"In the merciless wake of time, love, once fierce and untamed, withers like an unattended rose. We stand as silent witnesses to its fading brilliance, too paralyzed by fear or pride to breathe life back into its wilting petals. The tragedy isn't just the death of romance, but our own complacency in its slow, agonizing demise."
The cool air seemed to intensify the tension between Callie and Arizona. The night sky stretched infinitely above them, the distant stars a stark contrast to the raw immediacy of their situation. The soft hum of the city below echoed their entwined emotions—close, yet distant.
Arizona took a deep breath, her chest heaving as she met Callie's bewildered gaze. She could see the shock, the confusion, the hurt in those deep amber eyes. "I need to go," she whispered, her voice almost drowned out by the slight breeze.
"Arizona…." Callie's voice cracked. She was trying to understand everything but failing. "I thought—"
"You thought wrong," Arizona interrupted, her tone firm, though her eyes shimmered with unshed tears. She needed distance, both physically and emotionally, to make sense of everything that had just transpired.
But Callie wasn't about to let it go. "How can you just walk away?" she demanded, taking a step closer, her voice layered with anguish and disbelief. "I know…I think….what I felt wasn't one-sided"
Arizona looked away, the skyline blurring as tears threatened. "It's not that simple, Callie," she replied, her voice soft, defeated.
Callie's frustration was palpable. "Then explain it to me. Make me understand."
Arizona took a deep breath, her heart pounding. "I can't," she whispered, turning her back to Callie. "Just... let it go." With that, she made her way to the door, leaving behind a storm of emotions.
Callie stood rooted to the spot, watching Arizona's retreating figure. She felt a mixture of anger, confusion, and deep sadness. The night had promised so much, and now it was unravelling before her eyes.
Unknown to both, a pair of eyes had witnessed their exchange.
As Callie too left, Carina emerged from behind the rooftop doors, she had been concealed behind the door all along. Her deep black eyes had watched the unfolding drama with a detached calmness. Her face, bathed in the soft glow from the rooftop lights, gave nothing away, but inside, her emotions churned.
Two hours prior, Carina had arrived at the gala, hoping to find a distraction from her recent troubles. Instead, she had seen her wife, Arizona, dancing sensuously with a hot shot doctor, who one of the party guests told her, was Dr. Callie Torres, a new doctor who has just arrived at SGMH from Africa.
Their each touch, each move, was filled with an intimacy Carina had not felt with Arizona in a long time. She had quietly followed them to the rooftop, lurking in the shadows, witnessing the tender yet tense exchange.
She saw the brief but intense kiss, and something inside her shifted. Carina's heart should've raged with jealousy, but to her surprise, it didn't. Instead, she felt an odd sense of emptiness, even calmness…
Watching Arizona push Callie away, Carina realised she was almost….. disappointed.
A part of her, perhaps the part still desperate for any semblance of connection with Arizona, had wanted her wife to give in, to feel alive again.
Why was she feeling this way? Was it because she knew that the passion between her and Arizona had dimmed? Or was it a reflection of her own struggles, her own feelings of inadequacy and frustration?
Carina stood alone on the rooftop, surrounded by the vast expanse of the Seattle cityscape. The sporadic distant honking of cars and the occasional siren faded into the background as she lost herself in the rapidly unfolding events of the evening. Callie and Arizona's dance, their intimacy, the tension—each moment played out in vivid detail in her mind's eye.
She took out a sleek silver flask from her clutch, unscrewing the cap and taking a deep sip. The burn of the alcohol grounded her, the warmth spreading through her body, making the reality of the evening's events even sharper.
She remembered the way Callie's fingers had gracefully glided over the bare skin of Arizona's back. The electricity that surged between them during that dance was undeniable, and Carina had watched, captivated. The way they moved together, their bodies perfectly in sync, told a story that was as old as time. Yet, it was a story Carina felt drawn to. The way their gazes held, filled with raw emotion, the way their breaths synchronised, and the way their bodies seemed magnetically pulled to each other—it was a dance of restraint.
Suddenly, she saw more than just her wife and another woman. She saw two characters, caught in a web of attraction, bound by the rules of society, and trapped by their circumstances. The dance was their escape, their secret rendezvous, where, for a few stolen moments, they could be true to themselves.
