Hello lovely readers! Not bad for a new update.

I was supposed to have this up on friday but muse had other plans. I wanted the conversation to go one way but muse took it the other. Hope you like it...*cough* marymo9 *cough*...nobody faint...please. lol.

I own nothing except my laptop and my crazy imagination.

Cheers!

Like Pulling Off a Band-Aid

Inhaling deeply, Hippolyta smiled to herself. She had the most glorious dream. She stretched her long legs then tucked them in comfortably with the body next to hers. She purred softly as she snuggled closer. The arm that was around her tightened its hold.

Hippolyta heard a soft chuckle. Slowly opening her eyes as she lifted her head, Hippolyta looked up. What greeted her made her heart flutter.

"Sleep well?" Philippus asked her voice thick with sleep. Nodding as she grinned, Hippolyta tucked her head farther into the crook of Philippus' neck.

"Marvellously. You?" Unable to fight the urge any longer Hippolyta first nuzzled a spot on Philippus' neck then pressed her lips lightly over it. She smiled as she heard the woman lying beneath her inhale sharply.

"Mmm…in 3,000 years, I have never slept all that well. Until now," Philippus said honestly. Hippolyta raised her head to stare down at the beautiful face she has loved for so long. Ever so gently Hippolyta ran her fingers down the side of Philippus' face and they stopped at her lips.

"We were interrupted last night," Hippolyta whispered. Philippus nodded but remained silent. Hippolyta searched the General's face for long minuets until she found confirmation in her eyes. Removing her fingers from her lips, Hippolyta lowered her head slowly giving the other woman time to refuse.

Philippus remained where she lay, eyes fluttered shut as she waited for the moment when the world would turn upside down. Philippus was certain that her heart would burst out of her chest.

Philippus raised her head just a fraction but that was all that was needed. The moment their lips finally touched, it sent a sensation rocketing throughout both women. Time had suspended, and with in that moment, there was no one else in the universe but them.

Hippolyta lifted her head. She felt as though electric currents were pulsing threw her. She stared down at Philippus and smiled. The woman had her eyes closed and a beautiful smiled on her lips. She couldn't resist and lowered her head once more, this time deepening the kiss.

Philippus moaned as she felt the tip of Hippolyta's tongue against her lips. Without any further prompting, the General parted her lips slightly. Hippolyta wasted no time and slipped inside. Philippus felt her hands drift upward and buried themselves into the Queen's gorgeous locks.

The General slipped one hand down to Hippolyta's waist and urged her on top. Hippolyta complied as she slid over Philippus without breaking the kiss. They remained like that for long minutes enjoying every taste, touch and sound.

When air had become apparent, Hippolyta reluctantly broke away. Philippus moaned in protest. Hippolyta rested her forehead against the General's and smiled. They were breathing heavily.

"Please tell me that was real. I'm not laying in the Elysian fields am I? I will claw my way back into your arms if I must. Hade's be damned," Philippus stated quietly. A hand was still buried in Hippolyta's hair while the other was wrapped tightly around her waist.

The Queen smiled lovingly as she shook her head lightly. A hand cupped the side of Philippus' face.

"No my brave warrior. You are here with me, safe from harm. There is no power on this earth that will take you from me," Hippolyta said with such conviction in her voice, Philippus felt tears in her eyes. The Queen rested her head in the crook of Philippus' neck. They lay there for a moment, just listening to life outside the Queen's quarters.

Philippus couldn't keep her hands still. They ran the length of Hippolyta's back never seeming to get enough.

"I must go, Lyta," Philippus said sounding reluctant to go. She felt Hippolyta nodded.

"I know." The Queen inhaled deeply before she moved to the side to let Philippus slip out of bed. She watched as Philippus slipped on her uniform: gold plated chest guard, boots, sword, and cape. Philippus turned to pick up her helmet when she caught Hippolyta watching.

Feeling herself blush, Philippus smiled sheepishly and placed a knee on the bed leaning down to place a soft kiss on the Queen's lips.

