Thanks for the reviews for the last chapter, guys. Keep em' coming.
I own nothing. All characters/storylines belong to Shonda. I'm simply 'borrowing' them.
I Will Be
As the seconds passed, Callie realised that she was alone in this situation. Arizona would eventually realise that she had been gone too long, but would she come in time? Would she be her knight in shining whatever this time? Would she protect her like she had before? Not knowing what to do, Callie continued to lean against the wall. She wasn't sure if it was purely for the sake of it, or if it was to stop her from hitting the floor with fear. Finding Suzanne hadn't moved a muscle since entering the bathroom, Callie felt a little calmer. I can take anything this bitch throws at me. Eying the other woman intently, the brunette stepped back over towards the sink and busied herself in the mirror. "What do you want, Suzanne?" The cold harsh tone of Callie's words cut through the tension in the room.
"I-I, uh, I just wanted to use the bathroom." Suzanne stuttered as she swallowed hard.
"Sure you did."
"Look, I didn't know you were here. Why would I?" The redhead shrugged.
"Um, because it's where I've always enjoyed a night out. You think I'm stupid, Suzanne?"
"I-I, Callie, I'm sorry, okay?"
"Whatever. Stay away from me. I don't want you in my life. I don't want you even breathing the same air as me." Callie spat as she moved towards the door.
"Callie, wait!" Stepping closer to her ex, Suzanne placed a hand on her arm.
"Get your hand off of me." Pulling away, Callie gave her ex an intense glare and backed up against the door.
"Why didn't you come visit me?"
"Seriously? Why didn't I visit you? Because you ruined my life, Suzanne. You beat me and belittled me every fucking day, so why? Why the hell would I want to see you?"
"I'm so sorry, Callie. I know we are over, but you have to know that I am sorry."
"I don't have time to hear your bullshit, Suzanne. Don't bother trying to see me again. I have an amazing woman waiting for me outside, and you? You are nothing but a worthless piece of shit."
"I got help." The redhead gave a sad smile.
"No amount of help in the world could make you the woman I thought you once were. Not to me anyway. I'm happy for you. I'm happy that you got the help you and the rest of society so desperately needed, but you are no longer my business. Stay away, yeah?"
"Okay." Dropping her gaze, Suzanne backed up and made her way into one of the stalls. Hearing the door slam shut, she fell to her knees and sobbed. She had gotten help, and she had needed it more than she had realised. Embracing the change in her own being, the redhead had come to the bar in the hope of catching a glimpse at Callie, just so she could see what she had truly lost. The truth? She'd lost everything. At least, she'd lost everything that meant something to her. She'd lost Callie.
Quickening her pace, Callie made it back to the table occupied by Arizona in record time. I can't believe I just did that. I just brushed her off like I didn't have a care in the world. Her heart now beating out of her chest, she had to get to Arizona. She needed to see her familiar face and she needed to feel the blonde's touch. Finding Mark still at the bar duelling with Karev over a certain woman, she gave him a quick hug and promised to call him tomorrow. Knowing that she had just stood up ti Suzanne for the first time in, well….forever, she felt good. Still on edge, but good. Maybe she has changed. Maybe her apology was genuine. Who am I kidding, I've just riled her up even more. I should have just left the bathroom and nothing more. Now she will hit the roof. Changed, my ass! Running her sweaty palms down the side of her dress, she caught sight of blonde curls. In a matter of five minutes, her entire evening had changed. Right now, she had to get out.
Finding Arizona sat tapping her foot, she took a breath and moved towards her. "We have to go."
"Mm, I know. I thought you'd bailed on me for a moment." Linking their fingers, Arizona guided them both out of the bar and up the street towards her apartment. Sensing a shift in the brunettes behaviour, she worked over in her head any potential issues. Nothing.
Reaching the apartment main door, she slipped her key into the lock and pulled Callie inside. Hitting the elevator call button, she impatiently waited for it to reach them. Releasing a breath when the doors opened, she dragged the brunette behind her and pressed her up against the carriage wall. "Am I still getting that surprise?"
"Oh, you will definitely be getting a surprise." Callie scoffed.
"What's wrong?" Blue eyes narrowing, Arizona searched her girlfriend's face.
"C-Can we just wait until we get inside? Please?" Callie pleaded with the blonde. Not wanting to be out in the open a moment longer, she needed to get them both safely behind the heavy front door of her girlfriend's apartment.
"Sure. I-Is everything okay? Is this about that intern?"
"God, I wish it were." The brunette laughed. "I really wish it was as simple as that."
"Callie, you are starting to worry me." Blue eyes dropped their gaze. "Did I do something wrong tonight?" The bell signalling their arrival, both women stepped off the elevator and moved towards their apartment door.
