued. "I was thinking that since tonight is the last one where Sofia is with Mark, maybe you could come to my place." Callie suggested sensually.

"I'm sorry. I don't think so." Arizona said seriously.

"Oh, ok" Callie couldn't help her disappointment. "Are you tired?"

"No, but why would be going to your home when my place is closer? I don't want to waste time... You can spend the night with me and you can be home early enough for Sofia tomorrow morning..." Arizona winked at Callie.

Callie grinned from ear to ear. "Have I told you that you are a smart woman?"

"Actually, no." Arizona kissed Callie softly. "But you can show me when we get back to my place..." Arizona said huskily.

"Oh, I will..." Callie kissed Arizona's hand and started the car.

"I can't wait... I can't wait..."

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"Arizona, Sofia. Come on, dinner's ready!" Callie yelled out from the kitchen.

"We're coming, honey." Sofia and Arizona were drawing in the living room. "We better go soon before your mother gets mad at us." Arizona told Sofia and put the crayons over the table.

"She won't be mad at you." Sofia stated.

"And why do you think that? I've heard your mom and I'm pretty sure that if we stay here too long, she'll come for us and not in a nice way..." Arizona joked. She loved Sofia's giggle in response.

"She likes you We're safe."

Arizona couldn't help but laugh. "Really? Do you think she likes me very much?"

Sofia nodded. "She is always smiling when you're with us."

"Can I tell you a secret?" Arizona asked in a lower voice. When Sofia nodded excitedly, she proceeded. "I like her, very, very much and I like you, too."

Sofia jumped into Arizona's arms. "I missed you when I was with daddy."

"I've missed you too." Arizona kissed Sofia's forehead. "Now, go to wash your hands while I clean up here."

Sofia started running towards the bathroom. "Don't run, Sofia!" Arizona warned.

"Sorry!"

Arizona walked to the kitchen and embraced Callie from behind. "I was missing you," she said in Callie's ear.

"Liar. You were having too much fun with Sofia, aren't you?" Callie answered playfully.

"Hey! I'm not lying. Yes, I was having a good time, but that doesn't mean that I wasn't missing you! I definitely was."

"Really?" Callie kissed Arizona's lips.

"Mmm. A lot."

"Me too." They were kissing when heard Sofia.

"I'm ready mommy."

The women separated. "Perfect, sweetie. Arizona, wash your hands."

"Yes ma'am"

Callie couldn't have been happier that Sofia easily accepted Arizona into their lives. At the beginning both Arizona and Callie agreed not to tell Sofia about their recent relationship. However, as time passed, Sofia noticed that Arizona was usually in there at dinner and Callie was happy. So Sofia decided to ask to Callie and Callie talked with Sofia about it.

Of course Callie tried to manage Sofia's expectation. When Sofia heard that her mother was dating Arizona she started jumping and clap wildly all around the living room. This lasted about five minutes. Sofia loved Arizona and Callie knew it. They had a magic and an inexplicable connection with each other.

Even though Callie was blissfully happy that the two people she loved most were bonding, she was also very scared because if the things didn't work with Arizona Sofia would suffer a lot and Callie hated the idea of her daughter being hurt. No matter how she fought for their life together, she knew there was a possibility she could lose Arizona, that Sofia could lose Arizona, because now she was an important part of the life of both. It broke her heart to consider the thought, and she was ready to fight with all she had to keep her love with her.

Dinner was going normally. Sofia did most of the talking. Arizona was trying to follow Sofia's conversation, but she realized that Callie was extremely quiet tonight. Arizona moved her hand and held Callie's in hers.

"Do you have a house in Seattle, Arizona?" Sofia asked innocently.

"What?" Arizona didn't know where Sofia's question came from.

"Do you have a house where I live? Because this isn't my house." Sofia explained.

"Mmhh, no" Arizona hesitated and noticed Sofia frowned. "Why?"

"Where do you'll live, then?" Sofia was confused now.

"I don't get it, Sof. I have a house here. You've been there, actually."

Sofia gave Callie a concerned look. Callie understood what Sofia was asking. Her daughter was smart. Neither Callie nor Arizona had brought up this topic before, partly because it was such a delicate issue and both preferred not to think about it. But Sofia had brought it out into the open, and now, she was hit with the reality.

"She is not coming with us, mommy?"

"Sof, Arizona lives here." Callie said calmly. Inside, however, she was more scared than her daughter. Arizona lowered her head stared at her plate, not saying a word.

"But we're going home soon, aren´t we?"

