Writer's Note:

"In the shadowed dance of a nascent romance, we tread on unfamiliar ground, unsure of where we stand, or if the darkness will claim us before dawn."

The ambiance of Archfield hotel was a symphony of sophistication. Elegant fixtures lit up the entrance, and the aroma of some expensive perfume lingered in the air. As Arizona hopped off the bike and removed her helmet, she cast a sceptical glance at Callie. "So…. our first date is gonna be in your room?" The words were light, teasing, but the hint of genuine curiosity lingered beneath.

Handing her bike keys to the awaiting valet, Callie laughed, the sound melodic in the evening air. "You know I stay here?"

Arizona's eyes twinkled, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "Like I said, I've done some research. But honestly? The Archfields ? Don't you think that's a bit... forward for a first date….?"

They sauntered into the hotel lobby. However, to Arizona's surprise, instead of heading towards the elevators, Callie steered her to the left, guiding her into the hotel's opulent restaurant. The aroma of the restaurant was a rich blend of spices, mixed with the fresh scent of blooming orchids, placed in vases around the space. Crystal chandeliers above bathed the area in a soft, luxurious light, reflecting off the pristine white tablecloth and silver cutlery. Every corner screamed opulence, the murmur of conversations merged with the gentle clinking of glasses. It was a setting that effortlessly blended intimacy with grandeur.

Immediately, Arizona felt out of place. It wasn't just the elegant décor of the restaurant, but also the patrons. Suited men and elegantly dressed women laughed and chatted, sipping on what looked like expensive wine. The whole scene was illuminated by bright, delicate lightings that covered the entire precipice of the restaurant.

A sinking feeling grew in the pit of Arizona's stomach. "Callie," she whispered, leaning closer so only the other woman could hear. Feeling Arizona's discomfort, Callie leaned in, whispering reassuringly, "Trust me."

Arizona hesitated, looking down at her casual attire, "But….I'm not dressed for this place. We're going to get thrown out."

Callie's chuckle was soft, soothing. "Not on my watch."

Pulling Arizona by the hand, she led her to a secluded corner of the restaurant, partitioned by shimmering curtains that created an intimate space. The secluded area held just three tables, all empty, casting a romantic glow that was a stark contrast to the bustling restaurant outside this intimate oasis.

"This," Callie began, pulling out a chair for Arizona, "is my favourite spot. Reserved for special occasions."

Arizona settled into the chair, her eyes wide. "How did you even manage this? Especially on such short notice?"

Before Callie could answer, a familiar voice greeted them. A waitress, dressed in the hotel's crisp uniform, approached with a radiant smile. "Good evening, Dr. Torres. It's lovely to see you again."

Callie responded with a nod and a smile, "Thank you, Michelle."

Michelle efficiently took their jackets and handed each of them a menu and a welcome drink. "I'll give you both a few minutes to decide," she said with a courteous nod.

Once she left, Arizona leaned in, a playful smirk on her face. "Dr. Torres, huh? How many dates have you had here?"

Callie feigned mock hurt. "Hey! I'll have you know I come here for the food and ambiance. But to answer your question, you're the first one."

Soft jazz music played in the background, adding an intimate feel to their secluded corner. The shimmering curtains seemed to move in rhythm with the tunes, casting fleeting shadows on their table.

Callie's voice cut through Arizona's thoughts, "You know, your research seems to be half done, Arizona." A playful smirk danced on her lips. "Otherwise, you'd know I own this place."

Arizona's eyes widened in surprise. She choked on her mojito, the fizzy drink catching her off-guard. "You own the Archfields?" she sputtered, her eyes darting around the luxurious interiors of the hotel. "Like, the whole chain? Seriously? How?"

Callie chuckled, a genuine, heartwarming sound. She leaned forward slightly, her fingers delicately wiping the dribble of mojito from Arizona's lips. The contact was fleeting, but electric. "My dad," she began, leaning back, "is a hotelier. We own the Archfields chain across the U.S. and a few other chains globally."

Arizona blinked, taking a moment to process this new piece of information. She had always admired Callie's fashion sense and her elegant demeanour, but owning a chain of luxury hotels was beyond what she had imagined. "That's... impressive," Arizona finally remarked, sipping her drink more carefully this time.