"No, you haven't done anything. I just, I'd really like to get inside."
"Sure. Okay. I love you." Knowing that something was on the brunette's mind, Arizona figured it would be best to follow Callie's lead and indeed wait until they were inside.
"I love you, too." Callie smiled. "Please, it's nothing you have done, so don't worry."
"O-Okay."
Slipping her key into the lock, she tightened her grip on the brunette's hand and helped her inside. Not wanting to lose any contact with the other woman, she refused to let go and locked the door behind them.
"C-Can you double lock it, please?" Just to be on the safe side of things. If she were honest, she didn't think Suzanne would show up here, but a little security wouldn't hurt right now.
"Yeah. Is, uh, why?" Glancing back at her girlfriend, Arizona noticed the immediate change in Callie's behaviour. "Oh God, no."
"Yeah."
"Where? When?" Arizona swallowed.
"At Joe's. S-She was in the bathroom." Tanned fingers ran through dark curls. "Just, um, please make sure that you lock that door well."
"I have. It's double bolted, baby." Stepping closer to the brunette, Arizona took her hands and squeezed. "You okay? D-Did she hurt you?"
"No." Callie shook her head. "She was, um… nice? She apologised."
"She was nice?" what does that even mean?
"Yeah." Callie smiled. "I didn't feel threatened at all. I mean, I did at first, but that was only because my body recognised who she was and felt threatened. Once I'd calmed myself down, she was okay. Like, friendly okay." Needing to show Arizona that she wasn't worried, she simply shrugged off the encounter and moved around the living room.
"Well, that's just great." Arizona scoffed. "I'm pretty sure she has some sort of restraining order against her."
"She didn't do anything to hurt me, Arizona. I'm fine."
"Why are you defending her?" The blonde furrowed her brow.
"I'm not! She was nice to me. So what?" The brunette began pacing.
"Wow! I-I don't even have any words for that. I don't even know what to say." Dropping her blue eyes to the floor, Arizona shook her head and moved towards the hallway. Turning back, she met brown eyes. "She used to beat you, Callie. You'd do well to remember that the next time you think that she's being nice to you." Leaning against the doorframe, she fixed her gaze on a spot on the floor and waited for this conversation to truly begin.
"Now who's jealous." Laughing, Callie sauntered into the kitchen and pulled out a bottle of wine that had been chilling in the refrigerator. Shit, I shouldn't have said that. Ass!
"Excuse me?" Arizona's head snapped up.
"You heard me," Callie stated, nonchalantly as she moved around the kitchen.
"No. I don't think I did. What I heard-" Throwing her hands up, Arizona scoffed. "Was the suggestion that I was jealous of Suzanne."
"Well, clearly you are. You wouldn't be acting like this otherwise." Regretting the words as soon as they left her mouth, it was too late to apologise now. Fuck!
"Acting like what?" Arizona scoffed. She really thinks I'm jealous of her?
"Like she is trying to get me back. Like she'd made a move."
Shaking her head, the blonde made her way down the hall and stepped into the bedroom. Gently closing the bedroom door behind her, she let the tears fall. She was happy that Callie had felt safe around her abusive ex, but that didn't mean she had to like it. Was she jealous? No. That couldn't have been further from the truth. Concerned, yes. Jealous, no way.
Hearing the padding of footsteps coming down the hall, Arizona held her breath. She couldn't do this right now. Her girlfriend had just suggested that she was jealous of an abusive ex, and right now, she was finding it harder to deal with than she had first thought.
The light knocking on the door causing her to flinch, she pressed herself against it and waited a few seconds. "Arizona?"
"I-I, um, I'm just getting changed. I'll be out in a second." Those were the only words to form. Knowing that Callie was probably upset right now didn't help matters. She knew she had to be there for her, but she wasn't sure how she could be. She had called in her best friend. She had given her a great night out, and now? Now it had turned to shit and she didn't know how she should feel.
Quickly changing into some pyjamas, the blonde left the bedroom and made her way down the hall and into the kitchen. Callie waiting for her on the couch, she turned and glanced at her, before going about her nightly routine. Grabbing a bottle of cold water, she unscrewed the top and took a sip. "I, uh, I'm heading off to bed."
"Please wait." The brunette stood and faced her girlfriend.
"For what? For you to insult me some more? I'd rather not if it's all the same."
"I just, I thought you'd be happy for me." Callie sighed. "She was nice to me, and I stood up for myself."
"I am happy for you, Callie. I'm happy that you felt safe around her. I'm happy that she probably complimented you. I'm happy that you didn't feel scared by her presence."
"Then what is the problem? I don't understand." Brown eyes dropped their gaze. Shifting her weight from left to right, Callie waited for a response.
