The Dance of Deception

by thecon12

What would you do if you found out that your whole relationship with your best friend was an intricate dance of deception that neither of you knew about until it was too late? Callica

5. Chapter 5

The Dance of Deception – Chapter Five – Reality

If you look up the definition of the work 'reality,' you'll stumble across an explanation similar to this:

'The state of things as they actually exist.'

It's a pretty vague answer in response of the question to define the world's reality, but it sums it up as well as possible without having to spend countless hours arguing what our true reality is in numerous scientific and psychological terms.

Everyone has their own individual feelings about reality and what it is, but the one simple view that a lot of people appreciate is that, as long as you're living your life to the fullest, with no regrets and no lies then normally the reality of your world is pretty damn good.

It was the second time in just over a week that a bright light scorched through Erica's eyelids and forced the blonde to wake. As usual she fluttered her eyes open slowly, blinking rapidly against the overpowering sun and let herself adjust to the morning light, until her vision came into focus.

The first thing that became apparent as she awoke, was the surprising feeling of contentment filling her heart and head; the second was that for the first time since her and Callie had had drunken sex, she'd slept peacefully through the whole night.

It was a familiar heavy pressure across her stomach that caused her to tilt her head down; her blue eyes once again taking in the arm draped lazily across her torso. Erica smiled to herself when she noticed that the arm across her wasn't just any arm, that this belonged to a woman she knew very well.

Erica turned her head towards the direction that the arm was coming from and instantly blinked her eyes a few times in order to make sure that the vision of Callie sleeping next to her, wrapped comfortably under her dark red sheet, was actually a reality.

She watched her sleeping for a few minutes, thinking how different things had been the last time she'd woken up with her dark-haired best friend sleeping next to her. Erica was pulled from her thoughts when she felt gentle fingertips tracing patterns against the bare skin of her hip that had obviously come exposed by her t-shirt shifting in her sleep.

She lifted her eyes to find Callie's gentle brown orbs staring back at her, "Morning."

Callie smiled at her shy greeting and continued tracing her fingertips against her hip, "Good morning."

Erica let out a nervous breath, "Sleep okay?"

"Best night's sleep I've had in ages," Callie couldn't keep the smile from her face as she watched the blonde carefully.

The intense gaze in Callie's eyes made the blonde look away in embarrassment, "I guess we should get up," she shifted her body and made a move to get out of the bed, surprised when Callie's fingers tugged at her hip and pulled her until she was laying on her side facing her.

"I don't want to get up yet," Callie pulled the blonde closer, lazily entwining their limbs as their bodies pressed together; their faces now only millimetres apart.

Erica swallowed the lump in her throat, whispering, "Okay."

Callie slowly moved her hand on Erica's back, tracing patterns in the shape of a circle over and over again in hope that the older woman would unwind; instead she felt the blonde's muscle's flex in tension.

"Erica?"

"Yeah?"

Callie smiled, "Relax," she smiled even more when the blonde let out a shaky breath.

"I'm sorry," she bit her lip for a second before continuing, "It's just now that we..." she let out another breath and held Callie's eyes, "You make me nervous," her cheeks immediately flamed in a red flush and she looked away.

The younger woman felt her chest swell in affection, loving how the cool, confident Erica Hahn, had turned into a shy, blushing, adorable thing in front of her very eyes, "Erica," she smiled when the blonde looked at her again, "I like that I make you nervous, because you make me feel exactly the same way."

"Yeah?"

Callie smiled, "Yeah. I feel like I'm back to being a teenager and you're my first crush, making me all excited and awkward at the same time."

Erica let out an amused sigh and smiled, "For someone who says that they feel awkward, you actually seem more than confident to snuggle up with me."

Callie smiled back, and dropped her gaze to the blonde's lips before returning to her eyes, "I'm only acting confident because I'm afraid that if I don't, I'll never work up the nerve to kiss you again."

Erica felt the flush on her cheeks burn even more, "Oh."

The younger woman moved her hand to cup her cheek, running the pad of her thumb over the blonde's pouty bottom lip, "Can I kiss you?"

Erica flicked her gaze down to Callie's lush lips and nodded. She watched in amazement as the younger woman snuggled closer to her, and tentatively dipped her head towards her own; she let her eyes flutter shut as Callie's warm breath danced across her lips before they slid against her own in a tender kiss filled with the promise of a new beginning.

As they pulled apart Erica noticed the blush now covering Callie's own cheeks and offered her a shy smile before nuzzling their noses together; their eyes locking and holding as they took in the sight of the others affection, and for the first time understood its true meaning.

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Erica closed her eyes and let her body relax under the pounding spray of the shower; the deliciously hot water easing her muscles into complete relaxation. She lifted her hand to her face and pushed her fingers through her hair letting the water soak her blonde curls into a straight mess. She grabbed her shampoo from the shelf and massaged her fingers against her scalp as thoughts of Callie filled her mind.

Erica watched the credits scroll across the screen, keeping her body completely still as her eyes stayed focus ahead, afraid that she might upset the new balance of closeness they had established. She felt Callie's head move from its resting place on her shoulder and shivered as a warm breath puffed against her ear; soft lips pressing a gentle kiss just below it.

Callie felt Erica shift in her arms, turning her body so that she could find Callie's brown eyes, "Enjoy the movie?" the blonde instantly scolded herself, after everything they'd been through, she couldn't believe that that was the first sentence out of her mouth.

"I did," the younger woman smiled and then let out a nervous half laugh, "Can I be honest with you?"

Erica nodded, "Of course."

"I feel a little awkward, like I want to do things and say things to you but I'm," she shrugged, "A little unsure if I'm... allowed."

Erica pushed herself up, moving out from between Callie's legs and smiled as the dark-haired woman hurried to push herself upright. She reached over and took Callie's hand between her own, smoothing her thumb across her knuckles, "I know what you mean," she looked away shyly and let out a breath, "Before, I wouldn't even think about holding your hand, I'd just reach out and do it, but now, I feel like I have to build up the courage for twenty minutes in my head before I actually do it."

Callie smiled as she looked down at their hands, pulling them into her lap and giving the blonde's hand a gentle reassuring squeeze, "We should make a pact, no more awkwardness."

"And how are we going to do that?"

Callie thought about it for a minute, "Maybe we should try not to over think things. If we want to do something, we should just do it and not worry about how the other might react."

Erica flashed her a half smile, "So, if I wanted to... kiss you, for instance," she dropped her eyes to Callie's lips briefly, "You're saying that I should just do it?"

The younger woman nodded her head, "Mmm yeah, you should definitely just do it."

The blonde smirked at the timid expression that skittered across Callie's face and lifted her free hand to brush a stray piece of dark hair away from her forehead. She smiled shyly before letting her fingers cup Callie's cheeks; tilting her head forward and brushing their lips together in a series of slow caresses.

Callie dropped her hand onto the blonde's thigh at the same time that she timidly ran the tip of her tongue across Erica's full bottom lip; seeking entrance into the warm crevasse of her mouth. She felt Erica's fingers slide from their position on her cheek and into her hair as their tongues came together in an appreciative dance.

They pulled back breathlessly and let their foreheads rest together. Erica ran her tongue over her own lip and savoured the remaining taste of Callie's strawberry lip-gloss, "I think I like the new pact already."

Callie opened her eyes and smiled as her eyes found the mischievous twinkle reflected on the surface of Erica's gleaming blue eyes, "Me too," she leant forward to kiss her again, "I think it's the best pact I've ever agreed to," she flicked her eyes over to the clock and let out a sigh of irritation as she took in the time, "It's already midnight; I should go home and get some sleep, I've got an early shift."

Erica let Callie stand before jumping up and grabbing her hand again, "Stay here."

"Are you sure?"

Erica shrugged and moved past the younger woman without speaking another word. She tugged at Callie's hand and led her up to her room. She passed her a pair of old shorts and a t-shirt to change into and headed into the bathroom with her own sleeping gear. When she reappeared a few minutes later she found Callie standing nervously at the end of her bed; she flashed her a smile and crawled under the covers.

"Cal," she knew the other woman was remembering the last time she'd spent the night here, and how the morning after had turned into a unnecessary disaster, "Stop thinking and get in."

Callie let out a shaky breath and shook her head before walking over to her side and crawling under the covers; she kept her body still as Erica switched off the lights and counted the passing seconds in her head. At the sound of Erica's laugh filling the room she shuffled onto her side to face her, "What's funny?"

"Us," the blonde rolled onto her side, "We never laid this far apart even when we were just friends."

Callie chuckled, "You're right, this is ridiculous," she rolled back onto her back and stretched out an arm, "Get over here Hahn, I want to cuddle with you."

Erica snuggled closer to the younger woman immediately, lazily throwing one of her legs across Callie's as she rested her head on the dark-haired woman's shoulder; tucking her face into the crook of Callie's neck as strong arms wrapped around her body and held her; she closed her eyes and enjoyed the way they fit together.

She shook her head as she switched off the water and stepped from the shower, laughing at how easily their nervousness had returned this morning when they woke, knowing that it would always be there between them while they adjusted their friendship into a relationship. She quickly towelled herself dry and threw on some clothes before heading down to the kitchen. Erica paused at the bottom of the stairs and watched as Callie softly sang along to the radio while she cooked.

