A/N: I know I spoiled you over my break. I'm so sorry for the delay, between playing catch up at work and the girls not telling me what they wanted to do next, this one took longer than I wanted it to.

Mondlerfankay: It always bothered me that as soon as Callie left the hospital after her accident, her scar was gone. I have debated about whether or not to include it in my story. But since I brought up the topic of marks and scars on their bodies, then you brought up the heart surgery scar, I decided to address it the way I did in my own head so it would stop bugging me.

Also, though I started this story a couple years ago and some ideas were already included, like many authors, I gather inspiration from other stories. One such story you may recognize ideas or concepts from is written by Justforfun28, which if you haven't read those stories, you should. While some things may seem familiar, I added my own twist to them and can assure you my story is going in a different direction.

Everything else belongs to Shonda.

"Oh wow! This is so good. Okay Sofia, I get it, this is some good pizza, but Rocco's is still my favorite." Arizona gushed. Sofia pouted slightly and asked, "What's so great about Rocco's?" Callie was in the kitchen getting drinks as she listened to the duo continue to argue about pizza. The disagreement started in the car when they left the center and were trying to decide what to pick up for dinner. Of course they all agreed on pizza, but that is where it ended. Sofia insisted Joe's was the best pizza she ever had and Arizona argued she had lived all over the world and Rocco's was the best. She smiled as she heard her ex-wife's comment. Rocco's was their go-to pizza place early in their relationship. The blonde had never even heard of the place until the night of Alex and Izzy's wedding. Callie had suggested they stop on the way home, though they both knew they wouldn't be having pizza until much later. She nearly dropped the drinks she was carrying when Arizona responded, "It's even better when it's cold." Her mind immediately went to all the nights they shared cold pizza in bed after many hours of hot sex. It was clear that was exactly the blonde's intent as she saw the smirk on her face right before she bit into her slice and rolled her eyes in ecstasy. "Arizona," she nearly growled in warning at the other woman. She had riled herself up in her lab as she was attempting to tease the other woman, then their little kiss as they were about to leave the lab turned into a full blown make out session until they were interrupted by a text from Lorraine letting her know she was headed home and setting Sofia up in her office. After that, they decided it was getting late and they would return later in the week to fit the prototype and let Arizona practice and get used to it. Quite honestly, her emotions were all over the place from the day's events and the last thing she needed was to think about sex…sex with Arizona…hot…steamy…clawing at the back…

"Mama? Did you hear me?" Sofia asked, confused by the look on her mama's face. Both her moms had been acting weird since they left the hospital, her mommy was acting too happy which meant she was thinking or worried about something, and her mama had been very quiet which meant…well, the same thing. She knew something happened, but she didn't think they got into a fight because they were holding hands when they found her in her mama's office and they weren't being mean to each other. She just hoped it would be okay. She liked having both her moms in the same house. When Callie still hadn't answered their daughter, Arizona looked over at the brunette and as soon as she saw the look on her face and the darkened irises, she knew what was on her mind. She herself was having a hard time not thinking about that subject and knowing that's where her ex's head was at as well didn't help her in the least. "Callie!" she called to snap the other woman out of her thoughts. Finally registering that her family was talking to her, the brunette looked at her daughter, "Sorry baby girl, did you say something?" Sofia looked at her mom for a moment then repeated, "I asked which place you liked best." Taking a bite of her pizza to bring herself back to the present, Callie didn't even have to think about her choice, "Sorry kiddo, I gotta go with mommy on this one. Rocco's is the best, but who knows, maybe Joe's will become our new favorite." she said as she tossed a saucy wink in the blonde's direction. Arizona just shook her head at the implication that they may enjoy more pizza nights in bed. Finishing her slice, she got up and started cleaning up the kitchen. "How about you get cleaned up and we watch a movie before you head to bed little miss?" Not having to be told twice, Sofia popped the last of her pizza in her mouth, jumped out of her chair, and started toward her room. "Not so fast!" Callie called out at the same time Arizona asked, "Where do you think you're going?" Still with her back to her mothers, Sofia rolled her eyes and her shoulders slumped as she turned and shuffled back into the dining room to take care of her plate and cup. "Thank you." Rang out from the kitchen and the dining room as she headed to her room to get ready for bed.

