I know I'm so horrible at updating. I've been having terrible writer's block. I would just stare at a blank screen for hours – yeah, it was really bad.
I managed to scrounge up some time and forced myself to type anything – and I literally mean anything. So don't be too alarmed if some parts don't really make sense. It was the writer's block talking…
Disclaimer: I own nothing except my imagination.
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Rehab
"Ok…you ready for this?"
Ari looked up nervously and nodded. 3 months of lying in bed not being able to fend for herself was grinding on Arizona's nerves. Epione understood and triple checked to make sure Ari was strong enough for rehabilitation.
"Are you sure? You look a little freighted," the young physician said with a smile. Ari gave her a lopsided grin as she nodded.
"Yeah, that too," Ari said dryly earning her a giggle from the doctor. Epione held her hands out silently; prepared to wait until Ari was ready. In haling deeply, Ari gave a curt nod and placed her hands into Epione's.
"Whenever you're ready," the doctor said gently. Swallowing her nerves, Ari; ever so slowly, stood for the first time in 3 months. Ari smiled proudly.
"You're doing great Ari!" Giving Ari a smile of encouragement, Epione stood back slightly giving room for Ari to take her first step. Still holding onto each other, the two slowly made it to the middle of the room.
Arizona was breathing with a little bit more difficulty then before. Sweat could be seen running down the sides of her face, her face red from the effort of taking a few steps. Still Epione couldn't be more proud.
"You did it! See, I told you!" Epione said cheerfully. She pointed to the bed then watched as Ari twisted her head around to look. Surprise was etched all over Ari's face. Smiling tiredly, Arizona bashfully shrugged her shoulders.
"You stay right there. I'll go get you a towel," Epione said. She was about to move when Ari clutched her hands tightly. Epione looked back and almost laughed out loud. Ari looked petrified. Laughing softly Epione gently pulled her hands out from Ari's grasp.
"Don't worry I'll be just a second." Epione quickly searched the room for a towel, her back turned to Arizona.
Arizona just looked panicked.
"Easy for you to say," Arizona mumbled as she tried hard not to fall on her face. As promised, Epione returned with a small face towel and a smile. She gently dabbed at Ari's forehead then ran the towel through her hair making it stick up in all directions.
"Feel better?"
Smiling sheepishly, Ari nodded.
"Ok. Think you can make it back to the bed?" Epione challenged. She saw the little spark go off in Ari's eyes and both women smiled.
"You bet I am!"
They laughed and got ready for the trek back.
"Alright hot shot. Let's go."
This time instead of holding Epione's hands, Arizona placed them on the doctor's shoulders. Epione walked slowly backwards making sure Ari was alright.
Epione smiled at the fierce determination on Arizona's face. It reminded her of a little girl she once knew. A girl that looked so similar to Arizona and who was just as determined.
Shaking off that feeling, Epione just continued to smile and give out words of encouragement as they went. Beaming with pride, Epione helped Ari back onto the bed.
"Good job Ari! How does your leg feel? Any pain or discomfort?" Epione asked as she lifted Arizona's injured leg to examine it more closely.
"I'm ok. Thanks," replied breathlessly. She felt good. Really good since she crash landed here on the island.
"I'm glad. I know Diana will be very pleased to hear about this." Epione picked up a chart and jotted down her notes.
"Um…"
Epione looked up at the sound. Arizona was biting her lip nervously.
"What is it? Are you in pain?" Epione quickly put the chart down and went into 'doctor mode'. Shaking her head, Arizona replied quickly.
"No. That's not it. I was just wondering…"
Epione looked relived. She didn't want anything to set back the young captain's recovery.
"Yes?"
"Could you not tell Diana about…this?" Arizona said as she motioned at her leg.
Epione's eyes widened in surprise.
"What! Why not? I thought you'd want her to be the first to know?" The doctor was confused. Arizona's face turned a good shade of red.
Wincing slightly, Arizona shrugged.
"I just don't want her to see me yet."
Epione was confused until it hit her.
"Ari, Diana wouldn't think any less of you if she saw you like this," Epione said gently.
Arizona felt her cheeks burn as she shrugged.
"Yeah…well…still…please don't tell her yet," Arizona begged. Sighing then nodding in agreement, Epione gave Arizona her word.
