Title: After Tonight

Author: aseaofGrey

Rating: T

Summary: Dr. Arizona Robbins never wanted kids. Despite being the most outstanding Pediatric Surgeon in the country, saving their lives was where it ended. That was, until her older brother Timothy was killed in combat in Iraq, naming Arizona as the guardian of his daughter.

Author's Note: Once again, thank you everyone for reviewing! It means a lot to me and makes me write even faster. Someone brought up that they felt their reconciliation was too quick, and I agree. The reason I did things the way that I did is because a) it is detrimental to the story that Callie go to Boston with Arizona, and b) I wanted to remain true to character. In the show, they get back together after a tragedy in a pretty rushed way. Anyway, it works! Thanks again though guys, you all rock!

Author's Note 2: I'm so extremely sorry about the delay in getting this posted! My laptop crashed last month just after uploading the second chapter. I had a loaner laptop for a while but I wasn't used to the PC operating system so barely used it. I've now got a Macintosh loaner laptop and things are much better! So, you can expect more regular updates once again! Thanks for sticking it out with me! This chapter will be extra long, just to butter you all up! Also, note the rating change! I haven't decided if I want to make this an M-rated story or not, so I'll leave the decision up to you guys!

"Arizona."

Callie's voice broke the silence I'd created. For the last fifteen minutes I'd been pacing back and forth on the front step of Timothy's lawyer's office. Snapping from my trance I looked up, taking in a deep breath. Callie's hand reached out for mine, giving it a reassuring squeeze. I smiled weakly and finally opened the front door. Hand in hand, the two of us walked up to the secretary's desk.

"Hi, my name is Arizona Robbins. I'm here to meet with Jacob Hunter," I said, trying not to allow my voice to shake. The woman in front of me smiled and nodded, pressing a button on the phone in front of her. Within seconds two wooden doors to the left swung open and a rather tan, blonde haired man dressed in a very sharp looking black suit started towards us. The man immediately grabbed my hand, shaking it firmly, "Ms. Robbins, I'm so glad you've made it. Please, call me Jacob."

"I'm sorry we couldn't get here sooner," I told him as I pulled Callie closer to me for support. "We had some things to sort out before we could leave," I fibbed hesitantly.

"No, I understand. You are a doctor aren't you? I'm sure getting away wasn't easy," he assured me as he led us into his office and closed the doors. "Please, take a seat."

"This is my…." Before I could finish my sentence, Callie interrupted, extending her hand, "Callie Torres," she stated shaking his hand with a smiles. Weird. Callie and I took seats across him at the desk. "When can I see Dylan?" The question shocked even me, but I reasoned with myself. Dylan was scared, no doubt about it. She needed me, now.

"We're going to need to call the social worker on the case and find out when we can get you to her. In the meantime, we need to go over the details," Jacob started as he pulled out a folder full of papers. Searching for a moment, he pulled up a paper, scanned it with his finger and dialed the phone number he found.

"Hello, this is Jacob Hunter, we spoke yesterday in regards to six-year-old Dylan Robbins," he paused to allow a response. "Yes. She's to be released to a Miss. Arizona Robbins." There was another long pause, "We can be there in two hours. Thank you, we'll see you then, have a good afternoon." Hanging up the phone, he smiled at Callie and me. "We'll be heading to the agency in about an hour to pick up Dylan. You'll be able to take her home with you tonight."

I gulped, hard. This was all happening so quickly, was I really ready for this?

As if on cue, Callie spoke, "Are we able to bring her home to get some of her things? What's going to happen next? Will Arizona be assuming full custody? Is the living will contestable?"

Jacob smiled and leaned back in his chair. "Arizona's mother took care of packing up the things Dylan would need, she didn't feel that bringing the girl there was a good idea. I've got the bag here and we'll bring it when we go pick her up." I watched as he picked up another document, and began to read, "In the case that both of us should die, we, Timothy Daniel Robbins and Arielle Christine Elhrich-Robbins, leave full legal custody of our daughter Dylan Grace Robbins to our sister, Arizona Rae Robbins," he placed the paper back on his desk. "However, if you decide that you do not want to take on this responsibility, you do have that option. Your parents, as well as Arielle's sister, Elizabeth and her husband are willing to step up. Presently, all parties have agreed not to contest the living will in any form, so long as Arizona decides to take Dylan."

