A/N: I know, I know, I am late. I am so so sorry. As always, thank you all for your amazing reviews. This is a long one, but it was much needed so the girls could move forward with their healing. Everything is Shonda's and all that jazz.
Callie just stepped out of her home office after taking care of a scheduling conflict with Lorraine when she heard the music coming from the kitchen. As she turned the corner, her heart leaped at the sight before her. Arizona had just finished spinning Sofia before she shimmied her way to the stove, stirred the contents of the pan, then side-stepped her way back to their daughter where they proceeded to jump and dance around. Other than bopping around the apartment with a very tiny Sofia, she hadn't seen her ex-wife dance since their wedding. Seeing that huge smile on her face and the carefree way she moved her body around took her back to their first date when they danced around her apartment until they both dropped in a heap of giggles on the couch. She smiled at not only the vision before her, but the one that was replaying in her head. Her first date with Arizona Robbins was by far the best date she had ever been on. They didn't dress up or go to a fancy restaurant or stuffy club, there was no pretense or pressure, Arizona brought her a small bouquet of flowers, they wore jeans and comfy shirts, she made dinner, they drank beer and danced around like kids, then as the evening came to a close, they made out like teenagers, said their good-byes, and each slept in her own bed. She knew that night, after being unable to erase the goofy smile from her face that Arizona Robbins was something special. She was so lost in her thoughts; she jumped a little when first her left hand was captured by a baby soft little tan hand and her right was enveloped in the tighter grip of a warm pale hand as she was pulled further into the kitchen. She was finally brought back to the present when she heard the upbeat tempo of Gomez' Little Pieces and her head snapped over to find blue eyes shining with recognition and that super magic smile aimed in her direction. Offering her own brilliant smile, she began to dance around the blonde much like she did that night ten years ago, and just like it did ten years ago, her heart took a little tumble. But this time, it seemed just a little more special because their daughter was hopping around between them smiling like she'd never smiled before. As blue eyes met brown, each woman had the same realization, and from just one look, each knew the other felt it too. Despite everything they'd been through, they finally made it out on the other side. They may be bruised and battered, they may be completely different people, they may have taken the long way around, but they were dancing again, they were able to find joy again, they were able to find each other again.
As the song ended, all three found themselves entangled in a hug laughing and breathing heavily. Callie looked down at Sofia and offered, "That was the first song mommy and I ever danced to." Sofia bounced on her toes in excitement at hearing something about her parents' history together. She asked excitedly, "Were you on a date?" In unison, both women responded, "The best date ever!" then they looked at each other and smiled softly, happy to hear the other woman felt the same way. Arizona then added, "It was our very first date, mama cooked me the most amazing chicken piccata, we danced, and we laughed and we…ah…" "Did you kiss? You kiss a lot." Sofia interrupted. Both women turned slightly red at how many times they had already been caught by their daughter. Callie responded, "We kissed goodnight. Yes." She then looked at the blonde who tilted her head and cocked her eyebrow with a knowing look. The kisses they shared constituted a hell of a lot more than a goodnight kiss. Deciding to veer their daughter away from more personal questions, the brunette winked at her then clapped her hands and looked around the kitchen as she asked, "Okay, what do we have left to do here?" Sofia ran to the freezer and pulled out her purchases from earlier in the day. You have to put these in the oven mama. Arizona turned and wrinkled her nose in disgust, "Fish sticks and chicken strips?" She then looked up at her ex-wife with an expression that asked if she were serious. Callie shrugged her shoulders and took out a baking pan for the odd taco fillings. As she leaned in to turn on the oven, Arizona whispered, "When she pukes, that's all you." She laughed at the horrified look that took over the brunette's face.
While the two women moved seamlessly around the kitchen they took every opportunity they could find to place a hand on a hip as they leaned in to grab something, brush up against one another to reach over and put something down, and feed each other tastes of what they were cooking or chopping. If anyone were to walk in at that moment, they would see a happy little family who appeared to have a well-practiced routine. While Sofia set the table and poured the drinks, she watched her moms interact with each other and smiled because this is what she wanted her family to look like. She hated that they lived so far away from each other and barely ever talked except when it was about her. She could tell just by looking at them they loved each other and made each other happy. She just hoped whatever it was that made them break up was gone now and they could all be happy like mommy wanted for her and mama.
