All the days of my life.
Present Day
Mark lay slumped in an uncomfortable chair, a five a clock shadow on his jaw and his hair a unruly mess of curls and salt and peppered color waves gave him a weary tiresome appearance. It was now going on the four days and Arizona still lay in unconscious in a semi coma. He stared at her slight frame, her skin was sheet pale and hallow. Her hair lacked its normal silky corn spun shine and her lips were dry and chalky. He reached over to retrieve a Styrofoam cup filled with water and gently dipped it to the blonds lips. Pulling back his fingers lightly brushed her mouth to spread the cool water against her lips. "I'm waiting for you Arizona" he sighed softly leaning over to kiss her forehead. "We're all waiting for you"
Addison stepped out of the shadow of the doorway. "Your children are waiting for you too Mark"
He turned slightly as he stood up and stretched. He sighed and crossed his arms over his expansive chest. "They're in good hands, Arizona is the one who needs me" he said glancing down at her what appeared to be her near lifeless body. Only the beating of her heart as indicated by the machines and slight rise and fall of her chest let him know she was still with him. And that was more than enough. He wouldn't be losing another woman he loved without one hell of fight, he vowed.
Addison took in his appearance as she approached him to pull him into a reluctant hug. "You can't do anything for her Mark" she whispered against him. Pulling back she stared at him through determined blue eyes. "The twins need their father. It's been four days and you haven't been to see them or even given them a name besides baby Sloan. You need to see them Mark!" she said fiercely. The red head knew he was scared and hurting but he had responsibilities to those babies and Sofia and she was going to be damned if she let him wallow in self pity. "Arizona will still be here" she implored.
He pulled away from her with a jerk… " You don't know that" he said angrily trying to hush his voice. "You don't anything. I have to stay here for her…I have to" he said turning away from the red head. "Good bye Addison" he said effectively ending the conversation.
With a sigh Addison shook her head and turned on her heel exiting the room. She knew better than to keep fighting with him when he was in this type of mood. But it didn't sit well with her, not one bit. She could see her old friend was on the edge and she prayed Arizona came back before he fell off of it.
Heaven
"George?" Arizona said with surprise. George O' Malley smiled that same goofy grin he had always held in life and reached out his hand toward her.
Arizona stepped lightly as her toes curled into the thick stands of green flowing grass. It was beautiful here. She approached him down nearer where she saw a bubbling brook. He was sitting on large smooth weather worn stones, his feet dangling in the cool water of the creek. Taking his hand into hers, he led over to the edge as she sat on the end.
"Always loved this place as a kid, my dad would take my brothers and me fishing here" George said conversationally as if it were the most normal thing.
"Why are you here?" Arizona asked as she splashed her feet in the water below.
He looked at her compassionately before replying. "For you of course"
She cocked her to the side. "Are you one of the people on my "side" she said frustrated.
George smiled. "yes, of many"
The blond sighed and ran a hand through her blond hair. "Why can't I go back. Why do I need people to fight for me? Am I that bad of person?" she asked desperately. "True she hadn't been overly religiously and now she was beginning to wonder if that choice was going to cost her.
George grinned her as if reading her mind. "No Arizona, it's the complete opposite. You're too good of a person"
The blond pulled her feet up from the water and wrapped her arms around them. "I don't understand"
George turned so that he was now sitting Indian style facing her. "You're kind and caring. You have great faith in people and you're always so giving. Those are great traits to have Dr. Robbins" he smiled "things that make for great guardian angels"
The blond tucked a strand of blond hair behind her ear. "I'm glad that God thinks I'm awesome, but I have a near five year old at home and two precious little babies waiting on me. Not to mention Mark! I swore him to him that everything would be ok" the blond said shaking her head. It was then that she heard Marks voice. It was faint but it echoed all around her. "I'm waiting for you…We're all waiting for you"
Arizona grasped George's hand. "You have thelp me get home"
"It's not up to me or you" he said sadly
Arizona dropped his hands, her eyes blazing. She was getting tired of people telling her that things were out of her control. "Fine, but you can do something for me"
"Which is what?"
"Bring me to Calliope" she said softly but determined
George's face paled…"I don't know..I ..' He stammered
"Bring me to her O'Malley" Arizona said harshly.
George jumped to his feet and began to pace. "And what if I do? Huh? You're so hell bent on going back but what happens when you see the love of your life? There's a reason you haven't seen her yet Arizona" He admonished
It was the blonds turn to rise her hands clenching …"And what would that be?"
"Its not my place to get involved in higher powers than myself" he backtracked
"O'Malley, my entire life is hanging in the balance here. I need answers and maybe Callie is the one who can explain them to me'
George sighed. "I have to go" he said turning.