Recognizing the shock in Arizona's eyes, Callie continued, "I've never been one to flaunt my wealth. It makes it hard to meet genuine people." She paused, gazing intently at Arizona. "People who want to know you for who you are, not what you have."

Arizona nodded, understanding the weight of Callie's words. "It must be hard, constantly wondering if people are with you for genuine reasons or just for your bank balance."

Callie smiled softly, "It's a price to pay….." There was an unsaid implication in her words, and their eyes locked for a brief

Arizona studied Callie for a long moment, absorbing the gravity of her words. It was a perspective she hadn't considered before. "That must be... lonely," she said softly.

Callie sighed, a hint of sadness in her eyes. "Sometimes. But it also teaches you to value real connections when you find them."

The two women shared a lingering gaze, the world around them blurring as a mutual understanding passed between them. Trying to bring some levity, Arizona said, "So, any other big secrets I should know? Do you own an island somewhere too?"

Callie laughed, the rich sound filling the intimate space, "No islands... yet. But who knows what the future holds?"

After a moment of comfortable silence, Arizona added, "Your parents must be very proud of you!"

Callie looked up, her gaze distant for a moment. "My dad is. He built this empire from scratch. But he always taught me to value people for who they are, not what they have."

Arizona's initial shock melted away, replaced by a profound respect for the woman in front of her, who, despite her immense wealth, sought genuine connections.

Callie, her dark eyes gleaming with enthusiasm, gestured for Michelle to come and take their order. "You really should try our entire tasting menu, Arizona. It's an experience."

Arizona, raising an eyebrow, chuckled, "Are you trying to fatten me up on our first date?"

Their laughter echoed softly, a shared moment of levity, as Callie responded, "Trust me. You won't regret it."

The Archfield's tasting menu was renowned, a veritable journey through global cuisine. Callie leaned in, her eyes shining with mischief, "I hope you're hungry."

Arizona chuckled, playfully rolling her eyes, "After the day I've had? I could eat an elephant."

The first course arrived, a visually stunning amuse-bouche that was a melody of vibrant colours, set on a minimalistic plate. As they took their first bite, the flavours burst in their mouths, a mix of sweet, salty, and a hint of umami. Callie watched Arizona's reaction, her own mouth curving into a smile when she saw the unmistakable glint of appreciation in Arizona's eyes.

As they delved into the dish, Callie began, "My dad's love for food, it's what made him venture into the hotel industry. He always said, 'A place is known for its food'."

Arizona, still savouring the remnants of the first dish, replied, "He must be a wise man. This is divine."

A creamy soup followed, its richness balanced by a hint of acidity. Arizona, intrigued, asked, "So he's the businessman, and what does your mom do?"

"She's a lawyer," Callie said, her eyes distant as she recalled memories. "Fierce, independent, and very by-the-book. Though when it comes to Aria, my younger sister, she's all mush inside."

Arizona smiled, "Aria? That's a unique name."

Callie laughed, "She's into magazine publishing. Thinks she's the 'rebellious' one in the family. Probably where she got the name, too."

"My mom…," Callie continued, taking a sip, "she is quite the powerhouse. She's the reason I always stand up for what I believe in."

Arizona chuckled, "Seems like strong-willed women run in your family."

As the conversation flowed, a delicate salmon tartare was placed before them. The fresh taste of the sea melded perfectly with the tangy undertones. Arizona took a bite, letting the flavours meld in her mouth. "This is exquisite," she moaned out.

"I'm glad you think so," Callie smiled, her eyes twinkling.

A hearty risotto, infused with truffle and garnished with gold leaf, was their next treat. The rich, earthy flavours had them both closing their eyes in appreciation. "Oh god. Every spoonful of this is like a hug," Arizona remarked.

Each dish was an exquisite masterpiece, garnished with herbs and accompanied by a specific wine pairing. As they progressed through the meal, the conversation effortlessly further weaved into personal territories.

Arizona dwelled into her family next, "I come from a military background. Dad's a retired colonel. My entire childhood revolved around discipline, order, and a whole lot of moving."

