CHAPTER EIGHT

"What are you doing here? What in the world gave you the impression that I wanted you here after everything I just said?"

Callie stood up but didn't move from her spot in front of the couch. Her stance demanded a response from Arizona, one that she still hadn't completely formulated. She had ideas of what she could say, things that really didn't mean much of anything. They were simple fixes, like putting a band-aid on a bullet wound, temporary patches that would hold things together for now. It was the best she could come up with on the spot, so it had to at least be worth a shot.

"I'm sorry, Callie. For everything."

Arizona could see in Callie's eyes that she wasn't buying it, and it didn't really surprise her. It was half-assed at best, and she knew she needed to give Callie more. But right now, spinning slightly from one too many drinks earlier and a lack of prep time, it was the best she could do. It was shit, she knew it, Callie knew it, hell even Cristina knew it as she scoffed on the other end of the couch, but she wanted to make an effort. She had to make an effort.

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, "The other night, we both said things we didn't mean…"

"I meant every word. And don't you dare try and tell me you didn't mean yours."

Callie's voice was stern, her glare icier than anything she'd ever seen before in her usually warm, chocolate brown eyes. Arizona was fucked, that much was pretty damn obvious right about now. No amount of bullshit would get her out of this one. But, Arizona wasn't ready to let her guard down; she wasn't willing to give in just yet. She wasn't ready to open up about her past and how her life fell apart in a split second, how she lost everything and will never be able to get it back.

"What am I supposed to think? You just leave yourself open for anyone to just walk into your life and tear you apart…I mean everyone knows it!"

Callie was pissed, and she let it be known, she shot back at her almost instantly resulting in a shouting match that quickly became heated and loud. Neither was letting the other get a complete statement out in the open, they just spewed whatever came to mind. Cristina darted her eyes back and forth between the two, watching Callie as she wailed her arms wildly and pointed her finger accusingly in Arizona's direction to emphasize her points, and Arizona's hilarious facial expressions. It was the most delicious tennis battle she'd ever witnessed, and her eyes were wide and her smirk grew with each syllable.

Arizona was aware of Cristina's presence, but was sure she couldn't keep up with what they were yelling about; even she was having a tough time. It was quickly coming back full circle to the argument they'd had only a few nights ago. Only this time they were both yelling about nonsensical things instead of what the actual problem was.

As quickly as it started, the yelling had stopped, with breaths heavily panting from each corner, hearts racing. The room fell silent, disturbed only once by a loud crunch from where Cristina was sitting on the couch. She stopped chewing when she realized the two had stopped bickering and were now staring at one another like they were about to tear each other a new one.

Again, Arizona had royally screwed herself. This time, though, she heard her inner voice scream at her to stop. But, like the last time, she opened her mouth and the venom escaped her lips with utter ease. She felt it with every syllable she spoke, and yet she didn't even try to cut herself off. She instantly felt remorse, the mounted tension inside of her replaced by fear that she had gone too far, much farther than she had four nights ago. But much to Arizona's dismay, Callie's expression wasn't sad or hurt or defeated. She was…amused? Callie emitted a soft, sarcastic chuckle and it created an unsettling feeling in the pit of Arizona's tummy. She didn't like where this was going. Not one bit.

"You just don't get it, do you? Did you even hear a word I said earlier?"

"Callie, I –"

"Just go."

"But, Cal –"

"Go."

This time Arizona didn't bother fighting back. Callie's directions were firm and clear and she knew better than to push this any further. She lowered her head so neither Callie nor Cristina would see the tears now glistening in her eyes. She turned to leave the apartment and headed for the door, turning the knob. As she opened the door, she turned slightly, looking over her right shoulder.

"I love you Calliope, you have to at least believe that."

She said it softly, warmly, but loud enough to make sure Callie would be able to catch it. She didn't know if it would be enough, but she hoped it would be. She let the door shut quietly behind her and scurried to the elevator, taking out her frustrations on the down button once again. She entered, hit the button for the ground floor, and slid to the floor as painful sobs of regret surged through her body.

There should have been some shock, or at the very least a little surprise after all Arizona had just said to her. Her features almost instantly softened as regret filled and clouded her blue eyes. What she used for her final blow was low, even lower than "you let people break you". It was something she never thought would come out of her. What she said was unforgivable. Callie should be pissed that Arizona brought her family into the fight. That she had the audacity to accuse her of letting her family members walk all over her when they shut her out for dating a woman. To have to hear her say that she let her father crush her, that it was her own fault she was shunned. But she didn't feel a hint of anger, and instead found herself chuckling. Arizona was just as confused as Callie was at her reaction, and she fully intended to use it to her advantage.

"You just don't get it, do you? Did you even hear what I said to you earlier?"

"Callie, I –"

She honestly wanted nothing to do with Arizona anymore. She didn't want to see her; she didn't want to hear another word out of her mouth. She didn't want half-assed excuses or fake apologies; she wanted an honest explanation from the heart. And if Arizona wasn't going to give her that, if she didn't love her enough to give her that, she had no business being in her home.

"Just go."

"But, Cal –"

"Go."

Callie wasn't just telling her, she knew she needed to demand for her to leave in order for it to sink in, and a small part of her ached as she caught a glimpse of Arizona holding back tears. Her whole body had slumped in defeat. She walked with no zest, none of her usual pep, as she made her way to the door. But Callie had to be strong; it was Arizona's turn to prove that she wanted this as much as she claimed she did. She watched as Arizona paused at the door, turning her head slightly to look back at her.

"I love you, Calliope, you have to at least believe that."

Callie's heart stopped momentarily, she swore it did, as Arizona's declaration sunk in. Her hardened exterior quickly crumbled as she watched the blonde slip out of the apartment, closing the door quietly behind her. She wanted to run after her, hold her tight, to look her in the eyes and kiss her, to make everything better, but she stayed where she was.

It was in one thing Arizona had said that night where she heard the most honesty, felt it completely in her voice. It was assurance for Callie that Arizona was still in this even if she didn't seem to be. But she wasn't sure how much longer she could hold on if Arizona couldn't move beyond her own shit and open up to her.

A/N: So, we were a little bored with the lack of fic updating today (oh, the woes of newly college graduates), and decided to post this a little early for you guys in case you were just as bored. We'll post again tomorrow, don't fret, this is just a bonus. And there's plenty of Cristina fabulousness...can't wait! We do hope you enjoy this chapter!