**WARNING - CONTAINS THE SUBJECT OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE**
Further warning of a flashback from Callie. If you don't feel comfortable reading, please scroll past the bold italic.
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I own nothing. All characters/storylines belong to Shonda. I'm simply 'borrowing' them.
Chapter Twelve
Eyes sticky from an evening of constant tears, Callie glanced around and tried to gather her bearings. Looking around the bright room, she furrowed her brow and glanced at the clock. 7:55am. Shit! The brunette had decided to leave the hospital and check into a hotel, not because she didn't want to be around Arizona, but because she wanted to freshen up and take a couple of hours to be in her own thoughts. She needed to settle her mind, and she needed to know that the was what she really wanted. She knew it was, but her mind was playing tricks with her and she could shake the feeling of uncertainty that had settled within her.
Jumping up from the hotel bed she had now apparently spend the entire night in, she made her way straight into the bathroom. Thinking about taking another shower, she shook her head and decided against it. There was no point. She had just slept in the clothes she had spent the entire previous day in, so a shower was wasting both hers and Arizona's time. Heading back into the open space of her hotel room, she put on a fresh pot of coffee and pulled herself up on the single kitchen stool that sat near the sink.
Hearing the sound of a flushing toilet, Callie looked up and furrowed her brow. Huh? The recognisable sound of the bathroom door clicking open down the hallway, the brunette froze. Her body unable to move, she done what she knew best, and simply froze.
"Hello, Callie."
"S-Suzanne? I thought you were away?" Callie swallowed hard as she quickly realised that her ex had been playing another one of her games.
"And miss the chance to see you? I don't think so."
"But you said that you were happy to let me go?" Stepping backwards, Callie tried to remove her cell phone from her back pocket without her ex noticing.
"I could never be over you, Cal. I love you too much. I'm happy you came. Means we can work things out, right?" Suzanne stepped closer.
"Um, no." Dark tresses shook. "I don't think so."
"You're joking right?" The redhead laughed. "You'd rather fuck that skinny blonde than me?"
Feeling the back of Suzanne's hand connect with her face, Callie winced at the pain. "You fucking disgust me."
"S-Suzanne, I-" Callie struggled to get her words in check as she held her face to lessen the pain.
"I don't want to hear the bullshit that comes from your mouth." The redhead laughed. "You really think i'd let you be with her?"
"B-But you said." The brunette continued to step backwards. Feeling her back connect with the wall, she prayed to god that Arizona would come back soon.
Cupping her ex fiancé through her jeans, Suzanne smiled. "Maybe I'll show you just what you've missed."
"Please don't." Callie's voice broke. She couldn't bare to even have the other woman's hands on her.
Bringing her pale lips up to the shell of Callie's ear, she unbuttoned her jeans, breathed heavily and spoke barely above a whisper. "I bet you are soaked just thinking about me. You fucking love it. You always did. Hard, right?"
"Please, Suzanne. Just let me go."
Hands removing themselves from Callie's most intimate parts, they ran up her body and attached to her throat. "I will do what I want, Callie. You should know this by now."
Catching sight of Arizona in the doorway, she desperately tried to keep herself calm. She should be fighting back, but she couldn't. Suzanne had always had this kind of effect on her, and no matter how many times she had tried to fight back in the past, it always ended much worse for the brunette.
Watching as Arizona entered the apartment quietly, she was desperate to hold her. She could see the anger in her beautiful blue eyes, and she wasn't sure what to expect next. Shocked by the sight of Arizona ripping her ex away from her, by nothing but her hair, Callie held her breath and slid down the wall.
It had been a restless night, one which she hadn't expected to happen when she woke up in her girlfriends apartment the previous morning. Not only did she feel a great deal of pain, both physically and mentally, the guilt was now beginning to set in. The guilt of leaving Arizona wondering where she was, the guilt of potentially leaving Arizona to think she was in the wrong, and the guilt of her messed up life sucking the blonde in. She had to get back to her girlfriends apartment. Truthfully, Callie wasn't entirely sure that things were okay, but she wouldn't know that until she seen Arizona. She wouldn't know how she felt about the beating she watched before her own eyes until she was in the same space as the beautiful blonde who had saved her. Saved her life, but potentially changed their relationship, if there was even one left between them.
