They had a lovely meal as a family together, just like old times. After Sofia came, there was no way they could continue their discussion anymore. So instead, they focused on their family time and by the end of the night after tucking Sofia in, Callie left with a promise to reply later. They knew that there was still so much left to discuss and until they finish everything, every last concern they won't be able to give themselves to each other completely.

That night none of them could sleep well except for Sofia, as she slept like a rock after being excited and elated to be in the presence of both of her mothers. Callie picked up her phone many times to drop a message to Arizona but decided against it, unbeknown to her that on the other side of the park the object of her thoughts was doing the same thing, but none of them converted their thoughts to action and they drifted into an uneasy sleep.

The next few days went like the universe was plotting against their meeting. Due to the unwelcomed rain in the last few days, Callie was on call almost 24 hours every day. She has been sleeping and eating, basically living at the hospital. She came home for one day in the last 4 days to get her stuff. She informed Arizona about the situation and hoped for the best.

Of course, Arizona was going to understand the situation, she was a surgeon too after all, but she couldn't help but feel a little disappointed with their current situation. She would never say this to Callie, but she hoped that this hiatus would end soon because no matter how much in doubt she was, at the end of the day she wanted to let bygones be bygones and start a new chapter, a new life with Callie. All she needed to hear from Callie was "there is no one else Callie wants to be with". She knew that she sounded desperate and pathetic but when it comes to Callie, everything was secondary. So, the sooner they get to the conversation, the sooner they could go back to normal.

…

Arizona: Hey, You free? 8:00 AM

Arizona: I was wondering if we could meet today. 8:01 AM

Arizona: I guess you are in surgery or something.

Message or call when you see this 11:00 AM

It wasn't until 3 in the afternoon did Callie got the time to even see her phone. She had back-to-back surgery and a meeting with the chief regarding her upcoming TED talk in November which happens to be in Miami. She saw a few messages and calls and she decided to call Arizona once she saw her three messages but just when she was about to click dial, her phone rang, but she didn't recognize the number.

"Hello!" Callie said picking up the phone

"Hi Callie" the speaker replied.

Callie recognized the voice at once and suddenly she felt an uncomfortable fluttering. She took a deep breath to compose herself before speaking

"Penny," Callie said calmly "How are you?"

"Good to see you haven't forgotten my voice yet" Penny replied with a nervous chuckle.

"Ahem… well of course I know your voice" Callie replied stoically

"Yeah… well… I just wanted to ask you if it's okay if I come to the house and collect some books which I left there. I guess it's in the study and I forgot to take the last time. I would have bought the new one but I couldn't find those particular editions anywhere… not even online… so… only if it's okay with you… or you know you can keep it at the reception of your building or office and I will collect from there" Penny spoke rapidly.

"Penny," Callie said loudly "Breath before you pass out… relax you can come to the house any time… no issues… in fact, there is one more box of your stuff which have of your clothes and a few other things as well. Just let me know the time"

"Oh … great… umm thanks… I'll come around 7 if that's okay" penny replied

"7 is perfect"

"That's great… then see you I guess," Penny said nervously

"Yeah, see ya bye" Callie replied

After the call, Callie released the breath she didn't know she was holding. The call from the penny made Callie nervous and scared at the same time. It has been months since they broke up and the idea of coming face to face with Penny was terrifying. After all, it wasn't like they ended on good terms. The inner turmoil kicked the thought of calling Arizona back out of Callie's mind and to clear her head she went to the pit which led her to perform another surgery.

It was around six in the evening when Callie finally put her feet out of the hospital building. She reached home and had a quick shower before she prepared herself for Penny's arrival.

At around 7:15 Penny knocked on her door. With a fast-beating heart, Callie opened the door.

"Hey, Callie," Penny said

"Hey…umm… you look good," Callie said nervously

"Oh… thanks… you too"

There was an awkward silence for a while "umm can I come in" Penny asked

"Oh, shit… sorry… of course, come on in" Callie replied.

Penny looked around the familiar surroundings, reminiscing many moments she spent here. A little bit of nostalgia and sadness hit her. She was lost in her thoughts when Callie's voice brought her out of her daze.

"Your stuff is in the study, have a look, let me know if that's all of it," Callie said

"Sure… thanks" Penny went into the study to collect her stuff while Callie waited in the living room.

After a while, Penny came out "I guess I got all of it" she said

"that's great…umm" Callie hesitated for a minute "Would you like some wine?"

"Umm..." Penny dwelled for a second "Sure…" She said with a smile

They sat in the living room couches and for a while nobody said anything, they quietly sipped their wine.

