AN: Hey, everyone. Here's the next chapter. I really appreciate the reviews from last chapter. I didn't get a record high, but almost every single one was long and speculated about the story, which shows me you guys are invested. I love it. Keep them coming, they keep me writing. You all have a brilliant day!
I pushed blindly through the crowds of people, eager to get anywhere that I could wallow in pain. Images of that woman touching Callie, laughing with Callie, and hugging Callie assaulted my mind, continuing to sour my already rotten mood. Why didn't she tell me? She could have told me she was involved. I would have walked away, but still. Or maybe I wouldn't have…I can't handle this on top of everything else. I'm supposed to be saving my angel soul, not becoming involved with someone, not aiding the return of my humanity, not providing opportunities for my heart to break, not dealing with a broken heart.
I hugged myself tight as I continued to weave through the throng of oblivious strangers. Tears still trickled down my cheeks, mixing with the fat rain drops now splattering around me. I quickly glanced up with a glare. That's a little cliché, don't you think? My cloths started to stick to my skin, but I ignored it. That mild discomfort had nothing on the shattering going on inside me. I squeezed my eyes shut, only to shoot them open again when a warm hand grasped my elbow. "Twice in one day. I'm honored." My voice was raspy and sarcastic.
Waiting until I looked into her eyes, she answered, "I thought you might be in trouble. Looks like I was right. What's wrong?" Her voice held none of the judgment or edge that it had earlier, it was now nothing but concern and compassion.
Biting my lip, I shook my head, "It's a long and unimpressive story."
Teddy cupped my cheek, and let her eyes hold mine, "Tell me."
Unable to hold back any longer, I let the words tumble from my mouth, "I-I think I…I think I met someone. As in I met someone I want to be with. She's…she's amazing. I can't think about any-" A hand over my mouth interrupted my ramble.
Teddy squinted her eyes at my growing annoyance, telling me to wait. She grasped my arm a bit tighter and suddenly everything faded out. I quickly realized she was transporting me. It feels different when it's not me doing the leading. Suddenly, I felt a cold sting and something akin to a pop, then darkness. As my eyes adjusted to the dim light, I watched as Teddy's silhouette flicked her wrist and more lights illuminated the small space. Glancing around, I recognized that we were in some sort of cave, the walls glittered in the soft light. Raising an eyebrow, I turned to her, "I like what you've done with the place?"
Teddy let out a light laugh, "Ah, being human has made you funny," She waved her hand and instantly plopped onto the couch that materialized next to her.
"I don't think your laziness is what your powers are for, Teddy." I smirked.
"Business expense." She stated simply as she stretched on the worn leather. "I got one for you, too."
Rolling my eyes, I sunk into the soft velvet sofa now behind me, "So, where are we exactly?"
"The UnderWorld."
Snapping my eyes to hers, I stuttered, "Um, what?"
"It's fine, a few of us have safe caves here in case we need to conduct business without Them knowing." She gestured vaguely to the OverWorld. "And, I think this might be one of those moments of need."
I nodded, deep in thought, "So, our side can't hear or see us, and this side can't find us?" Teddy nodded. "Is that allowed?"
Teddy shrugged, "Not really, but it's important to maintain the ability to go around Them sometimes. Right now, we're here so you can tell me what is going on, without risk of others overhearing." She leaned forward and propped her elbows on her knees letting her clasped hands dangle between her legs and looked at me expectantly.
I sighed in resignation, "It's easier if I show you." Seeing Teddy nod and close her eyes, I let mine slip closed with a deep breath. Immediately, I began to recall the moment I first saw her, I made sure to remember everything that I felt in those few seconds. Next, I pulled up the following time I set eyes on her, when I followed her into those stores. I replayed our first conversation, and focused in on the way my soul reacted being near to her. I brought Teddy as I relived our first date, the way our eyes connected, how my stomach fluttered when she held my hand, and my desperation for that first kiss. I highlighted the emotions that volleyed between us during that night. Next, came images from my dreams, which I quickly skipped through at the sound of Teddy clearing her throat. Then, bringing us full circle, I revisited the scene from the café.
As those last images faded away, we both let our eyes ease open. Teddy sighed, "Ok…so…"
I groaned and laid my face in my hands, "Yeah…"
"You fell for a human?" Teddy asked, clarifying.