"I want her," I breathed out quickly, "There is no reason to discuss any other solution because I want her." Callie turned to me and smiled brightly, caressing my hand that was still firmly clasped with hers.

"Well, good, I'm glad to hear that," Jacob said happily. "So, from here, we'll pick up Dylan and temporary custody will be awarded. We've arranged so that you'll be permitted to take her back home with you, and a social worker will be assigned to your case back in Seattle. She'll make a few home visits to ensure things are going well and in 6 months there will be a court hearing. You'll be deemed as a fit parent and full custody will be awarded."

"Can Callie adopt her?" I asked, hoping the question wouldn't scare Callie. I glanced at her from the corner of my eye and smiled when I noticed she didn't flinch. Unfortunately, I noted quickly, she didn't smile either.

"Once Dylan is legally yours. According to the state of Washington, a second parent adoption for LGBT couples is legal, she shouldn't have a problem; did you have anymore questions?" Jacob said giving Callie a reassuring look. Callie smiled, but I couldn't shake the feeling that something was a little off.

Turning my attention back to Jacob, I shrugged hesitantly. Stealing glances around his office, I fought to think of questions to ask. His office was very neat, decked out in dark mahogany wood pieces and peculiar artwork. Nothing I wanted to ask seemed appropriate. Like, how do I enroll Dylan in school? Did anyone bother to try and explain to her what's going on? Is someone going to send me her things? I'm definitely not going in that house, I can't. Does it actually matter what brand of peanut butter I buy, because I'm not a mom and I'm not choosey. For God's sake Arizona, get yourself together.

"No, I think that's all. I just want to see Dylan, okay?" I said sheepishly, leaning back in the chair, "She's alone and probably so scared," I wiped away a tear I hadn't realized was forming, "I just want to tell her it's gonna be okay."

"I'll just get things squared away here and we'll be on our way," Jacob said as he stood up from his chair, excusing himself from the room to gather Dylan's overnight bag and finalize some paperwork.

Taking in a deep breath, I gripped the sides of the chair. In the last 48 hours I realized I could not live another minute without Callie, lost my brother and sister-in-law, and gained a six-year-old child. Before I even had time to process that my brother was gone, Dylan became top priority. I couldn't help but remember why I'd never wanted kids in the first place. They're sticky, and time-consuming, they get sick and they always have to come first.

"Arizona," Callie coaxed questioningly, her hand landing on my shoulder, drawing me from my thoughts, "are you okay?"

I looked up, tears threatening to fall from my eyes. Our eyes locked on one another, the concern in her gorgeous brown eyes enough to break me down. My bottom lip shook slightly as it devoured my upper lip, a disgusting sob accompanying the pout. Within an instant she'd broken me down. "No," I cried as she moved from her seat and closed the distance between us. Strong arms wrapped tightly around my body, pulling me into her. "Timothy is dead. I can't do this," I whimpered against her chest, moving my hands up to grip her dark grey sweater. Callie's fingers ran slow circles along my lower back, attempting to soothe me.

"Yes, but he died with honor," Callie told me, pushing me away to look at her. Again, our eyes locked. "He died for this country, defending our honor. He fought for the rights so many take for granted, to bring peace to a nation. He may be gone, but he'll always live on in your heart, in Dylan. That little girl is counting on you, and I know you won't let her down. You might not think you can handle this, but I know that you can. You're strong, and you will get through this." And there it was, that million-dollar smile. Every damn time.

"Do you really think I can do this?' I asked hopefully. A smile formed on my lips as I watched her nod. Our little moment was quickly interrupted by the return of Jacob. Now adorning a pink, yellow and white Lily Pulitzer duffle over his shoulder, the lawyer placed a new stack of papers on his desk and grabbed his briefcase from the floor.

"We could get going now, we'll be picking her up from a foster home where she spent the night," Jacob told us as he handed the bag of Dylan's things to me. Within five minutes the three of us were buckled in to his black Range Rover.