"So… what new?" Penny asked after some time.

"Well, nothing much… you say how is your research going" Callie replied

"Good … good… the human trial results are promising" Penny replied with a smile

"That's great… I am happy for you" Callie said, and they were back to the awkward silence.

"How's Sofia?" Penny asked breaking the silence that fell upon them

"Ha," Callie chuckled "Naughty as ever… keeps me and Arizona on our toes" she added.

"Arizona… she is visiting?" Penny asked confused.

"Oh…umm… she… um actually she shifted here a few months back" Callie replied, she didn't know why suddenly she felt very nervous.

"Really… that's… a big change…how come?" penny asked with wide eyes. It was shocking for her to know that so much changed in just a few months.

"Well, she has opened Robbin-Herman center of women health here" Callie explained "they just had the inauguration a few weeks back"

"Oh… I heard about this… it is supposed to be the next best thing in the New York medical industry… something like this was printed in the newspaper" Penny exclaimed "I didn't make the connection that Robbin-Herman could be Arizona Robbins… that's great… I guess"

"Oh yeah… it's an amazing thing they are doing and that caused Sofia to be in New York and have both her parents here… so it's a cherry on the top" Callie replied with a hint of pride in her voice, Penny just nodded along.

"Well, I should take your leave now," Penny said standing up.

"Oh… yeah… I mean… it was nice seeing you again" Callie said with a smile.

"Same here Callie… it was great seeing you… and I mean it, you really do look nice" Penny replied and made Callie blush a little.

They moved towards the door and before picking up her box Penny turned towards Callie and said, "Is it ok if I hug you?"

Callie was taken aback a little, she was not expecting that, so she replied a little hesitantly "Oh… yes… of course"

Penny laughed at Callie's stuttering "Something never changes, you still stutter when you are nervous"

Callie laughed along, Penny's little cheek broke the nervousness and they hugged like old friends.

Just before they could end their hug the door of the apartment flew open, and the voice followed.

"Callie… Your door is unlocked… you know New York isn't as safe-" The blue eyes widen looking at the scene in front of her "Oh…"

…

Arizona was fidgeting all morning. She dropped a message to Callie, but she didn't get a reply. At first, she was convinced that Callie might be in surgery and have a busy day, but as the day goes by Arizona's desperation increased. She tried to keep herself busy with various work, cleaning cooking, and helping Sofia with her homework even though she didn't need it but nothing worked. So once Sofia was out of the house for her karate class, Arizona decided to call Callie's hospital from where she came to know that Dr. Torres has left for the day. This only fueled Arizona's worry and against her better judgment of calmly waiting for Callie to contact back, she decided to visit her.

All the way to Callie's house she continued talking to herself, giving herself many explanations that there is nothing wrong and Callie is only busy for the last few days but every time her anxiety wins, she gets even more nervous. Once she reached Callie's building and pressed the button to her floor, she started feeling better about her decision. "It's no big deal, they are girlfriends and can pop at each other place unannounced," Arizona thought all the way.

As the elevator opened at Callie's floor, she walked towards Callie's apartment hastily. She was about to knock when she found that the door was already unlocked. Shaking her head on Callie's carelessness as this was the first thing Callie warned her about was that New York is not safe and she can't just leave her car and door open. She slowly opened the gate and exclaimed "Callie… Your door is unlocked… you know New York isn't as safe-" but her sentence died in her mouth as the scene unfolded in front of her and all she could say further was "Oh..."

See, for an unprejudiced eye the scene was nothing but innocent, two friends hugging, but for a mind which was already insecure and filled with doubts, it felt like the two past lovers reconnecting. Their hug was nothing but innocent but for Arizona, everything she was thinking from the last few days or maybe years, every doubt she had regarding Callie's feeling for her and Penny just came true. So yes, for her the scene in front of her was heartbreaking.

Callie on the other hand smiled at first when she looked at Arizona because she was seeing her after many days, but the smile immediately flattered when she looked at Arizona's face. It didn't take her much time to connect the dots and realized what Arizona must be thinking. She quickly separated herself from Penny and opened her mouth to address Arizona but before she could say Arizona turned on her heels and walked out of the house.

Callie stood shocked looking between the space which was occupied by Arizona a few seconds ago and Penny. She looked at Penny and said "Sorry, I just need to "she didn't complete her sentence but gestured towards the door.

"Oh… so you and Arizona… again?" Penny said with raised eyebrows. Callie looked towards her shoes but said nothing.