"I shall see you later?" Philippus asked as she straightened herself out. She stood tall and proud, helmet resting on her hip as she held out a hand to Hippolyta who nodded.

The Queen took it and gracefully slipped out of bed, the sheets falling at her feet. Philippus cleared her throat awkwardly as she noticed the other woman was barley dressed.

"You're Majesty, please put something on," Philippus requested with a smirk. Laughing, Hippolyta reached for her robe and slipped it on.

"Better?"

"Much," Philippus replied with a laugh. With a final kiss, Philippus turned and proceeded to leave when Hippolyta's soft voice stopped her.

"Will you come back tonight?"

Taking a breath, Philippus turned slowly and walked back the few steps to her Queen. Lifting a hand, she gently cupped Hippolyta's cheek.

"Do you wish me to return?" Philippus asked quietly. Hippolyta nodded her expression genuine. Smiling lovingly, Philippus replied, "Then I shall return tonight." And with that, she leaned down and kissed her Queen softly, prolonging the moment. Philippus pulled back and watched with amusement as Hippolyta, with her eyes still closed, licked her lips and sighed.

Taking a step back, Philippus bowed her head then turned, leaving the Queen smiling contentedly in her quarters.

Philippus stepped outside and into the bright morning. Inhaling deeply, Philippus lifted her head towards the sky and closed her eyes, letting the warm sun bath her face. She smiled as she sent a million thank you's to Aphrodite. Opening her eyes, she nodded to herself.

She marched on her way, a slight bounce in her step.

WWWWWWWWWWWWWW

"Honestly, you need to talk to her," Epione said for hundredth time that morning. The doctor knew almost right away what kind of mood Arizona would be in by the way she moped around.

"What is there to talk about?" Ari whined. She didn't and she wasn't gonna talk to Diana. "She didn't even mention Io being in the picture and she didn't say anything about disappearing for almost a month. She didn't even explain anything!" Arizona said as she continued sulk.

"Ugh!" Epione threw her hands up in frustration. "You are acting like a child! You wouldn't be feeling like this if you'd just let Diana explain. Why do you think she came in here yesterday? Instead you act like spoiled adolescent!"

"Did not!"

Arizona huffed as she crossed her arms over her chest. Epione gave her an exasperated glare before she threw her hands up and walked away mumbling about one legged gorillas. Epione gave herself a minute to cool down before she marched back to Arizona's bed.

"Don't think you can hide here for the rest of your life! You are going to go out into town and sulk and mope all you want out there." Arizona was about to open her mouth to shoot something back but the look on Epione's face prevented her from doing so.

"Good. Artemis and Alindra have agreed to take you." When Epione saw Arizona about to argue, the doctor pointed her finger at her, "Don't you dare argue with me young lady!" Arizona snapped her mouth shut and scowled.

As if on cue, the two Generals entered the infirmary, unaware of the doctor's foul mood.

"Reporting for duty, my love," Artemis said with a smirk. She was about to place a tender kiss on her wife's cheek when Epione huffed and glared at the two new visitors.

"I expect all three of you to behave. Especially you," Epione said as she lightly jabbed Artemis in the chest. The red head looked a little startled but said nothing. Alindra swallowed her laugh only to be given the same glare Artemis received. Alindra quickly wiped her grin away mumbling a hasty apology.

Turning back to Arizona, Epione helped her off the bed and gave the three one more thing to follow.

"I would really appreciate it if you brought my patient back in one piece." And with that Epione stormed off. Artemis stood next to Arizona and glared at her.

"Come on," Artemis grumbled as she grabbed Arizona's arm and dragged her out of the infirmary. Alindra followed close behind.

WWWWWWWWWWWWWW

The trio walked in to the large bustling city. It reminded Arizona of the little China Town where she lived. There were fruit vendor's selling their goods and others selling other items. Almost all of them stopped and stared as they watched Arizona walk by.

Others held baskets of all kinds of things, calling out their prices and a few bartered a good deal.