Callie's eyes softened, "That must've been hard."

Arizona nodded, sipping her wine, "It was. But it also taught me resilience. My mom, she's the pillar holding us all together. Being a homemaker with constant relocations was never easy."

"And siblings?" Callie probed, genuinely curious.

"Just one. Lexie," Arizona replied with a proud grin. "She's a lawyer in NYC. We're different as night and day but share an unbreakable bond."

Callie leaned in, and added playfully, "Law, huh? Like my mom. They should meet then."

Arizona laughed. It surprised how easily Callie can steer a serious conversation into something witty. She couldn't recall the last time she ever enjoyed a meal so much.

The conversation continued to flow naturally, revealing layers of their lives, each dish bringing with it another revelation, another shared laugh, or a moment of understanding. While the succulent lamb reminded Arizona of her dad's BBQs every summer, the chocolate mousse took Callie back to her mom's kitchen where she'd play sous-chef on the rich truffle risotto that led to a discussion about their shared love for Italy to the zesty lime sorbet that brought out childhood memories, every bite was an experience, every word a bridge drawing them closer.

They reveled in the delightful symphony of flavours - the tangy, the spicy, the subtle, and the rich - each dish serving as a backdrop to their unfolding narratives. Callie shared anecdotes of a globetrotting dad and a fiercely independent mom, painting vivid images of the hotel lobbies and courtrooms of her childhood. Arizona's tales were tinged with a military discipline, peppered with moments of rebellion and, surprisingly, culinary adventures, as she recounted tales of makeshift family dinners in army tents.

However, amidst the culinary journey and the trip down memory lane, a shadow of something unresolved lingered in the air. The previous intensity of their conversation seemed to have temporarily ebbed, giving way to more congenial topics. But it was the elephant in the room, looming large and unspoken.

The final course, a delicately constructed tiramisu, arrived signalling the climax of their meal. As they indulged in the creamy layers, Callie broached the subject they had both been dancing around. "So, tell me, Arizona….. about this other aspect of your life."

The directness of the question caught Arizona off guard. The spoon she held wavered, dropping a smudge of mascarpone onto the plate. She took a deep breath and nodded slowly, understanding the gravity of Callie's question.

"I think we need some rules, Callie," Arizona began cautiously, looking for the right words.

"Rules?" Callie's voice held a hint of surprise, her brow arching questioningly.

"Yeah, rules," Arizona repeated. "The main one being that you won't ask me anything about my personal life. Not yet…. I'll share when I'm ready."

A pensive expression clouded Callie's features. She regarded Arizona for a long moment before responding, "This…., what we are sharing right now, is deeply personal, Arizona."

Nodding in agreement, Arizona's voice was tinged with a plea, "I just need some time, Callie. Some time to sort things out."

Callie's eyes searched Arizona's, looking for signs of deception or evasion but found none. "Is what we have, this thing between us, even real?" she asked softly, vulnerability evident in her voice.

Clasping Callie's hands across the table, Arizona whispered with sincerity, "It is, Callie. It is very much real. Just give me a little time to sort everything out."

The ambient hum of the restaurant faded into the background as the weight of Arizona's words settled between them.

Callie took a deep breath, trying to process everything. Her legs drummed against the floor, the rhythm fast and impatient. The sound was a direct contrast to the slow pace of the conversation. "What else?" she asked, her tone soft yet probing, wanting to get everything out in the open.

Arizona's gaze dropped to the table, focusing on the delicate pattern of the tablecloth. She took a moment, mustering up the courage to continue, "I think, until I can resolve my... complications, we should be careful about how far we let this go."

Callie's hand, which Arizona had been holding, retreated swiftly, her fingers curling in on themselves. She fixed Arizona with a penetrating gaze, her eyes sharp, her voice incredulous, "What do you mean? No... sex?"

Arizona felt a flush crawl up her neck, the word 'sex' echoing in her ears. She hadn't expected Callie to be so direct, but then, that's what she admired about her – her straightforwardness.

"Yes," she whispered, nodding, avoiding Callie's gaze.

