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 Yall, I'm sorry about this story being put on hold temporarily. I haven't had internet since I got out of college. I got lucky and had to work in the hospital tonight. Hopefully I can get around internet more and this wont be put on hold for as long. It still may take some time so just bear with us, please? Life is crazy as I'm sure you all understand. I sincerely hope you enjoy this chapter. Feel free to review and tell us what you think. Thanks for all your support and the love you've shown to us. Much love to you all. - B

A/N: Time and life are not two things that we cannot fight with, but alas, we're back with an update! Thank you to all who are still on board and those who have just started reading! We hope that you enjoy this chapter as much as we enjoyed writing it!

A special dedication goes out to LailaaKirsty! She has been on our butts non-stop for an update and she has no idea how much we appreciate it! So this chapter is dedicated to you! We hope that you enjoy it!

Chapter 9

Callie lay in bed, eyes wide open and staring at the ceiling. After the plea from Arizona to stay with her, the fear in her voice, Callie had slid into bed beside her and watched her carefully. A few times the blonde stirred in her sleep, but not to the point where it became something that Callie needed to intervene in. She would softly run her hand up and down the blonde's back very lightly so to not disturb the bruises and Arizona would fall back to sleep within seconds. This went on for about three hours before Arizona fell into a deep enough slumber that she wouldn't awake until her body was ready to do so. Callie, on the other hand, lay wide awake just watching the blonde as she slept, contemplating different scenarios. Not to mention the events that had just taken place not even six hours prior.

Sighing to herself quietly, she thought about the fact that not even two weeks ago, both women were married, happy and loving life. And now, the two women were sleeping in the same bed and newly single. Albeit for very different reasons, but pain was the underlying factor in both cases. Callie had been so wrapped up in her thoughts about Javier cheating on her, being unfaithful and all the while, Arizona was next door to her going through a hell she couldn't even begin to imagine or understand.

Feeling the blonde shift in her slumber, the Latina rolled over to her side so that she was now facing Arizona. Softly, she removed a blonde strand of hair from the woman's face as she watched her exhale. Even with the incident, the bruises and the sutures, Arizona still held beauty. In sleep, she held onto her innocence and it was something that Callie couldn't help but notice. Her heart hurt for this woman and she wanted nothing more than to wrap her arms around her and pull her in as close as possible, but she thought better against it knowing that it may stir Arizona from her sleep and she, of all people, needed rest.

Around an hour later Callie had turned to face the wall hoping her brain would shut down long enough for her to get at least a little rest, but every move she made she was more than overly aware of. She didn't want to move too much in fear of disturbing the blonde and her injuries. Callie heard a whimper coming from beside her and she turned to face Arizona who was shaking slightly. Callie wasn't sure if it was pain or a dream, but she did know that she didn't want Arizona to wake before she was ready. Callie looked at Arizona's arm and gently began stroking it with her index finger, making small patterns. Upon feeling the touch Arizona immediately calmed down, stopping the noise a little and soon quit the shaking all together.

The rest of the night went on the same. Callie would occasionally glance over at the blonde, making sure that everything was okay and that she was still content in her state of sleep. Well, as content as one could be with everything she had been through. The last thing she remembered was looking at her phone, reading the time of 5:47 in the a.m. and sighing.

She felt someone stir beside her, causing her eyes to open one at a time. Remembering where she was and the reason, she slowly rolled onto her back and stretched out her muscles. Looking to her side, she watched as Arizona moved slowly, trying to get as comfortable as she possibly could without irritating her injuries.

"Hey," Callie spoke in a soft voice.

"Hey," Arizona almost whispered before struggling, but finally getting herself into a sitting position. "I…thank you for staying with me last night."

"Of course Arizona," Callie sat herself up against the headboard and rubbed her eyes before looking at the clock. "Wow, I slept for a total of four hours."

"What?" Arizona asked in shock.

"No biggie. I just couldn't sleep." Callie shifted as she watched Arizona's facial expression tense.

"Callie, you didn't have to watch over me. I'm not helpless." Arizona bit.

"I know that I didn't have to, Arizona, but that's not the point. You asked me to stay with you because you were afraid. Staying with you meant looking after you. I am your friend. That's what I do." Callie answered back, trying her hardest not to play into the anger she knew wasn't really pointed at her.

Arizona dropped her head and sighed, "I'm sorry, Calliope. I really am. I don't… I mean, I didn't," shaking her head, she sighed again as words suddenly failed her. The unshed tears that rimmed her eyes caught Callie's attention and she moved in a bit closer, but stayed far enough away to give the woman her space.