Pulling on her shoes, and slipping on her jacket, she picked up her cell phone, purse and keycard, and left the hotel.
Waking up in the same position she had fallen asleep in the night before, Arizona rubbed the sleep from her eyes and groaned. Her back ached from spending the entire night curled up on the couch, and as she brought her hand up in front of her face, she found her knuckles to be a deep purple colour. Clenching it into a fist before extending her fingers, she winced as a dull ache appeared. She had been such an idiot, and now she would have to take time off work. She couldn't walk around the hospital with her knuckles clearly stating that she was a thug, and she couldn't operate while her hand was in pain.
Dragging herself off of the couch, she wrapped the blanket around her tightly and moved into the kitchen. She needed coffee, and she needed it fast. Nothing was making any sense, and as she checked her cell she sighed when she found no new messages or calls. Where the hell are you, Callie? She was desperate to hear from the brunette but she didn't want to bother her with calls if she didn't want to hear from her. She didn't want to seem like she was harassing her. Anyone else, she would just call, but Callie wasn't just anyone else. She was special and she mattered more than anything else in Arizona's life right now.
Pouring herself a hot cup of black liquid, she moved back to the couch and settled down. She would wait, and hopefully one day, Callie could forgive her. She missed her. A lot more than she ever imagined she would, and now, the brunette was a part of her life no matter how much she hated Arizona.
Pulling her knees up to her chest, she breathed in the strong smell of coffee and allowed it to attack her senses. Sending of a quick text message, she hoped the guys at the hospital would understand that she needed a few days. Hopefully with no questions asked.
Hi, Bailey. Can you get me covered for a few days? I'm not feeling too good. - Arizona.
Hmm, beating the crap out of a wife beater will do that to you. Take it easy and give me a call when you are feeling more like yourself. Bailey.
Wait, you know? - Arizona.
Callie came by yesterday. She told me everything. Good one, Robbins. Looks like you saved her ass. Bailey.
Yeah, if only Callie could see that. - Arizona.
Give her a little time. She will come around when she is ready. Bailey.
Sure hope so. See you later in the week. - Arizona.
That was not how she had expected that conversation to go, but she felt a little lighter knowing that she wasn't the only one who knew about Callie's awful past. She now knew that if she needed to talk to someone, she could talk to Bailey. Sure, the woman was a little straight to the point, but she seemed like a nice enough person.
Placing her cell down, she heard a light knocking at the door. Once again dragging her body from the couch, she unbolted the door, and pulled it open slowly. "Callie."
"Hi." The brunette stood in the hallway shifting her weight from left to right.
"H-Have you come by for your things? I can help if you'd let me?" Arizona suggested, unsure of what else to say.
"No."
"Okay, I'll just stay in the living room while you pack up your things. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have even suggested that."
"No, I mean I haven't came for my things."
"You haven't? Then why are you here?" The blonde furrowed her brow. "I mean, it's great to see you, but I don't understand."
"I'm here for you, Arizona." Callie smiled. "I'm sorry I didn't call."
"I've been so worried about you. I'm so sorry for how I reacted."
"It's okay. Can I come in?"
"Oh crap, yeah, of course you can." Arizona stepped aside and waited for the brunette to come inside.
"Thanks. Are you okay?" Callie pointed at the blondes bruised hand.
"Oh, yeah." Arizona lifted her hand a little and smiled. "I'm fine. A little sore but it will be fine. How are you?"
"Truthfully? I'm so tired, I'm aching and I could really use a good cup of coffee." The brunette ran her fingers through her hair.
"Good thing I just made a fresh pot then, huh?"
"God, yes. Can I pour myself one?"
"What? Why are you asking? Take a seat, I'll grab you one." Arizona gave a dimpled smile as she moved into the kitchen.