There was a pause, filled only by the soft clink of silverware from other tables. Callie sipped her wine, the red liquid a sharp contrast to her deep contemplation. For a moment, she questioned her decisions. Was this what she wanted? To step into a relationship filled with secrets and boundaries? Yet, when she looked across the table, into Arizona's eyes, she saw honesty, vulnerability, and a plea for patience.

Finally, Callie nodded, a small smile playing on her lips, "Okay, Arizona. No crossing that line, for now. But you owe me an explanation, sooner rather than later."

Arizona let out a sigh of relief, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders, "Thank you, Callie. For understanding."

Their conversation continued, lighter now, as they ventured back into the safety of less contentious topics. But the agreement they'd come to lingered in the back of their minds, setting the tone for whatever lay ahead.

As they reached the end of the tasting menu, Arizona remarked, "This was one of the best meals I've ever had. And not just because of the food."

Callie's eyes twinkled, mirroring Arizona's sentiment, "Agreed. It's not every day you get to dive deep into someone's life over a meal."

The arrival of the check interrupted their lingering glances, pulling them back into the reality of the situation. As Arizona reached out to take it, Callie swiftly intercepted, her hand covering Arizona's. Their fingers brushed, and there was a charged moment, but it was swiftly overshadowed by the playful dispute over the bill.

"This was my idea," Callie pointed out with a smirk, attempting to keep the atmosphere light. "So, I should be the one paying."

Arizona looked up, her blue eyes twinkling with mischief. "Alright, but only if I get to cover the next one."

A genuine smile crept onto Callie's face, a hint of hope in her eyes. "So, you're thinking about another date?" she teased, a playful challenge in her voice.

Caught off guard, Arizona's face flushed a light pink. She looked down momentarily, trying to gather her words before meeting Callie's gaze again. "Well, I... um," she stammered, a rare show of vulnerability from the confident surgeon.

Callie laughed lightly, her fingers tracing circles on the back of Arizona's hand. "Gotcha," she whispered, her voice a mixture of amusement and affection.

Arizona took a deep breath, pushing past her initial embarrassment. "Look, Callie," she began with a reassuring tone, "I want you to know I'm not... I'm not toying with you or dragging you into some game. This -" she motioned between them "- whatever we have, it's mutual. I just... need a bit more time to figure things out."

There was a sincere earnestness in Arizona's eyes that made Callie pause. "I get it," she replied softly, giving Arizona's hand a gentle squeeze. "And I'm willing to give you that time."

Silence settled around them, punctuated only by the sound of their synchronised breathing. After a beat, Callie leaned in, breaking the intensity with a teasing lilt in her voice. "So, how about you come up to my room? We could open a bottle of wine, maybe continue this conversation?"

Arizona let out a light-hearted chuckle, "Trying to get me into your bed so soon, Dr. Torres?"

Callie, feigning innocence, shot back, "Oh, trust me, Dr. Robbins. If I really tried, you wouldn't stand a chance."

The two shared a good laugh, the tension from moments ago now replaced with flirtatious banter. The charm of their newfound relationship was its unpredictability.

However, their playful moment was disrupted when Arizona's phone buzzed with a notification. "Looks like my cab is here," she commented, checking the screen.

Callie's brow furrowed in confusion. "A cab? Why? I can drop you home?"

Arizona paused, an internal struggle evident on her face. The thought of explaining her living situation was daunting. "You stay here at the Archfields, right? It wouldn't be fair to have you ride out an hour outside the city just to drop me home, especially when you've got an early shift tomorrow."

Callie's eyes scanned Arizona's face, trying to decode the unsaid words. A nagging question lingered on the tip of her tongue. She wanted to ask if this mysterious individual from Arizona's life shared her home, the reason for the cab and the distance. But she bit back her words. They'd just laid out rules to navigate the complex terrain they were stepping into. Digging deep, she reminded herself to respect those boundaries.

Arizona seemed to read the questions in Callie's eyes. And when Callie nodded in understanding she squeezed Callie's hand, her fingers lingering momentarily longer than necessary. "Thank you," she whispered, gratitude evident in her voice.

