Title: Back at One

Author(s): y0ungalaska & BrennaAimee

Rating: Ranging from PG to M

Disclaimer: The characters belong to Shonda Rhimes and ABC. We own nothing but our ideas.

Summary: "It's so incredible, the way things work themselves out and all emotional once you know what it's all about."

A/N: Hey! We're back and I know it's been a while, but we had to a bit of a battle with writer's block. Again, I know that we're not really revealing much to you as the readers, but we want you to know that we are very thankful for those of you who have been with us from the beginning and we want to say a big HELLO to those of you who are just joining us. We do hope you enjoy this chapter as we had a lot of fun writing it!

Chapter 7

After closing her phone, Arizona made her way up to the room and quickly changed into something company appropriate. She knew that she was taking a chance, but she couldn't just leave the woman next door sobbing and alone. She quickly scribbled a note and placed it on his bed-side table. Making her way downstairs, she grabbed her jacket, along with her keys and made her way next door.

Knocking lightly once, she waited for a response but none came. She began to panic slightly as she knocked a second time even harder. There was no immediate response and that only fueled her panic. The last thing she remembered was Callie sobbing over the phone line, asking her to come over. Something had to be wrong. Javier was home this week. So many thoughts ran through her head as she knocked a third time and then wiped her now clammy palms against her jeans. She began to shift her weight from one foot to the other and just as she raised her hand to knock again, the door flew open.

Arizona's mouth slightly parted as she took in the appearance of the Latina standing before her. Callie's hair was a little frizzy, her eyes were blood-shot red and tear stains had formed down her cheeks from the visible tears that were still falling. "Callie?" she asked, as though she was unsure this was the same woman she had come to know.

"I'm sorry," Callie half spoke, half sobbed, "come in." Stepping to the side, she waited until Arizona was inside and glanced in the driveway before closing the door. "Thank you for coming. I know it's late I just didn't know who else to call." Bringing the balled up tissue that sat in her hand to her nose, she sniffled before leading the blonde into the living room.

"Of course, Calliope. You sounded," Arizona tried to think of a nicer way to say what she wanted, "well, you sounded like this. What happened? Is Javier away on business again?" As she asked, she let her eyes wander as though she were expecting the man in question to walk around one of the corners.

Callie let a laugh escape her lips. Javier, the man that was supposed to love her and to honor her for the rest of their lives. The same man who stood in front of her family and promised to take care of and to never hurt her. The same man who, just two hours ago, admitted to cheating on her. Callie allowed her head to fall as the tears begun to come more frequent.

Arizona watched on as Callie began to silently sob and immediately moved closer to wrap her arms around the other woman. "Calliope, what happened?"

The Latina controlled her silent cries before speaking, "I caught Javier in a lie and it turned into me finding out that he's been cheating on me."

Again, the blonde's mouth parted without sound. When she had met the two, they seemed so in love; so made for one another. Javier was so loving and so caring when it came to his wife. And now, here she was, sitting in their living room, consoling a woman who deserved so much better than she was being given. "I'm so sorry to hear that, come here." Arizona pulled the woman into her and began rubbing slow circles on her back while Callie let all of her pain out onto the dark blue shirt Arizona was wearing.

"I don't know what to do, Arizona. I thought…I thought he loved me. I thought that we were happy. Where did I go wrong?" Callie asked, pulling back.

"You did nothing wrong." Arizona placed her hands on the other woman's shoulder. "Nothing, Calliope. This is not your fault. Men are," she contemplated before speaking, "well, they don't think sometimes and I know that it doesn't make the pain that you're feeling any less, but this is his mistake. His choices are his own and he will soon see that he made the biggest mistake of his life. You are a wonderful person. You're sweet, you're caring, you have a heart big enough to love the entire world if you wanted to," she smiled, "This is his loss, Calliope. Don't ever think that this is your fault."

