Disclaimer: This is AU. I do not own any of the characters from Grey's Anatomy. I just manipulate them to my will. Also, any line or phrase or setting that seems remotely familiar from any other show, movie or book, also not mine. I borrow…
AN: Just want to reiterate AGAIN that I have no idea how the Olympics work back stage. I've tried searching for information about regulations and lodging and down time and drug testing but it seems the IOC is pretty tight lipped about that stuff. Anyways, that being said, I am using the format for competition from the 2008 games, were softball was still in the Olympics. And I was able to find a few pics of the Olympic Village (where the athletes, coaches, and staff stay). That being said, it's still pretty vague so I am claiming literary license. Also… it's been years since I've been to London so again, I'm going off of what I find online. If anything is incorrect, please forgive me. Thanks. Now Enjoy!
Chapter 22
"Ok… Ok… Just breathe. Just breathe, you're alright…" Arizona mumbles to herself as she tries to keep calm. Fellow teammates and passengers are getting situated all around her, but blue eyes remain clamped shut. The blonde's stomach has been in knots since waking up and even though it's nearing noon, she hasn't eaten a single thing. Though last night's activities and unknown amount of white wine mixed with occasional shots of tequila probably hasn't helped matters, Arizona Robbins fear of flying has crippled her body.
Callie is one of the last on the team to board, and as she moves down the aisle into coach, she finds a very pale looking Arizona. When they woke up this morning, the catcher tried to gauge the woman's memory of last night's… happenings. But it seemed like her roommate had bigger things on her mind, namely trying not to throw up into her suitcase. And seeing Arizona like this right now is only making Callie more nervous. But just as she is about to reach the vacant seat next to the scared woman, Lexie Grey plops down in it and starts buckling up.
Twenty minutes later and most of the airplane is full, passengers seated and buckled up ready for takeoff. Arizona has continued her slow, steadying breathing and continues to mumble calming words to herself. She even chances a peek out the window, the skies of Miami grey and foreboding. It didn't help matters that their flight was delayed several hours due to weather, and now all the blonde can think about is that this big tin can will be flying straight into the eye of some sort of tropical hurricane. Because really… the only thing missing in her life right now is a freak plane crash. That would put the cherry on the sundae.
From the opposite side of the cabin, and three rows back, Callie strains in her seat to try and get a peak at Arizona but all she can see is the back of her head. Lucy Fields has been chatting non-stop for the past few minutes, content with the occasional hums and mumbled words from her captain to keep going. But the Latina hasn't really been listening, instead her thoughts remaining squarely with the woman just out of eyesight.
When the flight attendant starts moving down the aisle, making sure everyone is strapped in, Callie's instincts take over and bolts from her seat. She crosses the middle aisle of seats and approaches Arizona's and Lexie's bench from behind.
Tapping Lexie softly, getting her attention without disturbing the meditating woman next to her, Callie says "How about you and I switch?" Little Grey bits her lip, looking back at the vacated seat across the way. Knowing her teammate is a very strict rule follower, the Latina adds "She asked about our teams stats and… well, you know, you're better than the playbook. Thought you could maybe help her out." A smile crosses Lexie's lips, happy that her captain thought of her when a member of their team needed help.
"Sure." Little Grey says, collecting her paraphernalia and moving further back into the cabin. Only when Arizona feels the presence of a different body, a warmer, more inviting body, does she open her eyes again. Next to her, instead of Lexie, she finds a goddess smiling back at her.
"You're… You're not Lexie." Arizona mumbles, peeking over her shoulder to try and find were her neighbor just disappeared to.
"You're very observant, Dr. Robbins." Callie replies playfully in hopes to ease the anxiety of the blonde. "We switched. I thought maybe you could use some… company." The roar of an engine starting up cuts the blonde's witty comeback off, Arizona's body tensing and her hands gripping the armrests. "Looking a little pale there, Battleship."
"Next time I decide to get drunk… shoot me." The blonde growls, her stomach clenching and head pounding just at the thought of another drink. A deep chuckle finds Arizona's ears and she looks over to find her captain laughing to herself. "What's so funny?"
"I thought Arizona Robbins doesn't get drunk. …She gets awesome." Torres replies, the chuckle morphing into a full on belly laugh when blue eyes roll in their socket. The plane starts to taxi along the runway, stopping just at the end and prepares for takeoff. Vibrations from the engine revving jolts through the cabin and the blonde tenses even more. "Not a fan of flying I guess."
"I can handle flying." Arizona replies, taking a deep breath and forcing her eyes back open. Turning her head to the side and meeting warm, concerned brown eyes, she adds "It's the crashing and burning I'm not too fond of." Just then, the captain lets go of the breaks and their plane starts to barrel down the run way. The pitcher hand that was clenching the armrest between Arizona and Callie lets go and finds the Latina's. Dark eyes drop to the neutral zone between them, their joined hands a sight that makes Torres's heart smile. Even if she had something to say, Callie wouldn't be heard over the rumble of the plane around them so instead the Latina squeezes Arizona's hand back, letting the blonde know she is there.
Only when the plane starts to level off, G's lifting off their stomachs and the roar of the airplane fighting gravity, does Arizona realize she is crushing her catcher's hand. "Oh uh… so-sorry…" The blonde mumbles, letting go of the tanned hand that was her life raft for a very long and stressful minute.