"Wow…," Arizona said in amazement. Alindra and Artemis looked at each other and smiled.

Some called out to wave at Alindra and Artemis. A few also caught Arizona's eye as they brushed by causing Arizona to smile at them. "Hi," she would mumble in appreciation.

They let Arizona lead the way for a moment. But soon, it started to get a little too crowded.

"Hey, stay close. We could easily lose you here. Epione will have us murdered if we don't come back with you," Alindra called out. She reached out and hooked a finger in the collar of Arizona's uniform and gave a playful tug.

"This way," Artemis smirked as she dragged Arizona around.

WWWWWWWWWWWWWW

"Artemis, we should do this more often," Alindra said as she relaxed against a tree. It had been a while since she was able to just sit back and do absolutely nothing.

The red head grunted in agreement. She was lying on her back, her hands tucked under her head, eyes closed as she stared skywards enjoying the warm sun.

"Speak for yourself. I'm not the one who's gone for most of the day doing whatever it is you do with your Goddess," Artemis shot back with a smug grin. She heard Alindra gasp as she heard Arizona chuckle.

"A Goddess?" Arizona asked a little sceptically.

"In a matter of speaking," Alindra supplied nervously.

"Ha! I think she means in every sense of the word," Artemis corrected playfully. She moved just in time to see Alindra moving her way.

"Careful now, wouldn't want you to be accidently turned into a goat," Alindra warned teasingly. Artemis got up and gave her friend a playful shove. Arizona laughed at the two. It reminded her of her friend and brother in-law, Doug. She missed her world. After a moment of joking around, Alindra and Artemis noticed Arizona had gotten quiet.

Walking the short distance to where Arizona sat against a large boulder, both women slid next to Arizona.

"What's your story?" Artemis asked softly. She was growing fond of Arizona. And not just because her wife talked about her all the time, but Artemis truly enjoyed being around the young woman. Arizona shrugged as if to make no big deal.

"Nothing much…I just…I miss home. That's all," she mumbled sadly. Artemis nodded in understanding. She remembered when her tribe was 'lost' wandering through the desert as child if she and her sisters would ever find 'home'.

"If we could get you back, it would be almost impossible to reclaim your old life. You've been gone almost 6 months," Alindra said trying not to sound too much of a downer.

Artemis rolled her eyes. "Leave it to you to state the obvious." Alindra just glared at her friend. Chuckling, Arizona just waved off the two before an argument could break out.

"Don't worry about. It's…its ok." All three sat in silence. They listened to the sounds of life below and watched the birds fly up above.

"So…what did you do back in your world? For fun I mean?" Alindra asked this time. She wanted to give as much hope to the young Captain as she could.

Shrugging, Arizona thought for a moment.

"My brother in-law," Arizona started but stopped when she realized if Amazons knew what that was. "Um…that's my-"

"We know what that is. We're not that far behind," Artemis said with a smirk on her face.

"Oh…ok. Well my brother in-law, when we had some time off, would go to games – hockey, baseball…you name it, we went to it." Arizona looked at her two companions. They seemed to be lost in thought.

"Tournaments? We have a few of those. We should take you sometime," Alindra said with a smile. "I'm sure you might enjoy them. Artemis is quite the favourite," Alindra added with a grin.

Arizona turned and watched the red head blush. "Really?" Arizona grinned.

"Shut it," Artemis muttered as she squirmed uncomfortably. "What other things did you enjoy back home?" Artemis asked. She desperately wanted to deflect anymore attention to herself.

"I liked going to the movies and to the zoo. My grandma used to take me all the time as a kid," Arizona said with a fond smile.

"We don't have movies but we do have live performances every so often. They are quite good. We have the Royal Menagerie. It's not so much a zoo as it is a place for the creatures we keep. We'll take you there one of these days."

Nodding, Arizona smiled in thanks. She liked these two women very much.

"We should be heading back. You know who is probably miserable with out us," Artemis said with teasing smile. Arizona and Alindra laughed.