"George! George! No you –" But he was already gone.
Arizona slumped down to the grass, tears of frustration falling down her cheeks. She was alone again. No Callie, No Mark, No Sofia, No twins. Even the afterlife sucked!
Year Two-House Guest
"Ok can I just say this house rocks!" Mark said as he plopped down on the large plush black sectional. "This is officially my spot" he grinned as he stretched out his long legs over the lower portion that emitted from a larger reclining chair.
Arizona shook her head with a dimpled smiled as she continued to dust the furniture. Mark watched her as she flitted about, hair tied back with a rag. She wiped a stray line of sweat that trickled down her brow as she picked up a bottle of Windex and began to wipe the large bay window of their Tudor style home.
"Robbins we've been here like a month. We've haven't had time to dirty the place up" chuckled. The blond who was in the midst of stretching to reach a corner of the window turned and frowned at her boyfriend.
"My parents will be here tomorrow Mark" she said irritated. "Sue me for wanting to make a good impression" she returned to vigorous wiping.
Mark suppressed the urge to chuckle at her display of irritancy and pushed himself off the reclining chair. Quietly he made his way over to stand behind the blond as she ignored his presence and continued with her busy work.
"You're going to pull a muscle babe" He said softly against her back of her head, breathing in the sweet smell of her shampoo. His hands rested lightly on her waist while she continued to wipe the now shining window pane horizontally.
"You're no help Sloan and you're not taking this visit serious enough" she muttered.
Mark sighed and pulled her against his back. "I am Arizona; I just don't think a clean house is going to change your dad's opinion of me or of us together as a couple" he said holding her tight.
Arizona dropped her arms limply at her side, the Windex bottle and rag falling to the floor. "I know but I have to try Mark. It's been nearly a year and half of feuding. " she said with a whisper. "I just want him to see that I'm happy, that being with you and Sofia makes me happy.
Mark turned her around to face him and planted a soft kiss on her mouth. "Ok babe. What needs cleaning next?" he asked with a wiry smile for which he was granted a brilliant flash of dimples and kiss.
The very next afternoon Arizona stood in a pair of dark faded jeans and a baby blue blouse holding a squirming two year old Sofia. "Mark they're here" she anxiously.
Mark appeared in a pair of baggy khaki jeans, a red Nike tee shirt and pair of red and white air force ones shoes. Arizona had pleaded and begged until he had relented and gotten a fresh hair cut and shave. He was now sporting clean cut look with a nicely trimmed goatee. Armed with a bouquet of Lilies in his hand, he glanced back at the blond for the ok to open the door as the bell rang for the second time.
She gave a curt nod as she shifted Sofia on the side of her hip.
Mark pulled the double doors of his new home open to reveal the colonel and his wife. Barbara beamed as she pulled into a huge bear hug. "Mark! Let me look you! Ohhh you look so handsome" she smiled eyes gleaming as he led her into the foyer.
"Heyyyy watch it mom "Arizona grinned as her mom clapped both her hands together with excitement. "Oh my goodness it that my little Sophie bear" she smiled as she reached her arms out to the little girl.
Sofia grinned at her grandmother and reached out for her as Arizona happily relinquished her to her mom…"Arizona she's so beautiful" Barbara said kissing Sofia's little cheek. Barbara stared with awe at the little wonder in her arms. At two years old Sofia was a darling little angel. She looked like a handcrafted Dresden doll. Her features were delicate and that of her birthmothers along with her light carmal colored skin. The thick mass of black raven hair that hung in two long pony tails which curled and waved in ringlets made her absolutely adorable. The little girl focused her honey colored eyes at her grandma and smiled…"Hi grammy"
"Hi baby" Barbara smiled kissing her again and blowing a raspberry on the little girls neck which brought forth a gaggle of giggles.
"Where Pop pop" Sofia asked looking around.
Arizona chewed her bottom lip when she noticed her father and Mark were nowhere to be found. "Uh oh" she breathed out
'Oh hunny relax. He's helping get the bags. And as for your daddy, I told him unless he wants to live his old age out in a retirement home alone he had better BEHAVE" Barbara threatened as she wrapped her free arm around her daughter and led her away saying…"Show me the rest of this house!"
It was just after Barbara had released him from her death grip of a hug that Mark had finally made some acknowledged eye contact from the Colonel. A gruff nod of the head and the man was turning on his heel and heading out the door. With a exaggerated sigh Mark followed him out the front door while the women fawned over Sofia.
