Fall was Arizona's favorite season. She loved the season change and when the weather cooled down. She loved sipping on apple cider while out and about, and definitely loved the fall fashion. A sweater, jeans, and leather boots was her typical go to outfit on the weekends when she was out of scrubs. She also loved school for her daughter. Sofia came home each day excited about something she learned and it brought pure joy to Arizona to see her daughter so happy about learning. Seeing the world through Sofia's eyes made her more understanding and compassionate. Sure she thought about kids, but it was never something she thought she needed to fulfill her life. That all changed when Casey walked into an exam room. Of course it was heartbreaking when the young mother died in front of her, but maybe it was a sign that Sofia was supposed to be in her life.
"Mommy can I get my face painted?" The jovial young girl begged her mother. It was hard to say no to her daughter. Sometimes she did when she felt the need to, but most times it only took one look for Arizona to comply.
"Sure, honey." Sofia jumped with excitement and ran ahead of her mother to the small tent full of face painters. Arizona and Sofia often visited outdoor weekend festivals in Seattle. It was nice to get out of the house on a clear day, and she loved shopping local and supporting small businesses. Couples, families, and all kinds of people were out, usually in positive moods, happy to do something relaxing before the grind of the work week begins.
"Excuse me, doctor Robbins?" The blonde was surprised to hear her named called. Sure she sometimes saw her colleagues out and about on the weekend, but it was rare. Even rarer to see a patient she helped. She turned around at the soft call of her name and smiled when she saw it was Calliope. Her Calliope. "Warm cider?", Callie smiled as she offered her one of the two cups she was holding.
"Sofia and I had our first cups when we first got here, but I can always do a second." Arizona accepted the warm drink from her girlfriend, making sure to give her a welcoming embrace. "I'm glad you were able to make it."
"Me too." Callie said taking a sip of her drink. "Where's Sofia?"
"Right over there." The blonde pointed to her daughter who was sitting very still while a young lady painted something on her left cheek. "How was your night?"
"You know, busy." The brunette sighed. "I got to assist Bailey in surgery though."
"Really?" Arizona asked surprised. The short doctor was extremely skilled, but also extremely picky when it came to new residents. It was definitely a good sign that she believed in Callie enough to assist her. "I think you're secretly on her good side."
"Does she have favorites?"
"She definitely has people that she favors, but she teaches everyone the same. She may try to recruit you for general." The two strolled over the face-painting tent. "General surgeries are what a majority of patients come into the hospital for, you'll be sure to get a lot of work."
"But I like bones. I've only been on doctor Greene's service once so far." Doctor Greene is one of the best orthopedic surgeons on the west coast, but he's also not the best teacher. Only one resident was able to join his team, but he eventually left after two years. "I don't think he likes me."
"He doesn't like many people, except his patients. His patients adore him." Arizona added. She could sense that Callie was getting anxious just talking about the situation and she didn't want that for the brunette, especially not now. "Hey, when you get your chance just work your ass off. Doctor Greene will notice." Arizona soothingly rubbed her hand up and down the back of Callie to get her to relax. "It's a marathon, not a sprint. Just keep doing you and it'll all work out. I know it will."
"Callie, look!" Sofia interrupted the moment by showing off her freshly painted pumpkin on her cheek. "It's a pumpkin! I love pumpkins!"
"Let me get a good look." Bending down on her knees, Callie closely examined the Sofia's cheek, much to the delight of Sofia and Arizona. "That looks amazing, sweetie."
"I love it!" Sofia squealed with delight as she jump forward into Callie's arm to give her a hug. Arizona gave the painter a tip and even took a business card in case she wanted to request her services again. "Mommy, can we eat? I'm hungry.'
"Of course, Sof. One of your favorite places is around her." As she stood up, Callie took hold of Sofia's hand, which she happily grabbed onto. She reached out for her mother's hand who happily accepted. The little girl had a huge grin of her face as she stood in the middle of the two adults and walked through the crowd. Thankfully there wasn't a long wait at the restaurant. Waiting in line with a hungry Sofia is a quick recipe for disaster. The young girl hates waiting.
After getting settled at their table, everyone took their time looking over the menu, especially Callie since this was the first time at this place. Checking her watch, Callie realized it was just after noon, but couldn't decide if she was in the mood for breakfast or lunch. "What do you suggest?"
"Their pancakes are really good." Arizona replied. Sofia nodded in agreement with mother. "They also make a really good grilled cheese and their tomato soup is tasty too if you want lunch. My usual is eggs benedict."
"Gross." Sofia scrunched up her face. "I'm getting pancakes, mommy."
"I'll join you with that, Sof." Callie said closing her menu. After placing their orders with the waiter, Sofia got busy with her Nintendo Switch, leaving the two adults with some time to talk between them.
"So you still haven't told me what you want for your party." Between their work schedules they didn't have much time to talk about the party, but Arizona was surprised to not even get a text about any details. "Unless you want to do something else."
"No, I like the party idea. I guess I just don't have many request. I guess just some food and alcohol. Tequila is a must. Maybe we could just order some pizzas? Are you sure you want to do it at your apartment?"
"Of course. It's close to the hospital and pretty much everyone has been there. Do you have any friends coming in town?"