Erica moved into the kitchen, sneaking behind the younger woman and sliding her arms around her waist, drawing her back against her chest as she nuzzled the side of Callie's cheek with her own. She felt Callie's arms cover her own as she relaxed into the embrace, "I can't believe how much I've missed you these last few days," she placed a kiss on Callie's cheek and moved to nuzzle her ear.

Callie squirmed as Erica's teeth nipped at her lobe and quickly twisted around in the blonde's arms, draping her own loosely around her neck; her eyes taking in the lingering red mark on Erica's neck, "I'm sorry I-" she dropped her eyes down to the mark, "I've never done that before, to anyone. I don't know what came over me."

Erica smirked, "It's okay Cal, I mean we did get a little carried away and..." she trailed off as Callie brushed her fingertips over the mark on her neck and couldn't help the low moan that escaped her throat, "Hmm; it's still sensitive."

She watched a wicked gleam appear in Callie's eyes before the younger woman offered her a sexy smirk; dipping her head towards her neck and letting her lips glide over the sensitive, red, bite mark. Erica closed her eyes as an appreciative tingle crept down her spine; Callie's lips, tongue and teeth grazing against her neck in a flurry of touches.

Erica tangled a hand into Callie's long hair and let out a growl as the younger woman continued to torture her neck, "Fuck Cal..."

Callie trailed her lips up to Erica's ear, nipping playfully at her lobe before sucking the flesh into her mouth. She heard the blonde moan her name and felt propelled to kiss along her jaw until she reached her lips; their mouths crushing together in a heated kiss.

Erica felt herself being pushed backwards until her back connected with the hard edge of the kitchen table; within seconds Callie's hands had gripped at her hips and lifted her so that she was seated on top of the wooden surface. She moaned as Callie pushed herself between her legs; her lips once again moving to attack her neck in a series of kisses, nips, and licks that left her toes curling.

Her head felt fuzzy as her body hummed to life under the younger woman's touch, feeling the need to get some control back, she pulled Callie's mouth back to her own; biting down on her lip until the dark-haired woman moaned into her mouth. Quickly, she wrapped her legs around Callie's curvaceous hips and pulled her closer.

Callie pulled back, breathing heavily and moved her hands to the bottom of her top; pulling it over her head and throwing it to the floor before moving in to claim Erica's kissed bruised lips again. She worked her hands between them as their tongue duelled in perfect sync, fiddling to undo the buttons on the blonde's shirt.

Erica gasped in surprise as Callie pulled back from her mouth; barely catching sight of the dark desire in her brown eyes. The younger woman growled in irritation; ripping her shirt undone and watching as a few of the buttons flew into the air. Before she could register what was happening, Callie was kissing her again; her hand groping her breast through the material of her bra.

The blonde pulled back and tried to find her voice as Callie began kissing down her chest, "Callie wait," she grabbed at her shoulders until the younger woman straightened up and moved to kiss her again, "We have to stop," she sucked in a deep breath as teeth grazed over the pulse point in her neck.

Callie slowed her kisses down against the blonde's heated skin and breathed her in, mumbling, "Okay," before lifting her head to find Erica's darkened blue eyes.

Erica saw a flicker of rejection cross Callie's eyes and reached out to cup her face in her hands, smiling shyly, "It's not that I don't want you," she leant forward and placed a chaste kiss on the younger woman's lips, "I just think we should wait a little while, I don't want us to mess it up."

Callie nodded her head and smiled, "I guess I just got carried away again, I'm sorry."

Erica let out a laugh, "I'm not," she ran her hands over the skin of Callie's back, gently raking her nails against her flesh; making the younger woman shiver, "When we do this Cal, I want it to be right. It can't just be us losing it in my god damned kitchen all the time."

Callie laughed and smiled brightly, "I think your kitchen has magical powers that make us want to jump each other," she helped the blonde from the table and picked up her shirt, pulling it back over her head before eying Erica's shirt carefully, "I'm sorry about the buttons."

Erica bent down to pick them up and playfully threw one at Callie, "It's a good thing this isn't my favourite shirt, otherwise you'd be dead meat Torres."

Callie moved towards her and smirked, "What if I promised to make it up to you," she grabbed the blonde's hips and drew her forward for a kiss.

After a few seconds Erica moved out of Callie's reach, "We have to stop, otherwise we'll never get to work, we're already late," she pointed a finger past Callie's shoulder, "Not to mention we've already burnt breakfast," Callie looked at the burnt food for a second before sauntering towards Erica again. The older woman caught the look in her dark eyes and smirked, "Callie no..."

As soon as Callie's lips glided against her own again she let go of her control and kissed her back passionately; they were already running late for work, so what difference did a few more extra minutes make.

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Callie grabbed Erica's hand as she moved to open the car door, getting the blonde to turn back towards her. Erica watched the younger woman struggle for words and linked their hands together, letting her thumb trace comfortingly across Callie's knuckles.

"Okay," Callie let out a breath and licked at her dry lips, "Me and you, we're in this thing together now right? I mean we're not just friends anymore, we're..."

"A couple, yes," Erica offered a reassuring smile and lifted their joined hands to her lips, placing a kiss on the back of the dark-haired woman's hand.

"Good, that's good," she breathed out a sigh of relief, "I mean not that I thought we weren't, or that I didn't want us to be. It's just we haven't really talked about an official name for it yet and I-"

"Cal, you're rambling," Erica smiled as her eyes registered the flustered look on Callie's face, "You're right we haven't given it an official name yet," she paused for a minute, letting her chest swell in affection for the woman in front of her, "This is going to be cheesy, and ridiculous and totally un-Hahn like, but... I want you to be my girlfriend," she looked away feeling embarrassed at the juvenile word, "I want us to be girlfriends... as in exclusive girlfriends."

Callie laughed, "Have I told you how cute you are when you're flustered?" she watched Erica shoot her a look and moved as close to the blonde as she could possible get inside the car, "And we'd better be exclusive because I don't think I can watch anyone else near you, seeing you with that guy Jack at that club had me on a major jealous streak."

Erica quirked an eyebrow, "Is that right?"

Callie nodded and leaned in towards the blonde and captured her lips between her own, kissing her slowly. She pulled back and nodded her head, "Yep, just as I thought, I was right."

The blonde felt confusion flood her body, "Right about what?"

Callie flashed Erica her megawatt smile, "Kissing my girlfriend is way better than just kissing my friend."

Erica pulled Callie's lips back to her own, letting their kiss linger for a few seconds before pulling away, "You're right Torres, kissing my girlfriend does feel pretty good."

"Pretty good?" Callie frightened offence, and laughed against Erica's lips as the blonde kissed her again.

"Really good."

Callie smiled playfully, "Yeah, that's what I thought Hahn," she sat quiet for a moment as a thought entered her head, "We're a couple."

Erica nodded and quirked a brow, "I thought we just established that?"

"No, that's not what I meant. I know we're a couple, it's just... we're a couple," Callie carefully watched the blonde's face for a response.

"Okay, you've completely lost me Cal," Erica looked away for a second, "Are you freaking out or something?"

Callie let out a chuckle and tilted Erica's face back towards her own, "No I'm not freaking out," she placed a chaste kiss on the blonde's pouty lips, "I just meant that we're a couple now, and we haven't done much coupley stuff yet, like cuddling, and holding hands-"

"Callie we cuddle and hold hands all of the time."

"But it's different now," Callie sucked in a deep breath, "I want us to go on a date together, I want us to celebrate finally getting to this stage."

"Are you asking me out on our first date Torres?" Erica smiled teasingly.

Callie nodded her head and smiled, "Yes. I want to take you out for dinner, tonight after work. Will you go with me?"

Erica pulled her in for another kiss, loving how she could chose to kiss the younger woman whenever she wanted, "Of course, I'd love to go on a date with you Cal."

Callie smiled beautifully, "I can't wait," she turned her gaze to the hospital and let out a sigh, "I wish we didn't have to go in today."

"I wish we didn't either," she pushed her door open a little, and offered the dark-haired woman a smile, "But just think, the sooner we get in there, the sooner the day will pass, and the sooner we can have our date."

Callie jumped from the car and smirked, "Have I ever told you how sexy you are when you're being all logical?"

Erica let out a laugh and locked her car as she headed towards the hospital; Callie quickly caught up to her and linked her arm through the blonde's; entering the hospital together like they always did, but knowing that something was definitely different.

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Callie let herself into the fifth floor on-call room and immediately plopped down on the bed. She'd had the worse morning ever, there had been nonstop trauma's rolling in since she and Erica had arrived and since then, Erica had been stuck in surgery, and she'd been left to deal with a set of rowdy teenage ice hockey players, who'd all managed to break some kind of bone, in what she could only presumes was a totally vicious match.

After missing the blonde at lunch and then hearing that Erica would be stuck in the OR for much later than she imagined, Callie felt really grouchy. It was a childish emotion really, but after spending so many days away from the blonde, all she wanted to do now, was wrap herself around the other woman and stay secluded from the rest of the world while they got lost in each other.