"Hey," Callie spoke as she ran her hand up and down the blonde's back, "don't apologize. I understand, okay? You've just been through hell, Arizona and those feelings are all coming back to you now. I know you're not mad at me." She smiled slightly as she finished her speech.

Arizona looked over and tried her best to give a smile in return. "Thank you, Calliope, for everything."

Callie wanted to change the subject. She knew that she couldn't take the pain away, but she could at least do something to get the smaller woman's mind off of it, "What do you say I make us some breakfast?"

"I'm not really hungry," Arizona sighed as she laid her head back against the headboard.

"Arizona, you have to eat because I need to take your pills. And I refuse to let you starve in my care." The Latina smiled and rose to her feet. "French toast, eggs and bacon sound good?"

Arizona wore a genuine smile. As much as she didn't want to eat or do anything for that matter, she knew that Callie's heart was in the right place. "That sounds great."

Arizona sat on a stool at the island and watched as Callie finished up their meal. Callie looked so at home in the kitchen and Arizona knew from experience that the Latina could cook. So even though hunger wasn't really a present feeling for the blonde, she was still somewhat excited about trying Calliope's breakfast.

"And breakfast is served. " Callie smiled as she placed a plate in front of Arizona.

"This looks amazing, Calliope."

"Thanks, what would you like to drink?"

"Do you have orange juice?"

"Coming right up." Callie giggled and poured two glasses of orange juice and put one in front of Arizona as she carried hers around the island, sitting down on the stool next to Arizona. They began to eat and fell into casual conversation. Both were avoiding the previous night's events talking about high school, college, and their jobs now.

"Wait, Calliope, don't you have work today?"

"No, I took the rest of the week off."

"Callie you really didn't have to do that."

"I know I didn't have to, I wanted to. I own the place it will be ok." Callie winked at Arizona. Arizona smiled back. She was honestly appreciative of this. She wasn't ready to be alone just yet. James was coming back by the house today. Arizona had made the call to Officer Yang and she would be escorting him. Arizona was shook out of her daze by Callie's phone going off. She looked over and watched the Latina look down at her phone, sigh, and then hit the ignore button. Arizona gave her a questioning look.

"My father" She answered curtly. Arizona nodded and they went back to eating and conversing. Not a few minutes later her phone was ringing again. She watched again as the Latina hit the ignore button. This time it wasn't minutes, it was a few seconds before her phone was going off again.

"Ay Dios mio, tienes que estar bromeando!" Callie exclaimed. "Excuse me, I have to take this or he won't stop."

"By all means talk to him, and tell him I said hello." Arizona laughed at her friend and watched her walk into the next room. Callie looked down at the phone not really ready to have this conversation.

"Si Papa?"

"I get this abrupt phone call from you last night giving me a brief description of what is going on and you never call me back to tell me the full story or even if you are ok. As my daughter, Calliope, you should have at least let me know you are ok."

"Dad, I'm fine, we are fine." She says looking back toward Arizona.

"What the hell happened?"

"Short version? Fui a la casa vecina porque estaba triste y sola. Entre para encontrarme la casa hecha un desastre y a mi mejor amiga siendo golpeada salvajemente. Tome la situacion en mis manos. Ella termino con algunas costillas rotas y muchas cortaduras. Ella esta bien pero se esta quedando aqui.. Despues tuvimos que enfrentar al hombre que lo hizo, fue encerrado durante la noche, Cristina lo esta escoltando de regreso a recoger alguna de sus cosas y ella se quedara conmigo, le guste o no."

"Did he hurt you?"

"No"

"Good, well I'm going to have some of my guys watching your house during the day and Javier will be staying with you at night."

"No he will not!" Callie practically yelled. Causing Arizona to come and stand in the door way looking at her.

"Yes, Calliope, he will. You are mi hija and you will be looked after. I don't care what you say this is not up for discussion."

"Soy una mujer adulta. Esta es mi vida. Tu no puedes controlarla. Yo puedo cuidar de mi misma."

"Como ya dije, esto no es algo discutible. Te amo. Adios."

"Quien demonios el se cree que es, llamando y arruinando mi vida de esa manera? I mean es mi vida. I am a grown woman. Yo hare lo que me plazca. Tienes que estar bromeando." Arizona watched from the door way as the Latina paced back at fourth ranting in Spanish. She didn't have a clue what she was saying, but she could tell from the way she kept making eye contact with her that she was ranting to her. She couldn't help but to think the frustrated pout the brunette kept wearing was the most adorable thing. She watched on with shifty eyed confusion until Calliope was done.