Carina's heart raced as the wheels in her mind began to turn. The narrative unfolded effortlessly: two women, bound by their social standings and commitments, find solace in each other's arms. It was a tale of forbidden love, guilt, and the eternal struggle between duty and desire. She saw scenes of stolen moments, secret rendezvous, passionate embraces, and the heart-wrenching pain of parting.
This was a story she had been waiting for, a story that needed to be told.
Her recent struggles with writer's block, her depression over her failing career, suddenly seemed distant. The raw emotions she'd witnessed tonight, coupled with the intricacies of human relationships, were the perfect ingredients for her next bestseller. The depth, the layers, the complexities—this was the story she had been yearning to write. Carina felt rejuvenated, a fire ignited within her, a passion she hadn't felt in a long time.
She pulled out her phone and quickly typed down the initial thoughts, the scenes playing out in her mind. Every touch, every glance, every whisper—they were all a treasure trove of inspiration.
The cool breeze of the night ruffled her hair as she looked out at the city once more, the skyline now a canvas of possibilities. She felt gratitude towards Arizona…and Callie, for, without their unintended muse, this idea might never have come to her.
All she have to do now is convince Arizona to continue fueling her muse. And the way she knows just which buttons to press to make Arizona give in, it shouldn't be difficult.
She leaned against the railing, the chilling metal biting into her back through the layers of her gown. A breeze caressed her face, yet she barely noticed. Instead, her mind swirled with the seductive dance of pen on paper, of words weaving the intricate tale of attraction she had just witnessed. The sensuality, the forbidden allure, the rawness of it all—it was almost too much. Every detail screamed to be penned down, to be immortalised in the pages of her next novel.
A part of her whispered, tugging at her conscience, reminding her of the vows she had taken, of the life she had promised to share with Arizona. But another voice, louder and more insistent, argued back. Why should she chain herself to a dying relationship, a love that had fizzled out, leaving behind only remnants of memories? Why shouldn't she chase after the story that beckoned her with such irresistible allure?
The more she pondered, the clearer it became. Their relationship had been drifting, lost amidst the turbulent waves of indifference and unspoken words. She had tried, oh how she had tried, to breathe life into the dying embers. But to no avail. Perhaps it was time to admit that some things were beyond saving.
She thought of Arizona—the woman she had fallen deeply in love with, the one who had promised her forever. But now, 'forever' felt like a fleeting moment, lost in the sands of time.
The flask was now half empty, but Carina felt fuller, surer. With the alcohol's courage, she accepted that her path with Arizona was diverging, and maybe it was time to venture out on her own.
And now, in front of her lay a new path, one that promised her a fresh start—a story that begged to be told. The excitement, the thrill, the sheer intensity of it all was almost manic. She wanted to dive into it, to lose herself in the maze of emotions, to feel alive once more.
A determined resolve settled within her. She would focus on her writing, on rebuilding herself, on rediscovering the Carina who once dreamt big. The Carina who wasn't afraid to chase her passions, to embrace the unknown.
Taking a deep breath, she looked out at the horizon one last time. The city below was alive with possibilities, and so was she. It was time to turn the page and start a new chapter in her life.
The soft buzz of the keycard unlocking echoed in the silent hallway of the Archfield Hotel. Callie slowly pushed the door open, the subtle scent of luxury wafting through as she stepped inside. Her reflection in the large ornate mirror caught her eye; the evening's events had taken a toll, her eyes betraying the mix of confusion and longing she felt.
She began unzipping her dress when a sudden, rhythmic banging on the door pulled her from her thoughts. Peeking through the peephole, Callie was met with Addison's fiery, impatient gaze. Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she opened the door.
"Why'd you leave so abruptly?" Addison demanded, stepping into the room without waiting for an invitation.
Callie's back was still towards Addison, her fingers fumbling with the zipper of her dress. "Addie, I can't do this now," she murmured, exhaustion evident in her tone.
Ignoring the plea, Addison helped Callie with the zipper. "It's exactly now when you need to talk about it, Callie. You can't just run from your feelings every time things get complicated."
