A/N: You all are truly awesome. Thank you as always for your amazing reviews. Not my characters, just my dream.
Reaching the entryway into the kitchen/dining/living area, Arizona stopped short just out of sight as she watched Callie float around the kitchen with ease. This was another area her girlfriend felt confident and it showed in the way she danced around, nonchalantly performing tasks that others might find difficult or tedious. Much like her scalpel and bone saw, Callie saw the knife and mixer as an extension of herself and never questioned her abilities in the kitchen. Looking at her now, in her loose red shirt, tank top, and low slung jeans, preparing coffee with one hand while wiping down the counter with another, she was doing nothing out of the ordinary. But the hop in her step, the sway in her hips, the straight posture of her back, the way she held her head high and proud, those are the things that called to Arizona, the things that made her heart race and her nerves jump. Noticing Callie now stood at the center island about to put the leftover breakfast lasagna into the oven, Arizona made her move. Walking up behind her, she placed her hands on either side of jean clad hips and lightly brushed her front into the brunette's amazing ass. Taking a step backward so she could close the oven door, Callie moaned as Arizona thrust forward and rubbed their bodies together more firmly. Leaning back into the touch, she lowered both arms and placed her hands on the blonde's hips pulling her closer against her back. Arizona slid her hands under the red shirt that remained unbuttoned and tugged at the white tank top untucking it from the loose waistband of Callie's jeans as she slipped her hands underneath to caress the toned tan abdomen and lifted her head to drop open mouth kisses up her neck to the sweet spot behind her ear. Callie closed her eyes and let her head fall back onto Arizona's shoulder, enjoying her girlfriend's ministrations. As pale fingers slipped into the waistband of her jeans low enough to brush against the small patch of tight curls, Callie whimpered, "Arizona, we…mmm…someone's handsy today." She observed as her girlfriend's hands changed direction and snaked their way upward and covered her sensitive breasts. Nibbling on the soft earlobe, the blonde whispered, "I can't help myself; I just need to touch you." Callie turned in her arms and smiled as Arizona's wandering hands instantly slipped into her waistband and lightly scratched the curve at the top of her ass. She whispered, "I feel the same way. I just want to spend all day holding you and exploring your body." As if she needed to demonstrate, she brought her hands down slowly caressing her way down Arizona's chest until she reached her breasts and began circling quickly hardening nipples with her open palms through the soft t-shirt material causing the blonde to buck her hips forward connecting their heated cores. Leaning up, Arizona sucked Callie's bottom lip into her mouth, tugging on it with her teeth then sliding her tongue in between waiting red lips. As their tongues slid against one another, Callie moaned and Arizona groaned, which only served to spur each of them to deepen the kiss and begin the struggle for dominance. Callie raised one hand to the back of Arizona's neck as the other snaked down and around her hip to rest on her lower back and she tightened her grip on both effectively pulling the smaller woman more fully against her. Arizona brought both of her arms up and under Callie's tank top and splayed her hands across her strong back bringing her closer still.
As the two women stood in the middle of the kitchen engrossed in each other, they remained only vaguely aware of the steady rhythm of the rain hitting the wooden deck just outside, the mingling aromas of spicy sausage and strong coffee filling the air, and the cool breeze floating in from the slightly open patio doors. Bringing her hand down to caress Arizona's ass, Callie couldn't help but grind their mounds together eliciting a whimper then retaliation as she felt her lower back connect with the countertop as the smaller woman's hips began to roll against her own emitting a growl from the back of her throat. Arizona pulled back for some much needed oxygen and immediately began dropping open mouth kisses down Callie's jaw line to her neck then latched onto her collar bone sucking and biting enthusiastically knowing she would leave a mark. Fully aware of what the blonde's intentions were, Callie was helpless to stop her as she was overwhelmed with need and every last bit of moisture in her body rushed straight to her throbbing clit. If it weren't for the counter behind her and the firm body in front of her, she was certain she would be in a puddle on the floor as she felt her knees go weak and her body become heavy with desire. Just as Arizona pulled back to admire her work, the coffee pot began to gurgle and radiate steam indicating it was finished brewing. The loud noise echoing into the silent kitchen startled both women making them jump. As their eyes met and they realized where the noise was coming from, they burst into laughter effectively cooling their heated libidos.