Callie tried her best to smile at the blonde. She knew that calling Arizona would be the best idea. She didn't feel better, but at least she understood that maybe this wasn't her fault. "Thank you, Arizona, for saying that. I really appreciate it."

"Don't thank me, Calliope. I am your friend and this is what friends do." Her smile widened and her dimples began to show.

"You know, those dimples are killer and one hell of a way to cheer someone up." Callie chuckled as she wiped her eyes.

"Oh, I know. They work like a charm," Arizona smiled.

Callie lay back on the couch, looking up at the ceiling. "Thank you again for coming over. I know it's late and I really didn't want to pull you away from James."

Arizona mirrored her actions, "It's okay, Callie. Really. James is at work for a few more hours anyways. We are friends and you needed someone to talk to. So no thanks needed."

James walked into the pitch black house wondering where Arizona was. He wasn't expecting to see what he did. As he turned the corner of the living room he saw a single candle lit on the table and over the top of the couch he saw the familiar head of blonde hair. He stepped further into the living room as he took it all in. There, sitting on the couch, was the woman he loved lost in a blank daze. He rushed over to her wanting to know what was going on. He picked her up and sat down on the couch cradling her on top of him causing the woman to give a slight smile as he did so.

"Baby, what's wrong?" He stroked her hair and kissed her temple.

"Nothing" Arizona laid into his chest feeling all the love he was projecting to her.

"Something is wrong, and I want to know what it is."

"I just spent the last few hours at Callie's house. She just put Javier out."

"What? Why?"

"He was cheating on her. All of the meetings he was going to for business . . . when he was staying weeks at a time gone . . . some of those weeks were with another woman."

"Is Callie ok?"

"She's really torn up."

"I know that Callie is your friend and everything, but why are you sitting in the dark like this?"

"James . . . I want to ask you a question but I'm worried. I don't want you to get mad at me for asking." James listened to the woman in his arms. He listened to the concern in her voice and wanted for her to just let it out. He had to be prepared for the question and even if it did anger him he didn't want that to show, because he knew communication was the key to any relationship. He listened to it get silent and then spoke when he was prepared.

"I won't get mad, just talk to me."

"Well, you have been working a lot of hours. You have been gone a lot and we haven't really spent much time together lately. I know you aren't Javier and it's probably wrong to bring this up considering what just happened to Callie. I'm not bringing this up because of them. I overheard one of your work phone calls and it sounded . . . bad. I just didn't have the guts to say anything."

"Arizona, no. I have not and will not ever do that to you ok?" James took his hand and raised Arizona's chin so that she was looking him in the eyes. "I mean it. You are my world. You are the best thing that has ever happened to me. You are the one that keeps me going every day. Can you tell me what you overheard?"

"You said that you couldn't and something about you going for them earlier and then said you were going to say bye to me. You went in the room, got new work clothes, grabbed your bag and left. I didn't even really get to say bye to you."

"I'm sorry; it was Chad on the phone. You know how the guys at my job are. When I went for the crisis situation at the other company, I had gone for Chad. He worked the next shift while I was home. He was supposed to stay over and said he couldn't. He said something was going on at home and I didn't believe him, you know how Chad is. He's a great friend but the man is lazy. I was so mad that I was going to do another shift that I didn't even think about it when I walked out. "James laid his head on the top of Arizona's. He took his finger and ran it down her arm and across her hand. He traced every finger and outlined every knuckle gently. He lifted her hand and moved to place a kiss on it. He intertwined their fingers and massaged her hand with his thumb. They sat in a comfortable silence in each other's presence.