"Alright, I won't tell her…yet. But I don't like it." Arizona smiled in relief. Epione rolled her eyes as she grinned and shook her head. "What is with all you macho women?"
Arizona laughed at that. Epione grinned mischievously as she held her hands out.
"Laugh now. I'm not done with you yet!"
Arizona's eyes widened. She slipped of the bed carefully and held onto Epione's shoulders.
"Ready?"
"Do I have a choice?" Epione just raised a delicate eyebrow and gave Arizona a look. "Never mind," Arizona mumbled after a moment. She just held on tight as Epione started the exercise all over again.
WWWWWWWWWWWWW
"Eat up."
Artemis rolled her eyes as Epione placed a plate of food before her. Shaking her head, Artemis obediently scooped up a spoonful.
"Why do you do that?" the redhead said around a full mouth. Artemis shoved another spoonful into her mouth.
Epione rolled her eyes as she watched her. Smiling, she brought over a napkin, not that Artemis would ever use it; and then leaning down Epione placed a kiss on her cheek.
"Do what?"
"Constantly feed me. Are you trying to make me fat?" Artemis' spoon was half way up to her mouth when Epione replied cheekily.
"I suppose. You are a bit too skinny."
Artemis froze. Slowly turning her head, Artemis eyed her love. She saw a naughty grin spreading wide on Epione's face. Then slowly putting her spoon down, Artemis turned in her chair.
"Oh really?"
Epione bit her lip as she nodded turning her back turned to Artemis.
"I see…"
In an instant, Artemis had spun the other woman around and pressed her body against the length of Epione's. The doctor gasps at the feel of Artemis against her, her heart pounding out a loud beat.
"How many times have I told you to never turn your back on your enemy?" Artemis growled in her ear.
Smiling up at Artemis, Epione wrapped her arms around the redhead's neck and purred.
Epione leaned in close and whispered against Artemis's lips, "Funny, you don't look like my enemy."
Artemis narrowed her eyes and growled. There was something very sexy about the way the doctor was acting. She couldn't put her finger on it but it was definitely there.
"I guess I'll have to teach you…," Artemis said in a low voice. Then in the next moment Epione found herself pinned against the counter with Artemis' body keeping her still. The doctor sighed as Artemis kissed her senselessly.
Without breaking the kiss, Artemis gently squeezed Epione's waist indicating she wanted more. Epione getting the hint wrapped her legs around the redhead's waist.
Epione felt herself being carried to the bedroom, then being placed on the bed. She felt Artemis above her then her full weight, still never breaking the kiss.
After what seemed like millennia's, Artemis finally came up for air. Both women were panting and smiling at the other.
"What are you waiting for?" Epione said boldly. She had no idea what had gotten into her but she wasn't about to stop now. Especially not with the way Artemis was looking at her.
With a finely arched brow, Artemis lowered her head and kissed her all over again. This time, her hands roamed over the body she loved. Epione moaned as she squirmed under the touch and Artemis laughed softly.
"Patience my love," Artemis said with a gentle smile.
Epione stared up at the redhead. She reached up and cupped the side of Artemis's face as her thumb stroked her cheek. This was the Artemis she fell in love with. This was the side that no one ever saw but herself. Lifting her head slightly Epione placed her lips against Artemis's.
Artemis closed her eyes at the sweet taste of Epione. She loved this woman…every part of her. There were many other women on the island that could have been much more suited for her, but Epione was the only one that captured her heart. No other woman would ever touch her this way.
This was a vow Artemis took very seriously. No other woman would come before her beloved.
The two made love through the night. Artemis made sure she showed Epione just how precocious she was to her.
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"Really?"
Arizona looked sceptical. When Epione came into the infirmary that morning, Arizona could tell there was a plan brewing inside the doctor's head.
Nodding, Epione smiled gently.
"It'll be alright. Trust me," she said as she helped Arizona steady herself.
"Sure…that's what they all say, right before body parts go missing," Arizona grumbled. Epione looked a little confused.
"What!"
"Never mind."
The two were helped by the other 'nurses'. Epione and Arizona made it out onto an open area of the infirmary. Exotic flowers lined the edge of the grass. It looked beautiful and tranquil.
"I figured this would be a safer place for you to get walking. That way if you fall, you won't break anything," Epione said with a grin.