Finally gaining her wits about her, Callie ran her fingers through long blonde curls and remembered the call she made earlier before attempting to get dressed, "Stevie and Jordyn are both available today and can fit us in at around 1:00. Stevie does my hair now, but Jordyn used to style it when it was long and I trust her to do Sofia's hair when she is here." Picking her head up, Arizona turned to look at the clock on the oven and noticed the time as she said, "Awesome! It's nearly 9:30 now, if we leave here by 10:30, do you think we'll have time to enroll Sof in camp first? I'd like to get her supply list and get that out of the way today too." Pouring two cups of coffee, Callie prepared them both then handed a steaming mug to Arizona as she said, "I believe so, the salon is in Manhattan, which takes about an hour, once we're there, we can make a whole day of it." "Make a day of what? Are we going somewhere?" Hearing the sleepy but excited little voice coming from the hall, both women looked up and had to bite back a laugh at the sight that greeted them. Standing in the entryway from the hall was a very groggy Sofia with two different colored socks, one leg of her pink and purple striped pajama pants was caught on the heel of her foot while the other was scrunched up around her knee, the matching shirt that was slightly too big hung off one shoulder, and her normally tame brown hair was a tangled mess that darted out in all directions and fell into her face. Looking at Arizona, Callie whispered, "I think we need to make that appointment for three haircuts." Hearing this, Sofia's eyes opened wide as she bounced up and down, "Oooh we're going to the hair salon? Can Jordyn cut my hair?" Arizona laughed at her daughter's enthusiasm, she'd never met a kid who loved to get her hair washed and cut as much as her daughter. Callie nodded and said, "I'll text her and see if she can fit you in too. But mommy and I thought it would be fun to have a family pampering day, salon, shopping, lunch."
Sofia clapped and bounced up and down at the idea of spending the day shopping with her moms. "Yay! Oh mama, can we take mommy to that ice cream shop on the list?" Callie pulled out her phone to text the salon then took a look at her list and smiled as she remembered which shop her daughter was talking about and realized it wasn't far from the salon. Nodding she smiled and said, "I think that can be arranged." Sofia ran to Arizona who had just placed breakfast on the table and threw her arms around her leg as she exclaimed, "Oh you're gonna love…" The little girl stopped talking as soon as she felt her mommy stiffen and heard her gasp, then looked up to see tears streaming down her face. She looked down and realized she was wrapped around her mom's fake leg and quickly pulled away thinking she hurt her somehow. As soon as Sofia's hands made contact with her leg, Arizona gasped at the sensation. She looked down and saw those little hands clinging to her leg and she felt it. She was feeling her daughter's touch on that leg for the first time…essentially, for the first time in her young life. Without realizing it was happening, tears flowed down her cheeks and she stood frozen unaware of the cautious look her daughter was giving her. Hearing her daughter's excited ramble trail off and her girlfriend gasp, Callie looked up from her phone in time to see Sofia step back and drop her arms from around Arizona's leg with a wary expression then her gaze snapped to the blonde who stood completely still with tears streaming down her face.
Rushing to her girlfriend and dropping to her knees, Callie instantly put her hands on her leg to check for injury only to pull back quickly when she heard the whimper fall from her mouth. Feeling Callie's hand on her thigh brought Arizona out of her haze and she looked down to see both her girlfriend and her daughter staring at her with wide brown eyes full of trepidation. Shaking her head as if to clear it, she reached out both of her hands taking one of each small and large caramel colored hands and placed them on her thigh, involuntarily letting out a sob at the sight and sensation. As Callie allowed Arizona to move her hand to where she wanted it, she looked down to see their daughter's hand resting next to hers on Arizona's leg, her left leg. As she heard the sob, it finally occurred to her what was happening. Arizona could feel their touch, she felt her daughter's touch for the first time and it was overwhelming. Looking into worried brown eyes that were so much like her own, Callie stood and took both of her girls into her arms as she pushed out a chair, pulled Arizona onto her lap and situated Sofia between her mommy's legs. Taking her daughter's hand in hers, she placed them on Arizona's leg once more and explained, "It's okay sweetie. Mommy has a new leg and…" "Mama made me a new leg." Arizona interjected quietly. Callie nodded and smiled softly as she continued, "Mama made mommy a new leg and it allows her to feel things. When you put your arms around mommy, she felt your touch on her leg for the first time in your life and…" She stopped, trying to figure out how to explain it in a way their daughter would understand. Sofia looked down at the hands on her mommy's leg worriedly and asked, "I didn't hurt you?" Arizona shook her head and took her daughter into her arms as she rested her chin on the top of her head and said, "No sweet girl, not at all. It made me happy, so so happy to be able to feel you." Kind of understanding, Sofia nodded her head and smiled up at her mom.