Callie smiles, keeping her arm on the armrest even though the other woman pulled away like she had the plague, and says "I wasn't complaining." Arizona doesn't respond but just gives a forced smile and then opens her notebook in her lap. Right there Callie knows that that is her sign to lay off, so instead of pushing, the Latina pops her ear buds in her ear and cranks up her tunes, preparing for a long, and possibly awkward flight.
About five hours into the flight, Callie slinks down the narrow aisle and retakes her seat after successfully using the tiny bathroom. When she left, Arizona seemed to be asleep but now bright blue eyes lock onto brown as the Latina reaches their bench. The blonde sends her catcher a dimpled smile before turning her gaze back out the window, large fluffy clouds looking like marshmallows being cut by the plane's wings.
"You're looking better." Callie says as she retakes her seat. "Doesn't look like you're about to pass out at any second." She adds, sending the blonde next to her a playful wink. A blush rips across Arizona's face, and the butterflies in her stomach start to flutter away. Broken images of last night play across her vision, and she's not sure which are real and which are the products of dreams dripping with alcohol.
"Last night…" The pitcher starts, chewing on the inside of her cheek and trying to force herself to meet Torres's gaze. "…we… we didn't…" Callie doesn't say anything, wanting to know what exactly Arizona remembers without any help. "Did we umm…" Cerulean orbs lock onto warm chocolate and a wave of embarrassment washes over the blonde. "I made a complete ass out of myself, didn't I?"
A quiet chuckle turns plump lips up into a smile, Callie can't help finding Arizona's unbearable cute right now. "Complete? Nah. …Maybe just a little ass."
"Awesome." Robbins growls, a hand rubbing roughly at her face.
"So you… you don't remember? …Anything?" The Latina asks softly, her hope at ever getting that date with the woman deflating.
"Umm…" Arizona lets out a nervous laugh, that scene playing through her mind again. "I remember… some things, yes." Torres just nods as she twirls a lock of raven hair around her index finger. It's the one nervous tick she hasn't been able to break, stemming from all those awful years as the weird girl in elementary and middle school.
"Mainly making an ass out of myself." The blonde adds, shaking her head in embarrassment. This confuses the Latina and Callie glances to the woman seated next to her. Blue eyes lock with brown and Arizona adds "So I wanted to say I'm sorry. …You know, for ummm, for asking you to uhhh… well, thank you for turning me down. And I'm sorry that I put you in that position. I know it's… it's kind of complicated and confusing between us. I shouldn't have asked you to have sex with me last night. It was wrong and… unfair of me. So, I'm sorry."
Callie's shoulders slump, all hope fading from her body. Even though she knows it was wrong to expect a drunken woman to stand by her word, Torres somehow feels jilted. Arizona said yes. She said it. After all the craziness that had happened between them, the drama and the yelling and the stolen kisses… Arizona said yes. And then… with a night's worth of sleep, all that was taken away.
"It's…" Callie has to clear her throat to swallow all her emotions. She doesn't want Arizona to know how let down she is, because the only thing worse than Arizona not knowing she said yes is Arizona knowing she said yes and taking it back, having to say it was just the alcohol talking. Or the hormones that were raging between them. That would hurt more than anything.
"It's nothing. No big deal. You were ummm, you were drunk. It's alright." Turning to meet Arizona's gaze again, the Latina puts on her best fake smile. "Been in your shoes many times so… don't even worry about." The Latina's gaze quickly falls from the blonde's, not able to keep that lock without her true feelings threatening to fall from her eyes.
It'd be so easy to leave it at that, for Arizona to apologize for propositioning Callie and ignore the other elephant in the cabin. To just forget that Callie had asked her out again, and that Robbins had said yes. It'd be easy. Blame it on the alcohol. But the thing is… despite how messy and complicated it is, despite the rules and the pressure and the awful history Arizona has with anything remotely having to do with romantic relationships… she really really meant it when she said yes.
"I just…" Arizona starts again, but Callie isn't able to meet her gaze. So the blonde reaches over into the Latina's lap and takes a fidgeting hand in hers. "I hope your offer for our date still stands. …Because I'm really looking forward to it." Torres's neck snaps at the speed her head turns to look at the pitcher. A small smile makes its way onto pink lips as Arizona watches the defeat fade from Callie's face. "Just to warn you, I'm not an easy date. I need to be wooed. …Up for the challenge, Boss?"
In a millisecond all those feelings of hope comes rushing back to the Latina, a smile growing wider than ever before pulls at her lips. "Yeah… Yeah, definitely." The catcher squeezes Arizona's hand before the blonde pulls away just as Cristina Yang comes walking down the narrow aisle. They share a smile, one that lasts until the captain's seat is bumped into by the refreshment cart, breaking their contact. Nerves prickle in the pit of both women's stomachs for entirely different reasons. Callie knows that she has one shot at this, at their date. Being on foreign soil doesn't help much, at least in Miami she had home court advantage. But the Latina is dead set on making their date the best first date in recorded history.