"You only wish that were true!" Alindra dodged the fist that would have connected with her ribs. Both women helped Arizona to her feet.

"You alright to walk down?" Artemis asked, concern lacing her words.

"Yeah, thanks."

All three slowly made their way down the hill. They continued to talk about various subject, often being side tracked by the never ending jokes and playful insults they threw at each other.

WWWWWWWWWWWWWW

Diana slowly strolled into the infirmary. It was very quiet as she wandered around the room. She didn't hear or see Arizona anywhere. Feeling a little disappointed, Diana turned to leave when she heard Epione calling out to her.

"Diana? Is everything alright?" Epione wandered over, concern written all over her face.

Smiling, Diana met Epione half way. "No. I am fine. I was wondering where Ari…uh…why is it so quiet in here?"

Epione caught the slip up and sighed. She hoped the day away would clear Arizona's mind. The two really needed to talk.

"I needed some peace and quiet. Alindra and Artemis volunteered to take Arizona out into the city. They should be back soon if you wanted to wait," Epione offered gently. Diana would have answered but they noticed another presence enter the room.

"Diana?" Epione and Diana turned at the sound. The doctor cursed a million times under her breath when she noticed who the voice belonged to.

"Io? What are you doing here?" Diana asked quickly as if reading the doctor's mind. She felt her cheeks start to burn.

As if things couldn't get any worse they all heard three loud voices heading there way. A sound of rowdy laughter could be heard. Epione hung her head and groaned. Diana just closed her eyes and prayed that the ground would swallow her whole.

Io just looked on curiously.

wwwwwwww

"Gimmie a break!" Arizona was keeled over in laughter. Artemis had to stop and lean against a pillar to hold herself up right as she struggled for breath.

"I swear to you! I was standing right next to her! I saw it with my own two eyes!" Alindra barley managed to get the sentence out before she stumbled with laughter. All three women had tears in their eyes. The continued to laugh for a few minutes longer until they could all catch their breaths.

"Oh my god. That was a lot of fun. We really need to do this again," Arizona wheezed. The other two women smiled brightly as they nodded. All three huffed along when Arizona stopped in her tracks.

"What? What's wrong?" Alindra asked. She noticed Arizona staring straight ahead with a mixed look on her face.

"That's her isn't it?" Arizona said softly. Artemis and Alindra turned and looked at who was now at the infirmary. There was Diana, Epione…and Io. Artemis glanced over at Alindra and communicated silently.

"Look, why don't we-"

"I'm fine," Arizona said, not letting Alindra finish. She started to walk towards Epione, deliberately ignoring Io and Diana. Io just continued to look around in confusion while Diana just looked hurt.

Epione caught Artemis' eye and sent a silent message which Artemis understood. The red head nodded slightly and pasted on a big smile as she threw an arm around Io.

"Io! Just the person I wanted to see. Please, fill me in on the investigation," Artemis said with fake enthusiasm as she guided Io towards the stairs leading away from the infirmary. Arizona brushed past Diana and headed for her bed near the back of the room.

Diana looked hopeless as she watched Arizona's back. She felt a soft hand on her shoulder and she looked to see Epione smiling gently at her.

"Go. Talk to her," the doctor urged. Diana shook her head.

"She won't talk to me."

"Then she will have to listen, won't she?" Epione suggested. "If she won't do that either, then be a little tough, Diana. Tough love never hurt anyone."

Alindra watched the two for a moment before she quickly caught up with Arizona. Reaching out, Alindra placed a hand on the Captain's shoulder to stop her.

"Hey." Alindra turned her around.

"I'm not talking to her Alindra," Arizona grounded out.

"You know, you can be really stubborn," Alindra stated. She crossed her arms and just stared at the young woman before her. She shook her head as Arizona shrugged her shoulders.

"Just listen to her Ari, that's all she wants," Alindra pleaded gently. "I know you want to. But you're hurt. I know that. But just listen to her…that's all." Alindra watched as Arizona thought about it.

