Chapter 29

There are many different ways to be woken up. Alarms can go off, the smell of breakfast in the air, babies crying causing a mother to panic, phones ringing, tender kisses on the back of the shoulder... the list goes on. Some ways are more pleasurable than others. The way Arizona Robbins was woken up this morning, well, it was more pleasurable than any other way she could have imagined.

As Callie makes her way back up Arizona's body, out from under the covers, Arizona can't wipe the smile off her face. "I didn't think it was possible to love you more than I did last night, but I think I do," Arizona says, causing Callie to giggle. "But, I am being sincere when I say it really has nothing to do with what you just did."

"I love you too. I really wanted to let you sleep longer since we were up so late last night, but... I couldn't resist. I can't get enough of you, Arizona Robbins," Callie says, leaning down to kiss on Arizona's neck.

"I'm not complaining. You can feel free to do that, anytime," Arizona says, leaning to give Callie a kiss. Callie hesitates, and Arizona senses why. "It doesn't bother me. Come here…"

Callie smiles and leans in to give Arizona a kiss. "So I have an open invitation to wake you like that, any time I want?"

"Oh yeah. Consider this your ongoing, open invitation. But I have to ask, do I get one of those too?"

"Oh, I could probably be persuaded..."

"And what would I need to do, to persuade you?" Arizona smirks as she rolls Callie over and starts kissing down her chest, then to her stomach.

"Oh, you are headed the right direction with that persuasion technique," Callie says, smiling.

"Glad I seem to be on to something," Arizona says, working her way down a little farther.

"Um, I think you just found the ticket..." Callie sighs happily, as Arizona looks up to see Callie fisting the sheets above her head.

XXXXXXX

A little while later, the two women have made their way to the shower, together. After a little longer than should have been necessary, they finally finish getting ready and make their way downstairs. Arizona planned ahead and had Teddy leave some fresh donuts on the porch. She realizes she really owes Teddy, big time.

Retrieving the donuts, Arizona makes her way back to the kitchen to find Callie making some coffee. "I see you found what you needed?"

"Arizona, I'd have to be blind if I didn't. You had it all laid out, right by the coffee maker."

"Well, I was just checking," Arizona says, laughing. "I'm going to call mom. I texted her before we fell asleep and told her we would be there by ten. Obviously, we are a few minutes late," Arizona giggles.

Callie pours their coffee as Arizona opens up the donuts, then pulls her phone out to call her mom. She no sooner picks it up to dial and the phone starts ringing. Looking down, Arizona says, "It's my mom."

"Oh no. Katie...," Callie says, beginning to panic.

Arizona reaches over and pulls Callie close as she answers the phone, placing it on speaker so that Callie can hear too. "Mom, is everything ok?"

"Oh, Katie's fine sweetie. I just wanted to let you know there was a man here earlier. I don't know who he was but I wanted to let you know in case Callie was expecting someone."

"Is he still there? My friend Mark said he was going to try to come visit this weekend. He didn't make it yesterday, so I would say it was probably him."

"He came in and looked, then turned around and left. He hasn't been back, so I don't know if he is still in the hospital or not."

"If he comes back again, just tell him I'm on my way. He probably felt weird since he didn't know you," Callie says, already reaching for her shoes.

"Ok... We are on our way. Thanks mom."

Hanging up and putting her shoes on as well, Callie watches Arizona as she grabs her jacket.

The two women talk all the way the hospital, Arizona's hand not leaving Callie's hand or thigh the whole way back. She can't help but feel the need to have some sort of physical contact with the woman. "So, you didn't tell me Mark was supposed to come," Arizona says, looking over at Callie.

"I honestly forgot until your mom mentioned it. He texted me Friday afternoon and said he hoped to make it. He felt bad since he hadn't seen her in a few weeks."

Arizona is glad she has Mark, because she doesn't seem to have a ton of support from her family. Financially, yes. Emotionally, not so much. Mark seems to fill the void, and she knows that Addie and Christina have been checking in with her more often lately too. "I'm glad he is coming."

Callie looks at Arizona, wanting to gage if she is being totally truthful, and she can tell that she is. When she was married to George, Mark wasn't supposed to be in the picture at all and the two never got along. She is extremely thrilled that Arizona seems nothing but supportive.