"Ok, I'm not sure if now is the right time to tell you that the last time I had a Spanish class was . . . you know honestly I can't even remember exactly when my last Spanish class was, but needless to say I can tell you're upset, but I have no idea what you just said." Callie looked at Arizona and laughed at the blonde's remark causing the blonde to laugh a genuine laugh which was a welcomed sight for Callie. Both women kept looking at each other laughing and had a hard time breathing.

"Oww," Arizona whined holding her ribs and pouting.

"I'm so sorry. Come on let's sit down, you need to rest." Instead of heading to the living room, Callie looked toward the back door and motioned with her eyes non-verbally asking permission. Arizona nodded and the two women went to sit out back by the pool. It was a beautiful morning and they sat in comfortable silence with their feet in the pool. After sitting around for about thirty minutes Callie ventured to ask what she didn't want to.

"So, when is James getting out, or coming by your place tonight?"

"Around four thirty, I believe."

"Are you ready?"

"Not especially, but I've faced him a million times before."

"Can I ask you something?" Arizona hesitated. She had no idea what Calliope would ask her and she wasn't sure she was ready, but something about the woman talking to her made her trust her and want to be open.

". . . Yes" she answered, a bit hesitantly.

"Last night . . . was . . . was that the worst time?"

"I think so . . . usually I black out half way through and wake up in bed because he sobered up and was already taking care of me. I haven't ever had to go to the emergency room. Over the counter stuff at CVS takes care of most of it. He isn't like tha,t Calliope. He is a good man . . . when he isn't drinking. . ." Arizona didn't want to say anymore. There was silence between them and Callie could tell the blonde was deep in thought and hurting. She didn't know what to do, but she knew she wanted to take the woman's pain away. She took her hand and put it on top of her friends. Arizona spread her fingers letting Callie's fall between her own and squeezed taking the comfort the brunette was trying to offer. "Calliope?"

"Yes?"

"I want to go clean up my house, can you help me?"

"Of course, sweetie."

The two women spent the better part of the afternoon and early evening straightening up Arizona's house. There were a few moments where Callie would stop Arizona and get her to breathe. She was moving a million miles a minute and Callie could only assume that it was because, any minute, Cristina would be knocking on the door with James in tow.

"Hey Arizona," Callie called after the blonde who had just finished picking up the last of the broken shards of glass, "how about we take a break? We have all day for this and I know that seeing James is going to be difficult for you…"

"No," Arizona snapped her head up before going back to her task, "I am not weak, Callie. I can handle this situation."

Blinking twice, Callie stood in shock. She knew that Arizona's nerves were on end, but that still didn't lessen the shock of the blonde's words toward her. That was the second time that Arizona had believed that she was viewing her as weak and it was not her intention at all.

"Arizona, I…" Callie let her words trail off as she thought carefully about what she wanted to say. Walking up to the blonde, she placed a hand on either shoulder and brought Arizona's face to her own. "I do not think that you are weak, Arizona. Or broken, or fragile for that matter, but I am worried about you. Ever since we got here, you've been moving non-stop. I am simply worried about your well-being and I want you to be okay. I care about you, okay?"

Arizona nodded firmly before sighing and looking around her house. So many things were running through her head at the moment and knowing that she would be face to face with James in a matter of minutes was wearing on her emotional state. She loved the man. There was no doubt about that, but after the previous night, she wasn't quite sure she could forgive him. Looking down at herself, she took in a sharp breath and the pain she felt in her ribs was a simple reminder of why she couldn't forgive him. But he loved her, didn't he? He was a good man and he loved her, no matter what. She had to believe that because if she didn't, she'd have nothing to believe in otherwise.

Sighing again, she tossed the trash bag to the side and sat down in the chair. Rubbing her eyes she spoke, "I know that I've said this before, but I'm sorry. I don't know what comes over me. One moment, I'm fine and the next it's like I have so much anger built inside of me; I take it out on you. And I shouldn't. You're only trying to help me and I understand that. It's just that sometimes, I don't know, I forget."

Callie smiled. "It's okay, Arizona. I get it. Trust me. And you don't have to keep apologizing. I am the closest person to you right now so I am the prime target…"

"…but you shouldn't be. None of this is your fault." Arizona cut her off.

Just as Callie opened her mouth to respond, the doorbell sounded throughout the house. Callie watched as Arizona's blue eyes met her brown ones and a small amount of fear crossed them. Arizona rose to her feet and breathed out heavily.

It was now or never.

Walking to the door, Callie placed her hand upon the steel knob before exhaling herself and opening the door. She came face to face with James, who was being closely guarded by Cristina and who she had only known as Officer Lewis.