Arizona was saved from replying when Diana appeared beside them.

"Um…"

Alindra glanced at Arizona one last time and gave her a look before she left the two. She headed over to Epione who was looking on with concerned eyes.

"How'd it go?" Epione asked softly. She let Alindra guide her out of the infirmary and out into the veranda over looking the ocean. They sat on the stone bench and watched the sun set.

"They'll be fine."

"I hope so," Epione said hopefully. "Shouldn't you be heading home now? I'm sure Athena wouldn't appreciate it if she knew you were here watching the sun set with me."

Alindra laughed and threw an arm around her friend.

"I could say the same about you!" They laughed. "I'll stay until Artemis comes back. Then I will take my leave."

"You're a good friend Alindra," Epione said as she laid her head on her shoulder.

"So are you Epione."

WWWWWWWWWWWWWW

Arizona stood on the defensive with her arms crossed. She glared at the woman before her. Diana was getting tired of this game.

"Please can we talk?" She asked warily. She was ready to talk, even if it meant she had to throw the stubborn woman over her shoulder to do it.

"I'm not talking."

Growling in frustration, Diana rubbed a hand over her tired eyes.

"Then fine. Listen! But I will say what I need to say!"

"Fine!" Arizona shot back obstinately.

"Can we take a walk somewhere?"

"You said talk. Not walk."

She wants to do this the hard way…fine, Diana thought perversely.

"Suit yourself," Diana warned. Before she could react Arizona found herself being thrown over Diana's strong shoulder.

"Hey! Put me down!"

"I will…soon. And stop moving so much. I may drop you," Diana said as she held on tightly to the wiggling woman as she strode out of the back area of the infirmary. She continued to walk a bit farther up the road.

"Diana! Put me down. NOW!"

Before Arizona was able to catch her breath, she was being set down roughly onto the ground. Unprepared for the sudden stop, Arizona stumbled backwards and fell onto her back with a thud.

Diana stood over the woman and waited. Arizona managed to struggle onto her elbows but that was as far as she could manage since Diana was standing over her. Feeling a little small from her position, Arizona glared up at the Princess.

"What the hell was that about?" Arizona demanded.

Diana just arched an eyebrow.

"I had asked nicely. And you refused." Arizona felt her cheeks burn. Diana took a step back not liking their current position.

"If I let you up, will you promise to listen? Or will I have to keep you down?" Diana asked gently. Arizona stared at the hand Diana had offered. She wanted to say something snappy but her back was starting to protest being on the ground. Nodding in defeat, Arizona took the hand being offered.

"Thank you," Diana said sincerely. She waited for Arizona to finish dusting herself off to speak.

"I know you are upset with me," Diana started. Arizona would have answered with a crabby reply but she saw the look on Diana's face and quickly snapped her mouth shut.

"I just wanted to apologize for-"

"Apologize? For what? For being all touchy feely when I first got here? And making me like you...a lot! Or how about disappearing for almost a month with out a word? Or are you apologizing for me having to find out from your mother what you were up to? Your mother, princess!" Arizona's face was red when she finished. All Diana could do was listen without interrupting. It was the least she could do.

"Arizona I-" Apparently Arizona wasn't finished.

"Hold on. You're apologizing for not telling me about Io? Or did that happen to slip you mind too?" Arizona spat mockingly. Diana sighed. She was tired of this.

"Are you finished?" Diana snapped her guilt and impatience winning out.

"For the time being," Arizona retorted, almost yelling. Diana sighed in relief. This was going to be harder then she thought.

"Good," Diana mumbled. She took a breath before continuing. "Yes, I wanted to apologize for everything. I…I realize that I haven't been forthcoming from the start. And I should have been here more often then not. My mother shouldn't have done what she did. She should have come to me."

"Yeah…welcome to my world," Arizona mumbled sarcastically. The comment hurt.

"Arizona, please," Diana pleaded softly. Sighing, Arizona mumbled an apology.

