Chapter 14
Arizona held Callie's hand tightly as they entered the rehab centre together, Tim had been here for the last week, and this was the first chance they'd had to visit. A huge RTC school bus vs Semi truck had meant back-to-back surgeries for Callie doing Ortho surgery after Ortho surgery while Arizona supervised multiple surgeries, quickly getting back into the swing of working in a busy hospital. While she might not physically be able to hold a scalpel there was nothing stopping her watching and advising.
The paperwork alone had been massive, the Peds department had been without a head for months and the backlog had been overwhelming. Arizona was just grateful she'd broken her non dominant hand with everything she was signing.
Her relationship with Callie had also progressed. The budget report had kept her late one night, and knowing there was an early morning surgery she needed to supervise, Arizona had started to search for an on-call room to exhausted to drive the 20 minutes home when Callie had offered her apartment. Easily Arizona agreed, absolutely sure Callie's bed beat an on-call room.
They got to Callie's apartment Callie throwing sweats at Arizona before changing herself. Both women were too tired to do anything other than lie down, Callie as the protective big spoon. Every night since they'd gone to Callie's too exhausted to do anything but sleep.
After working 16-hour days 7 days in a row, clearing the 45 injured children and then the backlog, they both now had a day off together.
Arizona had woken first, living with Marine Colonel Daniel Robbins had meant a childhood of 6 am starts, so even now as an adult 630am felt like a luxurious lie-in. Callie on the other hand wasn't a morning person but that meant Arizona had opportunity to spoil Callie, to say thank you for letting her stay, to say thank you for not giving up on her.
She started the coffee machine, searching the cupboard for anything edible coming up empty, no wonder Callie always insisted they eat at the coffee shop in the hospital. Sighing she grabbed the house keys, it wouldn't take long to run to the bakery, and it was always nice to have a walk in the morning. On her return she'd found Callie just stirring brought out of her sleep by the smell of coffee,
"Hey, I brought doughnuts" Arizona said, holding up her bag of pastries,
"You brought breakfast?" Callie repeated, slightly shocked, none of her other girlfriends or boyfriends had ever made the effort to get breakfast, not when she was known for her cooking skills.
"Yeah, is that okay? I mean we've been working so hard, and I noticed you didn't have any groceries" Arizona rambled.
"No, I mean it's great, thank you" Callie said ignoring the pastries leaning forwards kissing Arizona lips, easily the blonde dropped the pastries on the counter wrapping her arms around Callie pulling her deeper with a slight moan her hands then dropping to cup Callie's bottom.
"Bedroom now" Callie requested, nearly begging. Arizona nodded using her good arm to pulling Callie inside.
That had been a few hours ago, and the happy bubble was still surrounding them. They signed in at reception, before starting to hunt for Tim in the grounds instead finding her mother doing a cooking lesson the in the kitchen and her dad leading a gardening class. Confused she found Dave in the corridor,
"Your parents, they've volunteered" he explained surprised she didn't know. "they've been here every day since Tim got here,"
"Awesome, where is Tim?" Arizona asked,
"Try the painting class" Dave suggested before walking off. Callie squeezed Arizona's hand supportively,
"Are you okay?" she asked worriedly, Arizona nodded,
"I think it's great, they've been looking for a hobby and love giving back, I'm just surprised they didn't tell me" Arizona mused walking to the art room. As Dave predicted Tim was there with 6 other people
"Zona" he yelled dropping his paintbrush running over to hug her. Despite trying to stop him with his paint covered hands Arizona knew she stood no chance, knowing she'd have to apologise to Callie for ruining her top.
"Hey Tim, how are you?" she asked, pleased to see him happy and healthy, Tim ignored her,
"Ally" he cheered hugging her too, "I paint" he said grabbing their arms pulling them to his picture, they could see several figures on the painting, several of them blonde,
"Wow Tim who do we have here?" Arizona asked,
"Tim, Zona, mom, dad, Nick, Ally" Tim explained pointing at each figure.
