I've missed our girls :) Thank you for all of your comments. I love reading them.

"Hey, Mer, wait up!"

Turning at the sound of her name, Meredith smiled as Callie jogged to catch up with her.

"What's up, Callie?"

"I was wondering if you knew where I could find a copy of the employee handbook? I've been looking on the website and can't seem to find it."

"Hmm...I'd ask a desk nurse. They know where everything is."

Shooting her a grin, she turned around and hustled back the way she came "Thanks, Mer!"

"Torres"

"What do you want, Mark?" Callie asked, not in the mood for her lecherous friend

"I haven't seen you around much lately. Are you hiding out or something?"

"Hiding out? No, I've been busy Mark. By the way, hows your ass?" she smirked, not taking her eyes off the tablet in front of her.

"My ass is perfect as usual" he smirked, even while subconsciously reaching to rub the still tender skin. "How's yours? Want me to rub some soothing cream on it?"

"My ass is none of your business" she retorted, scrolling through the screen

"You asked about mine!" he peeked over her shoulder trying to see what was so fascinating but Callie quickly angled it away.

"Yep, but you made your ass everyone's business." growling with frustration, her eyes flicked up to his as she shut the screen off. "Seriously though, how you doing?" as annoying as Mark could be he was still her friend.

"Fine. Getting ready to head into surgery. You?"

"I have another surgery at 1. You haven't seen Dr. Robbins have you?"

Mark flinched a little at the other doctors name before his eyes narrowed. "Why? Have you not had a session with her yet?"

"Mark, that's really none of your business. That's not even why I'm looking for her. I just need to talk to her, ok?"

His gaze turned thoughtful as he stared at her.

"What?" she demanded

"You have the hots for blondie! Wait..is this so she will go easy on you?"

"What? No! You're insane. I told you this has nothing to do with that"

"Mmmhmmm. I've missed you in the cafeteria lately. Come to think of it, I've barely seen you since she called you into her office after Avery's surgery"

"Shut up, Mark. You don't know what you're talking about. Sure you're in any shape to start rumours about Dr. Robbins right now?" She questioned with an arched brow as she turned to walk away.

Arizona slipped into the house, closing the door behind her while simultaneously pulling the band out of her hair. Blonde tresses fell onto her shoulders and chest clinging there, reminding her how sweaty her clothing was. Guzzling cold water, she shook her hair out ignoring the growling of her stomach. The crisp autumn air should have kept her cool but she had really stretched herself, running harder and longer than normal. She knew she would pay for it later but it had been too tempting to let the pounding of her feet beat back the memories that had consumed her most of the day. Stretching her aching arms while moving towards the bedroom, she peeled the sweat soaked tank top and sports bra up her body and over her head. The cool air felt good against her bare chest as she felt her nipples harden.

"Oh fuck" a gasp came from her right. Jumping in fright she clasped the garments in her hands against her chest as she spun to find her favorite Latina standing by the sliding back door that led to her back patio.

"Callie! What are you doing here? You scared me to death!" she scolded even as relief washed over her.

The Latina stood mesmerized holding tongs in her hands.

"Calliope"

"Uh..um...remember we talked last night about me coming over to make you that steak dinner you were wanting? I looked for you at the hospital to remind you. Did you not get my text? I'm uh...I should say I'm sorry, but honestly sorry is not what I'm feeling right now. Um..sorry for scaring you but uh...not sorry to see all of that" she gestured in the blondes direction, eyes wide. She licked her lips at the sight of a set of very perky breasts topped with light pink upturned nipples.

Arizona gasped, realizing that in her relief that the intruder was Callie, she had forgotten she was half nude and had at some point relaxed her arms enough that both breasts were nearly completely exposed. Quickly covering herself again, she backed up towards her room. "I'm sorry, I completely forgot. I didn't see your car. Steak sounds great, thank you. I'm just going to go shower and get dressed. Let me know if you need anything"

"Anything?" Callie asked, teasing glint in her darkened eyes as a small smile ghosted over deep red lips. "I can think of a few things"

Arizona's eyes widened at the predatory look on the brunette's face. Stumbling, she bumped into the wall causing the other woman to chuckle lightly "Food. Stuff..you know, from the kitchen. Ok, I'll be back" she quickly disappeared, locking the bedroom door behind her and falling against it with a groan. "Smooth, Robbins. Very Smooth"

Completely covered in a t-shirt and leggings she drew in a deep breath and grinned. "Mmmmm…..Calliope. That smells absolutely divine"

Smiling, Callie raked her eyes over the peds surgeon. "Have to admit I liked the other outfit better" she winked and then laughed when the other woman blushed.