As Callie gives her drink order, blue eyes turn back out to the passing clouds, the sun still high in the sky which further messes with the blonde's internal body clock. Arizona tries not to think about her past, but instead of enjoying the present. She has so much working for her these days, hell… she's on a plane bound to London for the Olympics. She gets to represent her great country in a worldwide competition. Arizona should be proud. She got asked out by, what is arguably, the most beautiful woman in the world. …On multiple occasions. She should be ecstatic. But… there is so much hurt in her past that it's hard to think the future will be any different. Arizona wants to believe that not everything she touches will fall apart, that there is some sort of happiness out there waiting for her. It's just hard sometimes.
But when the sound of a goddess laughing her warm, heart filled laugh catches her attention, Arizona looks over at her catcher and finds that earth shattering smile. She watches as Callie chats and laughs with the flight attendant, offering some sort of joke or comment that makes the stranger laugh. The way warmth exudes from the strong and shapely woman is almost enough to give the blonde hope. And when a tanned hand places a cup of ginger ale on Arizona's tray, a deep chocolate wink being sent her way, Arizona thinks that maybe this is the happiness that was waiting for her. Maybe this woman, a woman who she would have never met had not all the terrible things happened in Arizona Robbins life happened to her, is the light at the end of the long, dark tunnel. …Then again, maybe it's not the end of the tunnel. Maybe that light isn't the sun. Maybe that light at the end of the tunnel is, in fact, an oncoming train. …Maybe.
The next few days pass by the women in a blur. The excitement, mixed with nerves and the remnants of jet lag are all anyone feels as they get settled in Olympic Village. Team USA are allotted four suites within the complex, being neighbors with other USA teams as well as a host of other nationalities all around. The mood around the area, and London in general, is buzzing. Everyone can't wait for the Games to kick off, and for the people of the world to watch as their greatest athletes compete in the most glorious off all competitions.
The morning of the third day they are there, Team USA is taking the field for a scheduled practice. Sixteen teams have to share just two fields, so practice times are strictly enforced. Webber is sure to use up every minute in hopes of working out as much of the nerves as his team can. When his team stepped onto the field the first day in London, all eyes went wide at the sight of the complex. They are definitely not in Oklahoma anymore. Professionally cared for grass, expertly drug dirt. Bases so white that you need a pair of sunglasses to look at them. Even those who have played college ball, who made it to the national championships, are in awe. This is their stage. This is where they are going to become a part of history.
But now some of that shock has dissipated, the women are working on their skills. Hunt is barking commands and sending ground balls left and right, players moving with practiced ease to field them and fire them around the horn. Shepard is stationed at the practice nets where a couple players are taking their turns getting some cuts in. And Coach Sloan stands, bouncing on the balls of his feet, as he watches his top two pitchers work with their catchers. Both blondes are feeling good, and Callie is feeling like she is at home in this Olympic arena. It just… fits. And she knows that bodes well for everyone.
Signaling for a drop, Callie hops up onto her toes and gets set. Arizona winds up and sends the ball flying, it's trajectory tipping down just as it nips the bottom edge of the batter's box. Any batter from any team would have difficulty chasing a pitch like that.
"Nice." Mark states evenly. "Looking good Blondie."
"Thanks Coach." Arizona replies, then sets up and sends another heater to her catcher, the sharp smack of leather hitting leather ringing like music in Callie's ears. The two haven't really talked since their flight together, but whenever they catch the other staring at them, they share a smile typical of love drunk middle schoolers.
"Bring it in, ladies!" Webber hollers when their practice time is drawing to a close. When his team circles around him, he continues "Alright… just to keep everyone in the loop, the eight teams this year are us, Poland, Russia, Brazil, Japan, the Netherlands, Canada and Great Britian." As their coach lists their opponents, everyone start to stack up the teams against their own, figuring out who is the greatest threat.
"First round is a round robin, with the top four teams moving on to the next round. That means we will be playing 7 games in four days so I shouldn't have to tell you to keep yourselves healthy. Stay on sidewalks, don't eat anything questionable, make sure you drink water, all that jazz alright?" Again all his players nod in agreement. "Now… tomorrow is the opening ceremony. You all have your uniforms, and know where to be and when. So, as long as you all promise not to do anything stupid, like leap off the Tower Bridge, you're dismissed."
"Wait… like, we can leave?" April asks with a smile on her face and bouncing excitedly.
"As long as you take care of yourselves, get Karev and Avery to give you your treatments, get some sleep… yes. You are free to do as you wish until you ladies are due at Opening Ceremony tomorrow afternoon." Webber states, a smile growing on his face as the news filters into the minds of his team. For too long they have been all about work and no play, but now that they are this close he figures a little freedom right now will be exactly what his team needs to overcome the nerves and get them focused again once competition starts.
The team breaks up, everyone eager to pack up and get back to their rooms to shower and change before striking out and exploring London. Callie hangs back, slowly packing her gear away in her bag and chatting with Sloan. After dropping her stuff off in USA's storage unit, the Latina shuffles off to the small training room within the softball complex and gets in line. Both Alex Karev and Jackson Avery work quickly at getting the women what they need, whether it's some STEM therapy for a tired muscle, or an ice pack for an achy joint. Arizona quickly fills one of the metal high metal bath tubs with ice and turns on the cold water tap, blue eyes finding the captain that just entered the area.