Finally sitting down for dinner, Arizona cringed when she watched not only her daughter but her ex-wife experiment with different taco combinations. She nearly gagged when her daughter bit into a taco filled with fish sticks, tartar sauce, cheese, and lettuce. She laughed when the older Latina bit into the same combination and immediately spit it into her napkin. As she bit into her normal everyday taco, she moaned in appreciation at once again having an authentic Mexican taco. No matter how she tried, she could never make them like her ex-wife. She looked up when she felt eyes on her and squirmed a little at the look she saw on the beautiful tan face and heard the growled whisper, "Rule number one Arizona." The blonde smiled and said, "I think the rules went out the window before we even finished making them. Besides, I missed your cooking." Callie just shook her head and decided if that were the case, two could play at this game. She groaned in pleasure as she took a bite of her own taco and laughed at the incredulous look on the blonde's face. She nearly jumped out of her seat when she felt a bare foot slide up her pantleg and rub against her shin. Just as she was about to up the ante, Sofia cut in with, "Mommy, try this one. It's chicken strips and barbecue sauce with white cheese." Deciding it couldn't be that bad, Arizona leaned over and took a bite of the proffered food. Swallowing thickly, she took a big drink of her water and offered, "Ummm, I think I'll just stick to eating mama's taco." She looked up in confusion when the brunette started choking on her own food and scolded, "Arizona!" Thinking back to what she said, realization dawned as to how that phrase could be taken and Arizona smirked, let her eyes drift over the other woman's body lasciviously and responded, "I said what I said." She wasn't at all surprised when she was hit square in the face with a balled up napkin.
XXXXX
Leaving Callie to the task of getting Sofia off to bed, Arizona retreated to her room to call her mom back. She nervously bit her lip as the line connected and she heard the first ring. She knew her mom always believed she and Callie would find their way back together and she was ecstatic when she told her she was moving, but she also knew exactly what that kiss looked like and was ready for an earful about it being too soon. Just as she pulled the phone away to disconnect the line, she heard her mother's cheery voice, "Well, you finally pulled yourself out of Callie's arms long enough to talk to your mom eh?" Arizona shook her head and ignored the statement as she greeted, "Hi mom, how are you?" Barbara knew her daughter well enough to know she was going to try to avoid the little scene she had witnessed thanks to her granddaughter. She decided to let her get away with it for a few minutes and answered, "I'm good, sweet pea. How was the Statue of Liberty?" Arizona smiled as she remembered their tour of the statue and Ellis Island. She responded, "It was amazing, Sof was so excited to see everything. She's soaking information up like a sponge right now." Barbara hummed, "She said she's never been, Callie didn't take her when she lived with her?" Blue eyes sparkled as she thought about the answer to that question. She decided she could lead into the conversation she knew her mom was dying to have with this, "No. She and Callie made a list of all the things they wanted to do when I visited and that was one of them. So they waited for me until they went." A different set of blue eyes, tinted with age and wisdom twinkled at the other end of the line as the older woman said, "Well that was very sweet of them to think of you." Arizona then offered, "Oh, that's not the only thing Callie has thought of."
The blonde filled her mother in on the house, the plane, an overview of the conversations they've had so far, and of course, the leg. As Barbara sat in her home in Boston, she looked at the picture still hanging on her wall of the two younger women clad in wedding dresses holding their daughter. Call her a romantic, but she knew her girls would find their way back to each other. She smiled as she listened to her daughter's excitement at the possibility of getting her family back together. She had to admit, Callie was making some grand gestures and going to great lengths to prove she was committed to reconciling. She was broken from her thoughts as she heard the tone change as Arizona asked, "Is it too fast mama? Am I just asking for another broken heart?" The older woman's heart ached at the vulnerability in her daughter's voice. She knew wherever she was sitting, her legs were pulled up to her chest and she was worrying her bottom lip with her teeth. It always killed her to see her daughter so small. But she recalled the look on both faces during and after the kiss their daughter interrupted. She wasn't sure either of them even realized it, but except for that brief glance when they first saw her, they never took their eyes off each other and never even attempted to move from each other's arms. Finally she asked, "Arizona, when you look at Callie now, do you see the woman who broke your heart?" She smiled when the response was immediate and unwavering, "NO! When I look at her…" Arizona stopped and sighed; she saw so much when she looked at the Latina now. "When I look at Calliope…mama, I see my future. I see everything we ever talked about and the life we always wanted. I see the woman who fulfilled dreams I never knew I had." Barbara smiled and responded, "Well then, there's your answer sweet pea. I know you, don't let your head get in the way. You and Callie know each other inside and out, sure you've been apart for a few years and there are new things to learn, but you know each other's soul. So you move at the speed you both feel comfortable with and to hell with what the rest of the world thinks." Arizona smiled at her mother's response and swiped at the tears that were threatening to fall. She knew her mom would say the right thing and she was right, she was already worried about how things may look to others, but what was happening between her and Callie felt natural and right. So she couldn't worry about the rest of the world. She sniffled as she said, "Thanks mama." The older woman responded, "A love like yours and Callie's comes around once in a lifetime, many people never find that love, the two of you, you were lucky enough to find it twice. Focus on that baby girl."
