I don't own anything…all credit goes to ABC/Shondaland
Chapter Sixty-Eight
Hope you enjoy!
AN: FYI, both POV's in this chapter.
Callie's POV
"Torres! I have a question?!" Alex Karev shouts coming up next to me at the nurse's station.
"No." I reply flatly without looking away from my tablet where I'm inputting some important information.
"Aw come on that's not fair. You don't even know what I'm going to ask you." He pleads in his typical whiney voice.
"Actually I do. You're one of the ten male doctors this week that has stopped and asked for tickets just because I'm working on a professional male athlete." Turning over my tablet to one of the nurses, I give Karev my direct attention. "Firstly, I find it extremely sexiest that you guys think I wouldn't want the tickets. What if I wanted to take my wife to the game? Huh, what then? I like sports, Arizona isn't a huge fan but that's not the point. I mean I am the women who operated on him, if anybody deserves the tickets its me."
"Well actually—"
"I'm not done." I state holding up a finger, stopping his interruption. "Secondly, he still a has another operation coming up, so I'm not completely done with him yet. So it's rude of you and your other male buddies to come scurrying up to me every time you see me in the hallway. At least let me get the man discharged first."
"Callie I—"
"And lastly, he offered me two tickets, but I declined. No tickets for anyone."
"You what!? Why would you do such a thing?"
"Because I didn't want them. My work speaks for itself. I mean there is a reason why the Chief gave me the case instead of my boss. We all know I'm the best ortho doctor here, we're just waiting on my boss to retire, become too unfit to operate, or pass away. Whatever happens first." I shrug.
"Damn, a little harsh don't you think."
"The guy is as old as a dinosaur. I love him, he's actually taught me a lot, but it's his time."
"Can't argue with you there. I'd thought you'd be head by now, but that wasn't what I was going to ask you."
"Oh? Well whatever it is, no."
"Torres, what the hell? At least give me a chance to ask."
"No because you always ask me dumb stuff." I point out.
"When it comes to work stuff I don't."
"Is this a work question?"
"No."
"Exactly, look I have to go pick up my kids. We have an important dinner to get to." I say walking towards the elevator to head up to daycare.
Today is my birthday and Arizona insisted on us being home for dinner. I told her that's all I wanted and she complied. No big gifts of parties. It worked out perfectly because I've been swamped this week working on Cameron, the football player. It's a big case and the Chief says it will bring good publicity to the hospital so I've been working nonstop all week. Not to mention the usual cases that come in every day. Most days Arizona has had to come and pick up the kids and I've been sleeping at the hospital. It's easier that way and it gives me time to teach the interns during the quiet night hours. In the mornings she drops the kids off and I get maybe five minutes of alone time with her before I'm paged or she has to go to work. It's been hectic week in the Robbins-Torres household, a busy two weeks if I'm be totally honest, but I promised I'd be home for an early dinner tonight because I have to turn right around and come back for a late surgery with Bailey.
"Kids! Exactly what I want to talk about. I need to borrow Sofia."
"I'm sorry, did you just ask to borrow my child?" Clearly Alex has lost his mind.
"It would be for two hours tops. I told the girl I'm seeing that we could have a double date kind of thing. She's watching her nephew for a few days and with my crazy hours we barely get a chance to see each other, so I just thought if Sofia played with her nephew then me Sasha could have a chance to talk."
"Let me get this straight, you want to use my child on your double date so you and Saman—I'm sorry Sasha can have a chance to talk and do God knows what else?"
"It will be totally supervised I swear."
"You're outta your mind, Karev." All I can do is laugh at the absurdity of all this. Alex never fails to disappoint. One minute I think he's maturing and the next…well he's just regular Alex again. "I don't even know this Sasha chick, and from your track record you bring around some questionable girls." I say stepping onto the elevator that arrives with Karev right behind me. "The answer is no to multiple reasons I don't have the time or energy to explain to you."
"You're the only person I know with a kid."