Robbins quickly strips her sweaty shirt and dirty shorts, then lowers herself into the frigid waters. The ache in her shoulder starts to lessen, as well as the overall weariness of her body. She closes her eyes as the pain starts to set in, but it's a pain that will help in the end. At least this pain is physical.
Once Callie gets her knees wrapped, large bags of ice under layer after layer of plastic wrap freezing her tired joints, the Latina shuffles over to the shaking blonde.
Tapping Arizona on the shoulder, blue eyes snap open and immediately find the catcher's gaze. "H-hey…" Arizona stammers, teeth chattering as she nears the four minute mark of her torture.
"Hi." Callie replies, then sits on the lip of another tub and repositions her own treatment. "So… guess we have a free day today." Dimples pop as Arizona smiles. "Kind of reminds me of senior skip day." She adds. When the blonde's brow furrows in confusion, Callie explains "You know, at the end of your senior year everyone just skips school one day and goes to a carnival or amusement park… And it's not like you can get in trouble for it, because everyone does it. …Didn't you have that?"
"No. No, I graduated in Italy. It's kind of hard to skip school when your school is on a Navy base." The blonde answers, adding yet another layer of unknown for Callie to try and peel away.
"Anyways…" Callie drawls, suddenly feeling very nervous. She already got her yes, and what's better is the fact that Arizona remembered she said yes. But then why does it feel like she's asking all over again.
Plucking up her courage and putting on her best confident smile, Torres asks "Would you like to go with me? Today?"
"Are you cashing in on our date?" Arizona asks playfully.
"Yes. Yes, I am." The Latina answers, a weight lifting from her shoulders at the fact that Arizona didn't cut her down immediately. "I mean… it's not like I have anything planned. But, I don't know… we could just explore London together. Do all those goofy touristy photos. …Maybe get you one of those big British flag hats to wear."
"Just me?" The blonde questions, blue eyes shining in amusement.
"I sure as hell ain't wearing one of them!" Callie replies, making both laugh out loud and drawing the attention from the few teammates left within the training room, namely Erica Hahn. Brown meet steel blue and Callie doesn't miss the snarling of crooked lips before Hahn is able to cover her emotions with a blank expression.
Lowering her voice, Callie turns her attention back to Arizona, the woman too preoccupied from the freezing bath to notice the quick exchange between two ex-best friends. "So… yes? You and me? London?" The catcher asks.
"Yeah, definitely."Arizona states, a big, if chattering, smile on her face.
"Ok, great. So I'll ummm… I'll meet you in, say… an hour and a half?" Torres asks, backing out of the room, but not before nervously bumping into a table, and then a chair. The catcher wants to smack herself for being so clumsy, but there is something about the smile that Arizona is giving her that makes all her muscles and limbs go all jelly like.
"See ya then, Boss." Robbins replies, sending the jittery woman a wink that makes Callie blush brightly. With one last bump into the door jam, Torres smiles and waves, then cuts her losses and leaves, but not before hearing the signature giggle of Arizona Robbins.
"You about ready?" Teddy calls from the bathroom of their little apartment in Olympic Village, Arizona rifling through her very small wardrobe she packed in her suitcase as she tries to find something to wear on her date.
The apartment is small, made up of two bedrooms that house two twin beds each, and a central living area. It's much like what the women stayed in during the long weeks of summer practice, but only smaller. Much smaller. And instead of having two bathrooms for four people, they only have one. But… considering how many people this complex has to hold, it works. Plus no one plans on spending too much time in their rooms doing anything other than sleeping.
Teddy comes striding back into their shared bedroom and finds a half naked blonde mumbling to herself. "You alright?" She asks, pulling a t-shirt out of her own bag and quickly changing.
"Huh? Oh, yeah… I'm good." Arizona replies, then decides on a pair of denim shorts.
"So, Addison was thinking we'd start at the far side of the city and work our way back over." The first baseman says after a beat of silence. "So far it's us, Addison, Naomi, maybe Bailey. Kepner and Avery. …I think there is something going on there, don't you?" When Arizona doesn't reply, Teddy keeps rambling. "Karev, maybe Hunt. …Do you have any money yet? I don't. I need to get some. Will our atm cards work here?" Still, all she gets is silence from a distracted Robbins, and this raises a couple flags in Altman's brain. "Arizona… Arizona!"
"What?" The blonde asks, whirling around to face her roommate. "What's up, Teds?"
"Are you about ready to go? You've spent an hour staring at four tops." The taller woman states, a smile puling at her lips.
"Umm… you guys go without me." Arizona says, turning back to her miniscule wardrobe and settling on a light, long sleeved light blue top.
"You're not staying here, are you?" Teddy asks, even though she is pretty sure she knows the answer already.
"No." Robbins answers shortly.
"Then..." Altman drawls, pieces fitting together in a second. A smile forms on her face and she asks "You and Torres finally pull your heads out of your asses?" Blue eyes whip around, a look of shock on Arizona's face being all Teddy needs in confirmation. "Bout time… Really, Addison and I have been waiting for it to happen."
"We… we're not… that's not what-" Arizona starts to babble but the hard look from her friend stops her in her tracks. "It's just a… date. That's all. Not even a real date. I mean… we're in London, for god's sakes! Who has their first date in London?"