"Wow! That didn't take long…huh" penny said sarcastically.

"Penny-" Callie tried to say but Penny waved her arm dismissively.

"Don't… you don't need to say anything…after all, I already knew that" Penny said pursing her lips "I should leave now, and you get back to whatever you were going to do… Thank you for my stuff by the way"

With that Penny took her box and went out of the house without even looking back. Callie stood there for some time wondering what had just happened. After a few seconds of bewilderment, she decided to talk to Arizona right away else she will make it worse than it is in her mind.

She took her keys and ran after Arizona, hoping that she might have gone home. She called Arizona's phone on the way and within two rings she picked up.

"what Callie" Arizona everything but yelled.

"Where are you?"

"Why do you care?"

"Arizona, answer the question"

"I am on my way home, crossing central park"

"Stay right there I am coming," Callie said

"No need Callie, you continue whatever you were doing"

"it's not open for the discussion Arizona… stay where you are?"

"Sofia will be back in half an hour"

"Fine go home and I 'll meet you there," Callie said firmly, and before Arizona could oppose, she disconnected the phone.

After a few minutes, Callie knocked on Arizona's door. Arizona opened the door and walked back to the couch without any sort of greetings.

Callie entered the house and looked at Arizona who was avoiding her eyes. Despite the seriousness of the situation Callie couldn't help but smile at the innocence on Arizona's face.

"Are you done running the wrong conclusion in your head?" Callie asked, knowing very well what Arizona must be thinking.

Arizona looked at Callie with fired-up eyes as if challenging Callie's audacity.

"What? I know what ungodly things you are thinking… so I am asking are you done so that I can tell you the truth?" Callie's said with raised, one eyebrow.

"What is there to tell, everything was cleared," Arizona said with teary eyes. The childlike innocence of Arizona's tone made Callie chuckle again.

"Don't laugh at me Callie, I know what I saw!" Arizona said angrily

"Really? Tell me what you saw" Callie challenged lovingly

"I saw you reconciling with Penny… why else will she be in your house or why else would you be hugging her?" Arizona said and looked away from Callie in a huff.

"Okay, so the fact she was at my house, and she was hugging me lead you to the conclusion that I was reconciling with her" Callie replied but Arizona didn't look back at her.

"Arizona! Look at me" Callie instead and Arizona finally looked in Callie's eyes

"Good, First wipe your tears off, I don't like them," Callie said lovingly "Second, how can you think that after saying million times that all I want is you and our family together and even saying I love you, I would go back to Penny?"

"Uh-" was all Arizona could say, just by one line Callie made Arizona realize that she might be overreacting.

"Well-" Callie bent a little to meet Arizona's eyes.

"I thought… when I saw you hug her… umm" Arizona tried to explain but couldn't

Callie left a loud sigh and smiled, she moved forward and put her hands around Arizona's waist, and pulled her closer. She kissed her forehead and put a finger at the bottom of her chin to make Arizona look into her eyes.

"You are a moron… you know that right?" Callie said

Arizona blinked a few times but ultimately smiled "what was she doing there?" she asked with an adorable pout

First Callie kissed her pout away and made her sit on the couch next to her. With her hand across Arizona's shoulder, she pulled Arizona into her.

"Penny had some books and some stuff at my house from when she used to live there. So today she called me and asked me if she can come to the house to pick up her stuff… I said OKAY… that is why she was there" Callie explained calmly, gently stroking sides of Arizona.

"And why was she hugging you?" Arizona said sounding a little irritated.

"She was about to leave and asked me that can she hug me… for old time's sake, I guess" Callie replied "I couldn't say no"

Arizona nodded "So you are not going back to her," she said looking at her fingernails

Callie bit her lower lip to stop herself from laughing "No, I am not going back to her, or anyone else for that matter"

They sat quietly for some time enjoying the closeness, breathing in synch. After a while Callie sat up a little straight "so about the other day" she said. Arizona too sat up a little facing Callie.

"You really think, I loved Penny more than I love you?" Callie asked in seriousness. And Arizona nodded.

"Arizona! I have never-ever loved anyone more than I have loved you" Callie said slowly and with emphasis.

"But," Arizona said

"But nothing Arizona, I know what I did is last two years have done very little to boost your confidence in my feelings for you" Callie replied "I understand where you are coming from… all those time … all those things which I did with Penny was bound to make you feel less important, but the truth can't be far away from that"

Arizona didn't say anything she just waited patiently for Callie to continue.