XXXXX
After getting their daughter off to bed and seeing Arizona had yet to come out of her room, Callie set up the patio for their upcoming discussion. She turned on the outdoor lights, lit some candles, found a few blankets to ward off the chill, and finally carried the carafe of notes along with Arizona's preferred white wine and a couple bottles of beer for herself. Opening her beer and taking a long swig, Callie sat on the sofa and stared in contempt at the glass container that was now sitting center stage on the small coffee table. Those little papers held ten years of pain and anger and they were about to open them up like a Pandora's Box. She'd be lying if she said she wasn't scared shitless right now. The words written on those notes represented all the things that broke them in the past. While she knew she was much stronger than she was four years ago and she believed Arizona was too, she worried if THEY were strong enough to try to tackle these things again. Taking a deep breath, she thought about the topics she had written on her post-its. While some were bigger than others, there was one that did the most damage, one she still sees the effects of so many years later. In her mind, this particular wrong-doing was the driving force behind all the others. She hoped she drew that one first so she could address the others properly. Maybe she would ask if she could start with that one and explain why. Taking another swig of her beer, she eyed the pink notes and wondered what her ex-wife deemed important enough to discuss. She was nearly certain the cheating was in there somewhere. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath at the thought of reliving that pain all over again. While she had discussed it exhaustively in therapy, she could only ever talk about her side of it because honestly, she still didn't know Arizona's side. She never let her talk long enough to listen to a reason or explanation, which led her right back to the topic she wanted to discuss. There was so much she needed to say to her ex-wife, she just hoped she could find the right words.
Arizona came out of her room to a quiet empty house and walked straight to the patio where she knew she would find her ex-wife. She had quickly figured out that little seating area seemed to be the Latina's safe place. She remembered calling a few times and Callie mentioning she was on the patio with wine or coffee. In the past, sitting alone with her thoughts wasn't something her ex-wife did often or did well, but now it seemed as though it brought a sense of calm and peace she had never seen in the other woman before. In fact, her entire demeanor appeared to be more subdued, her actions deliberate rather than impulsive. It was both refreshing and confusing at the same time. But now, as she approached, she noticed the look on Callie's face as she stared at the carafe was anything but calm or peaceful. She could see the fear and trepidation swirling in dark brown eyes and her own heart ached at just the idea of opening these wounds again. The tension radiating from Callie's body was palpable. Feeling her own nerves bubble to the surface, Arizona decided rather than jump right into the heavy conversation, they could both use some comfort and a little time to just be together first. Walking up to the sofa, instead of taking a seat next to the brunette, she poured herself into her lap and brought one hand up to cup the back of her head drawing her into a slow languid kiss. Callie was so caught up in her thoughts, she didn't' even register Arizona's presence until she had a lapful of beautiful blonde and their lips connected causing her entire body to tingle. Taking only a second to respond, Callie licked along the seam of pink lips until she was granted access and she whimpered as their tongues caressed one another in a sweet sensual dance. She wrapped her arms around the blonde's slim waist and settled them both more comfortably on the sofa. They continued their exploration of each other's mouth, passion bubbling just below the surface until they had to pull back for some much needed air. Callie smiled at the smaller woman and said, "Well hello there beautiful." Arizona giggled as she responded, "Hey pretty lady." Running her hand up and down the blonde's back, Callie asked, "Not that I am complaining, but what was that for?" Arizona shrugged nonchalantly and asked, "Do I need a reason?" Callie smiled at their easy banter and responded, "Absolutely not, in fact, feel free to do that whenever you like." She then leaned forward and pressed their lips together once again.