I jerked my head up, slightly shocked at her words. Fell for her. Have I fallen for her? As in, fallen in love? That's not what this is, is it? I can't remember ever falling in love. I also can't remember ever feeling like this. Maybe I am in love with her. How can that be? I just met her. I'm an angel who's not supposed to be falling in love with humans. Pulling myself through the vast array of emotions I've experienced since meeting her, I groaned again, lowering my head. "Yeah, I guess, I have, except…I just realized it."
When I looked back up at Teddy, she had an amused eyebrow cocked, "How did you just realize it? It's pretty obvious."
I shrugged, "I guess, I just didn't put the name with the face. Also…I never really…I never fell in love when I was alive…I didn't recognize it. Plus, it's so soon to be in love with her. I barely know her." My voice became a slight whine as I tried to wrap my mind around everything.
Teddy chuckled, "Sometimes that's how it happens. Suddenly. Inconveniently . Stupidly."
At the last word, I narrowed my eyes into a glare, "Thanks for your support, Theodora."
Teddy pushed herself off the couch and plopped down next to me, slapping me on the knee, "Hey, I'm not going to tell you that falling in love with a mortal while you're supposed to be quelling your sin and returning to the OverWorld is a smart, easy, or permissible situation, but…I happen to be a hopeless romantic, and think that this might be a good thing."
I blanched at her, "Are you serious? Just this morning you were all 'you stink of humanity, get yourself together or you'll never be an angel'" My voice was high pitched and feisty.
Teddy scrunched up her face, "I don't sound like that. I have a wonderful voice." She smiled whimsically while I scowled in confusion and frustration. After a sigh, she added, "Yes, this morning I was highly concerned for your well being. However, now that I know what's going on, I have a different perspective. When you were reliving those moments with…"
Noting her pause and vague wave in my direction, I supplied, "Callie."
Nodding, she continued, "With Callie, never once could I feel the rage that has been with you since coming to Earth. All I could feel was invigoration, joy, anticipation, inspiration, and love. Those are all lovely things, Arizona. Things that make amazing angels, as well as humans. I think…and this is going to be very controversial and risky advice…but, I think you should explore this relationship with Callie. It will, in all likelihood, spoil your opportunity to return home, but maybe that's not your destiny. Maybe you're meant to be here with Callie. Or, perhaps, she's the cure for your wrath, and is actually an aide to regain your wings."
I sat back against the plush couch, soaking in her words. These were all thoughts I had had before, but they had even more impact when said by someone else. Could Callie be what I was searching for? Could healing myself be the reason I met her? I doubt that falling in love with her was the part of that plan. I just don't know anymore. But, I'm leaning toward Teddy being right. I should fully pursue whatever is going on between Callie and I, and see where that takes me. Glancing to the space next to me, I studied Teddy happily chopping on a peach, "You know, I really prefer romantic, humorous Teddy to the corporate Theodora."
Teddy grinned, "Hey, I have to remain professional. But, yes, it's nice to let the rest of me out sometimes." I nodded in understanding, smiling at the dark blonde angel. "So, does that mean that you'll be taking my advice and seek out Callie?"
I slowly shrugged, "Yeah, I think that's really the only option for me at the moment. I can't stop thinking about her, so it might actually be beneficial to explore that path. And, hopefully, the fact that she apparently has a girlfriend doesn't deter my progress too much." I let out a mirthless laugh, dreading meddling with another relationship.
"Maybe she's not her girlfriend. Women can be pretty touchy feely with friends, and you didn't see anything that was definitively more than platonic." Teddy stated hopefully.
Heaving a sigh, I shook my head, "Maybe not…there's really only one way to find out…" I rose to my feet and smoothed out my cloths.
"Stalk her?" Teddy smirked.
Rolling my eyes, I mock glared at her, "I knew I shouldn't have shown you all that…"
"Yeah, well, it's too late now." My face fell as she giggled. She knows a very serious and potentially dangerous secret. Teddy studied my face, watching the emotions transform my features. "You're safe with me, you know that, right?"
Looking guiltily into her soft, green eyes, I nodded slowly, "Yeah, I know. It's just…big…it's a lot to take on, to keep from everyone. And, I think O'Malley might have seen us and figured out how I feel about her, so it's dangerous as well. Are you sure keeping my secret is worth it?" I held my breath, searching her face for any doubt.
Teddy stood up, looking me in the eyes, "Yes."
