Okay peeps! I am really, really sorry for taking so much time to write this one, but I'm finishing college and exams are around the corner. It's a long chapter. Mostly Callie and Penny. Hope you like it!

Please review!

Kisses from Argentina!

Chapter 10

The six hours Callie flied from Seattle, she was thinking of Penny. How to handle their situation. So far, she was pretty much failing. Penny and her, had dinner at home the night she arrived, they catch up about what has been going on in Seattle, about the Christmas' party Penny had gone and how great everyone had been with her. They talked, and cuddled and one thing led to another, and they ended up both with their bodies wrapped up in bed. They had been apart for a week and a half, after all. Callie hated herself for letting it happen. She shouldn't have slept with her to begin with, at least not before talking about what was really going on in her mind. But the redhead has been really turned on and she couldn't find a nice way to reject her, not even sure if she actually wanted to say no, the sex was good, really good. But, now, the next morning, and with a much clear head, she realized of the huge mistake last night has been.

She finds herself awake since hours ago, unable to get up of bed. She needs to talk to Penny.

Talk to her. Everything will be fine. Arizona has said to her. And so she knew, she has to do it.

Trapped in her own world of doubts, she failed to notice her girlfriend was awake and looking at her in a strange way. Eyes full of question.

Hey there…- Callie said, turning her head to look at Penny.

Morning- Penny replied softly- It's pretty early. Did you sleep at all?

Yeah, I did. Not much, but I did.- Callie answered honestly. She had woken up during the entire night. Until she finally gave up and started to dig into her feelings, looking for the right words to tell Penny this was it for them.

You've been distracted last night. And… We need to talk, don't we? – Penny said, knowing the answer. Since the day Callie has called her from Seattle asking if she could contact Sofia's school, she knew something was going on. And so she knew, they needed to talk. To be completely honest with herself, Penny was a little scared of the conversation. She loves Callie and knows her enough to see that the brunette was struggling inside.

We do- Callie said, offering a small smile. She sat up in bed to get down with it. There was no right moment to break someone's heart . She took a deep breath and started explaining about Sofia.

Sofia is staying in New York with Arizona. She wasn't really happy here so, I let her stay. And I..

And you?- Penny asked eagerly. - You're going back- she quickly stated, realizing what was going on.

I am- The ortho surgeon said. They both were now sitting in bed, looking at each other's right in the eyes.

I knew it- Penny said with a broken voice.- I didn't want it to be true but… your home is there.. and… and..

I am sorry- Callie apologized, sincerely. - I thought it'd work out, I wanted to work out but… it wasn't fair for Sofia and Arizona. I don't want them to be apart anymore and I don't want to be away from Sof for too long either so..

I understand all of that. It was why I didn't ask you to come with me in the first place… but you insisted! – Penny said raising her voice.- You insisted!

I know! I know! And I am sorry for that. I acted hastily. I was scared of loosing you and I didn't think things through. I'm sorry Penny…

When are you going back?- She asked trying to calm herself down.

I… I don't know yet. I have to go to work and figure my contract out, see what I can…- She was cut off.

Okay. It's okay.- Penny said, wiping her tears away. - We can do this- She said getting closer to the brunette, caressing her cheeks…and finally, kissed her. Callie returned the kiss gently and then broke it slowly- We can make it work. It'll be less than six month. I can go back and forth every other weekend until the grant is...

Penny...- Callie said trying to make her understand- I know you want to stay here after the grant. It's a big opportunity for you. I'm not going to ask you to come back to Seattle for me.

Why not? I love you, Calliope. So, so much. I want to be with you.- She said and kissed her again.

Come on… listen to me.. You'll resent me in the future and I won't be able to live with that.

I love you enough to be go back for you… for us. I took the grant. I'm learning a lot and then, once it's over I'll be back to the amazing program that Grey Sloan has. - She gave Callie a begging smile.

Callie didn't know how to tell Penny she didn't want her back with her in Seattle. This woman was willing to put her career in second place for her. For their relationship. It was a enormous sacrifice that it shows she really loves her. And because of that, Callie knew she needed to end things fast. Penny was too good to let her do this for a love that wasn't reciprocate as she deserved it to be.

I don't know how to tell you this, Penny, I don't wanna hurt you … but.. I just.. I don't feel like we are working anymore… I am..

What?- Penny asked her in disbelief- What happened in Seattle, Callie? Really! We were just fine before you left! I can't believe this…- She got up of bed and started to put some clothes on. Callie stood there just looking at her.

I gotta go .Just.. Can't do this now. – She said and left the bedroom leaving an open mouthed Callie. The brunette stayed looking nowhere, alone in the room. Penny has just cut their break up in the middle of it. She sure was in a total denial of the situation.

Finally, Callie got out of bed and started to dress up. She needed to be at work, too, after all.