"I can explain mine and Penny's relation in a nutshell because that is what there was a nutshell… nothing deep… everything I did till now and everything I said, which seemed like I was doing it for Penny was my selfishness. I wish I had much explanation for my actions but there are none. I don't know what I did and why but I will try to at least explain if not justify my actions" Arizona frowned her eyebrows in confusion.

Callie understanding her confusion took Arizona's hand in hers "I met Penny when I was most vulnerable… it was the one who ended our relationship… somewhere in my mind…maybe I was trying to win the breakup… in a weird way, I was justifying my decision… I met her she was fun to be with… she was normal, calm, and uncomplicated… and that time was looking for uncomplicated things… my whole life had been a freaking maze and with Penny, it felt little easy… she wasn't working in the hospital, so I didn't have to think about avoiding her if we break up. There was no rank issue, there was nothing at first… just two people, meeting for dinner… having some laughs."

"Later it became a little complicated when she decided to join Grey Sloan and when the whole thing with Derek came in the picture and it had to be the day that I introduced her to you. My life started to become complicated so another fear popped up in my mind… fear of another failed relationship… the relationship I was gushing about in the whole hospital was about to end and all I can hear was… I can't keep one steady relationship… I am ashamed to say now, but I didn't wanna look a failure in your eyes"

"Failure in MY eyes? Callie? How could you be a failure in my eyes… you had a beautiful, smart girlfriend at your arm whereas I was making a joke of myself drinking and was clearly hung up on my ex"

"See that was the reality… but my overcompensating mind was looking at that as MY shortcoming… Anything from that day till my breakup with penny was my effort to keep this façade up. A façade of my happily ever after. I presented Penny in the custody battle to tip the scales towards me. I wanted to show them that unlike you I was not going to raise my kid alone. She would have two great doctors all the time, she will learn more, and would be in a "loving environment" Callie made the air quotes in sarcasm.

"I never made Penny Sofia's other parent… in fact in one of our fights Penny raised that issue that I never let her meet my parents and that she has no say in Sofia's life… so much so that she isn't even listed in Sofia's school for pickups. My only reason to show her as another parent figure was to win that custody… as to why I moved with Penny was one stupid reason that I have been saying for a long time now is that I couldn't let anyone in Grey Sloan see that I failed. I went over my heart and broke our marriage and let go of this incredible woman and now I can't even keep a relationship… I can't keep any relationship… George, Erica… being pregnant with Mark's baby and divorce?... my life was nothing less than a freaking telenovela and I was not ready to give them another episode. So, I did what I see fit at that time… and that was to get out of Seattle."

Callie stood up and walked to the window feeling a little sad and much ashamed of her actions. She turned around and looked towards Arizona who was lost in her thoughts looking at the lamp in the corner.

"Arizona" upon hearing her name Arizona looked towards Callie "I have said it before, and I'll say it again… I have never loved anyone more than you… and it's not my impulsion, it's not like it was with George or Erica or Penny… I do love you… with all my heart." Callie looked into Arizona's eyes "it's not a type of love I feel in my heart… it's the love I feel in my whole body… I never stopped loving you, even when I hated you, I loved you… I know I have fallen in love hard and fast before, but I have never loved anyone harder than you.

Arizona could feel Callie's eyes were looking through her eyes into her soul. She could see the love radiating from Callie's pores and she herself, felt that love in every ounce of her being. At that moment she knew what Callie was saying was true. There was no doubt, there were no insecurities… only truth.

Callie moved towards Arizona and sat in front of her, with soulful eyes she looked deep into hers and said very slowly "I know you are not ready to say it back… maybe you don't feel the same… but I am going to wait for you… I will wait for you to fall in love with me…I will earn that love… you might still have some reservations and if you let me, I promise to remove them all…I want you Arizona and I will do anything for that to happen… just the question is would you let me?"

Hi everyone,

Please don't hate me for not updating on time. It has been a long time. I decided to visit my family and then I came back and got busy with my job and stuff.

First, thank you so much for the wonderful reviews… my last chapter got the most reviews to date… It was great to see that you all liked my writing and reasoning, and the love this story is getting is overwhelming. Please keep showering the same

Robbins: Thank you so much for your concern? :) don't worry I am fit and fine… was just busy

As for my other story… it's going on, but I want to post after writing a few chapters so that there isn't much delay there…actually there are 2 stories and in the race of writing all I am failing to write any…

Anyways I hope you love this chapter, and it gave some closure… Please ignore the mistakes as I didn't get time to proofread

Reviews, please!

Stay Safe

~Love RT