I don't own anything…all credit goes to ABC/Shondaland

Chapter Sixty-Nine

Hope you enjoy!

Callie's POV

"So we're sure about letting Tim watch the kids today, right?" I ask my wife whose about to join me for a morning shower. A week after Aria left Tim came to visit. Actually, Mama Robbins put Tim on a plane to Seattle to visit us. She's worried that ever since Tim came back he's stalled. Not really doing much besides little work around the house and doing stuff in his room. He's not depressed, just not motivated, at least in her opinion. So Tim came in last night and we don't really know how long he's staying. I don't mind, and surely Arizona doesn't. He asked to watch the kids during the day and both Arizona and I were hesitant. Not because he's irresponsible, but because watching a two year old and a four month old is tough. I'm not sure Tim has much experience around young children, especially for more then two or three hours. He convinced us, so Arizona and I are going to give him a shot. Plus, it will be a nice break from daycare all the time.

"He said he's up for the challenge. He's even giving them breakfast right now." Arizona says opening the shower door and stepping in. "He adores those kids, I'm sure nothing bad will happen."

"It's not that I'm worried about, I just…I don't know."

"Look, my mom said he hasn't seen Tim smile that much lately and when he saw Sof and Noah yesterday his face lit up. Maybe he just needs this." She says soaping up her body.

"You don't think it's early signs of PTSD do you?"

"I don't know. Maybe he's just trying to readjust to civilian life. He's only been home for a few months. We should just give him time."

"Okay," I say rinsing the shampoo out my hair. "We should talk to him at dinner, just to see what he's up to."

"That's a good idea. Mom says he doesn't talk much to her about stuff and dad is just giving him space."

"Seems like your dad." I add. "So you said that your brother is watching the kids right now?"

"Mhmm, babe why are you looking at me like that?" She says knowingly grinning.

"Maybe it's because we have five extra minutes and my wife is standing in the shower with me all soapy and wet, and looking very sexy." Moving closer to her, I brush some hair off my face and cup her cheek. "And I would very much like to kiss her right now." Circling one arm around her waist, I pull our bodies close together and we lock eyes. We both wait for someone to say something or do something first.

"So kiss me." The words can barely be made out over the sound of the water right next to us, but when she puts her arms around my neck I lock our lips together for a searing kiss. I move my other hand away from her cheek and around her waist, so are bodies are flush together. I feel her hardened nipples against mine, and her tongue teasing my bottom lip for entrance. Our mouths open and wild kisses are exchanged like they've been done hundred of times before. Pushing her back against the chilled tile wall, she lets out a moan when her body makes contact with it. Moving past her lower back and firm ass, I lift her up by the back of her thighs and her legs automatically wrap around my waist.

"Callie!" She yelps in a surprise giggle. "Put my down, baby."

"No. I like you like this." I return, kissing her neck and collarbone.

"You're going to drop me."

"Have I dropped you before?"

"No."

"Then I won't drop you now." Looking at her again with a cocky grin, she grabs my face with two hands and kisses me deeply again. I feel her slick wet heat, definitely not from the water; start grinding against my stomach looking for some type of relief.

"Mmm, I do have a meeting I need to get this morning. Maybe we should stop. I think it's been five minutes." I tease lightly.

"Not funny, Calliope. Do you know how long it's been since we've had sex in the shower?"

"Uhhh…"

"A long time!"

"I didn't know we were keeping track, babe."

"We're not…I'm not. I'm just saying it's been a long time."

"Huh." I say releasing her from her hold against the wall. She gives me a confused look, but before she can say anything I turn her around and put my front directly against her back. "I guess we should change that then." Kissing her neck slowly, I palm both of her breasts and circling her nipples with my fingers. "Does this feel good, Ari?" I mutter in her ear.

"Uh-huh." She says leaning her head back and resting it against my shoulder. "So good, Calliope." Moving a hand down her wet, flat stomach I cup her mound with just enough force that makes her jump a little.

"I feel that someone went to the salon to get a wax, huh?"

"For you…for your birthday."