With the dress now pooled at her feet, Callie went to her wardrobe and pulled out her track pants and a hoodie, put it on and turned to face Addison, irritation evident on her face.
"This isn't just about my feelings, Addison. This is about you constantly pushing me to pursue something... someone, and I clearly misread. It was the same way back in college….and it's the same way now."
Addison sighed, "Look, Callie, I saw the way you two danced. There was... there is something there. You can't deny the chemistry."
Frustrated, Callie retorted, "I'm not. But a momentary attraction doesn't mean Arizona feels the same way."
Addison looked intently at Callie, "Listen, Callie. I've known you for years, and I've seen that look you get when you're into someone. And tonight, that look wasn't one-sided."
Callie sank into the plush couch, feeling a mix of frustration and confusion. "I kissed her, Addie," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. "On the rooftop... And she pulled away, told me she was involved with someone."
Addison sat down beside Callie, her eyes widening in surprise. "But I thought...," she began, then trailed off, processing the revelation. "Arizona's been alone for as long as I've known her in Seattle. Unless she's hiding something."
The room grew quiet, the hum of the city outside filtering through the window. After a few moments of contemplative silence, Addison spoke, "What do you want, Callie?"
Callie sighed, looking at her hands. "I don't know anymore, Addie. It felt right, being with her. But if she's involved with someone else... I can't be that person."
Addison placed a comforting hand on Callie's shoulder. "You deserve someone who's sure about their feelings for you. But maybe, just maybe, Arizona's as confused as you are."
"I wish I knew, Addison," Callie whispered. "I wish I knew."
Addison rose, making her way to the minibar and extracting two bottles of wine. "Let's not overthink this tonight," she said, pouring the liquid into glasses. "Sometimes, the answers we seek come to us when we least expect them."
Callie managed a smile, accepting the glass from Addison. "To unexpected feelings and complicated nights," she toasted.
Addison clinked her glass with Callie's, "And to friendship that sees us through it all."
They settled into the soft couch, the city lights twinkling outside, two friends sharing a moment of quiet understanding amidst the chaos of their emotions.
The evening had transformed the gala into a shimmering tableau of opulence and glitz. Each crystal droplet of the grand chandeliers hung from the ceiling, reflecting the light and playing off the walls like golden fireflies. Arizona found herself navigating this intricate dance of gowns and tuxedos, making her way to where Dr. Webber and Teddy stood conversing with a group of donors. As she approached them, they shared warm smiles, a stark contrast to the turmoil inside Arizona's mind.
"Chief, Teddy, I think I'm going to head home. It's been a long day," Arizona said, her voice revealing a hint of the exhaustion she felt.
Richard smiled understandingly, "Of course, Dr. Robbins. We have scored some great donations for your wing. Thanks for being here."
Teddy, more perceptive, leaned in to whisper, "You okay?"
"I'll be fine. Just need some rest," Arizona replied with a forced smile.
Bidding them farewell, she began the familiar trek to the parking lot. The stillness of the night seemed almost welcoming after the chaos of the gala.
As she approached her car, she fished out her keys from her clutch. But before she could insert the key, a pair of hands slid around her waist, startling her. Instinctively, she tried to turn, but the grasp was firm, almost possessive. As she did managed to turn, Carina's eyes met hers, dark and inscrutable.
Before Arizona could question her, Carina pulled her into a fervent kiss. It wasn't tender or hesitant; it was a kiss that bore the weight of power, desperation, and something far deeper. Carina's tongue sought entrance, but Arizona, caught completely off guard, didn't reciprocate. Instead, she gently pushed Carina away, trying to regain some control.
"Carina? What are you doing here?" Arizona's voice was a mix of surprise and confusion.
Carina, her lips still red from their recent engagement, smirked, "You invited me, remember?"
A frown formed on Arizona's face. "But how long have you been here?"
Carina took a moment to study her wife. The pale moonlight illuminated Arizona's features, casting her in an ethereal glow. The slight hint of guilt in Arizona's eyes did not go unnoticed by Carina. Taking a deep breath, Carina responded, "I came a while ago. Wanted to surprise you. But I couldn't find you. Where were you?"