Callie lifted one hand behind her head and lifted the other to trace her fingers along her lips; feeling the tingling sensation that had remained all day from her make-out session with Erica in the kitchen earlier that morning. She felt stupid as she thought over their fight the morning after their night together, in a way she'd always known why the older woman was struggling so much with what had happened between them, because she felt the exact same way.

Callie let out a breath and shook her head, she'd known the minute she'd woken up in Erica's bed what had happened, and she didn't even need to see the blonde's angry blue eyes, because she had remembered nearly all of it. She'd known, when Erica had been dancing with Jack at the club that she was jealous, and although her heart ached with the reason why, her mind had rationalised that she just didn't want to see her friend get hurt by some macho guy.

It had been the surge of alcohol racing around her body, that had given her the courage she had needed to dance with Erica, and it had been her heart's true desire to kiss her; that was the real reason she had, not because she was so drunk that she wasn't thinking clearly, but because she knew that deep down, kissing the older woman was what she'd always wanted and never been brave enough to admit.

Callie scolded herself for her reaction the next morning; she'd known that Erica hadn't been ready to face the truth of what really laid between them. In reality they'd both always felt the intensity of their relationship, but it had been Callie that had initiated their closeness; she'd been the one who craved the need to be touchy feely with the blonde, she'd been the one that had started off their playful banter, that always held a hint of flirting, Erica had always been the one to go along with it.

She'd catch Erica staring at her sometimes, her deep blue eyes filled with a mixture of unreadable emotions; always carefully guarded under control by her Dr Hahn front. But sometimes, if she was really lucky, the blonde would let her control slip and she'd catch a glimmer of Erica's affection for her.

They'd both been stupid for far too long, always shrugging off any moments that passed between them and acting as if they hadn't noticed the wave of intimacy that surrounded them. It made Callie feel guilty for waiting until alcohol had taken them both under its spell, before pushing herself a step forward and taking the risk she always wanted.

Callie snapped out of her thoughts as the door came open and Erica took a step inside, closing her eyes and leaning her back against the wood as she took in a few deep breaths.

"Tough day?"

Erica's eyes flickered open as Callie's voice reached her ears and she smiled, "Surgery was a nightmare, but we managed to get the guy through it without as many complications as I thought he'd have."

Callie pushed herself up and off the bed, taking a tentative step towards the blonde, "That's good," she smiled shyly and moved so that the space between them was barely there, "I've missed you today," she lifted her hand to brush a piece of hair away from older woman's forehead, "I can't stop thinking about you Erica."

The blonde woman closed her eyes as Callie leaned towards her and kissed the corner of her mouth, "I couldn't think straight in that surgery, all I could think about was you Cal, it's driving me insane," she let Callie pull her away from the door and hug her against her body; wrapping her arms around the younger woman's neck and breathing in her scent.

Callie pulled away and smiled at her, "I can't wait for tonight, I know where I want to take you."

Erica smiled back, "Well I trust you, so I bet it'll be amazing," Callie smiled brightly and moved in to kiss the blonde properly; pulling back when the older woman laughed against her lips.

"What's funny?" She raised her eyebrow inquisitively as she took in the amused sparkle in Erica's blue eyes.

"We're in an on-call room together," she shook her head, "It's just a little ironic, how we're suddenly turning out like everyone else in this damn hospital."

Callie let out a laugh thinking of what everyone's faces would look like if they caught them coming out of an on-call room together. Erica laughed with her, obviously thinking along the same lines. When the laughter died away and left them in silence, their smiles faded from their faces and they stood looking at each other; their gazes dancing across the other's face.

Erica wasn't sure who made the first move but the next thing she knew, her back was pressed hard against the door and Callie's mouth was attached to her own. She moaned as the younger woman's tongue danced across her bottom lip and snuck between her lips; instantly caressing every inch of her mouth.

She moved her hands to tangle into Callie's silken locks, as the dark-haired woman gripped at her hips and pushed a leg between her own. Erica pulled her lips away from Callie's mouth and whimpered as the younger woman pushed against her even harder and trailed her hot, wet, kisses along her jaw, stopping to suck on her earlobe before teasing the sensitive skin of her neck with her pearly teeth.

Erica lolled her head to the side, willingly giving the younger woman more room work. She felt Callie's hand slide from her hips, her deft fingers sneaking under the thin material of her scrub top and gliding up over her ribs until they cupped her breasts; a talented thumb flicking across her hardened nipple and making her ground down onto the thigh pressing against her centre, a desperate need to feel more, consuming her.

Callie growled against Erica's neck as the blonde's heated centre pressed against her leg. She quickly moved to capture the blonde's lips again, letting their tongues duel in a passionate battle; her fingers shakily slipping from rounded breasts to fiddle with the tie on the older woman's scrubs.

Erica forced her eyes open as she pulled away from Callie's luxurious lips in a frantic need for air; her hazy gaze focusing on long fingers pulling the knot in her scrubs free and pushing underneath the material; setting against her throbbing centre.

Callie kissed her again, slower this time as her fingers timidly stroked Erica through the thin fabric of her panties; the blonde's moan humming against her lips. Erica pulled Callie closer, letting her face bury into the crook of the younger woman's sweet smelling neck. Callie moved her free hand to tuck underneath the older woman's thigh, lifting it to wrap around her hip as her fingers pushed aside the material of Erica's panties and brushed against her enflamed clit for the first time.

Erica gasp as the younger woman teased her bundle of nerves; and moved her mouth to suck over the sensitive skin of Callie's racing pulse. The dark-haired woman moaned at the sensation of Erica's arousal covering her fingers and settled into a rhythm of alternating patterns she'd mapped out across the blonde's throbbing desire.

"More..." was all Callie could make out of the jumbled words being murmured against her neck. She moved her fingers through Erica's heated slit, circling her entrance before sliding a lone finger into her.

Just as Erica opened her mouth to beg for more, the shrill sound of both of their pagers echoed through the room and drew them from the moment. Callie stilled her finger inside the blonde and leaned back to find Erica's eyes; the older woman nodded her head towards the pagers and whimpered when Callie withdrew herself from inside her.

Erica lowered her leg from Callie's hip and let the younger woman steady her; her legs adjusting to the pounding tingling that had settled between them. The dark-haired woman tied her scrubs again, and gave Erica a shy smile as she sucked her finger into her mouth to clean away the sticky sweetness that had been left behind. Erica tried not to moan at the sight of Callie tasting her as she reached down and grabbed her pager.

She coughed, clearing the dryness from her mouth, "Another trauma's on its way in."

Callie nodded as she read the same message on her own pager; lifting her eyes to find Erica's blue, "I knew we shouldn't have come in today."

"We better go, the ambulance will be here in five minutes," she ran her hands through her hair quickly and adjusted her scrubs, trying to erase any signs of what had almost happened.

Callie watched Erica turn and grab the door handle, and reached out to tug at her wrist, "Wait," when the blonde turned to look at her she lifted a hand and ran it over her bottom lip, "Your lipstick had smeared."

"Thanks," Erica found it hard to pull her eyes away from the lingering desire reflected in Callie's dark pools.

"Erica, about just now; I'm sorry. I know you wanted to wait until it's the right time," she let out a shaky breath and gave a small shrug, "And so do I, I just... I really want you."

Erica leant forward and kissed her quickly, "Cal it's okay, I want you to... badly," her pager went off again and she smiled apologetically, "I have to go, but I'll see you tonight okay?"

"Can't wait," she watched Erica leave the on-call room and took a deep breath as she counted away in her head; making sure she'd left enough time between Erica's exit and her own. When she finally stepped out into the hallway she shook her body, willing the building sexual tension in her body to leave; waiting for the right time was definitely going to kill her.

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Callie bit her lip nervously as she waited for Erica to open the door, and when the blonde finally did, the younger woman was totally surprised; all of the air in her lungs rushed out of her of gawking mouth.

Erica smiled shyly, "Hey you."

Callie couldn't stop herself from trailing her eyes all over the older woman's body. Normally Erica chose to wear black when she was going out on a date, it was a typical little black number that Callie had seen her in a number of times. But tonight, Erica was wearing a daring red dress which clung to her curves in all of the right places, its low neckline showing just enough of her cleavage off to drive Callie completely insane; not to mention the slight slit up the sides, making Erica's divine legs look even longer than they normally did as they drew down into her black heels.

The younger woman was even more amazed that her best friend had taken a chance to play around with her hair. Normally it fell into bouncy curls, or flowed down her face in a silky straight fashion; tonight however, the majority of her golden hair was gloriously pinned up, leaving a few loose curls cascading down around her face, framing her beautifully.

Erica noticed the surprise in Callie's dark eyes, the smile falling from her lips as her mouth dropped open a little, her gaze taking in her appearance from head to toe, "You look incredible Erica... wow..."

The blonde let her eyes flutter away from the younger woman's burning gaze as she stuttered out her compliment; a heated flush covering her cheeks in response, "Thanks," she forced herself to breathe as she looked over Callie's body; she looked gorgeous, a mixture of sexy and eloquent in her dark, midnight green dress, "You look stunning Cal," she smirked a little when the dark-haired woman blushed, "Very sexy in green."