"I'm sorry I messed that up, Ari. I promise I'll make it up to you. You don't have to do anything special for though. I kind of dig your all natural look."

"Callie!" Even though I can't see her entire face, I can tell by her voice that she's blushing.

"What, I'm just saying." I run my fingers along her wet folds and I hear her breathing begin to change. "But if you must, maybe get the letter 'C' for Calliope. That would be extremely hot, babe." I actually saw a movie where a wife got her husband's initials outlined on her mound for him as a surprise. Ever since then it's been a fantasy of mine. I swear if Arizona came home with a 'C' on her pussy I'd probably eat her out for days on end. "Your pussy is mine, Ari." I state firmly, pushing two fingers into her warm, wet depths. "And only I can make you feel this way." I finish as I move my fingers in and out of her.

"Yes! Only you, baby….mhmmm keep doing that." My center starts grinding against her ass as her hips move in rhythm with my fingers. The shower long gone, all I care about right now is bringing my wife over the edge.

"Deeper, Callie." She groans. One of her hands covers mine and pushes me deeper inside her. "God, yessss….right there, baby…don't stop."

"Spread your legs, Ari." As soon as she does a loud cry erupts from her mouth as I reach a new spot within her. As proud as I am for making her feel this way, I'm really hoping her brother didn't hear that. Apply pressure to her clit, I feel her walls start to clench around me telling me she's almost at her peak.

"I got you, Ari. Let go." Feeling her body start to tremor, I push us against the tile wall once again to keep her up. "Come for me." Seconds later her convulses and my fingers are pulled inside her. He head leans against the wet tiles as she breaths heavily. After helping her draw out her orgasm as long as possible I withdraw my fingers and taste them for my own pleasure. When she turns around, her cheeks are still flushed and her breathing is become regular again.

"So a 'C', huh?" She asks making us both smile and giggle. "I'll see what I can do." After a series of small kisses and declarations of love I realize that I've been in the shower for way too long.

"Now I seriously have to get out."

"I didn't get a chance to return the favor." She pouts.

"Trust me, I'll let you later." With a wink, I exit the shower as she begins to shampoo her hair and I go about getting ready for my day.

"Mama!" Sofia greets me as I walk into the kitchen. Sitting in her highchair munching on some food. Noah is alert and present lounging in his bouncer on the floor.

"Morning Sofia." Kissing her atop the head, I pick up Noah and give him a kiss too.

"Morning Callie, can I fix you some breakfast?" Tim asks.

"You cook now?"

"Mom has been teaching me, I made Sof some pancakes."

"Pancakes good, mama." She grins with syrup covering her face.

"I can see!" Picking up a napkin, I clean her face only for it to be covered again when Tim gives her another pancake. "Did Noah have his morning bottle?"

"Yep! He took it like champ. I swear that little guy can eat. I think he might need some more for the rest of the day though."

"Just tell Arizona. She's got the goods."

"Ew, gross. Can we not discuss my sister's...you know." He says cringing.

"Your sister's boobs? I finish, making him wince. "I can tell you for a fact that they are great boobs. Saw them this morning with my own two eyes!" I tease. "How do you think Noah got so big? That's all Arizona. Her milk supply is actu—"

"I got it, Callie!" Tim blushes. His cheeks get flush just like Arizona's do when she's blushing. "I will ask her before she leaves to make some more. That makes her sound like a cow." He laughs when she realizes that he just said.

"Yeah, don't say that. I tried that as a joke and got a door slammed in my face."

"Hmm, noted."

"So what's on the agenda for today?" I ask filling up my coffee cup while juggling Noah on my hip. He happens to be very fascinated with my hair this morning and is letting me know with each pull and tug.

"Whatever Sof wants to do I guess."

"Okay, well just make sure Noah gets a morning nap and afternoon nap. Arizona has his feeding schedule on the fridge. Ask Sof once an hour if she has to go to the bathroom. Sometimes she will tell you other times it's a guessing game. You know how to change a diaper, right?"

"Yes, Callie. I've watched Sofia before. We get along great. Now its time for Noah to get some quality uncle-nephew bonding time."