Arizona looked up and noticed Callie had barely touched her food and was staring outside. She had also noticed how quiet her ex had been and tried to cover it up so their daughter wouldn't get worried. This calm contemplative side of the normally fiery Latina wasn't something she was used to and she worried maybe everything from earlier in the day was catching up to her. She knew it would creep into her own mind the minute she settled down, which was the reason she hasn't stopped for even a minute to let herself think. Walking up behind her, she placed her hands on those strong shoulders that looked to be carrying the weight of the world and started kneading them firmly. Feeling the tension, she leaned down and whispered, "Are you okay?" Callie closed her eyes as soon as she felt those small hands begin to massage her shoulders. She hadn't realized she was so tense. Letting her head fall forward, she mumbled, "Mmmm that feels good. Yeah, I'm okay. Just thinking." She didn't really know what to say, what was left to say. She was just trying to process everything that happened at the center. From the moment they walked into Bill's hospital room, nothing happened as she had expected, yet it was everything she didn't know she needed. It was like she didn't know what to do with everything. Arizona moved from her shoulders to her neck and could feel the knots. She knew if Callie didn't relax, she would develop one of her migraines. Pulling her chair out, Arizona moved around in front of Callie and carefully sat on her lap. She smiled when those muscular arms immediately wrapped around her waist. Bringing her hands up, she ran her fingers along the stubble on both sides of Callie's head and started to massage her temples with her thumbs. Feeling the immediate relief, Callie let her head fall back and she let out a loud moan of appreciation. "God, I'll give you 24 hours to stop that." She said making the blonde chuckle. Not able to resist, Arizona leaned forward and placed a chaste kiss on plump lips and whispered, "You need to relax, why don't you go take a long hot bath and I'll go try to talk the little one into a raincheck." While the thought of relaxing in the bath sounded extremely appealing, Callie really didn't want to be away from Arizona right now. In all honesty, what she wanted to do was just sit and cuddle with her.

Arizona studied Callie's face for a moment, she could tell she didn't want to be alone. This was one of the ways they differed. Arizona had to process alone while Callie needed to talk things out with someone. But she got the feeling this was a little more than that. She was really starting to worry. Seeing that her suggestion was falling flat, she offered "Or, you could go get in that wonderful hot tub out there and give me about twenty minutes and I'll meet you there?" Seeing the instant relief cross those beautiful features, Arizona knew she was right. Opening one eye, Callie looked at her and asked worriedly, "What about Sofia?" Continuing to rub her scalp, the blonde smiled softly and suggested, "She will understand. I'll just tell her you aren't feeling well and let her have some iPad time instead." Callie picked her head up, rested it on her shoulder then brought her hand up to play with the blonde curls. It had been so long since she had this. Since she had someone to just care for her and think about her needs. It was almost foreign to her now, but it felt so good and it felt even better knowing that it was Arizona. Her wife always knew when something was bothering her and was quick to remedy it. Before the crash. After the crash was a different story, but now…now things seemed to be going back to normal, or maybe it was just a new normal. She picked up her head and looked into loving blue eyes and smiled softly, "Twenty minutes?" she asked quietly. Arizona nodded then kissed her on her forehead, "I promise." She then got up and headed down the hall toward their daughter's room.

Entering her room, Callie opened her patio doors and stepped onto the private deck that was nestled between the two suites and held the hot tub. She turned on the jets and heater then went to the small switch near the door and turned on the fairy lights she had strung up on the house. As with everything else, the hot tub was designed so Arizona could easily get in and out without assistance. It was partially set in the ground with a wide bench along the top so all she had to do was sit down and rotate her body then ease herself down onto the seat. Once she was in, all she had to do was step on the seat to boost herself up and out. This way, she didn't have to use the steps and risk falling. When she started to renovate the house, she had both a physical therapist and occupational therapist from her center assist her with making everything accessible. The entire staff at the center knew how invested she was in that project and the few who had become her friends knew why. No one really knew all the details, but they knew it was personal for her and she was committed to making sure Fresh START wasn't just focused on the surgical procedures but also the healing aspect that came afterward, whatever that may entail. Arizona had yet to take the grand tour of the center, which also had her worried, but she was far less concerned after seeing her reaction to the leg. Her reaction which was completely unexpected and so…overwhelming. Deciding not to let her thoughts go back down that path, she went back into her room to get changed.

