Title: Good Man In A Storm
Author: Gina
Pairing: Callie/ Arizona, Callie/George
Rating: NC17 (later chapters).
Summary: AU Calzona. George breaks Callie's heart and leaves her alone and broken. Can Arizona restore her faith in love and be her good man in a storm. Set somewhere around season 4.
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters in this fiction, nor do I have any rights in regards to them. All characters belong to ABC and Shonda Rhimes.

A/N : Comments always appreciated.

Callie's POV

It was the Friday of the fourth of July weekend and I headed to the grocery store after my shift. I realized I had nothing in the room to eat and I had the rest of the weekend off so I decided to stock up on some stuff….room service was rather over rated at times. I was browsing through the meat products aisle when I bumped into Arizona. She was juggling two carts and they were filled with charcoal, two dozen steaks , packages of hot dogs, some ground meat, buns, rolls and an assortment of other things that clearly indicated she was preparing for the barbecue.

"This is getting to be a pattern" she cheekily grinned and we both laughed.

"I haven't seen you since yesterday." Arizona definitely sounded happy to see me and it did make me feel good….at least someone still wants to see me. "So how are things in ortho?" she asked with a cute smile.

"The same old. Broken bones…..cranky 70 year olds and some guys trying to cop a feel." I deadpanned."How are things in peds?" I teased back.

"Same as you. Kids with runny noses….chicken pox and monopoly pieces in their poop." She deadpanned back.

"We definitely are in the same business." I laughed.

Arizona's POV

She has such a beautiful laugh…..

"So are you coming to tonight's barbecue?" I asked in a hopeful voice.

"Actually my husband left this morning for his parent's home in Chicago and I couldn't join him due to some cases at the hospital. So we won't be able to make it." She said awkwardly and I looked surprised.

"Over the fourth of July? That's a bummer. What are you doing while he's gone?" I wasn't trying to be fresh…I was just being friendly. I enjoyed spending time with her but I understood she was married and I respected that fact.

"Nothing much" she replied vaguely.

"Well come to the barbecue then. I'll make you a famous steak a la Robbins" I said with my most charming smile…dimples and all.

"Uh I forgot….I'm having dinner with friends. Maybe some other time." She smiled but her eyes were sad again and I saw it.

"I guess I better pick up the rest of the stuff." I said regretfully. "Come by if you change your mind. Bring your friends. We'll have enough to feed an army."

Callie's POV

"I'll try" I said but I had no intention of going to the barbecue. Part of me felt bad for lying to Arizona and turning down her invitation but I knew it was for the best. Though we hardly knew each other no one had ever made me feel as safe and comfortable as Arizona…..and this realization evoked scary , confusing and complicated feelings. I couldn't deal with complicated right now. I was married , and I had to hold on to the hope that George would come to his senses and come back. Once he came back, we could then concentrate on having the baby.

It was 5 o clock in the evening and I was laying on my bed trying to read. But I couldn't concentrate. Lately it was hard to do that, as there were too many things on my mind. I could picture the festive barbecue in my mind with the good food, music and laughter. I still felt a little sorry I hadn't gone but I still felt a little embarrassed going alone. I hadn't done it yet and I'm not sure I was ready to start.

However soon the impulsive part of me won out and I quickly walked to the wardrobe and slipped on a red lace Mexican dress I had bought on a trip to Acapulco. It was pretty and comfortable and hid the tiny bulge that didn't show yet but was making it difficult for me to wear jeans or trousers now. I picked up the card with the address on it, punched it into my GPS and started to drive there. I was still feeling a little hesitant….I didn't really know anyone there and what if they all had dates? But even if she had a date, I at least knew Arizona and she was always easy going and friendly.

Once I reached the house I could see groups of people clustered everywhere, laughing and chatting and telling stories, some were sitting near the pool drinking wine , relaxing and enjoying the party. Everyone looked as though they were having a good time , and standing at the barbecue in a red and white striped dress with a blue apron was Arizona.

She had never looked more adorable.

I saw her serving out food and chatting amiably with everyone as they came and went, but she seemed to be alone. I tried to fight down the relief I felt, it shouldn't affect me whether she was dating someone or not.

I slowly started walking towards her.