"I'm really sorry about that. Hey, where's your car though? I didn't see it" she asked slipping on to one of the stools on the opposite side of the island where the brunette was working.

"I wasn't sure if you were home or which side of the garage you normally park in and I didn't want to block you so I parked across the street and down a bit."

Callie focused on cutting up vegetables and Arizona took the opportunity to admire the view. She loved it when the brunette wore button up v neck shirts that displayed a hint of what was beneath them. This one was a deep purple that looked beautiful against her tanned skin.

"So, you had the day off today?" the brunette asked, looking up at her expectantly

"I did" Arizona confirmed as she watched her. "Hey, do you need any help? What can I do?"

"You can sit there and look gorgeous and relax. I've got this. Besides it's my way of saying thank you"

Taking a sip of water, she grinned as a thought came to her and without hesitation she reached for her phone to turn some music on. "Right...peace and quiet for you and dinner and a show for me"

Looking up in surprise Callie could only laugh when Arizona gave her an exaggerated wink.

Blushing just a bit, the brunette fell silent for a second even as she unconsciously began swaying her hips to the beat. "Well, yes, but that wasn't what I was thanking you for. I was more thinking of the pre-game show I received" she teased.

Narrowing her eyes, Arizona pursed her lips before responding "I have no idea what you are talking about" she tossed her still damp curls over her shoulder haughtily.

"That's ok" Callie said, one perfect brow arching high, "I don't mind remembering for the both of us" she went completely still as she stared off into the distance, eyes darkening and taking on a glassy quality.

Looking in the direction Callie was staring, Arizona turned back to her confused until it finally hit her "Hey! No picturing me naked!" she laughed, swatting at the brunette's shoulder as Callie grinned widely and ducked away.

"Mmmm...that memory is definitely a keeper"

"Dr. Torres" she scolded, voice laced with amusement as she tried to sound stern.

Callie just smiled, turning to the stove to pull the potatoes from the oven. Arizona's eyes immediately dropped to admire the rounded curve of her backside and all of the sudden her mouth was so dry she couldn't swallow. Placing the baking sheet on the stove to cool, Callie's hips once again picked up the beat of the music and Arizona's pulse skyrocketed as her incredible body moved to the music. It was mesmerizing, seductive and beyond hot how she could move. Biting her lip, the peds surgeon tried to control her thoughts but they were like a brush fire that rushed in and consumed her. Fantasy mixed with reality as she imagined all kinds of ways to rid the brunette of her clothing and have her moving those hips beneath her, on top of her, while she was inside of her. Her entire body felt like it was on fire.

"Alright, steaks are done, twice baked potatoes just need to cool, I've got a fruit salad and vegetable sal…..Arizona?" Her voice had gone from confident to tentative when she turned to see the look on the blonde's face.

Getting no response she called her name again but Arizona appeared to be lost in thought. Reaching out, the brunette hesitatingly used her finger to tilt the blonde's chin up so she could meet her gaze.

Her breath caught in her throat at the desire burning in the depths of those cerulean blue eyes. Instantly her barely contained need roared to life and she could feel her entire body pulse with desire.

"Arizona" she breathed out, voice trembling.

Staring intently, the peds surgeon watched as an answering flame of desire darkened the Latina's eyes. Her fingers itched with the need to reach out, to draw her closer and wrap her arms around her. Knowing she needed to get control of the situation, she struggled to focus and tamp down her roaring need. She nearly groaned as she shifted on the stool and felt the pressure on her hard and aching clit.

"Wine" she stuttered, nearly gasping the word out as she quickly stood and moved away. "Let's have some wine". Reaching for the cupboard where she kept the glasses she froze when the Latina reached out and gently wrapped her fingers around her wrist.

"Arizona" her voice was low and husky and the blonde closed her eyes as she leaned her head against the wooden door.

"Please, Calliope. I can't. We can't. Please" she begged

Callie pressed closer, wrapping her arms around her waist and pulling her tightly against her just long enough to nudge her cheek with the tip of her nose then drop a kiss on the curve of her neck. Arizona's eyes fluttered shut at the warmth of her body against her own and she could feel her resolve weakening just as the brunette released her and stepped back. "You get the glasses and I'll get the wine"

Nodding with relief, Arizona had to steady herself before reaching for the glasses again.