"Do you remember the day we met?" Arizona nodded her head quickly, of course she did. "You walked in to show that house and something about you was different than anyone else to me. I'm not going to say it was love at first sight, because I don't believe in that, but it was definite attraction. I was just lucky enough that once I got to know you it turned into what it did. Arizona, when I saw you I knew something about you was different, what I didn't know what that that thing in you that was different, was something that would change my life forever. Once I started to get to know you I knew you were it for me. Even though we have had our ups and downs the one thing that will never change is how I feel about you. You are my love, my life." Arizona looked into his face and saw his sincerity. This was the James she fell in love with, getting a glimpse of that melted her heart. She wrapped her arms around him and held tight. He did the same and kissed the top of her head. "Let's go lie down and spend time together like we used to." When James said that her mind immediately filled of all the nights they would lay in bed and just talk about anything and everything. Arizona stood up and reached out for James's hand and led him to the bedroom.

Arizona hopped out of the shower and made her way into the bedroom, towel drying her blonde hair. Making her way to the walk-in closet, she shuffled through a few shirts before picking out one of a dark blue color before turning around and snagging a pair of jeans off the hangar. Sitting down at the vanity, she applied a little make-up and blow-dried her hair before dressing herself. Within thirty minutes, she was standing in front of Callie's door and knocking.

Callie, rushing to clothe herself, made her way down the stairs while still pulling the shirt she had chosen over her head. As she opened the door, her shirt slowly fell from across her chest to the rim of her dark blue jeans. Arizona smiled, "Good morning!" she said in a cheery tone.

"Morning to you, too. Come on in." Callie stepped aside as Arizona made her way in. Looking the Latina up and down, she realized that Callie may have been rushing to make herself presentable even though the blonde was early.

"I know I'm thirty minutes early, but I was just so excited about an actual girls day that I couldn't contain myself and made my way over."

Callie, with a wave of her hand spoke, "Don't worry about it. I was actually just getting dressed. If you want, you can make yourself at home in the kitchen or the living room and I'll be right back down."

As Callie made her way up the stairs, Arizona made her way into the kitchen and after ruffling around in the fridge, found a jug of orange juice and poured herself a glass. She had to admit that it felt a bit weird not seeing Javier's smiling face around, but she quickly shook her head of the thoughts as she remembered why he was gone. It wasn't because he was at work or away on business, it was because he had treated Callie in such a way that was unforgivable. It was for good reason. As Arizona continued to lose herself deeper in thought, she failed to realize that Calliope had now entered the kitchen and was watching her intensely.

After what seemed like forever, but had only really been five minutes, Arizona snapped out of her dreamscape and make eye contact with that Latina. Blushing slightly, she dipped her head and took the last sip of her juice. "I'm sorry," she spoke with a smile, "I kind of lost myself there. And I hope you don't mind," she let the words trail off as she held up her glass and let it speak for her.

A slow smile broke over Callie's features, "Absolutely not. I told you to make yourself at home. Besides, it's only one dish." She let out a small laugh before the two women agreed that they were both ready and made their way out to the car.

James had taken Arizona's car, so the two women opted for the black charger. "Wow, Calliope, I knew this car was nice but I didn't know it was THIS nice." The blonde spoke, running her hands along the almost perfect leather.

"What can I say? I like my cars like I like my…" she let the sentence trail as she and Arizona burst out into laughter.

Girl's day was going even better than both of them had expected. They had already been to at least twenty stores and were now sitting outside of a quaint, yet very popular café, having lunch.

The conversation had flown so freely between the two women before a comfortable silence greeted them both. Callie pushed food around as she lost herself in thought and Arizona contemplated whether or not she should bring up Javier. For the most part of the early afternoon, she had succeeded in keeping the Latina's mind on other things and managed to make her laugh and smile, but now as they sat in silence, Arizona casually glancing across the table, she hesitated in conversation. What do you say to someone who has had their entire world shattered, their heart broken, and everything seemingly torn away from them?

"Calliope?" the blonde questions almost so quiet that Callie barely heard her.

"Hmm?" Callie responded, briefly looking up from her plate.

Arizona moved around in her seat to reposition herself, "How are you feeling?"

The Latina dropped her fork and sighed, "Honestly? Like I'm suspended in time and this isn't my life." She let out a little laugh which only caused Arizona to wear a look of complete compassion. The fact that this woman was strong enough to even try right now amazed her.