The soft hum of the city's night vibes provided a backdrop to the poignant scene outside the Archfields Hotel. The evening had been a whirlwind of revelations, shared laughter, and charged glances. But now, reality had begun to set in.

As Arizona's cab pulled up, the glow of the streetlights painted everything in a warm hue. The two women stood there, with the weight of unspoken words and unanswered questions between them. It was a delicate balance - the budding possibility of something more and the undeniable challenges it presented.

"Goodnight, Arizona," Callie whispered, drawing Arizona close. Their embrace was fleeting but filled with unspoken promises. Pulling back, she gently pressed her lips to Arizona's cheek. It was a sweet, tender gesture that held more meaning than any passionate kiss ever could.

Arizona's eyes shimmered, her voice catching slightly, "Goodnight, Callie." With a final lingering look, she stepped into the waiting cab. As the vehicle pulled away, the distance seemed more symbolic than just physical.

Callie stood still for a few moments, watching the taillights disappear. Her mind raced, creating vivid images of what Arizona's night might look like from hereon. Was she going back to a shared home? A shared life? Would Arizona be enveloped in someone else's embrace tonight? Does she share her bed with this 'someone'. Each thought stabbed sharper than the last.

Walking back inside the luxurious hotel, Callie felt an unsettling loneliness. She made her way to the penthouse suite, a place that offered unmatched comfort and luxury. But tonight, it felt exceptionally vast and cold. Every corner of the opulent suite seemed to echo back her unresolved feelings for Arizona.

Distracting herself, she quickly got undressed and stepped into the shower, letting the warm water cascade over her. But as the droplets slid down her skin, her thoughts were consumed by Arizona's blue eyes, the playful tug of her lips, the subtle sway of her hips, the soft contours of her face, and the genuine warmth of her laughter.

Emerging from the bathroom, Callie slipped into the plush bed, pulling the covers tightly around her. As much as she tried to drift into a peaceful sleep, her mind betrayed her. It painted vivid canvases of Arizona, every brushstroke a memory from the evening.

She exhaled deeply, her heart aching with uncertainty. Callie knew one undeniable truth — this was a dangerous path. Allowing herself to venture deeper would risk it being shattered.

As sleep began to claim her, Callie clung to one resolve - she would guard her heart, fiercely. And yet, even as she embraced that conviction, a part of her knew that with Arizona, it might just be a promise too challenging to keep.

The Archfields' penthouse suite radiated luxury, with floor-to-ceiling windows letting the soft morning sunlight pour in. The vast cityscape beyond was waking up, its energy a stark contrast to the tumultuous storm of emotions brewing inside the suite.

Callie's pyjamas were rumpled, showing clear evidence of her restless night. Her dark wavy hair cascaded around her shoulders, its usual vibrancy dulled by her evident exhaustion. Her every step, as she paced, seemed weighted like she was dragging the heavy chains of confusion and vulnerability behind her.

The door suddenly burst open, bringing with it the familiar and comforting scent of freshly brewed coffee. Addison walked in, wearing a soft track suit and two coffees in hand. Her hair was pulled back into a ponytail, her eyes shadowed with fatigue, yet there was a fire there – one that had always defined Addison.

Before Callie could even greet her, Addison spoke, her voice dripping with a mix of annoyance and amusement. "It better be urgent if you've dragged me out of bed at the butt crack of dawn."

Callie raised an eyebrow, attempting a light tone, though it was clear her thoughts were elsewhere. "Addie, 7 am is not exactly the butt crack of dawn."

Addison, unimpressed, retorted, "It is when you've just overseen a six-hour labour." She held out a cup to Callie, her expression softening as she registered the look of distress on Callie's face.

The two women settled onto the plush couch, surrounded by the soft hues of the morning light. The penthouse was a bubble of tranquillity, the hustle and bustle of the city muted by the thick glass panes.

Drawing a sip from her coffee, Addison hesitated, then gently probed, "Sooooo…..You went on a date with her? Even after she told you she's with someone?"

Callie, gazing into her cup, nodded slowly, "It's... complicated, Addie."