Arizona's POV

As I saw Callie working towards me my face broke into a broad smile. I took it all in, the red lace dress, the shiny dark hair, her big brown eyes, she looked beautiful and I was thrilled to see her. I felt like a kid again, with a crush on the neighborhood girl. You don't see her for weeks, and then suddenly you turn a corner and there she is, looking gorgeous and you feel like a fool, stumbling all over yourself and then she's gone again.

"Hi there" I blushed and I hoped she thought it was the heat of the barbecue. She was the first married woman I had a crush on and I wasn't sure how to handle it. It wasn't just that I liked looking at her, I loved talking to her too. In fact I liked everything about her.

"Did you bring your friends?" I asked.

"They called at the last minute and said that they couldn't make it."

"I'm glad…I mean…yeah, actually, I am glad." I smiled and then pointed to the meat I was cooking. "What can I do for you? Hot dog, hamburger, steak? I personally recommend the steaks."

"I'll have a steak please. Well done."

"Coming right up." I put the steak on her plate, offered her a glass of wine, which she declined and then she went to sit near the pool. I just hoped she'd still be there by the time I had finished cooking. It was half an hour later when my cousin Tracy finally relieved me and I went to find Callie who was sitting eating dessert.

"How was it? It couldn't have been too bad." I teased

"It was delicious and I was starving." She smiled.

"Good. I was a really bad cook earlier but I had to learn when I was taking care of my nephews." I really missed my little rugrats.

"How old are they?" she smiled.

"Seven and four. They're great kids. They are coming out here in a couple of weeks." I said happily.

"Do they look like you?"

"Yeah the little guy looks just like his father….my brother." I said sadly.

"So when is your husband coming back?" I asked changing the topic.

"Next week" she said.

"And where was his parent's house again?" I thought she had said Chicago but wanted to be sure.

"New York" she muttered distractedly.

"Oh I thought you mentioned Chicago."

"This was a great idea." She said quickly as she stood up. "I had a wonderful time." She was leaving and I was desolate. I had scared her off and I didn't want her to go. Without thinking, I reached out and took her hand, wanting to do anything to make her stay near me.

Callie's POV

"Please don't go Callie….it's such a nice night and it's so good being here just talking to you." She looked very young and vulnerable and it touched my heart the way she said it.

"I just thought….maybe…you had other plans…..I didn't want to bore you." I said nervously.

"You don't bore me. You're wonderful and I'm having a terrific time. Tell me about you. What do you like? What's your favorite music?" she said enthusiastically.

I laughed. No one had asked me this in years and it was fun talking to her as long as she didn't ask me about George. " I like everything but I definitely have a preference for rock. I love the beach ….and hot chocolate ….and dogs…." "And babies. I've always liked babies." I added a little wistfully.

"I always liked them but I could never see myself taking care one of them. That changed when my nephews were born though" she said with a small laugh.

The fireworks show begun then and it was great fun watching it. It went on for half an hour and exploded finally with a wild shower of red, white and blue that went on seemingly forever.

Arizona's POV

I was in heaven sitting next to Callie watching the fireworks. She was grinning like a delighted child and it warmed my heart. She looked like a little girl, with her face turned up to the sky, and I had an overwhelming urge to kiss her. I had that urge before, but it was becoming more acute each time I saw her. I caught a whiff of her perfume….it was Deep Red by Hugo Boss and I loved it.

"Are you doing anything tomorrow?" I asked hesitantly but we could be friends if nothing long as I controlled myself there was no reason why we couldn't spend time together. " I thought of taking a tour of Seattle and also maybe looking for an apartment? Would you like to come?"

"I well ….I'm not sure…" she looked uncertain. She thought for a bit and then smiled "Okay. I'd like that."

"Does ten in the morning sound good to you?"

She nodded. I then took a ride back to the hotel in Callie's car. I made a point to walk her back to her room.

"Thanks a lot Arizona. I had a wonderful time so thanks for inviting me tonight." She smiled.

"I had a great time too." I grinned back feeling happy and relaxed. "I'll come by at ten"

"That's fine. I can meet you in the lobby." She insisted.

"No that's fine. I'll pick you up here." I stressed. The military upbringing had really drummed the importance of manners into me.

"Thanks again. Goodnight" she said quickly before shutting the door.

It was one of the fastest goodbyes I'd ever had but as I walked back to my own room I was still smiling like a love struck teenager.

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