"Great drawing Tim" Zona praised, as Callie choked up slightly at being included in Tim's family.
"Do you like it here?" Arizona asked worriedly, hoping she had done the right thing.
"Zona horses" Tim remembered taking her hand and Callie's hand pulling them out of the room to the stables and then to every single part of the camp. Barbara and Daniel joining them on route. Ever since Tim had come here for his rehab they'd been coming too, both enjoying the volunteering.
"He seems happy" Arizona voiced nervously, seeking her parents' approval, watching Tim cuddle one of the therapy dogs.
"This is a great place sport," Daniel agreed. "Actually, your mom and I wanted to talk to you. With both you and Tim out in Seattle we were talking about moving out here" he said nervously,
"That's great" Arizona replied, "I can see you both love it here too".
"Dave said we can volunteer as much as we want, and you know I love helping, I've been helping in the cooking class, and the knitting, and the gardening, we are making a herb garden," Barbara bragged.
"And I'm doing the bigger gardening jobs, helping with the football, and military history lessons" Daniel added happy to find people to listen to his stories.
"Plus, we can spend time with our children, and maybe grandchildren" Barbara hinted, causing Callie to blush and Arizona to glare, she gave her an unapologetic smile she wanted grandchildren.
"Mom, we've only been on one date" Arizona protested,
"Oh hush, you've also not been home this week" Barbara pointed out, "that's a long date" she chuckled, as both turned red.
"Mom" Arizona groaned, "I'm sorry Callie" she apologised, embarrassed.
"It's okay, it's nice they care" Callie said thinking of her own parents, she couldn't imagine them giving up Miami to come and live closer to her or be so accepting of her gayness.
"See, it's nice we care" Barbara repeated, causing Arizona to roll her eyes again, secretly she was just happy her parents liked the place and most importantly Tim loved it here.
"He seems happy here" Arizona said again reassuring herself,
"It's a great place" Daniel complimented, "Nick's been here a lot too, I think he is going to apply for a job, they do a specialized college course focusing on therapist for vets" he said proudly.
"That's awesome" Arizona agreed, loving that the whole family was investing in Tim's recovery and other vets.
"Zona doggie kissed me" Tim called, dragging her over, Callie going to, Arizona refusing to let go of her hand.
"Wow, Tim" Arizona said sitting on the floor the dog cuddling up between her and Callie, giggling as the dog went between the 3 of three dishing out equal kisses.
Arizona leant into Callie loving the silent support. Tim was never going to be better but here he was safe, nourished and could grow, while she was safe from harm and free to live her life, hopefully with Callie in it for the long run.
"I love you Zona" Tim said hugging his sister as if hearing her thoughts,
"I love you too Tim" Arizona replied.
"Zona love Ally too" Tim said with a sly look at Callie, Arizona blushed, daring at look at Callie who was also blushing, it was so early in their relationship to label it love, but still, there was something, a spark, a flutter.
"Tim needs to butt out" Arizona said, smiling, moments like this showed the old Tim, the one who would tease her about her girlfriends was still there and since the surgery was coming through more and more. "Sorry" she said to Callie, who just was grinning,
"Arizona, language" Barbara admonished. Arizona sighed, her blush deepening,
"Sorry mom," Arizona replied pouting, Callie giggled, she loved Arizona's pout and her family. "Anyway, Tim, didn't you want to show us the horses" she begged, hoping for a distraction, officially, she hadn't really even been on one date with Callie, although a half date, and several sleepovers later, did they count? She made a mental note to rectify that as soon as they were done, Callie deserved the best, she deserved a proper date.
"Horses" Tim's eyes lit up as he dragged Arizona down to the stables, the dog following.
They spent time marveling over the various horses, Callie was just as interested in them as Tim, while Arizona just enjoyed her 2 favorite people being happy. After a few hours, one of the staff came to get Tim for lunch,
"Tim we should go," Arizona said hoping it wouldn't set Tim off.