Trying his best to stay out of the old buzzards way he reached into the truck of what looked to be a 2010 Lincoln Navigator. Deciding the had about enough of the silent treatment he gave it his best shot at diplomacy, for Arizona's sake "How was the drive down sir?" he asked as he lugged the heavy suitcase out.
'Not bad" the colonel said turning to him as he grabbed another suitcase and turned towards the house.
"I know Arizona has been looking forward to you coming up for awhile." Mark said conversationally. "Sofia's missed her grandparents" he added as he got the door and pushed it open.
The colonel gave him a slightly arched eyebrow before his expression softened. "She is a blessing and quite a little angel' he said cracking a smile
"We think so " Mark added as he placed the luggage in the foyer. "I guess the ladies went to check out the rest of the house. Why don't you catch up with them sir and I'll place these in your room" Mark said doing his best bell hop expression.
"Dad! There you are" Arizona said as she emerged from the hallway of to the left Sofia clutching her legs.
"Hey sweetheart" Daniel replied as he moved to embrace his daughter. They clung to each other for awhile with Sofia tugging on her Pop pops legs. Daniel bent down and hefted her up. "Hi Sophie bear" he said hugging her. He pulled Arizona into his free arm and kissed the side of her head. He really had missed his daughter. Their interactions over the past year had been short and infrequent. The topic of Mark Sloan was a sore one between father and child. Still his wife had made it clear that she was not going to lose her daughter and time with her grandchild because of his stubbornness. So when Arizona called asking if they would spend the holidays with them, he had no choice but to accept.
Mark had by this time disappeared with their luggage as Arizona gave her dad the tour of her new that he had missed out on. Daniel had to admit the house was as spacious as any mansion on the inside while presenting a still humble look on the outside. Located five minutes outside of the city it sat on 6 arces of prime land overlooking the Sound. It was in fact the land that Derek had planned on building a home with Meredith so many years ago. Now however the home built here was for Arizona and Mark. The house was a perfect mixture of brick and wood.
"So where are we now?" Daniel smiled as Arizona and Sofia guided him through their new home.
We are heading towards the rec room" Arizona smiled at her dad's surprised expression.
they took the stairs down into what should be the basement. "I do need my space too dad" she chuckled. "This gives Mark all the space he needs to do his man crap"
Daniel smiled lightly as he looked around the fully carpeted area. It was equipped with a fully stocked and locked bar and with bar stools. The 50 inch television was perched against the wall with attached DVD player and x box. After giving her dad the tour they returned upstairs and quickly took a look at the livingroom area and adjorning dining room. The place had his daughters decorating touch all over it yet it distinctly lacked the color pink which amused the colonel.
When they finally settled in for an early evening dinner everyone seemed to be in a better place.
"So Mark, what have you been up too?" Daniel asked locking his eyes on Marks.
Mark took a sip of water before clearing his throat. "well as you know I'm the head of plastics at the hospital but I recently was elected at the head of Seattle Associations of Cosmetic Surgeons." He smiled as Barbara gasped.
"I know right?" Arizona chimed in, her hand reaching out to clutch Marks. The blond beamed with pride.
"That's really great Mark. Isn't it?" Barbara challenged her husband.
Daniel gaze flickered towards his daughter who looked like she was holding her breath. "It is…It means that you obviously garner a lot of respect from your colleagues.
"Well that's great, believe me but your daughters respect is most important to me" he added humbly.
"Which you already have" Arizona said leaning over and giving his a peck on the lips.
In that moment Sofia yawned and lay her head down on the table. "I think someone is sleepy. Lets get you to bed pumpkin pie" Arizona smiled as she left her chair and made her way over to her daughter's high chair. "Dad will you help me put her down" Arizona asked
"Sure sweetie, I would love too" he said quickly with a smile
"I'll help Mark clear the table" Barbara put in even as Mark protested. "Oh hush! " she admonished him.
While Arizona and the colonel put the sleeping child down, Mark and Barbara loaded the dishwasher in the expansive kitchen area.
"I love this house. It looks like something out of Home makeover " she bubbled
"It cost like something out home makeover " Mark chuckled
"I've never seen my daughter so happy Mark" Barbara said softly as she handed him a plate
"Then I guess I'm doing something right" he grinned back.
"You are son, I just wanted you to know that you're doing a great job with Sofia and Arizona. They both seem very contented"
"I'm not doing anything really" he said turning to lean against the counter. "Your daughter has made every dream I was afraid to dream come true. I love her… You should know I love her very much" he said
"Ok. " she smiled
"Ok" Mark smiled back
Arizona watched as her father tucked Sofia in her toddler bed. She and Mark had decided it was time to at least try her out of her crib. So far she was doing great. The room was just as beautiful as her old one. The walls were pale purple with meadow of lilies and grass painted in. The built in book case held pictures of Callie, the Torres, Arizona and Mark and more pictures of Sofia from her first ultrasound to now.