The little girl looked down at her hand that was covered by her mama's hand and pushed down lightly noticing that it felt different than it normally did. This leg was soft just like mommy's other leg. She let her eyes run the length of her mom's jean clad leg and saw that it wasn't skinny like the one with the pole. Slipping her hand out from under Callie's, Sofia let her hand roam down the leg, over the knee and down the shin to the bare foot that she just noticed. This foot looked just like her mommy's other foot that was hanging next to it. She giggled when she saw the toes wiggle. Wide brown eyes full of wonder looked up at both moms who were watching her closely as she focused her gaze on Arizona and asked, "You could feel that?" Then immediately shifted her eyes to Callie and asked, "You made that?" Both women smiled brightly and responded, "Yes." at the same time. Looking back at Arizona, shyly she asked, "Can I see it?" Arizona nodded, stood up, unfastened her pants, and pushed the material down until it fell to the floor with a soft thud. Lifting her arm to Callie's shoulder for balance, Arizona smiled gratefully when she felt two strong hands rest on her hips as she reached down to pull her jeans all the way off. Surprised by the sight, Sofia bent down and placed one hand on each of her mommy's legs darting her eyes between the two as she began to compare both the feel and sight of each. She noticed the similarity in color, the freckles that now dotted both legs, and then her brow furrowed and her little nose scrunched up as she glared at her brunette mom and asked, "Why did you give her scars? It should be perfect!" Both women laughed at the observation.
Before Callie could open her mouth, Arizona took her place on her lap once again and explained, "Most people think scars are ugly." "Scars are badass!" Callie interjected then snapped her mouth shut at the harsh look she was given for cursing in front of their child. Arizona rolled her eyes and continued, "But scars tell a story. They tell people what you've experienced, what you've survived." Sofia perked up and pulled her loose shirt over her shoulder to reveal her chest and exclaimed, "I have a scar! Am I badass?" Callie snorted as she tried to hold back her laughter and Arizona glared daggers at her effectively shutting her up once again. Smiling softly, Arizona nodded and said, "In this case, yes baby girl. You are badass. You were one pound one ounce of strong when you were born and that scar," Arizona had to pause and swallow thickly at just the thought of how close she came to losing her daughter. Feeling Callie rub her back soothingly, she continued, "that scar tells everyone that even though you were so tiny and only days old, you were badass and you fought to live…you lived for us." Sofia beamed her mega-watt smile at both moms as she said, "Really? You think I'm badass like mama? The other day you started to say mama was badass but you stopped in the middle." Arizona sighed and glared playfully at her daughter, "Okay, enough of that you. Yes, I think you and mama are both badass, but I cut myself off because it's a naughty word and you shouldn't say it yet." She then looked at Callie, tilted her head, pursed her lips, and popped her eyes to emphasize her point. She continued, "Scars also serve as a reminder to us. Sometimes we get injuries when we are having a good time and even though we get hurt, those scars remind us of those fun memories. When I saw these scars, I thought of things I had almost forgotten about. Mama gave me scars to remind me that I didn't have to lose anything, including my memories." Sofia reached her hand out and felt the rough patch just below Arizona's left knee and asked, "Was this a good memory?" Arizona's eyes softened and her dimples popped as she said, "Absolutely, I got this scar when grandpa and I were skating in our driveway and I thought I could go faster than him and slipped on some gravel and cut my knee. It hurt, but it's a happy memory of a time I spent with my dad and it reminds me of the fun things we did." Sofia trailed her hand down and felt the raised scar above her mommy's ankle and asked, "What about this one, were you having fun when you got this scar?"
Callie choked back another laugh as she recalled exactly how much fun they were having in her lab with first her fingers then her head buried between Arizona's legs giving her a mind blowing orgasm which caused her whole body to go stiff and her legs to kick out, breaking a beaker full of artificial cartilage in the process. She sobered quickly when she heard Arizona's confident and slightly too cocky voice proclaim, "Mama, why don't you tell our daughter how much fun I was having when I got this scar?" Glaring at her girlfriend, Callie raised her hand to rub at the stubble on the back of her head as she nervously said, "We ah, um, hmmmp…Oh yeah! We were playing hide and seek in my lab and uh, I slipped and landed in mommy's lap and she uh, she screamed and kicked her legs out and broke one of my test tubes and cut her ankle." Arizona's eyes bugged out of her head at the PG but still way too accurate description of what happened to her ankle. Seeing Callie's self-satisfied smile, she huffed and popped off Callie's lap snatching her jeans off the floor mumbling something that sounded very much like, "See if we play hide and seek anytime soon." Arizona laughed as Callie's face fell into a pout, making her look very much like their daughter when she was being punished. Deciding to change the subject and take her mind off playing hide and seek with her girlfriend who was standing next to her in nothing but a tight-t-shirt and blue silk panties, Callie cleared her throat and reached for the now cooled breakfast lasagna walking it back over to the oven as she exclaimed, "Someone really doesn't want me to eat this!"