"Try Bailey."
"No, she sometimes scares me and her son is too old. Sasha's nephew is three, Sofia is two. It works."
"No, Karev."
"Think of it as me babysitting for you."
"Alex I don't have time for this. Today is my birthday and my sweet, wonderful wife is cooking me dinner tonight. I'm not talking spaghetti and broccoli or baked chicken breast and rice, I'm talking a real, thought out planned ahead meal. She printed off recipes and has been buying special ingredients all week. You know how often that happens? Hardly ever." The last time Arizona cooked such a detailed meal was during her pregnancy. She would get bursts of energy and want to try out new recipes. It lasted for two weeks, but I ate some of the best meals of my life during those two weeks. "As I was saying, I don't have the time. But if you really want to be a nice uncle and hang out with Sofia you are welcome to stop by on the weekend. Bye Alex." I wave getting off the elevator.
"Happy Birthday, Torres!" He calls out from the elevator. Once I get the kids all packed and ready to go we are almost out the double doors of the hospital before Bailey spots us.
"Torres I know you're not leaving. We have a surgery in two hours."
"I know, I'll be back."
"Are you sure? Cause it looks like you are headed home, which would be impossible because we have a surgery in two hours." She emphasis again. "We've already rescheduled Mr. Dansby two times."
"I promise I'll be back. I just have to drop them off at home, eat a quick birthday dinner, and then I'm coming straight back." I reply with Noah's carrier grasped tightly in my right hand and Sofia's hand in my left.
"Birthday dinner? Pshh, on my birthday I didn't get a special dinner I got hospital meatloaf. Wanna know why? Because I was here working like you're supposed to be."
"Bailey, I promise I'm coming back."
"Fine. I can't stop ya. Take those beautiful kids home and be in my OR in two hours. I swear not a minute late."
"Got it. Wave bye to Dr. Bailey, Sof." Bailey cracks a rare smile waving back to Sofia and then we are officially out the hospital. With Sofia singing along to The Little Mermaid soundtrack and Noah making his usual gurgling noises, we make it home safely. As soon as I open the front door Sofia takes off running and I follow her with Noah in tow. It smells absolutely amazing in the house.
"Arizona, we're home!" I call out.
"I figured because an excited two year old is currently attacking my legs." She laughs in response. Unbuckling Noah out of his carrier, I hoist him up on my hip and walk further into our home to reach the kitchen. Multiple pots and pans are aligned on the stove and if I'm not mistaken I think I see a cake baking in the oven.
"You got a lot going on in here, babe." I say giving her a kiss hello. "It all smells so good."
"Well thank you, Calliope. I did put in quite an effort if I may say so myself, and it's all worth it for your birthday. Happy Birthday again." We share another kiss and she gives one to Noah as well.
"Kiss me, mommy!" Sof says raising her arms up, a sign that she wants to be picked up. Arizona complies and gives her a kiss too before plopping her down on the counter right next to her.
"Do you want a glass of wine?" She offers, topping off her glass in the process.
"I would actually love a glass, but I can't I have to go back to the hospital tonight."
"Are you serious, Calliope?" Arizona pleads somewhat disappointed "You've been gone almost every night this week."
"The one night I was home early you got in late because of your department meeting." I counter.
"Yeah, but those are once a month. You've been spending the night at the hospital multiple times this week and this month. There's a difference."
"Can I play, mommy?"
"Sure Sof, just stay in the living room please." Arizona answers, letting Sofia down to go run around.
"I really don't like this, Calliope." My wife turns around to tend to the food while I take a seat with Noah at the kitchen bar. It seems once a month we have this discussion. I come home late or spend a night or two at the hospital and it gets her annoyed. I don't know what to say besides 'it's my job'. It's the only answer I have. I don't enjoy being away as much as I am sometimes, but people get sick and injured and it's my job to help them. This is nothing new to my wife; I've had an unusual schedule from the moment we first met. I can't help it if people fall from trees and break their legs, but when they do and they come to Seattle Grace it's my responsibility to fix them – at least when I'm on shift.