"I like the house hon" Daniel said quietly
"But" Arizona challenged
"But where are you two going with all this" he asked
"What do you mean dad?" Arizona sighed
"When I look at you I can't deny you look happy. "
"I'm not looking happy daddy, I am happy" Arizona interjected
"Ok ok but you have this house, a toddler and no commitment. Everything based on Sloan" he said finally
"You're wrong dad"
"How I am wrong? You need stability. Have you thought about marriage Arizona? Or were you planning on shacking up for the rest of your life" he said tersely
Arizona leaned against the door. She knew this speech was coming. "Dad you don't even like Mark, so are you really telling me you want us to be married?"
"I'm saying you need to know where this is going. Is it leading anywhere" he asked hands out wide.
Arizona rubbed her temples…"Daddy I don't know if Mark and I will get married. Things are good right now ok. Shacking up isn't so bad. I'm happy and my daughter is happy. And you're wrong; things don't just depend on Mark. He signed papers sharing custody with me last year" she admitted quietly
Her father looked on in disbelief.
"You never said anything"
"Its between Mark and I daddy. Our private business. All you need to know is that Mark is committed to this relationship and so am I. So please stop fighting on this and just be happy Ive found happiness again after Callie" she implored him.
Daniel sighed and reached for her pulling her into a tight grip. "Ok, but if he hurts you I'll kill him" he whispered as Arizona laughed against his chest.
"Ok daddy. Now will you be nice" she pouted
"Fine…ill be nice" he smiled softly.
Mark waited as Arizona finally stepped from their spacious master bath wrapped in a plush pink robe. His eyes followed her every move as she dried off and pulled on a pair of his old worn boxer and oversized tee shirt. She laughed when she heard him groan in displeasure.
She jumped into the bed and climbed under the covers cuddling up to him. "Whats the matter, don't approve of my night wear" she teased
"No I do not" he pouted
"Mark I told you, there will be no sex while my parents are in this house." she grinned and lay her head on his chest.
"Why not" he whined. "we put them pool house out back" he begged
"Yea you put them there but I moved them to the downstairs' room off the kitchen side." She grinned when he frowned.
"and why did you do that"
The blond rolled on top of him and folded her arms over his chest leaning her chin down. "Because putting them in them in the pool house screams we plan on having sex and don't want you to hear" Arizona stated
"Babe come on, they are going to be here till after Christmas!" he protested. The blond just laughed.
"It's not funny" he pouted again.
"yes it is" she teased kissing him lightly on the lips.
He pulled her against his body and kissed her deeper. "We can be quiet' he whispered
"No we can't" Arizona mumbled against his ear as he rolled them over and planted kisses on her neck.
"Let's give it a try"
"Mark" she said erupting into a fit of giggles.
Somehow they managed to be quiet after all.
Present Day
"Mark"
Mark looked up from his perch by Arizona's side to find her father standing in the doorway.
"Colonel, hey "he said void of any real emotion
"It's time to go now" he said lying a hand on his shoulder
"No. I can't "
"Yes you can. You have a duty to your kids now and that is what Arizona would want" he said softly but firmly.
"But-"
"No but… the twins are waiting. It's time son" he said squeezing the younger mans shoulders.
Mark nodded mutely placing a kiss against the blonds cheek. He allowed himself to be led out of the room and down to the pedes unit. Mark swallowed hard as he was led to the incubators holding his twins. Alex appeared behind him. "Dude they've been holding strong. They're doing great"
Mark leaned down and picked up twin A. "Is this the girl" he asked they both looked identical. Weighing in at just over five pounds they bore Arizona's bright blue eyes and deep dimples. Mark looked over as Alex held the boy, twin B. His hair was sandy blown with a light blond tint. It covered his head in loose curls while his sister's hair was all blond waves. Other than that there was no distinguishing them. Mark held his daughter for the first time as he sat down in the rocking chair. Alex placed the boy into his other arm and watched as Mark looked at them in awe.
"Hi guys, I'm your dad" he said hoarsely. "I'm your dad"
He leaned down and kissed the top of their heads as the girl drifted off into a peaceful sleep while his son stared at him with curious bright blue eyes. Tears began to fall from Marks eyes as he thought about how he could possibly raise three children without her.
"Everything's going to be ok guys. Your mama made a promise and she always keeps her word" he said softly. After a moment he leaned his head back and stared at the ceiling. "Keep your promise Arizona, please" he whispered into the air.
Tbc…..