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Just after 11:00, Callie and Arizona walked out of the summer camp office at Brooklyn Bridge Park with a very excited Sofia. During the brief orientation, she learned her schedule included a two night and three days stay at sleep away camp. Watching their daughter run and jump over the puddles, Callie looked down at her girlfriend and noticed the very adorable pout she was currently sporting. Taking her hand and bumping their hips together she said, "They'll be fine Arizona, it's not far from here and they will be sleeping in cabins." Arizona looked up into amused dark chocolate eyes as she whined, "I know she'll be safe, she's just…she's getting so big. Before you know it, I'll have to borrow my dad's gun because she's bringing her first boyfriend or girlfriend home!" Callie's head shot up as she chuckled and said, "Slow down there, gunslinger. I thought I was the bad cop." Arizona smiled up at her girlfriend and said, "You are the bad cop, I'm the overprotective mama bear." Callie thought for a moment and just when she was about to comment on the truth of that statement, she watched two boys about Sofia's age run up to her and asked, "Does your dad have a gun for me?" Arizona laughed at the way her girlfriend was glaring at the unwanted visitors and nodded as if her point was proven, then thinking it was best for everyone, she called out, "Sof, come on, let's go." Reaching her side of the car, Arizona smiled as Callie quickly slipped in front of her and opened the door for her. Before getting in, she grabbed the open sides of Callie's shirt and pulled her in for a quick kiss as she murmured, "Thank you." against soft red lips. Callie smiled at the easy acceptance of her chivalrous act, leaned in, and stole another kiss, then moved to her side of the car after making sure their daughter was settled in safely. As they drove across the bridge toward Manhattan, Callie glanced over at the pamphlet in Arizona's hand and observed, "It feels so good to know we don't have to sit down and plan out an elaborate schedule for drop offs and pick-ups." Arizona smiled then reached over and took Callie's hand in hers intertwining their fingers and replied, "Oh it feels so good, for so many reasons. Since your office isn't far, I figured you could bring her when you go in and I'll pick her up. I don't know my schedule yet, but for now I can block out that time to go get her and maybe stop in to see my gorgeous girlfriend at work." Callie briefly tightened her grip then rested their linked hands on Arizona's leg as she turned her focus back to the road. Smiling she said, "I think that sounds great."
The remainder of their trip was spent discussing the items on Sofia's list, stores they both wanted to visit, and their game plan for tackling everything. Callie pulled into a public lot that was within walking distance of the salon, ice cream shop, and other stores they intended to go to while in this area. Happy that the rain had stopped and the sun was trying to make an appearance from behind the clouds, the small family set out to begin their day of pampering. Deciding they weren't quite ready for lunch but could use a snack, Arizona found herself being dragged down the sidewalk by her 8 year old toward the ice cream shop she was so excited about. "This place looks so awesome mommy! It has a unicorn on the window and rainbows everywhere. Look we're here." Arizona stopped in her tracks and looked up at the name then over at her girlfriend who was looking everywhere but at her. "Seriously Callie? The Big Gay Ice Cream Shop?" The brunette shrugged her shoulders and smirked as she tilted her head and asked, "You have something against gay ice cream?" Arizona chuckled and rolled her eyes as she followed her daughter into the store. Looking around the store at the colorful designs, Arizona nearly choked as she heard her daughter ask, "Mama, what's a pimp?" Snapping her head up to look at her girlfriend whose eyes were now bulging from her head she looked down at her daughter and asked, "What did you say?" Sofia raised her hand and pointed to the sign as she said, "A Salty Pimp, it has chocolate and dul…dulsy de…that stuff mama likes in it." Callie tried not to laugh as she corrected, "Dulce de leche." She completely lost the battle and nearly doubled over laughing when she heard Arizona ask, "Seriously, you correct her Spanish but ignore the question about the pimp?" Pulling herself together, Callie redirected her daughter by pointing out, "Look Sof, they have paletas, those are the same popsicles my abuela used to make for me when I was your age." The little girl clapped her hands and proclaimed, "Oh I want one of those!" Hearing her mama clear her throat she corrected, "May I have one of those please?" Callie nodded and ordered her daughter's paletas, then just to get a rise out of her girlfriend ordered a salty pimp for herself, and without needing to ask, ordered the shortberry strawcake for Arizona, who at this point had already stomped away grumbling about some kind of bad cop and playing hide and seek alone.