Dinner started out a little quieter than normal for them but Arizona was thankful to find that conversation flowed pretty well after they both had a few minutes to recover. It was with some reluctance that she finally stood from the table with a groan. "Now that was a satisfying meal" she grinned "Thank you, Calliope."

"Anytime" she grinned, helping to carry the dishes back to the kitchen. Arizona though handed her a refilled wine glass and shooed her to the living room while she loaded the dishwasher and put the food away.

Setting her glass down on the coffee table, Callie walked slowly around the room. She ran a finger over the spines of the books on the shelf smiling at their apparent shared interest in romantic mysteries. Turning to the dvds she was just starting to look them over when a 5x7 photo on a nearby shelf caught her eye. Picking it up gently she couldn't help but grin at the peds surgeon beautiful smile as she stood between two men.

Turning as the blonde came into the room, Callie held up the frame. "This is a really great photo. You all look so happy."

Arizona set her wine beside Callie's and hesitated a moment before walking across the room, taking the photo from Callie's hand. "This is my brother, Tim" she said, smiling softly down at the image of him. The photo had been taken at her parent's home shortly before his last deployment. She was flanked by Tim on one side and their friend Nick on the other. Both men hand their arm around her and all three were grinning widely at the camera.

"You two look a lot alike" Callie said, not missing the reflective and reverent way Arizona held the photo. "You must be close"

Blue eyes darted up to meet brown before lowering back to the photo. Arizona would normally end the conversation there and yet there was just something about the Latina that made her want to share more. She could feel the walls around her heart weakening but couldn't resist the urge to let her in a little. Biting her lip, she hesitated before continuing "Yeah...we were pretty close. We used to have a lot of fun together. Our dad was in the military so we moved around a lot. It wasn't a lifestyle that was real conducive to making and keeping friends for long. We always had each other which made the moving around more bearable" she said, placing the frame back on the shelf before turning to meet warm brown eyes. "Tim...he uh,...he passed away three years ago today actually. He was serving overseas and his squadron was attacked. He didn't make it"

Callie's heart nearly broke listening to the sadness in her voice "Arizona...I'm so.."

"I know." she cut her off. "It's ok. You don't need to say it. I actually never work on this day. I like to take the time to just be alone and remember and I guess to feel, you know? I need at least that one day when it's ok to just feel however I feel and not have to hide it."

There was silence for a moment before Callie spoke "Did I..uh...Do you want me to go?"

Arizona turned to meet her gaze and smiled softly again. "No, actually. I'm really glad you are here. I don't know what it is about you but I feel like I can be myself. I'd love for you to stay for a while, if you don't mind"

The smile that spread slowly across the Latina's face caused butterflies to take flight in the blonde's chest. "I'd really like that. So who's the other guy in the photo?"

"That's Nick, my first and only husband"

"What?" shock evident in every feature.

"Yep. We got married in our backyard when I was ten. The first and last time I ever let a boy kiss me" she smirked.

Callie laughed softly "Do you still see him?"

"Uh..no, actually. He passed away from cancer about a year ago" she gave a self depreciating little laugh before grabbing the Latina's hand and dragging her over to the couch. "Ok, enough about people I love dying. How about a movie?"

Sitting in her normal spot on the sofa, Arizona waited for Callie to put her head in her lap again.

"Do you..um...can we maybe share the couch this time?"

Scrunching up her nose in confusion, Arizona just looked at her "Don't we both usually end up on the couch together?"

"I just...hold on, I'll be right back" she said disappearing towards the guest room. Quickly changing into a long sleep shirt she removed her bra and then very carefully pulled her jeans down, wincing at the tenderness of her backside. Foregoing any panties, she slipped a soft pair of cotton shorts on and grabbed another pillow.

Moving back into the living room, she was surprised to find Arizona missing. Making herself comfortable, she fluffed the pillows and pulled the blanket off the back of the couch. Stretching out fully she tenderly moved as close to the back of the sofa as possible.

Arizona grinned at her as she came back in wearing her own set of sleep shorts. "I thought we were going to share the couch" she teased

Callie patted the cushion in front of her with a hopeful look as Arizona raised her eyebrows. "I'm not sure that's a good idea, Calliope" her voice was quiet and full of regret.