Once Callie arrived at the hospital she started her rounds, checked all her patients and performed back to back surgeries. She didn't stop for a second, not wanting to think about earlier. How Penny slipped through her hands like that! Unbelievable. When she got a minute, went to her boss' office to ask for a meeting to arrange her contract. Fortunately, her boss was free at the moment. After an hour of talking and arguing, they finally came to terms. Callie will have to work until she finishes with all her scheduled surgeries. That will take until half of February. A month and half is not that much. Callie thanks God for it.

She spent the rest of the day doing charts that she has piled up due to her days in Seattle. It was such a boring job to do. So, while she was doing that, decided to text Arizona to check on Sofia. Or that was what she told herself.

Hi! How is your day going? I'm stuck with charts. :( And Sofia? I miss her already!- C

Arizona was closing up a patient when she got the text. It was around 2pm in Seattle. She has been wanting to talk to Callie all morning. She needed to know how things has gone with Penny but, most importantly, she wanted to know if Callie decided to come back or not. Once she ended with the surgery, she read the text and was a little disappointed the brunette didn't give her anything she wanted.

Hello! I just got out of the OR. Sofia is at Luna's today. I'm going for her when I'm off of work. Sorry your day is not that fun? :p Wanna FaceTime tonight when Sofia is at home?- A

Callie read the text as soon as her phone buzzed. When she saw Arizona suggested FaceTime tonight she smiled huge at the idea of seeing her girls' beautiful faces.

Yes! Just send me a text when you two are home . I had easy surgeries in the morning, now just catching up with paperwork. How was your surgery?- C

It was hard, tbh. Pretty unstable patient. But both, the mom and the baby made it! When you end your shift?- A

Ofc they did. You're the best there is! I had to be here for another hour. –C

I know I am, thank you,tho. :P . One more hour is nothing. Hang in there!- A

You always so humble.-C

I'm awesome, what can I do! – A

They texted back and forth for the entire hour Callie had left in the hospital. The evening came faster than she expected. She has been worried about the continuation of her conversation with Penny but since she started chatting with Arizona everything went away. The blonde has put a smile back in the brunette's face. But she has to go back to the apartment and finally get Penny to listen to her.

When she got home, Penny was already there. She had a glass of wine in her hand and a face that was difficult to read. It looks like anger and sadness at the same time. When she saw Callie she made her a place in the couch for the brunette to sit next to her.

How was work?- Callie asked her, pouring herself some wine.

Good. – She said with a sharp tone -Just say it. Say what you wanted to say earlier today. I'm ready to listen now.

Penny I… I really don't want to hurt you. You are such an incredible person. And I…

Do you love me?- She interrupted her. Callie hesitated ,took the courage to look at her right in the eyes and said:

I care about you. Deeply. And I love you but in a way that is not the way you deserve.

You are not in love with me, are you?- She left the glass in the coffee table and faced the answer looking straight to Callie's eyes.

I'm not. I'm sorry. And I swear is-

It's not you, is me, uhu?- She said giving her a small smile.

I know it's a cliche but it kind of is like that. You are amazing, Penny… You are. I thought, truly, that I could fall in love with you someday, but it won't happen. I can't force it. You deserve better. And it sounds stupid to say, but you are a perfect girlfriend, just… not perfect for me. I actually don't think I ever be able to fall in love again. -She let it looked at her skeptical.- What?- Callie said.

Nothing. I… I love you Callie. And I'm deeply in love with you. I thought… - Her voice broke and she couldn't hold her tears anymore. Strongest as she wanted to seem, couldn't pretend anymore. Callie got closer to her and hugged her tight. Penny let herself be hold. Callie was hurt too. The end of a relationship is never easy. She knew she was hurting an incredible person, who didn't deserve it ,her pain was real.

I am so really sorry. So so sorry.

Me too... – Penny said breaking the hug. She kissed Callie on the lips for the last time and got up from the couch. – I can't stay here tonight so… I am going to a friend.

No, Penny, I should be the one going…

No, it's Ok,really…

Ok, so… I'll pick up all my things and be out by tomorrow. You should keep the apartment. I'll go to a hotel for the rest of the time I'll be in New York.

Are you sure?- Penny said.

I am.

Callie was left alone in an empty place. She just wanted to go to bed, maybe watch some tv to distract herself. It was a long painful day. She put on her pajamas and got in bed. When she reached out for her phone she remembered she supposed to FaceTime with Sofia and Arizona. She checked on her texts and it wasn't any from the blonde, which meant they weren't home yet. It was 8pm in New York, Arizona was probably still working. She didn't feel like talking right now. She knew she looked bad and didn't want her little girl to see her like that, so she texted her ex-wife.

U told Sof about FaceTime?- C

Noup. Still at work, why?-A

Good. Can we leave it for tomorrow, then? I'm really tired and need to sleep- C

Callie didn't want to worry Arizona so she just said she was sleepy, but the blonde knew her too well. The brunette will never postpone a conversation with her baby.