"I don't know what you want me to say?"
"Say what you always say, Callie. 'It's my job.'" She mocks with attitude.
"That's because it is, Arizona!"
"Don't use that tone with me, Callie." She says turning around to face me. "Is it so bad that I want my wife home on her birthday? I thought I'd be able to at least get this day with you. Not even a day, at least two or three hours. I barely saw you this morning and you're leaving us again in what, like an hour?"
"You know what, Arizona you're being selfish right now." Standing up, I pace the kitchen with Noah who's getting a little antsy. "I'm home as much as I can. So sue me if a few days out the month I'm not here when you and the kids go to bed or I'm off in the morning before you guys wake up. It's been this way ever since you met me."
"Yeah, and it's gotten worse. You became an attending, you teach interns now, and you get dealt more cases. You have more responsibility now."
"I do and I'm trying to balance it all. When you got promoted I supported you and stood by you and I will continue to do so, but you can't continually throw my work in my face like this."
"Every day I come straight home after work barring a meeting or something. I have more work too ya know, but at least I'm home. I could easily stay at school longer, but I don't. I make the conscious decision to come home and be here when you guys get back. I'm always here, Callie."
"And I'm not? That's not fair and you know it. It's not like I can bring a fuckin' OR into the basement and operate down there! Trust me, I would if I could."
"Seriously you need to calm down and watch what you say."
"I was calm before you picked a fight, Arizona." I add lowering my voice.
"I didn't pick this, Calliope. I was simply expressing how I've been feeling lately and—"
"And making me feel guilty in the process." I mumble under my breath.
"You know what? Can you just Noah and Sof situated at the table. Dinner is almost ready." Without another word I place Noah in his highchair in the dining room and put Sofia in her booster seat at the table. Arizona brings out our plates with a small, plastic one for Sofia and we begin to eat in silence. Only the sound of Sof banging her utensils around fill the dining room.
"It taste good, Arizona." I speak up after a few bites. "Thank you."
"Good I'm glad. Considering I've been home making it for you, I would hate if all my hard work went to waste."
"Are you being serious right now?"
"So Sof, how was your day?" She asks plainly ignoring me. Quickly finishing up my meal, I take Noah upstairs in his room and sit with him while I feed him his bottle. By the time that's done and he's resting comfortably in his crib it's time for me to leave again.
"Noah's down in his crib. I have to go." Stopping in Sof's bathroom, who is the middle of her nightly bath, my wife's back is turned back to me as she's facing Sof in the bathtub.
"Okay, see you later." She answers dryly.
"Bye mama!" My daughter says waving a soapy hand at me.
"Bye bye, Sof. Love you."
"What's going on with you, Torres? You're usually more talkative during operations." Bailey questions.
"I'm sorry, I guess I'm just really focused that's all."
"Don't lie to me, Torres."
"I thought you hate personal problems."
"I do…how was you special birthday dinner?"
"It was certainly memorable that's for sure." Continuing my steady hands on my patient, the earlier conversations with my wife are still on replay.
"Let me guess, she was mad that you had to come back into work? Probably said something along the lines of she's always home and she just wanted a few hours with you to celebrate your day. Maybe make more of an effort to be present. Am I close?"
"Okay, that's kind of creepy."
"Yeah, I've heard that before. Got the same speech from my husband a while back."
"Uh, Bailey aren't you divorced?"
"Mind your business, Torres." The short surgeon glares. "Like I was saying, it's hard on spouses or significant others to understand sometimes. I'm not sure what the case is for you and Arizona, but for my ex-husband and I we had other issues too. Sometimes your home every day on the dot and other times you go a week without sleeping in your bed. That doesn't mean you should just go home and say sorry and that she was right and you were wrong. That won't fix anything…it's just a band-aid until you have a similar conversation in a month. Try to find a happy medium of understanding."
"Thanks, Bailey."