She couldn't believe Callie had just shown up at her door, and although she wanted nothing more than to hold her and apologise for yesterday, she wasn't going to. She would sit at the opposite end of the couch, and she would listen to what Callie had to say. Unsure of how the brunette was feeling, Arizona had no intentions of causing her to run again.
Pouring Callie a coffee, the blonde stared at her intently. Feet already up on the coffee table, and her eyes flickering open and closed, she smiled. Things always seemed so easy between them when they were alone, and she loved how it felt being around the other woman. Nothing was rushed between them, and right now, Arizona couldn't bare to let Callie go. If she wanted to then she wouldn't stop her, but she would try her hardest to keep the brunette in her life. For good. She was quickly becoming aware of exactly how she felt about Callie, and in the not too distant future, she planned on telling her. She wouldn't tell her right now because they had things to discuss, but when she felt the time was right, she would tell anyone who would listen. Arizona Robbins was falling in love with Calliope Torres.
"Here we go." The peds surgeon handed the other woman her coffee.
"Thanks. I, um, I'm so sorry for not contacting you. I meant to, but I booked a room at a hotel and I must have fallen asleep. I was going to come back last night, but I woke up and it was the next day."
"You don't have to explain yourself to me, Calliope."
"I do. I shouldn't have treated you like that. You were only protecting me, and that is something I will be forever thankful for."
"I was just doing what I thought I was supposed to do. I know I shouldn't have hit her, but I need you to know that I would never do that to you. I just couldn't handle seeing you like that. She was mumbling and her grip was tightening, and I just saw red. I'm sorry."
"Please, stop apologising. You didn't do anything wrong."
"Then whey do I feel like I did?" Arizona sighed.
"Because you are not that kind of person. You would never hurt anyone, Arizona, so now you feel bad about it."
"So, you're not scared of me?" The blonde furrowed her brow.
"No." Dark curls shook. "I was a little worried when it was happening and after it, but I've never been scared of you, Arizona, and I never will be."
"I'm not her, Callie."
"I know you're not. I'm sorry for making you feel like you were. That wasn't my intention." Callie sipped on her coffee and sighed as it hit all of the right spots. "I would never see you as being anything like her. Ever."
"Okay." The blondes voice broke. Tears falling freely, she closed her eyes and placed her back against the couch.
"Hey, what's wrong?" Callie moved closer to the other woman and placed her hand on her thigh. "Please don't be upset."
"I thought i'd lost you, Callie. I thought you were done with me." Arizona spoke through sobs. "That look you gave me outside the apartment broke my heart. I was so sure that you could never see me again after what I'd done."
"I was in shock. She had just attacked me and threatened to, um, you know-"
Blue eyes widening, Arizona felt the bile rising in her throat. "Please tell me she didn't?"
"No. She didn't. Only because you got back when you did." Callie dropped her gaze. "I, um, I had to button my jeans back up when you had her on the floor. I swear I didn't do anything with her." A single tear rolled down a tanned yet slightly bruised cheek.
"No, don't even say that, Callie. I trust you, and I know you would never do anything like that with her again. I know how she makes you feel." Feeling the anger rise inside, Arizona couldn't help but wish that she had now choked Suzanne until she lost consciousness. What a vile fucking woman. The thought of her trying anything like that had never even entered her head, and now that she knew, she felt angry all over again. "I hate her, Cal."
"I know. I do too." Callie gave a sad smile.
"Have you heard anything from the police?"
"No not yet." A sigh fell from red lips. "They said they would call when they had charged her. She, um, she has a record."
"Yeah, I remember the officer mentioning something about that yesterday. He seemed to recognise her."
"I cannot believe I was so stupid. I should have called the police along time ago. Even way before we met. If I'd have told them, maybe they would of told me she had a record. You know, so I could be wary of her?"
"Yeah, maybe. Hindsight, hey." Pale shoulders shrugged. "Would you like to take a nap? I can't imagine you slept very well last night?"