Callie pushed herself a step forward and cupped Erica's cheek, drawing her in for a sweet, gentle kiss. She rested their foreheads together when she pulled back, "I have no idea where you got this red dress from Erica, but it's making me all kinds of crazy and we haven't even left your doorstep yet."

Erica took a step away as Callie leaned in to kiss her again, "No more kissing," she rolled her eyes when Callie pouted out her bottom lip in protest, "Don't give me that look Cal, you know we can't keep kissing, because if we keep kissing we won't leave, and if we don't leave, we won't get our date, and I really want to go on our date. So promise me, no more kissing, for a little while at least."

Callie sighed, "Fine, no more kissing for awhile, I promise," she held her hand out and waited until the blonde slid their fingers together before tugging at her gently, "Come on Hahn, we've got a date to get started."

Erica let out a little laugh and quickly locked her door, letting Callie lead her to her car and take her wherever the dark-haired woman had planned. After a short drive, they arrived outside a small, but expensive looking little restaurant.

"What is this place?" the blonde asked as Callie came around to open her door, holding out her hand to help Erica out of the car.

Callie smiled and entwined their fingers, "It's this little Cuban restaurant that just opened up here in Seattle. My dad called me and told me to check it out, apparently they have one in Miami that he just loves," she smiled at the doorman as he opened the door and let them inside, "So I wanted to save it until we could share it together; our first date seemed like the perfect time."

Erica looked around as Callie gave her last name and let the small Cuban waiter lead them over to a secluded table in the far corner, gentle candle light emitting a flickering glow around them as they sat down. He passed them each a menu and took their orders immediately.

"It's really beautiful in here, thank you for bringing me," Erica smiled over her wine glass; her eyes holding Callie's.

The younger woman reached across the table and slid her hand over Erica's, "Thank you for being you. This place would mean nothing if I didn't get to share it with you."

The rest of their meal passed in perfect ease, they talked, they laughed, they even flirted like crazy over dessert, with Callie using the whipped cream from her plate, her spoon and her tongue to drive Erica to distraction; the blonde cardio doctor caught on to Callie's winning smirk and quickly snatched the game back by running her bare foot along the younger woman's leg, trailing along the inside of her thigh until Callie blushed beat red.

Callie paid the bill and took Erica's hand as they left the restaurant; tugging gently as the blonde headed back to the car, "We're not going back to the car yet, just walk with me for awhile."

Erica raised an eyebrow in confusion but complied, slipping back into a calming pace as they walked along the waterfront; the lights from the surrounding building bouncing off of the glimmering water and making a number of colours reflect back at them in a mesmerising dance.

The blonde tugged at the younger woman's hand as she walked towards the water; leaning her arms on the railing and watching the twinkling lights of the boats off in the distance. Callie moved behind her at once, encircling her waist and resting her head on the blonde's shoulder.

Erica sighed, and held Callie's arms tighter around her body, "This has been a really amazing night Cal."

Callie nuzzled her face into Erica's neck, kissing at her skin, "It really has," she lifted her head as Erica turned to look at her over her shoulder and leant forward to brush their lips together, "I love how natural this feels, how natural us feels."

Erica smiled, "I feel the same way; it's amazing," she broke Callie's gaze and turned back to face the water.

Callie sensed the blonde stiffen in her arms and kissed her cheek, "What is it? Tell me what you're thinking."

"It's just, this whole thing is so new..." she let out a shaky breath, "We've been friends for so long that I'm worried about what will happen if we don't work out. I don't want to lose our friendship Cal, it means too much."

Callie pulled Erica closer against her chest, nuzzling her ear, "We will work out Erica, everything's going to be fine, I promise you."

"You don't know that, you can't."

Callie pulled back, her hands going to the blonde's hips; turning her around until they were facing. She lifted a hand to cup Erica's cheek and smiled shyly, "You have to believe everything will be okay," she held the older woman closer, "It has to be, because I don't think I could ever live without you again Erica."

Erica pulled Callie closer, catching her lips with her own and kissing her with as much emotion as she could, letting her kiss convey everything that she felt for the younger woman, "I believe."

Callie smiled brightly, and turned her head to one of the buildings behind her; loud music playing out through one of the windows. She turned back to Erica, "Dance with me?"

Erica looked around scandalised and slipped from her arms, "Callie, there's people around, we can't. We'd look ridiculous."

Callie shook her head and took a step forward, holding out her hand, "I don't care, we've been dancing around this stupid deception between us for far too long; so I don't care if people look at us like we're crazy idiots, I just want to be with you," she took another step forward, "I know that you don't care what they think either, so dance with me?"

Erica shook her head and smirked; taking Callie's hand and letting the brunette pull their bodies close together, swaying her in a gentle rhythm to the sound of the faint music. Erica slid her arms up around Callie's neck, while the younger woman slid her hands down to her ass; making the blonde chuckle; if this is what it felt like to believe, then count her in.

---------------------------

Callie walked Erica to her door, and smiled playfully as the blonde blocked her from entering and turned to linger in the doorway; arms crossed over her chest, "And just where do you think you're going Torres?"

Callie wiggled her eyebrows and smiled, "I just took you on an amazing date," she stated proudly.

"And?" Erica raised an eyebrow as she drew the word out.

"And... Aren't you going to invite me in?" Callie tilted her head to the side and smirked sexily.

Erica let out a laugh and shook her head, "What date was it?"

Callie's brows furrowed in confusion, "What?"

"What number date was it Cal"?

"It was our first date," she smirked, pleased with herself for getting the easy answer, "What does that have to do with anything?"

Erica smiled in amusement, "Everything Cal. I don't do stay over's on the first date."

Callie's face fell a little, "But we've kind of already crossed the three date rule Erica, can't I just come in for a little while?"

The blonde laughed when the younger woman pouted, "Cute, but the answer's still no Cal."

Callie moved towards her, sliding her hands to Erica's neck and letting her fingers play with the fine hairs at her nape as she pulled the blonde in for a hungry kiss; their lips fusing together as their tongues danced in a fiery rhythm. Callie nipped at the older woman's lip when she pulled back and raised an eyebrow.

"Nice try Torres, but the answer's still no," she moved out of Callie's arms and slipped into her house, closing the door to leave only enough space for her to see Callie's look of disbelief.

Callie moved up to the door, letting her eyes find blue, "I can't believe you're not inviting me to stay the night, especially after what happened in the on-call room today."

Erica shook her head and smirked, "That was super hot Cal, and if we hadn't have been interrupted, I would have let you take me against the door," she held a hand up as Callie opened her mouth, "But we agreed we should wait, I want our first proper time together to be special; it needs build up."

"Erica..." Callie whined, "Trust me it really doesn't need any more build up, I think I'll explode if you don't let me touch you soon. I really want you."

"If you really want me Cal, you'll wait," Erica offered her a sweet smile that signalled she'd won, "Night."

Callie watched the door close behind the blonde and let out a sigh; smiling to herself when she realised the blonde was right, waiting could be sexy, the longer the build, the hotter their new first time would be. Callie headed back towards her car; yeah she could definitely do with another steamy night of built up sexual tension with Erica Hahn.

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Erica rubbed her eyes as she padded bare footed to the door; tugging tightly at the belt on her robe to make sure her body was completely covered, whoever was ringing her doorbell this early on a Sunday ought to be shot.

The door opened, revealing a very surprised Erica Hahn, wrapped nice and snug in her royal blue robe, "Morning you," Callie leant in and pressed a kiss to her lips before holding up the bag she held in one hand and the drinks holder in another, "I stopped by the coffee shop on my way here and grabbed us a wake-up call each, and a selection of pastries, so I hope you're hungry."

Erica pushed the door open and looked on in curiosity as Callie passed her and headed into the kitchen, emptying the contents of the bag out onto the counter, "Cal it's," she looked up at her clock, "It's 7.00am, what the hell are you doing up so early on a Sunday?"

Callie smiled sheepishly and pushed a coffee towards the blonde, "I couldn't sleep and I was thinking about you so," she gestured to the coffees and the breakfast she'd supplied, "I thought I'd come over and bring you some food, thought maybe we could spend the day together," she watched Erica look at her in amazement and shrugged, "We hardly ever get the same day off, I wanted to make the most of it."

Erica lifted her coffee to her lips and took a deep sip, "I'd love to spend the day with you. Thanks for surprising me with breakfast, it's very sweet."

Callie held her arms open as Erica moved towards her and hugged her close, "I couldn't sleep last night, I'm finding it hard not being all cuddled up with you."

Erica kissed Callie's neck, "Me too, it doesn't help that your half of my bed smells like you."

"You're the one that wouldn't let me stay over," she pouted and then broke out into a smile when Erica rolled her eyes.

"How many times have you stayed over someone's after a first date?" Erica watched a smirk form on the younger woman's lips and shook her head, "Forget I asked, I have a feeling I won't want to know."

Callie watched Erica move to sit at the table with her coffee, and grab a pastry from her selection, "You can't tell me that you've never had sex on the first date?" she sat down opposite the blonde and sipped at her coffee, choking a little when a look of embarrassment flickered in Erica's blue eyes, "Oh my god, you haven't, have you?"