"Don't mention it. Now fix that 'tude of yours and let's help Mr. Dansby here." Quickly returning to the hardcore Bailey we all know and love.
Hours later when I return home I stop in the kitchen to grab a bottle of water. The countertop is spotless with the exception of a tall cake perched in a glass cake stand. Getting a better look, white frosting letters spell out "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MAMA. LOVE SOF, NOAH, AND MOMMY" I take a picture of it with my phone before cutting a piece of it and sinking my teeth into the moist, chocolate cake. My absolute favorite. I take a few minutes to finish off my cake, water, and replying to some birthday texts before heading upstairs. I complete a speedy version of my nightly routine and slip into bed next to my wife. No surprise she's facing away from me. Right before my mind goes to its unconscious state, I feel the movement from the other side and a second later my wife's body is snuggled up against mine. With her head resting on my shoulder and an arm thrown across my midsection, I turn to kiss her temple and wrap an arm around her as well. Tomorrow we can finish our conversation, but for right now I'm just content falling asleep with my wife at home in my own bed.
Arizona's POV
"I can't believe how big he's gotten. He was so tiny when I first saw him." Aria comments as she gushes over Noah who's sitting in her lap. She came in town to visit Callie for her birthday. After picking her up from the airport we went straight to a restaurant to grab some breakfast. "He's so handsome too. It's not everyday you see a Latino baby with bright blue eyes. He's going to be so popular in high school. Of course he'll be smart, but most people only care about looks in high school."
"He's certainly a handful now." Callie says, "Sofia just got a new bed too. No more baby crib for her. Tell Aunt Aria what kind of sheets you got for your big girl bed, Sof."
"Princesses!" Sofia grins with syrup around her mouth and sticky fingers pinching cut up pieces of a waffle. She's seated next to me with Callie and Aria next to each other across the table.
"You did?! Well I expect nothing less from my favorite niece. Did you do anything special for your birthday, sis?"
"Arizona made me a nice dinner and—"
"But she had to return to work right after. She was only home for an hour or so. I didn't even have the chance to give her the gifts I bought her." I interject. Callie gives me an annoyed look, but I return my gaze to Aria. We still haven't spoken about our argument, discussion, or whatever it was. This morning was all about getting the kids up and ready and picking up Aria. Even though I know we need to talk, having Aria here is a nice buffer.
"That sucks, but daddy always says, 'money never sleeps, and neither should you'. I swear he's always working. It's tiring just watching him work." Aria says taking a sip of her juice.
"I'm actually working on an important case this week, but when it's over my schedule should lighten up." My wife says hopeful.
"Yeah, just until another important case shows up at the hospital." I sneer with an eye roll. I know her job is important and she doesn't have typical nine to five hours, but when she's not home for multiple nights in a row or when Sof starts asking when her mama is coming back it's starting to effect home life. At one point she was making it home for dinner most nights, but now it doesn't even seem like she's trying anymore. She just stumbles in late and most times the kids are both down. We maybe get an hour to two to talk and then we're in bed sleeping.
"Okay…" Aria whispers, picking up on my harsh tone. "Well I did you a gift." Looking through her purse she passes her sister an envelope. "Now I know I said I came this weekend to visit you for your birthday, but I think tonight I want to hang out with my niece and nephew while you and Arizona go to the show!"
"What show?" Callie asks with a suspicious smile.
"Open and find out!" Pulling out two tickets, Callie face lights up in a way I haven't seen in a couple of days.
"West Side Story!? I love this play! How did you know?"
"I didn't actually. I just saw they were in town and I know you like musicals and stuff, so I took a gamble."
"I checked a while back when I heard the show was going on tour, but the tickets went quick. Besides, I didn't know what my schedule would be like far back."
"Well nothing is sold out when you're Aria Torres."
"Yeah, yeah if you say so. Thanks, Aria." Callie says giving her a hug, mindful not to squish Noah.
"So I can play babysitter tonight while you guys go out."
