Characters belong to Shonda. The rest is mine.

Chapter Four

CALLIE'S POV

Being here alone is awful. I know I have a job to do, but I'm finding it hard to concentrate on anything other than Arizona. She says she is fine, but I know in her voice that she isn't. We both know each other too well to not notice the difference. My main concern is the fact that Jaida is lurking somewhere. We don't really discuss it, and I get it, but I want my wife to talk to me. I want her to tell me how she is feeling. In all honesty, we've barely spoken about what happened to her six months ago. She says she doesn't want to live in the past, but it's kinda hard when Jaida is out there somewhere. Do I think she will come back? I honestly don't know. Do I think she would hurt Arizona again? I don't think she is stupid enough to. She knows my father is aware of what she has done, and she knows better than to try anything again. The fact that she has a warrant out for her arrest will help. It doesn't make it any easier, though. It doesn't make sleeping any easier or encourage us to live our lives normally. It's just one huge mess that I wish had been cleared up a long time ago.

My wife is the strongest woman I know, she truly is, but sometimes she is too strong, for too long. Not being able to hold her at night and not being able to make her feel safe is something I'm really struggling with right now. She always tells me that she feels safe in my arms, and now I'm in Europe, and she is thousands of miles away with the biggest time difference we've ever faced. My hope is that she will be here soon, but I know that anything could crop up at any moment and prevent my plans from going ahead. Miranda has assured me that Arizona will be on the flight we have planned, but I have an unsettling feeling that something will get in the way.

I have just under three weeks until she arrives, and right now…it feels like a lifetime away. I hate it. I hate this situation. I hate my job, and right now, I hate music. Sure, a few years ago it was my life, but my life has changed. I have a whole different reason for living, and if I was given the ultimatum of traveling with my music or my wife… Arizona would top the choice every single time. I wouldn't even have to think about it. We are extremely comfortable money wise, and I know that I could quit any day. She doesn't want that, though. I appreciate her reasons for not wanting me to quit, but I'm just not feeling it right now.

Just three weeks, Torres, and she will be here with you.

The plan is that Arizona will join me a month into my tour, and spend a month following me around with her camera. I asked for her to be here for the duration, but Miranda wouldn't allow it. Something about needing Arizona by her side for the hell on earth at the office. Once she'd shot down my request, I stopped listening. I'm grateful that she has given her the month between, though. I'm hoping it will make the distance between us easier to bear. I know, though, that I will struggle to let her go when she boards that plane at the end of her assignment. Maybe thinking about it right now isn't the best idea. The pain of her leaving before she even arrives will only cause issues while she is here. I don't want any interruptions and I don't want any worries getting in the way of our time together.

Grabbing my bag and my favorite guitar, I leave my venue for the night and head off towards the waiting tour bus out back. The guys from my band already waiting, beer in hand, we pull away from tonights set and make our way through the French streets.

"Hey, Cal. Awesome set tonight!" Paul, my drummer throws me a beer and I settle back. I have a hotel room but joining the guys on my tour bus keeps my mind occupied. If I was alone in a hotel room, I'd only cry myself to sleep each night.

"Um, isn't it always?" I scoff and throw him a wink.

"Yeah, dude… watch your mouth." Craig, one of my guitarists throws a cushion at Paul and flips the finger. "She pays your way, man."

"Whoa, guys." I hold up my hands. "It's okay. I know he didn't mean anything by it." Calming the situation, I pull out my cell and check for any messages.

Hey, beautiful. Hope tonight was as awesome as always. Crazy busy at the office so I'll catch up with you tomorrow. Az x

Saddened that I won't hear my wife's voice until tomorrow, I hit the reply button. I was hoping I'd hear her voice tonight. I need that more when I've just finished a show. My lyrics always bring back a ton of memories and her voice calms me. It reminds me of how far we've come.

Does that mean I won't get to hear your voice tonight before I go to sleep? Callie x

My cell buzzing in my hand, I breathe a sigh of relief when I find Arizona's name on my screen. "Hey, you."

"Hey." She sighs. "How was your set?"

"It was great," I reply. "So, um, what is keeping you at the office?"

"Just a crapload of work. Bailey has me looking at some new designs for next month's edition. We spent three weeks deciding on the last ones because everyone had an opinion."