They arrive at the hospital and make their way into Katie's room to find Barb sitting by the little girl, telling her stories. No book in hand, but once again telling stories about a young Arizona.

"Mom...," Arizona says, as Callie let's go of her hand and makes her way over to Katie. "Quit telling her stories about me," Arizona says, as she starts laughing.

"Never," Barbara says, standing to face the newcomers. "What would be the fun in keeping all of those stories to myself?"

"Well, better to keep them to yourself than make me look bad," Arizona chuckles.

"Well, I for one can't wait to hear them all for myself," Callie says, squeezing Arizona's hand. "So, has Mark been back?"

"No dear. Haven't seen him again. Was just strange he wouldn't even say hi. He wasn't a very friendly man."

"Oh, he is. Just more... cocky than anything. He probably got side tracked with a nurse or something," Callie says, laughing.

"He one of those player types?" Barbara asks.

"Not like he used to be. He has settled down a great deal. Supposedly he is in a relationship now and has retired his womanizing ways. So, we will see."

Arizona walks back into the hall and makes her way back in, with a tablet in hand. She pulls up Katie's chart from earlier and reads through the morning lab report.

"Calliope, some of her numbers are really improving today. Hopefully that means we will start to some more progress soon," Arizona says, hopefully.

"We hope you are right, don't we Katie?" Callie has been standing beside the bed, cradling Katie's hand. She pulls her hand up to place kisses on it, holding it up beside her cheek for a minute.

"So girls, did you have a nice evening out?" Barbara can already tell the two seem closer. Arizona can't take her eyes off the blonde woman.

"Oh, um, yeah. You know, we had dinner, watched some movies..."

"Sure you did," Barbara says, smirking at her daughter. "I will just let you stick with that story, Ok?"

"Mom...," Arizona mumbles, as she looks over to see Callie blushing.

Callie is somewhat embarassed, but also amused at the openness between the mom and daughter.

"I'm just saying... Anyway, I better be going. I am going to meet one of the ladies from bingo for a late lunch," Barbara says, standing up to gather her things.

"Thank you so much, Barbara. You don't have any idea how much I appreciate it," Callie says, watching Barbara lean over to give Katie a kiss on the forehead. Callie smiles to herself, wondering how in the world she got lucky enough to find the Robbins family. It's almost a little overwhelming how supportive Arizona's mom seems to be.

"Anytime girls. It was my pleasure. I'm only a phone call away if you need me."

"Thanks mom. Why don't I walk you out," Arizona offers. Turning to Callie, she says, "I'll be right back," as she leans in and gives her a kiss. When she turns around, her mom is smiling, but doesn't say anything.

As Arizona and her mom make their way to the entrance, her mom turns and watches her daughter. "You really love her, don't you?

"Yeah, I do," Arizona says, grinning. "I know we have had an unconventional start to our relationship. I mean, last night was our first date. But, she is amazing mom. She keeps me on my toes. She is funny, smart, incredibly beautiful. I don't think I could have dreamed up someone any more perfect."

"I'm glad you are happy. She seems good for you. I know we haven't had a chance to talk much really since you found out she has a daughter. You are ok with that? I mean, obviously, you are. But how do you really feel about it? You never really mentioned kids a whole lot."

"Mom, I have always believed we meet the right people at the right time in our lives. When I got Katie's file, I was so drawn to it. I had this need to help her, without knowing who she was. Now that I do, I just… I can't explain it. I feel like I need to be there for her. I don't really have a choice in it. Not because if I want Calliope, I have to take the kid too. But, I feel a need to really be there for her. I know I don't really know her yet, but, we are so hopeful that will change soon. But I know I already love her. I would move heaven and earth if I could for those two. They have completed my life in a way I didn't even know I needed. I can't even explain it, mom."

"That's what love does to you. It consumes you. I'm glad you found it Arizona. I'm sure you are going to face some challenges, so remember, I'm here if you need to talk. And I'm always here if you need a babysitter. You need to keep her mom sane. A mom loves her kids, but she needs some "me" time, even if she doesn't realize it. When you and your brother were little, I hated to leave the two of you to go out with your dad. But, he insisted that we do it. And I'm glad he did. We needed that time. And he let me go out with friends every now and then. It wasn't always he and I going out. He knew what I needed before I did."