"Callie." Cristina spoke with an all-business tone. Callie nodded as she stepped aside. Her blood was boiling as she watched James walk past her and toward Arizona. Cristina must have picked up on it because she placed a hand on Callie's arm and shook her head slightly.

"Officer Lewis, please tend to the perp and make sure that he doesn't do anything odd. I'll be right outside with Ms. Torres." And with that, the two women stepped outside, but not before Callie made eye contact with the blonde to make sure that she was okay. With a nod of her head, Callie trusted her and made her way outside.

Officer Lewis escorted James upstairs and stood guard as he retrieved his belongings. As the two men made their way downstairs, James stopped short of the door and turned towards Arizona which caused Officer Lewis to place a heavy arm on his shoulder.

Arizona looked between the two men and then, nodded towards the officer to let him know that it was okay and James slowly made his way over to his wife.

"Arizona," he began and when she didn't answer he continued, "I… I am so sorry for this. I didn't mean, I mean, I never meant to hurt you. You know that I love you, right?"

"I do." She answered in an almost whisper.

"And I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make this right between us again. I don't know what I'd do if I lost you. I was," he rubbed his forehead, "I was drunk and I know that it's no excuse, but I was jealous. The thought of losing you was killing me and I took it out on you and I know that my apology isn't going to cut it this time…" He waited, expecting a response but Arizona stood quietly with her arms crossed.

"You've always told me that actions speak louder than words and for once, I actually understand that. So, I've decided to go to counseling. I know that I need help and I'm willing to do this for us."

"You need to do this for yourself, James. Not for us. We are not the problem. It's you and drinking and your insane idea that I would ever cheat on you. If you do this, you need to do it for you. Not for me."

"That's what I mean, for me. I know that I get crazy sometimes and it's never gotten this bad. I don't know what came over me. And then Callie showed up and I just lost it."

"Calliope is not the problem, James. She has nothing to do with this." Arizona was bold in her statement.

James noticed the protection in her voice and forced himself to stay in the moment. It still irritated the hell out of him that his wife was protecting that woman…

"I know, baby. I know." James took a step forward, reaching out which caused Arizona to step back and instinctively flinch. Officer Lewis noticed the movement and made his presence known also voicing that it was about time they left the premises. The couple looked over to him and James heeded his warning and stepped back again. "Will you at least give me the chance to make it up to you? I know that I can be better. I want to be better for you. I am a better man than this, Arizona. You know this." He pleaded his last statement and Arizona failed to answer him. She only watched as the Officer made his way over to her husband and escorted him out of the house.

Callie finished up her conversation with Cristina as she watched the Officer and James exit the house. Anxious to get back inside, she quickly said her goodbye's before making her way to the house.

James stopped directly in front of her, "May I say something to you, Callie?"

Her stance immediately shifted to that of defense, but she didn't speak a word.

He cleared his voice, noticing as Cristina made her way beside the Latina. "About last night, I am truly sorry. I've never in my life acted out that way and I just wanted to apologize to you because you didn't deserve it. As I told Arizona, I am going into counseling and I do hope that someday soon we can put this behind us."

Staring into this man's eyes, Callie silently made her decision before turning to Cristina, "I'm going to check on Arizona." She side-stepped James and made her way inside. She had heard his words, but failed to see the truth behind it in his eyes. Calliope was a people reader and what she saw in his eyes were complete lies. Whatever he had said to Arizona, she could almost bet that they were lies, but she would not voice that opinion to the blonde. Already, she was treading on thin ice and she would not be the one to break that ice.

Her first priority was to make sure that Arizona was both safe and well and that was the only thing on her mind.

She walked in and stood in the door way watching Arizona. The blonde looked broken, but she knew if Arizona was to see her she would quickly change her posture and attitude. Callie knew she needed to have a break down, no matter how small, she knew she needed to let it out. So, even though she wanted to rush to Arizona's side she just sat back and watched as Arizona backed into the couch, sat down, put her head in her hands, and began to cry. After five minutes of watching this, she walked in slowly and sat down on the couch beside Arizona. She watched as Arizona flinched and sat up trying to wipe away her tears. Callie just pulled Arizona carefully into her and let her break down again. She carefully ran her fingers through her hair careful not to pull on her stitches.

"Arizona, are you scared of him?"

"Yes and no."

"Do you think you need to get a restraining order?"

"What?" Arizona was shocked that Calliope even suggested this. James was her husband. Callie just watched as the shock spread over her face.

"Arizona, he did this to you. You need to protect yourself. Did you even press charges?"

"No, Calliope. I did not."