AN: Well, here I am again. I am sorry about how long it has been taking me to update. I figure by this point you all know me well enough to know this is just how I update, but I am also writing Once Upon A Time stories, and honestly, I'm just way more inspired to write that than this, at the moment. But, I swear I will finish this story, it'll just be a while.

The the cooled metal of the doorknob twisted as I distractedly entered my office, head down, eyes scanning a patient file. I briefly wondered if I had left the door unlocked until I sensed another person already occupying the space. Not bothering to look, I inquired, "Did you break into my office?"

"Maybe."

"So, apparently, your penchant for making yourself comfortable in my space does not only pertain to my home as my nurse, but everywhere." I tossed lightly in her direction, not really at all bothered by her unexpected and uninvited presence.

"Well, I'm not a vampire."

Rolling my eyes, I finally glanced at Callie sitting cross-legged on my sofa, happily eating what appeared to be a Cobb salad. "Somehow, that asinine comment makes sense to me."

Callie smirked and nodded, popping a tomato in her mouth. "I like your words today."

The vampire comment I understood, but that one got past me. "What?"

"Penchant. Asinine. Good words. I have a thing for words." Callie remarked casually, as if it wasn't a strange thing at all.

Cocking my head, I absorbed the new piece of information about the woman. I decided that it somehow made her even more attractive, "Favorite word?"

Callie grinned widely, swallowing her bite, "Magnanimous. You?"

I considered it for a moment, "Onomatopoeia."

"God, you're amazing." Callie breathed with dreamy sigh.

Chuckling quietly, I shoved the file into my desk drawer, "Actually, I'm glad you're here."

She placed her fork down, and reached for the bottle of water on the small table in front of her, taking a swig, she raised an eyebrow, "Oh, yeah? What's up?"

Hastily swallowing my simmering nerves, I replied, "Nothing, really. I just wanted to...see you." I felt a tingling blush seep over my cheeks and neck. I coughed lightly and turned from her shocked expression. The truth was, that over the past weeks I found myself actively craving the other woman. I found myself thinking about her without even realizing it. I found myself replaying moments when her fingers had grazed my arm, when her eyes had scanned my body, causing her to flush, moments when she made me smile in a way that no one had before, moments when she smiled with the smile she saved for me. Ever since I decided to open myself up to her, my heart and mind took that as permission to begin developing feelings well out of the range of friendship. And, surprisingly, I found that I welcomed it. When silence continued to fill the office for the next several seconds, I added, "What? Not what you were expecting?"

Callie chuckled breathlessly, "No, definitely not. I was expecting something much less...open. I like it. Say more things like that."

Shaking my head in amusement, and just a little discomfort, I smirked and flopped down next to her, "Moment's gone. Did you happen to bring me food, or did you just come by to eat in front of me and drop salad on my couch?"

"Aw, that was less sexy than the other thing...and I didn't drop food..." Despite her protest, her eyes curiously drifted down. Seconds later she was picking lost veggies from the leather cushions, "Huh, look at that." Raising my eyebrows, I waited for her to answer my question, which she eventually did, "And, of course, I brought you something."

Grinning, I held my hand out expectantly. "Whatcha bring me?"

Narrowing her eyes, she leaned over the arm of the sofa, "Taco salad." Placing it in my hand, I nodded my approval, then held out the other hand. She never flinched or broke eye contact as she retrieved a can of Dr. Pepper, handing it over.

I smirked, "Thank you."

Shrugging, she took another bite, talking around the forkful, "Well, it's the least I could do after breaking into your office."

"True." We ate in comfortable quiet. It had become ritual over the few weeks since we made up to meet up for lunch or dinner, or whatever we had time for. It surprised me at how uncomplicated it was to fall into our natural banter, and restart our previously budding relationship. Awkwardness had certainly been present, at first. However, we had quickly moved past it, and fell into a quite pleasant routine of enjoying each other's company. Of course, the local gossip mill latched on and churned out new theories and stories about us. No one could figure out how we went from tearing each other's throats out to working together seamlessly, effectively, and positively. So, imagination ran wild. Nothing specifically romantic had happened between us in that time. We had simply been finding our footing again; talking, spending time together, and flirting. A lot of flirting.

"Mm! Did I tell you about Mr. Davidson!?" Callie suddenly broke the serenity of the room, nearly spitting food everywhere.

"Um, gross. And, no. What about him?" I asked, picking through my salad.

"Apparently, his daughter that visits everyday? Not his daughter." Callie made wide eyes at me, suggesting something scandalous was coming next. When I motioned for her to continue with a wave of my fork, she finished, "She's his mistress!"

I froze mid-bite, then exclaimed, "No way! He's gotta be like...three times her age!"

Callie nodded enthusiastically, "Yeah, nearly. That's why his wife and 'daughter' were never there at the same time. Crazy, right?"

"Yeah, and creepy. What could she possibly see in that ass of an old man?"

"Probably the usual lure of a hefty bank account...or he has a huge-"

I held up my hand, "Do not finish that sentence, I'm eating."