The two women shared sweet gentle kisses until Arizona finally pulled back and looked into sparkling brown eyes relieved the fear was no longer present. She brought her hand up to brush through the hair at the top of Callie's head causing her to close her eyes and lean her head on the back of the sofa. They sat quietly for a moment until Arizona finally asked, "Did Sof give you any fuss?" Fully relaxed, Callie shook her head, "No, she did her usual avoidance by needing the bathroom, then water, but she was asleep before the end of the first page." Arizona laughed, "She had a big day." Callie nodded and replied, "She did. How was your talk with your mom?" Thinking about what her mother said, Arizona smiled and said, "It was good. She's happy for us." Popping one eye open, Callie smirked and said, "I told you she would be." The blonde swatted at her and said, "Hush. She told me…um…she told me not to get into my own head and just let things happen." These words brought Callie some concern and she lifted her head to fully study her ex's face. "Were you? Getting into your own head?" she asked quietly but her voice was shaky and her tone laced with worry. Seeing the concern, Arizona lifted her hand to smooth out the creases that formed on the other woman's forehead with her thumb. Shaking her head, she assured, "No, not at all. I did ask her if she thought we were going too fast. She told me that we were the only ones who could determine that and not to get into my head about it." Feeling comforted by knowing the context now, Callie asked, "What do you think? Do you think we are going too fast? Do you want to discuss it?" If she hadn't been watching closely, Callie would have missed the look of panic that flashed across those beautiful features or the fear that flickered in sparkling blue eyes before the blonde looked away. Callie felt the all too familiar chill run down her spine. In the past, she saw this as an indication that Arizona was going to say something she wouldn't like and that may be the case now, but what she didn't acknowledge before was the fear of her reaction which more often than not led her ex-wife to keep quiet just to keep the peace. Deciding not to let that happen, she bent her head down to make eye contact and softly said, "We promised not to do this Arizona, are you not ready to talk to me yet or are you afraid of my reaction?" As she watched the blue eyes close and saw the blonde's chest rise and fall with a deep inhale and exhale, she knew it was the latter and closed her own eyes. She hated how much her past reactions still affected them both so many years later.
Arizona knew this would be the best time to talk about the conclusions she came to earlier, but there was still that little piece of her that was scared to death to start an argument. Callie could almost see the internal battle going on in that beautiful mind. Reaching over to the side table, she grabbed her beer and took a long drink before she said, "In my lab, you said there are times when I look at you and your heart drops and your stomach churns because you made me scared and nervous and uncertain." Arizona furrowed her brow and crinkled her forehead trying to figure out where this conversation was going and what it had to do with anything. She just nodded then took the beer that was offered to her and took a long drink. Callie continued, "I understand that because I feel it too. There are times when, when certain things are said, or…or not said, and I can see this flash of something cross your face. Sometimes it's fear, sometimes it's panic, sometimes it's sadness, or a combination of all of them, it's brief and if I wasn't looking I'd miss it, but it's there. I did that. I…caused that and when I see it, I just want to…I don't know, but I get so angry at myself." Feeling a little bit exposed at the idea that she wasn't as discreet as she thought she was, Arizona shifted on Callie's lap so they were no longer facing one another and rested her back against the taller woman's front. She smiled as Callie instantly brought her arms around her middle and linked her hands together to hold her in place. Callie hadn't intended to jump straight into this topic, but this was the opening she needed to begin to address her own destructive behaviors.