Taking her time getting ready, Callie found herself in front of the mirror staring at her body in the black two piece bathing suit once again. Today she felt fine wearing it. In fact, she smiled as she turned sideways and studied her curves. Running her hands down her sides, she smirked as she anticipated Arizona's response to this suit, seeing how tongue tied she got the other day with the much less revealing suit. As she turned to face the mirror once again, she caught a glimpse of the small scar from the breathing tube on her rib cage just below the bottom strap of her bikini top. After so many years, it was barely a faint line, much like the scar from her c-section. Turning to face the mirror once again, she trailed her finger down the middle of her chest between her breasts where the scar from her open heart surgery should be. The others didn't bother her since they weren't visible, but that scar, it was long and ugly and a constant reminder of her own mortality, so while she was still in the hospital, she asked Mark to take care of it for her. There was no way she was getting married with that horrible scar visible to the world. With the thoughts of her wedding, came thoughts of the wedding night, her eyes drifted to the exact spot Arizona had pointed out earlier just at the crease of her thigh. Sure enough, there was a very faint upside down 'C' shape that would perfectly match her ex-wife's bottom front teeth. Just as quickly as that memory came to her, she was reminded of why they had started that conversation in the first place. Arizona had found her leg. The leg she had no intention of ever revealing to her ex-wife had she stayed in Seattle and things between them remained the same. She had been debating on when and if she should bring it up since she found out her family was moving to New York. She had just decided to tell her about it two days ago when they were filling out their post-its. Just that simply, her thoughts were all jumbled again. Taking a deep breath, she headed out to the hot tub hoping it would help her unwind. Stepping into the hot bubbling water, Callie instantly felt her muscles relax. She sat back on the comfortable seat and closed her eyes.

After promising their daughter she could pick a movie tomorrow night and agreeing to 45 minutes of screen time, Arizona made sure the house was locked up, turned off the lights and headed toward her room to change. Opening her patio doors, she was happy to see Callie was already there and starting to relax. Though she saw the hot tub when Callie gave them the tour of the house, she hadn't really thought much of the design or positioning of it until then. Still standing at the doors, she saw there were no steps for her to worry about when getting in or out and noticed the non-slip strips placed around the hot tub on the wood decking. Shaking her head, she sighed, "Is there anything you didn't think of?" Callie had heard the door open, so the voice didn't surprise her, if she thought about it, the question didn't either. Deciding to ignore the obvious, she offered, "Yes, wine." Laughing lightly, Arizona stepped onto the deck and walked toward her ex-wife. "Good thing I did then, huh?" Callie opened her eyes then and looked up gratefully, "Oh bless you." She took both glasses and held them while Arizona sat on the edge, took off her prosthesis and slid into the warm water. Taking a big drink of the cool sweet tasting liquid, Callie sighed in approval. She wasn't normally a fan of her ex's favorite Riesling, but tonight it seemed to hit the spot. Still seeing the tension in the other woman's features, Arizona scooted closer and tapped her shoulder. "Turn around." she offered quietly. Callie immediately obeyed and was rewarded with those soft hands tending to her sore muscles once again.