"Yes, sweetie, we are. But we've still got some more time here, so why don't we talk about that later?

"Daddy said that it will be very soon."

"That's because your daddy misses you too much and he likes to think that, ok?"

Sofia nodded, not entirely satisfied with her mother's answer. "I'll miss her if she is not with us."

"So will I," Callie said, looking at Arizona, who didn't meet her gaze. "Sofia, it's time for bed. Go brush your teeth, please. I'll be there in a minute."

That was their routine. Callie put Sofia in bed and then spent a few more minutes alone with Arizona before she left. "Can Arizona read me a story, tonight?"

Arizona looked at Callie for permission. "As long as Arizona is ok with that."

"Yes!" Sofia yelled out. "That's ok, right?" Sofia asked, but she was sure Arizona would agree.

"Of course, now go, just give me a minute."

"Ok. I'll choose the story. Don't be too long!"

"Sofia, where's my goodnight kiss?" Callie knelt and hugged Sofia when she ran towards her.

"Goodnight, mommy. I love you."

"I love you, too. Sleep well."

When Sofia left Arizona watched at Callie. "Callie, I couldn't say anything because she just took me by surprise and..."

"Arizona, you don't need to explain anything. She is a kid and she has questions. That's all."

"Yes, but we never.."

"I know, we've never talked about it. When the time comes, we'll do it. I don't want you all stressed because of that, do you hear me?" Arizona nodded, smiling. "As I said, I'll be here for a while and if, and I hope we'll be, we are in a relationship will discuss what is best for us. We have time." Callie kissed Arizona's lips and heard Sofia's sobs. "Sofia, what's the matter?" Both women looked at the little girl, worried.

"I forget my book at daddy's" Sofia said, near tears.

"Sweetie, is not a big deal, I'm sure you can find another one, can't you?

"I want that one." Sofia answered firmly.

"I have an idea! How about we create our own story?" Arizona suggested and Sofia glanced at her. "What kind of stories do you like?"

"Mmnm, princess? And can we have a monkey?"

"Are you kidding? I love monkeys! Of course we can put one in our story. Also, I want horses. What do you think?"

Sofia nodded. "And a scarab"

"A scarab? Really?" Arizona asked, laughing.

"I like scarabs, I think they're pretty."

"Ok, then we'll have a scarab."

"Two, I don't want Railey feeling alone." Sofia pointed

"You are totally right, and I can see we have a name too..." Arizona glanced at Callie, who was wrapped up in how Arizona handled Sofia. "Ok, little miss, we have a story to do, so let's go to the bed."

Twenty minutes had past when Arizona left Sofia asleep in her bed. Callie was sitting on the couch lost in her thoughts. Arizona started to massage Callie's shoulders from behind. "What's wrong, baby?"

Callie raised her eyes. "Mmnn, that feel good. I didn't hear you come out of Sof's room."

"I know you didn't. Now tell me." Arizona said softly

"Nothing's wrong."

"Callie..." Arizona warned and knelt in front of Callie. "Yesterday you seemed mad, tonight you were quiet all through dinner, an now... Callie, I can tell by your face that something is bothering you..."

"I'm ok, really." Callie squeezed Arizona's hand. Arizona raised her eyebrow and Callie sighed. "Can I ask you something?"

"Sure, what do you want to know?"

"Actually, it's a request" Callie said timidly

"Well, I'm intrigued now..."

"I want you see a neurosurgeon. He's the best and..."

Arizona stood up and stepped away. "I though we had talked about this." Arizona said coldly.

"Yes, I know but I don't get why you don't want to even try..." Callie was frustrated. Derek couldn't find a way yet and he needed to do more tests on Arizona but Arizona kept refusing every time Callie talked about it.

"Because I did before and the answer was always the same!" Arizona yelled.

"Arizona, you need to take a chance. He's the best! If we go and - "

"No, I don't need a chance, you need that!

Callie's eyes were suffused with tears. "Maybe that's true, but you can't blame me for that. You never give up, Arizona..."

Arizona breathed deeply, trying to calm herself. "I'm sorry, ok?" Arizona caressed Callie's cheek. "But, can we not talk about this, please? You don't know how it feels when someone tells you that there's no hope... "

"But there may be hope, Arizona... Please... at least, at least tell me you'll think about, please..."

Arizona remained in silence a seconds. "I will"

Callie smiled at her and kissed her. "Thank you."

"I don't want you to ever, ever cry over me again." Callie opened her mouth to respond but Arizona insisted. "Never" Then she started to kiss Callie passionately. "Ok, you promised me a coffee."