Arizona's eyes darted away, trying to frame an answer, but before she could, Carina closed the distance between them once more, capturing Arizona's lips in another kiss. This time, she trailed her lips down Arizona's neck, her hands gripping Arizona's waist tightly.
Arizona stiffened, her mind racing. For some reason, she didn't felt….anything. Her hands remained by her side, sinking into the cool metal of her car, not participating, but not stopping Carina either.
She felt detached, as if watching the scene unfold from afar. Carina's touch, once a source of warmth and familiarity, now felt foreign.
"Let's go home," Arizona's voice was barely above a whisper, her tone neutral. Carina lifted her head from Arizona's neck and looked at her. She felt rejuvenated at the blank, passion-less look on Arizona's face. Her fingers itching to pen it down.
Carina unlocked Arizona's sleek black car, her heels clicking against the asphalt, and slid into the driver's seat. Arizona took her place beside her. The car's engine purred, its subdued hum trying to drown out the weight of the silence that settled between them. As they got started, Arizona kept staring out at the passing streetlights, which in the blurry haze of her tumultuous feelings, merged into one another.
Moments into the drive, Carina's hand ventured, coming to rest on Arizona's thigh, fingers slightly caressing the satin fabric of the gown. Each touch, while seemingly innocent, felt charged….almost invasive.
Arizona flinched slightly. Her breath hitched, the warmth of Carina's fingers sending ripples of discomfort. She could feel the weight of Carina's gaze moving on to her every now and then between driving.
"Why?" Arizona finally broke the silence, her voice tinged with disbelief and confusion.
"Why what?" Carina feigned innocence, her fingers continuing their idle dance on Arizona's thigh.
"This," Arizona gestured between them. "The sudden show of... affection? It's been so long."
Carina paused, her fingers stilling momentarily. She gave a shrug, trying to maintain an air of casualness. "Can't a wife show some love to her partner?"
But Arizona wasn't convinced. "It's not just about tonight. It's been a while, Carina. You haven't touched me like this, been this close to me in so long. Now, it just feels... out of place."
Carina, hearing the underlying hurt in Arizona's words, brought her hand back to the steering wheel. She focused on the road, the city lights illuminating her face in fleeting intervals. Inside her mind, thoughts raced. She knew she had to convince Arizona, but not to rekindle their romance. No, Carina wanted to pen down a story. One that would set the literary world on fire. One that involved passion, forbidden desires, and clandestine affairs.
As they neared their home, Carina allowed the idea to blossom in her mind, tasting the prospect of Arizona in someone else's embrace. She tried to summon the sting of jealousy but instead found excitement bubbling within her. The prospect of a narrative so intense and raw thrilled her.
The car pulled into the driveway, its headlights momentarily lighting up their home. They sat there for a few seconds, both lost in their thoughts, both aware that things were about to change. The line between fiction and reality was blurring for Carina, and she felt the excitement throughout her body.
The grand oak door of their house creaked as Arizona pushed it open, the familiar scent of aged wood and fresh flowers greeting her. The house was bathed in soft, dim light, casting shadows in the corners. She felt Carina's presence behind her, an almost tangible weight, though she made no effort to acknowledge her. The house was silent, with only the distant ticking of the grandfather clock as its heartbeat.
"I'll be back in a bit," Arizona said, her voice echoing slightly, its detached tone betraying the emotional storm she felt. Without waiting for Carina's reply, she made her way upstairs, the familiar, rich burgundy carpet soft beneath her feet.
Carina, left behind in the living room, moved silently through the vast space, her mind full of thoughts. The story she envisioned held a dark allure, and she was willing to push any boundaries to make it a reality. She needed something sensational, something raw, and what better than real-life emotions?
Arizona slipped into the bathroom, shedding her clothes in a trail behind her. The steam from the shower obscured the ornate glass door, providing her a momentary refuge. As the warm water cascaded over her, she tried to shake off the evening's events. The dance with Callie, their moment on the rooftop, and now this sudden intimacy from Carina - it was overwhelming.
Carina, meanwhile, had slipped into their shared bedroom. The vast bed, untouched for so long on her side, seemed to be an island in the centre of the room. Methodically, she changed into her soft sweats, intentionally choosing a colour she knows Arizona likes. Her eyes flickered to the bathroom door, waiting.