"Okay Zona, bye" Tim said giving her a wave walking off. Arizona stood stunned, Tim didn't even look back, he didn't even hesitate, beside her Barbara chuckled,
"You were the same when you went to school, as soon as anything exciting happened you were gone, without a second look." She said amused, Arizona pouted, grabbing Callie's hand,
"Well if Tim doesn't need me and you're being mean Callie and I are going to go" she said, dragging Callie off. "My parents," she said rolling her eyes,
"They are great" Callie said, "I mean moving here to volunteer with Tim".
"And meddle more," Arizona sighed rolling her eyes slightly, she loved her parents but sometimes they were overwhelming, she held Callie's arms closely, as they arrived at Callie's car. "Anyway, tonight I'm taking you out, on a date, an amazing date." Arizona bragged.
"What if I already have plans?" Callie asked coyly, Arizona pouted,
"With who?" she asked disappointedly, she wasn't surprised, she'd spent every night with Callie all week,
"With the most amazing blonde ever, she is a paediatric surgeon, with dimples and a smile to die for" Callie continued, watching as Arizona relaxed,
"Hmm, and can that amazing blonde take a stunning brunette out for dinner tonight?" Arizona asked, Callie nodded biting her lip excitedly,
"I might be able to find time" Callie agreed.
"Great I'll pick you up at 7" Arizona offered, Callie nodded getting into the car,
"Where are you taking me?" Callie asked curiously,
"It's a surprise" Arizona said, which was code for I have no idea because I'm planning it on the fly. She got out of the car at Callie's claiming to have forgotten something from her office, running into the hospital, she needed help.
Inside the hospital she quickly found Miranda,
"I need help" she begged.
"You don't look hurt" Miranda said, "well not any worse, but come on I'll take a look" she offered kindly,
"No, it's not that, Callie has agreed to go on a date with me, and I've lived in Seattle for months but I have no idea where to go, I need help, please" Arizona begged batting her baby blues, hoping it would work, Miranda's glare told her it wasn't working. "it's our first date, and Callie, she deserves to be spoilt" Arizona pleaded, Miranda sighed,
"You don't know me well but I don't do personal." Miranda began softening ass a desperate look came across the Paediatric surgeon, "look Callie doesn't need fancy, she has had fancy all her life, she likes personal, quiet, you".
"Bailey you are the best" Arizona said hugging her friend, wincing as her ribs jarred slightly, she ran from the room, going back home, she knew exactly what she needed to do, this was going to be the best date ever.
She caught a taxi to the shops grabbing some bits before going home to shower. Her parents came home, while she was getting dry,
"Zona hun, did you want tea?" Barbara shouted, "I'm making chili".
Arizona paused, she loved her mom's chilli, it was the best, and would be perfect to go with her plan, getting her dressing gown on she ran downstairs,
"Can you make extra for Callie, please," Arizona begged, Barbara nodded.
"Of course,"
An hour later, 5 outfit changes Arizona was ready, she ordered a taxi, frustrated she couldn't drive but determined to pick Callie up.
After paying the taxi driver to wait Arizona ran upstairs, Callie was waiting,
"Wow" Arizona said as the door opened, Callie was dressed in a low cut red dress that ended just above her knees, it clung to her figure, and showed everything off without revealing a thing.
"Thanks, you look wow too" Callie replied smiling, Arizona nodded, strengthening her resolve, Callie deserved a date, that was just as awesome as she was.
"Come on we should go" Arizona said practically dragging Callie away from her apartment before she gave in, they climbed in the taxi, the driver following Arizona's directions,
"Your house?" Callie said surprised, Arizona nodded,
"Not exactly" she said paying the taxi driver handing over a generous tip, she took Callie's hand leading her to the back garden. There what looked like thousands of fairy lights were strung across the garden path leading to a table set up with candles and 2 table places.