"Tough, huh?" Sipping on my beer, the guys start to get a little rowdy.

"What the hell is that?" Arizona questions.

"Just the guys. I'm on the tour bus headed away from the venue."

"Jeez, what are they? Children?" Laughing together, I close my eyes at the sound of her super cute laughter. God, I miss her.

"I've been staying on the bus with them. Helps take my mind off of everything I'm missing. They're good guys. They just get a little over excited when we finish each night."

"Sounds like it." Clearing her throat, Arizona taps away on her keyboard. "So, um… I'm going to be here late tonight. I'll probably be sleeping when you wake tomorrow."

"That's okay. I'd rather you took care of yourself than sat up waiting for my call." I smile.

"I'd always wait up for your call, baby. I can if you want me to?" I can already hear the tiredness in my wife's voice, and I'd never expect her to lose sleep. She needs to rest.

"No, you get yourself into bed when you get home from the office. I will call you tomorrow when I know you will be awake. Around mid-afternoon… Seattle time?"

"No, you will already be on stage by then." She sighs.

"I don't have a show tomorrow. I have the next two days off."

"Oh, um...then yeah, call me." She perks up. "I'll look forward to it."

"Awesome. We are hitting a bar tomorrow night but I'll make sure I'm available to talk for as long as you'd like. You just let me know when it's a good time and I'll be on my cell straight away."

"Sounds great. I love you, Calliope."

"Mm, I love you, too." Getting a round of whistles from the guys, I roll my eyes and flip the finger. "Get some sleep tonight, Arizona. Please?"

"I will. I promise." She yawns.

"Okay, so I'll call you tomorrow. Bye." Hitting the end call button, my mood suddenly changes. Hearing her voice makes me want to get on the first flight back to Seattle. Wait, I have two days off. Would that be possible? Knowing it isn't realistic, I push my lame idea to the back of my mind. It was a nice thought, but there is no way I'd make it to Seattle and back within 48hrs. At least, I wouldn't if I had any intentions of spending time with my wife. Just relax, Cal. She will be here in a few weeks.

Today has been a strange day. I desperately want to speak to Arizona but I know she is sleeping. She's putting everything she has into work right now, and I don't want to distract her from that. When I woke this morning, I felt more alone than I had since I arrived here. Going into my second week, it's beginning to hit…hard! Harder than I ever thought it would. I mean, does she feel the same way? Is my wife getting used to sleeping alone…being away from me? God, I hope not. I slept on the bus last night, but this morning I had the guys drop me off at my hotel. I just needed to be alone for a little while. I needed time to myself to breathe, to think, and to cry. Crying is what I do best lately. It releases my tension, and one thing I cannot have on stage...is tension. If I took my emotions on stage with me, I'd be an emotional wreck within minutes. Sure, I do have a degree of emotion onstage, but nothing like how I truly feel. Not lately, anyway.

It's almost 8 pm, and it's been not far off 24hrs since I last spoke to Arizona. That, to me… is unacceptable. My job makes it unacceptable. I told her I would call her mid-afternoon, Seattle time, but that means I have another few hours to wait. A text wouldn't hurt, though, right?

Hey, I know you are sleeping, but I just wanted you to know that I love you. Headed to the club now. Call me when you wake. Callie x

Slipping my cell back into my pocket, I leave my hotel room and make the short walk to the club I'm meeting the guys at. The Parisian streets are fairly quiet right now, and I'm thankful. I need a little more time alone in my thoughts, and although I love my fans, I'll be inundated with them at the club so a little 'me' time sounds pretty good right now. The air is a little humid, but I can work with that. I grew up in Miami, so I am no stranger to the night time humidity. My cell buzzing in my pocket, a smile creeps onto my face. Arizona? Disappointed when I find my managers name on my screen, that heavy sensation settles in my stomach again. Like, my heart has sunk…never to beat again.

Hey! Did you leave the hotel yet? The guys are really putting the liquor away and I need a sober person by my side right now. - D

Hey, I'll be there in 5. I can't promise I'll be the sober one you need tonight, though. I need A LOT of liquor. Cal.

Reaching the club, I find a line of guests waiting to enter. Yes, I'm huge right now, but the people of France aren't overly familiar just yet. It's kinda nice, really. It's nice to be able to walk down a street and not be bothered. Reaching the security on the door, a tall muscular guy gives me a smile and allows me to go inside. I can already see Darryl over at the VIP area, so I make my way straight there. My cell still in my hand, it buzzes again.