"The problem? I guess if you don't see a problem, then there isn't one." Shrugging her shoulders, Arizona left the kitchen and stood at the entrance of the hallway. "Goodnight, Calliope."
A little while later, Arizona lay back, her vision fixed on a spot on the ceiling. She'd heard Callie pacing about outside for the past hour, and although she knew they would have to talk about what had just happened, she wasn't sure tonight was the best time to do so. Both had consumed alcohol, and she wasn't sure she had the energy for a fight right now. The sound of Callie talking brought the blonde out of her thoughts.
Furrowing her brow, Arizona sat bolt upright and quietly climbed out of the bed. Opening the door slightly, she glanced down the hallway and found Callie sitting back on the couch, cell phone to her ear. Watching her girlfriend throw her head back, laughing, she quietly closed the door and climbed back into bed. Seems she's not all that bothered by what's happened. Pulling the cover up and wrapping her arms around herself, the tears fell. Why am I so bothered and worried if she doesn't even care? Does she not see how this is a problem? Fuck sake, she will be meeting her for coffee next week!
Knowing that she had now wound herself up, Arizona removed herself from her bed and stepped out of the bedroom. Arms wrapped around herself, she made her way into the kitchen and tried not to disturb Callie and her phone call. Who is she talking to? Shaking herself from her thoughts, she reached into the back of her cupboard and felt around for what she was looking for. Gotcha! Pulling out a bottle of scotch, she grabbed a glass and made her way out of the kitchen and back down the hall. Hearing the use of the name Mark, she figured Callie was just catching up. Glancing back from her spot outside their bedroom door, Arizona shook her head and sighed. Yeah, she's right. What exactly is my problem?
Climbing onto her bed, the blonde cracked open her bottle of scotch and poured herself a large helping. Knowing that Callie wasn't phased by the events of the evening, she crossed her legs and began picking at the label of the bottle in her hand. Taking large sips from her glass, she felt the burn hit her throat immediately. Shit, that feels good. Knocking back her first drink in only a couple of minutes, she shrugged and poured another. May as well be alone in my thoughts and drunk than out there being insulted by her.
Usually, she'd have gone out to Callie by now. They'd have either still been discussing what has happened, or they'd have been rolling around in the sheets by now. Right now, though, Arizona couldn't face her girlfriend. Sure, it was up to Callie how she dealt with things. It was up to her who she was friends with and who she wasn't, but Arizona wasn't prepared for this to all turn to shit again. She couldn't and she wouldn't be the one to pick Callie up off of the floor, broken and battered. Not again. She would give her life for Calliope Torres, so, if she had to stay pissed at her a little longer for ever suggesting that the blonde was jealous, then that was what she would do. If she had to make Callie feel bad for her actions, and for what she had said, then that was okay. It was okay, because when the brunette realised how she had hurt Arizona with her words, they would talk it out, and Arizona would once again be there to protect her, to listen to her, to help her should she need it, and above all else, love her more than she did yesterday. I love her, but fuck me, she is so freaking frustrating sometimes.
A little over an hour later, Arizona heard the soft click of the guest room door. Feeling a little lightheaded from the amount of alcohol she had consumed, she moved out of her bedroom and glanced down the opposite end of the hallway. Finding the light shining out beneath the guest bedroom door, she scoffed and moved back inside the room that was quickly becoming something that resembled a brewery. This is ridiculous. She has taken herself off to lick her wounds and I'm left stood here like I'm the bad guy. I don't fucking think so.
Quickly undressing, she slipped on a pair of jeans and a white blouse. Pulling on some comfortable converse, she flicked off the light in her bedroom and made her way out into the living room. Grabbing her jacket, her cell and her keys, she unbolted the door and left. Where she was going, there was no time for pleasantries. There was no time to be friendly or accommodating. She'd say what she had to say, and then she would leave.
Stood outside the apartment building she'd hoped she would never have to visit again, Arizona took a minute to compose herself. A large amount of scotch, and her emotions running wild, she had to ground herself. She wasn't here to fight, she was here to sort things out once and for all. She'd had enough of her relationship being played with, and she'd had enough of worrying about her girlfriends every move when she wasn't around. Now that a certain woman in their lives was roaming the Seattle streets again, she had found it hard to settle, and tonight? Tonight proved that she was still very much in their relationship. Cracking her neck, the blonde hit a number of apartment numbers and hoped someone would give her access to the main building. Smiling when she heard the click of the door, signalling that it had been opened, she pushed it open and moved towards the elevator. Too drunk for the stairs right now, Robbins.