As they sat at the small table near the back enjoying their ice cream, Sofia excused herself to go to the restroom. As soon as she was out of hearing range, Callie leaned toward her girlfriend and wiggled her eyebrows as she asked, "Do you want to lick my salty pimp?" Arizona shook her head and laughed at her girlfriend's antics as she took the hand Callie was holding her ice cream with, held it close to her mouth, and declared, "Oh I'm dying to taste your…" deliberately cutting herself off she made a show of flattening her tongue, rolling her eyes, and humming in pleasure as she took one long lick from the top of the cone to the tip of the ice cream. Callie shifted in her seat at the erotic display and leaned in to capture cool pink lips as she said, "Fuck that was hot." Arizona smiled into the kiss and sucked Callie's tongue in her mouth. Pulling back she whispered, "Hmmm it tastes much better that way." Pulling her girlfriend in for another taste, Callie agreed, "It really does." Sofia returned to the table to see her moms kissing…again. At home was one thing, but they were in a store and people could see. Huffing, she put her hands on her hips and scolded, "Moms, people can see you!" Pulling apart, both women looked at their indignant child and pretended to be properly put in their place as they dropped their heads, mainly to hide their smiles, and mumbled an apology. Sofia nodded her head and said, "Thank you." as she took her seat once again. Unbeknownst to their daughter, both women continued to flirt with one another whether it be through inappropriate touches under the table or the occasional exaggerated lick of the spoon or ice cream cone. By the time they had to leave to head to the salon, they were both properly worked up and the short walk down the street was rather uncomfortable.
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As they entered the salon, they were greeted by a young girl with pink hair who appeared to be in her early 20's. After taking their names, she explained Stevie had to step out but promised to be back for Callie's appointment and Jordyn was just finishing up with her current customer. Callie thanked the young lady then took Arizona's hand and led them to the row of seats in the small lobby. Both women were content with sitting quietly holding hands while Sofia bounced around looking at the displays, posters, and finally settled on the floor in front of them with a book of hairstyles. Noticing her daughter's hair had also gotten quite long, Arizona asked, "What are we doing with your hair little miss? Do you just want a trim or do you want to change it up a bit?" Sofia twisted her lips in concentration as she contemplated her mother's question. Finally she asked, "What are you going to do?" Arizona smiled sheepishly as she glanced at Callie and said, "I think I'm gonna change it up a little." Interested, both brunettes focused their attention on the blonde as she said, "I haven't had shorter hair in quite a while, I think I'm ready for a change. New city, new job, new hair style." Sofia interjected, "And a new leg." Arizona smiled and looked at her girlfriend as she said, "Yes, and a new leg. See, whole new person." Eyeing her mommy curiously, Sofia flicked her gaze from one parent to the other then asked, "How short?" Arizona laughed as she said, "Oh I could never pull off mama's look. I was thinking about here." She then raised her hand a little higher above her shoulders than she actually intended to see what would happen. Just as she predicted, a strong tan hand shot up and pulled her hand down to just below her shoulders.
Turning her head, she winked at her girlfriend and nodded as she said, "That's what I meant." Callie chuckled then explained to her daughter, "Mommy's hair was that length when we met and it's always been my favorite." Sofia tilted her head and asked, "Why?" Curious as to the answer herself, Arizona looked at Callie and waited. Callie ran her fingers through the long tresses as she explained, "Mommy's hair has a natural curl to it and like this, it's just wavy, but without the extra length, it's super curly and bouncy and…and it just shines like the sun and that makes her eyes pop even brighter and make them look more beautiful than they already are and it frames her face in a way that makes her smile look bigger and her dimples look deeper." Arizona felt her stomach flip at the way her girlfriend just described her. For the longest time, she thought it was just because that was the style she had when they first met and fell in love and Callie was being nostalgic. Unable to help herself, she lifted her hand and cupped the back of Callie's head pulling her in for a chaste kiss murmuring, "Calliope." Starting to go in for another kiss, Callie was stopped mid pucker as she heard her daughter's exasperated sigh. Sitting back with a huff she complained, "Who's the mom in this situation?"
Just then, a tall thin woman with jet black hair who looked to be in her early 30's appeared in front of them. Looking down at the little girl, she smiled brightly, clapped her hands and said, "Oh yay! My favorite customer. Miss Sofia, how are you today?" She looked up then and asked, "What are we doing today moms?" Both women looked to their daughter for an answer and laughed as she stood up and declared, "Just the usual." Jordyn smiled and said, "Wash and trim it is." Then she looked at the blonde and said, "Arizona, I'll be right with you, I'm sure you understand I have to take my favorite customer first." Arizona smiled and responded, "Oh absolutely, and don't rush on my account, she's not going anywhere without me." Watching the young girl skip into the main part of the salon, Callie put her arm around Arizona's shoulder and rested her head against it as she complained, "She really is growing up too fast." Arizona hummed in agreement and rested her head against her girlfriend's just enjoying the moment.