"Thanks, mom," Arizona says, taking in everything her mom just said, then giving her a hug.

Upstairs, Callie pulls out her phone to text Mark, to see where he is. "Hey, sounds like you might have been in to see Katie already. Where are you?" Sitting with Katie, she puts her phone down, and takes Katie's hands. As soon as she picks her hand up, Katie's fingers start to move. "Hey sweet girl. Mommy is right here. I missed you last night. I hope you had fun with Barbara. She seems to like spending time with you."

Callie looks over just as both of Katie's eyes open. Callie is so excited, she stands and leans over to where Katie can see her. "Katie! Hey baby. It's mommy. I am right here with you. Look at those beautiful eyes," Callie says, with tears forming in her own. "Oh sweetheart, I can't believe I am looking at both of those big, brown eyes of yours." Callie leans down to give her a kiss, and when she raises up, Arizona is walking back into the room, and starts to panic when she sees Callie with tears in her eyes.

"Hey…. What's wrong?" Arizona says, as she makes her way over to the bed, and catches why Callie is so emotional. A big smile spreads across Arizona's face, as she takes in the two eyes, watching her mommy intently. "Calliope…" Arizona says, overjoyed at the scene taking place before her. Every little thing that happens with Katie, is one step in the right direction. Having not one, but both eyes open, is a major improvement for Katie.

"Hey big girl," Arizona says, watching Katie's eyes flicker over to her, causing Arizona's smile to grow impossibly wider. "I have been waiting to see those eyes. They are beautiful, just like your mommy's," Arizona says, putting her arm around Callie and pulling her a little closer.

"Arizona, I can't believe it."

"I know. She's improving. You are getting your little girl back."

The women spend almost an hour, standing by Katie's bed, talking to her, watching her eyes bounce back and forth between the two women. Her hand even begins to twitch and Arizona confirms to Callie that was probably indicative of Katie trying to move it on her own, and not just muscle spasms. She explained that her muscles are very weak and that it will take a little more work to make them move. Not that Callie didn't already know that, but in this moment, she is mom, not Dr. Torres.

Later that evening, after Katie's eyes closed for what they thought was probably a well-deserved nap, the two women were surprised by Teddy and Addison showing up.

"Hey guys," Teddy says, as she is the first one to make it through the door. How are things going in here? How's the munchkin?"

"Hey! What are you guys doing here?" Arizona says, seeing the two friends come in.

"We haven't had much time to really catch up lately. We missed you guys. So… how is she?"

"It's good to see you guys," Callie says. "She is improving all the time. Every day she opens her eyes for a little longer. Today, she actually had them both open, for a long time. She is a tough little girl."

"Well, sounds like she gets that from her mom," Teddy says.

"It's good to hear that she is improving. Mandy is actually on her way. She has the goodies," Addie says, raising her eyebrows.

"Goodies?" Arizona asks.

"Yes. Lots of goodies. We had a football watch party last night and we had all kinds of food left. So, we decided to bring some leftovers."

"Leftovers... That means you ate all the good stuff and this is the stuff nobody wanted?" Arizona asks, chuckling.

"No... these are amazing leftovers. It's just, we had too many leftovers. You don't get second rate leftovers, Arizona."

Callie laughs, watching the two. "So, Addie are you ready for tomorrow? Looks like you really packed the appointments tight. I just logged in a little bit ago to check the schedule."

"Yeah, sorry about that. We have been getting more and more calls, so I was trying to cram a few more in. Which is good, but makes for a busy morning. It will get easier when you are back to full days."

"Yeah, hopefully we get this little one here back to old self soon," Callie says,

"You'll get there. Sooner rather than later, from the sounds of it."

"I hope so," Callie says. "So, what kind of party did you guys have last night?"

"Oh, just your usual drunken game night. We put the game on then pay no attention to it. It's more of an excuse to get together to drink and eat lots of junk food."

"Sounds like a good time," Callie says.

"It usually is. There were a few people asking where you were, Arizona," Teddy says, giving her a look.

Arizona notices and sees Callie look at her out of the corner of her eye, watching her for a reaction.