"This morning, you got into the shower first while I put on coffee, fed Sofia, helped her get ready then took my own shower, but when I came to talk to you, you were still in your robe. You were taking your time getting ready so you could have some space and take time to clear your mind." Arizona blushed slightly at being called out but remained quiet. "When I suggested you stay here and take some time for yourself, I could see that brief sense of panic, then…I don't know, shock that I even thought you'd need some space." Arizona only nodded and allowed Callie to continue. Taking a deep breath, the brunette rested her chin on Arizona's shoulder and said, "You didn't feel like you could come to me and ask for some space. Is that right?" Arizona sighed and said, "It's nothing you've done Calliope." Callie shook her head and replied, "No, not recently, not this time. But before…before, when we were together, when you were overwhelmed and just needed time to gather your thoughts, I would get upset, I accused you of shutting me out, I didn't understand why you couldn't process with me, or what you even needed to process." Arizona closed her eyes to fight back the tears that were brought on by just the thought of all the screaming matches that she ultimately gave in or lost. She laid her head back and rested it on the strong shoulder behind her and nodded her head almost imperceptibly. "And just now, when I asked you if you were worried about us moving too fast, if you wanted to discuss it, you panicked a little bit. Even though earlier, you promised me you'd talk to me." Callie suggested quietly. Arizona lifted her head and turned to look Callie in the eye. She expected to see accusation and frustration, but her heart nearly broke when all she saw was sadness and regret swimming amongst the unshed tears. Lifting her hand to wipe the tears, she softly kissed each cheek and slid off the other woman's lap onto the seat next to her. She could see now this was something that was weighing heavy on the brunette's heart and figured they could both use a little breathing room.
Arizona started to say something when Callie held up a finger and gently explained, "I'm not accusing you of going back on your promise and I don't want to force you to talk if you aren't ready. I was just offering an example of the damage I've done. Damage from behaviors that started long before the plane crash, long before our wedding even. I don't even know when it happened, but at some point in our relationship, I took away your voice and I continued to do it throughout our marriage and especially after…um…after the crash until…until I wouldn't even let you complete your own sentences. You tried…you tried to tell me. So many times you tried and I…I wouldn't let you. I wouldn't listen. I shut you down, I ignored your concerns, brushed them off…I…God Arizona, you said, the other day, you said you broke us, but you didn't. Not, not alone Arizona. I broke us too." She looked down at her hands almost shamefully. She could feel the tears threatening again and just needed a minute to calm her nerves. She took a big drink of her beer and placed it back on the table then sat back and ran her hand through her bangs before she started, "There were so many times…" She shook her head just thinking of all the times she shut Arizona down or forced her back against a wall. "I'm the one who put that fear there. I'm the one who shut down our line of communication."
Unable to sit, unable to look into those deep cerulean pools, Callie stood up and started pacing the small area. Without warning, she said, "You never wanted kids…" She cut herself off when she heard the heavy sigh from behind her. Turning to look the blonde in the eye, she saw all the pain and turmoil she had caused by the many times she threw those words out in anger. Her heart broke knowing just how unfair and untrue those words were. Quietly, she said, "We hadn't even been dating that long, I mean, we never even discussed living together and I was trying to make you commit to having a baby with me. I pushed and pushed and when you wouldn't give in, when you wouldn't see it my way, I forced you to walk away. When you came back from Africa, I avoided you, I wouldn't listen to you, I was mean and angry. Then…then I found out I was pregnant. I found out I was pregnant and when I closed my eyes and imagined pushing my baby in a stroller, tucking them in at night, hearing their first words, it was you standing next to me doing those things. Only you Arizona. I couldn't NOT see you there. You were so hurt and angry and I was scared to death I would lose you for good. When I told you I wanted you in my plan, you asked for time to process and I…I gave you 5 whole minutes to commit to raising Mark Sloan's baby with me." She looked up into tear-filled blue eyes clouded with anguish and continued, "I was so scared, I loved you so much and I was so scared if I gave you one minute longer to think about it, you would tell me to get the hell away from you and never talk to you again."