"I was enjoying this..." Callie protested.

"Me too, but Sofia is in the next room."

"Sofia is sleeping... we can be quiet..."

Arizona moaned. "I'm sorry babe, I need to wake up early tomorrow."

"OK.. I'll make a coffee and then I'l let you go."

"Sorry." Arizona pecked Callie's lips before she went the kitchen.

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The waiting room was quiet. The few people there were lost in her own thoughts. As was to be expected in the oncologist´s waiting room, no one seemed happy. The faces showed the pain, the tireness, the lost hopes they faced. Most of them just waited to die. They don't want to fight any more. They had no strength left for the battle. They knew that their destiny was no different than the rest of humanity. All of us will die someday, but when a person is reminded of their immortality, everything changes. Your priorities change, your feelings change, your whole life changes. You need to hold on something, or someone. You need to love and to be loved.

Arizona was playing with her fingers nervously. No matter how many times she'd been here, she had never ever gotten used to that.

"You didn't call me" Callie's voice surprised Arizona. She wasn't expecting anyone today. It was the first time she was there alone. Teddy was always there with her, even Adam, but Teddy called earlier to let her know she had an emergency surgery. Arizona had promised to call Callie, but she didn't.

Callie was looked intently at Arizona. Her voice was filled with a mix of pain and anger. "Why you didn't call me, Arizona?" Callie questioned when Arizona didn't say anything.

"I.. I'm ... How did you know to find me here?" Arizona replied.

"Teddy. She called me a few minutes ago. I came as fast I could, but she shouldn't Arizona..." Callie bit her lips trying to not cry. Arizona didn't trust her yet, and that hurt her a great deal.

Arizona sighed. "I know, Callie, I know and I'm sorry. I asked her to not call - "

"What? Are you kidding me?" Callie raised her voice and everyone turned to look at her. She breathed slowly to calm herself down. "That isn't what I saying, Arizona. You should call me. YOU, not Teddy.

Both remained in silent before Arizona spoke. "I'm sorry, ok? I'm not used to have someone in my life, besides Teddy, and.. when, you know..."

"Don't" Callie said, interrupting Arizona.

Arizona smiled weakly. "Forgive me?" and pointed to the empty armchair next to her.

"You'll have to get used to it. I'm not going anywhere. I'm in your life, Arizona and I need you to allow m be there for you ... Maybe it's weird and - "

"It's scary" Arizona corrected.

Callie took Arizona's hand. "Please, don't be scared, ok? I won't hurt you. I promise you. I need you to trust me, Arizona. I need you want me here, with you, no matter what.."

"It's not you who I'm scared of. It's me. It's what will happen and . "

"Arizona, thanks god I'm on time."

"You called him?" Callie asked Arizona pointed to Adam, who was standing in front of them.

"No, Callie. Teddy was the only who knew about this appointment."

"Dr. Torres, I don't need Arizona tell me when she must go to see the doctors. I know all about Arizona's life and this isn't the first time I come with her."

"Well, you don't have to worry anymore, since today I'll be at every appointment. You can go." Calie said coldly.

"Adam, thank you, but really, you should go."

Adam ignored Arizona's words and keep talking to Callie. "Look, you're wrong if you think that I'll accept that - " Callie wanted to punch him in the face.

"Arizona" All three of them stopped as they heard her name called from across the room. The doctor was standing in his doorway.

Both Callie and Arizona got up and started to walk towards the office, as did Adam.

"Arizona, nice to see you." The woman said nicely.

"Good morning, Dr. Evans."

"Catarina. Call me Catarina, or Cata. How many time do I need to tell you that, Dr. Robbins?" The doctor teased trying to break the ice. She said the same thing every single time. "I can see there's a lot of people here today. Is Teddy with you, too?"

Arizona shook her head. "No, she's in surgery."

"Ok. Well Arizona, you can come in, but just one of you two," she said, glancing at Callie and Adam.

"Me" Both answered in unison and the doctor looked at them, confused.

"You are?" The doctor asked Callie, who seemed to want to kill Adam with her eyes.

"Callie. Callie Torres. Her girlfriend." She spit out, glaring at Adam.

"So, Adam. I guess that she's who should be with Arizona, right?" the doctor asked, smiling. "Ok, Callie, come in."

Arizona opened her mouth but didn't say anything. "See you later." Said to Adam and entered the room.

Before Callie came in, Adam held her arm." You'll regret this," he whispered.

When the three women were inside the doctor started with routine matters. She watched some of Arizona's scans and then guided Arizona to the litter so she could check on her.