After several long minutes of comfortable silence, Arizona felt some of the tightness recede and noticed Callie had leaned back to rest her weight on her. Moving to her neck, she leaned in and whispered in her ear, "Talk to me Calliope." Enjoying the smaller woman's ministrations, Callie leaned her head forward and tried to figure out where to start. Finally she said, "I just…I'm not sure where to start." Nodding in understanding, though she knew she couldn't be seen, the blonde offered, "How about the beginning?" Callie snorted at this; she wasn't sure where the beginning was anymore. Instead, she just started with, "For six years, this has come between us and…and now it's not there. It's almost like…I just…I focused so much energy on it…we both did, and now…I truly feel like we are healed. I feel like we finally understand where the other person was coming from and…" She didn't even realize she was crying until she found herself pulled into Arizona's front with her arms wrapped around her chest. "Shh I got you. Let it out honey." Taking a deep breath, Callie continued, "Hearing you talk to Bill and the things you said in the lab…I…I never thought I'd hear them. I never thought I'd get the chance to say I understand now. I never thought we'd get here. Today, today was a lot." She was sobbing now and turned to bury her head in the other woman's neck.

Thinking about everything Callie had said, she realized those were some of the same thoughts she had been chasing out of her head all evening. Though she had healed a while ago, Callie didn't know that and she had never reached out to explain it to her or apologize. Suddenly, she remembered how she reacted the other night to her ex-wife's revelation. "I got upset at you the other night for never talking to me when you realized you still wanted me. My first thought was that I had spent the last year still trying to figure out how to live without you and you knew you didn't want to live without me but hadn't said anything." Confused, Callie lifted her head and looked at her in question. So she continued, "All this time, since that night Alex told me it wasn't you who cut off my leg, I had started to heal. That's when I realized how much damage I had done to you, to me, to us…that's when my real work began. But over the last three years, I have been healing and adjusting and accepting my body and, and taking responsibility for what I did, but…I never, I never told you. All this time, you have been carrying this burden and I never reached out and told you it wasn't yours to carry." Seeing Callie's face clear and understanding dawn, the blonde continued, "Today was emotional for me too. Seeing that leg, God, I still can't believe you and I'm sure it will hit me soon…but for you, it was a whole different type of emotion. I already knew everything I said, but you…the last you knew…I still…" She stopped then; she didn't even want to say it. She never hated Callie, not once did she feel any hatred for her wife, but she acted like she did. Swallowing the lump in her throat, she continued, "I gave you every reason to think I hated you about the leg. You've been carrying it all this time and, and part of me…part of me just…I guess I thought when you left, when you walked out of Dr. Dawson's office…you left that behind too." Her voice was shaking and she was on the verge of tears, but this wasn't about her. This was about Callie and how she was feeling.

Lifting her hand to scratch at the stubble on the back of Callie's head as has become her new favorite thing, she continued, "So, you get to feel whatever you feel, for as long as you need to feel it, and, and when you're done feeling it, then we will move forward and we will find something new to expend that energy on." Callie relaxed into the touch and smiled when her eyes focused on the vision in front of her. In a husky voice she responded, "Hmmm, I know exactly where that energy is going to go." Hearing that tone, Arizona looked down and laughed as she saw where those brown eyes were focused and where that caramel hand was headed as it slid from her hip up her side. Catching the wandering hand in her own, she placed it around her neck then slid her hand from the side of Callie's head to grab the tuft of hair at the top, pulling slightly. Callie took the hint and lifted her gaze so she was looking directly into twinkling blue eyes that instantly searched her own. Seeing that the brown eyes had cleared and feeling the tension had left the other woman's body, Arizona smiled sweetly and asked, "And where would that be Dr. Torres?" Smiling at the playful tone, Callie sat up and pulled the smaller woman into her lap and instead of answering, she captured her lips in a slow languid kiss taking her time to explore. Both women moaned into the kiss when Arizona shifted and their breasts brushed against one another. As one of Arizona's hands held onto the back of her head pulling her closer, the other slid down her neck and played with the knot of the bikini string. Everything inside her wanted to undo the string and expend that energy in exactly the same way Callie had hinted to, but she knew they shouldn't. They were emotional and still reconciling, but damn did she want to explore this amazing body once more.