"Thanks," Arizona said dryly. Epione just laughed.
They started out slowly. Epione let Arizona set the pace. But after an hour, Epione was soon pushing Ari. Hard.
"One more! Just one more!" Epione called out. Glaring at her, Ari panted and wiped her forehead. Her hands were resting on her thighs as she struggled to stay upright.
"You said that 40 minutes ago!" Arizona wheezed. Her good leg was aching and her bad leg was on fire. Sweat was dripping from her from places Arizona didn't know you could sweat from. She almost lost her footing 15 minutes ago and the sun was beating down on them and still the petite doctor kept pushing.
Resting her hands on her hips and giving Ari a look that meant business, Epione demanded again, "Let's go! Keep moving!"
"Do I get a choice?" Ari retorted as she straightened herself out. She felt her muscles moan at the action. Arizona winced a little as she put pressure on her bad leg. She started slowly knowing that if she went any faster she'd fall.
"We've only been doing this for an hour. Stop complaining," Epione replied.
Arizona somehow found the strength to make it those last few steps and smirked at the young doctor. It soon faded when Epione twirled a finger in a circle.
"Again!"
Arizona moaned.
"You know, your cute and all but remind me never to piss you off!"
Laughing, Epione just pointed. Arizona lifted her hands in defeat. "Fine…I'm going!" Turning, Arizona walked back down the other end of the garden.
It was gonna be a long day…
WWWWWWWWWWWWW
"General!"
Philippus turned at the sound of her name being called. Philippus smiled when she saw that it was Cassandra, the islands seamstress. The young woman jogged the rest of the way.
"Yes Cassandra?" Philippus noticed the garments in Cassandra's hands. "Are those the outfits for Ari?" Philippus had already reached for them when the other woman stopped her.
"Actually I came to show you this."
Cassandra pulled out an old leather necklace. Philippus didn't notice anything unusual about it until the sun hit the stone attached to it. Eyes widened as Philippus reached out and took it from Cassandra.
Philippus immediately recognized the stone. She had given the same necklace to her daughter many years ago. But why would Arizona have the same necklace? Philippus thought.
"Where did you find this?" She demanded. Cassandra pointed to a pocket on Arizona's uniform.
"In here. It must have fallen from her neck," the young woman replied. With out another word, Philippus grabbed the garments in Cassandra's hands and marched to the infirmary leaving the other woman standing there wide eyed.
Philippus was so intent on her destination that she didn't hear Hippolyta calling out to her. It was only when she felt a hand on her arm, stopping Philippus completely. Philippus turned on her heel ready to lash out at whom ever dared stop her.
But Philippus' anger quickly faded when she saw who it was. And just as quickly, Philippus felt her cheeks burn.
"My Queen…Lyta…I didn't realize…," Philippus stuttered. Hippolyta just smiled gently and shook her head as she raised a hand to stop the flow of words.
"It's alright. Although I am curious to know where you were off to in such a hurry."
Philippus contemplated whether or not she should tell her. As if reading her mind Hippolyta spoke softly, "Is there a reason why you can't tell me?"
Sighing, Philippus lifted her hand and showed Hippolyta the object. Hippolyta's eyes widened slightly.
"May I?" Hippolyta asked. Philippus nodded and handed the necklace to her Queen. Hippolyta took a closer look. She recognized the markings on the side of the stone.
"Where did you find this?" She asked.
"Cassandra found it in Arizona's pocket. I was just going to the infirmary to ask," Philippus assured her Queen.
"What do you think we should do?" Philippus asked. She desperately wanted to ask where the Captain had found that necklace but she was almost afraid of the answer she would get.
Hippolyta shook her head, "I don't know. But investigating further would most definitely answer some of your questions."
Sighing in frustration, Philippus pinched her nose. In the course of three months, Arizona and Philippus had become close. Philippus felt a sense…a need to protect the young woman.
Philippus thought for a moment before she answered.
"We wait. At least until she is well enough."
Nodding in agreement, Hippolyta handed back the necklace.
"I trust your judgement, Philippus. Please keep me informed on her progress. I would like to be there when you decide to ask her."
Philippus just nodded. "Of course Lyta."
The two just stood there in awkward silence.