"C'mon" she smiled imploring "I solemnly promise that I will try to keep my hands to myself"

The desire to be near the Latina was more than she could resist and she found herself drifting closer until she was standing right in front of her. "Hmmm...doubtful but I'm going to try to trust you" Arizona smiled tentatively and stretched out beside her, trying to leave a little space. That plan went quickly out the window though when the Latina pulled her snug against her, her arm wrapped around her waist and her nose buried in blonde curls. "See? Isn't this much better"

Humming softly, Arizona allowed herself to enjoy the Latina's embrace. It had been so long since she had been this comfortable with anyone and she hadn't realized how much she had missed physical closeness combined with trust. She trusted Callie and that surprised her enough that her eyes flew open and she stiffened a little before slowly relaxing again. She trusted her and it wasn't the end of the world. She reached down and covered the Latina's hand with her own where it rested against her abdomen. "Calliope?"

"Hmmm?"

"Thank you...for dinner and for staying and for...everything"

"You are welcome. Thank you for letting me in"

"Well, technically you let yourself in" she giggled

Smiling ruefully, Callie brushed the tip of her nose over the blonde's ear. "I didn't mean into your house. I mean, yes that too, but I meant thank you for letting me be your friend"

"My answer is the same" she said turning to find dark eyes studying her.

"I get the feeling not many people get even this close. You are so incredible and I just don't understand. Is it defensive?"

"I don't know. I mean I lost my brother, my friend Nick, came to Seattle Grace and then dealt with the whole Dr. Stark and Teddy thing within a few years time. It took me a while to catch my breath and maybe in some ways I'm still trying to? It's not that I purposefully close myself off it just happened naturally and I guess I just haven't been all that interested in working to change it?" she said, playing with the brunette's fingers

"Until now, right?" she let her lips trail down the curve of her neck making the peds surgeon shiver. When she didn't answer, Callie sighed softly. "Do you date a lot?"

Turning in her arms to face her, Arizona grinned ruefully " I date, I just don't do relationships. I do casual really well though." she smirked

Callie snorted, amusement lacing her voice "So you lure lots of women here to make you dinner so you can have your way with them?"

"Well a girl's gotta eat" she winked salaciously then laughed as Callie choked over the double innuendo.

"I actually have never brought a woman home since I've moved here. I prefer going to their place because it's much easier to slip out than to get someone else to leave my bed. I don't do sleepovers"

"We've had sleepovers. We're having one right now"

"Hmmm...I guess we have. Not sexy sleepovers though"

"I, for one, would be happy to change that" she leered teasingly.

Bright blue eyes met and held brown and they just gazed at each other while silence fell around them. Reluctantly deciding that to respect the other woman's wishes she needed to try to keep this light, Callie thought about how to break the spell that seem to wrap around them. Shifting a little, she finally whispered "Arizona?"

Swallowing thickly, her eyes dropped down to full red lips "Yes?"

"My ass is completely on fire"

Eyes widening in astonishment at the brunettes slow grin, Arizona burst out laughing "Ok, ok, I'll put some gel on it. Geez woman"

Standing to go get the gel, Arizona was still smiling when she returned to find Callie still on the couch but facing the back of it.. She gasped when she got near and was yanked down in front of the Latina so that she was pressed between her and the back of the couch. Giggling as the brunette snuggled in close, she ran a hand through glossy dark hair. "How am I supposed to put this on you like this?"

"You can reach." she grinned, opening one eye to look at her before snapping it shut and sighing with contentment.

Rolling her eyes at the brunette's antics even as her heart rate increased, Arizona lifted her sleep shirt and tugged her shorts down until she could smooth her palm over the heated skin. Callie hissed at the contact, burying her face in the crook of the blonde's neck. Murmuring soft words of comfort, she spread the gel over her skin, taking a moment to gently rake her fingernails where the curve of her bottom met the top of her thigh. Callie gasped as her entire body broke out in goosebumps. "Sorry" Arizona giggled as the Latina glared teasingly at her.

"Mmmhmmm" one dark brow arched in suspicion.

Patting her bottom with affection after pulling her shorts back into place, Arizona closed the gel and tossed it onto the table. Snuggling together under the blanket, they talked and giggled for a while longer before falling asleep in each others arms.

They're getting closer! Thanks for reading :)