"I had better places to be," Arizona says, without missing a beat, causing Callie to smile.

"So, we had a thought and we wanted to run it by you two," Addie says, looking to Teddy then back to the two women.

"Which is?" Arizona asks, curious as to what the two are up to now.

"You guys can't keep staying here, all night every night. Believe it or lot, there are other doctors here that might need that on call room. We know you want to he close we get that. But let the two of us, and actually, Mandy said she would take a turn as well. But let is all rotate through and stay a night during the week. That way you guys can go home and get a good night's sleep. You are going to wear yourselves out."

"I can't ask you guys to do that," Callie says, shaking her head.

"Haven't you figured out we don't ask a lot in this town. We all see what needs done and we pitch in to help. And you are a strong woman and we know you don't need our help. But, we want to. So, let us help. Starting tonight. I brought clothes to stay," Teddy says.

"Teddy, I appreciate it. But I can't let you do that. You have work tomorrow."

"Look, we start later than you. I have more time. We thought Mandy and I could take a few weeknights and Addie could take a weekend night since she has early mornings like you. We have it all planned. We really want to help."

"Calliope," Arizona says, watching her girlfriend wipe away a tear. "I think they are onto something. It's your call, but it would help you to get a little more rest. You are seeing a light at the end of the tunnel, but you still have a long way to go."

Thinking for a few seconds, Callie studies the three women, then looks back at Katie. "Ok. You can help."

"Sweet! I think this will be fantastic. You need to get more rest, because this one will keep you busy once she gets moving."

"I know. I can't wait," Callie says.

"Food is finally here…," Mandy says, making her way into the room with her hands full.

"Mandy, it's good to see you," Callie says, standing to help take things from her to set them out.

"We missed you two," Mandy says, handing things over to Callie. And sitting the rest down. "Now, lets dig in before it gets cold."

The ladies continue to talk and catch up, as they all notice how much closer Callie and Arizona seem.

"So, I hear you two had a big first date last night. How was it?" Mandy was the one who asked. She couldn't hold it in any longer.

The two women looked at each other and smiled. "It was really nice," Callie volunteered.

"Nice? That's what Arizona's mom says about her quilting club meetings. We want details! Every dirty one," Teddy says, mischievously, giving the two a raised eyebrow.

"Well Teddy," Callie says, deciding to play Teddy's game, and whispering to where Katie couldn't hear, "…it was mind blowing. She does this thing with her tongue… Mmm."

"Ok! It's getting late. Shouldn't you guys be heading home?" Teddy covers her ears while jumping up out of her seat, causing the other women to burst out laughing.

"The look on her face...," Arizona says, as she continues to laugh, squeezing Callie's leg with her hand. "That look is priceless right there!" She points at Teddy as her mouth is still hanging open. "Don't ask for details if you can't handle them!" Turning to Callie, she says "And that's part of why I love you."

The minute those words leave her mouth, Teddy gasps. "Did Arizona Robbins just say what I think she said?"

"Yep," Arizona says, as she smiles looking at Callie. "I love her. So much."

"And I love her," Callie says. Looking from Arizona to Teddy.

"Well, I would say it was a pretty productive date night then," Mandy says, chuckling.

"Yep, more than you know," Callie smirks.

The women wrap up their time together and all of them but Teddy make their way outside, as she is staying with Katie tonight. After saying goodbye to Addie and Mandy, Arizona walks Callie to her car.

"So…" Arizona starts. "Oh! Did mark ever text you back?"

"No. But I'm assuming we weren't here and he didn't want to wait around, so he went home and ended up busy."

Nodding, Arizona says, "Well, I hate that you missed him," she says quietly. "So, we are going home."

"Yeah. It looks that way," Callie agrees, wondering if Arizona is thinking the same thing she is... That she hates to go home alone. After spending so many nights together, she hates the thought of spending it away from the blonde.

"Ok," Arizona says, wondering if she would be too needy if she were to ask Callie to spend the night with her. After all, they are only dating. They are allowed to spend time apart.

Callie leans in to give Arizona a kiss then turns back around and opens her door. She then immediately shuts it. She turns back around and takes Arizona's hands in hers. "I um, I know that we should probably both go home. To our own houses. But we have spent every night together for a few weeks now. And I just, I…"

"Can I go home with you?" Arizona asks, cutting Callie off, looking hopeful but almost afraid to ask.

