Back At One

Chapter 15

A/N: Hey yall, sorry it's been a while, but it's my coauthor y0ungalaska's birthday, well still is on her time, just ended on mine and she decided to update. We haven't forgotten yall. I just got a laptop again so maybe we can push this thing forward. (no promises) We love yall. Hope you enjoy =)

I see her brown orbs staring into mine and my breath is taken away. She is stunning. Before I know what's happening, my body takes over and I push her against the nearest wall. My lips press against hers. This is the best kiss I've ever experienced. Her lips fit impeccably with mine. I pull back, for a moment, and look into her eyes. As they meet, I am drawn back in. I open my mouth slightly and she takes advantage, gracefully sliding her tongue in my mouth.

As our tongues tango, I realize how perfect this is. How we fit together so well and I know if I had to spend forever kissing someone, it would be her. There is no other word for describing the way this moment feels: perfect.

Reveling in her taste, the scent of her, her touch. It's all so intoxicating. So much so, that I can feel my head begin to swim. I grip my fingers into the thin fabric of her shirt to make sure that she's with me, that this is real. I feel her body push against mine and I grab her hips and pull her back to the couch. The back of my knees touch the couch and I bend falling to sit with ease. I pull her down on top of me and maneuver sideways where she is laying on top of me. I feel her hands begin to roam and she starts unbuttoning my jeans.

BEEP BEEP BEEP

Arizona jumped at the unwelcome sound blaring through the room. 6:45 am. It was time to get up and get ready for work. She turned her alarm off and wiped at her sleepy eyes. For over a week now she'd had the same reoccurring dream with slightly different endings. They all started the night the two women danced in the living room and ended in one compromising position or another.

Arizona couldn't do anything but try to ignore it. She didn't want to think about why she was having these dreams. She knew at some point she would have to, but did she want that point to be today? She went to the bathroom and washed her face, looking in the mirror trying to brush the dream off. She then went downstairs and was greeted with Callie sitting at the island drinking her coffee and reading the paper.

Callie heard Arizona making her way down the stairs. She laid her paper aside and got up to walk over to the coffee pot. She pulled Arizona's mug out of the cabinet and knowing Arizona hadn't moved, she poured her some coffee and fixed it just the way she liked it.

"Sit down." Callie instructed softly as she heard Arizona shuffle over to the island. "Do you want anything to eat?"

"No thanks, I don't have much of an appetite."

Callie turned to look at her best friend. She took in the bags under Arizona's eyes and she knew that look only occurred at one time. She rounded the island and placed Arizona's coffee in front of her.

"Dreams again?" She asked gently.

"You have no idea."

Callie looked down at her and did the only thing she knew to do which was offer some comfort. She wrapped her arms around Arizona and stepped forward, pulling her tightly to her body.

"You never have to worry; I won't let anything happen to you." Callie placed a chaste kiss on the top of her best friends head.

Arizona shuttered, her thoughts drifting back to the dreams that had constantly been invading her sleep. She looked at the woman in front of her. She was beautiful; stunning, if she were to let her subconscious describe her. She had to be having a superhero complex with her didn't she? She was having these dreams because Callie saved her right? She didn't actually want to kiss the brunette did she? Her mind flooded with the sensation of Callie's lips flush against hers, thanks to her dreams.

"Arizona, are you OK?"

"What? I mean, yeah, I'm OK."

"Are you thinking about something? You looked a little zoned out."

Arizona blushed. She knowingly put her head in her hands hoping Callie didn't notice. "I was just thinking about what I had to get done today at work. End of the week hustle, ya know?"

"Yeah, I understand." Callie answered, pretending not to notice the blush that crept onto the blonde's cheeks. She wondered what was going on in the blonde's mind but knew better than to bring it up. If Arizona wanted to share, then she would.

"I've got to go to the doctor. I'll be home when you get home, I'm sure. I'll make dinner tonight. Do you need anything though? I'm probably going to go shopping while I've got the day off." Callie asked thinking it better to just change the subject all together.

"Yeah, I'm almost out of toothpaste and I want some new heads for my toothbrush."

"OK, simple enough." She smiled and danced out of the kitchen.

"Wait, don't you need to know what kind I need?"

Callie peeked her head back in at the blue eyed beauty giving her an 'are you serious' look. "You use a pink crest spin brush, you like the firm bristles because you feel that if they are soft, they don't get your teeth clean. You like toothpaste that has a minty taste, but it has to say whitening or it's no good. While all of that seems very adult like, you also love the kid's mouthwash that shows where the germs are so you can brush again if you miss a spot. Arizona, I can shop better for you than I can for myself. With all that said, I'm sure anyone would be lucky to kiss you because you take amazing care of your teeth." Callie winked as she finished her speech and walked out of the room leaving a dumbfounded Arizona still sitting in place.