"I feel terrible for putting you in this position. I never should have let it come this far," Diana continued. Arizona could feel her heart beating wildly in her chest. She didn't like how this was sounding.

"You know what? Maybe I shouldn't hear this at all?" Arizona begged. She turned so her back was to Diana. She bit her lip to stop herself from crying. I never should have let it come this far rang in Arizona's head.

Diana was confused. She wasn't sure what was going on now.

"I need for you to hear this. Please, I need you to hear this. Ari?" Diana saw Arizona's shoulder's slump slightly.

"Just…just say what you have to say and be done with it, will ya." Arizona tried to sound indifferent about it but Diana noticed the other woman's voice had changed.

"Arizona? What are you talking about? What's wrong?" Diana reached out and touched Arizona's shoulder. The other woman just shrugged it off. Then Diana heard it. A sniff. She saw Arizona quickly wipe her nose and eyes before Diana could see.

Diana gently turned her around. Arizona didn't look up. Diana could feel her heart breaking.

"Ari?" Diana said softly. She crooked a finger and gently lifted Arizona's chin. She was taken aback by what she saw. "You're crying. Why?" Diana asked tenderly. Her hand moved to cup Arizona's cheek. Her thumb gently wiping away a tear.

Embarrassed, Arizona pulled away from Diana's tender touch. She briskly wiped away a tear that fell down her cheeks. Clearing her throat, Arizona looked away and shrugged.

"I'm not crying." Arizona took a step back. Being this close to Diana was making it hard for Arizona to remain impartial. "Please, just finish it already. I can take it."

"Ari, what are you talking abo-" Then it hit Diana like a ton of bricks. "Oh." Arizona was already bracing herself for the worst.

Smiling gently, Diana reached out and took hold of Arizona's hand and pulled her back in close. She saw Arizona swallow nervously.

"I'm not turning you away, Arizona. I would never do that," Diana said softly. By the look on Arizona's face, Diana could tell that the woman didn't quite believe her. Sighing, Diana cupped Arizona's cheeks and smiled.

"I will make this up to you Ari. You will never doubt again – no matter how hard you try to fight it, you will see," Diana assured the other woman. When she didn't get a reaction, Diana pulled Arizona to her and wrapped her arms around her.

They stood like that for a while until it had gotten dark out. Pulling away slightly, Diana smiled softly.

"Think you can make it back? Or do I have to carry you?" Diana asked playfully. Blinking a couple of times, Arizona finally found her voice.

"No! I'm fine!" She grumbled. Diana laughed for the first time in a long time. She walked along side Arizona occasionally reaching out to take hold of the woman's hand. Arizona would pull her hand away and grumble playfully for a moment and Diana would just laugh softly and reach for her again.

As they neared the medical wing Diana gave a little tug on Arizona's hand. She stopped and waited for Diana.

Smiling naughtily, Diana stepped into Arizona's personal space. Her lips just inches from hers and as Diana spoke, Arizona could feel the woman's warm breath invade her.

"I intend on making it very difficult for you to resist," and with that Diana stepped away quickly leaving Arizona dizzy with anticipation. She heard a soft chuckle behind her. Turning around Arizona blushed uncontrollably.

"You have no idea what you're in for," Epione said with a smirk.

"Shut up," Arizona grumbled as she shuffled behind the doctor. Epione laughed as she saw Arizona's expression.

"You'll be fine, Ari," Epione said encouragingly.

"Yeah….like pulling off a Band-Aid," Arizona said poker-faced. Patting Arizona's hand then making sure her patient was comfortable, Epione smiled gently.

"Goodnight Ari. See you in the morning."

Epione left Arizona's room with a grin on her face.

"What are you smiling about?"

Epione's grin turned into a full blown smile. She reached out and pulled her wife in for a kiss. Pulling away, Epione smiled until her dimples were revealed.

"Just be ready for tomorrow," Epione said cryptically as she tugged Artemis along. The red head went willingly, still smiling.

"For what?"

Throwing a look over her shoulder, Epione smiled sexily.

"You'll see…"