Hey. Enjoy your night. I love you, too x

Wait, you said you'd call, Arizona. I've been desperate to hear your voice since last night. Callie x

Sorry, a little busy right now. Catch up later, yeah? X

Sure. Callie x

My sadness hitting me like a freight train, I drop my gaze to the floor and make my way through the crowd. I really don't want to be here. Arizona seems a little off with me, and I don't know why. Is she having a bad day? Did she not sleep too well? Has someone spread rumors in the media? All plausible reasons, I quietly think to myself as Darryl starts introducing people to me. Smiling and shaking hands, I turn my attention to my manager and pull him to one side. "I need a drink. NOW!"

"Everything okay, Cal?" He moves me to the corner of the area and gives me a concerned look.

"No, everything isn't okay. I'm here, and Arizona is alone in Seattle. Yes, alone. I left her when my fucking maniac ex is still on the loose. Who does that? What kind of person does that make me?"

"Hey, relax. Arizona is fine. I'm sure." He places a reassuring hand on my shoulder but I shrug it away.

"No, that's not the point. She was supposed to call me, and she hasn't. I know she is okay because she has texted me and told me to enjoy my night. What does that even mean? Enjoy my night?" I scoff and take a seat. Unlocking my cell, I hit the message tab again. "This is bullshit!"

You said we would talk. What's wrong? Callie x

Nothing. I'm just super busy. X

Can you not take ten minutes out of your crazy schedule to speak to me? Callie x

Sorry, the reception ain't so good here. X

Why? It's perfectly fine any other time! Callie x

Yes, I'm pissed and I'm lashing out, but I don't understand. Arizona was okay last night and she has slept until now, so I don't understand what the problem is. Does she have issues with me being at a club without her? She knows I was headed here, I told her last night. I told her because I have nothing to hide. If that is the issue, I cant deal with this from thousands of miles away. I cannot allow her to think ridiculous thoughts because we aren't side by side. That isn't fair.

It's just a bad service. I don't know. I'll call you later. X

Sure. Whenever suits YOU! Callie x

Cell shoved into my pocket, I down three shots, one after the other. Finding a rum and coke waiting for me on the table, I take a hold of it and take a large sip.

"Slow down, Cal," Paul shouts over the boom of the music. "We got all night, boss!"

"Bite me!" Flipping the finger, I move away from the group and stand alone at the cordon of the VIP area. A growing number of fans waiting for me to notice them, I decide to make my way over to them. Maybe they will take my mind off of my promise breaking wife. Signing a few of my old albums and some prints people had bought from my website, I move along the line of screaming girls and take my time to speak to them all. I knew I should have brushed up on my French. Smiling and taking pictures with them all, I reach the end of the line. I thank them all for their support and promise to talk to them again later in the evening. Meeting back up with my band, I find the guys knocking back another round of shots. Joining in with them, I turn around to find that Darryl has disappeared. "Hey, Paul?"

"Sup, Boss?"

"Callie is fine, Paul. Where did Darryl go?" Waving the term 'boss' off, I give him a smile.

"He had a call to take. Said he'd be back in five." He shrugs and turns his attention back to the rest of the guys.

"Excuse me?" A tall, attractive French woman taps me on the shoulder and gives me a smile. "I was asked to give you this drink."

"Thank you." Furrowing my brow, I read the message attached on a post it.

A beautiful woman like you shouldn't be sitting alone.

Scoffing, I scrunch up the paper and throw it amongst the empty bottles on the table in front of me. Not even bothering to look up and over towards the bar, I hand the drink to my drummer and sit back in my seat. Even when I was single I didn't respond to drinks that magically appeared, so whoever is trying to win me over with that one will be waiting a long time. The fact that I'm happily married will make it hard for them, too.

Watching my band let their hair down, I can't help but smile at how happy they all seem. I'd like to think that during this tour I will be able to join in with them, but I'm not sure I will. As I catch Darryl in my line of sight, he gives me a smile and sips on his fresh beer. "You okay, Cal?"

"Great." I give him a fake smile. "Would be better if I didn't have people sending me drinks with notes on them."