"Sorry, I guess it's just a habit to ask. I've gotta go, but I'll see you guys later. Call or text for anything, Arizona and I have on phones on us for most of the day."

"Yeah, yeah I know. I got this." He says confidently and flashing those trademark family dimples. I swear he and Arizona could pass for twins some days. "Pass me, Noah and you go build a leg or whatever it is you do with bones." Giving my son off to his uncle I give Sof another kiss goodbye.

"Bye bye, mama."

"Bye Sof, be good for Uncle Tim and mommy should be down soon."

"Mmkay." She wavs.

"Karev I didn't think you'd be here." I comment taking a seat at the table. All the attending doctors are trickling in for the morning meeting.

"I'm just here for the free food." He says taking the biggest pastry from the tray in the middle of the table.

"Isn't that always the case? We're both attendings, how is it that you always claim that you're poor?"

"Not everyone has big house and fancy cars, Torres."

"I should be offended, but I'm not. And for your information my car was a gift."

"Whatever, not that I have to explain myself to you, but I actually send money to family members."

"Wait, really?" He shrugs in response. "Karev, that's so nice! I never would've thought you do something like that."

"Shut up." He says with his mouth full. "Moral is I show up for free food."

"How's that Sasha chick?"

"Oh we broke up." Of course they did.

"Morning doctors!" Chief says getting all our attention. "Let's get right to it." It's his usual spiel about making the hospital great and continuing to innovate. Nothing out the ordinary, but just to keep us motivated and continuing to do research. After twenty long minutes of motivational clichés the meeting is finally over and everyone can go about their day.

"Torres! Surgery in ten!" Jackson informs me. "OR three."

"I'll be right there." Checking my phone, I have no calls or text from Tim. I do trust him, but I just have an inkling about something. It's my motherly instinct kicking in. I'm also waiting for a call or email from the social worker. We had our last interview last week and it went good. At least it felt like I did. Right now it's just the waiting game. Hopefully we will hear something soon.

"Callie, can I get a second?" Jordan asks. I think she makes it her mission to corner after meetings.

"What can I do for you, Jordan?" I ask with a hint of sarcasm.

"Look I know we have a surgery later and I just wanted to make sure everything is okay between us."

"Umm, I guess. Why wouldn't it be?"

"I just thought…."

"You thought what? I have surgery with Jackson soon so can we make this quick?"

"I'm sorry for what I said to your wife at the gala. It was rude and inappropriate. Even though I was drunk it still wasn't my place to say what I said. What happens between you two personally is between you guys." She says genuinely, although I'm kind of confused. Arizona just told me about HR thing and how I threaten to have her written up. I didn't dwell on it too much because it was also the night when I told her about my health issues, but now I feeling there was something being left out.

"What exactly did you say to her?"

"I really don't want to repeat it. It was crass and—"

"What about being written up my HR is crass?"

"Oh, um…I guess she didn't. Never mind. I figured she told you, but if not it's probably for the best."

"Jordan, what the hell did you say?" I say getting agitated.

"Callie, you should really talk to your wife about it. If she doesn't want you to know then trust her." Her pager goes off and she makes a dash for the exit. What the hell was that all about? As much as I want to pick up the phone and call my wife I can't right now. She's at work by now and I have a surgery, but I swear I will get some answers before the day is over.

"I think I'm officially ready for lunch." Jackson says as we scrub out. We just spent close to four hours in surgery, but it was all worth it because we helped another person get their life back. "I'll do a quick check up on the patient in recovery then I'll meet you in the cafeteria."

"Okay, I'll get us a table." As soon as he leaves, Bailey comes in. "The OR is all yours. Jackson and I just rocked a surgery."

"Callie, co—"

"I know it's a little cocky of me, but I'm a total badass. I'm a damn good surgeon, Bailey."

"Callie! Come with me."

"Why?"

"Sofia is in the ER." My smug grin that was just on my face is quickly wiped away.

"What the hell do you mean my daughter is in the ER?"