Arizona blushed, yet again, thanking the heavens Callie wasn't in there to witness the embarrassment this time. The idea that Callie knew her so well warmed her heart. She is so amazing, Arizona thought.

Arizona finished the coffee Callie made specifically to her taste and went to put her clothes on to leave for work.

Her day started off slowly and for a while, she didn't have much to do. She couldn't complain though, she loved her slow days. They were few and far between. Arizona leaned back in her chair stretching.

"Arizona!" She jumped at the offending pitch and got up to walk to her boss's office slowly.

"Yes sir?"

"The Carter Mansion, do you know it?"

"Yeah, it's the one Mark brought for us?"

"Exactly. Well, it's yours and we have three clients we think would be interested if you want to give them a call."

"Sure thing, boss. Thank you." She walked over to her desk and pulled up some info on her computer knowing she needed to do a little more research on the house. She pulled what their company and Mark's company knew taking down notes as she went scanned through them. She knew she would want to visit it before she let others view. She grabbed her phone to send a text.

'So guess who got the Carter Mansion?'

'That beautiful agent that went on a date with me?'

'Well, I'm not sure who she is, but does she know you went on a date with me?'

'Oh shut it, want to celebrate? Lunch on me tomorrow. I know you'll have that place sold in no time.'

'I hope so, pick me up around noon?'

'Your wish is my command. Have a good day.'

Arizona jumped and looked around. It was pitch black in her room and when she turned to look at her clock it was off. She lay for a few seconds and realized it was a lot hotter now than it was when she went to sleep. Within seconds, she heard someones footsteps and sat up bringing her knees to her chest. She hoped for the sound of the steps to disappear. She heard her door crack open and she screamed throwing her cover over her face. She felt someone grab her and she tried to push them off.

"Hey, hey, it's just me. Calm down, babe." Callie's voice broke through her fears. She began to slowly calm the tremble that had violently started shaking her limbs.

Callie rocked back and forth holding Arizona to her tightly. As always, it hurt to see her best friend like this. When the shaking subsided she decided to venture into conversation. "Can I ask what it was about this time?"

"I… I don't know Calliope, I just know I felt fear."

"You screamed, which you haven't done in a long time. You said this morning I had no idea about your dreams, will you elaborate?"

"Those are polar opposites. If it was serious, I would tell you, you know that." Arizona looked up at Callie who had sat back taking Arizona in, very obviously looking for some reason to not believe her.

Arizona reached up to brush back a stray piece of hair that had just fallen. Her hand naturally cupped Callie's cheek and she let it linger, probably a bit longer than she should have. She stared into chocolate eyes and was immediately drawn in. . . . Dream. Dream. Dream. She kept telling herself. She leaned in, telling her self it had to be the superhero complex. She grazed the side of Callie's cheek, feeling the smoothness that is Callie's skin under her lips. She rested her chin on the Latina's shoulder pulling her in for a tight hug.

"I'll tell you sometime, I promise." She clinched onto Callie like it would be the last time she hugged her.

"OK, you better. I want to know what is bothering you and when. I don't like for you to be upset or whatever."

"Is it just me or is it burning up in here?" Callie laughed at the sudden outburst from the smaller woman.

"The power went out, which is also why it is so quiet."

"Oh what, is the fiery Latina with the bad attitude afraid of the dark?" Arizona pushed Calliope causing her to almost fall off the bed. Before she knew what was going on, she was being tackled by the brunette and under the intense attention of the brunette's fingers. Arizona's laugh cut through the silence as the 'tickle attack' began. Soon Arizona was apologizing and both ladies laid side by side looking at the ceiling. Before either of them knew it, they had fallen fast asleep.

When Arizona woke up the next day she was snuggled up in Callie's arm trying to keep warm. Obviously through the night the power had kicked back on and the air was blowing full force. Arizona smiled looking up at sleeping Calliope. She believed it was one of the most angelic sights she had ever seen. Arizona tried to wiggle out of Callie's arms without waking her but regrettably woke the sleeping beauty.

Callie blinked a few times then looked around to take in her surroundings. She smiled when her eyes met Arizona's. "I guess I intruded last night."

"Don't be ridiculous. I promise I wasn't complaining." Arizona let the words roll off her tongue without giving it the first thought. She immediately wondered how Callie would take it.

"Good thing then, because I don't think either of us was ready for the air to come back on." She laughed curling up under the covers again. Arizona's phone went off and she rolled over to check it.

'I'll be there to pick you up in thirty, running a bit late. Forgive me?'

'Not a problem, I'll be here.'

Arizona checked the time and realized it was 11:45am. "Shit, I have to get ready!"

"Ready? It's Saturday, you don't have to work."

"I have a . . . umm . . . lunch date with Mark."