Addison's protective instincts flared. "No, it isn't. Callie, you're intelligent, passionate, and deserve the world. Why even entertain someone who might be two-timing?"

As Callie met Addison's gaze, her emotions were raw. "Because it felt right," she whispered. "When we're together, everything else fades away. I know it sounds foolish, but there's a connection I can't explain."

Addison took a deep breath, setting her coffee down, "I'm worried for you. I just don't want you to get hurt…."

Callie bit her lip, battling her inner turmoil. "I know the risks. But Addie, every moment with her feels... real. When we talked last night, she seemed genuine about her feelings. I just... I don't know."

Addison sighed, her stance softening. She reached over, squeezing Callie's hand, "Just promise me you'll be careful. It's not about doubting Arizona or questioning your feelings. It's about ensuring you don't get hurt in the process."

Callie nodded, drawing a shuddering breath, "I know, I promise I'll be careful. But I also don't want to live with the regret of not exploring something that feels so right."

Addison smiled sadly, "You always did wear your heart on your sleeve. Just remember, you have people who care about you, who want the best for you."

With a faint smile, Callie leaned her head onto Addison's shoulder, finding solace in her friend's warmth. They sat in silence, the morning sun casting a soft glow around them, the city outside coming to life, as two friends found strength in their shared bond.

After a moment's silence, broken only by the distant hum of the city, Addison tilted her head to the side, her eyebrows furrowing slightly. "Wait…. then what's the problem?" she inquired gently.

With a sigh, Callie began. "Arizona wants time. She's... she's got things she needs to sort out. And she has set some rules and boundaries. Like I can't ask her anything personal until she's ready."

Addison blinked, processing the information. "That's... a bit unusual, isn't it?" She mused aloud, before sipping her coffee.

Callie took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the revelation she was about to make. "That's not all," she said hesitantly. "She also stated... a 'no sex' rule."

The surprise on Addison's face was evident. Her eyes widened, her posture straightened. "You mean, she doesn't even want to get intimate? Then what the hell you two are even doing?"

"Not as in no sex, no sex. Arizona wants to sort her life out before we cross that line" Callie simply added, her gaze focused on her intertwined fingers.

The two women sat in contemplative silence for a moment, the weight of the conversation pressing down on them. The ambient sounds of the city outside and the muted murmur of the hotel's activities seemed a world away.

Finally, Addison spoke up, her tone soft yet thoughtful. "You know, maybe this is a good sign. It means she doesn't just want to be with you for the physical aspect. She's looking for something more profound, more meaningful."

Callie blinked. "But what do I do, Addie? I'm so lost. I don't know how to handle this."

Addison leaned forward, her gaze intense. "What do you want, Callie? Is it just a fleeting moment of passion you're after, or are you hoping for something deeper with Arizona?"

Confusion clouded Callie's features as she whispered, "I don't know, Addison. I truly don't."

Addison took a sip from her steaming coffee, placing the cup on the table, its gentle clink echoing in the silence. "If it's just about...physical attraction," she began carefully, "then maybe you should just...you know, get it out of your system. Once the itch is scratched, as they say, you might see things clearer."

Callie's eyes widened, "Come on Addie! Even if you think so lowly of Arizona, I don't. It's not just about that with her…."

Addison leaned in, her gaze penetrating. "Then you should have some rules too, Callie. Why does Arizona get to dictate the terms?"

Callie frowned, pondering. "What kind of rules?"

Addison's lips curled into a mischievous smile. "For starters, tell her you'll be seeing other people until she's ready to fully commit. Keep her on her toes. Level the playing field."

Callie gasped, her hands involuntarily clutching her coffee cup tighter. "I don't want anyone else, Addie."

The older doctor shrugged nonchalantly. "Well, Arizona doesn't have to know that. Right now, she thinks she has you wrapped around her finger. You need to show her that's not the case. Make her realise she could lose you."

Callie pondered on Addison's words, her brows furrowed. The idea was tantalising yet terrifying.

AN 1 - So? Thoughts? Should Callie date other people? Should Callie 'scratch the itch' with Arizona to see if she still feels the same way? How much time should she give Arizona? Let me know your thoughts.