A short time later, the bell above the door rang drawing both women's attention to the newcomer. Feeling Callie sit up and tighten her grip on her shoulder, Arizona looked over to her girlfriend and noticed the spark of interest in her eyes. She wasn't worried that it might be romantic, this appeared to be more of a curiosity. Looking at the stranger, she quickly figured out why. Though it wasn't obvious in any way, her discerning physician's eye told her this person was biologically a female. But what caught her girlfriend's eye was the other person's outward appearance. Aside from the hairstyle that was nearly identical to Callie's except the length on top was much shorter, the first thing she noticed was the black t-shirt with the design of a heart made up with yellow, white, purple, and black stripes which she knew from one of her patients was the non-binary flag. Oddly, she felt better, more comfortable knowing this because she felt it extremely important to address or identify people with their preferred pronouns or gender identity. Upon further observation, she noticed the baggy black cargo pants tucked into black leather biker boots. Glancing over at her girlfriend, Arizona began to recognize the similarities and realized that Callie was indeed intrigued, her interest was piqued, not because she was attracted to the other person, but because she was drawn to their identity, interested in their journey.
She was brought out of her musings when Callie stood up and called out, "Stevie, I thought you forgot about me." She watched as the two shook hands then pulled each other into a one armed hug, much like two men might do. Stevie, apparently not a stranger but Callie's stylist, replied, "Not on your life Torres. My daughter had a little emergency and since Jordyn would be busy with both Sofia and this beautiful lady, I figured I'd take care of it." Stevie then approached Arizona and held out their hand as they introduced themself, "Hello there beautiful, I'm Stevie." As Arizona held out her hand to shake, she was surprised when it was turned over and lifted up as Stevie attempted to kiss the back of it. She was further shocked when Callie stuck her hand between the puckered lips and the soft pale hand and pushed Stevie's face backward. Appalled, Arizona looked up at her girlfriend who was glaring at her hairstylist and felt a little thrill down her spine as she saw the spark of jealousy in Callie's eyes as she declared, "You've got your own woman, hands, eyes, and dirty lips off mine!" She was relieved, however, when both of her companions broke out into laughter and Stevie looked at her and winked, "Cal's right, I was just trying to get a rise, please don't tell my wife about that. We could both be walking out of here bald." Just then, they all turned as they heard, "Arizona's safe, you on the other hand, not only is Cal one of our best customers, but she's also a big tipper, plus, she could totally take you." Callie looked down at the stylist who stood not more than an inch taller than her girlfriend and said, "That's right, I break bones for a living…be afraid, be very afraid." Arizona laughed and sidled up next to Callie as she whispered, "It's always so hot when you bust out the 'I break bones' speech." Stevie shook their head and laughed, "Calm down killer, let's take care of that hair, you've let yourself go." Callie bent down and kissed Arizona on her cheek then followed her stylist to her chair.
Sitting in the chair as Jordyn cut several inches off her length, Arizona couldn't help but keep her eyes trained on the reflection in the mirror. She looked on as Callie told a story animatedly waving her hands around, listened to the confidence with which she spoke, the easy banter between her girlfriend and her stylist. She looked up to find green eyes watching her closely as she said, "She's just starting to figure it out." Jordyn nodded and replied, "We've been watching it happen, Stevie called it early. They've been trying to reach out, offer to hang out, be an ear, but Callie's always turned down the offers. Honestly, this is the first time she's looked so…" Arizona's gaze flicked back to her girlfriend's reflection and smiled as their eyes met and her beautiful lips bloomed into that gorgeous million-dollar smile. "Free." She said quietly and continued to watch the scene behind her. Jordyn nodded her head and agreed, "Yeah, it's the same look Stevie had when they finally started to accept the changes, when they realized I would love them no matter what." Arizona nodded in understanding as she replied, "Yeah, that was weighing heavy on her. So, what do I need to do?" The stylist smiled and responded, "Just be there, keep loving, keep listening, keep watching, it won't always be easy, but from what I know, you've been through far worse." Involuntarily, her gaze dropped to the blonde's legs. Noticing this, Arizona looked up and agreed, "I think that's why I recognized it so quickly, I can relate to looking at your body and not seeing the person you've always seen, not feeling like the person you've always been." Having heard this exact sentiment before, Jordyn looked back at her partner then at the blonde in the mirror and smiled, "You'll be just fine."