The house was nicely decorated, full of neutral colors and earth tones. Nothing was overly lavish, but it still looked as if someone cared about the way things looked. We'd been waiting for the last ten minutes in the den of the Walker's home. It was clear, by the abundance of toys littering the floor that Dylan wasn't the only kid here. The Walker's seemed like nice people. Theresa Walker was a short, lanky woman with even lighter eyes than me. She looked no older than 50 and seemed like a warm enough person to be a decent parent. Her husband, David, on the other hand, was much more reserved and significantly older, probably in his late 60's. While nothing screamed danger, I still couldn't wait to get Dylan out of here.

Just as I was about to ask Jacob what was taking so long, a loud commotion was heard from the stairway. Turning to see what was going on, a mess of dirty blonde, in the form of my niece collided roughly with my body. A squeal erupted from the little girls lips as her tiny arms struggled to wrap themselves tightly around my waist, "Aunt Ari!"

With a sigh of relief, I slid my hands under her arms and hoisted her up into my arms. Her legs wrapped around my waist as she clung to my body, holding on as tightly as she could. My hand rubbed softly at her back, "yeah baby, I'm here now."

For a few minutes we stood there, holding each other. I couldn't tell who'd started crying first, but judging by the dampness of my shirt, it was safe to assume Dylan had let the waterworks run wild. Feeling her shaking gently in my arms as silent sobs escaped her lips broke my heart. I hadn't even realized that I'd started crying by the time the salty tears had reached my lips. Time was irrelevant and I had no idea how long we'd stood like that. Oddly, the whole thing made me feel better. Simply holding my brothers child did volumes for my mind. This is my blood. I can do this. I shifted the little girl in my arms, moving her so that she was positioned comfortably on my hip. "Aunt Ari," she started to whisper, "can we go home now?" The sadness in her voice nearly broke my heart as I looked towards her. The long locks of dirty blonde hair that I was used to seeing assembled neatly into pretty bows or headbands were sloppily falling around her face. Dylan's typically glittering blue eyes were dull, as if her last tear had already been shed. Shaking my head at her disheveled appearance, I used my free hand to wipe her hair out of her eyes, "Yeah Dyl, we can go home now."

"This is Dylan's backpack," Theresa Walker said, handing the small pink bag to Callie. I watched the brunette take the strap and sling it over her shoulder with a smile. "We put her school uniform and other little belongings in there as well, feel free to keep the change of clothes she has on," Theresa continued as Jacob shuffled through paperwork and retrieved pens for signatures.

"Thank you," Jacob started as he handed her the pen, "we're very appreciative of you taking her in so last minute. If you'll just sign at the two x's we'll be out of your hair." I watched as Theresa signed away Dylan. Then pen was then passed to me for my turn, and just like that I was the temporary guardian to a six year old. My dead brothers six year old.

Despite the fact that everyone's emotions were on overdrive, Callie, Dylan and I had made it successfully back to our hotel room by 10:30 that night. Opening the large white door to our room, I held it open with my foot as I carried a sleeping Dylan into the darkness. Callie followed closely behind me, Dylan's backpack still slung over her shoulder, her matching duffle around her body. I watched intently as she discarded the bags to the floor and switched on the desk lamp.

"I'll use the bathroom while you get her into bed, okay?" Callie said softly as she rummaged through our things in search of something. I nodded, moving towards one of the queen beds in the room. With my free hand I pulled back the sheets of the bed and laid Dylan down. Making sure not to wake her, I slipped my arms away and headed for her duffle bag. After unzipping the luggage I rummaged through in search of pajamas. Finding a "big" t-shirt and a pair of pajama shorts, I zipped up the bag and moved back towards my sleeping niece. Slowly I began lifting the old shirt off her body, trying desperately not to awaken the sleeping child. Thankfully, I was used to working with sick and tired children and this was something I could do. Once I'd successfully changed Dylan with as few fluttering eyelids as possible, I headed for the bathroom. Slipping inside without knocking I came face to face with a half naked Callie. Blinking rapidly, I tried to ignore the sight of her bare ass peeking out from below her oversized t-shirt. Callie smirked, watching me through the mirror as she brushed her teeth. "No staring," I heard her say after spitting out the product. I couldn't help the smile that spread across my mouth.