"About that. I'm currently on call so I might have to go back into the hospital today."
"Callie, I thought you said you'd be free this weekend cause we knew your sister was coming to visit." Turning my attention away from Sof to Callie.
"I know, but the Chief has me on call until Cameron leaves. Just in case."
"Who's Cameron?" Aria asks.
"He's the guy who's big case I'm handling. He's a professional athlete so it's a big deal to the hospital."
"Oh okay. Well is he cute?"
"Aria," Callie says shaking her hand before looking at me again. "It's just a precaution. We can still go tonight. I want to go and I want you to come with me. We actually have a babysitter." She says laughing. That's always been our biggest dilemma.
"But what if you get called in during the play?"
"Then of course I'll have to leave, but I might not. Arizona, I'm really trying here."
"Fine we can go." I say cracking a smile. "As long as Aria doesn't mind."
"Oh I'm sure. You guys go. Theater isn't really my scene. Besides I'd figured I would order some pizzas for us tonight, watch a movie or maybe play some games."
"You know Noah can't eat solids, right?" Callie picks Noah up from Aria's lap and wipes his face clean. "Arizona is still nursing him. You'll have to feed him from a bottle."
"Huh. Well I've never done that before."
Back at the house we teach Aria how to care and feed Noah, which was harder then I expected, and then Sofia pulled Aria into her room to play with. She's just happy to have someone new in the house to entertain. I'm currently searching in the closet for something to wear tonight.
"You busy?" Callie asks coming into the room.
"Not particularly."
"I just put Noah down and I thought we could talk."
Turning around I see Callie seated on the edge of the bed. I cross my arms over my chest and lean against the doorframe. "Okay so talk."
"Alright…well where do you want to start?"
"I don't know, Callie this was your idea."
"Arizona, please don't be like this, I'm trying to figure out why you were upset yesterday."
"You seriously don't know why?"
"Because I went to work?"
"Ding, ding, ding! We have a winner." I exclaim.
"Okay what is with the attitude?"
"Sorry," I start softening a little. "I just I want you to be here more. That may be selfish of me, but I deserve to be selfish about this. Sof asked when you were coming home one night and I couldn't give her a definite answer because I didn't know. I understand you work and you have an important job. I get that, I really do and I'm so proud of you but it seems that we've become your second priority."
"That's ridiculous, Arizona. This family has always been my main priority. I think I've proven that to you. I mean I came home yesterday to have dinner because I know you worked hard putting it together and wanted to celebrate my birthday with me. I appreciate that, but technically I wasn't supposed to leave. I did anyway so I could be here."
"I didn't make you come home, Callie."
"I'm not saying you did, but I chose to be here if even for only an hour. I'm sorry it wasn't the birthday you planned, it wasn't how I pictured mine either but I made the most of it."
"It's not just about your birthday, Callie. It's case after case. Every case is important or you have to spend extra hours teaching interns. It's always something. It's starting to take a toll on me too. "
"I don't know what you want me to say. The second I'm off the clock I'm here. I've suggested numerous time that we could hire help."
"Damnit Callie I don't want a freakin' babysitter!" Pushing myself off the door, I let out a heavy sigh of frustration. "Noah and Sof need you here. Just your presence makes a difference. When you're not here in the morning, they notice. When you don't make it home for dinner, they notice. They're happier when you're around. I'm happier when you're around."
"I'll admit it's been a busy week or two, but you're making seem like I'm gone all the time. "
"Because that's how it feels. I think I've put up with it pretty well, basically since we've been together, but it's not just me anymore."
"Arizona, please just tell me what to do and I'll do it because nothing I say seems to mean anything." She says dejectedly. Reaching out a hand, I take it and she pulls me down to sit next to her. "I can't ignore my responsibilities at work, but I can stop sleeping at the hospital if you want. I only do because it makes sense time wise, but I'll start coming home."
"I don't want you driving if you're tired, Calliope."
"I won't, but it will give me a chance to be home more."