Callie knew Arizona was watching her, she felt the constant tingle at the back of her neck. She wasn't sure why exactly, unless it was the same reason she kept stealing glances; she just couldn't keep her eyes off the woman she loved. But she knew in her heart it was more. Glancing at Stevie, she knew her girlfriend was watching their interaction, seeing the differences she herself felt whenever she was around the stylist. That's why she always turned down the invitations that were offered, she didn't understand what was happening, but now, after their earlier conversation, she was pretty sure. She had questions, so many questions, but she didn't even know if she could ask them, or where to begin if she did. Apparently her daughter didn't have the same reservations as she heard, "Are you a boy or a girl?" Hearing this, both mothers quickly snapped, "Sofia!" Seeing Arizona was about to jump out of her chair, Jordyn placed a gentle hand on her shoulder and whispered, "It's okay. Stevie's got this. It might help Callie too." Arizona relaxed slightly but spun her chair around to watch as she saw Stevie had also stopped Callie and turned her chair as well. Bending down in front of the little girl, Stevie looked to both parents and receiving their nod of approval, they asked, "What do you think?" Sofia tapped her finger against her lip and looked to the ceiling as she gave it some serious thought then she looked at both parents before answering honestly as she said, "I don't know. You remind me of a woman, my mommies, your body is soft like theirs, but you kind of look like a man." Stevie smiled at the astute little girl and saw this as an opportunity to help both mother and daughter as they stood up, walked to an empty chair and sat down motioning for Sofia to come stand in front of them.
Normally they wouldn't share as much, but they knew Callie was questioning her own identity. So they began, "Well, I was born a little girl, Stephanie. I was the only child and my parents spoiled me like crazy. I got all the latest dolls and dollhouses, the prettiest clothes, and dresses. I had a pink room, everything a little girl would want. But sometimes, sometimes I just wanted to play with trucks and get dirty and run around with the boys and play baseball. Sometimes I didn't see a girl when I looked in the mirror. But my parents had a girl and they expected me to do all the girly things including growing up into a beautiful woman, marrying a man, and having babies." Stevie stopped to gauge their audience and looked into the curious brown eyes that kept flitting between themself and the little girl's brunette parent, then they looked up to glistening brown eyes full of recognition, then to blue eyes that were full of love and understanding watching the older Latina intently, and finally at the green eyes they loved so much bursting with pride. Looking back down, they explained, "When I got older and could pick my own clothes and be my own person, I decided I wanted to look like the person who I felt I was inside and that person still had the body of a woman, was still a parent, was still a spouse, but I didn't feel comfortable in those clothes, I don't always feel like a woman or feel like looking like a woman, sometimes…well, sometimes I feel like looking like this, I wear men's clothes and I prefer not to be called a boy or a girl." Sofia tilted her head and scrunched her nose in confusion as she asked, "What do people call you? What do your kids call you?" Stevie smiled and responded, "I call myself non-binary, other people refer to me as they or them instead of he or she and my kids, my wife, they are my family, my heart and can call me whatever they want. Jordyn calls me her spouse or partner, my littlest one, Steven, he calls me mada, cuz this person I am now is all he ever knew. But my oldest, Jessica, she's your age and she still calls me mama and that's perfectly okay with me because I am her mama."
Both Arizona and Callie were watching their daughter closely. Based on her last question, they were beginning to realize she was far more observant than they gave her credit for and she too had noticed that the changes in Callie went beyond her haircut. Sofia thought about this for a moment then looked at both of her parents, finally her eyes locked on Callie as she asked, "Are you still the same mama Jessica always knew?" Stevie heard Callie's sharp intake of breath and knew this was the most important question to all of them as they answered, "Since Jessica was little, we always baked cookies together on special days and she would help me cook, we still do that. We would also have girl's days where Jordyn, Jessica and I would all go and get our hair and nails done together, we still do that too, I just don't get polish now. I still read to her, hold her when she is sad, help her with her homework, everything I used to do, but now I wear cargo pants instead of dresses. But I love her and Jordyn the same as I always have, probably more because they see me and accept me for who I am." Sofia nodded then smiled as she leaned in and hugged the stylist saying, "Thank you." She then bounced over and climbed into Callie's lap and rested her head on her shoulder as she started playing with her freshly cut hair. Callie's eyes welled with tears as she mouthed a thank you and Arizona quickly spun her chair around so her daughter wouldn't see the tears in her own eyes.