"Londoners." Teddy answers pointedly but Arizona chooses to ignore it.
"It just… we're going sightseeing. …Together. …Alone. …Oh god, this is a date, isn't it?" The pitcher mumbles, those nerves and butterflies coming back tenfold. "No. No, nothing to worry about." Teddy laughs, loving this little show of panicky Arizona.
Grabbing her bag, checking to make sure she has everything, Teddy says "We'll you two kids have fun. I'll see you later." With that, the tall blonde starts out of the bedroom but stops at the threshold. Turning back, she adds "Hang a sock on the doorknob if you two decide to do some pound caking." Altman narrowly avoids a flying shoe aimed at her face, laughing as she crosses the living area and exits their quaint, temporary apartment.
Twenty minutes pass and Arizona changes her top five more times, finally settling back on the first light blue shirt she started with. She repacks her small, drawstring back pack twice just to make sure she has everything she needs before a rapping on the door makes her jump. She is the only one left in their apartment, both Yang and Meredith Grey having left within moments of getting back to the complex, so she exits her bedroom and crosses the clean living room.
Pulling open the door, her breath is taken away by the beauty that stands on the other side. That megawatt smile is on full display, silky shining hair flowing down in natural waves, long legs encased by perfectly fitting dark wash jeans, and a chest just aching to bust out of the stretched black top. Strong arms are on display as Callie has her sleeves scrunched up to just below her elbows, and in her hand is a perfectly folded origami flower.
"Hi." The Latina states after they both take a couple seconds to cruise the other up and down. As dark eyes follow long, smooth legs that seem to go on for miles, she is sure she'll need a mop to clean up all of her drool. How she never knew she had a thing for women's legs all these years, she'll never know. But Callie Torres is thankful that she can fully appreciate the sheer perfection of Arizona's in this moment, because really… Arizona's legs deserve to be gawked at.
"Hi." Arizona replies, pulling dark eyes back up to her face, but not before lingering a beat at the nice view of milky white breasts the plunging neckline of the light blue v-neck allows.
"Hi." Callie breathes out, all words leaving her mind.
"You said that already." Robbins teases, giggling slightly at the absurdity of the two of them in this moment.
"Right… Umm… Here." The Latina states, holding out the origami flower for the blonde. "I… I tried getting you the real thing but I couldn't find any."
"This is better." The pitcher replies, taking the flower and playfully smelling it. "It never dies. …Give me one second and I'll be right back." Hurrying back to her room, she places the flower on her bedside table and grabs her bag. One last check to make sure they have everything and Arizona exits the apartment, locking it behind her. Sharing an equally nervous look, they both turn and head for the stairs, anxious to start this date and find out where it will lead.
After a couple hours of walking around, making small talk and just taking in the new city, the couple end up at the London eye. Arizona stands at the base and turns her head upwards, that queasy feeling coming back to her just like it did during takeoff. Callie steps up next to the blonde, two tickets in hand, and follows her gaze up.
"It's not flying…" Callie states matter of factly.
"It's still… high." Arizona replies, getting dizzy and having to look back down to center herself.
"I thought it was the crashing and burning part you were afraid of. …Not the height." The Latina muses, running a hand down the pitchers back, playing across her hip and finding a hand before tugging the shorter woman into line.
Blue eyes survey the very large Farris wheel, and the waterway directly behind it. "Not a real big fan of crashing and drowning either…" The deep chuckle that falls from plump lips is too much for the blonde, and her dimples finally peek through. At the front of the line Callie hands over their two tickets and they step into one of the glass enclosed capsules. It's packed pretty well but they are able to get a piece of property right at the edge. Fair hands grip at the handlebar running around the cabin, knuckles turning whiter and whiter the higher they ascend along their path.
At about halfway up, Callie steps up behind the blonde and wraps her arms around the pitcher. Arizona relaxes instantly but keeps her grip on the bar in front of her. "Relax, Battleship." Callie whispers right into the other woman's ear, a shiver running down Arizona's spine in response. "I got you."
Leaning back into the larger woman's embrace, Arizona finally lets go of the bar and enjoys the view. From the very top they can see all of London, even the Olympic Village is visible far off in the distance. Callie wrangles another tourist couple to take a picture of her and Arizona, the skyscape of London behind them as a backdrop. Once back on terra firma, the duo head across the river and explore Westminster Abbey along with the throng of other sight seer's. At one point Arizona reaches over and grasps a tanned hand in hers, intertwining their fingers and marveling at how well they fit together. Callie doesn't mention it, but just smiles and squeezes tighter, keeping the blonde from pulling away.
During their outing, Arizona points out an open aired bakery and pulls Callie towards it, insisting that the best way to explore another city is through its food. They settle on two different things and take them to go as they continue their walk towards Buckingham Palace.
Taking a bite of her pastry, Callie emits a moan of pleasure that makes Arizona stop and look. "Wow… this is so good. You have to try this." The Latina insists, holding out the treat for the blonde to take a bite.
Her brow furrows, but she opens her mouth and takes a bite, her eyes rolling back in her head as soon as the sugary treat touches her tongue. "Oh my god…" She groans in a tone very similar to that of the Latina's.