Is everything Ok? I just finished some post ops I can call you if you need to talk- A

She read the text and thought for a moment. Maybe, speaking with Arizona will help her or maybe, will be awkward. She stopped thinking and wrote…

Thank You. Whenever you get a minute, call me.- C

A second after she pressed 'send', her phone was ringing.

Hey… - She said greeting Arizona.

Hey you! Is something wrong? Are you Okay?

Nothing wrong, just…I broke up with Penny.

Oh.. Callie.. I'm so sorry…

Yeah…

I was pretty sure you'll work out the distance.

Yeah, that wasn't an option. Because wasn't the problem. Love was.

I'm sorry, really. How are you feeling?

I'm just… sad? But relieved at the same time? I don't know. I'm pretty much a mess, right know.

Oh Callie… Well, breaking up with someone is never easy, is normal for you to feel like that. Having your feelings mixed up and all.

I know. I did what I felt it was right. For both us. I didn't want to live a lie anymore, so for that… I'm fine. It just Penny wasn't. And I know it's my fault …

I'm glad you did what you felt Callie. You deserve to be happy. And Penny will be fine. She'll be hurt for awhile but… at the end, she'll be okay, too.

I know, you're right. Thank you.

I didn't do anything, but your welcome.- She said giggling.

You listened to me. Now, talk to me about something else. You still have time?

For you? All the time in the world.

Which means until your pager goes off- Callie said chuckling.

Exactly- She laughed.

They talked for another 10' and then say their goodnight. Callie was feeling better but still insisted to FaceTime with Sofia tomorrow night.

She didn't know how much she needed to hear Arizona's voice until it happened. The simple sound of her laugh was enough to make her feel better. Nothing else. They were getting into a comfortable place where they can talk about everything. Callie was thankful for it. She was so happy to have the blonde back in her life. And the feeling was mutual.

Knowing Callie has broken up with Penny meant something to Arizona. She felt sorry for her ex wife because she wasn't feeling good, but she also felt… kind of glad? Callie breaking up with Penny meant she will be back at Seattle sooner and that, made her feel over the moon. They have gotten closer very quickly, it was… easy again. They knew each other so well. Maybe it was possible. To be friends… That night, Arizona went to sleep with a huge dimpled smile in her face.

Next morning Callie woke up early to pack everything up. The moving service had come half hour ago and took everything. She was sitting with a cup of coffee ,waiting for Penny, she has texted her she was coming to change for work. She heard the sound of the keys and stand up from the couch, uncomfortable.

Morning- Penny said, noticing how nervous Callie was.

Morning.

Wow, Have you packed everything? You know you could come later and finish right?- She said smiling.

Yeah, right it just umm…

It's okay. It doesn't have to be awkward, Callie.

Yeah, no, I know.. But I got almost everything, anyway. I did leave some things I'll send someone to pick up next week.

Okay. So…

So… Thank you, Penny. For everything. You are a great person I… I'll miss you.. and I'm sorry.

I'm really sorry, too.- She said with a small smile.

I better go now.

Yeah.. Can I hugged you?- Penny said and Callie took a step closer and hugged her. She finally took her purse and headed to the door.

And Callie?- Penny said- you are right. You'll never fall in love again… because you already are. With Arizona.

Callie stood there, unable to move or even say anything. Her heart started to pound in her chest.

What? No… Penny, please don't think that. Nothing like that happened in Seattle. I swear Arizona and I just talked about Sofia and-

No, Callie, I know. I trust you. I'm not saying you cheated. I'm saying…it was always there. Your feelings for her…- Penny said and her voice betrayed her and broke.

She's just Sofia's mom…

You're lying to yourself. And as much as it hurts me right now…I hope you admit your feelings soon. You deserve to be happy. And I can tell.. she is the one for you. And If I've gotten to know you, at least a little… I'm sure you don't want to spend the rest of your life thinking you let the love of your life get away. Right? Don't disappoint me. –The redhead said with tears falling down her cheeks. Callie couldn't believe her ears. Everything was hitting her, all together.

Penny, I… Thank you.- She gave the woman a small smile and hugged her again – Be awesome. Kick lot of asses and please, please be happy.

I will be- She said- Now go, because right now, it's hurting too much. But I'll be fine. I promise.

And that was it. The last time the two women were in the same room. The end of a short, but lovely relationship. One was left with a broken heart but with the hope that something new and amazing will be coming her way anytime now. Someone who will love her more and better. And the other one, with a question that will be stuck in her head for the rest of the day, maybe the month. Is she really in love with Arizona? Has she really been in denial all this time? Something was clear. Arizona was the love of her life. Now.. Was it too late? Was she really being fool enough and letting her go away?