This was her moment, she realised, to set the stage.
To play her cards right.
And for that, she had to be close, she had to break barriers. Sliding into the bed, she imagined her plot, crafting each scenario in her mind.
Emerging from the shower, Arizona wrapped herself in a fluffy white robe. The soft fabric did little to comfort her raging emotions. When she entered their bedroom, the sight of Carina on the bed was both surprising and disconcerting. The sheets of their bed were pulled back, and Carina lay on her side, seemingly waiting.
Without a word, Arizona walked over to her dresser, pulling out a simple t-shirt and a pair of shorts. As she began to change, she could feel Carina's gaze on her, which made her feel exposed and uncomfortable. A sharp contrast to the confidence and assertiveness she had felt under Callie's gaze earlier that evening. She rushed through the process, eager to be clothed and shielded from that penetrating gaze.
Arizona felt like a specimen under a microscope. And she had had enough.
"What's going on, Carina? Why are you here tonight? It's been months since you've been here," she ventured, her voice filled with confusion and a hint of trepidation.
Carina propped herself on one elbow, her face partially hidden by a cascade of dark hair. "I've been doing a lot of thinking. About us. About everything," she began, choosing her words carefully. Her gaze remained unwavering, studying Arizona's every reaction.
Arizona sat down on the bed's edge, meeting Carina's eyes. "And? What's the result of this thinking?"
Carina hesitated, calculating. "I want us to try, Arizona. To reconnect. We lost ourselves somewhere, and maybe, just maybe, we can find our way back."
Arizona turned her head slightly, searching Carina's eyes for sincerity. She found none.
"Why now?"
Carina paused, then whispered, "Because I too want to save us too."
Arizona stayed mum. Her heart ached at those words, but she couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off.
That there were ulterior motives behind Carina's sudden display of affection.
She knew Carina was lying.
The dim light from the nightstand lamp painted the bedroom in muted golden hues, and the mood within the room was tense. The sheets rustled as Carina shifted, and the silence stretched between them, almost a living entity of its own.
Breaking the silence, Carina finally spoke, her voice low, "I saw you tonight, Arizona. With Callie."
Arizona froze, dread pooling in her stomach. She had hoped against hope that her intimate dance with Callie had escaped Carina's notice. "Look, it wasn't... It was just a dance," she began, her voice hesitant.
Carina held up her hand, her fingers slightly trembling, stopping her in her tracks. "I liked what I saw," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Arizona blinked in disbelief, taken aback by the unexpected reaction. "What?"
"You looked alive, Arizona. It's been ages since I saw that spark in your eyes," Carina continued, her voice gaining a bit of strength.
The words sounded almost like a compliment, but they didn't sit right with Arizona. "It was just a fleeting moment, Carina. Nothing more," Arizona replied defensively.
Carina shifted her gaze to meet Arizona's, the intensity of her stare making Arizona slightly uncomfortable. "It doesn't have to be just a moment," Carina murmured.
Confusion clouded Arizona's features. She leaned in, trying to read Carina's intentions. "What are you saying?"
After what felt like hours but was only a few heartbeats, Carina finally replied, "I want you to pursue Callie's advances."
Arizona's heart skipped a beat. Shock rippled through her, rendering her momentarily speechless. "I….you….YOU ARE out of your mind!" she finally managed to utter, a bit loudly for her own liking.
Carina's face was an enigma, the usual warmth replaced by a steely resolve. "I want to write a story around it," she confessed, her voice dripping with determination.
Disbelief gave way to hurt and anger in Arizona's eyes. Here she was, struggling with feelings and guilt, and Carina was seeing a potential story?
"All this? Tonight? Your sudden warmth? It was all for this?" Arizona's voice shook, a mix of rage and pain. "You don't care about us, do you? All you care about is your next story."
Carina tried to interject, "Arizona, it's not-"
But Arizona didn't let her finish. "You are so wrong if you think I'd be a pawn in your twisted game," she spat out, her blue eyes flashing with anger.
Without another word, Arizona turned on her heel and stormed out of the room. The door slammed behind her, leaving Carina alone with her thoughts and the haunting silence.
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