"That's all I want, Callie. I'm not trying to diminish your work. I love what you do and that you're so good at it. I guess sometimes it feels like it takes you away from us."
"I promise nothing can take me away from you guys." She says laying a kiss on my forehead. "Maybe we should stay in tonight with Aria and the kids."
"No, no. Your sister got you tickets for your birthday we should go tonight."
"I've seen it before and I know all the songs by heart. I seriously don't mind just staying in tonight."
"It's up to you, but I'm down for either one." I say grabbing her face and pulling her in for a kiss. Letting out her bottom lip with a pop, she gives me a bright smile. "I have a gift to give you."
"Oooo what is it?"
"Actually we all got you something, Sof did hers herself and I had to help Noah out. Plus my own personal gift I got you." Getting off the bed I go back into the closet and pull out two boxes that I hid behind my clothes. That's the absolute last place Callie would look.
"Okay well let's open yours first since Sof is with Aria and Noah is down." Passing her a medium sized box I start to get nervous. We talked about this a while ago, but it was in a lighthearted, joking capacity. I'm not sure how serious she was. This could either go to extremely awkward or very, very good. "Judging by the size of the box I'm guessing it wasn't the handcuffs I asked for." She jokes while taking off the lid of the box and throwing some of the tissue paper to the side. "Let's see, first up we have scented body lotion and bath soaps." She says inspecting the first two gifts from the box and reading the labels on the bottle. "I do love me a good bath."
"I know. You said you wanted a relaxing bath on your birthday so I thought you could use this last night, but…"
"But then I left. I'm sorry, Arizona, I guess I interrupted last nights activities."
"It's alright. Someone needed you more then me at the hospital. You can use them some other time."
"I say we use them tonight." She plays, throwing me a suggestive wink; she pulls out the next item. "Well, well, well what do we have here?" She asks with a sexy grin on her face and eyes wide. "Is this for me or for you?" Pulling out the purple lace halter night piece I picked up from Victoria's Secret the other day, she holds up the lingerie in front of her getting a good look at the enticing material.
"I was going to wear it for you. It was for after your bath and then I was going rub you down in the new lotion. Something romantic for us." I reply with a slight blush.
"I totally ruined your plans last night, huh?"
"It's okay."
"It's not, Arizona. Clearly you had the whole night planned from the dinner and cake, to the gifts, and time for us. I ruined my birthday for us." My wife comments again sympathetically.
"You didn't ruin it, Calliope. I just thought I'd have you alone the night of your birthday, that's all."
"For what it's worth, I fully intend on cashing in on all of this with you."
"Mhmm, I hope so! You have one last thing in there."
"I do?"
"Yeah, keeping looking." I urge, biting my lower lip in anticipation. As she slowly picks away the last few pieces of tissue paper I start getting more and more anxious.
"Oh. Ummm, okay….is this? I uh, I wasn't expecting this." Callie rambles. She doesn't look mad, but she's also not overly thrilled. Staring at the offending item, I decide to speak up and explain myself.
"You know how a while back we were having that discussion about experimenting and trying new things?"
"Uh huh…"
"Well I just thought maybe we could try something new. Not that I don't love what we do, I really do. It just crossed my mind that we—"
"Try something new." She finishes.
"Yeah. So what do you think?" Five very long seconds pass and she hasn't said anything, and he face isn't giving me any clues either. "Callie! Look at me, say something!"
"Sorry, sorry. I guess I was too busy thinking about all the ways we can use this." She finally cracks, looking up from the box.
"Wait, so you're okay with it?"
"Well it came from you so I automatically like it. I do have to say though I've never been presented a strap on like this before. I've never been presented with one at all actually. Am I supposed to use it on you, or you use it on me?"
"Uh, I don't know. I guess we can figure out the details later. You've never used one before?" I myself have use one, but I have a feeling it would be a totally different experience with Calliope.