"What?" He looks around and then back to me. "Who?"

"I don't know who, but I'd love it if they didn't do it again." I scoff, kicking the edge of the table. "Fucking assholes."

"You want me to go and find out who it was?" He suggests but I shake my head.

"No, no. I'm sure they'll take the hint if they're watching. Gave the last one away." Shrugging, we both laugh it off and I try to unwind a little. "So, any plans for tomorrow?"

"Figured we could get you some studio time if you wanted it?" Darryl raises an eyebrow and waits for me to think about it.

"Yeah, um… sounds good. Don't have anything else to do." I snort and knock back another shot that has been placed on the table in front of us. "We need more drinks."

"Sure. I'll have someone get them to us." He motions for more drinks and gives a nod of the head to one of the many guys milling about the club. It's a nice place. Clean… friendly. It's been a while since I've been to a club, and although I'm not enjoying it as much as I'd like to be, it's a nice change from sitting on the bus or in my hotel room. Checking my cell, I find nothing new from Arizona. No missed calls. No new messages. Sighing, I slip it back away and run my hands over my face, groaning. A few minutes pass, and another round of shots arrive, including a rum and coke for myself. Narrowing my eyes, I find another note attached to it.

If you're lost, you can look and you will find me… Time after time.

My head snapping up, quickly followed by my entire body, I glance around the club. Focusing my eyes on the bar over to my right, I scan the bodies and shake my head. Nothing. Nobody else knows about those words, do they? Glancing around further away from the bar, I take my time to look hard. A flash of blonde hair causes my heart to speed up, but the woman in question turns around and it's not my Arizona. Fixing my gaze further back, I begin to scan the next lot of bodies. I'm determined to know every face in here within the next ten minutes.

My heart stopping as my eyes reach the body leaning against the wall to the side of the bar, I narrow my eyes once again. Is that? Shaking my head, I close my eyes. No, it can't be. Opening them, the body I could never mistake is still there. Slipping under the VIP cordon, I slowly make my way through the growing crowd. What feels like a lifetime takes me less than a minute. I reach the wall and find it empty. Dropping my gaze to the floor, I close my eyes and try to hold back the tears. My shoulders shaking as I try to contain my sobs, I feel a hand press softly against the small of my back. Turning on the spot, I lift my head and find those baby blues staring back at me.

"Hey, you." Falls from her perfect lips.

My hand coming up and covering my mouth, it takes me a moment to realize what is happening. It's her. She's here. Arizona. Tears fall from my eyes, and she gives me a sad smile. "Hey, don't cry, beautiful." Her hand caressing my cheek, I lean into her touch and close my eyes. "Calliope?"

Meeting her gaze, I give her my best smile and whisper "Say it again."

She furrows her brow but catches on quickly. Her lips pressing below my ear, she lowers her tone to a whisper. "Calliope." I've never felt so relieved in my life, and hearing my name in her voice…it's like nothing I've ever experienced. "I thought I'd come by and see how you were doing. I hope you don't min-" My lips crushing into Arizona's, all breath leaves our bodies. It's needy, and heated, and not appropriate for the public but right now I don't care. My hands tangled in soft blonde curls, I pull back and gasp, looking into those eyes that could end the world. Our foreheads pressed against one another's.

"W-Why are you here? I mean, h-how are you here?" I stutter.

"Miranda sent me." She smiles and presses another soft kiss to my lips.

"You don't understand how much I need you here with me right now." I sigh, pressing my forehead against Arizona's. "I'm so happy to see you."

"I'm here for you, Calliope." She whispers and her breath warms my skin. "Always."

Arms wrapped around each others waist, we gain a bunch of wolf whistles from the guys of the band. Giggling, Arizona pulls back and gives me a roll of the eyes. "Seriously? You employ children!"

"I know. But they keep me sane." I shrug.

"Well then, you'd better introduce me. I don't think I know this lot." Pulling me away from the wall, my wife guides me to the cordon and moves it to allow me to pass. Giving her a soft smile, I struggle to take my eyes off of her. I don't want to ever take my eyes off of her again.

Everything is perfect. Ten minutes ago, everything was turning to shit, but right now? In this moment? Everything is as it should be.

Thanks for reading, guys. Reviews are welcome and appreciated as always. If you want more...let me know.