"She's out," I told her, moving closer and closer until I could wrap my body comfortably around Callie's. I leaned my head against her back, closing my eyes and taking in a deep breath, I tried to calm my plethora of emotions. But, like always, Callie could read my face like a book. She turned in my arms instantly, pulling me against her, "You're doing great already. She's resilient, remember? Little kids, they can get through anything. They're strong, and able to get past things that a lot of adults can't. And, it's a plus that she has you. You'll be able to raise her the way Timothy would have wanted, she'll know what it means to be a Robbins, with or without him."

For the third time today, I broke down. Sobs wracked my body, causing involuntary shaking that even Callie couldn't help control. My breathing hitched in the back of my throat as salty tears spilled from my eyes, cascading like waterfalls into the material of Callie's shirt. My hands clawed ravenously at the material at her lower back. I dug my nails into the fabric as I bunched it in my hands, weeping to the point that no sound escaped my throat. Strong hands rubbed softly down my arms, plump lips pressed roughly into my forehead over and over again, relentlessly trying to soothe my pain. But, how do you calm someone down at a time like this? I can't remember when exactly it was that my knees grew too weak to hold my exhausted body, but by the time my tears finally subsided and I was able to pull myself away from the brunette in front of me, we were on the floor, my body wrapped snuggly between Callie's legs as she leaned against the wall.

"I'm sorry," I apologized embarrassed that I'd let her see me like that, again. She shook her head and wiped the few remaining tears from my stained cheeks. "Your eyes are bright red," Callie told me, concern dripping from her voice, "Let me get you in bed. The funeral is tomorrow and you need to get some sleep okay? It'll be easier tomorrow, every day it will get easier."

Before I knew it she'd swept me into her arms and had me in bed beside Dylan. The blue-eyed girls eyes fluttered open for a moment, registering my intrusion. Mere seconds past before she'd crawled closer and cuddled her body up against my chest, falling back to sleep instantly. Pulling her closer, I wrapped my arms around her tiny frame and pulled the blankets over us. Callie leaned down and kissed my forehead whispering words of love against my skin and moved towards the other queen bed. The last sound I heard was the even breathing of Dylan against my chest and I was out.

"When my mother asked me to give a speech tonight, my first response was a firm, immediate 'NO.' Why would I want to stand up here and give a speech when I'm barely grasping the reality of this? Timothy is… was my older brother. When he'd learned how to curse in the 6th grade, I was his easiest target. Whenever he'd do something stupid, I was there to blame when our parents found out. After high school graduation, Timothy told me he was going to enlist. I was scared, terrified that I'd lose him to the war. But, I was honored, having been the daughter of a Marine my entire life. We were raised to honor and respect our country, so Timmy's decision never shocked me. Tour after tour, he'd leave and return. Leave and return. Each time he'd come back with barely a scratch, something we'd learned to take for granted. Timothy was my best friend, my rock. He was the best kind of person, the good man my parents raised him to be, something I always envied. He had a beautiful wife, the most perfect daughter, a career he loved. I can't help but stand here before all of you today and bow my head in shame for ever being jealous of this man, for ever wishing that his life was mine. Timmy was more than just my brother, and I'm now confident that he's floating around here somewhere, an angel itching to get his wings," I spoke softly, slowly, not wanting to allow the tears to take over my body. The podium was positioned at the front of the alter, overlooking the left side of the cemetery. Both Timothy and Arielle's coffins sat slightly above the ground, awaiting proper burial. As I spoke, my eyes never once left the American flag that covered my brother's coffin. A hero, he died a hero. By the time my short speech ended, I was hurrying from the post, rapidly moving towards my parents who were sitting in the front row beside Dylan. My mother's arms took me in and held me tightly, allowing me to cry on her shoulder. I felt a hand graze my shoulder and looked up to see Callie's gorgeous chocolate eyes looking lovingly towards me. I smiled at her as she leaned back into her seat behind my parents.

Nearly two hours later we were sitting around the patio table outside my parents' house. Things had been tense, and nobody had spoken since we'd left the cemetery. My mother placed a couple trays of food out on the table and alerted us that Arielle's family was on their way over to pay their respects and say goodbye to Dylan.