Shortly after their very deep conversation, Sofia popped up to watch her mommy's haircut and Callie retreated to the lobby needing a little bit of space and time alone to think about the things Stevie said and her family's reaction. Hearing Stevie's story, Callie realized her own upbringing was very similar and she could relate on so many levels. Though she wasn't the only child in the house, she was her father's only child, his only daughter, his princess. Between his visions of what he wanted for his daughter, what he thought she should grow up to be and his strong Catholic beliefs, she had no option but to try to fit that mold. Her whole life she fit into that mold, except for her choice of surgical specialty, which was predominantly male, and of course her bi-sexuality, Callie spent her life trying to be who society thought she should be. It wasn't until she started going to therapy, digging deep into her feelings and beliefs that she realized there were so many times in her life that she felt out of place, unsettled, and finally came to the understanding that it was because she didn't feel like the person she was presenting to the world. She knew she wasn't questioning her gender per se; she was content with her body as it was. When she looked in the mirror she didn't see a man, she felt no need to become a man, she just didn't feel like a woman either. She just felt like herself, she was tired of being defined as female, her curves, her breasts, her long hair being the first things people notice, the things people base their expectations of her on. It occurred to her then that this is probably why she kept turning Stevie down. On some level, she knew she was questioning her identity and Stevie's confidence in their own person made her uncomfortable, made her question further and she wasn't ready to do that. Not then, but now, now she knew it was time.
As if on cue, the stylist appeared before her, hands in their pockets looking a little more reserved than Callie had ever seen them. "Did I overstep?" Stevie asked quietly. Callie leaned forward and rested her elbows on her knees as she replied, "No not at all. It's just, its all so…" Stevie sat down and supplied, "New, confusing, scary." Callie snorted and nodded, "All of the above." Stevie nodded and said, "We both know it's a lot more entailed than how I explained it to Sofia, but you aren't alone Cal. There's a whole community of people just like us and they get it and it's like a spectrum that ranges from people who just prefer non-binary pronouns to people who don't feel like the gender they were born and no longer feel comfortable being identified as such." Callie looked over then and asked, "Is that…is that what this is?" Stevie looked down at themself and said truthfully, "I can't tell you that. Only you know that answer. I know that's what this is." They waved their hand up and down their own body and continued, "Maybe it's the same, could be more, could be less. That's up to you to figure out. The only thing I can say for certain is your family loves you and they will accept whoever you choose to present to the world. You'll need them, their love, their support. Keep them in the loop, talk to Arizona, let her form her own opinions, don't assume anything." Callie nodded, "She told me the same thing today." Stevie looked up to find her wife was just finishing up and said, "Jordyn is a gold star lesbian, I was scared to death when I first started feeling this way. I don't want to transition, but this…this isn't exactly what she signed up for." Callie nodded then said, "Arizona too and that frightens the hell out of me." Jordyn smiled softly and said, "I don't think she's going anywhere. She loves you Torres." Hearing those words, Callie's head snapped up and she stared at the stylist and asked, "Wha…how did you…um how do you know that?" Stevie blinked, brought their hand up to scratch the back of their head and said, "I uh, I guess I don't, it's just, those words just came to me and well, I feel it. I can see it in the way she looks at you." Stevie stood up then and handed over a card saying, "We meet at different places every Sunday. You should join us." Callie nodded and took the card. After the stylist walked away, she put her head in her hands, closed her eyes and thought to herself, Mark, was that you? You said the same exact thing when I was freaking out in Lucy's office. You were right then; she didn't leave my side. Can you just…can you confirm it was you? Can you let me know it was you, you know this for a fact? Callie sat up then and shook her head trying to clear it. She knew it was just coincidence, but that didn't stop her from hoping it was a sign that they would indeed be okay.
Hearing her daughter's laughter, Callie looked up to see Sofia and Arizona coming towards her and stood up placing the card in her pocket. She decided that maybe she should go this time and would run it past her girlfriend later. She smiled as Arizona walked right up to her, lifted her hands rubbing them across her freshly shaven sides then pulled her down for a slow sweet kiss. Bringing her hand down to cup a soft caramel colored cheek she asked, "You good?" Callie lifted her own hand up to run through shoulder length blonde curls and smiled brightly as she said, "This looks…wow! You looked beautiful before but this…I love this so much." She leaned down to brush their lips together once again and pulled back saying, "I'm good. Thank you." Arizona pulled back and looked into clear dark chocolate eyes and nodded once, satisfied she didn't see any lingering emotions. "Well then, you owe me lunch and I'm starving." She said as she turned to walk away. Callie reached into her pocket for the wallet she had taken to carrying and said, "Okay, I'll just pay and…" She was stopped by the hand on her shoulder as she turned to look at a beaming Stevie who said, "Arizona already paid and I must say, even better tipper." Callie furrowed her brow and looked over at her girlfriend who stood by the door with their daughter nodding her head. As she turned to walk away, Stevie leaned in and said, "Walk tall Torres." Hearing this, Callie smiled brightly and raised her eyes to the ceiling sending a silent thank you to her best friend.