Straightening herself out, she stepped out of the elevator and made the short walk down the corridor that would lead her to her girlfriend's old apartment. Fist clenched, she hammered against the hardwood and waited for any sign of movement behind the door. The sound of stumbling and muttering caused her to fix up her posture, and as she was about to hammer against the door once more, the sound of a lock unbolting stopped her. Keep your cool, Robbins. Keep your cool.
Watching the face behind the door appear in front of her, a look of disgust evident, Arizona cleared her throat. "I think it's time we had a little talk."
Scoffing, Suzanne looked the blonde up and down and smirked. "What do you want?"
"Move!" Pushing past the redhead, Arizona made her way inside the apartment and leant against the kitchen counter.
"Um, I don't know why you are here, but you look fucking awful." Suzanne spat. "Poor Callie making you drink? I told you she was troubled."
Pushing off the counter, Arizona stalked up to the other woman and smirked. "I don't know how many times I have to tell you to watch your mouth."
"You don't scare me, Arizona."
"No, I don't imagine many things do." The blonde laughed as she turned her back and began pacing. "You need to leave. You need to leave Seattle."
"Oh, I don't think so." The other woman shook her head and laughed. "This is my home."
"I don't give a shit what it is." Blue eyes narrowed. "You shouldn't be here. S-She needs to move on from you, and she cannot do that while you are here."
"Sure she can, unless…she doesn't want to move on from me." Suzanne smiled. "She wants me back, doesn't she?"
"Wow, you really are out of your fucking mind." The blonde threw her hands up. "You really think she would come back to you after everything you put her through?"
"She never could stay away from me." The redhead shrugged as she moved around the apartment and into the kitchen. Pouring herself a glass of wine, she leant back against the counter and narrowed her eyes. "You can't cope with it, can you?"
"Cope with what?"
"Callie. Her moods. The frustration." Closing the distance between herself and the blonde, Suzanne stood only inches from Arizona. "Does she still do that thing in bed? That porn star moan as you fuck her?"
Shuddering at the other woman's words, Arizona wondered how anyone could be so crude and disrespectful. I swear she is begging for a smack. Not giving in, Arizona simply laughed. "I'm not here to talk about the amazing sex we have, I'm here to ask you to stay away from my girlfriend."
"Mm, your girlfriend, but I think fiancé kinda trumps girlfriend."
"Uh, ex-fiancé," Arizona stated as she edged back against the kitchen counter. Suzanne continuing to close the distance the blonde was creating, Arizona found herself stuck. The redhead's breath washing over her, she had to stop the bile from rising in her throat. Closing her eyes and giving herself a minute to breath, the woman who looked after sick children for a living was finding it hard not to knock the redhead out.
"You know, I've just spent a year away. You've no idea how much I've missed the feel of another woman's body."
"I suggest you back the fuck up, right now." Arizona spat. Placing a hand on Suzanne's shoulder, she gently pushed her away but was stopped when the redhead gripped her wrist. Tight.
"Now now." Suzanne raised an eyebrow. "Don't you usually preach that it's unacceptable to lay your hands on another woman?"
"Yeah, I do, but I can always make an exception." The blonde smirked and shoved the other woman away. "Look, I don't know why you are still here, or why you came to the bar tonight, but seriously…it stops right now."
"Oh yeah?"
"Yes. The games, everything. It all stops. You have to move on Suzanne. I don't care what you said to Callie tonight, and I don't care what you think you can achieve by hanging around here, but seriously, you just look desperate. We both know that desperate isn't a good luck."
Feeling a hand connect with her face, Arizona stood shocked. Fucking bitch. "Oh, hit a nerve?"
"I think you need to remember who you are talking to, Alabama." Suzanne laughed. "I'm going nowhere."
"Callie said you had apologised to her this evening."
"I did, yes." The redhead furrowed her brow. "Your point is?"
"You didn't mean it, did you?" Blue eyes narrowed. "You have no intention of showing Callie kindness or friendship."
"I got help. I made a lot of progress while I was away."
"Yet you've just slapped me." Arizona laughed. "Once an abuser, always an abuser Suzanne."
"You know what? You come here running your mouth, and you think you can say and do what you please, but I don't think you realise just who I am." The redhead inched closer to Arizona once again.
"I know exactly who you are. You are worthless. Nothing but a bully. If you really think I'm scared of you, I can assure you, I'm not." The blonde scoffed. "You can threaten me, hit me, insult me, I don't care. What you will not do, is lay another finger on Callie."
"Oh, is that so?"
"Yes." Arizona smiled.
Bringing up her hand, Suzanne gripped onto the blondes throat and forced her against the counter. "I think we need to spend a little more time together, don't you?"
So, the tables have turned. Callie thinks things are okay between herself and her ex, but Arizona sees right through Suzanne. Will Callie arrive? Will Arizona back down?
I look forward to your reviews. The more the merrier.