Callie was having the same internal debate as her hand that was splayed across the small of Arizona's back was itching to slip down into her skimpy bikini bottoms and explore the taut flesh underneath. Breaking the kiss, she trailed soft kisses along the pale cheek down to the throbbing pulse point. She smiled as she felt the quickened heartrate beneath her lips. Taking care not to leave a mark this time, she licked and kissed her way along the strong pale shoulders all the while desperately wanting to veer down and take that nipple that she knew was getting tighter with need into her mouth. As if she were reading her mind, Arizona tightened her grip in her hair and pushed downward. Needing no further coaxing, Callie immediately changed her course and started trailing hot open mouth kisses down the heaving chest until she reached the swell of that amazing breast and stuck out her tongue swiping it over her favorite freckle before she sucked it into her mouth. At the same time, she felt the soft hand that was at the nape of her neck slide forward and caress her neck, then her shoulder before it covered her own breast. Gasping at the feel of Arizona's palm making small circles on her nipple, Callie turned her head slightly and swiped her tongue across the bikini clad nipple now standing at attention. Closing her mouth around it, she sucked and nibbled until she heard the soft moan emanating from the other woman. Biting down not so gently, she arched her back and let out her own moan as her nipple was rolled between strong fingers then pinched causing her to stop her own ministrations. Panting heavily, both women looked the other in the eye, regretfully, Arizona whispered, "We should stop." Callie simply nodded her head then leaned in and captured her lips once again and placed her hand where her mouth had been moments ago. She knew they had to stop, but she couldn't help herself. She just needed this. The day had been so emotional and she felt so close to the other woman, but now she needed the physical. Just for a little longer.

Taking advantage of Arizona's deep inhale as she rolled her nipple between her thumb and forefinger, Callie slipped her tongue between the soft pink lips and groaned as the blonde sucked it into her mouth. Arizona knew they were on the edge, but after the day they had, she needed this connection as well. With little effort, she twisted her body and moved her shortened limb so that she now straddled the taller woman. This action also put her at a height advantage and allowed her to take control of the kiss. Leaning down into the kiss, she slid her hand which was tangled in short black hair to the other breast and began rubbing at her nipple in the same way she did the first. Callie's hips bucked as both nipples were pinched and rolled at the same time. Hot fluid shot to her core and if it weren't for the water, she knew her thighs would be soaked with her own need. Lowering her left hand to finally feel that sweet ass, she pushed down lightly causing the blonde to grind against her. Arizona broke the kiss and her head rolled back as she continued to roll her hips searching for friction. "Fuck, fuck, we really, mmm…" she tried, but it just felt so good. She knew it wouldn't take either of them much longer, but she didn't want their first time to be like this. Grinding down one last time, she brought her hands back to wrap around Callie's neck then rested her head on her arm. Trying to catch her breath, she finally managed to whisper, "Not like this. I don't want our second first time to be like this." Callie took a deep breath and kissed the side of her head, "Me neither. I just…damn I want you so much Arizona." Arizona nodded and replied, "Me too. Me too."

The pair sat cuddled together, their heads resting on the other's shoulder just enjoying the intimacy until Arizona shivered. "We should get out, you're getting cold." Callie said quietly as she felt the small tremor. Knowing the other woman was right, Arizona reluctantly agreed. But first, she had to make sure Callie was really okay. She picked up her head and studied her face before she quietly asked, "Are you, are we…?" The brunette kissed her cheek and replied, "I'm good. We're good." Arizona nodded then accepted the slight boost she was offered. She sat on the edge of the hot tub and felt Callie step out behind her. She turned her body until her foot touched the wood deck and took the towel Callie handed her and began to dry her leg without looking up. When she did, she immediately regretted it. Not really, but her body was just starting to cool down and one look at Calliope Torres in that very wet, very sexy bikini, heated her right up again. "Jesus, that should be illegal." She mumbled not realizing she had been heard. Callie turned when she heard Arizona's words and saw that she had been staring at her ass. She just smirked and said, "Eyes up here Robbins." Shaking herself from her dirty thoughts, Arizona grabbed her leg and quickly attached it. As both women reached their own door, they paused, each wanting to ask the same question, both unsure if they should. Instead, they just whispered, "Good night," and went into their own rooms.