"Can't say that I have." Putting the box beside her on the bed, she pulls me down to sit in her lap facing her. "I'll admit at first I was surprised, but then some very naughty thoughts starting crossing my mind." She says putting her arms around my back and pulling me in closer.
"Oh yeah? Like what?"
"Things I can't even describe. I guess I'll just have to show you."
"I like that idea." Attaching my lips to hers, we share a passionate kiss that leaves us both a little winded.
"So I have to ask, where did you get it?"
"Oh gosh, that was an experience in itself. I searched places on the Internet and then I found a couple of stores. Who knew there were so many sex shops in Seattle? You should've seen the place I went to, Callie. There were so many things; I didn't even know what half of the stuff in the store was. The salesperson was very nice, quite young in my opinion, but helpful nonetheless. She was asking me all these questions like what size, what color, what your preference was. It got very personal very quick. I'm certain I was blushing the whole time."
"I probably would've just ordered something online."
"I guess I could've done that, but I wanted to make sure I got something quality."
"I think you did a fine job." She says glancing at the box again. "We can definitely make it work."
"I'm just happy I didn't run into someone I know. I almost thought about bringing along Teddy, but she's still on her honeymoon and I'm not sure that's the kind of shopping I would want to do with her."
"Oh I would've definitely dragged Addison along. She would get a thrill out of something like that." I feel Callie's hand play with the bottom of my shirt and caress my lower back. "Thank you for the gifts, babe. The dinner was fantastic too. I'm sure I'll love kids gifts as well."
"You're welcome, Calliope. I did notice a piece of cake was missing. Even though I could've sworn I left a full cake on the counter last night." I play, kissing her again.
"Hmmm, maybe Sof got hungry in the middle of the night and got a piece."
"Oh you mean our two year old daughter who can't even reach the counter yet?"
"Obviously she got help from Noah. He's walking now, you didn't know?" Callie teases back.
"Must've missed it. Too busy searching sex shops in Seattle." I counter with a laugh. A knock on the door bursts our private, humorous bubble.
"Callie, Sof wants to go to the park." Aria calls from the other side of the door. Getting off my wife I go to open the door while Callie puts everything back in the box.
"We can go to the park once you give mama her gift!" Taking Sofia from Aria I get the other box from the closet and let Sof give it to Callie.
"Happy Birfday, mama!"
"Well thank you very much, Sofia!" Accepting the gift and opening it, she pulls outs a small rectangular piece of clay.
"Tell mama what it is, Sof."
"Me hands!" She shouts holding out her hands for all to see.
"I took her to the art store to get her hands imprinted in clay. She colored it herself as you can probably tell. Noah's is in the box too. I colored his for him, but he did his hand prints all by himself."
"That is so cute, Arizona!" Aria comments looking on.
"I wish I had an office at work to display these. I love them! Thank you so much Sofia." Callie says standing up and taking Sofia from me for a hug.
"Park now?"
"Sure we can go to the park now."
"NoNo too?"
"Noah too. Let's go get your shoes and jacket on." My wife says leaving the room with our daughter.
"What's in the other box?" Aria asks pointing at the box I gave Callie.
"Oh I got her some lotion."
"Lotion? That's it for her birthday?" She questions confused.
"Yeah. She really likes lotion. Her hands can get kind of rough from work, soo…"
"Hmmm, okay. Well what kind? Gucci makes a great hand lotion." Moving over to the bed, she tries to open the box but I quickly shut that down and block her from touching anything. I really don't need Aria seeing the strap on and lingerie I got for her sister.
"Uhh, it's not Gucci." Picking up the box I move it under the bed all the while Aria eyes me up and down giving me a suspicious look. "How about we go get Noah ready." I suggest ushering her out the room politely.
After an hour at the park, Sofia easily goes down for a nap. The rest of us are seated in the living room. Aria is playing with Noah on the floor with Callie and I on the couch. Callie is behind me with her head propped up in her hand with me leaning against her chest as we both watch Noah play with his aunt.