"Good, right?" Callie asks, taking another bite while making sure to save enough for Arizona to have the last bite.
"It's like eating a fat angel." The blonde states, and right there Torres loses it. What starts as a giggle morphs into a chuckle, and then finally a full body laugh. Callie doubles over, her boisterous laugh catching the attention of everyone passing while Arizona giggles at the way her catcher is making a fool of herself. Every time Callie tries to get a hold of herself, she finds the dimpled grin staring at her and her mind replays what Arizona just said, and it's just as hilarious as the first time.
Tears stream down both faces as they keep goading each other on into another fit of hysterics. Arizona is sure that someone by now has called the police to come have two crazy women locked up, but she doesn't care. This is the first time in what seems like months that she has laughed. Like… actually laughed until she cried. Laughed until she couldn't breathe, until no sound comes from her mouth so she starts clapping her arms like a retarded seal. All the while, Callie is right in front of her, matching the blonde in her antics, a bright red flush coloring tanned cheeks and that megawatt smile shining for all of London to see.
"Ow…" Callie cries as the last wave of laughter starts to leave her body. She clutches at her side, a stitch so strong it makes her wince, while trying to suck in much needed oxygen. "Oh my god, you're killing me. Don't ever say that again." She tells the blonde who is mopping at her eyes, blue sparkling bright in the sunlight. Their breathing stabilizes and they fall into the sheepish silence, both looking at the other before bashfully looking away when caught.
Arizona's dimples, mixed with the still watery eyes and shining golden hair is just too much for Callie, and she reaches out to grab the light blue fabric of the pitchers shirt and pulls her in closer. Without a word, painted red lips dip down and find sugar tainted pink lips. Arizona wraps her arms around the taller woman's neck, pulling Callie in closer and deepening the kiss.
When they part, the catcher holds up the remaining bite of the tasty pastry and moves it towards Arizona's lips. The blonde opens her mouth but instead of feeding it to Robbins, Callie smears the sweet frosting over the woman's top lip, making Arizona laugh out loud.
"Oops…" Callie teases, giving a shrug of her shoulders while smiling at the woman who still has her arms wrapped around her. "Here, let me get that…" She purrs before moving back in and licking up the frosting before kissing the blonde again. To any passerby the couple would seem like a regular couple. Two women falling for one another, no weight of an entire nation on their shoulders, no pain, no nasty history. And to that person who raises their phone and snaps a picture, that's exactly what they think they are capturing.
The sun starts to set over the city of London and Arizona and Callie find a quiet little table outside at one of the many quaint restaurants that line one of the many river side streets. Both are worn out from walking around the grand city, and gladly await a delicious meal. Even though Arizona was nervous about this date, she is very thankful she said yes… and stuck to it. Seeing the sights, getting to spend some quality time with Torres has been just what she needed. The way the Latina is able to lift her spirits, say the right thing, or make the right move at just the right time is extraordinary. From the way the catcher hugged the blonde in the Eye, to kissing her at the apex of a romantic bridge, to acting like a complete idiot in hopes of getting one of the royal guards to smile… Arizona has seen a whole new side to the woman. And she likes it.
Callie watches as the blonde across from her stares off into the night, a breeze billowing golden hair and the faintest of smiles barely bringing those dimples to life. Londoners and tourists alike flock past them, bright double-decker buses and taxis fly up and down the street, and in the distance is the illuminated Tower Bridge sets the romantic scene. Even though there are so many sights to see, so much history to absorb and things to experience around her, the Latina can't pull her attention away from Arizona. She is a natural wonder in herself, and Callie finds something new and breathtaking about the blonde with each movement, each breath, and each word that falls from those deliciously perfect lips.
Only when the waiter returns with their glasses of wine, red for Callie and white for Arizona, does the pitcher realize she was lost in her own little world. "Sorry…" She whispers, blushing slightly and taking a sip of her drink. "You could have poked me."
"It's ok…" Callie replies, her eyes trained to the smooth neck as the blonde swallows her beverage. "…I was enjoying the view too."
Turning to look back out at the passing city in front of them, Arizona says "I never realized how much I missed traveling. Seeing new places? Soaking in the culture and the history? It's amazing."
"Did you move a lot?" Callie asks, sensing a perfect opportunity to delve a little deeper into Robbins past.
"Yeah, when my dad was active duty. Nine installations in just thirteen years. …My mom hated it." Arizona answers without even thinking about it. "But it was an amazing way to grow up. Not many people can say they've lived on every continent by the age of 12. …It was kind of sad when my dad retired, knowing that we wouldn't be moving on to the next station. Scary even, because we were stuck where we were. Not that Maryland wasn't a nice place for my parents to settle down, but… it's no Hawaii or Japan."
"What about you?" Callie asks. "Where do you call home these days?"
Taking a deep breath, Arizona replies "Well, before… everything… I was living in Baltimore, Maryland and completing my residency at Johns Hopkins. But now? Well… this table is as much home to me as anywhere else." She tries to keep the cynicism from her tone, but somehow it still manages to seep in. Forcing a cheerful smile on her face, the blonde turns the question back onto Callie. "What about you?"