"I was going to say heart." Callie replied smartly.

"No you weren't."

"No, I wasn't. I was implying he had a giant d-"

This time she was cut off by my hand over her mouth, "I said don't." Our eyes locked as I kept my hand in place, admittedly enjoying her soft lips on my palm. Before I could pull back, I felt her warm, wet tongue slither across my fingers. Yanking my hand away, I momentarily ignored the prickling pleasure of the action, "Calliope! Are you twelve?" I wiped my slick hand down her arm, attempting to rid it of her slobber.

Callie laughed loudly at my disbelief, "You deserved it. Callie Torres cannot be silenced." She punctuated the statement with fist pump.

"Well, yes, that I am fully aware of." I snarked back, rubbing my hand on my scrub pants.

Her dark eyes sparkled as she took my gentle insult in stride. Putting down my empty salad container, I mumbled, "I can't believe you licked my hand."

Callie smirked, "Well, next time I'll lick somewhere more fun." This time it was her tan hand to come up and slap over her mouth. When my shocked eyes snapped up to meet equally shocked brown, she slowly lowered her hand, "Yeah, I didn't mean to say that out loud." While my heart rate jumped dangerously with the terrifying implication, the same idea sent a creeping flush of desire over my entire body.

Finally finding my voice, I mumbled, "Well, since when have you cared about filtering your thoughts?"

Callie nodded in acknowledgment of my point, but then lowered her voice, "Since we got to a place where it means something. I don't want you to think I'm pushing you in any way. Before, I could say overly forward things because I knew you and I couldn't be- more than what we were. But, now, we're trying to move forward, so I'm trying to be respectful of whatever pace and destination you need."

I sighed, "God, you're amazing." My heart fluttered unsteadily as I processed her words. She never failed to impress me with her ability to read and understand me, providing me with exactly what I needed in the moment. The truth was, I still wasn't ready for intimacy, emotional or physical, but especially physical. My capacity for emotional intimacy grew everyday, Callie helping immensely. But, my comfort with sharing my new physical form with another proceeded much slower, as I was still learning to accept myself. I grinned warmly at her, attempting to convey my gratitude and appreciation for her consideration. Callie smirked, flicking her gaze over my face. Apparently deeming my mood stable and satisfactory, she nodded and continued eating her lunch.

Moving on from the moment, we discussed our day and entertained light small talk. Lingering glances, and stolen touches painted our interaction with the signs of two women entertaining more than friendship. More than once, I found my body humming with anticipation, and heart thudding with affection. And, more than once, I found myself immensely glad that I had been able to repair what had broken between us.

When I shifted and winced with the movement, Callie eyed me curiously, "Are you ok?"

I nodded, "Yeah, but my prothesis keeps pinching me today, I think I put it on wrong or something, but can't seem to fix it." Fidgeting with the buckles and edge of plastic through my scrub pants, I huffed at the piece. Glancing up at her, I licked my lips, "Do you think...I mean, would you look at it for me, see if you can help?"

Callie's brow shot up, and her jaw dropped a little, "You want me to help?"

Nodding, I said slowly, "Yeah...unless, you don't want to..."

She quickly shook her head, "No, I want to, I just have never heard you willingly ask for help, especially from me..."

Growing uncomfortable, I glared at her, "Well, if you're going to make it weird, I can just go ask Dr. Wiles."

"No, no. I'm not making it weird, I'm just pleasantly surprised, and a little proud." Callie said, putting her lunch aside and turning to me.

"It's not a big deal." I lied. I knew it was a big deal for me to seek her help unprompted. It was a big deal for me to trust her like that.

"It is." Callie scooted closer, "You're going to have to pull your pants down, so I can see it properly."

"I know. Are you going to make that weird?" I nearly snapped, my nerves frazzling me.

"No. Relax, ok? I didn't mean to upset you. If you don't want me to help anymore, I won't." Callie's voice softened as she tried to sooth me.

I took a deep breath, "I want your help. I'm sorry for getting shifty."

"It's fine. I get it."

"I know, that's why I trust you." The words left my mouth without hesitation or forethought. Our eyes widened simultaneously, but Callie chose to not comment on that assertion. Clearing my throat, I leaned back and fumbled with the ties of my scrubs. Shaky fingers undid the knot and loosened the band. Hooking my thumbs around the elastic, I pushed the pants down my hips and past my knees, exposing my thighs and top of my prothesis.

Callie leaned forward, trying not to waste time. I pretended not to notice how her eyes trailed over my pale skin, and peeked at my black, lace panties. And, we both seemed to be pretending not to notice that we were now pursuing some type of relationship and I just took off my pants in front of her. Trailing her fingers around the top of the leg, she tested the fit. Instead of watching her hand, I studied her face as she worked. I took the time to appreciate her knitted brow, her lower lip trapped between dazzling white teeth, and jaw muscles twitch. When I noticed her blush a little, and swallow, she murmured, "Um, can you spread your legs a little more? I can't get to this other buckle..." With my breath catching, I jerkily opened my thighs, allowing her more access. Her voice came out breathy, "Thanks." As she leaned over my lap, examining the leg, her hair fell in front of my face, pushing her tempting scent my way. Following an unexpected and strange impulse, I reached forward and tucked a raven strand behind her ear. She grinned and sent me a sidelong glance, not ceasing her examination. A few moments later, she broke the loaded silence, "I found the problem. One of the straps is twisted and it's messing up the balance, causing the pinching. I can fix it."