Without waiting for a response, Callie continued, "You were in a plane crash. Your damn plane fell out of the sky, your leg was amputated, and I…I was so used to you being…you. You woke up happy, you never let anything get you down, you never…you were missing a leg and five months later I was pushing you to buy hospitals and go to weddings and have sex and just be yourself, be who you were, but you didn't…you couldn't…you didn't know how to be. You didn't know WHO to be. Part of you was missing and now I know that you thought I was the one who cut it off, but part of you was missing and I was…I didn't care if you had both legs, I didn't and I don't, it's not the physical part of you I wanted back, I lost you and I didn't know how to get you back so I thought if I acted normal…I just didn't know how to move past it, I didn't know if we could…I didn't listen, I didn't try to get either of us help. I just pushed forward and made you push forward too." She was sobbing now. She had no idea how she didn't see any of this before. It's so obvious now, but then, in the moment, she didn't see it. "Then, we were getting good again. We agreed to have a baby. You got pregnant. You…" She stopped then, the more she went on, the angrier she was becoming with herself and her voice was rising. She finally turned and saw that Arizona was still seated, but doubled over, body shaking from her sobs. Quickly crossing the patio she went to the sofa, sat down, and scooped the smaller woman into her lap, wrapped her arms around her and just rocked with her while whispering in her ear.
Arizona sat and listened as Callie brought up the most painful moments in their lives. She listened as her ex-wife acknowledged her pain, her right to be upset, angry, sad. She listened as Callie admitted to pushing them through not letting either of them just feel what they felt. As she listened, she relived the anguish and heartache until each memory was like a dagger piercing her heart. But at the same time, finally hearing that her ex-wife saw her pain now, that she saw how much damage was done by not addressing the pain, she felt validated. It didn't matter how many years had passed, these words, the acknowledgement that she was allowed to have her feelings, and that they were justified, these words went a long way toward healing the wounds that were just reopened. But when Callie started to talk about the baby, she felt like she just couldn't take anymore and collapsed in on herself. She began sobbing uncontrollably and buried her head in her hands as she bent forward nearly resting her head on her knees. She didn't even register that Callie had stopped talking or that she took her in her arms until she heard the soft murmurs in her ear.
Callie's heart was broken, she knew she caused a great deal of damage, but she couldn't have predicted her behaviors would have this affect after so long. Still rocking side to side, she closed her eyes and rested her forehead against Arizona's temple as she whispered, "I'm so sorry baby. I am so so sorry I didn't listen to you. I'm so sorry I didn't let you give voice to your feelings. Not just those times, but every time, the miscarriage, the um…the storm, a surrogate, the fellowship, therapy…I know now how I made you shut down, I made you afraid to talk to me. I know sorry doesn't fix it. I know it doesn't even start to close those wounds. But I can swear to you, I will never ignore your feelings again. I'll never just assume you are okay just because you don't say anything. I know it will take a long time for you to trust me with this, all I can ask is you try." She paused then and waited for Arizona to take everything in. Though it felt like hours, only a few minutes passed before Arizona sat up and put her hands on both sides of her head forcing them to look each other in the eye as she said, "Calliope, you have no idea, but it does…just hearing you say these things, knowing you see it now, knowing you see me now, the wounds are already starting to heal. Your words were the balm my soul needed. My brain may take some time to catch up, just like yours will with my leg, but I see how much you mean this and how deeply this realization affected you. I promise you; I will work very hard to open up and trust that you will hear me." Arizona then laid her head back on the brunette's shoulder and closed her eyes as she continued to rub at the stubble on the sides and back of her head. She didn't know if she said enough, but she also didn't know what more there was to say. She could talk about how much each thing hurt her, but she was pretty sure Callie already knew.