"Yeah, I would love to rest for a few hours. Would you mind?"
"Not at all. Just give me an idea of when you will be getting up and I will have some breakfast ready for you." Arizona stated as she removed herself from the couch. "Come on, you can get into my bed. It's much more comfortable than the guest bed."
"Are you sure?"
"Yep. Come on." Arizona motioned for Callie to follow her.
Following the blonde down the hallway, Callie felt a little calmer than she had been walking over to her apartment. She knew things would be a little awkward between them for a little while, but once they got back to their good place, nothing was going to stop them from being happy. Callie had promised herself. Watching as Arizona pulled the blanket back, she smiled. "W-Would you stay with me? Just for a little while, if you have nothing to do?"
"If your sure." Blue eyes narrowed.
"I'm sure." Callie slipped into the bed and sunk down. Arizona was right, it was much more comfortable than the guest bed, but she was happy to have somewhere to live so she wasn't about to start complaining. "Will you hold me?"
"I'd love to hold you, Calliope."
Waking up three hours later, Arizona was relieved to find Callie still next to her. She knew things had changed, but she cared enough about the brunette to work hard to gain her trust again. If that was ever possible. Waking up this morning, the blonde had never imagined her day would play out like this, but it had, and she was feeling much more settled. Knowing that Callie was comfortable enough to share a bed with her gave her an immense amount of hope for their future. If Suzanne can just stay away for good, we have no issues here. She knew she wouldn't ever be violent in front of Callie again, she had quickly learned from that mistake, but she knew it had only happened because of the situation she had found them both in.
She was raised to protect the things she loved, and Callie was quickly becoming something she loved. If only she could say it. If only she could wrap her up in her arms right now and blurt it out. She could, she had no problem committing to another person, but she wouldn't. She wouldn't because she wasn't sure it would be beneficial to their relationship right now. Callie had issues, that was clear to see, and the last thing either of them needed, was the idea of Arizona only saying it to make the brunette feel better. To make her feel like she was wanted.
She was wanted by Arizona. More than the blonde had ever wanted anyone else, but Callie didn't need an 'I love you' right now. She needed support and trust. Support and trust which Arizona was determined to show her she had. She needed to be showered with appreciation. The appreciation she deserved for being the incredibly strong woman that she was, and Arizona knew that little boosts to the brunettes confidence could work wonders for their relationship.
She was beautiful, both inside and out, and she often told Callie that, but she needed to be sure that the brunette was truly hearing her. She needed to be sure that Callie knew her worth. She needed to know that every woman out there wasn't like Suzanne, and she needed to know that Arizona would be there for her no matter what. She really is beautiful. Arizona smiled as she glanced down at the gorgeous sleeping form beside her.
She had held Callie like she had asked, and although she wished she was still holding her now, she didn't want to overwhelm the brunette. The other woman had kicked out and mumbled during their mid morning nap, and after soothing her, she had quickly fallen back into a deep sleep. Just when she was getting over the nightmares. That bitch goes and does this. Arizona knew she had to stop getting worked up about the redhead she had just knocked the crap out of, but she couldn't. She hated her with every fibre of her being, and if it came to it, she would do it again.
She made a mental note to mention calling the station to Callie later that day, but right now, she was happy to lie next to the brunette, and do literally nothing. If Callie needed the presence of her while she slept, then her presence she would get. Feeling the other woman stir beside her, she lay still and hoped she would drift back off to sleep. It was clear she hadn't slept the night before, and even though Arizona had struggled to allow her own sleep to take over last night, she could handle it. She would sit up for days on end with Callie if it made her feel safe. She was all that mattered right now, and she would continue to treat her that way until the brunette realised that she was okay.
Because she is okay. She is strong, she is beautiful, and she is everything Arizona could ever want in her life.
"Hey." A sleepy Callie stretched out beside her.
"Hi, beautiful." The blonde smiled. "You okay?"
"Mm, my face is a little sore but that nap was amazing."