"Miami, born and raised." The catcher states. "Even went to college there… you're a lot more interesting than I am, I guess." She laughs, then takes a sip of wine. Blue eyes stare at her, Arizona waiting for more but Callie doesn't offer. Setting her glass back down, the Latina sees the expectant look on the blonde's face and asks "What?"
"More." Arizona states pointedly.
"More…?" The catcher drawls in confusion.
"Yeah, tell me more." The blonde says matter of factly. "You know all these things about me but all I really know about you is that… you live in Miami, you play softball like a Haus, and you used to have a unibrow."
"Hey!" Callie snaps, looking around her to see if anyone had overheard. Lowering her voice and leaning over the table to whisper to Arizona, she adds "I told you that in confidence." Arizona just giggles but doesn't respond; instead crossing her arms and waits for the Latina to continue. "Fine. Ok, I have a sister. Older by four years. She has a husband and a family which makes my parents extremely happy while I on the other hand 'throw a ball around a field of dirt'. At least… that's what my father says anyways. He wants me to follow him into the family business but-"
"You want to open your own restaurant." Arizona cuts in, remembering that little factoid from their game of one on one.
"Right. But… that's right up there with being a softball player." Callie adds, taking a large swallow of her drink. "I don't know… sometimes I wonder if I could ever make my parents happy. It seems everything I do is a total let down to them. And they only know the half of it." Arizona's eyes narrow in confusion, silently asking what they don't know about that would make them even more disappointed but the Latina isn't about to get into that mess just yet. Or ever, if she has anything to say about it.
"Are they coming here for the Games?" Robbins asks as their food appears, delicious smells wafting up from the two beautiful plated meals set before them.
"Hell if I know. My Dad is all about business and my mother is all about… whatever the latest thing is. She cares more about her image than taking time out of her schedule to see me." The catcher answers. "What about your folks?"
Arizona lets out a bark of laughter. "Yeah, right." She growls sarcastically. "Get those two on the same plane and the cabin pressure would make it blow up like Pearl Harbor on December 7th. …The pilot would fly into the side of a mountain just to put the rest of the passengers out of their misery. …It's like World War III whenever they are within twenty feet of each other so I can't see how they would survive being in the same stadium for two weeks. And that's if they had the money to fly and stay here. Apparently it was much more important to spend every dime they had trying to screw the other out of everything they owned."
"I'm sorry…" Torres whispers, making blue eyes connect with hers.
In an instant, all that anger and pain recedes again and a soft smile forms on the pitchers face. With a shrug, Arizona replies "Me too. But… that's life I guess."
After a beat, Callie contemplating on whether she should say it or not, she finally adds "And I'm really sorry about your brother. I'm sure he was a really great person. …Or, as you would say, awesome."
A single chuckle comes from the blonde, and Arizona drops her eyes in attempt to stem the tears that have prickled behind cerulean orbs. "He was." She whispers.
The rest of their dinner passes and they soon find themselves walking back towards the Olympic Village. London is still very much alive even though the sun has long ago faded. A slight chill whips through the air, creating a blanket of goose bumps up and down Arizona's exposed legs. The shorter woman naturally moves in closer to Callie, linking an arm through the catchers and nuzzling into the Latina's warmth. Before they know it, they are back at the complex and Arizona pulls away from her catcher, putting some space between them. Torres frowns slightly, missing the contact of the blonde but doesn't say anything.
The trip up to their floor is silent, that awkward end-of-the-first-date feeling descending upon them. They reach Arizona's door first, and they both stand in front of it, looking at anything besides one another. Men and women from other teams and other countries walk by, the sound of music blaring comes from further on down the hall, and it is evident that someone is having a party in their apartment.
When a couple of guys go running down the length of the hallway without their shirts on, screaming in some unknown language, Arizona says "It's like being back in college…" Callie laughs, the tension breaking slightly and their gazes lock. "So…" She drawls.
"So…" Torres parrots.
"Now would usually be when I'd invite you in for a drink." Arizona says, nervously playing with her key. "But… all we have is water."
"I'd love a water." Callie replies, a big grin turning up painted red lips. The blonde smiles in return and, not so smoothly, unlocks the apartment. The two step into one of the thousand of identical lodgings and find themselves alone.
"Who you rooming with again?" The Latina asks, standing awkwardly just inside the door while Arizona fishes out one of the bottles of water tucked away in a tiny fridge.
"Teddy is with me. And then Yang and Grey." Robbins replies, handing a cool water over to her guest.
"Lucky you." The catcher drawl sarcastically, making both laugh lightly. "I'm with Addison, and then Naomi and Hahn share the other room." She adds, silently cursing the softball Gods, and her coaches, for putting the other catcher in her room. The silver lining being only that Erica isn't actually sharing the same room with Callie. She is sure one of them would end up bleeding, and Torres doesn't go down easily.
They both take a couple sips of water, neither really wanting to make a move. But finally the awkwardness becomes too much and Callie says "I had a great time today."
"Yeah, me too." Arizona whispers, adding offhandedly "…surprisingly."
"Hey!" The captain whines, making the woman in front of her giggle.
"I didn't mean it like that, Calliope. I just… I don't know. I guess I thought my first date after… everything… would be a little hard. But it wasn't. It was..." Her words fade out as she tries to search for just the right word.