Erica swallowed the mouthful of pastry she was chewing; shrugging her shoulders, "It's no big deal Cal; I just like to know the person a little better before I let them- before I get all naked with them."

Callie smiled, "And here I was thinking that the three date rule was a myth."

Erica threw a chunk of pastry in her direction, "Shut up Torres," she stared at her for a moment, "So do you always have sex with a guy after the first date?"

Callie blushed, "Erm, not always. It depends on how much I like them."

Erica nodded, "That last guy you dated a couple of months ago, Tim, I think his name was, did you sleep with him on the first night? After you left Joe's with him?"

Callie looked away, "I don't want to talk about this."

"Why not? It's not like I don't know that you've had sex before me Cal."

Callie shook her head and let out a breath, "You'll think I'm a slut because you don't have sex with guys on the first date for fun; you wait until its right," she stood from her seat and leant against the kitchen sink, looking directly out of the window.

"Firstly," Erica surprised the younger woman by wrapping her arms around her, "I would never think that you're a slut, and secondly I've never really been into sex that much," she felt Callie stiffen in her arms and spun her around; holding her eyes, "I never dated a guy that really got me going," she let out a chuckle, "But I'm guessing that properly has something to do with the fact that I'm pretty sure I'm gay," she gave Callie a small smile, "You're the only person that I've ever wanted so badly that it's all I think about, that ever makes my skin feel like it's on fire whenever you're around and I know that all I'm waiting for is for you to brush against me, and then I'll be up in flames without any desire to ever stop," she looked away a little embarrassed until she felt Callie cup her cheek, "That's why I wanted to wait with you, not because I have some stupid three date rule, but because I'm afraid that once we start I'll never want to stop; all I've ever wanted is to feel every single part of you Cal."

Callie kissed her once gently and held her eyes; looking into her intensely as a beat of silence passed between them, "I've fallen in love with you Erica," she felt the blonde shiver in her arms as her blue eyes brimmed with tears; a shaky smile forming on her lips, "It doesn't matter how many people have been before you, because you're the only person I want for the rest of my life."

Erica let out a happy laugh and smiled, "I think you already know how I feel," she saw a smile tug at the corner of Callie's mouth, "But just in case you don't, I'm very much in love with you too Cal."

Callie smiled and let her eyes convey everything she wanted to say; leaning forward she cupped Erica's cheek in her hand and tentatively brushed their lips together, enjoying the simple pleasure that came from knowing that this kiss would be the first in many love filled years to come.

She felt Erica sigh into her mouth, while she tightened her grip on her hips; pulling their bodies closer together as their gentle kisses continued. Callie splayed her hand out on the blonde's soft cheek and danced her fingers to caress the side of her neck, her thumb stroking against Erica's jaw line as she brushed her tongue against the older woman's pouty lower lip.

Erica opened her mouth at the younger woman's quiet request, and let their tongues come together in long, slow strokes. She moaned when Callie pulled away, nipping at her bottom lip and moving to trail her kisses up along her jaw; her other hand carefully cradling her face.

Callie nuzzled her nose against Erica's ear, kissing the soft skin below it, "I love you."

Erica shivered as Callie's warm breath whispered out against her ear; she whimpered a response as the younger woman's lips travelled down the expanse of her neck; her supple lips awarding every inch of her skin with warm kisses. She trailed her hands from their position on the dark-haired woman's hips and up to her back; holding her closer as her teeth and tongue grazed against her rapid pulse.

Callie moved back to kiss the blonde's lips in an unhurried kiss; everything about this moment, everything between them was contained in gentle passion. Erica pulled back from Callie's kiss and turned to nuzzle her cheek more fully into the younger woman's palm.

For the first time, her heart ached in a way that wasn't painful in the slightest; it ached instead, with the intensity she felt for them, for the dark-haired woman standing in front of her; who was looking at her with the most breath taking look of adoration in her deep, chocolate, brown eyes.

Erica slid her hand down into Callie's; making note of the way their skin tones glided together in surprising contrast. As she lifted her eyes back to Callie's, she smiled shyly at the blush that had crept onto honey cheeks; everything she was feeling was mirrored back at her in an incredible fixed gaze of intimacy; their love completely represented by an equal balance of desire.

"Come upstairs with me Cal," she lifted their joined hands between them and used her free hand to brush her fingers over their skin.

Callie looked down at their hands and then back up to Erica's crystal blue eyes; murmuring, "Are you sure?"

Erica nodded her head, "I want to make love to you."

Callie felt her chest swell and burst, she wasn't sure if it was the way Erica was looking at her with such intensity or whether it was the way she'd said 'make love,' instead of 'sex,' but whatever the reason, she knew without a doubt that she wanted to claim the blonde hers in mind, body and soul.

She brushed a kiss over the blonde's lips, "Me too," she smiled genuinely and let herself be led up the stairs and back into the room where it had all started.

Erica let go of Callie's hand and moved to stand in front of the bed, smiling shyly at the younger woman, as Callie watched attentively her from her place in the doorway; a look of deep thought crossing over her face. After a few seconds of comfortable silence Erica held out her hand, smiling when Callie moved towards her without hesitation.

Callie lifted her fingers to brush a piece of hair off of the blonde's face before leaning forward and brushing a lingering kiss across her forehead. Erica closed her eyes at the simple gesture, letting the younger woman trail a series of kisses down her cheeks, over her eyes, onto the end of her nose and finally to the corners of her mouth. She reached out to cup Callie's cheek and drew her in for a leisurely and thorough kiss.

Erica felt one of Callie's hands threading through her hair and pulling her closer; their gentle kiss beginning to become more heated as their tongue's dulled for the upper hand. Finally breaking for air, Erica moved her lips to trail butterfly kisses along the caramel skin of Callie's jaw, stopping to nip and suck on her earlobe before continuing her exploration down the delicious skin of her neck; her tongue fluttering over the younger woman's increasing pulse point.

Callie lolled her head back on her neck, letting a low moan escape her throat as Erica lavished attention over her neck. She tangled her hand into Erica's glorious blonde curls, and held her as close to her body as possible. She felt Erica's hands skimming down her back and slipping under her shirt, her deft fingertips skimming across the soft skin of her lower back.

As she tugged at Erica's hair and brought the older woman's mouth back to her own, she felt the blonde's fingers slide around to her hips, her hands bunching up the material of her shirt in their grip and raising it ever so slightly as their kiss continued. Callie pulled back a little and gave the blonde a small smile as she raised her arms and let her pull the fabric up her body, over her head and down to the floor in one swift motion.

Erica tenderly lifted her hand, and trailed the tips of her fingers across Callie's clavicle, her eyes mesmerised by every new inch of revealed skin. She lifted her eyes to lock with the dark-haired woman's, as her fingers danced across her bare shoulder and continued down her arm until she reached her hand; instantly letting their fingers entwine.

Callie smiled timidly and lifted her free hand back to Erica's face, drawing their mouths together for an unrushed kiss; letting their tongues come together in a slow paced dance. She lifted one hand up between them, and worked her fingers nimbly at the belt on the older woman's robe; freeing it from its neatly tied knot.

Erica felt Callie pull away from her lips as she moved to rest their foreheads together; her blue eyes fluttered open to find brown gazing back. Callie slid her hand from the blonde's and moved it to join her other as she let go of the ends of the belt; letting the royal blue robe hang loosely around Erica's body.

Callie guided her hands up the blonde's arms and settled them onto her neck; her fingers sliding slowly down and slipping under the soft material of her robe to rest on her bare shoulders. She lifted her forehead off of its resting place against Erica's own, to put a small amount of distance between them; her eyes never leaving the older woman's as her hands skimmed against her skin, and edged the robe tentatively down her arms; exposing every inch of her naked flesh as it fell gracefully to the floor around their feet.

Erica gasped as the cool air wisped against her heated skin, amazed that Callie's eyes hadn't wavered from her own. Callie smiled reassuringly at her and moved around her body, pushing her wayward curls to one side of her neck and placing a pathway of gentle kisses along the other; her calm fingertips dancing across the blonde's stomach and drawing distracting patterns across her skin with her nails.

Erica moaned in delight, as Callie traced her fingers down her spine; her lips kissing a trail across her shoulder blades. She fought the urge to turn around and pull Callie's mouth to her own; clawing her hands into fists at her sides in a desperate attempt not to lose control while the younger woman doled out her affection.

Callie heard the blonde whimper as she continued scattering open-mouthed kisses down the smooth skin of her back; her hands grasping at Erica's curvaceous hips to help her keep steady. She glided her palms down the side of the blonde's thighs as she nipped at the sensitive skin of her lower back, soothing it over with her tongue a moment later.

Erica felt her head loll back as Callie's sloppy kisses moved down the back of her thighs; her gentle fingertips trailing down her calves and back up to her hips as her luxurious lips returned to teasingly assault her neck in a sequence of tender nips and moist kisses.

Erica growled as Callie's fingers moved to skim the soft, supple flesh of the underside of her breast and twisted around; her hands tangling into the younger woman's dark hair as she crushed their mouths together in a fiery kiss.