"Hey," Arizona reached across the table and took Callie's hand into her own, "I know this is hard and if you want, we can wrap up lunch and call it a day. I would completely understand."

Callie shook her head, "No, no. I don't want that. We have massages in twenty minutes and then, more shopping. I'm looking forward to it. Really, I am. I just," she ran her free hand through her hair; "I'm trying."

"I know you are. And I know that it isn't getting any easier, but as your friend I can tell you to give time. Give yourself time to feel. Get mad, throw things, scream, whatever you need to do to let out what you're feeling." Arizona wore a small smile as she saw that Callie was doing the same.

"Thank you, Arizona. You truly are an amazing friend."

"Of course," her smile grew bigger, "and I'm awesome." The two women shared a laugh and finished lunch while they lost themselves in small-talk. Within a half hour, they arrived at the massage parlor and before long, they were both lying face down on their stomachs, facing each other and receiving the massage of a lifetime. The four of them, (Masseurs' included)chit-chatted until the hour was up.

"Wow, I really needed that." Callie spoke as they made their way to the car.

"You and me both," Arizona sighed, reliving the feeling of the deep tissue massage she had just encountered.

As they walked through the mall, they came across Fredrick's of Hollywood and Callie immediately noticed the look in Arizona's eye. "Arizona Robbins, are you …"

"What? No, I was just looking. They always have cute things in that store and I never buy any, but always want them."

Suddenly, a big smile formed on Callie's face as she grabbed the blonde by the arm, "Come on."

"What? What are we doing?" Arizona asked as she felt Callie drag her into the store.

"We're going to spice up your life a little, Arizona. And when we're done, James won't know what hit him."

As they shopped around, Arizona couldn't help but get a little excited. It had been a long while since she had even thought of doing something like this for her husband. When their relationship first started, she had always done things of this nature, making sure to include candles, soft music, wine, stilettos…the works. Her heart seemed to race as she and Calliope ran around the bigger than usual store like teenagers. After about twenty minutes and Calliope saying no to everything Arizona picked out, they finally agreed on the perfect piece of lingerie. A piece called 'The Audrina Chemise', it fit like a very small and very tight mini-skirt. The body was a beautiful blue satin (to bring out the blonde's eyes, of course), while the very top (across the bust), and the bottom were black lace. The back was lace up and it came with garters and a matching g-string. Arizona had been a bit reluctant, but after she looked herself over in the mirror, she immediately fell in love. This would definitely do the trick.

The women paid for the lingerie and made their way out of the mall, both agreeing to call it a day. The ride home consisted of the two women tossing around ideas about Arizona's big night. Though she would every now and again insist that Callie 'didn't have to do this', Callie would reassure her that she was okay. Just because her life was falling apart didn't mean that the world stopped. After being reassured for the tenth time, Arizona actually found herself excited as they neared their homes. They had gone over the plan at least a dozen times, making sure every single detail was laid in front of them and together, they devised the most amazing idea. Arizona's mind wandered for a moment to thoughts of how Javier could leave such an amazing woman but she was soon brought out of her thoughts as they pulled into the driveway. She grabbed her things and smiled as she saw the Fredrick's bag again.

As Arizona walked across the lawn to her house she looked up and saw her car in the driveway. She looked back at her Fredrick's bag and didn't want to spoil the surprise for James. With that in mind she tucked her bag down into her oversized purse. She got to the door, made sure you couldn't see the bag in her purse, took out her key and unlocked the door walking in quietly. She slipped off her shoes and was going to try to sneak into her room to put up the lingerie away, but James heard her.

"Arizona!"

"Yes honey? You're home early."

"Come here." Arizona made her way into the living room where James was sitting in the recliner waiting for her. "Where in the hell have you been? I was worried sick! I called your phone and you didn't answer. So, tell me. Where were you?"