"Just come with me. Kepner is checking her out right now." Bailey is talking to me, but I don't hear anything. As we make our way to the emergency room all these thoughts start flooding into my mind. I knew something was wrong. I just had that hunch. I've officially gone into mother mode, Dr. Torres is long gone. "Calm yourself before you go into the room. Kids feed off the energy from others." Bailey warns. I hear my daughter's cry as soon as I enter the emergency room.

"What room is she in?!"

"Two. Kepner is with her." Bursting into the room, I see doctors all around my daughter. Her cheeks are tear stained and her nose is runny. I briefly see Tim in the corner holding Noah. He looks disheveled and panicked.

"Callie, I'm so, so sorry. I called Arizona in the ambulance over here."

"What happened?!"

"I just….I'm so sorry. I didn't know."

"Just take Noah out of here, okay?"

"Callie, I'm so sorry."

"Tim, look at me." I say putting my hands on his shoulders to get his attention. "Just take Noah out of here. It's going to be okay." I don't even know if that's true, but it needed to be said for both of us. He nods in understanding and leaves with Noah.

"MAMAAAA!" Sofia wails, breaking my heart in the process. I turn my attention to her and start consoling her.

"Shh, shhh Sof. It's okay. I'm right here, mama is here." Brushing some of her hair back and wiping away tears. "Kepner, what the heck happened?"

"She's having a bad reaction to something. Tim said she gave her a peanut better and jelly sandwich. Is she allergic?"

"I d-don't know. We've never given her nuts or anything. Is she going to be okay?"

"I just gave her a shot of medicine, but she's got rashes on her neck and around her chest. I checked her airwaves and they aren't constricted. She started to respond the medicine okay, but we need to watch her. I'm having her transferred up to peds to run some tests."

"She's going to okay though, right?" I ask again.

"She should be fine. I think the ambulance and hospital freaked her out more. I don't think she's in much pain, it's all the activity around her that's scaring her."

"Sof, the nice doctors are going to move you, okay?"

"MAMA STAYYY!" She continues to cry.

"I'm right here, Sof. I'm not going anywhere."

"You can ride with her up if you want." Kepner suggests. Before I can answer, Sof's body starts jerking and she's leaning forward.

"She's about to throw up, give me something!" I yell at an intern who quickly passes me a bucket. "Let it out, Sof." I urge. "Don't move her yet. She needs to get this out." As soon as she throws up I pass the bucket off and hop on the gurney to be moved up with her.

"Sorry, mama." She mumbles against my chest.

"It's okay, baby girl. We're going to get you all better." Holding back tears, I comfort her until we're up on the peds floor.

"Karev, come check out Sof!" I yell to my fellow doctor. When he see's Sofia he quickly puts down whatever he was working on and follows us into Sofia's new room.

"She's a got a bad peanut allergy, I need you to run a blood test." Hoping off the bed, I try and start an IV, but Alex stops me.

"Let me do my job, please. Go sit in the chair." He says pushing me out the way. "Alright Sof, uncle Alex is going to make you feel all better." He says talking to her gently.

"My tum tum hurts." She says moving her hands over her stomach.

"I promise you I will make you feel better really soon. Just sit tight for me kiddo."

"She's got rashes, Karev. Check them out."

"Callie, I got this. I don't need you in my ear. She's going to be fine. Now can you distract her while I take her blood, please." Hoping back on her bed, I turn her attention away from the needle and try and calm her down. Her tears have subsided and her cries have become little whimpers.

"Ow, ow, mama."

"Alex!"

"All done." He passes it off for an intern to send to the lab. "The epinephrine is kicking in so she should be feeling better soon. I'm going to get something for the rashes." I continue to sit with Sof once Alex leaves and soothe her. She doesn't say much, but I can tell she's shaken by the whole thing. I hear my wife's voice in the hallway demanding to be told where her daughter is.

"I'm going to go met mommy, okay?"

"Kay. Come back, mama."

"I will, I'll be right back." Giving her a kiss, I leave her room and spot Arizona.

"Callie, where is she? She's okay, right?" She asks running up to me worried.