"You know babies are cute, but they don't do much." Aria states.
"He'll be crawling a few months."
"Still, until they get to Sofia's age they aren't that much fun."
"If only your nephew could understand what you think about him." Callie chuckles.
"Did the adoption come through yet?"
"Not yet, we have another interview and then it's up to the state and a judge." My wife answers.
"Do you think a judge could deny you guys because you're in a same-sex marriage?"
"I would certainly hope not, but its out of our hands at that point." I reply. "If that did happen we could appeal the decision or something. I'm not going to stop until I get Callie's name on some adoption papers. I hate that she even has to go through this."
"It's not my favorite either, but it's for Noah so I don't mind." She says placing a comforting hand on my hip.
"I'm sure it will work out. You're a great mom, Callie."
"Aw, thanks Aria. Maybe you should start thinking about a family of your own."
"Ha! You're funny, sis. You know me, I can't settle down. Being the cool aunt is fun. You always wanted kids, me not so much."
"Maybe you just have to me the right person. I wasn't particularly keen on kids either, but then I met Callie and Sofia. Now we have Noah and hopefully more in future." Looking up at my wife, she smiles and gives me a quick kiss.
"Cute story, but not for me. I admire you though, Arizona. You actually put up with my sister. That's impressive."
"Says the girl who can't make a relationship last longer then a month." Callie jabs right back.
"I can, I just don't want to. There's a difference."
"If you say so, Aria."
"Hey, hey, hey. Let's play nice. Aria has chosen the single city life, and Callie has chosen the married suburban life. Bottom line everyone is happy."
"Yeah, yeah." Aria mumbles while rolling a ball back and forth with Noah. "So what time are you guys leaving tonight?"
Before either one of us can answer the nagging sound of Callie's pager goes off from the coffee table next to us.
"I guess we're not anymore."
"Arizona…" Callie groans, picking up the offending item. "It's still early in the afternoon. I might be back."
"I know. Just text me or something."
"I will." Getting off the couch she gives Noah and I each a kiss before grabbing her bag and jacket. Just like that she's out the door.
"That was a quick turn of events." Aria observes. "Does it happen often?"
"More then I would like. I was about to make lunch. Sof will be hungry when she wakes up. You wanna help?"
"Sure." She picks up Noah and we move into the kitchen. I start to grab some things from the fridge when I feel a vibration coming from my phone in my pocket. I immediately smile when I see it's from Callie.
I love you and you're amazing.
Thank you, so are you. You better not be texting and driving. I quickly reply.
I'm at a red light. Besides, I was thinking about.
You just saw me.
I know, but I miss you already. Thank you for everything.
You're welcome. Eyes on the road!
"Hey Arizona why is my sister taking medication?" Aria asks holding up one of Callie's pill bottles. "Is she okay?"
"Yeah, she's fine."
"If she's fine then why is she taking medication?"
"I think you should really talk to Callie about it, but she's okay. I promise you she's okay."
"Was something wrong with her?"
"We thought maybe it was something, but we're managing now. Just ask her about it yourself. If it was life threatening I promise I would tell you."
"Okay, I believe you. I think I'm going to change Noah real quick."
"Make sure you use the diaper cream so he won't get a rash."
"Got it!"
Your sister just volunteered to change Noah's dirty diaper! I never thought I'd see the day. Aria Torres! The girl who wears designer everything and hates to get dirty.
That's great and all, but I was just thinking about you in that purple lace piece you got but now Noah's dirty diaper popped into my head and ruined it all.
I guess that just means you'll have to come home and see me in the real thing ;)
Oh, I plan on doing just that. Make sure to tell Aria to use the diaper rash cream.
I did. Now get to work so you can come home.
Got it, boss.
Hmmm is Arizona being needy wanting Callie to be home more, or is Callie struggling to find the balance between crazy hours and family responsibilities?
Also, the idea of Arizona shopping in a sex shop was so funny to me. Anyway, carry on and thanks for reading!