"Oh, well let me go so you can get ready. I hope you have a good time." Callie got up and, without saying another word, walked out of the room with her head down. Arizona knew Callie wasn't keen on the idea of her dating Mark, but seeing her walk away like that made her want to hold on to her and never let go. Arizona shook herself of her thoughts and began to get ready. Just as she finished applying her lip gloss, she heard Mark's car in the drive way. She made her way down the stairs, yelled bye to Callie and headed out the door.

The drive to Mark's place was quiet. Arizona kept stealing glances at him. She didn't want to look like she was staring, but in all honesty she was. She was studying the shape of his face, the way his features set. She was studying how handsome he was. He felt her staring and reached over taking her hand into his and smiling.

Mark led her into his house and showed her around. When he had given her the tour, the last stop was the kitchen. Mark told her to have a seat and he would start their meal. Arizona looked around and found there wasn't a seat in the kitchen, so she wasn't sure what to do. She didn't want to go sit in another room of Mark's home without him. It would just be awkward.

Mark watched on as she questioned herself and began to laugh. Before she had a chance to argue, Mark gently hoisted her up in the air and sat her on the counter top. He went to the refrigerator and fixed her something to drink before finishing their lunch. As soon as it was done the pair sat down and enjoyed their meal, conversing about any random topic that came to mind. Arizona honestly saw no reason to not like the man before her. He was sweet, he was charming, and he never seemed too self-centered. He had all the qualities she wanted in a man, but she couldn't get the Latina at home off her mind. They moved from the kitchen to the living room to watch a movie. Mark even let her pick a movie of her choice and didn't remotely object when it was a 'chick flick'.

"Arizona?" Mark moved slightly from the woman laying into his side.

"What is it?"

"I want to kiss you. May I?" Arizona was so shocked at the act that all she could do was smile and nod.

Mark placed his hand on her cheek and slowly leaned forward looking for any signs of doubt. When he didn't see any, he closed the gap pressing his lips against hers lightly. Arizona reached up to deepen the kiss. Mark obliged, cautiously. He didn't want to pressure her. After a few more kisses, Arizona put her hands to his chest and pulled back.

"I'm sorry," Mark said thinking he pushed it.

"Mark, you didn't do anything. It's me. I can't do this."

"Can I ask why, if it's not me? OK, I've been classified as a man whore on many occasions and being turned down is new, yes, but I'm curious as to why."

"Mark, I don't think I should talk about this."

"Is it James?"

"Actually no, it's a lot more complicated than that."

"We are friends right? Well, I would like to be since we aren't going anywhere. I mean, I already know things that others don't know about you given my friendship with Callie. Friend to friend, tell me what's going on. I might be able to help."

"Mark, I don't know if I can."

"Try, I've got nothing but time for you to work it out." Arizona contemplated his offer for a moment and being unsure of how to start, just blurted out the first thing she could think of.

"How do you know if you're falling for someone?"

"Arizona, you have been married before and you loved him, am I correct?"

"Yes, I loved him."

"How did you know you were falling for him?"

"I don't know. I didn't stop to examine it…this is just… new."

"New, how is it…" He let his words trail off and within a few seconds, it all clicked for him. "Arizona."

"Yes?" She said looking down.

"Let me put it this way, love is love no matter what shape it comes in. If someone makes you happy, if you get butterflies, if your heart soars when they look at you, if you look at them and can say you are my forever then you love them. You already know this though, don't you?"

"I do."

"So, Callie?"

"Mark… I don't know. Maybe I'm wrong; maybe I'm just… confused. She saved me from something I never thought I would be able to overcome. She did the impossible. Is it all just some warped form of appreciation?"

"Arizona, take away all that's happened. Don't think of the times spent on that subject. Think of the little things. What things do you notice about her? What things does she notice about you? When you look at her, what crosses your mind? When you plan for the future, are you alone or is she somewhere in it? When she laughs, does your world stop? When you wake up, do you want her by your side?"

Arizona closed her eyes as Mark went through his speech. She could answer all of his questions and they all leaned in Callie's favor, of course. "I woke up next to her this morning and my heart skipped a beat. It was one of the most breathtaking sites I've ever had in front of me. I've had dreams of us being together, but chalked it up to the fact that she is the only person I really spend time with, and even though I know this, I don't see a reason to change it. I'm fine with it just being me and her."

"I think you have your answer, babe."

"What if it's just a silly crush? How do I know I can do it, Mark?"

"Arizona, do you trust her?"

"With my life, literally."

"Then talk to her, let her know how you feel. As far as doing anything? I think you two are more than capable of figuring it out. You will be fine, just talk to her." Mark placed a kiss on Arizona's forehead before standing up and holding his hand out. Arizona put her hand into his and got off the couch, immediately being pulled into a tight hug.

"Let's get you home to your girl."

"Mark, I'm still not sure about this. I need some time. So, don't tell her please?"

"Your wish is my command, pretty lady."