"She had a bad reaction to peanut butter, but she's going to be fine. She's reacting to the medicine positively."

"She's allergic? Since when?"

"Today, I guess. I didn't know. Tim fed her a sandwich and she—"

"Tim!? Where is he? Where's Noah?"

"Uhhh…you, come here." I point to an intern. "See my wife? Go find her brother. He looks just like her and is holding a four-month old baby. Check the ER. His name is Tim. Bring him here."

"Right away, Dr. Torres."

"Callie, let me see her now."

"Okay, but don't go in there all crazy. She's all spooked enough."

"Alright, alright. Just let me see her." Walking back into Sof's room, her face lights up when she see's Arizona.

"Mommy."

"Hey there my little princess. How you feeling?" She says standing next to Sof.

"No good, my tum tum hurts."

"Aww, well we are going to make sure it feels all better very soon."

"Oh look, the wife showed up." Alex says coming back in. "Got something to take care of the rashes. I rushed the blood work so we should have results soon, but I'm pretty sure she's got a peanut allergy. You'll be able to take her home today. Just keep her away from all things peanuts." He gives Sofia some cream for the rashes and she giggles because it tickles. Her personality is slowly coming back.

"Arizona, I'm so sorry." Tim says entering the room with Noah.

"Did the kid come in contact with the peanuts too?" Alex asks inspecting Noah.

"No, I promise. He was down for a nap."

"Okay, well while you guys have your mini family reunion, I'll go check on the labs. Be back later."

"Tim what exactly happened?" My wife inquires.

"I was fixing myself a sandwich and Sof wanted to try some so I gave her half. Then in ten minutes she started getting agitated and scratching herself. I saw the rashes and then she started crying. Her breathing was a little weird too. I was freaking out so I called 911. She threw up in the ambo. Everything just happened so fast." It's clear that he's a little shaken too and I understand, it's a normal reaction.

"Tim, she's going to be fine. Arizona and I didn't know about the allergy. We couldn't have known she was allergic. If anything it's my fault. I should've got her tested earlier for it."

"Stop blaming yourselves. No one knew. Sofia is going to be okay." Arizona says being the voice of reason." We sit in Sof's room for half an hour making small talk and keeping a watchful eye on Sofia.

"I heard we have a very special patient with us this afternoon." Jordan says cheerfully coming into the room. "How you feeling miss Sofia?" She asks looking at her tablet.

"Tum tum hurts some."

"Where's Alex?" I say a little too coldly. I haven't forgot about our discussion earlier.

"He got pulled away." She answers and turning her attention back to my daughter. "That should be going away soon. I got her results back and as suspected it was peanut allergy. I'm going to prescribe an epi pen in case something like this happens again."

"Is it that serious?" Arizona asks speaking up.

"I'm afraid so, keep her away from all things peanut related. Even foods made in a peanut facility. She may outgrow it in a few years, but until then we want to take the best precaution. When her IV runs out you can take her home. Keep fluids in her and check her diaper and when she uses the bathroom. She may have diarrhea. I'll have a nurse draw up her discharge papers. Miss Sofia you are going to be just fine, okay?" Sof nods and gives her a smile.

"Thank you so much, doc." Tim says.

"No problem. Glad she's okay. Is this your son, Callie?" Jordan asks looking at Noah.

"Yeah he is, thanks so much for your help, but I think we got it from here." Arizona replies quickly and heatedly. "You can leave now." If it wasn't clear before, it's clear now. Something was said between them and Arizona didn't like it.

"Geez sis, calm down."

"It's okay. He's very cute. Take care."

"What was that all about?" Tim asks once she's gone.

"Leave it alone, Tim." My wife scolds.

An hour or so later, Tim and Arizona took the kids home while I finished my shift, including that surgery with Jordan. One of the quietist surgeries I've been involved with in a while. I insisted on coming home too, but Arizona said it was okay. So I spent a few more hours at the hospital before finally coming home.

"Perfect timing, Callie. Dinner is ready!" Tim says greeting me.

"Mhmm, smells good. Where the kids?"