Callie sat dumbfounded. She thought for sure there would be anger, a detailed account of exactly how badly her behaviors impacted the other woman, how much damage she had done to her and to their marriage. Maybe she expected it because she felt she deserved it. Maybe she expected it because it surely couldn't be this easy. Then another thought occurred to her and it scared the shit out of her. Trying to keep the tremor out of her voice, Callie asked timidly, "Arizona?, um, do you, ah do you still want to try? I mean, I wouldn't blame you if…" Her ramble was cut off by a small girly hand being placed over her mouth and she widened her eyes in surprise at the flash of anger she saw in those azure eyes and the force with which the blonde said, "Calliope Torres, I swear, if you finish that sentence, if you even think about finishing that sentence, if you even think the thoughts you were going to finish that sentence with, I will shove your ass in that pool. Do you understand me?" Arizona looked into those wide brown doe eyes and saw the moment Callie's demeanor changed. She watched as the eyes that were just seconds before sad and brimming with unshed tears dried up and began to sparkle with mischief. She felt the grin form behind her hand which was still firmly clasped across plump lips and she shivered when the chill of imminent danger ran down her spine as she felt herself being lifted into the air. "Callie, put me down!" She watched as they moved further away from the deck and tried again, "Calliope don't you dare!" trying to wriggle free, she felt the grip on her back and legs tighten. Trying a different tactic, she wrapped her arms around strong shoulders and held on tight as if to say, if I go, you're coming with me. As they reached the edge of the pool, she looked down at the moon's reflection dancing on the water then back to her ex-wife whose eyes were dancing with mirth and those plump lips were sporting the most adorable child-like grin she had ever seen. It almost made her want to go along with this stupid little game…almost. "Calliope! Put me down right now or…"
Callie leaned in and cut her off with a hard kiss and asked, "Or what?" as she took one more step forward plunging them both into the cold water. Still holding the blonde in her arms, Callie broke the surface and started laughing at the pissed off, drowned rat look Arizona had going on. Reaching out with one arm, she pulled them to the edge and treaded water for a minute before looking at the unamused blonde, trying her brightest smile she said, "Oops?" Seeing the slight twitch of a pink upper lip and only mild annoyance in bright blue eyes, she pulled the smaller woman closer and tried to connect their lips only to find herself leaning further as the blonde pulled her own head backward. Not to be deterred, she continued to follow her mouth with an exaggerated pucker until Arizona finally burst into laughter and shoved at her shoulder while saying, "Stop you goof!" Callie smiled brighter and said, "I thought we established that I was a hot goof." Shaking her head Arizona responded, "You're a forgetful goof." Hearing this, Callie arched her eyebrow in question. Instead of answering, Arizona looked down into the water. When she saw Callie had followed her gaze, she swung her leg forward until she tapped a smooth caramel shin. The brunette snapped her head up and said, "Ow, what did you do that for?" Arizona tilted her head at her ex. She wasn't going to make this easy at all. "Do what?" Callie looked down again and said, "You just kicked me." Arizona stared at the brunette blank faced and waited. She counted down from 5 in her head and had gotten to 2 before she saw understanding dawn and felt them both being propelled through the water.
"Shit. Fuck! Shit, shit, shit. Arizona, I'm so sorry. I don't know…I must have forgotten, I just…" As she reached the shallow end and walked up the steps still carrying the blonde, she heard, "You forgot?" Sitting Arizona in a nearby lounge chair, she reached into one of the stools and grabbed a towel then walked over to the sofa and picked up the blankets. As she wrapped a blanket around the smaller woman, she said, "Yeah, I forgot…I just got carried…" She then reached up and pulled at the waistband of the blonde's yoga pants prompting her to lift up so she could pull the soggy material off. Arizona was somewhat amused by the entire situation. Callie was so frantic, she had no idea what she was saying or doing and if she stopped to think about it for one minute, she would be mortified. She just plunged them both into the pool without thinking about the leg and now she was pulling her pants down leaving her in her underwear and still hasn't registered that she said she forgot about the leg. Despite the potentially ruined extremely expensive piece of metal attached to her leg, Arizona was feeling pretty damn good. For the first time in six years, Callie hadn't treated her with kid gloves. Allowing her super-magic smile to spread across her face she repeated, "You forgot?" Having finally gotten the leg off, Callie was feverishly drying it with the towel as she looked up and saw the look on Arizona's face. She was confused and couldn't understand why on earth she was smiling so big. "Yes Arizona, I'm so sorry, I didn't even think and I completely forgot about the leg." As soon as the words were out of her mouth, she halted all movements and dropped her head. She just told her ex-wife she forgot her leg was amputated. Her leg that was the source of so much pain and anguish. Her leg that…snapping her head up, she asked almost angrily, "Why the hell are you smiling?" Arizona tilted her head and said simply, "Because you forgot about the leg."