"Should I get you some Tylenol?" Arizona questioned as she shifted onto her side. "It may take the pain away a little."
"In a minute. I'm okay for now." Callie stated. "I'm warm, and I'm conformable, so I'm okay for a while longer."
"You sure? It's no problem."
"I'm sure, but thank you."
Staring into the deep brown orbs of the woman in front of her, Arizona felt so much love and adoration for them. For her. Tucking a strand of dark hair behind her ear, she narrowed her eyes and continued to stare intently. "Do you know that you have the most beautiful eyes in the world?"
"You have to say that, you're my girlfriend."
"No I don't." Blonde curls shook. "I could just say that you have nice eyes. That would be a lie though. You really do have the most amazing eyes I've ever seen."
"Thank you." A slight blush appeared on the brunettes face.
Tracing her index finger along a defined eyebrow, along an uninjured cheekbone, down across a perfect jawline and up to full red lips, the blondes finger stopped in its place and she smiled. "And the most gorgeous lips too?"
Shrugging, Callie wasn't sure how to react to the compliments she was receiving. It had been a long time since someone had truly seen her beauty, and yes, she knew she wasn't bad to look at, but it made her feel uncomfortable. She had gotten so used to being told that she was disgusting that she had truly forgotten how it felt to be complemented.
"Does that embarrass you?" The blonde furrowed her brow. Removing her finger from perfect lips, she weaved it beneath the cover and laced their fingers together.
"A little." Callie gave a slight nod.
"Why?"
"Because I'm not the girl who receives compliments."
"Oh, well we have to change that." Arizona stated. "My girl will be told every day how beautiful she is, until she believes it."
"Your girl?"
"Yes." The blonde gave a dimpled smile. "You. You are my girl. If that's what you'd like to be?"
"Yeah, that would be nice." Callie bit down on her bottom lip. Not sexually, but Arizona still found it to be incredibly sexy. "I'd like to be happy with you. You make me happy."
"I do?" Arizona tightened her grip on the hand she was holding. "You don't know how much that means to me."
"You really do make me happy, Arizona. So happy. I know I may not have shown it, especially after what happened yesterday, but you do. No one has ever protected me like that, and before you came along, I thought I would be stuck with her forever. I'm sick of being stuck, and I don't want it to be like that anymore."
"That's good."
"You don't make me feel stuck. You make me feel free and happy. Even when she was around, I thought about you instead of her and it settled my worry."
"You thought about me?"
"Yeah. I know it sounds silly, but whenever I thought about you, it felt like every problem I had in my life just upped and left. Disappeared."
"I make you feel that way?" Blue eyes softened.
"You do. You make me feel like I can be myself again. Being away from you yesterday made me feel awful. I felt like I had no one in my life, but I knew that you would be here, waiting for me."
"I will always be waiting for you, Calliope." Arizona smiled. "You amaze me every day, and I cannot wait to share my life with you. I cannot wait to travel with you and work with you, and eat with you. Anything that involves you makes me feel like a teenager. I just want it all with you."
"We can have it all, Arizona." Callie stated truthfully.
"I know." Arizona agreed. "Just give yourself time. Don't rush anything. I'm not going anywhere, so you don't have to rush anything with me. I can wait for anything and everything. Having you here with me like this is enough for me, and it always will be."
It was true. Arizona would wait forever for whatever Callie wanted, and although she didn't know how things would play out six months down the line, she knew that Callie would still be here with her. That was all she needed. She didn't need rings or commitments. She didn't need to be repeatedly told that she was loved. She just needed Callie.
Knowing that she could stare into those eyes forever was all she needed to be sure that Callie Torres would be around for a long long time. It was all she needed to know that they were good for each other. Arizona wasn't going to lie, she had been around the block one or two times, but no one ever had and no one ever would compare to the woman lay next to her. It simply wasn't possible.
Thanks for reading, guys. I look forward to reading all of your reviews with my morning coffee. It's 1am here in the UK. Have a great weekend and enjoy your reading.