Callie bit at Erica's lip as the older woman scratched her nails down her back and easily released the clasp on her bra; her hands sliding back up to the brunette's shoulders and brushing the straps down her arms, letting the garment fall down to the ground.

The blonde pulled away panting, her lips sliding over the younger woman's neck in lavish licks and kisses; muffling her moan into her sweet smelling skin as their naked breasts pressed together. Callie tangled her hands into Erica's hair as the older woman kissed a heated trail across her clavicle, nipped down her chest and paid tortuous attention to her breasts. Erica flicked her tongue across the younger woman's awaiting nipple, blowing cool air over it, and smiling in satisfaction when Callie growled her pleasure. She stopped her teasing, sucking the nipple into her mouth and rolling it with her tongue and teeth before switching across to repeat her actions on the other taut mocha peak.

Callie barely recognised the breathy whimper that escaped from between her parted lips as the blonde knelt down before her; nipping at the sensitive skin of her stomach and swirling her heated tongue around her navel, while her fingers worked away unclasping the button on her jeans and easily sliding down the zipper.

Erica felt the younger woman's grip tighten in her hair as she shimmied her jeans down her long, tan legs and nipped playfully at her hip before soothing the hurt away with her tongue. Erica rocked back on her heels to take in the sight before her; Callie was breathing heavily, a heated flush covered her chest and cheeks, and her usually dark brown eyes looked almost black as she stared down at her through her long lashes.

The older woman hurried to hook her fingers into Callie's panties, drawing them down her legs, and letting the younger woman grasp at her shoulders for balance while she stepped out of them. Erica trailed a pathway of gentle kisses up the dark-haired woman's lean thighs, stopping briefly to breathe in the sweet smell of arousal in between her legs before standing back up to be face to face with the younger woman once again; their eyes locking intimately.

Callie tugged Erica's mouth to her own; kissing her passionately as she pushed the blonde towards the edge of the bed. Erica felt her knees give way as she fell onto the sheets, Callie quickly covering her body with her own and resuming their heated kiss at once. The blonde moaned as the younger woman dragged her tongue into her mouth with maddening suction and pushed her thigh between her legs.

Erica pushed at Callie's shoulder, and rolled them over, altering their position as she moved to straddle the younger woman's lap. Callie watched in lust strict awe as Erica sat above her; her milky body sitting beautifully upon her, her head thrown back as she moved her hands over her own breasts; teasing her nipples with her thumb and index finger.

Callie groaned and pushed herself up into a sitting position, knocking Erica's hands away from her breasts and covering them with her own as their lips met in a slow, sensual kiss. Erica whimpered as Callie dragged her lips across her jaw, and sucked at her ear; her skilful hands gently caressing her breasts.

Erica tangled her hand into Callie's hair as the younger woman bent her head down and caught one of her sensitive buds between her lips; bathing it with heated strokes of her tongue and grazing it with her teeth before turning her attention to the other. Callie trailed her hand down the blonde's smooth stomach, and in between the cleft of her legs; her deft fingers slipping through Erica's arousal and brushing against her throbbing clit.

"Fuck Cal..." Erica moaned and undulated her hips harder against the dark-haired woman's hand.

Callie lifted her head to capture the older woman's lips in a passionate kiss; sliding three of her long fingers up into the blonde's inviting core and flicking her thumb across her bundle of nerves. Erica dropped her head onto the younger woman's shoulder, murmuring her pleasure as Callie continued to thrust into her over and over again; making sure to flick her thumb against her clit with each drive into the blonde's core.

Erica tightened her grasp around Callie's body, letting her nails bite into the younger woman's caramel flesh as her burning release built low in her stomach with every second that passed. The blonde felt Callie's warm, panting breath against her ear and willed herself to concentrate on the words being spoken to her.

"Baby, look at me..."

Erica lifted her head to find Callie's dark eyes; instantly resting their foreheads together at the request. She felt the satisfying tingle burning between her thighs and let her eyes flutter shut at the pleasure.

Callie brushed their lips together in a slow kiss as she increased the pace of her thrusts; leaning their heads back to rest against each other and whispering, "Open your eyes Erica, I need you to look at me baby..."

The blonde forced her eyes open; breathing raggedly out against Callie's lips. Callie held Erica's blue eyes as she curled her fingers, and adding additional pressure to the older woman's sensitive clit. Erica felt Callie hit the right spot deep inside her, and felt the rushing sensation of burning fire pool between her legs; her muscles clamping down hard on the dark-haired woman's fingers as she moaned out her intense release.

Callie watched in awe at the stunning sight before her eyes; Erica's darkened blue eyes fluttered shut, a heated red flush coloured Erica's chest, and her name fell from the blonde's lips in an adoring moan of appreciation as her orgasm rocketed through her. Callie moved her lips to kiss the blonde's neck and ear, as she held the older woman's quivering body in her arms; running her hand soothingly up and down her back while she stilled the fingers she still had resting inside Erica.

Erica breathed deeply against Callie's neck; her body enjoying the sated spell the younger woman had cast over her with her talented fingers. She pulled back; finding Callie's dark eyes and kissing her as slowly as possible, imprinting the memory into her mind. Callie smirked when the blonde let out a whimper as she gently withdrew her fingers; lifting them to her mouth and savouring the taste of Erica Hahn on her tongue.

The older woman grabbed her face between her hands and dragged their lips back together; moaning into the brunette's mouth as she tasted herself against Callie's tongue. Erica pulled back and smiled; brushing a piece of stray hair away from Callie's face.

"I love you Cal."

Callie willing met Erica halfway as she leant forward to kiss her; the blonde pushing her down to the bed with her weight and pinning her under her milky white body. The younger woman let herself revel in the divine pleasure the blonde ignited in her body as her supple, pouty lips travelled down her chest and settled to distribute pleasure over her breasts.

Erica lathed at Callie's nipples, sucking them into her mouth and pinching them with her fingers as the younger woman twisted beneath her. Blowing cool air over the dampness her mouth had left behind on Callie's nipples, she smiled against her skin as the dark-haired woman growled her name. She slid further down Callie's writhing body, kissing her way down the smooth skin of her stomach, and nipping gently across her tan thighs until Callie whimpered. The blonde glided her tongue over the silken skin where Callie's thigh joined her pelvis; groaning in delight when the younger woman crashed her hands into her blonde hair and tugged her to where she needed her most.

Erica hooked her hand under Callie's thigh and drew it over her shoulder; her eyes instantly shutting at the younger woman's wonderfully overpowering scent. She trailed a few kisses across Callie's slit which earned her a flurry of incoherent grumbles in response while she reached out for the younger woman's hand, entwining their fingers together as she looked up to search out Callie's lust filled eyes. Erica licked at her lips and dipped her head, sneaking her tongue between Callie's slick folds and running it from the top to bottom several times.

"Mmmm fuck..." Callie squeezed Erica's hand and lifted the hand she had in the blonde's hair to tease at her own nipples.

The blonde swirled her tongue around Callie's entrance, pushing inside of her and drawing back out only to replace it with two of her long digits; her tongue going straight to Callie's clit and bathing it in a series of alternating strokes. Erica felt the younger woman's pelvis undulate against her face as Callie's hand crashed back into her hair, she curled her fingers as she slowed down her strokes; taking Callie's clit into her mouth and sucking until the dark-haired woman's body trembled, her walls clenching around her fingers.

Callie screamed out Erica's name as the waves of pleasure crashed over her body; her grip in the blonde's hair falling away as she tried to catch her breath. Erica licked the younger woman clean, loving the low whimper that escaped her throat as her tongue brushed her hypersensitive clit. She lifted her head and crawled back up Callie's body; their faces hovering inches apart as Callie's deep, brown eyes flickered open.

Callie reached up to cup the blonde's cheek, pulling her down for languid kiss; their tongues undulating together in a natural rhythm. Erica pulled away and rolled onto her side next to the younger woman's body, pulling her into her arms and laying a gentle kiss across her crown.

The dark-haired woman nuzzled her face into Erica's neck, and lazily entwined their limbs; she felt the blonde's arms wrapped protectively around her body, her deft fingers soothingly running through her hair and let her sated body and heavy eyes fall into a peaceful slumber.

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Erica felt Callie stir against her neck and trailed her fingers lightly down the smooth skin of her arm. She smiled as she felt the younger woman's lips brush several gentle kisses against her pulse before she lifted her head to find the blonde's blue eyes, "What time is it?"

Erica looked over at the clock as Callie snuggled closer once again, "It's a little after one, we've missed lunch, but at least we slept for a few hours."

Callie smiled as the older woman brushed the hair away from her face and trailed her fingers across her jaw, "Erica?"

The blonde stilled her movements and sought out the younger woman's eyes; a nervous look flickering over her face, "Yeah?"

"You look like you're over thinking," she flashed her a sleepy smile and shuffled their positions, laying so that they were on their sides facing each other, "You're not going to change your mind about us and throw me out again are you?"

Erica shook her head and smirked at Callie's playful tone, "I was thinking about how much I love you actually."