"Awesome?" Callie offers with a smile, taking a small step towards the pitcher.
"Super awesome." Arizona replies in a whisper. The Latina continues to stalk up on the blonde, pushing her further and further back until Arizona bumps into the apartment door and leaving her nowhere else to run.
"I'm going to kiss you now." Callie purrs, then leans in and presses her lips against her pitchers. Whereas all their previous embraces had been hurried, rushed, passionate and crazed, this one is slow and tender. There is no reason to hurry, no one who could pop up around a corner or discover them secretly making out in the hallway, so they take their time.
Arizona blindly sets their waters on the door-side table, then wraps her arms around the taller woman's neck, pulling Callie deeper into their kiss. Tanned hands snake from the blonde's waist, cup the small of her back and push upwards before trailing back down. Someone requests access to the other's mouth, and tongues soon join the party, each taking turns tasting the other. The only thing heard in the apartment are quiet smack of lips against lips, the faint moan falling from aroused bodies, and the steady booming of a stereo system from somewhere down the hall.
They pull apart, neither knowing how long their 'simple' good night kiss having lasted but both knowing it wasn't long enough. Sky blue eyes have darken to a navy, and Arizona is sure the usually chocolate eyes of the woman pinning her against the door are now black as night. Bodies hum with pleasure and anticipation, and the scream of an awaiting bed is nearly deafening.
But when the apartment door suddenly opens, the door handle jams into Arizona's back making her cry out. She and Callie jump, the Latina crossing the room in a second in order to put some space between her and the heated blonde. They quickly wipe at their lips in hopes of covering any evidence of the make out session they had going just as a very wet, and very pissed off looking Korean comes storming into the apartment, quickly followed by an equally soaked Meredith Grey. Neither of the newcomers notice the blush racing across Arizona's or Callie's cheeks, both preoccupied by their equal hatred of uneven London weather.
Not knowing what else to say, Callie asks "Is it raining outside?"
"No." Yang snaps, so not in the mood for small talk… or even people in general at this point. "It's National Baptism day here in London."
A perfectly shaped brow arches in surprise, and Torres questions "Who lit the fuse on your tampon?" Arizona's hand shoots up to cover her mouth but it's not quick enough to keep her giggle contained, making the Latina smile the blonde.
"Don't want a sarcastic answer, don't ask a stupid question." Cristina says pointedly then turns to her two roommates. "I'm taking a shower and using up all the hot water. Suck it." With that Yang, turns on her heel and disappears into the tiny bathroom shared by the four roommates. Meredith just shrugs her shoulders then disappears into their room, shutting the door behind her.
"Guess that means our date is over." Arizona sighs, watching Callie shuffle closer and closer to her as she holds the apartment door open.
"Or… we just change locations." The Latina suggests, exiting the apartment and leaning against the door jam, her arms crossed over her chest which provides the blonde with a very delicious view of Torres's cleavage. But just as Arizona is about to reply, the telltale laugh of Addison and Teddy is heard, both women glancing down the hallway to see their friends approaching. "Or not…" Callie groans.
"Torres." Teddy states smugly as she slips between the flirting couple, giving them both a knowing look before heading off into her's and Robbin's bedroom. Both know that their team has returned from the city and there is very little chance of doing anything else without getting caught, so they resign to the idea that tonight is at a close.
Just outside of the door, Callie whispers "So… I'll see you tomorrow?"
"Guess so." Arizona replies, a goofy giggle falling from her mouth. "I had a great time."
"You said that already." Torres teases, loving how she can get those dimples to show as the simplest of sentences. "Alright well… I should go before Addison…"
"Yeah, me too. Teddy…" The blonde adds, both knowing that their friends know something is going on between them, but neither Arizona nor Callie really knowing what exactly it is. Acting on a whim, Arizona chances it just for a second and places a quick kiss on waiting lips before pulling back to a safer distance. "Good night, Calliope." She breathes out.
"Good night, Arizona." Callie purrs, taking a very tipsy steps backwards, her eyes still locked on the smiling woman in front of her. Only when her captain turns her back to her does the blonde close the door, a sigh falling from her lips. She takes a second to remember this moment, to solidify it deep in her memory. So much up until this point has been hard, and painful, and sad. But then this beautiful light has appeared, a light that shines as bright as the sun, and has an arm that can fire a softball faster than the speed of sound. Up until now, it felt like Arizona Robbins was floating in a large ocean, completely without direction or a map, just going where ever the crazy currents took her. But… maybe it's not until we are lost do we begin to find ourselves again. …Maybe.
AN2: So, first date seemed to be a hit, yes? Arizona seems to be in a better place, and Callie is just as solid as ever. What happens once competition starts and puts heat on everyone? Will they strengthen, or shatter? Let me know, and thanks for all your awesome support! You guys are great.
AN3: Also, I know that some of you are really a fan of softball. I've tried to keep a lot of the story off the field right now, just putting in bits and pieces here and there, but these next few chapters might be alittle action heavy. Hey… it's an softball fic, so it has to happen. But I will try to make it smooth and easy to understand. Again, thanks for sticking with me and giving this story a chance! Hope to keep you all on the edge of your seat. Until next time…