"Nah, I'll probably celebrate with them over the holidays or something. I am a dessert person, so maybe a cake. Nothing fancy, but I like chocolate icing."
"Noted." Arizona nodded. "Cake, pizza, and tequila. I can handle that. So I'm thinking I'll send out email invites…" Taking out her phone, she began to make a list.
"Wait, wait. I don't think we need to do that." Callie was slightly amused to see how serious her girlfriend was taking this party planning. "I was thinking more just word of mouth. I'll tell Jo and Steph, they'll get the word out to some of the other residents and you can tell your friends you want to invite."
"Can I come to the party?" Sofia asked without looking up from her gaming console.
"I don't think so, kiddo. It's just a bunch of adults. Maybe I'll call Hailey's mom and see if you can hang out with her. How does that sound?"
"Oohh! That sounds fun." Callie chuckled at her reaction. Sofia's eyes went wide as she saw her waiter bring over their breakfast. All party conversation paused as they began eating. Sofia was so hungry and eager to eat, she barely said anything. Callie helped the young girl cut her big, fluffy pancakes into small pieces for her to enjoy. She was also sure to keep this place in mind as one of her go to breakfast places because she enjoyed the food so much. The trio stayed at the restaurant for about thirty more minutes just talking, eating, and enjoying one's company. When the bill arrived Callie was quick to put her card down to pay for the meal.
"You didn't have to do that. I was the one who invited you out." Arizona didn't want the young doctor to feel like she had to pay, especially for Sofia. Arizona made more money and at this point in their relationship she didn't want Callie to feel pressured to pay. She knew she made less and was willing to cover most expenses and definitely those including Sofia. "You should've at least let me cover Sof."
"I really don't mind. Besides, her meal was like seven bucks. I know residents don't make a lot, but I can cover a seven dollar meal." Callie reassured her by patting her thigh under the table.
"Can I at least pay the tip?"
"Nope." Callie said. "Seriously it's fine."
"Okay." The blonde reluctantly agreed. "I know it was only seven dollars, but that can turn into a thirty dollar shopping trip and fifty dollar game for her Switch. All I'm saying is that it can add up and I don't want you to feel like you have to pay for it."
"If it ever gets too much I'll let you know, promise."
The three of the spent the rest of the afternoon. After they eat they went to a nearby park so Sofia could run around and enjoy the outdoors. With the Seattle weather, Arizona always took advantage of a clear, dry day. Once they returned to the blonde's apartment Sofia fell asleep thirty minutes into one of her favorite cartoons. Feeling a little worn out themselves, Arizona and Callie retreated to the blonde's bed to rest up some.
"Today was a lot of fun. I enjoyed hanging out with you two." Callie laid on the bed and watched Arizona move around her room in her bra and underwear while she looked to change into more comfortable clothes.
"It was a good day, wasn't it?" Arizona threw a smile over her shoulder and continued to rummage through her drawers to find something to wear.
"Come here." Sitting up, the resident sat on the edge of the bed with her feet firmly on the ground.
"One sec, I'm just looking for these…ugh. Isn't it annoying when you can't find what you want to wear? I know they are in here cause I saw them a couple days ago."
"Take a break and come here, please." Hearing the softness in her lover voice, she closed the drawer walked over to the brunette. Once she was within reach, Callie pulled her in between her legs and placed light kisses across her torso. Arizona didn't say anything, she was more than happy to just be in the moment and run her hands through raven locks. Without saying a word, Callie unhooked the blue bra the surgeon was wearing and threw it behind her on the bed. She looked up to lock eyes with the blonde who was watching her every move. Poking her tongue out, she leaned forward and swiped it over a pert pink nipple. Seconds later she sucked it into her mouth and flicked her tongue over the hardened bud.
Arizona threw her head back in sweet pleasure as Callie devoured her left breast into her warm mouth. The residents other hand snaked around and grabbed her ass, which caused a low hiss from the blondes mouth. After a slow minute, the brunette switched to her right breast, biting at the creamy skin before her. Arizona loved having a women's mouth on her, anytime, anywhere, and loved that it was Callie making her feel this way. She was confident that Callie was bringing something out of her that no other person, or lover, had before.
"Hey, hey, why'd you stop?" The blonde was surely getting more and more turned on with each passing second. The cool air that crossed her skin when Callie moved her mouth was an unpleasant surprise.
"I need to go home." The brunette stood up before the blonde and placed a kiss on her forehead.
"What if I wanted you to stay? You could have dinner with me and Sof. I can put her to bed afterwards and we could continue on with this." Arizona had to admit she was getting very used to Callie being around. She liked the company. Sure it was way too soon for her to move in, hell they've barely explained to Sofia what they are, but having her girlfriend around was something she wanted. "You sure there's nothing I can do to make you stay?" She jokingly shook her chest.
"Believe me, it's hard to leave you and those." Callie said grabbing hold of the full breasts. "But I need to go home. I have some errands and other things to do. Besides I know how much you love your quality time with Sof. I've taken up a lot of that today."
"Fine. Call me tonight?"
"Of course." The two shared a kiss. Callie felt herself becoming very attached to Arizona. She had been down this road before with a previous girlfriend and it ended badly. If Callie wanted this to work, she knew she had to proceed slowly and take her time. Part of her was protecting herself because she knew at the rate they were going they were going to fall very hard very fast.