"Really?" The older woman nodded her head shyly. Callie reached out and drew their lips together, "That's funny, because I was thinking the exact same thing about you."

Erica closed her eyes as Callie leaned in to capture her mouth again in a languid, love filled kiss. She couldn't help but smile at the images that ran through her head, "Earlier when we..." she trailed off and bit at her bottom lip.

"When we made love," Callie offered, filling in the missing half of her sentence.

Erica nodded her head; repeating her, "When we made love," she paused for a minute thinking for the right word to describe it, "It was incredible," she knew it wasn't nearly enough to convey how she felt but it was as close as she could get, "You're incredible, and not to mention fucking sexy Torres."

Callie let out a laugh, "You're pretty damn sexy yourself Hahn," she slid her hand from the blonde's waist to slap playfully at her ass; her expression changing serious, "You, us... it was the best experience of my life, I've never had that kind of intimacy with anyone before."

Erica smiled, "Me either, being with you was beyond perfect," she cupped Callie's cheek, "I really am so unbelievably in love with you Callie."

The younger woman felt her heart swell in affection, "I can't believe how much time we wasted over all of this," Callie pressed her palm to Erica's chest, feeling the beat of her heart, "It was so stupid because I knew the whole time that deep down I was in love with you Erica."

"I knew too, I was just afraid, but I'm not anymore," Erica lifted her hand to cover Callie's and drew it to her lips; pressing a kiss against her skin.

"Me either," she cuddled closer to the blonde's body, allowing the time to tick away as her fingers drew circles around the older woman's nipple.

"We should get up," Erica broke the silence, "We need to grab something to eat before I let you drive me crazy and decide that we're never leaving this bed again."

Callie smirked sexily, "That sounds fine to me."

Erica chuckled and shook her head, moving to untangle herself from Callie's body and slipping from the bed, "We need to get washed."

Callie pushed the sheet away from her body and rubbed at her face before heading over to the blonde and wrapping her arms around her waist, "Have a bath with me? That way we can get washed and snuggle some more."

Erica kissed her, "Since when are you so into snuggling? I thought you didn't bask in the afterglow of sex."

Callie grabbed the blonde's hand and drew her into the bathroom, "With you everything's different," she saw a blush creep onto Erica's cheeks and smiled brightly as she began to fill the bath, "Since when do you blush so often? I thought nobody could make the hardcore Dr Erica Hahn blush?"

Erica watched as the bath filled with steaming water, "With you Cal, everything's different."

Callie shook her head and climbed into the bath; loving the way the hot water felt against her skin, "Quit stealing my lines," She watched the blonde's eyes travel over her body as she licked at her lips; she caught Erica's blue eyes and beckoned her with her finger, "Get in here now, before I pull you in."

Erica followed Callie's orders and stepped into the bath, settling her body between the younger woman's legs and letting herself be pulled tightly back against Callie's chest as strong arms wrapped around her body.

Callie nuzzled her face against Erica's neck, kissing at her skin and breathing her in, "I love having you all wrapped up against me."

Erica leaned further back and sighed in contentment as she tugged Callie's arms further around her body and closed her eyes in absolute satisfaction that her life couldn't get any better than it was right in this moment.

They stayed relaxing in the bath for as long as they could; their skin eventually pruning and telling them to get out. As they dressed Erica caught Callie studying her with such a look of wonder and amazement that it stole her breath away.

She turned more towards the younger woman, "How do you do that?"

Callie raised an eyebrow in question as confusion flooded her brown eyes, "Do what?"

Erica let out a breath, "Look at me like you haven't seen me nearly every day for the past two years."

The dark-haired woman moved towards her, grasping her hip with one hand and brushing a blonde curl away from her forehead before cupping her cheek; her eyes holding blue intensely, "Because really I'm seeing you for the first time all over again," she smiled, "I saw you every day before, I just never really saw you, and now... well now I can't believe how I missed it; you're so breathtakingly beautiful Erica, and you were right there in front of my eyes the whole time."

Erica smiled brightly, "Every time that I think I can't fall anymore in love with you, you go and do or say something like that and I fall in love with you all over again."

Callie brushed their lips together in a gentle kiss, pushing the blonde back towards the bed. She felt Erica smile against her lips as they fell back onto the bed, rushing to free themselves from their restraining clothes and prove their love for each other all over again; who needed food when they could stay in bed, lost in each other.

---------------------------

Erica turned the key in the ignition and allowed the car's engine to come to a stop. She let the keys dangle in their place and turned to look at the younger woman in the passenger's seat next to her; Callie's cheeks were covered in a slight pink blush, her eyes looked wide and nervous and her lips looked pouty and full, "Callie, you okay?"

Callie turned towards the blonde and smiled, "Yeah baby, I'm fine," she reached over and grabbed Erica's hand, "I'm just a little nervous that I won't be able to keep my hands off of you once we get inside and everyone will find out."

The older woman smirked, "If you keep calling me baby every ten seconds then I'm pretty sure that that will give us away first."

Callie rolled her eyes, "We're still in the 'beginning' phase Erica, I can't help wanting to call you baby and kiss you every chance I get."

"And as much as I'd love to spend all day letting you call me baby and kissing me, we have to go to work and save lives; I can't imagine the others would be very happy if we kept jumping each other during the trauma rooms."

The younger woman let out a laugh, "Fine, point made. I'll keep my baby pet name and kisses until we're in an on-call room alone together," she gave the blonde a wink and jumped out of the car.

Erica quickly followed behind her, looping her arm through Callie's as they walked into the hospital side by side, "No on-call room make-out sessions Cal, I mean it," she saw the dark-haired woman smirk out of the corner of her eye and leaned in towards her ear, "Promise me you won't drag me into one? Because I can't have you kissing me and touching me before a surgery... it makes me all hot and bothered and I can't concentrate on anything other than you."

Callie led Erica into the elevator, and rolled her eyes when the blonde removed her arm from hers; two young interns getting into the elevator with them. Callie nodded her head and offered them a smile in a way of greeting and quietly shuffled closer to the blonde cardio surgeon; sneakily sliding her hand down Erica's spine to settle on her ass.

The older woman turned her head to find Callie's eyes and pursed her lips together as she shook her head. Callie knew Erica was stifling an amused expression behind her tight lipped smile and playfully nipped one of the globes of her ass. Erica jumped a little in surprise and smirked at the younger woman, receiving a wink in return.

A pinging sound announced their arrival and the blonde pushed passed the two interns to get off on to the surgical floor with Callie following closely behind. She waited until she heard the doors of the elevator slide shut before smacking the dark-haired woman on the arm, "I thought I told you to behave while we're at work."

"You said no on-call room make-out sessions," she raised an eyebrow and lowered her voice; smirking sexily, "You never said I couldn't feel you up in the elevator."

Erica shook her head, "Add that to the list then Torres."

"Yes baby," Callie caught the flash of shock on the blonde's face and let out a mischievous laugh, "I know, I know, I'll behave I promise."

Just as Erica opened her mouth to reply a stern looking Bailey appeared in front of them, a chart clutched tightly in her hand, "Sorry to interrupt Dr Hahn, but I have a patient I need a consult on as soon as possible."

Erica nodded her head, "Of course, I'll just go grab my stuff from my locker and I'll be right there Dr Bailey," the blonde turned back to Callie, "I'll see you later?"

The younger woman nodded her head and smiled, "You bet."

Erica smiled and leant forward without thinking, capturing Callie's mouth with her own and kissing her deeply; the dark-haired woman instantly slid her hand to the blonde's cheek and returned the kiss as she pulled their bodies together.

It was the chorus of applause and loud cheering that made Erica snap out of her daze; she felt Callie smiling against her lips and pulled back just enough to find the younger woman's dark eyes, "I just accidentally outed us at work, didn't I?"

Callie nodded her head, and tightened her grasp on the blonde's waist, "Shall we?"

Erica smiled shakily and nodded her head; she took a deep and they both slowly turned to look in the direction from which all the celebratory noise was coming from. Standing smiling at them were Derek, Mark, Alex, Meredith, Cristina, George, Izzie, Lexie and Bailey.

Bailey was the first to step back towards them, a strange smile playing across her lips, "It's about damn time that our favourite non-couple got their shit together and finally became a couple."

Erica felt her mouth drop open as everyone stared back at them, looking a mixture of amused, smug and giddy. Callie slid her hand into Erica's and gave it a gentle tug; their eyes meeting as a smile played over both of their lips.

George glanced at them once, giving Callie a smile and avoiding Erica's death stare. He turned back to the group, "Who had today?"

Cristina smiled smugly, "I believe I did."

Alex watched Yang laugh cockily and shook his head, "There's no freaking way that Yang won the bet!"

Cristina danced towards George, "Hand it over Bambi," they watched him shuffle annoyingly for a minute before he passed her the large wad of cash. She held it up to her eyes and burst into a winning dance, stopping only when she caught the scandalised looks on Callie and Erica's faces, "I was broke..." she shrugged a little, "And besides you two would have danced around this thing forever if I hadn't have given you a little shove in the right direction."

"Wait, you knew about this?" The giddy smile on Lexie's face fell at once.