"They are both sleep." My wife answers giving me a kiss. "Sof said she's feeling better."

"That's good."

"Yeah, and Arizona made me throw out every peanut related thing in the house."

"Very good. I was thinking we should get Noah an allergy test. Just in case."

"Sure. He's still on milk, but when he starts eating solids it would nice to know if he was allergic to anything." Setting the table and getting drinks for everyone we take a seat in the dining room.

"I really want to say how sorry I am again about this afternoon. If I knew about I swear I wouldn't have made the sandwich."

"Tim, it's really okay. We each had our mini freak-outs, but most importantly she's fine. Tomorrow she will make you play princess with her again. She probably will forget the entire thing."

"Still, I'm very sorry."

"Like Arizona said, it will be old news by tomorrow."

"Anyway, I have something else I want to talk to you about." Arizona starts.

"Ummm, okay. Go right ahead."

"What's the plan?"

"What plan?"

"For your life. You're home now and you're safe and healthy, which is most important, but it's time to start thinking about what else you want to do. Mom is concerned about you and so am I."

"Arizona, I'm fine." He says dismissively.

"That may be, but what are you doing? Do you need a job? Can I help you in anyway?"

"You worry too much."

"I say that all the time." I chirp up.

"You can't just sit at home forever, Tim."

"I'm not doing that, sis. I actually have a plan. I'm just trying to figure some stuff out."

"Well let me help."

"You can't."

"Try me." She snaps back.

"Fine." He says putting down his eating utensils pushing his plate back a little. "I got into a masters engineering program."

"What?! That's amazing, Tim! Why didn't you tell me? Do mom and dad know? That's huge! I didn't even know you wanted to go back to school." Arizona says ecstatically.

"I didn't either, but I just applied and I got in. I've been going into town everyday to apply for loans at the bank. It's expensive and mom and dad said they only pay for our undergrad."

"Don't I know it? I'm still paying off my student loans for grad school. That partial scholarship helped, but every month I write a new check to the student loan people."

"I know, but until I hear back I don't want to say anything to mom and dad. Cause if it doesn't work out then I need a plan b."

"Ummm, why don't I just pay for it?" Seems pretty obvious to me. Arizona and I've got the money. He risked his life for our safety, the lease I can do is pay for his education.

"Oh no, no, no. That's not why I'm here. I'm not taking your money. I'll figure it out." He quickly objects. "I might get a part-time job and save up. I may be able to defer my acceptance for a year or two."

"You don't have to do that. Just think of it as a scholarship or something."

"It's seriously okay. We Robbins don't take handouts. Mom and dad raised us better then that. We have to find a way or make one. Nothing in life comes easy, isn't that right sis?"

"Damn straight, Tim!"

"I respect that, I really do, but Arizona and I have the money. And before you say anything about paying for college for Noah and Sof, they each have their own money and I have more then enough in my account to cover it all."

"Wait, Noah has a trust fund? I didn't know that." Arizona says.

"Yeah, every Torres kid gets one when they are born. That's beside the point. We can pay for it. I don't see why you're not backing me on this, Arizona. Education is your specialty."

"Look, I agree that Tim should go to school, but if he wants to do it on his terms that's his decision. Otherwise I would've offered myself." And getting back to Noah, how much is in his?"

"I don't know. I have the paperwork somewhere. He can't touch it until he's eighteen."

"Your kids are going to be spoiled brats." Tim teases.

"Excuse me, no they will not." Arizona says throwing her napkin at him playfully.

"You guys can fight later, but can we figure this school thing out?"

"Callie, I appreciate what you're trying to do, but I'll figure it out."

"Just leave it alone, babe."

"Yeah babeeee." Tim mocks animatedly. After finished dinner and checking on the kids one last time, Arizona and I went up to bed while Tim went down in the basement to hang out.

"Arizona I really think you should convince your brother to take the money." I suggest, as we get ready for bed. "For everything he's been through, he shouldn't have to worry about paying for school."

"Callie, he's a grown man. I can't make him do anything. I said earlier if I knew he would accept it I would've offered it to him. I give him credit for trying to figure it out on his own."