Callie scrunched her face up in confusion and looked down at the wet metal in her hand, as she started to lift her head up to look at the blonde once again, she caught site of bare alabaster skin, allowing her gaze to wander upward, she noticed for the first time the slip of pink fabric that barely passed for panties, and the soaking wet white tank top that left absolutely nothing to the imagination. Forcing herself to look up, she took in the highly amused face of the woman she loved and broke into a fit of laughter at the ridiculousness of it all. Finally calming down, she reached up to brush tangled and damp blonde curls out of Arizona's face as she asked, "You really aren't mad?" Arizona shook her head and said, "Well I'm a little pissed that you got me out of my pants with absolutely no foreplay, but…" She shrugged her shoulders and held out her hands as if to say, 'Oh well'. Callie smirked and said, "Oh, I got you plenty wet." as she made a show of leering at the blonde's panty-clad center and reached out to run her finger up the length of the slit she could see outlined through the damp silk. She quickly pulled her hand back when she felt the sharp slap to the back of it. "Oh no you don't! You…you lech!" Callie threw her head back and laughed at the term. "A lech? When did you turn 90?" Arizona smacked her on the shoulder and said, "Shut up."
Callie finally picked up the leg and took a good look at it and offered, "I won't know until tomorrow, but I don't think there was any damage." Arizona smiled sweetly and offered, "It's okay, I happen to know an amazing orthopedic surgeon who specializes in prosthetics. I'm pretty sure she would hook me up." Callie arched her brow and teased, "Is that so? You think she just has an extra leg lying around?" At that, Arizona perked up and clapped, "Oooh! My leg! Can we go get it tomorrow?" Callie smiled her big megawatt smile and said, "Sure, if you want to. I think Maria is off, maybe she can take Sof to play with Bella, it will take a while to get you started with it." Arizona nodded then shivered involuntarily. Seeing this, Callie stood up and said, "You're cold, we need to get inside and change out of these wet clothes." She looked around then before she nervously asked, can I carry you inside or would you like me to go get your crutches?" Arizona dropped her jaw and looked at her incredulously. "Seriously? NOW you ask me if you can carry me? You weren't being this thoughtful when you dumped my ass in the pool." Raising her arms up she ordered, "Carry me woman." Callie couldn't help but laugh at the silliness as she tossed the leg on the blonde's lap and leaned down to pick her up. Walking quickly through the house so Sofia wouldn't see them in this rather precarious position, Callie carried Arizona to her room and tossed her unceremoniously on the bed then turned to go to the dresser to grab her some clothes. Arizona huffed and said, "Seriously Callie, first you yank my pants off, then you throw me into bed, you used to be much smoother than this." Arizona knew she was borrowing trouble, but she couldn't help herself. She saw the moment her implied challenge was accepted as the brunette whipped around and normally dark chocolate eyes were nearly black with desire.
Callie was trying, she was really trying to be good and not ogle or fondle the blonde who could be naked for all that her wet clothes were revealing. She needed to give her some clothes and get the hell out of there before she did something she couldn't take back. But the moment Arizona questioned her skill, it was on. She turned to find her ex-wife lying in the middle of her bed propped on her elbows looking at her in challenge. Her cerulean blue eyes were squinted slightly, her tongue was curled up and resting on the tip of her upper lip, all that beautiful alabaster skin was just waiting to be licked and kissed, but what drew her gaze was the two hardened nubs standing at attention through the thin white camisole, the expanse of exposed skin between the bottom of her shirt and the top of damp pink silk panties that barely covered the delectable mound she was dying to bury her face in. She knew if she took one step forward, she wasn't going to be able to stop until both of them were screaming each other's names in ecstasy. Shaking her head to clear her mind of the lascivious thoughts, she growled out, "I'm really trying here Arizona. I swear, if I come anywhere near you right now, I am going to do dirty, very bad things to your body until you've nearly passed out from the pleasure, then I will start all over again until both of us are panting and sweating and saying things that would put any hardened soldier to shame. The next time I come near your body and a bed, I am going to lick, suck, kiss, and bite every inch of that flawless skin and show you exactly how smooth I can be." She smirked when she saw the blonde squirm and wiggle her hips clearly affected by her words. Then she turned and went to the blonde's dresser and pulled out a pair of dry panties, a t-shirt, sweats, and went to the closet to pull out a sweatshirt for good measure and tossed them on the end of the bed. As she reached the door, she turned to see the blonde still hadn't moved as she finished, "But now is not that time. We are both going to take a hot shower, get dressed, and meet back outside to finish our talk." As soon as she closed the door behind her she leaned against the wall and threw her head back letting out a deep breath. She had no clue where she got the strength to walk away from that bed, but she needed to get the hell out of there before she went in and fulfilled her promise.