"Grandpa," I heard Dylan call softly from her spot between my father and I. Both my dad and I turned our attention to the young girl.

"Yes Dyno?" My father asked, smiling as his nickname for Dylan slipped from his lips.

"Am I going to see you anymore?" Dylan asked, looking up at him with tears threatening to fall from her crystal blue eyes.

"Of course you will Dyno! Your aunt over here would never keep you away from us. But, you get to go on an adventure! You're going to take a huge jet plane to a whole new state. You can make new friends, get a whole new bedroom and find out how to get your aunt wrapped around your cute little finger," my father told her with a playful smile. His hands reached for her and abruptly tickled her belly. Dylan let out a melodic giggle and smiled, satisfied with his answer.

"Arizona, Callie, would you help me with the food while I go let the Elhrich's in," my mother asked as she poked her head out the sliding glass door of her home. Callie and I instantly rose and headed for the kitchen. I'd met most of Arielle's family, but not living in Boston left little time for relationship formation. For the most part we knew one another in passing, but not much else.

Grabbing a few dishes, I handed them to Callie, helping her assemble them in her arms to maximize our trips to and from. "Callie," I said gently, gaining her attention, "thank you."

"For what?" She asked me, watching me as I picked up my own plates.

"For being everything I've always needed, and everything I never even dreamed of," I answered honestly. Callie had been great these past few days. I'd all but destroyed her by telling her I didn't want children and that our future was nonexistent because I couldn't give her that. But, by a tragic twist of fate, here we are, again.

"I'd do anything for you Arizona," Callie replied, a breathtakingly beautiful smile washing over her face. I grinned at her reply and led the way back outside to place our retrieved plates on the outside table. We retreated back to grab the last few, but before I could pick up any plates, Callie spun me around, pressing my rear against the counter.

"I'd drop everything for you, I'd give up my dreams for you. I'd die for you," Callie told me, her voice barely above a whisper. My heartbeat increased rapidly as she spoke, professing her love to me. "That's why when I say if you ever walk away from me again I'm done, I mean it." Her voice suddenly turned harsher and I knew she meant it. I shook my head rapidly.

"I was stupid. Life is too short not to be with the ones you love. When you love someone, you bend. You make exceptions, you let them go off to war because it's what they wanted to do… and you suffer the consequences when it's all over. Two precious lives were cut short this past week, and I refuse to waste one more minute of mine without you," I proclaimed, pulling her lips towards mine with a tug of her hair. Our lips touched briefly before I pushed her head away again, "I can't promise it will always be rainbows and sunshine, but I promise I'll never let you go again."

This time, Callie made the move and crashed her mouth against mine. As our lips slid effortlessly against one another, my hands bunched in her hair, pulling her face closer to mine. Her left arm slinked around my neck lazily as her lips took hold of my bottom lip. She suckled gently on it before pulling away, resting our foreheads together. A throat clearing broke our spell. Looking up, my mother smiled and motioned for us to join her outside. Grabbing the few remaining plates, Callie and I followed her outside to rejoin the family.

"You remember Arizona," my mother stated as I placed the food on the table. My mom gestured towards the older couple standing behind Dylan, "Mr. and Mrs. Elhrich, my daughter, Arizona." I smiled and politely shook both of their hands. I'd met the couple twice, once at Timothy and Arielle's wedding and again shortly after Dylan's birth. The older couple nodded at me and offered their sympathies to which I readily returned.

"Elizabeth," my mother began again, pointing towards the young woman seated across from my father. "I'm sure you also remember Arizona," she said before she moved on to point towards the man beside her, "Arizona this is Elizabeth's husband, Kenneth." Handshakes were exchanged once more.

"These two little ones are Elizabeth's children, Taylor and Carter," my mother told me, gesturing towards the two young children. Neither appeared to be over the age of 12.

Pulling Callie close to me by her hand, I smiled, linking our fingers together, "This is my girlfriend, Callie." I could not help but notice the look of disgust that washed over Elizabeth and Kenneth's faces at my revelation. For a moment I was surprised, but I guess it wouldn't make sense for them to know that personal of information about me. Forced greetings were made, but the giant elephant in the room was there to stay.