XXXXX

Callie groaned in frustration and flipped onto her back staring at the ceiling in her darkened room. She had no idea how long it had been since she and Arizona said goodnight, but she did know she hasn't slept a wink and she has been tossing and turning since she got into bed. She didn't want to tempt either one of them, but she hadn't been lying that morning when she said that was the best night's sleep she had in quite some time. Even if it was only a few hours, having Arizona in her arms again just brought her peace. It was the kind of peace she hasn't felt in years if she were being honest. Of course she has slept and most nights didn't have any trouble falling asleep but sleeping with Arizona was different. Just like everything with the blonde was different. She had certainly been with her share of partners throughout her life, but she had to admit, none of them evoked the same feelings Arizona did. This woman brought out the true passion in her and not just in bed, though she was by far the best lover she ever had. Whether it be love, lust, anger, pain, happiness, joy, or any other emotion, she just felt it on a much higher plane than with any of her other lovers. Where her other relationships had been quiet and simple, easy. Her relationship with Arizona was boisterous and intense. Complex. They fought hard, they loved intensely, and when it was over, they broke each other. Even then, her feelings for the blonde were so much stronger. She still found herself looking for her ex-wife, watching her, taking her in. She laughed as she recalled how Arizona used to pick on her for watching her sleep. She can't remember the overwhelming need she felt just to watch anyone else sleep. Thinking back, she realized she never even thought about watching anybody do anything the way she watched Arizona. She was always so much more aware of the blonde than anyone else in her life. She loved watching her interact with colleagues, with their daughter, with her patients, she could watch her perform surgery for hours. She loved watching her relax, sleep, eat, read, get dressed or undressed, she loved just watching the grace and style with which the blonde always moved and interacted with others. This woman had taken up permanent residence in her heart and knowing Arizona was right next door AND she was hers once again, made it impossible to sleep.

Deciding she would just go ask Arizona to join her, Callie sat up and started to reach for her blanket when her door opened slowly. She smiled thinking it was her daughter wanting snuggles, but when she looked up, she saw the object of her thoughts standing in her doorway leaning on her crutches. "Calliope?" Arizona asked quietly. She was only slightly surprised to see the other woman was awake. She had sat in her own bed fighting with herself for the last hour once she realized she would not be sleeping tonight. After waking up in Callie's arms that morning, she really didn't want to wake up alone again. "Hey, you okay?" Arizona nodded her head, not sure if she could be seen. Suddenly she was nervous, "I, ah, I couldn't sleep." Callie smiled brighter now, she chuckled as she said, "You beat me to it, I was just about to come to you." Breathing a sigh of relief, Arizona stepped further in the room and immediately shuffled over to the bed when Callie lifted the covers on her side inviting her in. Sitting down, she leaned her crutches against the wall and quickly settled in next to her ex-wife. Both women sat against the headboard and Callie took a small pale hand in hers, "Are we pathetic?" she asked quietly. Arizona linked their fingers and seriously thought about her question. Finally, she answered, "When Merideth was dating Riggs and he found out the love of his life was alive, he started to apologize because he wanted to go to her, but she wouldn't let him. She told him if it were Derek, she'd have already been gone. You're right here…and, and I don't want to spend another night away from you Calliope. We don't have to have sex, but I don't want to sleep alone when you're right here. So no, we aren't pathetic. We are us." Callie leaned in and placed a soft kiss on those beautiful pink lips. "I don't want to sleep without you either." she said as she slid down the bed and lifted her arm in invitation for the blonde to take up her usual place on her chest.

Once they were settled, Callie kissed the top of Arizona's head making her smile. Both of them sighed softly finally feeling like they were back where they belonged. Arizona lay with her head on Callie's chest with her hand resting on her stomach tracing designs with her finger knowing it relaxed the other woman. Callie closed her eyes and inhaled the familiar scent that always made her feel calm and enjoyed the other woman's touch. Tightening her grip, she sighed again and whispered, "Goodnight honey." The blonde smiled at the endearment and answered, "Goodnight sweetie." Both of them longed to say and hear those three special words once again, but they knew soon enough they would be said because they were quickly falling in love with each other all over again. They are Callie and Arizona; they will always love each other. Within minutes, the deep, even breathing of both women filled the room.