"I thought you were going to let me leave," Callie says, pulling Arizona in for a kiss.

"I didn't want to assume you felt the same way I did. I was trying to give you space. But I just can't stand to be away from you. So, are you sure? Because we can take a night apart. I don't want to smother you or anything," Arizona says quietly. "I mean, you haven't been here long and maybe you just want to spend a night in your new house by yourself. I mean, I know you have a lot of things, like laundry to get caught up on."

"Arizona, I love you. I don't need time apart. And, you can help me do laundry. You could even take these clothes off and throw them in the washer with mine," Callie says, leaning in to nibble on Arizona's ear.

"I don't have anything else to wear."

"I know," Callie says, raising her eyebrows.

"I'll be right behind you. I love you," Arizona says, smiling, rushing to get in her own car, causing Callie to laugh.

"I love you too," Callie yells.

While on their way back home, Callie's phone rings. When she answers, Mark's voice comes through the speakers in her car.

"Hey, I saw you texted me earlier. What was that about?" Mark asks.

"Well, it sounded like you were at the hospital. I just wanted you to know that we were on our way. I didn't want you to leave before we got there."

"I wasn't there this morning. I had an emergency surgery come up that I was called in for."

"Oh. Well, Arizona's mom said someone was there. I just assumed it was you."

"They didn't leave a name?"

"No. She said some guy walked in and then left. I thought it was weird you wouldn't have stayed, but I figured you maybe got sidetracked by a nurse or something."

"Thanks for that. I can control myself."

"Whatever Mark," Callie says, laughing. "Well, I'm sure it was just someone from the hospital then."

"Probably. That's the funny thing about hospitals... all kinds of people around. So, how are things with you and blondie?"

"Mark, I don't even have words. She is… amazing."

"You dipped your toes in the lady water yet?"

"Mark. That's not even a question I am going to answer."

"Oh, come on! I always tell you stuff."

"Yeah, even when I don't want to know your stuff. This is different Mark. I… I love her."

"Wow. That's a pretty big statement, so soon."

"I know it hasn't been long. But I do… I love her. She is…amazing. In every way. She is so caring and attentive, and it just blows my mind she loves me too."

"She said it back?"

"She said it first. I have never had someone like that in my life Mark."

"Thanks for that. I feel like chopped liver over here now."

"You know what I mean," Callie chuckles.

"Yeah, I do. Well, maybe next weekend I can actually make it. I'd like to get to know your woman a little better. Maybe I can give you some pointers."

"Judging by last night, I don't need them." As soon as she says it, she does a mental face palm. She really didn't mean to say that.

"Ha! I knew it! How was it?"

"I'm going to go Mark. Love you!"

"Callie…"

"Bye… See you this weekend, got to go…," Callie yells into the phone laughing, before she hangs up. She decides she is not giving him details of last night, no matter how much he begs.

After thinking of last night, her mind drifts to tonight. She can't wait to get home and repeat it.

After pulling into her garage, she motions for Arizona to pull in next to hers. After walking into the house and setting their things down, Callie pulls Arizona through the house.

"Where are we going in such a hurry?" Arizona asks, laughing.

"To do laundry. I need you out of those clothes," Callie replies, causing Arizona to laugh even more.

"Well, if doing laundry means you want to get me naked, I'm up for laundry anytime," Arizona smirks, already pulling her shirt over her head.

Where last night was loving and gentle, tonight Arizona is getting the feeling it will be a little more…exciting, as Callie is pulling her shirt off as well as she walks into the laundry room. She then pushes Arizona against the wall.

"Arizona, you are the sexiest woman I have ever laid eyes on," Callie says, as she makes quick work of pulling her pants off, as well as Arizona's, before she starts to kiss Callie passionately.

"Calliope. Hurry and put that load of clothes in the washer. We need your bed. Now," Arizona says, as Callie makes her way down her neck, wasting no time in getting the blonde worked up.

"I can't wait that long," Callie says as she falls to her knees.

"Oh!" Arizona gasps, loving how Callie is so eager. Laundry wasn't the only thing happening in that room tonight.