"Just seems like a lot of extra work for no reason."

"You know how you wanted to buy this house with your own money that you saved up? We both know you have millions in the bank to use, I'm sure you could've got even a bigger house if you wanted, but you didn't. You used what you earned and saved and got us this beautiful home. It was a pride thing. It's the same for him. It's the same for me and my student loans. I could easily tap into our account bank account and cover it all with one check, but I don't. I promised myself I would pay my way through school and I'm doing so."

"I guess that makes sense."

"Isn't Mark still sending you money for Sofia each month? We don't need it, but he does so anyway. It's a pride, ego thing. We all have our reasons. Tim knows I would pay for him in a heartbeat, but he has his own way of doing things."

"Alright. I'll let it go."

"Thank you." Pulling back the bed covers and laying down, she takes out her iPad and starts doing something. Sensing that it's more for pleasure then something for work I decide this is my chance to ask her.

"So, uh, what exactly did Jordan say to you at the gala?"

"I told you, the threatening to write her up or whatever." She says nonchalantly.

"Is that why you were cold with her earlier?"

"I wasn't cold with her…sometimes she just needs a reminder of what her place is. She's your colleague and a child doctor and that's respectable, but it seems she likes to cross the boundaries when she gets the chance."

"Well she apologized to me this morning about something she said to you and it wasn't about being written up."

Putting down her iPad she gives me her full attention. "What did she say?"

"Something about a crass comment. She wouldn't tell me exactly. She thought I already knew."

"Oh, well it was nothing important."

"I feel like I'm back in middle school again and two means girls are talking about me behind my back. You can tell me what she said. I'm not going to go blow up at her tomorrow."

"Yeah, I'm not too sure about that, Calliope. Sometimes you get a head of steam and there's no stopping you."

"Okay, well now I really want to know." I reply, taking a seat on the bed. "Please."

"Fine." She takes a deep breath before speaking again. "She said that you like to talk."

"I like to talk?"

"Yeah, like in bed." She says cautiously. "That you learned it from her."

"Learned what from her?"

"Calliope, don't make me say it. Connect the dots."

"Arizona, you gotta help me out a little."

"You learned how to be vocal in bed with her when you guys were intimate. I don't really want to think about it. She was drunk. It doesn't even matter if it true or not. I love you and that's all that matters. We all learn things from our previous partners. Good or bad. Most don't go around bragging about it, but she did and it was disrespectful. It's over with." She rambles off. "I know I'm good, but it took some practice to get this way." She says trying to add some levity to the situation.

"Okay."

"Okay?"

"Yeah, okay." I say sliding into bed.

"What a minute…something seems fishy here."

"I told you I'm okay. Thanks for telling me. Wanna watch some television?"

"Ummm, sure. You promise you're okay? Cause I seriously love it when you talk to me when we're together. I don't want you become all silent now and we stare at each other awkwardly during sex."

"I promise no awkward staring, Arizona."

"You're not going to do something stupid and get fired tomorrow?"

"Why do people always think I'm going to blow up? Just because I'm a Latina woman doesn't mean I have a fiery or crazy temper. That stereotype is extremely outdated and false. I get upset when the situation calls for it." I always have to defend my reaction to things and it gets annoying and tiring. It's something I've dealt with my whole life and I wish it would just go away.

"Hey, hey, hey. That's not what I meant at all, babe. I just thought you'd have a different reaction then just 'okay'. If you say you're fine then I believe you."

"I don't need to do or say anything to her. Do I want to? Of course. But you handled it then and nothing more needs to be said. I just wanted to know for my own sanity. I've got you, Sofia, and Noah. That's what's most important. I have no desire to keep interacting with her on a personal level. I promise you I'm good."

"Alright, love you." She says giving me a kiss

"Love you, too. Besides, I don't know how quiet I'll be when we use that birthday gift you got me."

"Hmmm, is that a promise?"

"I guess we'll just have to wait and see."

Thanks for reading!

AN: One more chapter after this then the epilogue.