A few minutes later, she was helping me pull my pants back up, the leg no longer causing any issues. "Thanks, Calliope."

"No problem, Goldielocks." Grinning at my disapproving glare she gathered our garbage. "What time are you off today?"

Finishing my soda, I stood with her, "Six. You?"

"Same." She turned to me, smiling and seemingly contemplating something.

Stepping slightly closer to her, I swallowed roughly, "What are you thinking?"

Callie's smile widened, "I think you should ask me to dinner tonight."

I arched an eyebrow, "I thought you just said that you're trying not to push me?"

"If you ask me, I'm not pushing." She said it in mock obviousness, but watched me closely.

Our eyes locked, the air heating and nerves twitching. My heart thundered as my mind raced to make a decision. A large part of me wanted to really start whatever next step waited for us. I wanted to start exploring, to start dating. But, another, darker, part of me wasn't ready. I was still in the process of discovering who I was after the crash, the new me. I didn't know if I could begin a relationship with someone while still finding myself. And, I also knew that Callie couldn't be an experiment. I couldn't risk her feelings by entering into something I wasn't ready for. On the other hand...I couldn't wait to move forward with her. What I said was, "I'll think about it."

Callie smiled, "Ok, but I'm a busy chick, my schedule won't stay open forever." When I arched an eyebrow in challenge, she shrugged, "Ok, fine. For you, it'll always be open." Flashing a shy smile, I rolled my eyes affectionately, to which she sighed, "I should be going. Cartilidge won't grow itself."

"Thanks for lunch." I mumbled, distracted by sudden thoughts.

"Anytime." She turned and pulled open the door to my office.

As the hinges groaned, my palms prickled and my pulse accelerated. I had no idea what instigated the feeling, but I became overwhelmed with a feeling of potential. Like a moment had arrived and greatness could be born from it or lost forever. Time expanded, seeming to grant space for my decision. As my heart seized with fear and excitement, my trembling voice stopped the retreating brunette, "Callie."

She twisted around, "Yeah?"

"Kiss me." My breathing stopped altogether as the vocalization of my raw, uncertain desire escaped. Perhaps I should have waited for a more romantic moment, a moment created from natural progression or emotional opportunity. Not a seemingly arbitrary moment that contradicted recent thoughts, where I simply requested my want, instead of allowing her to give it of her own volition. Perhaps. However, my gut apparently cared nothing for perhaps, and urged me to take the impulse and lunge. Besides, convention never guided our relationship before, so I saw no reason to embrace it then.

Callie froze, dragging her eyes up and down my body, likely trying to determine my seriousness. "Are you sure?"

I shook my head, "No. But, I want you to do it anyway...If you want to."

She didn't hesitate another second before striding back to me and taking my face in her hands. Her lips closed on mine, not desperate and forceful like the first time, but tender and questing. Imploring. Supportive. Compassionate. Strong. Unassuming. Passionate. A promise. Her soft lips against mine warmed me instantly, and inspired shivers down my body.

She pulled away as gently as she had come, eyes searching mine. Both sets of lungs labored, despite the briefness of the moment. Her fingers trailed down my cheeks, neck, and shoulders, finally dropping their connection to my body all together. Brown eyes stared expectantly, reaching for a reaction from me. A harsh shift of her throat displayed her nerves as she tentatively spoke, "Are you okay?"

Blinking and gradually pulling in a long breath, I nodded in relief. "Yeah. I'm good...really good..." I let out a puff of air through a wide, shy smile, raking my hand through my hair. Biting my cheek, I added, "Do you want to have dinner with me tonight?" Somehow all fear-induced filters had disappeared, leaving a wide open avenue for me to pursue what I wanted.

Callie grinned, a bright, blinding grin that melted my insides, "Yes. I do. But, you didn't have to be so dramatic about it." Her teasing tone grounded us a bit, something we both seemed to need as we appeared to be existing in a sort of alternate reality, where we floated around, unsure of our footing.

My voice came in only a whisper as I answered, "Isn't that the only way we know how to do things?"

She shrugged, her smile plastered, unmoving across her plump lips, "I suppose you're right. Pick me up at seven thirty?"

"Deal." The door clicked softly shut as she left me standing in my office with a hopeful smile and erratic heart.

AN: Let me know what you thought. I went back and forth on this chapter forever, erasing huge chunks, completely changing things, then would go back to what I originally had...it was ridiculous. Abstractly I knew what I wanted from this chapter, but figured I'd know the details when I saw it, but I was wrong... Anyway, I hope you liked it and hope to hear from those willing to share.