"Um…I think I should get these to Arizona. If you'll excuse me," Philippus managed to say. Nodding, Hippolyta and stepped aside indicating that Philippus was relived. Before Philippus could get very far Hippolyta called out to her.
"Wait! Let me come with you," Hippolyta said as she quickly caught up with her general. Philippus waited for her Queen to catch up then they both proceeded to the infirmary.
The short walk was quiet. When they got there the sight before them took their breaths away.
Arizona, with a little help from Epione, was taking the last few steps to the bed. Both women stood motionless as they watched.
"Good job Arizona!" They heard Epione say. "You want to swing around and do it again?" Epione asked cheekily. The look Arizona gave the other woman made Hippolyta chuckle. The two women heard it and swung their heads around.
Hippolyta stepped forward as she smiled brightly.
"Well…this is most definitely a change for the better."
Arizona blushed then quickly turned to Epione.
"You said you weren't going to say anything…" Arizona said a little embarrassed at being caught. Epione just rolled her eyes.
"I didn't. And I just promised not to say anything to Diana," Epione shot back.
Arizona just pursed her lips and put her hands on her hips as she tried to glare at the physician.
"By extension!" Arizona whined as she jerked her head at the two visitors. Throwing her hands up in frustration, Epione just shook her head and walked away.
Philippus, who had been quiet during the exchange, stepped forward and cleared her throat.
"Cassandra has finished mending your uniform. She's also made a few more outfits to your liking," the General said neutrally. She held out the small pile to Arizona who graciously took them.
"Why wouldn't you want my daughter to know?" The Queen asked. She was genuinely confused.
Epione came back as she muttered, "stubborn, pig headed, macho woman!" Arizona was going to throw something back at the doctor but thought better of it. Hippolyta and Philippus shared a look with the other and smiled.
"Speaking of which, were is Diana?" Epione asked. The last few months Diana would visit like clock work – there wasn't a day she had missed. But the past few weeks Diana had yet to make an appearance.
"I believe she has been spending her time with Io. They are both trying to figure out what brought your plane down," Hippolyta replied. She watched as Arizona's expression changed slightly.
"Oh," Arizona said quietly. She truly enjoyed Diana's company. Arizona felt a slight pang of jealousy and hurt pierce her heart.
"I'm sure that when she is done with Io, she will stop by to visit," Hippolyta said as she tried to be as convincing as she could. Hippolyta knew that Io had feelings for her daughter but she wasn't all too sure how her daughter felt about the handsome blacksmith. The Queen was smart enough not to mention that part.
Arizona wasn't convinced but she nodded anyways.
"I will let Diana know you were expecting her," the Queen said as she turned to leave.
"Um…that's alright your majesty. You really don't have to do that," Arizona supplied a little too quickly. Hippolyta cocked her head to the side and studied the young patient carefully.
"Are you sure?"
Nodding quietly, Arizona just gave the Queen a sad smile.
"As you wish." And with that Hippolyta and Philippus took their leave.
Arizona stood there thinking. She wasn't sure why, but she got the distinct impression that there was more between this woman and Diana. Arizona's heart sank. During the last three months here, Arizona had come to depend on Diana in a way.
She truly enjoyed Diana's visits. It was as if those visits helped Arizona get better. And she felt herself feeling something a bit more for the beautiful Amazon.
"Are you alright?" Arizona heard Epione's voice. She vaguely felt herself nod.
Epione saw the expression on Arizona's face and it made her want to cry.
"Why don't we take a break today and-"
Arizona shook her head.
"Ok. Let me put a few things away and I'll help you outside," Epione replied as she started gathering a few supplies that needed to be put away. Again Arizona just shook head.
"That's ok."
Epione just stared at the other woman. Arizona caught the expression and smiled sadly.
"I'll be ok. You do what you have to do," Arizona said quietly. Epione didn't want to leave Arizona but her work had been slowly piling up since she started Arizona's rehabilitation sessions.
"If you're sure…," Epione trailed off as Arizona nodded. Epione stepped back as she watched Arizona take slow steps to the garden. "Let me know if you need anything."
Arizona didn't even react. She just continued to walk away. Sighing, Epione promised herself that she would keep a close eye on her patient.
Arizona was determined to walk again on her own. The sooner she could do it, the sooner she could get off the island.