"So you have a girlfriend, Arizona, I'm glad to hear it." The doctor didn't stop the exam while she was talking.

Arizona turned to look towards Callie for a second. "Thank you."

"How is she?" Callie asked anxiously.

"You're impatient, aren't you?. You need a lot of patience with a sickness such as cancer and since you're her girlfriend you'll need to learn to be patient." Dr. Evans advised..

"Sorry." Callie flushed and Arizona couldn't help but laugh.

"It wasn't a scolding; take it as a tip..." She smiled at her. "Well, Arizona we need to talk. I don't like the last results. But don't jump to conclusions, ok? We'll take another test just to be sure."

"What's wrong?" Callie asked concerned.

"I don't know specifically, that's why I want to do the test again. Something's changed since last time, which is odd because before this, nothing had changed in years..." She glanced at Arizona. "How were you feeling lately?"

"Fine. I guess. You know, like always."

As Arizona didn't help the doctor kept asking. "Are the headaches worse than before?"

"Sometimes, yes."

"Have you passed out recently?" Arizona shook her head. "Tiredness?"

"Yes."

"Any rare symptom?"

"No."

"Do you think that could be a colateral effect because the tumor? Infections? How are her hematocrit?"

Arizona noticed Dr.'s face. "She is a doctor too."

"I see. What specialty, Dr. Torrres?"

"Ortho. but, please call me Callie."

"Ok, Callie. As I said before, I want another test. Then, will see."

"Ok."

"Meanwhile, I want you free of stress, ok? I know that's difficult for a surgeon, but I'm serious. You have a little arrhythmia. It could be due to some medicine you take, or the stress or anything, so I want you take care yourself."

"I will" Arizona said softly.

"I'll keep watch over you. You can bet on it." Callie said and kissed her.

"I'll give you a new prescription, and make your meds a little stronger. Take this when the pain is high. When you do, you won't be able to operate, you'l be sleepy."

"I don't like that idea."

"I know, but if you're in pain, you'll take it. Ok?"

"Ok." Arizona sighned.

"I want to see you next week with the scans. Until then, remember all I said and don't take fly, either."

"I don't plan to travel."

"Excellent. I can see you gained weight, that's good."

"That's thanks to her." Arizona smiled at Callie.

"Good job, Callie. Can I trust you take care on her?"

"Of course."

"I can hear, you know?"

"I know, but you are stubborn, Arizona, and I don't trust you. Indeed, I trust your girlfriend."

"Dr. Evans, how do you feel about getting a second opinion to look at Arizona's case?" Callie needed to try again. Maybe if her doctor agreed, Arizona would be willing to see Derek.

"Callie." Arizona warned.

"I know, Arizona. I just want to know her opinion about that."

"Callie. I did try that at one time. However, you two are well within your rights to look for another opinion"

"Don't listen to her, Catarina, I'm perfectly fine with you."

"Arizona, maybe you should try. What do you have to lose? It was quite a while ago that I consulted with someone else. Callie's right. With these recent changes, now would be a good time to get a second opinion. It's not about me, Arizona. We're talking about your life."

"I'll think about it." Callie sighed, Arizona kept saying the same thing.

"Thank you, Catarina."

"You´re welcome. Dr. Torres, please, call me whatever you need. I'm telling you this because Arizona won't."

"Thank you. I'll do that."

Fifteen minutes later, Arizona and Callie were on Ped's floor.

"Is Sofia in the daycare?" Arizona asked Callie, who had been silent since they left the consulting room.

"Yes"

"I'll see her in a while. I have rounds now."

Callie smiled weakly. "She'd love that." Callie took Arizona´s hand. "Arizona?"

"Mmn?" Arizona didn't take her eyes off her charts.

"Everything will be fine. Surely the test failed. You know that's possible."

Arizona looked at Callie with a sad smile but didn't say anything.

"Excuse me Dr. Robbins. I need a consult in Room 257" The intern interrupted.

"I'll be there in a minute. Thank you."

"You have to work, I guess."

"Yes, I do, and you do, too."

"I know, I just wanted to spend more time with you..."

Arizona approached Callie and embraced her. "Will you miss me" Callie nodded between kisses. "Me too"

Before entered the room, Arizona called at Callie. "Callie, about you told Dr. Evans..."

"You didn't forget... About that, I'm sorry. I was nervous and..."

"I'll see you at lunch, girlfriend."

Callie had a big smile on her face. "You're not mad?"

Arizona thought a seconds. "girlfriends..." she repeated. "We're girlfriends. I like it." With that disappeared inside the room.