"wow" Callie said impressed, Arizona pulled her chair out allowing Callie to sit down. She then went to a hidden box and pressed play, Callie smiled again as Beyonce began singing,
"I love this song" she said, Arizona nodded smugly,
"I know" Arizona went to her house, pulling out the chilli from the oven glad her parents had gone out, taking her non subtle hint to not be in tonight. Nick had also gone but his was for good taking up residence at camp as one of the staff, planning to do a therapy apprenticeship. It was something he had been thinking about before finding out about Tim's placement, giving back, helping people, and with the camp having spaces it seemed to be a match made in heaven. It took 3 trips to bring out the wine and the 2 plates of chilli and rice but it was worth it for the smile on Callie's face.
"That smells delicious" Callie praised, Arizona gave a nervous laugh,
"I didn't make it, my mom did she is the cook, I try but somehow I burn everything" Arizona said sheepishly, Callie smiled,
"It's a good job I'm an amazing cook" Callie promised, "next date I will make my famous chicken piccata".
"So, there is going to be a next date" Arizona picked up on, Callie laughed,
"If you play your cards right, then there is a lifetime of dates" she whispered, realizing what she had said, panicking slightly, Callie had a thing of always going to fast into a relationship, she knew she did it but somehow couldn't help herself, and now she'd done it again,
"I hope so" Arizona agreed putting Callie at ease, "I didn't believe in soul mates until I met you, now I can't believe we've only known each other for a few weeks" she said sincerely, it felt like she had known Callie all her life.
"I understand, I feel the same way" Callie agreed, she reached across squeezing Arizona's good arm,
"Tell me more about yourself, you said you grew up in Florida, I want to know everything I mean you know all about my family," Arizona begged. Callie lit up, as she began telling Arizona about Miami and her family.
After finishing the chilli Callie insisted on helping Arizona to carry the plate in, Arizona went to the fridge pulling out a chocolate dessert, Callie's eyes widened,
"That looks amazing" she said,
"Only the best for you" Arizona said sincerely, "I guessed you like chocolate, I certainly do" she said, Callie nodded, Arizona led her back outside, once dessert was finished she held her hand out,
"Dance with me" she requested taking Callie's arms bringing them up to her shoulders. They started slow swaying, before the music pace increased, laughing they then split up before trying to outdo each other first starting sexy, then getting more and more ridiculous until finally they broke up laughing too hard to continue.
"I haven't had this much fun in a long time" Callie said breathlessly, collapsing on the bench in the garden, Arizona sitting next to her,
"Me neither" Arizona agreed. She leant forwards capturing Callie's lips,
A cough caused them to leap apart, Daniel and Barbara stood there both amused,
"Mom, Dad" Arizona moaned at their interruption,
"Now sport, don't take that attitude" Daniel ordered, Arizona sulked,
"Yes Sir"
"Your mother and I are heading to bed, please keep the noise down" he ordered, Arizona nodded again, waiting until her parents left before turning to Callie,
"Sorry about them," she cringed. Callie laughed,
"Don't be sorry, your parents are awesome" she said looking at her watch, "I had the best date ever but I should go" She said reluctantly, guessing with Arizona's parents their date wasn't going much further, making her feel sad, until inspiration hit. "Why don't you come home with me?" she offered, Arizona nodded, it was an easy in, the date was getting to a stage that couldn't be continued with her parents' home. Even though she was in her 30's she didn't put it past her father to barge in on any bedroom activities.
"I'll get us a cab" Arizona ordered not letting go of Callie, she never wanted to let go of Callie.
It was 20 minutes later the cab dropped them off at Callie's place.
"You know you've spent so many nights here you should just move in" Callie said, only half joking, Arizona squeezed her hand tightly, leaning in and kissing her, trying to soften her next words,
"I will, but not yet, you deserve to be wined and dined first, I want you to have the world," she promised. "You are very special, we have the rest of our lives together we aren't rushing anything" she said firmly. Callie pouted but Arizona was resolute. "That doesn't mean I cant stay over nearly every night" Arizona promised,
"Doesn't mean I won't keep asking" Callie said, kissing Arizona's neck, "And I can be very persuasive"
Tim is happy in rehab, Callie and Arizona's date are going well, and Barbara and Daniel are moving closer,
please keep reviewing,