Cristina nodded and smiled arrogantly, "That's cheating Cristina!" Izzie looked appalled and annoyed as she huffed out her chest.

Cristina moved the money out of reach as Izzie made a grab at it, "I didn't know anything, no solid evidence anyway, the only thing I knew was that these two were moping around and not talking to each other, I just guessed that they'd finally... well you know."

Derek watched Izzie open her mouth to retaliate and moved towards Callie and Erica, offering them a gorgeous, charm filled smile, "Congratulations ladies, I'm happy for you."

Mark smirked, "So you think you'd be up for that threesome now?" he crossed his arms over his chest and winked, which made Erica scoff and Callie pull Erica more firmly to her side as she glared dangerously back at him, "Message received, no need to be so butch and protective of your woman Torres."

"Come on Mark," Derek gave him a shove in the opposite direction before following closely behind him. Bailey flashed her chart at Erica from her position at the nurses' station, reminding the blonde to come and find her when things had settled down.

Callie twisted around to face Erica, an amused smile playing on her face as she pressed her lips to the blonde's in a languid kiss. Erica let out a breathy chuckle as their eyes locked, "I can't believe that even they all knew about us... we're so slow."

"Slow and steady wins the race though, right?"

Erica nodded and leant in to kiss her again, "I hope so," she brushed a piece of hair out of Callie's eyes, "I should go see that patient Bailey was on about, we are at work after all," she turned towards the group, "Come on Yang, you're with me today, I've got some good surgeries scheduled."

"Wait a minute," Izzie shook her head as a flash of anger and disbelief spread across her face, "She cheats us all out of money, meddles to get you two together and still gets a surgery, that's so unfair!"

Cristina shook her head, "Never doubt what you know to be right trailer park, isn't that right Dr Hahn?"

Callie raised an eyebrow, completely confused by what was happening and Erica simply chuckled and shook her head, "Come on Yang, before your ego gets bigger than mine," she brushed a kiss over the younger woman's lips and grabbed the chart from Bailey as she headed towards the locker room, Cristina eagerly following behind her.

Callie caught Bailey's eye, "You have any idea what that was about?"

"No idea," she leant against the nurses' station, continuing to fill out her chart as Callie came to stand beside her. Bailey studied her for a second, not failing to notice the younger woman's ridiculously huge, beaming smile, "You're happy."

Callie nodded, "I'm ludicrously happy," A beat of silence passed between them before the dark-haired woman caught Bailey's gaze again, "What?"

"How was the sex?"

Callie felt her mouth drop open in shocked and let out a laugh, "I can't believe you just asked me that, you're Bailey... you don't gossip about our private lives.... ever."

"I ain't asking you for details Torres, just a simple answer will do."

Callie momentarily closed her eyes, images of her night with Erica floated into her head and she unconsciously licked her lips, "The sex is...mind blowing," she opened her eyes to find Baileys and smirked, "Actually, she does this wonderful thing where she-"

Bailey's eyes widened and she held up her hand, "I said simple Torres, stop over sharing," Callie laughed at the disgust on the older woman's face, "I'm happy for the both of you," she offered Callie a serious smile, "You could both use a little love."

Callie smiled her thanks; Bailey was right, they could both use a little love, but if her pounding heart and fluttering stomach were anything to go by, the love that she felt between them already was a hell of a lot more than a little.

---------------------------

The doors to the elevator pinged open and Callie instantly burst into a love filled smile at the sight of her blonde haired girlfriend. Erica stopped the conversation she was having with Yang as her blue eyes drank in the sight of the younger woman.

Yang gave Callie a small smile as she passed and nodded her head at Erica before heading out of the hospital lobby and leaving them alone for the first time since they'd arrived together earlier that morning.

"Hey beautiful," Erica placed a kiss on Callie's lips, "How was your day? No one gave you any trouble about us did they?"

Callie smiled, shaking her head; linking their hands, "Baby relax, everyone is super supportive, I think that's throwing me off more than the thought of them all giving us a hard time with their constant teasing remarks."

Erica tugged at the younger woman's hand, getting her to easily fall into step with her as they left the hospital, "I know what you mean, it's a little creepy how they all knew."

"Well that's not the only creepy thing happening today, what's up with you and Cristina?" she raised an eyebrow and let a playful smirk dance across her lips, "You two suddenly seem like best friends, should I be worried that I'm being replaced?"

Erica chuckled, "Highly doubtful, I don't think you have anything to be worried about Cal," she flashed her a smile, "We're finally making an effort to get along, she did help us out after all, and I don't want things to be awkward when I stay over at your apartment, so I'm making nice... she's not as bad as I originally thought."

"Oh I see, you being nice to her is all part of your evil plan to stay the night at my apartment," she raised an eyebrow, "You want to christen my bed later Hahn?"

Erica faltered and pulled at Callie's hand, drawing her into her arms and kissing her deeply; breaking away breathlessly and finding each other's eyes, "Just for the record Torres... I want to christen every room, hell even every surface with you that I can."

"That's incredibly sexy you know," she captured the blonde's mouth again, "And it's even hotter knowing that Cristina will be home, I can't wait to make you scream my name while we have company in the apartment."

Erica blushed, "You like the idea of getting caught?"

Callie kissed her again, "Mmm hmm, it's a definite turn on knowing I can have you wherever I want, with or without people lingering around."

"Maybe I should retract my christening speech."

The dark-haired woman laughed, "Not a chance baby, not a chance," Erica rolled her eyes, knowing that she'd never win and allowed Callie to lead her inside to the warmness of Joe's bar. They caught sight of their familiar colleagues all standing together, laughing and talking with a drink in hand.

"Well, look who finally turned up, our guests of honour," Mark smiled cockily from his position from the bar. He grabbed two glasses of wine and headed towards them, passing them each a drink.

As they joined the group, Derek smiled at them and lifted his glass, "To old friendships and new beginnings," everyone followed his lead and toasted their glasses, each offering Callie and Erica a supportive nod.

"How does it feel, finally being a couple?" Lexie smiled warmly up at them from her position on the stool as Mark wrapped his arm around her shoulders.

Callie let out a nervous breath and glanced at Erica, "It's amazing."

"What we really want to know is how it happened," Alex offered them a dirty smile, "Was it smoking hot?"

"Alex!" Izzie whipped him on the arm, "You can't ask that, it's rude."

"I don't care, it's chick on chick action," he shrugged and took a swig of his beer.

"How did you finally get together?" Meredith interjected.

Callie glanced down at the floor and Erica opened and closed her mouth a couple of times, "I don't think that's important, all that matters now is that we're together and we're happy," she slid her hand back into Callie's and smiled lovingly at her.

"Well I always thought they were going to get together at that hospital dance, you know the one where they both turned up without a date and sat staring at each other the whole night...." George laughed at the memory and abruptly stopped when everyone turned to look at him strangely. He cleared his throat and finished the remainder of his beer.

"Nah, I thought they were going to get together when we all had to do those stupid team building exercises," Izzie smiled, "You two looked so awkward and flustered when you had to be partners and catch each other."

Mark shook his head, "That wasn't the closest they've come, remember when that massive car pile-up happened and these two had to work so close together in the OR, they were pressed against each other for hours during that surgery, you could see the sexual tension from all the way up in the gallery."

"Wait you all knew?" Callie looked on in disbelief and Erica nodded in agreement.

"Have you seriously had bets on when we'd get together?"

"Of course we all knew, you two have been walking the fine line for months," Cristina smirked, "The bet was just a necessary way of keeping track on how long it would take you two to get over yourselves."

"I can't believe you all knew," Erica shook her head.

"For two people that are pretty bright," Bailey gestured her hands at them, "You're pretty damn stupid and not to mention blind when it comes to the obvious things."

They all laughed, "Well I guess it's a good thing we finally made sense of it all," Erica brushed a kiss onto Callie's lips.

"Time to really celebrate, let the party begin Joe," Mark called across to the bartender and smiled when the music turned up, trays of drinks being lined across the bar for them, "Tonight's on me."

"That's sweet Mark, but that doesn't mean you're any closer to getting us into bed," Callie laughed when he pouted a little and then grabbed Lexie's hand, leading her off to dance with the others.

"Want to dance baby?" Callie held her hand out to Erica and smiled when the blonde smiled at her and took her hand.

They spent the rest of the night with their friends, drinking, dancing, laughing and having a really great time celebrating this major step in their lives. Bailey sat at the bar, sipping at her orange juice as she watched the new couple carefully; some time during the night they'd slipped away from the group and nestled into the booth in the far corner; they were cuddled up together, their eyes never leaving each other's as they continued to whisper sweet nothings into the other's ear. Bailey noticed their hands resting on the table, their fingers clasped together as they leant forward to brush gentle kisses against the other's lips; the resident took another sip of her drink and smiled to herself at the realisation of how comfortable they already were with their new status, and how deeply in love they appeared; as if they'd never not been a couple the entire time she'd known them.

You can hide behind a facade, letting it disguise you with the deceiving illusion of deception, but in end, when you take that all away, you're left with the plain honest truth; the true reality of the world, of your life, and that reality is that true love can never stay hidden away for very long.