After several seconds, I realized that she intended to add nothing to that statement and snorted a laugh, "Ok. Thank you, Theodora."
"Sure. Now," She held out her hand to me, "I'll do the driving, if you navigate."
Hesitating, I chewed my lip and avoided her eyes. "Teddy? What if I do lose my chance to be an angel again? What if I completely succumb to my humanity and have to stay here?"
Teddy thought for a moment, "Well, you'd have Callie. Would that make the sacrifice bearable?"
After a few seconds, I grasped her hand and took a deep breath, "Ok. Let's do this." I closed my eyes and focused on the amazing creature constantly plaguing my thoughts. Opening my eyes after I felt us leave the UnderWorld and a cool breeze caress my cheek, I looked around. We were standing on a sidewalk, under an overhang outside a natural food store, rain falling around us.
"Ugh, Seattle weather is horrid." Teddy grumbled next to me.
Ignoring her griping, I turned around searching for Callie. "So, where is-oof." A soft body slammed into me, causing me to stumble back a few steps.
"Whoa, watch where you-" She stopped as her deep brown eyes locked with mine. "Arizona?"
I smiled widely, momentarily forgetting that a difficult conversation awaited in my near future, "Callie."
We stared at each other for a few comfortable moments, Callie finally breaking the silence, "What are you doing here?"
"W-Uh, I was just going to pick up some things for dinner." I lied, not able to tell her I was technically stalking her again. I glanced over my shoulder, checking to confirm that Teddy no longer stood beside me.
"Ah, me, too." Callie motioned to the bag cradled in her left arm. She gazed at me for a second, then cleared her throat awkwardly, "I didn't…uh…I didn't think I was going to see you again."
Briefly averting my eyes, I sucked in a breath and waited until she met my eyes again, "Yeah, me either. But, it looks like we're both wrong…but, I need to…" I faltered, I didn't know if I could say it.
"Need to what?" Callie prompted softly.
"I need to ask you something." Seeing Callie train her eyes on me and stay quiet, I continued, "I…uh…I saw you with someone earlier today. A woman. You guys seemed close…" I dropped my eyes for a second, before dragging my eyes back up to her face.
Callie cocked her head and narrowed her eyes, "Um, how did you see me with her?"
Gulping and fighting the bile rising in my throat at her lack of denial, I stuttered, "I happened to stop by a café on this side of town this morning, and I saw you with…her."
Callie's face stayed etched with confusion, "And, now you're seeing me here? Are you actually stalking me, Arizona?"
My heart dropped, "N-no! I'm not! I promise…I j-just…" I felt my face flush and my stomach explode with nerves. Besides being caught in a lie, she still wasn't denying that she was her girlfriend.
A small smirk twitched at the edge of Callie's mouth, and her eyes sparkled.
Taking in her expression, I huffed, "And, you're teasing me, aren't you?"
Callie grinned wider, "A little. I think the fact that we keep running into each other means…something. And, to answer your implied question, Jami is my ex-girlfriend, we broke up a few weeks ago. But, I've known her for many years, and we've always been close. Even now. I'm sorry, I probably should have mentioned her."
Feeling relief wash over my entire body, I still needed to clarify, "You still seem very close…" Jealousy bubbled under my skin at the thought.
Callie chuckled, "Yeah, we're both kind of flirty people, so when we're together…we just sort of play off the other's energy. But, trust me, there's nothing romantic between us anymore, I promise. We are much better friends than girlfriends." Watching me nod in relief, mild worry still coloring my face she added, "In fact, the day I saw you at that cafe, is that day we broke up. Now…all I think about is…you…It's crazy…Is there anything like that going on with you?" Her voice was filled with sincerity and vulnerability.
Unable to contain my wide grin, I whispered, "Something like that." My chest filled with adoration and admiration of the woman in front of me. Receiving confirmation that we were on the same emotional page, filled me with joy and serenity.
"Come to my place tonight." Callie requested gently as I mused over her recent confession.
Her statement startled me, causing me to lose my train of thought, "What?"
She smiled softly, "I have a ton of food and I'm a great cook. Come to my house and let me make you dinner." Callie placed her free hand on my arm, sending goose bumps up my smooth flesh.
Realizing that resisting that feeling of warmth settling over my body from her gentle touch was not an option, I uttered, "I'd love to."
AN: Well…?
